Blog Archives
Heatseeker A Story of the Vampire Alex Chance
Heatseeker is an urban fantasy thriller that follows Alex Chance, a former FBI agent turned vampire, as he navigates the murky line between human law and vampire justice. With his centuries-old vampire partner, Jake, Alex investigates the gruesome crimes of Quasi Deus, a serial killer who leaves a trail of mutilated victims. The book weaves action, mystery, and supernatural elements into a dark and fast-paced story that explores morality, justice, and the burden of immortality.
The writing pulls you in right away with its bold, no-nonsense style. The prologue sets the tone with Alex’s introspective musings about life and death, immediately grounding the reader in his world. The descriptions are rich but never bog down the action. For example, Alex’s meticulous attention to his appearance—his five-o’clock shadow, his well-tailored suits—contrasts beautifully with his brutal efficiency as a hunter. The fight scenes are especially gripping, described with sharp clarity that makes them feel cinematic. When Alex and Jake take down a street junkie in a botched robbery, the details of the struggle feel immediate and raw. There’s no wasted motion in the writing, no unnecessary flourishes—just sharp, punchy prose that mirrors the efficiency of its protagonist.
I think the book’s greatest strength lies in its characters, particularly Alex and Jake. Their dynamic is fascinating. Jake, a seemingly innocent twelve-year-old with the skills of an assassin, serves as a dark mirror to Alex’s more grounded and world-weary demeanor. Their conversations are some of the book’s best moments, blending humor and pathos in a way that makes their bond feel genuine. For instance, Jake’s casual blood-mixing with his coffee at a café while discussing serial killers adds a surreal touch of dark comedy. Their code puts them at odds with both human law enforcement and their own kind, adding layers to their moral dilemmas.
While the mystery itself is engaging, with its twisted killer and underworld intrigue, what I truly liked about Heatseeker is its world-building. The vampire lore feels fresh—more akin to a clandestine society than the usual gothic tropes. The Urtama, or Nightwalkers, have their own rules and justice system, operating in parallel with human authorities. Alex’s ties to the FBI add another layer of tension. He’s a man caught between two worlds, enforcing laws he no longer fully belongs to. The contrast between mundane police work and supernatural justice is one of the book’s most compelling aspects. The scene where Alex investigates a ship full of drained and dismembered bodies evokes true-crime horror atmosphere that blends seamlessly with the supernatural elements.
Heatseeker is a must-read for fans of urban fantasy, noir thrillers, and supernatural crime stories. If you like the brooding intensity of The Dresden Files, the grit of a crime procedural, and the stylish brutality of John Wick, this book will be right up your alley.
Pages: 155 | ASIN : B0DSD4P1X2
Literary Titan Gold Book Award: Fiction
The Literary Titan Book Award honors books that exhibit exceptional storytelling and creativity. This award celebrates novelists who craft compelling narratives, create memorable characters, and weave stories that captivate readers. The recipients are writers who excel in their ability to blend imagination with literary skill, creating worlds that enchant and narratives that linger long after the final page is turned.
Award Recipients
Return of the Star Lords: A Dystopian Journey of Survival and Sacrifice
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Literary Titan Silver Book Award February 2025
Celebrating the brilliance of outstanding authors who have captivated us with their skillful prose, engaging narratives, and compelling real and imagined characters. We recognize books that stand out for their innovative storytelling and insightful exploration of truth and fiction. Join us in honoring the dedication and skill of these remarkable authors as we celebrate the diverse and rich worlds they’ve brought to life, whether through the realm of imagination or the lens of reality.
Award Recipients
Brotherhood of the Wolf: The Lesser Evil by Wes Al-Dhaher
Stay Curious Journal by Audrey Lawrence
Passion in the Bone by AL Falcon
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Surrender
Surrender, the first book in S.C. Eston’s The Baneseeker Chronicles plunges the reader into a hauntingly atmospheric dark fantasy. The story follows Lyna, a troubled elf with the power to manipulate time, as she confronts her personal demons while navigating the cursed Territories of Sij. Lyna’s journey, fueled by regret and self-doubt, intertwines with her mission to destroy a malevolent artifact known as a bane core. The narrative balances introspection with bursts of action, making it both a deeply personal and harrowing epic.
One of the strongest points is its vivid, almost oppressive atmosphere. From the moment Lyna steps into Tanasu, a decaying village on the edge of the cursed Territories, the tension is palpable. Eston’s descriptions of Sij—with its dying trees, shadowy wraiths, and spectral lights—are chilling and immersive. I found myself gripping the book tightly during Lyna’s encounters with the ghostly apparitions, especially when she confronts the wraith’s eerie hunger for sacrifices. The writing here is evocative, almost cinematic, and it’s impossible not to feel as though you’re walking alongside Lyna through the gloom.
The novel does have a tendency to linger in Lyna’s inner turmoil, which I feel occasionally slows the pacing. Her frequent reflections on her painful past—including abandonment, addiction to her time-bending powers, and guilt over past sacrifices—are raw and impactful. Lyna herself is a compelling protagonist. She’s flawed, weary, and at times unlikable, which makes her relatable and refreshingly human (despite being an elf). Her interactions with others, such as the boy Danor, reveal glimpses of her buried compassion and add layers to her character. The bane core’s ominous presence adds external pressure to her internal struggles, creating a dynamic push and pull that keeps the reader engaged.
