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The Book of Drachma #1
Laminar Flow
What does being a doctor really feel like? What is it like to get called out in the middle of the night to care for a desperately ill patient, to be the one everyone depends on? Bob Gilsen knows only too well. And what does a fifteenth century physician, who gets called out in the middle of the night in winter, possibly have to offer his patient? This is the beginning of The Book of Drachma, a novel of medicine, murder, fantasy, and self-discovery, set in two times and places. It is a novel for the curious, for those who really wish to know what it means to be a doctor, in this, as well as past ages.
260 pages, Paperback
First published December 13, 2012
6 people are currently reading
147 people want to read
About the author
Timothy H. Cook
4 books55 followersBorn in India, of medical missionary parents, Tim knew from the time he could talk that what he was going to do was to be a physician. But that knowledge did not impede his other interests, which include (but are not limited to) reading, writing, photography, painting and music.
His first venture into the world of writing fiction began in 1989, at which time he wrote what became his first novel. However, it did not get published until he completed the trilogy, long after the beginning of this writing effort. Now, we have The Book of Drachma, Part One - Laminar Flow, with Part Two - Coaptation, and Part Three - Turbulence and Restoration. All three are now available in hardcover, paperback, as e-books, and audiobooks.
I'm often asked, "what is your novel about?" A simple question, but not an easy answer. It's about medicine, surely, but it's about so much more - it is a novel about the lives of people changed by the winds of time - it is a novel of medicine, murder, magic. It is also about friendship, faith and fealty. Enjoy!
His first venture into the world of writing fiction began in 1989, at which time he wrote what became his first novel. However, it did not get published until he completed the trilogy, long after the beginning of this writing effort. Now, we have The Book of Drachma, Part One - Laminar Flow, with Part Two - Coaptation, and Part Three - Turbulence and Restoration. All three are now available in hardcover, paperback, as e-books, and audiobooks.
I'm often asked, "what is your novel about?" A simple question, but not an easy answer. It's about medicine, surely, but it's about so much more - it is a novel about the lives of people changed by the winds of time - it is a novel of medicine, murder, magic. It is also about friendship, faith and fealty. Enjoy!
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
August 21, 2020
A medical thriller with an important time travel element.
Two doctors separated by 600 years. Both with the same goal. A book. And magical powers.
What an adventure Doctor Cook has created.
Highly recommended for fans of medical thrillers.
Two doctors separated by 600 years. Both with the same goal. A book. And magical powers.
What an adventure Doctor Cook has created.
Highly recommended for fans of medical thrillers.
September 22, 2014
Timothy H. Cook's debut novel doesn't feel like a first time effort. The care that was put into it by the author immediately makes readers feel comfortable with the book, and they will want to read it frequently.
The characters are all realistic, with Bob Gilsen a step above. The care he gives to his patients is touching. Josh, also, is a striking character, with a very important role in the story.
The flashbacks to the previous century are a smooth transition. They will transfix you and make you crave to get the next book in the series.
4/5--nice work!
The characters are all realistic, with Bob Gilsen a step above. The care he gives to his patients is touching. Josh, also, is a striking character, with a very important role in the story.
The flashbacks to the previous century are a smooth transition. They will transfix you and make you crave to get the next book in the series.
4/5--nice work!
August 30, 2013
I enjoyed reading this book, there was a bit of medical terminology that I didnt understand but it was minimal so I didnt lose track of what was going on, i quite liked that it was written by a doctor as it came across that he knew what he was saying, rather than someone who just did abit of research. really enjoyed switching between the two stories and then finding that they were linked, can't wait to read books 2 and 3 to see what happens. I won this book with goodreads first reads.
August 22, 2020
Well, I've reread this volume, and I have to say, it still stands as a great first book in the series. The Book of Drachma and all the adventure that Shepperton implies can be found here in the first book as an introduction. But more than that, it is the beginning of a grand saga that introduces characters and drama that you will keep with you for life. I have written five volumes, and am writing the sixth. Although it is tempting to say that the sixth will be the last - you never know!
Just to let you know, the book starts in 1992, with a cardiologist who gets called to see his patient in the middle of a blizzard and finds the youth in extremis, and he must obtain the services of a cardiac surgeon. All the while, he is getting messages that he is needed in another place and time, messages which he finds it more and more difficult to ignore.
In the fifteenth century, in the year 1492, we find another physician, who also gets called out in the middle of winter, in the middle of the night to see to his own patient, who may be dying. And what does he have to offer in this era well before any knowledge of germ theory, antibiotics, effective respiratory therapy or even concepts such as X-rays, EKGs or labs? Would it be possible to obtain help from the future? Well there you have the beginning of the epic adventure.
