Susan Whitfield's Blog: Multi-talented Lawrence Johnson

Susan Whitfield's Blog: Multi-talented Lawrence Johnson

Escape 2 Earth Reviews

5 stars Could Earth Survive a Direct Hit?, December 20, 2011
By Martha A. Cheves (Charlotte, NC)

This review is from: Escape 2 Earth 2012 (Kindle Edition)

`Two tall male forms walked from the ship toward them. This was it. It was obvious from their attire that they were not from this world. It was one of the coldest nights of the winter but the thin blue shimmering material worn by the visitors seemed more than adequate to keep them warm. One of the aliens began to speak. His voice was calm and welcoming. "I bid you peace. You have no idea how long we have waited for this moment to arrive." The two aliens bowed slightly under the moonlight while Will and Matt stood motionless and speechless. "Your friend is injured, allow us to help." One of the aliens had dark blue hair, when he moved away from the light it actually looked black. He motioned toward Art. When they didn't respond he picked Art up in both arms and carefully carried him up the small ramp and inside the ship. The other alien was a little shorter with shoulder length reddish brown hair. The shorter man did not speak but motioned for Matt and Will to follow. Once on the ship the door silently slid closed behind them and once again the ship seemed to vanish. Matt and Will were not the only ones amazed at the dramatic arrival of the aliens, the man who had shadowed them since their arrival at the airport was back. This time he watched, with high-powered night vision binoculars, from a clump of trees on the other side of the clearing. The stalker had shed his disguise. He would be much easier for Matt to recognize now. It was Matt's nemesis, Dave.'

Matt and Will were not just best friends, they were also partners in a venture to photograph and hopefully find answers to the mysterious masses of `crop circles' that had plagued the world for years. But, as time passed and the answers with it, Matt decided to split the partnership and take a real job. One that would keep him home where he and his wife Sara could hopefully start a family. But, as predicted by Will, Matt would soon become bored with his position at America's Pulse Magazine. At least that was the case until Matt and Will met Arthur Collins. Art was a computer whiz with CBT Electronics. He and his team were in the process of building a new super computer. Secretly he talked Matt and Will into allowing him to submit the data they had collected over the years into the new computer to see what it might come up with a pattern and therefore answers. The answers calculated by this super computer would change the lives of not just Matt, Will and Art but the whole world. By diagnosing the data, there appeared to be 3 symbols that kept appearing in the printouts. They were 001, 034, AH and 2,012. After many calculations 001 turned out to be San Andreas Fault, 034 - England, and AH - Averbury Hedge. 2,012 was the year which was 8 years into the future. The year Earth would be destroyed.

So, where do the aliens come into play? Are they here to help or to hinder? According to them, they aren't even supposed to be there. If their planet officials found out, they could face death. But can the trio believe what they tell them about the destruction of the world? According to them, Earth cannot be saved but the people can. How? There are millions of people on the planet and no way to get off and even if they could, where would they go?

I've read books that have kept me on the edge of my seat but Escape 2 Earth 2012 had me even holding my breath at times. Why? So many of the happenings are so possible. What are the pyramids really and how were they actually built? What is Stonehenge and who built it? Is it possible that there might be a planet out there that is on course to collide with Earth? Would our government even tell us if there was no way to avoid the collision? Escape 2 Earth 2012 is fiction but it sure makes sense of some of these questions. This is a truly intense book.

5 stars Fascinating!
By Yolanda S. Reid "mystery maven" (Los Angeles, CA)

This review is from: Escape 2 Earth 2012 (Paperback)
Escape 2 Earth is a book that resonates as we approach 2012, and, as many fear, the realization of an apocalyptic vision--the destruction of Earth. What if saving humanity was not in the hands of God, but of Man? Or, Men? Matt, Will, and Art are drawn into a cosmic battle for the survival of humans and the Earth that draws on the predictions of history and the technology of the future. Will they succeed in saving their own lives--and those of us all? Read this thrilling page-turner and find out! Highly recommended!

