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I Like Dead Things That Move
Blood Ever After follows a teenager who, after grappling with the suicide of his brother, navigates a zombie-infested, dystopian world to reunite with his parents and his newfound love amidst a backdrop of anarchy. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I read a book called Tomorrow When the War Began and decided I wanted to write something similar to it. Since I was reading and watching a lot about zombies at the time, I decided to infuse the idea of a zombie apocalypse and a bunch of teenagers alone in a post-apocalyptic world together. It took a few rewrites to get it where I wanted it, but I like the end result, particularly the second half …
Tyler’s transformation from dealing with personal tragedy to becoming an inspiring hero is remarkable. How did you approach the development of his character?
I needed Tyler to change from being a lost young boy to almost a horrible, but courageous monster by the end of the story. For that to happen, something needed to trigger his confidence, his desperation, in a sense. I decided that the worst thing to happen to someone can also be the thing that makes them someone anew, and gives them hope.
The horror elements, particularly the presence of zombies, adds an intriguing layer to the plot. Can you talk about your decision to include these elements and how they served the overall story?
I was watching lots of zombie films at the time, so, for me it was a natural inclusion. I knew a lot about them. What I like about these zombies is that they don’t enter the story until over the half-way mark, which I don’t think has been done before that much. The zombies serve the story by adding an element of horror. It’s probably not some inclusion of deep symbolism, I just like dead things that move. 😊
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I’ve just finished a kids’ book called Monster Hunter Madness which will come out in a few weeks, and have cook pics and stuff. It’s like Diary of a Wimpy Kid for horror fans.
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Tyler misses his brother. He lost Joshi two years back now to suicide, and Tyler – emotionally at least – has not recovered. The panic attacks. Depression. Regret. All of it. All bottled up for him and him only.
Until the apocalypse, that is.
Now the dead have risen one more time, and with them Tyler’s brother.
Joshi just wants to see Tyler one more time … to give him a hug … to tell him he loves Tyler … and that he wants to be with him, forever.
Will Tyler have what it takes to withstand his brother’s approaches, or will he flail at the last moment, succumbing to his brother’s deadly love, and destroy himself in the process?
Blood Ever After is a new adult horror thriller, with depth, heart, and some quirky jokes.
Trigger warning: contains themes of suicide, violence, and gore. Includes language some may find offensive.
Blood Ever After
In Sean O’Connor’s thrilling novel, “Blood Ever After,” readers are escorted into the emotionally charged world of Tyler, a teenager coping with the tragic suicide of his brother, Joshi. As Tyler wrestles with the phantom pain of his brother’s absence, he finds a comforting distraction in the form of Charlotte, a captivating and assertive new arrival at his school.
This fleeting tranquility, however, is abruptly shattered when a cataclysmic event decimates their world, reducing the population significantly, including the tragic loss of Tyler’s family. Simultaneously, a sinister wave of anarchy engulfs their home city of Oakland, as nocturnal marauders instill an atmosphere of fear in the eerily vacant streets. Undeterred, Tyler, together with an unlikely group of allies, shoulders the responsibility of guardians, striving to reinstate a modicum of order in the wake of dystopian chaos. Amid survival struggles, Tyler embarks on a personal quest fraught with considerable challenges, aiming to reunite with his parents and Charlotte.
O’Connor’s novel plunges the readers into a potent cocktail of suspense, raw horror, and the tender elements of teenage romance. Tyler’s remarkable transformation from a victim of personal tragedy to an inspiring hero makes him an exceptionally relatable character for readers.
The narrative unfolds at a brisk tempo, captivating the reader from the onset. This swift pacing will likely appeal to those who relish intricate, dynamically evolving storylines. The dialogue is characterized by hearty, vernacular language, with sporadic profanity included, which may enhance authenticity for some readers, though it may not resonate with everyone’s taste. The novel bravely ventures into horror elements, notably zombies, which lends an additional layer of fascination for aficionados of this genre. The inexplicable absence of some characters infuses a sense of mystery, potentially piquing the interest of readers intrigued by deciphering the narrative’s ultimate trajectory.
