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The Never Witch (A Thorne Witch Novel #1)
JP McLean’s The Never Witch opens with Adeline Thorne, a woman trying to live an ordinary life while being anything but ordinary. She’s the sister of a powerful witch, yet stripped of her own magic and burdened by a complicated past that’s steeped in betrayal, mystery, and supernatural politics. When an encounter with a dying warlock leaves her scarred, physically and otherwise, Adeline becomes caught in a dangerous web of secrets that threaten the fragile peace between witches and warlocks. The story twists between two worlds: the mortal calm of Vancouver and the hidden, charged realm of covens, spells, and old feuds. It’s part mystery, part fantasy, part family drama, and all heart.
The writing is clean and unpretentious, yet it hits hard where it counts. McLean paints vivid scenes with just the right amount of detail, never overdoing it. Her dialogue feels real, sometimes painfully so, and her characters carry their own bruises in ways that stick with you. Adeline is an intriguing character. She’s sarcastic, wounded, stubborn, and somehow still full of grace. I found myself rooting for her even when she tried to push everyone away. The pacing surprised me, too. It starts quietly, but by the second act, it’s hard to look up. Every chapter seems to add a new question or cut a little deeper into the old ones.
What really hooked me though was the emotion running underneath all the fantasy. Sure, there’s magic and danger and political scheming, but it’s the relationships that carry the story. The bond between Adeline and her sister, Sarah, felt honest, messy, protective, and full of old hurts that never quite healed. And then there’s Luke, whose own guilt and duty twist him into something both noble and tragic. The way their lives tangle together feels fated, like watching two storms collide. McLean doesn’t hand you easy answers. She lets you feel the tension, the fear, the hope, and the exhaustion that come with fighting battles you didn’t choose.
By the time I finished the book, I wasn’t just entertained, I was attached. The world McLean built feels layered and believable, and her characters have that rare spark that makes you wonder what they’re doing after the last page ends. The Never Witch is perfect for readers who like their fantasy grounded in emotion and their magic served with a side of grit. If you enjoy stories about found strength, sisterhood, and the kind of courage that comes from surviving what breaks you, this book will hit home.
Pages: 316 | ASIN : B0FCGK7MWV
Under the Guise of Religion
Woman in the Abbey follows a young woman fleeing her abusive father, who finds an abandoned abbey in a haunted forest, where she finds Lucifer, who is searching for love and redemption. What intrigues you about the horror and paranormal genres that led you to write this book?
I have always been interested in the gothic genre. I have read and reread the classics: The Castle of Otranto, The Monk, Melmoth the Wanderer, Dracula, etc. What intrigues me is the mystery and the elements of the supernatural. What I find most interesting as a writer is that the genre allows me to explore the psychological and sociological aspects of the story and its characters. Unlike horror, whose sole purpose is to frighten, gothic allows for a more in-depth exploration of the psyche.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The themes that I was interested in involved issues of faith and doubt, fidelity and betrayal, and, in the case of Sister Lucretia, cruelty under the guise of religion. We have seen this misapplication of doctrine by religious zealots throughout history, going back to the Inquisition. Lucretia is the embodiment of this. One of the other themes I was interested in exploring was that of violence against women. In this case, the violence was by a woman towards other women. This issue is prevalent in our society. It needs to be exposed and dealt with because, while we may not see it in our daily lives, it is there and there are many women who are suffering.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I am currently working on a novel that involves my Italian heritage, but which, I hope, will speak to people of all ethnicities. It involves three generations, starting with the immigrants and ending with the grandchildren of those immigrants. I am hoping to explore what it means to be an immigrant — the difficulties they face from language to cultural differences; what is means to be the children of immigrants — those in-betweeners who have to navigate both the old ways of their parents and the new ones they face on a daily basis; and what it means to be third generation where the old ways are there still, way in the background but are mostly ignored. Much of this is based on my own experience as well as on my observations of our new immigrants and their children. The book is in its early beginnings and won’t be done for perhaps 2 or 3 years. I hope, though, that it will appeal to all ethnicities, not just Italian-Americans.
