This Burdened Clay

By Thomas Norford

The Rule One Book Reviews Novel of the Year 2025.

Praise for This Burdened Clay:

"An extraordinary novel that sneaks up on you starting with a subtle whisper of unease before tightening its grip into a full-blown nightmare...a remarkable achievement." - Epic Indie.

"The story is grounded in its characters. They are real, recognizable and flawed." - Verified Amazon review.

"Some of the best writing I've seen in the genre. Get it " - Verified Amazon review

Fran Gera is a children's social worker, capable and dedicated. Her addiction to horror movies is a harmless distraction, her volcanic temper and addiction to opiates, not so much. Two damaged boys are assigned to her caseload. Caleb is rebellious and street-smart, his cousin Blake, creative and lonely.

While Fran navigates her professional and personal life, a phenomenon unfolds. People are spurning the hollow diversions of modern life to join hands, to feel the soil against their naked skin. To commune. Campaigners herald the dawn of a utopian cause, but as the behaviour of its followers becomes increasingly bizarre, talk of sinister origins gains credence.

As events epochal and personal collide, Fran's world falls apart around her. Aided by a former terrorist and a reprehensible social media edge-lord, she must deliver the boys to a place of safety. Together they are propelled on a journey into loss, self-discovery and unspeakable violence.

No one will be left untouched.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0DYJ2FP8P
• ISBN13: 9798873035465
• Release Date: February 2025
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 450 Pages
• Weight: 1.14 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.5" x 8.5"