The Gargoyle Prophecies

By Christopher C. Payne

With a tattered Raggedy Ann doll as her only companion, Stefani has spent her entire life immersed in self isolation. As a 10-year-old child she was the lone witness to her mother's murder.  She vowed to find the man who robbed her of all she held dear in the world and ensure he suffers as she has before he takes his final breath. Her childhood is consumed with training in the hopes of one day finding the scar-faced killer. But her world up-ends as her 21st birthday looms when she discovers she isn't the hunter.  She is the one being hunted, and her predators are not human. Stefani finally opens herself up for the first time, allowing Dennis into her life, revealing her emotions to her hopeful protector.  But her fear and confusion mount when he reveals he is a gargoyle - and she is, as well. Dennis claims Stefani is the key to the future of the gargoyle world. She is the Chosen One, and she is in danger. Dark forces covet her imminent power and will use any means to steal it. Stefani's mind swims with peril she neither understands nor is sure she believes. She questions everything, including her grip on reality. As Stefani battles the damned across the globe, she searches for answers about her identity. Is she truly the savior of an inhuman race or has her solitude and the trauma of her mother's death finally infected her sanity?

• Language: English
• Publisher: JournalStone
• Release date: Jan 28, 2011
• ISBN: 9780982811986

Book preview

The Gargoyle

Prophecies

Part I

The Savior Rises

Christopher C. Payne

JournalStone

San Francisco

Copyright ©2010 by Christopher C. Payne

All rights reserved.  No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction.  All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

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ISBN:978-0-9828119-6-2(sc)

ISBN:978-0-9828119-7-9(dj)

ISBN:978-0-9828119-8-6(ebook)

Printed in the United States of America

JournalStone rev. date  January 28, 2011

Cover Design by Christopher Perez and Denise Daniel

Edited by Whitney L.J. Howell

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Dedication

As always, I would like to dedicate this book to my daughters, Emily and Cassidy.  Without them in my life I am not sure I would find the energy to accomplish what has turned out to be an exhilarating, fantastic journey.

Even though I never let them read any of my books – the content is just not appropriate, I do love how excited they get when they see one of my novels in print.  They inspire me to be, and to continue to become, a better person each and every day.

I also want to thank my fiancée, Connie Johnson, who will hopefully become my wife in the summer of 2011.  With each new dedication, we find ourselves in the midst of exciting adventures as we share our lives and future.  Even with publishing what I hope to be four novels in 2010, the most exciting moment of my year was when she agreed to marry me.  I am truly a lucky man.

I would be remiss not to mention two close friends who helped inspire my writing and were integral catalysts when I launched my new career.  Dennis Morin and Glen Auyoung have continually encouraged me; and if it weren’t for the two of them, I am unsure if any of my books would have made it to print.

Kudos to Christopher Perez and Denise Daniel on an awesome book cover.  They transformed the beautiful Tammy LaShelle into an amazing gargoyle figure while depicting the overall essence of the book.

As I continue to mention names, I am afraid I will miss somebody, and if so I apologize.  I have been lucky to have so many people in my life who have helped me navigate to the point where I am today – Preet Takhar, Richard Rattan, and, especially, my editor Whitney Howell.  Thanks to you and many others for the support you have given and continue to give.

Peace is an elusive thing in life, and there are very few of us who manage to find it within our short tenure on this planet.  Most of us do well just to get out of bed and crawl to work each day.

Anything else is as fragile as the watchful eye of a gargoyle, perched on our nightstand, waiting in silent protection for things we cannot see and cannot imagine.

Contents

Prelude

The Beginning – The End.

I Am Sorry, but Are You Insane?

Time for an Explanation.

Are We All Going to Die?

The Hospital.

Trick or Treat.

Insanity

We Are All Lost?

Would You Like Some Tea and Crumpets?

What Is the Point?

Life Is Full of Ups and Down.

It Isn’t Possible.

Please, God, No!

It’s Time for Your Medication.

Margaritas, Anyone?

Home Sweet Home.

Goodbye, Mother.

Back to England

Stonehenge

My Name Is Stefani Hernandez

Epilogue

Prelude

Stefani sat all alone in her bedroom, huddled up in a corner with her arms tightly wrapped around her folded legs.  Her hands shook as she clutched her Raggedy Ann doll tightly.   The doll itself was almost as big as she was.  She received it from her mother when she was 4-years-old and had slept with it every night since.  The red-yarn hair was matted in a few places.  It had been several months since the doll had last made it to the washer for its cycled cleaning.  With Stefani’s mom working two shifts, the household chores seemed to continuously pile up with no completion in sight.

