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Energy Vampire
Bloodbound: Reverberations follows vampire-investigator as he races against time, monsters, and his own demons to save his partner in a world split between harsh realities and the haunting beauty of the Other Realm. What inspired the dynamic between Hunter, Kai, and Gibson?
Hunter and Kai are based on the relationship I share with my husband, Tyler. I would say there are aspects of our personalities, history, and experiences woven into their dynamic, just in different proportions than mine and Tyler’s. Gibson, on the other hand, has no real basis on anyone I’ve known personally. I feel he has no filter – like Sophia Petrillo of The Golden Girls – but for many centuries he lacked a moral barometer which allowed him to get away with literal murder in the past.
The Order feels both mythic and bureaucratically terrifying. Was it based on any real-world systems or structures?
I see most bureaucracies as a hellscape – too many cooks not only spoiling the broth but offering their own opinions as to how it got that way. The chain of communication and command always breaks down and never fails to cause chaos. No better way to demonstrate that, I felt, than at an underground organization whose sole mission is to prevent chaos!
How did you develop the concept of a “siphonic” vampire, and what does that metaphor mean to you?
I based the idea on the concept of an ‘energy vampire,’ which traditionally just means someone who wishes to be the center of attention. From that, I developed a demon that feeds off what you’d call “palpable energy,” or the moods created in tense and emotionally-charged situations. Add in the traditional concept of a vampire feeding off a life force, and voila – a demon (or demon-vampire hybrid) that can sustain itself on other people’s anger, fear, and other negative emotions.
If Bloodbound were adapted into a movie, who would you cast as Hunter, Kai, and Gibson?
I’d love Joe Alwyn as Hunter—he already has the sandy hair and that quiet intensity. Darren Barnet would nail Kai’s self-assured warmth, and Ludi Lin brings the long black hair and enigmatic edge Gibson needs.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Bluesky } Website | Amazon
When vampire agent Kai Taylor is framed for a brutal murder, the secretive organization known as The Order activates its last resort: Safe Harbor, a deadly countdown that gives his allies six months to prove his innocence. As the clock runs down, a tangled investigation unfolds – one that stretches across dimensions, unearths buried betrayals, and reveals a conspiracy deeper than anyone imagined.
Meanwhile, Hunter Reeves – a vampire-demon hybrid still learning to control his volatile powers – must confront both external enemies and the darkness within. Alongside Kai and their partner Gibson, he navigates love, guilt, and a siphonic hunger that threatens to consume him.
But a forgotten past haunts them all. In a parallel narrative, we return to Kai’s earliest mission, where another frame-up nearly destroyed him – and where the seeds of a much larger war were first sown.
Reverberations is the fifth installment in the genre-defying Bloodbound series – a bold, queer, supernatural thriller blending espionage, horror, and romance. The past is bleeding into the present.
Complex Beings
Heatseeker: A Story of the Vampire Alex Chance follows a former FBI agent turned vampire, investigating a gruesome serial killer who has to navigate the murky line between human law and vampire justice. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
This story was greatly influenced by a short story I wrote in my writing group back in 2015 when I came up with an idea of a modern-day lawman hunting an elusive and brilliant serial killer and getting exposed to the secret world of vampires. That short story was only five pages long and featured only two main protagonists, Alex Chance, who was a police detective in that story, and vampire boy, Jake, who hunted down child molesters with lethal precision. I later modified the story several times, and many years later, came up with a broader tale involving more characters that had enough material to turn it into a novella. And so, the Heatseeker book was born.
What were some of the emotional and moral guidelines you followed when developing your characters?
Emotional and moral guidelines in any story are important. I always loved the detective genre and introducing a supernatural element into it made it more interesting and added more depth to the story. Alex Chance is an FBI agent, trained to be strong, honorable, and devoted to his duty. The vampires are creatures of the night, who have their own codes of honor and justice system, only they operate without human bureaucracy and red tape, which makes them far more efficient. Alex Chance follows his personal and moral code even after he becomes a vampire, which I think makes him very likable. The vampire boy, Jake, on the other hand, is driven by an ancient hate for people who hurt and abuse children and his moral compass can only be affected by the elements of human law, which he breaks often in pursuit of justice.
What intrigues you about the horror and paranormal genres that led you to write this book?
Horror and paranormal genres are very intriguing because as a writer, I do find them very stimulating for the creative process. There were movies and shows that played a great part in its development, such as the vampire series Forever Knight and Moonlight, where vampires and humans must find common ground and ways to coexist. The horror element derives from the vampires’ ability to instill in morals great fascination and fear. In traditional vampire stories, the immortals are often depicted as killers, who justify their way of life by their constant need for human blood. The supernatural genre is even more fascinating. In my vampire story, I described vampires as complex beings with their own secret civilization that had evolved alongside humanity in parallel evolution. So in a way, both human and vampire worlds mirror each other.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the following story?
