Muse

Synopsis

Biotechnology has reached the dreams of the early 20th century scientists... And surpassed them.

Yet, though man's technology has reached the farthest imaginings of just a few centuries before, man himself remains what he was. Crime, hate, and death stalk the concrete canyons of man's cities.

And in this world, in the metroplex of San Angeles, a lonely man mourns the death of his muse...

Reviews

"Evocative and provactive...with a story that will keep you reading to the very end, and still leave you begging for more. Muse is a haunting book that remains with you long after 'The End.' Masterfully written."

Leta Nolan Childers, Best-selling author of Best Laid Plans

"If you haven't read this book, you've been cheating yourself of a damn fine story. Alan Donovan is the 23rd-century's answer to Mike Hammer - and then some! And the plot twists! The story is full of them! The story is a science-fiction tale about a dectective in the 23rd century, his incredibly unique 'Watson', and his investigation of what seems, at first, to be a totally innocuous crime. But, like all good detective stories, our hero soon finds that he's up to his neck in alligators, and the swamp isn't getting any shallower. I can't wait until Mr. Farris pens the next Alan Donovan tale. I want more! Four stars - big ones, too."

Mike Pettigraf, Paper Tiger Book Reviews.

Click here to read an excerpt.

Aura of Indigo

Synopsis

Morning dawns, and for 23rd century detective Alan Donovan and his tiny partner Elizabeth, life must go on. Alan has lost his home and everything he owns, and his heart is broken by both the death of Cleo and Sharon's betrayal. Liz must help Alan come to grips with his shattered life, and rebuild his lost future. A new case offers hope - but, unknown to Liz and Alan, danger lurks. The mystery of who murdered Hollywood agent Edward Farnsworth may provide the cash Liz and Alan need to live - if they survive long enough to collect.

Reviews

"The Triumphant Return of Alan Donovan, Gumshoe of the Future!"
~Mike Pettigraf, Paper Tiger Reviews.

Click here to read an excerpt

Duty and Love

Synopsis

John DeLancy had been a rising star in Hollywood at the beginning of the 22nd Century, but a freak accident had stolen everything - his career, his looks, his girl, and most of all, his sight. Blinded, he struggles alone in a world of darkness, never knowing someone would reach out to him out of duty, and offer him her love.

Reviews

This is a story that will warm your heart even as it shocks you and shows you a glimpse into what the 22ed century might hold. Reviews by Chris ~~ Reviewed by Chris Bellar

"Duty and Love" by J. Farris is one story you'll never forget. John DeLancy, a brilliant and talented actor, finds himself blinded and horribly disfigured when filming his latest movie. John cloisters himself away from the public eye, but soon discovers he can't make it on his own. Buffy, a neo-dog, is delivered to John to help in his everyday activities and to slowly pull him out of his seclusion. However, neither is prepared for the devotion and attraction they feel for one another. Enjoy this hilariously delightful tale of a love that sees beyond the outer shell and to the inner most depths of each one of us. Kim's Reviews~~Reviewed by Kim Gaona http://kimgaona.com

Click here to read an excerpt

The Ship's Cat

Synopsis

Doctor Rajendra Singh has has been chosen to go on a special trip - a colony mission to the stars. It is a historic event, and a tremendous honor. But, if the mission is successful, he will never go home again. Commander Kefira Calhoun is a neo-lion - a special breed of sentient humanoid animal, created long ago from genetic manipulation of African Lions. She, too, is on this mission to the stars - but, unlike Doctor Singh, she has several secrets she is keeping, and some of them are not entirely pleasant. Thrown together by fate, their lives forever intertwined, the two will face danger, hardship and even death in their search for survival on a distant world.

Reviews

An absolutely astounding book! At 450,000 words, it's as weighty as Clavell's Shogun and just as meaty. The Ship's Cat is literally an epic of Science Fiction. Ship's Cat is set in the same universe as Jim's earlier novel, Duty and Love, and takes place a hundred and fifty-some years later. It is a true delight for the 'hard' sci-fi fan, all the science in the book is either real or based on some pretty advanced theories of today. But, the science never gets in the way of the story - instead, like in the classics of science fiction from the Golden Age of sci-fi, it's the science that drives the story, along with the dramatic interplay of the various character's personalities. Doctor Singh seems so real, I feel like I've met him. In fact, I think I have, my own family doctor is a little East Indian gentleman who reminds me a lot of Singh. Action, drama, love, suspense, war, science, faith... It's got it all, and it's incredible! Yet another epic sci-fi classic from the new master of Science Fiction!

Mike Pettigraf, Paper Tiger Book Reviews.

Click here to read an excerpt

The Oerth Cycle

The Last God (Book I of the Oerth Cycle):

Merle Mousefinder, the little Mustie of the Wild Wood, didn't know
what she was getting into when she followed the strange noise through the
forest and found Xaa, an enormous carnivorous mouse. Soon, her curiosity
would lead her to follow Xaa through an epic tale of freedom, slavery, life,
death, hate, and love.

----------------------
Legacy of the Last God (Book II of the Oerth Cycle):

The Saga of Oerth continues in Legacy of the Last God. As Xaa and
Merle begin to work out their curious relationship, Merle learns to adjust
to the new society and culture she finds herself now a part of. Meanwhile,
the musties learn to adjust to their new home in Laughing Wood, while the
mice learn to live life without their little protectors. Suddenly, a dark
cloud appears on the horizon - the cats have kidnapped all the mice of the
village, save for Bootie, Smith's mate, and Farrah, Smith's daughter! Can
they make the vast journey across endless leagues to alert their old allies
to the danger, or will the cats twist the helpless mice, using them to gain
the technological edge against their ancient foe, the mus?

------------------
Ayre of the Last God    (Book III of the Oerth Cycle):

A sad, pathetic wretch rises from where she's been tossed in a muddy
alley. It is L'Valin, the former mentalt, her much-vaunted will destroyed by
the work of R'Mang, the Shazad's Royal Torturer. Yet, little does this sad
wreck of a once-proud Mentalt know the fateful jorney that lies before her -
a journey not merely across the lands, but through hell itself - and beyond.

---------------
Children of the Last God (Book IV of the Oerth Cycle):

Far to the south, deep within the jungles, tribes of wild musties
who did not go north with Merle's ancestors still live.  But now, they find
themselves locked in a vicious struggle with a deadly and terrifying enemy
they do not comprehend.  Amani and Ayori set off to find these lost tribes,
and bring them to a new home of peace and prosperity in the north.  But will
the Dark One, an ancient and hideous predator, allow them to survive?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Paradox of the Last God (Book V of Oerth):

A new book of Oerth!

Amani's grand vision shows a future of peace and happiness ahead for the people
of Oerth.  And yet, the future is not assured.  Twenty years after the events
of Book IV of the Oerth Cycle, Amani's daughter sees two paths ahead - one a
shining future of peace, as her mother foresaw, but the other a dark future of
war and death.  Can Yochimu the young seer and her brave companions change the
future, or are the people of Oerth doomed to darkness?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

REVIEWS

Jim Farris subtly draws the reader into his literary world with the finesse
of Richard Adams in Watership Down and takes us on a classic fantasy quest
as breathtaking as Tolkien's. Characters with depth and dimension struggle
against internal and external odds, and soon we realize this is not a
child's tale.

J. Hal Forbes, GREED, GOLD & TURTLE GRASS


-------------------------------------------------

Have you ever wanted to be swept away? If you have then you are destined to
love The Last God : Book One of the Oerth Cycle.

The Last God is an enormous cross-genre saga ... both Science Fiction and
Fantasy, inner journey and grand adventure.

Leanne Moore


----------------------------------------------------

4 Thumbs Up...THE LAST GOD...captured my attention from the very first page.
This book is quite intriguing and the ending is marvelous.

Kathy's Faves and Raves
http://home.fuse.net/romanceandfriends/favesandraves.html


-----------------------------------------

The Last God ... Think Mrs. 'Frisby and the Rats of NIMH', or 'The Redwall
Saga'.   I read the book in two sittings - breaking only to give my eyes a
rest. It kept me reading, and reading - 'just one more chapter then I'll go
eat......'

This is a book any adult lover of fantasy should read...

Lesley Meade, www.booknet.org.uk


------------------------------------------------

A fantasy, an adventure, and a saga of an inner journey as well as a
physical one, Jim Farris' The Last God combines a variety of purposes to
bring the reader a compelling and enticing read.

The story begins with the introduction of the Mustelid Merle and her mouse
friend Tinker. Their people have been neighbors for years with the Mustelids
protecting the Mice and the Mice in return lending their inventions and
innovations to the Mustelids to enable them to survive. One day Merle, being
the adventurous mustie she was, followed the noise she heard and found an
aftermath of an apparent massacre of some giant beings, which resembled the
mice. One of the beings was still alive, only unconscious and she was able
to help him return to her village. He was huge compared to her people,
speaking a language unknown to them, yet he demonstrated he meant no harm to
them. Merle is given the task to teach him their language so he could then
tell his story to their leader. During the time she spent with this giant,
whose name is Xaa, they learn to communicate and Merle realizes she has
feelings for him as he does for her.

Xaa and his party were in their area for the reason of finding the "little
ones' or the mice. Xaa's people had legends about these "little ones" and
their inventions and intelligence. With Xaa's people struggling with an
ongoing war with the clan of the Cats, it was felt if these "little ones"
could be found and persuaded to return with him, they could help force the
Cats from their land. The Mice turn down Xaa's request for reasons, which
only the leaders are aware and Xaa prepares to leave. Merle decides to
travel with him and her mouse friend Tinker follows them. He wants Merle as
his mate and is afraid if he doesn't go, he will never see her again. The
journey begins for this mismatched group and truths of each come out as the
journey progresses. Pain, sorrow and a new awareness of atrocities inflicted
surface, yet love, hope, determination and real inner strength take a firm
foothold.

Very quickly the reader will become immersed in this world, following the
journey of these characters and cheering Merle and Xaa on in their struggles
and quests. This is a truly unique and outstanding read, which brings
anticipation for the subsequent books in this series.

Linda Eberharter, www.atlanticbridge.net

Click here to read excerpts from the series

The Pandora's Box Series

Synopsis

Pandora's Box is a tale of humanity and inhumanity, of organic intelligence and inorganic intelligence, each reaching for something greater than itself in a story that spans millennia of time. The first book is told in four story-parts, each part defined by the viewpoint of the person that experienced it. The four tales are linked together by the device of an ancient storyteller, Aesop, retelling the tales to a young child, weaving the tapestry of a longer, overall story of life, death, and hope.

Reviews

Word Wrap: A book review by Cindy Penn

Pandora's Box

by Jim Farris

*Very highly recommended

PANDORA'S BOX by Jim Farris, tells of humanity and inhumanity, organic intelligence and inorganic intelligence. Story teller Aesop also structures the recounting of humankind's history by relating four tales to a young child, moving from the destruction of earth to the colonization of Mars and beyond with stories of life, death and hope. Like Pandora when she opened the box, PANDORA'S BOX released the foulness that destroys a world full of life, and the hope that saves humanity.

The first tale begins in a cave on earth. Two ancient combat robots, long forgotten by the governments that built them, are playing chess and waiting for the day to fulfill their missions. When intruders arrive in the cave, their bodies are recycled for the robots' hydrogen-fusion reactor that enables survival. Over the millennia, the stack of bones rises. Only one woman is allowed to live, a sophant named Mrin who comes to the cave in quest of the robots. Her arrival opens Pandora's Box, enabling the combat robots to return to the world of humans and destroy them, thereby bringing about the rebirth of NAD.

