A Review of Archimedes’ Claw

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Do we really create our personal fate? Is it true destiny? Are we really able to come to grips with lost loves, self-esteem flaws, delicate vulnerabilities, ultimate triumphs and persistent inner fears?

Common human queries, but in the case of Dr. Finn McGee, notable academic physicist, physician and unlikely subject of a CIA investigation, these struggles take the neophyte reader on an exhilarating, but tortuous emotional thrill ride. Archimedes’ Claw provides front row seating to witness unconventional successes and failures while ultimately unfolding a greater mystery of love.

Finn, the quirky lead character in Dr. Ted Homa’s new novel unexpectedly bears the fruits and spoils of his breakthrough research based on postulated Greek scientific theory to create the foundation for time transport. This confidential revolutionary phenomenon catapults him and dear friends into unforeseen physical, technical, emotional, theological and ethical conflicts once the disappearance of Finn’s mentor cannot be rationally explained. The only clue is a spiral of blood spatter covering the wall of his secreted university research lab.

Enter into this perplexing equation cherished friends, Dan and Maddy forming constant refuge for spirit and soul. Dan, Wall Street whiz, techno expert and Jesuit priest provides a melange of of spiritual counsel, debate, intellectual know how and competitiveness while brotherly love for Finn remains constant. Sibling, Maddy mothers both while underlying unspoken personal guilt motivates her overly protective perfectionist demeanor. Together with Finn, the twosome faces perplexing, unexplored and unknown limits of science while CIA operatives continue pursuit.

Finn’s undying love for his late wife, Claire haunts his every thought plunging him into periodic deep remorse with unanswered questions about her death. Was he responsible? His journey of healing is anything, but simple.

In this first work of fiction, Homa captivates the booklover with historical, scientific and philosophical details with smooth prose descriptions allowing easy transport of every reader into the story’s essence.

by Robert Manniello, columnist and freelance journalist for the Orange County Register and Capistrano Valley News in Irvine, California.

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