The book’s exploration of addiction—manifested through Lyna’s compulsive need to use her time-manipulating ability—is handled with sensitivity and depth. It’s rare to see such a nuanced depiction of dependence in fantasy. Lyna’s powers, which initially seem like a gift, are revealed to be a consuming burden. Her moments of relapse and the physical toll they take are written with brutal honesty.
Surrender leaves a lasting impression. Its grim tone and thought-provoking themes make it ideal for fans of dark fantasy who appreciate morally complex characters and richly detailed settings. Readers of Andrzej Sapkowski or R. A. Salvatore will feel at home here. While it’s not a light read—and the pacing might challenge those who prefer more action-driven narratives—the emotional depth and haunting atmosphere make it worthwhile. I’d recommend Surrender to anyone looking for a fantasy story that delves into the shadowy corners of the human (or elven) spirit.
Pages: 221 | ASIN : B0DJTWZBVM
Something in the Blood
H. H. Mika’s Something in the Blood is a dark and atmospheric novel that blends crime, psychological horror, and an unsettling sense of dread. Set in the frozen landscape of Bloodrun Borough, the story follows Detective Terry Volker as he investigates a grotesque murder—a woman found cleanly severed in two, her body carefully displayed in the snow. As Terry digs deeper, the case intertwines with his crumbling personal life, particularly his pending divorce and the custody of his dachshund, Spartacus. Layer by layer, the novel reveals a twisted world of human depravity, eerie folklore, and a community teetering on the edge of madness.
I really enjoyed the writing. It’s sharp, unrelenting, and loaded with tension. Mika has a way of making the smallest details feel significant, almost conspiratorial. The opening scene of a black timber wolf watching a quiet town wake up sets the tone perfectly, hinting at something primal lurking beneath the surface. The descriptions are haunting, from the corpse’s “scarlet void—a red-stained window into something that never should’ve been opened” to the rundown, labyrinthine Card House, where some of the most chilling moments unfold. Every sentence feels deliberate, pulling you further into the story’s grip.
But beyond the horror and crime elements, the novel shines in its portrayal of human fragility. Terry Volker is a flawed yet compelling protagonist. He’s tough but not invincible. He’s methodical but haunted. His struggles—both professional and personal—feel raw and painfully real. His relationship with Spartacus, the dog he refuses to give up even as his marriage disintegrates, was one of the most unexpected yet poignant aspects of the book. It humanized him in a way that made his relentless pursuit of justice all the more gripping. Mika does a fantastic job of weaving these personal stakes into the overarching mystery, making the horror of the case hit even harder.
The story’s antagonists, both seen and unseen, are what elevate Something in the Blood from a standard detective novel into something more sinister. There’s an undercurrent of something almost supernatural—hints of folklore, cryptic messages, and a lingering sense that something ancient and malevolent is pulling the strings. Yet, the scariest parts aren’t the shadows in the woods or the half-glimpsed monsters—they’re the people. Whether it’s the mysterious architect of the Card House, the deranged figures lurking in the margins, or the way an entire town seems complicit in its own decay, Mika makes you question who—or what—is truly evil.
By the end, the novel leaves you shaken. It’s not a clean resolution, but it’s the right one. The lingering questions and the sense that the horrors of Bloodrun Borough aren’t over make the story stay with you for a long time. Something in the Blood is perfect for fans of True Detective, Silence of the Lambs, or anyone who enjoys crime fiction with a chilling, literary edge.
pages: 341 | ASIN: B0DS4HXZPT
The Chronicles of the Chosen Undead: Book 1 – The Gifts of the Dark God
The Chronicles of the Chosen Undead: Book 1 – The Gifts of the Dark God by Fred Darkness, is a richly detailed fantasy novel that chronicles the journey of Rhys, a cursed and memoryless protagonist, as he seeks to uncover his identity and navigate a world teetering on the brink of chaos. The story unfolds through immersive world-building and profound existential themes, interwoven with vivid imagery and compelling character dynamics. Alongside Rhys’s tale, we meet Jude, a White Priestess grappling with her own struggles in a secluded and mystical sanctuary. Together, their stories paint a vivid picture of a land where magic, faith, and destiny clash.
The opening chapter, where Rhys awakens in a forest bathed in an otherworldly light, sets the tone for the novel’s enchanting yet haunting world. The author’s ability to describe silence and stillness in almost tactile terms elevated the narrative, but at times, the lush detail slowed the pace. Thematically, the novel dives deep into the nature of identity, purpose, and the burden of choice.
Rhys’s discovery of his cursed state, marked by a swirling vortex in his chest, is symbolic of the existential void many of us fear. The Keras’s revelation that he must kill others to stave off becoming a mindless Void is both chilling and fascinating, reflecting an unsettling moral dilemma. Similarly, Jude’s rebellion against her predetermined role as a Chosen One in the sanctuary resonated with themes of personal freedom versus societal expectations. Her clandestine escape into the outside world, filled with vibrant descriptions of solstice celebrations, juxtaposed her inner turmoil beautifully.
