In this evocative tale, we’re introduced to Zoe, a dedicated maternity nurse who finds solace in structure and a meticulously curated routine. Her cautious demeanor hints at a shadowy past that has made trust a scarce commodity in her life. Yet, as she forges an unexpected bond with her enigmatic neighbors, Jensen and Terrence, we witness her gradual embrace of love’s transformative might.
This paranormal novel intriguingly juxtaposes the familiar trope of vampires with a fresh lens. Jensen and Terrence, despite their supernatural lineage, are neither overwhelmingly menacing nor dripping with charisma. Instead, the author paints them with strokes of vulnerability and human nuances. Such an interpretation not only lends depth to these characters but also leaves readers with tantalizing, unanswered questions, stirring curiosity rather than exasperation.
In this world, reality gracefully bows to the wondrous, encouraging readers to relinquish their skepticism and wholly immerse in its imaginative embrace. Certain plot points, like Zoe’s peculiar potato consumption or Jensen’s journey to self-acceptance, may appear offbeat, but they accentuate the distinctiveness of the relationships they forge. These moments underscore the message that healing from trauma is profoundly individual, defying comparison.
There are moments of high drama, epitomized by the relentless pursuit of Anthony. To elevate the narrative’s coherence, I think a touch more foreshadowing and nuanced character arcs culminating in the climactic scene in Zoe’s chamber would have been welcome.
In a genre brimming with tales of the undead, this novel distinguishes itself from the mundane. It eschews overt clichés, delving deep into the intricate webs of trust, love, and change. It’s a departure from the archetypal vampire narrative, offering a refreshing and heartening angle that establishes it as a mesmerizing read.
How to Stand Up to Bullying explores the multifaceted nature of bullying, offering practical tools and empathetic insights to confront and redirect these behaviors for readers of all ages. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I wrote, How to Stand Up to Bullying, during a raw moment in my life in which I allowed everything to pour out without holding back, from experiences in my youth to what I’ve learned along the way as an adult. The project, at first, was my personal way of just getting out what I held inside as something therapeutic. When I went back and reread what I wrote, I felt the need to publish it as soon as possible as it was something bigger than me and everyone could benefit from reading.
What is a common misconception you feel people have about bullying?
A misconception is that bullying is a phase in youth believed they will eventually grow out of and parents tend to shrug it off since they may have gone through bullying themselves as children. Some children may require more assistance in standing up for themselves, but if they don’t have the support they won’t always be successful.
What is one piece of advice that someone else gave you about bullying that has stayed with you today?
My mom would tell me when I was young to walk away and that “sticks and stones may break my bones, but names can never hurt me.” The common phrase is not entirely true since name-calling does hurt emotionally and leaves deep scars.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your book?
I hope readers take the subject matter series in what leads to bullying in the first place in order for everyone to have a part in standing up to it.
Bullying. Something that is done every second, daily. Don’t need a statistic to be told otherwise. Many don’t even realize they are a constant victim of bullying, as it tends to get buried as an underlying emotion. Many don’t realize they are actually a bully themselves. There are several references for parents to go to in order to help their children stand up against it, but there’s not much for adults or resources depicting why a bully is a bully in the first place. That’s the first step. Before we all can stand up to bullying, we must first understand why a bully bullies to begin with.
A Darker Demise is a collection of three short stories delving into the darkness, mystery, and the supernatural. Where do you get your inspiration for the characters you bring to life in these stories?
All three of the main characters in each short story were all featured in my debut, The Darkest Side of the Moon. I felt it was necessary to give a different perspective through their voice as well as tie up some loose ends. A Unity of Balance was the most difficult to write as I explored a time that was very distant. It’s the shortest of the three, but packs a punch. Of the three, The Path to Redemption is my hands down favorite.
What inspired the story? The age old, what if? There were questions that needed answered so I traveled down that rabbit hole. I dug deep within and when I reread it, it even surprises me that I was able to write something to that magnitude.
