Blog Archives
Moonlight Cruise: Murder and Magic
Moonlight Cruise is a dark and twisting thriller that takes the reader from the dusty desolation of the Mojave Desert to the serene yet deceptive beauty of a cruise ship gliding through the Panama Canal. The story follows Jessica Ascher, a woman on the run from the demons of her past, both human and supernatural. Her journey is woven into a larger tale of fanaticism, greed, and the eternal struggle between good and evil. As Jessica tries to protect her daughter, Zamzam, from a cult seeking divine power through blood and sacrifice, the book paints a vivid, unsettling picture of how madness can hide behind devotion and how faith can both save and destroy.
Reading this book was like stepping into a fever dream. The writing grabbed me right away. It’s gritty, raw, and full of heat. Yurie Kiri doesn’t shy away from horror, but the violence never feels random. It’s purposeful, meant to unsettle and make you think about the darker parts of human nature. I found myself both fascinated and disturbed, flipping the pages faster than I meant to. The story moves like a storm, quiet at first, then violent, full of lightning flashes of insight. Sometimes the dialogue feels rough around the edges, almost too real, but that rawness adds to the tension. It’s messy in the best way, like life when it’s at its worst and most honest.
What really got me was the emotion beneath all the chaos. Jessica’s fierce love for her daughter feels like the heartbeat of the story. It’s what keeps you rooting for her when everything else starts to rot. There’s also a haunting sense of mystery, of forces too big to understand. Kiri blends crime, horror, and spirituality into something that feels unique, almost mythic. I did find myself tripping over the sheer number of characters and subplots at times, but I think that’s part of the experience. It’s a labyrinth of sin and faith, and you’re supposed to get a little lost.
I’d recommend Moonlight Cruise to readers who like their thrillers dark and their mysteries layered with moral questions. It’s not a light read, not something to skim before bed, but it sticks with you long after the last page. If you enjoy stories that make you question what’s real, what’s holy, and what’s just human madness, this book will pull you in and keep you there until the end.
Pages: 396 | ASIN : B0DYJZW6SS
Revived
Barbara Avon’s Revived is a haunting and deeply emotional psychological horror novel that explores love, trauma, and the supernatural through the eyes of a tormented couple, Cassie and Steven. Set initially in a gloomy, century-old house with a chilling past, the story quickly spirals into something far darker when Steven dies in a tragic accident, only to be revived. What follows is a slow, dread-soaked descent into psychological chaos as Steven’s return blurs the lines between life and death, love and obsession, memory and madness. Through atmospheric prose and shifting perspectives, Avon crafts a tale where the scariest monsters might just be the ones we carry inside.
To be honest, this book shook me. The writing is sharp and poetic. Avon doesn’t flinch from digging deep into the murky waters of mental illness, trauma, and grief. Her characters feel painfully real, especially Cassie, who’s written with a rawness that made my chest tighten. At times, the prose borders on lyrical, and that contrast—beauty laid over horror—makes it all the more unsettling. I appreciated that this wasn’t a traditional horror story with jump scares. Instead, it’s a slow burn, a psychological unraveling that lingers in your head long after the last page. Avon’s portrayal of intimacy, both emotional and physical, walks a razor’s edge between sensuality and vulnerability, adding a deeply human layer to the supernatural tension.
But here’s the thing: this book isn’t easy. It’s uncomfortable. Disturbing. It’s full of trauma that’s never neatly resolved. The ambiguity can be frustrating—what’s real, what’s hallucination, what’s supernatural—but I think that’s the point. You’re meant to feel off-balance. Still, I had moments where I felt emotionally wrung out and had to step away. That said, I kept coming back. The pacing could be a little uneven at times, and there’s a surreal quality that might not work for every reader. But if you give it your trust, it pays off with a visceral, deeply affecting experience.
Revived is not for the faint of heart. It’s for readers who want more than a thrill—they want to be unsettled, to feel something. I’d recommend it to fans of psychological horror who aren’t afraid of stories that peel back skin to reveal the mess underneath. If you like Shirley Jackson, early Stephen King, or Gillian Flynn’s darker narratives, this book might just crawl under your skin in the best ways.
