Truths of a Liar

"Truths of a Liar" is a fantasy novella filled with omens, miracles, and other wonders; it was written by Matthew D. Ryan and it offers a unique explanation for miracle-inspired extremism in religion. Influenced by the author's own struggles with "mental illness", it describes a dark view of reality, complete with a Divine Adversary with far more power than any mere mortal ever dared believe before, regardless of the Faith he practices, or the god she worships.
This novella tells the story of Kenji Qualistar, a pious man with a conflicted heart. It details his internal struggles over his decision to join the deathdancers, a group within his Faith dedicated to killing those outside his religion. He's always strived to serve his God. Now he approaches the ultimate test. Signs and omens abound. Miracles provide direction while social pressures mount. Kenji is torn between his loyalty to the strictest teachings of his Faith and the misgivings of his very own heart. He has friends outside his Faith, friends he may be forced to kill should he take the path of the deathdancer. And that is not a pleasant prospect to him. He is truly a pious man, a devout man; and he wants to serve his god to his utmost ability. But to kill in service to his god? Is that what the Almighty demands of the pious? The question sparks a crisis of faith and soul-searching Kenji is unprepared for. He has no one to turn to in his time of need except his brother Senji and their small group of friends, fellow members of the same religion. Together, Senji and his friends, try to talk Kenji out of his plan to join the deathdancers, kill in abandon, and needlessly throw his life away. But will their discussion and exhortations against his plans be enough to turn him from his dark path? Or will something else, something sinister, intervene and claim him? Much is in the balance from this weighty decision: the path of a life, the fate of the world, even the very destiny of Paradise. Kenji will be an instrument for good or ill, one way or the other. It is just a matter of who claims him, and the consequences of his choice.
Herein, Kenji comes face to face with the stark reality facing every believer, whatever their Faith: Not everyone believes as he does. But should they? And if he believes they should, what should he do about it? At what point does pious devotion leave off and arrogant presumption take over? Is threatening to kill those who disagree an acceptable path? Many would argue no. But what if your god is the one telling you to do so? And what if your god is backing it up with signs, wonders, and miracles; omens and prophecies? Would a good god of a good Faith do such a thing? If not Him, then who, or what, just might?

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