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The Glass Mask: Monsters Lurk Beneath
A beautiful, naïve young woman with fairy-tale dreams...
And a beast of a man who only finds pleasure in the vicious acts he commits.
When their paths cross, she finds herself caught in his web of cruelty...
A merciless dance for survival begins.
Based on a true story, The Glass Monsters Lurk Beneath takes readers through the emotional, physical, and psychological parallels of an abuse victim willing to do anything to survive. Beauty is captured by the most horrific of beasts, and each day is a struggle to beat the monster at his own game.
Will Beauty be able to outmaneuver the Beast? Or will he take the ultimate sadistic prize? Her Life.
And a beast of a man who only finds pleasure in the vicious acts he commits.
When their paths cross, she finds herself caught in his web of cruelty...
A merciless dance for survival begins.
Based on a true story, The Glass Monsters Lurk Beneath takes readers through the emotional, physical, and psychological parallels of an abuse victim willing to do anything to survive. Beauty is captured by the most horrific of beasts, and each day is a struggle to beat the monster at his own game.
Will Beauty be able to outmaneuver the Beast? Or will he take the ultimate sadistic prize? Her Life.
- GenresNonfiction
ebook
Published June 15, 2018
7 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
E.L. DuBois
6 books43 followersBest-selling, award-winning author, activist, advocate, filmmaker, CEO, and artist.
EL DuBois was born & raised in Texas where she still lives today surrounded by her amazing family. Erica is a Native American avid artist, music lover, and reader. She is a Southern Belle at heart with a passion for Chucks in various colors, lavender checkered Vans, and a good novel. When Erica is not writing or producing she can be found enjoying a beautiful life with her loved ones.
Erica's personal experiences with domestic violence and stalking have made her an activist, advocate, and supporter of many causes facing victims of any harassment or abuse. It is her greatest wish that no one ever has to suffer the traumas she endured and that justice is brought for all those who have. These experiences have made her appreciate life, laughter, and love.
They also prompted her to start the Twisted Crown Foundation in 2021. It is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting survivors. In 2023 the Twisted Crown Foundation launched the Healing Initiative Program. A healing initiative dedicated to helping survivors heal through the arts. Erica is also a RAINN Speakers Bureau member, NCADV Speaker, & Advisory Board Member of Hire Survivors Hollywood. Erica "EL" is a believer in a positive attitude, positive actions, and paying it forward. Her motto is "do good things with no expectations, and life has a way of bringing goodness back to you".
EL DuBois was born & raised in Texas where she still lives today surrounded by her amazing family. Erica is a Native American avid artist, music lover, and reader. She is a Southern Belle at heart with a passion for Chucks in various colors, lavender checkered Vans, and a good novel. When Erica is not writing or producing she can be found enjoying a beautiful life with her loved ones.
Erica's personal experiences with domestic violence and stalking have made her an activist, advocate, and supporter of many causes facing victims of any harassment or abuse. It is her greatest wish that no one ever has to suffer the traumas she endured and that justice is brought for all those who have. These experiences have made her appreciate life, laughter, and love.
They also prompted her to start the Twisted Crown Foundation in 2021. It is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting survivors. In 2023 the Twisted Crown Foundation launched the Healing Initiative Program. A healing initiative dedicated to helping survivors heal through the arts. Erica is also a RAINN Speakers Bureau member, NCADV Speaker, & Advisory Board Member of Hire Survivors Hollywood. Erica "EL" is a believer in a positive attitude, positive actions, and paying it forward. Her motto is "do good things with no expectations, and life has a way of bringing goodness back to you".
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 3, 2018
Persecution
I stepped out of my comfort zone of fictional worlds, where authors conjure images, plots and dialogue that stir my emotions and imagination. What I was stepping into, I wasn’t quite sure, a true story of an abused, tormented but ultimately very courageous woman. I can no longer pretend that this story originated in the mind of a writer where no matter how brutal or horrific the scenes, there is always a knowledge that it is FICTION.
