Click here if you would like to order Second Sight or Second Birth
New Comments from Readers of Second Sight on Amazon:
“I just finished Second Sight and can’t wait to start Second Birth. I loved this fast paced adventure and the thought provoking mysteries it spun into a masterful story. How refreshing to read book full of people who are brave, intelligent, and honorable. The mix of history and mythology showed greater imagination than anything I have read in years! Thank you, Jack, for persevering and following your dream to publish your ideas! I think this would make an awesome movie!”
D Hartung, 14 February 2014
“I’m a reader that is hard to keep interested, seldom finish a book. I couldn’t put this one down. Looking forward to the next editions!“
A Smith 2 November 2014
“This book hooks you in right from the beginning. It is like a fast paced action movie that quickly connects you to the characters. The only downside is the cliffhanger at the end… just be glad that you don’t have to wait to hear what happens next… Second Birth is now available and completes the story!“
Z Bower 1 November 2013
Comments emailed to me directly from Readers of Second Sight:
“An exciting, imaginative start to a new series. In Second Sight J.F. Althouse takes us back in time to a creative reconstruction of the Second Age of our Earth, harmonizing suggestions for many of the archeological mysteries still found in our present world. Jordan from our modern time finds himself thrown 13,000 years into the past, finding himself a key player in a major world war that may mark the end of the Second Age.” S. Thorson , Kathmandu, Nepal
Facebook Comments from Readers of Second Sight:
“Love Second Sight, will order Second Birth soon!!! And so grateful that a portion of the proceeds go to charity, is an added benefit!”
-LG Dixon
“Hey Jack, i got your book yesterday and es ist sehr gut. Ich habe nur ein klein teil gelesen, aber es ist sehr gut. Let me know if you need a translation. You are a great author. I can’t even imagine how mcuh work it took for you to compile a this to put in a book.”
– B Myers
“A thought provoking adventure with non-stop action. I started reading Second Sight and could not stop. The ending left me wanting more. Someone needs to make this book into a movie!”
-Greg R
“Second Sight is a terrific mixture of action and suspense that keeps you reading full speed all the way until the end. (… and then leaves you desperately thirsty for more!) In addition to fine writing that allows for the reader to easily immerse themselves into the world of Second Sight, it is the incredible scope of research and creativity involved in the construction of that world that makes this book unique! Well done, Jack! Can’t wait for Second Birth!”
– Z Bower
“This exciting cliffhanger carried me away through time-lines that challenged all my preconceived ancient historical notions. Jack’s visual writing, compelling characters, and intriguing adventure, left me anticipating more,…and looking forward to the sequel!”
– L. Weller
“Within the first 3 pages of Second Sight, I was hooked. The storyline is compelling; the verbal imagery is stunning and colorful. With dialogue that is credible, accessible, and enhanced by an appealing touch of humor, the characters are believably real. The protagonist’s humanness and courage demands respect; the back and forth between the characters’ experience and voices is brilliantly effective and draws the reader in. Seamless integration of historical and creative fictional detail adds freshness, excitement, and interest to a story that is well balanced, evocative of emotion and wonder, and remarkably creative.”
– Lois F
“In some ways, my experience in reading “Second Sight” reminds me of Arthur C. Clarke’s “3001: The Final Odyssey”. But Mr. Althouse’s timeline and moral compass are pointed in a much different direction than those of Mr. Clarke. The thrust of our societal thinking places present-day mankind at the pinnacle of truth and understanding, with the assumption that no one who has come before us has ever known or achieved more than we have. Mr. Althouse looks at the same world and finds evidence of an epic civilized past that shatters our assumptions, and he takes us on a thrilling and fulfilling visit to this world in the waning years of a previous age. We go on an mission to a civilization which in every way outshines what we’ve established here in our time, and he does it through the eyes and in the company of people who you will care about, respect, and give you inspiration.”