Heatseeker is a stand-alone novella that features Alex Chance as the main protagonist. It is set in a world of vampires that were introduced in my previous vampire novels, Beyond Sunlight, Before the Dawn, and Eighteen Forever. Heatseeker is the fourth book that is related to them but follows its own path. My fans can expect a few more stories about vampires, which are currently resting on the development shelf, waiting to be picked up, analyzed and selected. Currently, I am at work on a new post-apocalyptic story that features human survival after a devastating asteroid impact.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
To End the Night: Julius Caesar’s Secret War
Julius Caesar, a man of ambition and unparalleled intellect, stands at a pivotal moment in his quest to shape Rome’s future. Driven by a profound love for the Republic, he aims to secure its prosperity while navigating treacherous political landscapes. Yet, beyond the schemes of mortal adversaries, a darker force emerges: Vampyres—supernatural beings of insatiable hunger and ruthless intent. Confronted with threats both human and otherworldly, Caesar must wield his military genius and strategic brilliance to safeguard not only Rome’s destiny but also his enduring legacy. Success could immortalize his name, while failure would condemn him and the Republic to oblivion.
In To End the Night: Julius Caesar’s Secret War, LLuew Grey masterfully blends historical fiction with gothic horror, delivering a unique narrative reminiscent of Anne Rice’s evocative prose and Seth Grahame-Smith’s inventive Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. The novel offers a rich tapestry of historical detail interwoven with macabre elements, creating a gripping tale that feels both familiar and refreshingly original. Grey’s deep understanding of Roman history shines through, with authentic references to pivotal events and figures from Caesar’s life. At its core, the story hinges on Caesar himself—a figure as formidable in battle as he is in political maneuvering. Beset by visible political intrigues and shadowy supernatural foes, he becomes the axis on which this darkly imaginative tale turns. Watching him navigate these dual threats provides both tension and satisfaction, as his resourcefulness and resilience are tested to their limits.
The novel’s pacing is bolstered by thrilling set pieces that keep the action brisk and compelling. Meanwhile, the dialogue is sharp and purposeful, breathing life into the characters and grounding the fantastical elements within a credible framework. Though the book may not aspire to the sweeping grandeur of epic historical fantasies, it doesn’t need to. Grey understands the specific tone his narrative demands and approaches it with precision and confidence, ensuring an entertaining and cohesive reading experience.
To End the Night succeeds as a captivating blend of history and horror. With its intriguing premise, compelling protagonist, and intelligent execution, the novel carves out a unique space in the realm of historical fiction. It’s a brisk, enjoyable read that delivers on its promise to entertain and surprise.
Pages: 95 | ISBN : 978-1998315123
Vicious and Cruel Roots
In The Orphan Maker, a vampire hunter’s obsession with seeking revenge for the death of his family places him face-to-face with dangerous adversaries. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The very first book I loved that got me into the world of fiction was Bram Stoker’s Dracula. That book had such an impact on me and I have always dreamed of writing a vampire story. Additionally, I longed to read a vampire story that went back to the vicious and cruel roots of vampires. And as they say to authors, “Write the book you want to read.” So I simply followed that piece of advice and wrote The Orphan Maker, which is actually Book 1 of the (Blood & Flesh Series)
Which character in the novel do you feel you relate to more and why?
I’m not sure, but I’m probably most like Jess. I keep my cool and balance my decisions, but I also have a tendency to overextend myself when helping others, which gets me into trouble. I had to learn my lesson the hard way, multiple times. Perhaps I wrote Jessica’s character subconsciously to warn or remind people that it’s still good to have boundaries, and to know your own limits, and maybe even to tell people that there are times when you have to let others take responsibility–you don’t always have to be there for them, especially when the best lesson they can learn is from your absence.
How long did it take you to imagine, draft, and write the world your characters live in?
It took me about a day to imagine the entire world and story, another day to fully finish the entire outline, and about three months to finish the first draft. Then came the editing phase, which took about two and a half months since I have a wonderful editor. It was such a pleasure to write this book. It felt extremely natural.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
I’m currently writing BOOK 3 of The Kindred Chronicles — Gathering Storm. In fact, Literary Titan also reviewed BOOK 2 of the Kindred Saga and gave it the Golden Book Award. I was thrilled when I got that email, and couldn’t believe it. I am so thankful to you guys for everything you’re doing for the writer communities out there. As for my next books, I’m excited to announce that I will be releasing TWO books next year: The Kindred Chronicles: Gathering Storm (Book 3 of the Kindred Saga) and Vexed (Book 2 of the Blood & Flesh Series)
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Going Back to the Root of Monsters
Blood Tithe follows a 20-year-old young woman and historian who is ready to embark on a quest for unadulterated truth and cross into adulthood. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Our first novel within the Gothika world (Raise the Dead) had the readers thrown into the setting, so with Blood Tithe, we wanted to take a step back. By taking on the coming-of-age concept, it became a better way to explore and understand the world through Lyric’s eyes. We wanted to create and share that sense of wonder and exploration through someone who isn’t used to seeing this part of the world, as well as a sense of horror and dread about what lurks in the shadows. That was part of the inspiration, while the other part was actually Alfred Hitchcock in that his stories were about putting ordinary people in extraordinary situations. Lyric’s journey fell right into those stories that I like.
