CL Nicolas-Stegall "CL Stegall" (Amazon.com)- 4 Stars 

"A thriller worthy of film"

The Samson Effect is a thriller/adventure story along the lines of Indiana Jones, yet set in the current, modern world. It's interesting that I do not normally read novels of this type, but upon its being recommended, I took a chance and was more than surprised. I couldn't put the bloody thing down!
 
With interesting characters, detailed settings and a great deal of theological history, the story is fast-paced and not without a few nasty twists. Set in the turmoil-enshrouded Holy Land, a college professor heads off on a quest to find the lost source of what could be the secret to the fabled strength of the biblical figure of Samson. But, he is not the only searcher for the secret; and, there are those who will not hesitate to kill for it.
 
At first, I was expecting a biblical tale, but in all actuality it was a straight-forward, first rate thriller and I would recommend it to anyone who likes the Indy movies or the novels of Clive Cussler, Clancy or Ludlum.
 
Get it. Read it. You'll enjoy it. 

Julie Bates (Amazon.com)- 5 Stars 

"Trying to catch my breath!!!"

The first thing that caught my attention with this book was that Clive Cussler highly recommended it and anything that Clive likes I'll give a go.

This is an amazing first book from start to finish. Tony does an exceptional job of drawing you into all the characters so you have to pay attention to them because you don't know who is important or not and you don't wait to miss anything. The action is full on and never takes away from the story line only enhances it and all characters involved to the point that you want more.

What really impressed me also was the amount of knowledge Tony has on the landscape in the book, the wisdom to make this book completely readable to those that don't know the Old Testament (for those who do, you will smile at the biblical characters he references to) and fold that into a tight well written book that screams to be on the big screen. Beautiful job Tony and I can't wait to see what you have next for us! 

Kevin K. Watson (Amazon.com and BN.com)- 5 Stars 

"A pulse-racing thriller adventure ride"

The Samson Effect, first novel by author Tony Eldridge
is truly magnificent, captivating and thriller-rific.
 
An ancient guarded secret for centuries, sets the scene
for intense reading with each turn of the page. Filled with
mystery, suspense, passion, danger and lots of action-packed
heart-pounding unexpected moments. A cast of characters
portrayed at its' best - you'll certainly have a favorite, especially
with some slapstick humor thrown in from time to time.
 
The storyline was brilliantly conveyed in half the length and time
it takes to read most traditional novels, due to the well-written
styles of the author. Will keep an eye out for any future novels.
 
The Samson Effect is a definite must have bookshelf addition
and worth its ticket price if it ever reaches the big screen. 
 
 
Casey Head (Amazon.com and BN.com)- 5 Stars
'The Samson Effect' by Tony Eldridge is a must-read! As soon as I began reading this book, I couldn't put it down. Each chapter is filled with suspense, and the author manages to end each chapter in such a way that you have to read on to find out what happens. I expect this book to become a bestseller, and I wouldn't be at all surprised if it becomes a motion picture. Look out Indiana Jones, here comes 'The Samson Effect!' 
 
 
Boyd A. King (Amazon.com and BN.com)- 5 Stars
When I got home from work on Monday, the Samson Effect had arrived, and once I started reading I simply could not put the book down. The first chapter pulled me into the action quickly and every subsequent chapter had me wondering how the deepening intrigue was going to be resolved.
 
This is more than an action adventure. Ny mind stretched beyond the fictinal story to consider the broader context - from Biblical history to current events. The title hints at the Old Testament link. Modern-day Middle-East conflicts are effectively played out in individual relationships between the story's characters.
 
And regarding the characters in the story, the bad guy is evil personified. But beyond that, even the protagonists struggle with conflicting priorities and alliances. The storyline twists and churns along the channels etched by the religious, romantic and familial relationships of the various characters. And like a rapid river ride, the reader is swept along, not knowing what the next bend holds in store.
 
I was constantly reminded of "Sahara" and "Indiana Jones" as I read the "Samson Effect." I am sure Hollywood will be calling Mr. Eldridge soon. Like they say, the book is always better than the movie - so be one of the first to enjoy reading the Samson Effect. 
 
 
Debora (BN.com)- 5 Stars
SAMSON EFFECT :Rollercoaster in Print
 
This book pulls you in from the first few pages and will not let you go. The action is fast and nonstop until the very end. The Author makes his characters very beliveable and complex without taking you away from the intense action. This book will keep you reading into the night because you want to know what happens. Besides being a great read, this book reminds the reader that the right answer is not always easy to find but you are compelled to be involved with their search. The Samson Effect offers you a way to look deeper into the lives of people struggling in the world today and to see the scars left on all sides. Tony Eldridge has given us a great book that has you following strong characters through fast paced action on their search for the ultimate answer. This is quite a first book. Samson Effect is not a very long book but it does not leave a thing out. I look forward to his future work. 
 
  
Pam Y. (BN.com)- 5 Stars
Short and sweet... Read it, it's a great story with enough twists to keep you on the edge of your seat. 
 

Edwin Crozier (Amazon.com and BN.com)- 5 Stars
Tony Eldridge is out of the starting gate and is definitely leading the pack. "The Samson Effect" is solid, entertaining, surprising and thrilling--in short, everything you want in a book you can't put down.

When you open this book you are crossing the chasm from platform to the front seat of the roller coaster. By the end of the first chapter you have crested the first rise and begin the thrilling descent for an exciting ride with ups, downs, twists, turns and spirals that you aren't expecting.

