The Devil’s Redemption: The Halcyon Atonement
by Ordin K. Cambel

Eons ago, a third of The Host fell. Now it is time for them to be redeemed. Through fire and ice, through war and treachery, through blood and grit, through sacrifice and love, will a small band of heroes mold the future of creation.

Howe and his entourage will be tasked to fend off the Draconian invasion, fight battles in the 12th dimension, and help Lucifer obtain his tool of power to finally reform and redeem Hell.

Metaphysical in nature and a riveting sci-fi and fantasy in one, this epic entails the Devil’s efforts to win God’s Grace with good works which now can be presented in full. If One Heaven is the prize, then there is Hell to pay. Will you be there to witness the ultimate miracle?

Will you witness; the Devil’s redemption?

5 out of 5 fairies

WOW. I knew from page one I was in for a ride, and I wasn’t disappointed. Cambel has quite a way with words – weaving a vivid and engaging epic fantasy/sci-fi tale around the reader. It’s so easy to see the story as it unfolds before you, the descriptions are so well done. I enjoyed the style, and characters. Lucifer is shown in a light we don’t often see, and I loved the idea of him seeking redemption. Books with religious overtones can be very hit or miss for me, but I’d say that even if you aren’t overtly religious, you can easily enjoy this. I’d call it a sci-fi/fantasy story first and foremost, with well-developed characters. This isn’t a quick or light read, but it will get your imagination sparking and having you think about things in a different light. Highly recommend.

From Chapter 5

Howe looked down at his bright turquoise colored hospital pants. He quite liked the color. It seemed relaxing and tranquil to him. He dangled his feet at the edge of his bed, patiently waiting for the IV to finish dripping into his arm. They didn’t tell him what the contents of the IV were, but he telepathically heard that it was holy water.  

Yet, it had no effect on Howe whatsoever.

Howe laid back down on the bed and covered himself up. He was wide-awake, still processing what had happened to him during the last two days. He managed to get himself out of the dissection situation by claiming that he was Lucifer. He was subsequently put into the psych ward with other patients and was subjected to multiple questionnaires that tried to label and define him into a certain category, which he was wholly unwanting to disclose. He purposefully tried to select his answers in a way to confuse the doctors as to his true personality. Although he did try to keep his answers consistent when the doctors asked him the questions again in person.  

It was the second day that he was kept in captivity. Aside from injecting the IV and a dose of Risperidone in him, Howe felt perfectly fine. In fact, ever since he swallowed the ring, he felt stronger, younger, and full of energy. He swallowed less and was able to focus more. His faculties were slowly, but surely returning to him.  

The boy folded his free arm behind his head and looked up at the ceiling. He hadn’t slept in more than 48 hours, ever since he was confined to his hospital room. He just wanted to stretch his legs, but the access to the outside world was cut off. At least for now.  

Howe did not want to think too much as he was still in broadcast mode. He tried to guess the range of his thoughts, but he had no reference and no way to gauge his area of effect. His gaze shifted to the window on his left. A light snow was falling outside. The boy recognized the area as the hospital near campus. He wondered if his family and his fraternity brothers knew where he was. Perhaps it was best that they didn’t know and that they didn’t hear his unrestrained thoughts.  

The IV was almost empty. He called for the nurse and she came in and took the needle out of Howe. He gave his thanks as he put on his slippers and headed out of his room.  

The patient was allowed access to walk the corridor connecting his wing of the psych ward and the large guest area that conjoined two other wings. In the guest area was a large flat screen T.V., along with two long couches, a foosball table to its right, and a large Christmas tree that almost touched the ceiling. The News was on. Howe tuned in to what they were saying.

“Well, it has been almost two days since the voice who claimed to be Lucifer was last heard. Apparently, the same voice reached civilians all across the globe. Witnesses in Brazil, Russia, Britain, Egypt, Japan, Australia, and from all corners of the world stated that they heard a mysterious voice that echoed in their heads two days ago. The mystery still stands as to the identity of the person who gave the broadcast and the ‘they’ who are to invade in twenty years. Does his prophecy ring true? Or is it just the claims of a mad psychic?”

Howe turned away. His identity was safe for now. Or else people would already have deemed him the perpetrator of the mental broadcast. The news had confirmed his hunch about him broadcasting to the whole world. He was indeed the most powerful telepath the world had ever seen. He would now have to be careful what he thought as all were listening. He felt uneasy, a little on edge. He didn’t know if he was ready for such a responsibility and the consequences, if he deviated from conforming to the norm.  

Howe went to the kitchen and fetched a cup of apple juice, mindful to not let his thoughts slip. He then went back to his room and closed the door. He deemed himself lucky for not being dissected. Perhaps the doctors and officers didn’t suspect him as being the one who was broadcasting. No matter the reason, Howe was alive and he was glad that that was the case. He took a deep breath and relaxed his shoulders. The boy came next to the window and looked outside at the snow-covered streets. After a short moment of wandering off, Howe came back to his senses. A devious plan started to form in his head. He prepared the pitch of his voice in his head, and then he broadcasted.

I wonder, how quickly we would all come together and stand united, if we knew that they were on their way here. That an alien threat is approaching. We need to put aside our differences and start to band together to survive the coming ordeal.  

We live in a world where the rich have access to everything; fast cars, power, status, eccentric, and wasteful living. Meanwhile kids are suffering on the other side of the globe, unable to reach a source of clean water, edible food, shelter, and even clothing. This needs to be remedied first and foremost. From now on, all who have over one million dollars will have to donate all of their excess money to charities, leaving only one million dollars in their personal bank accounts. I don’t care which charity as long as it’s a charity. A prime example would be World Vision, which strives to provide a future for the dispossessed children from all over the world. They should be given hope and a fresh start in life.  

Howe changed his tone to a deep and satanic voice, ominous and evil, and continued his train of thought.

Failure to comply to donate your money means that I will throw you in boiling oil and fry your ass after you die. Don’t worry, I know who you are. You won’t escape my wrath. You will be treated with a very royal welcome… in Hell. I will pull out your teeth one by one. Carve your eyes out. Cut open your entrails and use it to choke you. Just when you think you can’t take it anymore, I will revive you whole and then start it all over again. You will be in paramount agony, and I will enjoy every minute torturing your soul.  

Amazon | Goodreads

Ordin K. Cambel is an INFJ with a sharp mind and a compassionate heart. He is a project manager, teacher and an author. His political view is forgiveness and his religious view is love. He hopes that through writing that he could change the world and contribute in his own way.

Amazon Author