Blog Archives
Overcoming Trauma
Backfire is a relentless espionage thriller where a hardened operative and a cunning businesswoman navigate a web of betrayal, government corruption, and deadly alliances. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My motivation for the Jaywalker series is to address a subject of supreme importance for humanity, which is already beginning to arise. There are also elements of overcoming trauma and general hardship in life, which I have personally had life-changing experiences with. But these messages are subtle and blended into my favourite genre. Backfire is the starting point, and there are hints as to where the series is headed, but the beginning needed to be a thrilling story in itself while building the scene for what’s to come. I feel like I’ve achieved that.
Jayden is a compelling protagonist. What were some sources that informed his character’s development?
From a core perspective, Jayden is a sensationalised version of myself, much like many protagonists out there. His temperament and motivations are much like my own, and there are similarities in background circumstances as well. Writing Jayden into Backfire was an extremely natural process–instinctive. Creating the other characters was more challenging, but equally, if not, more enjoyable.
If Backfire were adapted into a film, who would be your dream cast for Jayden and Patricia?
I’m not familiar enough with the current suite of actors in the matching age range to give a worthwhile answer to this one. I have watched very few movies in the last decade as I prefer to read. But to give you an idea, I’d say a 40-ish-year-old Matt Damon would have nailed Jayden, and a 30-ish-year old Eva Green or Anne Hathaway for Patricia.
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Patricia Cooper is a charismatic, natural leader who battles sporadic personality-altering darkness due to a traumatic experience in her youth. She must take action before it ruins her life. During one such episode, she encounters Jayden Walker, an ex-engineer turned maverick, blazing a new path off society’s grid, intent on making a difference.
Jayden subsequently hikes deep into the forest on his most confronting project yet: to infiltrate the base’s fortress-like defenses and eliminate key personnel. On the journey, he forms a unique bond with an orphaned bobcat before his ingenuity is put to the test. What he discovers is a beginning, and in another state, the corrupt distribution of an arts grant leaves a trail of grime. But how does this relate to Patricia?
Decay
Andrew Kibe’s Decay plunges readers into a nightmarish, high-stakes experiment that questions the boundaries of human endurance and morality. The story begins with Sam Williams waking up in a mysterious steel room, disoriented and desperate for answers. He and a diverse group of strangers are thrust into a deadly game where survival hinges on their ability to navigate escalating trials filled with horrifying threats, including zombified creatures and brutal ethical dilemmas. Each step in the experiment pushes them closer to their physical and psychological limits while revealing unsettling truths about their captors and themselves.
Kibe’s writing is immersive and visceral, pulling no punches in its depiction of terror and chaos. The opening chapter hooked me instantly; the claustrophobic imagery of Sam’s initial confinement was so vivid that I could almost feel the cold steel walls closing in. Kibe excels in creating tension, whether through eerie silences or the grotesque, blood-soaked battles against the zombified enemies. For instance, the description of the first encounter with a zombie was so graphic and intense that I could practically hear the crunching bones and taste the metallic tang of blood in the air. Yet, amidst the gore, Kibe threads a moving narrative about familial love, as Sam’s quest is deeply rooted in his longing to reunite with his sister.
While the action sequences are gripping, the character dynamics elevate the story further. Sam’s reluctant heroism contrasts with Leon’s hardened pragmatism and Walter’s paranoid conspiracy theories, creating friction that feels raw and believable. The inclusion of Kelly, a ten-year-old girl, adds a heartbreaking layer to the stakes. Watching her try to navigate this hellish reality alongside her protective mother, Heather, and then seeing her resilience after her mother’s tragic death, was both gut-wrenching and inspiring. Kibe’s ability to capture human vulnerability amidst monstrous chaos is commendable.
One aspect that stood out was the philosophical undertone running through the narrative. As the group progresses through the trials, they’re forced to confront not only external threats but also their moral boundaries. In one chilling moment, Leon’s assertion that they must kill to survive raises uncomfortable questions about humanity’s instinctual drive for self-preservation versus its capacity for compassion. Similarly, Sam’s internal struggle weighing his promise to protect Kelly against his own desire to find his sister adds depth to his character and keeps readers emotionally invested.
Decay is a gripping blend of survival horror and psychological drama. Andrew Kibe’s prose is sharp, his pacing relentless, and his world-building immersive. The book is perfect for fans of dystopian thrillers like The Hunger Games or survival horror stories such as The Walking Dead. If you enjoy exploring the darker corners of human nature under extreme circumstances, this book is a must-read. But fair warning: it’s not for the faint-hearted; brace yourself for a bloody, emotionally charged ride that will linger with you long after you’ve turned the final page.
