Ashes - Book One of The Tales of Tartarus by A.L. Mengel

"Creative Horror" 

"Lush and Resonating"   

"Transformational!"

"A must read" 

You’ve seen Antoine before. 

You’ve seen him walking in his high black boots, his long, flowing coat catching the wind and charismatic demeanor as he would stop and smile. Everyone wants to know him. He is captivating.

Alluring. Exotic. Mysterious.

But you haven’t really seen him. He is haunted and hunted by the same demons that follow him around every corner. Despite his transgressions, he is still regarded highly in society. A paranormal researcher wants to write a book about him. And several others become enamored with Antoine’s keen sensitivity, creating a growing, infecting obsession with this mysterious creature.

But with the obsession comes a price.

No matter how much one can try to transform, can the wretched be forgiven? Ashes will take you on a journey - the struggle to understand one’s inner self in the midst of chaos and madness. As the glimpse of light seems so far through darkness, the journey towards redemption is where the soul lies.

When Ashes was originally released by Parchman's Press, A.L. Mengel broke new ground in supernatural storytelling

Blending realism with fiction, and weaving together the paranormal with the theology of Catholicism, superstition and common myths, he introduced a simple story with a profound message and deep, spiritual elements. The majority of the message resides between the prose, while other themes are flung into the reader's face. "Ashes" does not hold back in addressing issues of bigotry and intolerance, alcoholism, betrayal, sexual identity and broken relationships.

The story opens with Antoine, an abandoned immortal, longing for the company of his maker once again. Antoine seeks to resurrect him, and bargains for the ultimate payment - his soul. And the demons come. Antoine manages to escape, but not without those pursuing him at every corner.

"Ashes" is a seemingly simple horror story with unexpected complexity and undeniable impact. It will take the reader through facets of time, space and across dimensions - and delivers a profound message. That a scratched surface is merely scratched.