Read an excerpt from the book Purchase Lucifer’s Game Available at: Amazon Book Passage and at your local bookstore “Provocative and totally intriguing, Lucifer’s Game is a captivating combination of page-turner and eye-opener.” Lucifer’s Game is a tale of intrigue. It takes you on a witty, yet profoundly deep dive into the inner realm of our very humanity. Jackson Trent, spiritual explorer and writer of the popular blog “Snap Out Of It!” (snapoutofitblog.com) has come to Hawai’i to heal his shattered heart. On the beach, he’s approached by a mysterious stranger who turns out to be Lucifer, under the guise of a corpulent, disheveled tourist. Lucifer, (who has his own dubious ‘anti-social media’ advice column LettersToLucifer.com) convinces Jackson to spend the day with him, whereby they delve into a fascinating and provocative exploration between the Light and the Shadow of human consciousness. As the ‘caretaker’ of the Shadow side of our nature, just what is Lucifer really up to here? What’s his game with us? To his credit, Jackson seems to be holding his own, as they pass through a series of extraordinary occurrences. All the while, Lucifer skillfully attempts to ‘reel him in’ to his way of seeing things. Yes, Jackson’s handling himself admirably…until Lucifer ‘up’s the ante.’ At the same time, a love story begins to bloom, as Jackson is captivated by the beautiful Nalani, a master of hula, the ancient dance of these Polynesian islands. As the connection deepens between Nalani and Jackson, Lucifer uses this budding romance to his advantage, manipulating events in order to reveal to Jackson darker sides of himself he was oblivious to. Now Lucifer raises the stakes and attaches to Jackson’s wrist an Ouroboros, an ancient bracelet in the form of a snake biting it’s own tail; the fabled Cuff of Kosala. The Cuff, when commanded accurately, gives the wearer unprecedented power. Jackson resists employing the Cuff, but is forced to command it through events perpetrated by the finesse of Lucifer’s deceptions. Once Jackson gets a taste of being in control of such intoxicating power, his unconscious Shadow traits begins to emerge from the depths of his psyche. With this Cuff, anything he wants can be his…including solidifying Nalani’s affection. Oh…temptation creeps in like a cat on the prowl! A man who has long been developing the ‘spiritually-oriented’ Light side of his soul, is now being tantalized by characteristics far less admirable rising up from the hidden depths of his psyche. In a stunning revelation, Lucifer offers Jackson one key challenge. To find his way to the true ‘Wholeness’ that Jackson’s been seeking all these years, the answer lies in passing through this Shadow world, not avoiding it. Can Jackson manage to bring his conscious awareness to his buried, disowned ‘selves’, his ‘Shadowlings’? Or will he fall prey to being swallowed up by the exhilarating trance of unlimited power at his fingertips? And what of the lovely Nalani? The mind-bending finale will leave the reader astonished…and quite possibly filled with a fresh interest in a little self-inquiry. What People Are Saying “Not since “The Devil and Daniel Webster” by Stephen Vincent Benet has the Faustian bargain been so cleverly presented. This deftly crafted novel by Will Schneider is a riveting read from beginning to end and very highly recommended for community library collections. For personal reading lists it should be noted that “Lucifer’s Game” is also available in a Kindle edition ($14.95).” Small Press Bookwatch, Midwest Book Review See full review here. “A complex yet deftly crafted novel, “Lucifer’s Game” is a compelling read from beginning to end and clearly establishes author Will Schneider as a major literary talent of the first order. Original and unique, thoughtful and thought–provoking, “Lucifer’s Game” is very highly recommended for personal reading lists, as well as community and academic library Contemporary Literary Fiction collections.” Michael Dunford, Reviewer, Midwest Book Review See full review here. Lucifer’s Game, Book One: The Realm of Shadows by Will Schneider is the first book in an up -and-coming series and was published in 2015. The sequel is currently being written. It is a quick read at 262 pages but every page is used wisely. You will not want to put the book down. The characters of the book are well developed and feel like they could be people you actually know in real life. They are very well rounded and it feels like they could step off the page at any time. The book itself is well written. The language is vivid and the word choice well picked to clearly paint the pictures in your mind. The book, though it does make you think, is easy to understand. The book was a page turner for me until