Erica L Dubois has written a memoir, almost like a police incident statement, outlining the facts of a case. A case that depicts a manipulative, sadistic man that built a life of derision, and physical and emotional abuse, all because he could. My immediate, ignorant, reaction to domestic violence is why not leave or tell the authorities. But the reality is that fear becomes so systemic, the cynical moments of affection and apology so confusing, and the ability to escape unharmed, so doubtful. From a distance, the forgiveness and attempt to work at a relationship that is so toxic is so ridiculous, but we often hear how blinded the victim is of that reality. Erica explains those thoughts and reasoning very well and the tensions and alienation it caused with her parents and brother. When the reality was finally apparent the attempts on her life and the threat against those she loved was so debilitating that her life meant nothing but isolation and pain.
The impact of the story is that it is NON-FICTION. This really happened!
Erica tells her story in third person using character pseudonyms such as: Beauty, Beast, King, Queen, Prince and Princess. The irony, that the characters are typically seen in a fairy tale, is a powerful challenge to our perceptions and ability to see behind the happy facade families can present to the outside world. The fairy tale connotations continue through-out the story to remind us of this disguise. The abuse continues to escalate until the actions surpass anything we can imagine and enter a horror film setting including a torture chamber and permanent physical damage.
There is a sense that writing this book is part of the healing process for Erica. Beyond that, it will also stand as an account of the Beast’s behaviour. This is part of your legacy. Monsters do exist!
As an articulate advocate against domestic abuse, Erica Dubois continues her support work and stands as a beacon of resolve, understanding and inspiration. In good fairy tale fashion, hopefully, Erica, her daughter and family will live happily ever after.
A link to an interview with Erica DuBois http://thereadingdesk.com/e-l-dubois-...
I stepped out of my comfort zone of fictional worlds, where authors conjure images, plots and dialogue that stir my emotions and imagination. What I was stepping into, I wasn’t quite sure, a true story of an abused, tormented but ultimately very courageous woman. I can no longer pretend that this story originated in the mind of a writer where no matter how brutal or horrific the scenes, there is always a knowledge that it is FICTION.
Erica L Dubois has written a memoir, almost like a police incident statement, outlining the facts of a case. A case that depicts a manipulative, sadistic man that built a life of derision, and physical and emotional abuse, all because he could. My immediate, ignorant, reaction to domestic violence is why not leave or tell the authorities. But the reality is that fear becomes so systemic, the cynical moments of affection and apology so confusing, and the ability to escape unharmed, so doubtful. From a distance, the forgiveness and attempt to work at a relationship that is so toxic is so ridiculous, but we often hear how blinded the victim is of that reality. Erica explains those thoughts and reasoning very well and the tensions and alienation it caused with her parents and brother. When the reality was finally apparent the attempts on her life and the threat against those she loved was so debilitating that her life meant nothing but isolation and pain.
The impact of the story is that it is NON-FICTION. This really happened!
Erica tells her story in third person using character pseudonyms such as: Beauty, Beast, King, Queen, Prince and Princess. The irony, that the characters are typically seen in a fairy tale, is a powerful challenge to our perceptions and ability to see behind the happy facade families can present to the outside world. The fairy tale connotations continue through-out the story to remind us of this disguise. The abuse continues to escalate until the actions surpass anything we can imagine and enter a horror film setting including a torture chamber and permanent physical damage.
There is a sense that writing this book is part of the healing process for Erica. Beyond that, it will also stand as an account of the Beast’s behaviour. This is part of your legacy. Monsters do exist!
As an articulate advocate against domestic abuse, Erica Dubois continues her support work and stands as a beacon of resolve, understanding and inspiration. In good fairy tale fashion, hopefully, Erica, her daughter and family will live happily ever after.
A link to an interview with Erica DuBois http://thereadingdesk.com/e-l-dubois-...
September 9, 2018
A genuinely heartbreaking true story that will disturb you, and has you worrying what men your daughters will meet.
The story shows how a beautiful young woman can be dragged into a life with a man that is so destructive, both physically and emotionally. Some scenes I cannot get out of my head. There is a great sense of despair and pain weaved throughout the story but ultimately there is hope. And hope is the only goal you can hang onto in a situation like that.