-R Smith
Click here if you would like to order Second Sight or Second Birth
Amazon Reader’s Said This About Second Sight:
quite an adventure,February 14, 2011
This book connects to audiences of all ages and backgrounds. There is no inappropriate content or language which is a fresh change in our current world of literature that so heavily relies on those things. The story takes our imaginations to a world few of us have even heard or read about. The characters become like real, quirky people we encounter everyday. It was hard to put the book down and go back to my everyday life in between reads. Second Sight Is First-Rate!, July 15, 2011
Second Sight is a fine first novel by Jack Althouse. Jack is a professional architect, amateur(in the finest sense)archaeologist and self-described adventurer. I am also pleased to share that a man of such humility and talent is my friend. His book contains as much action/adventure as one would want, as well as romantic undercurrents and a pronounced sense of spiritual reality. Respect for historical detail is coupled with imaginative excursions, making for compelling reading. His penchant for quips of dialogue and observation adorn the book throughout the unfolding of its plot. His characters are memorable, which says a lot in a day in which character is either unduly artificial and forced or simply lost amidst sex and violence. I heartily recommend that Second Sight be read, both for its inherent value as a piece of fine fiction as well as a paean of respect for the inherent virtues of the author. Second Sight – a review,November 30, 2010
A review of a sensational read: “Every explorer thinks he’s crazy just before the big find. Keep questioning what you think you already know. It’s the fastest way to the truth.” “Be careful what you go looking for. Some things aren’t meant to be found.” Somewhere between these two quotes from the book lies the mystery of its quest. Second Sight is a story – designed and authored by an architect – that uncovers the awesome mystery behind the development of God’s grand schema written by His consciousness through the hands of His characters -“written in primordial time, in the PRESENCE, with black fire on white fire” (Rashi). Were there cataclysms in our past that initiates were able to safe-house wisdom against? Are there Ages to the human species that we have not uncovered or deciphered? Is outer space somehow connected to inner space? Second Sight leads us on a profound questioning path toward these concepts. We bounce back and forth, in the book, between time present, time past, and future time. We are hurled between inner space and outer space. The far reaches of the galaxy are hidden in our present tunnels and pathways to antiquity. The book starts with a personal tragedy that draws you in to the life of the main character with a deep sense of longing for his survival. It does not take long for the hook to be set by the author. Once hooked, you cannot stop following the line – hoping to catch a glimpse of the one who has snagged you and begun reeling you in. You are always left wondering whether what you are reading is real – the greatest sign that you have been caught. You’ll find yourself wanting to “Google” most of what you uncover. One minute we are buying Cool-Whip in a convenience store and the next we are standing at a five storey sand plume by the pyramids in Egypt. The search for the prize – like the longing for the philosopher’s stone – never escapes your racing heart. Staring into the Abyss has never been so riveting. The Kybalion quotes the ancient Hermetic principle, “As above, so below. As inside, so outside”. Jack Althouse, in his book, walks us through these principles with a verbal artistry that reveals a landscape not a concept. We are climbing down holes, through tunnels, and space itself to find more than tablets of gold and arcane artifacts, we are searching for a treasure of great price. We search and wonder where we will end up next, only to find out that it is the place where all heaven and earth collide. To find it, you’ll have to read this thrilling journey – this amazing book. There can be no escaping the fact that this story has to be told. It is a matter of life and death. You will not be able to put the adventure down until you have gobbled up his every word. One thing is for sure, your compass will never look the same to you again. You can bet there will be more to come! […] Ciao! TJM+ Second Sight by J. F. Althouse,October 20, 2010
Second Sight was a great book. I enjoyed as much the theory behind the book as I did the story itself. I am definitely looking forward to the next book. A top pick and very highly recommended read,September 11, 2010
History is something that is best understood through experience, but Jordan Wright never thought it’d be like this. “Second Sight” tells the story of a man who makes the discovery of a portal that links the artifacts of ancient history the world of Atlantis. But his discovery changes his world forever, and there may not be a way back. An exciting story that blends mythology and history, “Second Sight” is a top pick and very highly recommended read. A whirlwind adventure,September 9, 2010
I just finished reading Second Sight. It has been some time since a book has caputured me in the way this book did. I found I couldn’t put the book down. I can’t wait to read the next one. I passed this on to my 14 year old son he also has been incessantly reading with a level of excitement that I rarely see. The action was great, but the developement of the characters is what drew me in and held me captive for the three days that I read this. The facts woven into the story also had me marveling at Jack’s ability to share knowledge without making it seem like the story had to stop and facts then wedged into the narrative. I felt like I learned while I enjoyed the story. My Son should finish the book tonight and then my Daughter will be reading the book next. Thanks for a great time for my Family Jack!! An absolutely phenomenal book!,August 24, 2010
