Kindle Edition Amazon Category:  Horror Publisher: iUniverse ISBN-10:  0595213308 Type: Fiction Pages: 264 Copyright: Feb 1 2002 A tantalizing tale of a father's battle with evil. A powerful book and a thoroughly good horror story,classic stuff,a real page-turner. The terror began one autumn night when Jack Railey's young daughter Sarah, did not return home. Was it kidnapping, brainwashing, or worse? Suddenly Jack is caught up in a harrowing scenario of betrayal, terror, and death, when he learns she has joined a cult. Their leader, Kahir, is a man some call kind, others call evil--some say he protects children, others say he destroys them. Jack is asked to join a small band of parents led by a man named Anthony Bane--their aim, to regain their children from the clutches of this Messiah. Agreeing to meet with these strangers for his wife’s sake and his own curiosity, Jack soon finds that they have their own secrets--secrets that lead to dangerous consequences. After seeing things thought impossible, Jack finally understands that Kahir possesses powers of dangerous proportion...and deadly force. Anyone opposing him would meet a grim fate--a fate pulled from their deepest fears. If Jack Railey wants his daughter back, he'll have to fight a battle unlike any other he has ever fought before. To win he must release his own power...he must face his dark side...he must learn the secrets of the Messiah....     Excerpt Slowly Tony lifted his gaze from the floor to meet Kahir's. Before him stood a man he freely and willingly called father. This was a man who understood him, cared for him, kept him safe, not like his real father who was more interested in business and money than his own flesh and blood. Tony would do anything for Kahir--Kahir was his world--Kahir was his universe. "I have been watching you, my son," Kahir said in a firm but still gentle tone. "Me?" Tony questioned, excited by the thought of Kahir's personal attention. "Don't sound so surprised. You are very important to me. Even after being captured by those who would destroy me, you returned. Others would not have managed that, but you are special. You are one of my chosen." "Thank you, sir." The boy's voice had a new vitality full of joy. Without warning, Kahir let out a low moan and dropped to one knee. Tony's eyes widened in shock. "Master," he yelled, grabbing the man by the arm. "Fighting our enemies has taken much from me." "My father," Tony said, his voice laced with anger and hatred. "And others." Kahir put his hand on Tony’s shoulder to help lift himself from the floor. Tony had to force back a gasp as the fingers touching him were thin and wrinkled. The brittle bones seemed as if they would push up through the withered flesh. "You must rest," Tony said, helping Kahir up by his arm. "Rest would mean my destruction–our destruction. You must help me, my child." "Yes, I will. I will do anything, just tell me." "I knew you to be worthy." Without another word, Kahir held Tony’s head tightly in both hands. His dried flesh felt very rough against Tony’s cheeks and quickly became very warm. Small blue sparks ran across Kahir’s fingertips and entered the boy’s temples. Tony’s whole body began to shake. "It hurts," he barely managed to say. "Your pain will be brief, my son."

Editorial Review, iUniverse.com
"...another suspenseful tale from Keith Ferrario. ...offering us a unique tale. Messiah is a mystifying tale that leaves you on the edge of your seat grasping for more...a story of suspense and sorcery...it literally grabs you and pulls you into the story."