Blog Archives
Local Legends
The Beast of Talbotton follows a man as he returns to the town he ran from years ago who now has to face the ramifications of his past choices while the town deals with werewolf attacks. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The story opens with David leading cavalry into Talbotton during the American Civil War. I thought the Civil War would be a great metaphor for David. While the nation was tearing itself apart, David was tearing himself apart internally with constant flashbacks to his past mistakes in town.
What intrigues you about the horror and paranormal genres that led you to write this book?
I think what intrigues me about the horror and paranormal genres is the mystery surrounding local legends I heard growing up. The Beast of Talbotton is loosely based on a werewolf legend that took place in Talbotton, Georgia. From the first time I learned about it, I always wondered what started the legend. Did someone see a wild animal that they could not identify? Was this just an accusation to smear someone? Or was there something we truly can’t explain? Like many legends, who knows what really happened.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The main theme I explored in this book was what happens if you don’t confront problems quickly. If David had spoken up about how he truly felt about his arranged marriage to Elizabeth, things would have never escalated to the point that they did at the conclusion of the story. Sure, his father and Elizabeth’s father would have been angry with him, but everyone would have moved on quickly and the horrible events that take place throughout the story would have never occurred.
What will the next book in that series be about, and when will it be published?
I’m still working on the outline for my next book in the series. I plan for it to involve ghosts and deal with subjects such as greed. It should be out by next October.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Spring | Amazon
Readers seeking chills and thrills to go along with their Southern Gothic historical novel will find just that in this intense tale of tragic star-crossed lovers and a werewolf stalking a town.
In Talbotton, Georgia, American Civil War soldier David Cantwell scorned marriage for true love-and now must confront the monstrous consequences of his choice.
Furred and fanged terror grips the night as a werewolf attacking his cavalry leads to dark secrets being revealed. By choosing love, has Cantwell doomed himself and others?
A supernatural story during the American Civil War that perfectly blends Southern Gothic and monster legends, The Beast of Talbotton makes for a one-of-a-kind pulse-pounding adventure for fans of history and horror alike.
Recipient of the Literary Titan’s Book Award in October 2024.
Hard Road to Freedom
Stephen A. Carter’s fully illustrated Hard Road To Freedom, the third book in the Matari series, takes readers on a gripping journey through the post-Civil War years, covering 1864 to 1882. The story centers on John Saxton, a Union officer imprisoned during the war, and his interactions with a wide cast of characters, from fellow prisoners like Lucas Garrow to the dangerous and menacing Horatio Garrow, Lucas’s father. The narrative bounces between Saxton’s trials in various prison camps, the broader social and political aftermath of the war, and the dangerous criminal underworld dominated by figures like Horatio. The story’s most fascinating moments come from the vivid depiction of prison life and the conflict between these complex characters.
Carter doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of the Civil War, especially when Saxton is shipped off to different prison camps. The detail in the Danville and Salisbury prison sequences was just chilling. You can feel the grime, the hunger, and the desperation pouring out of the pages when Saxton shares his miserable meals or confronts the horrors of disease and violence around him. When Lucas Garrow, the young drummer boy, is introduced, I really found myself rooting for him, especially after learning about his backstory and watching his interaction with Saxton. The fact that Lucas’s own father, Horatio, turns out to be such a ruthless criminal adds an emotional layer to their relationship, which is built on a lie Lucas doesn’t even know.
But speaking of characters, the villains in this book are really something. Horatio Garrow is just despicable, and Carter paints him as the kind of antagonist you love to hate. I mean, the guy is not only a Confederate deserter and smuggler but also deeply invested in all sorts of evil dealings, including trying to reclaim his estranged son Lucas while keeping his criminal empire running. Then there’s the addition of Allen Pinkerton hunting down Garrow. This cat-and-mouse dynamic kept me hooked, especially as Garrow’s schemes get bolder and Pinkerton closes in. I couldn’t help but think, “How’s he going to get away with this?” And when BB shows up to throw another wrench into the whole thing, it felt like the stakes just kept rising. BB’s manipulations and Horatio’s increasingly reckless actions were like watching a train wreck you couldn’t look away from.
