Blog Archives
The Beauty of Life
A Sea Tail follows a retired dentist who is shown a dead fish with scales and skin, leading him to embark on an adventure to determine if mermaids exist. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I started working on A Sea Tail on a week-long vacation to Topsail Island, North Carolina. I had recently finished my first book, Shall Die by the Sword, and had gotten bogged down in the sequel. So, I was in a space where I was not writing anything major at the time. Being the father of two daughters, however, I was always trying to write books that appealed to them. And nothing appeals to a preteen girl like a mermaid. Furthermore, since I was a child, I have always been interested in fantasy and folklore. The final stimulus was a small sequence in one of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies that had a side story about a mermaid. That got me writing. And as for Venice, it is the most beautiful city in the world, and what a place to merge water, fantasy, and story.
What was your inspiration for Dr. Manque’s character, and how did you craft his outlook on life?
For the lead character I wanted someone with some quirks, and in contrast to my first book, I wanted to write the main character as a little older. Also, I wanted to paint him as someone who could be stone deaf to the beauty of Venice.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
That’s a good question. There are a lot of things I could talk about: how our modern age can be so sterile for one, and how we have distanced ourselves from our past for another, but maybe the theme I was most interested in was beauty, and by that I don’t mean physical beauty, although the mermaid is portrayed as staggeringly beautiful, what I was exploring was the beauty of life, and becoming aware of how a beautiful life is one connected to others. And how discovering that someone needs us is just about the most beautiful thing in the world.
What is the next book that you’re working on, and when can your fans expect it out?
Thank you for asking. My next book is The Ordinary Adventures of Somerset Soames von Hesse. This is a coming-of-age novel about a young boy growing up in a missionary family in Egypt, Lebanon, and the coming back to the states in the 60’s. The story centers around the fourth child, Somerset, and his quirks, and his fascinations. It also deals with the tension because he likes the Beatles and fiction, and both of those are highly discouraged in his faith group. The book will be out in paperback within the next couple of weeks.
Beyond that, I will be working on Volume 2 of my epic fantasy series.
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Audible version coming soon!
How Magic Operates
Azazel’s Scriptures follows a trio of friends who find themselves entangled in a mystery surrounding dark folklore and demonic beings. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
I read a lot of historical fiction and love history in general, especially English history. When my eldest son, who is a huge fantasy fan, asked me to read one of his favorite books (The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss), I did. And I like it. A lot. I decided to combine the magical elements that initially drew me into this fantasy with my interest in historical fiction to create a unique blend of “realistic fantasy.” The concept for the plot developed gradually. I first imagined three friends sitting around a table, with candles flickering, wine poured, and a fire crackling beside them. Then I named these friends, and with each name, their distinct personalities began to emerge, and with that, their story.
How did you handle balancing the power and use of magic in the story?
I aimed to develop a logical framework for how magic operates, linking it to folklore and history. The enigmatic and wise Druids appeared to be the perfect choice for battling the evil Daegons, who are the foot soldiers of Azazel, a demon from the Bible.
What were some books or movies that you think were your main sources of inspiration for this novel?
I appreciated the medieval vibe from Game of Thrones and aimed to create something similar, but set in the English Tudor period.
What is the next book you are working on, and when can we expect it to be available?
