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The Warning Signs: Tales of Horror and Dark Fantasy
M. Ainihi’s The Warning Signs is a collection of dark fantasy and horror short stories that plunges readers into eerie landscapes filled with unsettling truths, strange creatures, and psychological terror. The book is split into three sections: One-Shot Shorts, Tales from Sumir, and Day 32,854, each offering its own brand of nightmare fuel. Whether it’s ghosts that refuse to be forgotten, twisted mermaids exacting revenge, or apocalyptic survivors battling unseen forces, every tale grips with an uncanny sense of doom. This isn’t a book about cheap thrills—it’s about slow-burning horror that lingers long after the last page.
What I love most about Ainihi’s writing is her ability to create an atmosphere. She doesn’t just tell you a horror story; she makes you feel it. Take “Dead Already,” for example. The protagonist gradually realizes she’s watching her own body being hidden away, and the dread seeps in line by line. It’s not just the horror of death; it’s the horror of being erased and forgotten. That’s the kind of existential terror Ainihi plays with, and it’s chilling. Similarly, in “The Warning,” a house isn’t just haunted; it feels alive, like it’s waiting to consume its new occupants. These aren’t just ghost stories; they feel like whispers of something deeper, something ancient.
Not every story delivers the same kind of impact, but that’s part of what makes The Warning Signs so engaging. Some, like Cultivating Wrath, lean more into dark fantasy, bringing a sense of adventure alongside the horror. Others, like The Three Percent, take bold risks by exploring post-pandemic dread in a way that sparks the imagination. Ainihi’s strength lies in her ability to craft diverse narratives, each with its own unique style and pace. When she allows her stories to unfold naturally, they become truly mesmerizing.
What makes this collection stand out is its originality and refusal to rely on predictable horror tropes. Ainihi doesn’t hand out easy answers, she makes you think. In stories like Amma, the real horror isn’t just the physical threats but the unsettling realization that reality itself may not be what it seems. It’s this kind of storytelling that lingers, making you question and reflect.
The Warning Signs is the perfect collection for anyone who loves eerie, thought-provoking horror that lingers long after the last page. Ainihi has a knack for crafting unsettling, immersive tales that pull you into strange and terrifying worlds. If you enjoy slow-burning suspense, psychological twists, and a blend of dark fantasy and horror, this book is a must-read.
Pages: 181 | ASIN : B091YR9H1M
The Wheels of Creativity
The Chimera Snare: Fragments weaves an intimate coming-of-age story into an epic cosmic battle as two teens discover they are vessels for ancient other-worldly guardians and must fight to restore a fractured reality. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Shannon: The concept for this story was developed in fragments, funny enough, spanning over a decade, first beginning in high school. Much of the fundamental background was inspired by living day-to-day life and wishing for something magical to lay beyond the stars. The manga and comics I read in school (Angel Sanctuary, Seimaden, Dragonball Z, DNAngel, to name a few), coupled with music and sketching, influenced my roaming mind and helped me hammer out the first two main characters of the story, Von and Navaryn. Initially, I was planning to do a simple animation to convey the plight of the two characters. But in the end, I felt like there was a bigger story to tell, so I began writing.
After self-publishing the first iteration on my own, Edward joined the writing journey with me, and we’ve since re-crafted the TCS universe together as a team, driven by much of the same inspiration as in the beginning: music, anime/manga, and comics. Only now, with the addition of beer from time to time, to grease the wheels of creativity.
How do you divide the writing process? Do you each focus on specific characters, chapters, or aspects of the story, or is it more fluid?
Shannon: Great question! We work together to structure the basic framework of where we want the book to start and end. From there, we both storyboard the chapters in greater detail, bounce ideas off one another, and things more or less come together.
Edward: We learned early on that we both have unique writing approaches. Shannon often begins by painting the scene with description, substance, and movement before moving on to writing dialogue. I, on the other hand, do the opposite. So we assign chapters to each other, write them independently, then meld them together stylistically. And we both have characters that resonate with us. In most instances, we each take the lead with the characters we jive with, but we do switch off.
