by Luke West
Genre: Fantasy
Publication Date: January 4, 2013
Blurb
If you were faced with the abominable decision to die or kill a loved one to survive, would you be the honorable sacrifice?
Tobias is the Devil – the ruler of Hell. For years he has banished the souls of innocent humans only to compliment his ruling status, but slowly things are starting to change.
Fewer souls are struggling down the elevator ride eventuating at Hell’s reception desk, yet heaven is reporting an influx of angel’s climbing the staircase into the clouds.
Tobias begins questioning the rules with his sister and rivalry – Constance – the leader of heaven.
When his inquiries go unanswered, he entrusts his assistant Arliah with a mission she simply cannot refuse, yet reluctantly accepts
Her uncanny nature and gothic philosophy only cause havoc among Hell’s people, and their eyes slowly open as they begin noticing her continual departures through Hell’s gates and presumably into the beauty of heaven.
What Arliah soon comprehends is that the gates of heaven are located at the other end of Earth.
Earth – A deserted world: a place of patience, hope and misery. The only escape is to win the game; your target – the humans with the leading bounties.
Will her black magic connections lead her to the gates of heaven – a world believed to be the light at the end of the tunnel? Or will her newfound supernatural powers carve the third strike against her signed contract?
Her mission – find heaven, and once she does, bring it to Hell.
| Excerpt
Although the wide-open space that the desert provides gives me a certain realm of safety, it also opens up a new world of danger. This desert doesn't just contain sand; it owns the gates to Hell.
The sun exits, allowing the moonbeams to guide my way. The sweat that once consumed my skin has now gone, allowing coldness to enter my body. The night is black, showcasing the thousands of stars that make up tonight's sky.
My legs begin to ache, proving I must be close. As my eyes scan the area, I can't help feel the oppressive silence. No noise from banished souls, no echoes from the outer city, just deathly quiet. Too quiet. I take in the outline of the lift. A small rectangular shape, outlined in silver metal.
If I were any taller, I’d have to duck or my head would be covered in bruises. A batch of unsettled butterflies take up residence in my stomach. Something is not right. Standing in front of the rusted lift doors, something is definitely telling me not to push the button alerting the lift to my presence.
Surveying the situation, I become concerned with what little protection this scene provides me. The humans must be laughing at the target I am so readily providing them. To them I am no threat at all, just a young woman with long black hair and skin so white I could pass as a ghost. My bright blue eyes could be my only chance of scaring them off. I realize I'm not a bulky woman with muscles like a professional wrestler. I don't have devil horns sprouting from my forehead.
My appearance betrays no mythical power with which to fight them off. I'm just a girl.
I rely on my black leather trench coat, my high leather boots and my visible tattoos to composite the bad ass image I need to survive in this place. I pull my dagger from its hilt, happy that my glove hides the ring. Allowing a smile to form across my face, hoping to display the confidence I only hope I possess. I wait. Seconds turn into minutes. The unsettling feeling staunchly refuses to leave me. With my dagger still at the ready, I slam my left hand against the button on the panel.
I jump when the lift jerks into motion. This is the only sound I have heard in hours. I wait. The eerie creaking of the rusted chains pulling the carriage to the surface echoes loudly through the desert. No hiding my presence now. A small red light in the distance grabs my attention. The light appears to be glowing and growing in size at a rapid passé. The smile drains from my face. My heartbeat increases causing my eyes to widen in fear.
My façade of confidence is immediately replaced with fear as I realize exactly what's heading in my direction.
***
About the Author
Luke West is an up and coming author from Queensland, Australia. He was raised and still resides on the Gold Coast.
“Life is a journey, who knows the destination.”
– Luke West
Luke has always enjoyed creative writing, and his first dream – to become a published author – was realized at a young age. His parents were constant, avid readers of his many short stories and novels, and have always supported his decision to chase his dreams.
After studying the art of writing throughout his teenage years, Luke finally took the leap to pursue his writing career and set out to release his debut novel.
Luke decided to explore the self-publishing world, aiming to prove to the publishing houses that he has what it takes to research, market, and sell his work. With this goal achieved, he hopes to secure a full time career in the world of the written word.
Luke enjoys writing Fantasy, Horror or anything with a paranormal twist. His debut Urban Fantasy novel, Hell’s Mercenary is the first of three books from the Intervening World Chronicles and is available for download now!
For the latest news or to connect with Luke personally, visit www.lukewest.com.au
“Thank you for allowing me to entertain your imagination. I hope my books find themselves among your favorite books.”
– Luke West
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