What prevails more than the characters and writing is the painful account of this woman's life and that is achieved remarkably well.
The story shows how a beautiful young woman can be dragged into a life with a man that is so destructive, both physically and emotionally. Some scenes I cannot get out of my head. There is a great sense of despair and pain weaved throughout the story but ultimately there is hope. And hope is the only goal you can hang onto in a situation like that.
What prevails more than the characters and writing is the painful account of this woman's life and that is achieved remarkably well.
June 6, 2018
I hope everyone enjoys!!!
It is my hope that this book resonates with everyone who reads it. Thank you to all who reads it.
It is my hope that this book resonates with everyone who reads it. Thank you to all who reads it.
October 13, 2018
Reality surpasses fiction, and no fiction story will ever match the absolute horror that, sometimes, darkens real life. And of course, those who suffer excessive abuse are usually the most vulnerable members of our society: women and girls. Indeed, the patriarchal system still tends to see gender abuse as normal practice; that is why it is essential to chronicle and denounce crimes against women and children.
I know firsthand that it’s not easy for victims of sexual assault or domestic violence to talk about their experience as victims, but... it’s the only way forward! In this regard, ‘The Glass Mask’ is very instructive. Oh, I’m not going to lie and pretend it’s an easy book to read, because Beauty’s (Erica Dubois’) experiences with domestic violence as told in this book are horrible, unbelievable, disruptive and simply inhuman. However, I strongly think that ‘The Glass Mask’ is a must read. Everybody should know that terror and horror exist in our society; it’s not fiction but real life! Everybody should know that such tragedies are happening, not only in countries half a world away but here, in the neighborhood. I therefore highly recommend this book.
I know firsthand that it’s not easy for victims of sexual assault or domestic violence to talk about their experience as victims, but... it’s the only way forward! In this regard, ‘The Glass Mask’ is very instructive. Oh, I’m not going to lie and pretend it’s an easy book to read, because Beauty’s (Erica Dubois’) experiences with domestic violence as told in this book are horrible, unbelievable, disruptive and simply inhuman. However, I strongly think that ‘The Glass Mask’ is a must read. Everybody should know that terror and horror exist in our society; it’s not fiction but real life! Everybody should know that such tragedies are happening, not only in countries half a world away but here, in the neighborhood. I therefore highly recommend this book.
November 10, 2019
Beauty and the literal beast
This book gave me the shivers, and knowing its based on a true story, makes me happy with the way that it ended. What a story, I wont give anything away, but it hooked me from the beginning. Kudos to the author for telling this important story. Beauty finding strength, priceless.
This book gave me the shivers, and knowing its based on a true story, makes me happy with the way that it ended. What a story, I wont give anything away, but it hooked me from the beginning. Kudos to the author for telling this important story. Beauty finding strength, priceless.
October 19, 2018
“The Glass Mask: Monsters Lurk Beneath” by E.L. DuBois is based on a true story of domestic abuse and the horrors and subtleties of that experience from the abused voice. There is little actual dialogue in the book and most of the story is told with descriptive narration as the narrator reveals the subtle enchainment of the abuse cycle and how its talons grab hold. This is a harrowing story of possession, abuse, calculated stalking and violence, and the psychological mind control that takes place with domestic abuse. Yet, ultimately this is a story of the resilient nature of the human spirit and the traumatic path of healing and the reclaiming one’s self. Throughout the book, the author deftly weaves the psychological abuse and how the abuser manipulates with 2 faces: that which is seen on the external world and the inner face of the maniacal sociopath and the scope of the abuser’s lack of empathy coupled with possession. With the use and reference to Fairy tale names like Beast, Knight, and Queen, Ms. DuBois reinforces the idea of what is seen internally and externally through different lenses. “The Glass Mask” is brilliantly titled work that does an excellent job of expressing how and why it can be so excruciatingly mind-bendingly difficult for one to separate out from the entrenchment of an abusive dynamic.
November 15, 2020
The Glass Mask by Erica (E.L.) Dubois is based on a true story. I am led to believe that the story is based on Erica’s experiences by comments in her biography at the end of the book.
