Blog Archives
Glintborn Fools
J.L. Knight’s Glintborn Fools introduces readers to four teens from the quiet town of Colville, Washington, whose ordinary lives are thrown into chaos. Aria, whose life is ruled by an autoimmune disease, Sorin, a football player burdened by his looks and the wealth of his father, Michael, a teammate desperate to escape his low-class circumstances, and Claire, Sorin’s kind-hearted, popular cheerleader sister, are all forever changed after a mysterious light fills the night sky. Each gains newfound abilities: Michael discovers a sentient metal, Claire begins to see auras, Aria is miraculously cured and can perceive a shimmering dust, while Sorin starts to question his family’s secrets. As they adjust to their new powers, they stumble upon deep-rooted truths that threaten not just their town, but potentially the world itself. And amidst it all, a vampire with a thirst for blood lurks in the shadows.
This book was a captivating read that kept me hooked from the very first page. The action kicked off early and never let up, pulling me deeper into the unfolding mystery. I especially loved the small-town setting. There’s something thrilling about epic, fantastical adventures happening in the most unsuspecting places. Even Seattle makes an appearance, serving as home to a powerful vampire faction. The range of mythical creatures in this world is phenomenal, hidden elves, deities, dragons, and fauns, all navigating a tense coexistence. Knight masterfully weaves these elements together, creating an intricate mystery that entices you to keep reading, always leaving just enough unanswered to lure you into the next book. The villain is particularly well-written, dark, and complex, evoking pure hatred, which only heightens the drama. At first, I was intrigued by how easily Claire accepted the strange events unfolding around her. What I initially thought might be a bit too convenient in the story soon revealed itself to be a clever narrative choice. The other characters even acknowledge her calm attitude, turning what seemed like a simple reaction into a thoughtful and deliberate plot point. Although the pacing starts off at a rapid speed, it soon finds a comfortable rhythm, striking a perfect balance as the story progresses.
If you’re a fan of young adult fiction brimming with angst, magic, and sentient metals, I highly recommend Glintborn Fools. Knight has crafted an engaging page-turner, setting the stage for what promises to be a fantastic series. I’m already eager to dive into the next installment.
Pages: 243 : ASIN : B0CWFDM6WQ
A Prophecy Awakened
Angie Barton’s A Prophecy Awakened extends her exciting spellbinding series, skillfully bridging the narrative between its first and final installments. The novel immerses readers in a tale that is as captivating as it is intriguing, centering on Charlotte Delgado, who, on her eighteenth birthday, is thrust into a journey of survival. Forced to flee the only family she has ever known, Charlotte is left with nothing but an ancient diary, her sole guide in deciphering cryptic, four-hundred-year-old stories that trace a predestined path walked by her ancestor—a path cloaked in mystery and steeped in peril. As supernatural forces close in and a dark prophecy unfurls, Charlotte is confronted with the chilling possibility that she may be the last witch of her lineage, with a destiny more horrifying than she ever imagined.
Barton’s writing is rich with detail, pulling readers into a world where the supernatural feels eerily tangible. The characters, especially the vampires, defy the clichés often found in popular culture. Instead, they are intricately developed, brimming with emotions, moral dilemmas, and internal conflicts that render them very human despite their otherworldly essence. Barton’s deftness in making readers empathize with these characters, only to remind them of their dark, true nature, is both startling and perfectly attuned to the world she has created.
The settings are more than just backgrounds; they are fundamental to the story’s atmosphere and themes. From ominous, gothic castles to mist-shrouded forests, each location is vividly rendered, heightening the narrative’s mood and tension. The stark contrast between the cold, ancient world of the vampires and more modern settings amplifies the characters’ internal struggles, mirroring their battles with identity and destiny.
At its heart, A Prophecy Awakened is a story of identity, destiny, and the choices we make against overwhelming odds. It delves into the conflict between desire and duty, exploring how we reconcile the different facets of ourselves when they seem irreconcilable. These themes elevate the fantastical elements of the story, transforming it from a mere supernatural tale into a reflection on the human condition.
The novel’s narrative structure deserves special mention, as Barton expertly weaves together multiple storylines across different worlds and times. This intricate web of narratives builds tension gradually, culminating in a collision of worlds that is both exhilarating and emotionally shattering. The bold cliffhanger at the end leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next installment.
A Prophecy Awakened is a novel that sparks the imagination and stirs emotions. With its vivid settings, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes, it’s clear why readers are so eager for the third book in this compelling series.