Where do your story ideas typically originate? Do you brainstorm together, or does one of you usually bring the initial concept to the table?
Shannon: I get ideas for our series in many ways, but I often find the most inspiration while listening to music and letting my mind roam free. I tend to have the best “drifting” sessions when I’m running, tending to the garden, or working on art—as long as I’m plugged into music. But yes, music is very important to us while we craft our universe.
Edward: We brainstorm both independently and together. But when it is time to craft the arc, we sit down and agree on the framework and approach. Sometimes, the writing process creates additional ideas, which we have to take back to the table again. But we stay very organized because the universe we’re creating continues to expand organically as the series unfolds.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
Shannon: We are working on Reflections, the second entry in the Chimera Snare series. If all goes well, it will be available in Late Spring 2026.
Edward: Seeing our readers so hungry for the next book has been very encouraging. As the saga continues, it’s definitely going to get darker, more twisted, more intense, and more powerful, so Reflections on all aspects will up the ante. We’re really excited for people to dig into it.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Instagram | Amazon
Amidst mystical recollections and a wondrous magic system that shatters the veneer of their everyday lives, the two friends embark on a journey against time to connect with the Celestine guardians’ allies in hopes of freeing them from their imprisonment. Simultaneously, the shadows cast by Daeva darken. The notorious outlaw, Merisek, has positioned himself to claim dominion over the Order of Existence—a trio of powerful artifacts capable of reshaping reality. Armed with two of these relics, Merisek races against the emergence of the Celestine guardians to claim the third. The stage is set for a showdown that will determine the fate of existence itself.
Rayshell and Trish are all that stand between Merisek and his unhinged desire to twist the fabric of reality into his making. As the threads of destiny unravel, the question looms: who will be the author of existence, and what profound truths will be unveiled in the final, decisive act?
Salvation Bleeding: Forge of the Soul Stone
The Devil’s Blacksmith teeters on the brink of annihilating Tartica, pushing Utopia to the precipice of war. Reyne, the last glimmer of hope, allies with Gina, a skilled and unrelenting assassin, in a desperate bid to halt the chaos. Believing they have reached Evidar, they are horrified to discover they remain trapped in the Void—a sinister, treacherous realm that hungers for Reyne’s soul. To save Utopia, Reyne must brave the Void once more, wrestle with his own inner turmoil, and vanquish the Devil’s Blacksmith. Without the Soul Stone, his prospects appear bleak. Yet, the thought of Mithany, his long-lost love, ignites his determination to fight on and see her again.
What stands out most in Salvation Bleeding is its grounded core, despite the fantastical backdrop. The narrative’s exploration of sacrifice and the battle with personal demons resonates deeply, underscoring the lengths to which people will go to protect those they cherish. The portrayal of the Void as an oppressive, malevolent force adds depth, serving as a poignant metaphor for political control while highlighting how a single individual’s courage can spark monumental change.
Reyne’s unwavering devotion to love and his cause makes him a compelling protagonist, someone to root for against insurmountable odds. His sacrifices prompt reflection on the human capacity to endure for the sake of others, and his sensitivity to the Soul Stone’s potential and his tendency to become ensnared in personal pursuits serve to enrich his character, making him relatable. It is worth noting, however, that Reyne’s sensitivities felt somewhat repetitive. Gina’s presence brings balance and intrigue. Her unconventional methods and razor-sharp skills make her an essential counterpoint to Reyne’s emotional intensity. Despite embodying the archetype of a cold, arrogant, and seemingly emotionless killer, her character adds depth rather than detracting from the narrative. Her dynamic with Reyne highlights growth and partnership, creating a compelling duo whose synergy drives the story forward.
Salvation Bleeding: Forge of the Soul Stone captivates with its blend of high stakes, emotional depth, and rich symbolism. It’s a tale of resilience, love, and the indomitable human spirit, leaving readers to ponder the sacrifices they’d make in their own battles.
