Among the People

Keith Rommel

Average Rating 8/10 (1 Review)

After breaking one of Belial's laws, Sardurvial, a fallen angel, discovers the terrible truth behind one of hell's many secrets. He flees the false paradise and murderous companions, finding himself at the mercy of the people he once sought to destroy.

Kathy, injured and grieving, is approached separately by two mysterious people and is presented with a warning and a choice: save the injured man or let him die. Her decision to aid or ignore a stranger determines the course of her own fate.

Rommel weaves the supernatural struggles seamlessly with the human, internal struggles of loss and remorse, beautifully crafting the thrilling story of a demon, fallen from hell, who seeks shelter and redemption Among the People.

Review by Nigel (310814) Rating (8/10)

Review by Nigel
Rating 8/10
Sardurvial is a fallen angel in the service of the Belial, also known as Satan. As a member of the Belial's Elite, Sardurvial's task is to indirectly cause as much pain and suffering in humans as possible by guiding susceptible subjects to commit horrendous crimes... the more vile the better.

At the beginning of the story we find Sardurvial close to death in a stairwell, ready to die but reaching out for help. This is where he is found by Kathy, a kindly nurse returning home from a hard shift at work. Kathy takes in Sardurvial and from this point on she becomes a pawn in the much greater game that is the battle between Heaven and Hell, God and the Devil.

Sardurvial has realised his mistake following Belial and wants to redeem himself and return to heaven and the service of God. However, this absolutely cannot be tolerated and Sardurvial's execution is ordered... or so you think. The plot, seemingly straightforward, takes many twists and turns at the end, with cross and double cross (there may even be a triple cross in there somewhere:)

This story is very well written with good characterisation and a sustained storyline. The scenes are well crafted and you feel part of the story. One good example is the description of Lenny, chosen by Sardurvial to kidnap a young girl he calls Redhead. Lenny, listening to the 'voices' in his head does as commanded. Sardurvial, however, breaks the golden rule and stays while Redhead suffers. The whole scene affected me and the sense of loss was great, not just for the fictional character but the often suppressed realisation of the horrors that are perpetrated in this world... excellent writing.
Nigel (31st August 2014)

Originally reviewed by BookLore 1^st August 2002 as an unreleased manuscript called Sardurvial Dissenting.