Buried near Italy’s Mount Vesuvius is a fortified observatory containing priceless artifacts dating to the earliest record of human events. Only one person—the Getty Museum’s Amanda James—can unlock the mysterious doors that guard the chamber.
But once inside, Amanda is shocked to discover evidence left behind by a notorious Biblical killer—who long ago wandered off the pages of history.
When a strange relic unveils the miraculous truth about this villain, Amanda must confront sinister forces intent on suppressing her stunning revelation—before it alters the destiny of millions!
Wayward Son takes the reader back in time where epic adventures in Egypt, Greece, China and Rome collide with modern-day intrigue and suspense. Journey with Amanda and witness the incredible story of the world’s original Wayward Son.
For more information on Wayward Son, click HERE.
Tom Pollack (center) has spent most of his professional career in the investment business, but his passions for sailing and adventure spawned the entrepreneurial and creative endeavors that ultimately provided the inspiration for Wayward Son.
A former member of the U.S. Sailing Team, Tom served from 2001 to 2007 as the CEO of the Transpac (TP) 52 sailboat racing class. During that time, he collaborated with His Majesty Juan Carlos, King of Spain, in the creation of the professional grand prix racing circuit now known as the Audi Medcup.
A Southern California native, Tom graduated from Loyola Marymount University with a bachelor’s degree in political science. He resides in Dana Point with his wife, Jennifer, and their two children. Tom serves as President of the Mission Basilica School Foundation in San Juan Capistrano and the Chairman of ExplorOcean, Newport Beach’s popular nautical museum.
Jim Alves (left) recently completed a 25-year career in bond sales and trading, partnering with Tom for most of that period. He graduated from The University of Massachusetts with a bachelor’s degree in finance and economics. He currently is Chief Executive Officer of Prometheus Holdings, a financial consulting firm. Jim resides in San Clemente, California with his wife Jackie and their two young boys, having successfully launched two older sons from the nest. Jim is a passionate race horse owner as well as an avid golfer and dirt bike rider. A native of New England, he remains an unapologetic fan of the Red Sox, the Celtics, and the Patriots.
John Loftus (right) spent 23 years at Pacific Investment Management Company (PIMCO), where as a Managing Director he focused on new product development and marketing. Tom and Jim recruited John to the Wayward Son project while he was winding down his investment career at PIMCO. A graduate of Stanford University and the Stanford Graduate School of Business, his writings have been published in various financial journals and textbooks. Now President of Cascada Productions, John is also active in philanthropy and the non-profit sector, serving as President of both the First Corinthians 13:13 Foundation and The Southern California Children’s Chorus. An Ohio native, John resides in Newport Beach, California, with his wife, Lori. They have three grown children and two grandchildren. In his spare time, John tries, typically in vain, to best Lori on the golf course.
My Impressions:
Mark 8:36 — What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? (NIV)
I got this book a little late, so I haven’t quite finished it yet. But let me tell you that what I have read so far (about 2/3 of the way through) is fantastic. Pollock, Alves, and Loftus have crafted an epic story that combines speculative, historical and suspense fiction in one —
Speculative — The wayward son of the novel is no other than Cain (yes that Cain). They have made the premise that Cain’s curse included never dying. How did he survive the flood? You will just have to read the book! So it seems Cain is doomed to wander the Earth forever.
Historical — Sometimes through design and sometimes through serendipity, Cain is inserted into major developments in world history. The historical detail of Wayward Son is outstanding. I am learning so much and in a fun way too!
Suspense — There are definitely some villains (besides Cain) in this novel. Amanda James is a noted expert in papyri and is called in to unlock the doors of a major find in Herculaneum. But there are forces lined up to prevent her task. I haven’t been able to figure out just what is going on yet. That is actually a great thing. I like not knowing until the end of the book.
I have a long car ride ahead of me and all my children are licensed drivers so I will never have to get behind the wheel! I look forward to more riveting reading from Wayward Son. When I get back I will let you know my final impressions. But from what I have read so far, Wayward Son will probably make my best of the best list for 2011. And an added bonus, Wayward Son is just the first in a series!
(I received Wayward Son from Glass Road PR in return for a review. The opinions expressed are mine alone.)
Thanks so much for sharing. This book sounds very interesting and I look forward to checking it out. Thanks for introducing me to the authors. I’m dutifully following now.
-Jimmy