Book excerpt: Does music have the power to invade the soul? Beware the Dark Muse… Thirteen-year-old Muddy Brooks has always wanted to fit in with the "regular" crowd in a small town in New Jersey. He hopes that his band, The Accidentals, helps gain him acceptance into the world where he has always stuck out like a broken thumb. When his older brother disappears at the crossroads while playing a mysterious song, Muddy plunges into a world of music where songs come to life, where musicians find their inspiration, what price they must pay for fame. He must learn to harness the power of the legendary crossroads and conquer what lies on the other side. A series of trials that inspired classic songs awaits the teens, each deadlier than the next, each testing their newfound powers. Along with drummer Otis, singer Poe, and saxophonist Corey, each battling their own disabilities or demons, Muddy must cross the river that is the source for all creativity. The band fights a world alive with unimaginable horrors and realize their path to redemption is hindered by two obstacles that may destroy them: the Tritons, vicious inhuman leaders of the strange world, and the Dark Muse, a something, or someone who wields the full power of the River. The band’s journey calls for them to build a stairway to heaven, sail through smoke on the water, become iron men, and walk that way across the abyss. But their ultimate battle may prove in vain--it might not save Muddy's brother from the darkness --or awaken something far more deadly. *** Do you believe music has power? Dark Muse answers that question with an ear-shattering scream that will plunge you into terrifying worlds unknown. Hang on! - Elizabeth Massie, Bram Stoker Award Winning Author of Sineater and the upcoming Ameri-Scares television show (produced by Margot Robbie).