Blog Archives
My Urban Dark Fantasy World
The Girl is a riveting coming-of-age story that blends spiritual, supernatural, and modern elements into a well-written story. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
The idea came about during one of those sleepless, insomnia, panic attack evenings after coming down from a tough day at work. I studied Public Health in college, so my first few jobs after graduation were in various hospital systems, including a few children’s psychiatric areas. So, my early career adventures and some of my heritage from pre-colonial Filipino and Pacific Island mythology and gods helped create my urban dark fantasy world.
Your characters are intriguing and well developed. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
In developing characters, even if they may not be the focus or play a supporting role, I overwrote during the first draft phase, so I had a LOT of material to slice and dice. I enjoyed looking more at certain traits, or even behavior patterns and thought patterns, of a person rather than their specific stories in character development. Sometimes, just one or two qualities, because adding magic to any aspect of a story makes everything fictitious. With each character as much as I might know why they’re doing things, I also like to remember that my main character often does not.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The Girl centers very much on themes of coming of age, nature versus nurture, and even the beginning of a journey of how a quest can be more for your own self-worth, and that goal is worth more than any treasure sometimes. Can you do good if you come from something terrible where you’re told repeatedly that nothing “likable” can come from? Be Good? One central theme I wanted to explore was the dangers because “likeability” or even “popularity” means “goodness.” I also wanted to expand on what we could envision as thematic motifs for “stories centered with fantastical and horror elements.,” or the literal definition of the dark fantasy genre that the Western high fantasy tropes have often dominated. The Pacific islands, while beautiful, are filled with many things that cause death and pain: the volcanic ring of fire, typhoons, and mosquitoes carrying yellow or dengue fever. The Girl will hopefully be the first glimpse into some tales of our pre-colonial gods and nightmares that became our own myriad of wives’ tales and stories that genuinely acted as a guide to keeping people, especially children, alive. Stories about creatures who haunt the jungles, waiting for the unsuspecting child to eat. Or the shape-shifting, blood-drinking aswang, a female predator able to hide amongst the living. Hopefully, The Girl will be another gateway for readers to discover the diaspora for the first time or add another dimension to the growing mythos.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I definitely like to have something brewing all the time. Before attempting to write a novel, I started my career as a short story writer in predominantly dark fantasy/horror for the past few years. I have a short story that should be available on The Creepy Podcast. As for another book, I can’t imagine not coming back to The Girl, assuming there is enough interest.
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The average person on the streets of Los Angeles would look at the girl and see a young woman with dark chocolate eyes, curly long hair, and tanned skin of her Filipina heritage. Her teachers praised her for her scholarly achievements and extracurricular activities, from academic decathlon to cheer.
The girl knew she was different, especially as she grew to accept that the other children’s parents didn’t despise them. Her parents whispered about their pact as odd and disturbing occurrences continued to happen around her. The girl thought being an evil demon should require the skies to bleed, the ground to tremble, an animal sacrifice to seal the bargain, or at least cause some general mayhem. Did other demons work so hard to find friends, do well on their homework, and protect their spoiled younger brother?
The demon was patient. It could afford to wait, to remind the girl when she was hurt that power was hers to take. She needed only embrace it. It could wait. The girl’s parents were doing much of its work already.
Meth Murder & Amazon
Author G.S. Gerry takes readers on a quirky and mind bending rollercoaster of an adventure in Meth Murder & Amazon. Readers follow a “normal” family who is trying to sell their home but have the worst luck. The shenanigans begin when the realtor, or as the Grakes call them the “assassins”, arrive to help sell their house. The Grakes are accused of murder but there is no body when the sheriff arrives, so did it really happen? Then they are accused of making meth in their garage due to the smell of burning plastic. Will the Grakes be able to overcome the chaos and sell their home?
This quirky urban thriller immediately caught my attention from the turn of the first page. Author G.S. Gerry’s unorthodox writing style had me wondering just what direction this intriguing story was headed in and what exactly did Amazon have to do with the plot.