Even though Laminar Flow (and the following books) have gone through some changes, I would say that the story stays true, and you can just relax, and get lost in the tale of medicine in two times and places.
Just to let you know, the book starts in 1992, with a cardiologist who gets called to see his patient in the middle of a blizzard and finds the youth in extremis, and he must obtain the services of a cardiac surgeon. All the while, he is getting messages that he is needed in another place and time, messages which he finds it more and more difficult to ignore.
In the fifteenth century, in the year 1492, we find another physician, who also gets called out in the middle of winter, in the middle of the night to see to his own patient, who may be dying. And what does he have to offer in this era well before any knowledge of germ theory, antibiotics, effective respiratory therapy or even concepts such as X-rays, EKGs or labs? Would it be possible to obtain help from the future? Well there you have the beginning of the epic adventure.
Even though Laminar Flow (and the following books) have gone through some changes, I would say that the story stays true, and you can just relax, and get lost in the tale of medicine in two times and places.
July 23, 2013
A magnificent medical fantasy story that is skillfully written and cleverly plotted.
Dr. Timothy Cook combines medical knowledge and personal experiences, within a refreshingly new fantasy tale that is like nothing you will have encountered before. Appealing to a wide-readership this fascinating insight into the life of a Doctor is inspiring and illuminating, for it captures two very different time frames and experiences. Amid the spinechilling suspense and engaging mystery is a heartwarming tale of two physicians connected across the ages with the same goal in mind. Compelling and profoundly insightful, the first book of Drachma is a stirring read.
Two parallels; Bob Gilsen and a fifteenth century physician. The stark contrast of different cultures and science is greatly emphasized, with the advance in science and treatments making for interesting study. To glimpse into the role of a modern-day doctor it is vital that one looks into the past, as your imagination is left to wonder and deduce from what transpires on the page. The additional fantasy element was an added touch that makes this story so unique, and an altogether remarkable reading experience! The link to the past, ancient forces and great powers intertwine in the most ingenious way…leaving you guessing right up to the very end. Reminiscent of Bee Ridgeway’s ‘the river of no return’ I was entranced by how the centuries interconnected, and how by looking to the past one is able to understand the future.
This truly is an exciting, fast-paced adventure shrouded in secrets and veiled in mystery. I was sat on the edge of my seat throughout desperately wanting to know more and read more; hence I cannot wait to begin books 2 & 3. The authenticity and realism is so sharply acute that it almost feels like you are reading something non-fiction, as the author’s grasp on the hospital setting is assured. I would highly recommend this novel to all aspiring doctors and those wishing to work within a medical environment; however it makes for undeniably gripping reading for any reader.
*I won a copy of ‘Laminar Flow’ by Timothy Cook (book 1 of Drachma), through a Goodreads first-read giveaway*
Dr. Timothy Cook combines medical knowledge and personal experiences, within a refreshingly new fantasy tale that is like nothing you will have encountered before. Appealing to a wide-readership this fascinating insight into the life of a Doctor is inspiring and illuminating, for it captures two very different time frames and experiences. Amid the spinechilling suspense and engaging mystery is a heartwarming tale of two physicians connected across the ages with the same goal in mind. Compelling and profoundly insightful, the first book of Drachma is a stirring read.
Two parallels; Bob Gilsen and a fifteenth century physician. The stark contrast of different cultures and science is greatly emphasized, with the advance in science and treatments making for interesting study. To glimpse into the role of a modern-day doctor it is vital that one looks into the past, as your imagination is left to wonder and deduce from what transpires on the page. The additional fantasy element was an added touch that makes this story so unique, and an altogether remarkable reading experience! The link to the past, ancient forces and great powers intertwine in the most ingenious way…leaving you guessing right up to the very end. Reminiscent of Bee Ridgeway’s ‘the river of no return’ I was entranced by how the centuries interconnected, and how by looking to the past one is able to understand the future.
This truly is an exciting, fast-paced adventure shrouded in secrets and veiled in mystery. I was sat on the edge of my seat throughout desperately wanting to know more and read more; hence I cannot wait to begin books 2 & 3. The authenticity and realism is so sharply acute that it almost feels like you are reading something non-fiction, as the author’s grasp on the hospital setting is assured. I would highly recommend this novel to all aspiring doctors and those wishing to work within a medical environment; however it makes for undeniably gripping reading for any reader.
*I won a copy of ‘Laminar Flow’ by Timothy Cook (book 1 of Drachma), through a Goodreads first-read giveaway*
August 7, 2015
I am not one for fantasy, but being a physician makes me a sucker for doctor stories. I do plan to finish the next two books and pretty much really liked the story. I am assured that the errors are cleaned up in the next two books.
January 30, 2014
I loved this book -
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews