Phoenix Fire by Tim O'Laughlin

Story Description

My novel, Phoenix Fire, was published in January, 2001 by Bodhidharma Publishing. It has been described by World Fantasy Award winner Charles de Lint as: “A promising debut from an author worth watching." A full review by Mr. de Lint appeared in the Oct/Nov issue of The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction.

On the Mendocino coast of California, strangers are brought together in a common search for past-life memories. Each finds connections to the others, and soul-mates are reunited, but danger looms on the horizon. They have been united against The One Without a Soul in lifetime after lifetime across the ages. Project HOPE, a small environmental group which was founded by one of the soul-mates, and is devoted to saving old-growth forests is suddenly pitted against Amalgamated Insurance and its C.E.O. Raymond Baker - this lifetime's version of their ancient foe. During past-life regressions, ancient spirits send the message that the scales are balanced. Either side can prevail, but if the soulmates and their companions face their fears and hold love close, Baker can be bested . . . and bring the hope of a new, female Messiah! This is a novel that weaves elements including reincarnation, Native American spirituality, mountain biking, acoustic music and a lawsuit that will determine the fate of ancient redwood groves into a tale that will keep the reader turning the pages.

Reviewer Comments

At www.greenmanreview.com, “It is very seldom that a book comes along that will grab your attention immediately, and keep you tightly hooked for the entire ride. Phoenix Fire does just that, and more. Truth be known, it reels in your attention like someone playing a marlin, becoming more and more intense and focused with each passing page.” At www.quantummuse.com “The thing I liked most about Phoenix Fire is the way it brings the fantastic into the world of the ordinary. On one level, it's a struggle between a plucky environmental group and a rape-the-land corporate raider. On a deeper level, it's a cosmic struggle between love and fear with the stakes higher than they've ever been before. Tim O'Laughlin pulls it off. The last time I saw this done well was in John Dalmas's The Reality Matrix …The ending is particularly satisfying. Too often an otherwise excellent book is ruined by a weak ending. That is not the case here. Tim brings it on home and delivers the goods.” At www.rambles.net “Phoenix Fire very originally and cleverly blends many diverse topics in a convincing manner, including reincarnation, Native American spirituality, mountain biking, acoustic music and a lawsuit to determine the fate of ancient redwood groves. O'Laughlin mixes it all into a yarn in which the realistic details give the fantastic elements a bizarre plausibility. The intricate plot/subplot threads involving sympathetic characters and believably motivated villains are rendered in smooth and flowing prose rich in vivid description and emotional intensity -- and contain deep spiritual and metaphysical underpinnings. At www.thetroll.net This contemporary mythic fantasy makes its age-old battle of good vs. evil theme refreshing and new again because of the eternal relevance of the philosophical messages painlessly embedded in the exciting narrative. A heaping spoonful of Phoenix Fire makes the medicine go down in the most delightful and thrilling way!” And at www.baryon-online.com “It reads like a real life narrative more so than a novel and that only adds to the recommendation. It’s not too often I read a first novel as strong or as original as this one. This one is not to be missed.”

How To Contact Me

e-mail: TimmOLaugh@aol.com

Telephone: (916) 929-7202
Facsimile: (916) 929-7205

Tim O'Laughlin
555 University Avenue, Suite 100
Sacramento, CA 95825

Phoenix Fire Links

Bodhidharma Publishing
Netscape Netbusiness
Substance Books

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