Blog Archives
The Tribune
The Tribune by Paul E. Roberts is an ambitious and vividly detailed historical adventure that straddles the line between modern mystery and ancient warfare. The novel begins in the present day, following David Thompson, a struggling American PhD candidate in Roman history, who is whisked away to Romania by a mysterious phone call from an old friend. This call triggers a journey into the Carpathian wilderness in search of a long-lost Roman eagle standard—an artifact tied to one of history’s forgotten battles. The narrative then plunges into the past, weaving in the gripping tale of Septimus Flavius Patrionus, a young Roman tribune caught in the chaos of a doomed military campaign. What unfolds is a tense and haunting exploration of war, identity, ambition, and historical truth.
I admired the realism and the research, and how Roberts doesn’t pull punches when it comes to the grit and grime of soldiering, ancient or modern. The Roman scenes are brutal, rich, and immersive. I found myself far more emotionally invested than I expected, especially in Septimus’s transformation from uncertain young officer to man grappling with the brutal reality of leadership. The writing walks a fine line between clarity and rawness—straightforward and punchy one moment, introspective the next. The pacing isn’t perfect, it meanders at times, but I didn’t mind. It gave me space to breathe and soak in the mood.
Where the book really gripped me was in the blend of timelines and the emotional weight that ties the characters together across centuries. David’s desperation, his doubts, and his academic hunger mirror Septimus’s fears and hopes in a surprisingly touching way. The discovery of the eagle becomes more than just a plot device, it’s a symbol of lost causes, pride, and the weight of legacy. I love that the book isn’t afraid to be dark, mysterious, or even a little weird. The dialogue is modern and clean, and the humor feels lived-in, not forced, but rising naturally from the characters’ bond and exhaustion.
The Tribune hit me harder than I expected. It’s not just about history, it’s about how history lives in us, haunts us, and sometimes gives us purpose. This is a book for anyone who loves historical fiction with grit, academic thrillers with heart, or stories that make you question where fact ends and myth begins. If you’re drawn to the dark corners of the past or have ever stood in front of an ancient ruin and felt the weight of time press on your chest, then this one’s for you.
Pages: 233 | ASIN : B0F5GM6QQJ
Moonrise
Moonrise is a dark, winding tale that starts off as a corporate retreat and spirals into a visceral horror-thriller packed with strange rituals, power games, and a literal beast lurking in the woods. At its center is Anthony Montgomery, a weary mid-level employee who’s forced to navigate a world where loyalty tests involve taxidermied wolf paws and a monstrous creature might just be real. The book straddles the line between corporate satire and supernatural horror, and the way it flips from mundane work-life nonsense to full-on blood and snow makes for one thrilling ride.
Claiborne starts things off slow, with Anthony being the perfect jaded everyman, reluctantly sipping wine at an awkward office retreat. Then suddenly, we’re howling under the moon with a taxidermy paw full of wine and being told to drink up like it’s a frat party hosted by Satan. The scene with Mr. Morgan and the “Omega” ritual was unhinged. And I loved it. The writing here is sharp and cinematic, capturing that uneasy tension between corporate absurdity and primal chaos. It’s weird, but in the best way.
But it’s not just the gore and weirdness that kept me hooked. The characters—especially Anthony—are written with surprising depth. His interactions with Luna, his sense of duty to his girlfriend Sidney, and that internal battle between temptation and loyalty felt real. And then that scene in the woods? Where Anthony sees the creature for the first time? Pure horror movie magic. The tension was unbearable, and I was genuinely sweating. Claiborne describes the creature in such vivid detail. Anthony’s injury, the adrenaline, the decision to play dead—all of it was so well done.
There were a few moments that felt a bit over the top. Some of the hospital scenes ran a little long, and a few of the jokes didn’t quite match the tone of the rest of the book. There’s also a lot of internal monologue—some lines hit just right while other didn’t. But honestly, that added to the charm in a weird way. It gave Anthony this raw, messy humanity. He’s not a hero. He’s just a dude trying not to die and maybe score a promotion, which somehow makes him more relatable. I won’t spoil the ending, but let’s just say it leaves enough questions dangling to make me suspicious of every CEO with a vineyard.
Moonrise is for fans of offbeat horror, black comedy, and corporate satire. If you like your monsters bloody and your protagonists flawed, this book is for you. It’s not for the faint of heart or anyone looking for a polished, buttoned-up read. But if you’re in the mood for something different—something wild, creepy, and a little unhinged—pick this up.
Pages: 267 | ASIN: B0CLYXKZGZ
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
Moonlight Serenade
Terry Mark’s Moonlight Serenade offers a wild reimagining of World War II, blending historical fiction with bold fantasy. It’s August 1944. The Normandy invasion has shaken Europe. General Patton races across France with his armored command. Meanwhile, Amelia Earhart is stationed on a remote South Pacific island, secretly reporting on Japanese warship movements for the U.S. Navy. Across the globe, young Navy flier Paul Newman teams up with Earhart as they embark on a whirlwind journey through war-torn Europe, eventually crossing paths with Patton. In a twist straight from the imagination, Anne Frank and her family flee Nazi werewolves while Hitler and his forces hunt for the Vim gems—mystical relics with the power to unleash unspeakable destruction.
