Publisher's Synopsis
Wendy, a headstrong, independent woman from Chicago, and Stephen, a single father from Philadelphia both meet an unexpected demise in unrelated incidents. They discover that death is not the end but a doorway to a plane of existence that is much larger than anyone could ever imagine. Not for the timid reader, "Hell and Back" chronicles their journey through the afterlife to describe the initial horrific experience of entering a domain that is filled with so much pain and suffering; all who exist there beg for the mercy of death which can never be granted. They join a motley crew of adventurers who set out to defeat the Gods that created the universe and to reluctantly restore Satan's rightful place on the throne in Hell because it is a better alternative than the evil that is about to gain power in the worlds of both the living and the dead. Stephen encounters heavenly plateaus that exist beside hellish chambers of torture in this afterlife that encompasses many different worlds, and he discovers a way to travel between those worlds by making the "Suicide Run." Satan's brother, Cronus, has taken over Hell, and his army is preparing to enter the world of mankind where Stephen left behind his young son. The adventurers are determined to defeat Cronus. A beautiful angel, Wendy, becomes entangled in the struggle and wins the hearts, minds and loins of everyone on both sides of the battle. The adventure ahead takes the reader from the caves of an ancient ice age to an intergalactic chase through the outer reaches of space. Along the way, the characters witness horror beyond belief, battlefields of blood, love, lust, friendship, heartache and a few supernatural events that help to explain the creation of the universe. Will original evil continue to thrive and expand to the world of the living? The answer hinges on the abilities and actions of Wendy, Stephen and their fellow adventurers, but be prepared to connect with many of the characters and then mourn them as they fall by the swords of Cronus' minions. The journey encompasses action, adventure, horror, a bit of dry sarcastic wit, lust and romance, but the outcome is not what you will expect. How long has it been since you've read a book that scares you enough to make you sit up from a reclined position to hug and rock your torso above your knees as you felt both compelled and feared to turn the page in order to find out what happens next? The wait is over! Steven Walker has departed from his journalistic endeavors to return to his original love of fiction and claim the throne as the newest master of suspense and horror. Not for the timid at heart, Hell and Back explores an existence that extends beyond life as we know it. Once readers gain a glimpse into the unknown, they will be compelled to travel along with the adventurers or become so alarmed with fear that they will slam the cover shut and burn the book. Become an adventurer, and travel with Stephen, Wendy and all the other characters in order to discover experiences beyond imagination. Perhaps you can help to save humanity, or you may find out that mankind is doomed regardless of your efforts. You'll never know if you don't take a chance to read the story.