the very last page. The only thing disappointing about the book was when it ended. I truly look forward to the sequel. Melissa Mertz, The Portsmouth Review See full review here. “Will Schneider is an excellent storyteller. It’s clear that he also understands the structures of ego, superego, and the struggle we all experience in our quest to explore and expand our deeper nature. His perspective on Lucifer gives a modern look at an age-old nemesis and how this archetype gets under our skin, disguised as one of many interior voices. Will makes the point that our familiar, every-day awareness leaves us vulnerable to Lucifer’s watchful eye and manipulative ways. He makes it clear that the best way to deal with Lucifer’s nefarious and slippery influence is to ‘snap out of it,’ stay awake and bring the light of presence to our unconscious ‘selves’. This engaging narrative stimulates thought and self- inquiry, and explores levels of transcendence and inner balance.” Samuel G. Bonasso Diamond Heart Newsletter “Through a most beguiling story, Lucifer’s Game invites you to take a peek under the covers, as it were, to acknowledge, and perhaps embrace, your disowned and rejected selves that are calling out for attention and healing, opening your soul to the possibility of true transcendence and spiritual balance.” Dannion Brinkley, Author of NY Times Bestseller, Saved by the Light and Secrets of the Light Lucifer’s Game is enjoyable and insightful. It entertains with wit, sophistication and great characters. I couldn’t put it down. Sylva Dvorak, PhD, Co-Author of NY Times Bestseller, Your Hidden Riches: Unleashing the Power of Ritual to Create a Life of Meaning and Purpose A fascinating novel that leaves no reader untouched, Lucifer’s Game is a spellbinding tale that delves into the human struggle between our often hidden shadow and our capacity to live in the light. A must read for everybody inquiring about the True Self, spiritual Wholeness and wanting to develop a life of Self-Realization. Siegmar Gerken, The Core Evolution Institute Will Schneider invites us on an exciting journey that takes us to the cliff’s edge of temptation and darkness in the ultimate game of good and evil and the triumphant human spirit. Brent N. Hunter, Social Media Pioneer, Author of The Rainbow Bridge Lucifer’s Game is so visual it feels like a movie. The story is powerful, intriguing and entertaining. It’s loaded with life-changing insights, leaving us with a banquet of food for thought. Dea Shandera-Hunter, Former Executive Vice President, MGM Worldwide Television Our world is in trouble. Everywhere we look we see conflict. But what’s really going on. Will Schneider’s masterpiece peels back the layers to reveal the inside story. Lucifer’s Game is a timeless classic and a riveting read that will change your world forever! Brian Weller, Spiritual teacher and international business consultant The contrast between the light in Jackson Trent, the main character and the dark in the very colorful Lucifer results in a story that is truly unforgettable. This book has major motion picture written all over it. Michael Berlin, Ph.D, Executive Producer/Writer, Bass Clef Bliss Lucifer’s Game is a brilliantly woven metaphysical ‘guide book’ to higher conscious awareness. It is cleverly crafted to illuminate the Light and show the Shadow within us, revealing a path to true spiritual growth. Jeff Harman, Spiritual Counselor, Astrologer and Filmmaker Close Excerpt from Lucifer’s Game (Note: Jackson has just been approached by an oddly-beguiling stranger who seems insistent on wanting to develop a conversation with him.) “Okay, I’ll give you two minutes to fill me in on who you are and why I should be spending this glorious day . . . with you.” I glanced at my watch for effect. “Okay Jack, I’m gonna get to the point, but you may not be ready for what I’m about to say.” “Try me.” “Alright, so you’re a writer and you must have an affinity for metaphors, true? Well, here’s my card.” It was black with small white type. I held it up close to my eyes: I was named after the Morning Star Yet I am one with the darkest of night. A Guide into the subterranean. The Keeper of your hidden Inner Cavern. Master of the Shadow World. Holding the torch for the Rejected Ones. The voice of the forbidden fruits, ripe for the plucking. I am the Prince of Living Large. “What the hell is this supposed to mean?” “Read it again, this time more slowly.” I did and then pulled out my cell phone and Googled: named after the Morning Star. It made me laugh. “This is weird. It says: Lucifer.” I looked up and my drink mate was stock-still, clearly not laughing with me. Then he slowly reached up and, for the first time, took off his sunglasses, revealing his eyes. Whoa! Very