Blog Archives
The Tempests of Time
Lloyd Jeffries’ The Tempests of Time, the fourth entry in the Ages of Malice series, is a wild, relentless ride through apocalyptic landscapes, theological conflicts, and the clash of immortals. The novel follows Emery Merrick, a former journalist whose life is tangled with ancient prophecies, political upheaval, and the enigmatic, menacing figure of Cain, the biblical first murderer, now a world-dominating force. The story unfolds with unrelenting chaos: nuclear annihilation, supernatural torment, desperate love, and an ever-looming battle between forces greater than humanity can comprehend.
Jeffries’ writing is sharp, cinematic, and unafraid to dive deep into the grotesque. Some passages feel like a fever dream, especially in the opening where Emery is trapped in a visceral, never-ending cycle of pain and resurrection, torn apart by demons only to be made whole again. The horror is relentless, the descriptions unflinching: “They rip out all my teeth… My mouth fills again with teeth”. It’s brutal, but it lets you know that this story doesn’t do half-measures. While some moments feel excessive in their grimness, they also carry an intensity that makes the story hard to look away from.
Yet, for all its darkness, The Tempests of Time isn’t just about suffering. Jeffries weaves in biting humor and deep philosophical musings. Bill, a stoner with a surprising depth, offers bizarre but compelling insights on existence: “Ever notice how everything starts with nothing?” he ponders. “Take Emery, an artist with the written word, who stares at the nothingness of a blank page.” This contrast between absurdity and existential weight is one of the book’s strengths. Meanwhile, Cain is a fantastic charismatic villain. He’s smooth, chilling, and eerily persuasive, playing the long game with a patience that spans centuries. His interactions with Emery are fascinating, particularly when he dismisses mortal struggles with the nonchalance of a being who has seen it all before.
The book can feel overwhelming at times. There’s so much going on. Biblical mythology, history, dystopian warfare, supernatural horror. The breakneck pacing means that quieter character moments, like Emery’s love for Rhyme, are often overshadowed by the grander conflicts. This isn’t necessarily a flaw, it’s part of the novel’s DNA.
The Tempests of Time is not for the faint of heart. It’s a book for readers who like their fiction dense, intense, and thought-provoking. If you enjoy apocalyptic thrillers with theological depth, visceral horror, and rapid-fire action, this book is for you.
Pages: 359 | ASIN : B0DZ15ZL91
Where Dark Things Grow
Andrew K. Clark’s Where Dark Things Grow is an enthralling blend of mystery, horror, and emotional depth that captivates readers from start to finish. For fifteen-year-old Leo, life has reached its bleakest point. His younger sister is on the brink of death, and his mother’s mental health is unraveling due to his father’s mysterious disappearance. Forced into the role of provider, Leo faces constant bullying and poverty, all while carrying the burden of his family’s survival. When his mother pleads with him to find his estranged father, he reluctantly sets out on a journey he dreads, confronting his past and inner demons.
Set against the backdrop of the Appalachian Mountains during the Great Depression, Where Dark Things Grow immerses readers in a world steeped in racism, poverty, and survival. The atmosphere in the novel is thick with a foreboding sense of dread, and the tension lingers on every page. Clark’s vivid descriptions transport the reader to this haunting landscape, where every scene is meticulously crafted and every emotion raw and palpable. I could almost feel the damp chill of the woods and hear the rustling of leaves as Leo ventured deeper into the supernatural. The characters are richly developed, each distinct and compelling, while the dialogue flows with poetic elegance. I found myself especially captivated by Leo. His mix of curiosity, innocence, and toughness feels authentic, especially in the way he’s shaped by his circumstances. This coming-of-age story forces its young protagonists to confront the darkest corners of their world and themselves too soon.
Where Dark Things Grow is a must-read for fans of Southern Gothic, folklore, and dark fantasy. Andrew K. Clark weaves an atmospheric, eerie narrative that’s as much about survival as it is about confronting the shadows within and without. I’d recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a haunting, slow-burn story set in a richly imagined world. It’s perfect for readers who love tales steeped in mythology, magic, and the dark undercurrents of human nature.