JF Althouse has created a fast paced, intriguing and thought-provoking adventure that treads the thin line between fact and fiction. He weaves enough fact and theory into the story to keep the reader wondering where reality ends and fiction begins, but does so in such a thoroughly entertaining fashion that it leaves the reader desperately wanting more. He gives readers a glimpse of certain carefully guarded secrets of which only a few are aware, but of which all should know, and shows us that the answers are there for those who are willing to open their minds to the possiblities. The characters who tell the story are real and three dimensional, and after you’ve galloped through the pages, you will honestly feel as if each one of them has become a treasured friend. It is a book filled with hope and insight, love and loss, failure and triumph, and each page will leave you breathless in anticipation of what will happen next. This book, a first in a series, is destined for greatness as it tells a tale that is truly timeless, and may ultimately be the story of each one of us. Captivating,August 24, 2010
This book is very much out of the genre that I would normally read, but it certainly kept my attention throughout. I had a difficult time putting it down, because I was drawn to find out what would happen next. It was an action packed book without the need for gore or foul language. It has me curious about the different ages of Man which the author refers to throughout the book. I am a pastor and would recommend this book to my congregation, especially as an alternative to some of the media out there for youth. I cannot wait to read the sequel, the characters have become ancestors and friends and I want to know what happens to them next. Excellent read,August 13, 2010
I just finished reading this book, and I have to say, it is the best book I have read in a long time. The detail given made you feel as though you were there. The characters were revealed in an excellent manner, switching back and forth between their thoughts. What an exciting adventure! Like others, I cannot wait to read the sequel. Keep them coming Jack! awesome,August 11, 2010
I have read many sci-fi/fantasy style books, fiction style military books and James Bond type of books. Second Sight is all of those things wrapped up in one book. With the combination of fact and fiction, world travel and geography put this book over the top for me. The amazing imagery that Jack Althouse uses in each setting gives you just enough to visualize the surroundings without over doing it. By doing this the book never becomes boring and you hang on every word as you try to read faster just to see what happens next. I believe that the way this book is written it could easily be done on the big screen. (I could only hope) Like another reviewer wrote, the only disappointing thing is I have to wait to read the next book. I am going crazy to see what happens to Jordan and all other the characters. This truly is a wonderfully written book, one for any age. hought Provoking Adventure,August 8, 2010
Great book! The format of the book is great as it bounces between characters and really makes you connect as you see the story unfold through their eyes. While this great adventure stands on it’s own, the fact that the book is based on research that questions our notions of time and history make it all the more compelling (check out the author’s web site). You would think that a book based on this type of intriguing research would drone on with facts to provide the background for the story, although somehow the author manages to weave the facts into the adventure without you even noticing. The verbal imagery made the book play like a movie in my mind with special effects that are only seen in the highest budget Hollywood films. Trust me, there is not a dull moment to be had in this book. Second Sight,August 5, 2010
This is an action packed book that you cannot put down. The combination of fact and fiction is extremely well done. Jack is such a gifted writer that it is easy to make connections to the characters, and to feel as though you are experiencing the adventure right along with them. It keeps you hanging right up to the end. I can’t wait for the next one in the series! A Great and Inspiring Adventure,August 5, 2010
“Second Sight” is a story that features a combination of adventure, history and imagination. The book is brought to life by a group of likable and interesting characters, who are quite human but are also imbued with a nobility that helps them to achieve great things. The story starts in our present day and it pulled me right in with the main character – Jordan. I had heard the author speak about his explorations and theories – about Pyramids and other ancient structures on the Earth. I am also familiar with some of his architectural work, so I approached this book with certain expectations and preconceptions. Boy I was really surprised and delighted by this book! I found myself reading it more slowly as I approached the back cover because I did not want the adventure to end. I recommend this novel to anyone who wants to enjoy a refreshing and unexpected adventure into a distant past that just might be for real. Jack, how is your next book coming along? Bring it on please! Out of Sight,August 5, 2010
Having read Jack’s book, the only drawback is that the sequel is not out yet. His imagination mixed with historical facts has the reader thinking “what if” throughout the entire book. The attention to detail on your surroundings as you travel through the story with the characters makes you easily able to visualize and become a part of the story. Half way through the book, my first thought was, “this should be on the big screen”. It would be a cinematographer’s dream. I also found the books “purity” to be a welcome change to the unfortunate “muck” many writers succumb to. Without the added cursing or heavy sexual inuendo, the story holds you enthralled to the end. It is a book for readers of all ages. Upon reading this book, I’m sure you will agree, JF Althouse is truly gifted and we should be so lucky to see more prose released by his hand.
