Blog Archives
Bloodbound: Extreme Temperatures
Extreme Temperatures is a gritty and emotionally-charged supernatural novel that dives deep into the tumultuous life of Hunter, a vampire with a demon’s blood and a chip on his shoulder the size of Texas. The story kicks off in a raucous biker bar, where Hunter’s thirst for blood, for identity, for understanding sets off a chain of events that unravel his past and ignite his inner turmoil. Alongside complex allies and lovers like Gibson and Kai, Hunter battles not just external enemies, but the firestorm erupting inside him as he begins to literally burn with the onset of his demon puberty. The narrative explores themes of identity, betrayal, found family, and the painful journey toward self-acceptance, with a cast of supernatural beings navigating loyalty and loss in a world that’s as violent as it is emotionally raw.
I enjoyed the writing style. It’s brash, fast, and pulsing with tension. The prose punches through scenes with vivid violence and palpable emotion. There’s blood, there’s sex, there’s fire—sometimes all at once. And somehow, it works. The balance between raw supernatural action and aching vulnerability is impressive. The characters don’t just react to their world; they bleed through it, and the world bleeds right back. Hunter is infuriating and lovable all at once. He’s damaged goods, and you feel every splinter. Even when he lashes out, you get it. You want to scream at him, then hug him, then scream again. And that, to me, is good storytelling.
The story isn’t for the faint of heart. It hits heavy emotional beats—abandonment, identity crisis, the scars of betrayal—and it does so while vampires are biting throats and werewolves are shifting mid-fight. At times, I found myself reeling, not because the plot was confusing (it’s actually paced very well), but because the emotional intensity rarely lets up. The stakes are always high, the emotions raw, the danger close. Still, the underlying themes hit home: what does it mean to be yourself when your origins are ripped away? How do you forgive someone who shattered you without meaning to? And how do you keep from burning the world down when you’re on fire inside?
Extreme Temperatures is a wild and heartfelt ride. It’s angry, it’s tender, it’s fierce, and it’s not interested in sugarcoating the path to healing. This is a book for readers who like their vampires with more bite than brooding, who crave supernatural drama that digs into the heart as much as it tears through flesh. If you enjoy character-driven stories where the monsters are just as broken as the humans they once were, this one’s for you.
Pages: 240 | ASIN : B0DZYQX31N
Creating Something Entirely Mine
Bloodbound: Alternate Tracks follows a once-human vampire and his maker as they face off with a rival faction and battle their own inner turmoil. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
I was toying with ways to extend the Bloodbound universe, to bend or even snap the genres of existing vampire fantasy and create something entirely mine. One day I had a random thought: What if twins (or multiples for that matter) weren’t meant to be born in the same world – what if they were each allotted their own universe to exist in, and what if we could see what other paths those alternate versions might take? I decided to explore that concept in the Bloodbound saga.
Do you have a favorite character in this novel? One that was especially enjoyable to write?
Exploring a different version of your own main character is especially delicious if they don’t abide by the same constrictions or even morals. I didn’t want Hunter II to be a polar opposite – I didn’t want him to be the proverbial ‘evil twin’ … but instead I wanted him to be more morally ambiguous, at least starting off. This Hunter lives a rockstar lifestyle and can also be unapologetically violent. We’ll learn there’s a purpose for that as we go along.
What draws you to the horror genre?
A genre that encourages you – dares you – to push boundaries and go beyond the limits of tastefulness? What’s not to love? Add in a fantasy world where the laws of physics may not strictly apply, and you’ve got the makings for some really entertaining (read: gross) things to write about.
Can fans of the Bloodbound series look forward to another installment soon? What are you currently working on?
Bloodbound 4 (Extreme Temperatures – https://books2read.com/Bloodbound4/ ) is already out. Coincidentally, the very night I was given this interview, I had just finished the first draft of Bloodbound 5: Reverberations – which lets us see even more of Hunter II and reveals his true allegiances. I’ll be releasing ‘Reverberations’ later this year.