There never is enough time in the day to get everything done, her mom always said.

Stefani cried uncontrollably now, probably too loudly she knew, but she couldn’t stop herself.  She was so scared.

Please, help my mommy, she sobbed to the only one, or thing, that would listen.

Her doll just stared back at her, unresponsive and stoic.  It provided her a little comfort, but she really wished her Grandma was there.  Actually, anyone walking through the door would be a relief at that point.  It is sad being 10 years old, listening to your mom cry out in pain, not knowing what to do or how to help.

Stefani and her mother Jade lived in an apartment building in Daly City.  It was a four-unit flat, and they had lived there for the last two years.  They had never stayed in one place longer than 12 months prior to this, so it had seemed like such a luxury when her mother gave her the good news and registered her for the second time in the same school system.  She had even begun to make friends -- something she had never before been able to comprehend.  At 10 years old, she’d finally been to her first sleep over, and it was one of the most exciting nights of her life.  None of that mattered now, as she heard her mother let out a shrill scream of pain and heard something smash against the outside of her bedroom wall.

The two of them had always lived on their own.  She had only met her Grandma recently.  Their nomadic lifestyle never seemed to land them anywhere close to family.  Until she and her mother arrived at their apartment with a truck full of boxes, Stefani hadn’t even known her Grandma was alive. This little grey-haired lady had been standing in the doorway of their new apartment, holding a plate of cookies.  Her mother had cried for hours as they sat and talked.  It took Stefani a little while to warm up to this stranger, but now they were best friends. Her Grandma was always over, playing with her and picking her up after school, since her mom worked so hard during the day.

Stefani jumped as what looked like the leg of a kitchen chair smashed through her paper-thin wall.  It was the only protection she had against the ongoing assault which now seemed to be lasting for hours.  Who was this man?  Why had her mother even let him in the house?  She crawled under the bed trying to escape, thinking if she closed her eyes maybe this would all go away.  Maybe her life would be back to the way it had been only a couple of hours ago.

Like most days she had gone to school and, then, headed over to her Grandma’s house afterward.  The house was small, but it was amazingly beautiful and surrounded by the cutest little white picket fence ever made.  It was just like in the movies.  It was an actual wood fence that her grandfather built. He died a few months before they arrived in town. His death seemed to be the reason they had finally returned to the area. Stefani and her mother came back so they could all be close to her Grandma, like a real family.  She was sad she would never know her Grandpa in person, but at least she had her Grandma now.

A family was something little Stefani had never known before.  She never could figure out why they had ever moved from this area.  Every time she asked, she was told to mind her manners.

Mind your P’s and Q’s, her mother always said.  What did that mean anyway?  Mind your P’s and Q’s?  At least when her mother told her to mind her manners, she could understand this.

She heard the man yelling at her mother.  It sounded like he was holding her down.  What he said didn’t make any sense.

Just give it to me, he screamed. Either give it to me or I will do things to that little kid in there you could never imagine possible!

Then, she heard him begin to laugh.  It wasn’t a normal laugh.  It sounded like a laugh from one of those old movies where Dracula bellows out his satisfaction with the carnage he has just inflicted on the minions.  Stefani wasn’t supposed to watch horror movies, but she sneaked out to the living room late at night and watched them anyway.

She didn’t understand what her mom said next.  It made no sense, but at this point she could hear the entire conversation as if she were standing in the same room with them.

How could you do this to us, you piece of crap? her mom blurted out.

With pleasure, he responded quickly.  After the things I’ve done in my lifetime, I might even enjoy watching you squirm in pain as you and that damn little girl suffer…

Then, there was a loud crack. It sounded like a giant had suddenly snapped its fingers.  Stefani jumped so quickly she hit her head on the bed frame, and it flew forward from the impact.

Not being able to control herself any longer, she decided she had to go and see her mom.  She couldn’t be alone anymore, no matter what was happening in the kitchen.  Maybe she could help somehow.  Maybe she could hit the man with a stick of some kind.  If she could grab the broom, she might be able to use it to help her mom fight off this monster.  Life wasn’t supposed to be like this.  This was the year they were going to be happy.  It was their year of togetherness.  Her mom had been telling her for several weeks that their luck was finally about to change.