Pages: 516 | ASIN : B0DKZB3SNW
Echoes of Broken Vows
Logan Glass’s Echoes of Broken Vows plunges readers into the dark and haunting world of the Eidolon, a powerful cult promising immortality through grotesque and morally corrupt rituals, rituals that often claim innocent lives. Sam and Rowan, once devout members, find themselves crushed under the weight of guilt after years of complicity. Desperate to redeem their souls and shatter the organization from within, they embark on a perilous journey to dismantle the cult they once served.
As they navigate this dangerous rebellion, Sam and Rowan grapple with profound emotions and embark on a journey of self-discovery. The novella explores themes of immortality, power abuse, personal guilt, and defiance, all against the chilling backdrop of the Eidolon’s shadowy chambers and unnerving ceremonies. Glass’s vivid descriptions make these scenes feel disturbingly real, evoking an oppressive atmosphere that mirrors the horrors of unchecked power, a timely parallel to real-world systems clinging desperately to control.
Rowan’s character stands out for his intense internal conflict. His guilt and longing for redemption are palpable, making it easy to sympathize with his struggle. In contrast, Sam’s daring spirit and quick thinking bring balance to the story. His boldness complements Rowan’s introspection, and their bond feels authentic and emotionally resonant. While the novella’s pacing is generally tight, some moments, particularly during Rowan’s reflections, can feel a bit slower. However, these sections also serve to deepen the portrayal of his moral turmoil, adding layers to his character.
Echoes of Broken Vows is a dark, intense, and thought-provoking read. Despite its brevity, the story achieves remarkable depth, offering fully realized characters and a chilling exploration of its themes. A gripping novella, it’s sure to linger with readers long after the final page.
Pages: 97 | ASIN : B0DKJX9CZD
“What Do You Want?”
Choice follows the Archbishop Gerhard and other key characters as they navigate issues of war, leadership, betrayal, and the ethical conflicts that arise when faith and power intersect. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Well there really isn’t any specific inspiration. You could definitely say a song of ice and fire and the age of madness but the one comparison that surprised me the most was when one of my critique partners said it reminded him of blood meridian.
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?
It was partly historical, a bit of reverse African colonialism, but it never really changed—it just expanded as I was writing. I thought, if they came from a distant land, wouldn’t they bring their animals? And if they hated the locals and thought of them as simple-minded savages, why? It all just kind of built from there.
I find that, while writing, you sometimes ask questions and have the characters answer them. Do you find that to be true? What questions did you ask yourself while writing this story?
Yeah, I do that. The one big question I always ask the character is, ‘What do you want, and how far are you willing to go to get it?’ To me, that’s what makes the story.
When will book two be available? Can you give us an idea of where that book will take readers?
My goal is to have the first draft of book 2 finished by summer of 2025 and, hopefully, have my editor done with it by fall. The events of book two will take place in Brevina, north east of Ustrabela, and revolve around the order’s defense from the savage invasion in the north.
In a world where magical powers are only attained through a grim practice—child sacrifice—lies the high kingdom of Ustrabela. Amidst a decade-long interregnum, the realm teeters on the brink of chaos. Yet, a new peril looms as northern savage warlocks muster for invasion. The defense of the realm hangs in the balance, entrusted to the Order of God’s Hand. However, their mission faces a dire setback as a cunning warlock named Odo absconds with crucial contracts essential for funding the campaign against the encroaching northern menace.
Enter Gerhard, a corrupt and lascivious archbishop. He offers to reveal the location of the knights who massacred Odo’s family in exchange for the stolen contracts. Desperate to recover these documents, the Order dispatches three knights—Heinrich, Dietmar, and Gutwin—on a mission to track down Odo and retrieve the contracts before the Order’s funds are exhausted.