In the meantime, May 6 will see the release of my first collection of short stories – called “Body Parts.” It’s 13 body horror tales of varying tones – some are seriously disturbing, some take a more humorous tack, but in all of them I tried pushing some of those boundaries I spoke of earlier! https://books2read.com/BodyPartsBook
And July 1 will see the reboot of another old series of mine. The first volume of “Abel X,” Echoes of Demons, combines two original novellas I first wrote in the mid 2010s based off a role-playing game character I created. https://books2read.com/AbelXEchoes
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
When a demon with the ability to traverse dimensions and kill on contact breaks into our realm, Kai and The Order are tasked with finding and stopping the ever-growing threat, which involves asking the alternate-world Hunter and his bandmates for help. However, the other realm’s version of Hunter appears to have an agenda of his own and won’t think twice about opting for brutality to achieve his goals.
Bloodbound: Alternate Tracks
Bloodbound: Alternate Tracks drops readers headfirst into a pulsating world of supernatural espionage, romantic chaos, and moral grey zones. Think queer vampire secret agents mixed with gothic glam rock and high-stakes interdimensional danger. The story follows Hunter, a once-human vampire with hidden demonic roots, his maker-lover Kai, and their ancient, emotionally-complex partner Gibson as they battle both external threats from a rival faction called The Crown and internal turmoil about identity, power, and love. It’s urban fantasy, but not the moody, fog-soaked kind. This one crackles with neon, music, blood, and banter.
McPherson’s writing is this punchy mix of earnest and irreverent, and it works. The dialogue sparkles. Hunter’s snarky quips, Kai’s quiet intensity, Gibson’s flamboyant menace. They all clash and collide in the best ways. One of my favorite scenes has to be the opening in the artist suite where Mickey, the shady manager, gets drained dry by the lead singer of a vampiric rock band. That moment sets the tone: flashy, brutal, and a little unhinged. Later, the scene where Kai ends up in a weird alternate reality Dallas, able to walk in sunlight, ordering a sandwich like some confused immortal tourist was hilarious and oddly sad. The worldbuilding balances camp and dread in a way that feels totally unique.
The alternate universe storyline was wild, and while I love a good multiverse twist, it got a little dizzying with all the doubles and overlapping identities. Still, I loved how emotionally grounded it stayed. Even while being hunted, poisoned, or half-possessed, the characters are still trying to figure out their feelings. I genuinely felt for Hunter during his blood transfusion scene—his fear, his longing for Kai, his vulnerability. And the twist with the demon venom was dark. Really dark. The emotional undercurrents carry the high-concept fantasy, which I didn’t see coming.
I would absolutely recommend this book. It’s perfect for fans of urban fantasy who are tired of the same old brooding loner vampire tropes. If you like queer romance, secret organizations, chaotic polycules, and lots of sarcastic flirting mixed with visceral horror, this is your book. It’s not a subtle book. But it’s a fun one. Bold, sexy, weird, and somehow heartfelt—Bloodbound: Alternate Tracks doesn’t just bite, it leaves a mark.
Pages: 214 | ASIN : B0DWLNL79M
Club X: Vampire in the Closet
Club X: Vampire in the Closet by S.P. Somtow delves into the complexities of high school life through the lens of Fluke, Kim, Polo, and Danger, four students grappling not only with typical adolescent challenges but also with the extraordinary. Set within the confines of an elite, all-boys Catholic school in Thailand, the narrative unfolds against a backdrop of teleporting nuns, a potentially vampiric English teacher, and the unexpected intrusion of Donut, the principal’s daughter, into their tight-knit group.
Somtow skillfully weaves a tale of mystery and camaraderie, employing alternating perspectives to flesh out the distinct personalities of each protagonist. As the narrative progresses, the addition of Donut introduces both cohesion and conflict, enriching the group dynamic. While the storyline veers into the supernatural realm rapidly, it maintains a sense of playful absurdity without veering into excess. Beneath the fantastical veneer lies a narrative imbued with poignant themes of identity, friendship, and burgeoning romance. Somtow deftly navigates topics such as individuality and gender identity, portraying them as integral components of the characters’ growth amidst the fantastical backdrop. Despite the escalating absurdity, the core experiences remain grounded in the relatable struggles of adolescence. The novel’s frequent shifts in perspective are navigable due to the distinct voices of each character, enhancing the reader’s immersion in the unfolding adventure. While the conclusion leaves room for interpretation, it tantalizingly hints at future exploits, suggesting a continuation of the captivating journey.
