"Gutting the Monkey" follows the life of Billy Halverson - Recon Marine, Mercenary, Bodyguard, and Enforcer. It is a street-smart, fast paced adventure, based on actual events and the sometime altered reality resulting from the use of psychotropic drugs. The two worlds often collide and blur the line between the real and the surreal. The story revolves around Billy's quest to rediscover his better nature and find redemption - before the "monkey on his back" drives him further into the abyss. Billy not only feels the grip of the Monkey, but is able to see and hear him as the Monkey lures him into a tragic downward spiral of addiction, self destruction, and violence. No one will be spared the Monkeys wrath. Billy does not choose a psychiatrist couch or confessional booth to find enlightenment and cast out his demons. That would be too easy. Billy goes deeper into the abyss to meet his demon face to face. But....The Monkey will not go away until Billy has been destroyed. Can Billy "Gut the Monkey" and find enlightenment or will Billy sink lower into a pit of violence and despair? This is a great read for anyone that has struggled to be free from their inner demons or aided another in the fight. "Gutting the Monkey" is a different kind of story; far removed from the mundane arc of "one man against the world" relying instead, on the more empathetic approach of "one man's struggle against his inner beast". The action emerges from within an unforgettable backdrop of music and pop culture, giving the novel the dreamlike atmosphere of "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" combined with the edgy appeal of "Fight Club." The action moves fast and the narration is full of sardonic anecdotes and dark humor.
About the Author: John Iverson John is a practicing Taoist that values knowledge and experience over anything material. His passion to explore began as a Recon Marine while stationed abroad in Africa, South America and Asia. He is a former bodyguard, no holds barred fighter and currently an expert in the ancient Greek Fighting Art of Pankration. He continually strives to balance his extreme physical nature with a more cultural and spiritual side. By borrowing from the philosophy of the samurai warrior - Myamoto Mysashi, he strives to be true to the way of the poet/warrior "pen and sword in accord." He also holds close to the ideals of his ancestors so as to someday become an equally dedicated environmentalist. James Iverson is a father of three and an avid fossil collector who teahes his children the value of staying close to the earth. He is a passionate student of Ojibwa and early European history in North America. Both John and James continue to travel in pursuit of interesting people and places. James was the co-writer of the recently published "Hunters and Hearts" as well as the upcoming "Monster Wall". He is also currently training to compete in his first marathon. Philippe Farcy Philippe is the proud father of a son and a business consultant in Chicago. He is an enthusiastic student of history, ancient mysteries and mystical lore. He also enjoys and practices MMA, boxing self defense techniques as well as art research, art forensic sciences and Screenwriting.