John Avril retreats to the Rocky Mountains in search of a new start, a new ending, and a better way of being. He finds all that and more, including a power that brings hope to many, and fear, envy, and hatred to others. As the Sky Ranger, John's actions bring him into conflict with powerful men who will not accept being overshadowed by someone who does not fit into their concept of the world.
About the Author: Joe Bergeron grew up in the twin hamlets of Endicott and Endwell in upstate New York. As a boy he began an examination of the heavens using various small telescopes. A devoted hiker, Joe prowled his surroundings at all hours of the day and night. Called upon to produce planetarium shows, Joe taught himself to paint so he could create visuals for the shows. Soon he was selling artwork at science fiction art shows, winning a window full of awards in the process. Later he broadened his artistic skills by getting a degree in studio art from Binghamton University. He eventually illustrated various science fiction books and magazines. He also served as director of the local small planetarium. For three years Joe worked as staff artist at Morehead Planetarium in North Carolina. Joe's restlessness eventually led him to make a series of trips to the West. He spent a summer as a volunteer in Zion National Park, where he used his telescope to acquaint park visitors with the glories of the desert skies. Later, while living in the Mojave Desert, he spent a few years producing illustrations for the book series "Voyage Through the Universe." In 2003 Joe returned to pastoral New York to try life as an Easterner who spends a good part of the year in the West. Joe serves as an Astro VIP for the National Park Service, offering insight on the night sky to park visitors. With the market for original illustrations drying up, Joe now works primarily as a painter. His other major interest is writing. He's completed ten novels, all of which are now available for sale. Also available is "Cosmic Cat," a children's picture book. Joe's artwork is influenced by his decades as an amateur astronomer. He attends star parties all over the country, though most often he can be found out alone on clear nights, either somewhere in the desert or beside a frog-infested pond. Joe is a Fellow of the International Association of Astronomical Artists. For several years Joe has worked at developing a looser, more spontaneous painting style to complement the tight, precise techniques he uses for his space art and other illustrations. His artwork includes portraits, wildlife, landscapes, fantasy, and figures. His artwork, past and future, blends his love of astronomy with interests in nature, mythology, and archaeology.