Coming Soon - "The Brand" !!!

The Brand is a historical fiction novel centered on the War of Independence at the American Colonies of the 18^th Century. This is an action-adventure saga focusing on Anglo-Irish, Native American and women’s issues set against a revolutionary backdrop. This revenge tragedy sets the major protagonists against an oppressive regime in Northern Ireland, resulting in their migration to the Colonies to seek vengeance against the forces of the Crown. They recruit among equally persecuted groups in the Colonies, but find their loyalties questioned by the divided leadership among the rebel Patriots. The conflict finds resolution as the insurgents earn their victory and the Irishmen wreak their own vengeance at a terrible price.

Sean Coleraine is a former British prisoner having been branded by his captors with the SS symbol (Sower of Sedition). He and his friends travel to England from Ulster at great risk to seek the aid of legendary highwayman Flynn Ravernet. They tell him of a transfer of bullion worth £100,000 en route to Boston via Philadelphia where it will be invested in a ‘superfort’ designed to paralyze the rebel logistical system in the Colonies. A skeptical Ravernet is eventually persuaded to accompany the Irishmen to America where rebel forces await their arrival.

Colonel Keith Blackmore has been entrusted to build the fortress at Boston Harbor, and delegates responsibility for the gold shipment to Captain James O’Connell. The Captain’s weakness is his daughter Beth, who has become sympathetic to the rebel cause as an act of defiance against her father and the chauvinistic Colonial society. Coleraine infiltrates the British stronghold in Philadelphia and seduces Beth, convincing her to join their cause as an ace in the hole against the British.

Ravernet next sets up a meeting with Chief Raton of the Iroquois.  Their suspicions of the ‘peace-loving’ British are confirmed, and they agree to join Ravernet in his sting operation. Coleraine seeks to hedge his bets by reaching out to the Marquis of Catalonia, whose Imperial overlords in Spain are seething over their gradual relinquishment of their territories to the British Empire. Ravernet uses his charms to win the favor of the Marquis’ daughter Magdalene, who convinces her father to support the Irishmen’s sting operation.

The British find themselves cutting off their noses to spite their faces as they alienate everyone involved in the fragile coalition. The women protagonists are treated as chattel by their overlords, the Spanish as an inferior race, and the Indians as uncivilized brutes. Though the schemers are reluctantly accepted by the Patriots, men such as Benjamin Franklin find value in the conspirators and eventually provide support to the bloody but successful act of vengeance.

This work of historical fiction has both action/adventure dynamics enhanced by romantic interests and essential social discussions resonating with present-day dialogues. The author’s trademark elements of irony, snappy dialogue and Shakespearean tragedy stand in bold relief of this compelling page-turner. The Brand is a cross-genre classic not to be forgotten. 

Theme of Death in "Hezbollah"

John Reinhard Dizon's novel, Hezbollah (the Party), is a postmodernist work of literary fiction centered on the exploits of Tina Rivera, a renowned Third World percussionist diagnosed with muscular dystrophy. The news comes at the same time as rumors surfacing that a reunion tour of the Middle East is being discussed by the promoters of the original concert tour of the 90s. Tina is torn between encouraging and supporting her former bandmates while realizing she may not live to participate in the event.

The theme of death resonates throughout the novel as we see how the killing of David Diamond, the co-founder of The Party, has impacted the lives of the band's infrastructure. David volunteers for a rescue mission of a fellow band member after the Crusader Concert in Palestine. He creates a diversion during the operation that allows the team to overcome the abductors at the cost of his own life. It is later found that he had a terminal case of cancer, yet it does not alleviate the grief of his inner circle who see it as an untimely death nonetheless. We can see how his life and legacy are treasured to the extent that even the few remaining months he may have had are seen as lost and wasted by his demise.

Alternately, Tina is desperately trying to avoid making her own demise the public spectacle that David's had become. Most of the story is about her relinquishing her privacy, which she feels is her most personal possession as a celebrity. She confides in her niece and nephew first, then her longtime lover, and finally her sister. She swears them to secrecy but ensures them that she intends to spend her remaining time with them in celebration of their relationships and the memories she will leave behind.

We also see how the symbolism of the Valley of Megiddo appears as an allegory to the 'valley of death', the place where the original Crusader Concert for Peace in the Middle East takes place. The band, renaming themselves Hezbollah in what journalists refer to as a 'death wish', are constantly discussing morbid subjects to reinforce their image as a hardcore punk band. It is as if challenging and mocking death becomes part of their tribal ritual. Yet it is something they are unexpecting and unprepared for as the murder of David Diamond becomes a trauma affecting them over two decades.

The cult of domesticity is also seen as a form of death by the female protagonists as Tina is constantly fighting against Zeke's controlling nature. She submits herself at the end of the story, moving back into his penthouse as part of the process of letting go. Debbie Munson is as her alter ego, a hellion in her forties who refuses to change her punk attitude in seeming fear of allowing her age to catch up with her. Tina's sister Carmen is also a divorcee who has refused to allow her dreams to die under the yoke of a 'macho' Hispanic spouse.

