Blog Archives
Lycan Lineage
Lycan Lineage, by Dorianne Ashe, begins as a high-school love story and then sheds its skin fast: June, a cautious senior counting down to graduation, is attacked in a park by a police officer who turns out to be a werewolf, only to learn that she herself belongs to an ancient lycan bloodline. From there, the book widens from local panic to hidden councils, hunter ancestry, supernatural politics, and a deeper reckoning with lineage, desire, and power. It starts with lockers, gossip, and band rehearsal, then opens into a paranormal world with old hierarchies and older wounds.
I enjoyed this book most when it trusted its feral pulse. The early attack sequence has real momentum, and June’s voice carries a jittery, intimate urgency that makes the danger feel close to the skin rather than merely cinematic. I also liked the way the novel lets adolescence and monstrosity overlap instead of treating them as separate tracks: hunger, embarrassment, attraction, secrecy, self-invention, all of it gets folded into the werewolf mythology. That overlap gives the book its best voltage. Even when the prose leans melodramatic, it often does so with conviction, and conviction counts for a great deal in a paranormal romance. There is something unabashedly moon-drunk about the whole enterprise, and I mean that as praise.
Ashe’s writing is strongest in propulsion and mood. At times, the dialogue states emotion rather than letting it smolder, and some turns in the mythology arrive in a rush, taking June from shock to destiny quickly. But even there, I found myself pulled along by the author’s willingness to go full tilt: secret councils, bloodlines, hunters, Egypt, betrayal, desire, war. The novel does not nibble; it lunges. And while I wanted a bit more polish in places, I never had the bored, beige feeling that plagues so much genre fiction. This book wants to entertain you.
I’d hand Lycan Lineage to readers who like paranormal romance, urban fantasy, werewolf fiction, supernatural coming-of-age, and romantic fantasy with a strong first-person heroine and a taste for danger. Fans of Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight will recognize the charged human-monster attraction, though this novel is wilder, pulpier, and less interested in chasteness than in appetite. Lycan Lineage is messy in the way a storm is messy, loud, darkly glittering, and hard to look away from.
Pages: 307 | ASIN : B0GNCD1Q6Z
Coping With Inner Turmoil
The Winds of War opens with a sweeping fantasy world marked by old grudges, broken continents, and horrors that crawl out of black oceans. What was the inspiration that drove the development of the world the characters live in?
From a literary standpoint, the biggest inspirations were George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire and Steven Erikson’s The Malazan Book of the Fallen. I owe so much to these titanic authors for planting the seeds in my imagination that would eventually grow into the setting and themes of The Winds of War. Beyond books, I’m a big fan of video games, and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is my all-time favorite game. The grit and brooding of that game and series have undoubtedly influenced the world of The Tapestry of the Tarnished, from its characters and politics to its bestiary and scenery.
What was the chosen theme of the novel, or did it develop organically as you were writing?
I feel that choosing firm themes from the outset can lead to stiff, forced writing, and so I let themes develop organically through the course of a book. With that said, themes of oppression, religious fanaticism, and one’s journey in coping with inner turmoil are things that I feel strongly about, and I’m not surprised that all of these and more made their way into The Winds of War.
I think the story has roots in the classic fantasy genre and blends darker themes. Do you read books from that genre? What were some books or authors that you think influenced The Winds of War?
The classic fantasy roots all lead back to The Lord of the Rings. That’s a very unoriginal answer, I know, and yet I know that I would not be here today discussing my own epic fantasy story if not for Tolkien’s work. While my own books are darker and grittier than those that typically fall under the classic fantasy genre, the influence of those foundational works is irrefutable. Moreover, Tolkien was a big inspiration in showing me that an author can be more than just a writer. I designed the cover of my own book, created its world map, and drew most of the interior artwork. The confidence to embark on such an independent journey came in large part from knowing that Tolkien once did the same.
Where does the story go in the next book, and where do you see it going in the future?
I don’t want to give away too much, obviously, but the story is going to both expand and go deeper in book two. The events of the first book set up the sequel to be highly climactic, and I intend to follow through on that. There will be new characters, new locations, and new creatures, along with all that came before. There will be deeper introspection and more thought-provoking insights than anything in the first book. The mysteries of the world will continue to unravel, and the wars will rage on ever fiercer. The stakes will be higher than ever. It’s going to be awesome.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Website | Amazon
The Astaris Empire is fracturing, its realm flogged by war and fanaticism. Empress Seline and her Gold Council vie to maintain control, but what is control for a nation built on blood and lies?
In the east, the storied Rhaavi people cling to their independence, but as the ruinous First Legion of the Empire arrives at their walls, hope is decimated. Even so, Yuei, the dragonrider, and Rizu, the shadow guardian, will lay down their lives to protect their home. And Kirana, High Chieftainess of the Rhaavi, vows to lead her people through . . . no matter the cost.
Elsewhere, the prodigious Hatsun pursues an education at the fabled Great Library of the Awakened. But he quickly learns that curiosity is both a boon and a burden as his studies unveil cataclysmic secrets about the world that could change everything.
This book marks the first chapter of The Tapestry of the Tarnished. Here is a tale spanning the whole of the Ring: A circle of continents rife with war and unrest. A world colored by magics and mythical creatures. A place you will fear, yet not wish to leave.
George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire meets Steven Erikson’s The Malazan Book of the Fallen in this burgeoning epic fantasy saga.
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
