Circle's End [Paperback]

Book Review by George Bishop, one time editor of The Circular, the magazine of the Centre for Crop Circle Studies

Circles End a novel by Delwyn McPhun

Despite the title this is not a book about the science or dynamics per se of crop circles in the usual accepted sense, it is a novel that encompasses almost the entire field of the phenomenon of crop circle lore. It is a book that all croppies should read and one that they will want to read. Whatever your particular point of view about crop circles, this book will draw you on in an almost hypnotic manner. It will use as a background, almost the entire history of the subject as well as allusions to various croppies and organisations. It is almost de rigueur to figure out who is being parodied or interpreted in the well illustrated characters that people the book.
The following extract is taken from the back cover of the book;
Crop Circles: Hundreds of these strange patterns appear in our fields each year, their vast beauty inspiring awe and wonder.
A sudden increase in their number throws Matt Lancing, maths student and amateur symbologist, into a world of intrigue. What is creating them? Is it a message?
Matt deciphers crop circles for a secret military group led by the mysterious Ember, a determined redhead with strange spiritual beliefs. Uncovering what makes circles is just the beginning of his journey to a terrifying discovery.
Warning: This well documented enigma will question your deepest illusions.
The tale is told in a page turning and entertaining race from one provisional explanation to another as the plot twists and turns.
Mr McPhun has obviously spent a very great deal of time investigating the phenomenon and has left few stones unturned in researching his subject. His erudition on the subject is self evident and offers croppies an opportunity to revisit their own thinking and theories. A novel, yes, but a chance to revisit your memories and eperiences of the past at the same time. Some gratuitous sex at times, but we can forgive that if it is believable and part of the plot line.
Quite a few typographical errors cause minor annoyance, but all in all a great and refreshing approach that will be food for thought and cause for reflection for all croppies. I cannot emphasise enough that this book should be a MUST for all well experienced croppies, yet banned from the grasp of all neophyte croppies. Read it and you will see what I mean
The ISBN: 978-2-9536701-0-3 Published by Bud Books the book is £9.50 in the UK, this equates to 12 or $15 and is available through Amazon or any good bookshop. Postage will be extra

I found this story hard to put down. I was given it as a present and though it is years since I saw a crop circle, and am not an enthusiast, the depth of description is fascinating and soon I was hooked. Along with this is an interesting story line, in which an inexperienced, likable young man Matt, meets an intriguing, mysterious red head, Ember. The story evolves rapidly with unexpected twists and turns. His interest in symbology and hers in crop circles soon leads them into wild adventure with a dramatic conclusion.

The book has many facets not least of which is to challenge what we cling to. I found it a good read and recommend it especially if you are looking for something different.

Crop circles: Hundreds of these strange patterns appear in our fields each year, their vast beauty inspiring awe and wonder. A sudden increase in their number throws Matt Lancing, maths student and amateur symbologist, into a world of intrigue. What is creating them? What is their message?
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Matt deciphers crop circles for a secret group led by the mysterious Ember, a determined redhead with deep spiritual beliefs. Uncovering what makes the circles is just the beginning of his journey to a terrifying discovery.
Circle's End is a passionate mystery in which the main protagonists embody the conflict between material and spiritual, scepticism and faith. Only by freeing themselves of their illusions can they understand what is making the crop circles and decipher their desperate message. But is it already too late?
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It doesn't matter whether you believe that crop circles are made by aliens, UFOs, elves or humans; this story was written for you!
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Rewiew by Geoge Bishop - Centre for Crop Circle Studies
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Despite the title this is not a book about the science or dynamics per se of crop circles in the usual accepted sense, it is a novel that encompasses almost the entire field of the phenomenon of crop circle lore. It is a book that all croppies should read and one that they will want to read. Whatever your particular point of view about crop circles, this book will draw you on in an almost hypnotic manner. It will use as a background, almost the entire history of the subject as well as allusions to various croppies and organisations. It is almost de rigueur to figure out who is being parodied or interpreted in the well illustrated characters that people the book.
-
The tale is told in a page turning and entertaining race from one provisional explanation to another as the plot twists and turns.
Mr McPhun has obviously spent a very great deal of time investigating the phenomenon and has left few stones unturned in researching his subject. His erudition on the subject is self evident and offers croppies an opportunity to revisit their own thinking and theories. A novel, yes, but a chance to revisit your memories and eperiences of the past at the same time. Some gratuitous sex at times, but we can forgive that if it is believable and part of the plot line.
Quite a few typographical errors cause minor annoyance, but all in all a great and refreshing approach that will be food for thought and cause for reflection for all croppies. I cannot emphasise enough that this book should be a MUST for all well experienced croppies, yet banned from the grasp of all neophyte croppies. Read it and you will see what I mean.