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Intercessor
John Robert Still’s Intercessor takes readers on a journey through the haunting streets of New Orleans, introducing our protagonist, Jim Hampton, who is wrestling with the void left by abandoning his career as a lawyer. This reflective and eerie novel weaves together themes of personal reinvention, spirituality, and the seductive yet ominous allure of a city steeped in mysticism. Still’s evocative prose paints vivid scenes, blending the supernatural with the struggles of a man caught in existential limbo.
Right from the start, I found myself drawn into Still’s rich depiction of New Orleans. The city almost feels like another character in the story, teeming with life and shadowed by ghosts, both literal and metaphorical. Still’s portrayal of New Orleans—from gas-lit streets to lively Bourbon Street bars—is immersive. One passage that stuck with me describes Jim walking through the French Quarter: “The old houses seemed to shimmer with an energy from centuries of sheltering eccentric occupants, their lives absorbed into the woodwork.” This line encapsulates the novel’s ability to merge physical setting with emotional resonance.
The protagonist, is a bit of a mixed bag. On the one hand, his internal monologue—filled with regret, longing, and self-doubt—is relatable. On the other, his frequent moments of indecision and his awkward interactions, particularly with Myriam, a young and mysterious bartender, can make him frustrating to follow. There’s a scene where Jim misinterprets Myriam’s kind gestures as pity, and while it’s painfully human, it also underscores his tendency to overanalyze. Still captures the restlessness of midlife crisis well.
One of the novel’s standout elements is its eerie, almost gothic tone. From Jim’s unsettling encounters with shadowy figures to the foreboding whispers of a brewing storm, Intercessor expertly builds tension. A particularly gripping moment comes when Jim stumbles into a seedy underworld masquerading as a party. The scene’s descent from intoxicated excitement to outright menace is chilling and heart-pounding.
The book switches between being a spiritual allegory, a character study, and a supernatural thriller. As the story unfolds, it’s clear that Still wants to explore big ideas: faith, redemption, and the battle between good and evil. Myriam’s steadfast Catholic faith and her role as a beacon of hope juxtapose Jim’s cynicism and spiritual fatigue.
Intercessor is a moody and thought-provoking read that will resonate with those who appreciate character-driven stories laced with a touch of the supernatural. Its vivid settings and ambitious themes make it worth picking up. If you’re drawn to stories about personal growth, faith, and the mystery of the unseen, this book has much to offer.
Pages: 305 | ASIN : B0BS1PPT5H
Who’s There?: A Collection of Short Horror, Supernatural, and Ghost Stories
Who’s There?: A Collection of Short Horror, Supernatural, and Ghost Stories by Dimas Rio is a dark and immersive anthology of supernatural horror stories, each laced with elements of suspense and psychological tension. The collection delves into the realms of fear, exploring themes of guilt, unresolved trauma, and the macabre unknown. From tales of haunted islands to cursed beings hiding in the shadows, the stories are designed to unnerve and provoke reflection on the horrors that lurk not only in the supernatural but also within the human psyche. Rio uses atmospheric settings and introspective character-driven narratives to create unsettling experiences for the reader.
One thing that stood out to me is Rio’s use of atmosphere and psychological depth in the stories. He doesn’t rely on jump scares or typical horror clichés. Instead, the horror often comes from the characters’ internal struggles and guilt. Take, for example, the story of Adam, whose anxiety and fear of commitment bleed into his nightmarish encounters. The tension between reality and supernatural dread blurs in such a way that you’re never quite sure where one begins and the other ends. The vivid description of the cursed island and Adam’s mental spiral left me both unnerved and intrigued. While the ambiance and psychological themes were compelling, the pacing of some stories felt uneven. The buildup often took a while, and by the time the supernatural element kicked in, I sometimes felt like it arrived too abruptly. This left me wanting just a bit more payoff from the slow-burn atmosphere Rio is so good at building. One notable aspect of the book is how Dimas Rio weaves cultural references into his horror, especially drawing from Indonesian folklore. In “At Dusk,” when the old man mentions Kelinting, the blood-sucking spirit, there’s a distinct sense of place and history. It’s refreshing to see horror that taps into cultural myths that aren’t as widely explored in mainstream horror. This adds a layer of authenticity and makes the horror feel more personal, as if these are tales that could truly haunt someone’s village or neighborhood, rather than just abstract concepts of fear.
