The King's Highway (Days of Dread Trilogy Book 1) Read online

  Days of Dread

  Trilogy

  Book One

  The King’s Highway

  Praying my story gives God glory!

  Table of Contents

  5-Star Reviews

  Dedication

  New Song

  Acknowledgements

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  All of Caryl McAdoo’s Books

  Coming Soon

  Sneak Peek – The Sixth Trumpet – Chapter One

  Reach Out to the Author

  Five-Star reviews of The King’s Highway

  Oh my dear Caryl!! Thank you so much for sending me a copy of The King's Highway! As you know I devour books and I can't remember when I have enjoyed reading one as much as this one. If I really like a book, I can read it in a day.

  I read this book twice in two days. I couldn't quit reading. It has to be right up there with my all-time favorite books. If anyone is thinking they won't read this book because it is labeled mid-grade, I would encourage them to reconsider. You will miss a blessing.

  Anyone who is reading age from the mid grades to senior citizens (that's me) will love this book. The characters in the book are delightful. I was right in the story with them following them all the way from their home in Irving to Red River County, anticipating every danger. A fun, fun book!!

  --Louise Koiner, a Clarksville, Texas beta reader

  The King’s Highway is a C. S. Lewis-type story, using symbolisms of the Bible. I loved the book! Loved the characters’ personalities! It held my interest, and I didn’t want to proof, just to read for enjoyment. It has just enough building to the climaxes with their adventure along the King’s Highway, with added depth that keeps the reader pondering about God, Jesus, and angels.

  --Lenda Selph, a New Boston, Texas proofreader and lover of books

  I loved the story! The Kings Highway is an extraordinary view of how one teen reacts when placed with the responsibility of caring for his siblings as all chaos breaks lose in his town. Airplanes have fallen out of the sky and all electrical usage is no longer available. Jackson is left with no other choice than to travel with his siblings from their apartment to the grandparents’ house over 100 miles away. Jackson, questions his beliefs due to the events that take place. Loved the storyline! The book will keep you intrigued up until the last page and excited for the next book to come out. This series is unique, creative and well thought out.

  --J. Raymond, a Jackson, Michigan reader

  “The King’s Highway” by Caryl McAdoo begins with a normal morning for three school age children. As their mother leaves for work and they get ready to head off to school, the unthinkable happens throwing their world into a tailspin like a jumbo jet falling from the sky. Assisted by a dog and an old man, the three siblings seek safety with relatives in the country. As their two week journey takes them through experiences no children should encounter, they begin to wonder if they will make it to their destination. After recent events, is there no safe place left on earth?

  This first novel in the Days of Dread Trilogy fits the mid-grade classification in that the chief characters are mid-grade children. It is so much more than a dystopian story since it fits so well into the quest genre. Just as C.S. Lewis’ “The Chronicles of Narnia” are much more children’s novels in that they are dearly loved and read by adults worldwide, even so “The King’s Highway” takes the adult reader hostage and keeps them enthralled to the very end, a point when they will want more story.

  This book is so well written and edited that the critical eye of this reviewer found not one typo or mistake. For sure, every detail in the world Caryl McAdoo depicts fits perfectly with the projected future environment after another world war. It is to be dearly hoped that the author isn’t being prophetic in the scenario depicted in this book. Here’s looking forward to the next book “The Sixth Trumpet” due out hopefully before the Lord returns.

  I read this story in an advanced reader copy and am under no obligation to provide a positive review.

  –Cassandra Wessel, multi-published author and avid Pennsylvania reader

  This book is a work of fiction. Any references to events, real people, or real places are used fictitiously. Other names, places, characters, and events are products of the author’s imaginations, and any resemblance to actual events or places or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

   2015 by Caryl McAdoo

  First Edition

  October 1, 2015

  Printed and bound in the United States of America

  ISBN-13 978-1517-0957-65

  ISBN-10 1517-0957-6X

  For contact with the author or speaking engagements, please visit www.CarylMcAdoo.com

  Or write Post Office Box 622, Clarksville, Texas 75426

  Dedication

  I will sing! I will dance! I will rejoice in the Lord my God! In my heart, there is no one—nothing—to compare with the Lord God Almighty Who saved me out of the clutches of sin and death then kept me and blessed me so much that I could never praise and worship him enough! But as always, when He gives me a song or a story, right back, I give Him all the glory! He invited me to be His own almost fifty-six years ago, and I’ve never regretted surrendering my life into His care.

  At sixteen, Aria’s age in this story, I met my Ron, and we’ve been an item ever since! He is my love and my life. The kindest and most gentle man I know. His wisdom amazes me, and his devotion to God is an ever-present example to our children and our children’s children who choose to honor and respect him as I certainly do. I love life with my best friend.

  I love you, O’Pa—more today than yesterday, but less than tomorrow. I’ll love you for all eternity and am so blessed to be one with you.