As she poked her head around the corner, she couldn’t figure out what was going on.  The man had both hands wrapped around her mother’s neck, and he held her against the refrigerator.  Her face contorted in odd angles and looked like it was turning purple.  What scared Stefani more than anything were her eyes.  Her mother’s eyes were almost talking to her, pleading with her to run.  If Stefani hadn’t known any better, she would have sworn her mother was talking to her even though words were not escaping her bulging lips.

The man didn’t even seem human.  His breath was billowing smoke, like fire, as puffs escaped from his nostrils.  He almost seemed like a dragon that was about to spurt forth flames and roast her mother at any moment.  Stefani had seen demons in some of her late night movies, and she trembled slightly, thinking she was now face-to-face with a living, breathing entity straight from Hell.

The only anomaly was his blonde hair.  Demons should have black hair to accompany their lost, dark souls.  His almost-white hair stood out as a contradiction to his contorted, hate-filled face.  A scar stretched from the top of his hairline, in a criss-crossed pattern, all the way down to his chin.  It radiated heat, as it almost seemed on fire, emitting a fluorescent red glow.

On the other side of the room, the broom leaned against the wall, exactly where she left it a couple of hours ago. It was easily within her reach.  It was strange that a short time before she stood in this very place and swept the floor.

It had been her chore to clean up the kitchen, which was now a complete disaster.  Broken pieces of dishes were strewn everywhere.  The chairs and table were toppled over, lying at odd angles with one chair hanging by its leg, stuck in the wall. It was lodged there like a painting or piece of artwork for all to admire.

The kitchen was tiny with an even smaller eating area.  It opened up to the living room and, then, the front door.  The little hallway was the only other walkway, and it led to the two bedrooms with a single bathroom, splitting them down the middle.  It was a small place, but the neighborhood was decent. It had served them well for the past couple of years.

Stefani could’ve escaped through the back door, but there was no way she was leaving her mother.  The two of them had always been together.  They were a team.  Her mother was the only friend she had known in her life, and they would face this possessed man together, even if it meant they both ended up dead.

She had stopped crying.  She almost felt calm.  A quiet peacefulness had somehow crept inside her and warmed her as she approached this beast of a man choking her mother.  She thought about her last year in school and how the curriculum mandated she play a sport.  She chose softball for the only reason that made any sense to her – Sarah had asked.  Sarah was now her best friend, and Stefani would never have attempted to participate without Sarah by her side.

She now stood a couple of feet away from the man. His back faced her as he focused all his concentration on her mom’s contorted face.  He squeezed as hard as he could, and it looked as if she were already dead.   She hung in his arms moving less than Stefani’s favorite, limp, life-less Raggedy Ann doll.

Stefani took up her stance, raised the broom handle, and as she had been taught, swung with all her might.  She was a natural at softball, the first real sport she had ever played.  The coaches talked about her innate ability, and on several occasions she practiced with the boys’ team.  She hit more home runs than everyone else in the entire league combined that year.  The two times her mother came to her games, she launched one ball after another over the heads of the outfielders.

As she watched the handle connect with the back of the man’s head, she noticed his shirt was all red.  The crimson color seemed to grow as it engulfed the top of his pants and inched across his belt.  It had to be blood, but she had no idea from what.

Then, like a bomb exploding, the handle hit home, and the splintering crack was only drowned out by the man’s high-pitched scream of pain.  It felt so good.  It was almost like she could sense his spine snapping in two while she stumbled forward, following through on her perfect swing.

Her mother fell into a heap on the floor, her head bobbing against the cheap vinyl-covered surface.  It was the same floor Stefani cleaned only 30 minutes before, as she listened to her mother vacuum for the last time, right before this man entered their lives.  He tapped on the door, as anyone would, and asked them if they would mind talking to him for a few minutes.  She didn’t understand why her mother let him in so quickly.  They never let strangers in the house.  It was almost like he was familiar.  Maybe he was a long-lost friend from her past.

As quickly as he entered their lives, he stumbled his way out.  He smeared his hand across the entryway, wiping a bloody path with his left fingertips as his right hand grabbed the handle.  She heard him cursing; and then he flung open the door, embedding the knob directly in the wall, leaving a nice circular hole.  It seemed he carved a hole in everything he touched.  Stefani bent down, tears pouring out of her, and grabbed her mother.

Are you ok?  Mommy!  MOMMY!  MOM, PLEASE WAKE UP! 

She kept screaming and, then, saw one of her mother’s eyes slowly open, pleading with her to listen.

