Just a few thoughts to whet your whistle if you’re looking for a compelling love/hate, angels versus demons kind of novel. Still on sale through the end of May.
Every new tale is a discovery of new possibilities buried in the depths of my psyche. While Demon Queen is a fast-paced action adventure, it is also a journey of growth for our hero, Carl Sandberg Prescott. While the entire series is filled with paranormal action and spirituality, those aspects really dominate this book.
Sleeping One, book one, was primarily about Carl, his friends, the teachers, and the relationships among them. Carl does realize the potential of his talent, and that those abilities are linked to the Divine, but he does not come face to face with God until the last pages of the story.
Demon Queen, book two, begins with the surprising discovery of a medieval castle buried beneath the school. There Carl learns that an ancient demonic cult in Eastern Europe was led by Sylvia, a daughter of Lucifer. Now, she is poised to come back and rebuild her empire on Earth. Stopping her attempt is the challenge that animates the rest of the story. If you know my crazy mind, you understand that I could never make a story that simple, but no spoilers today. Here are my favorite new concepts that make the story more intriguing and hopefully fun:
The Crossroads of Existence
The spirits of the departed are led here by Death via the Ornate Bridge. Here they are judged and then sent down the Plain Bridge to Heaven or Hell, and eventually back to another life. There is another bridge on the Crossroads, which is my personal favorite creation.
Reincarnation
Traveling from one life to the next necessitates reincarnation. It is Carl’s previous lives with the Demon Queen that makes this story more fascinating and complex. Love that!
The Rope Bridge
While the Ornate and Plain bridges lead from and to life, the Rope Bridge leads to “none-of-the-above.” I have studied many religions and have a special fondness for Buddhism. Successfully crossing the Rope Bridge allows a spirit to escape the cycle of life after life, but also so much more. Much of the activity in Demon Queen occurs on the Rope Bridge, but again, no spoilers. It should be no surprise that this bridge appears again in books three and four.
The Rope Bridge Society
All who successfully cross the Rope Bridge become members of the society. Hint, there are very few members.
The Three Aspects of God
Emmanuel, Lucifer, and Death. Carl Prescott’s relationship with each is a key element of the story. They know Sylvia’s plan could destroy the universe, so they are eager to help.
The Truth of Existence and the Three Aspects of God.
This knowledge can only be gained at the end of the Rope Bridge.
The Cycle of Universes
This one was easy. Science cannot tell us what happened before the Big Bang or what will happen after the Big Freeze. That gives me a free hand! I have studied astronomy and have a keen interest in cosmology and astrophysics. Problem solved. In fact, Carl travels with Emmanuel and Lucifer to the previous universe in Demon Queen. The Cycle of Universes is a very key element in book four, Satan’s Cube.
If you choose to read Demon Queen, by all means let me know what you thought. Of course, as an #INDIE author, reviews are like gold to me. All the best!
I love that your books have a spiritual aspect, Karl! Thanks for sharing.