5 stars Escape 2 Earth 2012 is Phenomenal!
By Lauren A. Johnson "Lauren" (Philadelphia, PA)

5 stars Great story!
By Jennifer Moore "J.J." (California)

This review is from: Escape 2 Earth 2012 (Paperback)
Heroes don't have to wear masks and capes--they can be us. The heroes of Escape 2 Earth get "drafted" into heroism and lead us into an exciting adventure that keeps you on the edge of your seat. A real page turner that keeps you entertained and thinking.

5 stars Earth is near the end,
By William "William B.

This review is from: Escape 2 Earth 2012 (Paperback)

"Escape 2 Earth", by Lawrence Johnson was outstanding, excellent, something you can not put down until you are at the end. In addition, when you get to the end you will wonder what is going to happen next.
The book has many chapters that will keep your mind wondering how will I escape this earth we as humans' call home. I thought that I would not like a sci-fi book but this book is more than that it keeps your attention, with situations that we deal with in everyday life in this dreadful earth we call home. Also if you are looking for an escape from life for a minute than pick up the book it will be the escape you are looking for.

5 stars Better than 2012 the movie.
By C.W.J. "kiptopeke"

This review is from: Escape 2 Earth 2012 (Kindle Edition)

Escape 2 Earth is a clever 2012 story that held my interest from beginning to end. I was draw in by the originality of the plot. Hidden 2012 messages inside crop circles, a secret alien organization , far off galaxies and massive space ships what more can you ask for. Actually I do wish that the story was a little longer, other than that I think that it was a great book for teens and adults.

4 stars great story
By Gary W. Bowen "Brandy Wayne" (WV USA)

This review is from: Escape 2 Earth 2012 (Paperback)

I Loved this book. It is a very well thought out story that is extremely relevant for our times. Mr. Johnson has a firm grasp of his chosen genre and it's penchant for sudden plot shifts and unexpected surprises. I am looking forward to the sequel: Return 2 Earth (I know it is available in e book format but I'm old fashioned and still enjoy the feel of the paper and the anticipation of turning the next page. I will upgrade to an e-reader when they can solve those problems.)

ESCAPE 2 EARTH 2012

Lawrence Johnson Interviews

Sci-fi Authors Lauren and Lawrence Johnson Interviewed on The G-Zone Radio Show

Listen to internet radio with GelatisScoop on Blog Talk Radio

 Effigy-blogs Interviews Author Lawrence Johnson

Global Book Blast Interviews Sci-fi Author Lawrence Johnson

Escape 2 Earth Press Releases

West Virginia Author Gives Back

Escape 2 Earth 2012 (E2E) Series Grows Stronger with Its Latest Installments

Martha A. Cheves Reviews the 2012 Sci-fi novel Escape 2 Earth

Five Star Review from Martha A. Cheves

  (Kindle Edition)

`Two tall male forms walked from the ship toward them. This was it. It was obvious from their attire that they were not from this world. It was one of the coldest nights of the winter but the thin blue shimmering material worn by the visitors seemed more than adequate to keep them warm. One of the aliens began to speak. His voice was calm and welcoming. "I bid you peace. You have no idea how long we have waited for this moment to arrive." The two aliens bowed slightly under the moonlight while Will and Matt stood motionless and speechless. "Your friend is injured, allow us to help." One of the aliens had dark blue hair, when he moved away from the light it actually looked black. He motioned toward Art. When they didn't respond he picked Art up in both arms and carefully carried him up the small ramp and inside the ship. The other alien was a little shorter with shoulder length reddish brown hair. The shorter man did not speak but motioned for Matt and Will to follow. Once on the ship the door silently slid closed behind them and once again the ship seemed to vanish. Matt and Will were not the only ones amazed at the dramatic arrival of the aliens, the man who had shadowed them since their arrival at the airport was back. This time he watched, with high-powered night vision binoculars, from a clump of trees on the other side of the clearing. The stalker had shed his disguise. He would be much easier for Matt to recognize now. It was Matt's nemesis, Dave.' 

