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A Modern Theme
Zara’s Gothic follows a paramedic who, after a life-altering road accident, retreats to a secluded property where she lives in a handmade van beneath the shadow of an abandoned Victorian house. Where did the inspiration for this novel come from?
I have always wanted to write a gothic novel, being most inspired by Daphne DuMaurier’s Rebecca and The Beckoning Fair One by Oliver Onions. I was taken by the sight of an old, crumbling house, now in its last stages of collapse. It spoke to me. Maybe the story is a way to preserve the house’s memory.
What drew you to combining paramedic trauma with Gothic haunting?
Although I love the standard repertoire, I wanted a modern theme people could relate to. And, something different, something unique.
Zara’s inner world feels intensely sensory and unstable—how did you approach writing her perception?
It is said that there is a normal. I believe there are other ways of perception. Zara’s on the outside because she’s not like ‘normal’ people. The book is dedicated to Professor Elaine Aron, whose pioneering work on HSP, highly sensitive people, tells us that there is nothing wrong with ultra-sensitivity. It exists in humans and animals; it is not a mental disorder. No more of this “you’re just over-sensitive” rubbish.
If a reader remembers only one image from the novel, what should it be?
Oh, there are many. Without spoilers, it’s when Zara is hit with the reality that the immutable laws of physics no longer apply. Imagine how abjectly terrifying that would be!
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Guilt ridden accident survivor Zara Wilander thinks she is taking on the renovation of a crumbling mansion. But instead, the house takes her on—Zara is progressively haunted. Or, is she simply losing her mind?
Flamboyant estate agent Jenner Reid believes this to be the case and encourages her to continue. But Reid has history with this house. When Zara learns his dark secret, and those of the old house, it may be much too late.
Mounting horror and astonishing word craft result in a masterpiece of the macabre, with all the elements of the classic romantic Gothic style. It is, however, refreshingly different. In the best traditions of The Beckoning Fair One and Rebecca, Zara’s Gothic will thrill your mind and chill your blood.
If you dare…
Zara’s Gothic: A Thrilling Journey Into Adventure, Horror, Mystery, and Romance
Zara’s Gothic opens with a woman already half-shattered. Zara Wilander, a paramedic in upstate New York, is wrecked by guilt after a road accident kills a dog and nearly kills a pedestrian; when work, therapy, and ordinary housing all fail her, she ends up living in her handmade van on a secluded property dominated by a derelict Victorian house that seems less abandoned than watchful. From there, the novel widens from trauma narrative into Gothic haunting: a lonely, hyper-attuned protagonist, an eccentric real-estate man named Jenner Reid, and a decaying house whose pull may be supernatural, psychological, or some unnerving braid of both.
I found myself most taken with the book’s atmosphere and with the way it inhabits Zara’s consciousness. McRoberts doesn’t give her a clean, tasteful suffering; she gives her jagged perception, sensory overwhelm, intrusive memory, odd wit, and a genuine estrangement from the social world. That makes the novel feel intimate. The prose often leans baroque, but in this case, the excess is part of the weather system: rot creaks, trees thrum, sound wounds, silence has grain. When the book is working at full voltage, it feels less like reading a plot than like walking through a feverish interior architecture.
What I really liked, though, wasn’t just the haunted-house apparatus but the tenderness threaded through it. Zara’s bond with her van, her craftsmanship, her ache for solitude, and her unstable reliance on Jenner give the novel an emotional undercarriage sturdier than its melodrama. Some scenes sprawl, and some flourishes arrive in clusters. This book has a peculiar pulse. It wants grandeur, morbidity, vulnerability, and sentiment all at once, and more often than not, it earns that ambition.
I’d recommend Zara’s Gothic to readers of Gothic fiction, psychological horror, haunted-house novels, women-centered dark fiction, and literary supernatural suspense, or anyone who likes their genre work emotionally raw rather than mechanically slick. It reminded me, at moments, of Shirley Jackson by way of Mexican Gothic: not because it copies either, but because it understands that a house can become an accomplice to grief. This is a strange, bruised, haunted novel that turns damage into atmosphere and atmosphere into destiny.
Pages: 224 | ASIN : B0H6JL2WX7
Because I Live This Way
The Last Rays of Ra follows an Egyptologist from the Yorkshire Moors who travels to Egypt to find a missing artifact that is believed to be linked to multiple crimes and murders in London. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
All three locations have always entranced me. Fortunately, I’ve been able to travel to each. They all have history and atmosphere, so I put them together. I know many readers will agree with me – fascinating places!
Your novel combines mystery, adventure, and horror elements. Did you start writing with this in mind, or did this happen organically as you were writing?