Who’s There? is a haunting and thoughtful collection that’s perfect for readers who enjoy slow-burn psychological horror with a mix of cultural folklore. It’s not a book for someone looking for quick thrills or gore; instead, it’s for those who appreciate moody, atmospheric horror that leaves you unsettled long after you’ve turned the last page. If you’re into horror that’s more about what’s lurking in the shadows of the mind, this collection is well worth the read.
Pages: 193 | ASIN : B0B29PSLSC
Darien Shockra and The Bermuda Triangle – Part 1 (Darien Shockra & The Bermuda Triangle)
Darien Shockra & The Bermuda Triangle by David Kneisler and Stefan Lukjanczuk tells the captivating story of Darien, Ecio, and Serenity, whose parents fled from the planet Nibiru to Earth for safety. On Nibiru, every generation produces three individuals, known as ‘the Tritem,’ who inherit exceptional powers meant to safeguard the planet from attacks. These three play a crucial role in defending Nibiru against threats, the most significant being Ophidion, a powerful being from Saturn. Imprisoned after attacking Nibiru, Ophidion seeks the orb that empowers the Tritem for himself and his master, Lucifer. The pressing question remains: will Ophidion stay imprisoned, and are the young trio ready to face this looming threat and defend their planet?
The main theme of the book underscores the importance of self-discovery in unlocking one’s full potential, highlighting that unity and collaboration are key to overcoming darkness and evil. Darien, Ecio, and Serenity are encouraged to embrace their unique abilities while working together to combat the threats against their planet. This engaging prequel sets the stage expertly for the main story to come. The characters are well-introduced, and their roles in the narrative are clear. What distinguishes this book from other fantasy novels is its refreshing simplicity. The world-building is intricate yet comprehensible, and the plot is straightforward and easy to follow. The story strikes a perfect balance, being neither overbearing nor dull, leaving readers eager for the next installment in the series. It’s a promising start to an exciting journey!
Darien Shockra & The Bermuda Triangle lays a solid foundation for the main story, featuring a clear and straightforward plot that makes for an entertaining read. I highly recommend it to readers of all ages, especially those who enjoy fantasy novels.
Pages: 122 | ASIN : B0D54TQQNV
The Ebon Knight
The Ebon Knight by James Wood is a captivating foray into a world brimming with magic, chaos, and the unexpected alliances that emerge from the shadows of war. This novel weaves a tale around its two central characters, Kelso Hart and Ava Pentran. Kelso, an outcast Knight of the Light, and Ava, the youngest Princess of the Dark, form an unlikely alliance against a malevolent new force threatening their mystical realm. Wood’s narrative is both gripping and sophisticated, drawing readers in from the very first page and holding their attention through a journey filled with suspense and intrigue.
Kelso Hart, armed with the sentient sword Argenta, carries the burden of a cursed legacy, while Ava Pentran, exiled and pursued, wields her formidable battle prowess alongside a secret tied to the Furies. Their quest to combat a sinister virus transforming individuals into malevolent beings challenges the established dichotomy of Light and Dark, compelling readers to reevaluate their perceptions of heroism and villainy.
James Wood excels in both plot development and character exploration, presenting a story that is as action-packed as it is profound. The Ebon Knight masterfully explores themes of trust, survival, and the grey areas of morality, making it a standout in the urban fantasy genre. The novel’s backdrop is richly constructed, providing an immersive experience that enhances the narrative’s depth. Wood’s ability to blend elements of fantasy with heart-pounding suspense is remarkable, ensuring that this book is a thrilling read from start to finish. The novel strikes a fine balance between humor and darkness, featuring meticulously crafted battle scenes that resonate long after the book is closed. Wood’s exploration of the blurred lines between the forces of Light and Dark mirrors the complexities of our own world, adding a layer of relatability to the fantastical setting. His writing style is a fusion of dark undertones and sharp wit, creating a narrative that appeals to a broad range of readers, including those new to the urban fantasy genre.
The Ebon Knight is a stellar addition to the urban fantasy landscape. This book is recommended for genre enthusiasts and anyone who values a narrative woven with humor, darkness, and surprising turns. With this novel, James Wood has crafted an enthralling world and established himself as an author to watch for future masterpieces.
Pages: 423 | ASIN : B0CLS6VT6T
LITERARY TITAN 