If you are against the death penalty, you may change your mind long before you finish this story. The character’s names are not the names of real persons in this book. The main characters are the Beast, and hers, Beauty. They have a daughter, Princess. Other characters are King and Queen for Beauty’s dad and mom, Drama Queen, for the Beast’s sister, and last but not least, the Wicked Bitch of the West for the Beast’s mother. The characters live up to their names.
I kept saying ‘wow’ to myself over and over while I read this book. There were times I teared up. I couldn’t help myself. This is a well-written, well-edited (not perfect but close enough), and gut-wrenching story of abuse that may be hard to read at times, but it is a story that needs to be told and NEEDS to be read.
I won’t spoil the ending with this review. I will tell you that you’ll not stop reading until the very end just like me. I would have ended it with a .357 Magnum but it ended well enough. You’ll have to read the story to find out how. I DO recommend that you read this book and give Erica a fine review when you finish. I wish I could give you a heart-felt hug, Erica. If this story really is about you, you deserve it. Well done!
If you are against the death penalty, you may change your mind long before you finish this story. The character’s names are not the names of real persons in this book. The main characters are the Beast, and hers, Beauty. They have a daughter, Princess. Other characters are King and Queen for Beauty’s dad and mom, Drama Queen, for the Beast’s sister, and last but not least, the Wicked Bitch of the West for the Beast’s mother. The characters live up to their names.
I kept saying ‘wow’ to myself over and over while I read this book. There were times I teared up. I couldn’t help myself. This is a well-written, well-edited (not perfect but close enough), and gut-wrenching story of abuse that may be hard to read at times, but it is a story that needs to be told and NEEDS to be read.
I won’t spoil the ending with this review. I will tell you that you’ll not stop reading until the very end just like me. I would have ended it with a .357 Magnum but it ended well enough. You’ll have to read the story to find out how. I DO recommend that you read this book and give Erica a fine review when you finish. I wish I could give you a heart-felt hug, Erica. If this story really is about you, you deserve it. Well done!
November 11, 2019
A definite page turner
This book had me at the edge of my seat throughout the whole book!
I found myself so engrossed in this story, I was actually holding my breath!!! A definite page turner from beginning to end!
This book had me at the edge of my seat throughout the whole book!
I found myself so engrossed in this story, I was actually holding my breath!!! A definite page turner from beginning to end!
April 17, 2019
I must say I’ve never read a novel quite like this. The author tells her tale of being brutally abused over the course of years, by “Beast,” a growing, worsening, incomprehensible evil. Domestic violence. She refers to herself as “Beauty,” and creatively names every character in the book: the Red Witch, the Queen, the Vile Sister, the King… I read this quickly because I couldn’t put it down, wanting to know when the Beast would get his, and each time he slyly got away with murder—but really, it was worse!
How much can one person endure? Beauty is controlled, forced to do unimaginable things, and manages to keep an ember of hope alive, for her Princess, for a life that cannot continue on like this! And just when you think things are letting up, the black-hole swings back into her universe and flips every planet, moon, and rock—her world is turned upside-down again. Punched, humiliated—tortured. Worse, horribly, and it gets better then it gets really, utterly dreadful. And then, the unimaginable happens, combined with a spell of time that drives Beauty’s reality straight into Hell.
But she overcomes, adapts, and ultimately escapes—only to get pulled back in. Again, no not again! Worse still! And the ordeal twists not only Beauty’s mind, but nearly kills her, and she loses something she can never get back.
And then she meets *him*
Only to go *back* to Hell.
When the rubble clears and she finally crawls free, with a support team solidly behind her, will she survive what has ultimately been done to her, and will she reunite with her soul mate?
Straight from the heart. And that’s what will keep you reading. An original and flowing story that kept me hooked. Yes, I wanted to see that maniac get his, and many times the story was so terrible, so utterly unfathomable, that I felt almost dizzy reading it.
