When two strangers meet by chance, they begin to recall a life they shared before the biblical flood. Byron, a single parent with two children, and Silvie, a gay schoolteacher in a relationship with Grace, embark on a journey to explore these vivid shared memories. Their time as lovers during that extraordinary life complicates their current relationships. Suddenly, an ancient adversary they encountered during that turbulent period re-emerges with deadly intent and dramatically alters their lives forever.
When two strangers meet by chance, they begin to recall a life they shared before the biblical flood. Byron, a single parent with two children, and Silvie, a gay schoolteacher in a relationship with Grace, embark on a journey to explore these vivid shared memories. Their time as lovers during that extraordinary life complicates their current relationships. Suddenly, an ancient adversary they encountered during that turbulent period re-emerges with deadly intent and dramatically alters their lives forever.
Silvie finished the final school report and stifled a yawn. She had been working at this Bedfordshire school in the UK for several months and enjoyed teaching there. Glancing at the clock on the staffroom wall, she smiled. It was time to head home. Gathering her belongings, she sensed a presence and turned, expecting to see one of the other teachers, but found no one there. She shrugged, rubbed her forehead, and sighed. As she put the reports away, a cool breeze from the open window brushed against her face, and she closed her eyes, relishing the moment.
‘Silvie, do not be afraid,’ a woman said from behind her.
She stood, glancing around the empty room, her heart fluttering and her hands trembling. As the shock of hearing the voice wore off, she heard shouting and a commotion from the playground. Looking outside, she frowned. Two boys were harassing Katie, holding her and slapping her. Taking a deep breath, she gritted her teeth and stormed outside to intervene. Leaving the building, she headed straight for the playground.
John, Katie’s younger brother, was fighting the boys. John’s ability and skill astonished her. Even after being punched and kicked, John managed to twist the older boy’s arm, throwing him to the ground. He then delivered a stamp kick to the other boy's chest and a flurry of punches to his head.
By the time she reached them through the crowd of pupils gathered to watch the fight, the larger, muscular boy was on the ground clutching his arm, while the other boy was crouched with his arms raised, attempting to shield his head from John’s punches.
‘Stop this now!’ Silvie shouted as she pulled John away. His face was bruised, and his split lip was bleeding. ‘Why are you fighting?’
‘They were bullying Katie,’ he said, wiping the blood from his mouth and pressing his palm against his left eye.
‘Did you start this?’ she asked the boys, who did not respond and ignored her. Exhaling, she recognised that these teenage boys were known for fighting. She pointed at Katie, who stood beside Susana with a group of girls behind them. ‘What happened?’ she asked.
‘He was bitching Susana ’cos she won’t go out with him. I tried to stop it, but he called me a motherless slut, so I pushed him, and they started hitting me.’
‘I keep telling him,’ Susana shouted, shaking her head and fist. ‘But he won’t stop pestering me. I’ve had enough. It’s over! OVER!’ She stamped her foot with a huff and turned away.
‘Are you hurt?’ Silvie asked Katie. The girl’s face was red and streaked with tears.
‘I’m fine.’ She glared at the boys, cradled her shoulder, and moaned.
The larger boy started to get up but suddenly stopped and cried out in pain with tears streaming down his face as he clutched his arm. Concerned, Silvie tried to examine it, but he cried out again, twisting away from her. Instinctively, she felt that it might be fractured or even broken. She turned her attention to the other boy's injuries. His face was bruised, blood streamed from his nose, and he held his side in pain. Silvie gently ran her fingers over his ribs, but he suddenly winced and pushed her hand away.
Jenkins, the school security officer, rushed over, breathing heavily.
‘We’ll need to get their injuries x-rayed,’ she told him.
Frowning, he looked at the boys on the ground, shook his head, and pulled out his phone. ‘If you’re certain, I’ll inform Hillary.’
After examining John’s face, she said, ‘I can treat you in the first aid room, and you’ll be in detention until this is resolved.’ She pointed at Katie. ‘You as well.’
‘We’ve gotta catch our ride,’ Susana said urgently, dashing off with her friends towards the school bus.
***
Byron, Katie and John's dad arrived to pick them up at school. Unfortunately, he was late again, having been delayed due to roadworks near the hospital. Feeling weary, he yawned as he parked his car outside the school. He noticed small groups of students heading toward the pickup area while others made their way to the bike sheds. Just then, he saw flashing lights in his rearview mirror and turned to see an ambulance leaving the school. Curious about what had happened, he spotted Katie standing outside the building, talking to one of the teachers. As he opened the driver’s door to get out of the vehicle, he felt something warm and damp brush against the back of his neck, sending a chill down his spine.
‘Byron!’ a man’s voice suddenly barked from the back of the vehicle.
He gasped and turned, but no one was there. For a moment, he froze, holding his breath.
‘Byron!’ the voice spoke directly into his left ear.
He jerked away. ‘Shit!’ he spat, trembling from a nervous spasm in his gut. After a few deep breaths, he shook himself and tried to dismiss the incident as one of those unexplained things, but that voice had disturbed him.
Katie came running over without her coat. Her white blouse was pulled half out of her blue pleated skirt, and she looked flushed with red cheeks.
‘Dad! You gotta come in ’cos John’s been in a fight.’
He climbed out of the car, shivered, and buttoned his leather jacket. ‘What happened?’
‘It was my fault.’ She started to cry, and he hugged her.
‘It’s all right, princess. I’m here now.’ She trembled, and he offered her his handkerchief to dry her face. At thirteen, she was growing up fast, and life had not been easy for them.
‘Mr Sinclair.’ Hillary, the headmistress, beckoned him over with an insistent wave. She exuded an air of authority and wore a long grey cardigan over a purple dress. Her red-brown hair was lacquered, and her brow was furrowed. ‘Your son is in detention for fighting!’ She narrowed her eyes and pointed at him. ‘He injured two boys, and their parents will undoubtedly lodge a complaint that may involve the police.’ She sighed, her shoulders sagging, and said through tight lips, ‘I understand you’re a single parent, but this is unacceptable!’
‘There must have been a reason. Where is he?’ Byron stiffened, annoyed yet sad for John.
‘Follow me.’ She entered the building, and he went in with Katie.
In the detention room, John sat sullenly with a young man standing beside him.
‘Dad!’ John started to get up, but the young man stopped him.
‘What happened?’ he asked his son.
‘Mark and Ben were hitting Katie,’ he said, creasing his brow. ‘I had to stop them.’ He had a swollen, half-closed eye, bruises on his face, and a plastered split lip.
Byron checked John’s injuries. They looked superficial, but his face and lips had started to swell. ‘Are you okay? Are there any other injuries?’
John shook his head. ‘Just bruises and skinned knuckles.’ He showed the backs of his hands.
‘Why did they pick on you?’ Hilary asked Katie with narrowed eyes.
‘I told you,’ Katie said. ‘Mark was harassing Susana, so I tried to stop them, and they started taunting and slapping me. That’s when John came over, and the fight started.’
Hilary shook her head with a scowl.
Byron confronted her. ‘You let those boys go home and kept John here!’
‘They didn’t go home, Mr Sinclair. They’re on their way to A&E to have their injuries X-rayed.’
‘Injuries?’ He frowned at John, who lowered his head.
‘Why were they slapping you?’ Hilary asked Katie.
‘I said some bad things and called them names. And when Mark punched me, I kicked him.’
‘Mark punched you!’ She gasped.
Katie opened her blouse and showed the red bruise on her shoulder.
‘Greg, can you find Silvie?’ she asked the young man.
‘Sure, I think she’s still in the staffroom.’
‘I tried to call you, Mr Sinclair, but your phone was switched off.’ She huffed.