The interplay between destiny and autonomy is another compelling element. The prophecy surrounding Rhys as the “Chosen One” capable of either restoring the Primeval Flame or plunging the world into eternal darkness is a classic trope executed with thoughtful nuance. The author keeps the prophecy’s truth ambiguous, forcing readers to question not just Rhys’s role but also the intentions of those around him. Jude’s confrontation with her limitations, mirrored in her interactions with Celia and the guild members, provided a lighter yet equally touching exploration of self-determination.
The Chronicles of the Chosen Undead: Book 1 – The Gifts of the Dark God is a mesmerizing journey through a world filled with mysticism and moral complexity. Its evocative prose and philosophical undertones make it a standout entry in the fantasy genre. I highly recommend this novel to fans of dark fantasy, particularly those who enjoy morally gray characters and richly imagined worlds. If you love pondering the weight of destiny or marveling at poetic descriptions of magic and darkness, this book deserves a spot on your shelf.
Pages: 491 | ASIN: B0D8G5FTC5
Brotherhood of the Wolf: The Lesser Evil
Brotherhood of the Wolf: The Lesser Evil, set in the early fifteenth century during the turbulence of the Ottoman Empire and Byzantine struggles, is a dark and compelling tale of political intrigue, familial secrets, and supernatural forces. The story follows Nikephoros, a young noble of Constantinople, as he navigates a city on the brink of chaos and confronts the sinister undercurrents that threaten its fragile balance. Through shadowed tunnels, whispered conspiracies, and a chilling supernatural twist, the book explores the line between protection and malevolence, often blurring them in intriguing ways.
Ezra LC and Wes Al-Dhaher have crafted an enthralling atmosphere with their evocative writing. Constantinople comes alive with bustling streets, fragrant markets, and a sense of history that lingers in every brick. The scenes in the tunnels, especially Nikephoros’s harrowing encounter, are downright spine-tingling. The authors balance vivid descriptions with the tension of the unknown, leaving readers simultaneously captivated and unsettled. The writing shines in quieter moments too, like Nikephoros’s awkward but endearing interactions with his mother, Polychronia. These moments ground the story and provide emotional stakes amid the chaos.
Nikephoros is relatable, but his journey occasionally leans on predictable beats of youthful naivety turned courage. Polychronia, however, is a standout. Her layered role as a loving mother harboring dark secrets is masterfully portrayed. The revelation of her involvement in the city’s supernatural web is heart-wrenching yet satisfying. I couldn’t stop thinking about the scene where she confronts Fausta, a character as enigmatic as she is terrifying, hinting at larger forces at play. The book excels in blending historical realism with supernatural horror. The tunnels under Constantinople, the eerie descriptions of the “tall, slender figure,” and the unsettling rituals kept me hooked. That said, I believe certain plot elements felt somewhat underexplored and deserved more closure.
Brotherhood of the Wolf: The Lesser Evil is a thrilling read that will appeal to fans of historical fiction, dark fantasy, and horror. It’s perfect for those who appreciate rich world-building and morally complex characters. It’s an unforgettable tale of how far we go to protect what we love and the evils we might justify along the way.
Pages: 28
Cold Woods
Jerry Blaze’s Cold Woods stands as a quintessential example of splatterpunk horror, offering readers a raw, visceral experience. This gripping novella follows the Stone family, still reeling from the loss of their father, on a seemingly innocuous vacation to a secluded cabin in the woods. The mother, desperate to mend their fractured bonds, brings along her son and his best friend, as well as her daughter and her boyfriend. What begins as an attempt to heal quickly devolves into a nightmare of unimaginable proportions.
The woods, it turns out, have been home for centuries to a sinister family unlike any other—predators who kill, torture, and consume their victims with chilling ease. Their twisted way of life plunges the vacationing Stones into a relentless struggle for survival, forcing them to confront unspeakable horrors.
As a first-time reader of splatterpunk, I found myself both horrified and enthralled. Blaze doesn’t shy away from graphic detail, delivering grotesque scenes that lay bare the darkest facets of human (and inhuman) nature. The killers, far from being mere monsters, are portrayed with a disturbing complexity, complete with their own hierarchy and rituals. This depth adds an unsettling authenticity to their savagery.
Despite the brutal carnage, the Stone family’s characterization remains vivid and compelling. Small glimpses into their pasts and the nuances of their responses to the unfolding terror create a stark contrast to the killers’ depravity. Each member’s reaction—to fight, to succumb, to lose their grip on sanity—adds layers of tension and keeps the reader deeply invested. These moments of humanity amplify the stakes and heighten the emotional impact.
Blaze’s storytelling is relentless, balancing suspense and shock in a fast-paced narrative that grips from start to finish. Cold Woods is not for the faint-hearted, but for fans of unapologetic horror, it delivers in spades. The novella’s brevity only sharpens its edge, leaving readers disturbed, breathless, and craving more.
Pages: 110 | ASIN : B0DNWZQZK2
LITERARY TITAN 