Paradoxically, Tina negotiates for the life of her unborn nephew when she learns of Carmen's plans for an abortion. She sees the medical procedure as a double death, reasoning that the infant would be symbolic in carrying on the family legacy after Tina expires. Carmen fails to acknowledge the abortion as a death until Tina makes her see the choice of life as an either/or situation for the in utero family member. Tina's influence in saving the baby's life appears as her final act in overcoming death itself.

"Hezbollah" --- A Sneak Preview!!!

Here's an excerpt from Hezbollah --- the EBook available on Amazon!!!

       Tina remembered inviting Zeke out to Paco Cabales’ beachfront home on the Jersey Shore shortly before the Crusader Concert Tour began. Paco had been David Diamond’s best friend in the old days, and two of his daughters married members of the band. Paco was a neighborhood legend back in South Brooklyn before Hezbollah. He fought in WWII, Korea and Vietnam, was in the Rangers and Green Berets, and had five Silver Stars and five Bronze Stars. After Hezbollah he became part of the underground cult legend.

            Paco was one of the thousands of Vietnam vets who got sprayed with Agent Orange during the war. He was dragged into the class action lawsuit, and when his ship came in he bought the beach home for himself and his daughters. He decided to hold a housewarming party for the old gang, and it coincided with the bombshell announcement that Hezbollah was being invited the Palestine by James “Continental” Lincoln. It was a momentous occasion for one and all, and Tina decided she was not going to leave Zeke out of it.

            He tugged at her heart strings from the moment he walked through the door. She had arrived early in great anticipation of seeing the old gang after almost a half decade, and wanted to be right there with Paco greeting the arrivals. She shared his pride and joy in seeing each and every one of them come through the door, from his daughters to the band members to David’s creepy crawlers. She didn’t feel so bad about Zeke being somewhat of an outsider after David brought those guys. It was almost as if someone’s hick town uncle had thought nothing of bringing his dogs to a birthday party.

            She shared Paco’s joy in greeting his daughters Isabel and Lucy, and was just as exhilarated to see David, Stu, Duke, Johnny, Roth and Debbie again. Zeke was very diplomatic with everyone, even knocking down a beer with David as they discussed the Lower Manhattan music scene. She always knew that they respected each other as men though they had no time for one another as musicians. Zeke remained very much the gentleman, and it wasn’t until Debbie and David nearly knocked over one of Paco’s lampstands did they decide to take a walk outside along the beach by themselves.

            “So you’re going to Palestine with these people,” Zeke asked, cutting a sexy figure in his black clothing, his dark hair fluttering in the river breeze. “Do you ever read the papers or watch TV? They stone women over there for going around without veils. How do you think they’re gonna take Debbie Munson and the Guttermouth Gang?”

            “We’re talking a hundred grand per person,” Tina replied, causing Zeke’s eyes to widen. “I mentioned it to my sister Carmen, she’s got a secretary job on Wall Street. Her friends told her that I’d be smart to put half of it in stocks. I could live on the rest and go on tour without having to worry about paying bills for a year, see where it takes me.”

            “Did he put that in writing?” Zeke cleared his throat.

            “C’mon, this is James Lincoln.”      

   

            “What, you don’t think these music industry douchebags don’t renege on their promises? Don’t you remember what happened with me and Columbia? We laid the basic tracks for fourteen songs before they yanked the rug out from under us. It’s all about the bean counters. The minute their economists predict a possible loss, they pull the plug with no questions asked.”               

        “Yeah, but Carmen’s friends say that the Arabs’re bankrolling the whole deal through Princess Sabrina,” Tina insisted. “You know, why is it that you’re never happy for me? Why do I have to defend everything I do?”

            “I don’t want to see you get hurt, that’s all. Those friends of yours, they probably want this so bad they’d do it for ten grand. You get a lawyer to work for a percentage, and tell Lincoln to send him a copy of the contract before you start making plans. At least do that.”

            “Well, I don’t know any lawyers.”

            “You can use mine. Barney Ross, he’s an entertainment attorney, specializes in contracts. He’ll probably charge you a grand but he’ll assure you the deal is iron-clad. Matter of fact, he doesn’t step away from the table until it is. He’ll send it back twice for alterations, the third time he’s talking fraudulent business practices. People don’t mess with this guy.”

            “I appreciate it. Sometimes it seems like you care.”

            “See? This is how it starts,” Zeke was exasperated. “I only came out here to be with you for the holidays. It’s hard for me to be in the same room with David, and Debbie’s no better. You know, I actually picked up a copy of that book of his, The Excommunicant. I found it in this rathole book store in the Village. I don’t know how he could possibly be making any money off it. The best he’ll do is the sales he might make off the Tour, if there ever is one. I’ll tell you, I never read such blasphemous, obscene, rambling scribble in my whole life.”