‘I don’t have it on at work or in the car.’ He went over to John. ‘Took on two boys. Must have been quite a scuffle.’
‘Yeah, and they’re in Katie’s class, older than me.’ He stood proudly by his dad. He was a tall, muscular lad with dark hair shaved at the sides.
Katie came over, and he hugged her. ‘How are you, princess?’
‘They bullied me, but I’m okay now you’re here.’
‘Not like you to kick someone.’ He brushed her hair from her forehead, and she smiled at him with a sparkle in her big green eyes. ‘Where did you kick him?’
She cringed and whispered, ‘Between his legs.’
***
Silvie looked up when Greg entered the staffroom. He was a young teaching assistant with a boyish face and fuzzy ginger hair.
‘Hilary wants to see you about the fight. Got John’s dad here.’
‘Okay.’ She put her phone away, picked up her bag and coat, and they left. On the way, she asked, ‘What’s their dad like?’
‘He’s cool, got the presence of a street fighter.’
‘Street fighter?’ She frowned at him.
‘Yeah. He reminds me of the actor Jean-Claude Van Damme in the Kickboxing films.’
Not having seen the films, she shrugged and entered the detention room. Byron was a tough-looking, muscular man with close-cropped dark hair and a strong masculine presence. He looked vaguely familiar. She frowned and then smiled at Katie, hugging her dad.
‘Silvie is a new member of our teaching staff,’ Hilary informed Byron, then asked her, ‘Did you know Mark punched Katie?’
‘No. I saw him slapping her.’ She frowned at Katie. ‘You didn’t tell me.’
Katie showed her the bruise.
‘I’m taking John and Katie home,’ Byron told Hilary, his voice laced with tension.
‘This matter is not over, Mr Sinclair.’ She frowned at him, then pointed at John. ‘No more fighting. And you could still be expelled over this.’
John slumped against his father.
Silvie exhaled, shaking her head. Hilary had a talent for intimidating pupils and seemed to enjoy seeing them squirm. She glanced at her watch, sighed, and looked at Byron.
‘I’m leaving now. I’ll show you out.’ She faced Hilary, who made a face with tight lips.
‘Very well,’ Hilary said, thrusting her finger at Byron. ‘I will call when I’ve talked to the governors.’
He shrugged and left with Katie and John.
Outside, Byron gave her a strange, intense look as if he knew her.
‘I’m sorry this happened,’ she said, disturbed by his familiar presence.
‘It’s over now.’ He made a little smile. ‘So, you’re new here.’
‘Yes, well, I started at the beginning of term. I teach English and religious studies.’
He smiled with a raised brow. ‘Can I give you a lift?’
‘No, thank you,’ she said, gesturing towards a yellow Mini Cooper. ‘I have one already.’ She opened the passenger door and waved to Grace, who was in the driver’s seat. Just as she was about to enter the car, he lightly touched her arm as if to ask something, and they both gasped in surprise. Holding her breath momentarily, she looked into his dark brown eyes and felt a fleeting sense that she knew him.
Shocked by the inexplicable familiarity, she frowned. He was a stranger, and they had only met that day. She cast him a perplexed look, shrugged off his hand, got into the car, and closed the door. Shuddering, she fumbled to fasten her seatbelt, her mind still reeling from the encounter. She couldn’t shake off the feeling that she knew him from somewhere, but where? Then she smiled at Grace, who leaned over and kissed her.
‘You’re late today,’ Grace said, narrowing her eyes. ‘Who was that?’
‘He’s one of the parents. His son got into a fight, and I had to stay and treat his injuries.’
‘Been an interesting day for you.’ Grace started the engine.
Silvie smiled affectionately at her. Grace had curly, light brown hair and sparkling hazel eyes. She wore oversized glasses and elegant pearl earrings. ‘I’m glad it’s over. How was your day?’
