WHAT’S NEXT? MY REVIEW

What’s Next: Jeffrey Daniels

What If? Everything you drew became a reality? What if you could change the course of events with just the flick of a pencil on a sketchbook that would create a scene that would change your life? What if you could bring you father back in a world that looks real but is really not? What if you met what you think is your father, told him your tale or story and then hoped he would return in the flesh in the real world? Jeremy Shuttle is about to draw a picture that will take him back in time to a cave where he hopes to understand the pictures on the walls and hopes it will lead him to find out what happened to his father. But, entering a room that seems like any normal room, a door that does not open he becomes concerned that he might never return home. Then, someone knocks, opens the door and what or who appears to be his father is on the other side but just who is this man and how can he help Jeremy find his father in the real world? What’s Next: Jeffrey Daniels wait until you read this.

As Jeremy relates what happens to him to this man who claims to be his father another figure shows up and causing him to doubt just who or what he can trust. But, when one man is eliminated and the other remains he goes back in time and relates what happens when he decides to go to Washington near the Lincoln Memorial and what happens will enlighten readers to know that this young twelve year old although talented, smart and quite enterprising does not always think things through. Winding up in Washington, slamming his forehead, afraid to bring too much attention to himself he overhears two men talking about the sketchbook and a man who hired them to either get the book away from him or get him too. But, what he takes with him is supposedly not real and what his mother has at home should bring him safely back. Hoping she does not close the book too soon will he be able to escape from what these men have planned? : Collective Unconscious: According to Carl Jung, each person not only has their own unique unconscious mind, but also shares some elements of unconsciousness with all other people. He called this shared unconscious, the collective unconscious. Jung suggested that there are archetypes (images and memories of important human experiences) that are passed down from generation to generation. These archetypes can be common designs, shapes, colors, and figures seen over and over again throughout time. For example, Jung suggested that a rash of disk shaped UFO sightings were related to an archetype of god — he believed that the disk-shape was an archetype of godlike form and perfection and the rash of sightings was an expression by people who wanted to be saved from destruction by some superhuman force. OR as the author explains it on page 8 as “ the collective unconscious originally grew out of primal thoughts, those of food, safety and family. Billions of minds across time have always had these primal needs. Drawing upon on of these primal needs opens pathways for certain people.”? But, what Will, or his so call fake Dad, tells him on page 47 brings it into focus even more when he learns that others can tap into what he knows and his thoughts helping readers and Jeremy understand why these two men knew where he was and when in Washington D.C. Someone is after him that has the same ability that he does. Realizing that the book puts in him danger, can get someone killer and but not really. In reality it is not the book but someone else who is tapping into his power. How scary is that for a 12 year old? But, this did not deter him and the excitement grew and learning that his ability to use this power came from within himself and not the book would scare an adult no less Jeremy. But, there is much more as they face off with Carl again,

When he goes back into real time his mother’s reaction to his condition, being tied up and the cut on his forehead definitely brings to light just how afraid she is for her son. Added in Natalie is more in the picture and his true feelings her for although just a kid, are starting to come out but where he winds up and what happens next in the cave and how they escape will take him across the ocean. But, things revert from real time with his mother and Natalie to his time with Will where he hopes to find the answers to where his father might be and why he has to find him but how? Learning more about the men that tried to kidnap him, the man who hired him and finding a similar art store, Jeremy faces many dangers, has to learn what is real and not real and just who can be trusted. A visit to the police in France enlightens them to what is really happening but why can’t he help them and where will the police captain’s investigation lead? What happens when they sight see and someone pretends to be interested in Jeremy’s art? Just what would they do without Natalie? She is smart, perceptive and always has his back you might say. No wonder his mother thinks they are a perfect match.

Then we return to Jeremy who is on his way to France with Will and a friend named Abbe on plane that seems to run on limitless fuel. But, what happens will surprise the reader and Jeremy’s reaction will prove that he is quite tough, smart and just might safe the day. When Will is in trouble watch what he does and where they wind up. With Natalie and his mother, the sketchbook and his ingenuity we return to real time to find out what happens when they exit the cave and find themselves face to face with Jarvis DaHurst, not a nice man. An ending that will take you back in history where you might meet creatures that have been gone for a long time, three men who will do anything to get their hands on Jeremy and one twelve year old who just wants his Dad. What happens to Natalie and his mother you won’t believe? Where does Jeremy wind up? An ending so explosive you won’t believe it? Will Jeremy ever find his Dad? What will happen to his mother and Natalie? Who has the sketchbook? These unanswered questions will have to wait until our talented author pens the next chapter in the Jeremy Shuttle Adventures and I for one hope he does it soon. The ending is a great cliffhanger and readers will definitely love Jeremy, his intelligence and his loyalty to his family. Will he ever admit he cares for Natalie? This is about friendship, loyalty, deceit, lies, betrayals and one young man who has the power to change it all in flick of a pencil. Beware of anyone who presents you with a sketchbook. You too might create your own adventures if you have use your collective unconscious and your imagination.

Fran Lewis: reviewer