The Stage
Page 34
by Barton Paul Levenson
Print ISBN: 978-1-935460-58-9
eBook ISBN: 978-1-935460-59-6
“Team Packer” is a covert Catholic strike team against supernatural evil with a secret weapon in its arsenal: 16-year-old Delilah Vincentio—the world’s only Christian succubus. Trained by demons to despise humanity and lead them into sin, her unprecedented capacity for mercy caused her to renounce her place in Hell—and gain an angelic referral to Team Packer.
Delilah is assigned to infiltrate the Order of the Lightbringer, a Satanic cult that plans to make Pittsburgh a test site for the Apocalypse. After Delilah’s identity is almost discovered, Team Packer sends her to high school to hide out until things cool down.
But while Delilah may be reformed from her beguiling ways, she’s still very much a demon—and she hasn’t learned how to play well with others. In fact, trying to fit in and keep a low profile at high school may prove to be a tougher battle than bringing down the Order of the Lightbringer.
“The demons in Hell are secretly defecting and pushing their infernal realm towards Heaven in a handcart! This story kept me riveted from start to finish—and even a little tearful here and there. A ride and a half!” —Adele Abbot, author, Postponing Armageddon and Of Machines & Magics
“5 out of 5 Pitchforks! One of the top ten stories about Succubi that I have encountered this year. The writing is wonderful, being the right tone for the moment when it arrives, and setting an image in the words that is very vivid and clear. Strong characters, settings, and plots that weave neatly through the work as a whole. In short, well and truly recommended reading. —Tera, Queen of the Succubi, A Succubi’s Tale blog
“A unique twist on the challenges of being an immortal teenager. Delilah is a demon who renounces her evil ways to join the battle against her own kind. Barton Paul Levenson skillfully moves between theological musings to fun and inventive situations in a blink of an eye to create a delightful, easy read.” —Catherine Russell, author, The Stage and Exit Stage Left
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The Dark Gods of Alter Telluria
by Barton Paul Levenson
Print ISBN: 978-1-941295-37-3
eBook ISBN: 978-1-941295-38-0
Pittsburgh astrophysics professor Milo Stanford finally had it good for a change. A one-year sabbatical to teach in London, and a beautiful new girlfriend. No worries to speak of… until the day he lost it all.
Caught outside in a freak thunderstorm, Milo is struck by lightning and wakes up on the parallel world of Alter Telluria. Unable to return home, Milo must adjust to life on a new planet of nation-states that are ruled by supernatural beings, a strange Victorian culture, and a pantheon of Dark Gods who delight in wreaking havoc on the lives of the local denizens.
Still struggling to adapt to his new situation, Milo is offered a position in the Scholar’s Tower by the vampire ruler Sania, Mistress of Lake Gulia. Despite his abrasive personality and lack of deference, he quickly rises to become one of her most trusted advisors.
When the ruling wizard of neighboring Carthusia kidnaps Sania in an attempted coup, Milo is chosen to lead a hazardous rescue mission into the stronghold of the wizard’s indomitable magic — where the Dark Gods are certain to test his mettle.
Can Milo rescue Sania and restore her as ruler of Lake Gulia, or do the Dark Gods of Alter Telluria have other plans in store?
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The Devil’s Blues
Crime Fighting Bluesmen series, Book 2
by Ricky Bush
Print ISBN: 978-1-935460-22-0
eBook ISBN: 978-1-935460-23-7
When the best blues harp customizer in Texas rushes up the steps of the First Christian Church, he finds the doors have been chained shut. A massive explosion sends him to a Houston hospital where he is charged with the murder of the entire congregation—including his wife and daughter.
Enter Mitty Andersen, ex-investigative reporter turned blues musician, who was talking to him about a new harmonica order just before the church blew up. Sensing that an innocent man is being railroaded by an overzealous lawman, Mitty once again teams up with his “partner in chime,” Pete Bolden, to find out who’s really behind a string of church bombings.
In their quest for justice, the duo form an uneasy alliance with two ATF agents and soon find themselves in the crosshairs of a secret anti-Christian paramilitary organization known as S.O.S.: the Soldiers of Satan. Can Mitty and Pete dodge the wrath—and bullets—of the S.O.S. operatives long enough to stop the next bombing?
This thrilling sequel to River Bottom Blues lives up to the first book and leaves you hoping for another one!
“An old-fashioned romp through the Texas countryside pitting good against evil. Evil masquerades in black & white, but good is found in bluesmen Mitty Andersen and Pete Bolden—for whom friendship is golden. If you’re a blues fan, you’ll love how the musical references are interwoven in the story. If you’re not, you’ll get enough blues in your blood by osmosis to change your mind.” — James M. Jackson, author, Bad Policy
“Blues and crime make pitch-perfect partners once again thanks to the talented pen of Ricky Bush. Turn the lights down low, put on some blues even lower, and lose yourself in The Devil’s Blues. —P.S. Gifford, author, Curiously Twisted Tales
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The Last Stand of Daronwy
by Clint Talbert
Print ISBN: 978-1-935460-56-5
eBook ISBN: 978-1-935460-57-2
Twin Hills is a dying forest in an abandoned Texas oil field, now skirted by a residential neighborhood. Its protector is an ancient oak tree called Daronwy, who has turned the forest’s pain into a dark magic that it hopes can keep the remaining trees safe from further harm.
