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The Stranger Things Become
Fall of the Assassin follows Haiku as memories of survival, Shinobi training, love, and danger collide, transforming her assassin origin story into a lush, violent, and intimate tale of mastery, desire, and destiny. What was most important to you when shaping Haiku’s origin story?
That she be able to navigate the extreme mental, physical, and emotional pressures placed on her and not emerge as a psychotic killing machine. She had to somehow retain a childlike innocence, a sense of hope that one day the gods would smile on her and bestow that most precious of gifts – love. But this is so deeply buried that not even she is aware of it.
The novel blends martial arts philosophy with metaphysical fantasy. How did you approach balancing physical discipline with spiritual or mystical ideas?
I have studied martial arts for many years, so this was a natural and comfortable place to write from. The further you progress in the arts, the stranger things become. You see and are able to accomplish things that are fantastic and that are, to those who do not practice, impossible.
The Shinobi world feels layered with rituals, hierarchy, history, and violence. What inspired the culture and mythology behind it?
This is purely made up and comes from years of reading, practicing martial arts, and thinking about how such an entity would be structured.
The ending leaves the door open in a dramatic and unusual way. What can readers expect next from Haiku and Charlie’s story?
The ending leads directly into the world of SOLIPSUM, a book I have written under my own name. This relates to where Charlie goes. As to the other characters? There will be one more 7th and final book in the Dark Photography Folio, title yet unknown, but I have started writing it. Then comes the sequel to SOLIPSUM, tentatively titled CHARLIE. It will bring it all together.
Of further interest is the Dark Photography YouTube Channel. The channel features many of the characters from the books come to life. They talk about all sorts of things.
My name is Haiku. You know what I do. What you do not know is where I came from. What made me. And what it cost.
The streets of Bombay made me hard. The Shinobi made me lethal. And a girl with violet eyes who should have died in a Tokyo alley made me into something I had no training for.
Human.
For here is the Truth: I let her parents die though I could have intervened. Because I wanted her. For myself.
I am Haiku.
How could it be otherwise?
But everything has a price. And now that price would be shared by two. Because the Shinobi do not forgive and they never forget. They are coming with everything they have. Including the one person I never wanted to face again.
And what of Saxon Payne? I… do not know. Something happened to Charlie and I and we returned to the place we called home. But now it isn’t. I have had dreams. Of Saxon.
They are terrifying.
In Fall of the Assassin, Book 6 of The Dark Photography Folio, everything converges.
You never had a choice. You never wanted one.
So what are you waiting for?
Fall of the Assassin
Fall of the Assassin is a sleek, violent, strangely tender blend of martial arts thriller, sensual romance, and metaphysical fantasy. Swinn Daniels drops the reader back into the world of Haiku and Charlie, where love, training, memory, and danger are all tangled together. The book opens with Haiku weighing a hard truth, “You are either safe or dead,” and that line captures the pressure hanging over the story from the beginning.
At its center, this is Haiku’s book. Through her long account of childhood, survival, and Shinobi training, the novel turns an assassin’s origin story into something much more intimate than a simple rise-to-deadliness arc. Her memories of Bombay, the Beggar King, Master Ghoda, Kirisaku, and the brutal machinery of the Shinobi give the book a layered sense of history. The fight scenes matter, but so do the smells, textures, lessons, rituals, and tiny revelations that shaped her into the woman Charlie loves.
Charlie brings warmth, mischief, and emotional gravity to the story. Her relationship with Haiku is playful, physical, funny, and deeply serious all at once. Their life together in the Maldives gives the book some of its most charming moments, from photo booth chaos to movie nights to training in Haiku’s home. Daniels lets the romance breathe, which makes the danger feel personal when the Shinobi closes in.
The martial arts writing is one of the book’s strongest pleasures. Training isn’t treated as window dressing. It’s philosophy, body knowledge, discipline, and perception. A line like “One breath. One stroke. One circle.” says a lot about the novel’s view of mastery, where technique and spirit keep folding into each other. The action has a cinematic snap, but it’s also grounded in the way Haiku thinks, senses, and moves through the world.
What makes Fall of the Assassin work is its confidence in being many things at once. It’s a love story, an assassin thriller, a mystical martial arts tale, and a continuation of a larger photo-fantasy universe. The book is lush, intense, erotic, bloody, and often surprisingly funny, with a voice that loves beauty as much as combat. By the end, Haiku and Charlie’s bond feels like the real engine of the story, and the final turn leaves the door open in a way that’s dramatic, strange, and very much in keeping with this series.
