Dax 2: Defacing Reality

by Mick Vernant

Reality proves far scarier than Dax’s worst nightmare.

Dax is now seventeen and in a secure psychiatric unit. But he can't understand why his mother and sister have stopped visiting him. Does his dad's demise have something to do with it?

At least his sister's imaginary figment still visits, though she believes it's time for some tough love to help Dax recover. She attempts to prove that his demons can't come alive in the real world, even if summoned. Against Dax's wishes, she draws on paper the strongest demon, the clown, in front of him.

The clown springs to life, a self-proclaimed born-again angel, and warns that Dax's mum is in great danger. So begins Dax's second adventure––to find his mum before the clown does.

213 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 5, 2024

About the author

Mick holds degrees in English&Literary Studies and a MA in Creative Writing. Since graduating, he has enjoyed numerous jobs. However, none can rival the sheer satisfaction of watching his pen fly onto a blank page or wall. Such surreal shenanigans mirror Mr Bright's chaotic classroom in book one of the Dax trilogy.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CVV4BW5X

When Mick isn't watching his preternatural pen, he is busy injuring himself playing tennis. He hurts his elbow and wrist just by pondering the perfect backhand down the line. Luckily, his characters don't go anywhere near a court, except a legal one of sorts in book two. But they might play ping-pong while planning an escape from a secure psychiatric unit, or harm themselves with crazier endeavours like saving humanity, understanding reality, or emptying Cathedral puddles with their feet.

At home, Mick gulps hot chocolate from a bottomless Mr Grumpy cup. He also spends time listening to his family, including two grass-devouring guinea pigs, Goldenbee and Stems, whose chortles keep him in the sweet spot between sane and insane.

Books two and three of the Dax trilogy will be published in 2024.

Reviews

[April Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the perfect summer read for people like me who would rather hang out in a spooky gothic cathedral than on a beach.

In Book 1, Dax journeyed into his own troubled mind to discover the truth about his father. Book 2 follows his harrowing escape from a secure psychiatric institution to find his mother--or so it seems at first. He spirals to face some of the same demons as in Book 1, but in Dax's own words, "It's different than last time. Deeper, timeless."

Defacing Reality is even better than the first book. The dialog is great--so intriguing. I want to chew on it. What Dax goes through is genuinely scary and presented in a creative way. I'll be thinking about the insights and symbolism in this book for a long time. I couldn't put it down.

I can't wait for my friends to read this so we can debate the characters' controversial decisions, like how Chinwe broke Dax out of the institution. You need to read it to find out her plan! Did the ends justify the means? And seriously, you must read this to find out what's going on with Hannah's mom.

Can't wait for Book 3!

[Kathrin Spinnler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Defacing Reality is the second book in the Dax trilogy, written by Mick Vernant. Like the first novel, this is a completely unpredictable read. It features a young adult called Dax, who is spending some time in a psychiatric unit. Soon, he is once again entangled in a strange and horrible adventure, as he tries to find out where his mother and sister are and whether they are in danger.

This book is sure to give you chills. It is well-written and edited, and the author keeps you on your toes throughout. I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys dark fantasy, and I look forward to the third Dax novel.

[P.C. Nottingham · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the psychedelic romp of Dax 1, I was excited to dig in to another adventure, and Dax 2 did not disappoint! Vernant delivered a new journey through our hero's psyche while he fights to discern what's real and cope with his issues. Once again, Vernant kept me guessing each page and delivered an ending I never expected. 5/5 vampire maggots.

[Kate Machon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author is a master of misdirection and mystery. I was kept guessing as to what is real and what exists only in the mind of Dax. Dark and often disturbing, this is a rollercoaster of a story that dark fantasy lovers won't be able to get enough of.