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Invoking Fear in the Reader
The Crimson Triangle follows four scientists on a mission to study the Puerto Rican Trench and the mysteries of the Bermuda Triangle, who encounter a powerful hidden entity living in the sea protected by strange creatures. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I’ve always been intrigued by the ocean and have also had a fearful respect for it, especially its vastness, mysteries, and uncharted areas beneath it. With all the things that can eat you in the ocean, I wanted to add one more. I’ve also been fascinated with the mysteries of the Bermuda Triangle and all of the strange disappearances. I felt the Bermuda Triangle would be the perfect place to insert my vampires and tie them to the strange disappearances. In the first chapter of my book, I mention the USS Cyclops, which is a real boat that left Rio De Janeiro in 1918 on its way to Baltimore but never arrived and was never found. Most believed that the ship was lost in the Bermuda Triangle, so I used that real-life scenario to introduce my antagonists. The Puerto Rican trench offers a dark nesting area for my vampires and creates the need for my main characters.
What intrigues you about the horror and paranormal genres that led you to write this book?
I’ve always enjoyed a good horror story that can literally invoke fear in the reader. I’ve also always been fascinated with vampire lore and noticed that over the last 150 years, vampires have been placed in many different environments in stories and movies, but they have never been placed in the ocean, adding a unique spin to my story.
Your characters are interesting and well-developed. What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
I really enjoyed developing and writing for the main character, Eliana, in the book. Eliana is a strong Hispanic woman with a hard past, and putting her in the leader role was a treat for me. Another character, Dennis, was harder to write for as I created Dennis to be a withdrawn, cranky individual, and when it was time to draw emotion from Dennis, it proved to be challenging.
What is the next book that you’re working on, and when can your fans expect it?
I’d like to write a sequel to “The Crimson Triangle” that takes place in the Pacific around the Mariana Trench. The book delves deeper into the underwater vampire story exposing more about the creatures and their origin. I’m also drafting ideas on a couple more horror novels.
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The Crimson Triangle
The Crimson Triangle by John J. Fife Sr. tells the gripping tale of four scientists—Eliana, Walter, Ana, and Dennis—on a mission to study the Puerto Rican Trench and unravel the mysteries of the Bermuda Triangle. During their journey, they encounter a powerful hidden entity protected by strange creatures. The mission takes a dire turn when coastal towns fall victim to relentless attacks by sea vampires, thrusting the team into a race against time to stop the bloodshed. Will they overcome the monsters and save humanity, or will they succumb to the abyss? This story highlights the power of human perseverance and resilience in the face of unimaginable horrors.
One of the book’s standout features is the author’s inventive blend of scientific and mythological elements, offering a refreshing take on traditional vampire tales. The seamless integration of scientific aspects adds a layer of intrigue, elevating the narrative beyond conventional vampire lore. The author’s expertise in oceanography and deep-sea diving is evident through vivid and detailed descriptions, which make the underwater world feel authentic without being overly complex or challenging to follow. Some dialogues lack authenticity, with characters occasionally responding in ways that feel robotic or unrealistic. For instance, when the concept of ‘sea vampires’ is introduced, a more skeptical and resistant reaction from the townspeople would have been expected. The rapid acceptance of such an idea, especially given the mayor’s initial hesitation, seemed implausible. More nuanced reactions and debates would have added depth and realism to the story. The story’s pacing adds an element of mystery, with the timeline between events leaving room for interpretation. This ambiguity invites readers to engage more deeply with the narrative, piecing together the sequence of events and immersing themselves in the unfolding drama.
The Crimson Triangle by John J. Fife Sr. presents a bold and original spin on traditional vampire lore. While mature themes make it unsuitable for young readers, adult readers will find it a compelling and intriguing read.
Pages: 328 | ASIN : B0D64PN316
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