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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
Finishing the Job
Moonset on Desert Sands follows a woman hiding from her ruthless uncle as she concentrates on mastering the spells that may help her vanquish him once and for all. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I believe that Arista needed a sabbatical after almost being killed – ha! Getting away became important for her healing, and since Auntie had ties in Sedona it naturally flowed. Picking up where Murder Under Redwood Moon ended, I wanted Auntie to search for her parents and, with the possibility of the family reuniting, I thought it could lead to the uncle’s vengeance for Arista’s father maiming him, or the final deadly blow from Arista’s father upon Fergus … finishing the job he started for the initial familial betrayal.
How did you balance magic and its use throughout the story to keep it believable?
When I first thought of writing the Murder, Tea, & Crystals Trilogy, I had recently met with a modern-day witch. She shared her lifestyle with me—rituals, crystals, tarot, etc.. It was during this time I found that she experienced and made magick a part of her everyday life. And so, for my MCs, Arista and Bethie, their magick is no different than a Catholic’s prayer while lighting a candle in the church for a loved one or a Buddhist’s session of sitting for calm and healing. They work with crystals and intention in the same manner. So, making it a given of the characters’ personas, the story can progress without focus on the magick aspect.
What was your favorite scene in this story?
I enjoyed writing the horseback riding scenes. The first one, set in the desert, was my experiment on suspense without the murder involved. The second horseback scene, the children’s costume contest, is based on a true story! When my oldest was around six years old, he was the little Count circling the arena and wowing the crowd. And yes, he brought home the ribbons! On another note, I enjoyed injecting the East-meets-West element into the latter part of the book.
What can readers expect to see in the third book in this trilogy? When will it be released?
The final book of the Murder, Tea, & Crystals Trilogy is complete! It will be released Fall 2025 and picks up where book two completed. This final installment has a different pace. It starts with a look back … way, way back to when Arista’s great-great-grandfather first used the Ouija table. Then, it peeks at the action at Arista’s house while she is in Sedona for book two. Finally, it comes present, and we see the story to its grand finale.
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But a series of new fainting spells has her worried, and when Auntie witnesses one, they decide the answer lies in her home of Boulder Creek. However, returning means not only dealing with her breakup and its heartache but also the possibility of drawing her bloodthirsty Uncle Fergus to her once safe haven in the redwoods. And this time he has recruited an even more dangerous alliance.
Arista’s closest bonds will be strengthened, but the mounting tension of a death in the desert, a stalker on the streets, and the relentless pursuit of Fergus puts her in dangerous territory, and escaping sorrow proves impossible.
Twists and Turns
Wolf’s Hyde follows a sheriff investigating several murders that don’t appear to have been committed by a human. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I wanted to write a “different” story that gave nods to all my favorite tales in the genre. The movie The Usual Suspects is one of my favorite movies, and I wanted to create something that had that level of twists and turns. It was also very important for me to write a fast-paced book. I wanted to draw non-readers in. So, from the first page, it launches the reader into the fire and keeps them there until the end. If I can give them nightmares while still wanting to keep reading, then I have done my job… Hopefully.
How much and what kind of research went into the elements of folklore in your book?
Weeks that turned into Months. Burning my eyes out from internet searches and making sure I wasn’t going too far to be disrespectful of the Navajo culture. From the historical points to the folklore, I dug deep and wide, looking for anything I could pull ideas and inspiration from but was still broad enough that I could make it my own. I have Native American heritage that goes back through my family tree, so it is something that I have been drawn to since I was a kid.
What is it that draws you to write horror stories?
Being born in the late 70s, all we had in the 80s and early 90s growing up were paperback books. We didn’t have thousands of movies out as we do now that you can watch from the comfort of your bed to your toilet. If you were a horror fan, you read. That’s what we did. Horror has always been something that not only I was drawn to but my family as well. Saturday afternoon Thriller Features, Twilight Zone, and Tales from The Darkside were constantly on our TV while growing up. There is just something about being scared that draws me in for more. It’s like a roller coaster rush to me.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
Currently, I am wrapping up a novella titled “Sexbomb.” It is a story that takes place in the late 1970s Las Vegas. Where we find the famous singers Tom Jones and Billie Preston are vampire hunters. It’s a mixture of Fear and Loathing meets Fright Night. Lots of dark humor. I am shooting for the spring of 2025 for the release.
But have no fear. I have already started two follow-up books to “Wolf’s Hyde.” There is much, much more to come from Tanaka and Norman. As well as other characters from the book. I didn’t intend to make a series out of this story but as it came to the end I was like… yes… this needs to be a series. Even I wanted more.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
From the author who brought you the horror story collection, Free Candy, comes the novel Wolf’s Hyde. From the trenches of Nazi Germany to the streets of Detroit. Follow one man’s crusade fueled by guilt and driven by wrath.
