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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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Stranger in the Valley
Stranger in the Valley, by Gregory Haley, offers a blend of mystery and fantasy in a narrative set against the backdrop of rural Oregon. The protagonist, AJ, a former soldier seeking tranquility, unexpectedly stumbles upon the body of a murdered and mutilated sheriff. This discovery thrusts him into the role of the main suspect, compelling him to navigate the complexities of Mystic Valley, a town brimming with hidden secrets and surreal elements.
The novel combines elements reminiscent of the iconic Twin Peaks TV series with echoes of the Artemis Fowl teen adventure books. This amalgamation situates it within the shifter genre but with its own unique twist. Haley’s narrative weaves horror motifs with detective tropes, creating a tapestry that is rich yet, I feel, occasionally inconsistent in tone.
AJ, the protagonist, is portrayed with a foundation of realism and pragmatism. His skepticism towards the increasingly fantastical events he encounters adds a layer of complexity to the narrative and a layer of intrigue, inviting readers to engage more deeply with the story’s fantastical elements and explore their own interpretations. The vividly depicted cast of characters, including a vengeful dwarf and a mysterious lycanthrope, enrich the story. The portrayal of these mythical beings and an enigmatic doctor contributes to the lively atmosphere of Mystic Valley. AJ’s role as the narrator offers a unique perspective, while the dynamic supporting characters truly bring the setting of Mystic Valley to life, enriching the narrative with their vibrancy and intrigue.
Future installments of the Stranger in the Valley series hold great promise. Book 1 hints at an evolving mastery of this unique genre-blending style. Stranger in the Valley takes readers on an enthralling journey through a world where mystery and the uncanny are beautifully intertwined.
Pages: 347 | ASIN : B0C87XVPL8
Inner Monsters
ASCENT follows Ellie, Josh, and Sam into a realm of otherworldly dangers, as they grapple with external threats and inner demons. What were some things you wanted to explore in this book that were different from book one?
I wanted a closer look at the world they were trapped by. I wanted to extend the lore and continue to develop the characters. How would Josh adapt to life after the Circle? How would Ellie’s life be affected now she actually had people she cared about? How far was Sam prepared to go to learn more about this phenomena? Darker characters also came into play, those who had adapted in their own way to live with this curse. There was a lot to do.
Were there any challenges you faced in ensuring ASCENT stood out from the first book?
I wanted ASCENT to have that same driving force as the LIT. That becomes challenging when the story needs exposition to grow, so you need to plant seeds of information as the story progresses. Some explained, some implied and others, shown. LIT was a lot more linear than ASCENT. Keeping the three main protagonists front and centre felt more of a challenge, but I am happy that they all were able to hold their own as major characters.
How do the otherworldly creatures in ASCENT reflect or contrast with the themes you wanted to address in the story?
Some people deal with darkness by embracing it. By allowing themselves to become part of it instead of fighting against it. It’s a survival technique and we all have our reasons for adapting the way we do. As the Leviathans Ascend to a higher level of being, so do their Conduits. Another concept I thought was intriguing was how do Ellie, Josh, and Sam react to camaraderie for the first time in their lives. Now they have had a taste of friendship, how does that affect the life of misery that their inner monsters need to keep them in. Does it breed hope? Trust? Resilience? All these things need to be stripped from the Conduit to make it truly a vessel the Leviathan can use. Friendship and support are dangerous.
Can you share a hint about what readers might expect in the trilogy’s conclusion?
Although the end of the trilogy, it is not necessarily the end of the LIT universe. Remember, this has happened for centuries so the possibilities are endless in regards to place, time, and person. A hint? It is a War. Bad things happen in Wars. People are lost, people are betrayed and bitter. The Conduits can’t hide in the shadows any longer, they are being steered towards a battle where death is the nicest thing that can happen to them.
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Ellie, Josh, and Sam’s world is growing, expanding with people who suffer the same bane as themselves.
The cloistered Ellie must emerge from the shadows. The young Josh must learn to live with the beast that walks beside him. And Sam plays a duplicitous game to learn about the demonic phenomena that have destroyed all their lives.
The enigmatic Mika, with his Pantheon of Conduits each with their own curse, is searching for a legend of evil – the ancient blight and the one who restrains it.
But something has changed…another evil is emerging and the Leviathans are moving closer into our world. A vile, unthinkable truce might be needed between Conduit and monster as both become the hunted.
ASCENT, the 2nd book in the LIT trilogy.
LITERARY TITAN 