Wally, Dalton, Ed, and Mike, friends who recently graduated high school, head out on an epic horseback senior trip adventure in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Their equine journey takes them to places that promise not only natural beauty but also an unexpected deep exploration of their personal beliefs and encounters with various aspects of human nature both good and evil. Suddenly the serine forest setting is contrasted by three epidemiologists from the CDC along with three CIA agents fighting against extremism. The two agencies face a challenging collaboration in order to solve a heinous hate crime committed by a domestic terrorist organization that can only be described as full of pride and hatred against others who are of different races and religious beliefs.
Chaney, Walt: - Walt Chaney seems to have led a rich and multifaceted life, combining his passions for teaching, science, and writing with his deep personal faith and family commitments. His transition from a high school science teacher to a science fiction author focused on biological themes, especially in the context of biological terrorism, indicates a deep concern for contemporary scientific and ethical issues.His dedication to making complex scientific concepts accessible and engaging to a wider audience through storytelling is commendable. By using narrative and dialogue to explain the intricacies of genetically modified organisms and their potential for both beneficial and harmful uses, he's contributing to public understanding of critical scientific topics.Walt's Christian faith appears to be a central aspect of his life and work. His hope that his writing might serve as a 'Raven'-a reference to the Biblical story where God uses ravens to provide for the prophet Elijah-shows his desire for his work to have a positive, perhaps even spiritual, impact on his readers.His varied work experiences, from a grocery store clerk to a baseball coach, along with his hobbies like mountain biking and hiking with his dog, Ronald Reagan, paint the picture of a well-rounded individual with diverse interests and skills.His family life, particularly his long-standing marriage to his wife Cherie and his role as a father, is clearly very important to him. This, combined with his simple yet profound life goals like enjoying Jamaican blue coffee with his wife on the island and his eternal spiritual aspirations, speaks to a person who values both the earthly joys of life and the spiritual journey.In summary, Walt Chaney appears to be a person who blends his scientific knowledge, storytelling skill, and deep faith to impact others positively, both in his immediate circles and through his writing. His life story is a testament to the power of integrating one's passions, beliefs, and personal relationships into a coherent and purposeful life journey.
