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Hell Hounds
Hell Hounds is a supernatural fantasy that dives deep into the clash between Heaven and Hell, following the fateful child of both realms. The story begins with Archangel Michael and the demon Asmodeus creating a fragile pact, one that binds their worlds through a child destined to protect both sides. As the centuries pass, the novel follows this lineage, hunters, demons, angels, and mortals all entangled in a fight that questions loyalty, destiny, and love. There’s blood, betrayal, and tenderness tucked into moments of brutal war. It’s a saga of balance, between faith and sin, light and dark, family and fate.
The pacing runs hot and cold, but when it hits, it really hits. The dialogue snaps with grit, and the characters, especially Sully, the tormented hunter, and Mick, the brave yet uncertain daughter of an archangel, carry the story with heart. There’s something raw about the way author Barb Jones blends divine mythology with modern grit. She makes angels and demons feel human, with jealousy, doubt, and love that burns like fire. The fight scenes pop off the page. But the quiet moments, the ones between Sully and his father Asmodeus, or Mick facing Lucifer, those are where the book truly breathes.
There are a lot of names to follow and many battles happening at once. I had to slow down to keep up with who was scheming against whom. Yet, there’s a certain charm in the chaos. It feels intentional, like the author wanted the reader to drown in the same storm her characters are fighting. There’s power in that confusion, it mirrors the war between Heaven and Hell itself. The prose isn’t polished, but it makes the mythic feel intimate, like you’re eavesdropping on gods and monsters having very human arguments.
I’d recommend Hell Hounds to anyone who loves dark fantasy with heart. To readers who crave a world where angels curse, demons cry, and love defies kingdoms. If you’re the type who likes your stories bloody and soulful, with just enough chaos to keep your pulse up, this one’s for you.
Pages: 162 | ASIN : B0FJ7M7S9Y
Endless Fiction
I, Monster follows a boy born into poverty, abuse, and neglect who is shaped by these experiences into a predator that aims to not only silence those in the concentration camp, but also erase their existence. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I had done extensive research on the Nazi SS and their rise to power for a nonfiction book when I was still a professor. I had always wanted to know how could a person commit such acts of terror, document that terror, and still function as a human being? That is when I got the idea of following some of the prominent SS figures and charting their course. I had found that a number of them were outcasts, bullied, and considered on the fringe socially.
So, I used my extensive psychology background and created Hans, who grew up in the post-World War 1 era and the punitive Treaty of Versailles, where hardship, deep resentment of the West, poverty, and political instability thrived. That was the fuel; now all you needed was a spark. Enter the National Socialist German Workers Party, a.k.a. the Nazis, and you have Hans.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
I believe that the human condition is a source of endless fiction because life is full of contradictions, struggles, and the intense desire to do or have something. Yet, at the same time, much of life is routine—we work, eat meals, sleep, and get up to do it all over again. Fiction allows me to reveal the strangeness that lurks beneath the ordinary. This offers me the ability to remind readers that life is stranger and more fragile than it appears.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
It was probably the overarching theme that embodies the “monster” within an otherwise rational man. The novel makes the unsettling point that “monstrosity” is not an external force—it already exists within the human condition, just waiting for the right circumstances and choices to call it forth.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
My next book is actually a love story, Framed in Love, that is steeped in fantasy and explores the psychological condition of “How far will you go, and what are you willing to do to keep that love alive?” In a world where love can be bound by spell and sacrifice, a devoted lover discovers that devotion has no bottom, and is preserving love worth losing everything that makes a person human?
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
To the world, he was just a bureaucrat in a coat too neat, boots too polished. But behind those cold eyes was a man obsessed with silence. Where others saw genocide, he saw design. And now, decades later, as investigators unearth the ruins and whispers resurface, the question echoes louder than ever: What happens when the monster is the one who writes the ending—and signs no name?
Fast-Paced Storytelling
Lord of the Crimson Dawn follows a hitman on assignment in Mexico who winds up being turned into a vampire, but not like others; he can walk in the sunlight and has unmatched powers that have never been seen before. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I had a lot of inspiration. Growing up, I had my favorite vampires, like Christopher Lee, Frank Langella, and Gary Oldman. But I was heavily inspired by a mixture of Underworld and The Blade movies and comics. I enjoyed writing this genre. I’ve always loved the fast-paced storytelling, like Indiana Jones movies. I just added the blood and gore to the mix.
Jack is a fascinating character. What scene was the most interesting to write for that character?
Jack is one of my favorite characters I created. There were a few scenes I enjoyed, but what I really enjoyed writing was the scenes where he wasn’t sure what was a dream and what was reality, and then he discovers that it was all real while he was being transformed into a vampire.