“Blood Ever After” is destined to captivate horror enthusiasts, intertwining moments of palpable fear with a sensitive exploration of youthful relationships. This narrative offers a compelling study of resilience, illuminating a unique perspective on overcoming personal tragedy and symbolizing a beacon of hope amidst overwhelming adversity.
Pages: 326 | ASIN: B0BTC2B64K
The Posh Prepper
In Todd Knight’s riveting novel, The Posh Prepper, we follow the dynamic journey of protagonist Nick Ritter, an expert survivalist frequently sought after by the elite for his bespoke emergency plans. However, in an ironic twist of fate, Ritter finds himself in dire need of his own strategies as a deadly virus brings the world to the precipice of extinction. Regrettably, his meticulously crafted plans consistently falter, compelling him to navigate a world consumed by disorder. Along this tumultuous journey, he forms an unlikely alliance with a diverse group of survivors, united by the singular goal of reaching his safe haven in New Zealand, a sanctuary seemingly immune to the pervasive destruction.
Set in the ominous backdrop of the 2030s, The Posh Prepper is a spellbinding apocalyptic thriller that holds the reader hostage with its relentless pace and unpredictable plot. Knight expertly manipulates suspense and tension, cultivating a narrative landscape that ensures the reader’s anticipation never wanes. The culmination of these elements is a crescendo of high stakes that leaves the reader gasping in trepidation and tantalizing anticipation.
The Posh Prepper may be the quickest I have ever devoured a 400-page book. The narrative momentum is propulsive, dragging the reader through its electrifying plot with an exhilarating velocity that mirrors the urgency of Ritter’s quest for survival.
Knight’s vivid and graphic descriptions serve as the novel’s lifeblood, effectively transforming the written word into a cinema of the mind. His unflinching portrayal of an apocalyptic reality is both haunting and immersive, a testament to his prowess as a storyteller.
Perhaps the most striking aspect of Knight’s narrative is his assembly of protagonists. These are not superhuman characters performing implausible feats; instead, they are relatable, flawed individuals relying on courage, intellect, and sheer determination to confront insurmountable odds.
Knight’s dialogue serves as a critical conduit for character development, enabling the reader to understand each character’s unique personality and emotional state through their verbal exchanges.
The Posh Prepper is a thrilling, immersive reading experience that weaves together elements of suspense, emotion, and human resilience. It’s an apocalypse tale that will linger in your consciousness long after the final page.
Pages: 474 | ASIN: B0BVNRQ4B4
The Cycle of Eden
The Cycle of Eden: The Young Revolution by Daniel Varona is a riveting tale that transports readers to the world of Eden – a land engulfed by darkness and in dire need of a savior. At the center of this epic adventure is Seth, a young hero who must rise to the challenge of restoring light to Eden before it’s too late. As the son of a legendary figurehead who once guided the prosperous state of Eden, Seth is burdened with the daunting task of living up to his mother’s legacy. However, his tactical skills pale in comparison to his mother’s, and he is left to navigate this treacherous landscape alone.
Varona’s prose takes readers on an exhilarating ride as Seth and his companions encounter a host of creatively written monsters and face a variety of challenges that are both well-described and original. One of the most enjoyable aspects of the book is the inner dialogue of the characters, particularly Seth, whose thoughts are laugh-out-loud funny and offer a lightness to the otherwise tense situations they find themselves in. The world-building and plot are intricately woven, and readers will appreciate the vivid descriptions of the various landscapes and characters that populate this richly imagined universe.
One of the standout characters in the story is Chase, Seth’s loyal animal companion whose unwavering friendship is a testament to the age-old adage that dogs are indeed man’s best friend. Their bond is heartwarming and adds a relatable quality to the story that will resonate with readers of all ages. Varona’s writing is clever and full of unexpected twists that keep readers on the edge of their seats. This novel is a page-turner from start to finish, with recurring themes such as self-discovery woven throughout Seth’s journey as he navigates the choices he must make to restore Eden and its people.