The second tale recounts the colonization of Mars, the colony's growth and survival against tremendous odds, and their eventual encounter with the devils released by Mrin when she opened her Pandora's Box. The third tale is the storyteller Aesop's own story of liberation and equality. The final tale recounts the story of the Confederacy, a distant group of human colonies sent out hundreds of years before. The NAD and the Stoics of Mars, issues of equality, liberation, peak in hope and triumph despite destruction and decimation of civilizations.

PANDORA'S BOX is a powerful allegory, revealing the danger humans are to themselves. Yet even in the depths of the bleakest evils live hope and the possibility of triumph. Farris' weaving of the four tales, crossing millennia and addressing the most philosophically difficult questions of survival and liberation, reveals a masterful storyteller. Although the tales are at times bleak, the victory of the human spirit, whether organic or inorganic, reveals the beauty of life. Very highly recommended.

PANDORA'S BOX

by JAMES FARRIS

"A forgotten AI combat robot, aptly named Lucifer, and its support unit play Chess for a thousand years while waiting for further orders from NAD, their government, unbeknownst to them that NAD is now defunct. A woman named Mrin stumbles into the cave and ends up having to bargain for her life with her ability to play Chess. Will Lucifer find her to be a challenging enough opponent and spare her life? Or will she become just another one of his dissected specimens?

And that is only the beginning of PANDORA’S BOX, a chronicle in which four AI robots describe significant events of our future. AI’s possess an artificial intelligence which has been programmed into their positronic brains.

While Mrin is battling for her life, a spaceship’s main AI computer is destroyed in an accident while on its way to Mars. Only one woman survives the ensuing crash landing, along with eggs and sperm in cold storage. The emergency AI computer needs to make logical decisions for ensuring that the original plan to colonize Mars succeeds. But is it making the right decisions? After all, it thinks, it is only the emergency system.

After centuries, a peaceful colony on Mars thrives under a system of domes. Humans and AI robots have equal status. The leader of Mars is the original emergency AI, now in a robot body. As events unfold, the Martians must negotiate for their lives with Lucifer, which had long ago taken control of Earth and now threatens the tranquility on Mars. The combat robot is now supported by hundreds of thousands of Lucifer copies which view all humans as a threat to their existence. Tension escalates as we wonder: Will those nasty combat robots destroy the peaceful coexistence on Mars and, for that matter, all human life in the rest of the galaxy until there is nothing left but AI’s which are the offspring of Lucifer?

PANDORA’S BOX is well-researched in the sciences, intriguingly imaginative, and intelligently written. Told from the points of view of the AI robots, one gets a feel for their logical thinking and how they stoically perceive the emotional reactions of the humans they were programmed to serve and defend. A speculation on what it would be like if artificial intelligence reigned in our corner of the universe, it is also a story of tolerance for one’s differences, even if one is a peace-promoting AI robot with a positronic brain."

Reviewer: Beverly Cackoski, member of EPIC

Click here to read excerpts from the Pandora's Box series

The Novus Revolt

Synopsis

Can one man change history, and free an entire people from centuries of slavery?

Even when they aren't his people?

Even if they aren't human?

Even if they don't want to be free?

Doctor John Summers intends to find out.

John Summers, a Naval Doctor in the far future, has grown up in a society defended by artificially created beings, simply called 'Defenders'. They see themselves as noble warriors, defending humanity against outside threats, and against itself. John sees them as slaves, created and brainwashed by a government that cares little about them.

Yet, how can one free the slave who does not wish to be freed?

Click here to read an excerpt from the novel

Mage

Synopsis

The epic saga of Eddas Ayar, the Raven of Yorindar, begins with his awakening sixteen centuries after his death, only to find his civilization in ruins, his people long dead, and himself trapped in the body of a woman. A new-found friend turns out to be a king robbed of his kingdom - and that kingdom is the focus of a struggle between Yorindar, an enigmatic god of light, and Morgar, a rapacious god of chaos and death. Can our hero restore his friend to the throne, and thwart the plans of the forces of darkness?

