VIKTOR JORGENSEN, a successful architect, had a charmed existence. He and his beautiful wife and daughter enjoyed an idyllic lifestyle on the North Shore of Long Island. Sunset sails, lazy afternoons at North Fork vineyards, peaceful walks through sunflower fields, and regular visits to roadside farmstands were some of the treasured times that they shared together.
Until that monster entered their lives. Antonio Lanius was a religious zealot who was on a mission. Guided by a mysterious voice in his head, he set out to change the world. Viktor and his family became victims to Antonio’s wrath.
Set in the historic city of Florence, Italy, the art center of the world, Viktor, along with CIA Agent Norman Anderson, attempt to stop Lanius from furthering his quest.
The awe-inspiring architecture, art, and culture of Florence, along with the lush Tuscan countryside, the beach of Viareggio, and the sites of Rome serve as a magnificent backdrop to this Dark, Psychological Thriller, with a sprinkling of the Supernatural.
EARLY PRAISE FOR THE PATH OF REDEMPTION
FROM A RESPECTED DRAMATURGE AND PROFESSOR:
“Just finished reading The Path of Redemption. Wow! What a page-turner! It’s a marvelous amalgam of thriller, tale of horror, relentless chase, travel guide, and Dante’s Inferno revisited.
You’ve plotted the pursuit and setbacks so intriguingly and made them so inevitable that the explosive climax seems both surprising and satisfying.
I particularly admire the characterization of Viktor, the hero and Antonio, the antihero. It’s easy to empathize with both of them: Viktor, for his unbearable loss and for his resolute determination to put an end to Antonio’s rampage. Antonio, for his dedication to what he believes to be an admirable, “life-saving” role and, conversely, as a psychopath.
Finally, the picture postcard illustrations and photographs at the end (or the beginning) of each chapter root the story in Tuscan reality and whet our appetites for a visit.
Congratulations, with lots of respect and awe for your work: a clear, direct, tightly conceived, well-written, original novel. I hope many more will follow. I also hope that someone options it for a film very soon. It would be a natural.”
FROM AMAZON READERS:
“This was a very easy read! I couldn’t stop turning the pages to find out what happened next. The author effortlessly transitioned from the protagonist and antagonist’s points of view. If you like suspense intertwined with Italian landmarks, this book is a must read, and would make an interesting film adaptation. Overall, I highly recommend buying this book!”
” … The Path of Redemption is more than a story, it’s an experience. One that invites you to wrestle with your own beliefs, to root for a hero who is deeply flawed yet incredibly brave, and to fear a villain’s darkness. Mahoski’s debut is a triumph, an emotionally rich, visually stunning, and thought-provoking novel. If you’re looking for a powerful, character-driven story where action meets meaning, where every chapter drips with tension and heart, this is it. The Path of Redemption is a five-star masterpiece, and I can’t wait to see where author Michael Mahoski’s next book leads us.”
“The Path of Redemption is an amazing book. It has kept me at the edge of my seat with so much drama and excitement. The photographs of Italy are amazing, the descriptions make you feel like you are there in the country. I love this book.”
“The Path of Redemption is really well done, especially as it’s Michael Mahoski’s first book. His literary talent is quite evident- interesting story line, good character development, realistic dialogue, extensive references of Italian historic and modern day locations and sites with photographs throughout … The story line flows well, as you look forward to next chapter to see what happens next. It’s takes one on an emotional roller coaster- curious, understanding, empathetic, angry, repulsed, happy, sad …”
” … The book was very intriguing … I am glad I read it poolside, reading it on a dark, windy, or stormy night would’ve been more challenging … I was not able to put the book down. What a hook line and sinker tactic used on the final page …”
“I was hesitant in the beginning because it is not my usual genre of books to read, but this book kept my interest from start to finish. The vivid descriptions and images of the beautiful Italy sites and the author’s attention to detail is impressive … This was a promising debut from a new, young talented author …”
MESSAGE FROM THE AUTHOR
When I heard about the Hofstra in Florence Study Abroad Program, I knew that I had to enroll. As a grandchild of Italian immigrants, I needed to seize this opportunity to visit and explore my roots.
Well, the incredible sights and tastes I experienced in Italia will stay with me forever. My many walks past the Duomo, the Renaissance Art, the Architecture, the Pappardelle with Wild Boar Sauce, and the various trips I took across Italy will be forever cherished memories. I now know Dante, the Medici, Machiavelli, among many others, and they shall be a part of me for a long time to come.
Upon my return home from this fabulous trip, I was inspired to write a story set in Florence, the Tuscan Countryside, and Rome. I decided that the magnificence of this setting would be a compelling backdrop for my Dark, Psychological Thriller, with a sprinkling of the Supernatural. The Path of Redemption became the thesis for my Master of Fine Arts Program, and my first published novel.
I hope that you enjoy this Thriller, set in the amazing country that I was very fortunate to study in. Keep in mind that there is much more to come, this is only the beginning …
To paraphrase Obi-Wan Kenobi, “You are about to take your first step into a larger world.”
“And yet, as he looked at the Duomo in the distance, a faint unease tickled at the back of his mind.”
