Blog Archives
A Sinister Love
In A Sinister Love, by Spencer Hixon, we are introduced to Scribble, a demoness abruptly reassigned from her mundane clerical duties to a role she never anticipated: a Sinister on Earth. Tasked with tempting her assigned human, Paul, into sinning, Scribble struggles not from a lack of cunning, but because she tends to talk more than she tempts. Deciding that a physical presence might improve her odds, she assumes a succubus body with the help of her enigmatic new boss. As Scribble navigates her new form, she not only charms Paul into offering her a job but also grows unexpectedly close to him, leading to unforeseen emotional complications. Is her discomfort due to the new body, or could she be falling for a human?
Hixon’s portrayal of Scribble as an avid reader adds an unexpected layer of relatability to the demoness, making her journey from timidity to bravery quite compelling. Similarly, Paul is a thoughtfully crafted character whose struggles with mental health add depth and relevance to the narrative. The character of Rotworm is vividly realized—his sleazy demeanor is palpable, yet he delivers surprises that leave readers eager for more. While the novel excels in character development and a gripping plot, I feel that some areas seemed a bit underexplored and could benefit from further elaboration. Despite these minor gaps, this book remains a highly engaging read, especially for those who appreciate a blend of supernatural elements with human emotional dilemmas. Hixon’s work is a commendable addition to the genre, promising a level of intrigue that will keep readers looking forward to the next installment.
Spencer Hixon’s A Sinister Love masterfully blends the supernatural with the profoundly human, crafting a narrative that is both entertaining and emotionally resonant. Through the eyes of Scribble, a demoness finding her footing among humans, readers are treated to a story that challenges the traditional boundaries of genre fiction. This book is sure to delight those who enjoy tales of personal growth, supernatural intrigue, and the complexities of love, making it a worthy addition to any reader’s collection.
Pages: 344 | ASIN : B0D1F6FS5K
Mercy on Your Soul
Mercy on Your Soul, by H. M. Mills, follows Mercy, a character who is part demon and part angel, allowing her to navigate both hell and heaven. Lucifer desires to make Mercy his queen to exploit her ability to access heaven and overthrow God. However, Mercy is in love with someone else and refuses Lucifer’s proposition. In response, he and his demons pursue her, while archangels, intent on thwarting Lucifer, seek to eliminate her. Aware of the peril she faces, Mercy goes on the run with her beloved and friends, some of whom are human, seeking assistance to ensure her survival and freedom.
The novel falls within the supernatural genre, featuring characters like demons, Satan, and angels. It is set in France, the United Kingdom, and various realms beyond Earth. The narrative highlights the rewards of taking a challenging path. Mercy had the option to mate-bond with Talus, eliminating her demonic side and rendering her useless to Lucifer, but she chose to fight and preserve herself until she was ready. When she eventually bonds with Talus, it is wholehearted and without regret.
A major strength of the book lies in its dual narrative perspectives, using both third and first person. Mercy narrates her story, offering readers valuable insight into her character. The third-person viewpoint allows the author to cover events outside Mercy’s realm, providing a broader overview of the story. The ending, which leaves readers wondering about the future of Mercy and Talus’s relationship, is also compelling. The introduction of numerous characters throughout the book adds depth, occasionally encouraging readers to revisit certain sections to fully appreciate their roles.
Mercy on Your Soul, by H. M. Mills, provides an engaging narrative filled with supernatural elements, compelling character perspectives, and a storyline that emphasizes the rewards of choosing a challenging path. With its unique mix of viewpoints and intriguing ending, the novel captivates readers while encouraging them to dive deeper into its richly woven tale.
Pages: 400 | ASIN : B08XWPWJ2F
The Festival of Hungry Ghosts
Stephen Frame’s The Festival of Hungry Ghosts introduces readers to Big Bad Wolf, a private investigator who has left the malevolent fairyland to forge a new life in 1930s Los Angeles. Escaping a realm dominated by sinister elves, Wolf finds himself amidst the racially diverse and gang-afflicted neighborhoods of the city, where tensions run high. The narrative thrusts him into the underbelly of gangster life as he attempts to protect a Chinese family, leading to an unwelcome entanglement with local mobsters.
