Article first published as
Book Review:The Book of Paul by Richard Long on Blogcritics.
Is it really possible for a parallel universe to exist, one
right beside our own where those that inhabit both, live lives very different
from those on our own existence? If so, what if this world was a part of the
beginnings and endings of everything we believe to be real.
In The Book of Paul by Richard Long we meet some unique and
interesting characters. But it is the world itself that takes you on a roller
coaster of a journey, one that will both horrify and delight you, as you hit
the highs and lows through the cast of characters that border on both genius
and madness.
Paul is not who many believe him to be. For some he is a friend,
and others a father figure, but only very few really know the truth behind his
being. Having rescued Martin from and manipulative and deadly mother as a
child, he raises him the best way he knows how. Or does he? There is depth and
depravity, hidden from most, and Martin becomes a stone cold personality, with
no one other than his foster father Paul who understands him.
But then he meets Rose, she too is damaged, yet holds a
secret that she herself has hidden deep. Her own life is addicted to pain and
sex, yet when she meets Martin, she immediately recognizes a feeling, that seems
centuries old.
If these characters are not enough, there are watchers, and
doers throughout the communities, each with their own brand of narcissism, waiting
for their own entrance to the horror that continues to build as the pieces come
together and the time for recognition comes through.
Often the “devil is in the detail,” and such is the case,
but don’t leave out the angels or the existence of just about every form of
belief you have heard of or imagined. With a sharp wit, and strong sense of the
macabre, Long has delivered a work of horror that keeps you reading to the very
end.
What happens? How do the characters survive, or do they? Can
they stop Paul from his ever increasing frenzy?
If you enjoy historical religious and pagan beliefs, this
book is chock full of information. If you like horror with your romance, then
you will find yourself immersed in both. Long has written a fascinating and
oftentimes horrific look into the depths of belief, and used an eclectic mix of
differing histories to pull off a work that keeps you guessing.
This would be a great book for a discussion group, there is
so much going on that you could read it untold times and still find something
new. A group would find a great deal to discuss with all of the differing
offers.
Even with the horror there is a sense of purpose, but be
prepared to become immersed, keep the lights on and the doors locked, the
horror will keep the chills flowing.
The Book of Paul Book Summary:
"Everything you've ever believed about yourself...about the description of reality you've clung to so stubbornly all your life...all of it...every bit of it...is an illusion."
In the rubble-strewn wasteland of Alphabet City, a squalid tenement conceals a treasure "beyond all imagining"-- an immaculately preserved, fifth century codex. The sole repository of ancient Hermetic lore, it contains the alchemical rituals for transforming thought into substance, transmuting matter at will...and attaining eternal life.
When Rose, a sex and pain addicted East Village tattoo artist has a torrid encounter with Martin, a battle-hardened loner, they discover they are unwitting pawns on opposing sides of a battle that has shaped the course of human history. At the center of the conflict is Paul, the villainous overlord of an underground feudal society, who guards the book's occult secrets in preparation for the fulfillment of an apocalyptic prophecy.
The action is relentless as Rose and Martin fight to escape Paul's clutches and Martin's destiny as the chosen recipient of Paul's sinister legacy. Science and magic, mythology and technology converge in a monumental battle where the stakes couldn't be higher: control of the ultimate power in the universe--the Maelstrom.
The Book of Paul is the first of seven volumes in a sweeping mythological narrative tracing the mystical connections between Hermes Trismegistus in ancient Egypt, Sophia, the female counterpart of Christ, and the Celtic druids of Clan Kelly.
Link to an excerpt from The Book of Paul:
http://all-things-andy-gavin.com/untimed/sample/
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Richard Long's Bio:
Richard Long writes to exorcize the demons of his past and manifest the dreams of his future. His debut novel,
The Book of Paul, is a dark, thrilling, and psychologically rich supernatural horror/thriller that blends mythology, science and mystery into a page-turning addiction. Richard is also writing a YA novel,
The Dream Palace, primarily so that his children can read his books. He lives in Manhattan with his wife, two amazing children and their wicked black cat, Merlin.
Prices/Formats: $19.95 paperback, $2.99-$3.99 ebook
Publisher: Open Eyes
ISBN: 9780615648644
Pages: 492
Release: June 2012
Amazon paperback buy link ($19.95):
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0615648649?tag=tributebooks-20
Barnes and Noble paperback buy link ($19.95):http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-book-of-paul-richard-long/1111400572?ean=9780615648644
Kindle buy link ($2.99):
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0088QYXGA?tag=tributebooks-20
Nook buy link ($3.99):
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-book-of-paul-richard-long/1111400572?ean=9780615648644
iTunes buy link ($3.99):