‘I only had three patients, but one was a lovely old lady who came in for bereavement counselling. Her husband collapsed while they were shopping and sadly died on the way to the hospital. At least her son lives nearby and visits her regularly, but she feels lonely without her lifelong partner.’ She sighed.
Silvie noticed Byron climbing into his silver-grey Range Rover as they drove away. He paused and waved, and she instinctively waved back. But then, she frowned. There was something about him—something that stirred a mix of curiosity and unease. Closing her eyes, she could still feel his touch, and a deep, undefined emotional ache stirred within her. Then, she sighed, recalling that voice in the staff room and wondered if she should mention it to Grace.
‘You look pale, babe. Are you feeling okay?’ Grace asked.
She forced a smile. ‘It’s just been one of those days,’ she said, perplexed.
***
Byron parked at McDonald’s on their way home. He wanted to treat them after their ordeal at school. Inside, Katie found a vacant table near a window and put her coat and satchel on a seat.
‘Order what you like,’ he said, and they did.
As the kids savoured their chicken fiestas and strawberry ice cream milkshakes, he couldn't get Silvie out of his thoughts. When he touched her, he felt a deep emotional connection. It was as if he had known her intimately, although they had never met before today.
‘I wish Mum were here,’ Katie said, and John nodded with a sigh.
‘We all miss her.’ Byron shared their grief. Julia, his wife, and their mother had died a year ago after a long illness. He was her full-time carer until the end. Now, as a single parent, he worked part-time teaching Tai Chi and martial arts.
‘Mum is in heaven,’ Katie said. ‘Do you think she’s aware of us?’
‘I do,’ John said. ‘She was angry at them hitting you, and I had to stop it.’
‘You shouldn’t fight at school, or you’ll get expelled.’ Byron mellowed. ‘I understand you were looking after Katie, and that’s good.’ He raised an eyebrow. ‘But why did you injure them?’
‘Two against me, Dad,’ John said, rubbing his bruised face. ‘They do karate, and I got a bit bashed. But I hurt Mark’s arm and stamped kick Ben before Silvie stopped the fight.’
‘You still have much to learn, but you’re a good fighter.’
‘Thanks to you, Dad.’
‘I like Silvie.’ Katie made a little smile. ‘That was her girlfriend in the car.’
‘Girlfriend?’
‘They live together.’ She giggled.
He frowned with a shake of his head.
She nudged him and made a saucy smile. ‘You know what I mean, Dad.’
***
While Katie and John were having breakfast the next day, Byron’s phone buzzed.
‘Mr Sinclair, it’s Hilary from the school.’
‘Yeah?’
‘I would like to see you concerning what happened yesterday.’
‘Okay, I’ll pop in when I drop the kids off.’ He sighed.
‘Thank you.’ She disconnected.
He put his phone away, not looking forward to seeing Hilary. Then he went into the rose garden that Julia had loved so much. Memories of their happy times together flooded back. He had helped her design the garden; it was her passion and where she found peace during her long illness. Standing by the old bronze Buddha under the small cherry tree, he sighed as he recalled her excitement when she bought the statue at a local auction. Nostalgically, he reached out and touched its head, thinking of Julia. The children had placed candles around the base of the statue and lit them in remembrance of their mother.
Next to the Buddha stood a wooden cross with a red dog collar, marking the resting place of Chester, Julia's English Bull Terrier. A robin fluttered to one of the hanging bird feeders. He paused to enjoy the vibrant blossoms and fragrant scents. The wind chimes tinkled softly from beneath the covered pergola, stirring memories of the times they had made love under the moonlight. As sad thoughts about her illness surfaced, he felt a lump rising in his throat. Although she never complained, he sensed her deep anguish about leaving him and their children. For a fleeting moment, out of the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of Julia in the garden, tending to the roses as she used to do.
‘Dad,’ Katie said, gently touching his arm and breaking his reverie. ‘We’ve gotta go, or we’ll be late.’
With a heavy heart, he left the garden and the lingering memories of Julia.