Pages: 141 | ASIN : B09WZDDPVM
Throne of the Peacock Angel
Throne of the Peacock Angel is a gritty, surreal, and sharply written novel that blends supernatural mystery, urban grit, and political intrigue in a New Orleans setting that’s as alive as any of its characters. The story centers around Adam Worthy Deen, a man with a haunted past, supernatural baggage, and a life that keeps pulling him into secrets far deeper than he wants. He’s got a scarab attached to his heart—literally—which grants him enhanced strength and long life, but also a dangerous hunger for human energy. As ghosts from the past, shadowy organizations, and foreign aristocrats begin converging, Worthy finds himself drawn back into a world he’s been trying to leave behind.
The writing is snappy. Khalid has an ear for dialogue and a knack for making his characters sound real—especially the banter between Donny and Eva, which had me smirking more than once. It’s got that smooth, jazzy rhythm that suits New Orleans perfectly. It’s those moments—where the book lets its characters just be—that give it such strong personality.
The mix of genres here is bold. You’ve got noir-ish crime elements, a secret society feel, hints of espionage, and supernatural dreamscapes with a giant dung beetle made of crystal feeding at a lake of blood. Honestly, that dream scene threw me in the best way. It reminded me of old-school horror-fantasy with just enough weirdness to keep it unpredictable. Worthy’s struggle with the scarab feels symbolic and raw—he wants to live a normal life, but that talisman keeps pulling him toward darkness. It’s the push-pull of destiny vs. desire that gives the book a pulse.
There are a lot of moving parts—government agencies, aristocratic secret missions, shady families like the Bacons, and street-level drama with Donny’s hilarious misadventures. Sometimes, I had to stop and remind myself who was who and why certain plot threads mattered. But it works, mostly because the characters are vibrant. Eva, for instance, steals the show at times. She’s fierce, sarcastic, and has this unspoken loyalty to Worthy that feels earned.
By the end of the opening chapters, I was hooked. Khalid’s world has weight, and Worthy is one of those characters that sticks with you—a reluctant hero who carries pain like a shadow. This book would be great for fans of supernatural thrillers, noir with a twist, or folks who just like their fiction weird but grounded. If you like John Constantine, True Detective, or anything with secret histories and mystical scars, you’ll find a lot to love here.
Pages: 422 | ISBN : 978-1665543224
Intercessor
John Robert Still’s Intercessor takes readers on a journey through the haunting streets of New Orleans, introducing our protagonist, Jim Hampton, who is wrestling with the void left by abandoning his career as a lawyer. This reflective and eerie novel weaves together themes of personal reinvention, spirituality, and the seductive yet ominous allure of a city steeped in mysticism. Still’s evocative prose paints vivid scenes, blending the supernatural with the struggles of a man caught in existential limbo.
Right from the start, I found myself drawn into Still’s rich depiction of New Orleans. The city almost feels like another character in the story, teeming with life and shadowed by ghosts, both literal and metaphorical. Still’s portrayal of New Orleans—from gas-lit streets to lively Bourbon Street bars—is immersive. One passage that stuck with me describes Jim walking through the French Quarter: “The old houses seemed to shimmer with an energy from centuries of sheltering eccentric occupants, their lives absorbed into the woodwork.” This line encapsulates the novel’s ability to merge physical setting with emotional resonance.
The protagonist, is a bit of a mixed bag. On the one hand, his internal monologue—filled with regret, longing, and self-doubt—is relatable. On the other, his frequent moments of indecision and his awkward interactions, particularly with Myriam, a young and mysterious bartender, can make him frustrating to follow. There’s a scene where Jim misinterprets Myriam’s kind gestures as pity, and while it’s painfully human, it also underscores his tendency to overanalyze. Still captures the restlessness of midlife crisis well.
One of the novel’s standout elements is its eerie, almost gothic tone. From Jim’s unsettling encounters with shadowy figures to the foreboding whispers of a brewing storm, Intercessor expertly builds tension. A particularly gripping moment comes when Jim stumbles into a seedy underworld masquerading as a party. The scene’s descent from intoxicated excitement to outright menace is chilling and heart-pounding.
The book switches between being a spiritual allegory, a character study, and a supernatural thriller. As the story unfolds, it’s clear that Still wants to explore big ideas: faith, redemption, and the battle between good and evil. Myriam’s steadfast Catholic faith and her role as a beacon of hope juxtapose Jim’s cynicism and spiritual fatigue.
Intercessor is a moody and thought-provoking read that will resonate with those who appreciate character-driven stories laced with a touch of the supernatural. Its vivid settings and ambitious themes make it worth picking up. If you’re drawn to stories about personal growth, faith, and the mystery of the unseen, this book has much to offer.
