Blog Archives
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.
Beyond Blood Ties
The Shadow and the Scream follows a woman struggling with trauma who encounters a distressed teen girl, and she is drawn into a supernatural mystery to find a killer. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I have a really good friend who has been diagnosed with complex PTSD as a result of long-term chronic relational family trauma. I remember having a lot of conversations with her over the years about how she struggles to find books that represent the ongoing, long-term recovery of trauma survivors. I’m also really interested in the idea of female rage, and how this manifests, especially in female survivors of trauma. I’ve also always been fascinated by the concept of monsters, what makes something a ‘monster’, and what being a ‘monster’ means. I decided I wanted to combine all these ideas to create a world where monsters were drawn to human rage and pain, providing a way for my characters to explore their feelings and learn to accept them as part of themselves. In the story, and in the series as a whole, the creatures called ‘monsters’ are often not the ones perpetrating real harm. I liked the idea of the monstrous deeds not actually being carried out by the creatures labelled as ‘monsters’, but by ordinary human beings working within the confines of a society that allowed them to behave monstrously.
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?
I’ll admit, I struggle to stick to a story plan! A lot of the worldbuilding for Wilderness, the world Annie and Sheb travel to, emerged organically as I was writing. I had some idea about the Dread King and who he was, but the power of the Wood, and its magic, was something that evolved over the course of the first two drafts. I am a huge advocate for ecological sustainability and respecting our living planet, so a lot of my books tend to have a nod toward that, including through using settings like the Wood as characters in their own right.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
A key one for me was the importance of found family, and building a positive, protective community for yourself. I have an extremely supportive family, whom I love dearly, but not everyone does, and I wanted to provide room in my stories for the idea of family to go beyond blood ties and genetic relations and move more toward communities of people who care for and look out for each other. Trauma recovery was also another big one for me, including the fact that it takes time, and there are often setbacks. I also really wanted to explore the idea of how we can harness our emotions to better understand ourselves. That’s the whole point in the relationship that grows between Annie and her monster, Wriggler. She believes her rage makes her wicked and evil. What Wriggler shows her is that emotions are neither good nor bad and, if we learn to harness them properly, even anger can be a force for positive change.
What will your next novel be about, and what will the whole series encompass?
I’ve actually already published book 2 of The Nowhere Chronicles! It’s called ‘Flight of the Bone Crow’ and, in it, Annie and her friends venture into Sheb’s world, where he must contend with his past. Like ‘The Shadow and the Scream’, there is a monstrous mystery to solve, a whole new world to explore, a natural setting that has its own personality, and plenty of new characters to get to know! You can grab the book from my website, or from most of the large, popular online bookstores. I’ve just finished the developmental edits for book 3, which is called ‘A Fearsome, Lonely Heart’, and, in this one, Annie will have to confront someone important from her own past. It’s due to be released later this year!
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Instagram | Website | Amazon
***Feathered Quill Bronze Award 2025***In a world of hidden monsters, she must catch a killer – without becoming one herself.
Annie has spent five years hiding in the parallel universe of Nowhere, wrestling with a terrible, uncontrollable power. But her fragile peace shatters when a distressed teenage girl emerges through a mysterious portal, claiming to have witnessed a monstrous murder. Reluctantly, Annie is drawn into a supernatural mystery that will test her resolve and challenge her very nature.
As she delves deeper into this twisted tale, Annie uncovers unsettling secrets and faces off against a monstrous force she barely understands. With each step, she battles not only external threats but also her own inner demons.
Can she solve the mystery and catch the killer without becoming as monstrous as the beast she hunts?
This coming-of-age fantasy novel blends suspense, complex characters, and immersive worldbuilding with themes of love, forgiveness, and family. If you enjoy the eerie atmosphere of Stranger Things combined with the heart of How to Train Your Dragon, you’ll love this adventure that explores trauma and self-acceptance.
Don’t miss out on the dark fantasy sensation that’s mesmerizing readers. Grab your copy of The Shadow and the Scream now and lose yourself in a world where shadows whisper and screams echo with untold secrets!
The Shadow and the Scream
The Shadow and the Scream by Rebecca L. Fearnley takes readers into a dark and thrilling world, following Annie as she navigates chilling confrontations with monsters both real and imagined. It’s a gritty tale steeped in darkness, magic, and the shadowy corners of human experience, particularly highlighting Annie’s struggles with domestic abuse and trauma. Through forty-five gripping chapters, the novel pulls you deep into the tension-filled journey of a protagonist wrestling with internal demons and otherworldly threats.