I felt as though I was watching an energetic play, all while drinking too much caffeine. The pace of the story is quick, so make sure you pay attention because things happen quickly in a rapid series of events and if you’re not on your toes you could get lost. There is some pretty funny word play in here too. Like, “This is further muckin’ ridiculous,” I felt like this adds a lot of personality to the story to where it feels like it’s a character all it’s own, just like in author Lemony Snicket’s novels.
I felt sorry for the Grakes because all they wanted to do was sell their house and they just can’t catch a break. Even the weather intervenes when they go house hunting! I was able to relate to how things never seem to work out, but I liked how far it went, and how wild it can seem for the average person to be in that situation, just like in the show Breaking Bad. So, I think the author makes an excellent comparison to these two pieces of art.
Meth Murder & Amazon is a compelling and refreshing crime fiction story that will have you wondering what is reality and what isn’t. I highly recommend this humorous romp to those who enjoy a light-hearted and slightly bizarre story with added sound affects that will have you chuckling throughout.
Pages: 248 | ASIN: B09RZN6DJZ
The First Assignment
The First Assignment by Billy Kramer is a fantastic addition to the young adult fantasy genre. The plot contains a new and exciting take on the paranormal genre and centers around Shawn Turner, who wakes up in a wooden cell without understanding how his whole life has changed. Soon, he learns that through unexpected circumstances, he is part of an underground “Wayward Academy.” Through a series of dramatic and sometimes dangerous adventures, Shawn discovers secrets surrounding the school and explores more throughout his training, with surprising findings.
I found the author’s writing style exciting, and it captures the essence of what it means to be a young adult facing challenges. The plot is clearly developed and will absorb readers of all ages, and Kramer creates many different storylines between the protagonists while focusing on Shawn’s academy experience. It’s an exciting story that follows Shawn’s escapades, including fast-paced action, betrayal, thrill, and unexpected twists.
The First Assignment by Billy Kramer is a solid 5-star read and a great piece of literature, whether you’re a fan of young adult fiction or new to the genre. I promise you will not be disappointed by the adventures of the “Wayward Academy,” Shawn, and the other characters in the thrilling universe surrounding them. The author expertly crafted a fantastic world with riveting lore and amazingly eccentric characters that will pull you in for an excellent read. It’s a book I highly recommend.
Pages 328 | ASIN B0BLYV69MD
‘Well, they’re witches, of course!’
Immortal Treasures follows a young girl with magical powers who wants nothing to do with them, till she discovers she is the one the vampires have been waiting for. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
The story started with the idea of the resurrection key, but then while discussing the concept with another author, Dorian Keys, he made a very valid point. ‘How will they know how to use this key?’
‘Well, they’re witches, of course!’
But that was not an answer that would suffice. So, I returned to him a few days later with the idea of the Timekeeper Journal, and that was when Immortal Treasures really began to form.
Olivia just wants to be a normal girl despite her family’s background with magic. Overcoming her fears, she finds inner strength and a new purpose in life. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
Even though Olivia was afraid of the magic seeping through the journal, she was inevitably drawn to it and eventually drawn into it. This left her no choice but to experience the lives of the Laurent vampires and a type of magic she could never have imagined. Though she was initially reluctant, the journal entries, her grandmother’s persistence, the comfort of her cat, Cassian Laurent’s presence and, of course, the need to preserve humanity all gave her the drive she needed to break out of her shell.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
While writing Immortal Treasures, I researched the London, England area, took a brief course on medieval times and learned about the black plague or blue sickness as they had called it. I also had to explore herbs and witchcraft. Not that I didn’t create a few things along the way, but I still wanted to keep the story grounded.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
There is always a possibility for a follow-up. If enough readers are interested in the story continuing, then I will have no choice but to answer.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
When Clara Redfearn—a retired high priestess of the Eternal Flame Coven— purchases the contents of the old Stepney Castle, she has no idea what they will find. Though given the Castle’s history, being occupied by the original Vampire Sovereign, Julien Laurent, and his family, the items should draw a curious crowd to her new antique store—Immortal Treasures.
Sorting through a box of vampire artifacts, Olivia Parker —Clara’s granddaughter— unknowingly discovers an ancient Timekeeper Journal. While she is frightened by its magical pull, there’s a part of her that can’t seem to put it down.
