What if humans one day evacuated the Earth? What if those they had left behind decided they had just witnessed the Rapture?
Six hundred years in the future, the majority of the human race have left a ruined Earth to colonize other worlds, and those remaining live by a doomsday religion based on apocalyptic scripture. Bands of militant pilgrims roam the earth, while isolated towns fight over resources and a charismatic leader tries to establish himself as the new Messiah.
Born into this world is Ben Asher, a young man with a dangerous gift. Ben can heal wounds and sickness with a touch, but only at the cost of his own health. And his dreams are haunted by dark creatures with terrifying powers. After the last of his family is murdered, Ben find sanctuary in a town consumed by paranoia, where he learns he is not the only one with seemingly “divine” gifts.
A Star Called Wormwood is also the story of Erastus Magus, an ambitious holy man who has sold his soul to become the world’s Savior. As Ben comes to understand his true nature, Erastus discovers a rival for his godhead. The stage is set for a confrontation, but as a deadly plague follows in the healer’s wake, Ben may not live long enough to confront his enemy.