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It Was Aliens
Arkfall follows a man who once stopped an ancient interstellar war with the help of a sentient artifact and is now drawing the wrath of alien beings who see themselves as keepers of the timeline. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration came from blending real-world mysteries with speculative science. Ancient structures like the Great Pyramid and global myths of “gods descending from the stars” became the perfect springboard to ask: What if those myths weren’t myths at all, but remnants of a forgotten war tied to humanity’s survival? I wanted to merge that sense of hidden history with the tension of hard science fiction—alien technology, cosmic timelines, and the consequences of tampering with forces beyond human comprehension.
When creating Adam Freeman, did you have a plan for development and character traits, or did it grow organically as you were writing the story?
Adam began as a planned paradox: a brilliant scientist grounded in logic and reason, yet carrying alien DNA that ties him to the unknown. His hybrid nature demanded a constant push and pull—between wanting to live an ordinary human life and being forced into extraordinary responsibility. While I outlined his key arcs early, many of his traits—his doubts, flashes of humor, and raw humanity—emerged organically as I wrote. In many ways, Adam surprised me as much as he surprised himself, especially in how he wrestles with the choice between destiny and free will.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
At its core, Arkfall wrestles with themes of identity, choice, and the cost of knowledge. I wanted to explore how humanity might respond when confronted with undeniable proof of ancient alien intervention, and how individuals reconcile personal desires with cosmic-scale responsibility. The tension between science and spirituality runs throughout the story, as does the idea that progress often comes with sacrifice. Most of all, I wanted to ask: What does it truly mean to be human when you are more than human?
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
Arkfall is the sequel to The Ark of The First Gods. I look forward to having both novels published in the near future, they are currently with my literary agent who is shopping them with publishers.
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Ultimum Judicium The Last Judgment
David Navarria’s novel, Ultimum Judicium: The Last Judgment, is a gripping narrative that reimagines the end times as a brutal reality. The book stands apart from typical sci-fi or doomsday stories by grounding it in a world spiraling toward Armageddon. The author meticulously builds this world over a span of more than two centuries, detailing how society collapsed due to humanity’s moral transgressions fueled by media, corruption, and the worship of evil.
The story begins over two hundred years after civilization has fallen, with no remnants left behind. In this lawless and chaotic world, a prophet chosen by God, Mochè, rises as the leader or “Manhig”. His mission is to guide God’s remaining followers on an odyssey to a place of redemption. The journey is a constant struggle against a world now dominated by savage, nonhuman beings and evil humans.
Mochè is the heart of the story. He’s portrayed as a formidable warrior and a priest who leads his people with a deep sense of love and devotion. The book delves into his inner turmoil, particularly the temptation he faces in his love for Zipporah, an intelligent and captivating woman he rescues from a life of slavery. Zipporah is depicted as a strong and influential partner to Mochè, helping to build their new society.
The novel is rich with a diverse cast of well-developed characters. The story shines in its depiction of the subtle and not-so-subtle romances that develop, with the love stories of Zipporah and Mochè, Eliza and Matthew, and Gabriela and Benjamin forming a strong emotional core. These relationships provide moments of tenderness and hope amid the pervasive brutality of their world. The book also introduces other key figures, such as Goliath, a kind-hearted giant who serves God, and Nikanyiso, a formidable Zulu warrior.
The author excels at creating a constantly changing and suspenseful storyline. The narrative features intense and exciting battles that showcase Mochè’s strategic brilliance. The writing style is both clear and eloquent, effectively conveying the horrors of this fallen world while also capturing moments of profound beauty and spiritual reflection. The subtle yet powerful ways in which characters are introduced, alongside the detailed and vivid battle descriptions, contribute to a truly immersive reading experience.
Ultimum Judicium is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that subverts typical genre expectations. It is a story of love, faith, and resilience that navigates the complex and often brutal realities of a world on the brink of its final judgment.