Pages: 349 | ASIN: B0H2N27WWT
Soul of the Saviour
Soul of the Saviour drops you into a wild mix of brutal training grounds, smoky alleys, ancient magic, and the strange heat of Hell itself. The book follows Saxon Payne as he crawls back into life after years in a mystical retreat. It weaves through his past, the rise of lethally gifted assassins, demonic lovers, grim prisons, tender memories, and the looming clash between Heaven, Hell, and everything in between. It moves fast and swings between action, horror, and raw intimacy. Sometimes it feels like half spiritual odyssey and half grindhouse myth. I found myself swept up in the momentum because the story rarely slows down enough for you to catch your breath.
The writing goes for broke. Scenes in Hell’s kitchens shimmer with disgusting brilliance, and scenes of training in the mountains bristle with physical grit and stillness. There is a real commitment to showing bodies under strain and souls under pressure. The prose jumps from grim to tender in a heartbeat, and it gave me that sense of watching someone flip through different emotional filters just to see what hits hardest. The violence is bold. The sensuality is bold. The humor sneaks in with a wink. I liked how messy it all felt, because it made the characters feel lived-in and not staged.
The whole thread around becoming more than human through suffering made me uneasy and fascinated at the same time. I found myself rooting for characters who should have terrified me and shaking my head at choices that were obviously doomed. The story loves duality. Hope beside despair. Faith beside hunger. Love beside something darker and stranger. Sometimes it veers into excess, and sometimes the emotional beats come so fast I had to take a moment to reorient. But even then, I felt drawn along by the sheer confidence of the storytelling. It feels like the author trusts you to surf the chaos, and I liked that.
By the end, I felt satisfied and also curious because the book leaves a lot of questions humming under the surface. I would recommend Soul of the Saviour to readers who enjoy high-energy dark fantasy, intense character arcs, sharp edges, and worlds that bend myth with modern grit. If you like stories that mix heart with horror and beauty with brutality, this one will keep you turning pages long after you planned to stop.
Pages: 325 | ASIN : B0FCDT2J11
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
Most Unique of Settings
In Mouth of the Muse, a photographer and his assistant set out on parallel journeys to face the ghosts of their pasts while trying to prevail against supernatural forces. What was your inspiration for the wild journey you take readers on in this novel?
I have been to Burning Man many times, and I thought it would be a great setting for some of the book’s action. As to the other places, they come purely from imagination.
Was there a reason why you chose this location as the backdrop for your story?
I wanted to bring something fresh to the party, as it were. It was also a lot of fun to have the characters’ different personalities interact with this most unique of settings.
Did any of the characters’ development occur organically throughout the story?
Most of my writing is organic. There is only the vaguest sense of who ends up where. If I try to push that more, the characters get crusty and clam up. So I kind of let them do what they want. And it all seems to work out in the end.
Will there be a fourth installment in The Dark Photography Folio series? If so, where will Saxon and Juliette find themselves next?
Yes, there will be a fourth and final book in the series. It will be called HEART OF THE WARRIOR. And it will be dark. VERY dark.
Author Links: Goodreads | Amazon
Mouth of the Muse
Mouth of the Muse, the third installment in Swinn Daniels’ The Dark Photograph Folio series, seamlessly blends elements of science fiction and romance into a compelling narrative. This novel takes readers on a dynamic journey, marked by an intricate plot and a diverse cast of characters, each embroiled in their unique quests and mysteries. The story spans a range of intriguing settings, from the vibrant atmosphere of Burning Man to suspenseful encounters in the desert, offering a narrative rich in action and intrigue.
The book stands out for its imaginative plot and well-crafted characters, whose depth and creativity capture the reader’s attention. Daniels’ skillful unfolding of the story’s complex layers maintains a gripping hold on the reader, balancing the unfolding of mysteries with a gradual reveal of deeper narrative elements. The author’s adept fusion of science fiction and romance results in a refreshing and distinctive reading experience. The suspense is skillfully sustained, with the slow revelation of answers adding to the book’s engaging quality. The writing style is compelling, though I feel the initial use of flashbacks and flashforwards may require some acclimatization. As the story progresses and the characters become more familiar, the narrative structure becomes clearer and more accessible.
This novel is a testament to Daniels’ ability to invigorate the romance genre with innovative storytelling. It is a commendable and original work that leaves a lasting impression. For readers seeking a novel that deftly combines romance with science fiction, and who appreciate a story that evolves beyond conventional boundaries, Mouth of the Muse is a highly recommended read.