Matt and Will were not just best friends, they were also partners in a venture to photograph and hopefully find answers to the mysterious masses of `crop circles' that had plagued the world for years. But, as time passed and the answers with it, Matt decided to split the partnership and take a real job. One that would keep him home where he and his wife Sara could hopefully start a family. But, as predicted by Will, Matt would soon become bored with his position at America's Pulse Magazine. At least that was the case until Matt and Will met Arthur Collins. Art was a computer whiz with CBT Electronics. He and his team were in the process of building a new super computer. Secretly he talked Matt and Will into allowing him to submit the data they had collected over the years into the new computer to see what it might come up with a pattern and therefore answers. The answers calculated by this super computer would change the lives of not just Matt, Will and Art but the whole world. By diagnosing the data, there appeared to be 3 symbols that kept appearing in the printouts. They were 001, 034, AH and 2,012. After many calculations 001 turned out to be San Andreas Fault, 034 - England, and AH - Averbury Hedge. 2,012 was the year which was 8 years into the future. The year Earth would be destroyed. 


So, where do the aliens come into play? Are they here to help or to hinder? According to them, they aren't even supposed to be there. If their planet officials found out, they could face death. But can the trio believe what they tell them about the destruction of the world? According to them, Earth cannot be saved but the people can. How? There are millions of people on the planet and no way to get off and even if they could, where would they go? 

I've read books that have kept me on the edge of my seat but Escape 2 Earth 2012 had me even holding my breath at times. Why? So many of the happenings are so possible. What are the pyramids really and how were they actually built? What is Stonehenge and who built it? Is it possible that there might be a planet out there that is on course to collide with Earth? Would our government even tell us if there was no way to avoid the collision? Escape 2 Earth 2012 is fiction but it sure makes sense of some of these questions. This is a truly intense book. 


Buy ESCAPE 2 EARTH 2012

Escape 2 Earth 2012 - the Television Series

Please sign our petition and help turn Escape 2 Earth the book series into Escape 2 Earth the TV Series.

Change.org|Start an Online Petition »

Win one of 5 Escape 2 Earth e-books just by signing our petition.  Five new winners are drawn weekly.

Global Book Blast Interviews Sci-fi Author Lawrence Johnson

Global Book Blast Interviews Sci-fi Author Lawrence Johnson

 

GBB: Good afternoon Mr. Johnson. Thanks for taking the time to talk with me about your science fiction series Escape 2 Earth 2012.

Larry: No problem, glad to be here.

GBB: Okay, let’s get right down to it. Escape 2 Earth, that an unusual title for a book. How did you come up with it?

Larry: Well, I get asked that question a lot. It’s a play on words. In the story there are two earths so by removing the word to in the title and replacing it with the number 2 I though if would get more peoples attention.

GBB: Oh, I see. While we’re on the subject of words I’ve noticed on some of your stories you are credited as Lawrence Johnson Sr. and other times as Larry J; what’s up with that?

Larry: For the past 3 years I have been asked to participate on sci-fi panels at Philcon’s conventions in New Jersey. I would always run into L. A. Banks. She was a great writer who recently passed away. Ms. Banks had always given me great advice. Her real name was Leslie Esdaile Banks. How many people would remember that? It’s the same with J.K. Rowlings. Lawrence Johnson Sr. is not the kind of name that sticks with you so I shortened it to Larry

GBB: Tell us about Escape 2 Earth 2012 and how the basic premise differs from most sci-fi stories about disasters or aliens etc?

Larry: A lot of sci-fi novels and movies tend to evolve around some experiment gone wrong of as you just said alien invasions and that sort of thing. Escape 2 Earth is a story about 3 men who have an alien encounter after deciphering a hidden code. They have to convince our government that planet earth will be destroyed but there’s a catch actually two catches. One, they cannot reveal their source, the secret alliance with the aliens and two; there is a dangerous, manipulative alien dictator from a distant galaxy who wants to wipe out the entire human race. So you see there are some major obstacles to overcome here.

