Jaw-Dropping Story Out Of British Columbia

Is there really some kind of magic mountain on a remote section of the B.C. Coast? Novelist Paul J. Barker writes as if there were absolutely no doubt about it.

Ontario, Canada (PRWEB) August 23, 2006 -- In the recently released fantasy/adventure novel “Life On Umbriel,” a geologist is sent to investigate a mountain steeped in myth, legend, and overall weirdness. Graffiti dating back to 1906 introduces him to one Jarrod Morgan, a 19th century strongman rumored to have lived atop the mountain (known to locals as “Avitah.”) The geologist’s interest ripens into obsession, and he vows to create the definitive biography of Jarrod Morgan to date.

The story he spins is fascinating for a couple of reasons. Simply put, Jarrod is no ordinary human and “Mt. Avitah” is no ordinary mountain. Jarrod is a fugitive-from-justice whose freakish strength and agility keep him one step ahead of his pursuers, while the mountain – with its tall, skinny shape and flat, hospitable summit – is as much a freak of nature, or more. There is no denying that man and mountain form in this instance a highly effective team, to the chagrin of Jarrod’s enemies (and the delight of those who believe he’s innocent.)

Believe it or not, “Life On Umbriel” has its roots in a crudely drawn, mid-Seventies comic strip. The artist was none other than a prepubescent Paul J. Barker, who remained so enchanted with his creation that he eventually decided to turn it into a full-length novel. He completed the first draft in the early Nineties, sat on it for about a decade, until the success of his first novel (Timothy’s Take-Out) inspired him to do some serious revising and polishing. The result? A mini masterpiece, a unique and highly enjoyable book that will almost certainly be adapted for the big screen one day.

“Life On Umbriel” (ISBN # 0-595-37832-3) is available at select bookstores, and all over The Web. For the best deals – and least amount of fuss – drop by Barker’s website, www.dontlikemyjob.com

The author is best known for “Timothy’s Take-Out” (ISBN # 1-4137-3164-3), a novel that has attained something resembling cult status amongst people who don’t like their jobs. It is a masterpiece of humorous fiction and can be found, appropriately enough, at http://www.dontlikemyjob.com/pages/1/index.htm.

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