I know you won’t understand this, her mother garbled amidst the blood oozing out from one corner of her mouth.  Just listen to me, and try to understand what I tell you.  That man – I thought he was dead. But at this point, I’m not sure he’ll ever die.  Just make sure he never finds it.  Keep it hidden. Protect it.  No matter what, he must never get his hands on it, or everything I’ve lived for will mean nothing.

What?  What are you talking about?  Stefani screamed as her mother’s head rolled back in her arms.  It wobbled there for a second or two and came to rest, staring back at her, the eyelids never closing.

Her eyes held an eerie feeling of continued life even though Stefani knew her mother was dead.  She just sat there, staring into the lifeless, vacant, empty holes that were so recently full of sparkle.  It wasn’t just her mother who died that day.  A very large part of Stefani died, as well.

Losing a parent is traumatic.  How many animals in the wild could make it through childhood without the nurturing love and protection of their mother?  How many small children can survive in the unknown without somebody to guide them through the tumultuous ups and downs?  Stefani sat there, rocking back and forth on her knees, holding her mother’s head, crying.  She had never seen death.  Not like this.

How was she supposed to know that her life would be surrounded by the stale air of so many people taking their last breaths?  She was only 10 years old, too young to understand anything, really, and she was certainly too young to be filled with an all-consuming hatred for a man she would spend her life hunting.

She knew, even then, she would find

Reviews for The Gargoyle Prophecies

[kimreadthis · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

The gargoyle myth is never explained fully in depth; it seems to merely be a confusing and uncreative mixture of vampire and werewolf lore.The author succeeds in making the reader question Stefani’s reality throughout the book.The dialogue seemed forced and unnatural in places, with overuse of “dude,” screams, etc.

[madamediotte · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Well, this was certainly not what I expected! Although the book was a bit too violent for my taste, I could not stop reading - the plot is so engaging - it's chock-full of action, suspense, twists...By the end, I was starting to think the author was playing with my mind! I would certainly recommend it, however, as it was quite entertaining (I did, in fact, read it in one sitting). I have a sneaking suspicion the end is not what it seems and I can't wait to read the next one!

[fmgolden · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

As a young girl Stefani saw her mother killed, so she spent the rest of her childhood learning self protection so that she could eventually find the man who killed her mother and get revenge. Her mother’s last words to her were cryptic and about the killer, “Just make sure he never finds it. Keep it hidden. Protect it. No matter what, he must never get his hands on it, or everything I’ve lived for will mean nothing.” Just a few days before her 21st birthday strange things began to happen. I was excited about this book because it was not the usual vampire fare and it is an interesting story. It moves quickly and has plenty of action. The gargoyle involvement is interesting. I would recommend this book to teachers who are looking for new books for their young adult libraries with one exception. The book ends without explaining some of the plot ideas that were introduced. I believe there are at least two more books where Payne plans to finish the story. Immature authors are fond of writing fantastic stories with simplistic endings, so as a writing teacher I would want to qualify this book for my students. I enjoyed reading this book and would keep it in a classroom library.

[bookish_delights · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I love reading about anything paranormal, so I was excited when I won a copy of The Gargoyle Prophecies from Goodreads. But after reading the book, I realized that this book wasn’t what I expected. We know from the premise that Stefani witnesses her mother’s murder and because of this experience, she wants to get revenge and find the killer. Her solitude is very evident, having lost her mother and she doesn’t trust anyone. She only has comfort in her Raggedy Ann doll that she had ever since she was a kid. But as she nears her 21st birthday, she meets Dennis, who she opens up to. But he tells her that he is a gargoyle and so is she. There is a prophecy that is involved and the whole story develops further from here.The book was definitely full of adventure and action, but the gargoyle fight scenes were a little too graphic for me, being too gory for my taste. But I liked that Christopher Payne uses a female as the lead heroine fighting against gargoyles. It reminded me of Lara Croft: Tomb Raider. I wasn’t fond of the quality of writing. I thought it could have been better. And I found myself never being attached to any of the characters, even when I tried. The reason being that the whole aura of the book, the style of the writing is such that you question what is reality, or rather that Stefani questions this. I felt this hindered me from really getting to know the characters well since the plot is not straightforward, it’s very perplexing. And I wanted to know where the plot was going and understand it, so reading through this book was challenging for me. While the author purposely wrote the book this way because he had a good reason for this, since it played into the heart of the story, it didn’t make it less of a struggle to read through style wise. The author plays upon not wanting you to figure the story out, at least not right away, and to keep you confused, which stresses the possibility that Stefani might be nearing insanity. But with the many twists and turns in the story, you just don’t know for sure. By the middle of the novel, I had become tired of the intentional confusion in the book and when repetition of certain events arose, I had almost lost interest in the book completely. But then the final twist in the ending was so unexpected and powerful, that I had to redigest the book as a whole. Even so, I didn’t feel that the strong ending was enough for me to really love the book. I thought the book was just ok. But the ending did help improve my rating for this book just a little. While this book wasn’t for me, I really do appreciate the author’s bold and unique attempt at a different style of writing. But achieving a fresh stylistic approach is one thing. Reading through it is another. If you like reading clear cut books, this is not the book for you. But if you would like to try something new, different, and dynamic, then this might be the book for you.

