Additional information and sample text:
I will be the first to say that there are parts of this book that may present a challenge and be a difficult read for some, being that the writing is cryptic and abstract. Even so being, everything does have a meaning, represents, or relates to something most of us are familiar with. Then too, there are some parts that are by design thinly veiled.
The book may be broken into two distinct parts. The first lays a philosophical foundation with an overview of biblical and world history that reads as much like an abstract history book as it does a story. About midway, the book merges into a modern age. From this point the intensity increases as the story develops. It also begins taking on a more political aspect detailing various movements, governmental and non-governmental groups, agencies, organizations, and individuals. Here, the book becomes confrontational, and in some places, controversial. This part of the book moved me to add the afterword as a preemptive against any misrepresentations or misinterpretations of what is intended to be conveyed. You may do well to read the afterword beforehand to remove any doubt as to what is being said.
Lastly, this is a thinkers' book. Again, for some it may pose a challenge, being that the writing contains numerous symbols, idioms, and obscure scriptural references which may confound those who are not familiar with them. It is an enigma (ainigma - Greek) written in the abstract to be deciphered. Although the story is comprehensive, not many readers are likely to grasp the depth of every single part. It is certainly a cryptic and unusual book; still, it will definitely intrigue some. I foresee three basic reactions to this writing: "I love this," "I hate this," and, in some instances, "What is this?
Text sample:
Chapter 6: A Rising Star
It was during the Days of Angst when the intrusive darkness finally pervaded all the kingdoms of Ainigma, including the Kingdom on the Hill. Never had it been so dark since the last Great War. Adding to the shadowy darkness, other crises were now looming on every horizon—pitch black clouds driven by the changing winds of uncertainty. Beholding the development of these things, the beasts and creatures were overcome with anxieties which continually increased their bewilderment. Confusion abounded.
It was then, from among the rodents, there arose one up claiming the right of lordship over the Kingdom on the Hill. His appearance was sudden, and it was not easily ascertained from whence he came, nor whither he would go. For it seemed he came from nowhere; and he was clothed in ambiguity.
He was a slender rodent, with fur, which under good light clearly shone red. Too, only then did he cast a shadow. Albeit, his shadow bore almost no resemblance at all as to how he presented himself. Other than that, he had a long tail, with which he was able to pull a countless number of other rodents along behind him. And he also had exceedingly sharp teeth; although, he skillfully managed to keep these very well concealed. Yet, above all the other intriguing attributes that brought about him great wonderment, it was his new clothes that became the rave and were a delirium.
Moreover, he spoke with audacity and boasted great things which pleased many of the creatures. It was for this reason he was given power by the Reptiles. And the Great Carnivores moved over to make space for him.
When the fowl of the air saw him, they were well pleased by his appearance. When they heard him speak, they were even more taken. Immediately they proclaimed his arrival flying into all four winds. Heralding his coming, they cried,
“A bright new star is rising above all . . . an avant-garde whose illumination is as a lone light shinning in a darkened sky! . . .”
This greatly excited the hyenas who quickly gathered around to embrace him. As emotions were stirred, many more of the wild beasts and creatures lauded him also; thronging him, they followed in amazement. For as an enchanting melody flowing from the flute of a mystical piper, his words cast a spell, charming the snakes, entrancing the rodents, and beckoning all—Come.
The leopard, on the other paw, was most reluctant to follow after the Rodent as she had for some time now assumed it her destiny to reign over the creatures of the kingdom. Neither was she at all amused when her followers began leaving her to embrace the Rodent.
First, she tried to change her spots, then, to undermine the Rodent tactfully without impugning herself, both to no avail. She also engaged a number of different reptiles for advice; but neither could they provide her with an answer. Finally, when she perceived she could not prevail, she made a pact with the Rodent for a price and joined him, albeit, somewhat grudgingly and in bitterness of spirit. Thereafter, other factions of wild beasts who in times passed were at enmity against each other came together and gave their power unto the Rodent also, crying out,
“He has come! . . . The One whom we have been awaiting has come! . . .”
Within the book ONE is an expression of the innate tendency of civilizations to descend into tyranny. The story is philosophical, written in allegory with parables and riddles. It begins with a “Tower of Babel,” and it ends with a “Tower of Babel.” In between is a shadow of world history. It is for this reason, the storyline is not contrived as much as it is comprehended, conceptualized, and then communicated in the abstract. The book ONE is also no less than two stories told with one set of words. It is a writing that must be deciphered, and which, in many instances contains multiple meanings.
R.A. Sprinkle is an opinion writer engaging mostly in commentary. However, he enjoys philosophy and "true" fiction, and as a musician, finds fulfillment in playing and writing music and lyrics as well. His opinion writing usually addresses current and future events as viewed from Biblical and historical perspectives. These writings have been reproduced and appear in print and electronic media. He is also the proprietor of several blogs including Skarbutts, and a philosophical blog, The Cogitations of Skarbutts.