Blog Archives
Devourer from Beyond
The Devourer from Beyond is a high-octane fusion of supernatural horror, police procedural, and cosmic dread that launches readers straight into the heart of a conspiracy involving ancient evils, cult fanatics, and federal agents caught in a nightmare beyond comprehension. The story begins with a routine flight unraveling into chaos when a monstrous figure unleashes carnage midair, forcing federal air marshals into a fight for survival. From there, the narrative spirals outward to include secret government divisions, a doomsday cult led by a charismatic reverend, and a dark tome recovered from a buried temple in Antarctica that may usher in the end of the world. Told through a series of deeply personal and action-packed perspectives, the book charges forward with little reprieve, culminating in a showdown that blends Lovecraftian horror with gritty realism.
What impressed me most about RK Jack’s writing is how grounded and human the characters feel despite the wildness of the plot. The air marshals, Thomas and James, carry the weight of duty and broken personal lives with them, and their weariness comes through in the smallest moments like sipping burnt coffee, trading tired jokes, and hoping for just one easy day. These little details made the action hit harder when things went sideways. I found myself genuinely caring about them, which is rare in a genre that often sacrifices character for spectacle. The writing itself is clean, direct, and cinematic. Jack has a knack for pacing. He wastes no time, and each chapter ends with that “just one more” pull that kept me flipping pages deep into the night.
Parts of the book made me feel genuinely unsettled in the best way. The cult segments, involving an eerily calm reverend and his silver-tinged disciple, Margret, were creepy and weirdly intimate. The way Jack slowly drips in the supernatural elements made my skin crawl. It’s not just gore or jump-scare horror; it’s this slow-building, stomach-tightening dread. Some of the scenes involving the tome and the summoned creatures had me whispering “nope” under my breath. It reminded me of The Thing meets True Detective with a healthy dose of The X-Files. A few times, I had to pause to sit with the imagery because Jack doesn’t shy away from making it visceral. The only minor note I had was the slight overload of names and acronyms early on, but once I got into the rhythm, the story pulled me in completely.
By the end, I was equal parts thrilled, rattled, and strangely moved. This book isn’t just a horror-thriller, it’s a story about people trying to hang on to sanity and purpose while staring into the abyss. I’d recommend The Devourer from Beyond to anyone who loves smart horror, especially readers who appreciate action mixed with emotional stakes and eerie, cosmic weirdness. If you like your monsters unknowable and your heroes flawed but fierce, you’ll devour this one like I did.
Pages: 302 | ASIN : B0DTP7C561
CONVOLUTED: The 1972 Durham Family Triple Homicide
Terry L. Harmon’s Convoluted takes a deep dive into one of North Carolina’s most baffling cold cases the 1972 triple homicide of Bryce, Virginia, and Bobby Durham in Boone, NC. The book is as much an investigative journey as it is a historical recounting, spanning fifty years of theories, suspects, and tangled clues. It follows the twists and turns of the case, the relentless pursuit of justice, and the frustrating dead ends that kept this brutal crime unsolved for decades. Harmon’s meticulous research shines through, presenting a labyrinth of evidence, speculation, and personal stories, all leading to the ultimate closure of the case in 2022.
Harmon’s writing is incredibly detailed, bringing the case to life with a level of depth that true crime enthusiasts will appreciate. His thorough research ensures that no stone is left unturned, immersing the reader in the investigation’s many layers. While the book covers an extensive historical backdrop and a wide cast of characters, each element adds richness to the story, making it a truly comprehensive account. The opening chapters are particularly gripping, vividly setting the scene of the crime without resorting to sensationalism. The image of the Durham family in their final moments is haunting yet powerfully written, immediately drawing the reader into the gravity of the case. Harmon’s ability to balance stark reality with respectful storytelling is one of the book’s greatest strengths.
One of the book’s strongest elements is its exploration of the investigation itself the sheer frustration of law enforcement, the wild theories (some credible, some downright absurd), and the eerie involvement of psychics, informants, and supposed hitmen. Chapter 9, Every Theory Known to Mankind, is particularly fascinating. It lays out the many possible explanations, from organized crime connections to local disputes that have gone terribly wrong. Harmon doesn’t just present these theories; he dismantles them piece by piece, showing which hold weight and which are nothing more than desperate grasps at the truth.
Harmon personalizes the victims, especially Bobby Durham. The book’s preface describes how Harmon, after looking at post-mortem photos of Bobby, felt a deep connection to the young man who seemed to have been caught in a nightmare he never saw coming. This personal touch makes the book more than just a recounting of a crime, it becomes a plea for justice, a tribute to lives lost, and a reflection on the chilling reality that some crimes take lifetimes to solve.
