relzreviewz.com Author Alert ~ Ian Acheson and Angelguard

Author Alert ~ Ian Acheson and Angelguard

I’m thrilled to introduce you to debut author and fellow Australian

Ian Acheson

and his speculative thriller

ANGELGUARD

Kregel

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Here’s Ian on Ian!

My debut novel, Angelguard, is due out 1 February 2013 in the US and Canada, March in the UK and May in Australia. It’s been 10 years in the making and I’m so pleased it’s made the light of day.

I read a lot, and a lot, and a lot more. Great stories transport us to another place. I’ve been telling and writing stories for most of my life since I was a kid.

I’m a professional strategy consultant having been in the Corporate world for the past 25 years. I bring some of this experience into my stories. I’ve lived in Sydney, Australia, all of my life. I share my life with a most beautiful and gracious lady, my wife, Fiona. We try to keep up with two almost-twenty something young men who give us much joy and you know what else if you’re a parent.

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Angelguard

Within a period of weeks, three horrific bomb blasts devastate areas of London, Los Angeles and Sydney. No explanation is offered, no victory claimed for these acts of terror. Yet behind the scenes a Machiavellian European businessman is planning to bring the G8 nations to their knees for his own larcenous purposes, aided by the dark forces to whom he has sold his soul.

Jack Haines, an Australian academic, is grieving the loss of wife and children in the Sydney blast. Against his will he finds himself thrown into a war that transcends the physical world, a conflict in which angelic guards have a special mission for him.

A gripping novel of the unseen forces that throng our world.

Here’s a peek at my endorsement of Angelguard:

“Angelguard is a fast paced, arresting novel from the explosive beginning until the climactic conclusion, packed with frantic pursuits, intriguing suspense, witty dialogue and spiritual challenges. Ian Acheson is a writer not just worth watching but one well worth reading!”

And a teaser from Ian’s story:

“Are you in there, dear?” the silver-haired mature lady asked as she popped her head through the half-open door.

“Yes, mum, I’m here, just been dozing,” Jack replied as he swiveled around on the recliner.

Mum entered the lounge room, the walls of which were adorned with photos. Photos of the family devastated by that fateful train trip. Louise Haines was a spritely sixty-seven, short, with olive sun-tanned skin and striking sapphire blue eyes.

“I’m off to grab Jane and the girls, so we can all have dinner together tonight.” She announced moving closer. “Won’t be long, half-hour or so.”

“Okay, mum. Anything I can do in the meantime?”

“No Jack, you just rest. Oh, and perhaps pray that Jane’s spirits lift.” Jack smiled weakly. “Prayer. You do remember what that is, don’t you son?” She was standing over him now.

“Uh, not sure mum. Been pretty dry since the attack. God seems far away at the moment.”

“I know dear, but He’s here, always, even when we don’t think He is. Try it. You might be surprised what He says.” She gently rubbed the back of her hand against his cheek. “I must fly, Jane will get anxious if I’m late.” She squeezed his hand, letting go as she strode out of the room, tears welling up in her eyes as she turned from her son.

Soften his heart Lord.

Jack reached out for the crutches nearby. His broken left femur was healing well but the twenty-centimeter scar on his thigh where the bone pierced the skin would always remind him of the injury. Not that he would ever forget it. How could he?

Sarah, Beth and Jonah had all perished whilst his twin girls, Grace and Catherine, survived. He stood shakily on his crutches in his lounge room staring at the wall where numerous photos hung. He was pensive. Sadness enveloped him. And anger.

Jack wanted revenge. The hate in his heart was growing everyday. It was as intense an emotion as he thought he’d ever felt. It was like a raging inferno deep within his stomach that couldn’t be sated. He hated those responsible.

The long-taloned hands continued massaging his shoulders, as an impish snigger emitted from the mouth of the grotesque amphibian-like creature pressing tightly to Jack.

“That is enough!” came the cry as a flash of light erupted in the supernatural. A quick succession of sword strokes banished the creature before it knew what hit it.

“You’ve had your playtime,” said the strongly built white knight, “it’s now time for healing. And I’ll smash any of you who try to get in the way.” The angel’s wings were still extended as he strode purposefully around the room, sword drawn, daring two demons that stood at a distance. They lowered their weapons and watched.

Jack fell back into his chair, dropping the crutches and grabbing the armrests till his knuckles were white.

“Why, Jesus, why?” he yelled out, “Why did you let this happen? Why did they have to die?” He fell forward, hands covering his face, as the tears burst forth.

The white knight felt Jack’s pain, the hurt and grief. He stood over the recliner, wings spread, cocooning the wounded man.

You blame me for their deaths.

Jack heard it in his mind.

It’s okay Jack. Please tell me how you feel.

He heard it again. His fingers clenched into a fist as he rocked rhythmically in the recliner.

Tell me Jack.

“Yesss! I do!” he screamed stretching forward his torso. His ears were fiery red.

No response.

He flopped back exhaling loudly. Calm flowed into his heart.

Two large hands rested on his shoulders.

Looking to the ceiling, “Jesus, I need you.” His whisper was shallow.

I’ve never left you and never will.