Overview

Arthur Bryne struggles. Recently divorced, financially overwhelmed, mentally exhausted, physically spent - he's adrift in midlife. Purposeless. In a rare moment of quiet, while playing a game with his lifelong friend Chris, Arthur receives a call. His only child has been hit by a car. Sam, Arthur's only child, is a brilliant, kind, thoughtful nineteen year old. While Arthur struggles to rediscover his purpose, Sam navigates concepts of sexuality and gender. Despite often being at odds, the two have become closer through these difficulties. Now, though, Sam is in critical condition. Arthur spends day after day praying, begging, pleading beside his kid's bed. Silence. With no strategy left, Arthur lashes out at the emptiness receiving his prayers. Arthur's blasphemy reaches the ancient storm god, Bestaat. This attention is not a bargain. Instead, Bestaat responds to Arthur's hubris by forcing him into servitude. He will be immortal. Any wound Arthur receives will heal - old flesh replaced by stronger demonic tissue. Every harm a step away from his humanity. In exchange, Bestaat may not let Sam die. As a final insult, Bestaat refuses to speak with Arthur again. Instead, he will communicate through an intermediary - a tumor-like creature who permanently attaches to Chris's shoulder. Lump and Chris will share memories and knowledge. Together, they become a verbalization of Arthur's conscience. Bestaat will send Arthur through a gauntlet of violence. Early victims will be vile (sometimes supernatural) individuals. As the book unfolds, Arthur will discover his idea of ""evil"" does not align with Bestaat's. Arthur understands he must accept his child's fate if he is to honor the principles they both loved. Arthur accepts the loss of his child and declares war on Bestaat.

Full Product Details

9798234069757

Table of Contents

Reviews

Author Information

Stephen played with toys longer than the kids around him; he didn't realize why he loved them so much at the time. In retrospect, it is very clear those times of play as his first experience in storytelling. He chases that same feeling today. Stephen's work is eclectic. It's all about whatever is inspiring or troubling him at the time.Stephen's imagination has always been his favorite place to sit and think and be.For a time, Stephen tried to bend his writing and drawing into a part of ""job."" He drew a few small press comics, assembled series bibles, wrote screenplays, and illustrated around a hundred pieces for traditional role-playing games. The experience of contributing to other folks' dreams, though, was never fulfilling.Stephen decided a while ago he preferred to work on his own books. It's what he wants to say, how he wants to say it - art, some might call it. It's the stuff that makes him smile, cry, or just think.Writing Credits: ""It's Doug the Pug"" animated short - screenwriter, series bible co-writer, Tom Bancroft Productions""The Ask"" feature film - story by, first draft screenplay, Laugh-O-Gram""Family Movie Night"" feature film - screenplay, Tekmerion Productions""Major Dynamo"" - first draft screenplay, Tom Bancroft Productions""Cyber Security Fundementals"" course: 8, 2 - 3 minute videos - scripts, Southrock Ventures""The Quest"" short-format feature - story by, screenwriter, Billy Graham Evangelism MinistriesIllustration Credits: ""Legend of Isis"" vol. 1, issue 10 - pencils, Tidalwave Productions""The Myriad: Chi Sai"" 1 - 3 - pencils, Approbation Press""The Northern Lights"" campaign sourcebook - illustrator, Dream Pod 9""The Rifter"" quarterly magazine (2 issues) - illustrator, Palladium Games""Nightbane Survival Guide"" campaign sourcebook - illustrator, Palladium Games""Traveller"" game sourcebook vol. 2 - illustrator, Mongoose Games""Cyberpunk 2020 Card Game"" various cards - illustrator, Social Games

Tab Content 6

Countries Available