[mbels_2 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

The Gargoyle Prophecies, Part 1, The Savior Rises, has an interesting story - or more specifically, it has an interesting idea that hasn't been fully fleshed out into a story. As I read the book, I felt as though I was reading the first draft of a novel, one with many flaws and rough spots. Had this been a rough draft, I would have announced the book to be a success. Unfortunately, the book is masquerading as a finished product and therefore, I can't be as kind.I read the book over two nights, and both nights I found myself laughing at dialogue passages that sounded stilted, strange, or just plain silly. I ground my teeth in frustration over choppy descriptive sections, and I wondered over parts of the story that needed to be cut, while others should have been fleshed out. At one point, I had to stop reading to tell my husband that I desperately wanted to mail the author a thesaurus. It's obvious to me that he really enjoys the words "ironically" and "luckily", but when these words are used multiple times within two pages of each other, I have to question why no one else pointed this out to him before the book was published.The story is one that could be good, but before the story can be enjoyed it needs to transcend the technical issues that are holding it back. I think that with the help of an honest editor and a few re-writes, this book could be worthy of a look.

[dingleberries11 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The Gargoyle Prophecies: The Savior Rises by Christopher C. PayneI am not exactly sure what to say, since I have opposing views on this novel. Perhaps the best course of action would be to plot my thoughts along with the story.From the Start: At first I was very excited about reading The Gargoyle Prophecies. I mean, who writes about gargoyles? I really wanted to see how this story played out. The First Half: My enthusiasm quickly plummeted. The writing during this section was too abrupt, repetitive and predictable. The story took all cliché and elementary epic stories and threw them together. To me, it was painful to read.The Last Half: I AM SO HAPPY THAT I CONTINUED TO READ. The writing improved as the story went on, so this section was a lot easier and more enjoyable to read. Also, in the second half, Christopher Payne puts Stefani and the reader through a tremendous mind-trip! Unlike the first half, which I read in installments, I blasted through the rest because it was so exciting to read. That is why I chose to give this novel 3 and ½ starts instead of just 2-3, because I was really happy with the story by the time I finished. If this story were edited, given a face-lift, a little lesson in class (basically if the first half was entirely rewritten) and then published in book form, I would definitely buy it.

[melhaf76 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I won this book to read through the member giveaways and I am grateful for the opportunity to give my point of view on the book.As soon as I picked up the book I couldn't put it down as I wanted to know what was going to happen to Stephani as her mother was murdered when she was ten,  the only thing  constant in her life since then was her doll.The book was flowing really well while she was going about her daily life of waitressing and stripping not talking to people just going under the radar in life and then dennis came into her life and then alot of action, shootings, decapations and full on murder occurred.  These were in great detail and I would totally recommend this book if people are really into that sort of action.I found the detail in the fight scenes and killings involving the  gargoyles and rogules really explicit,  I found I could picture the action but I found it hard to actually picture the place it was occuring as the area  wasn't really explained.About half way through the book it started to loose me and I was second guessing myself as I think the book was suppose to achieve.   I didn't know what was happening what was really happening or was it fantasy.  To me it wasn't linking together towards the end as it got too confusing as it had to many different stories going on in the book.  I did like the charcters in the book and found I needed to know more and it ended totally different to what I expected.  Maybe the next book will help fill in the gaps.  I was left feeling "what the". 

[janarose1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I need to start by saying that Christopher Payne is not a bad writer. His writing style is the only thing that kept me reading this book. His idea of gargoyle’s was also an interesting twist to the normal cadre of supernatural characters. That being said, his character development was awful. His main character Stefani was just unbelievable. The book begins when Stefani is 10 and her mother is brutally murdered in front of her. Her foster family is then gunned down and she is left all alone in the world. All grown-up, she is described as a 20 year-old loner. She has no need for social connections and spends her time as a virgin stripper. Oddly enough, every man who walks into her life she instantly trusts. Over and over again these men are killed and she is left in a baffling and confusing state.I assume that this is Payne’s first novel. As such, he definitely needs more experience creating believable characters. I will forgo the rest of the Gargoyle Prophecies and hope that his technique improves with time.

