Blog Archives
I Wanted to Create A New Villain
Sins of Chaos finds the Breedline species safe from Breedline hybrids but now they face something far more deadly. What were some new ideas you wanted to explore in this book that were different from The Immortal?
For Sins of Chaos, I wanted to create a new villain, or rather a trio of villains, who are far more powerful than the Breedline or any other species in their Covenant. Bringing forth this type of supernatural villains would give me the opportunity to introduce some new “winged” characters to the story who will play a crucial role in my Breedline adventures in the future.
I loved all the new exciting characters included in this story. What were some sources of inspiration that informed their character development?
Everyone wants a hero, especially in a world filled with evil and destruction. That’s when my heroes started to develop. And why not five battle angels. Of course, they are not your typical white winged angels with halos hovering their heads. I wanted my new heroic characters to be larger than life with personalities and special powers to match. Their purpose is vital to the story and will continue on in the future.
How did you come up with the idea for the antagonist in this story and how did it change as you wrote?
Crazy as it sounds, my idea for the antagonist in Sins of Chaos, came from a dream. I knew I needed new exciting villains for my story, but I struggled with the idea. One night I dreamed of three fraternal siblings with supernatural powers. They all had specific characteristics and unique powers. As time passed, they became more vivid and believable in my own mind. Although they are the “bad guys,” their story will shift toward the end.
What can readers expect in the next book in your Breedline Series?
Next in line for my Novels of the Breedline series follows:
- The Curse
- Living Nightmares
- Vampires in Manhattan
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Abbey, desperate to keep her she-wolf at bay, has been on the run from ruthless scientists—backed by wealthy and dangerous prospects dealing in drug and human sex trafficking—who will stop at nothing to use her to locate her beloved Steven for his unique abilities of healing.
With the help of the Breedline species and a group of highly trained soldiers, whose special skills go beyond the norm, the human race finds hope of surviving the dangers that are fast closing in. But will the combined efforts be powerful enough to save them?
While war wages on, Sebastian Crow continues to suffer Lucifer’s curse—trapped in a coma and forced to face the forgotten trauma of his childhood. And the only way to awaken from his hellish nightmare, Sebastian must hand over his son Arius to the dark side.
Nothing to Get Nostalgic About
![Nothing to Get Nostalgic About by [Eddie Brophy]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51otIRJFXZL.jpg)
Charlie Harris has lived a life of fear, stemming from his troubled childhood and one fateful day in 1997. For the most part, he has managed to keep the monsters at bay. Not only that, but he has successfully capitalized on them by being an author of the macabre. But now, they are all coming out of the woodwork, and they have found a nice, cozy spot underneath the crib of Charlie’s infant son.
With a premise like that, any horror fan is sure to recognize the influence of Stephen King in this novel. Not only is it set in Maine – the master storyteller’s hometown and favorite setting – but it is also about an alcoholic author haunted by his past.
Automatically, titles like The Dark Half and The Shining come to mind. But instead of distracting from Brophy’s identity as a writer, the contrast between King’s signatures and Brophy’s distinct style only shines through. While King is the self-proclaimed “literary equivalent of a Big Mac,” Brophy delivers the scares through a more cerebral approach.
The novel is sprinkled with meditations on fear and how it never leaves us after it has made its mark. It only mutates and adapts to scare us until our dying breath. It is undeniably a dark concept, and Brophy takes readers through the journey with an unflinching eye. Luckily, he manages to make it easy for us with prose that is somehow both conversational and sophisticated at the same time but never pretentious. The dialogue ranges from unrealistic to dull at times, with some of it being there simply to provide exposition but this does not take away from the story.
Horror hounds will find a lot to sink their teeth into in Nothing to Get Nostalgic About. It is a creepy, psychological tale that is not your run-of-the-mill paperback, making it well worth a read.
Pages: 352 | ASIN: B08RCW4YPM
Be That Strong Survivor
The Given follows a young woman who is sent to a special establishment to rehabilitate, but navigating her own trauma is difficult in a place filled with volatile people. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
As an empathetic individual, I’ve always struggled with the injustice that occurs in our world. Despite those who inflict pain, terror and destruction, there are always those who are ready to light the way for the fallen, who selflessly go above and beyond to lend a helping hand – the never ending saga of ‘Good Versus Evil’. That was the initial set up for THE GIVEN – and of course, a colourful cast of lively individuals who explore their own roads to healing and recovery as they develop trust and form solid friendships; despite the trauma they have experienced. That’s what heals us all, in the end. Friendship and love. And that is what I wanted to fill The Given with, strong, resilient characters that no matter their past, were able to overcome the abuse inflicted upon them, and step towards a brighter future, if they believed they could have it.
Lilliana is an intriguing character that I enjoyed following. What were some driving ideals behind her character’s development?
