The Kite and the Coin Toss - book-signing

The Kite and the Coin Toss

In an event coined The Signers' Day of Reckoning, Benjamin Franklin swings from his noose. His son William watches on until his feet stop swaying. Benjamin and fellow rebellion leaders met their ends en masse on July 2, 1782, the sixth anniversary of the ratification of their treasonous declaration.

Two hundred and forty years later, Joshua Franks works as a scientist in a royally sanctioned lightning lab. The lab's goal is to use lightning as an alternative energy source. He aspires to illuminate villages like Cloister where his parents live. These villages stand in destitute and dark contrast to the royal cities they surround and support. In a world where efforts not benefitting the king do not get sanctioned, the rare opportunity to light these villages provides Joshua his first and only, to allow his skills to shine a positive light.

Joshua lives within the province of Burgoyne, in the royal city of George's Cross; formerly known as Philadelphia within the colony of Pennsylvania, though that had been over two centuries and a revolution ago.

While attending a college history course, Joshua learns what the government allows to be taught surrounding the failed treasonous revolt.

On Joshua's 21st birthday his parents pass on their most secret and prized possessions, Benjamin Franklin's journals. Joshua learns he is a descendent of Mr. Franklin. In one journal, he reads a completely different telling of the causes and events that occurred during the revolution, up to and including Signers' Day. Among other truths, he learns his newfound forefather once sailed a kite in a lightning storm.

Revolutionary revelation strikes.

Over two centuries stand between Joshua Franks and Benjamin Franklin. Joshua may be the only person since with an opportunity to complete the task his forefather and fellow revolutionaries started so long ago.

Category: Arts | Books and Literature