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Dark Muse: A Tale from the Crossroads
Does music have the power to invade the soul?
Beware the Dark Muse...
Thirteen-year-old Muddy Brooks has always wanted to fit in with the "regular" crowd in a small town in New Jersey. He hopes that his band, The Accidentals, helps gain him acceptance into the world where he has always stuck out like a broken thumb. When his older brother disappears at the crossroads while playing a mysterious song, Muddy plunges into a world of music where songs come to life, where musicians find their inspiration, what price they must pay for fame. He must learn to harness the power of the legendary crossroads and conquer what lies on the other side. A series of trials that inspired classic songs awaits the teens, each deadlier than the next, each testing their newfound powers.
Along with drummer Otis, singer Poe, and saxophonist Corey, each battling their own disabilities or demons, Muddy must cross the river that is the source for all creativity. The band fights a world alive with unimaginable horrors and realize their path to redemption is hindered by two obstacles that may destroy The Tritons, vicious inhuman leaders of the strange world, and the Dark Muse, a something, or someone who wields the full power of the River. The band’s journey calls for them to build a stairway to heaven, sail through smoke on the water, become iron men, and walk that way across the abyss. But their ultimate battle may prove in vain - it might not save Muddy's brother from the darkness - or awaken something far more deadly.
Beware the Dark Muse...
Thirteen-year-old Muddy Brooks has always wanted to fit in with the "regular" crowd in a small town in New Jersey. He hopes that his band, The Accidentals, helps gain him acceptance into the world where he has always stuck out like a broken thumb. When his older brother disappears at the crossroads while playing a mysterious song, Muddy plunges into a world of music where songs come to life, where musicians find their inspiration, what price they must pay for fame. He must learn to harness the power of the legendary crossroads and conquer what lies on the other side. A series of trials that inspired classic songs awaits the teens, each deadlier than the next, each testing their newfound powers.
Along with drummer Otis, singer Poe, and saxophonist Corey, each battling their own disabilities or demons, Muddy must cross the river that is the source for all creativity. The band fights a world alive with unimaginable horrors and realize their path to redemption is hindered by two obstacles that may destroy The Tritons, vicious inhuman leaders of the strange world, and the Dark Muse, a something, or someone who wields the full power of the River. The band’s journey calls for them to build a stairway to heaven, sail through smoke on the water, become iron men, and walk that way across the abyss. But their ultimate battle may prove in vain - it might not save Muddy's brother from the darkness - or awaken something far more deadly.
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First published June 26, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
Want to read
November 29, 2019 I've been reading dark muse since Friday after going to a book talk (if you want to call it that) at my school library with David Simms talking about his book Fear The Reaper and a little bit about Dark Muse, after that class period I decided to check Dark Muse out of my school library and I couldn't put it down during class untill forced to. I wanted to know more. I'm going to continue reading even though I'm not that far because I'm a slow reader but I love the music refrences and other jokes in the book.
December 4, 2022
good book 😐
August 6, 2015
Imagine a world where music renders magical powers and mystical creatures feed on human flesh. Then figure in a few booby traps. This is where Muddy Rivers and his gang takes us in search for his brother, who has vanished. Of course, the characters need a mentor to guide them. An old blues player called Silver Eye steps up to the plate. After being confronted by this group of teenage misfits, Silver Eye offers them peculiar yet exceptional instruments to carry as protection. He teaches the kids as much as they will allow and shows them the way to this other realm. Then he warns them to train with him before beginning their quest for Muddy's brother. Restless, they sneak in ahead of their teacher and face disastrous consequences.
David Simms brings the story alive with his unlikely heroes and the fantastic obstacles they must overcome. Not only is it action packed, it joggles the brain with lyrical teasers. He consistently entertains the reader with complex barriers throughout the book.
Although Dark Muse is meant for young adults, l found myself immersed in the story. If it weren't for family responsibilities, I would have finished it in one day. But, alas I had to get to the last fifty pages the following night. Meanwhile, I couldn't stop thinking about how it all would end. I rooted for the characters and cringed when they fell into trouble. But I felt especially endured to Silver Eye—a very cool card. As someone with absolutely no musical ability, I also learned a bit about the art-form. In the end I was pleased that I picked it up. Otherwise, I would have missed an amazing journey.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy. It's a fairly quick read and is sure not to disappoint.
David Simms brings the story alive with his unlikely heroes and the fantastic obstacles they must overcome. Not only is it action packed, it joggles the brain with lyrical teasers. He consistently entertains the reader with complex barriers throughout the book.
Although Dark Muse is meant for young adults, l found myself immersed in the story. If it weren't for family responsibilities, I would have finished it in one day. But, alas I had to get to the last fifty pages the following night. Meanwhile, I couldn't stop thinking about how it all would end. I rooted for the characters and cringed when they fell into trouble. But I felt especially endured to Silver Eye—a very cool card. As someone with absolutely no musical ability, I also learned a bit about the art-form. In the end I was pleased that I picked it up. Otherwise, I would have missed an amazing journey.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy. It's a fairly quick read and is sure not to disappoint.
September 19, 2013
I won this book on goodreads in exchange, I give an honest review.
Surprisingly this books war really enjoyable.It's not the book I would really read, but I finished it in a day and love it. The writing is fun and really good for a first novel. Muddy is one of my favorite book characters=, and if he was real I would be totally in love with him. I recommend this book to everyone who loves music, reading, and laughs.
David Simms is a really good author and I really enjoy his way of writing. I love the suspense he created in this book. I can't wait for his next book.
Surprisingly this books war really enjoyable.It's not the book I would really read, but I finished it in a day and love it. The writing is fun and really good for a first novel. Muddy is one of my favorite book characters=, and if he was real I would be totally in love with him. I recommend this book to everyone who loves music, reading, and laughs.
David Simms is a really good author and I really enjoy his way of writing. I love the suspense he created in this book. I can't wait for his next book.
September 12, 2013
What a really great story with mystery and horror surrounded by music and a wonderful characters! You have to love Muddy and all he goes through!
I would reccomend this to music lovers and lovers of horror and mystery!
This was an excellent read!
I am so happy to have won this on Goodreads and I can't wait to read more from David Simms!
I would reccomend this to music lovers and lovers of horror and mystery!
This was an excellent read!
I am so happy to have won this on Goodreads and I can't wait to read more from David Simms!
June 17, 2015
Dark Muse takes you on a tour through two different worlds, proving that music has the power to soothe the soul, or feed the storms. David Simms creates a perfect image of the world that holds the Dark Muse, and the music, it lingers in your mind. It is a great book for musicians and fans alike.
I instantly fell in love with the band. Muddy and his friends share a bond that leaves you cheering for the under dogs.
Dark Muse was a great introduction to Simm's work. I became an instant fan
I instantly fell in love with the band. Muddy and his friends share a bond that leaves you cheering for the under dogs.
Dark Muse was a great introduction to Simm's work. I became an instant fan
December 14, 2013
Normally I probably wouldn't have ever read this, but I won it on Goodreads, and I'm glad I did. I felt the book was well written, and kept me turning the pages throughout. I finished the book in 2 days which is very fast for me!! I really liked all the characters and look forward to the rest of the series. David Simms did an amazing job especially for his first book. He has certainly earned a new fan! Can't wait for more.
January 31, 2017
great book, excellent imagery and connection to music.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews