Blog Archives
I Love Dark and Weird Tales
The Inheritance and Other Dark Tales is an anthology of short horror stories that follow the characters into spine-chilling situations. What was the inspiration for this collection of stories?
I would take long evening walks during the first COVID winter (2020). I encountered no one during my walks – no one shoveling snow, no one walking their pets, no vehicles driving by – just silence and falling snow. A very creepy and surreal experience, which got me thinking about dark scenarios (what if I got lost and sought help from one of the homes on the street, only to never be heard from again – the premise for “The Keeper”). Over the weeks I came up with several haunting premises during my evening walks, which became the basis for many of the stories found in “The Inheritance and Other Dark Tales.”
Who is your favorite character to write, and why is that person your favorite?
I enjoyed writing about the father in the story “The Crimson Oak.” Having a daughter of my own, I can strongly associate with his growing feeling of panic for his daughter’s wellbeing as the pieces of a deadly urban legend begin to fall into place.
What intrigues you about the horror and paranormal genres that led you to write this book?
I love dark and weird tales, where the feeling of unease builds up slowly during a story – in the back of your mind you begin to get the feeling that something strange or evil will occur, but you’re not sure what it will be. My love for such stories probably started as a kid, when I’d come home after school and watch episodes of The Twilight Zone or Alfred Hitchcock. My grandparents also took part in Seances, so I grew up listening to “true” ghost stories during family gatherings. Given such a background, it’s probably not too surprising that I enjoy writing stories in the horror and paranormal genres.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
Working on another collection of dark short stories. Targeting a December 2024 release date.
Author Links: GoodReads
Survivors and Their Struggle
Pulse: Book Two is an intriguing dystopian sci-fi horror novel that takes readers into the world you have created and shows them what can go wrong if humans do not make changes. Why was it important for you to write this book?
My premise is essentially that capitalism is a big culprit in the environmental damage we are seeing getting worse every single year. I wanted to show what could happen if we allow a few corporations to run away unchecked for another few decades. The climate bill is coming, and the corporations causing it are trying to wipe their hands of the problem.
Were you able to achieve everything you wanted with the characters in the novel?
I tried very hard to make the characters a bigger piece for the sequel. In book one it is a slaughter-fest with no one being safe. This time around, I focus on the survivors and their struggle which gives it a much more intimate vibe. I am very happy with my character work here in the sequel.
Is there any moral or idea that you hope readers take away from the story?
Don’t trust corporations. Don’t trust the government. They are both corrupt and money motivated which means “for the people” is no longer even close to the top of the list when it comes to the decision making. Another important idea I had was around technology and what it is exactly. Technology is a tool, and many of us have lost that definition. The wheel is technology. Medicine is technology. Money is technology. Technology is very important and can be a great tool. In the last few generations, we have totally lost sight of the definition and let computers/the internet hijack the word, but those things are also just tools themselves. We need to get back the word technology. We need to use money, medicine, social media, and computers more like tools and less like devices to control us.
What is the next book you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
First, don’t forget to check out the music on my YouTube channel as I create original songs pulled right from the pages of all my work.
My next book is a short story project called The Anatomy of Fear. A huge group of indies got together, and we each wrote a grimdark story about a part of the body. That will be out in a few weeks. After that, ReBirth is a spinoff to Pulse. Near the end of the Pulse duology, a few small threads go unresolved. This next novel won’t be an official Pulse book because many of the characters did complete their narrative arc. ReBirth will focus on just two or three POVs and provide a bit more about the past and future. I am a slow writer, so I would estimate two years. Coming Christmas 2025… maybe… good things take time 🙂
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website | YouTube | Amazon
How would a P-7500 defeat these creatures?
The Inheritance and Other Dark Tales
The Inheritance is a chilling narrative that unfolds as we follow Richard as he inherits his late uncle’s grand, six-bedroom home. As he delves into his uncle’s belongings, a bone mask comes into play, and the ensuing twists and turns are nothing short of fascinating.
In The Keeper, a seemingly innocent afternoon drive takes an ominous turn for a group of young scholars when their car grinds to a halt near a foreboding house inhabited by a mysterious Keeper. As their fates intertwine, the story becomes a web of suspense and dread, leaving readers on the edge of their seats.
The Reachers introduce us to an anthropologist delving into the secrets of an ancient Pagan cult known for harvesting human eyes. However, what he unearths goes far beyond his expectations, leading to a nightmarish revelation that blurs the line between the living and the supernatural.