Wolf’s Hyde
Skinwalker. Lycanthrope. Yee Naaldlooshii. Werewolf. By any name, Tanaka Chee had dedicated his life to hunting it down and destroying it. After a violent killing spree in Flagstaff, Arizona claimed his daughter as one of its victims, the creature became his singular target. As Tanaka connected fragments of his Native American heritage with tales of murder spanning the country, one truth became clear: the werewolf operating under the name Norman was cunning. Tracking where Norman had been proved far easier than predicting where he would strike next. Whether the creature’s elaborate game of cat and mouse was a blessing or a curse, Tanaka didn’t know. What he did know was this: he would stop him or die trying.
Wolf’s Hyde, by Dylan Collins Dunbar, is a supernatural thriller that wastes no time plunging readers into its dark and relentless narrative. From the chilling introduction of the werewolf to the heartbreaking presence of Barbara Chee and, later, her father Tanaka, the story maintains a constant undercurrent of dread. Native American folklore enriches the narrative, blending seamlessly with the timeless European legends of werewolves and monsters that have haunted humanity for centuries. Norman, the ever-elusive antagonist, moves through the story under various identities, but Dunbar reveals only what is necessary, precisely when it needs to be known. This masterful restraint adds layers to the book’s intrigue, keeping readers both captivated and unnerved.
At its core, Wolf’s Hyde is about a father’s grief and his relentless pursuit of closure. Tanaka’s love for his daughter drives the story, grounding the horror elements with emotional weight. The tension between hunter and hunted intensifies with every page as Norman and Tanaka close in on each other. Despite revenge being a familiar theme in literature, Dunbar makes it feel original and organic here, breathing fresh life into the narrative. The balance between emotional depth and raw suspense is handled with precision, ensuring neither element overshadows the other. Dunbar’s take on werewolf mythology is equally impressive. He honors classic lore while threading it with unique twists that keep the story vibrant and unexpected. Readers familiar with traditional supernatural tales will appreciate the nods to established mythology, while the incorporation of Native American legends adds a distinct and refreshing perspective. This fusion sets Wolf’s Hyde apart from other entries in the genre, elevating it beyond a mere creature feature.
The pacing is relentless. From the opening scenes to the book’s climax, Dunbar maintains an unyielding grip on the reader’s attention. The twists are clever and well-timed, often steering the plot in directions that surprise and delight. Just when the story seems predictable, it veers sharply, ensuring readers remain on edge. These unexpected turns are what transform a good thriller into an exceptional one. The conclusion, while inevitable and satisfying, left me conflicted, a testament to how deeply invested I became in the story. Whether it delivered the ending I wanted mattered little in the end; what mattered was the journey, and Dunbar delivered it brilliantly. I found myself torn between admiration for the book’s full-circle resolution and a lingering sense of wanting more—a feeling only the best stories evoke.
In Wolf’s Hyde, Dylan Collins Dunbar crafts a gripping tale of horror, vengeance, and human resilience. The seamless blend of folklore, emotional depth, and thrilling suspense ensures it lingers long after the final page. For fans of supernatural thrillers, this novel delivers everything one could hope for: tension, surprises, and a story that refuses to be put down. It is a worthy addition to werewolf lore, written with skill, heart, and just enough darkness to haunt its readers.
Pages: 306 | ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DHYD4JXS
The Shackles of Time
Jesse Rosenbaum has an extraordinary knack for storytelling that feels electric and fresh. The Shackles of Time is a wild ride through a kaleidoscope of twisted realities, blending horror, sci-fi, and suspense. But it’s not just the genres that make this collection shine. It’s the way Rosenbaum pulls you into the scenes. Every moment unfolds vividly, almost like you’re watching a gripping movie play out in your mind.
The stories grip you with their intensity and originality. In “Eighty-Six,” Carmen grapples with her haunting past inside a desolate diner where the relentless rain seems alive with secrets. Then there’s “Downtime,” where time freezes mid-chaos, leaving you questioning what you’d do in such an unthinkable moment.
Rosenbaum doesn’t just tell tales; he throws you curveballs that leave your mind racing and your heart pounding. What truly sets this book apart is the characters. They feel raw and real. Carmen battles guilt and trauma, while Jankowski wrestles with a boss’s arrogance in a haunted theater basement. Their flaws make them human, their fears make them relatable, and their resilience makes them unforgettable. These are people you feel like you know.
The book’s atmosphere is an artful blend of retro and modern. It channels the eerie charm of The Twilight Zone but wraps it in today’s relatable complexities. Rosenbaum’s pacing is also excellent. He builds tension like a DJ holding the beat just before the drop, keeping you hooked until the final, unexpected twist.
If you love stories that challenge your mind and stir your emotions, The Shackles of Time is a must-read. Jesse Rosenbaum creates immersive experiences that linger with you long after the last page.
Pages: 306 | ISBN : Â 978-1304544285
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
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
Sweet Sorrow- Book 3 in The Jungle War series by Kregg P.J. Jorgenson
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
LITERARY TITAN 