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Rise of the Hunter follows a man who was thrown into a pit and supposed to be dead, who escapes, igniting a war between good and evil. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I was prepared to end the series with the previous book in the trilogy but over 150 readers sent me emails wanting to know more about what could’ve happened if the Tall Dark Man had more of a role. Readers in my Blood Prophecy Saga love the Tall Dark Man and after thinking about it, The Dark Prophecy Series in the saga was born. Rise of the Hunter is the first installment of the Tall Dark Man’s Trilogy in which he could be seen as the protagonist from the villain’s perspective. I tend to love my villains in all my books so this was a perfect way to bring evil back to life in the Blood Prophecy Saga.
What were some driving ideals behind your character’s Tall Dark Man’s development?
The main idea about the Tall Dark Man is that you will never get a complete description of his face. I will bring out bits and pieces of certain characteristics but because evil can come in many different forms, this was a perfect way to bring him to light. In the next book, Fate of an Angel, readers will learn that he looks different to different people. Evil has many different forms. The Tall Dark Man is also a man, but an evil one. He is not a supernatural being but can possess supernatural abilities. The premise of evil and how it evolves is what gives the Tall Dark Man his edge, his nature and the persona that my readers embrace.
When you first sat down to write this story, did you know where you were going, or did the twists come as you were writing?
I never know how my story will begin or end. I just tend to write and let my characters do the talking. The twists and turns come naturally to me, allowing my creativity to dominate. I can’t sit down and plot my stories, but I definitely do research and travel to locations I write about.
Where does the story go in the next book and where do you see it going in the future?
Fate of An Angel is the next book in the trilogy, The Dark Prophecy Series and will focus on the relationship between the Tall Dark Man and Zaraquel, the Avenging Angel. She is under his spell and faces the turmoil of giving into evil to be with him or to choose the light and save her family. Together, they embark on a journey that the Tall Dark Man learns could be his undoing or his success in overthrowing the queen.
There will also be novellas on the Tall Dark and his witches, just like I had done in the Blood Prophecy Series.
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The queen and her friends threw me into the dark pit three years ago, and I sought a way out, having used the power and life force of the others who were also thrown in. Today, I am free and planning my vengeance against her and the others.
In a supernatural world filled with vampires, werewolves, witches, demons, and angels, I will have my revenge against them. I am the epitome of evil and didn’t die like they thought. There’s a third prophecy with a nice little catch! This prophecy is meant for me; my revenge will turn the tables on the queen and her friends. I will turn them all against her, and according to the prophecy, the avenging angel be mine. Forever. As for the others, they will serve me.
It’s time for me to rise, beginning with the birth of a new hunter, new demons, and an angel that will be mine. Vengeance against the queen will be mine.
Rise of the Hunter is the fourth book in the Blood Prophecy series and is the first book of a new trilogy for the Tall Dark Man. It is full of dark magic and vengeance with a twist of good vs. evil but will good win this time? This supernatural book is set in the modern-day world between supernaturals to control the world and unleash evil as the world prepares for peace.
Rise of the Hunter
Rise of the Hunter is the latest installment in the Dark Prophecy series by Barb Jones. It’s a supernatural fantasy brimming with ancient prophecy, gods, witches, vampires, and a whole lot of vengeance. The story kicks off with a chilling prophecy from the Sisters of Fate and unfolds into a sweeping battle between good and evil, led by a mysterious figure known as the Tall Dark Man. His rise sets off a domino effect of chaos, rebellion, and an impending war that hinges on a cursed child, a queen, and an angel.
What hooked me from the start was the unapologetically dark tone. The prologue alone pulled me into a mythological rabbit hole I didn’t want to climb out of. Barb Jones doesn’t hold back with the gothic energy either. The Tall Dark Man is straight-up nightmare fuel, whispering dark spells, controlling witches like puppets, and literally building an army from volcanic stones. That scene where he breathes life into his stone demon Arioch was chilling. The writing here is bold, vivid, sometimes a little graphic, but always deliberate.
The witches’ interactions with the Tall Dark Man occasionally veered into melodrama. The sensual scenes between him and Tituba tried to walk the line between dark romance and power play. The power dynamics were meant to feel disturbing, but I wished the narrative dug deeper into her arc emotionally. Raven Hexham, on the other hand, was a total standout. She’s calculating, loyal, and possibly questioning her role. There’s a quiet rebellion brewing in her, especially in her private talks with Tituba, and I found myself rooting for her despite her serving the wrong side.