Pages: 392 | ASIN : B0D726W7YX
Immortal Wounds
Immortal Wounds emerges as Angie Barton’s masterful confluence of historical fiction, fantasy, and gothic mystery. She captivates with a narrative where history and magic converge with haunting results, smudging the boundaries between epochs. The novel plunges into a gripping ordeal as Isobel confronts the gruesome murders of her mother and husband. A startling revelation follows when a vampire, claiming to be her father, confesses to the crimes. Driven by desperation and the magic at her disposal, Isobel flees through time to unearth her origins, only to land in an era not her own.
Navigating through this alien century, Isobel peels back layers of her history, finding herself woven into a dire prophecy that has shaped destinies for ages. Angie Barton’s narrative prowess shines as she transports readers to a time rife with witch burnings and supernatural schemes. Every element of the setting contributes to an ambiance filled with suspense and enigma, turning each shadow into a repository of secrets. Barton’s fusion of immediate danger with timeless conflict ensnares readers, propelled by twists that keep them perched on the brink of revelation.
Character development is rich; every figure is imbued with intricate motives and emotions, rendering them both authentic and engaging. The historical backdrop not only enriches the tale’s fantastical elements but also reflects the grim realities of past persecutions, mirroring modern themes of injustice and societal fears. Witch burnings become a grim metaphor for the perils of ignorance, while the seamlessly woven supernatural facets like time travel and prophecy amplify the narrative’s resonance.
Approaching its finale, Barton skillfully resolves crucial conflicts yet hints at more to come, hinting at a sequel that many will await with keen interest. Immortal Wounds transcends the typical vampire story, offering a deep exploration of human endurance, the tangled skein of fate, and the ceaseless potency of familial bonds and love. It stands as a compelling recommendation for readers of historical fantasy and those seeking a narrative that reverberates beyond the last page.
Pages: 317 | ASIN : B0D9XTF25K
Strange and Often Quite Humorous Places
Club X: Vampire in the Closet follows four boys attending an elite all-boys Catholic school in Thailand who try to uncover the school’s dark secrets while figuring out their own sexual identities. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Long story but here goes…I had a friend, a former executive of The Nation TV, a major media outlet in Thailand. He said to me, “Can you think of a Thai series I could sell to a Western platform?” I researched all the Thai TV series that were available on Netflix and other internationally available sites, and it was clear that the most popular subject matter, the one that Western felt to be “Thai” in feel, by far, were stories known as “BL”…tales of high school romances between boys. Generally rather innocent. In Asia, the main audience for these stories is actually young women. European and American TV are only just starting to toy with this genre (notably shows like the British Heartstopper for instance) but in Asia it is a huge genre, dominating the young adult market. I told my friend that this wasn’t a genre I was that familiar with. But, if I could combine the milieu with a storyline kind of like what I am more known for…that is horror or fantasy…perhaps, I could create a hybrid that might be quite fresh. So, I basically grafted the American “boys discover the dark secrets of their school” genre on top of the “BL” genre, and it led to very strange and often quite humorous places. And I started to create the pilot for this putative series.
Now, Amazon Vella was being born at that very time. So, I thought, as a serial format, it could be a way of testing out the story on people who like to read stories with cliffhangers. This is how the novel came about. At first, no one really noticed it, but after a few months, some of my regular book readers started to pick up on the series, and it was briefly one of the more highly-rated series on Vella, enough that I was able to use it to find people to invest in an independent production of the live-action version. So…it happened all at once, and we found ourselves shooting a series in various converted offices and people’s houses while I started writing Book II of Club X. Well, the series is in post-production and on the verge of appearing on some web TV platforms.
So, this is how this rather unusual setup came into being.
In a lot of contemporary coming-of-age fiction novels, authors often add their own life experiences to the story. Are there any bits of you in this story?
Yes and no. I did go to an elite boarding school but in England. I was also briefly in a Catholic school in Thailand but not a boarding school. As the director of a youth orchestra program, I’m often surrounded by people in this age bracket and able to observe how they talk and think at close hand. I’ve raised someone with Asperger’s, and my adopted son had many gender issues. All the characters are, in fact, inspired by real people.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The genre hands you a set of readymade characters — you can see this in everything from “IT” to “Stranger Things.” The coming-of-age trope says you must have four boys: a cute one, a tough one, a fat one, and a geek. You must have a girl that they all like because she plays their games, but will normally end up with the cute one. The tough one is usually also vulnerable. The cute one is often a writer, dreamer, a thinking man, and often a stand-in for the author himself. So, when I moved the milieu to a Thai-style BL milieu, the four compulsory boys underwent transformation. The main kid, the thinking one suffers from Asperger Syndrome. His best friend is a child prodigy. The kid who is usually presented as “fat” has a different social “issue” – he’s gender fluid, but he’s completely ok with it and so are all his friends. The “geek” becomes the kid with strange paranormal powers. So, there are many themes of identity and selfhood that are common to kids everywhere but are given a new twist because of the cultural setting. Interestingly, the original book and serial are written in English, but I had to write the screenplay in Thai (a first for me although I am bicultural.)
