The Book of Names

The Book of Names by D. Barkley Briggs is the featured book on the CSFFBT this month. It is published as Young Adult fiction, and of course the idea of having a category of children's books called 'Young Adult' sucks swamp water bigtime, but let us not let that prejudice us too much.

OK, then, this is the story: 'young adult' (ha, ha, ha!) brothers Hayden and Ewan Barlow's mother dies and they must move to rural Missouri. Missouri is actually a great state, on the highways when you stop at the wayside, the sign with all the rules mentions specifically that you are not to unload your livestock at the wayside. It's the only state I know of that is aware of the possibility that some of the folks that stop at the state's waysides might have livestock to unload.

But the Barlow brothers evidently don't appreciate the greatness of Missouri, and are pissed off because they have to clear the briar patch with a hatchet and shears. And I can understand that. If I had a briar patch to clear, I'd use Roundup, fire, or goats, or maybe all three, just not at the same time.

Anyway, the Barlow boys are clearing the briar patch and what should come along but four blackbirds, who drop four metal tubes. These are tubes with a message, namely: "You have been chosen for a life of great purpose. Great adventure awaits you in the Hidden Lands."

Then stuff happens and they end up in the land of Karac Tor which needs a champion because some evil force is stealing the names and souls of Karac Tor's teens, turning them into zombies. Gee, and I though all teens were like that naturally.

What the boys really want is to go home so they are sent off to see the wizard--- no, excuse me, wrong book--- they are off to see the governor and then the adventure begins.

You can read more about the site on the blogs of other tour members, which are given in the list below.

D. Barkley Briggs’s Web site
D. Barkley Briggs’s blog


The CSFF Blog Tour Usual Suspects
Sally Apokedak
Brandon Barr
Keanan Brand
Rachel Briard
Valerie Comer
Frank Creed
Amy Cruson
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
D. G. D. Davidson
Shane Deal
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Karina Fabian
Andrea Graham
Todd Michael Greene
Timothy Hicks
Joleen Howell
Jason Isbell
Cris Jesse
Jason Joyner
Carol Keen
Magma
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Mirtika
Eve Nielsen
Nissa
Steve Rice
Crista Richey
Alice M. Roelke
Chawna Schroeder
James Somers
Rachel Starr Thomson
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Jason Waguespac
Phyllis Wheeler
Timothy Wise
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