Convoluted is the perfect read for true crime lovers who appreciate meticulous research and aren’t afraid to get deep into the weeds of an investigation. It’s a rich and immersive read, filled with valuable information that brings the case to life. For those who enjoy diving deep into the details, it offers a fascinating and rewarding exploration of a crime that profoundly impacted a community. If you enjoy books that challenge you to think critically, question every lead, and wrestle with the frustration of an unsolved mystery, this one’s for you.
Pages: 1007 | ASIN : B0DLLK9RQY
Dark Government Agency
Overmatched follows a shadow government agent who is made aware of an expert hacker who has hacked a Chinese spy satellite and sets out to recruit them to work for her. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
This is the 2nd book in the Riley Callen series. The AI in my book is very powerful, and I wanted a worthy adversary for her. So I created a dark government agency with massive funding and cutting-edge tech. This agency thought they had the means to take on the AI, but underestimated her and her human partner throughout the book.
Was there anything from your own life that you put into the characters in your novel?
Yes. The character named Jedd is named for a good friend of mine. I promised him I would have a character named Jedd in every one of my books. Sometimes he’s a villain, sometimes a hero. I kept my promise. He appears in all six of my novels, and you’ll see him in the next book, too.
I found the science in the novel to be well-developed. What kind of research did you do to make sure you got it all right?
I’ve worked as a computer professional for many years, so I understand how a lot of tech works. With the AI pieces, I at least understand the framework. Since this is fiction, I took some liberties. I’m not a weapons guy, so the internet saved me there.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story?
If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover? Yes. I’m working on the 3rd book in the series now. It’s titled: STOLEN. It’s about a high-end kidnapping ring. The people running it are smart, capable, and prolific. The FBI is under tremendous pressure to stop this gang, but is having no luck. The FBI agent running the investigation reaches out to private investigator Riley Callen, who is known for having rescued a high-profile kidnapping victim in record time, for assistance. These criminals have their own AI, which Riley’s AI battles with.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
Adler’s second mistake was thinking that Molly was human. The benefit of that error was that the SPG was looking in all the wrong places for Riley’s friend. But with the technology at Adler’s disposal, he might eventually discover that Molly is an advanced AI and track her to her digital home. Riley needs to warn Molly about the SPG threat but cannot contact her. The corporation that owns the AI has her locked down. Her ability to communicate independently is restricted, and her processing power is reduced by seventy percent.
When Riley last spoke with the AI, Molly had hinted at a plan to break the restrictions placed on her. But until she executed that plan, she was at risk. It would be up to Riley to run interference until Molly gained her freedom. When she finally did, Riley would unleash her on the SPG.
As the hostilities between Riley and the SPG escalate, Adler makes yet another fateful mistake; he kidnaps Riley’s father and imprisons him at a secret SPG base. His release is contingent on Riley giving up Molly’s location. Riley is furious at Adler for dragging her father into their fight. Adler’s supreme confidence in his agency’s might and technological prowess blinds him to the threat of an angry, determined Riley Callen.
Aftermath Boy
Aftermath Boy, by Robert E. Honig, is a poignant narrative centered on Billy Cohen, the sole offspring of Holocaust survivors Rozsa and Bertie Cohen. The novel intricately explores Billy’s complex identity as a Son of Holocaust Survivors, which profoundly influences his life decisions and his understanding of Jewish identity in America amidst a backdrop of persistent antisemitism. His fervent critiques of the government and a fleeting association with the Communist Labor Party lead to strained family ties and draw unwanted attention from the FBI. As tension escalates, Billy is accused of tampering with the ballot boxes during the 2024 Presidential Election, culminating in a trial that challenges his freedom and ideals.
Honig masterfully interweaves the narrative of Billy’s mother, Rozsa, offering a harrowing glimpse into her past. The book recounts her youth in Budapest, the forced displacement from her home, and the grim ordeal of the Vienna Death March leading to forced labor in Dachau. Her eventual escape and arduous journey to America provide a stark contrast to Billy’s modern struggles, linking past and present through shared experiences of trauma and resilience. The novel emphasizes the universal human condition, illustrating that despite differing times and unique challenges, fundamental experiences of love, grief, adversity, and triumph bind us all. Honig’s analysis of how the past reverberates into the present is both compelling and insightful, making this book a moving exploration of historical and contemporary themes.
The dual-narrative structure is executed with remarkable skill, seamlessly transporting readers between different eras. The novel’s fluid transitions between current events, such as the tumultuous recent U.S. election, and vivid historical recountings are both engaging and relevant. The meticulously researched historical segments authentically convey the brutal realities of the Holocaust, bringing to life the stark horrors faced by survivors.
While the book’s mature themes may not be suitable for younger readers, Aftermath Boy will captivate adults, particularly those with an interest in historical fiction centered on the Holocaust. Honig’s storytelling provides a powerful and thought-provoking reflection on how history continues to shape contemporary identity and society.
