Is it perfect? No, but at least a giant step up from the first version.
I am not the first author to rewrite an already published book. Tolkien rewrote The Hobbit. In the first version, the ring wasn't as emphasized as much as in in the rewrite. Other authors have bit the same piece of bitter fruit and revisited earlier works. Admitting the need is the biggest hurdle.
New Synopsis:
What would you risk to save a child?
Half a world away in
Zimbabwe, Africa, a demon-god roared in rage. His ancient priest flinched, eyed
the rising flames of his cooking fire, and scuttled back.
The demon narrowed his
eyes. “So, my old enemy, Raphael, has once again disguised his angelic form as
that old Indian and now woos the woman to interfere!”
With the movement of a
gnarled limb, he sent the old priest sprawling toward the fire. The old man
screamed and scurried backward.
“I’ll destroy her just
as I have destroyed all who have
dared to oppose me! She’s weak. Her faith won’t hold when she’s alone and
terrified. She’ll falter, just as they all have. And then, I will take her.”
The old priest nodded,
rose, and entered his hut. He descended the rickety wooden ladder into the
ceremonial chamber. The nganga, the cauldron filled with blood, animal parts,
and things unimaginable, simmered over a small fire. The ceremonial sticks
leaned against the near wall. The old priest brushed his hand over the rough
surface of the wooden altar.
The demon’s raspy voice
whispered. “Yes. Let it run red.”
