Locations in Critical Mass
The Tree of Life
As the story progresses, the Monarchists start to attack the characters, forcing them to travel the globe in small groups as cover. To be trained in the ways of the Tree of Life, they must meet with the magi in secret.
It was important to me that the novel have credibility, and allowing the characters to visit real locations around the globe added to that. I found it interesting that, as I moved the characters from place to place, each location had an actual mystical or spiritual background story. It was as though I was guided to each location by an invisible hand.
Below is a listing of each important location used in the novel. By clicking on the name or the image, you can watch the trailer created for that location.
Angkor Wat
This is in Cambodia and is the first place they visit. They study the first part of the Tree of Life, the personality triangle, thoughts, feelings, and memories. And how to bring it all back to Earth. But the threat of the Monarchists lurks.
Machu Picchu
This is in Peru and is the second place visited. They study the second triangle, the seat of the soul. The characters must face their own fears and find their true place in this world. They must also avoid an attack from the Monarchists that uses the powers of the planet.
Kom Ombo
This is the third place the characters visit. In this very spiritual location in Egypt, they study the pathways on the Tree of Life. Here, they must learn how to move about in the Spirit World. Brian is getting stronger, but so is the Monarchist’s brain. And it knows where they are.
Brazilian Rainforest
Next up for our heroes is the Brazilian Rain Forest and the very dangerous Abyss in the Spirit World. This time, it is not the Monarchists but the Klippots they must avoid.
Che Chem Ha Cave
This is an ancient Mayan cave where the king or priest would descend to do battle with the spirits of the underworld. Now, Brian must survive an encounter with the Lost Oracle.
The Mustang Plains
Now we come to the plains of the Himalayas, the final location. It is here that we will see if the group can actually achieve Critical Mass. The training is done, but there are still surprises waiting for our heroes.