And thus begins the story of Eddas Ayar, an epic saga of a man trapped in a situation he cannot escape, faced with a destiny he cannot avoid, and compelled to strive forward into a future which must remain unknown to him...

Click here to read excerpts from the Mage series

Raven of Yorindar

Synopsis

The epic saga of Eddas Ayar, the Raven of Yorindar, continues. As Eddas struggles with the newly-awakened men and women of Hyperborea, he discovers that the destruction of his civilization is just as difficult for his old friends to accept as it was for him. Yet, a dark shadow looms on the horizon, for Yorindar's plans are not unopposed. Our hero has been drawn from the ruins of the past to save the hopes of a bright future - but the cost to do it may be everything he holds near and dear, including all his own hopes and dreams.

And thus resumes the story of Eddas Ayar, an epic saga of a man trapped in a situation he cannot escape, faced with a destiny he cannot avoid, and compelled to strive forward into a future which must remain unknown to him...

Click here to read excerpts from the Mage series

The Arc of Time

Synopsis

The epic saga of Eddas Ayar, the Raven of Yorindar, continues. Though Eddas has come to accept his situation and settled into the life of a quiet teacher and scholar, the plans of the gods continue. The Raven of Yorindar is needed again, as the dark storm Eddas had sensed twenty years ago looming on the horizon has finally broken. At the death of the Queen of Larinia, Eddas is drawn into a series of events that will lead to the final confrontation between himself, the Raven of Yorindar, and Cordo, the Wolf of Morgar. With everything on the line, the armies of each side march - yet, Eddas cannot join them, for he must first find and rescue the kidnapped Prince of Larinia. Can Eddas retrieve Prince Parial and return swiftly enough to thwart the plans of Darkness, or is the Golden Future of Yorindar's plans doomed?

And thus resumes the story of Eddas Ayar, an epic saga of a man trapped in a situation he cannot escape, faced with a destiny he cannot avoid, and compelled to strive forward into a future which must remain unknown to him...

Click here to read excerpts from the Mage series

The Wench of Woe:
The Spider and the Ocean

Synopsis

Sasha, an orphan abandoned at sea and found washed up on a beach by a farmer, is a foreigner in her own lands. Her adoptive father recently dead, she must struggle for acceptance from the people of her little village, and hope to reach for some small measure of happiness with the one she loves.

But, Sasha's destiny is not to be the wife of a farmer. Her destiny is far larger than that - she is to be a Tool of the Gods, a pawn in the mighty game the Gods play for control of the universe...

That is, if she survives...

And thus begins the story of Sasha of Woe, an epic saga of a woman in search of something greater than herself, and the eerie soul-sister who accompanies her on her quest...

Click here to read excerpts from the Mage series

The Mountain, The Raven, and The Sea

Synopsis

Sasha and Marilith set off to find Orissa, Sasha's childhood friend. Shortly, however, they find their quest will not be a simple one, as Orissa has been gone nearly two decades.
They decide to ask Eddas Ayar for assistance in their quest, and both Eddas and Joy come along to help. But, a mistake by Marilith ends up casting the four of them back through time, to the last days of the Hyperboreans, and the horror of the Great War of Devastation.
Can even Eddas' might prevent them from being killed in the coming war, or is their destruction part of a larger plan of the gods?

And thus resumes the story of Sasha of Woe, an epic saga of a woman in search of something greater than herself, and the eerie soul-sister who accompanies her on her quest...

Click here to read excerpts from the Mage series

The Game of the Gods

Synopsis

Sasha is missing - kidnapped - and Marilith is wounded, unable to help her sister. Corvid, their friend and romance, steps in to heal Marilith, and try to rescue Sasha.
But, all of it is part of a larger game of the gods, a game they are only barely aware of - and time is running out, as the gods are making their final moves in their game to decide the future.