As she cracks the spine on the ancient leather-bound tome and begins to read the first exquisitely written inscription —Julien Laurent ~ SOV— every vampire named within its pages suddenly stops. Until today, time has been frozen within the cover while it waits patiently for its chosen interpreter— Olivia.
They’ve been waiting more than a century for her. The one witch who can unlock the secrets inside the journal and the only witch capable of activating the resurrection key.
What the vampires don’t know yet is that Olivia Parker may possess the power, but she has no idea how to use it, nor does she care to learn.
Sky Curse
In the year 2045, mankind has depleted the resources of Earth, and humans are looking to move off the planet in hopes of a fresh start. This is the setting for this thrilling young adult novel. The chosen five are Brian, Jamal, Alex, Kev, and Cecilia in Janet Kravetz’s titular series. Cecilia Miller is a teenage female protagonist in this dystopian future book. Titan is regarded as humanity’s last hope, but everyone can’t afford to travel there. Even more so, not everyone desires to. Duncan Macdougall, a Localist, wants Cecilia and the other four chosen candidates to stop the fulfillment of an old Mayan prophecy and save Earth and its inhabitants. Five Mayan crystals that contain the technology to save the planet are sought after by the chosen five who journey to Mexico in their search.
Sky Curse has a slow-burn beginning, but that gave me time to adjust to the world-building presented by Kravetz. It is futuristic hard science fiction, but it also contains aspects of fantasy and has a measure of reality mixed in. This teen novel is an exceptionally well-written, imaginative, and wholly original work. Along with Cecilia, I was transported to an unfortunate Earth. Cecilia is portrayed as a blonde with blue eyes, which is a little cliché. However, she still has her imperfections and is intelligent, and contributes well to the authenticity needed to make a protagonist come to life. And not to forget, Tony provides the humor and is Cecilia’s go-to companion.
The thought-provoking plot lines will get readers to consider climate change from beginning to end. Although it is hypothetical, nothing seems out of the ordinary or overly complicated. The reader starts to believe that what they are reading might very well be the kind of world we are leaving for future generations, which has a dramatic effect. The novel is written for older teens and younger adults, but Kravetz’s insightful developments and topics are broad enough to appeal to readers with more demanding tastes in literary nuances.
Sky Curse is the exciting start of a new young adult science fiction series, The Chosen Five. Filled with action, drama, paranormal, and fantasy elements there is something for all readers in this novel. Follow the chosen five as they try to save Earth and prevent the apocalyptic destruction of humanity. I can’t wait to see what the series has in store!
Pages: 395 | ASIN : B0B9638NC7
Other Magical Dreams…
The Warlock’s Curse follows teenage twin sisters who end up in a mysterious realm where they experience adventures and discover a world they didn’t know existed. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
My debut novel all began as a dream… I sailed a white ship on a pristine sea of whispering turquoise waves. The inhabitants of this alien watery world, mystical whales, surrounded my vessel, their eerie voices lifted in song. In my book, this became the magical whales that can open interdimensional portals…to their very birthplace, the realm of Oceana.
That and just experiencing life. I never would have guessed that walking around the beautiful New England seacoast, seeing all those old houses on their flower-lined streets, would inspire me to write about the fictional New England town of Coldport…and Seacrest, the creepy Victorian mansion in my book.
Then, there were other magical dreams…
Angelica and Clara Grace may be twins but have different personalities and approaches to the situations they encounter. What were some driving ideals behind your characters’ development?
I am fascinated by twins and the fact that they may have differing temperaments and personalities. I thought this could add a lot of tension to the story. The Warlock’s Curse began with a dream in which I sailed a white ship on a pristine sea full of singing whales. In the dream, one of my best girl friends was on the ship with me. Although we are not twins, we are surely sisters of different mothers. I can be strong and brave, she is fearful of the unknown, yet smart. The twin sisters were molded from our personalities.
I love the heroine’s journey. I wanted both girls to grow and change from their experiences to the point that there would be no going back to their old selves. I especially wanted Clara, the timid and fearful twin, to come into her own in the end.
Finally, I wanted the characters to be likeable, even loveable…to the point that the reader would feel themselves in the story, walking the twins’ entire journey alongside them.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I really love the theme of the hero/heroine’s courageous journey. Facing adversaries such as the evil warlock, enables the twin sisters to mature into confident leaders and changes them, forever.
