In Edge of Perception by Steve Bellinger, raised in the West side of Chicago, to a poor colored family, Ronnie Lewis thought the American Dream was out of his reach. Although Ronnie loved science, his fascination for the paranormal was always present. Since childhood, Ronnie has been tormented by a malignant spirit that visits him in his nightmares, the result of an ancient curse placed on his ancestors in the days of slavery. The spirit taunts him psychologically, causing Ronnie to wear a magic talisman for protection. Ronnie thinks that this will be enough, but as Ronnie grows into adulthood, the curse seems more determined than ever to bring heartache and tragedy into his life, and take everything he loves from him. An offer to research the possibility that ghosts do exist takes Ronnie on an emotional roller coaster journey that he will never forget. Is there another dimension of the universe, and if ghosts can visit us, can we visit them? Ronnie is about to find out. 

The synopsis of this story does not do the novel or the talents of the author justice. Edge of Perception has every ingredient of a brilliant novel, from the unique story line filled with tension, surprises and well-placed conflict to the colorful and interesting characters. The author has an exceptional ability to build character relationships and cover subject matter that will make the reader ponder. The historical aspects of how African American people were treated by society were covered exceptionally well, especially when Ronnie embarks on a mixed-race relationship. I thought the author has very cleverly written a story that includes the topics of karma, human intuition, fate, the paranormal, and time travel, all woven into the main story line of an African American man trying to find love and happiness when his life is filled with sadness and tragedy. You do not need to be a fan of paranormal novels to enjoy this book. The characters, story line and thought-provoking subject matter will send shivers down your spine. Highly, highly recommended.