And thus resumes the story of Sasha of Woe, an epic saga of a woman in search of something greater than herself, and the eerie soul-sister who accompanies her on her quest...

Click here to read excerpts from the Mage series

Third Time's the Charm

Synopsis

Rita Mahoney was an ace reporter with the Daily Herald, trying to land her dream-job - a position at the sports desk. Her first assignment? Interview Tony D'Tillo, a hulking, mysogynistic boxer who hated her on first sight. Yet, there was something more to this hulking woman-hater than met the eye... Something deeper, which would touch Rita's soul and change her life forever.

A swiftly-paced Contemporary Romance, 'Third Time's theCharm' tells the story of a man torn by two worlds and haunted by his past, and the woman who steps into his life and heals his tortured soul.

Reviews

"This was a thoroughly enjoyable and highly entertaining book. I especially enjoyed the way Rita learned that appearances are not always what they seem and that Tony learned all women are not alike. I look forward to reading more of J. Farris' work."

~~ Kathy Boswell, The Best Reviews, Member, Reviewers International Organization (RIO)

~~*~~

***** Outstanding! The author did a bang-up good job on this story! And the ending ROCKS! *****  

HUNTRESS BOOK REVIEWS (Reviewed by Detra Fitch) http://www.huntressreviews.com/emodern.htm

"Farris delivers a one-two punch straight to the heart with Third Time's the Charm, creating dynamic characters you'll cheer for and a plot that keeps you on the edge of your chair. It's a knockout!"

Leta Nolan Childers, Best-selling author of Best Laid Plans

Click here to read an excerpt

Apotheosis

Synopsis

A dying man is summoned from beyond the grave through sorcery, and finds himself in another world, in another universe...

And finds he has become a god.

Yet, as he explores his new world, The Land, he learns that he is not alone... There are many gods, they have been at war for millennia, and the people of The Land have suffered and died in this war since time immemorial. He vows to save these people, and end this war no matter what the price.

But that price just may be his own immortal soul...

Reviews

"Apotheosis left me breathless with anticipation of just what would happen next...and kept me reading right along as it propelled at lightning speed to the very end. I kept wondering what I would do if I were John and found myself in a similar situation...which is part of mastery of Jim Farris' writing, always thought provoking and entertaining. This one is a real winner."

Leta Nolan Childers, Best-selling author of Best Laid Plans

"Now, this is what fantasy fiction should be like."

Mike Pettigraf, Paper Tiger Reviews.

Click here to read an excerpt

HTML for Ninnyhammers

Synopsis

"Everything you needed to know about HTML but were too frustrated to ask because you're sick and tired of being treated like a moron and you don't want to hear any more long, boring explanations that make little sense."

That's the subtitle of HTML for Ninnyhammers, and it says it all. HTML for Ninnyhammers is a book for those who feel that though they may need their hands held when it comes to HTML coding and creating a web-page, they don't want to be made to feel like a ninnyhammer when someone does it.

In clear, concise instructions, Jim Farris lays out the basics of HTML and web-page design, starting from the simple beginnings of constructing a page and gradually moving on to the more complex aspects of frames, e-mail forms, and other common HTML coding tasks. With a ready-reference guide in the appendix to the more commonly used HTML tags, this is a book that a beginner will keep and use long after they are no longer a "beginner."

Reviews

Jim Farris is nuts. Oh, he claims "Html for Ninnyhammers" is just for beginners, but I'm here to tell you that after years of writing basic code--since even before the first html generators came along to help in the job--I've learned things from reading his book. And best of all, it's written so clearly and concisely that virtually anyone can understand it. This isn't one of those books long on theory and short on common sense. It's a book that takes HTML down to the basics and will long remain on my reference book shelf.

- Leta Nolan Childers, best selling author and professional web designer and text formatter.