What intrigues you about the horror and paranormal genres that led you to write this book?
Growing up, I enjoyed all types of horror films, from the old-time monsters to slasher films. I also enjoyed reading vampire novels along with other monster and demon novels.
Will this novel be the start of a series, or are you working on a different story?
Yes, this will be the start of a new series, and yes, I am working on a new story as well as a new story for my Demon Hunter series.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
The Lights of Greyfare
The book follows Katherine Calder, a burned-out journalist reeling from heartbreak, addiction, and the collapse of her marriage. She drifts into Greyfare, a coastal Maine town wrapped in fog, folklore, and menace. What begins as an assignment about strange lights and odd behavior slowly spirals into something darker, blending her personal unraveling with the creeping dread of a town that seems alive in ways it shouldn’t be. The story balances her private grief with an escalating sense of otherworldly danger, drawing the reader into a story where isolation, obsession, and the supernatural bleed together.
I found myself both impressed and unsettled by Juno Guadalupe’s writing. The prose is vivid, almost cinematic, and it often feels like the narrator is talking directly to you. The raw honesty in Kat’s self-destructive habits and inner monologue resonated with me. Sometimes I wanted to shake her. Other times, I felt her pain in my gut. The blend of humor and despair made her feel real. But the story also takes sudden, chilling turns. Those shifts, from Kat’s drunken sarcasm to grotesque encounters with what lurks in Greyfare, kept me off balance in the best way. It was like watching a storm roll in, beautiful and terrifying.
Kat’s internal spirals gave the story a raw and unfiltered rhythm. They slowed the pace in a way that felt intentional, letting me sit with her turmoil instead of rushing past it. Her reliance on alcohol and pills wasn’t easy to watch, but it made her struggle painfully real. That messy honesty reminded me how complicated people are, and that’s what gave the book its emotional punch. The horror elements, especially the mimicry and the way the environment itself seemed to breathe, gave me chills. They also mirrored Kat’s own sense of being replaced or erased, which added a clever layer of psychological dread.
The Lights of Greyfare is more than just a horror story. It’s about grief, identity, and the lies we tell ourselves just to keep going. I’d recommend it to readers who like their horror atmospheric and layered with emotional weight. If you enjoy Stephen King’s small-town dread or Gillian Flynn’s raw character work, this book will pull you in. Just don’t expect clean answers. Expect to sit with the fog, the echoes, and the ache of a story that wants to haunt you long after you close the book.
Pages: 345 | ASIN : B0FLLJMWZS
Revived
Barbara Avon’s Revived is a haunting and deeply emotional psychological horror novel that explores love, trauma, and the supernatural through the eyes of a tormented couple, Cassie and Steven. Set initially in a gloomy, century-old house with a chilling past, the story quickly spirals into something far darker when Steven dies in a tragic accident, only to be revived. What follows is a slow, dread-soaked descent into psychological chaos as Steven’s return blurs the lines between life and death, love and obsession, memory and madness. Through atmospheric prose and shifting perspectives, Avon crafts a tale where the scariest monsters might just be the ones we carry inside.
To be honest, this book shook me. The writing is sharp and poetic. Avon doesn’t flinch from digging deep into the murky waters of mental illness, trauma, and grief. Her characters feel painfully real, especially Cassie, who’s written with a rawness that made my chest tighten. At times, the prose borders on lyrical, and that contrast—beauty laid over horror—makes it all the more unsettling. I appreciated that this wasn’t a traditional horror story with jump scares. Instead, it’s a slow burn, a psychological unraveling that lingers in your head long after the last page. Avon’s portrayal of intimacy, both emotional and physical, walks a razor’s edge between sensuality and vulnerability, adding a deeply human layer to the supernatural tension.
But here’s the thing: this book isn’t easy. It’s uncomfortable. Disturbing. It’s full of trauma that’s never neatly resolved. The ambiguity can be frustrating—what’s real, what’s hallucination, what’s supernatural—but I think that’s the point. You’re meant to feel off-balance. Still, I had moments where I felt emotionally wrung out and had to step away. That said, I kept coming back. The pacing could be a little uneven at times, and there’s a surreal quality that might not work for every reader. But if you give it your trust, it pays off with a visceral, deeply affecting experience.
Revived is not for the faint of heart. It’s for readers who want more than a thrill—they want to be unsettled, to feel something. I’d recommend it to fans of psychological horror who aren’t afraid of stories that peel back skin to reveal the mess underneath. If you like Shirley Jackson, early Stephen King, or Gillian Flynn’s darker narratives, this book might just crawl under your skin in the best ways.