The Inheritance and Other Dark Tales by Stephen Tallevi is a spine-tingling journey into the darkest corners of the human psyche with a collection of macabre stories. This anthology is a literary treasure trove for those who relish haunting tales that leave an indelible mark on your imagination. The storylines are captivating and attention-grabbing, making it impossible for readers to put the book down. Richard’s ill-fated decision to place the bone mask on his face adds an element of chilling suspense that keeps you guessing. Tallevi’s storytelling prowess shines through, with meticulous attention to detail that leaves no question unanswered for the reader. The narrative is well-crafted and thoroughly thought out, offering a deeply satisfying reading experience. The author’s unique writing style leaves readers eagerly anticipating what’s to come in each short story. The darkness permeating these tales is masterfully executed, and the vivid descriptions allow your imagination to run wild as you envision the eerie scenarios unfolding before you.
I highly recommend The Inheritance and Other Dark Tales to anyone searching for a gripping collection of horror stories. Each story possesses distinct qualities, and together, they form a brilliant and unforgettable book. Tallevi’s storytelling is a treasure trove for fans of dark and suspenseful fiction, and this anthology is a shining example of their literary prowess. Don’t miss the chance to be ensnared by these captivating tales, a journey into the depths of the macabre that will leave you craving more.
Pages: 132 | ASIN : B0CBF1MK9J
The Sins of Kings
In The Sins of Kings, Daniel Thomas Valente whisks readers away to the evocatively crafted realm of Wide-World. Within this rich tapestry, the once harmonious kingdom teeters on the brink of war. As tensions escalate, many within the narrative harbor ambitions of dethroning the current monarch, casting a shadow of intrigue over the land. The reigning king, engrossed in his own indulgences, remains oblivious to the rising dark forces that seek to undermine his rule.
Valente’s prose captivates, weaving a tale that is as enthralling as it is intricate. He masterfully introduces pivotal plot points with a deftness that leaves readers eager for more. The diverse and multifaceted characters, each impeccably fleshed out, are aptly suited to their environment. The narrative is a beautifully orchestrated dance of intertwined plots and subplots, ensuring that no narrative thread is left unresolved.
One of the book’s standout qualities is its robust world-building paired with characters who exhibit a profound self-awareness, elevating them from mere figures on a page to tangible beings. The story’s unpredictability is reminiscent of the gritty realism in Game of Thrones, where characters’ fates hang in the balance, lending an authentic weight to the tale.
I recommend The Sins of Kings to aficionados of dark fantasy, especially those who relish tales replete with multi-dimensional characters and serpentine plot twists.
Pages: 398 | ASIN : B0CCXDJDTW
In the Lair of Legends
David Buzan’s In the Lair of Legends sends readers on a riveting journey that cascades from action to the shuddering trembles of mythological horror. From the first chapter, the narrative captures your attention, propelling you through a story that refuses to relent in its thrilling pace.
Lieutenant Jolon Winterhawk, our steadfast protagonist, pledges allegiance to the United States cavalry with an unwavering motive to shield his family from looming perils. Embarking on a seemingly straightforward mission – to safely shepherd a train of gold ore across Oregon – Winterhawk finds himself ensnared in a harrowing battle against a mosaic of adversaries, spanning from Mexican ambushers and US aeronauts to terrifying beings from legends.
Despite a backdrop teeming with explosive action and supernatural terror, Buzan masterfully carves moments for expositional clarity. These well-tailored bursts of information provide not merely an understanding but an immersive experience, ensuring readers are fully conscripted into the unfolding drama.
The novel introduces a sophisticated narrative technique that simultaneously offers a momentary respite from the relentless action and sets the stage for an emotional crescendo. Employing a slightly comedic, italicized voice, Buzan guides the audience through tumultuous events, culminating in a twist that is as heart-wrenching as it is unforeseen.
Winterhawk, a man sculpted from simplicity and cast into the roaring fires of adversity, emerges as a compelling embodiment of the action-hero archetype. While his initial characterization might feel familiar, Winterhawk’s interactions and evolving circumstances progressively reveal a complex tapestry of personality that is difficult to resist. Buzan expertly navigates the path of showing, not telling, allowing Winterhawk’s inherent resourcefulness, unexpected wisdom, and indomitable spirit to naturally unfurl before the reader.
The insertion of legends within the narrative does not merely amplify the stakes but injects a palpable aura of horror, resonating with an almost cosmic dread. Buzan, in a fascinating deviation, affords readers a visceral glimpse into the fear and gruesome demises experienced by the legends’ unfortunate victims. These terrifying beings, while exuding an aura of monstrous invincibility, are presented in a manner that teeters on the brink of the believable, ensuring Winterhawk’s heroics linger within the realm of the improbable, safeguarding our suspended disbelief.
In the Lair of Legends combines action, horror, and emotionally charged storytelling into a cohesive narrative that promises to entertain and trap readers in a world where every page whispers of danger, desperation, and the undying embers of hope. Buzan has woven a tale that, while harrowing, invites readers to linger, to experience, and to relentlessly journey alongside Lieutenant Winterhawk through the abyss of legends.
