My life has been continually touched by a maze of dragon lore, science fiction, and fantasy. My sister is a dragon enthusiast; my husband a "Trekker" from his earliest days, and my 13-year-old daughter is a self-appointed expert on Roswell and the Grays. I try not to think about that as I come home from work at 6:00 a.m., driving through the dark desert 30 miles from Edwards Air Force Base, the one mentioned in the story, on my way. Just about every subject of interest in my life is touched upon in Æthereal. I love it.

FBI agents Judy Deavers and Eric Johansson have no idea what they’re getting into when they begin the investigation of several bombings throughout the country. Someone has a grudge against a British based company known as Æthereal, Limited. Their real estate holdings in the United States are being bombed and the FBI is determined to find out why.

The agents find themselves deeply involved in a national secret that dates back to the presidency of Dwight Eisenhower. The secret, one that could get them both killed instantly if they ever divulge it to any other living soul, is so extraordinary, they doubt that anyone would believe them if they did tell. Dragons? Living on Earth, in human form? Why would the government of the United States put forth so much effort to keep the dragons, known as Æthereals, a secret? More importantly, who found out about the Æthereals and are out to destroy them?

Æthereal moves at a good pace as it answers the aforementioned questions, but it does not stop there. The story moves on to the purpose of the Æthereals on Earth, why they return here, who their enemies are and how Man and Æthereal can co-exist, helping each other protect their home world from the six million-year-old threat of alien invasion. I cannot begin to describe all of the situations taking place in this story without revealing the thrills and surprises awaiting the reader. I can best suggest that Æthereal has the classic earmarks of the finest science fiction and fantasy melded into one epic tale. It is reminiscent of the series V mixed with a hint of Star Trek, Stargate, War of the Worlds, and Independence Day. The characters are so thoroughly developed that they come alive in the reader's mind right from the beginning. It is evident that each step they take has been carefully researched for authenticity with the possible exception of Edwards Air Force Base being located in Nevada instead of Southern California.

There are several installments to come in the series. I am waiting impatiently for the release of each. Perhaps I will be lucky enough to have the pleasure of reviewing the forthcoming sequels. If not, Mr. Wilcox can depend on my loyal patronage. My father was in the movie industry and I feel confident in saying that Æthereal is worthy of Hollywood immortality.

Reviewed by MargeAnna Conrad
© December 2005