What really enjoyed about Fearnley’s writing was her intense, almost visceral way of illustrating emotional trauma. Right from the start in Chapter One, the raw depiction of Annie’s internal struggles is both unsettling and captivating. I found myself deeply moved yet a bit overwhelmed, particularly in scenes where Annie’s pain was almost palpable. Sometimes, it felt like Fearnley held nothing back, and while that intensity might not be everyone’s cup of tea, it certainly left an impression on me.
Another thing that stood out was the world-building—especially notable in chapters like “Through the Portal Tree” and “The Battle for Lin.” These were immersive moments that sucked me right into Fearnley’s uniquely crafted universe. I felt transported, right alongside Annie, through every harrowing battle and heart-pounding escape. There was never a moment where the story’s atmosphere didn’t feel real, even amidst its supernatural chaos.
The relentless pace, particularly in chapters like “Fangs and Fury” and “Storming the Manor,” sometimes made it challenging to catch my emotional breath. It’s not necessarily a downside—more like an emotional marathon. Yet, in the quieter moments, like those in “Maeve Remembers,” the depth and humanity of the characters genuinely shined through, providing necessary emotional relief.
The Shadow and the Scream is powerful and raw, a dive into darkness that ultimately highlights resilience and courage. I’d highly recommend it to readers who aren’t afraid of confronting heavy themes alongside fantastical horrors. If you’re someone who loves intense, emotional rollercoasters with well-crafted supernatural twists, this is definitely a book that’ll grab you and refuse to let go.
Pages: 689 | ASIN : B0CCP4SGW1
Darke Realms: One Tough Temporary She Alpha (Arcana 2)
Michele L. Sayre’s Darke Realms – One Tough Temporary She Alpha drops you into a world where supernatural beings, werewolf politics, and the remnants of a brutal war collide. The book follows Leiry Matthis, a reluctant alpha, forced back to her pack after the death of her rogue mate and father. The stakes are high. Her son is in danger, a self-proclaimed Rogue Alpha King is on the rise, and she has no patience for anyone trying to control her fate. With power struggles, deep emotional wounds, and a fierce determination to protect her own, Leiry embodies the grit and resilience that define Sayre’s heroines.
One of the strongest aspects of this book is its protagonist. Leiry is not your typical heroine. She’s hardened by loss, unapologetically strong, and yet emotionally vulnerable in moments that make her feel incredibly real. From the first chapter, where she steps back onto the packlands she once fled, the weight of her past is palpable. The author does a great job balancing her toughness with raw emotional depth, like when she recalls her mate’s death during the Arcana-Kabaltz War. The trauma is still fresh, and Sayre doesn’t shy away from showing how that grief shapes Leiry’s choices.
The world-building in this book is layered with supernatural history, werewolf customs, and high-stakes politics. Sayre weaves in elements of mythology and war lore, making the conflict feel bigger than just a personal struggle. It’s about survival, legacy, and the balance between light and dark. The concept of the Arcana, beings of light who oppose the Kabaltz, agents of darkness, adds an epic scope to the story. The inclusion of treaties, sacred burial rites, and pack dynamics makes the world feel lived-in, though at times, the sheer amount of detail can slow things down. Still, it’s a rich setting that fantasy lovers will appreciate.
There are moments where the pacing slows, particularly in the middle of the book. Some sections take their time delving into exposition, especially when exploring the mythology and history of this world. While these details add depth and intrigue, they occasionally pause the action. Similarly, some dialogue leans into exposition, particularly when characters reflect on past events. However, Sayre’s snappy writing style and Leiry’s sharp inner monologue keep the story engaging, ensuring the book moves forward in an enjoyable way.
Darke Realms – One Tough Temporary She Alpha (Arcana 2) is a gripping read for fans of supernatural fantasy, particularly those who enjoy strong female leads and intricate world-building. If you love stories with werewolves, war-torn pasts, and heroines who don’t take crap from anyone, this book will be right up your alley.
Pages: 542 | ASIN : B0DXKH34D2
A Greater Story
The Legacy of the Dreamer follows a man on the brink of death who pleads for his life only to have his wish granted by someone with forbidden magic, leaving him with the unsettling realization that he can no longer die. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I’ve always enjoyed stories of immortality, but they never end in a way that realizes its definition. Even at a young age when I heard someone say they wanted to live forever, I knew there was no way for that to end well. I wanted to explore what it would be like to truly live forever.
I wrote about how I personally view immortality, as something that could not have a happy ending. With my vision of this, there can only be yearning, despair, and hopelessness in the end.
What were some of the emotional and moral guidelines you followed when developing your characters?
