The Transformation (Part One of Ashes)

The Tales of Tartarus #1

by A.L. Mengel

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.

Genres: Horror, Fantasy

360 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 25, 2013

About the author

A.L. Mengel is an Award-Winning Author of Speculative Fiction. His novels and stories have each been called a "complex examination of relationships" with characters on a journey of transformation. He writes in the Supernatural, Paranormal and Science Fiction genres. Mengel novels are typically deep, philosophical, and thought provoking.

His works address issues of alcoholism, intolerance, grieving and death, fear of the afterlife, and the journey for understanding, among others. His protagonists, some of which are angels and demons, are frequently found on a search for purpose or transformation, which are recurring themes in his stories.

Mengel grew up reading Stephen King and Anne Rice, two of his favorite authors. He first found a love of writing upon taking a Creative Writing class in High School - but did not become a more serious writer until becoming an Arts and Entertainment Editor in Philadelphia, and later while taking another Creative Writing class where he was inspired to complete his first novel. More recently, he has connected and interacted with his readers via "The Writing Studio" where he shares his writing methods and inspiration. He enjoys time with his two dogs and two cats, and loves to write outdoors as much as possible.

Reviews

[Wolf Schimanski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another interesting review to do. I think a good term for it is 'gradual transformation' but maybe a tad too gradual. I understood this is just a set up for future books. It is well versed in rich, detailed, descriptive scenes and the characters are well developed and interesting, but I found myself wanting for something to happen and that occurred few and far between. It is hard for me to draw life lessons from a whimsical vampire story but I do see what Mr. Mengel was trying to do here. Some readers will really enjoy it and others will be on the fence. Notable effort anyway and I wish A.L. all the best in his Tartarus journey.

[Debra Barstad · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not sure what to say about this book. I did not hate it nor was it the best book I have read. This book was the beginning of a series of books and maybe if the whole thing was just one book it would tie in better but I felt let down with what I did read.

[Chaucy Prime · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashes is brilliant. Yet many seem to misunderstand. Or maybe they don't have the patience?
Look...I went into this totally confused. But this is a partial. It's just the first 100 pages of the novel. A.L. probably shouldn't have released the book in parts. So I thought to post a review when I saw some low star reviews of this amazing story! Read the entire novel guys! It all makes sense in the end! It's a beautiful story!

[Kathy Floyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scary.

Not what I was expecting, but I like it so far. Different take on demonic forces than I've read before.

[Velvetink]

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