Pages: 233 | ASIN : B0CPQWXW5W
The History of Mankind
Desert Guardian follows a young man on a post-graduation trip, who literally falls into a hidden world of illegal artifacts, danger, and unexpected friendships. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The grandeur and other-worldly feel of the gorges, rivers, and hoodoos of Canyonlands National Park provided the inspiration for the set-up of this story.
What were some ideas that were important for you to personify in your characters?
Ethan is a “reluctant hero,” dropped into the setting by accident, so one of his main themes was finding the strength to persevere, uncover the theft of ancient artifacts, and fight not only for his own survival but for that of newfound friends.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Our relationships with the earth, wilderness, and the history of mankind are themes in the novel. The thieves see the artifacts not as precious history but as something to be exploited. Relic, and eventually Ethan, see their connections with the past and the place that shaped it and work to protect them.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I have a total of six Relic novels and am working on the seventh. It is not likely to be ready for another year or so.
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Get ready for an epic adventurous thrill ride into danger and murder
A moonshining hermit. A campus bookworm. A midnight murder. Can an unlikely duo and a whitewater crew save themselves and an ancient Aztec battlefield from deadly looters? Ethan’s world turns upside-down when he slips off the edge of red-rock cliffs into a world of twisting ravines and coveted artifacts. Saved by a mysterious desert recluse named Relic, Ethan must join a whitewater rafting group and make his way back to civilization. But someone in the gorge is killing to protect their illegal dig for ancient treasures… When Anya, the lead whitewater guide, is attacked, he must divert the killer into the dark canyon night, but his most deadly pursuer is not who he thinks… Ethan struggles to save his new friends, face his own mortality, and unravel the chilling murders. But when they flee the secluded canyon, a lethal hunter is hot on their trail…
2024: Attack on America
2024 Attack on America is an action-packed techno-thriller that dives into the world of cyber warfare, government secrets, and espionage. The plot follows Gabriel Brinkerhoff as he navigates a crisis involving hackers, leaked intelligence, and global cyber threats. Throughout the story, Gabriel interacts with world leaders, military officials, and even supercomputers as he works to unravel a conspiracy threatening national security. The novel uses real-world technology and touches on themes of privacy, governmental overreach, and the ethical dilemmas inherent in national defense.
One of the strengths of Sasha Zarustin’s book is its almost breathless momentum. Zarustin keeps the reader engaged with frequent plot twists and a sense of urgency that rarely lets up. For example, Gabriel’s race against time to expose hackers using VPN breaches and the manipulation of social media algorithms keeps the tension high. The dialogue is sharp and feels authentic, whether in the Oval Office or among tech moguls.
The novel also leans into a particular masculine bravado, which feels over-the-top at times, but some readers may appreciate these more intimate asides in an otherwise gripping thriller. On the other hand, Zarustin does a great job portraying the intricacies of modern technology and its potential for manipulation. His exploration of social media as a tool for mind control, as explained by the character Demiurge is fascinating and chilling. The book’s detailed analysis of cyber-attacks and the vulnerability of infrastructure makes the story feel real even when the characters venture into somewhat implausible heroics. Gabriel’s reflections on cyber warfare and the ethical consequences of whistleblowing add depth to an otherwise action-driven story.
The co-plot dives more into Gabriel’s personal life, his emotional struggles and often raw interpersonal relationships. This aspect of the story contrasts sharply with the techno-thriller elements and gives the novel an introspective and existential layer. These scenes, which are marked by frank dialogue, everyday tensions and moments of self-reflection, evoke a Bukowski-esque tone as they explore masculinity, disillusionment, and the messiness of life in a more grounded way.
2024 Attack on America is a fast-paced read that will appeal to fans of political thrillers and anyone looking for a good cyber warfare story. Its action-packed narrative offers a compelling look at the dark side of technology and the fragile balance between national security and privacy.
Pages: 296 | ASIN : B0D5Z2H9GS
More Than a One-Dimensional Killer
Cadence follows an aging mercenary who, in an attempt to regain the power of his youth, binds himself through a tattoo to a deity with supernatural abilities that could either help him or kill him. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The story was inspired by a piece of fantasy art by Boris Vallejo, which showed a tattoo coming to life and biting into the muscular arm of its wearer. It was the basis for an idea which aimed to create conflict and tension between a maligned tattoo entity and the aging mercenary who had seen the inking as a necessity. I wanted Darius to be relatable and if not lovable, at least likable. To achieve this he had to be more than a one-dimensional killer, and his personality took elements from military/mercenary/criminal characters, blended with a hint of chivalry.
I find the world you created in this novel brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from, and how did it change as you were writing?
This setting aimed to steer away from the gleaming steel and wonderous technology of traditional sci-fi, while allowing room for the fantasy elements to shine through. Darius needed to move around in a world that was just as chaotic and brutal as his personality. Thankfully, there are elements in modern life and society that make this future plausible. I could also take some inspiration from dystopian futures, but without them being post-apocalyptic. The setting continued to develop as new characters emerged as it needed to be a believable catalyst for the outlooks and personalities that the characters took on. If nothing else, I wanted readers to be able to see how the maligned and twisted character personalities may have evolved as products of their environment.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
Perhaps the most interesting point in human behaviour and conditioning is our individuality and the chaotic nature of our personal development. Close friends or siblings with similar interests and abilities can perceive events in very different ways and that can cause vastly different reactions on their beliefs or future expectations. That diversity of thought and behaviour opens an endless array of opportunities to build complex and believable personalities. Those differences in reactions and personality impacts can resonate with something in all of us.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
Cadence is the first book of the Pathways series and felt like the perfect place to start the story of Darius Cade. The early concepts for the second book are already being explored, with the aim of delving deeper into Lisha’s murky past. She isn’t the only one of her kind, but we need to know more about how she has come about and the deeper purpose behind the tainting of the tattoos. In doing so, Darius will be forced to confront his dark past and excise some of his own internal demons… and enemies. If time allows, I hope to have the second book, Gait, released late in 2025.
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As comfortable as he is here, his line of work isn’t for the faint-hearted, and Darius isn’t as young as he once was. After more than 30 years on the run, his body and mind aren’t nearly as sharply honed as he needs them to be. Barely escaping a bounty hunter’s attempt to collect the price on his head, was the last straw. He can’t reverse the effect of time, but there is a way to enhance his prowess…. not through technology, but religion. The burgeoning Earthdawn religion began on Earth and has gained an immense following across the inhabited worlds. Their deity, the Light, is said to manifest blessings on followers that enhance their physical attributes, and ease disabilities. Most potent among those blessings, are tattoos, artfully crafted onto the skin and embodying a fragment of the Light.
Despite rumors of some tattoos killing their recipients, Darius agrees to have one etched into his arm. Instead of bringing in the Earthdawn deity though, a completely different and much darker entity attaches to the artfully tattooed snake. They make for a very unhappy coupling, neither accepting the other at first and only seeing each other as a liability.
Darius isn’t the only one with issues…the Earthdawn faithful have been rocked by a series of macabre murders amongst their hierarchy. Giving up on the local police, they target Darius as the best criminal option to get answers. He gets the answers of course, but they aren’t going to be the answers that anyone wanted, and there will be no shortage of casualties along the way.
Cadence progresses through the interaction between these two main characters, Darius the wanted mercenary, and Lisha, the feminine entity bound to the tattoo, as he investigates the killings. In doing so he navigates a brutal criminal world to slowly piece together the answers. She needs to learn and understand just what she is capable of, while reveling in the depraved and violent world that Darius exists in. He needs to accept what she brings to their binding and make the most of the supernatural skills that she brings to bear. In the end, there is no undoing the connection, so they will either learn to co-exist or cease to exist at all.
Cadence
Cadence, by David Loermans, is a thrilling ride through a dystopian world where crime, corruption, and a peculiar religious order intertwine. The story follows Darius, a hardened criminal with a bounty on his head, as he navigates a city rife with chaos and decay. Paired with Lisha, an enigmatic and powerful entity bound to him through a mysterious tattoo, Darius takes on dangerous missions that bring him face-to-face with religious leaders, corrupt officials, and deadly adversaries. The book mixes high-stakes action, dark humor, and philosophical musings on power, faith, and human nature.
Loermans’ writing style is gritty and immersive, perfectly capturing the grim atmosphere of Sorel. The vivid descriptions of the decaying cityscape and the brutal reality of life within it are both compelling and haunting. The dialogue is sharp and often laced with dark humor, adding depth to the characters and making their interactions authentic. The relationship between Darius and Lisha is particularly intriguing as it evolves from mere necessity to a complex partnership marked by mutual dependence and a shared thirst for mayhem.
One of the standout aspects is its exploration of the Earthdawn religion and its influence on the city and its inhabitants. The Earthdawn, with its emphasis on light and purity, stands in stark contrast to the darkness and corruption that pervades the story. This juxtaposition raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of faith, power, and morality. The scenes involving the Earthdawn leadership, particularly the tense negotiations, and violent confrontations, are some of the most gripping in the book, highlighting the lengths to which people will go to maintain control and protect their beliefs. Some chapters feel packed with action and intrigue, while others slow down significantly, delving into Darius’s internal struggles and his complex relationship with Lisha. These introspective moments add depth to his character.
Cadence is a captivating read for those who enjoy dark, dystopian thrillers with a philosophical edge. David Loermans crafts a vivid and unsettling world populated by complex characters and driven by a relentless, often brutal narrative. Fans of cyberpunk and gritty crime fiction will find much to appreciate in this book, while those interested in exploring themes of faith, power, and human nature will be drawn in by its deeper questions.
Eyes Shout Secrets: Subterfuge Can Have A Soul – Book 1 (A Trust Mystery Suspense Thriller)
C. L. Hyde’s debut novel, Eyes Shout Secrets: Subterfuge Can Have a Soul, masterfully blends mystery, human emotion, and moral complexity into a compelling thriller. Set in an enigmatic world that defies the characters’ perceptions, this narrative is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally charged. The story centers on Bram de Jong, a devoted family man who has built a cherished life in London with his wife, Xoese, and their joyful children. Their idyllic existence is shattered when Rachael, a mysterious woman, delivers a chilling ultimatum: Bram must abandon his family or face an unimaginable nightmare that threatens to destroy them. Refusing to yield to this unfathomable demand, Bram’s defiance sets off a chain of perilous events, unraveling his reality and thrusting him into a world of menacing forces.
C.L. Hyde’s skillful storytelling captures the essence of Bram’s struggle to protect his loved ones and the life they have built, infusing the narrative with a palpable sense of urgency and tension. Hyde’s writing is characterized by its lyrical quality and vivid imagery, bringing both the setting and characters to vibrant life. His creative turns of phrase, such as “Extremely unusual in recruitment, where outlasting a mushroom on a spring day was worthy of a field medal,” add a unique flair to the prose.
As the inaugural book in the Trust Mystery Thriller series, Eyes Shout Secrets: Subterfuge Can Have a Soul promises a strong following eagerly anticipating the next installment. Hyde’s ability to explore the psychological intricacies of Bram’s moral dilemmas lends a profound realism to the story, while the intricate plot twists ensure a gripping, page-turning experience. Hyde has gifted readers with a thought-provoking and engaging thriller that challenges the boundaries of loyalty, morality, and reality.
C. L. Hyde’s Eyes Shout Secrets: Subterfuge Can Have a Soul is a remarkable entry into the mystery thriller genre, offering a sophisticated blend of intrigue, emotional depth, and moral complexity. This promising start to the Trust Mystery Thriller series leaves readers eager for more, solidifying Hyde’s place as a noteworthy new voice in the genre. This book is a must-read for those who appreciate a thriller that not only entertains but also challenges the mind and touches the heart.
Pages: 486 | ASIN : B0B9CCHHZF
Saving Karma
Saving Karma offers a compelling journey through the life of Bree, a young girl who, having lost her parents, faces the complexities of her final year in high school. The novel adeptly navigates her aspirations for higher education, juxtaposing challenging family dynamics that threaten her dreams. Bree’s encounter with a peculiar apprenticeship heightened this poignant narrative, setting the stage for a life-altering experience.
Author Bracken’s prowess in creating vivid, immersive environments is noteworthy. The descriptive prowess imbues the settings and characters with a tangible realism, allowing readers to feel intimately connected to Bree’s world. Bracken’s narrative style is both engaging and accessible, masterfully balancing detail with narrative momentum. Bree emerges as a relatable protagonist, an everygirl with ambitious plans, now entwined in a web of familial secrets and unfolding mysteries. Her journey is not just a series of events but an exploration of life’s unpredictability and the resilience required to navigate it.
The book’s strength lies in its ability to maintain intrigue, with a constant undercurrent of questions and unexpected developments that keep the reader engaged. Bracken’s unique storytelling, rich in twists and turns, makes this book a noteworthy addition to conspiracy thrillers, offering a fresh perspective on the trials and tribulations of young adulthood. Through Bree’s journey, Bracken invites readers to reflect on the impact of family, the importance of dreams, and the often unexpected paths life takes us on.
Saving Karma, with its vivid imagery, relatable characters, and a narrative that skillfully weaves suspense and emotional depth, is sure to resonate with readers seeking a thoughtful, engaging exploration of the complexities of young adulthood.
Pages: 377 | ASIN : B08C3SPSTN
