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A Horrifying Experience
The Molossus of Old Man Moyer follows an ex-con hearse driver who encounters a mythical dog, the Molossus, one night, taking him on a thrilling journey into the darkness. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The Molossus of Old Man Moyer is a story I started developing about 20 years ago. I wanted to make a story that could use a common event and turn it into a horrifying experience. That’s when I started to wonder, how can I make walking a dog that horrific event? That’s when I came upon the idea of a dog that looks old but is much older than what is possible. It first started as 200 year old dog, then while I was at it, I changed it to a dog that’s over 2,000 years old. As a bonus, I added magical powers, that the dog would grant the owner a life of luxury but in trade for the promise of a violent death. That setup a kind of Sword of Damocles situation that I found interesting. Then I discovered a list of instinct dog breeds where I found that one great dog breed was called the Molossus that went extinct in 1815 after first being discovered by none other than Alexander the Great. The last little touch was how to frame the story. So, I picked a profession that I first heard on a radio blog about a body transport and the sights, sounds, and smells of such a challenging and high-turnover job. This put the Molossus in the path of a hearse on a country road. That is when all the elements came together, and after that, the writing of the story came together pretty quickly with all the pieces in place.
What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
Old Man Moyer was the most fun. Most of his appearance is practically all dialogue as he pontificates about his life and history. I had a fun time with the Old Man. I didn’t really have a challenge with any of the characters as they came to me pretty fluid, and they all found their voice pretty easy.
The Molossus of Old Man Moyer delivers the drama so well that it flirts with the grimdark genre. Was it your intention to give the story a darker tone?
Absolutely, the story was always meant to be dark, as dark as I could get it. Beyond just what is spoken and the actions of the characters, I did load it up with dark elements: a hearse called the Deathmobile, psychics, dead bodies, paranormal, ghosts. And all of this fell into place in all formats, including the audiobook, in time for a Halloween release, which was perfect.
What is the next book you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I am currently working on the sequel to The Molossus of Old Man Moyer, which is really a prequel and will be one of two sequel/prequels anticipated within the next year.
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The Molossus of Old Man Moyer: An Original Horror Novel
In The Molossus of Old Man Moyer, Joe Lyon, a U.S. Army veteran, crafts an engaging narrative that seamlessly weaves elements of horror, mystery, and suspense. The story opens with the intriguing premise of Deacon Tibbs, a psychic with remarkable abilities whose earthly journey ends, bringing his body back to Batesville, Ohio. This sets the stage for a series of supernatural events that challenge and enthrall the reader.
The protagonist, Jimmy Myer, a morgue worker with a complicated past, finds himself at the heart of these eerie occurrences. His encounter with the ghost of Deacon Tibbs is just the beginning of a journey filled with unexpected turns. The peculiar incident involving Belky, a Molossus dog with an ancient lineage, further adds to the intricate plot.
The novel’s strength lies in its character development. From Jimmy’s complex persona to the enigmatic Vera Kay, each character is thoughtfully portrayed, adding depth to the story. The plot is a tapestry of interconnected stories and surprising twists, maintaining a gripping pace throughout.
Lyon’s talent for storytelling shines in his dialogue, which is sharp and engaging, keeping the reader completely absorbed. The novel not only delves into paranormal activities and ancient mysteries but also touches on the grimmer aspects of life, such as abuse and suffering, making it a well-rounded and captivating read.
The audiobook version of The Molossus of Old Man Moyer stands out for its excellent narration, which significantly elevates the story’s suspense and mystery. The narrator’s adept voice modulation and pacing vividly bring the characters to life. Their ability to capture the mood of each scene keeps the audience captivated. This rendition is ideal for those who appreciate the depth and atmosphere of storytelling, providing an immersive and enjoyable listening experience.
The Molossus of Old Man Moyer is a must-read for those who love a good thrill. This horror story takes readers into the supernatural realm, where darkness is only the beginning of its suspenseful journey. It’s an absorbing tale that promises to keep you on the edge of your seat.
7 hours and 58 min | ASIN : B0CKFM5Y7C
Temple of Valor
Astar, an 18-year-old boy, has been at the receiving end of strange powers and dreams for quite some time. He vividly remembers every time both manifests but cannot understand what all of these mean in his life. One day, his best friend, Micah, shows him a startling discovery —a huge gaping hole on the ground, which looked eerily familiar to Astar. The events that transpired after this finally give him answers to all the confusion, and he slowly realizes that he is part of a larger world he was only imagining before. As it calls him to use his abilities, Astar must understand what his choices mean and where they could lead not just himself but the entire world as he knows it.
Temple of Valor: Astar’s Blade, by Joe Lyon, is a well-executed book that perfectly closes a trilogy that fans have anticipated for so long. It packs enough references from the past, all while emphasizing the new characters’ roles in the story. The novel, with its two predecessors, guarantees a whole new world that readers can get to explore, all while enjoying common tropes in the genre to help them connect the dots and accommodate their initial idea of fantasy.
If you did not read the previous books, it is still easy to understand the events due to the author’s careful world-building, which is something integral in a fantasy novel. This was noticeable at the beginning, where every detail of the three Devourers was explained, from the first body part that each pulled out from the hole up until they were flying up. With so many unusual elements throughout the novel, the attention to detail was a generous help in trying to grasp how the characters and the setting look like and what they are doing on that exact page. Furthermore, the sequence of the story was well-written, particularly in the action scenes where not many lines were needed. It leaves you hooked and asking for more, making the five hundred pages seem short.
Temple of Valor: Astar’s Blade is the riveting conclusion to the epic fantasy series Astar’s Blade. With so much that this book has to offer, readers will surely be left satisfied as they close the book in finality, all while imagining what the next possible approaches, another book or trilogy or adaptation, can offer.
Pages: 526 | ASIN : B0B8TQ7XZ4
LITERARY TITAN 