I don't like Tetra.

I have tried every which way of fitting her in, but like a relationship that has been forced; it was never going to work. So, with sadness, I am cutting Tetra from the story. She neither fits or flows apart from her introduction chapter Traveling, which is a nice chapter for opening up the universe of Megiddo. But a terrible fit for the first book.

My other revelation as I continued writing the Church, I find them boring and uninteresting. Rules for writing, if the author is not enjoying the writing, neither will the reader be enjoying the reading of said work. They were a mixture of other ideas, but it doesn't feel interesting compared to Lucifer, Genius Loci, or even Baxter. One-upped narratively by a dog- ouch. I felt even Pyron Dethos struggled in this, which is a shame, but I have not lost hope for this antagonist. Timing is not right. Lazarus felt like a good character as did Arthur.

So, with that being said, some changes.

Amy is a much more compelling character. flawed, insecure, dorky, desperate, talented, and a super nerd for demons and artifacts. Her prideful perespective was entertaining to write.

She is the third perspective.

The major reason is the more I think, the more it makes sense to better tie Lucifer to Gideon in this book. Let's not have one vision together, but many. She is the ominous immediate threat as much as Genius Loci is to Soltana and Ruth.

Swap the antagonists, the church is now the threat in shadow and can get the focus they need later- it feel too crowded. Lucifer is the shark on Gideon's tail. It all fits better, there is that inital connection, interest (and lust) on her part.

I will also rewrite Soltana's chapters to better include Gideon and his visions, starting in chapter 10, which has a convenient gap for a vision to occurr. There are some dreams that are unneeded, and others I will reuse elsewhere for different relevant characters. The idea that interdimensional happenings occurr has been fascinating to write. And that said dreams effects present events was a fun way to push the story into different chaotic directions. And the fact divine beings are aware they are being dreamed of (Barman, Lucifer, Azazel), past, present, or future makes it all the more interesting.

With that being said, Soltana will change with the rewrite, tying down better with Gideon before their journey to Lo-Nine. I may even scoot chapters from book 2 to here to give her a more satisfying arc.

This is hard to post as some may he invested in Tetra. Or none at all. Or some may drop out, tired of a potentially directionless author. Regardless, I feel this decision is what is needed to write the most satisfying story possible. And I thank those who continue to read and cheer for me.

Gideon's rewrites still feel excellent as I tighten up the story, as does Soltana's first two chapters. This also makes book 3 easier to write, with a tighter focus on: Gideon and co, Soltana and co, Gods and co, Lucifer and co, and The Watchers.

Shindow's Chapter: Rescue is still underway and will be released soon.