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Kerry J Donovan
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The Transition of Johnny Swift Kindle Edition

by Kerry J Donovan (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
3.9 out of 5 stars 67 ratings
"An injured man battles for his sanity on the borders between life and death."

Frank Brazier is a racing driver, and a good one. He has the perfect life--a contract to drive for a Formula 1 team, a supportive family, and a stunning new girlfriend.
 
On the surface, everything is great, but Frank is hiding a secret. He suffers visions, hallucinations. On race days, the Shadow-man visits. It waves at him, taunts him, distracts him. The Shadow-man eats away at his concentration. Then, disaster strikes. Frank is partially blinded in accident that also involves his sister, Paula.

Recuperating in his hospital bed, Frank starts hearing voices. Strange voices. Impossible voices. Frank fears he is losing his grip on reality.

When the doctors tell him Paula is brain dead and they want to pull the plug on her life-support machines, Frank knows they are wrong. He knows Paula is still alive, still responsive, searching for a way home. Paula's voice is one of the ones Frank hears in his nightmares!

Then, the Shadow-man speaks! 
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  1. Print length
    290 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    July 25, 2014
  4. File size
    1.9 MB
  5. Page Flip
    Enabled
  6. Word Wise
    Enabled
  7. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Kerry J Donovan is a gifted wordsmith with a distinctive voice you won't soon forget," David Corbett, award-winning author of 'The Art of Character'.

"This Book is a masterclass in characterization. Frank Brazier is exceptionally vivid and beautifully realized. I was absolutely absorbed," thestrugglingwriter.com/the-transition-of-johnny-swift/#comment-124

What independent reviewers are saying about The Transition of Johnny Swift: "Introducing a fresh new voice in British fiction. A clever paranormal tale ... I loved it," Stacey Teale, former editor of the Daily Mail Online.

About the Author

Kerry J Donovan was born in Dublin, but spent most of his life in the UK. He is proud to hold an Irish passport and is often accused of being a 'plastic paddy'by his brothers. A cabinet maker, Kerry also holds a PhD in Sport and Exercise Sciences. He brings a scientific approach to his book research, and a artistic eye into his writing. 

Kerry now lives in rural Brittany, in a stone cottage which he renovated with his wife. He writes from a small office in the loft, and his window overlooks fields, woods, and little else. 

Follow Kerry on Facebook at: facebook.com/KerryJDonovan
Visit Kerry's blog at: kerryjdonovan.com/blog/
Follow Kerry on Twitter at: twitter.com/KerryJDonovan

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00M5IQCNY
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Human vertex Publications
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 25, 2014
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.9 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 290 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Customer Reviews:
    3.9 out of 5 stars 67 ratings

About the author

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Kerry J Donovan

Kerry J Donovan

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Kerry J Donovan was born in Dublin. A citizen of the world, he now lives with his partner, Margaret, in Newark on Trent, Nottinghamshire. He has three children and four grandchildren. When he's not creating more mayhem for Ryan Kaine and DCI David Jones to clean up, he's riding the countryside on his motorbike, keeping fit by running and swimming, and doing little bits of DIY.

Customer reviews

3.9 out of 5 stars
67 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be a brilliant psychological thriller with a well-rounded cast of characters. The story is well-written, with one customer noting it's a quick read.

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6 customers mention "Suspenseful"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book suspenseful, describing it as a brilliant psychological thriller with an intriguing premise.

"...It’s a brilliant psychological thriller, full of intense suspense...." Read more

"...Still, it was a quick read and worth taking home for an entertaining weekend diversion." Read more

"...The greatest strength of this gripping novel (the first in a series) is actually not its well-structured, well-thought-out sci fi plot, but rather..." Read more

"...Having read his 'DCI' series, 'Transition' was an unexpected trip into another realm, all while maintaining a foothold in what we call '..." Read more

3 customers mention "Character development"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, noting it is character-driven sci-fi with well-rounded personalities, and one customer mentions how the author slowly builds nuances into their personalities.