Lyric, Jalin, and Esperanza set out together to confront the danger that threatens their world. What was the inspiration for the relationship that developed between the characters?
So the first draft had the relationships drawn up very differently. In fact, Lyric was less of the main character and more of a supporting one on the first run with a hate/respect relationship between Jalin & Esperanza. The final product was more like an intense version of the X-Files’s Mulder & Scully – still with a hate/respect relationship but I had a need to create a very “driven” personality that would clash against a stoic and reserved personality. For Lyric, her personal relationships develop with each interaction with the outside world. Much like Rapunzel being exposed to the real world, is overwhelming but she believes in collaboration and so she is the bridge between the two J&E.
Monsters were not supposed to be real, yet, that is what Lyric discovers on her journey. The creatures in this book were very intriguing. How did you go about creating them for this book?
Firstly, we wanted our own take on vampires (or vampyres as we call them). Both CS and I are history buffs when it comes to legends and lore, so we talked extensively about what it means to be that creature. We wanted to go back to the roots of it being more monstrous and inhuman than what was portrayed in current media. As for the monsters that are touched on here (or will be coming in later books) – they are either amalgamations of creatures based on myths local to us, or local Mexican culture. Being Mexican, I wanted to give my culture’s creatures and monsters time in the spotlight. So yes, more creatures to come.
I hope the series continues in other books. If so, where will the story take readers?
The next story (which I’ve already started working on) is going to touch base with our first pair of characters (Emilio & Marisol). The first book had a semi-happy ending but with a few questions left unanswered. This next book will answer some questions, expand more of the world, and probably create more questions. We actually have a plan for 5 to 6 stories that will connect with each other as well as the overall plot we have mapped out. When CS and I map a story out… we really map things out big. In short – there will be more to come from Lyric, Jalin & Esperanza as well.
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For Lyric Wax, who dreams of a future as a Historian for the Grand Archives, this chilling truth becomes a haunting reality as she navigates her Verdad – a perilous path to adulthood – to find her place in the Imperium and prove herself. She sets out on a journey beyond the safety of familiar walls. Her destination: the mysteries that lie beyond the Great Gates of the Imperium of Kraphax.
What begins as a simple errand to a safe Shrine quickly transforms into a horrific ordeal. Lyric along with the irritable Inquisitor Jalin Cortez, and his partner Esperanza Boyorquez, must traverse treacherous realms of darkness and confront terrifying certainties hidden beneath the surface. Will she emerge triumphant, armed with the knowledge of the world’s buried secrets, or will she succumb to the ghastly fate that awaits those who delve too deep into the mysteries of the unknown?
The answers lie in the shadows she must bring to light.
…they weren’t supposed to be real.
Blood Tithe
Lyric Wax, a prodigious writer from the Imperium at age twenty, harbors a profound desire to undertake her Verdad ritual—a quest for unadulterated truth. Little does she anticipate that this fervent wish will launch her into a journey filled with unexpected perils. Along with the enigmatic Inquisitors Jalin Cortez and Esperanza Boyorquez, a seemingly straightforward supply run to a nearby shrine transforms into a harrowing encounter. The once-vibrant Paraiso Verde stands devastated, fallen to merciless ghouls, setting the ambiance for an unforgettable adventure.
Together with the wisdom of Judex Gale Stonebridge, Jalin’s esteemed mentor, this unique trio ventures into the sacred shrine, seeking understanding and solace. However, they soon confront an age-old evil lurking within, threatening to consume innumerable mining settlements.
Blood Tithe, written by the talented duo Tony Fuentes and C.S. Kading, is a mesmerizing narrative, intricately designed with elements of dark sorcery, formidable beasts, and action that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The authors’ unparalleled talent lies in their ability to vividly render their fantastical world, making it feel nearly as tangible as reality. Their extensive world-building is complemented by legends and histories that captivate the reader’s psyche. However, the characters stand as the crown jewels of this tale. Every character, brimming with emotions, motivations, and intricate details, is crafted with an authenticity that makes them compelling. The dynamic between Lyric, Jalin, and Esperanza provides a rich texture to the story, their diverse personalities harmonizing to lend depth to the overarching plot.
Blood Tithe beckons those who relish the allure of dark fantasy landscapes interwoven with the chilling excitement of mystery horror tales. The authors have masterfully constructed a story that lingers in one’s mind, even after turning the final page. This novel is not to be missed for those searching for a deeply engaging and memorable journey.
Pages: 269 | ASIN : B0CD8B8Q1F
LITERARY TITAN 