Devourer of Souls

Welcome back to Clifton Heights. In Kevin Lucias latest installment of his growing Clifton Heights mythos Sheriff Chris Baker and Father Ward meet for a Saturday morning breakfast at The Skylark Dinner to once again commiserate over the weird and terrifying secrets surrounding their town. Sheriff Baker shares with Father Ward the story of a journal discovered in the ruins of what was once an elaborate koi pond and flower garden which regales a tale of regret buried pain and unfulfilled debt. Father Ward reveals the story of a tortured man from the nearby town of Tahawus who visited his confessional seeking solace from a cosmic horror he can never outrun.Sophan - Jake Burns has always been a bit...off. Rude awkward sometimes brutish hes tolerated by Nate Slocum and his friends because he hits a mean line drive and because they all know but dont discuss the abuse he faces at the hands of his troubled father a Vietnam veteran consumed by his demons. But Jake is suffering something far worse than domestic abuse and when Nate discovers what he faces an impossible choice: help Jake and put himself in the path of evil or abandon him only to damn himself in the process.The Man in Yellow - Stuart Michael Evans has suffered from cerebral palsy all his life but hes made due. Sure his preacher dad is always yammering about the healing grace of God and Gods will saying all he needs is faith and someday hell be healed but Stuart mostly ignores him. Life isnt perfect but it isnt awful either so Stuart figures he doesnt need God to heal him or do anything for that matter. Everything changes however when a renowned faith healer - Reverend Alistair McIlvian - pays a visit to Tahawus annual Summer Vacation Bible School. Revival sweeps the town as Reverend McIlvians healing touch makes believers out of everyone. But where do these powers come from? God or something...else?