Failure is not an option. If Heinrich, Dietmar, and Gutwin do not succeed, Ustrabela and the southern realms will be left defenseless against the savage warlocks of the North. As the knights pursue Odo, they must navigate the treacherous political waters stirred by Archbishop Gerhard. Will they recover the contracts in time, or will they become ensnared in the archbishop’s schemes, leaving their homeland vulnerable to destruction?
Emotional Journey
Eighteen Forever follows an 18-year-old girl who is thrust into the dark world of vampires against her will and embarks on a quest to reclaim her humanity. What inspired you to set the story in 1988, and how did the era shape Elizabeth’s journey?
Elizabeth’s story is set in the year 1988, which was a very important formative year for me. I left the former Soviet Union with my family in the year 1986 and Came to the United States in the year 1987. By setting my story in the eighties, I wanted to show the period of my journey that has shaped my own life in many interesting ways. The 1980’s were some of the best years of my life, when I was able to learn to speak English fluently and discover many forms of entertainment through media, such as books and movies. In a way, I tried to imagine what it would be like to live in the United States in that fascinating and incredible period in history. The 1980s was an era of sensual exploration and discovery.
Elizabeth’s inner struggle between her human past and vampire present is compelling. How did you approach writing her emotional journey and creating relatable conflicts?
When a person undergoes a powerful dramatic event in his or her life, that event is never forgotten. Elizabeth is an innocent soul, who has been accidentally exposed to a parallel world of mysterious and very powerful beings, who have existed secretly alongside humanity in parallel evolution. After realizing that vampires were real and she is one of them, Elizabeth does her best to understand her new condition and seeks the knowledge to reverse the process to regain her humanity. The emotional journey for her is very intense and filled with many twists and turns as she tries to balance her sanity against the backdrop of a new world she has to adapt to in order to survive. In many vampire novels, teenagers and young adults are often depicted delighted to gain vampire powers even knowing the cost of such a change. In my story, Elizabeth does her best to remain human in her thoughts and deeds, while protecting those she loves the most, her family and her friends.
Did you draw from any specific historical or literary sources to build the vampire mythology in Eighteen Forever?
I was always fascinated by the vampires in literary fiction and have always wondered where they could come from and what is their purpose. I drew my inspiration from the vampire novels by Anne Rice, Michael Romkey, Jon F Merz, Laurell Hamilton, and several other stories and short novels where vampires were the main protagonists. In designing my won vampire world, I had an idea of parallel evolution, triggered by a mysterious ancient flower called The Sacrimal. By consuming its sweet petals, many ancient prehistoric humans were turned into vampires. After the last Great Ice Age, the flower seemingly vanished from existence, leaving behind a very enduring legend in vampire history. In my vampire novel, the vampires are called The Urtama and they have their language, customs, and traditions. Because of their incredibly long lifespan, they become the true keepers of human history and knowledge that helps them to adapt and survive.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
My next novel, titled The Heatseeker is another vampire story set in the same universe and featuring a young FBI agent who gets exposed to vampires while in pursuit of an elusive serial killer who targets sexual predators. In this story, a law enforcement officer wexill be confronted by the dark side of humanity and another world that would reshape his understanding about the nature of good and evil. This novel was actually based on a short story I wrote in my fiction writing class back in the year 2012 and it has stuck with me to this very day. I hope to make it interesting, exciting, and entertaining for everyone who enjoys reading dark fantasy. I will start working on this new book in November.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Isolation
Silence follows a young girl who loses her tongue and is now trying to survive in a world that values perfection over everything else. What inspired the setup of your story?