In his mostly human form, deprived of his fairyland magic, Wolf reluctantly takes on a case to locate a crime lord’s missing son. He is further complicated by an alliance with a female gangster whose flair for drama and chaotic tendencies add layers to the already complex situation. Frame’s melding of traditional fairy tales with a gritty, noir backdrop creates a compelling atmosphere that enriches the narrative. The novel shines with its rich tapestry of fantastical elements and well-crafted characters, whose diverse origins and personal quirks enhance the dynamic dialogue and contribute to the story’s vibrancy. Frame masterfully maintains a brisk pace, ensuring that each scene captivates and propels the plot forward. His skillful blend of fantasy, historical intrigue, and crime elements makes The Festival of Hungry Ghosts a notable standout.
This novel is particularly appealing for those who enjoy an inventive mix of genres—combining fantasy, mystery, and historical drama with a noir twist. Frame’s creativity not only drives the story but also embeds depth and excitement, making The Festival of Hungry Ghosts a compelling read for enthusiasts of diverse narrative forms.
Pages: 327 | ASIN : B0CW1BJ4X1
Strong Line Between Good and Evil
In Joseph’s Coat, evil enters the home of a young couple when they adopt an orphan following the loss of their own baby. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I had written the MC years ago, but I knew something was missing, untold. I finally, after about nine years, realized the MC’s story needed to begin with his childhood. And his situation just created itself, if that makes sense. LOL.
I felt this story was very well written. What’s your experience as a writer?
Thank you! I’m honored for you to say that. I’ve written since I was small. Sketching comic strip-style stories as a way to tell these stories. Then, during high school, I started to actually write them instead of sketching them. And have not been able to stop. I’ve had three novels/novellas that were published for which the contracts expired. Joseph’s Coat is my first novel since 2015.
What were some of the emotional and moral guidelines you followed when developing your characters?
I love this question. I’m not sure I ever had guidelines for emotions or morals. It all seemed to dictate itself. I did want to create a couple, though, who were deeply in love enough to withstand the pain of loss, and grief, and yet allow them high emotion that I hoped was real and relatable and, most of all, very human. As for morals, each character dictated their own if that makes sense. And, now that you mention it, maybe subconsciously incorporate a strong line between good and evil where, of course, the goodness of humanity would triumph.
Can you give readers a glimpse inside book 2? When can fans expect to see it released?
Oh, this has been a trial! I had planned to skip in years for the child in the story to be much older; however, I felt I was missing too much of his history that ought to be told. SO…Book Two will be the growth of the newly adopted child in his new environment and a new antagonist to be introduced, this time one who will be a highly trusted friend who will be a huge threat to the family. And I’m working on it now, hoping to finish by the end of this year.
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Brooklyn, New York. 1924.
Giovanni and Kate Di Paolo are a young, affluent couple. They are wildly in love, devoted to each other, but are mourning the death of their infant son.
When Kate volunteers at Saint Hyacinth’s Orphanage, she is especially drawn to one of the orphans.
Enrico.
He entered the orphanage with no last name, no history. A mysterious child, strange but gifted, teased by the other children with the Italian name, Jettatore—evil eye, one who brings bad luck.
With Enrico’s arrival into their world, the Di Paolos’ lives will be altered forever. Secrets will be exposed. Entities of evil and darkness will battle light. Love will be tested, especially when the biggest mystery of all is revealed.
The advent of this enigma could bring the curse of division and further loss, or it could be the force to bring healing, acceptance, answers to prayers which had never been spoken.
Joseph’s Coat, Book One, Jettatore
Joseph’s Coat, by Vastine Bondurant, opens with a captivating scene that immediately immerses readers into the heart of a 1920s New York setting, replete with love, loss, and mystery. This supernatural drama unfolds around the lives of Kate and her husband, Giovanni, whose deep passion for each other is shadowed by a recent, devastating loss. Their hope to find solace by adopting a boy from a local orphanage soon encounters the twists typical of an enthralling mystery, as hidden secrets begin to surface, threatening to unravel their lives.
The novel contrasts the intimate, sometimes erotic life of the couple with the broader backdrop of the Catholic Church. In a modern literary landscape, it is refreshing to encounter characters like the priests and nuns in this story—flawed, yet fundamentally benevolent, striving to live by their faith.
Vastine Bondurant excels in narrative delivery, employing a mix of engaging dialogue and prose to weave the present with the past. Her transition from realism into the paranormal is skillfully executed, and while the prose occasionally embraces the familiar, it generally maintains a vibrant, original flair. The descriptions are richly drawn, effectively capturing the emotional landscape of the characters, as seen in passages like, “Kate’s resolve, the reason she had come, suddenly melted, drizzling into a pool of doubt at her feet.”