Pages: 305 | ASIN : B0BS1PPT5H
Moonset on Desert Sands
Moonset on Desert Sands by Sherri L. Dodd is an enchanting dive into a world where magic, mystery, and human complexities intertwine. The story orbits Bethie Spiritbrite and her circle of coven sisters, weaving their spiritual practices with a gripping mystery involving a stolen athame and its sinister connections. Set against the vivid backdrops of Sedona and the redwood-covered Boulder Creek, the book melds magickal lore with suspense in a way that feels both grounded and otherworldly.
What I loved most about the book was its evocative imagery and atmosphere. Dodd paints Sedona and its mystical allure beautifully. For instance, Arista’s shop, Cosmic Prisms, felt like a real haven filled with the scent of candles and the shimmer of crystals, contrasting with the bustling, sometimes judgmental tourist crowd outside. The way Dodd writes about Sedona’s sunsets, with their scattered blues and magentas, made me want to pack a bag and explore it myself. These serene moments are pierced by tension-filled scenes, such as the cliffside car crash that opens the story, which had me gripping the book tighter. The characters, however, are the heart of the novel. I found Arista particularly compelling as she wrestles with her past trauma while trying to navigate a new life. Her journey into aura reading and her curiosity about Trini’s layered aura provided a sense of warmth and growth. Fergus and Fallon, with their dark ambitions and manipulative schemes, added a sinister depth. The tension between light and shadow, the nurturing bond of Bethie’s coven versus Fergus’s malevolent rituals, kept me hooked. I especially enjoyed how Dodd wove moral dilemmas into the story, like Dustin’s theft of the athame. It made me question loyalty, power, and consequence.
Moonset on Desert Sands delivers a satisfying blend of mystery, magic, and heartfelt relationships. It’s perfect for readers who love a bit of witchcraft with their whodunit or enjoy character-driven stories with supernatural undertones. Whether you’re a believer in magick or simply someone who loves an atmospheric mystery, this book offers plenty of spells to capture your imagination.
Pages: 371 | ASIN : B0DF33L1YW
Heart of the Warrior: Book 4 of the Dark Photography Folio
Heart of the Warrior by Swinn Daniels dives deep into the gritty, intertwined lives of its characters, Saxon Payne and his companions, who navigate the often surreal and sometimes dark world of photography, martial arts, and high-stakes relationships. As the fourth installment in the Dark Photography Folio series, it explores not only the tension of their personal and professional lives but also themes of power, resilience, and identity.
Daniels’ writing is immersive and richly descriptive, especially in moments when Saxon’s photographic passion and professional challenges take center stage. The scene where Saxon and Juliette engage in a playful tennis match reveals a charming side to Saxon, one that contrasts sharply with his intense professional demeanor. The juxtaposition of these lighthearted exchanges with darker moments speaks to the complexity of their relationship and draws readers into the highs and lows of their journey. There’s a sincerity to Daniels’ portrayal of their relationship, and I found it both touching and relatable, albeit occasionally interrupted by side plots that felt less essential. What really captivated me were the martial arts elements woven through Floria and Persephone’s storylines. Daniels manages to channel an energy into these scenes that’s electrifying. Floria’s training with Persephone isn’t merely a physical journey but a spiritual and psychological one. These moments offer a deeper, more introspective layer that breaks up the novel’s faster-paced scenes, though they can sometimes slow the overall momentum. One of the book’s quirks is its shift in tones. Daniels effortlessly blends drama and humor, as seen in scenes where Blanco’s flamboyant personality and misadventures provide comic relief. There are also sudden dark, even philosophical turns that reveal Daniels’ reflections on ambition, betrayal, and forgiveness. This variety gives the story a dynamic feel.
Heart of the Warrior is an intriguing read for those who enjoy character-driven stories with a touch of both humor and darkness. Daniels’ storytelling is vivid, though some might find the tonal shifts a bit jarring. I’d recommend this book to fans of complex character studies and those who appreciate stories where professional and personal lives collide in unexpected ways. It’s a unique addition to the Dark Photography Folio series and a worthwhile journey for anyone willing to delve into the layered world Daniels has crafted.
