Claire Marie Bowden has crafted a story that bridges numerous genres with overlapping narratives and twisting psychological and spiritual themes. She has managed to give a rare and sophisticated face to the demonic forces which we all suspect are lurking beneath the cruelties of this life. The Realm isn't for the faint-hearted, it is based on real-life events and does not shy away from explicit language and the depravity of the human experience. It has it all; controversy, suspense, romance, gritty sexuality, intense climatic scenes, and life-changing inspiration. This debut novel takes the reader into the secret thoughts of each character, through the relatable and relational dynamics of modern life, to epic battle scenes in intangible realms. Written with such intrinsic wisdom that readers will enjoy even more on the second read through!In turn-of-the-century suburbia, an aging prophet risks everything, including his sanity, to prove the existence of an eternal realm engaged in wars beyond human sight. Using his gift for seeing patterns in scripture and the current state of the world, George challenges the foundational teachings within institutional religion, while battling the demonic soldiers who are on a mission to destroy his conviction and his reputation. Letitia is an attractive young woman unaware that she's been caught up in the unseen spiritual warfare. All she knows is that she has been fighting to survive her whole life; battling herself and memories of her dysfunctional childhood, struggling to care for her tiny daughter, combating the irrational world around her and searching desperately for 'the one' who will make her feel safe and loved. She's strong-willed, indulgent, fiery and knows how easily her figure can attract attention, but nothing can shake her deep sense of emptiness. As the demonic Rangard army pursues her, she succumbs to their enticements with horrifying consequences. Letitia has no idea how dangerously close she is to losing her soul and missing out on her divine calling. An unlikely reunion could reveal her unique gift and the protection of Arella and Onnjel, two of the powerful Shalgari. This angelic duo engages in epic battles on Letitia's behalf, praying that she will survive long enough in the face of the Rangard's attacks to realise her true worth, fulfil her destiny and experience lovebeyond her comprehension.
