Paternus: Deluge, A Short Story (The Paternus Trilogy)

“Truly a delight for mythology fans.” -Petrik Leo, Booknest.eu

“Deluge” is a stand-alone backstory of two characters from The Paternus Trilogy. In this short story, myths, fables, and legends from around the world are combined to recount the adventures of Fintán mac Bóchra and Myrddin Wyllt in ancient Ireland, and tell the “true” tale of the global disaster known as the Great Flood.

...Then a sound came to them. It began as a rumbling in the deep, then boomed so forcefully even Fintán was amazed. The sound continued, unbroken, growing in intensity. Quivering ripples appeared in the waves, droplets leapt on the surface, water beaded and danced on deck. The ship vibrated so harshly people fell, teeth rattling, vision blurred. Planks loosed at the seams.

On the orlop deck and in the hold, crocks of water and wine shattered and livestock bleated in terror.

A primal fear gripped the people on those ships. The Beast of the Sea was well known by their forefathers, and though it had not been seen nor heard from in many generations, they suspected. Fintán knew. Cetus had awakened.

Fintán’s first thought was to snatch up Cessair and carry her away, but he knew he didn’t dare. She’d never forgive him. She wouldn’t abandon her people. Not even to escape The Leviathan...

Praise for Paternus

“Wow! Ashton’s story is crucible in which myths are melted and remade to thrilling effect.” -Mike (M. R.) Carey

“Fast-paced, gloriously intricate.” -Kirkus Reviews

“Utterly unpredictable ... Fascinating and stylish.” -Fantasy-Faction

“Ashton is a bloody, terrific genius ... The action sequences are truly mind boggling ... A classic in the making. Miss out on this one at your own risk.” -Fantasy Book Critic

“Fast paced, bloody, no holds barred ... Awesome!” -Book Frivolity

“Adrenaline fueled fantasy that will keep readers flipping pages well into the wee hours.” -The Qwillery

“An adventure packed riot of action, fast paced and definitely furious. Sit down and enjoy the unbridled chaos that is Paternus.” -Lynn’s Books

Paternus is the critically acclaimed debut novel by Dyrk Ashton, and the first book in the Paternus Trilogy. It's been described as contemporary fantasy adventure, urban fantasy, and mythic fiction, and compared to works by such diverse figures as Neil Gaiman, Joss Whedon, Jim Butcher, Kevin Hearne, Dean Koontz, Clive Barker, Roger Zelazny, Clive Cussler, China Miéville, Grant Morrison, and Alan Moore.

Genre: Urban Fantasy / Mythic Fiction.

Market: Adult to New Adult (as opposed to Teen or YA, though savvy 16 or 17 year olds might survive without permanent damage).