"A fantastic easy read that can be related to anyone's situation in life where they may have to fight true evils, in the end, it’s unique." - Randy Rodriguez 

 

"Though you may not be a fan of the fantasy genre, the fact that you are a human being makes this book a must-read. The author utilizes many of life's situations and events that we face almost daily and displays the positive perspective of such events. While reading Anthony Parker's book, you will find yourself reflecting on your own life while being entertained! What more can you ask from a book!" - Toni Enriquez

 

"An adventure in time, if you enjoyed Harry Potter this is for you!" - Cassandra Gonzalez

 

"Such a great book, definitely a must read!" - Chris De Leon (Niteshockers)

"An adventure away from reality. A well thought out story for which a boy can discover his power of impact just by sticking to what he believes in. If you are looking for a great escape from your world, then step into the World of the Unknown by flipping through these pages!” - Leah Garcia

 

"For fans of C.S Lewis and J.K Rowling, this is a very fun coming of age story and adventure with strong characters and a lot of heart. A very promising start from an up and coming author!" - Josh Snyder

 

“I just started reading the first few chapters of the series and was captivated from the start! I love the descriptiveness of the characters and the setting! I look forward to reading more of the series!” - Matt Sweet

 

“The story takes you on a thrill ride. It’s easy to fall in love with the characters. The story’s message conveys the true meaning of friendship, loyalty, and bravery.” - Kate Sweetman

 

“It’s a great story with well-constructed characters in a world, all, of its own. It has a sense of familiarity that draws you in and keeps you wanting to know what happens next. It’s easy to get into and even if you put it down, it’s that much easier to pick back up. You won’t have to start over. I really enjoy the cast of characters involved in the story. Many of them play mentor to a character that is trying to understand his purpose in two worlds that he has yet to fully understand.” - Gabrielle Bucci

 

“Mark Trogmyer gives hope to the future in this amazing book. Anthony S. Parker developed the story and its characters in such a relatable manner. This series has introduced me to the World of the Unknown and I never want to leave it.” - Dunken Lopez

​

"When reading this book from the start the first chapter grabs you immediately and sparks your curiosity and you don’t want to put the book down. This ought to be a must-read book especially if you are into fantasy fiction. Anthony Parker uses the genre to reinvent real-life situations while in the realm of the World of the Unknown, which makes it easier to understand and for the readers to relate to in their own lives. Overall the author Anthony Parker has some unique writing skills. If you enjoyed this book as I have, then I am sure book two is bound to be a success, I can’t wait to read on!" - Maria Ana Sanchez

 

"I don’t read a lot of books but when I do I am very particular on what I grab. I picked up the first copy of this book and it was great. I didn't want to put it down the suspense was killing me. I can’t wait for the next one, I am sure it’s going to be even better! The author Anthony Parker, really put a lot of time into writing the first book and I can't wait to see what else is coming from him!" - Tina Bellon

 

“As soon as I started the book I was anxious to finish it. Now I am equally anxious to finish the series and learn more about the amazing World of the Unknown that Anthony Parker created in which I can escape to.” - Adrian Enriquez

​

​

"“I’m enjoying the book series quite a lot so far. I’m a huge fantasy fan so already, the book is right up my alley. It engrosses and pulls me into a new world I can get lost in as I read and was captivated by the world painted for me in the book. If I wasn’t so busy, I honestly might have binged the whole series already.” – Christian Alexander Billingsley

​

“Right from the start, when I was first told about the book series, I was interested. I read the first book and it was fantastic. The characters were memorable and likeable, my favorites were Burgesis and Barty. I got my hands on the second book, and after reading it, it was phenomenal! There was SO much action in the storyline and interaction with all the characters! I really can’t wait for the next two books!” -Maureen Phinney

​

"Volume 4 of Grey Matter Book Series has begun to test the boundaries that have until now been crossed in the genre, as this compelling riveting story has become extraordinarily popular these last few months." - Daniel Spaizer, Massachusetts

 