[ckhillman · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

When I started reading this novel I expected a straight forward read on a young women's transition and acceptance into her heritage. But every new day for the character brought new challenges and twists and turns on what she believed. This was very fast paced and I could not put it down as I wanted to know what would happen next. Can't wait for the next book in the series to find out what is real and what is all in the mind.

[bagejew · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

An awesome read! Mr. Payne's novel has more twists and turns than a labyrinth. His descriptions are vivid, allowing the reader to clearly picture the characters and settings of the novel. Just when you think you've figured things out, Mr. Payne throws a curve that keeps you hooked and eager to read more.

[hg2008_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This book was good. It was funny at times. The book also has a very different and creative plot which I havent read another book quite like this. I would recomend it.

[varunvd-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The book revolves around paranormal creatures called 'Gargoyles' but the main focus of this book is on a girl name 'Stefani' and an evil gargoyle named 'Greg'. The story starts well but when the story proceeds, it becomes repetitive in nature up to few pages before the end. Many characters are introduced with little significance, many mysterious instances remain unexplained. But there is something in this book which made me to stick this book for two days until I read its last word? Its ability to generate curiosity! I will wish to wait for its sequel to judge whether or not giving time this book is worthy enough.

[tuffsme · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I was a little lost in this book for a few reasons. The story itself was captivating as well as confusing. The writing is alright, but I'm a little disappointed in the construction of the story. The POV changes are fun, but too many left me more confused than interested. I felt like the author rushed to get too many facts out in the very beginning that it was hard to keep up with everything. I loved the paranormal, almost sinnister aspect of the story. If you can keep up, this book is a fun read.

[librarypatron · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

This book started out wonderfully, it had great speed, an interesting plot, and a strong lead character. I quickly absorbed every page thinking that this would make the leap from novel to block buster movie easily. Then abruptly Stefani, the so call saviour is revealed as a mentally unstable person who does not know who she is, who to trust, or what is happening to her. Stefani actions become repetitive, she relives the same day over and over with different people and locations. The story becomes confusing and you’re not sure what is real or imagined where as this gives you insight into what Stefani is going through it lasts too long and I quickly lost interest. At no point does she take control of her future she blindly follows anyone who presents themselves to her, even in the end it is her grandfather; the leader of the Litwana clan who saves her life. The epilogue was like something out of cheesy horror movie which is suppose to shock the audience and allude to a sequel. The title of the book THE GARGOYLE PROPHECIES Part 1 THE SAVIOUR RISES tells you that there is a second book. I know I have been harsh and I don’t want to end this review on a negative note because this book is not without its merits, it had a strong beginning filled with possibilities and potential, and the chapter titles are fun and interesting but the Stefani character needs to take control of her destiny and become a leader.

[woodsiegirl · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

I got this as a Library Thing member giveaway. I have to say that with hindsight I probably shouldn't have clicked "request" next to this book - this really isn't my kind of book at all. I didn't get very far into it before I gave up, it just didn't interest me.From the little I read, it looks like it could be an ok story. I could see it appealing to teenaged girls, perhaps the same girls who devour the Twilight series (the first of which I found similarly impossible to keep reading).Another reviewer on this site has commented that this book reads like a first draft rather than a finished novel. I would agree with this: the writing is often clumsy. For the first two chapters (which was as far as I read) it felt like the author was in a rush to tell us everything we needed to know. It might have worked better had he remembered the maxim "show, don't tell". The scene which made me give up on the book was that in which the protagonist meets a strange man in a strip club, who has apparently been waiting for her and needs to warn her about something: I didn't stick around to find out what it was, because the way the perspective kept shifting really distracted me.So: probably not a bad book, but in need of someone to go through it with a red pen, and not something I would choose to read.***EDIT***I actually removed this review after the author left me a comment (see my profile page, and his for my response) complaining that I'd been unfair. I don't think this is an unfair review - it is my honest opinion of the book and I stand by it. I will address some of the points he raised, as it is possible that some of what I said above isn't clear.The author had, as I see it, two main complaints about my review. The first was that in giving up after 2 chapters I was not giving the book a fair chance. I can see his point, but I really don't believe in ploughing through a book I'm not enjoying just to see if it gets better. I can't comment on the actual story because I didn't read far enough to see what that was. I stopped reading because the sloppy POV changes, bad grammar and excessive use of adjectives were too distracting for me. If you are more interested in the story than the quality of the writing then this probably won't bother you, but it does bother me.His second complaint was that I was wrong to criticise his POV changes - apparently these were intentional, and were meant to confuse and disorientate the reader in advance of what was to be a confusing situation for the protagonist. Fair enough, but my opinion is that this attempt is unsuccessful. It just looks like lazy writing. From the part I read, one moment we were with the protagonist, approaching this man and wondering who he was; the next, we were with the man and he was telling us exactly who he was and why he was there. There are subtler ways of writing exposition, and there are better ways of creating an atmosphere of confusion for the reader.As I said in my original review: this isn't necessarily a bad book, it just didn't work for me. I still believe that it could benefit from somebody going through it with a red pen. I hope this clarifies things, and would like to thank the author for engaging with my review, and apologise again for any offence I may have caused.