Pages: 348 | ASIN : B0FL4K6K6M
Nothing Is Ever Black And White
A Game of Masquerade follows a time-traveling professor who goes back in time to London in 1888, where he ends up working with Scotland Yard to find a serial killer, all while avoiding any alterations to history. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I have always had a huge interest in stories involving time travel. There’s something fascinating about someone experiencing history firsthand – being brought face to face with the people who are living it as present day. It’s quite a different scenario than simply picking up a book and reading about the past. Suddenly these people are real and no longer a footnote in history. But stepping into history means there is a risk of altering established events – if you change one thing then what happens to the future you expect to happen?
Another enduring fascination of mine is the mystery surrounding Jack the Ripper. Even if his identity had been discovered, the brutality of his crimes would still engender interest, but the fact that he was never caught, maintains the mystery which invites endless speculation and gives a writer the chance to think outside the box.
What intrigues you about this time period enough to write such a thrilling period piece?
The East End of London in the 19th century is a rich character all its own! The hardships – how people survived such a tenuous existence, the opportunists preying on the vulnerable, the attitudes of the time – there is so much detail that the story takes on a life of its own. Introducing Jack the Ripper into this already volatile setting is like striking a match in a powder keg igniting fear, intolerances and anger in an already-turbulent sphere. It is both a shocking and fascinating study.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
I believe that, more often that not, nothing is ever black and white. In the case of my novel, Jack the Ripper has his reasons for killing which can never be condoned, yet these reasons have left damaging psychological scars. But it is his choices, made of his own free will, which creates the monster. It’s an interesting element to explore and makes for great storytelling.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
The novel is a stand-alone piece however the protagonist, Professor Orlando Delbrotman’s story, has not finished and I have some ideas as to his fate! I have sketched out some thoughts and will take the Professor to another time in history long before the 19th century. It will take time to write, but it will be time well spent so please stay tuned!
Author Links: GoodReads | TikTok
But what if there is more to this mystery than meets the eye? What if the identity of the murderer is more than
human? A fugitive from another world who joins forces with Scotland Yard is soon to discover that past and future
events have created a monster, which ignites fear and outrage on the streets of the East End.
To stop the murderous rampage in 1888, Professor Orlando Delbrotman must solve one of the most brutal mysteries of the 19th century…without changing history…
Ancestor: The Hooded Hero #1
Ancestor drops you headfirst into the life of Cody Chance, a firefighter-paramedic in the gritty near-future city of Jade. It starts with what feels like a standard emergency call, but quickly escalates into a chaotic, bloody night that leaves Cody haunted by both what he saw and something darker that seems to be following him. A comet burns across the sky like an omen, strange voices whisper from nowhere, and Cody’s grip on reality frays. Between violent calls, moral compromises, and an unshakable sense that something supernatural is at play, the book builds a tense blend of urban fantasy, first responder realism, and psychological suspense.
Ozanich writes with the eye of someone who’s lived it, pulling you into the banter, the gallows humor, and the ugly truths of emergency work. At the same time, the creeping horror threaded through the story kept me off balance. I loved that shift. It’s not just gore for the sake of it. The unease builds slowly, like a shadow you can’t quite catch. The voice of the narrator feels raw and honest, even when the things he’s thinking aren’t noble. That unvarnished humanity made it hit harder.
The violence is vivid and unflinching, and the pace sometimes lingers on procedure in a way that slows the momentum. I found myself caught between being absorbed in the detail and wanting the story to push forward. And Cody, well, he’s not always easy to like. He’s stubborn, sometimes reckless, and definitely flawed, but that’s what makes him real. There’s a claustrophobic quality to the way the night unfolds, which works brilliantly for tension.
I’d recommend Ancestor to readers who like their urban fantasy grounded in real-world grit, especially those who aren’t squeamish about violence or moral ambiguity. If you enjoy character-driven stories where the supernatural seeps in slowly, and you can handle the rough edges of first responder life, this one’s worth the ride. It’s a wild, unsettling, and strangely relatable trip.