The spell was working, too—until a young boy from the nearby neighborhood, Jeremy Trahan, is drawn to the woods in search of the magic he senses instinctively. By finding the magic, Jeremy hopes it will help him escape the boredom and bullies that plague his life—just like in all the books he’s read.
But as he gets closer to discovering the gateway to the other world that the spell hides, land developers descend on the fragile forest with bulldozers and chainsaws. Will Jeremy seize the chance to leave his mundane world behind, or will he stand and fight for his haven?
“For a debut novel, The Last Stand Of Daronwy by Clint Talbert must be considered an impressive success. A deftly woven, complex, original fantasy story that engages the reader’s total attention from beginning to end, The Last Stand Of Daronwy is highly recommended for personal reading lists and community library YA fiction collections.” — Jack Mason, The Midwest Book Review
“There have been hundreds of stories that glibly tell of young people plunged into fantastic settings, but very few of them make you really FEEL what it’s like to struggle in two worlds, to bring the experience so vividly to life that the tale swallows you. Clint Talbert manages just that in this beautifully written gem of a tale. Get this book!” — Ed Greenwood, author & creator, the Forgotten Realms series
“Clint Talbert has crafted an intelligent fable about friendship, courage, and standing up for one’s beliefs. Jeremy’s quest to save the last remnants of a once proud forest pits the dogged idealism of youth against an adult world that has given up all hope for a happy ending.” — Sean Mulcahy, author, Slip Sliding Away
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Of Machines & Magics
by Adele Abbot
Print ISBN: 978-1-935460-30-5
eBook ISBN: 978-1-935460-31-2
Billions of years ago, humans abandoned their cradle and
are now scattered across the galaxies. But the legends speak of a time when the sun threatened to burn away the inner worlds of the solar system when it became a red giant, and a remnant of mankind returned to Earth from the farthest stars to install a machine to move humanity’s cradle out of danger.
Since then, the remnant communities built settlements in the cracked and broken slopes of the old continental plates, exposed to the elements when the Earth was moved. Now nestled in the outer reaches of the solar system, Earth faces a new challenge—the sun has begun to collapse into a white dwarf. As the sun grows smaller and the world gets colder, the quest for the mythical machine that can move the planet closer to the fading sun becomes a race to save the planet from final extinction.
“An engrossing Steampunk quest to save our dying future planet. Fresh off selection as a finalist in the ‘Anywhere But Here, Anywhen But Now’ contest, Adele Abbot is a writer to watch!” — David B. Coles, Author, The Tourist and The Last Free Men
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Postponing Armageddon
by Adele Abbot
Print ISBN: 978-1-935460-80-0
eBook ISBN: 978-1-935460-81-7
When history goes off course, can it be nudged back? The second coming of Jesus Christ was supposed to take place in the thousandth year of His era, but it did not happen as scheduled.
For in the year 1016, the long-lived thirteenth apostle (who was chosen to replace Judas), sets off on a perilous journey across Europe with a priceless and powerful treasure—twelve parchment scrolls inscribed by the twelve apostles. Matthias knows that if the scrolls can be read at the proper time at Glastonbury Tor in England, their powers will be initiated. History would be rewritten and the world would be restored to the glorious state originally envisioned by his Lord and God.
But Matthias is not the only one who knows what the power of the scrolls can do—nor is he the only ancient being with an agenda. For these primordial clans know that if the scrolls are ever put to use, they and their families will disappear, as if they had never existed…
What is the price they — and the rest of humanity — will pay for postponing Armageddon?
Postponing Armageddon was a finalist in the 2011 Anywhere But Here, Anywhen But Now contest for aspiring debut novelists, sponsored by Sir Terry Pratchett and Transworld Publishers.
Postponing Armageddon was a finalist in the 2011 Anywhere But Here, Anywhen But Now contest for aspiring debut novelists, sponsored by Sir Terry Pratchett and Transworld Publishers.
“A most unusual and intriguing story which engages the reader like the very best fast-paced murder mysteries, with a new twist that slightly alters biblical and natural history in order to make a good fantasy. First rate entertainment!” —Carol Marrs Phipps, Carol & Tom Phipps Fantasy Blog and on Goodreads
“Set against a rich, seamless backdrop of history, fantasy, and hidden agendas, Adele Abbot takes you on a fantastic journey in this well-crafted, relentless page-turner that will leave you questioning the nature of fate and faith. Well done!” —Clint Talbert, author, The Last Stand of Daronwy
“A taut tale woven from rumors of Christ’s Apostles, lost biblical manuscripts, ancient beings and plenty of action as the journey unfolds. Abbot uses a crisp writing style replete with compact scenes, well-defined characters, and a compelling plot that elicits curiosity about her alternate history. It kept me reading, that’s for sure!” —Phillip Tomasso, author, Sounds of Silence
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Revenge
by Gabrielle Faust & Solomon Schneider
Print ISBN: 978-1-935460-39-8
eBook ISBN: 978-1-935460-40-4
When Marcus Glenfield committed suicide, he took his place among the Legions of Hell as the Demon of Regret. When he learns that the Prince of Wickedness, Belial, is planning to take his former fiancé, Brenda, as his consort, Marcus’s newfound belief in a second chance is quickly shattered in a fit of all too human rage.
