On the planet Lydo a nineteen year old student decides to take a field trip to the Netherworld, a planet of darkness.
On the planet Lydo, in the city of Iru, nineteen-year-old Brad a research student at the Science Academy enters Daganland, a Netherworld city, to research its little-known inhabitants. The caveat: he will lose his memory and take on the form of the natives.
Waking up in the town of Nofer in Daganland, Brad enters into a world ruled by a Tyrant. It is a planet of darkness where the inhabitants live and work by night. Socialization and friendships are forbidden, except in the formal setting of work related activities. Brad becomes an elite student selected to head Daganland’s Intake Department. The majority of the inhabitants are former humans.Brad is assigned to observe the habits and behaviorsof humansin their world as a part of hisfuture career.Instead of obeying his instructorsto be merely an observer he grows fond of the humans, and his studies take a new direction.
In the vein of C. S. Lewis, J. R. R. Tolkien, and William P. Young, Night Rumbles follows Brad as he completes an assignment to research a trio of humans. But as Brad's affection for the humans grows, his conflicted heart forces him to make a decision to yield to his leader's wishes or defy them.
Haunted by an unknown past, and with dangers lurking at every turn, Brad must use all of his cunning to defeat the malicious forces around him and save his new friends. But will he ever get to return to his home
Excerpt
Prologue
A research student in the astronomy department of a great learning institution created shock waves that rippled through three galaxies. His intent was not to interrupt the flow of life for any creature, but he did. And this is his story.
Brad, the nineteen-year-old student, in his fourth year of training in astrophysics, was a keen researcher with an avid curiosity. He had traveled extensively be-tween galaxies since the age of ten. He loved his home and his studies, in that order.
The science academy was in the city of Iru, capital of the planet Lydo, which lies in the galaxy of Ourano in the third universe. Brad’s research studies focused on the Netherworld’s planet of Dluse, which intersected the human world in the first universe. The Supreme Lord governed all three existing universes.
On the fateful day, Brad was in the classroom to give a short presentation on universal behavioral patterns, a course requirement for his fourth year oral exams. He stood at the podium with Professor Mikol to present an update on his research.
“It’s all yours Brad,” the professor said. “We’re waiting for your report on the Netherworld.”
“A report on trivia, Professor Mikol. It’s proving more difficult than I expected to obtain useful information on the inhabitants behavioral patterns. Their ruler known as the Head Honcho rebelled against our Supreme Lord in the far distant past. As a result, he and his followers were exiled to the Netherworld.”
“Those facts are historic, and we all know them,” said Professor Mikol with a slight smile.
“Yes, and my other facts, too.” Brad replied. “Our inter- galactic journeys bypass the Netherworld. My plea to view the files of our Lydo security agents was granted, but no data on the daily habits of the residents is collected.
“Perhaps you can find more information if you take a field trip to Eyrl.” Professor Mikol suggested.
“I did, but the reference Librarian said no current or past information existed on the social practices of the inhabitants. My trip to Eyrl’s library ended in failure. However, there is one recourse remaining, Professor Mikol. Is a field trip to Dluse possible?”
“A risky venture rarely permitted, Brad. I will ex-plore the possibility and get back to you.
During the next month, Professor Mikol consulted with the academic and government authorities on the possi-bility of inserting Brad into Dluse, capital and foremost planet, of the Netherworld. The most likely place was Nofer, a town in Daganland that intersected the human world.With the plan firmly set, Professor Mikol said, “It bears repeating, Brad. Your memory will be erased, and you will enter Daganland with no mind ties to your home.
In addition, you will have the outer form of the na-tives who are mostly exiles from the human world. You are crossing into an unknown and dangerous country. Kindly Nofer residents may be in short supply. Are you sure you of this journey to Dluse?”
“I will chance it and use the wits you reckon I have to navigate the dark lands, Professor. I’m ready to go.”
And so, Brad went into the darkness.
Professional Reviews
And so Brad went into the darkness
By Grady Harp HALL OF FAMETOP 100 REVIEWERVINE VOICE on August 16, 2015
Format: Kindle Edition
Kentucky author Nancy Janes worked as a Clinical Social Worker, but now has focused on creating stories that reflect not only her love for her Appalachian roots and her treasured Christian heritage, but also her desire to provide young readers with story based guide to enhanced beliefs in the spiritual aspects of life. Her initial book THE BOY WHO WALKED A WAY was a story of the world of light as experienced by a boy, ten years old, who must find sanctuary from a world at war. In NIGHT RUMBLES Nancy continues to focus on younger characters and it is a dark humorous tale of the Netherworld, the planet of darkness as seen through the eyes of a nineteen year old student from a galaxy of superior beings.