It was important for my main character, Renealt, to be suffering. I was not kind to him. He is grieving, and unable to move on. He suffers the worst fate that I can imagine. His morality changes drastically throughout his exceptionally long life as he loses his humanity. He starts as a fairly neutral person, who becomes a pacifist and turns outright evil.
When I wrote the three short stories that are spread out through the main story, I deliberately based each main character around two of the seven deadly sins. This was a lot of fun to write. Renealt takes the seventh sin through his desire for knowledge and power and to be reunited with Renay. While these seven deadly sins come from a religion, this should not be taken as a tie between Earth and Cenadur.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Obsession, and the simple fact that things are not always what they seem. People misread situations. People make mistakes, waste time looking into the wrong place, and are flawed. There is always something more important happening in the background, and a greater story is being told somewhere else. Earth is vastly complex, and the world Renealt is in is no different. He is both a cog in the machine, and the machine itself, but at the end nothing he does matters. He cannot have what he desires.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
When I first began writing this book, I intended for it to be a single novel. As I neared completion I realized I had more to tell. I have begun working on outlines for a prequel and a sequel. They will be drastically different from the story told here, and will not even take place on Cenadur. The Legacy of the Dreamer completes Renealt’s storyline, but how it came to be and its aftermath could be fascinating.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Who was that he pleaded to in those final moments before he faded into the black?
Driven by an obsessive desire for knowledge, he embarks on a quest to uncover the truth. Every answer only leads to another question, but he can never give up.
On his journey he discovers that the magic that saved him was not only impossible, but permanent. He cannot die.
Is an eternal life long enough to unravel his mystery?
What mark will he leave on the world, with a life that will not end?
Only time will tell, and he certainly has enough of it.
The Legacy Of The Dreamer
Nathan Ash’s The Legacy Of The Dreamer is a dark, gripping fantasy that follows Renealt, a man whose life takes an unexpected and unsettling turn after a violent encounter with mages. What starts as a simple mercenary job quickly spirals into an eerie mystery, forcing him to question everything he knows about magic, power, and even the fate of his late wife. The story unfolds in a world where magic is outlawed, and the Natural Coalition ruthlessly eradicates anything that threatens their control. As Renealt digs deeper both figuratively and literally, his obsession leads him down a dangerous path of exile, loss, and self-discovery.
From the very first chapter, the writing pulls you in. Ash doesn’t waste time with flowery descriptions or unnecessary exposition. Instead, the prose is direct, intense, and full of sensory details that make every scene vivid. The opening moment of Renealt waking up, drenched in blood that isn’t his, sets the tone perfectly. That kind of immediate, visceral engagement continues throughout the book. It’s easy to feel Renealt’s confusion, fear, and growing obsession. The pacing is sharp, with just enough mystery unraveling to keep you hooked. There’s no excessive worldbuilding dump; you learn about the Natural Coalition, the mages, and the societal conflict naturally, through Renealt’s experiences and conversations.
Renealt is a fascinating protagonist. He starts as a simple man trying to make ends meet but quickly finds himself in over his head. His descent into obsession feels raw and real. One of the strongest parts of the book is how it portrays grief, especially in how Renealt clings to the memory of his wife, Renay. His fixation on the possibility of seeing her again is heartbreaking. The moment he digs up her grave, expecting answers but finding only her decayed remains, is gut-wrenching. It’s a rare thing to read a fantasy novel that handles emotion so well while still delivering action and suspense. The side characters, like Chrok, the gruff but caring dwarf, and the skeptical yet loyal friends he leaves behind, add layers of depth to the story. Their reactions to Renealt’s increasing desperation make the world feel grounded and real.
The book’s greatest strength is also its biggest frustration: ambiguity. Ash refuses to spoon-feed the reader answers. The mystery surrounding the mages, the strange key Renealt finds, and the symbol he can’t shake from his memory are all compelling, but they also leave you feeling just as lost as the protagonist. While this works for the tone of the book, I found myself wanting just a little more clarity by the end. Some readers will love the unresolved tension, while others might feel like they’ve been left dangling off a cliff. The themes of control, loss, and the dangerous allure of forbidden knowledge are beautifully handled, but they don’t offer easy resolutions. If you’re the kind of reader who needs everything wrapped up neatly, this book might test your patience.
If you love dark fantasy, morally complex protagonists, and a slow descent into madness, The Legacy Of The Dreamer will grip you from start to finish. However, if you prefer lighter fantasy or need clear-cut answers by the final page, you might find it frustrating. That said, this book lingers in your mind long after you’ve finished reading, and that’s the mark of a great story.
Pages: 305 | ASIN : B0DR6197H3
Blend of Fantasy and Horror
The Warning Signs is a collection of tales featuring elements of dark fantasy, horror, and psychological terrors. What inspired you to write this collection of stories?
