Each month, the RAVE REVIEWS BOOK CLUB Spotlights one of its most supportive authors. The Spotlight Author spot for January is occupied by Vashti Quiroz-Vega.
Please show your support by purchasing her book, The Fall of Lilith, reading and reviewing it.
BOOK INFO:
In The Fall of Lilith, Vashti Quiroz-Vega crafts an irresistible new take on heaven and hell that boldly lays bare the passionate conflicted natures of God’s first creations: the resplendent celestial beings known as angels.
If you think you know their story, think again.
Endowed with every gift of mind, body, and spirit, the angels reside in a paradise bounded by divine laws, chief of which are obedience to God, and celibacy. In all other things, the angels possess free will, that they may add in their own unique ways to God’s unfolding plan.
Lilith, most exquisite of angels, finds the rules arbitrary and stifling. She yearns to follow no plan but her own: a plan that leads to the throne now occupied by God himself. With clever words and forbidden caresses, Lilith sows discontent among the angels. Soon the virus of rebellion has spread to the greatest of them all: Lucifer.
Now, as angel is pitted against angel, old loyalties are betrayed and friendships broken. Lust, envy, pride, and ambition arise to shake the foundations of heaven . . . and beyond. For what begins as a war in paradise invades God’s newest creation, a planet known as Earth. It is there, in the garden called Eden, that Lilith, Lucifer, and the other rebel angels will seek a final desperate victory—or a venomous revenge.
“[A] compelling narrative that . . . strays far from traditional biblical text . . . A well-written, descriptive, and dark creation story.”—Kirkus Reviews
AUTHOR BIO:
Vashti Quiroz-Vega is a writer of fantasy, horror, and suspense/thriller. When she isn’t creating extraordinary worlds or fleshing out powerful characters, she enjoys reading, traveling, kayaking, photography, and seeking adventures. She lives in Florida with her husband and fur baby, a Pomeranian named Scribbles (who’s also her writing buddy).
Twitter -@VashtiQV
Facebook – http://on.fb.me/1g0da7d
Website – http://vashtiqvega.wordpress.com
“I once wrote a story that killed a town.”
A Town’s Perception
by Vashti Quiroz-Vega
It began with the blood moon.
One evening I lifted my eyes to the firmament, and the moon appeared to have doubled in size. It was crimson in color and its reflection painted the skies cerise. Afterward, all manner of curious phenomena began to occur and nothing would ever be the same in my small town.
Strange swirls of iridescent colors began to form in the night skies. During the day the sun shone purplish-blue and colored the skies indigo. It was like something had transported us to a different planet overnight.
When I saw the ships in the sky, I knew it wouldn’t be long before they came for us, and I was right.
In the middle of the day, they came. I watched them disembark their ships, small groups at a time. They resembled men of diminutive stature with large heads. They appeared to waddle rather than walk. They wore weird metallic suits with respirators attached to their faces. They walked down the street and entered my neighbors’ homes. Screams and wails disrupted our normally quiet town.
I rushed to my daughter’s side. She sat on the bed in her room, stared ahead at nothingness and wailed, as she had done for days.
My poor child. Her mind was not equipped to handle this invasion. I held her tight. I would not allow her capture. Who knew what these small creatures were capable of doing to her––to us.
I pushed the barrel of the gun up against her temple to keep my hand from trembling. The feel of the cold metal against her flesh did not stop her wails. Poor thing, her voice was so hoarse. I would extinguish the fire in her gullet.
I pulled the trigger. She fell on her side, her eyes still open wide as if she still saw this nightmare. I shut her eyelids and finally gave her peace.
It was my turn. I’d convinced myself, like so many others in this town, that this was the only way out. I was the last to take action since I was taught to always have hope, but even those of us who always have hope had given up.
The priest took most of the townsfolk. After his last sermon, the priest instructed the congregation to get on their knees and pray. While they were praying, the priest left the church and locked them in. Then he set it ablaze.
Pitiful man of the cloth, his mind also handled the crisis in a bad way. He burned those people alive: men and women, young and old. He had invited my daughter and I to attend his last sermon, and I agreed to go, but my daughter was sick, so we stayed home and were saved from a horrific death.
