Synopses & Reviews
“Spare your soul,” he ranted, “and turn your eyes from greed.…”The tattoos on his arms still reading “Live by the Sword” and “Die by the Sword,” Aramis Black is ready for a fresh start. Determined to set aside his violent tendencies, he opens an espresso shop in Nashville and begins to put his childhood memories behind him. The past isnt finished with him, though. One ordinary day at the shop, a man is shot before his eyes, speaking dying words to Aramis that are all too familiar.
Aramis realizes that his path to freedom will demand forgiveness-forgiveness from God and forgiveness of others. Along the way, he must uncover the conspiracy behind a centuries-old mystery and the shocking truth of his mothers death. The question remains: Will Aramis be able to conquer his past, or will evil get the best of him?
Synopsis
"Spare your soul," he ranted, "and turn your eyes from greed...."
The tattoos on his arms still reading "Live by the Sword" and "Die by the Sword," Aramis Black is ready for a fresh start. Determined to set aside his violent tendencies, he opens an espresso shop in Nashville and begins to put his childhood memories behind him. The past isn't finished with him, though. One ordinary day at the shop, a man is shot before his eyes, speaking dying words to Aramis that are all too familiar.
Aramis realizes that his path to freedom will demand forgiveness-forgiveness from God and forgiveness of others. Along the way, he must uncover the conspiracy behind a centuries-old mystery and the shocking truth of his mother's death. The question remains: Will Aramis be able to conquer his past, or will evil get the best of him?
About the Author
Eric Wilson and his wife, Carolyn Rose, live with their two energetic daughters in Nashville, Tennessee. The author of Dark to Mortal Eyes and Expiration Date, Eric has traveled in numerous countries, feeding his love of the outdoors and his need to explore. This is the first book in the Aramis Black series.
Reading Group Guide
1. As a child, Aramis saw his mother murdered. How has this impacted his life and his relationships? In what ways did you empathize with his character?
2. For years, Aramis lived a rough life on the streets. How does the story show this? What causes him to change his ways and move in with his brother? Have you had a similar moment when "the lights came on," so to speak?
3. Johnny Ray is a concerned older brother. What did you like about his character? What things made him flawed?
4. When Aramis tries to move past the death in his shop, how does he lean on Brianne? On Samantha? When his immaturity shows, did it frustrate you, or did you have sympathy for him?
5. Were you familiar with the historical mystery of Meriwether Lewis' death? Did the story give you new information? Did it change your perspective at all?
6. Aramis finds old ways rising to the surface, specifically in confrontations with his uncle and father. What did you think of his slowly changing relationship with his father? Do you have similar tension with family members?
7. Despite Aramis' rough edges, he also shows a soft side. In what ways did you see this? How did it make you feel toward his character?
8. When Aramis agrees to have dinner with Brianne, did you suspect the trouble they would get into? What did you think of their resulting bond? Have you faced situations that yoked you in an unhealthy relationship?
9. Did you think Detective Meade's character was he too standoffish? How did the interaction between him and Aramis change? Were there ways he taught Aramis by example?
10. Did the final revelation on the Natchez Trace surprise you? In what ways was if foreshadowed? How did it tie into earlier warnings against greed?
11. Aramis decides to hide a clue for his brother--and readers--to find. Did you figure it out? What did you think of his decision to leave it alone?
12. Was the image of the hawk effective for you emotionally? Spiritually? Did the story encourage you in your own "fight to get free"? In what ways did you see Aramis' desire to "get the best of evil by doing good"?