Ever since the first human beings gazed upon the wonders and mysteries of the stars, man has searched for the meaning of his existence.  Today, after 6,000 years of civilization, in an age of unsurpassed scientific discovery, this most fundamental of questions remains unanswered.  Although humanity may never uncover the universe's ultimate secret, many of us will continue steadfastly to ponder the eternal "why" of our being.  Brandon Perron's Quest for Truth is, in many ways, a blueprint for such a journey.

A licensed private investigator and president of Investigative Support Specialist, Inc., a Florida-based private investigation agency specializing in criminal defense investigation, Perron has gained distinction as one of the nation's premier criminal defense investigators.  Known as the originator of the Component Method, a scientific approach to criminal investigation, Perron was recently named "Investigator of the Year" by the National Association of Investigative Specialists (NAIS) for the second straight year - a feat previously unattained.  An accomplished writer and public speaker, he has written numerous articles and is the author of The Component Method - a veritable text for independent investigators that masterfully articulates his personal philosophy and revolutionary methodology for criminal investigation.

Well known among his peers for his broad acumen among several academic disciplines, Perron has taken his insatiable thirst for learning and inquiry to an entirely new -- and altogether different - level in his latest book.  Just as he formulated a methodology of higher learning for investigation, in Quest for Truth Perron has weaved together a brilliant allegorical masterpiece based upon the impassioned and daring adventures of his lead character, Youngblood Hawk -- a swashbuckling philosopher/poet/soldier of fortune.

Cast in a late Middle Ages/Renaissance setting (complete with knights, castles, and mythological beasts!), the book begins with Hawk setting out in typical mercenary fashion only to encounter a sage.  The subsequent epiphany radically transforms the warrior's life who then embarks upon a life-long "quest for truth."  Throughout his sojourn, Hawk encounters several other sages, all of whom represent one of the great philosophers of history.  Although the three oracles who represent Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle are clearly the leading sages in the story, other mystical beings depicting the likenesses of Friedrich Nietzsche, Jose Ortega, Sun-Tzu, and William Shakespeare also figure prominently.  The dialogue that ensues between Hawk and these mental giants of the ages is powerful and thought provoking.  And characteristic of Perron's scholarly trademark, the myriad of engaging exchanges are meticulously end-noted.

Hawk's quest, however, is certainly not entirely metaphysical. The book is full of dazzling swordfights and Bruce Lee-like encounters.  Conspiracy theorists will enjoy Perron's not so well-hidden Medieval parallels to a secret New World Order.  Poetry lovers too will be delighted to find a plentiful number of imaginative and rhythmic verses, which add further revelation to the introspective character of Youngblood Hawk.  The book is also not without its share of romance.  Another transcendental figure, who because of her dazzling eyes is known as Sapphire, personifies the ultimate impassioned, yet unattainable, love.  Within Hawk's spiritual journey, Sapphire's tantalizing essence symbolizes the truth to which Hawk seeks, but can never seem to fully attain.

Like the great fables of old, Perron's tale encompasses universal human themes and represents the classic struggle of good versus evil.  The writer skillfully allows the reader to vicariously live through the super-hero character of Youngblood Hawk.  As the quintessential intellectual rebel, Hawk symbolizes the battle to which all independent thinkers must engage to break free from the "herd mentality" described as the "mass" in the story.  Emblematic of the classic literature of antiquity, Quest for Truth 's denouement does not come without considerable catharsis on the part of the hero -- and almost certainly not in the manner the reader either expects or desires. The many twists and turns the book takes are indicative of the evasiveness that truth represents. Consequently, Hawk's noble quest is continually frustrated by his own constantly evolving ability to comprehend and by the limitations of human frailty itself.

Although the book can be enjoyed merely as an adventure story, it is primarily directed for those seeking an intellectual and spiritual challenge.  Like Youngbllod Hawk, Perron has courageously broken away from the crowd and pioneered a new literary genre.  The book is a must read for anyone brave enough to embark upon one's own quest for truth.

REVIEWED BY GLENN SWIFT

DO NOT REPRINT WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE REVIEWER, GLENN SWIFT