I live a few blocks from the church, and I heard the screams and howls of the burning souls. I ran down the street and noticed there was no one sitting on their front porches, no children playing hopscotch, no dogs being walked. As I neared the church the screams grew louder. I met with a fiery inferno. The stench of burning flesh and hair made me retch. I released the contents of my stomach right there on the street. What did it matter? There was no one around to watch me. I saw the priest stagger from the back of the burning building. My stomach was tied in knots.
“Demons! The demons are upon us,” he shouted. “If you remain they will take your soul!”
“What are you talking about?” I backed away from him. “There are people burning alive in there!” I ran toward the church’s double doors. The heat of the blaze stopped me. I sobbed helplessly. Those were my neighbors. My friends.
“You have to burn! Otherwise, the demons will take your soul. I burned them because the fire will purify their spirits.” He wore a demented expression.
I froze and stared at him with wide eyes and raised brow. Then my hands flew to cover my mouth upon recognition of what he had done. My legs faltered and I fell to my knees. I trembled uncontrollably as the priest took steps toward me.
I held up my shaky hands before me. “Stop! Don’t come any closer!” I made an attempt to get to my feet, but my knees buckled.
“My dear, you must not remain alive. The demons will take your soul.” His voice was eerily calm. He continued to walk in my direction.
“You’re right!” I bobbed my head. “I know I must die. I must tend to my daughter’s demise also.”
“What? Your young daughter is still alive?”
“Yes, she waits for me at home.”
“No, no, no!” The man of the cloth pulled on his sleeves and shook his head like a madman. “You must go to her. It may be too late already. The demons do not waste time. A young soul like hers is a prime target. Go to her! If her soul is still intact, take her life and then take your own.”
He took a lighter out and flicked it on. He bent over and put the small flame against the hem of his cassock.
I tried to scream as I watched the little flame spread and grow on the flammable cloth of his priestly vestment, but I opened my mouth and sounds did not leave my lips. I gathered my strength and lifted myself off the ground. I wanted to run. Instead, I barely escaped the howling priest who floundered, engulfed in flames.
I staggered past him, noxious smoke attacking my nostrils. The stench was so great, I could taste it.
The very next day, the little men came.
It’s time now. My daughter is gone. The entire town is gone.
***
A gunshot is heard. Men in white lab coats and facemasks run into a young girl’s bedroom. On the twin bed, dressed in pink, lies a pre-teen girl and a thirty-something-year-old woman. Both females are deceased due to gunfire wounds to the head.
“We’re too late,” one of the men in lab coats said.
“Well, maybe it is for the best.” His partner nodded. “There is nothing we could have done to reverse the effects of the chemical agent.”
“It’s a shame what happened in this town.”
“Yes, but how could we know Solution K would have this effect on them?”
“No, we had no way of knowing that the solution we prepared to cause infertility in the men and women of this town would turn into a powerful, hallucinogenic, mind-altering drug when combined with their water.”
“We’ll have to look into the town’s filtering system before we try this again in the next small town.”
“I agree, but let’s not allow this small speed bump to deter our cause.”
“Doctors,” a young man interrupts, “you asked for bottled water?” Both men nodded and each took a bottle. The young assistant leaves.
“Of course it won’t deter us. Our cause to save the planet by ending overpopulation goes beyond a few casualties.”
“Well, I wouldn’t exactly call five hundred people a few casualties, but such things happen in the name of science.”
“Absolutely.” The scientist gulps down his bottled water. Suddenly, he sputters. His eyes widen. “Thi-this water was bottled right here in this town!”
The other scientist fumbles with the bottle, trying to see the manufacturer’s name.
“How could this small town have a bottled water company?” Openmouthed and hands trembling, the scientist stares at the lettering on the bottle. He reads, “‘We take pride in our fresh, clean mountain water and we use the highest quality water filtration systems.’ They bottled this water four days ago.” He drops the bottle and it crashes to the ground.
“No!” His partner clasped his hands over his head. “We put Solution K in the water supply seven days ago!”
“Maybe it won’t affect us in the same way as the townspeople.” His voice wavers as he stared at his partner while rubbing his neck. His body trembles at the thought of having ingested the solution that caused all the townspeople to go mad and kill themselves and each other.
The other scientist stared at him, unnervingly silent.
Suddenly, the first scientist recoils. “Stay away from me! Don’t come near me. You will never take me alive!”
“What is the matter with you?” The second scientist narrows his eyes and shrinks back. “Oh––no.” His face slackens as realization hits.