[dbettenson_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What a great story!! “The Gargoyle Prophecies - The Savior Rises” captured my attention from start to finish. Christopher C. Payne’s story of Stefani and her bid to reach her 21st birthday is well written, fast paced and full of conflict and chaos.I couldn’t put it down!!! I only have one question - when does the sequel come out?Received for free to review. I am a member of Goodreads, Librarything, BookDivas and the Penguin book club.

[ssic27 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The Gargoyle Prophecies was a very interesting book. It captures you from the moment you start reading it until the end. I am a big fan of the paranormal genre and liked that this story was about gargoyles. I can't wait until the next book comes out because this one leaves you questioning things.

[starlightguided · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

At first I didn't really think I was going to like this book, but its true what they say...don't judge a book. Once I started reading it, I couldn't stop. Amazing book!

[hollyharper-1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Another underdog savoir in a race against time, this unknowing avenger is a stunningly beautiful stripper morphing into the only gargoyle that can save the world. Unfortunately, Main Gargoyle-To-Be Stefani vacillates between confidence, helplessness, crying jags, and ass-kicking in a disjointed fashion that interrupts the flow of international travel and repetitive fight scenes punctuated with screaming and beheadings. Sketchily reminiscent of Cormier's "I Am the Cheese," with characters a la Anita Blake, this fast paced tale of destruction needs a careful revision to ensure plot consistency and character integrity. I'd like to read the next draft.

[kresslya · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I found the first half of the book a real page-turner and had a hard time waiting to get back to it when I had to stop reading. There are many twists and turns in the plot. I found myself routing for Stefani as her powers grew. The struggle between the good gargoyles and the bad gargoyles left me sometimes wondering which were which. The famous examples of gargoyles in human form and how they influenced history were thought provoking. The second half of the book gave me doubts about weather the events happened or were a dilution. I sure hope they happened because I would like to see Greg punished for what he has done. It is the struggles of good vs. evil – who will win?

[katelisim · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Stefani's life has been filled with tragic events and loneliness, all starting when she saw her mother killed in her home. After that, anyone who got close to her died. So, resolved to isolate herself, she doesn't talk to anyone and works two jobs: waitress by day, stripper by night. It is in her strip club that she first encounters the gargoyle world when a free-for-all battle breaks out over who will be taking her. The story following is all about trying to figure out what is real. Is she really turning into a gargoyle? Is everyone lying? Why are they tricking her left and right? Or is she just going crazy? I got this through Early Reviewers and it definitely took me by surprise. It was much better than I had anticipated. It's been a while since I read anything not 1st person, so it took me a couple chapters to reacquaint myself with the omniscient pov. It does get confusing towards the end, but it all fits with the story and works itself out. It's a magnificent start to a series, and I will definitely be reading the second.

[superphoenix_1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

This one was a little too much for me. It started off with a promising storyline but it kind of lost me after a few chapters. The way the incidents in Stefani's life keep going back and forth and coming full circle to where it started ...may have seemed like a good writing technique but i believe that it has not come out so well. After some time you plain get irritated and started skipping lines and paragraphs altogether. Hoping that something interesting might come out in the end... never does. Too much senseless killing a.k.a. kill bill style. It is a fair attempt but there are too much detailing at times and chapters breaks go missing ----here one minute something is happening and the next minute the entire scene changes to something else and you are not sure whether it is part of what you were reading earlier or something new. I hope that the second part is much better than this.