I’m a big believer on the power of a positive mindset, and the belief that with practice and setting an intention for our own lives, we can overcome any problem and reach for an abundant life filled with goodness, dear friends and healthy relationships. Our past – no matter what has hurt us or tried to cripple us…we can overcome it. We deserve that as decent humans, here for such a short time. I wanted to gift the reader with a protagonist who, despite all the hardships and trauma she endured, she still remained a loving, giving individual, who wanted to help those who had also suffered. Be a light and a friend to those in need, and not allow her past to twist her into an angry victim, but to allow her to shine and be that strong survivor, with a large, loving heart.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The themes that were most important for me to explore, whilst creating such a vivid world as The Given, were topics of mental health, resilience, courage, friendships, love and the healing benefits of animals and nature.
This is book one of The Given Trilogy. What can readers expect in book two?
Readers can certainly expect a lot more romance in book two, as Lilliana and all o her friends mature, as the years go by. There will always be external sources that trickle into life at The Given, creating drama and unseen complications for our cast to explore and overcome as they navigate their increasingly busy lives, whilst juggling their friendships and hurdles that life at The Given constantly throw their way. Book two of The Given Trilogy, Dark Angel, certainly delivers more action and thought provoking scenes that set up an explosive conclusion in the third book, The Guardian.
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The world no longer tolerates vicious, repeat offenders, and deals with criminals accordingly. The survivors of these heinous crimes are sent to private establishments around the globe, known as, The Given.
The Louisiana’s Given is run by the ever charming and handsome brothers, Damon and Cam Night who are obligated by their rule to mentor, protect and offer all the wounded a safe haven, a place to heal mentally and physically, whilst coming to terms with their new life. New Given must follow strict rules and an intense regime that comes with the gift of a superior education that only The Given establishments can offer.
Lilliana becomes one of the Given, after suffering a horrific event that separates her from her family forever and she finds herself thrust into a foreign world of volatile individuals, challenging situations and unyielding rules. Her unexpected attraction to Damon Night confuses her all the more, as she tries to deal with her trauma and get a grip on her undetermined reality, amidst the broken minds of society.
Damon is puzzled by the lure the beautiful Lilliana has on him, as he continues to run the family business in a respectful manner, expected of him with his responsibilities, but finds it harder to fight his growing, forbidden attraction to her. An unexpected desire that adds to the already challenging day to day running of The Given.
Can friendship, animal therapy, education, and love weave their magic around the souls in The Given, and in time, heal the abused and injured? Or does danger and tragedy strike once too often and tear their safe haven apart? To Whom Much is Given, much is expected.
Dark Angel
![Dark Angel: Book 2 of The Given Trilogy by [Mickey Martin]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41cqw5Q2vML.jpg)
Dark Angel is the second book in The Given trilogy by Mickey Martin. The story brings us back into the mysterious world of Lilliana and her adventures within The Given institution- a place designed for victims of violent crimes to heal and find their new life purposes. The first book focuses on Lilliana’s background, recovery journey, and friendships. This time it’s more centered on her budding romance with tall, mystifying, and shockingly handsome Damon, the leader of the facility. The novel opens where the first ended, with Damon leaving suddenly after professing his love for Lilliana, to go on a dangerous undercover mission. Five painful years pass and he finally returns and our narrative unfurls.
The book follows a structure that is not simply beginning, middle, and ending, as the story is peppered with many miscellaneous events. I think this writing style feels far more realistic as it mirrors that of real-life, so I really liked this choice. The background events help to enrich and diversify the classic love story narrative and make it seem less repetitive.
This book upholds the fantastic writing standard of Martin’s previous work, continuing to be vividly descriptive and captivating. Characters and settings are depicted beautifully and the attention to detail is outstanding. Yet this novel felt quite different to the prior, due to having a rather different tone. The first book was dark and thrilling whereas Dark Angel takes a softer romance-based approach centered on Lilliana and Damon’s growing affection. Therefore I feel it would be more appropriate to label this as a dark-romance with a hint of erotica; the couple’s sex life being a large aspect of the story’s narrative. If you enjoy these genres, you will undoubtedly adore this book, but this is less of a thriller as the first book was. Having read about the characters in the first novel in such great detail, it was interesting to see them interact once again within a new narrative. Because this story is focused on Damon and Lilliana, the other characters I’ve grown attached to in the first book don’t get as much attention as our two main characters.
Dark Angel continues the riveting story from book one and adds a refreshing element of romance that make this novel feel different but equally as rousing as the first.
Pages: 358 | ASIN: B085VJX2VJ
My Imagination Ran Wild
In the Dark of Eden follows a man with recurring dreams of a mysterious forest who decides to explore that forest and uncovers a surprising twist to the Appalachian folklore. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
A couple years ago, I needed a clean break from everything life was throwing at me, so I decided to trek a four-mile trail at Audra State Park. It turned into quite an adventure because I hadn’t lost myself in a forest since I was a kid. My imagination ran wild, and I started jotting ideas on paper to create the plot when I finally returned home.