“You’ll never take me alive, Nazi!” His partner continues shouting, grabs a lamp and charges.
The scientist wrestles with his crazed partner and seizes the lamp from him. The madman bites him on the shoulder. The scientist beats his partner on the head and back repeatedly with the lamp until the madman finally unclenches his teeth and falls to the ground dead.
The scientist falls back against the wall and wraps his arms around himself. He slides down the wall, landing in a crumpled mess on the floor. He holds his head in his hands and stares at his partner’s limp body and cracked skull, whose blood meanders toward him. Rivers fall from his eyes. His body shakes and convulses.
His eyes do not reflect what lays before him but instead, he sees what his mind perceives.
The flames of hell surround him, while demons dance around and torment him with pain.
Moral of the story––Karma’s a bitch.
For more information about the RAVE REVIEWS BOOK CLUB, visit the website.
Sorry to be so late for this, Jan. Vashti is fabulous. The Lilith book was a truly ambitious undertaking, but she pulled it off with flare. Hugs to you both!
I’m not sure we’re ever late to a relevant blog. They linger (thank goodness.) I know Vashti will appreciate your comment and I do as well. Thank you!
Thank you so much for stopping by and supporting Vashti, Gwen!
Powerful and chilling writing, Vashti. You so deserve the spotlight! ♥ Thank you, Jan, for hosting her so beautifully.
I’m thrilled that you enjoyed the story, Gwen. Aw, thank you so much! I really do appreciate you. <3 xx
Chilling tale, Vashti! I love the twist at the end.
I’m so glad, Michelle! Thank you! <3
Thanks for dropping by, Michelle!
“A Town’s Perception’–Awesome. Your talent for building suspense is superb. Enjoy your tour.I sure am!!
Thank you very much, Micki! I’m having a great time and I’m happy that you are too! <3
Lady Karma is certainly a bitter old trollop, Vashi! 😀 Nice job of hosting, Jan! 😉
Ha, ha! I agree, Jan. It’s a good thing she’s around though. 😉
So true, Jan H. Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving a comment.
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Wow… what a story, Vashti!! Jan, thank you so much for being an awesome host! 🙂
Ha, ha! I’m glad you liked it, Marlena! Thank you for visiting and leaving a comment. 😀 xx
It is my pleasure, Mar! Thanks for stopping by.
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Vashti sure has a knack for writing the macabre! What a chilling tale. Terrific post, Jan, and lovely to see Vashti in the spotlight ❤
Hello my friend! Thank you for visiting and the wonderful comment. I appreciate you! <3 xx
Backatcha, Vashti! ❤
She most definitely does have a writing gift, Tina. So glad you stopped by today.
Chills…I got chills! This is amazing, Vashti!
True story…I’m currently drinking a bottle of flavoured water!! Yup, oh my Lord that’s just too funny. 🙂
Cheers to you for this awesome blog tour and sharing these gems!
Thanks so much for hosting, Jan, and for the warm welcome, as always. 🙂
Ha, ha! I always have a 32 oz. bottle of water next to my laptop when I write. I sip as I go. A well hydrated writer doesn’t lose focus (well, most of the time). I’m happy you enjoyed the story. I’ve been having a blast on this tour and it’s thanks to wonderful people like you. Thank you! 😀 xx
Oh, thank you, Natalie, for the kind words for Vashti.
You are right, Vashti! No one can really tell the story of Heaven and Hell accurately. This is because we were not there when it happened! Have fun! Thank you, Jan, for hosting. 😀
Thanks for stopping by, Joy!
Hi Joy! You’re right, none of us were around when it happened, so that’s where imagination and creativity steps in. 😉 Thank you for visiting and for your comment.
OMG! :-O
Thanks for stopping in, Laura. Your comment is priceless!
Ah, ha, ha! Love your reaction, Laura. Thanks for reading.😊
Hi Vashti – That was quite a post, very detailed and involved! You certainly have a passion for writing! The Spotlight is a great place to display your work – so many people get to have a chance to know your style and see how you craft a story. It’s a terrific opportunity. Enjoy and good seeing you on the tour – MikeL
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment, Mike! I agree that the Spotlight is the perfect place to showcase a writer’s work.