Pages: 141 | ASIN : B09WZDDPVM
Cauldron of Dagda: The Witch’s Rebirth Part II
Michaela Riley’s Cauldron of Dagda: The Witch’s Rebirth Part II is a sweeping tale of magic, rebirth, and epic destiny, rooted in a richly imagined version of early medieval Europe. Set against the backdrop of 6th-century Francia and the Byzantine Empire, the story follows Merona, a reborn witch, who is thrust once more into a fractured world on the brink of ruin. Guided by visions, ancient gods, and her loyal companions, she must wield the legendary Cauldron of Dagda to restore balance and ward off an encroaching darkness. The novel seamlessly intertwines elements of pagan mysticism with the turbulence of political upheaval, all set within a richly mythological framework.
From the outset, the atmosphere in the story is deeply evocative. The prologue resonates with a potent blend of tension and lyrical beauty, particularly in lines such as, “In the depths of this chaos, hidden within the labyrinth of shadows, the Witch lay ensconced in her own despair.” That moment is haunting in its imagery and sets the tone for the entire narrative. Michaela Riley’s prose is often poetic, even lush, and this quality serves as a notable strength. The rich detail, especially in the vivid depictions of Samhain rituals, flickering torchlight, and whispered invocations, creates an immersive reading experience.
Character-wise, Merona really grabbed my heart. Her struggle with power and doubt felt honest and human, even when she’s literally summoning ancient gods or wielding divine relics. One standout moment comes when she reunites with Murdach in the forest, sobbing, “I have been lost in the endless shadows of the labyrinth once more.” That vulnerability made her feel grounded despite the mythic stakes. Her relationship with her mother, Mairead, was another emotional anchor. Their reunion in the sacred grove was profoundly moving, evoking a powerful emotional response. Riley demonstrates a remarkable ability to craft poignant moments with authenticity and restraint, allowing the emotional weight to resonate without ever feeling contrived.
The narrative structure is richly layered, weaving together ritual, prophecy, memory, and vision to create a story that feels both mythic and immersive. Each chapter unfolds with a dreamlike intensity, blending past and present in a way that evokes the timeless nature of the tale. This interlacing of timelines enhances the sense of destiny at work, heightening the emotional and thematic resonance of Merona’s journey. As the narrative builds toward the expedition to Constantinople, the momentum becomes increasingly gripping. The Morrigan’s haunting transformations and the looming menace of Varis inject a thrilling urgency into the plot, amplifying the sense of peril and the high stakes that define the story’s arc.
Cauldron of Dagda: The Witch’s Rebirth Part II is an evocative, mystical epic that pulses with feminine power, ancient magic, and emotional truth. It’s best suited for readers who love deeply mythic stories with a poetic writing style and a strong, complex heroine. I’d recommend it to fantasy lovers who enjoy spiritual themes, Celtic lore, and high-stakes drama wrapped in gorgeous prose.
Pages: 434 | ASIN : B0DWVRBM2F
Hidden Behind a Screen
In DON’T MESS WITH ANNA, an online troll meets his match after leaving a one-star review and antagonizing an author. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
About ten years ago, I had actually found a 1-star rating for one of my books on a reader site and there was no written review to explain why this person thought it was so bad. For a new author, it was gut-wrenching. Out of curiosity, I clicked on the person’s page and was astonished to see they had given close to a hundred 1 stars with no written explanation to a bunch of high-profile authors all within a matter of minutes and all on the same day. I could only laugh and say, “Wow! Mad at the world or something?” What’s an author to do but shrug and move on. I comforted myself by being included with these illustrious authors. Late last year, a newly minted author friend of mine received a 1-star with no explanation and gave him a little comfort over my own experience. In an instant I had this image of this irritating author troll down in his mom’s basement cackling like a loon while wreaking havoc in his anonymity. Then I laughingly wondered what my characters would think of someone so carelessly bashing their very existence. Milton was born that day. I let my characters have at him.
I found Milton Smith to be such an interesting character. What was the inspiration for his traits and dialogue?
Instead of presenting Milton as a comic book villain, I knew full well that the person who started this journey for me was just a simple human and probably had some sort of character flaw where he was only happy when trashing someone else’s day. What power they must have felt for causing me to hope for a boatload of 5 stars to offset what he’d done to the book in one click. It took me years for that 1-star to slowly get swallowed up by those who actually enjoyed the story. I envisioned Milton as very intelligent, yet socially ignorant. Something had to have caused him to lash out at the world in the only way he knew how. He had to have a way to explain himself out of the mess he caused. He had to have enough brains to finally catch on that you cannot stay hidden behind a screen forever. Karma always comes knocking at some point.
What was your favorite scene in this story?
Without giving too much away, it has to be Godric and Milton by the ‘wall of weirdness.’ I believe this is where the reader will fully understand the emotional pain Milton caused to others he’s never met. It’s chaos theory’s butterfly effect in a nutshell.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I have a sequel to Don’t Mess with Anna in mind, but that might be a while before I can get it out. I want to adapt this first one into a screenplay. I did that with Visiting Darkness, my mystery thriller, and it made it to the semi-finals in the Hollywood Blue Cat screenplay contest. I basically freaked myself out when realizing I had gone up against close to 3,000 entries from seasoned veterans and placed in the top 3%. Even making it to quarter finals had been a shot in the dark, so going further was mind blowing. Just my luck, Hollywood went on strike shortly after and things in the works died on the vine. I’ve now gotten Visiting Darkness’s sequel screenplay in a lot of contests this year and fingers crossed. I’m also in the middle of completing book 16 of my romance series. My fans there are asking where the heck did I go and when’s the next one, so I surely don’t want to disappoint. Love my readers!
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Anna DeMarco’s creative world shatters when a remorseless stranger tears it apart—no blood spilled, just her spirit broken. He thinks he’s won. He’s wrong.
Dragged into a realm where karma wields a jagged edge and magic fuels vengeance, Milton Smith faces a brutal reckoning. How dare he make her cry.
This modern-day critic obsessed with medieval lore crossed the wrong writer—and finds himself hurled into a brutal world of his own making. In a land where curses sting sharper than steel and shadowed by magic he can’t comprehend, his arrogance becomes his chains.
Hard labor, spilled blood, and the wrath of those he wronged awaits. But in the end, even the damned might find redemption—if they survive the reckoning.
‘Don’t mess with Anna’ isn’t a warning—it’s his fate.
Comic Relief
Devil’s Spit follows a rum-drenched city guard with a haunted past who is investigating a brutal murder scene with six bodies, which leads him into a far-reaching conspiracy putting his own life in jeopardy. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I thought it would be great fun to have an action detective novel set inside a fantasy world. It’s not a detective novel without a detective who’s really messed up and Inspector Greaves from the Ironbay city guard plays that role. His assistant and sidekick Probationary Constable Nigel Owens provides some comic relief and some unexpected surprises.
The novel is a prequel to the Ironborn Saga and we see a whole pile of the characters that are in the series, in different roles and different stages of their lives. That’s fun for people who’ve already read the other books in the series and it also sets up those books for those who haven’t. I wrote the book so you didn’t have to read any other Ironborn Saga novels to enjoy it, but if you have there are nuggets sprinkled all through it.
What was the inspiration for the culture of your characters? Is it modeled after any particular society?
Devil’s Spit is set in Ironbay, the main city in my Ironborn Saga. It’s a prequel and this version of Ironbay is full of corrupt, murderous gangs, and people scraping to eke out a living. The city has a very vague English industrial feel to it but it’s not modeled after a specific society.
I felt that Devil’s Spit delivers the drama so well that it flirts with the grimdark genre. Was it your intention to give the story a darker tone?
In the Ironborn novels, I try to make them violent enough that you feel like the main characters are in real peril when you read the books. I also try to even that out with humour sprinkled in. And in my novels, it’s common for the main character to succeed to a certain extent. So it’s not really grimdark, just on the edges of it.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I’m currently working on the next book in the Ironborn Saga. We return to Ironbay and Crutch dealing with what’s left of the city after City Of Corpses. It should be released sometime in the next 3 months.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
But this is no ordinary murder. The conspiracy reaches higher than Inspector Greaves could ever have anticipated and uncovering it could lead to his death and the deaths of everyone he cares about. Can Inspector Greaves reveal the true murderer? Can he and Sergeant Zander’s royal marines survive protecting the innocent when every criminal and Ironbay’s corrupt city guard are determined to kill them?
Literary Titan Rating: 5/5
“Devil’s Spit is a gritty, booze-soaked detective noir tucked inside a fantasy world teeming with corruption, gang violence, and moral rot. The story follows Inspector Jack Greaves, a rum-drenched city guard with a haunted past, as he investigates a brutal murder scene that turns out to be more than just another night in Ironbay. With a rookie constable at his side and enemies lurking around every corner, Greaves dives headfirst into a tangled mess of bodies, secrets, and vendettas that refuse to stay buried.
This book had me hooked from the first swig of devil’s spit. The writing is razor-sharp, fast-paced, and just oozes atmosphere.”
This exciting, action packed prequel to the Ironborn Saga has surprises that set up book #9 in the series, with a wide range of characters including Sergeant Zander, Quicksilver, Longshot, Doc, Jasper, Mincer, Crutch, and Cedric.
IMPORTANT: This prequel is a stand alone novel that sets up book #9 in The Ironborn Saga. It is a stand alone novel but it is essential reading before you read book #9.
LITERARY TITAN 