Arson
Arson Gable feels like a freak. He can create fire. He never asked for it. He never wanted it. But he can’t shut it off.
Before now, three things were true: he both loved and despised his grandmother; his life was going nowhere; and he was alone. But when a strange girl–who feels more normal behind a mask than inside her own skin—moves in next door, Arson hopes to find something he’s never had: purpose. Using what he fears most about himself, Arson must face his consuming past and confront the nightmare that is his present as he walks the fine line between boy and monster. Dark, moody, and breathtakingly relevant, ARSON, the chilling chronicle of an isolated boy with unimaginable ability, is sure to ignite the hearts and minds of a new generation.
“It’s a testament to his talent that Estevan Vega can turn a dark, disturbing story into an intriguing page-turner. Quirky, complex characters and Vega’s storytelling skills make Arson a must-read … and Vega an author to watch.”
—Robert Liparulo, bestselling author of Deadlock and the Dreamhouse Kings
“Estevan is a gifted young writer, and I expect to see great works from him in the near future.”
—Bryan Davis, bestselling author of the Echoes from the Edge and Dragons in our Midst
“In Arson, Estevan Vega has created a character as unique and captivating as Dean Koontz’s Odd Thomas. With a fresh voice and an engaging style, Vega’s storytelling is something to pay attention to. I expect to see more from this author.”
—Mike Dellosso, author of The Hunted and Scream
“Wonderfully envisioned and readable. The story of a young man with a secret talent he doesn’t want to be forced to use keeps readers edgy and waiting, and hoping he’ll let it all out.”
—John Neufeld, author of Edgar Allan and April Fool
***
Ashes
More than three months have passed since Arson and Emery were taken. Taken and then separated.
And experimented on.
Salvation Asylum is more like a prison than a psychiatric facility. Unknowingly, Arson has become a vital instrument in a campaign set to genetically alter mankind. Enraged, confused, trapped, and unable to fully manifest his abilities, he wonders if he will ever see Emery again. His new existence is one crawling with questions. Is Grandma alive? Where does the fire come from? Can he become more than a monster?
In Ashes, book two of the ARSON series, nightmare and reality collide as Arson must embrace what he is and the haunting realization that there may be others out there, others like him.
“[A] sinister story that fully engulfs you in a firestorm of fascinating characters, twisting plotlines, and an explosive ending.”
—Jon F. Merz, bestselling author of The Kensei
“Arson was terrific. Ashes is even better! If you aren’t reading Vega’s stuff, start doing so as soon as possible.”
—Cliff Graham, author of Day of Way
“Vega is setting himself up to be a vanguard in the realm of speculative fiction. His stories are bizarre, out of the box, and brilliant. Ashes is a strong testament to Vega’s ability as a Storyteller–he keeps getting better, which means I can’t wait to see what’s next.”
—Josh Olds, Lifeisstory.com
“It’s a testament to his talent that Estevan Vega can turn a dark, disturbing story into an intriguing page-turner.”
—Robert Liparulo, bestselling author of The Dreamhouse Kings
***
When Colors Bleed
A short story collection that features three unique colors: love, loss, and regret. Both palpable and haunting, each story is a glimpse into human frailty and desperation.
BABY BLUE:
Casey never had any luck with men, even though she was employed by one of the finest clothing stores in New England and saw attractive, “sure kinds” strolling through her section every day like clockwork. At twenty-three years old, she has given up on her dreams of the spotlight, of finding love, and of ever getting out of the small town she reluctantly calls home. But one rainy afternoon, Thomas Rayford, a very unusual and kind stranger, stumbles into her life looking for an odd, baby blue suit. One thing is certain: Casey, the twenty-three-year-old dreamer stuck in a line, will never be the same.
VANILLA RED:
From his cold hell in Block C, a nameless man unfolds this twisted tale. This is the story of a man who becomes something else. A man who had a father once. A man who loved once. “They want to know why. They want a reason,” he confesses. “But nobody likes the reasons. They’re like unwanted children or cancers with no cure. A reason is a justification, an excuse so we can’t be blamed. But I know what it is I’ve done, and there is no reason that can take it back.” So begins Vanilla Red, a confession, a story, a prayer, or perhaps a drip of dark truth in the batter of humanity. Take a look inside and tell me what color you see.
THE MAN IN THE COLORED ROOM:
Colin awakens in a room, jittery, afraid, and confused. He knows not how he got here, who brought him, or why. And the only thing waiting for him is a hot cup of coffee and a seemingly flawless room that bleeds colors. As an architect, he understands that no room is perfect, but somehow this anomaly has crawled through the cracks and pushed the limits of perfection. No seams. No lines. No windows. Enter a bald man in a suit. Once he steps through the door, he makes the colors disappear with the push of button. His name is Jack, and he claims to be a friend. Still unsure of anything, Colin wages war with his mind, with a dark truth he isn’t ready to accept, and with Jack. In the moments that follow, Jack asks Colin a series of questions, questions that will reveal the where, the how, and the why of his arrival.
***
The Sacred Sin
Everyone has a past. One that is inescapable.
Jude Foster, an L.A. homicide detective, is on the brink of mental collapse. A year ago, he was left for dead by Morgan Cross, a once-close friend and partner. Now, although forced to undergo mindless psychoanalytical diatribes in order to be reinstated into the department, the world apathetically spins on. When a dead body is found in West Hollywood, an investigation is set in motion and Jude realizes, with the aid of Rachel Cragin, his annoying new interim partner, that the first victim is only the beginning. The markings on the bodies are trails to a more sadistic pattern of evil, one Jude may or may not recognize. But how does someone stop a killer who’s slaying his victims by stealing their souls, without ever touching them? As the time ticks, the countdown begins. They will have one week to uncover the sacred sin…and the darkness that lies within all men.
“Vega is full of literary promise…The Sacred Sin is a thrillingly devilish…story that will leave you thirsting for more…”
—Spinetinglers
“[Estevan Vega] deals with the ‘darkness that lies within all men’ with unusual maturity.”
—ReaderViews
“A deftly written psychological thriller…”
—Midwest Book Review
***
Servant Of The Realm
When Detective Blake finds the body of Luke Phillips in a run down home located in the darkest part of town, he finds that there is more to this case than meets the eye.
Gavin Blake is a bitter detective investigating a case which could explain his dark past, but may portend a darker future. Professor Sonders is a skilled scientist, unknowingly creating a lethal serum. When Luke Phillips, a teenager with a troubled childhood, steals Sonders’ serum and injects it into himself, he finds that he can see the future. But what he sees are visions of those closest to him dying. Everyone wants to know what happens next, to be able to glimpse what the future holds, but the Realm hides dark secrets. Can Luke save those he loves, or is fate unchangeable?
“Estevan Vega is an author to watch.”
—In The Library Reviews