One of the most memorable parts for me was Saxton’s dream of a utopia on Raccoon Mountain. Despite everything he goes through, he holds onto this vision of a post-war community where both black and white veterans can live together in peace. The dream felt almost too good to be true, especially in the face of all the violence and hatred he experiences. But I think that’s what makes Saxton such a compelling character; he’s an idealist in the middle of chaos. When he shares this dream with other prisoners, it really hit home how much people need hope, even if it seems impossible. And seeing the way characters like Lincoln and Harambee responded to Saxton’s vision gave me the feels. It made me wish for a better ending, though the story stays true to the gritty, sometimes hopeless realities of its setting.
I’d say Hard Road to Freedom is a must-read if you love historical fiction that dives into the aftermath of war with a mix of hope and brutality. The writing is detailed and immersive, though it’s definitely not a light read. This book is perfect for those who appreciate stories that don’t sugarcoat history and are drawn to complex, morally gray characters like Lucas and Horatio. If you’re looking for something with layers of emotion, tough choices, and a lot of historical grit, this will do it for you.
Pages: 322
A Successful Life in America
The Journal of Aaron McClare follows a congressman settling the estate of his stepfather in Ireland who discovers a hidden journal detailing his life and how he ended up on a plantation during the Civil War. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
In the nineteenth century, the conditions of the ordinary people in rural Ireland were harsh in the extreme with evictions taking place at the whim of the landlords. They had to either move to the cities or large towns to get work or in a lot of circumstances emigrate to America or Canada. I attempted to imagine what it would be like for someone arriving in a foreign country.
Your novel takes readers on a journey with Aaron as he documents his life in his journal. What kind of research did you do for this novel to ensure you captured the essence of the story’s theme?
I had to undertake extensive research, mostly in history books and Google for the following:
(a) conditions on board the ships taking emigrants to the new world and what awaited them when they arrived there;
(b) life on the plantations in the Confederate states and how slavery affected the coloured population;
(c) life of a blacksmith in the Union army and research battles during the American Civil War to attempt to get correct timelines of the conflict;
(d) the aftermath when the civil war ended.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
I think the indomitable spirit of some human beings makes great reading. In the case of Aaron McClare, he rose from abject poverty, grief, and adversity to carve a successful life in America before returning home to the land of his birth.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
The third book in the Silver Helmet trilogy entitled The Silver Helmet The Last Battle at Stalanger Fjord is with the beta readers at my publishers and I await the feedback on this one. I am working on a new story with the working title Part Of The Nation. It deals with the deportation of a section of the community and how it affects two families in particular.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
AARON MCCLARE WAS A BLACKSMITH IN HIS HOMELAND IN COUNTY ANTRIM BUT FINDS HIMSELF EVICTED FROM HIS HOUSE THROUGH NO FAULT OF HIS OWN.
AFTER TRAVELLING WITH HIS WIFE AND BEST FRIEND TO BELFAST IN AN ATTEMPT TO GET WORK IN THE SHIPYARD HE FINDS THERE IS NO WORK TO BE HAD. THE THREE TRAVELLERS DECIDE TO EMIGATE TO AMERICA TO FIND A BETTER LIFE.
DISASTER STRIKES ON THE VOYAGE ACROSS THE ATLANTIC WHICH FORCES HIM TO TAKE PATHS WHICH WOULD HAVE SEEMED INCONCEIVABLE WHEN HE FIRST SET FOOT IN THE NEW WORLD. A JOURNEY WHICH SEES HIM ENGULFED IN THE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR AND ITS AFTERMATH.
Children of Kings
In the midst of the transformative and tumultuous nineteenth century, South America underwent a period of profound metamorphosis. As the Spanish colonization profoundly reshaped the landscapes and cultures of the indigenous people of Alto Peru, the aftermath left a trail of far-reaching consequences. Children of Kings by E.S. Ramirez compellingly transports us into this era through the story of one formidable woman fiercely committed to safeguarding her loved ones and preserving her identity amidst the maelstrom of political upheaval and revolutionary fervor that engulfs her homeland.
Our protagonist is tenacious and resolute and exhibits a fiery temper, traits that equip her to navigate the perilous terrain of her times and confront those who threaten her peace, irrespective of their identity or intentions. The novel is anchored in the life of Juana Azurduy, painting a panoramic view of her journey from childhood through adulthood as she grapples with the harsh realities of living in what may be described as South America’s own version of the Wild West.
Children of Kings delves into the struggles of indigenous groups grappling with their identity and the quest for independence two centuries into the colonization process. The narrative also draws into focus the rise of revolutionary movements ignited by military tensions in Europe, along with the personal conflicts stirred by Juana’s indomitable spirit. These elements conspire to steer Juana, her family, and her friends down a treacherous path of survival, where sacrifices are inevitable, and losses are a painful certainty.
