Godless Armageddon by Scott Coon

“Godless Armageddon” is a visionary and ambitious journey that defies traditional storytelling to deliver a profound and imaginative exploration of the afterlife. At its core, this novel is a battle for redemption, identity, and purpose. Only one that takes place in a realm where individuals exist as ethereal clouds, transforming and uniting into vibrantly colored storm-behemoths that wage cosmic warfare on one another.

Thomas Jefferson Stoneshield VII, a WW2 soldier from a long line of warriors, dies while storming the beaches of Normandy. He ascends to a peculiar afterlife and becomes embroiled in a struggle between two godlike beings, with the future of all existence at stake. Along the way, he confronts haunting echoes of his past life, his own repressed desires, and the power of unyielding faith and despair.

The novel defies convenient classification. In parts, it reminded me of “What Dreams May Come” by Richard Matheson, but more dreamlike, rendered as an acid trip. Scott Coon masterfully balances the surreal and the relatable, seamlessly switching between the gritty horrors of WW2 and abstract realms of ethereal energy. Despite its complex and fantastical premise, the plot is clear and straightforward, grounded and driven by believable characters.

Whether you approach it for its emotional depth, philosophical insights, or sheer creativity, Godless Armageddon is a tour de force. It will challenge your notions of faith, morality, and what it means to truly live — or to truly die. Coon’s ability to render this chaotic, otherworldly setting with such clarity and resonance is a testament to his skill as a storyteller.

-Damir Salkovic, author of Collapse Years

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Vatican Daughter by Joni Marie Iraci

Inspired by the 1859 kidnappings of Jewish children by Pope Pius IX, “VATICAN DAUGHTER,”(78,939 words) tells the story of JOSEPH MORRIS, the first American Pope, who as he’s about to ascend the papal throne is driven by guilt to confess an indiscretion to traditionalist CARDINAL GUILO ROSELLI. News of the pope’s affair with journalist, SOPHIA TRAVATO, and the birth of the pope’s child, unleashes a crime spree starting with the kidnapping of the baby, Nevaeh.

Twelve years pass, and Sophia, with only vague memories of her past, lives in Venice with the Benedictine nuns. In the small watery city, she’s content believing she was found nearly drowned. Her only bit of freedom is a job with famed mask-maker, LORENZO MERCURI at his small shop at the foot of the Rialto bridge. When a tourist asks Sophia to hold her baby, memories of her daughter begin to flood back. Aware of the danger of rescuing her daughter from the most powerful entity on earth, Sophia puts her trust in Lorenzo who agrees to drive her to Rome.

On the road, Sophia learns Lorenzo’s in the employ of SEVERINO POVERELLI, a Neapolitan thug hired by Cardinal Roselli to keep tabs on Sophia. Sophia escapes and finds her way to Trastevere, the bohemian section of Rome, where she once lived with her motherly, landlady, LAURETTA JENCO. MEANWHILE, Neveah is kept sequestered behind the walls of Vatican City where she’s tutored by the Bibliotheca of the Vatican Archives, CARDINAL ALFONSO ALEO. Neveah, due to her isolated upbringing, is no ordinary twelve-year-old. She’s insightful and wise beyond her years. MEANWHILE, CHRIS DEMARCO, a former colleague of Sophia’s, who initially introduced her to Morris, is in Rome to interview the pope but is mainly in search of answers regarding Sophia’s disappearance.

Pope Joseph and Cardinal Roselli are troubled by him nosing around as he’s aware of the pope’s past. Chris’ research leads him to Lauretta and ultimately to Sophia. Sophia fears the truth will not be believed, but Lauretta relates the story of past papal kidnappings. Lauretta summons her cousin, ALESSANDRO JENCO, an officer of the Ministry of the Interior, to advise Sophia. He informs Sophia the pope is above the law and cannot be convicted of a crime, but vows to find a way to help her. MEANWHILE, the pope turns a blind eye to Cardinal Roselli’s plot to eliminate all threats to the papacy and the church. He unleashes a murderous spree resulting in the death of his administrative assistant, TIM DANIELS, (who set up inner office cameras when he suspected the cardinal’s sinister plans,) the poisoning of Cardinal Aleo, and the murder of several of Alessandro’s men. Before his poisoning, Cardinal Aleo moves Nevaeh to a Zen Monastery on the cusp of Trastevere. Cardinal Aleo is hospitalized. Sophia, during an arranged incognito audience with the pope, confronts him to no avail. Sophia visits Cardinal Aleo where she is reunited with her tentative daughter.

Cardinal Roselli, fearing he will be the papal scapegoat, flees to his native South America where he succumbs to a rare spider bite. The pope believes his position is secure and there is no evidence of his wrongdoing. Chris DeMarco obtained DNA in a recent visit with the pope. He turns it over to the Vatican police before returning to his New York Office. A budding romance between Sophia and Alessandro forced him to give up his fight for her. However, a package waiting in his New York office contains a USB drive with tangible evidence of the plot against Sophia, as well as the details of the pope’s involvement. Chris sets out for Rome to expose the Vatican’s treachery and to get justice for Sophia and Nevaeh. “Vatican Daughter,” is set in Rome and Venice with a brief stop in Magallanes, Chile, and New York City. The sights, sounds, smells, and ambiance of Italy are infused within the story and serve to immerse the reader not only in the plausible, suspenseful plot but in the landscape as well. “The Women of the 13th Rione,” continues the story of Sophia and Nevaeh and is complete at 87,292 words. Both novels can stand alone.

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