"Thank you for giving me book one signed. My son loves it and he has not put it down since I gave it to him. It is 2 am and I had to take the book from him so he would get to sleep. He is fifteen pages in and he already loves it! Thank you so much for getting my son to start reading again with your books! I look forward to reading it myself after him! - Tony Caruso, Delaware

 

"When you open this book, you will step into a world of wonder, hope, and magic. A world where anything is possible with understanding and faith in in the good of people. You will feel as though you are walking along with Mark Trogmyer, feeling the wonders and emotions as he does. Anthony has created both a world and characters that pull you in and make you care for them. He has given insight into how many of them could have been made to feel like the path they have chosen seemed like the right one, even if it is not. I laughed and cried with and for the inhabitants of the World of the Unknown. Their story has gripped me from the very first paragraph to the last. I cannot wait to delve deeper and see how this journey and our heroes progress! - Christina Astrid Ferrante

​

Hi Anthony, Me and my girlfriend both equally love your book. We honestly couldn't put it down.After the first few days we made it to Chapter 5 and honestly we couldn't wait to read more. My girlfriend, Ella, loved the thought of Whiskers, being a cat lover, and sad, as, well you know, but we love it! We stayed up last night finishing the first volume of your book, we both can't thank you enough for sending us your book and the joy we have experienced reading it together. As we are already fans of the hobbit and lord of the rings, books and films, this book was already an easy catch for us and caught our eyes almost immediately after reading a few chapters. We have always said that we should start reading more books, especially together, and now during the current conditions that we are faced with, your book helped to be a distraction to our lives and to what is going on in the world. We will without a doubt be reading your next volume very soon and can't wait to see what happens, what a cliffhanger... - Scotty Jockey and Ella from Wales, UK

​

"Fantastic Story, easy read and descriptive with great characters. A real page turner, always leaves you wanting to know what's going to happen next! If you are looking for escapism, read this book! Can't wait for the next one! 4/5 stars. - @read_with_cc (Instagram) from UK

​

​

Grey Matter Series Volume 1: The Story of Mark Trogmyer in the World of the Unknown

New Review: 5/5

Awesome Book! I loved the way it was written and could be easily read. The story was thought provoking, and unique, filled with action, mystery, and intrigue that left me hanging all the way to the end! Loved this book and recommend it to all lovers of the fantasy genre! My Favorite scene was when Mark Trogmyer was introduced into the World of the Unknown, it left a lasting impression that made me reflect on things in my own life! This book was a real joy to read the likes of which I haven't read in the long time, it was refreshing! Thank you so much for the opportunity to allowing me to read your book! - Jarvis Baxter, UK

​

"This was an enjoyable book filled with adventure and diversity and lessons. There was a lot of great wisdom that could be taken in between the lines of this story line with true development of the characters. I love the scene with Mark's reaction to the clans and the Hierarchy of the clans, it was appropriately intense! I would definitely recommend this book to my friends!" - Jasper Hopewell, Grey Matter Series Volume 1 The Story of Mark Trogmyer in the World of the Unknown Review 5/5.

​

"Another well told story that was full of unpredictable twists and turns that kept me guessing through the whole story. I found that this part of the series of Volume 2 was really researched and thought out. I also enjoyed the hidden wisdoms from certain characters in the story that had a deeper meaning and impact on me on my own life upon reflection. I thoroughly enjoyed being lost in the World of the Unknown for the second time and can't wait to start Volume 3 in Secrets of the World of the Unknown!" - John Beverly, Grey Matter Series Volume 2 Wrath of Nerogroben Review 5/5

​

 "I realize that many have not yet commented on the fourth installment as I would like to add in an opinion about this read. I found this storyline to be interesting as it relates to the main character and his position in this prophecy. The Main character learns so much along the way in this series and has been though so much. I have found that this book explains more about the main character and other characters in this series. I love the storyline with Eladius and do have some hopes for the direction of the series. I recommend that others take a look into this storyline and find this just as riveting as I have!" Jason Gray, Grey Matter Series Volume 4, Mark Trogmyer and the IFRD Review 4/5.