The research behind this novel is evident, providing a detailed and authentic glimpse into the era. The linguistic nuances, particularly the Irish and Italian accents, enrich the narrative, adding a layer of lyricism and enhancing the atmospheric quality of the setting. Joseph’s Coat is a compelling paranormal story marked by its atmospheric depth and memorable characters whose journeys resonate well beyond the final page.
Pages: 584 | ASIN : B0CSWL2XND
Extraordinary Gifts With Real Consequences
The Dark Witch continues the saga of the Grim Knight and the Princess of the Dark, navigating a treacherous world brimming with foes from various factions. What was the initial idea behind this story, and how did that transform as you wrote the novel?
When I first started writing the Ebon Knight, the idea was to present the entire adventure in one book. Ha! I quickly found out that there was no chance of that, so the Dark Witch runs seamlessly off of the Ebon Knight because it was meant to be all in one book. The Arch Mage (the third book in the series) runs directly off my second book for the same reason. In hindsight, I’m glad that I did extend the story out to three different installments, because I was able to present a lot more characters and PoV’s. Turning my original idea into a trilogy has helped to make it more epic and exciting than it otherwise would have been.
What was the inspiration for the culture of your characters?
Is it modeled after any particular society? The backdrop is primarily the western United States, although later the action moves to Europe (in the third book). My characters are drawn from many different cultures, but the world presented is not necessarily our world. I do not get into politics, current events, etc. The book is meant to be an escape, so I didn’t want to mirror reality too closely.
How did you balance magic and its use throughout the story to keep it believable?
Good question. I think my magic system, and the hierarchies of powers I present between the two sides, are well-grounded and believable. All of the gifts my protagonists and antagonists have also have a downside, some more dramatic than others. For example, the Ebon Knight has an uber powerful sword, but if he draws it he will go berserk and kill EVERYBODY – friend and foe alike. The Dark Witch becomes extremely cold and dangerous if she accesses her most inner power, etc. No one has an unlimited supply of power, either, and they all weaken in battle. No one is immune to the downsides of their extraordinary gifts and there are real consequences for their use. I think that makes the characters more relatable and real.
When will book three be available? Can you give us an idea of where that book will take readers?
The third book is called “The Arch Mage” and is scheduled to go to my editor on 3/16/24. I anticipate it being available for pre-order by 4/01/24 with a publication date of 06/01/24 to 07/01/24. This last book will be longer than either of the first two, and it is an absolutely excellent addition. I HATE loose ends, so there will be NONE when the trilogy concludes. Because it is the end (and because I want it to be a satisfying capstone to the series) it has taken me longer to write book 3 than book 1 & 2 together! It is worth the wait, though, and much of the action shifts to France and the catacombs beneath Paris. I think fans of my first two books will be absolutely floored. There is the possibility of a book 4 and 5 if the trilogy is ultimately well-received and successful, but if the adventure ends as planned no one is going to feel like I left them hanging. Either way, I’ll keep writing, so look me up in the horror section in 2024 if I do not end up writing more in the world of the Grim Knight and his Dark Princess. I have some VERY good ideas for both a collection of short stories and a stand alone book in the horror genre.
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Kelso Hart, the grim Knight of myth and legend, has been grievously wounded and is at death’s door. The youngest Princess of the Dark, Ava Pentran, risked it all to save him and will risk yet more to see him recover. Storm clouds gather around from all sides as the two outcasts regroup at a safe harbor, surrounded by friends and companions, old and new. Enemies from the Dark, the Light, and the Other are all on the march, and Ava’s shadowed half, the Dark Witch, may be the only force that can save them – but at what cost?
This second adventure takes place directly after the events of the first book with the same sly humor, heroic actions and unforgiving danger that are the hallmarks of this exciting series. With this installment, the world of the Ebon Knight expands and new mysteries in the Conflict are revealed with world shattering implications. Are you ready for more villains, more heroes, and more brutal battles where the “bad guys” might just have the upper hand? If that sounds like a good read to you then welcome back!
The Dark Witch
James Wood’s The Dark Witch, the second entry in The Ebon Knight Chronicles, continues the journey of Kelso Hart, the embattled Knight, and Ava Pentran, the youngest Princess of the Dark. This installment sees our protagonists navigating a treacherous world brimming with foes from various factions. The narrative picks up seamlessly from its predecessor, weaving an intricate plot that melds myth and folklore against an ominous, disaster-laden backdrop.