Pages: 288 | ASIN : B0B97ZGNNM
Hands of the Maker
Hands of the Maker, by Swinn Daniels, the captivating second installment of The Dark Photography Folio, further immerses readers in the enchanting world of photography. Saxon Payne’s lens captures the essence of his enigmatic client, Daizu. Juliette’s quest to uncover her past takes an unexpected turn, leading Saxon toward a new and alluring figure, Persephone. Simultaneously, Saxon’s history resurfaces, adding an extra layer of complexity to his journey.
While the first book primarily revolved around Juliette, this installment beautifully shifts its focus to Saxon. However, it still provides valuable insights into other characters’ perspectives, particularly Maxine. While her backstory is shared through expository dialogue, I believe a more gradual and seamlessly crafted unveiling could have further deepened the intrigue and mystique surrounding her character. Nonetheless, the glimpses of Saxon’s past, as well as the intriguing Airstream Series shoot involving Saxon, Mason, and Mia, held my fascination. The gradual revelation of Mason’s inner turmoil and the introduction of Rider left me eagerly anticipating the next chapter in their story.
One delightful aspect to note is that while Juliette’s and Saxon’s narrative arcs are left open-ended in this installment, leaving room for even more exploration in the upcoming chapters. The intricate tapestry of Saxon, Mason, and Mia’s storylines, while tantalizing, merely hints at the depth of their potential. It’s quite conceivable that these threads are intricately interwoven with Juliette’s journey, promising readers an exciting and highly anticipated revelation in the third book.
I relished the opportunity to explore this richly developed world further. The second book bursts with heightened action that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. While conflicts do arise, I feel they maintain a certain one-sided dynamic, which, in its own way, adds a unique layer of suspense and anticipation to the narrative. Even so, the story remains engaging, as the outcome seems evident despite the narrative twists and turns crafted by Daniels.
Daniels divided this story into thirds to create a trilogy, allowing for a more immersive and expansive exploration of the characters and their interconnected tales, leaving us eager for the next installment. Hands of the Maker is a fantastic follow-up to Daniels’ first book in the series, and I look forward to reading the next installment.
Pages: 172 | ASIN : B0973CW95K
Missing Pieces of Memory
Eyes of the Beholder follows a photography assistant who worries that her past, which she cannot remember, may destroy the future she is building. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I have always liked the idea of missing pieces of memory as a plot driver. It’s a bit like a subconscious driver which turns out to be the thing really running the show. I was inspired to use this by spy novels (the Bourne books by Robert Ludlum (not the movies) I have read that have used this plot device.
Juliette uses hypnosis to uncover the hidden memories of her childhood and find out what happened to her all those years ago. What was your inspiration for this profound event in this character’s development?
I needed a way for Juliette to access those memories, and I was inspired by a hypnotist I saw on stage once.
What kind of research did you do for this novel to ensure you captured the essence of the story’s theme?
My research consists of lived experience. I didn’t go outside the box, so to speak, for these books. Much and more comes from my years as a professional advertising and fashion photographer.
Where does the story go in the next book, and where do you see it going in the future?
Book 2 – Hands of the Maker
In Book 2 of the Dark Photography Folio, Saxon and Juliette journey to Canada along with cast and crew to shoot for fashion client Daizu. But the stakes are higher than anyone dreamed because Daizu has plans to change the world of fashion. Forever. As the shoot takes on a life of its own, Juliette begins to buckle under the pressure of dealing with her estranged mother, her own mysterious past, and the presence of Persephone, the Daizu client. Because Persephone is the one thing she can’t compete against, the one thing Saxon is helpless before – a stunning girl who is better at Kung-fu than he is. Then they discover that the whole Daizu shoot is just a distraction for a far more insidious agenda. Hands of the Maker takes the reader deeper into Saxon and Juliette’s world as they try to navigate the dark and treacherous waters of lust, betrayal, and a past that won’t stay buried.
Book 3 – Mouth of the Muse
With the greatest shoot of his career in ruins, cut short by a past he had hoped to keep buried, Saxon Payne must race to retrieve the stolen nano-viewfinder if he hopes to save himself and all he holds dear. But he must do this without Juliette, his attraction to the mysterious Persephone now between them. Meanwhile, Juliette discovers who her real father is and, unbeknownst to Saxon, begins her own perilous journey to finally solve the mystery of what happened to her. From supernatural places that border this world to the Carnival at the End of Time that is Burning Man, Saxon and Juliette must both confront the past and the dark forces arrayed against them.
Book 1 was really an extended setup for what happens in Books 2 and 3.
Yes, that is exactly right. More characters start to appear, and Saxon and Juliette each go on their separate quests.
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