            “Well, it’s paying his bills. He’s doing as well as either of us are.”

            “Yeah, well it looks to me like they’re gonna be riding your skirt tails on this deal.”

        “Everybody in there’s doing okay. You don’t need to be putting down my friends all the time. What makes you better than them anyway?”

            “I don’t know, you tell me. You married me.”

            “Yeah, and I divorced you, too,” she couldn’t help herself.

            “You’re my wife, and you always will be,” he growled, pulling her into his arms and lowering her to the sand before crushing his lips against hers. She had gone so long without a man that her heart raced with anticipation. She felt him undoing her jeans and pulling them down. She had always had a fantasy of sex on the beach, and she would always remember thinking that it was going to be as good a time as any.

Theme of Homelessness in "King Of The Hoboes"

           John Reinhard Dizon’s King Of The Hoboes addresses one of America’s most plaguing yet culturally integral situations in our nation’s history. Homelessness has been both a social stigma and a way of life for millions of people for centuries. The dichotomy is addressed in the novel throughout the narratives focusing on Veronika Heydrich and Adolf Hyatt. We see Veronika immersing herself into the homeless environment as part of her undercover assignment, doing so out of duty rather than personal choice. Hyatt has been part of the Hobo Underground for most of his life, choosing the lifestyle rather than being forced by circumstance. Their experiences provide an ideal paradigm in analyzing perspectives on this social phenomenon.

            Relationships are a major factor in the transitional process as most homeless people become estranged from their families due to the stigma associated with financial hardship. At first they shun the company of other homeless persons who they consider associates by chance rather than choice. Eventually a camaraderie develops as they find the common ground that links those brought together by adversity. Veronika takes on Khalid Sangani as her ‘road dog’, having him as a companion who provides a buffer in dealing with Hyatt’s Disciples. Alternately, we find Hyatt relying on the force of numbers, surrounding himself by Disciples who he sends out to recruit Followers to extend his network and coordinate his Days of Defiance.

            The effect of homelessness on women is an essential theme in the novel as Veronika is impacted by culture shock in going from middle-class comfort to profound deprivation. The lack of resources causes far greater adversity for women than men as Veronika discovers when seeking overnight shelter. Most facilities are unable to provide the security required to accommodate female residents. As a result, shelters are generally restricted to males. Veronika is forced to sleep in the park as a result and can only rely on Khalid for support in the event of physical attack. Another problem is that of sexual abuse as homeless women are often expected to trade sex for protection and provision. Hyatt appears to offer her protection, though eventually she and Khalid are drugged by the Disciples and sexually assaulted. Veronika realizes that the self-righteous Hyatt sees no crime in this ‘exchange of services’.

            Physical and mental health are also major concerns as homeless persons without medical coverage are unable to get anything other than emergency treatment at best. Veronika’s boyfriend and partner Evan Carlow is attacked by the Disciples and requires medical help, which compromises his cover as a homeless person in the course of his surveillance assignment. Veronika herself finds that her most basic feminine needs are only available during the daytime at overcrowded social centers. We can also see that the sociopathic Hyatt and his Disciples are unable to seek treatment for their psychological traumas and emotional deficiencies which are eventually manifested as threats to society.

            Issues identified and discussed in John Reinhard Dizon’s King Of The Hoboes are not easily resolved despite society’s noblest efforts. Yet if readers and their communities are able to understand the most basic problems, it brings us closer to finding answers that help us to contribute in a small but significant way.

Sneak Preview - "King of the Hoboes"!!!

Here's a preview of "King of the Hoboes" going on sale this weekend at Amazon...

As they neared the Wall Street intersection, she was amazed at what Hyatt had achieved here. It was almost as a scene from Les Miserables, as the hordes of poor people rallied around the Resolver. He vented his rage against the monuments of greed that were the financial institutions towering above them, shaking his fist as the vagrants and the brokers alike stared in wonder. The police arrived and took up positions around the crowd, none of whom remotely considered a confrontation and a possible crack over the head.             

             

“Look around you!” Hyatt had already started his harangue despite the fact it was well before noon. He had started off talking to a couple of students before a few rookie bankers came by and began questioning his motives. He eagerly engaged them in debate, with two of his massive Disciples standing on either side of him as he lambasted him from atop his milk crate. Once he got on a roll there was no stopping him, and enough students and vagrants had gathered so that he was able to begin preaching in earnest to the motley crowd.       

                                                              

“Look around you!” he gestured dramatically upwards at the majestic buildings appearing as the walls of a great canyon encompassing them. “Do you not think that if they sold just one, only one of these buildings and gave the money to the poor, each and every one of you would not have enough to buy clothes as nice as what the man next to you is wearing?”