Pages: 376 | ASIN : B0FHRQS1JW
A Game of Masquerade
A Game of Masquerade blends historical crime with speculative fiction, pulling Jack the Ripper out of the fog and into a stranger and darker light. The story follows Professor Orlando Delbrotman, a time-traveling outsider who stumbles into the grimy alleys of 1888 London. His mission is unclear even to himself at first, but soon he becomes entangled in the investigation of the Ripper murders alongside Scotland Yard. What begins as an observational trip turns into a dangerous game of survival, trust, and pursuit, with the Professor moving between the dim-lit taverns, cold morgues, and filthy streets of Whitechapel. The setting is thick with atmosphere, and the narrative swings between gritty human suffering and the strange detachment of an alien mind learning the limits of morality.
The writing carries the weight of the setting with vivid detail, but it also knows when to lean on humor or eccentricity. I liked how the author didn’t shy away from the brutal realities of the time. The women in the story aren’t romanticized; their hardship is tangible, and their conversations are raw. The Professor, in contrast, is formal, almost awkward, and I found that gap between his precise, alien perspective and the chaos around him strangely compelling. The pacing can be a slow burn in places, but that gave me time to sit with the tension rather than rush through it.
Some parts felt theatrical, almost like a stage play with its sharp entrances and dramatic exchanges. Sometimes it worked, adding color and energy, and other times it brought me out of the scene. Still, I admired how the book balanced historical authenticity with a speculative twist without letting one overwhelm the other. The Ripper mystery has been told in countless ways, yet this take felt fresh, partly because of the outsider’s-eye view and partly because of the relatable moments that broke through the gloom.
I’d recommend A Game of Masquerade to readers who enjoy historical mysteries with a speculative slant, particularly those who like their stories gritty yet occasionally whimsical. If you’re curious about what happens when history’s shadows meet something not quite of this Earth, you’ll find plenty to chew on here.
Pages: 333 | ASIN : B0DW69W3S1
The Mist from Beyond
Dorothy and her sorority sisters thought they had the perfect prank in mind: a séance to terrify their newest pledge. The plan was harmless: summon a demon, watch the poor girl panic, then laugh it off. Except this time, the ritual worked. Something monstrous answered their call, and the creature isn’t content with mere fright. It wants chaos, and it intends to bring it.
Enter the FBI’s Occult Strike Team. Lev, Frank, James, and their battle-hardened crew find themselves once again thrust into the front lines of humanity’s strangest war. Their mission: stop a Lovecraftian nightmare from enslaving or annihilating the world. For them, it’s just another day at the office, but one misstep could mean the end of everything.
The Mist from Beyond by R.K. Jack marks the second installment in the Occult Strike Team saga. The novel carries echoes of Stephen King’s Dark Tower and the mythic grotesquerie of Brian Lumley, all while carving out its own distinct territory. The blend is unmistakable: supernatural horror laced with military precision and the grit of a police procedural.
Jack thrives in this terrain. Dialogue crackles, action roars, and set pieces feel cinematic in scale. The narrative hurtles forward with energy, balancing terror with darkly comic beats that arrive when most needed. Without those flashes of humor, the story’s horrors, often described in lavishly gruesome detail, would be almost unbearable.
Make no mistake: this is grim material. The demon the Strike Team faces is nothing less than apocalyptic, and Jack ensures the stakes are clear from page one. The shifting perspectives evoke classic horror techniques, reminiscent of Dracula’s polyphonic storytelling, while the pacing accelerates toward a finale that borders on the sublime.
Graphic, relentless, and often jaw-dropping, The Mist from Beyond is not for the faint of heart. Yet for readers who crave supernatural horror with teeth, monsters that crawl straight from the abyss and heroes who meet them head-on, it delivers in spades. Intense, frightening, and unexpectedly funny, this is a book designed to thrill fans who like their horror bold and uncompromising.
Pages: 314 | ASIN : B0F89FP7FR
Arkfall
Arkfall wastes no time throwing you headfirst into its mix of cosmic mystery, high-stakes diplomacy, and reality-bending sci-fi. The story follows Adam Freeman, who once stopped an ancient interstellar war with the help of the Ark of the First Gods, a sentient, impossibly old artifact tied to the very structure of time. His act of mercy has thrown the universe off its rails, drawing the wrath of the Xirelion, beings who see themselves as keepers of the timeline. They demand Adam reignite the war to “restore” balance, but other alien factions, along with the Ark itself, reveal deeper truths. What follows is a tense journey across shifting timelines, shattered futures, and uneasy alliances, where Adam must decide not just between war and peace, but which version of reality deserves to survive.
