Apocalypse Dance

A mutated strain of Ebola has practically wiped out civilization as we now know it. What remains are Warlords vying for power, raping and pillaging and adding horror and despair to the few remaining in the world. Among those left are a few Immortal souls who are trying to find their way in this desolated world. Nikki and her friends are running from Roderick, who wants her as his concubine. Roderick is cruel, an Immortal dragon, and self-styled King of the Lone Star Empire. Nikki is a brilliant doctor and a treasured member of the ‘family’ who try to protect her. When they come across Bells, an enigmatic blond, he joins their team and at last they find hope that they can beat Roderick, for you see, only another dragon can kill him. It takes Bells some time to warm up to his new friends but soon he and Nikki get close. Bells is afraid his power may just destroy everyone he has come to love and Nikki finds out that she has more to offer than she at first thought.

Think of Mad Max and you have an idea of the scenario that Michael Barnette describes in his novel. It’s a novel that doesn’t shy away from showing just how desolate the folks are in this apocalyptic world. This reviewer just couldn’t take her eyes away from reading; it captured her and held her throughout. Mr. Barnette describes multi-dimensional characters that leap off the pages. Bells will certainly reach the heart of every reader and this reviewer dares any reader to tell her that she didn’t fall a little for him herself! Mr. Barnette plays on the readers emotions like a virtuoso on a violin. He describes the mistrust of some towards Bells, the violence of the Warlords, the feelings of lust and love so that the reader is on an emotional roller-coaster that really thrills. This is a magnificent story, Mr. Barnette has written a masterpiece and this reviewer is so happy that it is written so that Bells can reappear in another story, which this reviewer hopes will be very soon. Readers, this is a must read now!!

December 2006