Apex Books, the outfit responsible for the superior SF/Fantasy/Horror Apex Digest, is now taking pre-orders for Orgy of Souls, co-written by Wrath James White and Fear Zone contributor Maurice Broaddus.

This novella will be published as a Signed and Numbered, Limited Edition Hardcover with a press run of 350 copies. I've already received an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) of the book and had to dive right into the mayhem. Based on what I've read so far, this one is going to be hot!

Wrath and Maurice are an unlikely duo to co-write the book: Wrath stands about ten feet tall to Maurice's respectable five; Maurice is the best dressed horror writer in this dimension, while Wrath insists on wearing martial arts gear on all occasions; and Pastor Broaddus, aka "The Sinister Minister," is known for his thoughtful fiction, whereas Wrath has a rep for relishing the red stuff and shoving it in your face. And yet it's their different philosophies and styles as writers that makes this book such a fascinating Marvel Team-Up.

Orgy of Souls tells the story of two brothers, Samuel and Samson. Samuel is a priest afflicted with AIDS, and Samson is a handsome hedonist not above striking a bargain to claim 20 souls in exchange for his brother's life. The novella features short, intense chapters, alternating each character's point of view, not unlike the format David Morrell used in First Blood.

If you're like me, you feel slighted shelling out $40 for a "novella" that only runs 100 pages if you count the introduction and copyright page. Orgy of Souls runs about 150 pages, making it more of a short novel than an expanded short story. It features a (short) introduction by Maurice and a (short) afterward by Wrath, and costs a mere $35.00--and you don't even have to cut a deal with the devil to get it for that price. I'd file this one under "Worthy Investment."

Fear Zone will review this book soon. J.G. Faherty is currently interviewing Wrath. And Maurice has interviewed Mort Castle and Weston Ochse for us. Call this a convergence of unholy terror!