strange. His left eye was sky blue and his right, a deep green. But the primary thing that jumped out at me was the powerful intensity behind the eyes, as if they were burning with red hot coals. Holy shit! My jaw dropped stupidly as the realization was rolling in. “Are you telling me…Lucifer, as in the Devil?!” He made a slight bow of the head. “That’s right, the one and only. I’ve noticed mothers don’t name their children after me. No little snot-nosed Lucifer’s running around, last time I checked. But don’t jump to conclusions, Jack. Sure, I’ve been technically labeled, uh, let’s make that libeled, ‘the Devil’ but that’s a long story. It’s a sad fact that the people who know the least about me always have the strongest opinions.” “Lucifer?” I felt a shudder shoot up my spine. “Prove it!” “Like how?” “I don’t care, but make it convincing.” The big man scanned the bar patio. In the far corner was some fellow reading a newspaper, hidden behind the sports page he was holding up. Glancing my way, Lucifer folded his chubby hands on his immense belly and focused his attention back to the man. Within a few seconds, a wisp of smoke began to rise from the very center of the newspaper. Moments later, it burst into flames, the guy screeching in terror and dumping a pitcher of margaritas on the blaze to put it out. I was stunned. Goosebumps broke out all over my body and I leapt to my feet, heart pounding. “Alright, pretty damn convincing! So what do you want with me? What did I do?” “Sit down, Jack. Nothing is wrong, if that’s what you mean. Take my visit as a compliment. Sit, sit. Let’s chat.” A compliment? That was a bit much. Terrific. Now I’ve attracted Lucifer into my life. Still standing, I asked him: “If you’re who you say you are, why don’t you go drop in on someone who’s more interested in your line of work.” “Which is?” “I don’t know and I don’t really care to know. Nothing personal but you’re on the same par as the Grim Reaper as someone I’d least want to meet.” “Aw, Jack, you say the sweetest things. You warm the cockles of my cold, black heart! Fortunately, I’ve got a hide as thick as a buffalo, although you’d probably never guess that. Why do I want to talk with you? The answer to that will reveal itself in time. For now, just understand that there’s something about you that interests me.” “Well there’s something about you that alarms me.” “Oh, relax. Come on, sit down. I can appreciate how my dropping in like this would scare the bejesus out of anyone. But, here I am and, well, frankly, you’re still listening. And let’s be honest. You’re getting a chance to talk to me, Lucifer, Prince of the Darkside himself. You’re a writer who craves intrigue, not one to miss an opportunity, right? Underneath your shock, you’re actually kind of curious, aren’t cha? And thanks for not freaking out any more than you have. “Other people you’ve dropped in on have panicked?” He bent forward, his whole body jiggling with mirth. “That’s putting it mildly. You’d think I’d lit their hair on fire!” With wary trepidation, I let myself sink slowly back into my chair. Lucifer leaned towards me, a little too close for comfort and continued: “Let’s start by agreeing to this. I’m not going to twist your arm to converse with me. It’s entirely up to you. One thing that’s overlooked about me is that I never force an issue on someone. Suggest? Yeah. Cajole? Sure. Manipulate? Guilty as charged. Tempt? Oh boy! Definitely known to persuade, but I never force. It’s true that humans have free will to make their own choices. That’s ‘The Law’ and whether I like it or not, I’ve gotta follow it. This conversation is entirely up to you. So, Jack, it’s your call . . . are you in or out?” As I sat there, staring across at him, I felt the clammy grip of fear creep under my skin, starting to wrap itself around my heart. I let my gaze settle on the great banyan tree to calm me down and draw from its strength. What to do? Was I flattered by his visit? Possibly, but what, exactly, was he after? It hadn’t escaped me that I’d yet to get a straight answer from him. Still, it was a daunting decision, continuing a conversation with Lucifer, for chrissake! My solar plexus was quivering. On the other hand, I do have confidence in my sense of the world. I’m clear on what I value, what I’ve verified to be true, and I can defend the positions I believe in. But could I hold my own against the likes of him? There was also the fact that I was feeling so shaky and vulnerable in my life right now. I swallowed hard. As I was gathering my thoughts, I could see a scale within my mind, balancing my options. I felt the measured weight on both sides of this strange offer presenting themselves, making their case. Finally…the scale tipped: “Okay, I’m in.”