Ashur's Tears (Cypher, 1)

Ashur's Tears (Cypher, 1)

Review "An action-packed thriller complete with fantastical technology, ancient oracles, demons, a goddess and the most likable geek you'll ever meet." --A.K. Turner, New York Times Bestselling Author "I couldn't stop reading this grand and glorious adventure. Bill Riley is a splendid author and an authentic storyteller with a wicked imagination." --Elaine Ambrose, Bestselling Humorist and Award-Winning Author of Melody's Magical Flying Machine Product Description An Ancient Magic Technology Reaches across the Ages to Wreak Havoc Toby Cypher has it pretty good. He's on the cusp of success with his mimics (programmable morphing robots indistinguishable from humans), he has a side gig volunteering at the Air Force Museum, and he's tutoring the prettiest, coolest girl in school. Toby's world falls apart when he learns that his father--Dr. Erasmus Cypher, a scientist who does classified work for the government--has gone down in a plane crash over Iraq. But Toby's sister Katie soon uncovers a secret message on their dad's smart phone--a message sent after the plane crashed. Toby and Katie are drawn into the dizzying world of their father's secret work, a world of untold danger and pro-found histories, where the two siblings will need all their wits just to survive. Science meets magic in award-winning author Bill Riley's debut fiction novel, Ashur's Tears, the fast-paced, intricately plotted first installment in the Cypher series.--Bill Riley From School Library Journal Gr 4-6-Preteen Toby Cypher enjoys a charming life. He spends his time creating and building "mimics," programmable morphing robots that are advanced enough to be indistinguishable from humans. In his free time, he volunteers at the Air Force Museum and tutors Rachel, the coolest girl in school. However his life comes apart when he learns that his father, a scientist who does classified work for the government, is in a plane crash over Iraq. When Toby's sister, Katie, discovers a secret message in the last song on their dad's phone, they are sucked into their father's secret work with the government. They soon learn that his job was filled with danger and betrayal. The siblings have to work together to make it out of the secret world alive. This title connects magic and science in an attempt to cultivate a fast-paced addition to the fantasy adventure genre. Sadly, it misses its mark. The plot is difficult to follow, the characters are not well-rounded, and elements of the world-building are quite confusing. VERDICT A solid effort that unfortunately falls short of its promising premise.-Amy Calderaa(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. About the Author Bill Riley is an award-winning author and retired US Air Force lieutenant colonel. He was the kid who always got yelled at for daydreaming in school but still earned advanced degrees. Mostly, Bill uses his powers for good. He also spent much of his life working in secret worlds. While rarely on the government naughty list, they do keep watch, and this book was reviewed by several agencies for classified information before it was released. Bill wants to assure you, and he is obligated to say, that this story is fiction. The fantastic events depicted in this fantasy book did not happen, and the world was never actually in danger. Really. Bill Riley lives in Eagle, Idaho, with his wife and two sons. Brian Call is an illustrator and an educator. He lives and works in Ammon, Idaho, with his wife and kids. Brian served as a missionary in Puerto Rico and loved the time he spent sharing the gospel with the people there. Now his kids are growing up and leaving home to serve missions of their own. Brian has illustrated Practicing for Heaven, Illustrated Book of Mormon Stories, and Illustrated Bible Stories for Latter-day Saints and many other books. Brian also shares his love of drawing as a teacher in the art department at BYU-Idaho.