Thomas Locke

To achieve the impossible, we must first change our perspective

In Trial Run and Flash Point, two of the characters, Trent and Lena, “hear” their future selves giving them instructions. They are the only characters who have this ability without using technology. Let me explain why.

A scene from Flash Point, Thomas Locke's techno thrillerWhen I started work on the Fault Lines techno-thriller series, one of the issues that dominated my thinking was how so much of our culture’s and nation’s perspective is dominated by the negative.

I wondered: What if our own abilities are being impacted by this negativity?

What if we were able to actually expand beyond our current abilities and horizons simply by taking a more positive perspective? 

What if we are actually limiting ourselves by dimming our view of the horizon?

These questions resonated with me on a variety of levels. So the question was, how to make this work in story form.

The result was a set of boundaries that are based upon that one unspoken ‘fact’: To achieve the impossible, we must first change our perspective.

And that is all I will say at the moment. Because Trent and Lena’s initial experiences hint at secrets that will be unveiled in books 3 and 4.

Save

Save

Save

‘An exhilarating ride,’ says Flash Point reviewer

“Reading a Thomas Locke novel is like racing a muscle car down an empty highway on a hot summer’s day — it’s an exhilarating ride that ends all too quickly.”

– From Dave Milbrandt’s review of Flash Point.Milbrandt Review

Cindy Anderson’s review:

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, flash point is:

“A point, place, or situation in which sudden anger or violence could happen; a point at which someone or something bursts suddenly into action or being.”

That being the case, Flash Point, the latest offering in the Fault Lines series by Thomas Locke, has been well named.

Three story lines converge

There are essentially three story lines being told that you can sense will eventually converge into a final eruption, and boy, do they. In addition to returning characters that were introduced in the first book, Trial Run (which I highly recommend you read in order to understand exactly what’s going on), there are several new characters that come on the scene whose lives will intersect with a select few of the original characters. In some cases new friendships will be forged, in others, old rivalries will be revisited and revenge will be the order of the day.

Scene from FLASH POINT by Thomas LockeGood vs. Evil

What one man creates to better the lives of others, another man will exploit and use for his own personal gain, usually to the detriment of others. Herein lies the main plot of the Fault Lines series.

Two groups of scientists/researchers have the same technology, or elements thereof, at their disposal. This technology was used in Trial Run by the original developer, Dr. Speciale, and her group, with good intentions.

It was also studied by another group to be used for the opposite reason, i.e., spying for personal gain. The technology is expanded upon in Flash Point and we are given insight into how it can be used to better the lives of various people, those in pain for example, or as a weapon used with the intent to kill by those who are on the wrong side of law and order. The former reason for using the technology is heartening, the latter reason is extremely scary.

Moving through time

While the whole concept of moving through time without being seen by those around us is both intriguing as well as mind-boggling, I hope it is just a figment of the author’s wonderful imagination and never actually comes to pass. Although, given the opportunity to go back and fix some mistakes or make different and better choices, without permanent physical damage mind, I can safely say I would do it in a heartbeat, or less.

Recommended for…

For those who homeschool high school students, I could easily see this series used as a unit study to stimulate interest and studies in various areas of math and science. These studies would create some very deep discussions regarding quantum theory, the ethics behind aiding others in dying, philosophy, etc.

I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend this second book in the Fault Lines series and anxiously await the next addition.

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Why Book 2 in the Fault Lines Series Introduces a New Cast of Characters

Trial Run, book #1 in the Fault Lines techno-thriller series, ends with several of the key characters on a private island. Some readers imagined that Flash Point (book 2) would open where Trial Run left off.

Yet Flash Point introduces a mostly new group of characters. Charlie Hazard and several others from the first story play crucial roles in Flash Point. But it is not their story.

Why FLASH POINT introduces new characters to the Fault Lines series | TLocke.comConsistent themes, different characters

My hope with all of the stories in the Fault Lines series is to introduce new directions and characters with each book, while holding to a core theme.

This is the type of series that most holds my interest as a reader. Readers have an opportunity to explore the main concepts from a variety of different directions.

Stand-alone titles (in a series)

And the stories remain what are called “stand-alones.” This means they do not need to be read in order, and no book in the series is dependent on another book. Each is a complete story on its own.

I really love that, and hope it means these stories become favorites for a whole new audience.

Save

Flash Point Releases Today. You Could Win Prizes!

The countdown has reached zero and Flash Point has launched! I’m hoping that you’ll love book 2 in the Fault Lines techno-thriller series, and am anxious to hear from you.

Flash Point by Thomas Locke releases August 2, 2016

Enter for a chance to win

So, how would you like a chance to win a 2-pack of both books in the series, Trial Run and Flash Point?

Entering is easy. Just visit my Facebook Page and look for this graphic:

Comment for a chance to win Flash Point and Trial Run by Thomas Locke

Then, leave a comment on the post.

Here’s your prompt (feel free to ignore the prompt and leave any kind of comment, if you prefer):

If a voice from beyond… your OWN voice… prompted you to walk away from everything so you could change the world, how would you respond?

Don’t Like Facebook? Enter Right Here

If you are one of the 10 people on the planet who don’t use Facebook, feel free to enter right here, in the Comments area of this blog post.

Check out the Official Rules here.

Good luck, and thanks for helping me celebrate the release of Flash Point!

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Flash Point Releases in 1 Day. Ready to Party With Me?

Tomorrow is launch day. Flash Point, book #2 in the Fault Lines techno-thriller series, will be on sale at your favorite online and brick-and-mortar booksellers.

Flash Point by Thomas Locke releases August 2, 2016

Join me tomorrow at my Facebook Page, where we’ll kick off the launch party with some fun prizes.

Reviewers Write…

Some of my “super fans” received an early-release copy of Flash Point. Here’s what they’re saying about the novel:

“A fantastic exploration of the concept of ‘out of body experiences’ and how they could change our world.”

–From Greg Enns’s review

A scene from Flash Point by Thomas Locke

“Like with Trial Run, the first book in the Fault Lines series, Locke’s skills in powerful writing and strong character development shine through. A few Bristishisms will keep American readers on their toes, but they don’t disturb the action-packed narrative that actually crackles in places.

The compelling storytelling of Flash Point pulls you in and refuses to let you go. Reading a Thomas Locke novel is like racing a muscle car down an empty highway on a hot summer’s day — it’s an exhilarating ride that ends all too quickly.

I can’t imagine what’s in store for us next.”

Dave Milbrandt’s review

Save

2 Days Until Flash Point Releases

Two short days until Flash Point releases. Flash Point is book #2 in the Fault Lines techno-thriller series (Trial Run is book 1).

Flash Point by Thomas Locke releases August 2, 2016.

You’ll definitely want to like my Facebook Page so you can participate in my launch day celebration (yes, there will be prizes).

Readers Say…

Early reviews of Flash Point are coming in. Here’s what readers have to say:

“I was spellbound as I tried to keep up with who was good and who was not as well as where they all were in relation to each other.

I tried to figure what was coming next but Thomas Locke was very masterful at keeping me guessing…”

–From Edward Arrington’s review

A scene from Flash Point, Thomas Locke's techno thriller

“What a fantastic second book in this series. It is fast-paced and kept me on the edge of my seat. I had a hard time putting it down when I needed to.

The main characters were very believable and catching up with some characters from the first book was super.

This is called a techno-thriller with good reason. However, the techno part was written in such a way that I was able to understand and follow along.

I highly recommend this suspense thriller.”

Robin Bunting’s review

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Flash Point is Coming. Let the countdown begin!

Only three days until the release of Flash Point, book #2 in the Fault Lines techno-thriller series.

Three days until the release of Flash Point by Thomas Locke

I’ve got something special planned for launch day that you won’t want to miss.

To find out what it is, like my Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/tlockebooks/.

After you’ve liked the page, click downward-pointing arrow in the “Liked” tab (located inside the large cover graphic at the top of my Page).  Select “See First” so my latest posts will display at the top of your News Feed.

To get Notifications, select “All On” in that same location.

Stay tuned… the countdown continues tomorrow, and more will be revealed.

Read Chapter 1 Now

While you’re waiting, why not read Chapter 1 of Flash Point? Click here to download the free PDF.

Thomas

P.S. Feel free to share today’s graphic with your friends on social media.