One of the things I appreciated most was how Jones weaves Hawaiian mythology into the mix. The scenes with Pele and Kū weren’t just cool filler, they added real texture. The volcanic fire becoming a magical forge for an evil army was genius. And then she goes and tosses in historical tidbits like Philip II of Macedon and even Nostradamus, giving the book this wild, time-hopping energy. At times, it felt like reading a supernatural version of Game of Thrones meets American Gods with a big splash of soap opera.
If you’re into supernatural fantasy with a darker twist, where queens ride emotional rollercoasters and gods mess with mortals for sport, Rise of the Hunter is a wild ride worth taking. It’s a little over the top, but that’s part of its charm. Fans of series like The Mortal Instruments or A Discovery of Witches will feel right at home.
Pages: 343 | ASIN : B0C5T8QNK9
Invoking Fear in the Reader
The Crimson Triangle follows four scientists on a mission to study the Puerto Rican Trench and the mysteries of the Bermuda Triangle, who encounter a powerful hidden entity living in the sea protected by strange creatures. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I’ve always been intrigued by the ocean and have also had a fearful respect for it, especially its vastness, mysteries, and uncharted areas beneath it. With all the things that can eat you in the ocean, I wanted to add one more. I’ve also been fascinated with the mysteries of the Bermuda Triangle and all of the strange disappearances. I felt the Bermuda Triangle would be the perfect place to insert my vampires and tie them to the strange disappearances. In the first chapter of my book, I mention the USS Cyclops, which is a real boat that left Rio De Janeiro in 1918 on its way to Baltimore but never arrived and was never found. Most believed that the ship was lost in the Bermuda Triangle, so I used that real-life scenario to introduce my antagonists. The Puerto Rican trench offers a dark nesting area for my vampires and creates the need for my main characters.
What intrigues you about the horror and paranormal genres that led you to write this book?
I’ve always enjoyed a good horror story that can literally invoke fear in the reader. I’ve also always been fascinated with vampire lore and noticed that over the last 150 years, vampires have been placed in many different environments in stories and movies, but they have never been placed in the ocean, adding a unique spin to my story.
Your characters are interesting and well-developed. What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
I really enjoyed developing and writing for the main character, Eliana, in the book. Eliana is a strong Hispanic woman with a hard past, and putting her in the leader role was a treat for me. Another character, Dennis, was harder to write for as I created Dennis to be a withdrawn, cranky individual, and when it was time to draw emotion from Dennis, it proved to be challenging.
What is the next book that you’re working on, and when can your fans expect it?
I’d like to write a sequel to “The Crimson Triangle” that takes place in the Pacific around the Mariana Trench. The book delves deeper into the underwater vampire story exposing more about the creatures and their origin. I’m also drafting ideas on a couple more horror novels.
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The Crimson Triangle
The Crimson Triangle by John J. Fife Sr. tells the gripping tale of four scientists—Eliana, Walter, Ana, and Dennis—on a mission to study the Puerto Rican Trench and unravel the mysteries of the Bermuda Triangle. During their journey, they encounter a powerful hidden entity protected by strange creatures. The mission takes a dire turn when coastal towns fall victim to relentless attacks by sea vampires, thrusting the team into a race against time to stop the bloodshed. Will they overcome the monsters and save humanity, or will they succumb to the abyss? This story highlights the power of human perseverance and resilience in the face of unimaginable horrors.
One of the book’s standout features is the author’s inventive blend of scientific and mythological elements, offering a refreshing take on traditional vampire tales. The seamless integration of scientific aspects adds a layer of intrigue, elevating the narrative beyond conventional vampire lore. The author’s expertise in oceanography and deep-sea diving is evident through vivid and detailed descriptions, which make the underwater world feel authentic without being overly complex or challenging to follow. Some dialogues lack authenticity, with characters occasionally responding in ways that feel robotic or unrealistic. For instance, when the concept of ‘sea vampires’ is introduced, a more skeptical and resistant reaction from the townspeople would have been expected. The rapid acceptance of such an idea, especially given the mayor’s initial hesitation, seemed implausible. More nuanced reactions and debates would have added depth and realism to the story. The story’s pacing adds an element of mystery, with the timeline between events leaving room for interpretation. This ambiguity invites readers to engage more deeply with the narrative, piecing together the sequence of events and immersing themselves in the unfolding drama.