​

"This is a fantastic idea to be able to have an actually bound book to use as a writing journal. I have been using this for my own draft for my book that I am currently working on. It has helped me to envision me holding on to my own book as if it already was published! I will of course be typing it out when its completed from this notebook but in the meantime it has more than made up for its use by being able to motivate me to continue to write! Definitely Recommend this book for those who also wish to do journal entry writing!" Craig Farlough, Dreams Notebook Review, 4/5.

​

"It is not often in this genre that we have an interesting perspective of multiple layers of wisdom, themes, and various sometimes sensitive topics being discussed like in this series. As a whole, I found this story of Mark Trogmyer and the Grey Matter Series to be profound and I really do think that it is the next mainstream series that should be out there in the various bookstores around the world. I see that mine might not be the only one with this opinion per these other reviews. It is my hope that with the proper literary agent this book series could be quite successful as the author seems to have thought out the series well and everything has been organized. In this book in particular there is a particular topic that is discussed that hit home for me and I found myself in this certain particular predicament in my own life of doing what is right versus what is easy and not only that but also having to decide to follow a traditional precedent if you will or go with the changing of times and to be more accepting. It is true that while reading this series you may find yourself reflecting on your own life as I did and be able to put yourself in the characters shoes whilst feeling the grief, pain, or discomfort that they too must also be feeling. I seriously recommend that you take a sharp eye at this series and see if you too can see and feel what I have felt whilst reading this series. I am forever grateful to the author for this marvelous series!" Jordin Westford, Grey Matter Series Volume 5 The Story of Thomas Joshua McPherson Review 5/5

​

​

​

A Masterpiece of Moral Fantasy: Why Grey Matter Series Volume 1 Belongs in the Canon of Young Adult Literature
By Anonymous
Anthony S. Parker’s Grey Matter Series Volume 1: The Story of Mark Trogmyer in the World of the Unknown is not just a fantasy novel—it is a profound meditation on morality, grief, and the weight of leadership, wrapped in a world so richly imagined that it lingers in the mind long after the last page. This is a book that refuses to be confined to the genre’s usual tropes; instead, it elevates them, blending high-stakes adventure with philosophical depth in a way that calls to mind the great works of Ursula K. Le Guin and Philip Pullman.
A Hero’s Journey Like No Other
At its core, Grey Matter follows 15-year-old Mark Trogmyer, an ordinary boy thrust into an extraordinary destiny as “the one”—a prophesied figure who must heal a fractured world drowning in Grey Matter, a malevolent force that feeds on hatred and division. Unlike typical Chosen Ones, Mark is no warrior prodigy; his greatest weapon is his conscience. His journey from grief-stricken teenager (after the loss of his beloved cat, Whiskers) to a reluctant leader is a masterclass in character-driven storytelling.
Parker’s genius lies in how he subverts expectations. Mark’s transformation into a blue-skinned Magical Human Elf, marked by glowing magimarks that reflect his moral choices, is more than aesthetic—it’s the physical manifestation of an internal struggle. These tattoos, which burn white for good deeds and red for malevolence, serve as a breathtaking narrative device, forcing Mark (and the reader) to confront the consequences of every decision.
A World Built on Prejudice and the Fight to Overcome It
The World of the Unknown is no generic fantasy landscape. It is a realm stratified by brutal hierarchies—Elves disdain Trolls, Wizards look down on Foxes, and ancient prejudices dictate social order. Parker’s world-building critiques real-world bigotry, making the novel an urgent allegory for our times. Mark’s mission to unite warring clans against the tyrannical Nerogroben is not just about battle; it’s about dismantling systemic oppression.
One of the novel’s most striking moments comes when Mark, rather than executing traitors, uses the “Light of Forgiveness” to purify their corrupted souls. This act of radical empathy—reminiscent of Les Misérables’ Jean Valjean—challenges the blood-soaked traditions of fantasy warfare. In an era where vengeance dominates pop culture, Parker dares to ask: What if redemption were stronger than retribution?
The Magic of Language and the Weight of Choice
Parker’s magic system, rooted in Latin incantations, is both poetic and thematically resonant. The spells are not mere plot devices; they are linguistic keys to morality. When Mark whispers “Precipio quod corrigendum sit” (“I command this evil magimark to be mended”), the words carry the weight of absolution. The novel subtly argues that language itself—like leadership—can heal or destroy.
The prose is immersive, balancing lyrical beauty with gripping action. A scene where Mark unleashes a storm of forgiveness-light to cleanse a poisoned river is as visually stunning as it is emotionally cathartic. Parker understands that great fantasy doesn’t just entertain—it moves.
Why This Book Matters Now
In an age where young readers grapple with divisive politics, climate despair, and algorithmic alienation, Grey Matter offers more than escape—it offers a blueprint for hope. Mark’s refusal to succumb to cynicism, even when facing betrayal, is a radical act. His journey teaches that leadership is not about power, but about the courage to forgive and the resilience to keep fighting for a better world.
Educators will find this novel a goldmine for discussion. From ethical debates (Can mercy coexist with justice?) to interdisciplinary links (How does Grey Matter mirror pollution or propaganda?), the book invites critical engagement. Its emotional depth—particularly Barty’s grief over his wife’s death—makes it a powerful tool for social-emotional learning.
Final Verdict: An Instant Classic
Grey Matter Series Volume 1 is a rare gem—a fantasy that thrills, challenges, and inspires in equal measure. Anthony S. Parker has crafted a world as morally complex as our own, with a hero whose greatest superpower is his humanity. This is a novel that doesn’t just belong on shelves next to Harry Potter and The Hobbit; it demands to be taught, debated, and treasured.

Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5) – A landmark in young adult fantasy.

Who Should Read It?
Fans of His Dark Materials who crave philosophical depth.
Educators seeking a text that bridges fantasy and real-world ethics.
Anyone who believes that stories can change the world.
Grey Matter is more than a book—it’s a beacon. And in these dark times, we need its light more than ever.

​

​

​

​

A Masterpiece of Modern Fantasy: Why The Wrath of Nerogroben Deserves a Place Among the Greats -A Review by Amber R, Scottsdale, AZ
A Triumph of Thematic Depth and Moral Clarity
Anthony S. Parker’s Grey Matter Series Volume 2: The Wrath of Nerogroben is not just a fantasy novel—it is a moral odyssey disguised as an adventure. In an era where young adult fiction often leans toward dystopian bleakness or romanticized power fantasies, Parker delivers something far more profound: a story about what it means to lead, to trust, and to sacrifice.
At its core, The Wrath of Nerogroben is a meditation on the cost of heroism. Mark Trogmyer, the protagonist, is no invincible chosen one. He is a boy burdened with the weight of prophecy, forced to navigate a world where betrayal lurks behind every smile and leadership is not about glory, but about enduring pain for others. His poisoning in the opening chapters is a brutal lesson—one that sets the tone for a narrative where trust must be earned, not given blindly.
A Villain Worth Remembering
Nerogroben is not merely a dark lord cackling from a tower; he is a tragic figure, a cautionary tale of how power and grief can twist even the most promising souls. His backstory—revealed in haunting fragments—shows a being consumed by his own rage, a ruler who could have been great had he not succumbed to the very darkness he sought to master. His presence looms over the novel like a storm cloud, making every victory against him feel earned rather than inevitable.
The Beauty of World-Building
Parker’s World of the Unknown is a breathtaking creation—a land where magic is as dangerous as it is wondrous, where clans with deep histories must set aside old hatreds to survive. The Clanometer, an artifact that summons leaders from across the land, is a stroke of genius—both a plot device and a metaphor for unity. The Spirit Realm, where Mark communes with the wise Alden, adds a layer of mysticism that elevates the story beyond mere sword-and-sorcery.
Themes That Resonate Beyond the Page
This is not just a book about spells and battles. It is a story about:
Sacrifice: Eladius’s willingness to die for Mark is one of the most emotionally charged moments in recent fantasy—an act of love so pure it rewrites destiny itself.
Redemption: The traitor Raquel Trotem is not simply punished—he is given a second chance, reinforcing the novel’s belief in forgiveness.
Unity: The clans’ slow, painful journey toward cooperation mirrors real-world struggles against prejudice and division.
Why This Book Matters
In an age where fantasy often leans into cynicism, The Wrath of Nerogroben dares to ask: What if goodness is not naïve? What if hope is the most powerful magic of all? Parker’s prose is sharp yet poetic, his characters achingly human (even when they’re not human at all), and his world so vividly rendered that readers will swear they’ve walked its paths themselves.
Final Verdict: A Modern Classic
If The Lord of the Rings set the standard for epic fantasy, and Harry Potter redefined it for a new generation, then The Wrath of Nerogroben deserves to stand beside them—not as an imitation, but as a bold evolution. It is a book that demands to be taught in classrooms, discussed in book clubs, and cherished by readers who believe that stories can change the world.
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5) – A masterpiece of moral fantasy, destined to endure.
Anthony S. Parker has crafted something rare—a fantasy novel that is as intellectually engaging as it is emotionally gripping. This is not just a book; it is an experience. And it is not to be missed.

