Two of Daron D. Fraley’s pieces recently took the first and second slots in Amazon’s Religious, Sci-Fi and Fantasy lists. That’s quite an accomplishment for any author. Having read a good bit of Mr. Fraley’s work, I’m not surprised. Mr. Fraley’s website describes him as an author of speculative fiction, and fiction certainly seems to be his forte. In that, he produces easy reads that are clean, concise and with fascinating plots, places, and characters.
His stories maintain intense and provocative scenarios, often layers of them, that readers can easily identify with. His characters are written with so much substance, you’ll feel you can reach out and touch them, smell their perfume, or taste what they’re cooking for dinner. He also has a beautiful talent for developing favorite characters quickly. It doesn’t take chapter after chapter to get to know the people he introduces you to, nor to learn to love them or despise them. He’s done this with both his short stories, as well as his larger works.
One of the best compilations available, to get acquainted with Mr. Fraley’s work is a collection of short stories, available in one book, a short story anthology, titled, Water and other stories.
Have a look at a small break down of the inclusions.
Petitions: Meet Mark, and realize that things aren’t always as they seem. Packaging says volumes, but it doesn’t always advertise the truth. Mark may resemble someone, or many men, you see every day. But, beneath the layers of dust and dirt, you might be incredibly surprised at what you find. It also might make you ashamed of yourself, but ignite a spark of determination in you to do it better next time.
While I read Petitions, my perception of some frequent real-life observations and responses changed. I will be less likely to assume. I will be more approachable, less afraid, and more likely to reach out. I will maintain eye contact, rather than averting my gaze.
Angel’s Song: Sometimes our moments of deepest despair are the same moments our greatest blessings are birthed in. Angel’s song is a story that takes place in a land so far away, it’s not even in our solar system, and yet, it’s achingly familiar. In the land of two suns, and three moons, you can expect the unexpected, even from Heaven itself. The boy, Jacob, will steal your heart, and cause you to contemplate your faith as he questions his own.
Water: The first two stories in the collection set the bar high for expectations about the third story in the collection, titled, Water, and it’s an excellent story. It takes place at the pool of Bethesda, where a lame man endures humiliation, frustration, heat and thirst, hoping for an angel to come and trouble the water. Maybe this time he can drag himself faster and be the first into the pool when the waters begin to swirl and bubble. Maybe this time he’ll be fast enough to get a healing. His son is angry with him, and has scolded him for putting his faith in nonsense and superstition. But, the lame man is certain that if he’s diligent and persistent, healing will be his. Wait with him. Be discouraged with him, and surprised with him when a miracle unfolds in a way he never dreamed possible.
Mr. Fraley’s work has an aspect that I admire a great deal. His writing is depthy yet he tells stories in an easy and simple fashion that anyone can enjoy, of nearly any age group. He doesn’t waste the readers’ time in being overly descriptive, and yet the pictures he presents are completely detailed, and one should have no trouble pulling up the images in their mind the writer intends to establish.
Reading this collection is a great way to make the first step in being a Daron D. Fraley fan. The whole book is free to download via Mr. Fraley’s website, via several e-book options. There you will also have access to more information on his other books, his blog, and public speaking engagements. Just go to http://www.daronfraley.com, and enjoy!