"...It’s a character-driven plot, with a strong romantic element. On the verge of his success, there is a terrible shift in circumstances...." Read more

"...a foothold in what we call 'reality'. His characters are extremely well rounded, with Kerry slowly building nuances into their personalities,..." Read more

"Gripping, suspenseful, character-driven sci fi..." Read more

3 customers mention "Readability"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book well written, with one describing it as a brilliant divergence, and another noting it's a quick read.

"...Still, it was a quick read and worth taking home for an entertaining weekend diversion." Read more

"...task seamlessly. 'The Transition of Johnny Swift" is a terrific read, and I can't wait for the sequel." Read more

"Well written and entertaining" Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • digsblues
    5.0 out of 5 stars Taut psychological thriller
    Reviewed in the United States on August 4, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    I read Donovan's excellent crime novel, The DCI Jones Casebook: Ellis Flynn, and as soon as I saw his latest release, I raced to buy it. I was afraid this book was going to be about motor racing, but no, it’s about much more than that.

    Frank Brazier is a young Formula I race car driver with a brilliant future. He comes from a loving family and has just begun a relationship with Jenny, whom he’s known since they were young children. It’s a character-driven plot, with a strong romantic element. On the verge of his success, there is a terrible shift in circumstances.

    I was glued to the book for 2 days, trying to figure out what was happening. Just when I thought I knew what the answer, the author kept me guessing. The set up was done so well that there were several possibilities. I wasn’t sure where the story was going until very late in the book. It’s a brilliant psychological thriller, full of intense suspense. By the end I felt totally mentally and emotionally drained, but looking forward to a sequel.

    It’s been awhile since a book has pulled me in like this, had me guessing, and not trusting any of the characters. I read it straight through in two sessions, since I finally did have to pause to eat and sleep.

    Highly recommended.
    9 people found this helpful
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  • Kae Bender - Writer and former Editor
    4.0 out of 5 stars Intriguing premise for a weekend diversion
    Reviewed in the United States on October 29, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Though an intriguing premise and nicely written, I kept expecting more. There were a number of different angles that were possible, so it held my attention to see which direction the story ended up taking, but the ending was less than satisfying. Perhaps there is more of the story to come in a sequel, but I anticipated a more evocative and surprising revelation. Still, it was a quick read and worth taking home for an entertaining weekend diversion.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Lornwal
    5.0 out of 5 stars Gripping, suspenseful, character-driven sci fi
    Reviewed in the United States on December 2, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    In THE TRANSITION OF JOHNNY SWIFT, Kerry J Donovan has written a taut, egrossing sci fi thriller that has real heart. He takes the time to let us get to know and care about the main characters – champion race driver Frank, his proud and loving father Pete, and his steadfast girlfriend Jenny – before increasingly strange, life-or-death events begin to overwhelm them.

    The greatest strength of this gripping novel (the first in a series) is actually not its well-structured, well-thought-out sci fi plot, but rather the ability of the author to grab the reader's emotions and not let go. Allowing readers to see both Frank's and Pete's points of view had me (figuratively) chewing my nails in terrible doubt and indecision. Are the "shadow people" Frank alone begins to see real, or delusions caused by brain trauma? If they are real, and many lives are at stake as Frank fears, how can he convince anyone else of the truth of something only he experiences?

    There are some real shocks, twists, and surprises in this ingenious, emotional novel. Mr. Donovan's ability to put the reader into the very center of the story's events is so deft that I had an almost visceral reaction to those events. Take a deep breath, because THE TRANSITION OF JOHNNY SWIFT is quite a roller coaster ride!
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  • Francois P.
    3.0 out of 5 stars Disappointing
    Reviewed in the United States on October 7, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Three stars for effort. I did not enjoy reading this book. The storyline is thin without much action.
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  • mary l. allen
    5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliantly written divergence from Kerry J. Donovan's 'DCI' series.
    Reviewed in the United States on November 29, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Kerry Donovan has written a brilliant novel in "The Transition of Johnny Swift". Having read his 'DCI' series, 'Transition'
    was an unexpected trip into another realm, all while maintaining a foothold in what we call 'reality'.
    His characters are extremely well rounded, with Kerry slowly building nuances into their personalities, giving the reader an opportunity to really know and care about them. That's something few writers are able to fully accomplish, yet Kerry Donovan has managed that task seamlessly.
    'The Transition of Johnny Swift" is a terrific read, and I can't wait for the sequel.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Darrell B Nelson
    5.0 out of 5 stars A reason to love indie books
    Reviewed in the United States on August 22, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    This is why I love indie books! Strict Genre books are okay, but when different genres are skillfully blended they become a whole new animal. When done right, which Donovan does, the combination of Supernatural Thriller, Mystery, Action, and Science Fiction seems perfectly natural.