  And the grandsugars! Sixteen of them, and each one owns a piece of my heart! Michael Lawrence McAdoo, Naomi Elizabeth McAdoo, Mercedes Michelle McAdoo, Seth Ebeling McAdoo, Caryn Elise Bailey, Anna Lavonne Bailey, Joi Lynn Bailey, Matthew Ross McAdoo, Wesley Coleman Bailey, Gregory Brahm McAdoo, Christian Cain McAdoo, Benjamen Cash McAdoo, Keldan Joy McKinney, Atticus William Russell Chronister, Haven Kate Bentley, and a new Baby McAdoo coming in early 2016!

  These wonderful young people I love. They are always in my heart and in my prayers, and I dedicate this story to them.

  NEW SONG

  Days of Trouble

  by Caryl McAdoo © Sept 7, 2011

  Days of trouble and days of dread

  Days of tribulation are just ahead

  Horrible days such as the world has never known.

  The sun’s getting hotter every day

  The earth groans with labor in so many ways

  Stars will be falling from the sky; there’ll nowhere to hide! Chorus

  But keep your eyes on the Eastern skies

  Lift up your head; your Redemption draweth nigh!

  God’s beloved Son, the pure and Holy One

  He’s coming soon, and His reward is in His hand!

  2nd Verse

  Heaven will open, behold a white horse!

  It
s rider is Faithful and True, of course.

  On His head there is written a name no man knows but He Himself!

  His eyes will burn bright as flames of fire

  And on His head there will be many crowns

  In righteousness, He will judge the world and make war

  Chorus (as above)

  3rd Verse

  He’s bringing His armies to settle the score

  At Armageddon, blood will flow no more

  From His mouth comes a sword, an iron scepter he carries in His hand.

  Yeshuah will reign in Jerusalem

  For one thousand years there’ll be peace for all men

  Jesus Messiah, Yeshuah HaMashiach is He!

  Chorus (as above)

  He’s coming soon, and His reward is in His hand! 3X THEN Chorus w/ new words: He’s the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords

  All nations bow; and proclaim that He is Lord!

  I’m His beloved one, My Bridegroom is God’s Son

  I’ll be one with Him throughout all eternity!

  Days of trouble, days of dread

  Acknowledgements

  In Christ, I can do all things for He strengthens me! (…even math in my head!)

  Without Him, maybe I could get a book written, but you probably wouldn’t want to read it. Perhaps I could write a song, but the lyrics probably wouldn’t rhyme and the tune might sound flat.

  He helps me every day, and whatever I accomplish that is worthwhile, it is because of Him. I’m so thrilled that He made me in His image to be creative. I loveLoveLOVE the process of creating. Thank you, Father!

  And when I start acknowledging, my husband is always right under God. Ron McAdoo has loved me almost fifty years, and I know it hasn’t always been easy, But he committed himself to me and has stayed by me just as he promised.

  I love him, and must always give him thanks for his never-ending support, wise counsel, and everlasting encouragement.

  A group called the Christian eVALUaters are the first readers of my manuscripts to help make it the best it can be and support me on social media with every cover reveal, book launch, and promotion, and they review all my books!

  Authors need a few special volunteers, and every one of these ladies—and the few gentlemen, too—deserve and have my deep gratitude.

  I’m also blessed with Lenda Selph, the comma-kazi queen, who proofreads my finished, edited manuscript! Louise Koiner and Jeanette Raymond helped catch uh-ohs, too! Thank you, ladies!

  And all my readers! Thank you for reading my stories, for leaving reviews, for clicking ‘Share’ and ‘Like’ on Facebook, tweeting, and recommending my stories to your friends. Thank y’all! I pray for God’s blessing to be showered on you for blessing me! My cup overflows!

  And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.

  Daniel 12:1

  CHAPTER ONE

  “In response to the escalating unrest in the Middle East, elements of three Russian army divisions have moved to the border.”

  Jackson pointed the changer at the wide screen television and clicked the ‘previous channel’ button. The CNN talking-head sat in front of a map of China, most of it red. “The drought is reported to be the worst in –”

  He keyed in channel eight. The handsome ABC weathercaster maintained a grim expression, pointing at a computer-generated map behind him. “There seems to be no escape in sight as this record heat continues across all seven continents. Scientists report both poles are melting at record rates.”

  “Bye, sweetheart. I might be late tonight.”

  “No problem. Have a good day, Mom.”

  She smiled then hurried out the door. He took a sip of his sweet coffee and clicked the TV to Nickelodeon. Spongebob’s cheerful laugh belied Squidward’s antics. There was only so much he could take. He hated listening to all the bad reports on every news channel, yet still craved any word on what his father might be up against.

  Why did he have to go and volunteer for a third tour, anyway?

  He took another sip, but the sugar laden caffeine couldn’t trump the salt in his eyes. Just a few minutes, he promised himself.

