[QCrit] The Golden Tether (Fantasy, 122k, 3rd attempt)

Third try for this one. I've cut another 2,000 words and trimmed the summary while trying to keep the plot and stakes clear. Any feedback is appreciated.

Dear [agent],

I am seeking representation for THE GOLDEN TETHER, an adult fantasy, complete at 122,000 words. It will appeal to fans of the harrowing underworld rescue mission and occult mystery of Leigh Bardugo’s Hell Bent as well as the theological weight and exploration of grief found in The Book of Love, by Kelly Link.

Ben Samson dies in a tragic accident moments after turning away from infidelity. In his last moments, he confesses his sin. Unknown to Ben, two angels have chosen him as the catalyst for a secret celestial plan. As he dies, one places within him a volatile spark of divinity and then sends him to Hell. 

Ben arrives not in a pit of fire, but the ruins of a far-future Earth, ravaged by apocalypse. Exploring his terrifying new home, Ben meets Percy Shelley, a cynical warrior-poet searching for a powerful artifact for a demon prince. Ben forms a pact with Percy, offering to aid him in his quest in exchange for protection and guidance.

On Earth, Ben’s widow Emily discovers evidence that suggests Ben was unfaithful, and her grief turns to a hunt for answers. When she discovers the “other woman” was possessed as part of a trap set for Ben, her investigation stirs up a nest of supernatural conspiracy, including a cult that will kill to hide the truth about the angels who colluded with demons to send Ben to Hell.

As Ben begins to master his latent power battling demonic beasts and Emily uncovers the celestial plot, their fates converge when their combined love forms a fragile cosmic connection. This tether connects Emily to Ben’s spark and provides the strength for each to endure their separate journeys, but it’s fraying. Ben must strengthen the bond to save Emily from the cult’s assassins and Emily must feed Ben the fuel to take down a Demon Prince in his own court.

[bio & sign off]