Pages: 335 | ASIN : B0DG6WZBYZ
An Unexpected Nemesis
In The Consortium – Genesis, a secret society of scientists and science enthusiasts sacrifices the lives of abandoned and lonely individuals as they attempt to evolve the human race. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Actually, it came to me in a dream. Literally. Normally my dreams are a confusing, clouded mess, but in this instance, the story was clear and very memorable. In fact, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. It grew so much in my head, it filled my thoughts and I had a hard time being able to think about anything else. So, I decided to write it down to try and get it out of my head (and get a little peace up in there). The next thing I know, I’ve got a novel.
How long did it take you to imagine, draft, and write the world your characters live in?
Basically, the story was there. I just had to write it down. It took about 2 months of steady writing to get the first part of it down, about 350 pages worth. It left off with something of a cliffhanger and I thought I was done. I gave it to a good friend to read, and she was like, “Where’s the rest of it?” I told her that was it, and she said, “No no no, you can’t leave my girl [Amelia] hanging like that. Where’s the rest of it?” So I sat down, re-read it, then thought, “Well, s**t, she’s right.” I didn’t have the ability to write full time so it took me about 2 years to get the rest of the trilogy written, but I was finally able to finish it, lol!
What was your favorite character to write for and why? Was there a scene you felt captured the character’s essence?
Oh, wow … that’s a tough one. I love all the main characters – Amelia, Spike, Hao, Drake, and Shane. They complement each other so well. I guess my favorite scene is the one where they all meet at The Black Door bar for the first time, when Amelia shows them her powers. That initial part where they realize they can hear Spike’s thoughts and their reactions, were laugh-out-loud funny to me. Makes me smile every time I think about it.
Can you give readers a peek inside the next installment of this series? When can we expect to see it released?
Absolutely! In fact, I made sure all of it was completed before I even attempted to publish so people wouldn’t have to wait and wonder if I was going to continue it. That’s something I hate myself, so I didn’t want to leave my readers like that. Amelia’s story doesn’t end with Genesis. She and the gang face even greater obstacles in Rising as they continue their efforts to dismantle The Consortium from the inside. More characters are introduced, culminating in the final showdown and battle with an unexpected nemesis in Apex. The digital version of Genesis, along with the paperback and digital versions of Rising and Apex, will be available on August 1, 2024. I am also working on the audiobook for Genesis and hope to have it completed and available within the next one to two months. The paperback and digital versions are available on Amazon, and while I hope to get the audiobook accepted by Audible, that will take a while. In the meantime, once it’s ready, the audiobook version will be available for purchase on my website (https://www.bachapman.com). For those who are interested, be sure to use the sign-up form on my website to be notified of upcoming release dates.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
Amelia is a young woman trapped within the diabolical web of The Consortium – a powerful, secret organization run by scientists who have turned science fiction into science fact.
Over the decades, The Consortium has grown in numbers and power. There are only two classes of people that are important to them: their scientists, and those that help fund their work. No one else matters.
Amelia is one of The Consortium’s many victims, known as inductees. The scientists use them in their cruel experiments to further their goals of evolving the human race.
When an experiment unexpectedly turns her into a player instead of a pawn – one with abilities only previously imagined as possible – she realizes she might just get the chance to end the living nightmare she has fallen victim to …
… even though it may cost her her humanity – and her soul – in the process.
The Consortium – Genesis
The Consortium Genesis, by B. A. Chapman, is a compelling sci-fi novel that delves into the dark world of a secret society known as the Consortium. This group, composed of brilliant scientists and science enthusiasts, is willing to sacrifice human lives in the pursuit of scientific advancement for the supposed greater good of humanity. As human experimentation became illegal, these individuals formed a clandestine organization, abducting abandoned or lonely individuals and conditioning them into submission. The story follows Amelia, one of the Consortium’s inductees, who endures extreme experiments conducted by her Examiner. A group of law enforcement officials, including two detectives, an FBI agent, Amelia, and her keeper Spike, uncover this hidden world and begin to challenge the Consortium, aiming to liberate those trapped in its sinister system.