    This book kept me coming back for more, I'd feel for Frank's setback only to find the stakes were raised, and the task that seemed impossibly hard just got harder.

    The only problem I had with this book, is I've got a million things going on in my life right now, and it kept dragging me back to it. I had to find out what was going to happen next.

    Well done.
    10 people found this helpful
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  • Tony J. Poulsen
    4.0 out of 5 stars Crazy or level headed?
    Reviewed in the United States on October 28, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Johnny Swift is an F1 driver who has been seeing blurry images in variuos places. After an accident, the images begin to speak to him saying they're in a parallel universe and need bodies to survive. Does Johnny go down that pathor does he do the right thing
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  • Aanbuwacl
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in the United States on September 10, 2014
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    Well written and entertaining
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Maria
    5.0 out of 5 stars Belt up for an exciting ride.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 28, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    This book wasn't what I was expecting but it was interesting and entertaining. The idea behind this book is great and only a talented writer could have pulled it off. Donovan does a great job at keeping the reader guessing right to the end, so I will do my best not to give too much away - you'll have to read it to find out.
    The book opens with Frank Brazier in his racing car in pole position at the start of a race. I have no interest in cars but through brilliant writing I felt as tense and impatient as Frank for the flag to go down and felt I raced round the laps with him. With great attention to detail, using all the senses in his vivid descriptions and understanding how to build suspense all the action of the race day was brought to life.
    After all the excitement of race day, the remaining 2/3rds of the book takes place in a hospital. Having shown his ability to handle action scenes, Donovan kept my interest, even though, other than to attend a funeral, none of the characters left the hospital building. Indeed much of the remaining book takes place in one room (and inside Frank's head). Yet despite the apparent lack of physical activity, suspense builds and I raced through the last few pages, desperate to know which way things would go.
    Imaginative and intriguing. I will be looking out for the sequel.
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  • fred timberlake
    4.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 6, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    I don't normally go for science fiction type novels and didn't think this was that genre until well over half way through or I may not have read this book. However, I am extremely glad I did read this story and look forward to the sequel.
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  • Beathag
    5.0 out of 5 stars Unexpected and enjoyable new genre for Me.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 27, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    I have read the authors previous two thrillers, featuring a lovable cop, and really enjoyed them. This book was a totally new genre for me, I haven't really read any paranormal novels before so didn't really know what to expect!
    Yet again, the author had told a great story, with plenty of twists to keep the reader guessing as to what is really happening. The first few chapters introduced the characters and then BANG! The action started!
    I savoured reading this book and enjoyed how the characters gelled so well together. There were times where I felt like yelling at the people featured in the book and other times when I wanted to jump between the pages and help the main character out of his predicament.
    A well written book which has great potential for a fab follow on.
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  • Máire O'Connor
    1.0 out of 5 stars THE OTHER BOOKS BY THIS AUTHOR WERE BRILLIANT BUT THIS ONE WAS
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 15, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    A REAL DISSAPOINTMENT. THE OTHER BOOKS BY THIS AUTHOR WERE BRILLIANT BUT THIS ONE WAS TERRIBLE
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  • mr b p nash
    3.0 out of 5 stars Confusing Read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 16, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Read two previous books by Kerry J Donovan ( DCI Jones ) and they were a great read, but I really struggled with this one, the beginning was ok but after the train accident I really lost my way.
    It got so bad that I started turning pages without reading them and was glad when the book finished, I'm still confused as to what it was about,suffice to say I won't be buying the next one.
    Go back to your DCI casebook please Kerry.
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