What is becoming a fine trait in Nancy's writing is the security she provides in her Prologue that the story will be rich: `A research student in the astronomy department of a great learning institution created shock waves that rippled across three galaxies. His intent was not to interrupt the flow of life for any creature, but he did. And this is his story. Brad, the nineteen-year-old student, in his fourth year of training in astrophysics, was a keen researcher with an avid curiosity. He had traveled extensively between galaxies since the age of ten. He loved his home and his studies, in that order. The academy of science was in the city of Iru, capital of the planet Lydo, which lies in the galaxy of Ourano in the third universe. Brad's research studies focused on Dluse, the main planet of the Netherworld, which intersected the human world in the first universe. The Supreme Lord governed all three existing universes. On the fateful day, Brad was in the classroom to give a short presentation on universal behavioral patterns, a required course for his fourth year oral exams.What is becoming a fine trait in Nancy's writing is the security she provides in her Prologue that the story will be rich: `A research student in the astronomy department of a great learning institution created shock waves that rippled across three galaxies. His intent was not to interrupt the flow of life for any creature, but he did. And this is his story. Brad, the nineteen-year-old student, in his fourth year of training in astrophysics, was a keen researcher with an avid curiosity. He had traveled extensively between galaxies since the age of ten. He loved his home and his studies, in that order. The academy of science was in the city of Iru, capital of the planet Lydo, which lies in the galaxy of Ourano in the third universe. Brad's research studies focused on Dluse, the main planet of the Netherworld, which intersected the human world in the first universe. The Supreme Lord governed all three existing universes. On the fateful day, Brad was in the classroom to give a short presentation on universal behavioral patterns, a required course for his fourth year oral exams. He stood at the podium with Professor Mikol to present an update on his research. "It's all yours, Brad," the Professor said. "Share your research on the Netherworld's populace."....Is it possible for me to take a field trip to Dluse?' During the next month, Professor Mikol consulted with the academic and government authorities on the possibility of inserting Brad into Dluse, the ruler's home planet in the Netherworld. The most likely place was Nofer, a town in Daganland, which intersected the human world. With the plan firmly set, Professor Mikol said, "It is worth repeating, Brad. Your memory will be erased. You will enter Daganland with no mind ties to your home.'
Enticingly set Prologue excerpts lead to the synopsis by the author: `On the planet Lydo, a nineteen-year-old research student at the Academy named Brad enters the Netherworld to research its little-known inhabitants. The caveat: he will lose his memory and his form. Waking up in the town of Nofer in Daganland, Brad enters into a world ruled by a Tyrant. It is a planet of darkness where the inhabitants live and work by night. Socialization and friendships are forbidden except in the formal setting of work related activities. Brad becomes an elite student, assigned to head Daganland's Intake Department. He must observe the habits and behaviors of humans as part of his future career because they are the majority of Daganland residents. Instead of obeying his instructors to be merely an invisible observer he grows fond of the humans, and his studies take a new direction. The story follows Brad as he completes an assignment to research a trio of humans. But as Brad's affection for the humans grows, his conflicted heart forces him to make a decision to yield to his leader's wishes or defy them. Haunted by an unknown past, and with dangers lurking at every turn, Brad must use all of his cunning to defeat the malicious forces around him and save his new friends. But will he ever get to return to his home world?'
Devotees of science fiction will love this book. But it is not limited to sci-fi fans because of Nancy's ability to create characters about whom we care and encourages us to consider the spiritual aspect of lives - in a most successful way. Grady Harp, August 15
I Loved It
I simply loved this book. It is a wonderful fantasy and futuristic story and was a blast to read. I enjoyed the mix of characters and especially Brad/Brat. He is funny and curious and just so well defined. The others added so much to the story line and made it so compelling. The details are very imaginative and clearly written and it sends the reader on a great journey. It is written well and easy to read and stay with. I hated to see it end. This is the second book from Nancy Janes and she is quickly becoming a favorite author of mine. Her mind is amazing and her imagination has no bounds. I highly recommend this book and author to everyone, it is a wonderful addition to my library and I can not wait for her next book. Read it, you will love it. Great job Nancy, keep them coming!
Great Quality
ByRenee Spicuzzaon August 22, 2015
Format: Kindle Edition
One of the most noteworthy reasons for reading this novel is the similarity that it has to other great writers like J. R. R. Tolkien, who is one of my favorite authors in the fantasy genre. Nancy Janes’, “Night Rumbles,” is a very descriptive novel that immersed me in a brand new world, unlike anything I have ever read about in other books. Brad gives up his current research lifestyle, so that he can invest his even better than before, by becoming a new person with no prior memory. Brad starts to observe humanity not just from the outside, but starts to get involved with the humans, an action that gets him into trouble, but uncovers secrets that had been hidden. As Brad continues to experience life with humans, he better understands that he is similar to them, but also feels a pull to Lydo, his home, even though he has no memory of it, almost as if it was instinctive. Overall, the high quality of writing and remarkable plot makes “Night Rumbles” a fantastic book to read.
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