Overall, The Cycle of Eden: The Young Revolution is a highly engaging and imaginative space opera. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a thrilling science-fiction adventure that combines action, creativity, and a touch of humor.
Pages: 598 | ASIN : B0BT7VNMQ9
A Web Of Conflict
Pray to the Dead: Book Two in Angels Have Tread Trilogy is a unique and interesting concept for a storyline. Where did the idea for this trilogy come from, and how did it develop over time?
As part of a writing course, we were asked to write an action scene so I had this idea for a researcher looking for a cure to save her son. That formed the basis of the character for Dr Harris. As I developed that idea, I realised that most action books and movies are set in a male dominated world. In the first draft of the first book in the trilogy, When All Hope Is Lost, I didn’t explain to readers that all men over 20 had died from a disease. Instead I dropped the reader directly into a world where all the characters were female; politicians, doctors, guards, reporters. I gave those opening chapters to a number of readers and the response from male readers was interesting. They were visibly upset by the lack of men. That’s when I realised that I didn’t want to write about the disaster or the struggle to get through it. I wanted my readers to discover a world that was already a comfortably established matriarchy. It’s a world that accepts women in all walks of life.
What was your approach to writing the interactions between characters?
I wanted to create a three dimensional world so I felt it was important to have multiple points of view. I wanted characters that had known the world before the pandemic and those who’d grown up in this changed world. I wanted to show that intergenerational conflict. I also wanted characters that came from different locales which is why there is the urban versus rural points of view. In my first book, When All Hope Is Lost, the relationships are laid out in parallel lines. Patricia the reporter lives with her mother. Dr Bonnie Harris with her son Josh. Evelyn as the political leader in Melbourne has her inner circle in the same way Sofia has hers in the Warragul Colony. The idea was to bring these separate lines together in a web of conflict that reaches its conclusion in the final book of the trilogy.
What experience in your life has had the biggest impact on your writing?
I took the creative writing course as a way to reconnect with life. I’d spent time caring for my partner whose dementia was slowly eating away at both our lives. Covid struck, he went into full time care and I was bereft. I’ve always made up short stories but I found myself with a lot of time and the need to deal with my loss. That loss added a new dimension to my writing.
What will the next book in that series be about and when will it be published?
The next book, For Where There Are Harps, is still in first draft but it brings all the characters together in the civil war called the Great Upheaval. As one of my early readers pointed out, this world is out of whack and you need to put it back in balance. Book three is about destroying what isn’t working and laying the groundwork for something that will be better.
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Even After The End Of The World
Descent of the Vile follows a photographer and mysterious woman who barely escape death and must figure out a way to survive together and save humanity. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
This was the first time I used a dream to create a novel. I’d watched all three films in the Three-Flavours Cornetto Trilogy consecutively, and although the films have comedic elements, I had a nightmare that night that became the opening sequence to Descent of the Vile. When I woke, I had the feeling that an epic journey would come of it, and I wanted to write it down. Originally, I wrote it as a novella, but I had to cut too much out to keep it at the shorter length. So, I revised it to add the missing part of the story, and it became this short novel. I liked the idea of an antagonist that changes throughout the story and a hero who is flawed, but learns from his past mistakes. I also wanted to have Jackson’s perspective, even if a flawed one, the only perspective we see throughout the story, watching the events unfold through his eyes. His journey isn’t only the one he takes with Nadine, but a journey of discovery as he learns that life still holds possibilities for him, even after the end of the world.
What was the inspiration for the relationship that developed between the characters?
Originally, I thought I didn’t want to have it be a romance at all. And I think there is a romance that isn’t quite a romance between them. They bond with each other beyond any level of attraction. I also didn’t dwell on it, but there is an age difference between them, so I did consider that they might separate at the end, but the further I got into writing it, that seemed unlikely due to the personalities of the characters of Jackson and Nadine both. Although they might not have met if not for the apocalypse that occurs, I thought they would at least find comfort in not being alone through the traumatic experiences that they endure. It was important to me that Nadine save Jackson’s life, in more ways than one, and that Jackson opens up to her, learning that together they are stronger than they are apart. But I didn’t want her to remain as someone Jackson has to protect, that they evolve to working more as a team. It was also difficult to write from a male perspective, while creating a character who might be at once hurt but not broken. He is healed by Nadine’s presence and discovers that he can evolve as a person, too.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I definitely wanted to write a story about an older protagonist. Jackson is in his forties at the point of this novel, although it isn’t mentioned. He has an established career. Nadine was a student who dropped out of college, so she is younger, but she’d been in a stable relationship before she meets Jackson. It was important that they both learn to accept each other for who they are and to grow as individuals. But the main thing is that there is never a point of no return, when someone can’t make a new start. I feel like there are few older protagonists in genre fiction especially, and older people still have valid contributions to make. Also, making the point that being established doesn’t mean that a person can’t make a change and start over was important to me. It’s never too late to learn a new skill or to make a career change or to move across the country to your dream house. Life isn’t static ever, and finding your own peace is something you have to work at, but you’ll never know what you’re capable of if you never attempt anything new.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
The sequel was signed by my publisher last summer, so it should come out this year. It’s titled The Blood Hotel, and it takes place five years after the events in Descent of the Vile. Jackson and Nadine have settled into a comfortable routine when the return of a familiar foe uproots them and sends them fleeing once again. This time, the enemy has changed tactics, and they wonder what they can do to end the threat forever. There will be some themes that do come up again, like the fear of change, but it’s a new story with a different setting, so hopefully readers of Descent of the Vile will enjoy it. I think it’s a bit darker in tone with historical correlations, but you can simply read it as an action adventure if you prefer. I want it to be an enjoyable read, but there’s something more if you look for it.
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He barely escapes horrifying peril on the shuttle and races away in his car, only to rescue an enigmatic woman named Nadine who barely speaks to him. In doing so, he wonders what strange new terrors he’s discovered. Seeking to uncover the answer to the mystery, he drives away from the city and hopes to outrun any danger while also keeping his new companion safe. Eventually, however, he is no longer sure that running for the rest of his life is enough. To end the threat, he thinks he may have to return to the starting point but wonders if Nadine is too traumatized to face it again. Facing the choice of what to do with the mysterious woman he supposedly rescued, he must decide if he will protect her at all costs or if he will put her at risk to save the last of humanity.
Descent of the Vile
Descent of the Vile is a dystopian thriller following the choices of our protagonist Jackson Riley, a photographer who is asked to take photos of peculiar items in a research lab. Following this photo session, Jackson goes to leave the facility when he first comes across what he calls the “strangers” these are beings that look like people but can instantly be recognized because they lack emotion or any kind of feeling. They try to chase, attack, and kill. Jackson is in a race against time to get to safety when he comes across a young woman on the highway trying to get away from these bizarre “strangers.” Jackson kicks into hero mode and saves her, and the story follows them together as they try to piece together what is going on while also trying to determine if they can trust each other.
Author Cheryl Pena has written an enthralling thriller that I found to be intriguing and kept me turning the pages. I had a little trouble trying to figure out what sort of person Nadine was, but so did the protagonist Jackson, so perhaps she was trying to make readers see her through his eyes.
The suspense that is woven into the story is exhilarating with each chapter ending in a “cliffhanger,” leaving the reader unable to put the book down for even a moment. Another thing I thought was noteworthy was the relationship between Jackson and Nadine. Instead of being fantastical, Pena wrote a relationship between two strangers that could be attracted to each other in other circumstances but really couldn’t focus on their intimacy because of the degree of trauma and heartbreak they had experienced. As a result, their relationship is a slow burn with both having to earn the other’s trust.
Descent of the Vile is a gripping dystopian science fiction novel with fast moving action. This short read is perfect for the reader that wants a story they can finish in an afternoon and be on the edge of their seat the entire time.
Pages: 163 | ASIN : B0BNVX6YVH
