Tactile Therapy: Volume One - The Complete Edition

Earth has been saved—mankind rejoices as the United States triumphantly destroys Apophis, an asteroid that threatened all life. Yet, the reckless act alters the destinies of five individuals forever. A disgruntled superhero, a charismatic leader of a radical organization, and three others find their lives entwined when an unknown species begins targeting scientists and military personnel, leaving a trail of death in its wake. Each attack appears orchestrated by the enigmatic “Man in the Gray Suit,” a vagabond no one recognizes—except for one mysterious woman.

Minutia holds a secret of her own, possessing only a first name and a burning desire to uncover her identity. Her quest leads her to an extraordinary artifact of unimaginable power, pivotal to the impending danger. As family ties unravel and corporate ambitions clash with government secrecy, these misaligned forces must confront a reality far beyond their understanding. Time is running out, for if the Man in the Gray Suit obtains the artifact, mankind faces a catastrophic fate. In this thrilling tale of survival and revelation, the fight for humanity’s future spirals into chaos, leaving no room for error in a world teetering on the brink once more.

In Tactile Therapy, Durell Arrington crafts a complex narrative blending science fiction with psychological thriller. The characterization is rich, with characters brought to life through vivid descriptions. Characters like Everta—and a mysterious, humanoid ‘Creature’ navigating an unfamiliar world—will enthrall readers. Everta's emotional turmoil reflects the profound bond between mother and child, captured in the prologue that delineates her childbirth experience. There are several robust characters worth following, like President Lamarch, who represents the burden of leadership during tumultuous times, struggling with the global repercussions and internal conflicts surrounding morality and power. Nerosion (The Tyrant) is a complex anti-hero figure characterized by his duality — a protector with a violent streak. His interactions showcase a fierce dedication to his city, revealing a deep-seated loyalty to his family while harboring the darker aspects of his role. General Roger Morris is a retired military figure; he represents the remnants of a past life filled with duty and honor. His kidnapping by enemy forces and the stakes surrounding his character serve as critical plot points that bridge the chaotic world he once commanded with his current vulnerability. Durrell creates characters that are elaborate and well-grounded.

The setting oscillates between the intimate domestic sphere and the vast, dangerous expanse of space, embodying the duality of human experience against broader existential threats. This multifaceted conflict reflects personal and universal struggles—ranging from the visceral pain of motherhood to the alienation experienced by the Creature as it confronts a hostile environment. The juxtaposition between the serene, intimate setting of an emotionally fraught delivery room and the chaotic aftermath of a space explosion introduces the conflict that propels this narrative forward. Arrington has the unique ability to evoke vivid imagery and emotional resonance. The prose fluidly transitions through various perspectives, allowing readers to witness the convergence of human fragility with remarkable hope. Durell Arrington’s Tactile Therapy is a deft and balanced science fiction that examines existential themes, a complex narrative with sophisticated characters, and an intelligent meld of realism with mythology.