***
Byron entered the school reception, and Greg greeted him with a big, friendly smile.
‘Good morning. They’re waiting for you.’
‘Okay.’ He followed the young, ginger-haired man through the corridors to the staffroom that overlooked the playground.
‘Mr Sinclair.’ Hilary stood to greet him. ‘Please take a seat.’
He sat beside Silvie, who smiled at him with a sparkle in her eye. She was a young woman with dark brown hair, a fresh complexion, and slightly oriental features. She wore a fitted navy dress and a jade necklace. Sitting across from them was a man in a blue business suit and two elegantly dressed older women.
‘These are the school governors,’ Hilary said. ‘We are here to—’
The door burst open, and a man entered, followed by an overweight woman in a yellow smock. The man wore dirty blue overalls. He was red-faced with his fists balled.
Hilary frowned with her lips pressed into a thin line. ‘Thank you for coming. Please sit down. This is John’s father.’ She turned to Byron. ‘And these are Mark’s parents.’
‘My son’s been in hospital ’cos your boy broke his fuckin’ arm!’ the man shouted, pointing his fist at Byron.
‘They were bullying my daughter!’ Byron stood and confronted him.
‘Lies! Mark didn’t bully no one. She’s fuckin’ lying!’
Silvie stood next to Byron. ‘I saw Mark harassing Katie.’
‘This is a serious matter, Mr Thomson,’ one of the female governors said. ‘Your son and his friend Ben have been reported numerous times for bullying other boys, and now they have picked on a girl.’
‘Mark punched Katie!’ Hilary said aggressively. ‘We can’t have this kind of behaviour at our school. And if he continues to pick on any of the pupils in future, he will be expelled.’
‘Expelled! You got me here, fuckin’ late for work, to tell me that! Well, fuck you lot!’ He gave them the finger and stormed out.
‘I’m so sorry. We didn’t know Mark hit your daughter,’ his wife said to Byron, glanced at the governors, and left.
‘They may involve the police, but I don’t think so now they know what happened,’ Hilary said. ‘And Ben’s parents know he held Katie while Mark slapped her, so they don’t want to get involved. However, there is still the matter of your son’s fighting.’
‘John was only protecting his sister,’ Silvie said, glancing at Byron.
Hilary conferred with the governors for several minutes before facing Byron with narrowed eyes.
‘Under the circumstances, Mr Sinclair, we have decided to warn your son at this stage. However, it may still depend on the inquiry.’
‘I understand. Thank you.’ He sighed, relieved that John wouldn’t be expelled. ‘Is that it?’
‘Yes, Mr Sinclair, you can go.’
‘I’ll show you out,’ Silvie said. On the way, she asked, ‘How are John and Katie?’
‘They’re fine, and Katie has a strong will like her mother.’
She frowned with sad eyes. ‘I heard about your loss. It must have been hard for them and you.’
He stopped and faced her. ‘My wife, Julia, was a ray of sunshine—a true joy to be around. She loved life. She was only thirty-two when she passed away from cancer.’ He turned, thinking of Julia, and sighed at the memory of her dying in his arms. He would never forget that moment when she took her last breath. He sensed her spirit rise, filled with immense relief at being freed from her tortured body, yet sad to leave him and their children behind. He shrugged resignedly. ‘It hasn’t been easy for the kids. John is still hurting and angry about her death.’
‘I understand his suffering and grief, but he has a good father, and he will heal in time.’ Looking at her watch, she said, ‘My next class is in an hour. Do you fancy a coffee?’
Her brown eyes sparkled, sending an undefined thrill through him. It was like meeting an old friend. ‘I would like that. I do the housework in the morning and work at the gym in the afternoon.’
‘At the gym?’
‘I teach Tai Chi and martial arts.’
‘So that’s how John beat up two older boys.’
‘Yeah, the training helps him let off steam.’
