Phillip Johnson / Author and Artist
Paperbacks
The Beautiful Touch
Trevor Grey, a moody young man, just wants to win a fencing tournament, and maybe earn an A rating in the process. He’s come in third place before, but to him, third place is third-rate. It’s nothing to be proud of.
He’s been trying to train rigorously, but life keeps getting in the way. His parents’ divorce weighs on his mind and emotions. His mother has a new love in her life who he despises sight unseen. The girl he likes at his fencing club only notices him when he does something stupid. And now, the fabric of time is starting to unravel. The past and present are converging, with Trevor caught in the middle.
When a tragedy threatens to overwhelm him, Trevor discovers the answer to all his problems might be right in front of him, over two hundred years before he was born.
Trio: 3 Tales of Dark Urban Fantasy
These stories are also sold individually as eBooks on Amazon
Aaron’s Last Day
A boy running out of time too soon and an ancient being wearied by eons of existence. On this final day, their alliance of opposites will have far-reaching consequences for those around them. For some, it will mean redemption. Others won’t be so lucky.
Anomalous Node
Thomas Lloyd has become a recluse since the death of his wife, Sarah, five years ago. He believes himself to be content in his own private world with only alcohol to keep him company. But when he begins to receive strange visitations through an old computer monitor, each with a terrible secret to share, the walls of his world begin to crumble. Through the
widening cracks, Thomas catches glimpses of the worst secret of all, one he may not survive.
A Light Revision
Oliver Grey has an unusual existence. His life has become a jumble of puzzle pieces, some of which repeat themselves while others don’t fit together properly. His family is odd, too. Grandma manipulates light. Mother consorts with shadows. And now he’s been drafted into the losing side of an interplanetary war. His chances of survival should be somewhere around zero. But Oliver has a secret weapon.
Trio Reviewed by Doreen Chombu for Readers’ Favorite
Trio: 3 Tales of Dark Urban Fantasy by Phillip Johnson is a collection of stories that explore grief, identity, and existential questions. They have science fiction and supernatural elements, with tales of immortal beings, interdimensional ships, and time travel. The first story, Aaron’s Last Day, follows the life of a fragile boy and his elderly mentor and protector. It covers the past and present, shifting between dreams and reality, and conveys messages of justice, hope, and new beginnings. The second tale, Anomalous Node, delves into themes of guilt and isolation. It tells the story of Thomas, a man struggling with his past and the weight of his neighbors’ secrets. The last story is A Light Revision, and it revolves around Oliver, the last descendant of his bloodline. Despite his magical life, he struggles with his indifferent mother and undefined destiny.
Trio is an engaging collection with a bit of everything. Phillip Johnson combines suspense and drama into captivating narratives that explore life’s complexities. Each tale is thought-provoking with psychological elements that draw readers into the characters’ worlds and help them connect with and relate to their struggles. The characters grapple with challenges related to modern life, such as addictions, morality, and guilt. This makes them authentic and immersive, as readers can see reflections of their own experiences in the characters’ journeys. The collision of fantasy and reality is what makes this book stand out. The smooth narration and unpredictable plots also add to the book’s uniqueness. The stories have great character development and highlight the interconnectedness of human experiences. We learn from everyone we meet, and each experience shapes who we are. Overall, this is a must-read for anyone who loves short fantasy tales with life-changing lessons.
eBooks
A boy whose time is ending too soon befriends an ancient being weary of existence. On this last day, their alliance of opposites will have wide-ranging consequences for those around them. For some, it will mean redemption. Others won’t be so lucky.
Thomas Lloyd has become a recluse since the death of his wife, Sarah, five years earlier. He believes himself to be content in his own private world with only alcohol to keep him company. But when he begins to receive strange visitations through an old computer monitor, each with a terrible secret to share, the walls of his world begin to crumble. Through the widening cracks, Thomas catches glimpses of the worst secret of all, one he may not survive.
Oliver Grey has an unusual existence. His life has become a jumble of puzzle pieces, some of which repeat themselves while others don’t fit together properly. His grandmother manipulates light. His mother consorts with shadows. And now he’s been drafted into the losing side of an interplanetary war. His chances of survival should be somewhere around zero. But Oliver has a secret weapon.
Christmas is the favorite time of the year for many kids. But for Ainsley, Halloween holds that honor. That’s because Ainsley knows the terrors of Halloween are thrilling but illusory and can’t hurt him the way the real monsters in his world can. But this Halloween, in the nighttime streets lit only by the flickering yellow eyes of a multitude of jack o’lanterns, something not of his world waits specifically for him.