The Curse of Mesphisto's Seed: Book One: the Day of the Awakening

The Curse of Mesphisto's Seed: Book One: The Day of the Awakening

William P Haynes

Publish America

ISBN 1413728650 $19.95 192 pages

The Curse of Mesphisto's Seed is a divine blend of evil and the pursuit of it. Tightly woven in a complex and tempting story is a tale that lures you in and threatens to get you tangled in deep, unless you can climb your way to the end. It is taut with a poetic and vivid style. William P. Haynes is an author to keep your eye on, and has a vast imagination.

Elliott Stephens isn't your average seven-year-old boy. Plagued with visions, images of his father who passed away, and the devil himself, he is an outcast and considered a danger. He lives with his mother, Gloria, in a small home on Dover Street, where she tries to do her best to raise him despite the obvious problems. When Elliott is angry or hurt, he can make things happen. Unfortunately they are always bad things. He "sees" something take place and then it becomes real. Both teachers and the principal claim he doesn't get along with other children, lacks social skills, and is the cause of the unexplained incidences and accidents that occur regularly. A boy suddenly dies, a prominent woman of the school lands in the hospital, and no other men are allowed to get close to his mother. Gloria hates to admit the fact that she is afraid of her own son, and worries if she is indeed responsible.

Mesphisto, father of death, master of decadence, watches young Elliott and sends a wolf to act as a guide, and to help aid in terrible accidents. The wolf requests the boy's life be spared until he is grown, and not so weak. The wish is granted at the expense of the wolf's life, and things become normal again; but nothing is really over in Hell is it? As Elliott gets older, the "Day of the Awakening" comes near and the "quiet years" are shattered.

Mark Talbot may be a key player in the story, but can his life be spared? Does he know too much, and if so, will he be able to play with the devil and come out untouched? With each character introduced, you gain an honest sense of what they feel, think, and fear.

William P. Haynes has created a well thought out, intriguing storyline and added an interesting twist with the devil. The Curse of Mesphisto's Seed: Book One: The Day of the Awakening will hold your attention until the end, a speed-induced spiral that ties it all together and looking forward to more.

COPYRIGHT 2004 Midwest Book Review
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group