Published synopsis:
Hidden in the midst of human kind is a race of immortals calling themselves Stewards of the White Circle. They live and interact with us and, without our knowing, guide mankind, helping us to achieve our highest potential. The Stewards know a day of apocalyptic destruction will soon take place on earth and they are working feverishly to prepare the world to survive this catastrophic event. Human society sees white-bearded, charismatic James Omega as a renowned biologist, venerated college professor, successful author, and host of a popular nature series on PBS. But, he is also a Steward who has taken on a human identity well fitted to his immortal role of preserving and protecting the world's animal life in a time of shrinking habitats and world pollutions. For some time, he has been on a painstaking mission to find the "Shepherd," the one mortal foreordained to inherit his carefully-protected secrets and who must also take on a unique and perilous destiny. Now, he has found Michael Johns, a student, who seems to have all of the qualifications and appears to be the one long sought for. But how can Omega be certain? The candidate will have to be thoroughly tested without realizing he is being examined. Then, if the lad passes, things won’t get any easier, for the Shepherd does not know about the immortal world. How is Omega going to reveal his true identity without appearing to be afflicted with senile dementia? More difficult still, how is he going to convince the young mortal to accept a task requiring him to sacrifice everything of this world, including, perhaps, his own life? If this were not enough trouble, two more obstacles stand in the way: a demon spirit has taken human form for the sole purpose of destroying everything the Steward is working for; and then there is the matter of a certain strong-willed, red-headed coed who may unknowingly upset the balance of events. Either diversion may prevent or delay Omega's plans from moving forward. Meanwhile, the Master Clock is ticking. The Days of Destruction draw nigh. Life would be so much easier for a Steward if humans did not have their free will.Review:
Omega’s Shepherd follows the seemingly disjointed lives of a famous biologist, a dairy farmer/college student, a botanist/cellist, and a demon. But as the book progresses, their lives are more closely related than any of them knew. Drawn together by cosmic forces, both good and evil, their paths are destined to cross as the world moves closer to a day of apocalyptic destruction.Omega’s Shepherd by J. T. Brewer brings the reader on a journey through the worlds of endangered animal poaching, underworld violence, academia and wildlife preservation. I found the book to be extremely well written and detailed, and the different story lines keep the reader vested, wondering how things will draw together in the end. I also found some of the secondary characters added an interesting depth to the stories, and they did a good job of giving the reader better insight into the main characters. I’ll admit, though, James Omega had to grow on me. But, by the end, I was firmly a fan. As I read, the book did on occasion seem to meander, making it feel overly lengthy here and there, but most of it kept me glued to it and turning the pages. I do think that the book would have been just as strong, if not stronger, if some of the story lines were less detailed, though.
Filled with vivid imagery, an interesting array of characters and a touch of the supernatural, Omega’s Shepherd is a thought provoking and engaging read. I thank the authors for sharing a review copy with me. I give the book four and a half stars.
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