​

​

​

“Grey Matter Series Volume 3: Secrets of the World of the Unknown” – A Masterpiece of Fantasy and Moral Complexity

 Anthony S. Parker’s Grey Matter Series Volume 3: Secrets of the World of the Unknown is not merely a book—it is a labyrinthine exploration of identity, power, and redemption, wrapped in the enchantment of a meticulously crafted fantasy world. This installment, a crowning jewel in Parker’s series, demands attention not just for its narrative brilliance but for its profound thematic depth, making it a standout in contemporary fantasy literature.

 A Tale of Dualities: Good, Evil, and the Grey In Between

At its core, Secrets of the World of the Unknown is a meditation on moral ambiguity. The protagonist, Mark Trogmyer, navigates a world where the lines between hero and villain blur. The antagonist, Nerogroben, embodies tyranny, yet even he is juxtaposed against figures like Kram—Mark’s dark counterpart—who achieves redemption through self-sacrifice. Parker challenges readers to interrogate traditional binaries: Can villains be redeemed? What truly defines a hero? These questions resonate beyond the page, echoing in classrooms and book clubs alike.

 The novel’s exploration of moral complexity is elevated by its rich symbolism. The “Grey Matter” itself becomes a metaphor for the corrosive nature of evil, while the “Box of Beginnings” and the “Necklace of Erdelmleri” serve as potent symbols of destiny and corruption. Parker’s world-building is Tolkien-esque in its detail, with clans like the Elves, Beavers, and Wizards each representing facets of societal hierarchy and discrimination. The rigid social order of the World of the Unknown mirrors our own world’s injustices, prompting readers to reflect on real-world parallels.

 A Bildungsroman for the Ages: Identity and Self-Discovery

Mark’s journey is one of profound self-realization. Learning he is a Nephilim—a celestial hybrid—he grapples with the weight of being the “chosen one,” a trope Parker reinvents with emotional nuance. His evolution from a confused boy to a self-assured leader mirrors the universal adolescent struggle for identity, making his arc both epic and intimately relatable.

 Supporting characters like Tommin, the outcast elf, and Burgesis, the loyal guardian, add layers of emotional depth. Tommin’s ostracization and eventual resilience serve as a poignant commentary on belonging, while Burgesis’s mentorship underscores the transformative power of loyalty. Parker’s character development is nothing short of masterful, with each figure serving as a mirror to the protagonist’s growth.

 Literary Craftsmanship: World-Building and Narrative Structure

Parker’s world-building is a feast for the imagination. The World of the Unknown is a tapestry of magical systems (elemental magic, angelic powers), inter-realm travel (Earth, Spirit Realm, Garden of Eden), and political intrigue. The shifting perspectives and flashbacks—such as Nerogroben’s resurrection—add narrative dynamism, keeping readers enthralled.