The Crimson Triangle by John J. Fife Sr. presents a bold and original spin on traditional vampire lore. While mature themes make it unsuitable for young readers, adult readers will find it a compelling and intriguing read.
Pages: 328 | ASIN : B0D64PN316
Eternal Bloodlines
In Eternal Bloodlines by J.C. Brennan, young Amanda Holston yearns for excitement in her quiet town of Skidway Lake. Her mundane life takes a chilling turn when she discovers the mutilated body of a young woman in the woods, triggering a series of gruesome discoveries by the police. As Amanda delves deeper into the mystery, a near-fatal accident causes her to question her sanity as she begins hearing voices and seeing a mysterious dark figure in her dreams. Despite initially attributing her hallucinations to the accident, Amanda soon realizes that the dark figure is frighteningly real.
This book offers a gripping narrative that immerses readers in a quaint yet sinister atmosphere. Amanda Holston is a masterfully written character, embodying an empathizable yearning for adventure amid the monotony of her small-town life. The rapid escalation of her desire for excitement into a chilling ordeal sets the tone for an enticing read, skillfully creating anticipation and suspense page after page. Brennan constructs a tale that seamlessly blends elements of mystery, suspense, and supernatural intrigue. The discovery of the body at the beginning of the novel sets the stage for a riveting investigation by local law enforcement, drawing readers into a web of secrets and deception that permeates the town’s seemingly tranquil facade. One of the novel’s strengths lies in its ability to maintain a sense of suspense and unease throughout. The gradual unraveling of the mystery surrounding the dark figure haunting Amanda’s dreams adds an extra layer of tension to the plot, blurring the lines between reality and nightmare.
The author’s attention to detail breathes life into the setting, effectively setting the stage for the ensuing twists and turns. Eternal Bloodlines is a captivating tale that will undoubtedly appeal to fans of supernatural thrillers and mystery aficionados alike. With its compelling characters, atmospheric setting, and pulse-pounding plot, it delivers an unforgettable reading experience.
Pages: 334 | ASIN : B09JRR4KZY
Origins
Dragons are creatures of magic and might, and they have long been charged with protecting mortals. As part of their birthright that goes back thousands of years, dragons intervene when mortals are in danger and often use their powers to keep the peace.
In Origins: The Blue Dragon Society, Owen is on his first mission (a rite of passage) with his brother, Lann, as his mentor. They are dragons who are sent to investigate strange occurrences in the mortal world and determine if the mortals involved are being attacked by the plague or something more nefarious.
With the help of their new friends, Helen and Riva, Origins offers an enchanting and action-packed story that will leave readers racing to find out what happens next. The world is in a state of chaos with the outbreak of the plague. Demons and vampires have taken advantage of the situation, breaking into homes and abducting humans for their dark rituals. This has left humankind vulnerable and fearful for their lives. Owen and Lann are determined to restore order to the world and protect those who cannot defend themselves. Though they face many challenges, the dragons are determined to succeed in their mission.
Author S. Faxon’s writing hooks you from the first page, where you meet Anton. Someone I thought might be the protagonist in this story but turns out to be quite the opposite. The characters were highly engaging, and I enjoyed the characters’ growth, notably Owen, who I was not so much a fan of at first. He’s strong and determined but also grieving and vulnerable. I thought the author did a great job exploring his character, and I was surprised at how much I connected with his character. With the vivid imagery, the reader feels like they are on an epic journey alongside Owen, seeing what he sees. Just under 200 pages, this is a fast-paced and action-packed story that will have your imagination running wild.
Origins: The Blue Dragon Society is a riveting coming-of-age fantasy novel filled with personal growth and struggles, both internal and external. Those who enjoy reading about fantasy creatures such as dragons, vampires, demons, and lovable (and sometimes not-so-lovable) characters will find this exciting dark fantasy novel hard to put down.
Pages: 158 | ASIN : B09T8YBFRD
LITERARY TITAN 