E.S. Ramirez conjures a vibrant and richly textured depiction of the epoch in which the story unfolds. The narrative is imbued with intricate details infused with cultural significance, creating a vivid tableau where characters experience life’s full spectrum – from love to conflict and the ultimate sacrifice – in a manner that is as compelling as it is authentic. Unflinchingly, the novel delves into the stark violence that punctuates this era, making it a mature piece of historical fiction that is likely to resonate with aficionados of South American history or those seeking to immerse themselves in this distinctive time period.
Children of Kings is more than a historical novel—it’s an immersive journey back in time, offering readers a window into the resilient spirit of a woman and a vivid exploration of a complex era. As such, this beautifully penned novel comes with a high recommendation.
Pages: 346 | ASIN : B0BX745B7S
Dear Dad, A Novel
Dear Dad, by John Hazen, is a wonderful but harrowing read. John Foster is the son of a decorated World War II vet who grew up in small-town New England during the build-up to the Vietnam War. Eager to do his part, Foster is drawn into small disagreements with his peers and family as he battles his own misgivings about the conflict. Once in Vietnam, his resentment toward the army brass, his enemies, and his fellow soldiers grows as he’s routinely faced with the horrors of war. When he’s wounded during an attack, he awakens to find himself in 1862, where he finds a nobler purpose.
John Hazen crafts a compelling story. Foster’s background and character are fleshed out extremely well through flashbacks to his upbringing in Fairbrook, Massachusetts. We learn of his camaraderie with his childhood friend group, and there’s a touching passage about how he brings his father back from the edge after his mother’s death. These strong family bonds clash harshly with the impersonal nature he learns to adopt in the military.
Once he’s transported to the Civil War era, he is confronted with more horrors of the battlefield, but now he feels as if he is part of something worth fighting for. I really enjoyed Dear Dad, A Novel. I found Hazen’s writing remarkably easy-going and entertaining.
Each chapter was prefaced with a letter that gave a little more insight into the story. Foster’s experiences on the battlefield are truly horrific. Hazen has a sharp critique of military bureaucracy, including the incompetence of some officers, while still admirably praising men who earned their way through merit. I think anyone who likes historical fiction from the Vietnam War or the Civil War would greatly enjoy this book.
Pages 303 | ASIN B007SXID7E
The Law of Moses
Sam Moses Cardiff is a straight shooting honest man that finishes a teaching diploma before heading back to his hometown of Elmira. Sam is excited to start his new life, however, things have changed since Sam has been gone and circumstances pull him into fighting battles under the Union Army. Flash forward several years and Sam has entered a town where he is hired to be a Marshall. Sam upholds the law, showing no qualms about killing those who wish to cross him. But underneath the facade of an emotionless and tactical law enforcer lies a man who desperately wants his life to end. What happened in all the years of battle that has affected Sam so gravely?
The Law of Moses, written by Kwen D. Griffeth, is a western novel that follows the life of Samuel Moses Cardiff. The smell of perfumed ladies, warm beer and rolled cigarettes will be easily imagined as The Law of Moses takes you on a ride through life in the west that keeps you captivated until the very end!
The characters come to life on the page and several times I had to remind myself that this story was indeed fiction. The story takes dips into the past which gives the reader an insight into a younger Sam and why he has changed so drastically. Once upon a time, he was an eager young man, full of energy to face the world and now he is rude, angry and filled with hatred. The connection with the past will allow the reader to feel empathy towards the characters and their personality traits.
Gunfights, bank robbers and old time war stories will keep the reader flipping pages as they explore frontier life. Kwen Griffeth clearly has an in depth understanding of artillery as he accurately describes a variety of guns and even how they sound when they are holstered. Most characters are loyal and stick to their guns (literally and figuratively) when it comes time to settle arguments. At times, the novel explores the Civil War and sparks the imagination.
The writing flows easily and Griffeth provides descriptive imagery that allows the reader to picture the old west, where disputes were settled over beer and gun smoke. The saloons, horses and life lessons will mean the reader will be eager to learn more about Sam and his life. I found some of the lessons to be relevant to today’s society events and found myself reminiscing over the story’s content many days later.
I would would recommend this to anybody who enjoys a western or historical novel but also for anybody that loves a dash of romance, action and comedy. I look forward to reading the next installment.
Pages: 332 | ASIN: B00EXAD8PW
LITERARY TITAN 