Beyond the Ocean Blue A.G. Smith
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A. G. Smith is a talented writer. His prose paints a picture of an alternative universe where World War II continues to yield carnage, where technological advances enable individual travels and alien encounters, and, the demise of U.S. dominance is a baffling fact. Imagery, imagination and character development are evident in passages like these: With a burst of wind, the balloon-wallah lost his balloons--as the world inhaled new colors...
With the nudge of a lever, Doc quickly made a dot out of his pursuer. He was flying much faster than any aircraft in the world could match, even the Nazi jets, and he had barely felt the acceleration.
and,
Police Chief Geoff Ellis drank at a corner table, but mostly he watched. His
personal demons often sought air in the discontent of others--gAndra's arrest being one instance...
Smith's innovative story begins with Doc, an archaeologist intrigued by a book about what used to be America. So intrigued, Doc sets off to explore what remains, if anything or anyone. Rescued after a bumpy beginning on foreign shores, Doc falls into Andra's competent hands and confrontational world. This intriguing science fiction work shifts into high gear, offering as many questions as fascinating scenarios.
Populated by definite characters, Beyond the Ocean Blue serves up humor as well as speculation:
"We had our rebellion, but with a twist of lime...."
Gardner eyed the drunken fuel needle and its infatuation with the E.
Doc appreciates hearing Beatles music--because altered history prevented the Fab Four from changing music in their own homeland. The American flag is suspended with a circle of thirteen stars. The police plant evidence, citizens turn on other citizens, differing opinions are not tolerated. And visions into the pressing future reveal horrors worth fighting. But, in the interest of all readers' enjoyment of Beyond the Ocean Blue, further plot lines, protagonist details, and hints at the superb ending should be kept secret.
I am not usually a fan of science fiction, but I do love a story that lingers in my mind long after I turn the last page. And that is exactly what A. G. Smith has accomplished.
Originally published on Curled Up With A Good Book at www.curledup.com. © Leslie Nichols Raith, 2015
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