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A young woman, fleeing the clutches of an abusive father, stumbles upon an abandoned abbey on the edge of a haunted forest. But what she finds there is far worse than anything she left behind.
Within the crumbling walls of the Abbey of San Pietro, ancient horrors stir. A mysterious old woman holds secrets of the past, and an unearthly being watches from the shadows—a being with the power to raise the dead and a thirst for vengeance.
Driven by damnation and bitterness, he weaves a sinister plan, using the living and the dead as his pawns. But is it love or something far more dangerous that motivates him?
In this gothic tale of love, betrayal, and unholy retribution, nothing is what it seems. Will she escape the abbey… or become part of its eternal curse?
The Wickedness of Horror
In Murder Under Redwood Moon, a young woman’s peaceful existence in the mountains is disrupted by cryptic visions. paranormal activity, and a series of murders. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
First, I have always LOVED the witch theme. As a child, I loved the good witches – Glinda (Wizard of Oz), Mrs. Piggle Wiggle (my fav book) and Samantha Stevens from Bewitched. As a late teen and adult, I relished in the wickedness of horror and the evil witch. When I found the Suspiria (remake) and Eggers – The Witch a few years back, it brought my fascination with this genre present. Cannot forget Melisandre, though really, she falls into a category all her own! Nevertheless, with a background in Holistic Theology, it piqued my interest in studying Celtic Paganism, and I was pleasantly surprised to find quite a reverence for the culture/philosophy. That brought me full circle to the good witch aspect.
Second, I have long been fascinated by True Crime, specifically serial killers. For the true crime reader, there is a combination of Easter eggs within the book. I invite the wise ones to figure that out.
Finally, though I find evil characteristics intriguing, I am an optimist at heart. So, I wanted this spooky, scary sense to the book, but also wanted it light.
Quite a contraindication of thoughts, but, yes…that was my train of thought.
I find the world you created in this novel brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from, and how did it change as you were writing?
I lived in the Santa Cruz Mountains for about seven years, and in Santa Cruz County for a combined total of about thirty years. Just before the ease of the cell phone came out, my friends and I dreaded heading into the mountains lest our cars break down or run out of gas. Remember – I thrived on horror movies at that time as well – ha! So, there’s always been this spooky reverence as to what mystique existed amongst the trees. Like a wild animal – you admire it but wonder if it could break free and eat you.
Also, to begin the story, I just envisioned the beauty of the great horned owl amongst the redwoods – something I would see quite often – and the story bloomed, page by page.
What was your favorite character to write for and why?
I loved Auntie–her endearing quirk and ditzy-ness. And I loved the Sheriff–the dry reality that he inhabits, yet aware of the mystical. Arista is the upbeat person I wish I could have been at her age. Really, there is a bit of me in each of my characters. Even for the killer, my Editor helped me tap into my intolerant side. That, plus my awareness of the vileness of a serial killer and how they must view the world.
I feel that Murder Under Redwood Moon has all the makings of a first installment in a fascinating series. Do you have plans for a second book?
Murder Under Redwood Moon is Book 1 of the Murder, Tea & Crystals Trilogy. Book 2 – Moonset on Desert Sands – is under contract and in the final editing stage – to be released in March 2025. Book 3 is unnamed, yet almost complete.
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Now at the age of twenty-three, she has settled quite nicely into an eclectic lifestyle, much like her great aunt, and guardian since childhood, Bethie. She enjoys the use of herbs and crystals to help her commune with the energy and nature around her and finds pleasure in the company of her beloved pet, Royal. Usually quite satisfied with her mundane life high in the Santa Cruz Mountains, life becomes unsettling when a new recurring vision of an ominous tattoo as well as increased activity from the ghostly presence within her own cottage invade her once-harmonious existence.
But life in this mountain sanctuary takes an even darker turn when the body of Arista’s former classmate is found in the nearby river. As other young women fall prey to a suspected serial killer, Arista realizes that the terror is coming to her.