This is a non-sugarcoated, raw, heart-wrenching tale, which has my favorite type of ending, one that’ll bring a tear to your eye and fill your heart with warmth. A story well told in a unique and creative way. One star for not being able to put it down, one BIG star for the writer’s courage and unbreakable spirit against all odds, one for crying with her as she shed new light on what occurs on our planet every day—AWARENESS! One star for the soulmate she found, his love, her love, her families love, and unity in the face of evil, and finally, one for having the courage to tell her story, which I know has and will continue to empower others in the face of domestic violence. Combined, that’s 5 stars solid and strong.
How much can one person endure? Beauty is controlled, forced to do unimaginable things, and manages to keep an ember of hope alive, for her Princess, for a life that cannot continue on like this! And just when you think things are letting up, the black-hole swings back into her universe and flips every planet, moon, and rock—her world is turned upside-down again. Punched, humiliated—tortured. Worse, horribly, and it gets better then it gets really, utterly dreadful. And then, the unimaginable happens, combined with a spell of time that drives Beauty’s reality straight into Hell.
But she overcomes, adapts, and ultimately escapes—only to get pulled back in. Again, no not again! Worse still! And the ordeal twists not only Beauty’s mind, but nearly kills her, and she loses something she can never get back.
And then she meets *him*
Only to go *back* to Hell.
When the rubble clears and she finally crawls free, with a support team solidly behind her, will she survive what has ultimately been done to her, and will she reunite with her soul mate?
Straight from the heart. And that’s what will keep you reading. An original and flowing story that kept me hooked. Yes, I wanted to see that maniac get his, and many times the story was so terrible, so utterly unfathomable, that I felt almost dizzy reading it.
This is a non-sugarcoated, raw, heart-wrenching tale, which has my favorite type of ending, one that’ll bring a tear to your eye and fill your heart with warmth. A story well told in a unique and creative way. One star for not being able to put it down, one BIG star for the writer’s courage and unbreakable spirit against all odds, one for crying with her as she shed new light on what occurs on our planet every day—AWARENESS! One star for the soulmate she found, his love, her love, her families love, and unity in the face of evil, and finally, one for having the courage to tell her story, which I know has and will continue to empower others in the face of domestic violence. Combined, that’s 5 stars solid and strong.
December 16, 2018
A true story about a woman who suffered through and recovering from domestic violence. I will admit, it was a hard book to read, but I'm glad I did. It was a deep look into a scary side of humanity and at the same time, it makes the good side of humanity even easier to see. The story is told using fairy tale names as the characters with Beauty being the victim of domestic violence at the hands of the Beast. Beauty's daughter is the Princess and they are rescued by the Knight. I found this to be a very interesting way for the author to tell her story but, in some way, remove herself from the story in order to make its telling easier.
I had the please to meet Beauty (E.L. Dubois), the Princess, and the Knight before I read this book. E.L. has an amazing glow to her. As I read the book, that glow is even more amazing. How can some one who suffered like few of us could even comprehend, shine with a genuine glow like she does? Some people are broken by life, yet, others use what should break them to build them into stronger people. E.L and her husband, the Knight, are busy writing other fictional books and supporting each other as they continue to expand and grow. They are an inspirational couple.
I had the please to meet Beauty (E.L. Dubois), the Princess, and the Knight before I read this book. E.L. has an amazing glow to her. As I read the book, that glow is even more amazing. How can some one who suffered like few of us could even comprehend, shine with a genuine glow like she does? Some people are broken by life, yet, others use what should break them to build them into stronger people. E.L and her husband, the Knight, are busy writing other fictional books and supporting each other as they continue to expand and grow. They are an inspirational couple.
December 12, 2018
5.0 out of 5 starsDomestic Violence - Never Forget
December 12, 2018
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
In so many ways this book was hard to read and in many ways I thought the abuse would never end. ...and it was a good reminder to me and other survivors of domestic violence, that just because we survived once doesn't mean we should let our guard down. As long as there are men (and women) who seek those weaker than themselves to stalk, taunt, rape and brutalize, there will always be victims. So we can't remain silent, we can't rest in our safe homes and think, "We're safe now, we can't forget and move on." We need to remember, we need to learn how to keep ourselves safe and we need to be there for those who are being abused.
I applaud Ms. Dubios' courage in writing this book and I thank her for bringing domestic violence back to the forefront with this well-written story!
