My Novels
A CIVIL WAR
Three young friends are torn apart by the tragedy of the American Civil War and must find their way back to each other by overcoming the horrors of battle and the prejudice that caused it.
In the Deep South, three friends, Emmett, Jacob, and Rachel, live a peaceful and innocent life. But that all changes when Jacob, a slave Emmett, and Rachel befriended, is violently beaten by his master. That beating comes courtesy of Jack Colquitt, a local overseer at a plantation, who hopes to get a reward for reporting any times Jacob steps out of line. One misunderstanding leads to another, and soon both Emmett and Jacob develop grudges against one another.
As the Civil War heats up, both boys will go through several life changes, and eventually end up on opposing sides of the battlefield. As time goes by, the tug of war between Colquitt and Emmett and Jacob nearly destroys the lives of both boys, until they all finally come face to face for their final reckoning. As the nation fights to keep from tearing itself apart, it'll be a miracle if any of the three childhood friends make it out unscathed.
Dropping The Peppermint
What if the entire history of how World War Two concluded is a lie? We follow Marshall White a former advertising executive turned OSS spy as he discovers the truth behind the war's most guarded secret.
In the closing days of WWII Hitler relied on the use of V2 Rockets or Vengeance Weapons as a last resort to halt the advancing American and Russian forces. What concerned the Allied High Command was the fear that the Nazi's may have also developed a working nuclear device to go along with it. Such a weapon could devastate the encroaching armies and turn the tide of the war. What Marshall discovers is a secret underground faction of Nazis known as the Werewolves. The group's membership includes a mixture of physicists and fanatical Nazi officials who have been working behind the backs of Hitler and his staff. Who understood early on that Hitler would lead them to destruction and secretly developed a plan to overthrow him in case they needed to. But they would have to get rid of the armies closing in on them. First on their list was Patton's third army. Then they intended to turn on Berlin, killing Hitler and the surrounding Red army. Thus annihilating all their adversaries in one fell swoop and putting them into a position for a negotiated peace. However, due to the speed at which the Allies advanced their Uranium supply was cut off, and they did not have enough to carry out their scheme. The Americans fearing the Russian may get hold of a working device before they could perfect theirs struck a deal with the Nazis. The Germans would surrender all their technology to aid the Manhattan Project. In exchange, America would grant pardons to all Nazi Members of the Werewolf group. But the Germans led by the fanatical Hans Kammler never intended to honor their agreement and hid two of the V-2's tipped with nuclear warheads. Marshall must weave his way through a maze of spies and double agents as he peels back the layers of lies and disinformation. He along with Lachelle Keating a nurse with a field Hospital Unit is his only ally or is she?
FOREVER ROME
In Forever Rome the Roman Empire never fell and went on to claim the entire planet. It outgrew its oppressive past and became more benign and democratic. The Caesars were relegated to figureheads and the Proconsul and Senate took over. It is a strong and stable world. But an ancient secret discovered on Mars threatens its very existence.
In a futuristic society where the Roman Empire didn't fall, life is similar in many ways but very different in others. Gladiator fights are the sport of choice, members of the consulate have AI-powered security drones, but space flight has evolved as well. Despite this apparent utopia, an ancient evil is beginning to rear its evil head. Strange things are occurring and all fingers are pointing towards a government-wide cover-up of the attempted colonization of Mars from the previous generation. What was found on Mars? What has the leadership so scared? How is the next Caesar heir involved? All this and more can be found between the pages of Forever Rome by Lee M. Field.
This book is presented from the perspective of many different characters, but primarily follows Trajan, a youth on the path from Tribune to Proconsul (but with dreams of being a gladiator). Other prominent characters include Marcus, next in line to the Caesar throne (figurehead ruler in the empire), whose actions are anything but respectable; Lucilla, Trajan's girlfriend, but the twinkle in Marcus' eye; the great Rufio, undefeated gladiator; and a full swath of Roman leaders and warriors. The book begins like any other alternative fiction and presents the unique aspect of the characters' world. Quickly, however, the reader realizes there is more than meets the eye. The science-fiction genre comes out in droves as characters are influenced by unseen beings, political coups occur, and beings from alternate dimensions/timelines even make an appearance.
I loved the premise behind this book. A world where the Roman Empire didn't fall gives rise to something that is similar enough to our own reality to be understandable, but different enough to spark creativity. From gladiators to security drones, Field takes some amazing liberties in world-building that I loved. I really enjoyed (as I'm a science-fiction lover) the direction that the book took in the second half. Although some may find it a bit drastic, I loved how traditional science-fiction, history, science, and fantasy all came together in a whirlwind conclusion. It is hard to describe without giving away key plot lines, but lovers of the genre will not be disappointed. What I liked the most about this novel, however, were a few characters that played minor roles. The artificially intelligent drones that were assigned security duty were great additions to the book. They provided a futuristic context to the book, were well thought out, and even added a bit of humor at times.
There were only two things that I think could have been improved in the piecing together of this novel. I found that the main meat of the story, albeit building throughout the narrative, came in one fell swoop in the end. The twists, turns, and explanations were coherent, but almost overwhelmed the reader as they came during the book's conclusion. Similarly, the ending just seemed to occur. After non-stop conflict in the last few chapters, the ending came off a bit abrupt. Perhaps the book could've benefited from a bit of a wrap-up to bring the reader back down from their literary high. Finally, and what I disliked the most, is that this book fully lacked another solid editing cycle. I found too many errors in spelling, word usage, misplaced pluralization, and missing words for it to be considered a professionally edited work.
I absolutely loved Forever Rome's action, ingenuity, and rapid plot. For that reason, I have no qualms whatsoever giving this book a solid 3 out of 4 stars. For lovers of the science-fiction genre, especially when combined with aspects of the Roman Empire, this is definitely a must-read.
On-Line Book Club Review