Murder Under Redwood Moon
Sherri L. Dodd’s novel Murder Under Redwood Moon transports readers to the rustic and mystical backdrop of the Santa Cruz mountains, where Arista Kelly’s seemingly serene life intertwines with the supernatural. Arista, a young woman who finds solace in Ayurvedic practices and with her Siamese cat, Royal, faces her past and emerging powers amid a series of chilling events. The narrative captivates readers with its blend of genres, harmoniously merging cozy mystery, young adult drama, and light horror elements, creating a tapestry reminiscent of the Twilight series and Jess Kidd’s Things in Jars.
Arista’s character, with her unique quirks and journey of self-discovery, forms an engaging focal point. Readers will find themselves rooting for her as she navigates complex emotions and untangles her mysterious past. The novel’s strength lies in its richly developed secondary characters, including a diligent sheriff, the enigmatic Great Aunt Bethie, and an array of suspects linked to an unnerving series of murders.
Dodd’s skillful fusion of nature reverence, supernatural themes, and suspenseful plot twists results in a narrative brimming with intrigue and a touch of witchy allure. The novel’s climax delivers a satisfying resolution yet leaves readers yearning for more adventures in Boulder Creek. Dodd hints at the potential for future tales in this intriguing setting, promising continued enchantment and mystery for her readers.
The novel’s strength lies not only in its vivid setting and multidimensional characters but also in its ability to stitch together disparate genres into a cohesive, engaging story. Readers, having journeyed through this enthralling mix of the mystical and the mysterious, may find themselves eagerly awaiting the next chapter in the captivating universe that Sherri L. Dodd has crafted.
Pages: 319 | ASIN : B0CTKPM863
People Are Complicated
Upon the Pale Isle of Gloam follows a girl who wakes up on a deserted shoreline with no memories and surrounded by supernatural beings. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I have a deep appreciation for gothic fiction. One day the desire struck me to start on a story that would be somewhat of a love letter to the genre. To me, few things capture gothic storytelling better than horror. So, when I started writing Upon the Pale Isle of Gloam, I wanted to draw inspiration from the classic themes and elements we all love in gothic literature and horror. Things like existentialism and abandoned places, for example. A misty, supernatural island seemed like a great place to start.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
That’s a great question. I think people are complicated, and though most are aware of that, there’s still this tendency to try and generalize others. Sometimes we’re quick to label them. Sometimes we oversimplify the complex problems they’re facing. We force black and white bottom lines onto gray areas. But no matter how much we do it, those complexities and gray areas are still there glaring back at us. Ignoring them doesn’t make them any less relevant.
Exploring parts of the human condition that are overlooked and shrugged off makes for interesting stories. At times it can be awkward. Sometimes ugly. But we can learn a lot from taking a moment to consider what others are going through. Maybe even learn more about ourselves—all while indulging in the escapism that stories deliver. Just look at the impact of a book like Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.
I felt that Upon the Pale Isle of Gloam delivers the drama so well that it flirts with the grimdark genre. Was it your intention to give the story a darker tone?
It was, absolutely. I tend to be drawn toward dark stories that make me feel something or walk away with a different perspective, even if it’s not one I’m comfortable with. When I chose to write a tale set within the gothic horror genre, I felt a darker tone would be crucial to delivering the kind of story I wanted to tell.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I’m currently in the early stages of my next book, which will likely be more of a literary drama rather than horror. It’s hard to say when I’ll be finished with it, though I hope it won’t take me too long. In the meantime, I’d like to encourage readers of Upon the Pale Isle of Gloam to follow me on social media for updates. I’d love to hear from everyone.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Website
Upon a deserted shoreline, Rue wakes alone with no knowledge of her past. Decades of wreckage lay sprawled across the beach. The days are impossibly short, and the weather foreboding. Worse are the supernatural beings that stalk the landscape, littering it with corpses. Using only her instincts, Rue embarks on a journey to reclaim her truth and find a way home—all while unraveling the isle’s dark secret.