  “Jackson.” A small hand shook his shoulder. “Jackson, there’s a fire across the street.”

  He opened his eyes. His little brother stood next to his chair. “What’s on fire?”

  “A telephone pole.”

  Jackson set the coffee cup on the side table. “The firemen will handle it.”

  “There isn’t any of them out there, and I don’t think they’re coming. Everything stopped after the big flash.”

  “What flash? Lightning?”

  “No, it wasn’t lightning. There’s no clouds or thunder either, but it lit everything up real bright for a minute.”

  Jackson stood and stretched then shuffled over to the big, double front window. He lifted a couple of the narrow blind slats. Flames licked the top of the telephone pole like a humongous birthday candle. The transformer popped, and sparks crackled, raining down to the lawn and street below. Reminded him of those candles you can’t blow out or July Fourth sparklers.

  Then something else caught his attention.

  The people milling about several empty cars parked right in the middle of the road. Many of them pointed toward the sky. A silver jumbo jet raced through the puffy clouds in a nose dive. The horrific sight only lasted a few seconds ending in a huge fire ball. His heart pounded against his chest. What was going on? Poor people!

  He grabbed his cell and touched its screen, but got no response. He looked at Cooper. “Did you call nine-one-one?”

  “Nope. House phone’s dead.”

  “McKenzie up?” He glanced over at his alarm clock and swallowed. Its face, an empty black display, mirrored his phone’s. Great, just great. How was he supposed to know when it was time to leave for school?

  “Yeah, she’s in the shower.”

  Dressing quickly, Jackson hurried outside with his little brother on his heels. From his second story apartment, he had a good view. Up and down the street, all the transformers on the telephone poles still smoked, but the fireworks had stopped. More people had joined those who stood around.

  No one seemed to have a clue as to what caused everything to stop, even though plenty of theories got bantered about. Cooper liked the aliens’ invasion one the best. Listening to one lady—who talked non-stop, no matter the occasion—he internally welcomed the neighbor-from-beneath-their-apartment’s interruption.

  She pointed with one hand and covered her mouth with the other, eyes full of terror. “Look! There goes another one.”

  Even the jabberbox remained speechless.

  That airplane dove like a hawk after a field rat. It, too, erupted into a massive ball of flames on impact. Good grief, what in the world was going on?

  One old man who’d recently moved in to the next four-plex wore one of those old timey windup watches. Ever since Jackson and Coop had come outside, the guy told anyone who would listen that it all went down at exactly six fifty-two. Almost seven o’clock, about the time his mother should’ve been getting to work.

  “Did you see that?”

  “Sure did. They’ve been falling like flies every since the flash; both ends of the airport. Bless all those souls. They’ll meet the Maker today. Hope they were ready.”

  “But why? Why are all the planes crashing?”

  “Who knows? Guess the same reason none of those cars will run.”

  Jackson shook his head. “Man, I can’t believe this.”

  Shortly, McKenzie joined the growing group and sidled up to him. Hair still damp, she looked a little undone. “What’s up, Bro? I think Mom forgot to pay the electric company again. Power’s off.”

  “No, wasn’t Mom’s fault. Everyone’s is
off, and nobody knows why. None of those cars or trucks will start either, and planes are falling out of the sky all around the airport.”

  “There was this flash, Sisser! It’s the aliens, just like on TV.”

  She glanced at Cooper and smiled. “Well, I’m leaving for school. Just wanted to let you know.”

  Jackson shrugged. “Why would you? Nothing’s working.”

  “So what? I have perfect attendance, and I’m going.” She looked at her little brother. “You coming?”

  “Nope, I’m staying, I don’t want to miss the aliens.”

  “Whatever.” She hefted her backpack higher onto her shoulder then stopped at the curb and looked both ways as though the dead cars might spring to life any minute. Jackson shook his head as she crossed the street. Why did she always have to be so bullheaded?

  Cooper tugged on his sleeve. “I’m hungry, want to cook me some scrambled eggs?”

  “Sure.”

  At least the gas stove still worked, except he had to light it with a match. The electronic clicker wouldn’t operate. Eggs, bacon, and grilled toast hit the spot with a tall glass of cold milk to wash it all down. But the lights being off—and not knowing what had caused it all—troubled him. He put the plates in the dishwasher and decided it was full enough to run.

  Had to laugh at himself when he pushed the button, and it didn’t come to life.

  His little brother came up the hall. “Want to play football?”

  “What?” He focused on the boy.

  “Football. Want to play?”

  “Sure. Why not?”

  After a while, a couple of kids from two buildings down joined them, and he led everyone across the street to the school’s football field. Soon enough, the game had enough guys for two teams. He loved it, but Coop wasn’t so thrilled. The little feller lasted until mid-morning then stood on the sideline with his hangdog look until Jackson decided to go home with him.