THE COMPANY CLOCK

An ordinary mortal is the fulcrum for a fantastical struggle between the forces of good and evil.

Ethan Brillian, who works in audio-visual management, is alternately possessed by angels and demons. But, through the power of prayer, he shucks off a demon posing as a co-worker named Ollin and goes on the run in his native Massachusetts. Besieged by memories he cannot explain that return as lucid dreams and filtered flashbacks, Ethan is tormented by his lack of understanding about who he really is (a conduit and plaything) and what he has been chosen for. Fitzpatrick has a colorful imagination and descriptions of the demons berating and tormenting each other and humans are well wrought. The demons–vibrant, entertaining characters–use beliefs and practices, including Wicca, to entice people away from the righteous path, while Ethan ignites a profound reconnection with true spirituality in those recipients of his anonymous prayer cards. Fitzgerald displays an offbeat edge and some smart insights–enough to demonstrate that he could have a future creating stories for television or film–but his writing chops are not yet capable of bringing these ideas to fruition. The narrative is laden with repetition, and this rehashing of events from different perspectives serves no purpose. For example, the first several chapters are devoted to setting up the relationship between Ethan and Ollin, but are excruciatingly boring at times. The author has obviously never heard the adage “show, don’t tell” and inserts adverbs at every opportunity. But there is talent under this tedium–an experienced editor or a few rewrites could shape this into something.

A strong stance on morality and belief posing as a fantasy about soul possession that has limited value yet shows promise.