Pages: 276 | ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0C8BMMRV3
The Nephilem
In S.E. Wilson’s striking novel The Nephilem, the reader is introduced to a convoluted web of past sins, redemption, and supernatural entanglements. Our protagonist, Hyienna, embarks on a journey to the serene landscape of Formentera, not only in pursuit of reconciliation with his estranged cousin Sarah but also inadvertently into a precarious engagement with a formidable, shadowy syndicate.
From the outset, where Hyienna is inexplicably bequeathed an ethereal object encased in a simple knapsack, the reader is gently propelled into a perilous game of power and ancient mystique. His initial personal quest swiftly pivots, becoming a determined endeavor to safeguard Sarah and perhaps, in navigating through these enigmatic events, absolve his own tormented past. Themes of redemption, hope, escape, and retribution elegantly weave through the narrative, enthralling the reader with every turn of the page.
The Nephilem adeptly interlaces each character’s nuanced relationships with their respective pasts, a continual thread that binds their stories with an almost tragic inevitability. From Hyienna, who wrestles with specters of redemption, to Nathaniel, perpetually trying to elude his history, and Catherine, fueled by a vengeance-driven journey, it becomes transparently clear: their intricate relationships with their histories are both a compass and an anchor in their present endeavors. In every struggle against their past, they are met with circumstances that seem overwhelmingly insurmountable.
The introduction of the supernatural, a facet that enthralls with its mysterious allure, lends a profound depth to what otherwise unfolds as a slow-burning mystery plot. Hyienna, portrayed with remarkable relatability, is an everyday man caught in an otherworldly storm, navigating the tumultuous seas of morality and personal duty.
Yet, Wilson leaves the reader in a state of contemplative suspense, with certain questions lingering tantalizingly unanswered. The aura of Nathaniel, whom the Moirae have deemed special and destined for glory, envelops a mystery that the narrative curiously does not resolve, perhaps a seed deliberately planted for subsequent installments.
Fans of thriller novels will undoubtedly find The Nephilem an enthralling read, as it deftly balances a potent mix of tension and intrigue that persists throughout. Despite the riveting plot, there’s a subtle nod toward unresolved enigmas, perhaps a tantalizing setup for a sequel. A word of caution to prospective readers: the narrative does explore the sensitive topic of kidnapped children, which might evoke distress in some.
S.E. Wilson’s work compels us to reflect upon the inextricable links between our past, present, and the oft-mysterious paths on which our choices set us. Engaging, thought-provoking, and tinged with an eerie supernatural resonance, The Nephilem invites the reader into a world where every step forward is haunted by the shadows of history.
Pages: 394 | ASIN : B0B5CDQ8MW
Pulse: Book Two
In B.A. Bellec’s latest installment of the Pulse series, humanity, teeters on the precipice of its fate, ensnaring readers in a gripping dystopian fusion of science fiction and horror. Venturing into this tumultuous world, readers join Magnus on a whirlwind odyssey through a landscape populated by formidable monsters, mysterious mutants, and formidable robots. Moreover, an enigmatic antagonist known as the Man in Black casts a shadow over events, intent on sculpting a new world order.
Pulse: Book Two rekindles the flames of our passion for tales that masterfully intertwine horror and action. Picture this: a chilling tableau of menacing creatures that “enter the room, sniffing relentlessly like bloodhounds on the hunt.” Characters such as Amber stand out, battling not only external threats but also internal conflicts. When faced with the possibility that her memories have been manipulated, Amber’s journey becomes a quest for truth, causing readers to hang on to every twist and turn.
The book boasts meticulously crafted action sequences that not only leap off the pages but would seamlessly transition to cinematic screens or video game adaptations. A particularly memorable scene involves Amber brandishing a katana retrieved from a desolate home as she takes on a monstrous adversary.
A noteworthy feature of Pulse: Book Two is its innovative narrative style. Dialogues are presented in a format reminiscent of dramatic works, while each chapter is prefixed with a date and time, enriching the reader’s immersive experience.
Pulse: Book Two is a must-read for readers of horror, action, and sci-fi books. Beyond its thrilling narrative, the book serves as a poignant commentary on climate change and unchecked materialism, urging readers to reflect on and amend our existing trajectories. Dive into this compelling saga; it promises to be both an intellectual feast and an exhilarating adventure.
Pages: 568 | ASIN : B0CGXMTYCT
Literary Titan Book Awards – Oct 2023
These books masterfully craft universes, breathe life into unparalleled characters and weave plots that keep us hanging on every word. With innovative themes and a knack for turning words into elegant prose, these stunning books effortlessly elevate the art of storytelling. Here’s to the brilliant authors who’ve turned fresh ideas and heartfelt narratives into beautifully written journeys. Your remarkable talent deserves every bit of this recognition.
Award Recipients
The Mole Vol X NWP Sextet: In Defence of Peace Not War by Ron Raye
Greenhorn by Cheryl Hunter
Women Leading the Way Peace by Mitchell Katy Garner
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
LITERARY TITAN 