In his secluded bedroom-studio, young Tom DeFrank builds models of fantastic creatures, and brings them to life through the traditional Hollywood technique of stop-motion animation. In this cinematic 'netherworld', Tom reigns supreme, unlike in the real world, beset with loneliness, peer rivalry, and parental neglect.
But when Tom constructs a new model in the likeness of a demon, he unwittingly creates a subliminal bond with an ancient entity. Now, when he animates, he summons a force that gives vent to his own inner demons. Like a fury, it escapes into the world wreaking the terrible vengeance of the boy's repressed rage.
Only reclusive psychic Stephen Parrish, and his teen daughter Julie know of the evil awakened in their little town. As romance blooms between the boy and girl, Parrish perceives the strange presence within Tom's aura. He sets out to uncover the secret of the demon, and the sinister devil-cult that once terrorized the region.
In the village of Chapinaw, strange events unfold. With each flare of Tom's passion, a strange creature is sent rampaging through the countryside, and it bears an eerie resemblance to his miniature beast! Terror ensues, and suspicious eyes turn on Parrish, accusing him of devilry.
Will he be able to solve the mystery in time? Will Tom learn to control this monster he's unleashed, through his astonishing ability to create or ...destroy?
Ten Thousand Demons is my first work of fiction, a supernatural thriller with strong characters, and bold dramatic turns. Writing this novel was a long journey of almost eighteen years. It began as a short film back in 1984, but it soon became a pet project, often picked up, discarded, and picked up again.
The story is a metaphor for addiction, obsession, and the dark passions that dwell in the soul, while also being a terrific monster tale.
The novel was initially published in 2006 by Medallion Press under the title In Darkness It Dwells. It is now being republished under its original title.
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Reviews for 'Ten Thousand Demons'
(as 'In Darkness It Dwells')
Lesley May 2006 The Eternal Night
http://www.eternalnight.co.uk/books/
"... This is one hell of a creepy story! At first it seems to be a fairly normal tale of a demon trying to break through to our world and using a young man as a conduit, but as the story progresses you discover that there are many more aspects to the tale that add additional texture to the story and result in one of the best and original horror stories I have read in a very
long time. If you think of all the best features of supernatural horror this book has most of them - demonic possession, astral travel, brutal murders, black magic, human sacrifice and just a little bit of teenage lurve to finish it all off!
For a horror story to grip me like this one takes some skill and Joseph Laudati has it in spades. I am looking forward to reading his next book to see if he can maintain the same high standard."
Harriet Klausner....Review Center March 21, 2006
http://www.reviewcentre.com/review191177.html
"...Ten Thousand Demons is a fascinating paranormal thriller starring a delightful teen whose only enjoyment in life is the slow stop motion photography (see the movie Jason and the Argonauts as a terrific sample) until he meets Julie. The support cast augments the insight into the young hero and propels the fast-paced action forward. In some ways Stephen is the most enthralling character as his psychic gift is also a curse. Horror fans will appreciate this work and want Joseph Laudati to provide a prequel of what drove Stephen to Chapinaw."
Marissa NOVELSPOT.NET April 2006
"....Is there anything more intriguing than a small town with a dirty secret and a dark past? We are obsessed with towns that have something to hide: Amityville, Waco, Charles Manson's ranch in Death Valley. We eat this stuff up with a spoon, all the while saying how tragic it was that something like that happened. We can't help it; it's basic human curiosity. Joseph Laudati plays on this fascination with his novel Ten Thousand Demons....
...Mr. Laudati, a monster-maker in his own right, has crafted an excellent story. I had a hard time getting into it at first; I'm used to books that are non-stop action from the get-go. Mr. Laudati has taken a psychological approach that slowly spins inside your head until it sinks its claws deep inside of you and doesn't let go until the last page is read. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more of Laudati's work.
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