I was hooked from the first page. Pollack writes with cinematic energy, and I could practically hear the hum of the Ark or feel the sting of Martian winds on my face. The book balances mystery and clarity well, never overexplaining the sci-fi concepts but giving just enough for my mind to latch onto. The Xirelion are eerie in the best way. They’re cold, logical, and yet strangely reverent toward the cosmic order they claim to defend. The interplay between Adam and Zyra carries a relatable grounding through all the mind-bending spectacle. Their dynamic feels lived-in, with just enough mistrust to keep the tension alive. I found myself genuinely caring about the characters’ choices, which is a feat in a plot this tangled.
Sometimes the pacing sprints when I wanted it to breathe, especially after major reveals, when I needed a moment to sit with the implications. And while the multiple alien factions add richness, they can also muddy the waters, with names and motives occasionally blending together. Still, the constant shifting between perspectives, settings, and possible timelines gives the book a restless pulse that kept me turning pages. The technology collapse subplot was particularly chilling. It felt uncomfortably plausible in a way that kept me thinking about it.
If you like your science fiction with ancient mysteries, alien politics, and a protagonist who wrestles with impossible moral choices, Arkfall is for you. It’s ideal for readers who enjoy the cerebral puzzle-making of Peter F. Hamilton’s novels, the mythic undertones of Stargate, or the tense moral dilemmas of Mass Effect. It’s not a light read, you’ll need to keep track of names, timelines, and hidden motives, but it rewards that attention with moments that feel truly epic. For me, it was a ride worth taking, and one I’d step onto again.
Pages: 308
To Gaze Upon a Darkened Cloud
To Gaze Upon a Darkened Cloud is a genre-blending speculative novel that unfolds in a world gripped by mysterious and deadly cloud storms. The story follows multiple characters: Michelle, a climatologist estranged from her rural roots; Juliana, a devout Ghanaian woman caught between duty and faith; Jonah, her husband, in desperate search of her; and a secretive religious Order that believes the storms herald a spiritual transition. As lives unravel across continents, each narrative thread explores personal identity, faith, science, and the unsettling unknown. The plot moves between intimate domestic scenes and globe-spanning catastrophes, building tension while deepening emotional connections to its characters.
The writing pulled me in right away. The pacing is quick but never rushed, the dialogue natural and sharp. I felt Michelle’s anxiety and her frustration with her family’s resistance to science. I also found myself rooting for Jonah in a way that surprised me. His grief felt real, his determination grounded. The world-building was eerie and imaginative, especially the strange rain and the blue-light phenomenon. The author avoids info-dumps, instead letting the details creep in slowly, which gives the whole book a simmering kind of suspense. The switches in point of view added richness rather than confusion. I never felt lost, only curious and sometimes a little scared.
Still, parts of the story made me uncomfortable in a good way. The religious Order, with its creepy obsession over “the Guide Couple,” got under my skin. The teen marriages, the patriarchal structures, and the way belief was used to justify control, it all hit me hard, especially because it didn’t feel exaggerated. It felt disturbingly real. And yet, the book didn’t beat me over the head with judgment. It left space for complexity. Even Elder Ferguson, one of the most devout, was filled with doubt. That tension between faith and reason runs through every part of the book. What would I do if I saw what Michelle’s father saw? Would I look up?
I’d recommend To Gaze Upon a Darkened Cloud to readers who enjoy dystopian fiction with a touch of the supernatural, but who also want depth and heart. It’s perfect for fans of Margaret Atwood or Octavia Butler, people who like their fiction smart, unsettling, and emotionally resonant. This book isn’t just about surviving weird weather. It’s about what happens when the ground beneath your beliefs starts to crack. If you’re looking for something haunting but human, this one’s for you.
Pages: 304 | ASIN : B0FG35KMY3
