Author Description

"The Fifth Portal" is an exciting new science fiction novel written by author/artist Ron Gross. Ron is otherwise known for a trilogy of officially licensed books devoted to "Lost in Space" and the other Irwin Allen television properties. While "The Fifth Portal" shares a common artistic style with Ron's previously published books, it constitutes a completely independent project that emphasizes a variety of the author's other interests. That said, it is likely that avid fans of "Lost in Space" and the other Irwin Allen TV classics will find everything to like in this new book. The same might also be said of those who place "Jurassic Park" and "Ancient Aliens" on their all time 'favorites' list. "The Fifth Portal" is a virtual thrill ride of adventures involving a mysterious, ancient stone chamber, time/space travel, and ultimately alien contact. Although it is written in an old-fashioned "Hardy Boys" type of style, the story is intended to appeal to readers of all ages. Follow the adventures of two unwitting teen-agers named Tommy and Pete as they witness and participate in various key events of Earth's geologic past, and ultimately discover various secrets of the universe. All of that said, "The Fifth Portal" is not a classic "monster" story by any means. While there is a generous representation of prehistoric life, time/space travel, and alien contact, all of these elements come together in the finale to produce a distinctive "feel good" scenario. "The Fifth Portal" is the kind of story that is intended to provide a necessary diversion from the pressures and challenges of every day life. In this day and age of division, violence, and conflict, many will find it to be a refreshing departure and a momentary escape from the world we currently live in. In the end, the philosophical age-old question of "why are we here" is given an all-new insight. The book also contains a number of compelling, custom illustrations by Ron Gross. It involves a