“Heck, I think I would be worse off than I am right now,” a vagrant standing between two hoboes cracked, evoking a round of laughter from his neighbors.

“Why don’t you tell ‘em to get a job?” a broker called out belligerently. 

“Why don’t you lend one of them that $300 dollar suit you’re wearing and see whether or not they come back as your supervisor?” Hyatt demanded. “Do you believe the hype from your Wall Street movie, that the difference between you and them is your work ethic? Do you think you worked harder pushing your pencil in your ivory tower while half of these men were digging foxholes in foreign deserts, fighting for your right to push those pencils? Do you think you worked harder to keep your job while their companies collapsed along with the economy, and this Government of yours took away their homes, their cars, and everything they had? Do you think you were more industrious when you invented those Ponzi schemes that liquidated their savings accounts and their investment programs? Woe unto you swindlers and defrauders! You cry out to these police officers for not chasing down the robbers and burglars prowling the streets for money to feed themselves. Yet you steal a hundred times as much with one stroke of a pen!”

“You’re up here running us down, yet we’re the ones paying the taxes that put those welfare cards in your pockets!” an accountant yelled at him. “The Government’s taking almost half my money. I’ll bet they’ll never see a penny of yours.”   

        

“Spoken like a true Republican!” Hyatt called back. “How much’re you making there, brother? Half a million a year? Or maybe your boss is making that, and you’re only making half of what he does. Tell you what, I’ll be willing to split half of what you’re making with the Government, I’d have no problem with that at all. Now, I know that there would be lots of privileges I would have to exchange in order to earn that kind of money. I would have to sit in an overstuffed chair seven and a half hours a day in front of a big glass window overlooking this entire area, in a temperature-controlled environment with some fine-looking, big-legged secretary at my beck and call. In order to do that, I would have to give up my freedom to walk the streets all day and beg for chump change just to buy a cup of coffee. That sounds like a mighty big trade, my friend. Let me ask our brothers and sisters here: how many of you would be willing to make that deal with these devils?”                      

                                          

A great roar rose from the crowd as many waved their hands in agreement. Those standing near the accountants heckled and ribbed them until they walked away in embarrassment.       

                                    

“Hey, I got a good one for you all,” Hyatt outstretched his arms. “Let’s take a gander at that Federal Reserve Bank down the way there on Liberty Street. Now, that place is holding onto ten percent of the gold reserves on this entire planet. That’s right, you can take a tour and check it out for yourselves. Now, just in case you get any wild ideas, I’ll let you know up front that each of them bars weighs twenty-eight pounds. They aren’t them little bitty bars James Bond was chucking at Oddjob in that Goldfinger movie. Those guards working the late shift down there wear steel-tipped boots in case they drop one while they’re moving them around.”

“Why don’t you see if you can get us some free samples?” a hobo called out to a round of raucous laughter.                     

             

“Hey, I’m working on that brother,” Hyatt replied. “Now, at last count, that bank had assets of $1.75 trillion dollars. First of all, that’s Federal reserves, as in backup money, like the money you keep in your sock instead of your wallet. Second of all, that’s like a thousand billion bucks. If they gave that to you in singles, you’d die of old age before you could count your change.”         

                        

“Heck, I’d be willing to die trying!” another man evoked a smattering of cheers.

“Check this out,” Hyatt challenged them. “The national student loan debt, at last count, was $986 billion dollars. That comes out to about twenty-six grand per student, according to the Internet. That’s about what these bankers pay for their wives’ cars. Now, imagine a kid out of college, working at Mc Donald’s because the job he studied for is maxed out of spots. Can you imagine him trying to pay that kind of note before covering his room and board? Why don’t they just use all that reserve money to pay back that debt? They sure as heck forced them kids to take out those loans, telling them they would spend the rest of their lives working at Mc Donald’s if they didn’t.” 

        

There was another ovation from the crowd as all the students in attendance heard Hyatt’s battle cry on their behalf. Most had heard nothing but horror stories from friends who had graduated, and realized they were facing a similar fate upon entering the work force.

“You’d better get some schooling, Hyatt!” a broker challenged him. “Why do you think we have Federal reserves? Would you cash in your 401k to pay off your wife’s car loan?”

“I sure as hell would if my wife didn’t have enough money left over to put gas in that car!” Hyatt shot back to a resounding cry of approval. “I’d be able to start a new 401k just as sure as you could rebuild your Federal reserve!”

Eventually the crowd had grown so large that the Disciples had to join ranks in front of Hyatt to keep him from being knocked off his milk crate. He saw a police van pulling up to the curb and realized they might call this a disturbance. He whispered instructions to his men before turning the crate right side up and disappearing into the audience.

King of the Hoboes - Coming VERY Soon?

If you've been following me on Facebook, you saw the blurb for Hezbollah get posted yesterday. Only Create Space sent me an e-mail reminding me that King of the Hoboes was ready to launch. Who'd have thought??? Well, here's the Hoboes blurb...

King of the Hoboes is an action/adventure crime thriller centered on the exploits of Veronika Heydrich, an undercover cop investigating a possible conspiracy plot within the homeless community in New York City. Adolf Hyatt is a charismatic activist known as King of the Hoboes throughout the Hobo Underground. He orchestrates a series of non-violent Days of Defiance throughout the City bringing international attention to the plight of the homeless population. Only the New York Police Department suspects that Hyatt’s ambitions may lead to ever greater demonstrations of power. Veronika is offered a chance at a promotion to detective rank, and she and her partner Evan Carlow are assigned to uncover Hyatt’s plans and depose the King of the Hoboes.

 

The story is as much an in-depth portrayal of the homeless community as a fast-paced suspense thriller. Veronika goes from her yuppie lifestyle to that of a homeless person, roaming around with a travel bag and panhandled money to establish credibility on the City streets. She learns firsthand of the virtually non-existent accommodations for homeless women, as well as the difficulty of going without the basic necessities that everyday citizens take for granted. She comes across Khalid Sangani, a homeless teen who makes his way as a male prostitute. Together they work their way into Hyatt’s network as Veronika tries to find a way to take him down.

 

Khalid was a witness to the murder of four hoboes who had been sent by the Hobo Underground to censure Hyatt for his activities. He keeps the secret in fear for his life, realizing that Veronika herself might become a victim of one of Hyatt’s hardcore Disciples. Comprised of homeless war veterans, the twelve-man squad will stop at nothing to protect Hyatt and their secret criminal enterprise. Each of them is a gang leader earning money through drugs, prostitution, robbery and burglary, enforcing their networks with beatings and murder. Evan, who is tailing Veronika on the street, is discovered by the Disciples and nearly killed in a knife attack. He refuses to be taken off the case and continues to follow her at risk of his life.

 

After suffering a sexual assault in a hazing ritual, Veronika and Khalid are accepted into the Inner Circle and learn of Hyatt’s plans. The ultimate Day of Defiance entails leaving cardboard boxes full of counterfeit money in strategic areas around Manhattan in an attempt to paralyze the local economy. Hyatt announces that there will be a number of great lessons to be learned from this Great Day, though in reality it is serving as a cover for a car bomb attack by an Al Qaeda cell for which Hyatt is being paid a small fortune. Veronika, unaware of the bomb plot, is determined to stop the counterfeit gambit and have Hyatt arrested once she has enough evidence.

 

It is Hyatt’s megalomania that brings the project to ruin as he sets up a midnight rally at a secret meeting place where the entire homeless community is asked to attend. Hyatt reveals his long-range plans to bring the city to its knees, presenting a list of demands to the City regardless of the unbearable cost. 

 

Set against a realistic backdrop along the streets of New York, the plight of the homeless becomes an integral part of the storyline in this fast-paced thriller. Crime novel enthusiasts and current events followers will find King of the Hoboes one to be long remembered.  

Sabrina Brooks: An Anti-Hero In Literature

         In referring to Nightcrawler’s Sabrina Brooks as an anti-hero in literature, we consider the definition of the tragic hero according to Aristotle. It is one of noble birth, affected by the hamartia (tragic flaw) that leads to his downfall, as well as the perepeteia (reversal of fortune) that precipitates his fall. His actions result in an epiphany of self-awareness and self-knowledge, and it leads to the audience’s feelings of pity and fear for the sympathetic character. Aristotle noted that “A man cannot become a hero until he can see the root of his own downfall.”

        The modern-day anti-hero can be seen as a flawed character, disillusioned by society, seeking redemption for the greater good of society. They are misunderstood by society, and their more distasteful characteristics are tempered by their nobler traits. They are often conflicted by their own moral complexities and rejection of contemporary values. Some literary critics point to Jay Gatsby (The Great Gatsby) and Willy Loman (Death Of A Salesman) as examples of anti-heroes in literary fiction.

          Sabrina’s birth is not quite noble though she is the heiress of the Brooks Chemical Company, keeping his legacy alive in assuming his place as CEO upon his death. She is depicted as a party girl before taking on her new responsibilities, reminiscent of the rogue Prince Hal transforming into King Henry IV in Shakespeare’s play. We may consider her hamartia as being her Christian character, which compels her to ‘do the right thing’ regardless of consequence. The perepeteia can be seen as the effect of her actions as the Nightcrawler. Most of her forays result in an unfavorable long-range outcome though her alter ego does resolve the immediate problem at hand. Sabrina’s vulnerability as a young woman with a Christian nature inspires empathy, and she continues her actions as a vigilante though clearly seeing the negative impact it has on her personal life.

       Her flaws as a party girl are continually alluded to by her mentor, Jon Aeppli, who reminds her what might have been if she had pursued her degree in chemistry rather than a career in law enforcement. There is also the guilt of knowing her father died of a broken heart. She is disillusioned by the inefficiency of the legal system and the inability of the government to apprehend the terrorists and criminals threatening society. She seeks to redeem herself as a wasted talent through the Nightcrawler, giving back whatever she may have squandered in her partying days. Both Jon and boyfriend Hoyt Wexford see it as a suicidal death wish, and her successes serve to reinforce their fears though she desperately seeks their approval. Pastor Matt Mitchell is her spiritual advisor, emphasizing her value as a Christian activist as opposed to a vigilante. He also seeks to dissuade her but cannot betray her trust according to pastor-penitent privilege.

      Her title as the ‘World Most Unlikeliest Superhero’, though grammatically questionable, may hold true for certain reasons. She may well be the only female superhero to be mistakenly identified as a male, as no one is able to discern otherwise due to her face and figure-concealing apparel. She is often swayed by her female emotions in acting on instinct when faced with a problem. She also convinces Jon, Hoyt and Matt that she will never go Nightcrawling again, though Nightcrawler II is already in the works. 

Nightcrawler II - Coming This Year?

Well, I haven't done any sequels yet, but Nightcrawler is destined to be a series. Sabrina Brooks is not to be denied. I've envisioned her as a heroine in the tradition of my grandmother Nora Brooks, a pioneer woman featured in my upcoming family saga, Generations. Bree is facing yet another terror threat in her own backyard as the World's Most Unlikeliest Superhero begins a new adventure...

 Nightcrawler II – Tryzub is the second installment of the series featuring Sabrina Brooks, the heiress of the Brooks Chemical Company. A miracle cure for AIDS has been developed by Russian researchers, and the Trident Corporation has been authorized by the Russian Federation to conduct beta testing in America. The BCC has been awarded a government contract, and Sabrina becomes involved in an international web of intrigue as terrorists use the project as a subterfuge for an attack on American soil.

Her relationship with Hoyt Wexford has developed so that her Nightcrawling has given place to her fiancee’s promising NYPD career. Yet she grows intrigued as Russian forensics expert Alex Tretiak has been assigned to Hoyt’s Organized Crime Unit in a joint operation to pre-empt a drug war between the Russian Mob and the mysterious Chechen-based Tryzub. Sabrina’s female instincts alert her as to possible ulterior motives though Alex begins overshadowing Hoyt as the Unit’s top cop. She is also concerned about the meteoric rise of Superfecta Manufacturing. Her colleague Benigno Terrazas has turned the company’s fortunes around and is now poised to produce the new serum upon completion by BCC. Yet Sabrina grows suspicious and becomes increasingly concerned for Benny’s well-being.

The situation at BCC grows even stickier as the FDA assigns Russian researcher Tatiana Zhukov to work with her staff in completing the HALT-116 serum. Sabrina finds herself amidst a conflict as the gay activists on her staff are pushing desperately to have the project completed. Yet Tatiana appears overly cautious as she is under enormous pressure by the Russian Government to earn credit for delivering a flawless product to the world market. Her executive manager, Jon Aeppli, suspects that the BCC’s computer network may have been hacked but has no solid proof. The volatile situation exacerbates the stress caused by Hoyt’s situation as well as her concerns for her friend Benny.

Sabrina begins to suspect there is a link between the difficulties faced by Hoyt and Benny. Hoyt learns of a spike in the hostilities between the Russian Mob and the Chechen Mob being caused by the introduction of the White Dragon, a super-narcotic appearing on the streets of NYC. Top-ranking members of the Russian Mob are being murdered, and Hoyt begins to suspect that these are taking on the nature of politically-oriented assassinations. Classified information appears to have leaked from the OCU which causes Hoyt to suspect that Tretiak may be a double agent. Yet his appeals to his superiors fall upon deaf ears in light of the accolades being showered upon the NYPD for their efficiency in cracking down on the Russian Mob. Sabrina offers to help but Hoyt insists her Nightcrawling days are at an end.

Acting against Hoyt’s wishes, the Nightcrawler is back on the streets searching for clues. Sabrina soon finds a straight and narrow trail of fentanyl smuggling leading to Superfecta Manufacturing. She begins to suspect that Benny’s new director of operations, Grigori Markoff, may be the reason for the Company’s sudden change in fortune. She also suspects that he may be a link to the drug wars and possibly to the Chechen Mob itself.

Straight from modern-day headlines yet speculating about possible developments in world affairs of tomorrow, the storylines of Nightcrawler II – Tryzub promise readers all the elements of an instant John Reinhard Dizon action-adventure classic.

"Nightcrawler" On Sale At Black Rose!!!

Well, Nightcrawler just hit the market today, get your copy today...

http://www.blackrosewriting.com/action/adventure/nightcrawler

And, guess what's in store for Spring/Summer 2014???