I hope the series continues in other books. If so, where will the story take readers?
The second book, Zombie in the Fridge is already out. I’m working on a third, the title unsure, but I might go with Banshee in the Bathtub.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | S.P. Somtow | Patreon | Website | Amazon
St. Cecilia’s boys’ school is an elite boys’ school in a remote part of Thailand, a hotbed of hormones, mystery, fantasy, and dark secrets! Five kids (binary and non-binary) uncover the dark secrets of their school amid mysteries of identity and sexual attraction.
Why does Dr. Leopold Strange only teach after sundown? Why is Sister Euphemia dancing in the forest without her habit? And why can’t Kim and Fluke talk about the awful thing that happened to them in Oldenburg? And what’s in the closet?
Pushing the Boundaries and Raising the Stakes
Death or Volentus follows a vampire and necromancer who are nemesis who join forces to rescue a woman from the hands of a malevolent queen. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I was always intrigued by the idea of a supernatural detective who could raise the dead to obtain the answers to various crimes, whether they be from the deceased victim or the criminal. However, the danger of such a figure turning rogue and raising the dead to enact his/her designs would always be a concern, such as we saw here with Volentus. My overarching thought was: Wouldn’t it be interesting to read a story where the villain must rescue the hero this time – and that hero being the person who put that villain in check? Each character involved would be somewhat conflicted, making for an exciting drama. Adding in the vampire who must rely on Volentus to save the heroine he loves creates that perfect formula.
I find the world you created in this novel brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from, and how did it change as you were writing?
First, I needed to think of a place brimming with peril to set the stage for the crux of the plot. The only reason our forces would ever consider employing the aid of the hero’s nemesis would be to navigate a realm too dangerous for anyone else except for a villainous figure, in this case, Volentus, who had expertise in all things dead and undead. Establishing a steampunk-like city where the governing body is somewhat corrupt in its own way proved to be a jarring contrast to the dreaded Land of Wilted Roses. A gilded dystopian city parallel to a dark, forbidden land of doom. It just reads great.
What intrigues you about the horror and paranormal genres that led you to write this book?
I’ve always enjoyed pushing the boundaries and raising the stakes of what dark fantasy and horror could be for readers who have read and experienced so much of it already. Making these elements feel real, yet magical, pulls us into the world before we even know we’ve become invested. I want my readers to feel like they’re in the story, that they’re a part of the action. The haunting themes make for a great setting for characters who have relatable motivations. Every reader wants to escape in fiction. So, I endeavor to provide them with an escape they won’t soon forget.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
What a fortunate question. I have already begun planning the sequel and have settled on a great new setting for our characters where the previous tale left off. Be on the lookout for Death or Volentus: Macabre Masquerade before the Summer arrives! Intrigue abounds when a king invites Volentus and other powerful figures to a summit for peace disguised as a masquerade ball where everyone involved suspects a trap.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
A perfect read for fans of gothic horror, steampunk, and dark fantasy, Death or Volentus tells the story of a villainous figure who is convinced to embark on a perilous mission to rescue his nemesis from a wicked cult. Volentus is a necromancer able to raise corpses and command them to do his bidding, even leading vast undead armies. While he often plays by his own rules, Volentus finds himself partnering with a skilled vampire who would do anything to save the woman he loves, including slicing off Volentus’s head at the slightest hint of betrayal. However, as the formidable pair quickly discover, their assignment will be anything but what they expected.
Written by the award-winning author of The Angels of Resistance, The Redeem the Knight Trilogy, and Torn Asunder.
Death or Volentus
In Death or Volentus, readers are plunged into a thrilling narrative where Dragan Cellis, a psychic vampire, and Volentus, a necromancer, forge an unlikely alliance. Set against the backdrop of the Land of Wilted Roses, this dark fantasy tale unfolds with Dragan needing Volentus’ expertise to rescue his beloved, Alicent Vale, from the clutches of the malevolent Queen Malkira of Tenebris. The queen’s ambition to amass an army of ‘brands’ – individuals with unique powers – by converting them through torture and manipulation forms the crux of the story.