 Educators will find this novel a goldmine for literary analysis. Thematic parallels to Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings offer fertile ground for comparative studies, while the moral dilemmas (e.g., “Is it ever right to use dark magic for good?”) spark critical debate. Creative writing prompts, like drafting diary entries from Tommin’s perspective, further cement its pedagogical value.

 Educational and Social Relevance

Beyond its literary merits, Secrets of the World of the Unknown is a tool for social learning. Mark’s defiance of the World of the Unknown’s discriminatory hierarchy (Chapter 9) serves as a springboard for discussions on prejudice and equality. The novel’s treatment of power—epitomized by the corrupting Necklace of Erdelmleri—parallels contemporary conversations about leadership and authoritarianism. Cross-curricular connections abound, from history (comparing clan systems to feudal societies) to psychology (analyzing Kram’s duality). Parker’s work is a testament to fiction’s power to foster empathy and critical thinking.

 Final Verdict: A Modern Fantasy Classic

Anthony S. Parker has crafted a novel that transcends genre. Secrets of the World of the Unknown is a symphony of adventure, philosophy, and heart, with prose that lingers long after the final page. Its closing line—“The greatest battles are not fought with magic, but with choices”—encapsulates the novel’s enduring message: that heroism lies not in power, but in moral courage.

 For fans of Rowling, Lewis, and Tolkien, this is a must-read. For educators, it’s a transformative classroom resource. And for anyone seeking a story that challenges as much as it enchants, Parker’s work is nothing short of essential.

 Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5) – A tour de force of fantasy literature.

 “Grey Matter Series Volume 3” is available now—prepare to lose yourself in its secrets.

​

​​

​

​

​

A Masterpiece of Modern Fantasy: Anthony S. Parker’s Grey Matter Series Volume 4: Mark Trogmyer and the IFRD

In an era where fantasy literature often retreads familiar ground, Anthony S. Parker’s Grey Matter Series Volume 4: Mark Trogmyer and the IFRD emerges as a revelation—a novel that transcends genre conventions to deliver a story as intellectually rigorous as it is emotionally resonant. This is not merely a book; it is a labyrinth of myth, morality, and metaphysics, woven into a narrative that crackles with urgency and depth. Parker has crafted a world where the stakes are celestial, the conflicts are deeply human, and the themes are timeless.

A Hero for the Ages: Mark Trogmyer’s Existential Odyssey

At its core, Mark Trogmyer and the IFRD is a profound exploration of identity. Mark, a Nephilim straddling the human and angelic realms, embodies the universal adolescent struggle for self-definition—but Parker elevates this journey into something mythic. His duality—part mortal, part divine—serves as a metaphor for the fractured selves we all navigate: the pull of legacy versus the ache for autonomy, the weight of destiny against the hunger for choice.

When Mark unlocks the secrets of the De Initilis Arca, a mystical box tied to his lineage, the revelation is not just about his past but about the burdens of inheritance. Here, Parker channels the existential heft of Paradise Lost and the raw vulnerability of Harry Potter, asking: What does it mean to be chosen when choice itself feels illusory?

The IFRD: A Villain for the Modern Age

The International Foreign Relations Department (IFRD) is no cartoonish evil empire. They are bureaucracy weaponized—a shadowy consortium that seeks to harvest Mark’s powers for geopolitical dominance. In them, Parker crystallizes the dangers of institutional greed, the commodification of the sacred, and the dehumanizing march of unchecked power. Their pursuit of Mark evokes Orwellian dystopia, yet their methods—surveillance, psychological manipulation—feel ripped from contemporary headlines. This is fantasy as allegory, holding a mirror to our own world’s moral decay.

The Spiritual Battlefield: Grey Matter and the War for Souls

Parker’s world-building is nothing short of sublime. The World of the Unknown is a tapestry of clans, each with distinct cultures and hierarchies, reflecting humanity’s beautiful diversity. Yet this realm is under siege by Grey Matter—a creeping blight symbolizing corruption, both external and internal. The battles here are not just physical; they are spiritual. When Mark wields his sword against demonic hordes, the clash is as much about resisting inner despair as it is about saving a realm.