This novel is an alternate history as bizarre as it is captivating. Real historical figures—Anne Frank, Paul Newman, Amelia Earhart, and Glenn Miller—are thrust into a world where historical events collide with the fantastical. It’s a premise reminiscent of Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, where fact and fiction fuse to dazzling effect. The story’s strength lies in its playfulness. While the characters face peril, the tone is unmistakably tongue-in-cheek, making it difficult to take the danger too seriously. This approach suits the material perfectly.
Mark’s mischievous storytelling keeps readers guessing, weaving real-life events with inventive twists in a way that feels fresh and exhilarating. Imagine World War II in a snow globe—shaken, scattered, and reassembled into a thrilling new vision. The result? Pure entertainment. This isn’t literary fiction, nor does it aspire to be. It’s pure pulp escapism, and it excels in its mission. Glenn Miller, reinvented in Mark’s imaginative world, is an undeniable standout, stealing the show with charisma and charm. Despite being the third entry in a series, the novel works seamlessly as a standalone. Newcomers can dive in without hesitation and follow the action with ease.
Moonlight Serenade is an unabashedly bombastic romp, a whirlwind of intrigue and humor set against an alternate WWII backdrop. It’s not just a book—it’s an adventure worth taking, and one that will leave you grinning from start to finish.
Pages: 309 | ASIN : B09M547NX8
A Touch of Romance
Eternal Bloodlines follows a young woman living in a small, quiet town who longs for some excitement only to discover a gruesome murder leading her into a dark mystery she cannot escape from. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
As strange as it may sound, my teen fantasies and imagination were my inspiration for this story. I grew up in Skidway Lake. Yes, it is a real small town. I always told myself I would get out of that town—a place where everyone knew your name, your parents, who you hung out with, and how much trouble you got into. I played on my thoughts from back then to create my main protagonist, Amanda.
When it comes to the vampire theme, I have always been intrigued by vampires—their immortality, death, cold skin, and absence of a heartbeat. I have done research throughout the years on the real vampire, Vlad Tepes (Vlad the Impaler). To add a bit of realism to the story, I had to include him as a character. I had to offer a different perspective of his character.
One other thing I believe the readers should know…I don’t believe they are as romantic as I portray them in this story. My true vision of them is as ghastly entities that would rip you apart without feeling or remorse. I see them as hunters, wilder than animals, looking for their next kill. This version of the immortal vampire is more exciting than the romanticized version, but who doesn’t love a touch of romance in a paranormal story?
Your characters are all incredibly well-developed, drawing the readers into the story and building their connection to it. What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
Although she is not a main character, I loved creating Jessica. She’s a bundle of fun and energy with an “I don’t give a damn” attitude. She is charismatic and a joy to have around. Writing about her was a delight.
In fantasy novels, it’s easy to get carried away by the magical powers characters have. How did you balance the use of supernatural powers?
It’s true that it’s easy to get caught up in the magic and go overboard. However, I focus more on the characters than their powers—how they love, hurt, feel pain, and their triumphs. I want to make each character real—relatable.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
I have thought about a second book, though I have not made a decision. As for the cover, we’ll see what the story holds.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
2021 Readers’ Favorite Book Awards: Bronze – Young Adult
2018 Book Excellence Award Winner – Mystery
2018 IAN Book of the Year Awards Finalist – Fiction: Paranormal/Supernatural
2016 New Apple Summer E-Book Awards Winner – Fantasy
BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR…
Twenty-four-year-old Amanda Holston dreams of getting a little excitement in her life.
In the sleepy town of Skidway Lake, that may be asking too much.
Until one snowy morning, a string of murders shatters the peace, and a near-fatal accident leaves her scarred – but with more than just wounds. Voices echo in her head, and she sees a dark man in her dreams. She blames the delusions on the accident… but the dark man is all too real.
Haunted by visions and whispers hinting at a destiny she never imagined, Amanda is suddenly thrust into a realm of legend. In this new reality, vampires rule the shadows, myths walk the earth, and a revelation comes to light…
Ancient vampire blood courses through Amanda’s veins.
As she tries to make sense of the implications of her lineage, and her growing attraction to Mihnea, the son of Vlad Tepes himself… Castle Dracul looms in the horizon. Is it a gothic prison or a birthright to be claimed?
Amanda is plunged unprepared into the dangerous intrigues and conflicts of the vampire world. She must learn the secrets of her ancestry if she wants to survive. The brutal murders that plagued her hometown echo ominously in this new realm, serving as a chilling reminder of the darkness that surrounds her.
Can Amanda control the power awakening within her?
Can she forge her own path, or will the shadows of her past and a legacy she never chose consume her?
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
LITERARY TITAN 