Chapman’s writing style is both engaging and impactful. The author skillfully introduces the background stories and the abuses faced by the inductees, capturing the absolute terror experienced by the victims with striking realism. The portrayal of the sickening practices within the Consortium is so vivid and believable that it almost feels like it transcends fiction. The storyline is well-crafted, with believable characters who possess their own faults and quirks. The novel’s pacing is another strength. From the tense moments of Amelia’s rescue to the intricate explanations of The Consortium’s operations, Chapman maintains a steady rhythm that keeps readers on edge. The scenes of interrogation and the detectives’ growing realization of the horrifying truth are particularly well-crafted, blending suspense with a creeping sense of dread.
The inclusion of detailed processes, like the induction of new subjects and the creation of a controlled working class, adds layers of authenticity and horror to the story, making it not just a thriller but a deep dive into a meticulously constructed nightmare. It is important to note that the book contains graphic depictions of violence, abuse, torture, and trauma, and readers should be aware of these potential triggers.
I recommend The Consortium Genesis to those who enjoy medical sci-fi novels involving extreme human experimentation. The book lives up to its subtitle, “A Psychological Horror Thriller and Dystopian Science Fiction Novel,” and offers a gripping and thought-provoking read.
Pages: 300 | ASIN : B0D77DDHNK
Digger
In Digger by Arjay Lewis, readers meet Joshua Bennet, a young reporter grappling with his father’s mysterious and sudden death. Raised on his father’s stories of nocturnal horrors and having witnessed inexplicable events himself, Joshua doubts the official explanation of his father’s demise. Determined to uncover the truth, he sets out to find his father’s old ally, known only as Digger. Armed with nothing but an alias, Joshua’s journalistic skills are put to the test in a quest that proves more daunting than expected.
Throughout the novel, Joshua relies on childhood notes about his father’s escapades as a demon hunter, using his journalism career not only as a means to investigate but also as a disguise to deflect suspicion in the small, tight-knit communities he explores. These settings are vividly portrayed, with residents’ wariness adding a layer of authenticity to each encounter. Joshua’s pretense of researching articles lends him just enough credibility to continue his inquiries, gradually peeling back layers of mystery with each reluctant source he persuades.
Fans of supernatural dramas like “Supernatural” or “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” will find Digger a novel take on the demon hunter narrative. Lewis refreshes a familiar genre by shifting the perspective to an outsider, adding a layer of intrigue and novelty. Without revealing too much, the narrative excels in drawing readers into Joshua’s relentless pursuit of the enigmatic Digger. The pacing of the book is deliberate, with early chapters setting a measured tempo that crescendos into a gripping, sleep-defying conclusion.
For those drawn to supernatural thrillers and horror, Digger promises a compelling blend of suspense and the unexplained.
Pages: 412 | ASIN : B0C5TKXXJS
Augie Doyle and the Dead Boy
In Augie Doyle and the Dead Boy by Dylan Blackwood, readers are thrust into a perplexing and eerie scenario. The story begins with Augie Doyle and his classmates witnessing the unexpected return of Oliver Hackl, who was declared dead just five days earlier. This baffling incident sets the stage for a riveting narrative that intertwines the paranormal with the mysteries of everyday life.
Augie, a character with a keen interest in the paranormal, is convinced that supernatural forces are at play. His determination to unravel the truth behind Oliver’s reappearance propels the plot forward as he and his friends delve deeper into a web of mysteries and unexplained events. The novel excels in maintaining suspense, constantly posing questions about the reality of Oliver’s death and the possibility of otherworldly influences.
The character development in this young adult novel is a standout feature. Augie and his friends – Ben, Ethan, Caleb, and Fiona – are portrayed with depth and authenticity, each contributing uniquely to their collective quest. Their interactions and the dynamics of their friendship add a layer of realism to the story, making the characters relatable to readers of all ages.
Blackwood’s narrative style is engaging, successfully drawing readers into the heart of the mystery. The book’s pacing is well-managed, keeping readers invested and eager to uncover the truth alongside the protagonists. Incorporating elements such as the mysterious Creeper character, who is rumored to be a voodoo priest, adds an intriguing and chilling aspect to the story.