She smiled. ‘Canteen is open. Let’s grab a coffee. I know someone who could help John. She runs a counselling service at the hospital and is very good with children. Do you want me to ask her?’
‘Okay. John says he’s all right, but I know he’s still hurting inside. However, it would be up to him if he wants to see her.’
‘I think John will like her.’ She smiled and tilted her head, giving him a strange, intense look.
The warmth of her presence and the subtle hint of her perfume excited him. He liked her and wondered if she was really gay.
***
In the canteen, they sat by a window overlooking the playing field and tennis courts. Silvie sipped her milky coffee and liked the look of Byron’s rugged, stubbled face and close-cut dark hair. He had a comforting presence that made her feel safe. Curiously, his hands had grey calluses on his knuckles, and she asked, ‘Is that from fighting?’
He nodded, stretching his hands out on the table. ‘When I was young, I hardened my hands and did some bare-knuckle fights to make money, but Julia stopped that after we married, and I entered the martial arts tournaments.’
Without thinking, she touched his calluses with her fingertips and gasped. Holding her breath, she closed her eyes as a vivid memory surfaced of being with him in another country. They were climbing the steps of a massive stone structure that towered over the surrounding lush jungle. Below them lay a bustling city filled with hundreds of people and a green valley with tiered gardens. Despite the stunning scenery, the heat was nearly unbearable; her skin felt clammy with sweat, and the constant buzz of insects only added to her discomfort. Disturbed by the memory, she trembled nervously and quickly pulled her hands away from him.
‘What’s going on?’ He sat back with his mouth open.
‘I don’t know.’ She rubbed her forehead, trying to shake off the feeling that she knew him, but it wasn’t him, and she was different.
‘I saw us climbing a temple-like structure above a jungle city, and the heat was blistering.’ He rubbed his forehead. ‘Have we met? I feel like I know you, but…’ He paused. ‘Could it have been in another life?’
‘Reincarnation. Is that possible?’
‘Take my hand,’ he said.
She tentatively held his large, muscular hand.
Her heart raced as she closed her eyes, and a memory surfaced. The sand beneath her bare feet felt warm, and the sun blazed on her skin. The rhythmic sound of waves gently lapping at the shore, accompanied by the distant chime of musical bells, enhanced the serenity of the moment. Suddenly, she heard someone calling and saw a group in vibrant robes approaching. They appeared out of place on the beach, and a young man leading them motioned frantically as if trying to signal a warning. A wave of unease washed over her, filling her with dread. The memory abruptly vanished as Byron withdrew his hand.
‘I saw us walking on a sandy beach,’ he said. ‘Some people came over. But I felt something bad was about to happen.’
‘That’s what I saw.’ She picked up her cup of coffee and put it down. Her hand was shaking. ‘This is frigging weird. I don’t know if there is life after death, but being in that life was so real.’
He made a face. ‘I felt we were a couple in that life.’
‘Let’s try again.’ She held his hands, but nothing happened except holding hands and being together felt good.
‘Could have been a trick of the mind?’ he said with a creased brow.
‘No, we both experienced the same vision.’ She removed her hands but didn’t want to let go.
‘Silvie,’ Greg called her. ‘They want to see you in the staffroom before your class.’
‘Okay.’ She stood, disturbed by what had happened. ‘I’ve got to go, and I’ll speak to Grace about John. Can I see you after school?’
‘I’ll be here to pick up the kids. Who’s Grace?’
‘She is my partner. I have to go now.’ As she left, she looked back at him and smiled with the memory of that past life still fresh in her mind.
***
Byron finished his Tai Chi class at the gym and took a shower before heading out to pick up the kids from school. Silvie had been on his mind all day, and the memories of their past life together still haunted him. The feeling of being with her in that tropical jungle lingered, almost like a vivid dream. He could have dismissed it if they hadn't shared the same memory. As he parked outside the school, he smiled, excited about the prospect of meeting her.