The dynamic between the characters is compelling. Dragan, initially driven by love, must confront the physical dangers of their mission and the ethical implications of their actions. Volentus, on the other hand, undergoes a transformation. His initial desire for revenge, stemming from a past encounter with Alicent that led to his imprisonment, evolves as he begins to see her in a new light. The narrative deftly illustrates how exposure to Alicent’s suffering alters his perspective, shifting his motivations from vengeance to protection. The plot thickens when it’s revealed what Malkira’s true intentions are. This development elevates the stakes, introducing a sense of urgency and danger as the characters find themselves trapped and facing an overwhelming threat.
The book engages readers from the outset with its action-oriented opening, quickly establishing the central conflict and the unique world it inhabits. The interplay between Alicent, Dragan, and Volentus adds depth to the narrative, ensuring that readers remain invested in their fates. The story’s pacing is well-managed, balancing action with character development and leading to a series of twists that keep the reader eagerly turning the pages.
This novel is a compelling read for fans of dark fantasy and supernatural thrillers. Its blend of action, character dynamics, and a richly imagined world makes it a standout in the genre. The concise nature of the story ensures a fast-paced and eventful experience, making it an excellent choice for those looking for an engaging and immersive narrative.
Pages: 203 | ASIN : B0CK15XBLW
The Folklorist
This unique novel seamlessly weaves historical and supernatural elements across two distinct time periods. In 1973 Vermont, we are introduced to Charlotte, a budding folklorist embarking on her new role in a museum. Her journey is fraught with challenges, particularly in gaining recognition from her contentious boss, Brad. Simultaneously, we are transported to Birch Falls, Vermont, in 1830, where the Kendall family grapples with the devastating impact of consumption. Jerusha, one of the daughters, chronicles their family’s trials in her diary, a document that Charlotte later stumbles upon. Rooted in reality, this novel draws from the historical phenomenon known as the New England vampire panic, where locals attributed deaths to restless spirits preying on the living. Will they succeed in halting the consumption pandemic? Will Charlotte finally receive the recognition she merits, or will Brad succeed in ousting her?
The book’s eloquent prose and gripping suspense effortlessly propel readers through its pages. The supernatural elements seamlessly blend with the narrative, evoking believability. Charlotte emerges as an endearing protagonist, urging us forward in her quest to uncover Birch Falls’ enigmatic truths. Moreover, the novel provides insight into the gender bias prevalent in 1970s America. The vividly described atmosphere of the 1830s and the intricate details of daily life add depth to the narrative.
The novel is an engaging read, though occasionally, I would have welcomed a little more depth. I yearned for a deeper exploration of Charlotte’s inner thoughts—her emotional journey as the narrative unfolded.
The Folklorist by Eileen O’Finlan is a beautiful blend of women’s fiction and a vampire thriller, giving readers a new take on these genres. This book is bound to resonate with female enthusiasts of historical fiction intrigued by the intersection of folklore and the ethereal world intermingling with our reality. It invites contemplation on the potential existence of such phenomena.
Pages: 457 | ASIN : B0CHNBJW9T
See the Light Again
All I See Are Dark Clouds follows a vampire filled with guilt over the death of her best friend who now dedicates her life to helping other nonhumans adapt to life in the human world. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I always had 3 stories in mind. All I See Are Dark Clouds was different as I knew exactly what I wanted to portray, grief. Not only did I want to portray grief, but also how one can eventually overcome a dark time and be able to see the light again even if they don’t think they deserve it.
Cammie struggles with her past and how to live her life now as a vampire. Is your main character someone you would get along with usually?
Back in The Darkest Side of the Moon when Camille is introduced, she is a typical teenage girl full of drama that at times can be a turnoff. Now in All I See Are Dark Clouds, Camille, or Cammie, is a shell of herself who generally pushes others away, but has matured beyond her years. Her maturity would be someone I would get along with, if she would let me in.
How do you balance the demands of writing with other responsibilities?
Determination and commitment. I’ve started many writing projects in the past that I never finished. COVID-19 helped me get back in the writing seat when there weren’t many places to go, and I found myself working from home which is why I incorporated the true event into All I See Are Dark Clouds. Learned a lot about myself and writing style in the process as well as gained the confidence to share my stories.
What would you advise young writers trying to build a publishing history or an author platform?
It takes a lot of patience and time. There are many lessons to learn along the way. It’s not about the end goal, selling an abundance of books, it’s about the journey and the steps one takes outside of their comfort zone that allows one to learn and grow.
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LITERARY TITAN 