Tyhannon is an intriguing character. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
Tyhannon represents many lost men, including myself, trying to find their way in today’s chaotic world. He’s relatable because it’s become increasingly difficult to find our calling or just be content with life. Many of us are constantly in search of something but no avenue to communicate or explore our deepest desires. As a result, many of us become loners or wandering spirits. There’s something out there or within waiting to be discovered, and it’s often indescribably greater than us.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The prevailing theme is wonder and taking risks in the face of uncertainly. Also, the wisdom of our interconnectedness with nature. Nature is God and we are Gods of Nature when we choose to be by discovering our ultimate purpose.
This is book one in The Eden Trilogy. What can readers expect in book two?
There’s a duplicate scene in Book 1 that’s supposed to represent déjà vu when Tyhannon misses an opportunity to save a man’s life not once but twice. It’s not obvious to Ty, but that scene will have more significance in Book 2 as Tyhannon gets a third chance. And yes, there will be another metaphysical sex scene.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
A Twisted Fairy Tale
Never, Never puts a dark spin on the Peter Pan story and follows Wendy Darling as a veteran detective hunting down the elusive Pan. What inspired you write a story based on this children’s story?
I was originally asked to write a twisted fairy tale for a short story anthology, when I first came up with the idea for Never, Never. The more I thought about it, the more I felt it needed to be a full-length novel. What drew me to doing Peter Pan was the simple concept of an entity sneaking into children’s bedrooms in the middle of the night and luring them away. What’s not scary about that?
Wendy’s character evolves in a way that is still believable but very compelling. What were some aspects of her character that you had to keep the same and what were some aspects you wanted to change?
Yes, she’s quite different to the Wendy people would remember, but she needed to be in order to realistically convey the lasting effects of her trauma. Yet at her core, she’s still the loving and caring sister, though the relationships with her family are more strained than she would like.
What scene in the did you have the most fun writing?
It’s difficult to say without giving away any spoilers! But the first scene that comes to mine is the introduction of the Lost Boys.
Do you have plans to continue Wendy Darling’s story in other books?
Originally I’d planned Never, Never as a stand alone, but I’ve had so much interest in creating a sequel that I’m now giving it some serious thought! Though I would only write a sequel if I felt I could really do Wendy justice.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Pretty/Ugly
![Pretty/Ugly by [Jennifer Anne Gordon]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51pD6zJujPS.jpg)
Pretty Ugly by Jennifer Anne Gordon tells a series of horrific events that submerge the world in an apocalypse. A terrible, deadly virus is starting to spread at the speed of light, making the end of the world look like a very real possibility. The story is told from the perspectives of our two main characters, Omelia and Sam. Both of them are very broken. Omelia seems to have a pretty lively personality, at least when you look at her from the outside: a lover of clothes, books and makeup that shares her passions on the Internet through live streams that she makes on her YouTube channel. However, this is only a façade, deep down she is nothing but a lost girl trying to find love. Sam seems to be on a similar path to Omelia’s: despite the fact that he was a theater major, he pursued law school and became the Democratic Candidate for Governor of Massachusetts to please his father. Dealing with the loss of his twin sister from a young age, Sam has to navigate and relive hurtful moments throughout his life as he tries to keep afloat. Both Sam and Omelia are living behind a mask, a mask that threatens to fall off as the deadliest pandemic in history reaches their lives.
From their very first introduction, it was impossible not to sympathize with Omelia and Sam. They are both very similar with respect to their journey through life. Dealing with loss, dysfunctional families, and lack of love and affection, they go through their days pretending to be someone they’re not, living as fictional characters. I was constantly hoping that they would figure things out and that they would find that thing they both were so desperately wishing for: love. However, the pandemic makes life harder for everyone and staying alive becomes the hardest thing possible.
The description that Jennifer Anne Gordon makes of this deadly virus gave me nightmares. It was detailed, precise and terrifying: a virus that represents untimely death, ruin and rot, and that took millions of lives worldwide. The book is written in such a way that the panic and absolute disgust that spread from the appearance of the virus felt incredibly realistic. People were dying in a matter of hours, they were losing their skin, their faces started to become unrecognizable and they couldn’t feel anything but pain. It all felt vivid and I was constantly worrying about the main characters, unsure of whether they would be able to stay alive, it was simply horrifying.
Nonetheless, despite the horrors described in the book, the story also offers an exploration of the characters deepest emotions, dealing with themes such as loss, loneliness, abandonment and grief, aspects that both Omelia and Sam have to deal very closely with. This story was terrifying, it definitely felt like something that could happen and I couldn’t stop reading to find out what would be the destiny of the characters. Pretty Ugly is a terrifyingly realistic dark drama that is hard to put down, and even harder to forget.
Pages: 288 | ASIN: B093TJQK92
LITERARY TITAN 