[macygma · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Stefani realizes early than the only companion she can truly count on is her Raggedy Ann doll. Not saying much, is it? She has seen her mother die, been through foster care, taken every marital arts course available. She lives in an apartment with roommates she never sees, doesn't speak to and works two jobs. She will be 21 in ten days and all she can think of is how to stop this extremely nasty black crap from coming out of her mouth when she throws up - which is often. Pregnant? Not hardly. It seems out Stefani might be a gargoyle. Yep. The stony things on top of old buildings and in horror movies. What d'ya know?Her roomies, Staci and Lisa, drift in and out of her reality. Sometimes they are roomies, sometimes very bad ladies and sometimes, nurses persuading her to talk her pills. We never really know which is correct and, with all gong on in this book we don't have time to figure it out. There are beheadings, beleggings, murders, more vomiting and Stefani finds out that even Raggedy Ann may not be true to fact.Christopher Payne has done an amazing job keeping all the storylines running in this novel. He winds up and lets fly with some pretty odd ideas but, somehow; it works to the benefit of whoever reads the book. I'm anxiously awaiting part 2."

[releanna · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

possibly contains spoilers!An interesting plot, but it got me confused quite a bit. First I thought it was a Fantasy-story set in the Gargoyle universe. Then it turns into a deja-vu-relive your crap-day again and again (the author himself makes a reference to Groundhog Day!), then again it turns into a psycho-terror-thriller in an asylum, then it is about child abuse, and then it is the Fantasy-story again? and I'm still not sure what the main line really is.I couldn't find any character I really like, which is a downside for me - I like to have someone to identify with.Then I found it a bit far-fetched to say that all fantasy-races are really Gargoyles - doesn't fit in my concept of Fantasy-worlds.And: why do so many authors (especially from the US) seem to HAVE to put a Hitler or Nazi reference in their books? And here it is so far of no consequence for the story.Nice and fast read, but no keeper for me, I think.

[toniwi · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What an amazing Book!The is one of the best books I've read this year! The Gargoyle Prophesies is well written. Stepheni, the main character is well developed and likable. I found myself wanting to know what's going to happen next. The story is fast paced and keeps you guessing. This is definitely one to add to your TBRR (to be re-read) pile!

[tammylashelle · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I just finished reading this book, I don't want to spoil it too much, but I do want to say I liked Stefani's decision (at the end), as well as the twists that let to her decision. I definitely questioned what was real and what wasn't and I really enjoyed the fantasy of the gargoyles (and roguls). It was packed with action and it was fast paced, which I enjoyed. I also liked the visual descriptions and her travels (always full of surprise). On a side note, I have never walked into a bar and then suddenly discovered it was actually a stripclub; but I think that might be a touch to intrigue the male readers. lol. I'm not sure if the sequels have already been written but I'd love to see Greg go through what Stefani has, I think revenge is well deserved, and after all the tribulation she went through, her soul needs to be put at rest.

[zannyvix · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Of all the schizophrenic, unfocused, plot-shifted things I've ever read, this has to take the cake. Perspective shifts from character to character utterly at random. It is incredibly hard to keep track of the characters, much less the plot. This book reads like a mental patient's delusion. I feel sympathy for none of the characters. There's no clear indication of who's the good guy and who's the bad guy. The main character, Stephani, comes off mostly as a whiny bitch who sometimes has god-like super strength, but most of the time seems to be stuck in some sort of weird-ass drugged out nightmare. Generally? No matter what the character does, expect her to wake up either back in her apartment, or in a mental institute. This book makes no sense. At least it was a short read.

[texas659 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

First of all, WOW! It's been a long time since I've read a good gargoyle book! And I wasn't disappointed. The characters were amazing. The story line great! Stephani was one determined 21 year old. And Greg was just plain power hungry. What else can I say, "I loved it"

[jblackowicz · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I have to admit that this novel was unlike anything I have ever read before. It's a great novel about a young woman's search for who she is and where she fits in life. The amazing story of Stefani starts with her memory of her mother being murdered to her adult life as a stripper. The novel follows her as her life is thrown to the wind by a man determined to drive her to insanity for his own purposes. Every step of the way leaves you second guessing your own intuition the whole way and the ending leaves you thinking that you may still have the wrong idea.All in all a good book that leaves you wanting to know what comes next.

[jynxpierce · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Exciting, fast paced, twisting and turning paranormal thriller! I love the questions that it lets linger in your mind. I enjoyed every minute and eagerly await the next book in this series. Gargoyles as the legendary creatures behind many myths are a brilliant take on a classic fantasy tale. Would recommend this to any one.