While labeled as a young adult novel, Augie Doyle and the Dead Boy holds a broad appeal, captivating adult readers with its blend of mystery, suspense, and supernatural elements. The novel sets a high standard for the subsequent books in this series, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next installment.
Dylan Blackwood’s novel is a commendable addition to the young adult genre, offering a story that is as much about the bonds of friendship and the resilience of youth as it is about solving a supernatural mystery. This book promises to engage, thrill, and leave readers pondering the thin line between reality and the paranormal.
Pages: 138 | ASIN : B0C9YTR56J
Engelstatt
Engelstatt by Samuel Church follows a group of university students on a trip to Austria, which turns into a harrowing struggle for survival in a neo-Nazi camp. The story’s protagonist, Jacob Liro, is an aspiring artist from New York who feels suffocated by the city’s busy atmosphere. Despite his mother’s disapproval, Jacob joins his friends on the trip to Austria to explore the country’s beautiful landscapes and monuments.
Engelstatt offers readers an immersive and imaginative experience with its stunning descriptions of Austria’s aesthetic regions and accurate representation of New York’s frenzied environment. The characters in the novel are depicted authentically and face issues that are relatable to young Americans today. For instance, Jacob seeks therapy to cope with the traumatic memories of a school shooting. The book also includes reflective moments that delve into its major themes. The novel exposes the depravity of humanity when people blindly follow the crowd and ignore their self-awareness.
I felt that the interactions between characters appear to overshadow their internal monologues. It can be overwhelming to see the characters express their thoughts in groups rather than individually, making it challenging to connect with them. Nevertheless, Engelstatt delivers an exhilarating, heart-pounding historical thriller filled with explosive action, shootings, deadly games, and risky escape schemes. I was on the edge of my seat, never knowing what to expect but trusting in Samuel’s ability to keep adding captivating twists to keep me engrossed in the story.
I highly recommend the gripping novel, Engelstatt to readers of horror and historical fiction. Readers will be inspired by its protagonists’ unwavering energy and determination to fight for their lives even when the odds are against them.
Pages: 248 | ASIN : B0BZXYNSJ9
Route 666
Jack Aitken could have never imagined that the seemingly innocuous idea of penning a book would instead open the door to a nightmare of biblical proportions. Adrift in life and wondering what had happened to all the dreams he once held, Jack found vigor and purpose in his plan to write, throwing himself into research regarding Native American legends, reported odd occurrences, and anything else he could find regarding route 666 in rural Virginia. He soon found that legends often have a basis in truth and that route 666 was indeed on the path to Hell. With the literal balance of good and evil at stake, Jack has to rely on the aid of an old friend, a strength he never knew existed, and faith in a God he had long felt removed from to save life as he knew it.
Route 666: Highway to Hell by J.D. Toepher is an incredible thriller with twists and turns that continue up to the last page. Combining various elements and themes that cover a broad spectrum, Toepher risks overloading his book with too much information and plot lines. However, at no point does the book venture into that territory; each new character and story melds perfectly into the action already in play. Meticulous research was done in the process of writing this book (mirroring Jack’s own journey, but hopefully with better results!) as Toepher places everyone in context, down to the religious rituals and history.
Hopelessness, redemption, the ideas of good and evil, and doing the wrong things for the right reasons are the themes that keep the narrative rolling in this book. Jack is written as a complex character and supplied with enough backstory to truly be a complete and well-rounded character, easy to feel sorry for as he travels his unfortunate path. However, as each layer unravels and every new twist is revealed, it soon becomes obvious that there’s no way to predict what will happen next.
Route 666: Highway to Hell is a suspenseful horror that gives readers bits of historical information, occult and supernatural, all combined into a thrilling read. It is extremely well written, and the ending will leave readers shocked. In addition, the background and history in the book are interesting enough to encourage you to look further into those aspects of it. I hope to see more from Toepher in the future because this was a fantastic thriller!
Pages: 382 | ASIN : B09FS54PV6
LITERARY TITAN 