Apotheosis

About the Book

Have you ever heard voices inside your head? Voices that spoke of destruction and mayhem? And if you did hear such voices, would you listen and obey? Seventeen-year-old Danny has the desire to become one of the best writers in his time. He sets out one rainy afternoon to write a story about a wandering killer that invades the peaceful suburbs of his hometown. While conducting his research, something drastic and unexpected occurs. Young Danny hears a voice. It was not a voice from over his shoulder, around the block, or down the street, but a voice that whispers to him from inside his own head. Instantly, Danny comes to realize that this voice belongs to the character he set out to create. It’s a voice so powerful even Daniel cannot control it. Slowly and inevitably, the voice takes over Daniel’s mind. Despite his protests, Danny is helpless to stop the madness unleashed by his wrath. Daniel’s story has begun. A killer is on the loose in Oak Valley. His name is Jon Malone, and he has taken control of Danny’s mind. Quickly, Jon Malone uses his charm and wit to entice Danny into his realm of darkness and betrayal. He promises to grant his every wish and, in due time, fulfill his dream of becoming one of the greatest writers ever to live. Jon Malone only wants to be granted one wish in return- to live and breathe and kill in Danny’s world. As the night progresses and the rain continues to fall, Danny watches helplessly as his life becomes chaotic and meaningless. As a result, he loses contact with the outside world. His parents become insignificant shadows, ignorant of his whereabouts and aloof to his dreams. He loses touch with his best friend, Peter Shoctrol, and fails to win the love of Ashley Turner, the fickle girl he adores from afar. As Danny’s outer life slowly unravels, his creation is hard at work inside his brain. Meticulous and conniving, Jon Malone reminds Danny of his weaknesses. He preys on his gentleness and morale, and ignites a war on inner conflict in Danny’s lost and angry soul. Soon helplessness turns into humiliation when Danny confronts a gang of brutes led by Joe Carson, who has aspirations of his own. Only later will Danny realize that his true enemy is not Joe Carson, but the one he holds closest to his heart. This truth is too much for Danny to take. He descends into a world of destruction by joining forces with the only friend he could find. Jon Malone. Together, with Danny’s imagination and Jon Malone’s strength, they declare war on Oak Valley, striking terror in the hearts of the entire city. Sixteen years have passed since that rainy night and now, just fours hours away from execution, Danny will tell his story for the first and last time. Listen close to the story of a confused artist and his one ambitious dream that quickly developed into a bloody nightmare. This is the story of one boy and his search for identity in the face of alienation, of his struggle for freedom in a world of conformity, and the sacrifice an artist must pay for the beauty of his ultimate creation. This is the mind of Jon Malone, author, artist, lover…and killer. Come inside. He’s been expecting you….

About the Author

Brett Toombs lives in Denver, and is currently at work on his next novel.