Doctors Hamilton and Seiff make a great team as they search to find the Samson Effect (the Lord's Strength) without letting it fall into the wrong hands. But whose hands are the wrong ones? Eldridge keeps you guessing at everyone's motives and wondering, will Hamilton really do the right thing and what is the right thing?

Order your copy today.

I can't wait for the sequel.

Jo Gray (Author, BN.cm review)- 5 Stars
I received this book 48 hours ago & have had NO sleep until 8am this morning. This book is utterly riveting,fast paced,action packed & LOADED with intrigue. For a first novel,this is truly,truly brilliant. I look forward to hearing LOTS more from Tony Eldridge.

Don Curtis II (Amazon.com and BN.com)- 5 Stars
Hang on to your seat! The excitement begins in chapter one and it's a non-stop ride through danger, political intrigue, romance and jubilation. Just when you think you can catch your breath, the next hill takes you deeper into the valley of the shadow of death. The author brings you up close and personal with biblical facts and intertwines them with a fictional story that leaves you wondering if this could really happen.

Archaeologist, Dr. Thomas Hamilton and his colleague, Michael Sieff, an Israeli linguist, are both in search of ancient manuscripts that describe a sacred plant that the Hebrew priests used in conjunction with God's blessing whenever a "deliverer" was needed for Israel. Upon finding these documents they discover that the plant is not only real but also its location is described. Palestinian militants are in pursuit of the same in order to fulfill the promise of a global Jihad. There is also an ancient sect of Hebrew priests who are the protectors. All must be overcome in order to obtain The Sampson Effect, a plant extract capable of endowing super human strength upon its consumer. World domination is at stake. The reader learns about the history of the nation of Israel and its many deliverers as the author superimposes these ancient facts, along with the fictional legend of The Sampson Effect, upon the backdrop of the present day political climate in the harsh and unforgiving environs of the Middle East.

This is the author's first novel. I found myself wanting a little more in the way of character development. I really liked the characters, but I felt they needed to be brought out more. I wanted to know what really motivates them besides the obvious. More insight into their psyche would be helpful. The author's development of the landscape setting was also rather basic. As the reader I want to feel as though I have to wipe the sweat off my brow, in the heat of the pounding rays of the sun. Though I felt these attributes of the novel were adequate, I know that it would be a much better piece of literature if these areas were improved.

The story is thrilling and adventurous. In many ways I guess I just wanted it to go on longer. By the time I got to the end, I couldn't believe it was over. Without neglecting his story line, the author leaves you open for what could be a series of stories. If that is his intention, I can't wait for the next story. This could easily be adapted for the screen and, in my opinion would make a blockbuster motion picture!

This book is a 'must read.' 

From C. Larson (Amazon.com and BN.com)- 5 Stars

If you like reading Clive Cussler and Dan Brown, I suggest you buy The Samson Effect so you can say you've been one of the first people to read Tony Eldridge's outstanding book.

By the end of Chapter 1, I was in the book "hook, line and sinker." Dr. Thomas Hamilton and his friend, Michael Sieff are absolutely fascinating characters, as are the rest of the "cast". However, many are actually not who you believe they are - at one point I started to wonder if the lead character was who I thought he was! The one true character of "evil" is wonderfully written and I could well imagine his madness.

I never wanted to put the book down because is it packed with action, intrigue, suspense, rivalry and love. (I appreciated the fact that the love interests in the book, were kept subtle and sweet and not explicitly defined.) Just when I thought I had the story line figured out "BAM," I did not! Elbow macaroni does not have as many twists as The Samson Effect and there are several twists that caused me to I catch my breath and then I would laugh out loud because I certainly had not seen "that" coming. This is a very readable book by a new author, it is neither too long, nor too short - I'd call it perfect - take a chance on The Samson Effect!

Reader's Q&A

I have been getting a lot of questions from people literally all over the country about the book. I enjoy responding to each and will continue to do so; but I thought you would enjoy seeing some of the questions I receive so I have started this new section of the website called Author Q&A. If you have a question for me, send me an e-mail at tony@samsoneffect.com. 

 CURRENT Q&A
 
Today’s question comes from D.J. She asks: 

Q: Did you base your characters on anyone real?

A: This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, places and incidents are fictional, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

OK, now that the disclaimer is out, what is really the scoop behind this question? The truth is that the disclaimer is pretty accurate. I did not base any character on someone I know. In fact, I tried to play to certain stereotypes as I created the characters only to find creative ways to break those stereotypes in the subtle ways.

While we are on the topic of characters, I tried to do something with the main characters in the book that blows away all stereotypes and leave the readers thinking, WOW. I hope you can pick up on it when you read the book. But don't worry, this is an action/adventure novel through and through. It's main purpose is to entertain not play cute literary games.

PAST Q&A

 
 
Q: “How long did it take to write the book?”

A: Well, believe it or not, a little longer than it is taking to have it published :-). Seriously though, the actual writing took about six months. And a bit of trivia for you… The excerpt you can read here is the first scene of chapter 1. In the original draft of the story, that was the opening scene of chapter 3. After a lot of literary soul searching, I finally came to the conclusion that the story was stronger when I cut the original chapters 1 and 2 and let the book start at chapter 3. Trust me, it was a painful thing to do- but I believe it made the story stronger. There was too much back story in the chapters I cut.

The editing took another 8 months and went through seven versions. The original word count went from 96,000 to 82,000 when all was said and done.

Thanks to D.L. and to the others who asked this question.