I also wanted to explore themes of good verses evil, which culminates in an epic battle near the end of the book.
I delved into themes of love as well: love of family, sisterly love, love between friends, and love of nature. One of my favorite characters in The Warlock’s Curse, is a golden creature of light, joy, and love. This magical being, known as The Bliss, takes only what he needs and always gives back. His message about loving and living in harmony with the natural world is very relevant, considering the perils that our planet’s numerous lifeforms presently face. I hope readers, both young and old, will heed his call.
Finally, I looked at themes of revenge. A great wrong has been committed against the Grace family. Though the twins don’t know where the road leads, helped by their distant grandfather and other friends, they will not stop until things are set right.
There are many themes in my story…expect a lot of conflict.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I am currently writing a book about a woman who is deeply spiritual. She seeks enlightenment and meditates a lot. This may sound boring, but she has a troublesome, yet beloved friend, a Scottie dog named Jetsun: a dog who knows himself and what he wants, a dog who is way above mundane human consciousness, a dog who is enlightened. The book will be about the lessons of love she learns with this troublesome dog. Hopefully, it will be available in two years. Like a tortoise… I am slow. So, perhaps make it three…
After that, there may be a sequel to The Warlock’s Curse. One of my last words in The Warlock’s Curse is “Perhaps,” so I could, perhaps, let myself off the hook.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Everything turns topsy-turvy all of a sudden when discovery of an ancestor’s hidden journal with an odd key to an unknown door leads them into an entirely different realm.
The girls go on a thrilling oceanic voyage to search for mysterious whales, train with a seasoned warrior, and are befriended by a wise Master. But all is not a bouquet of lovely lilies…they are hunted by a cunning warlock and must rid themselves of The Warlock’s Curse.
Evil Isn’t Always So Black And White
Lord Have Mercy follows a young woman who is sent to boarding school after the disappearance of her parents; there, she discovers the secrets of her past and must choose what side she will follow, good or evil. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
There were a few inspirations for this story. The first being the character Mercy and her physical draw to the sensations of stone. I used my own personal experiences of living with a sensory disorder that causes me to have heightened senses; one of which is a sensitivity to what I touch. Growing up falling in love with stone walls and statues has been quite the experience. One that I have had trouble expressing. How Mercy feels when she touches Talus for the first time is very similar to what I go through.
The second inspiration has been my own struggle with the light and dark side of my personality. It has been a war that has raged a life time and I have never known which side was going to win. Learning to accept both sides has never been that easy. All the characters from Lord Have Mercy and the books to follow have allowed me the freedom to explore hidden parts of myself and just bring together a story that I hope is entertaining to read and resonates with the reader on some level.
Mercy thought she was a normal person till the truth is revealed and she is forced into a war she never knew existed or wanted to be a part of. What were some driving ideas behind your character’s development?
I guess one of the ideas I wanted to get across was that a persons strength comes in many forms. That Mercy doesn’t have to be some kick-arse superhero to be strong, that courage isn’t the absence of fear but acting in spite of it. Like being scared of the notorious bully but standing up for a friend, even though it put a target on her back.
I also wanted to get across that living through trauma in a crazy hostile world and still being able to open her heart to friendships and love is a commendable strength.
The war began with the warring within herself, but it soon progresses with a questioning of Mercy’s religious beliefs as Heaven and Hell and all that comes in between turns everything she’s ever known on it’s head. Being pulled apart by warring forces is something many can relate to and choosing between good and evil isn’t always so black and white.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I guess I’ve already mentioned a few, but another important theme I wanted to explore was how it would feel to write a character that is supposed to be the epitome of evil and find logical and emotional ways to make that character and others more than that, more than what everyone ese see’s.
I guess I also touch on sexuality, but in my eyes it wasn’t a conscious theme, but rather the way individual characters spoke to me.
