The End is the Beginning

by Mark Aldrich

From beyond your senses, they watch. And wait.

Sean Curley is a modestly successful Broadway actor, living his dream on stage while navigating New York City. On the closing night of his latest show, a series of events plunges him into a world of intrigue and danger, where he encounters beings who had lived on the edges of his life since he was a child.

While he struggles to make sense of the unfolding mysteries, his friends and fellow actors find themselves drawn into the real-life drama as one of their own disappears under mysterious circumstances. This group of performers—misfits all—must step center stage in this real-life drama, where the stakes are greater than anything they've experienced on stage.
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Folklore and mythology come to life, and the friends find themselves questioning their reality and how they fit into it.

Joined by a team of figures from mythology and the depths of history, the unlikely troop sets out on a mission to save their missing friend and also to wrestle for the future—both ordinary and otherworldly.

Their journeys reveal the world as far more colorful and magical than they had ever imagined. Unfortunately, what they discover contains dangers they may not be equipped to confront. Let alone defeat.

Genres: Fiction

292 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 14, 2022

Reviews

[John Kowalski · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cool premise well delivered!

I enjoyed the premise and the interaction between the peripherals and the grumbles. I applaud the way the normal people were still valuable and useful even among beings of immense power. The villains were creepy and gross and I loved their contrast against the goodness of the protagonists. Good job making even the most powerful characters flawed and relatable. One of the best books I’ve read this year!

[Rob Virostek · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read The Peripherals Book One: The End is the Beginning a year or so ago. I just received Red Sky: The Peripherals: Book Two and decided to re-read Book One to have all the details fresh in my mind. I really enjoyed reading about a close group of Broadway character actor friends “The Grumbles” who go thru the emotions of closing one show on Broadway, with no guarantee of another show, only to start an epic fantasy adventure beyond anything either of them could imagine. The Peripherals and the Grumbles are portrayed as average working people who care for each other enough to risk their own lives to help each other in extreme, hard to comprehend circumstances. To be successful in their quest, the Peripherals and Grumbles are strong individuals, but they need to work together to be even stronger than the forces of evil they face. They may not understand what is going on or why, but they persevere. I enjoyed learning about the Peripherals interesting history based in various cultures lesser known “fairy tales”. It is a cool thought to know there may be Peripherals out there watching us right now. Looking forward to reading Red Sky.

[Sara Risley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I preface this by saying I am NOT a reader of fantasy novels. But I met this author when he was on stage at Milwaukee Rep and, wanting to support the artist, I bought the book. I wasn't sure I would read it but I did. I devoured it in fact! I like that the other worldly things happen in our world. That kind of fantasy I like! I love that this book takes place around theater and theater folk. It is a fun ride and a page-turner. It could be my gateway to more fantasy...at least if Mr. Aldrich writes it!

[Libbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun for fantasy fans and theater nerds

I liked this fresh take on the value of art, theater and music. Actors, it turns out, can amplify and connect to the spiritual realm, making them valuable in a fight against evil. There were a few too many characters for my taste (I tend to lose track), but I have a feeling the author will do something with the pairing of Peripherals and humans in the future, so I look forward to that

[Alex Fernandez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining & Cheesy

While I enjoyed the character redevelopment and was fascinated by the Celtic, Nordic and Eastern folklore, I found some of the dialogue between the character s to be a bit cheesy. After such an epic battle to end the 1st book, I expected further character development to establish the relationship between the characters. Also some of the dialogue between the Grumbles was to cheesy.

[Charlene Mattson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting Series start

I found that the pacing was very slow or jagged in places, but I also liked the way the Tuatha characters were done and the baddies. It's a quick read too so worth trying!

[Linda Mullaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Odd but good

I enjoy stories about mythological creatures, and this one was one of the better ones. It mixes ancient folklore with modern times seamlessly and makes me want to learn more about the Peripherals' world. I hope to get that chance in the next book.

[Terri]

I got 8% in, but facing yet more long paragraphs of description of every space and item, I am bailing instead. I came in expecting an unusual story and it just isn't happening faster than the deeper and deeper boredom.

[Naomie Barnabas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A richly woven tale where mythology meets modern-day theater, this imaginative and suspenseful adventure dazzles with its blend of mystery, magic, and the enduring power of friendship.

[William F. Pinkston · Rating 5 out of 5]

William

I throughly enjoyed book 1 of "The Peripherals" series and can't wait to get started on book 2. Thanks Mark for following your heart and putting pen to paper!

[mara · Rating 5 out of 5]

whoa

I normal don’t go for these types of books but I am so glad I started this one! What kept me going is the mythology creatures! I cant wait to start reading the second book!!

[Mary Houck · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun and different novel - magical realism starring Broadway actors solving a mystery with the help of mythical creatures from Celtic lore. Looking forward to the next book.

[charles james · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging Characters

Loved this! Detailed, energetic, heartfelt and a true sense of comradery! Great read and I felt fully involved in the story.

[patrick higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Urban fantasy?

A very different story. I liked the blending Of mythologies. I expect to hear about Gaia In the next book