Metatron by Lawrence St. John Excerpt & Interview

Title: Metatron: The Mystical Blade
Author: Lawrence St. John
Publisher: Imajin Books
Pages: 102
Genre: YA Fantasy
Format: Paperback/Kindle

Purchase at AMAZON

Thirteen-year-old Tyler Thompson is on the verge of becoming a superhero, but he must prove himself so he can earn the remainder of his superpowers and fulfill his destiny.

When his grandfather, Benjamin, is held prisoner at AREA 51, where the eternal powers are presumed to be hidden, Tyler attempts to penetrate the base’s heavy security. However, Dr. Mason Payne, the evil scientist who killed Tyler's father, has insidious plans of his own.

Hunted by an unknown entity, Tyler races against the clock to retrieve the superpowers, rescue his family and help the others who are depending on him. And when all hope seems lost, help comes in a power he didn’t know he possessed—a mysterious weapon known as The Mystical Blade.

Book Excerpt:

If Tyler Thompson had known how tough it was to be a superhero, he might never have gotten involved in the first place. Sure, it was cool having Flash speed and super vision and all that, but there was a lot of pressure, and you couldn’t tell anyone. Not to mention that every time he went out he took his life in his hands and the whole thing was exhausting. Who knew that superheroes got tired? He wasn’t sure if being a superhero was a gift or a curse.

So when he heard a cry on the way home from another night of whupping Las Vegas bad guys, he wasn’t exactly in the mood for more trouble. In fact, he was tempted to ignore it. But superheroes never ignore people in trouble, no matter what. And while he wasn’t one hundred percent superhero yet, he’d never get there if he didn’t do his duty.

There it was again, a piercing, high-pitched cry from above, this time followed by the distinct sound of two loud gunshots reverberating off the high-rise buildings. A split second after that, there came the horrific wail of someone in severe pain. Tyler wondered if such noises really could wake the dead, and an image of his dad flickered through his mind. At least his dad’s murderer, Dr. Mason Payne, the evil scientist who had tried to kill him too, was safely in jail.

But there was no time for musing. From Hacienda Avenue Tyler looked up at the multi-story Mandalay Bay parking garage and spotted someone bending backwards over a concrete wall. The person’s arms were hanging downward, creating the impression that they were preparing to dive backwards. Then a pair of glasses and a set of keys dropped and landed in the flower bed at the base of the structure.

In a flash Tyler was at the top floor of the garage. With his heart racing, he hid behind a cold and damp concrete partition, then peeked out. About ninety feet away he caught a glimpse of a parked silver-colored BMW 760 with the driver’s side door open. Two tall, stocky men were standing behind it. Tyler ducked back behind the partition, threw back his black hood and removed his ski mask so he could wipe away an eyelash. Another thing they didn’t tell you about being a superhero. Tyler muttered under his breath, pulled his mask back over his face and flung the hood over his head just as a rush of adrenaline flooded his body.

He’d pay for this later, but it didn’t matter because everyone was counting on him. He’d made a promise to his dad, and he wasn’t about to let him down. His mom, brother and sister would be expecting big things from him, and Kendall, Master Tanaka and his friend Gabriel were all watching him. Most of all, there was God, who’d given him these powers for a reason and who was surely expecting a lot from a thirteen-year-old boy, even one who had Flash speed, an impenetrable force field and an extraordinarily high intellect. But he couldn’t think about all that now. The world was in trouble, and he had to fix it. 

About the Author

Laurence A. St. John was born on January 11, 1965 in Toledo Ohio. Laurence has one older brother and two younger sisters. Laurence along with his parents, brother and sisters moved once while growing up to Genoa Ohio, just south of Toledo. While attending Genoa Area schools, he was active in track, football and baseball. Later, after he graduated from Genoa High School (Comets) in 1983, he worked for a few manufacturing companies.

At the age of 23 and after three years of dedication, hard work and sweat, in 1988, Laurence received his first-degree black belt (Shodan) in Tae Kwon Do. This gave him the self-confidence and perseverance needed to surmount anything that came his way.

When Laurence was 25 years old he fell in love then married the love of his life, Julie in 1990. He then adopted her two young wonderful children Joe and Jan shortly after.

Out of high school for nearly fifteen years and after persuaded by his former manager, Laurence attended Owens State Community College where he obtained an Associates Degree in Microcomputer Business Systems while working full-time. In addition to computer classes, he enjoyed composition classes where he could free his mind and write what he wanted.

While working in the steel processing business for almost fifteen years, Laurence's place of employment changed hands, for the third time in 2006; fighting for his job, again. In the same year his first granddaughter, Kendall, "Papa's Angel" was born. He described this as one of the most uplifting moments of his life. In addition, it was during this time when his emotions were running wild; he became inspired as well as determined to write his penned-up thoughts on paper.

Nearly four years later, he had completed his first middle grade fantasy novel, Metatron: The Angel Has Risen. His latest book is Metatron: The Mystical Blade.

Laurence currently lives in Northwood Ohio with his wife of 24 years, Julie. His son Joe is married to Cari and they have three daughters, Kendall, Sadie and Harper. His daughter Jan is married to Andrew and they have a son Eli and a daughter Evelyn. Laurence currently holds the position of Administrations Manager at Precision Strip, Inc. in Perrysburg Ohio, where he works full time. He continually writes in his spare time; weekends and after work, and is endlessly inspired by his five grandkids Kendall, Elijah, Sadie, Evelyn and Harper.

Interview:

Where are you from?

First, thank you for having me! I grew up and went to school in Genoa Ohio. Currently I live in Northwood which is just south of Toledo Ohio.

Tell us your latest news?

I’m very excited to tell everyone that I have just released my new teen/ya/fiction novel on August 20th, Metatron: The Mystical Blade. This is the second novel in the series.

When and why did you begin writing?

My writing started in my head when I was probably around ten years old. I had these cool characters and story lines in my head but I never acted on them. I was too busy playing sports and being a kid.

This might sound a bit selfish but I began writing because I wanted my grandchild to be proud of me. During that particular point in my life I was losing my job, and she would be arriving at any time. I didn’t want people to say to her, “Oh, here’s your jobless grandpa,” or something like that… So, I began writing my penned-up thoughts and now here I am. I obtained my job and I’m an author. However, I don’t think any of that matters to her – she loves my for who I am – not what I am.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I always somewhat thought I was a writer but what sealed the deal is when I acquired a signed contract from my publisher.

What inspired you to write your first book?

While working in the steel processing business for almost fifteen years, my place of employment changed hands, for the third time in 2006; fighting for my job, again. In the same year my first granddaughter, Kendall, "Papa's Angel" is what I call her, was born. Bringing tears of joy to my eyes, I have to say this was one of the most uplifting moments of my life. Furthermore, because of what was happening in my life, this was also a time when my emotions were running wild. One night as I was about to fall asleep, a voice in my head told me to “write your story.” The next morning I remembered what I heard. The following evening when I was holding Kendall in my arms she gave me the push I needed and became inspired to write my first novel.

Do you have a specific writing style?

I don’t think so. I never thought about it.

How did you come up with the title?

I wanted a cool superhero name that wasn’t “taken” or heard of before. One day while browsing the web I came across archangels. The one that stuck out was “Metatron”. It sounded cool - somewhat similar to Megatron from Transformers. I did some research and found that Metatron was probably the most powerful archangel so I went with it.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

Whatever you want to do, you can rise above your doubts and attain anything you set your mind on doing.    

How much of the book is realistic?

Well since it’s fiction everything is made-up in my head. But I think of real settings then say to myself, what if.

Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

Some experiences are loosely based on me, my son and other people in my life.

What books have most influenced your life most?

I would have to say my school books, Marvel Comics, and the Bible.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

I would love for Stan Lee to be my mentor!

What book are you reading now?

I’m reading Protostar by my friend Braxton Cosby.

Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?

Honestly, I have been writing and working so much along with preparing to move that I haven’t had the time to really seek new writers.

What are your current projects?

I’m I am currently working on book 3 and book 4 in the Metatron Series. Who knows, I might also be co-authoring a book as well. Only time will tell.

Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members?

My editor and advocate Paula Berinstein is an awesome supporter of my writing. She helped me become a better writer. She always strived for perfection, as did I.

What would you like my readers to know?

I’m an honest and sincere person. My stories have no bloodshed and vulgarity. I’m a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and I speak fluent Donald Duck!

For More Information

• Visit Lawrence St. John’s website.
• Connect with Lawrence on Facebook and Twitter.
• Visit Lawrence’s blog.