Wood’s adept storytelling is evident in his ability to balance humor, valiant exploits, and unyielding peril. This balance is enhanced by rich character development, particularly in the evolving dynamics between Ava and Kelso. The novel fits comfortably in the urban fantasy genre, offering readers a dark and captivating adventure. Wood’s craftsmanship shines in his realistic plot twists and portrayal of resilient characters, making The Dark Witch a compelling read that’s hard to put down.
The book is replete with action, heroism, and continuous danger, showcasing Wood’s narrative prowess. He skillfully infuses humor into the storyline, resulting in a well-rounded and satisfying reading experience. The new and familiar characters are developed with care, fostering empathy and engagement. Urban fantasy fans will appreciate the underdog narrative, nuanced with romantic elements and an urban flair. As the story progresses, the plot gains momentum, introducing new characters and complexities. The presence of characters with hidden motives adds layers of mystery and excitement. Wood successfully continues to deliver an enthralling dark fantasy, expanding the narrative to include broader themes of conflict and morality.
The Dark Witch is an emotional rollercoaster, portraying a spectrum of feelings from despair to triumph. Wood’s vivid storytelling promises an immersive dark urban fantasy journey, leaving readers keenly awaiting the next chapter in The Ebon Knight Chronicles. This book is an excellent choice for readers looking to delve into a rich high fantasy series, promising more intriguing developments in future installments.
Pages: 369 | ASIN : B0CN4CHCQ1
An Anti-hero
In Stranger in the Valley, a former soldier finds himself the prime suspect in a murder investigation and begins the search for the killer with the help of a group of supernatural sidekicks. Where did the idea for this story come from?
The idea for this story is a bit of a love story itself. When I first met my spouse 18 years ago, she suffered from PTSD-related night terrors that were affecting her health. I started reading her to sleep at night, and it helped immensely. After a few weeks, her night terrors ceased completely, so I kept reading. I read the entire Harry Potter series to her, which she loved and wanted to follow along, but since she fell asleep after just a few paragraphs, it took nearly 10 years to complete the entire series. Then I read it to her a second time, which took half that time, and then she wanted something new. We tried lots of different stories, and none were working for her, so she finally asked me to tell her a story of my own creation, and that night I invented the character of Digger. She loved it and wanted more. So I started writing this story every day, knowing I needed to keep far enough ahead to have new material to read her to sleep. I completed the novel in 2019, and spent a year editing and revising it to its final form. Now I’m nearly finished with the second novel in the series, and I still read my spouse to sleep every night.
I find your characters to be fascinating. Do you have a favorite among the characters in your novel?
That’s a hard question because I love them all in their own ways. The character of Brighed is based on my spouse, who is a hospice RN, but otherwise very similar in looks and strength and independence. So, she’s up there. Digger is my most fun character to write. She’s a quintessential Dwarf trying desperately to change her own fate. I’m also deeply in love with the character of Skinner. He’s a man of real integrity. I think my favorite of them all, however, is Fergus. He’s a complex character who basically is the head of a crime family of werewolves. What I love most about Fergus is the purity of his motivations. He will always put the best interest of his wolf pack ahead of all others, regardless of the rules or the law. He is fiercely protective of his pack, even more so than of his own children. He’s an anti-hero, with centuries of wisdom under his belt.
Within this book, you flawlessly blend mystery and the paranormal. It takes exceptional talent to blend the two genres. How did you go about blending the two genres without disrupting the story?
Thank you for the compliment. It is indeed a real challenge, which is part of why I wanted to do it. I have always loved both genres, and the story structures of each can be complimentary if you focus on the characters’ personalities rather than their fantastical elements. There is an old writing axiom about writing great stories, sometimes attributed to Mark Twain, which says to take a few characters you like and place them in an unusual situation to see what they would do. That was my approach, to create and build a story that is about these unusual characters, who can be anything from a werewolf to a sasquatch to a human. Those are just their attributes. How those kinds of characters might behave if presented with a mystery is what I wanted to write.
Can you give readers a peek into book 2? When will it be available?
I am hard at work on Book 2 and am scheduled to have the completed final draft by mid-march. It takes about six months for my editors and others involved in the process to move the book from final draft to publication, and the release date is tentatively scheduled for mid-September. In the meantime, I will be releasing the audiobook version of Stranger in the Valley this spring. Some things readers can look forward to in Book 2: A major character is kidnapped, Fergus is found, the Queendom Council meets for the first time in 80 years in Mystic Valley to consider intervening in the fate of humanity, there is a reckoning for Aengus, and readers will finally learn who is the real Magnivald. Book 3 is already in storyboard development.
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LITERARY TITAN 