About Everest & the Exceptions
Book One
A mixtape of a novel, Mark Steele's forthcoming work of fiction "Everest & the Exceptions" is a sprawling comedic adventure that is part teen coming-of-age story, part horror epic, and part nostalgic ride through 1985 America. A menagerie of sordid characters collide upon the Tennessee home of 15-year-old twins Everest and Harrison Manning on Halloween night to either thwart or assist an evil that only the brothers are able to see.
The Series
Mark Steele's "The Exception Archive" is a five-book chronicle that unpacks how the Manning twins and a motley assortment of companions, scoundrels, villains, monsters, and one electric dog save the world from a despicable evil in the mid-1980's (and why you don't remember it).
The Author
Mark Steele has been crafting narratives that range from poignant to ridiculous for 30 years. "Everest & the Exceptions" is his fifth published work, but his first fiction novel. Intensely autobiographical while absurdly embellished, the story has been in development for a decade.
The Characters
Everest & Harrison Manning
Everest & Harrison Manning
Everest & Harrison Manning
15-year-old twin boys who are desperate for change from their oppressive life. Haunted by horrifying sights no one else can see, their lives are upended by a song coming from under the bed.
Ransom
Everest & Harrison Manning
Everest & Harrison Manning
An Affliction-hunter and triple-agent, Ransom is driven by grief and loss. His long-term mission requires forging a bond with the Manning brothers, but for what purpose?
Victoria
Everest & Harrison Manning
Victoria
A lone wolf on the run, Victoria has had the advantage of mentorship on her Exceptional journey. What she doesn't realize is that without leaning on others of her kind, she is doomed.
Mother
Everest & Harrison Manning
Victoria
The matriarch of the Manning household, Mother appears soft or harsh in turn, depending upon the urgent matter at hand. Her allegiances are continually in question, but she sports a choice handbag..
Chuck McQuiver
The Afflictions
Chuck McQuiver
A recovering addict and washed-up movie stuntman, Chuck is grasping for one last spotlight with a supporting gig on Broadway when he is offered the "role of a lifetime."
V0Go
The Afflictions
Chuck McQuiver
Technology radically ahead of his time, V0Go is discovered on the twins' shared birthday. Emanating a voice of wisdom, he quickly becomes protector and friend, though his true purpose remains unknown.
Crux & Valiant
The Afflictions
The Afflictions
An elderly blind man and his crusty, decaying dog know more than they should about Exceptions and Afflictions, The twins reluctantly include them on their quest for answers.
The Afflictions
The Afflictions
The Afflictions
Monstrosities in various and increasingly disturbing forms, only Exceptions can see them. The appearance each takes always marries to its intentions - and never fails to terrify.