Nightcrawler II – Tryzub is the second installment of the series featuring Sabrina Brooks, the heiress of the Brooks Chemical Company. A miracle cure for AIDS has been developed by Russian researchers, and the Trident Corporation has been authorized by the Russian Federation to conduct beta testing in America. The BCC has been awarded a government contract, and Sabrina becomes involved in an international web of intrigue as terrorists use the project as a subterfuge for an attack on American soil.

Her relationship with Hoyt Wexford has developed so that her 

Nightcrawling has given place to her fiancee’s promising NYPD 

career. Yet she grows intrigued as Russian forensics expert Alex 

Tretiak has been assigned to Hoyt’s Organized Crime Unit in a joint 

operation to pre-empt a drug war between the Russian Mob and the 

mysterious Chechen-based Tryzub. Sabrina’s female instincts alert 

her as to possible ulterior motives though Alex begins 

overshadowing Hoyt as the Unit’s top cop. She is also concerned 

about the meteoric rise of Superfecta Manufacturing. Her colleague 

Benigno Terrazas has turned the company’s fortunes around and is 

now poised to produce the new serum upon completion by BCC. 

Yet Sabrina grows suspicious and becomes increasingly concerned 

for Benny’s well-being.

The situation at BCC grows even stickier as the FDA assigns 

Russian researcher Tatiana Zhukov to work with her staff in 

completing the HALT-116 serum. Sabrina finds herself amidst a 

conflict as the gay activists on her staff are pushing desperately to 

have the project completed. Yet Tatiana appears overly cautious as 

she is under enormous pressure by the Russian Government to earn 

credit for delivering a flawless product to the world market. Her 

executive manager, Jon Aeppli, suspects that the BCC’s computer 

network may have been hacked but has no solid proof. The volatile 

situation exacerbates the stress caused by Hoyt’s situation as well 

as her concerns for her friend Benny.

Sabrina begins to suspect there is a link between the difficulties faced by Hoyt and Benny. Hoyt learns of a spike in the hostilities between the Russian Mob and the Chechen Mob being caused by the introduction of the White Dragon, a super-narcotic appearing on the streets of NYC. Top-ranking members of the Russian Mob are being murdered, and Hoyt begins to suspect that these are taking on the nature of politically-oriented assassinations. Classified information appears to have leaked from the OCU which causes Hoyt to suspect that Tretiak may be a double agent. Yet his appeals to his superiors fall upon deaf ears in light of the accolades being showered upon the NYPD for their efficiency in cracking down on the Russian Mob. Sabrina offers to help but Hoyt insists her Nightcrawling days are at an end.

Acting against Hoyt’s wishes, the Nightcrawler is back on the streets searching for clues. Sabrina soon finds a straight and narrow trail of fentanyl smuggling leading to Superfecta Manufacturing. She begins to suspect that Benny’s new director of operations, Grigori Markoff, may be the reason for the Company’s sudden change in fortune. She also suspects that he may be a link to the drug wars and possibly to the Chechen Mob itself.

Straight from modern-day headlines yet speculating about possible 

developments in world affairs of tomorrow, the storylines of 

Nightcrawler II – Tryzub promise readers all the elements of an 

instant John Reinhard Dizon action-adventure classic.

RELIGION vs. PHILOSOPHY IN "THE BAT"

Here's something the kiddies might be able to use for their next book report...

         In “The Bat”, we see an ongoing debate between Christianity and existentialism throughout the novel. In the opening chapter, the omniscient narrative indicates that New York City has been heavily impacted by a Great Recession, a rise in gang activity and an increase in illegal drug use. In Chapter Two we find Dr. Coulter addressing his therapy group at the Harbor VA, criticizing the vigilantes who have emerged in taking the law into their own hands. We next see how existentialism has become a resurging philosophical trend throughout the City. Different existentialist theories are presented by the protagonists, yet none prove as contradictory as Richard Garrison’s return to the evangelical church. It proves symbolic as Garrison and Coulter, who have exhibited a subtle rivalry, now become representative of a struggle between Christian theory and secular humanism. Only both characters prove lacking in conviction as their solutions to their difficulties seem to contradict their professed values.

          Through its depiction of a failed bureaucratic society, the novel contemplates the solutions available to a population when the government proves weak and inefficient. It reflects the Kubler-Ross model as the City experiences a series of emotional stages in coping with its grief. We see the state of denial as Central Park is filled with activities and celebrations by day, only to give place to the marauding street gangs at night. Anger is expressed in the media and the civil protests at City Hall and throughout the City over the skyrocketing crime statistics. There is bargaining between the City officials and gang leaders in trying to avert a mandatory curfew and other ‘extreme’ measures. A general feeling of depression descends over the populace as the vigilante backlash leads to a shocking string of serial killings and mass murders of gangsters. Finally the citizens band together in mutual support reflecting the Christian spirit of acceptance that has stabilized Richard and Darla Mc Carthy’s lives.