There are many instances of my own life that get mingled within my work, but I never set out to write that way. I suppose it is cathartic to write characters that live and die how I want them to.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I am currently writing the 3rd Book in The Mercy Aymes Series. It will be released some time next year. I’m hoping for early in the year, but I don’t like to make promises. I’m also working on a revamp of Book 2 Mercy on Your Soul. Which will be rereleased soon. Then, it’s on to editing of two stand-alone novels I wrote before Mercy was even conceived.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Lucifer’s time has come for the outcome of his failed rebellion to be righted. When the Lord of all Demons is seated on Heaven’s throne, he will revel in the sight of God powerless at his feet. All he requires is the one thing he could never claim to possess, until now—Mercy.
Mercy Aymes always thought she was a normal girl living a normal life, until five years on from the mysterious disappearance of her parents that left her world a seething pit of black, she finds herself thrust into the chaos of unfamiliar territory. It’s more than the torments of her past that stalk her through the cold and lonely halls of the Lincoln boarding school.
In a desperate bid for survival, Mercy races for an escape from the wickedness of the school’s notorious bully, and stumbles on the secrets of the Lincoln towers, hidden from the mortal realm for hundreds of years. With the blinders torn from her eyes, Mercy’s world fractures at the sight of true monsters—but the eyes of their King are only for her.
Though captivated by the discovery of an odd array of Gargoyles, Mercy finds more than solace in the silent presence of one she favours above all. But when a powerful connection to the stone figure claims her heart, it’s not long before the mysteries of Mercy’s life unravel.
The discovery of unfavourable blood ties propels Mercy into an age-old war that splits the realms and tears her heart in two. Soon, she must choose which side is to dominate her future, as she faces unfathomable dangers from both forces.
The Archangels want her dead and the Devil wants her to lead. But whose side are the Gargoyles on?
LORD HAVE MERCY is a gripping paranormal, dark fantasy that will transport fantasy fans to a fascinating world, filled with suspense, danger, and paranormal romance. This fantasy is the epitome of the universal conflict between good and evil. This vividly drawn cast of Angels, Demons and Gargoyles embark on a battle for the realms and humanity. A journey of self-discovery, friendship, love, and heartache along with engaging and lovable characters.
The Warlock’s Curse
Avoiding bullying behavior from their peers, navigating around their parents’ fights, and working hard to find hope in the ramshackle family manor of Seacrest, life as teenage twins Angelica and Clara Grace know it has never been easy. Trapped in a never-ending cycle of despair, desperation nearly overtakes the sisters…until everything changes. Meeting new friends and allies, Clara and Angelica are thrown into a marvelous adventure that spans the multiverse, facing deadly villains, exploring new realms, and encountering numerous new compatriots on a quest that will determine the fate of the universe itself.
The Warlock’s Curse by C.B. Oresky is a thought-provoking journey across the cosmos. Centered around two girls who are anything but ordinary, the story of overcoming personal problems and fighting to save countless lives has multiple layers of depth. This fantastic tale dares to explore multi-dimensional travel, differing modes of existence, and deep philosophical themes seldom found in middle-grade fiction. The bond between the twins can be stormy but always comes through in the end. I loved the ever-telescoping cast of characters, from gentle Phileus to the stalwart captain, as the book comes to a Tolkienesque end sequence that leaves the reader satisfied with the possibility of many more adventures to come.
While this intelligent story has many high notes, a few passages, particularly the House of Truth sequence, seemed to go on a bit long. The biggest detraction in the story for me was the interactions other characters had with Clara. A shy, often nervous girl, Clara must fight to overcome her inner fears. While reading the story, it seemed to me that Clara suffers from an anxiety disorder, which is a form of disability rather than the inherent character flaw others in the story treat it as. I would have loved to see Clara overcome her fears by receiving love and support from those around her rather than encountering impatience and disdain from nearly every member of the cast.
That said, this thrilling middle-grade novel is a memorable journey across the fabric of the universe itself. It is recommended for ages 13 and up due to its violence, mention of suicide, and advanced philosophical concepts. This thrilling race to protect the multiverse is perfect for any avid readers of complex fantasy adventures. The Warlock’s Curse is an incredible journey through familiar and completely new worlds as twins Clara and Angelica risk everything to protect life across the dimensions.
Pages: 371 | ASIN : B0B7KHB2RB
LITERARY TITAN 