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.
THE BEAUTIFUL TOUCH From the review by Frank Mutuma for Readers’ Favorite
The Beautiful Touch by Phillip Johnson is wonderfully written and takes the reader on a gripping journey with unexpected directions and moral dilemmas. The writing is crisp and filled with well-crafted dialogue that brings the story and the characters to life. The reader will also appreciate the excellent narration and the seamless plot flow. This was a good story, and I look forward to reading something else by Phillip Johnson.
Trio: 3 Tales of Dark Urban Fantasy
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.
Short Story eBook
Late October: A Halloween Tale
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.
LATE OCTOBER: A HALLOWEEN TALE Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers’ Favorite
Phillip Johnson’s Late October is a brief but atmospheric dive into the eerie world of Halloween. It is told through the eyes of Ainsley, a boy who finds solace in the holiday’s make-believe horrors as he escapes his quirky and strange parents. Ainsley is a relatable protagonist, especially for those who have ever used fantasy to escape the more daunting aspects of reality. The twist, where something from outside his world seems to be waiting specifically for him, adds a chilling layer to the story, leaving readers with lingering questions and a sense of unease.
Phillip Johnson’s writing is evocative, drawing readers into a world where the flickering yellow eyes of jack-o’-lanterns cast unsettling shadows on the streets. The story’s strength lies in its ability to build tension as Ainsley, who usually finds comfort in the harmless frights of Halloween, faces a terror that is all too real. The narrative hints at the darker, unseen forces that can exist in the world, making it a Halloween story and a commentary on the real fears that haunt us beyond the holiday. Phillip gives a haunting but honest definition of Halloween decorations that will make you rethink their purpose. Liam, Tina, Mr. Thompson, and Therese are remarkable supporting characters who move the plot forward effortlessly.