          Yet we see how both Coulter and Garrison fail to practice what they preach. As Coulter proceeds with his social experiments, he becomes manipulative and unconcerned with the safety or well-being of his subjects. It contradicts the existentialist principles of every person’s right to forge their own destiny in their own world. Coulter’s colleague in the military DMX Project, Jesse Jeffers, acts as an extension of Coulter’s will by enslaving people with his ‘super drug’. Garrison, alternately, becomes more deeply immersed in the Christian faith until the suicide of Holly Westlake causes him to lose his resolve. He turns to the Bat in learning the details of both Holly and her husband’s deaths, then uses the information to eradicate a key member of a Mafia crew as well as the Sudoku Gang. It can be argued that the final outcome symbolized a victory of Christian values over those of secular humanism. Yet it could be interpreted as the failure of value systems when tested under extreme conditions.

          The moral of the story after the climactic confrontation between Garrison and Coulter appears to be the victory of good vs. evil. Only the weaknesses exhibited by the major characters suggest that in deviating from their belief system, they not only suffer increased personal loss but create a negative reflection on the core values they appear to represent. 

The Role of Gender in "The Bat"

Here's a short essay I wrote for an upcoming blog spot...

The role of gender in The Bat is greatly significant as we consider the impact of female protagonists throughout the narrative. The tone of discontent is resonant as Brenda Hammond realizes she is being exploited by Chief Joel Madden in the exchange of information as an undercover operative for the detective badge she desires. Her romantic involvement with Johnny Sullivan, a member of the group of interest, is being leveraged by Madden to his own benefit in trying to win Brenda’s affections. She is also stressed by having to compromise Richard Garrison and Dr. Coulter, conflicted in betraying their personal trust while pursuing her professional objectives. She compares her situation with others in her department and realizes she is being exploited as a female rather than being able to rely on sheer ability to succeed in the investigation.

Holly Westlake rejects the gender norms in her act of suicide caused by the abusive relationships she has endured. Her deceased husband gave her a life of uncertainty and risk as a professional gambler, and after his murder she existed under the threat of blackmail as the Mob pressured her for her husband’s ‘black book’. In turning to Dr. Coulter, she finds a lover and a therapist who betrays her by using his experimental DMX-1313 drug on her. The omniscient narrative implies that Holly killed herself out of desperation. Yet scholars might consider the possibility that Holly may have sacrificed her life to have placed the ‘smoking gun’ in the untouchable Doctor’s hand.   

We find Darla Mc Carthy reaffirming the gender norm as the stabilizing female character in the novel. She takes the initiative in kindling a relationship with Richard Garrison, then recedes as he reestablishes contact with his own emotions. Unlike Tommy O’Hara’s girlfriend Jill Masterson, she succeeds in breaking down Richard’s walls while strengthening both their relationship and his own self-perception. She leads Brenda and Jill by example in improving their own relationships without being didactic or self-righteous. Darla becomes a ‘mother earth’ figure of serenity as opposed to Brenda being a damsel in distress and Holly opting out rather than seeking resolution to her struggles.

The Bat continues in the tradition of John Reinhard Dizon’s works in discussing the role of gender in society and literature, examining the cause and effect of cultural projections on women and how personality, psychological outlook and overall character determines social outcomes. The ‘second class citizen’ viewpoint is not only questioned but rejected in this essential insight on female perspectives. 

Happy New Year - The Bat Begins?

Well, let me wish a happy and blessed New Year to all you Turk Watchers who have put me past the 1,000-hit mark in a matter of weeks at the end of 2013. I just hope everyone's spreading word about Missouri's most notorious starving artist.

For those who haven't seen my Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/johnreinharddizonUSA), I put up The Bat (An Existential Fable) at fifteen minutes to midnight, making it my seventh novel of 2013 (what about those lucky/unlucky numbers). The Bat? The Bat Begins?? Has JRD sunk this low this quick???

Not quite. This one began brewing thirty years ago, back when Batman was still about the cheesy Adam West TV reruns. I was thinking about the Vincent Price movie, a man in black wearing a fedora, mask, trenchcoat and gloves. So sue me. Only my guy's a former Green Beret sick of the drugs and violence. He interrupts a rape in Central Park on his first patrol, and the legend begins. No Bat-gear, just a couple of miniature baseball bats and Kevlar protection. He ends up opening Pandora's Box as deadly imitators arise, and backs off though suspecting someone's behind the wave of vigilantism. Cut to the chase.

What readers will enjoy is the layered detail of this one, just before The Standard, after which I started writing smaller novels and feeding them to the publishing house sharks. Great storyline, lots of great subplots, complex characters, psychological angles, and more than a few mysteries: who is the Bat? Who is the Frogman? Who is the Mole Man?

Go on and spring $2.99, guys. You won't be disappointed. Do you do reviews? I'll shoot you a free copy.