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Vampires in BC
Vampires in BC, by Keith Costelloe, is a mesmerizing fantasy novel that immerses readers in a dark and atmospheric world where the lines between life and death, human and vampire, blur hauntingly. The story centers on Jude, a character partially transformed into a vampire by the enigmatic Dr. De’Ath. Jude grapples with his identity and the moral dilemmas of his new existence, all while possessing a unique ability to morph between male and female forms, which he uses to explore his fluid sexuality and seduce his victims. This shapeshifting power further complicates his internal struggle between his past human life and his present vampiric state. The novel opens with a chilling prologue set around a campfire, where Dr. De’Ath, in a sinister twist, unveils her vampiric nature to a group of unsuspecting teenagers. From there, the narrative delves into Jude’s experiences and the clandestine world of vampires living beneath a hospital. Led by Dr. De’Ath, these vampires see themselves as saviors of the Earth, destined to cull humanity and restore planetary balance.
Throughout the book, Jude wrestles with the duality of his nature—his human emotions and memories clash with the cold, predatory instincts of a vampire. As he navigates this new world, he must confront his desires and the reality of being a creature that preys on humans. The narrative is richly infused with gothic elements, exploring themes of identity, morality, and the seductive nature of power.
Vampires in BC is a thought-provoking exploration of identity and morality within a gothic horror framework. Keith Costelloe’s evocative writing, with its rich descriptions, vividly paints the eerie world Jude inhabits. One of the book’s many strengths lies in its characters. Jude is a compelling protagonist, torn between his human past and vampiric present. His ability to shift between genders adds a unique dimension to his character, allowing for a nuanced exploration of gender fluidity and sexuality. This aspect of Jude’s character is handled with sensitivity and depth, making his internal conflict all the more poignant. The pacing of the story is well-balanced, with moments of introspection and character development interspersed with intense, suspenseful scenes.
Costelloe’s writing style is both lyrical and precise, creating a haunting atmosphere that lingers long after the final page is turned. The book’s exploration of its darker themes may not be for everyone. The moral ambiguity of the characters, particularly the vampires’ justification for their actions as protectors of the Earth, challenges readers to question traditional notions of good and evil. This moral complexity is a strength but also demands readers to engage deeply with the text.
Vampires in BC is a gripping and atmospheric read that offers more than just a traditional vampire tale. It delves into the complexities of identity, the nature of power, and the consequences of our actions, all within a richly crafted gothic horror setting. Fans of the genre will appreciate the book’s depth and the fresh perspective it brings to vampire mythology.
Pages: 289 | ASIN : B0DJT1HFVS
Many Arms Enfold Us
Many Arms Enfold Us, by Diavolo Ray, offers a gripping horror novel tailored for young adult and teen readers, but it’s unsettling enough to leave anyone with a lingering chill. The story follows Kara, a young girl who moves with her brother and mother to the remote woodlands of Montana, where her mother plans to establish a local internet hub. But from the moment they arrive, it’s clear that something is horribly wrong beneath the town’s surface… literally. Hidden underground, parasitic creatures thrive, feeding on unsuspecting humans. Even more disturbing, the town’s residents seem eerily indifferent to the lurking danger.
From the very first page, Diavolo Ray masterfully keeps readers guessing. The suspense is palpable, with each twist and turn as unpredictable for the reader as it is for Kara herself. Her fear, disgust, and determination radiate through the narrative, creating a tense atmosphere that gradually builds to a state of dread. Rather than relying on traditional monsters or grotesque violence, the antagonists in this novel are far more sinister. They subtly manipulate, coaxing their victims into willing submission. The result is a science-fiction-horror hybrid that feels fresh and deeply unsettling.
Ray’s descriptive prowess immerses readers fully in Kara’s experience. Every scene is vivid and haunting, making you feel as though you are right there, fighting to escape the town’s suffocating grip. And then there’s the ending, which is far from offering a neat resolution. It leaves you with the unsettling realization that the danger is far from over. I won’t give the ending away, but it leaves the reader with the chilling implication that all of humanity might be at risk.
Many Arms Enfold Us brings a refreshing twist to the horror genre, combining sci-fi elements with a creeping psychological tension that leaves an impact. By the time you close the book, you might find yourself pondering just how real the threat of mind control could be.
Pages: 325 | ASIN : B0D42N6LSD
Death or Volentus: Macabre Masquerade
Death or Volentus: Macabre Masquerade, by David V. Mammina, is a dark fantasy tale filled with necromancers, undead armies, and high-stakes political intrigue. The story follows Volentus, a powerful necromancer ruling over a bleak land called Edengard, and his interactions with other factions in a world filled with rivalries, magic, and deep secrets. Volentus is at the heart of a macabre game, facing threats from kingdoms and individuals alike. The novel sets the stage with battles, betrayals, and an eerie atmosphere that constantly hovers over the storyline. The key tension lies between Volentus and various factions, especially as he faces a pending summit where political and magical powers will collide.
The writing is heavy on detail, immersing readers into a world that feels vividly crafted, but at times, it can be dense. Mammina’s strength lies in his ability to evoke haunting imagery. Whether it’s a necromancer’s undead army or the ruins of Edengard, the setting is always atmospheric. The prose is rich with long passages of descriptive text that I feel sometimes slow down the narrative’s momentum. However, these passages contribute to great world-building within a fascinating narrative.
