Blog Archives
Case Files from the Nightfall Detective Agency: Fury of the Vampire
David Alyn Gordon’s Fury of the Vampire is a sweeping supernatural thriller that jumps across centuries, from ancient Jerusalem to 1920s Arizona, weaving together myth, history, and horror. The story follows vampires, werewolves, jinn, and humans caught in webs of betrayal, love, and ambition. At its heart is the eternal struggle between Lilith, Abram, and a cast of characters tied to mystical objects like the Ring of Solomon. Intertwined with this are political conspiracies, mob dealings, and the simmering tension of racial injustice in early 20th-century America. It’s a bold mix of folklore, pulp action, and noir detective work.
I enjoyed how daringly the author blends myth with history. Seeing Lilith spar with Abram in one chapter and then finding myself in the smoke-filled dance halls of Prohibition-era Tucson in the next kept me hooked. The pacing is brisk, and the action scenes pop with energy. I found myself leaning in whenever vampires clashed with werewolves or when political schemers whispered in dark corners. The dialogue can be blunt, sometimes even melodramatic, but it fits the pulpy, high-stakes feel of the book. It reminded me of flipping through an old serialized adventure, where the thrill matters more than polish.
Some passages carry raw emotional weight, like Malia grieving for her cousin, while other scenes are exaggerated. That didn’t ruin the ride for me, though. If anything, it made the book feel unpredictable. I enjoyed how unapologetically it leaned into its own wildness. It’s not a quiet or subtle novel; it’s brash, bloody, and loud. And I have to admit, I had fun with that. Sometimes I rolled my eyes, other times I grinned, and a few moments genuinely made me pause and think, especially the parts dealing with cultural memory and injustice.
I’d say Fury of the Vampire is best for readers who love fast-moving supernatural adventures, who don’t mind a little chaos in their fiction, and who want something that feels both familiar and refreshingly strange. If you’re into folklore reimagined as a gritty pulp detective saga, this is your book. It’s messy, it’s fierce, and it absolutely has bite.
Pages: 164 | ASIN : B0FLTB1L71
Case Files From The Nightfall Detective Agency: The Mummy’s Vengeance
Following the groundbreaking discovery of King Tut’s tomb in 1922, mummies and the ominous curses they carried became an obsession. For archaeologist Trevor Grantham, the allure was not just the thrill of unearthing history but also the opportunity to cement his reputation within his field. His benefactor, the obscenely wealthy Malcolm Thorne, had far less noble motivations, status, wealth, and notoriety. Fast forward five years, and Thorne meets a gruesome end at a museum gala, murdered on the very night Grantham’s latest find is unveiled. As the suspect list grows, Dr. Abraham Mueller an undead werewolf from ancient Egypt and his supernatural team enlist the help of a few familiar faces to unravel the mystery of the Mummy’s vengeance.
Case Files From the Nightfall Detective Agency: The Mummy’s Vengeance by David Alyn Gordon delivers a fast-paced and exhilarating supernatural mystery. Though novella in length, the story packs a formidable punch, weaving together supernatural lore, ancient curses, family tensions, and the timeless downfall that comes with an insatiable thirst for power. Gordon masterfully balances the fantastical elements without veering into absurdity, maintaining a lighthearted tone while constructing a compelling and immersive narrative.
Mueller, serving as the de facto leader, is a particularly nuanced character. Despite his supernatural origins and formidable abilities, he remains composed and cerebral, his wisdom shaped by centuries of existence. He takes great care in mentoring his team, Frank, the steadfast golem, and Tori, a newly turned vampire fully aware that any loss of control could lead to catastrophe. While the supporting cast is not as intricately developed, each character serves a clear purpose, navigating the story’s labyrinthine twists with precision.
Finding a novel that seamlessly blends multiple genres without losing coherence is rare, but The Mummy’s Vengeance achieves this feat effortlessly. Gordon crafts a story that is equal parts mystery, adventure, and supernatural intrigue, never allowing any element to overshadow the rest. The journey to the book’s conclusion is as enjoyable as it is unpredictable, culminating in a final twist so unexpected it cements the story’s strength as a truly effective mystery. Readers looking for a thrilling, genre-bending read will find The Mummy’s Vengeance an absolute delight.
Pages: 132 | ASIN : B0CKLKLK6G
Engelstatt
Engelstatt by Samuel Church follows a group of university students on a trip to Austria, which turns into a harrowing struggle for survival in a neo-Nazi camp. The story’s protagonist, Jacob Liro, is an aspiring artist from New York who feels suffocated by the city’s busy atmosphere. Despite his mother’s disapproval, Jacob joins his friends on the trip to Austria to explore the country’s beautiful landscapes and monuments.
Engelstatt offers readers an immersive and imaginative experience with its stunning descriptions of Austria’s aesthetic regions and accurate representation of New York’s frenzied environment. The characters in the novel are depicted authentically and face issues that are relatable to young Americans today. For instance, Jacob seeks therapy to cope with the traumatic memories of a school shooting. The book also includes reflective moments that delve into its major themes. The novel exposes the depravity of humanity when people blindly follow the crowd and ignore their self-awareness.
I felt that the interactions between characters appear to overshadow their internal monologues. It can be overwhelming to see the characters express their thoughts in groups rather than individually, making it challenging to connect with them. Nevertheless, Engelstatt delivers an exhilarating, heart-pounding historical thriller filled with explosive action, shootings, deadly games, and risky escape schemes. I was on the edge of my seat, never knowing what to expect but trusting in Samuel’s ability to keep adding captivating twists to keep me engrossed in the story.
I highly recommend the gripping novel, Engelstatt to readers of horror and historical fiction. Readers will be inspired by its protagonists’ unwavering energy and determination to fight for their lives even when the odds are against them.
Pages: 248 | ASIN : B0BZXYNSJ9
LITERARY TITAN 