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The Tao of the Thirteenth God
Robin C. Rickards delivers a paranormal thriller that dives into ritual, belief, and the shadows of human obsession. The Tao of the Thirteenth God follows multiple characters whose paths cross in the wake of strange cult activity, mass suicides, and unsettling visions that blur the line between spiritual yearning and human cruelty. From the first harrowing scene with Amadeus, the troubled seeker, to the storm-battered honeymooners Jack and Alice, and then the grizzled investigator Grantham Savoie with his reluctant partner Dr. Angelica Pali, the story paints a chilling portrait of desperation, mystery, and the cost of pursuing forbidden knowledge.
The opening chapters had this visceral punch, and I found myself hooked by the grit. The style feels unfiltered, raw, almost feverish, and that worked for me because the subject matter itself is so chaotic. At the same time, there were moments where I felt the prose leaned heavily, almost indulgent, and I had to slow myself down. But then a storm or a vision or a horrifying discovery would jolt me back, and I couldn’t look away. I liked that unpredictability. It reminded me of watching lightning: beautiful, frightening, and over before you can process it.
The ideas at the heart of the book resonated deeply with me. The blend of religious myth, Mayan ritual, and modern investigative grit felt daring, and I respect that. I didn’t always know where Rickards was taking me, but that was part of the ride. At times, I felt awe, other times revulsion, and sometimes a little sadness at the broken people caught in the mess. What I liked most was the sense that belief, whether pure or twisted, can drive people to terrifying extremes. The book doesn’t lecture about that. It just lays it bare, and that quiet honesty hit me harder than a long explanation ever could.
The Tao of the Thirteenth God is a gripping read. I’d recommend it to readers who want a thriller that goes beyond surface-level scares and isn’t afraid to weave history, faith, and horror into one unsettling tapestry. If you like your stories strange, stormy, and a little uncomfortable, this one’s for you.
Pages: 290 | ASIN : B006QPEAN6
Moonset on Desert Sands
After a narrow escape from death, Arista retreats from Boulder Creek to the desert lands of Sedona, seeking sanctuary with her great-aunt Berthie and the Coven. Together, they build a quiet life away from the shadows of her past. Yet, even after a year, the threat of her ruthless Uncle Fergus looms large. His relentless ambition drives him to hunt Arista down, forcing her to prepare for an inevitable confrontation. Determined not to be a victim again, Arista dives into mastering spells, decoding auras, and honing the powers she is destined to wield. When visions, eerie signs, and an unexpected reunion trigger a carefully laid trap, it becomes alarmingly clear that Fergus is closer than ever. His greed knows no bounds, and with danger closing in, Arista must summon every ounce of strength for the battle of her life. The stakes couldn’t be higher—will she vanquish Fergus once and for all, or will his insatiable ambition dismantle everything she holds dear?
Sherri L. Dodd’s Moonset on Desert Sands grips readers with its relentless suspense, intricate plot twists, and dazzling display of magical mayhem. Each chapter brims with chaos and surprises, making it nearly impossible to put the book down. The characters are compellingly drawn, with Fergus stealing the show as the villain. Unlike the first installment, in which he remains in the shadows, Fergus dominates this book, his schemes driving the narrative forward. His villainy is so vivid and theatrical that he’s almost charming—an antagonist you can’t help but admire, even as you root for his downfall.
Meanwhile, Arista’s characterization is more complex. At times, her decisions feel justified and strategic; at others, they seem erratic, which adds an intriguing, if occasionally frustrating, layer to her journey. Stevie, on the other hand, is a delightful wildcard. His humor and recklessness provide levity, making him a standout. This sequel amplifies the magic. Every page bursts with spells, aura readings, and mystical rituals, immersing readers in a world of non-stop witchcraft. While the book is lengthy, its rich plot, dynamic characters, and constant action ensure the pacing rarely falters.
Fans of magic, witchcraft, and light thrillers will find Moonset on Desert Sands an enchanting escape. Though it’s the second book in the Murder, Tea, and Crystals series, it stands alone beautifully, offering newcomers an unforgettable journey into its spellbinding world.
Pages: 371 | ASIN : B0DF33L1YW
The Swords of Blood and Gold
When Jon Sherman, who is part of the Deep Blue Marine Exploration Crew, has a disagreement with his boss he finds himself left without a job. Jon’s teammates find five chests at the bottom of the ocean that prompts a supernatural killer to murders the entire crew. Jon becomes the prime suspect and he must team up with his boss’s daughter to find and defeat this supernatural killer and prove his innocence.
Author JCR Paulino has created an exciting story with likable characters which make this a book that is hard to put down. The characters are well developed and I enjoyed the evolution of their characters. I was always interested in seeing how the characters would react to certain situations. Natalie’s character is a pleasant addition to the story because she is smart, sharp and a no-nonsense type of woman. She is a stand out character for me personally, but in this ensemble story it’s easy to find characters you’ll relate to.
This is a riveting adventure story, as well as a paranormal thriller, and you can really tell that the author has done his research when it comes to deep-sea diving and treasure hunting. The details are what really make this story feel real, even with the supernatural elements the gritty details keep this story grounded.
The author’s writing is sharp and effortlessly keeps this suspenseful novel moving forward. I had a hard time finding a place to put the book down, especially when Jon and Natalie embark on their deep-sea adventure. As the story progresses we get to see Jon and Natalie’s relationship blossom into something that is heartwarming and sweet.
A story like this has an inherent sense of adventure, but the author is able to draw you into a world that feels like that sense of adventure is just a foundation for a more compelling character driven story; which makes me think ‘what if Michal Crichton had written an India Jones book’?
While this is a fast-paced thriller I enjoyed the emotional moments in the story because I felt like that is what gave this story heart, where otherwise it would have just been an action adventure novel. Couple this with vivid scenes that immerse readers in the story and you have a book that will keep you consistently entertained and guessing; I was constantly wondering if Jon was going to be able to win, or at least what the cost would be?
The Swords of Blood and Gold is an enthralling novel with an entertaining mix of action and romance. If you’re a fan of paranormal thrillers with a deep sense of adventure than you will certainly want to embark on this deep-sea expedition.
Pages: 308 | ASIN : B09YN3SJ9V
LITERARY TITAN 