Zachary Stein (Philadelphia) – See all my reviews
Throughout the book Althouse makes assertions that make no sense mathematically or scientifically. One such assertion is: “The pyramids of Egypt have a circumference to height ratio equal to that of the earth’s circumference to radius ratio”. Let’s examine what’s wrong with that statement… 1. A pyramid does not have a circumference the base of it has a perimeter. 2. This is no great geometric revelation. The ratio of the circumference of any circle to its radius is always 2pi… 2*pi*r = c (every one who has taken 5th grade math knows how to find the circumference of a circle). 3. A perfect pyramid by definition has the property p/h = 2pi. While it’s interesting that the pyramids at Giza are perfect pyramids, the relationship with the Earth’s radius is meaningless. I could say that the pyramids at Giza have a perimeter / height = 2pi, and a pizza has a circumference / radius = 2pi therefore the Egyptians invented pizza. The author’s character could make any claim based on that about any circular object. While it may seem like I’m making a big deal out of this, I’m not the author is. He spends a few paragraphs discussing how exciting this fact is. That isn’t to say it’s not interesting that the Egyptians constructed a perfect pyramid (to within something like a tenth of a percent), it’s just that the author draws conclusions based on that fact that while true, don’t necessarily have any causal relationship. At one point in the book the author makes a big deal about a buried structure in South America having sides sloped at 51.85 degrees. Why is that a big deal? The author doesn’t explain. If not for the fact that I happen to know that a perfect pyramid has sides that slope at 51.85 degrees, it would seem to be pulled out of nowhere. This isn’t the only jump the author makes… He introduces this “dating method” based on the orientation of the north facing wall of old structures, yet he does not explain the paleo magnetic connection until later in the book. Another issue I take with the author is (I know this is fiction) that he requires an alternative explanation for many phenomena seen on earth, and already explained scientifically. I understand the whole “suspended disbelief” concept, but I think it should be applied a lot less liberally to a book designed to contain elements of actual science and the earth. One big issue I take is that rather than explain early hominid fossils as members of the old civilizations, the author asserts (mistakenly) that bodies older than 10,000 years will leave absolutely no remains. This is simply not true… No trace fossils, no bone fossils? Really? If this was true, how are we pulling mammoth bones out of permafrost, dinosaur bones out of the ground, fossil bacteria, and hominid fossils out of Oldavai gorge in Kenya? I get that it’s fiction and requires some level of suspended disbelief, but this is too far. When suspended disbelief requires the reader to buy into something that is absolute falsehood it just goes too far… Magic’s fine, “what if” scenarios are fine, but a world with no fossilization is not. As far as what’s good about the book… Most of the descriptive writing is good, I like how he develops the scenery, how he describes buildings and details. I like how the characters are developed, they’re well defined, well written and quite accessible. The dialog is well written, it seems to flow naturally and fit the characterizations. What kept me reading in spite of the short comings I discussed was really the characters and how attached I became to them. Ultimately I wanted to find out what happened to them. If you like the da Vinci Code, you will probably like this book. I had mostly the same criticism for Dan Brown’s books. But again, for people who like the da Vinci Code, by all means read this book…
Comments from Barnes and Nobel customers:
knlauria
Posted October 16, 2010 (five stars)
Highly Recommended – gripping!
Excellent book Jack! A novel flowing with startling fact and poetic fiction, so intertwined it is near impossible to separate the two. I found myself staying up much past my bedtime trying to finish (and that’s with two toddlers!). The most interesting aspect is the reality of it all that really makes me want to learn more about our reality today and the distant past.
Thanks for the imaginative ride and I look forward to book two!