A spooky weekend read brimming with gothic themes and atmospheric horror.
Some content may not be suitable for all audiences. For more information, please visit http://www.markgulino.com/novella.
Saving Fate
Saving Fate by Tanya Kolodziej is the inaugural installment in a projected series that expertly blends supernatural elements with the gritty realism of police drama. Centered around a disheveled detective whose reputation is under scrutiny, his reluctant partner, and the perverse M, a sadistic villain who selects her victims through divination and enslaves them, the story explores a world filled with intrigue and horror. Alongside these characters, readers meet Dee (Decima) King, an average office clerk who becomes an unexpected primary suspect in a series of gruesome torture and murders.
The book introduces a unique character, a telepathic fox named Nyx, who emerges as Dee’s protector. Nyx, a messenger from the Aetheric dimension, offers her assistance in a mysterious bargain. To save her fate, Dee must traverse the supernatural realm, delving into a world unknown.
Kolodziej’s opening chapter is an instant hook, plunging the reader into the midst of a dungeon scene filled with raw sensuality and power dynamics. Here, the narrative, though somewhat modest in its portrayal of the victim’s feelings, teases and intrigues yet stops short of delving into the gritty details. Given that M’s sexual deviance is pivotal to the plot, I think a more unflinching exploration could have added depth to her characterization.
The author’s descriptive passages oscillate between ornate language and moments of genuine lyricism. Phrases like “earth’s silver celestial in phase” are thought-provoking, while poetic touches such as “Sparrows sing their sunrise songs…” offer a refreshing contrast. Kolodziej excels in pacing, maintaining a relentless momentum that drives the plot forward.
Saving Fate is a captivating story that offers a fresh take on the supernatural thriller genre. The intrigue and complexity of the characters, coupled with the tension and mystery of the plot, make this novel an engaging read for both fans of the supernatural and police dramas. It leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next installment, ready to delve further into the extraordinary world that Kolodziej has crafted.
Pages: 293 | ASIN : B0BMN5Q61Q
Upon the Pale Isle of Gloam
Upon the Pale Isle of Gloam, by Mark Gulino, is a gothic horror novella that introduces readers to Rue, a protagonist shrouded in mystery. Rue awakens on a beach littered with remnants of the sea spanning decades and realizes she has no memory of her past. The only path available leads into a dense forest and further into the heart of the island. This setting, characterized by its persistently gloomy weather and unusually short days, forms the backdrop of Rue’s unsettling journey. As Rue navigates the island, she encounters other individuals who share her amnesiac condition. They are guided by an apparition known as Riel, who instructs them to rediscover their former lives. However, Rue and her newfound companions soon realize they are not alone on this island, hinting at deeper, darker mysteries to be uncovered.
Gulino’s narrative effectively creates an atmosphere of tension and intrigue from the outset. The reader is drawn into the story by questions surrounding Rue’s identity, the enigmatic Riel, and the island’s peculiar inhabitants. The island itself, with its haunting landscape and hidden dangers, adds to the sense of foreboding that permeates the novella. The characters offer a spectrum of personalities, providing points of connection for a diverse range of readers. Each character, despite their memory loss, retains distinct personality traits that contribute to the overall mystique of the setting. The writing style of the novella is intentionally crafted to be vague and mysterious, imbuing the story with a sense of intrigue and encouraging deeper engagement with the text. This stylistic choice invites readers to explore the narrative more thoroughly, often revisiting previous sections to uncover hidden layers of meaning. The amnesia experienced by the characters further enriches the narrative, adding complexity and depth to their personalities and traits, which unfolds gradually, keeping the reader’s interest piqued throughout the story.
Upon the Pale Isle of Gloam offers a compelling foray into gothic horror, weaving together elements of mystery, amnesia, and survival in a setting that is both haunting and intriguing. While the writing style may occasionally obfuscate details, it contributes to the novel’s enigmatic and atmospheric quality, making it a notable addition to the genre.
Pages: 225 | ASIN : B0CJNL1P2T
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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LITERARY TITAN 