December 12, 2018
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
In so many ways this book was hard to read and in many ways I thought the abuse would never end. ...and it was a good reminder to me and other survivors of domestic violence, that just because we survived once doesn't mean we should let our guard down. As long as there are men (and women) who seek those weaker than themselves to stalk, taunt, rape and brutalize, there will always be victims. So we can't remain silent, we can't rest in our safe homes and think, "We're safe now, we can't forget and move on." We need to remember, we need to learn how to keep ourselves safe and we need to be there for those who are being abused.
I applaud Ms. Dubios' courage in writing this book and I thank her for bringing domestic violence back to the forefront with this well-written story!
March 7, 2021
Amazon read. Highly recommended.
June 22, 2019
I read The Glass Mask because of numerous comments on gossip websites about it being turned into a movie. There is no way that this would be the case. This is a horrible but not atypical tale about a relationship with a sociopath. My 3 stars are for the author's bravery, but not the story. There were many indications that this book was not edited before publishing- the first page reads "...with an anxiety that ways upon my chest." There were so many spelling and grammatical errors that it read like a Wattpad book. I will make it brief- but there were also no particularly likable characters.
SPOILERS BELOW!!!:
All characters, except the child, were selfish to different degrees. The author, admittedly having done bad things to her first husband, at no point understood that she was also incredibly negligent to her daughter, in the name of her own happiness. Just the potential of a child being molested should spark serious thought about if this is a situation fit for taking care of one. It seemed that Beauty only cared enough to permanently leave her situation not for the sake of her daughter, but upon finding a new man to be with.
The author, despite her sadness at her appearance being nitpicked by her abuser, would describe the appearances of anyone she disliked in an incredibly petty way, calling her lover's unsuspecting wife an "ogre." On that note, I would go pretty crazy too knowing my husband was leaving me for a girl from work (his selfishness), regardless of "soulmates" etc. I'm not sure why her keeping a marital home, regardless of its origin, after adultery seems so bizarre. The "troll" as she was named, is not as crazy as the Beast, despite the declaration in the book. It is crazy to even equate one (upset) part of a dead marriage with someone who kidnaps, brutally rapes and beats women. It is not unheard of for a scorned partner to contact the partner of the "other woman." Obviously she would not know how sick he is.
The abuser was, and is, a horrible person. He should not be able to live on this earth. I feel horrible for her, and for anyone who has dealt with the trauma of life with a sociopath. However, I found all of the characters, besides the knight, unlikable, and was only rooting for the princess to have some sense of normalcy in her life. I do admire the author's courage and honesty in writing this book. However, I think The Glass Mask needs to be re-published after some serious editing.
SPOILERS BELOW!!!:
All characters, except the child, were selfish to different degrees. The author, admittedly having done bad things to her first husband, at no point understood that she was also incredibly negligent to her daughter, in the name of her own happiness. Just the potential of a child being molested should spark serious thought about if this is a situation fit for taking care of one. It seemed that Beauty only cared enough to permanently leave her situation not for the sake of her daughter, but upon finding a new man to be with.
The author, despite her sadness at her appearance being nitpicked by her abuser, would describe the appearances of anyone she disliked in an incredibly petty way, calling her lover's unsuspecting wife an "ogre." On that note, I would go pretty crazy too knowing my husband was leaving me for a girl from work (his selfishness), regardless of "soulmates" etc. I'm not sure why her keeping a marital home, regardless of its origin, after adultery seems so bizarre. The "troll" as she was named, is not as crazy as the Beast, despite the declaration in the book. It is crazy to even equate one (upset) part of a dead marriage with someone who kidnaps, brutally rapes and beats women. It is not unheard of for a scorned partner to contact the partner of the "other woman." Obviously she would not know how sick he is.
The abuser was, and is, a horrible person. He should not be able to live on this earth. I feel horrible for her, and for anyone who has dealt with the trauma of life with a sociopath. However, I found all of the characters, besides the knight, unlikable, and was only rooting for the princess to have some sense of normalcy in her life. I do admire the author's courage and honesty in writing this book. However, I think The Glass Mask needs to be re-published after some serious editing.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews