Universae Arcana / A story begins
Dark science fiction · A free first chapter
He asked his Teddy Ruxpin how to survive the bullies at his school dance.
It offered him godhood.
Maryland, 1991. Thirteen-year-old Dante Stasio wants one night without humiliation. His Teddy Ruxpin is preparing him for the apocalypse.
Free on Substack · For audio, open the chapter and press Play.
Apotheosis: Life Through Death · By Luciano W. Pesci
Free first chapter
39:16 audio on Substack
1991 Small-town Maryland
01 / Step inside
A boy. A bear.
A very bad omen.
From Chapter 1, “Convenience Betrays.” Dante needs help with a bully and a girl. Teddy would rather discuss the apocalypse.
“If you won’t help with Roger, can you at least tell me how to ask a girl to dance?”
Dante moved from kneeling to sitting Indian-style before the oracle.
Teddy blinked, his motorized mouth shut.
“Her name is Luna.”
“Your attention is misplaced,” Teddy replied. “Every generation has predicted the apocalypse—you will live it. The system will reset while the ‘vidiots’ are distracted dancing with wolves.”
“So everything just keeps getting worse?”
02 / Your kind of strange?
For readers drawn to troubled outsiders, impossible mysteries, and dark humor.
An outsider to root for
Dante wants what should be ordinary: a little freedom, someone in his corner, and the courage to ask a girl to dance.
A slow burn into the uncanny
A failing service station. Tabloid conspiracies. A toy that knows the future. The stranger the world gets, the harder it is to know whom to trust.
Darkness with a crooked grin
The threats are ugly. Dante’s observations are sharp. Expect abuse, adolescent dread, and humor that finds its way into the worst moments.
For mature readers: Child abuse, bullying, profanity, and disturbing imagery. This chapter is part of a work-in-progress novel.
03 / The first chapter is waiting
See what happens at the dance.
Read or listen to Chapter 1, “Convenience Betrays,” from Apotheosis: Life Through Death. The full chapter is free on Substack.
To listen, press Play in the voiceover player at the top of the Substack post.
Subscribing for future chapters is optional.
Things you may be asking yourself…
Can I start here?
Yes. Apotheosis is an entry point into the Universae Arcana. You don’t need to read another book first.
Is the chapter free?
Yes. You can read or listen to Chapter 1 free on Substack. Subscribe there if you want future posts.
Is this a finished novel?
Apotheosis is being shared chapter by chapter as a work-in-progress draft. You’re reading the story as it takes shape.
How do I listen?
Choose Listen above, then press Play in the article voiceover player at the top of the Substack post. The chapter audio runs 39 minutes and 16 seconds.