I’m working on a novel set in the 1970s. A young girl who is bullied discovers her ability to enter people’s dreams, using this power to navigate her difficult life.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
In 16th-century England, Newt, a reluctant monk, discovers that a demonic book with a chilling history—Azazel’s Scriptures—has been hidden in his monastery for centuries. Intrigued and terrified, he shares the story with his friends Simon and Hugh. When Hugh decides to publish a version of this incredible tale, it triggers a series of events that lead to the resurfacing of the Daegons—a group of immortal beings who harvest innocent souls to fuel the dark ambition of the demon Azazel. This also draws the attention of a knowledgeable professor and three powerful Druid sisters—Ravenel, Sibyl, and Elswyth—whose ancestors once battled the Daegons and knew their dark ways. After Thomas Bromwell, the Daegon leader, persuades the unsuspecting King Henry to break with the Catholic Church and close the monasteries to search for the scriptures, his men recover the book and resume turning and reaping souls. Now, the three friends, along with the professor and Druid sisters, must unite in a race against time to find the scriptures and stop the Daegons from destroying humanity
Azazel’s Scriptures
Azazel’s Scriptures, by S.F. Parkhurst, is a richly textured novel that blends historical mystery with magical realism, immersing readers in a vibrant medieval setting laced with supernatural elements. It follows a trio of friends, Simon, Hugh, and Newt, as they become entangled in dark folklore involving the demonic grimoire of Azazel, the ancient Druids, and mysterious beings known as the Daegons. As secrets unfold and tensions rise, they find themselves confronting forces that blur the lines between reality and myth, testing their courage and friendships in unexpected ways.
I found myself completely absorbed by Parkhurst’s lyrical yet accessible prose. The vivid imagery and atmospheric storytelling evoked genuine emotional responses, sometimes fascination, sometimes unease. The author effortlessly drew me into a world where the mystical seems entirely plausible, making even the more fantastical scenes feel believable. Particularly impressive is the way Parkhurst crafts dialogue: each character speaks with a distinctive voice that genuinely matches their persona, providing a sense of depth and realism. Though the writing flows well overall, at times it felt slightly dense, requiring deliberate attention to fully grasp the subtleties of the narrative.
The ideas Parkhurst explores are captivating and unsettling. Themes such as immortality, friendship, and the dangerous allure of forbidden knowledge run deeply throughout the story. Parkhurst does not shy away from portraying complex moral dilemmas, which often left me pondering the ethical gray areas presented in the book. While I appreciated the layers of intrigue and symbolism, the volume of interconnected plots and historical references sometimes made me lose track. That said, the confusion was fleeting and never severe enough to detract significantly from my overall enjoyment.
Azazel’s Scriptures is not a casual read. It demands a willingness to engage deeply with its historical mysteries and magical undercurrents. I recommend it to readers who enjoy thoughtful storytelling blended with dark folklore, especially those who appreciate narratives that explore the boundaries between reality and legend. This book would resonate particularly well with readers drawn to medieval settings and characters whose humanity shines brightest against the backdrop of supernatural darkness.
Pages: 375 | ASIN : B0FGGVHJYV
Spear of Lugh: The Witch’s Rebirth Part III
Michaela Riley’s Spear of Lugh is the third installment in “The Witch’s Rebirth” series, a rich, atmospheric tale set in the mythic shadows of 6th-century Celtic Europe. The novel follows Merona, a powerful and timeless witch reborn across centuries, as she confronts an ancient evil, Armaeus, and embraces her destiny as the Keeper of Balance. Armed with relics of the Tuatha Dé Danann, the Spear of Lugh and the Cauldron of Dagda, Merona must navigate not only magical trials but also profound loss, divine expectations, and an aching search for identity, sacrifice, and love. As she chooses immortality and confronts her lineage, she stands poised to guide the world into a new era between the fading pagan gods and the rising tide of Christianity.
I found myself completely pulled into the world Riley has created. The writing is poetic and often breathtaking, especially in how it captures the sorrow and wonder that run through Merona’s journey. There’s a haunting stillness in the way the earth, the gods, and the past seem to breathe alongside the characters. Some passages are stunning. They read like spells themselves. At times, the prose drifts into over-explanation. Riley clearly loves this world and these myths, and the devotion is admirable. The heart of the book, Merona’s grief, her rebirth, her will to love despite endless loss, resonated with me. I was moved. I cared deeply. The final scenes between her and Murdach felt earned and emotionally honest, even amidst the grand fantasy of it all.
Spear of Lugh wrestles with the weight of duty, the seductive nature of power, and the pain of watching people you love fade while you endure. The mythology is dense, but it never loses sight of its human core. Merona is not some untouchable goddess; she’s aching, flawed, and strong because she chooses to keep going. The idea that hope itself can be more powerful than any weapon, that stuck with me. Armaeus felt like a classic villain. His menace is conceptual, not visceral. In contrast, the true tension came from Merona’s internal battles, and those were beautifully done.