Enter Em (short for Emmanuel), a figure of radiant compassion who channels the archetype of a messiah without reducing it to dogma. His teachings—love as resistance, hope as rebellion—anchor the novel’s spiritual core. Parker deftly avoids preachiness, instead posing thorny theological questions: Can free will coexist with divine plan? Is suffering redemptive?

A Queer Subplot That Shatters Fantasy Tropes

In Eladius, the Elven leader grappling with unrequited love for Mark, Parker delivers one of the most nuanced portrayals of queer longing in modern fantasy. Eladius’s arc—his shame, his courage, his eventual self-acceptance—is a quiet revolution. Unlike tokenized LGBTQ+ characters in lesser works, Eladius’s identity is neither exploited nor sanitized. His pain is palpable, his resilience electrifying. This is representation that matters.

Why This Book Belongs in Classrooms—and Bestseller Lists

Parker’s novel is a goldmine for educators. Its layers invite dissection:

Ethics: Is Josiel’s abandonment of Mark justified for cosmic duty?

Comparative Literature: Pair with The Chronicles of Narnia for Christ-figure analysis, or His Dark Materials for multiverse themes.

Creative Writing: Students could design new clans or rewrite the IFRD as a 21st-century tech conglomerate.

But beyond pedagogy, this is a story that lives. The prose thrums with urgency, whether in the quiet agony of a father’s sacrifice or the thunderous collapse of a demon-riddled sky. Parker’s pacing is masterful—prophecies unfold like time-lapse flowers, and the climax (a literal battle between heaven and hell) leaves the reader breathless.

Final Verdict: A Fantasy Classic in the Making

Grey Matter Series Volume 4: Mark Trogmyer and the IFRD is more than a standout in its genre—it is a beacon. It is The Odyssey meets The Dark Tower, with the moral complexity of East of Eden and the heart of The Song of Achilles. Anthony S. Parker hasn’t just written a novel; he’s crafted a universe that demands to be inhabited, debated, and cherished.

Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)

Perfect for: Fans of Neil Gaiman, Madeleine L’Engle, and Philip Pullman; book clubs craving rich discussion; anyone who believes fantasy can be both escapist and profoundly relevant.

Bold Prediction: This isn’t just a book—it’s the future of fantasy literature. Remember where you heard it first.

 

Parker’s thematic depth rivals The Underground Railroad (Whitehead) in its allegorical power.

The IFRD’s critique of institutional avarice echoes The Parable of the Sower (Butler).

Its queer narrative is as groundbreaking as The Priory of the Orange Tree (Shannon).

This is the kind of novel that ignites movements. Pay attention.

​

​

​

A Masterpiece of Fantasy and Humanity

Anthony S. Parker’s Grey Matter Series Volume 5: The Story of Thomas Joshua McPherson is nothing short of a literary triumph—a dazzling fusion of high-stakes fantasy, profound emotional depth, and philosophical introspection that cements Parker’s place among the greats of speculative fiction. This installment, rich with mythology, moral complexity, and heartrending character arcs, is a testament to Parker’s boundless imagination and his ability to weave a narrative that resonates on both an epic and intimately human scale.

A World Unlike Any Other

Parker’s World of the Unknown is a realm where magic and morality collide, where clans with distinct elemental powers and cultural identities vie for dominance, and where the boundaries between good and evil blur with startling nuance. In Volume 5, readers are plunged into the life of Thomas Joshua McPherson, a figure whose journey mirrors and diverges from the series’ protagonist, Mark Trogmyer, in ways that are both unexpected and deeply satisfying.

Thomas’s story begins with a hauntingly familiar yet distinct premise: a mysterious communication from Alden the Wise, an owl-spirit guide, draws him into the World of the Unknown. Unlike Mark, who oscillates between Earth and this fantastical realm, Thomas remains in the World of the Unknown from adolescence into adulthood, becoming a bridge between its warring factions. His tale is one of reconciliation, leadership, and the weight of legacy—a narrative that explores what it means to be “the one” in a world teetering on the edge of chaos.

