The fragile world of a young boy unravels in today's reading from "Countryside: The Book of the Wise." Luke's life has been steadily changing—his beloved grandparents haven't visited in nearly a year despite his constant letters, and his father's recent job loss at the tire plant has cast a shadow over their home. Where once there was laughter, now bitter comments about "the economy" and "dimwits at the Capitol" fill the silence. In one heartbreaking moment, Luke watches his father throw away his framed diploma, declaring it "just a fancy piece of paper" that's worthless now.

Across the street, an improvised park has become Luke's sanctuary. Under the spreading branches of an oak tree, the world seems calmer—even the passing cars sound quieter. It's here, as summer approaches, that Luke finds himself one evening, watching the stars appear one by one in the darkening sky. But this ordinary moment transforms when a strange red light appears among the stars—stationary, brightening and dimming, unlike any airplane. Then comes the whisper of his name, carried on an unseasonably cold wind.

What follows defies explanation. A black mist engulfs the park, silencing the world around him. From this unnatural darkness emerges a figure with glowing red eyes—a man in a black suit who introduces himself as Saul. With unsettling familiarity, he tells Luke, "I have waited so long to speak with you." As the mist parts momentarily to reveal the normal world beyond, listeners are left wondering: Who is this mysterious stranger? What does he want with Luke? And how will this encounter change everything our young protagonist thought he knew about his world? Join us as we continue this journey through "Countryside: The Book of the Wise," where ordinary troubles give way to extraordinary adventures.

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Step into the shadows between worlds where destiny awaits an ordinary boy. In this gripping installment of Countryside's Book of the Wise, we witness young Luke Rayburn's startling encounter with a mysterious stranger who calls himself Saul.

Surrounded by unnatural darkness in an empty lot, Luke faces a revelation that will forever alter his path. "Unlike any mortal before you," Saul tells him, "your choice will decide for the world between slavery and war or freedom and peace." The weight of this responsibility settles heavily on Luke's shoulders as he learns of an ancient book—coveted by many but meant specifically for him—containing secrets hidden for ages that may determine humanity's fate.

The tension builds as Saul attempts to give Luke a glimpse of what's to come, plunging our protagonist into suffocating darkness before he emerges back into reality, questioning everything he thought he knew. "Why can't I just have a normal calm life?" he asks the night sky, where a red star glares down at him ominously. This moment marks the beginning of Luke's reluctant hero's journey, where the line between the ordinary and extraordinary blurs.

Countryside's Book of the Wise masterfully weaves elements of coming-of-age struggle with high fantasy stakes, creating a story that resonates with readers of all ages. The narrative explores themes of destiny, free will, and the courage required to face the unknown when the world's fate hangs in the balance.

Have you begun your journey through Countryside yet? Get your copy from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or your favorite bookseller today, and don't forget to leave a review to help others discover this magical adventure!

https://www.amazon.com/Countryside-Book-J-T-Cope-IV-ebook/dp/B00MPIXOB2

Something lurks in the shadows of Linwood Avenue, visible only to Luke as he makes his way home from school on a sweltering afternoon. The air shimmers purple-black around a strange man with flat, black eyes who seems to exist in plain sight yet remains unseen by everyone else on the busy street.

Chapter 2 of "Countryside: The Book of the Wise" brings readers into a heart-pounding chase sequence as young Luke desperately tries to escape this mysterious stalker. With vivid, sensory details, we feel Luke's mounting terror—the hot air wrapped around him like a blanket, sweat rolling down his arms, and the frantic fumbling for keys as footsteps close in behind him. The ordinary neighborhood transforms into something sinister when viewed through Luke's eyes, creating a brilliant juxtaposition between the mundane and the supernatural.

After escaping into his apartment, Luke's confusion and frustration grow as his mother finds no evidence of a pursuer. The subsequent investigation with neighbors confirms what readers are beginning to understand—Luke perceives something beyond normal human sight. This masterful scene establishes one of the novel's central mysteries: is Luke imagining things, or has he developed the ability to see what others cannot? The boundary between two worlds appears to be thinning around him, setting up the fantasy elements that will drive the story forward.

JT Cope's narration pulls you directly into Luke's experience, making you question your own perceptions along with the character. If you're captivated by this glimpse into "Countryside: The Book of the Wise," you can find the complete novel on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Don't forget to leave a review if you enjoy the journey—it makes a world of difference for authors bringing these magical stories to life.

https://www.amazon.com/Countryside-Book-J-T-Cope-IV-ebook/dp/B00MPIXOB2

What would you do if you suddenly became invisible to everyone except a mysterious stalker with completely black eyes? In this gripping serialized episode of Countryside: The Book of the Wise, young Luke finds himself in this exact terrifying situation.

Walking home through familiar streets, Luke realizes something is terribly wrong. Mr. Branson doesn't return his wave. A man on a bench doesn't notice when Luke bumps his leg. A taxi nearly runs him over without stopping. The only beings that acknowledge his existence are a frightened, growling dog and a stranger with unnervingly black eyes who follows him home.

When Luke describes this unsettling experience to his mother, her reaction is surprising. Rather than dismissal, she believes him immediately, whispering cryptically, "After all these years." The encounter prompts his parents to take protective measures, with his father suddenly appearing at Luke's bus stop the following day, maintaining a casual demeanor while clearly concerned for his son's safety.

This captivating installment builds tension while revealing deeper mysteries within the Countryside world. What forces allow certain beings to see Luke when others cannot? What knowledge do Luke's parents possess about these strange occurrences? And most importantly, who—or what—is the man with the completely black eyes?

Dive into this supernatural tale that blends coming-of-age elements with mysterious forces lurking just beneath the surface of everyday life. If you're enjoying the journey through Countryside, grab your copy of the complete book from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, your local bookstore, or as an e-book. Don't forget to leave a review – your feedback helps bring this magical world to more readers!

https://www.amazon.com/Countryside-Book-J-T-Cope-IV-ebook/dp/B00MPIXOB2