I love reluctant heroes—this work of satire woven into a dramatic backdrop gives two such characters center stage.
The Age of Rhinestone creates a world of immense suffering. After the worldwide stock market crash of 2020, the world is cast into political, social, and economic ruin, and a global dark age emerges. After 140 years of depression and war some people have found solace in the lyrics of old songs, and an Elvis cult has formed. This novel is a character sketch of the psychology of religion, but was written so that it can be enjoyed by anyone who appreciates a good read with a strong, narrative voice. It would do well if marketed to universities with a strong religious studies department, but should be able to cross over to mainstream readers easily.
RANSOM's fiancée, Lily, has left him at the altar and joined the Elvists. He infiltrates their temple only to discover catholic assassins are coming to kill Ray, the cult’s leader. To get Lily out before the assassins arrive, Ransom grudgingly agrees to get Ray out also. When Lily is abducted Ransom and Ray must work together to rescue her, and a journey unlooked for begins. The interaction between Ransom and Ray, as Ransom becomes Ray’s unenthusiastic pupil, forms the basis of this character-driven plot.