I enjoy reading and writing in a variety of genres, but I am most drawn to creating works of fiction that examine the darker and more frightening side of human nature, mental processes, the strange, and the mysterious. For the stories within this particular collection, apart from sticking with the subject of warning signs, my goal was to showcase a blend of fantasy and horror, written in differing styles. Inspiration for each of the tales came from different places, for instance, the town described in Perception was modeled after some medieval villages I visited while traveling.
Do you have a favorite among the stories in this collection? One that was especially enjoyable to craft?
That is a tough question to answer. I took pleasure in creating each of these tales. The process of getting to know your characters on an emotional level and allowing their journeys to unfold can be exhilarating. That said, I don’t think I could pick just one story, but after giving it some thought, I would say from the first section, I am particularly fond of The Other Side of the Door.
As far as the second section goes, I always enjoy revisiting the world of Sumir. Doing so allows me to expand on lesser character’s ambitions as well as offering the opportunity to delve deeper into the lore and mythology from my completed dark fantasy series, The Blood Inheritance Quartet.
Can we look forward to more work from you soon? What are you currently working on?
Right now, I am working on a few projects simultaneously. My main focus is reworking some short stories, which I plan to publish together as a dark fantasy/horror collection titled Wishes Gone Awry. Barring any scheduling conflicts with editors, I aspire to have the short story collection available this summer.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
…the warning signs
Something lurks beneath the waves on an island where the sun never sets; a ghost tries to stop an up-and-coming serial killer; a heartless sorceress is thrilled when she finds access to the human realm; a boy tries to win his crush’s heart by challenging a horrifying local legend.
Delve deep into the shadowy, unexplored territories of the imagination with these short stories that are sure to frighten and enchant.
From misunderstood spirits to encounters with mythical creatures, these twisted tales include run-ins with ghosts, mermaids, werewolves, sorceresses, vampires, murderers, and their victims.
(Includes three short stories from the world of Sumir – The Blood Inheritance Quartet)
Complex Beings
Heatseeker: A Story of the Vampire Alex Chance follows a former FBI agent turned vampire, investigating a gruesome serial killer who has to navigate the murky line between human law and vampire justice. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
This story was greatly influenced by a short story I wrote in my writing group back in 2015 when I came up with an idea of a modern-day lawman hunting an elusive and brilliant serial killer and getting exposed to the secret world of vampires. That short story was only five pages long and featured only two main protagonists, Alex Chance, who was a police detective in that story, and vampire boy, Jake, who hunted down child molesters with lethal precision. I later modified the story several times, and many years later, came up with a broader tale involving more characters that had enough material to turn it into a novella. And so, the Heatseeker book was born.
What were some of the emotional and moral guidelines you followed when developing your characters?
Emotional and moral guidelines in any story are important. I always loved the detective genre and introducing a supernatural element into it made it more interesting and added more depth to the story. Alex Chance is an FBI agent, trained to be strong, honorable, and devoted to his duty. The vampires are creatures of the night, who have their own codes of honor and justice system, only they operate without human bureaucracy and red tape, which makes them far more efficient. Alex Chance follows his personal and moral code even after he becomes a vampire, which I think makes him very likable. The vampire boy, Jake, on the other hand, is driven by an ancient hate for people who hurt and abuse children and his moral compass can only be affected by the elements of human law, which he breaks often in pursuit of justice.
What intrigues you about the horror and paranormal genres that led you to write this book?
Horror and paranormal genres are very intriguing because as a writer, I do find them very stimulating for the creative process. There were movies and shows that played a great part in its development, such as the vampire series Forever Knight and Moonlight, where vampires and humans must find common ground and ways to coexist. The horror element derives from the vampires’ ability to instill in morals great fascination and fear. In traditional vampire stories, the immortals are often depicted as killers, who justify their way of life by their constant need for human blood. The supernatural genre is even more fascinating. In my vampire story, I described vampires as complex beings with their own secret civilization that had evolved alongside humanity in parallel evolution. So in a way, both human and vampire worlds mirror each other.
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 following story?
Heatseeker is a stand-alone novella that features Alex Chance as the main protagonist. It is set in a world of vampires that were introduced in my previous vampire novels, Beyond Sunlight, Before the Dawn, and Eighteen Forever. Heatseeker is the fourth book that is related to them but follows its own path. My fans can expect a few more stories about vampires, which are currently resting on the development shelf, waiting to be picked up, analyzed and selected. Currently, I am at work on a new post-apocalyptic story that features human survival after a devastating asteroid impact.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
LITERARY TITAN 