Club X: Vampire in the Closet offers a compelling blend of mystery, humor, and heartfelt exploration, promising an engaging reading experience with lingering mysteries yet to be unveiled.
Pages: 226 | ASIN : B09MJQQ9R9
Halls of Fire
In Halls of Fire, by Christian Cura, readers are transported into a meticulously crafted fantasy realm through the eyes of Tama, a winter mage journeying to the untouched lands of Cordacia, the homeland of her companion. Cordacia, a serene landscape, yet untouched by the malevolent grasp of Malsumi, the evil goddess, soon becomes the epicenter of chaos as creatures fall under her sinister influence. Amidst this turmoil, Tama, an outsider in Cordacia, finds herself deeply entwined in the unfolding pandemonium. Alongside her companion, Liseli, they delve into the mystery behind the unsettling occurrences. As the narrative unfolds, we meet Salvatore, Liseli’s close acquaintance, poised on the brink of becoming a Summer mage through the Gauntlet’s rigorous trials. However, fate deals a cruel hand, leaving him paralyzed and desperate, leading him to an ominous pact with Malsumi. His transformation into a conduit for her malevolence signifies a chilling escalation in her bid for dominion.
Cura’s novel opens with evocative folklore, setting the stage with the origin myth of this enchanting world. This foundation is pivotal, offering readers a compass to navigate the rich lore and intricate dynamics of this universe. Halls of Fire will resonate with enthusiasts of alternate realities, where the clash of mythical beings, the dance of magic, and the perennial struggle between light and dark are elegantly portrayed. The narrative’s rhythm ensnares the reader, with unexpected developments ensuring a perpetually suspenseful experience. Tama’s valor, alongside the diverse strengths of her allies, forms a compelling ensemble driving the saga.
Cura skillfully intertwines themes of vengeance, courage, and mystery, crafting an engaging journey through the dichotomy of good and evil. A successor to Temple of Ice, this novel stands firmly on its own, welcoming newcomers without prerequisite. Halls of Fire is a notable contribution to the fantasy genre, presenting a tapestry of imagination that is sure to enthrall its audience.
The Last Red Wolf
In The Last Red Wolf, author Kurtis Dolman introduces us to the compelling narrative of Lyle Larson, a young man embarking on his university journey in Seattle, Washington. Larson is an instantly relatable and robust protagonist who navigates the complexities of new friendships and self-discovery with a genuine, heartfelt approach. The story takes a turn with the entrance of Chess Beck, a character shrouded in mystery and allure. Dolman skillfully explores themes of identity and connection through the evolving relationship between Lyle and Chess, prompting readers to ponder the profound question: Who is Chess Beck, and what secrets lie in the intertwined pasts of the Becks and Lyle?
Dolman’s writing is notable for its dynamic character development. From the intriguing, resilient Lyle to the enigmatic Chess Beck, each character is crafted with depth and relatability. The supporting cast, including Jesse, Reese, Andy, Hunter, and Phisher, is equally well-drawn, enhancing the story’s immersive quality. Dolman’s adept character portrayals ensure that readers will find themselves emotionally invested, cheering for some and casting a wary eye on others.
The narrative tone masterfully oscillates between light and dark, creating a tapestry of emotions that keeps the reader engaged through suspenseful undertones. The pacing is deftly handled, propelling the story forward with a momentum that makes it hard to put down. Dolman’s world-building is particularly noteworthy, painting a vivid setting that becomes a character in its own right. Memorable moments, such as the initial meeting between Lyle and Chess, are written with such intensity and clarity that readers will find themselves deeply invested in the characters’ futures.
Dolman’s narrative is a harmonious blend of excitement, action, and a simmering romance that keeps the pages turning. The Last Red Wolf is a testament to Dolman’s storytelling prowess, delivering a narrative that is both captivating and thought-provoking.
The Last Red Wolf, by Kurtis Dolman, is a riveting journey of discovery, resilience, and the intricate dance of human relationships. It’s a story that resonates long after the last page is turned, and I eagerly anticipate more from Dolman’s literary repertoire.
Pages: 350 | ASIN : B0CLJ8L4ZM
LITERARY TITAN 