I’d recommend this to readers who love lyrical fantasy steeped in myth and feminine power. It’s not a light read, there are layers, histories, and symbols in every chapter, but if you’re willing to dive in and let it wash over you, it’s rewarding. For fans of Marion Zimmer Bradley, Juliet Marillier, or even Diana Gabaldon, Spear of Lugh will feel like a homecoming. It certainly left me thoughtful, a little raw, and deeply curious for what comes next.
Pages: 338 | ASIN : B0DWVZ2CXQ
Duty and Honor
Culgan follows a young woman on the verge of discovering her destiny as a direwolf shifter, and a seasoned warrior and heir to the Freki clan who find themselves bound by fate, ancient prophecy, and a rising evil that threatens the balance of their realm. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
A previous series, The Titanian Chronicles, inspired me to see and write about the Freki World. In fact, some characters in Culgan appear in The Titanian Chronicles.
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?
The secrecy imposed by universal decree on supernatural creatures was a critical aspect of the story. This helped me place and run their existence parallel to humans. Side by side, but the two shall never cross over.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The themes of duty and honor tied to power and abilities were part of the exploration. The gryphon comes into play, as the creatures symbolize purity, loyalty, and trustworthiness. They can’t accept an undeserving wolf. To ride a wolf must be worthy.
Where does the story go in the next book, and where do you see it going in the future?
The next book is in the editing process. This story delves deeper into the consequences of sin, greed, and amorality. How far up will someone go, breaking all the rules before the fall?
I have two more stories planned. But I haven’t seen the road yet.
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Long dreaming of becoming a gryphon rider and training to defend her clan, Roisin Hati is impatient for her sleeping inner wolf to awaken. She never expected a choking cloud of evil magic to do just that. When she finally opens her eyes, a huge black direwolf with stunning cobalt eyes is standing over her—Culgan, son of her beloved godparents.
Culgan freezes when he hears the first snarl of Roisin’s rising wolf in his mind, feels her fear in his bones. As a warrior defending the hidden Freki stronghold, bonding has never been a high priority. But something about the white-haired, dark-eyed Roisin rouses an irresistible drive to: Claim. Mate. Possess.
As Roisin navigates battle training, Culgan is at her side, guiding every step. The pull between them grows stronger until it ignites in a glorious mating union. But dark forces are gathering in the desert. A daemon hungry for revenge bargains with a goddess for the power to destroy the Freki. And the gryphon riders may have to make the ultimate sacrifice to save the kingdom.
Grow and Learn to Let Go
Monster Hunter is a thrilling coming-of-age adventure where sixteen-year-old Ollie Baxter discovers a hidden world of monsters, magic, and the buried truth of who he really is. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
There are many inspirations in my life, but I think finding oneself is crucial to our identities. I think of our youth as an adventure, too. We have school for twelve years, then some of us go off to the military, others go off to work, and many of our friends go off to college. That final summer before everything changes really is an adventure and a memorable experience. I wanted to capture that essence in a story—this adventure where Ollie is on his last leg of summer before getting accepted into The University of Dragonspire, a school where he can learn to use his aura in special ways, making friends and rivals along the way, all before the emotional truth of what the end of that summer brings: loss.
I think I captured that goal. Two of my best friends committed suicide, and I felt so hurt. I’ve lost my sister to COVID, and I was helpless watching my friends drift away, but the final straw was when Bones, my dog, died. I fell into this deep sense of loss regarding my identity. Ollie loses Gwen to someone they trusted—his professor and Gwen’s father—all for selfish reasons. But it was the way he lost her that mattered. She was turned into a smaller chimera creature in order to capture the big one. When Ollie, Samantha, and Hudson find her, there is nothing they can do but face the danger they are in head-on.
I think loss can resonate with everyone, but the beauty in acceptance is gaining the strength to let go. That was my inspiration.
The emotional undercurrent about Ollie’s parents and identity hit hard. How did you balance grief with the high-octane adventure?