I usually write this way. Because I live this way. There’s always plenty happening outside the square, so to speak. It makes for interesting stories
The character of Vahlona Selket Faralay is interesting and well-developed, making her likable and relatable. Was the character’s backstory something you always had, or did it develop as you were writing?
Vahlona’s backstory relates to elements in my own life and those close to me. I wanted to make her different – not your usual protagonist.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
Now that I have these lovely characters and locations, I do want to write a serial. I hope readers will contact me and let me know if they’d like to read a continuation novel. I need to deal with the limitations of Vahlona’s health (many readers might relate this to long COVID and/or post-viral Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. In her day, the medical profession just laughs at her. Not too many are laughing now.
Also, Randolph’s super-sensitivity. This really happened to a doctor friend of mine during a post-mortem.
And Usire – did he really die???
There will, of course, be a new crime, and I will keep aspects of historical interest. Ashara will develop further as a character in the next book. She now has her “spirit house” and so does Vahlona, albeit they’re worlds away.
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Empathic Scotland Yard Detective Jackson Randolph is over-burdened by a series of bizarre murders. He enlists the aid of rogue Egyptologist Vahlona Selket Faralay, pleading with her to retrieve an ancient item linked to the crimes.
Vahlona leaves her mysterious home in the Yorkshire Moors and travels to Egypt, where she braves misogynistic policemen, vicious wildlife, and manic terrorists in her quest to procure the artefact. The shadowy but alluring antiquities dealer Usire Ra Arakti provides the answer, but can Vahlona smuggle the prize out of Egypt and back to London before the madman resumes his killing spree?
Thrilling suspense, horror, romance, and adventure await you in The Last Rays of Ra.
Check out the stunning trailer on YouTube!
The Last Rays of Ra
In The Last Rays of Ra, Karina McRoberts crafts a narrative that intertwines crime, magic, and ancient history, transporting readers on an adventurous journey alongside the novel’s central character, Vahlona Selket Faralay. Set against the backdrop of a series of perplexing murders in London, Scotland Yard Detective Jackson Randolph enlists the expertise of Egyptologist Vahlona. Their quest for a mysterious ancient artifact connected to the crimes takes Vahlona to Egypt, where she confronts various challenges, from dealing with dangerous terrorists and misogynistic police officers to facing the perils of the natural world.
McRoberts’s writing style is notable for its vivid atmosphere, effectively contrasting the brisk ambiance of London with the warmth of Egypt. This descriptive prowess immerses readers in diverse settings while maintaining a focus on the unraveling mystery. The novel is a testament to McRoberts’s ability to blend elements from multiple genres, creating a captivating reading experience. The characters are well-developed, each with distinct personalities that add depth to the story. The pacing is skillfully managed, effectively maintaining reader engagement from start to finish. The narrative gains momentum towards the end, offering an exhilarating pace that brings the story to a dynamic conclusion, although some readers might appreciate a more gradual resolution. The book’s strengths, particularly in world-building and character development, make it a compelling read.
The Last Rays of Ra is a remarkable work of fiction that seamlessly blends multiple genres. McRoberts’s writing style is engaging and captivating, which makes the book an immersive experience for the readers. The storyline is particularly appealing to fans of historical mysteries and those who enjoy exploring ancient cultures. With its vivid descriptions and well-crafted characters, The Last Rays of Ra is a must-read for anyone interested in a thrilling adventure that takes them on an unforgettable journey.
Pages: 354 | ASIN : B0CYPVG46Y
I Wanted To Address Hate
Kahnilla the Dragon: A Tale of Darkness and Light follows an enigmatic dragon who, while searching for her kin, meets an extraordinary human. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
There was a dragon in my backyard. Really. Here’s a picture of her (she’s about 5 ft long):
Anyway, She gave me the idea to write about a smart dragon who knows what’s what (she knows, for example, not to dig in my garden).
And she cheered me up after I had seen yet another a race riot on the news. I wanted to address hate. But I wanted to do it with a light-hearted approach.
What was the inspiration for the relationship that develops between the characters of Kahnilla and Rory?
Rory needed a real shake-up. I thought, he’s so stiff-minded, the only way this might happen would be via a fantastical event. Maybe this is what many people need. Kahnilla wanted a friend, even though humanity had done so much damage to her kind.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Why people hate, and why they shouldn’t.
The need to think things through.
The need to be aware of users and abusers.
The need for respect —for self, others, and the natural world.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
A novel dealing with assumptions about ancient writings. I hope to publish it near the end of 2023, or early 2024
The Palace of the Stars
The Palace of the Stars is an absolutely captivating and brilliantly written novel that is sure to enchant readers of all ages. Set across two distinct time periods, the story follows the journey of a young and inexperienced police officer named Mike, who awakens from a coma to find himself in the care of an elderly bookstore owner named Mari. As he navigates his new reality, he discovers an enchanted portal within the bookstore that transports him back to the early 1900s, where he is suddenly thrust into a world of intrigue and mystery.
