The Piaculum by Richard Gray tells of the future but the subject material is all too appropriate for the world of today. It is a story of good versus evil, involving conflict and tension between a group of Christians and a cult. The Mone follow Christian beliefs; however, the Kathe believe that their sins can be erased by drinking blood from males born with the white-mark?a rare skin condition. The story takes place on a desert landscape where Cearl, a Mone, is introduced to readers as a young boy with the white-mark. From the beginning it is evident that this boy has a mission to fulfill; he experiences pain and has ghastly visions of his future that he believes are warnings. He knows that he is different from others?an internal difference that overshadows the white-mark which he inherited from his mother. Though he plans to tell his father about his latest and most horrific vision, it becomes a reality before he has the opportunity.
Seven-year-old Cearl is captured by the Kathe and, although rescued within days by his father, he is haunted by memories of the torture and abuse that he suffered during captivity. Grateful that he had been freed before being turned into a Piaculum?a creature trapped inside metallic frames whose purpose was to provide blood atonement for the Kathe cult?he, nevertheless, loses the innocence of his childhood.
As an adult, Cearl has a good life with a loving wife and two sons; however, when the youngest son is born with the white-mark, this good life is blemished by worry and concern over his safety. The thought of him being captured and tortured as he had once been is unbearable. Cearl is determined that his son won?t become a human sacrifice?a man-made savior for the Kathe cult. He recalls that the Piaculums, who were kept alive as long as possible so the Kathe could drink their blood, had metal extremities fixed to their feet and arms. These less-than-human creatures truly believed they were gods.
When Cearl?s son with the white-mark is captured by the Kathe, he offers himself as a substitute, changing the course of his own life as well as that of his family. Ultimately, he comes to understand what it is that he has been asked to do by the God of his beliefs?he has a divine purpose that must be fulfilled, regardless of personal sacrifice.
This book is very well written, the characters are believable, and the plot gathers momentum as the story progresses. Toward the end of the book there are many surprising twists and this reviewer found herself sharing the confusion of Cearl as to whether or not his wife is alive or dead. However, when I learned the truth, I was satisfied with the conclusion. Though dark and very graphic in places, I found the book to be an excellent read. It should, in my opinion, get the attention of filmmakers.
Richard Gray is a scientist, writer, and artist. He earned his Bachelor?s Degree in Physics from the University of Utah and is currently living in upstate New York while working toward his Ph.D. at Cornell University.
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