Is there a supernatural element or beast that you have not written a character for yet that you want to write?
At this time, no. I set out what I wanted to accomplish in The Dark series diving into the supernatural world putting a spin on it and making it my own. There are more surprises in store including a beast in the fifth novel that wasn’t exactly planned, but brings something fresh to the supernatural world. I’ll never say never though. The sky is the limit when it comes to writing and which stories that have a strong will that want to be told.
What experience in your life has had the biggest impact on your writing?
I’m an avid reader, but lately have been struggling to find what I want to read that has purpose and deep meaning that takes things to the next level. Recently I realized that writing, which I’ve been doing all my life, is not only therapeutic to funnel my inner emotions, but it also gives me a voice. My author journey only began seven months ago, but I’ve gained a great deal of confidence in myself along the way.
Can your fans expect another collection of short stories in the future? If so, when do you expect it to come out?
A collection of short stories, no, not at this time, but there are novella tie-ins that will accompany the next two novels in the series. Fans can expect The Neighbors to accompany All I See Are Dark Clouds, the third novel in the series, in summer 2023.
A Unity of Balance – It all started with Immilla and the prophecy of the Dragon’s Eye. A time when witches existed. A time when it was light magic versus dark magic. A time when a witch had to choose a side, for they could not represent both. Follow Immilla’s journey through her eyes. Will balance be restored?
My Salvation – There was only one thing on Marc’s mind when he changed, unwillingly, into a vampire. Revenge. In order to have a chance at it, he had to play the part. Play the part well of obedience without showing emotion in order to wait for the right moment to strike. That all changes in a split-second decision. There’s a lot of blood on his hands. Will he find salvation?
The Path to Redemption – What if the end was not your true end? What if you left more questions than answers? What if in order to find redemption you had to listen, learn, and liberate? Would you be able to listen, knowing there is nothing you can do? Would you understand what you’re supposed to learn? Would you find a way to be able to liberate?
A Darker Demise is a captivating collection of short narratives that delve into the eerie and the uncanny. While separate in their unique themes and conflicts, these tales beckon the reader into an exploration of darkness, mystery, and the supernatural.
In “Unity of Balance,” a spellbinding tale of light and dark magic unfolds. The world’s harmony teeters precariously, reliant solely on the unlikely alliance of Immilla, a witch who strides the path of balance, and a prophetic dragon eye. Next, “My Salvation” introduces Marc, a young boy tragically transformed into a vampire. Consumed by a hunger for vengeance, we are left wondering whether his darkness will ever subside after a history stained with blood.
Rounding out the trio is “The Path to Redemption,” a haunting tale where Nadine, trapped in the unsettling in-between, seeks solace and release. As she navigates her way to redemption, she ponders the effectiveness of listening, learning, and liberation as means to attain peace.
Ryder exhibits a knack for storytelling through diverse writing styles. For instance, while “Unity of Balance” is rendered via Immilla’s journal entries, “My Salvation” leverages the immediacy of the first-person perspective, and “The Path to Redemption” converses directly with the reader, enhancing the narrative’s impact.
It is worth noting that Ryder’s narratives while encompassing a wide range of styles, all contain threads of the supernatural, fantasy, mythology, and moral quandaries. Her vivid, descriptive narration deepens the immersive quality of the stories, drawing the readers into an eerily tangible world. Attention to intricate details, compelling plot twists, and the interweaving of horror elements further enhance the reading experience.
In addition, the diverse cast of characters brings a dynamic edge to each story. The depth of their backgrounds, paired with their fascinating characteristics, imbues each character with a multifaceted dimensionality, while the plots themselves stand as commendable narratives.
In light of Ryder’s impressive breadth of imagination and skillful crafting of three suspenseful and consistent stories, I would be remiss not to recommend A Darker Demise. Whether you’re a devotee of the macabre, a connoisseur of suspense, or simply an avid reader, this compilation is certain to enthrall.
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