What sets The Palace of the Stars apart from other historical romance or time travel books is its perfect balance of magic, mystery, and historical fiction. The transitions between timelines are seamless and easy to follow, and the charismatic characters are so richly drawn that readers will find themselves deeply invested in their fates. Mari, in particular, is an absolutely delightful character, and her courage and empathy toward Mike are genuinely inspiring.
This extraordinary novel gradually unfurls, meticulously weaving the reader into the intricate tapestry of its characters’ world. As one grows to deeply understand these characters, a subtle but steady momentum builds. This gradually simmering action culminates in a climax that is both electrifying and fulfilling, making the initial slow-burn progression not only justified but rewarding. The twists and turns near the end of the book are absolutely thrilling, and the chemistry between the characters, especially Mike and Mae, is electric.
Overall, The Palace of the Stars is a truly fantastic book that will indeed become a classic in the genre of historical mystery and romance. It is a great starting point for what promises to be an exciting and thrilling series, and readers will find themselves eagerly anticipating the next installment from this talented author.
Pages: 289 | ASIN : B01HH2OHZ2
Kahnilla The Dragon
In the realm where dragons are often relegated to the realm of fiction or ancient history, the enigmatic dragon, Kahnilla, exists shrouded in the obscurity of shadows. As she embarks on tireless journeys from one location to another, Kahnilla’s ultimate quest is to reunite with her long-lost kin. Amidst one of these poignant expeditions, she serendipitously crosses paths with Rory, a man characterized by his rigid thinking and unyielding convictions. A surprising friendship blossoms despite their stark differences, with both Kahnilla and Rory learning invaluable lessons from each other.
Kahnilla the Dragon: A Tale of Darkness and Light by Karina McRoberts is an enchanting tale serving as a transformative self-exploration odyssey. Each interaction between the characters provides a platform for challenging entrenched beliefs and the development of a more open perspective toward the encompassing world. As their narratives intertwine and evolve, both characters begin to understand the profound influence of empathy, compassion, and the potency that arises from embracing diversity.
The embodiment of the extraordinary and the unconventional, Kahnilla’s character unfolds as a delightful surprise, demonstrating a level of humanity that surpasses her draconian nature. Moreover, she has witnessed the best and worst of human history during her time in the world, which makes her character even more compelling. Meanwhile, Rory is an intriguing study of personal evolution; his staunch beliefs are tested, and his character is reshaped through shared experiences.
The book’s title and brevity might suggest that it is primarily intended for a younger audience, but this notion should not be misleading. Despite its modest length, the narrative is brimming with profound lessons that provoke introspection about our own beliefs and behaviors.
Kahnilla the Dragon: A Tale of Darkness and Light is a compelling tale that is recommended for those seeking a swift yet meaningful read or for budding bibliophiles embarking on their literary journey. The universally relatable themes are accessible to beginners and likely to stoke their passion for further reading and exploration of diverse narratives.
Pages: 64
An Intensely Personal Story
A Man For All Seasons follows a man who has dedicated his life to helping conserve and save nature and the animals of the world. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
I was looking for a completely different way to present the conservation message. Instead of badgering people, I sought to create a story with warmth and humour – an intensely personal story with a main character readers would identify with. And of course, a very likeable character – Vidor’s flawed and has his share of problems, just as we all do, but he never gives up.
Vidor is a complex character that wants to be compassionate for those in need and also assassinate those that cause harm. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
As Vidor reminds Alban, “Compassion is the only fashion.” Although technically, Vidor is a monster in that he is a created being, he is not the true monster in the story. He is innocent although his creator may not have been. Vidor’s not sure. But he knows there comes a point when people become the REAL monsters. Vidor realises he must stop the monster in this story. Even so, he deals humanely.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Self-realisation as opposed to self-interest. Ignorance of the natural world and its consequence. The value of love, friendship, and redemption.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
An exploration of animal consciousness in fictional format. Should be ready for Christmas!
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Added to this is an ever-increasing stream of animal refugees. With no idea how to feed them all, he decides to go into business to make ends meet.
Helped by his wise-talking raven Alban, Vidor must thwart a greedy development company from destroying the animals’ home. But is he already out of time?
Part tender romance, part cheeky comedy, A Man For All Seasons brings feel-good in spades, shines a light on life and death with dignity, and pays heart-lifting tribute to all eco warriors, wherever they may stand.