Katie and John emerged from the building, and he felt a profound sense of love for them. Katie resembled her mother, with auburn hair, large, sparkling green eyes, and a smile that could melt his heart. John, a year younger, was several inches taller than Katie. He had darker hair and a muscular physique and was already outgrowing his school uniform. Behind them, he noticed Silvie leaving and stepped out of the vehicle.
‘How did it go?’ he asked Katie.
‘Mark is back,’ she said. ‘His arm’s in a sling.’
‘And I’ve got lots of friends now,’ John said.
‘He’s a celeb ’cos of the fight.’ Katie hugged John, and he blushed.
As the children got into the vehicle, he turned to find Silvie approaching. Her tight navy dress accentuated her figure, exposing the pale skin of her cleavage.
‘Mr Sinclair.’ She smiled, tilting her head.
‘My name is Byron.’ He smiled back. She was an attractive young woman.
‘Byron, you named after the poet, Lord Byron?’
‘Yeah, my parents had a sense of humour.’
She chuckled, her eyes sparkling. ‘I’m visiting Grace’s mum tonight. It’s her birthday. But after what happened between us, would it be possible for me to see you tomorrow?’
‘Surely, I look forward to that. Katie will give you our address. And you can bring Grace.’
‘Okay. Grace would like that. We’ll see you tomorrow.’ She waved to the kids, turned, and hurried back.
He smiled, with a strong attraction to her from that past life. Then, he got in the vehicle and started the engine.
‘I think Silvie likes you, Dad,’ Katie said. ‘Shame she’s a lesbian.’
‘How do you know she is gay?’
‘It’s no secret,’ John said from the back seat.
‘Everyone knows.’ She giggled. ‘It’s acceptable these days, Dad. Times have changed.’
‘I like her,’ John said. ‘She does first aid and treated me after the fight. Said I was a formidable fighter.’
‘Good because she and her girlfriend are visiting us tomorrow after school.’
‘Why?’ Katie asked, wide-eyed.
‘That’s a good question,’ he said, driving off while thinking of Silvie.
Part One of Shared Recall involves Silvie’s and Byron’s discovery of their past lives as Hemlin and Orsha. Orsha was an independent-minded priestess of the Sun god, and Hemlin was her lover. Silvie and Byron become more aware of their past lives, with the help of Grace, Silvie’s lover in their present lives. Thus, questions arise as to how learning about the past will affect Grace and Silvie’s life in the present. Part Two provides some answers about mysterious strangers who have appeared periodically, and it features a daring paranormal rescue attempt.
Character motives are satisfyingly complex, and the tone is optimistic, especially in addressing the universal fate all people must one day confront—the death of the body, and questions of what may await the spirit or soul, if such things exist. In the world of Shared Recall, death may be the start of another adventure. The characters develop in interesting ways, including exploration of Byron's grief over the loss of his wife and the mother of his children, who died before the story begins.
In Shared Recall, an otherworldly vibe reminiscent of the Stargate franchise combines with some high-stakes paranormal drama. At times the atmosphere is somewhat similar to that of The X-Files’ alien-themed stories. (As some readers will already know, both franchises tell stories in novels as well as film and television formats). Readers familiar with Murakami’s The City and Its Uncertain Walls may find Shared Recall reminds them of that novel. Both stories feature shadows that are more than shadows.
Experienced readers can tell a lot from a first paraqraph. Does it imediately grab them with an unusual event, conflict, or character? Does it pose a conundrum that really needs an explanation? The ideal answer to these questions, of course, is yes. Shared Recall passes that test easily; mystery and conflict jump immediately off the page. With a story that comes to include aliens, airships, Atlantis, ancient Egypt, crystal skulls, psychic powers, vision quests, mysterious strangers, memories of past lives, a threat of nuclear war, portals to other realms of space and time, and some pleasant but not cloying romantic plot-lines, Shared Recall pulls out all the stops to successfully keep the reader engaged and wanting more.