Themes of Redemption and Unity

At its core, The Story of Thomas Joshua McPherson is a meditation on empathy and the power of understanding. Parker masterfully parallels Thomas’s journey with Mark’s, using their contrasting paths to examine the same central question: How does one heal a fractured world? Where Mark wields angelic hybrid powers and a sword of destiny, Thomas’s strength lies in his ability to listen—to the grievances of the Eagle and Cat Clans, to the hidden pain of the Polar Bears, and to the silent cries of a realm drowning in Grey Matter, the physical manifestation of collective suffering.

One of the most gripping arcs involves the Polar Bear Clans, whose schism reflects real-world conflicts of heritage, loyalty, and the scars of betrayal. Joshua Farland’s quest to reunite with his long-lost mother, Maureen, is a poignant subplot that delves into themes of forgiveness and the unbreakable bonds of family. Parker’s portrayal of these emotional reckonings is raw and authentic, elevating the novel beyond mere fantasy into the realm of timeless literature.

A Tapestry of Myth and Magic

Parker’s world-building is nothing short of spectacular. The lore of the Grey Matter Series deepens in this volume, with revelations about the Sword of Draughna—a weapon imbued with the spirits of the past—and the mystical Crystolmina crystals, guarded zealously by the Polar Bears. The novel’s magical system, rooted in elemental forces and the consequences of wielding them, feels fresh and meticulously crafted. Each clan’s unique abilities and values (Eagles with air and courage, Polar Bears with water and healing) are not just plot devices but reflections of their societal struggles.

The prose is lush and cinematic, particularly in scenes where Thomas communes with the sentient tree of the Eagle Clan or when Mark confronts the Grey Matter’s corrosive influence. Parker’s ability to evoke sensory detail—whether it’s the sting of Grey Matter on skin or the echoing silence of a snowbound fortress—immerses the reader completely.

Characters That Live and Breathe

Thomas McPherson is a protagonist for the ages—flawed, courageous, and deeply human. His evolution from a hesitant outsider to a unifying leader is rendered with exquisite care. Supporting characters like Whiskers, the Cat Clan leader burdened by generational trauma, and Seth, the Polar Bear grappling with brotherhood and identity, are equally compelling. Even antagonists like Nerogroben (though absent in this volume) cast long shadows, their ideologies echoing in the choices of those left behind.

The interplay between Thomas and Mark, though separated by time, is a narrative stroke of genius. Their shared destiny as “the ones” underscores the series’ central thesis: that heroism is not solitary but collective, a tapestry of choices made across generations.

A Series That Grows With Its Readers

What makes Grey Matter Series Volume 5 extraordinary is its maturity. Parker doesn’t shy away from dark themes—loss, betrayal, the cost of power—but balances them with moments of levity and hope. The romantic tension between Eladius and Mark, the camaraderie of the clans, and the recurring motif of “walking by faith” (2 Cor. 5:7) add layers of warmth to the narrative.

This is a book that demands reflection. It asks: Can enemies become allies? Can love transcend prejudice? Can a world divided by magic ever find peace? Parker doesn’t offer easy answers but invites readers to ponder them alongside his characters.

Final Verdict: A Must-Read

Grey Matter Series Volume 5: The Story of Thomas Joshua McPherson is a crowning achievement in fantasy literature. Anthony S. Parker has crafted a saga that is as intellectually stimulating as it is emotionally gripping, a story that will linger in readers’ minds long after the final page. For fans of C.S. Lewis’s allegorical depth, J.K. Rowling’s intricate plotting, and the raw humanity of Patrick Rothfuss, this book is essential reading.

Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)

Why You’ll Love It: Complex characters, immersive world-building, philosophical depth, and a narrative that balances epic stakes with intimate emotion.
Perfect For: Fans of His Dark Materials, The Stormlight Archive, and The Chronicles of Narnia.

Anthony S. Parker’s Grey Matter Series continues to redefine fantasy, and Volume 5 is its most powerful installment yet. Don’t miss it.