Save

Save

Save

Save

Is Mankind Ready to Redefine Death?

Flash Point by Thomas LockeOver the past five years, quantum physics has gradually, reluctantly, emerged from the lab. What was until recently considered on the verge of insanity has begun to redefine reality.

These discoveries frame Flash Point, the second installment in the Fault Lines series.

One such arena is the conflict raging within human psychology and biology, bio-physics, and pharmacology. Western concepts of healthcare and drugs and human testing all face cultural fault lines.

Many conservative scientists and doctors feel their professional lives have come under threat. Others, however, believe these issues reveal a need to redefine the very concept of life sciences.

Coalescing Field Theory

A group of scientists have recently begun work on what they term, ‘Coalescing Field Theory’. They propose that human beings, at their most elemental, are a pulsating energy charge. This has created some serious heat.

Traditional pharmacology is based upon the concept that human beings are essentially a series of carbon-based chemical actions and reactions. When these chemical processes are interrupted, human life ends.

The Coalescing Field Theorists say this is totally incorrect; all that happens is the physical shell ceases to interact with the larger physical universe.

The core human entity simply changes from one state of awareness to another.

What came next was the real declaration of war. Basing their work on quantum physics, Coalescing Field Theorists suggest these pulsating energy fields, what they hypothesize are the essential human structure, are also not isolated. Instead, these theorists applied a development in quantum theory known as nonlocality.

Nonlocality

In essence, nonlocality states that at the quantum or subatomic level, the entire universe is interconnected. Any quantum entity, such as a single electron, can influence another entity, regardless of space and time. The effects are instantaneous, and can theoretically occur over any distance.

At the quantum level, the speed of light is meaningless. In fact, it is theoretically possible for the effect to result before the event actually takes place. Coalescing Field Theorists use this concept of nonlocality as the basis to insist that all human entities are interconnected.

The Fault Lines techno-thriller series

The Fault Lines series contains the sort of visceral audience participation that drives such hits as the Harry Potter series and films like The Matrix. People return to these stories over and over because they want to claim this alternate reality for themselves. This defines a pinnacle of achievement in story, when the audience finds the concept so appealing they seek to replace their own reality with this new construct.

Flash Point: Book 2

Flash Point introduces a new series of characters, and a new definition of reality.

Lena Fennan, a corporate banker, discovers time can bend, and in the process redefines her entire professional existence. Self-interest, ambition, life in the fast lane – all become secondary to the process of discovery.

Lena is all about managing risk and making money. Then she receives an impossible communication inviting her to take a ridiculous leap. She only needs ten seconds to agree.

What follows is a series of events that take her to the brink of destruction. But she does so willingly, for every now and then she glimpses a triumph that previously she could not even have named, much less wanted for herself.

Reese Clawson emerges from fourteen months in federal prison, charged with her last remaining chance at freedom. Her task is simple in the extreme:

Whatever it takes.

Her goal is refined by the life she desperately wants to leave behind; identify everyone attached to the ground-breaking discovery known as ascents, and take them out. Starting with Charlie Hazard, the man who put her in the cage.

Flash Point releases August 2, 2016, from Revell. Click here to order your copy from your favorite online bookseller.

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Q&A with Thomas Locke: How to Pronounce Milantian

Legends of the Realm - an epic fantasy series by Thomas LockeA reader of Merchant of Alyss writes:

I have enjoyed Merchant of Alyss. I have a question that didn’t bother me when I read Emissary but does in Merchant.

How did you pronounce Milantian in your mind when you made up the language?

I have thought through three different pronunciations:

My lan teean

Mylanshun, like Martian

My lan tan

I’ve got a couple of others but those were the first that I had come into my mind. I minored in English along with my music major so, I have this pronunciation thing in my head.

Quote from Merchant of Alyss, by Thomas LockeMy response:

This is so cool.  It takes me back to discussions I had over Tolkien and his wordings when I was growing up.

In my head, it has been the same since the first moment it showed up on the page.

Mih – LAN – ti – an

lan as in land

ti as in tea

accent on the second syllable.

Thanks so much for this reason to smile!

More Questions?

I love answering questions from readers about my books. Post yours in the comments.