Brian Kenneth Swain

Mind State is a new collection of imaginative and thought-provoking tales from the author of Day's End, Sistina, and World Hunger. In Icarus Falling, a routine lunar supply mission turns into a hellish journey whose end can only be carnage, for the crew and for everyone awaiting their arrival. In Eliot's Ghost, a business executive must finally face the consequences of a long-forgotten decision as he searches for a mysterious, long-lost worker whose tormented spirit fills his dreams. And in Arwen, a young woman shopping for books meets an unexpected stranger, one who shares wonders beyond her imagining and, in the end, leaves her with a truly unexpected gift. Swain's second collection of short fiction is a journey unlike any he has taken us on before. The stories bring to life characters who face seemingly insurmountable obstacles, delivering moments that range from unexpected bliss to abject terror. Mind State is more than just suspenseful fiction. The people are real, the challenges immense, and the outcomes beyond the unexpected, possibly even beyond comprehension. The stories that comprise this astonishing collection will make you rethink the values and beliefs you hold dearest, and quite possibly even change your views about not only cause and effect, but also right and wrong.

Mind State is a new collection of imaginative and thought-provoking tales from the author of Day's End, Sistina, and World Hunger. In Icarus Falling, a routine lunar supply mission turns into a hellish journey whose end can only be carnage, for the crew and for everyone awaiting their arrival. In Eliot's Ghost, a business executive must finally face the consequences of a long-forgotten decision as he searches for a mysterious, long-lost worker whose tormented spirit fills his dreams. And in Arwen, a young woman shopping for books meets an unexpected stranger, one who shares wonders beyond her imagining and, in the end, leaves her with a truly unexpected gift. Swain's second collection of short fiction is a journey unlike any he has taken us on before. The stories bring to life characters who face seemingly insurmountable obstacles, delivering moments that range from unexpected bliss to abject terror. Mind State is more than just suspenseful fiction. The people are real, the challenges immense, and the outcomes beyond the unexpected, possibly even beyond comprehension. The stories that comprise this astonishing collection will make you rethink the values and beliefs you hold dearest, and quite possibly even change your views about not only cause and effect, but also right and wrong.

Though the day is cool and windy, Khalid is sweating profusely by the time he rounds the south corner of the market's main avenue. The entire marketplace is more than ten blocks long, and the choice of precise location is entirely his. Do not attract attention, they had said. Ride at the same speed as everyone else. Best if you do not stop before pushing the button. Just keep riding. "Mrs. Levin," Ariella calls into the rear of the shop. "I think I'll take you up on that delivery. There's a man coming just n-" The first sprinkles of late morning rain have begun to fall on the marketplace. At that moment, the center of the avenue, the vegetable stand, nine other shops, the old woman, the young girl, and more than a dozen others much like them all disappear in one apocalyptic flash of brilliant white light. And with them, a young man who has closed his eyes at the last moment, just as his trembling thumb pushes firmly down on the button.

Two old friends. Two new friends. One BIG adventure Hegel and Hobbes have very different philosophies about life as they set out on a wondrous journey that will introduce them to new companions and teach them valuable lessons about teamwork, creativity, and the importance of keeping a positive outlook on life. Learn how high you can climb and how far you can go if you have faith in yourself and the help of a few really good friends.

Two old friends. Two new friends. One BIG adventure Hegel and Hobbes have very different philosophies about life as they set out on a wondrous journey that will introduce them to new companions and teach them valuable lessons about teamwork, creativity, and the importance of keeping a positive outlook on life. Learn how high you can climb and how far you can go if you have faith in yourself and the help of a few really good friends.

From the author of Sistina, Alone in the Light, and World Hunger The Book of Names is Brian Kenneth Swain's first collection of short fiction. The stories, characters, and themes explored in this work are as universal as they are diverse: bravery, greed, legacy, and a serious infatuation with horses and French horns. In the title story, one soldier turns hopelessness into a moment of grandeur and sacrifice. In "The Antique Shop," the proprietor and his customer marvel at the absurdity of debating the provenance and value of a book that cannot possibly exist, despite it being there in the shop with them. And in "Convergence," two Middle Eastern men share a drink and speak of the inestimable loss each has suffered in a recent terrorist attack, and the terrible secret that binds them together. Swain dissects with candor and immediacy the emotions and motivations of his characters, whether in response to dowsing a well, opening a hamburger shop, working to thwart child abusers, talking a friend off a ledge, or shopping for one's own casket. The people are instantly recognizable, the fears and joys are boundless, and the language is imbued with empathy, honesty, and humor. The inhabitants of The Book of Names are your neighbors, your friends, your family, possibly even yourself.

From the author of Sistina, Alone in the Light, and World Hunger The Book of Names is Brian Kenneth Swain's first collection of short fiction. The stories, characters, and themes explored in this work are as universal as they are diverse: bravery, greed, legacy, and a serious infatuation with horses and French horns. In the title story, one soldier turns hopelessness into a moment of grandeur and sacrifice. In "The Antique Shop," the proprietor and his customer marvel at the absurdity of debating the provenance and value of a book that cannot possibly exist, despite it being there in the shop with them. And in "Convergence," two Middle Eastern men share a drink and speak of the inestimable loss each has suffered in a recent terrorist attack, and the terrible secret that binds them together. Swain dissects with candor and immediacy the emotions and motivations of his characters, whether in response to dowsing a well, opening a hamburger shop, working to thwart child abusers, talking a friend off a ledge, or shopping for one's own casket. The people are instantly recognizable, the fears and joys are boundless, and the language is imbued with empathy, honesty, and humor. The inhabitants of The Book of Names are your neighbors, your friends, your family, possibly even yourself.