Well, Ollie’s parents are long gone. I like the trope of an orphaned hero, but the goal here was to offer a fresh coat of paint on an old trope. We just barely scratched the surface about Ollie’s parents. The world loved Evie, his mother—she was very famous for pushing the boundaries of the Hunter World. Oliver, Ollie’s father, ran away the night she was killed and has been on the run ever since. Ollie, being new to the Hunter World, is learning about them while the reader does, but he lives as a constant reminder in their shadows.
Lots of people do say that they love the action and adventure, and that it feels non-stop engaging, and I think that comes from the word count. I think each book in the series will have about 80,000 words. I came from a background of writing short stories. My first two books were just published stories that I wrote while I was in grad school or the military. The third was just a continuation of one of them. Now that I am in law school, I find myself reading books every day, and the ones I find the best are around the 75,000-85,000 word mark. They engage me the best and can be read in one day.
As far as grief goes, it’s a natural feeling we all experience at some point in our lives. It’s what we do with it that determines our value. I’m really glad you asked about grief, I really am. I balanced the action with grief by creating a villain who dealt with grief in every wrong way possible. We can fall into despair, or we can grow and learn to let go. I think once we get to the main villain of this first story arc, we encounter a character who has suffered a tremendous amount of grief, much like Ollie. But he never learned to let go and, as a consequence, has refused to let go of anything or anyone in his life. You’ll see his own twisted morals on full display when he justifies his corrupted actions. I don’t want to spoil it, but this isn’t just a mustache-twirling bad guy—this is Erebus Bahne.
If Dragonspire were real, what class would you most want to teach or take?
I think I would want to be a Professor of Specialty. The students there learn all about themselves and what makes them unique. This is why I created the Affinity System. In this world, all living beings have a life force called an aura. Think of it as your ki, your chakra, your essence. The students learn to harness their own aura into unique abilities. Ollie has his Aura Sphere. Hudson is learning to turn invisible, and Sam can summon a strong creature that defends her. Each of these abilities falls into categories that help determine your Affinity Type. Ollie, since he can throw his Aura Sphere, is Projection. Hudson’s ability is Alteration because it alters his aura around him, turning him invisible. Sam is a Summoner. There are also Augmentation, Manipulation, and for the gifted, some students even develop a rare Specialty that doesn’t fall into any other category.
When Ollie and Hudson duel Cassius, Ollie is on the verge of using this rare Specialty, so I would most likely want to help students discover how to use this secret ability that hides even from themselves. That, or have Bjorn’s job working with all the mythical dragons and legendary creatures.
Is Ollie’s story just beginning? Any hints about what’s next for him or the world you’ve built?
This is just the beginning. I think the epilogue sets up the next book nicely from a unique perspective. The Rogue Hunter: Book Two of the Hunter Archive will be out in the fall. I’m in the editing phase now.
As for hints, I’ll say that I’m a huge fan of well-done twists that successfully subvert the audience’s expectations—and not just for the sake of having a twist in your story. You may think you know about Ollie’s origin, but I promise you that I’m putting a fresh take on it. I don’t think anyone will properly guess what happens. Be sure to tag me in all your theories; I love to see what readers think is going to happen.
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I am delighted to inform you that the Committee on Admissions has approved you to attend the freshman class of 2025. Please accept my personal congratulations on your outstanding achievements that brought you to our door. Your application has demonstrated exceptional potential, and we are thrilled to welcome you to join the legendary hunters who have walked these historic halls of Dragonspire.
As you prepare to embark on this epic journey we must warn you: life at the University of Dragonspire is not for the faint of heart. Here, you’ll delve deep into training and harnessing your own Aura, discovering your unique Affinity—be it Augmentation, Manipulation, Projection, Alteration, Summon, or perhaps even a rare Specialty. You’ll learn to wield these abilities as you track mystical beasts, outsmart mischievous spirits, face creatures that haunt the darkest corners of your imagination, or even face down rebellious rogue hunters.