Pages: 260 | ASIN : B0DHHWBSC4
Where Dark Things Grow
Andrew K. Clark’s Where Dark Things Grow is an enthralling blend of mystery, horror, and emotional depth that captivates readers from start to finish. For fifteen-year-old Leo, life has reached its bleakest point. His younger sister is on the brink of death, and his mother’s mental health is unraveling due to his father’s mysterious disappearance. Forced into the role of provider, Leo faces constant bullying and poverty, all while carrying the burden of his family’s survival. When his mother pleads with him to find his estranged father, he reluctantly sets out on a journey he dreads, confronting his past and inner demons.
Set against the backdrop of the Appalachian Mountains during the Great Depression, Where Dark Things Grow immerses readers in a world steeped in racism, poverty, and survival. The atmosphere in the novel is thick with a foreboding sense of dread, and the tension lingers on every page. Clark’s vivid descriptions transport the reader to this haunting landscape, where every scene is meticulously crafted and every emotion raw and palpable. I could almost feel the damp chill of the woods and hear the rustling of leaves as Leo ventured deeper into the supernatural. The characters are richly developed, each distinct and compelling, while the dialogue flows with poetic elegance. I found myself especially captivated by Leo. His mix of curiosity, innocence, and toughness feels authentic, especially in the way he’s shaped by his circumstances. This coming-of-age story forces its young protagonists to confront the darkest corners of their world and themselves too soon.
Where Dark Things Grow is a must-read for fans of Southern Gothic, folklore, and dark fantasy. Andrew K. Clark weaves an atmospheric, eerie narrative that’s as much about survival as it is about confronting the shadows within and without. I’d recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a haunting, slow-burn story set in a richly imagined world. It’s perfect for readers who love tales steeped in mythology, magic, and the dark undercurrents of human nature.
Pages: 335 | ASIN : B0DG6WZBYZ
Lone Crusader
The Camaro Murders follows a man straddling the line between two worlds who is tasked with gathering murdered souls and subsequently uncovers the identity of a young girl’s killer. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Music was a huge influence for this story, and so there were a lot of vibes and abstract ideas floating in my head that gelled in unexpected ways based on what I was listening to at the time. One of the primary examples is Coheed and Cambria. Their albums are concept albums, and the lyrics tell a story, but only part of the story. And sometimes seemingly small/inconsequential parts of the story, relatively speaking. There was a forum at the time where fans would try to piece the story together based on what they could glean from the lyrics, and I found the whole thing really interesting. And so, my goal with The Camaro Murders was to invoke a similar experience with the reader where they get most of the story but have to fill in some of the connective tissue with their own imaginations. But there was also a lot of my childhood in the story: the podunk town where my grandparents lived, the Knight Rider motif of a lone crusader and his car, the Biblical narrative of Cain and Abel, things like that. I would also call out Sheriff Bell from Cormac McCarthy’s No Country For Old Men as an archetype for Sheriff Hildersham’s character.
How long did it take you to imagine, draft, and write the world your characters live in?
The writing process was largely organic, and if I recall, took place over the course of about a year and a half. I was working mostly by impulse and with abstract ideas–impressions, if you will–and developed some basic ground rules for the world I was creating before piecing together the events of two winters, twelve years apart. It was the first long-form thing I’d done even though it was only 30,000 words, and so probably took longer than it would if I did it today.
I particularly enjoyed the technique of using four different narrators and perspectives. Was that a challenge to construct?
Thanks. I wouldn’t say it was a challenge per se, but it was a lot of fun at any rate. I really like getting into a character’s head and trying to speak and think the way they would. That said, it’s always easy to accidentally slip into your own voice, or sometimes cross wires on characters, so if there is a challenge in balancing multiple first-person POVs, that would be it. You want each character to have their own motivations and way of looking at things… The one nuance about The Camaro Murders is that the story is told out of sequence from a chronological perspective, and so I had to be cognizant of how the characters thought, spoke, and behaved at different times of their lives–in one case, this meant the difference between a seven-year-old and a college student.
Can we look forward to more work from you soon? What are you currently working on?
I’m currently writing the third book in my Reeve series, which is a Gothic Western, alternate history type of thing. The title is Riders of the Black Cowl. My goal is to have the first draft finished by the end of summer. That means I should have a final manuscript ready to go by the end of the year, but we’ll see. The interesting thing about this installment is I’m writing it completely organically. I haven’t done that since writing The Camaro Murders–I’ve employed an outline for every book since. So, there might be some more intense revising this time around.
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The man known as the Driver wanders between the living and the dead, tasked with gathering murdered souls. When he learns a young girl’s killer will act again, he must make a choice: carry out his duty or intervene to save a boy’s life.
LITERARY TITAN 