Silence was born from my own insecurities. I always felt inferior to other people, and felt that I had to work triple time in order to keep up. One of my flaws is that if what I do and what I am is not perfect, then I’m not good enough (that’s why I’m in therapy). The concept of a tongueless protagonist came to me one rainy day in a cafe. My friend and I were sitting around a table and having coffee–and the conversation was deep and riveting. At that moment, I realized I had nothing to contribute and felt bad about it, and the image of me cutting out my own tongue suddenly shot into my mind. The rest just kind of followed.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
Great fiction, for me at least, is when a book is able to connect to its reader. Like, “Oh, I felt like that once,” or “I get this character because I was more or less in the same shoes emotionally.” So human flaws, or how we deal with things, or our thought processes are very interesting to me. I’m so fascinated with the journey behind the reason why or how a person settled on a particular decision.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Without giving away much of the book, a very important theme to explore for me was “isolation.” I wanted to recreate or at least simulate what isolation felt for the reader–because I’m hoping people who had never felt it before would be given a chance to see what it feels like to some degree and encourage them to be kinder. Another reason is that if someone who feels isolated picks up this book, hopefully, they’ll feel a little less alone because someone was able to put what they feel into words. Another theme was the difference between “silence” and “silencing.” “Silence” can be good, powerful, and beautiful. But the act of “silencing” is usually debilitating, and gives way to isolation and loneliness.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
I wouldn’t say that it will be a sequel, but the second book will take place in the same universe, after the first book. I plan to write a trilogy of standalone novels so that people can enjoy each book without having to read the others. Of course, characters from the other books will appear and play a role, so I’m very excited for that! For the next novel, I plan to explore the intricacies of “belief” and the “power of voice.”
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Trapped in a society where only perfection was accepted, Lily had lost her tongue. One day, a girl in a pink and green sweater appears on her doorstep, dangling an offer that she cannot refuse.
To get her life back, Lily follows Sweater Girl to the middle of the unforgiving City on the mountains. Haunted by the memories of happier days, she must overcome all odds in order to reclaim her missing tongue–and end her silence.
Choice (Desperate Echoes book 1)
Choice by Lucius Tarquinius takes readers through a complex and morally ambiguous world set in a medieval-like era filled with power struggles, political maneuvering, and personal dilemmas. The narrative centers around the Archbishop Gerhard and other key characters as they navigate issues of war, leadership, betrayal, and the ethical conflicts that arise when faith and power intersect. With a plot that shifts between deep philosophical conversations and intense, sometimes violent, confrontations, this book dives deep into the nature of free will, authority, and the consequences of our decisions.
One thing that stands out in this book is the intricate world-building. The lore is rich and full of historical references to events like the “departure of the Gone God,” creating a unique backdrop for the characters’ actions. The author also does a great job of using dialogue to reveal the moral complexities the characters face. Archbishop Gerhard’s conversation with the order knight is both cunning and morally perplexing. You can’t help but get sucked into the twisted, almost manipulative reasoning characters use to justify their actions. It’s fascinating to watch characters like Gerhard skillfully navigate these tense moments, even if his choices often left me unsettled. Tarquinius has a tendency to jump between formal language and colloquialisms that sometimes feel out of place in this historical setting. These abrupt changes in tone distracted me from fully immersing in the world at times. However, I also found these quirks amusing, giving the characters a weird relatability in an otherwise dark and distant world. Emotionally, the book isn’t afraid to make you uncomfortable. One of the hardest scenes to read was when Lina, a young girl, is poisoned as part of a grim necessity in a power play. The chilling rationale behind the act—choosing the “least bad” option—sticks with you long after you’ve put the book down. It’s not a comfortable read, and often, the characters’ decisions are morally gray at best. This complexity makes the book stand out from more traditional fantasy novels where good and evil are clearly defined.
Choice by Lucius Tarquinius is a gripping and thought-provoking exploration of power, morality, and the consequences of our decisions. The vivid world-building, complex characters, and the moral dilemmas they face create an immersive reading experience that kept me hooked from beginning to end. While the writing style can sometimes be unconventional, it adds a unique charm that makes the characters feel relatable, even in such a dark and fantastical setting. If you’re a fan of rich, morally complex stories that challenge you to think deeply about human nature, this book is a must-read. I’d highly recommend it to readers who love dark fantasy with layers of philosophical intrigue.
Pages: 413 | ASIN : B0D62GB532
LITERARY TITAN 