Charlie Steel's THE SOUL GATHERERS: Thirteen Western Tales is a collection of thirteen fictitious tales dealing with one of the most fascinating, popular, and evil literary adversaries in history. The Devil-also known by other names, including Satan, Lucifer, and Prince of Darkness. The devil takes center stage in each of Steel's well-crafted short stories with the goal of claiming the soul of someone flirting with the dark side of life.

Satan, the ultimate sales rep, usually arrives on the scene preceded by a flourish of roaring winds, explosive thunder, intense heat, and the acrid smell of sulfur. But, as you'll see in these fast-moving tales, the Prince of Darkness is not without his own powerful adversaries. And, we learn that with each soul he loses, his power weakens.

Charlie Steel has written a package of entertaining stories that capture the fear, loneliness, and desperation some individuals suffer while navigating life's periodic challenges. But each encounter is laced with elements of humor, vindication, and promises of salvation-all with the unspoken hope of bringing Satan to his knees.

• Tom Rizzo, Author, Last Stand at Bitter Creek