James R. Bateman’s “Savior of Lost Souls” is LIVE & we have fun facts & an excerpt!

Savior of Lost Souls (Retribution Book 1) <— DARK FANTASY HORROR & THIS ONE WAS JUST RECENTLY RELEASED!! And the author is celebrating by sponsoring today’s newsletter and has sent over some awesome tidbits about it!

In a world where the threads of fate are woven with the hands of ancient gods, one divine being must step into the lives of a seemingly perfect family to prevent a tragedy that could shatter their world forever.

Introduction About the Book

Savior of Lost Souls is the first book in The Retribution Series, a dark and thought-provoking fantasy novel. The story follows Lavek, a god from the purgatory realm of Ul’Den, who intervenes in mortal lives to prevent tragic fates. Blending elements of crime, urban fiction, and fantasy, it’s a tale about redemption, justice, and morality that challenges what it truly means to rewrite destiny.

The book introduces three key realms:

• Ul’Den: A purgatory-like void where lost souls cry out for justice and second chances. This is governed by our hero, Lavek.
• Ak’Den: A frozen wasteland, my version of hell, where torment is eternal, ruled by the merciless god Calok.
• Et’Den: A stunning paradise, my version of heaven, governed by Marin, the nurturing goddess of eternal love.

These realms shape the story and reflect the struggles of the characters who inhabit them, offering readers a richly layered exploration of fate and morality.

Five Key Facts About the Book and Author

1. A Multilayered Universe: Savior of Lost Souls introduces readers to three distinct realms—Ul’Den (purgatory), Ak’Den (a frozen void akin to hell), and Et’Den (a beautiful paradise, my version of heaven). Each realm is governed by a unique god: Lavek for Ul’Den, Calok for Ak’Den, and Marin for Et’Den.
2. The Retribution Series: This book is the first in The Retribution Series, a planned set of novels exploring life, death, morality, and the weight of choices.
3. A Catalyst for Justice: The idea for the book stemmed from real-world tragedies and the emotional response they provoked. The story poses the question: What if there were a god to prevent such atrocities?
4. Cross-Genre Appeal: Savior of Lost Souls blends elements of dark fantasy, urban fiction, and crime, creating a unique narrative for readers who enjoy atmospheric and thought-provoking stories.
5. A Passion Years in the Making: Writing this book was a long-held dream, inspired by James R. Bateman’s love for storytelling and his fascination with morality and redemption.

Excerpt from Savior of Lost Souls – Chapter 2 (Opening)

Since the dawn of humankind, he had been attuned to the anguished cries of lost souls, lives unjustly taken before their time. These spirits, trapped in limbo, yearned for a second chance, longing to recapture what was stolen from them.

Throughout history, he had been both feared and revered. Known as The Angel of Darkness, The Grim Reaper, or simply Death, his appearance was unmistakable: a hooded figure with eyes like fiery embers. Yet, to an ancient civilization, now lost to time, he was Lavek – an entity not only of death but also of salvation and retribution.

Legends placed him in Ul’Den, The Land of The Lost, where souls were caught between worlds, unable to find their way to Et’Den, The Realm Eternal. Lavek’s presence, whether as a beacon of hope or a harbinger of doom, weaved through the histories of countless cultures, embodying the dual aspects of guardian and avenger.

As the keeper of balance, his judgments were not swayed by bias, responding only to the genuine pleas of the souls. His precise and deliberate actions aimed to mend what was unjustly altered while navigating the complex moralities of human existence.

Fresh from his mission among the gas lamps and shadowed alleys of Victorian London, Lavek was once again enveloped by the stark barrenness of Ul’Den. This realm defied comprehension, an expanse that challenged even the wildest imaginations.

Here, life and death were absent. An eerie silence pervaded, distinguishing it from earthly realms. The ground rose in bizarre, jagged formations, hinting at rocks but unfamiliar to any conceivable stone. These lifeless structures cast shadows across the ash-gray landscape, a desert of emptiness.

A silent, ever-present wind swept Ul’Den, bearing no warmth or scent, only an intangible chill. The perpetually overcast sky, absent of sun, moon, or stars, draped everything in a pall of monochrome, epitomizing hopelessness.

Additional Information

• In a realm where lost souls cry for salvation, one god holds the power to rewrite destinies—Lavek must balance justice, redemption, and retribution in a world that defies the laws of time.
• When a god walks among us, justice is absolute.
• Ul’Den: A place where the lost cry out and a savior answers.
• Ak’Den: A frozen void where terror reigns supreme.
• Et’Den: A beautiful paradise governed by eternal love.
• Savior of Lost Souls: A gripping blend of dark fantasy and moral reckoning.

Song List: While I don’t have a full playlist prepared, songs with atmospheric, cinematic tones like Lux Aeterna by Clint Mansell or Time by Hans Zimmer resonate with the tone of the book.

Release Details: Savior of Lost Souls is available now in print, ebook, and audiobook formats.