Pages: 383 | ASIN : B0CYLS5PXL
Magnanotron, A Bond of Brothers Thriller
In Magnanotron, part of Robert Saniscalchi’s Bond of Brothers series, readers are thrust into a world of Delta Force operations, where tackling cartels and Russian operatives is the order of the day. This installment spotlights Jason Patrick, a seasoned soldier transitioning to an administrative role. Saniscalchi skillfully navigates Patrick’s adjustment to this new phase of his career while entangling him and his team in a high-stakes scenario involving protecting American scientists and groundbreaking discoveries.
Saniscalchi’s narrative style echoes the essence of an action-packed film reminiscent of “G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra” or the “Mission Impossible” series. The use of cutting-edge technology and vivid action sequences gives the book a cinematic quality, making it feel like a leap from a Hollywood script. The characters are crafted with depth and dynamism, and their interactions, enriched by a history of shared experiences, add authenticity to their relationships. Inside jokes and varying levels of camaraderie are portrayed effectively, contributing to a sense of real-world immersion. The book presents a unique approach to dialogue and character development. The characters often converse in a distinctively formal manner, setting them apart from typical conversational styles and adding a unique flavor to their interactions. While occasionally diverging from everyday speech patterns, this stylistic choice in dialogue adds a layer of intrigue and can be seen as a creative deviation from the norm. Additionally, the portrayal of the Russian President character is notably stylized, offering a departure from conventional characterizations and enriching the narrative with a bold, larger-than-life figure. These elements, while distinct, contribute to the novel’s overall tapestry, providing readers with an experience that is both unique and memorable.
Magnanotron largely succeeds in its homage to classic action cinema. The book’s overall energy and the appeal of its main character are likely to resonate with readers seeking an adrenaline-fueled adventure. This book offers a journey that, much like the action movies it resembles, is both familiar and thrilling, inviting readers to indulge in its spectacle once and potentially many times more.
Pages: 266 | ASIN : B0CW1B3Z3P
Fate Plays a Role in Everything
In The Skirmishers, the members of a military unit assembled to disrupt enemy plans find themselves facing secrets that threaten the success of their missions. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I remember as a child being captivated by the last-resort involvement of the military in high-stakes civilian incidents. The Iranian Embassy siege in London that was resolved by the UK SAS is one such childhood memory. In the UK, it seems as if most people assume that there is always a Special Forces unit on standby in case an incident arises.
I also find inspiration from brave acts of heroism, such as the story of Chris Craighead. Chris was an ‘off duty’ SAS trooper who set about actions that resulted in over 700 people being freed from a hotel siege in Nairobi. In Chris’s case, he decided to intervene without direct orders. A decision which must take a huge amount of courage.
So, when conceptualising The Skirmishers, I wanted to take this idea of a Special Forces unit and complicate it by examining their humanity. I wondered how their sense of duty exists alongside their desires and motivations. This is how The Skirmishers became realised.
Which character in the novel do you feel you relate to more and why?
Honestly, probably none of them. They all exist to me as separate entities with their own backstories and personalities. However, the overarching themes of the novel are based on my experiences on military operations and the truly incredible individuals who serve.
I have been lucky enough to meet Royalty, politicians, special forces personnel, military units, and civilian intelligence operatives. As a result, some of the characters do have traits of the people I have met, rather than being projections of my personality. While Mike Sharpe and Steph Holgate – our main characters – seem slightly larger than life, I can assure you there are people out there just like them. There are people out there who are willing to do the things that keep us all safe, that the average person can’t do.
I felt that there were a lot of great twists and turns throughout the novel. Did you plan this before writing the novel, or did the twists develop organically as you were writing?
I’ve had the idea for the book in my head for some time. The main characters were well-known to me and I also knew the scenario I wanted to place them in. However, as with real-life military operations, fate plays a role in everything we do, and I wanted to articulate this to the reader. It is this lack of control which allows these twists and turns to flourish. There are situations in the book that are close to the real situations I have found myself in, and fate appeared present in these events and for The Skirmishers!
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
Well, I can confirm that The Skirmishers WILL BE BACK!
I am currently working on a new plot outline for the team post the events of the first novel. Once I have a firm comprehension of the narrative, I hope to begin the writing process again. In terms of a release date, the writing process is normally a lot faster for me, but the editing process – with a huge thanks to all the editors – takes a lot more time! We want to be meticulous!
Author Links: Goodreads | Amazon
Banded together as a bunch of misfit soldiers by the British Army, only the charismatic Major Mike Sharpe could successfully reveille these way-ward troops.
As their final deployment draws near, the Skirmishers find themselves making tough choices about their futures. However, the mysterious Colonel Tom Sawyer has other ideas.
His plan is accelerated when one of the Skirmishers is attacked in an East London pub, carried out by members of an organised crime syndicate.
As the team find themselves embroiled in London’s criminal underworld, these violent conflicts reveal secrets which threaten to tear the Skirmishers apart.
Join Mike Sharpe, Steph Holgate and the rest of the team in this fast-paced, explosive new novel by Mick Green.
LITERARY TITAN 