Your acceptance grants you access to:State-of-the-art training facilities, where you will forge your skills and represent Dragonspire in the infamous “Hunter Games”
A vast library of ancient tomes on fantastical monster lore and hunting techniques that will fulfill your desire to learn about the world of Aerith
A diverse faculty of experienced hunters, each with their own hair-raising tales to tell will guide you through this once in a lifetime quest
The opportunity to forge lifelong friendships (or rivalries) with fellow monster-hunting prodigies
World class meals and competition to fuel your appetite for adventure, ever tried Dragon’s Tongue?
Be warned: the challenges that await you are as thrilling as they are perilous. You’ll face spine-chilling challenges, heart-pounding field missions, and the constant threat of death or worse expulsion, should you fail to meet our standards.
Don’t get ahead of yourself, you are a first-year student and although we take safety seriously at Dragonspire, accidents happen. We want you to complete all six years, whole. No hunter is invincible, and it will be best if you remember that during your time here.
Pack your courage, sharpen your wits, and prepare for a year like no other. The monsters are waiting, and the University of Dragonspire is ready to transform you into the hunter you were born to be.
We await your arrival with bated breath. That is, if you dare to accept…
Yours truly,
Magnus G.D. Holloway
Headmaster, University of Dragonspire
Warden of the Realm
The Monster Hunter begins the thrilling Hunter Archive series, where dangerous abilities, ancient secrets, and a mystery years in the making collide at the world’s most prestigious Hunter academy. Perfect for fans of Harry Potter, Hunter x Hunter, Percy Jackson, Game of Thrones, and The Magicians.
Other Books by Benji Wyvern
True Tales SeriesDiaries of a Time Traveler
Noir City: Machines and Monsters
True Tales of the Multiverse
The long-awaited epic fantasy debut of The Monster Hunter: Book One of The Hunter Archive—a thrilling masterpiece willed to life by fans of the genre and author, available now from Amazon bestselling author Benji Wyvern.
At the Publisher’s request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
Magi’s Curse
Magi’s Curse is a sprawling epic fantasy set in a war-torn world on the brink of collapse, where the divine pantheon meddles with mortals and fate itself unravels. The novel centers around Captain Bronwyn Amyna, a resilient and battle-worn soldier tasked with leading a ragtag group into the icy wilderness in search of a mythical artifact said to turn the tide of war. Alongside her is Clara, a broken yet defiant prisoner with a secret past and vital knowledge. As gods debate the role of death and freedom, mortals struggle with politics, survival, and destiny. The book intertwines divine conflict with gritty human drama, laying the foundation for a larger saga of legendary proportions.
I found the writing to be immersive and bold. Christopher Harris doesn’t shy away from violence, pain, or emotion, and his prose reflects that. Some parts feel cinematic, especially the opening clash between gods and the snowy military camps where tension simmers. His world-building is dense and thoughtful without being overbearing. The pacing, though deliberate, allows the emotional weight to settle in. What hit me hardest was Clara’s trauma. Her pain felt real, and her voice carried history. At times, I wished the secondary characters had more dimension to counterbalance the intensity of the leads.
What stayed with me, more than the plot, were the ideas. The gods’ detachment from human suffering felt both timely and deeply symbolic. The exploration of power, divine, political, or personal, felt honest and raw. Harris doesn’t paint in black and white. Clara isn’t a hero. Captain Amyna isn’t perfect. They’re both flawed, battered by systems larger than themselves, and trying to do the right thing in a world that punishes it. There’s something painful and beautiful in that. I didn’t agree with every choice made in the story, but I respected its guts. It’s a rare kind of fantasy that dares to be this emotionally intimate while still being packed with magic, snowstorms, and sword fights.
Magi’s Curse is a rough ride through frost and fire, grief and grit. It’s for readers who like their stories morally murky and their characters relatable. If you enjoy books like The Broken Empire series or The Poppy War, and you don’t mind a slow burn, this one’s for you. I’m still chewing on some scenes. And that’s a good sign. This book haunted me a little. I’ll definitely be picking up the next in the series.
Pages: 319 | ASIN : B0DWTXGYVF
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
LITERARY TITAN 