Incensed by the new demon’s disrespectful hostility, Belial plunges Marcus into the deepest pits of Hell. But Lucifer has other plans for Marcus. For in the tormented lands of Purgatory, a strange and powerful uprising has gathered to form a new plane of existence—one that would break the ancient caste system of Heaven, Hell, Purgatory, Limbo and Earth, thwarting both God and Satan’s permanency within the universe. Not only have these brash metaphysical pirates kidnapped the powerful child born of Brenda and Belial’s union, they have also guided Marcus out of the prisons of Hell to their new realm.
When they promise Marcus freedom in return for his help, he realizes that he will have to choose a side. But can he find one that he can truly believe in?
“This clever and ambitious novel follows Marcus Glenfield who, after committing suicide, takes a grunt’s position in Hell, harvesting souls for Lucifer as the Demon of Regret. Driven by an intricate and political plot line involving Marcus, his ex-girlfriend and a demonic love triangle, this novel is not a terrifying read but an inebriating, descriptive journey into the nether regions of dark fantasy. Addictive as, er, hell.” —Rue Morgue Magazine
“The perfect mixture of horror and lyricism that Faust & Schneider bring to the table can not be found anywhere else in modern literature. Revenge is a spellbinding read that will ensnare you with its spiraling cyclones of horror and beauty and keep you turning the pages.” —The Austin Post
“Revenge is horror fantasy at its very best: magical, truly frightening, lyrical and sewn-through with a thread of hope. Gabrielle Faust & Solomon Schneider are two of the most exciting horror writers in the business.” — Jonathan Maberry, New York Times bestselling author, Dust & Decay and Dead of Night
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To Suffer a Witch
The Blackthorne Chronicles, Book 1
by Christopher Treagus
Print ISBN: 978-1-935460-68-8
eBook ISBN: 978-1-935460-69-5
Salem, Massachusetts—1692. A plague of witches and dark magic has descended upon the village of Salem. When a court of Oyer and Terminer is called by the governor to bring the guilty to trial, Judge Jacob Blackthorne and the Reverend Cotton Mather are tasked with finding the reasons behind all of this evil.
The trouble is, Jacob Blackthorne already knows the answer.
Fifteen years ago, Jacob became the lover of a witch named Abigail Colman. One night in the woods outside of Salem Village, she shared her secret with him—the power of the Sangreal—a magical elixir that forestalls the natural process of death… for a price.
Now cursed with near-eternal youth and the loss of his soul, Jacob prays that he can yet find a path to salvation. When he hears a rumor that witchcraft is once again running amok in Salem, he returns in hopes of finding redemption. Instead, he discovers that the secret once shared with him runs much deeper than just one woman as he uncovers a conspiracy dating back to Biblical times.
“With To Suffer a Witch, Christopher Treagus has created a dark fantasy masterpiece. An emotional gauntlet full of brooding atmosphere and prose as sharp as a razor, this is one you don’t want to miss!” — Brian Keene, author, The Rising, City of the Dead and The Conqueror Worms
“Treagus depicts another time and place with his characterization of Salem in the 1600s. The subject matter makes To Suffer a Witch unique, as the language and actions of the people cast in the story are as though you are a witness to those days. Treagus provides many insights into how people lived in that time as his main character, Jacob Blackthorne, reveals how his depravity caused him to fall into the clutches of a witch and become cursed forever. His journey to regain his soul delves into the dark and sordid world of witchcraft, yet justice is served to reaffirm the perception of good surpassing
evil.” — The Quill Review
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The Unremarkable Squire
by Nick Hayden
Print ISBN: 978-1-935460-54-1
eBook ISBN: 978-1-935460-55-8
A squire’s oath is to be of service… but to whom?
In the kingdom of Basileon, an unremarkable and emotionally detached young man named Obed Kainos is about to stumble into adventure—quite against his will. When the knights of the realm gather in a quest to search for the lost Armor of Arkelon, Obed is chosen at random to replace the recently deceased squire of Sir Lance Valentino. While trying to perform his menial tasks faithfully, the young squire becomes entangled in the plots of mages, thieves, and kings.
And that’s just his first week on the job.
Unfortunately for Obed, his indifference cannot save him from his new oath. For despite his enigmatic personality (or perhaps because of it), he manages to attract a band of misfits to his cause—the ugly, the arrogant, the clumsy, and the cowardly—putting the legendary armor within the grasp of one who never wanted anything at all.