Hi Mike! I am passionate about writing! You’re absolutely right, being selected “Spotlight” Author is a huge opportunity and I’m very grateful. I appreciate your support too, Mike! Thank you for visiting and reading❣️
Another fantastic piece, Vashti! I love Karma. Lol! Jan, your sidebar images are just beautiful! <3
Thank you, Yvette! I appreciate you stopping by and showing support for Vashti. Come back again. 🙂
Hi Yvette! Thank you very much! Me too! I enjoy seeing the bad guys get what they deserve.😘
Hi Vashti, Nice twist! Thanks for hosting, Jan.
Thanks for reading, Wendy!💕
Thanks, Wendy. So glad you stopped by.
A dark and wonderful piece of writing. WOW! Fantastic work, Vashti.
Jan, you are such an amazing person. Thank you for sharing your blog.
I’m thrilled that you enjoyed the story, Beem! Thank you❣️
Jan, you are amazing! Thank you for taking part in the blog tour❤️
Awwww, Beem, it is my pleasure to share my blog. That is why it was created. I appreciate you stopping in and leaving a comment.
Whoo-Hoo! I’d love to be driving that Karma bus! Loved this short story, Vashti! My kind of read.😊 Thanks for hosting Vashti so beautifully, Jan.
Yay! I’m happy you enjoyed it, Soooz! I like it when evil ones get their comeuppance.😉 Thank you!
Yes, Jan is a wonderful host!
My pleasure, Sooz, and thank you for stopping by!
I thought Karma was a beach in Maui! Oh well. I Loved that little story, Vashti. Your mind works in mysterious ways! Great post, Jan!
Ha, ha! My mind works in mysterious ways? I love that, Jan!😀 You’re hilarious! Thank you for stopping by and reading.💕
Thank you for taking time to drop in and leave a comment, Ron!
Oops! I messed up and called Ron, Jan. :/ Can you fix that, Jan? I don’t think he’s happy about the name change. Sorry, Ron!
Reblogged this on The Angry Scribbler and commented:
Vashti Quiroz-Vega, RRBC’s Spotlight Author of the Month, shares a short tale filled with creepiness with a twist. Check her and it out!
Thank you!😀
Thanks so much for the reblog, Kester!
Great read, V! Thank you for sharing and enjoy your tour! Thanks for hosting another amazing author and allowing us a snippet of Vashti’s awesome work, Jan!
Hi Kester! I’m so glad you enjoyed the story. I am enjoying the tour very much! All these great authors featuring me on their blogs is amazing! Thank you for all the support, buddy❣️
I guess I was reading a bit fast. That story ended too fast. lol Thanks for clearing this up.
You’re very welcome.😊
Hi Shirley! Below the image of the book is the book’s description. That’s followed by a short bio and the links to my social media sights. Then there’s a quote, “I once wrote a story that killed a town.”, followed by my contribution to today’s blog tour; a Science Fiction/Horror short story titled, A town’s Perception. This story has nothing to do with my book, The Fall of Lilith. Thank you for stopping by and reading. 😀 xx
What a story! Was the excerpt from the book “Lilith”? I got a little confused reading your post.
Thank you for stopping by, Shirley, and showing your support for Vashti.
Another super story, Vashti. Thanks, Jan for hosting.
Yay! Thank you for reading, John! 😀 xx
Thank you for visiting and leaving a comment, John!
😀
Hello Jan! Thank you for featuring me on your beautiful blog! I feel lucky and blessed to be featured on so many wonderful blogs. You’re a great host❣️
My pleasure, Vashti!
Great story! The tension in the first half was especially riveting, and I enjoyed the twist at the end.
Congrats on your spotlight, Vashti and thanks to Jan for hosting!
Thanks, Mae.
I’m happy you enjoyed the story, Mae! Thank you very much!😊
Enjoyed the post and enjoyed the book even more!! Congratulations, Vashti.
Thank you, Karen. I have it on my Kindle awaiting its turn patiently. 🙂
Hi Karen! Yay❣️I’m so happy you enjoyed the post and the book. Thanks again for reading and reviewing, The Fall of Lilith. You’re a very supportive friend. I appreciate you❣️
Before I read the last line, I was thinking the very same thing…Karma is a bitch. Chilling tale! Great post, Jan. Enjoy your month, Vashti!
Thanks for stopping by and showing support for Vashti. Glad you enjoyed her story.
Hi D.L! Thank you! I’m a bit of a conspiracy nut, so that’s partly where the story comes from. I also believe in getting one’s comeuppance.😘