One thing that really stands out is how the novel delves into the psychological and emotional turmoil of its characters. Volentus isn’t just a power-hungry necromancer; he’s haunted by past decisions and relationships, particularly his complex history with Malkira, a priestess and former lover. The moments where Volentus grapples with his isolation and the consequences of his actions bring a depth that grounds the otherwise fantastical elements. I appreciated how the novel explored his internal conflict and didn’t just paint him as a stereotypical villain. A scene where he sits in front of the fire, reflecting on his power and the fear he instills, felt particularly poignant. The dynamics between different factions, like the Koralins and the Apparatum, are intriguing, but I believe they can occasionally impact the clarity of the narrative. While fascinating and well-developed, side stories centered around characters like Dragan and Alicent are engaging but sometimes distract from the book’s central point.
Death or Volentus: Macabre Masquerade is perfect for those who love dark fantasy with intricate political intrigue. Fans of necromancy, morally complex characters, and rich world-building will enjoy this novel. It’s a book that requires patience and attention to detail, but the payoff is a richly woven, eerie tale that lingers long after you’ve turned the last page.
Pages: 281 | ASIN : B0D9SXRWVY
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
The Toe Killer by Mike Slavin
When Canaries Die
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Literary Titan Silver Book Award October 2024
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
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Who’s There?: A Collection of Short Horror, Supernatural, and Ghost Stories
Who’s There?: A Collection of Short Horror, Supernatural, and Ghost Stories by Dimas Rio is a dark and immersive anthology of supernatural horror stories, each laced with elements of suspense and psychological tension. The collection delves into the realms of fear, exploring themes of guilt, unresolved trauma, and the macabre unknown. From tales of haunted islands to cursed beings hiding in the shadows, the stories are designed to unnerve and provoke reflection on the horrors that lurk not only in the supernatural but also within the human psyche. Rio uses atmospheric settings and introspective character-driven narratives to create unsettling experiences for the reader.
One thing that stood out to me is Rio’s use of atmosphere and psychological depth in the stories. He doesn’t rely on jump scares or typical horror clichés. Instead, the horror often comes from the characters’ internal struggles and guilt. Take, for example, the story of Adam, whose anxiety and fear of commitment bleed into his nightmarish encounters. The tension between reality and supernatural dread blurs in such a way that you’re never quite sure where one begins and the other ends. The vivid description of the cursed island and Adam’s mental spiral left me both unnerved and intrigued. While the ambiance and psychological themes were compelling, the pacing of some stories felt uneven. The buildup often took a while, and by the time the supernatural element kicked in, I sometimes felt like it arrived too abruptly. This left me wanting just a bit more payoff from the slow-burn atmosphere Rio is so good at building. One notable aspect of the book is how Dimas Rio weaves cultural references into his horror, especially drawing from Indonesian folklore. In “At Dusk,” when the old man mentions Kelinting, the blood-sucking spirit, there’s a distinct sense of place and history. It’s refreshing to see horror that taps into cultural myths that aren’t as widely explored in mainstream horror. This adds a layer of authenticity and makes the horror feel more personal, as if these are tales that could truly haunt someone’s village or neighborhood, rather than just abstract concepts of fear.
Who’s There? is a haunting and thoughtful collection that’s perfect for readers who enjoy slow-burn psychological horror with a mix of cultural folklore. It’s not a book for someone looking for quick thrills or gore; instead, it’s for those who appreciate moody, atmospheric horror that leaves you unsettled long after you’ve turned the last page. If you’re into horror that’s more about what’s lurking in the shadows of the mind, this collection is well worth the read.
Pages: 193 | ASIN : B0B29PSLSC
Where Dark Things Grow
Andrew K. Clark’s Where Dark Things Grow is an enthralling blend of mystery, horror, and emotional depth that captivates readers from start to finish. For fifteen-year-old Leo, life has reached its bleakest point. His younger sister is on the brink of death, and his mother’s mental health is unraveling due to his father’s mysterious disappearance. Forced into the role of provider, Leo faces constant bullying and poverty, all while carrying the burden of his family’s survival. When his mother pleads with him to find his estranged father, he reluctantly sets out on a journey he dreads, confronting his past and inner demons.
Set against the backdrop of the Appalachian Mountains during the Great Depression, Where Dark Things Grow immerses readers in a world steeped in racism, poverty, and survival. The atmosphere in the novel is thick with a foreboding sense of dread, and the tension lingers on every page. Clark’s vivid descriptions transport the reader to this haunting landscape, where every scene is meticulously crafted and every emotion raw and palpable. I could almost feel the damp chill of the woods and hear the rustling of leaves as Leo ventured deeper into the supernatural. The characters are richly developed, each distinct and compelling, while the dialogue flows with poetic elegance. I found myself especially captivated by Leo. His mix of curiosity, innocence, and toughness feels authentic, especially in the way he’s shaped by his circumstances. This coming-of-age story forces its young protagonists to confront the darkest corners of their world and themselves too soon.
Where Dark Things Grow is a must-read for fans of Southern Gothic, folklore, and dark fantasy. Andrew K. Clark weaves an atmospheric, eerie narrative that’s as much about survival as it is about confronting the shadows within and without. I’d recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a haunting, slow-burn story set in a richly imagined world. It’s perfect for readers who love tales steeped in mythology, magic, and the dark undercurrents of human nature.
Pages: 335 | ASIN : B0DG6WZBYZ
LITERARY TITAN 