The provided text is comprised of excerpts from several novels by John Saul, primarily featuring the horror-thriller "Darkness" but also including glimpses into "Brainchild," "Creature," and "Shadows." The main body of the text focuses on a suspenseful, supernatural narrative in "Darkness" set in the swamp town of Villejeune, where characters like the troubled teenagers Kelly and Michael and the desperate, aging adults Carl Anderson and Dr. Phillips are intertwined with the terrifying figure known as "The Dark Man." This central plot concerns stolen life essence, ritual sacrifices, and the fate of children in the swamp community, leading to a climax of vengeance. The shorter excerpts offer previews of other novels involving themes of vengeance, psychological terror, and supernaturally gifted or tormented children.

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.