GBB: Wow, that’s original, I’ll give you that. If this is a series aren’t you kinda of giving away the end of the first book?

Larry: No, not at all. At the end of book one we know that out of 6 billion people there are survivors but if you didn’t read the first book you don’t know who or how many survived, or which characters live, how they survived or where they ended up. There’s a reason why I called the sequel Return 2 Earth.

GBB: Okay, I see your point. You recently did a radio interview where you talked about your book vs. Roland Emmerich’s 2012 the movie. You didn’t seem very happy with him. Can you elaborate?

Larry: People always get this story wrong.  Before 2012 Roland Emmerich had agreed to direct the remake of Fantastic Voyage. During that time I sent his office a copy of Escape 2 Earth. About a month later I received a letter from his people that basically said they were not interested. Less than 2 months after I received the letter it was announced that Mr. Emmerich had backed out of Fantastic Voyage and would do 2012 which he also co-wrote. I read somewhere that he didn’t even have a script. What he presented to the studio heads was an idea.

GBB: Are you implying that he read your story and made the movie without crediting you for it?

Larry: No, that’s where the controversy comes in. Although there are a few similarities Mr. Emmerich chose to go down a different path. No aliens, no space ships, no……… He’s the best there is when it comes to big screen special effects but his story was practically non- existent. The movie has over 150 one star ratings on Amazon. My point was that he missed an opportunity. I have the 2012 story and he would have been the perfect person to direct it. That’s what I’m saying. John Billingsley is an acquaintance of mine. I met him and his wife at a science fiction convention I was invited to a few years ago. John has a great range of acting skills. I mean the man can play practically any part. He had a very small part in the 2012 movie. In my opinion his talents were very underutilized. I told him that if I was ever given the opportunity to make Escape 2 Earth into a movie I would like to see him play the role of President Walker.

GBB: So you book must have been out for quite some time. How do you explain the resurgence? Why after all these years is it starting to gain traction again in the sci-fi world?

Larry: The answer to that question is simple. 2012 is just a few months away so anything connected to it will benefit. The similarities between what I wrote in the book and what ‘s been happened in the world since then is a little scary.

GBB: How do you mean?

Larry: The recent discovery of an earth-like planet, people constructing under ground bunkers, hidden messages inside crop circles, it’s all in the book.

But there’s more. Since the original version was released I have added 100 plus pages and had the book re-edited. My daughter has written a spin-off series. Escape 2 earth has evolved into three novels and by next year we would have released a dozen short stories.

GBB: You must be very proud of your daughter.

Larry: Yes, I am. She has been involved in one way or another since the beginning of this project.

GBB: I just have two more questions. Do you have a favorite character or scene?

Larry: Favorite character no, it’s just too hard to choose but I do have two favorite chapters. Chapter 14 Charade, it takes place on the planet Lazon. There are lots of twist and turns in this story and there is a major turn in chapter fourteen. My second favorite chapter is number 19 Exodus. This chapter practically wrote it’s self. I couldn’t get the words down fast enough. Everything so clear, so vivid, it was like I was right there on the ship with them. The fear, the danger, the uncertainty, it was all there.

GBB: Is it true that you use religion in all of your stories?

Larry: No, from time to time you may notice a hint or reference to religion. People who are looking for religion go to church they read science fiction to be entertained. Wait; let me back up a bit. I did write a short story a couple of years ago called Dimensions in Time. It clearly had religious overtones but that was the only one.

GBB: What’s on the horizon for you as far as writing goes?

Larry: Well my daughter and I have just donated books to the women’s shelter and to a local high school. I am currently working on book three in the Escape 2 Earth series. It’s called Earth 2 Redemption and Lauren has just begun the sequel to her first novel The Quest to Save Xanar. Since the series has grown so much we have just released Lexicon of the Spiral Galaxy. It’s a free companion guide from the Escape 2 Earth series, names planets, ships, events etc.

GBB: Thank you for joining me today. Maybe you’ll come back and talk to us about the rest of the books in the series.

Larry: Thank you for having me. I would be happy to.