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Explosive Chemistry
Paige E. Ewing’s Explosive Chemistry immerses readers into the gripping and mystical world of Liliana, a spider-kin seer juggling the complexity of her prophetic abilities with the trials of a society fraught with discrimination and danger. As she navigates visions of death, perilous alliances, and ethical dilemmas, her journey becomes an intriguing tapestry of action, introspection, and relationships—human and Other alike. The novel intertwines themes of survival, morality, and belonging in a richly textured narrative.
The writing in this book is a bit like Liliana herself, spunky, clever, and layered with complexity. Ewing excels at worldbuilding, painting vivid scenes like the lush forest settings or the tense interactions with other supernatural beings. Liliana is the heartbeat of the novel, and I adored her grit and wit. Her transformation from a cautious loner to a reluctant but steadfast hero is compelling. I particularly loved the subtle humor in her observations, such as her irritation with mundane injuries clashing with her dramatic, mystical life. The way she bonds with Janice, a rabbit-kin homemaker, shows another side of Liliana, a desire for connection in a life that’s often lonely and fraught with danger. However, her constant inner struggle seeing death but sometimes failing to prevent it brought a poignant layer of vulnerability that made her feel real. It wasn’t hard to feel both her triumphs and failures. The interactions between Liliana and the Fae prince are deliciously tense, embodying the push-and-pull of trust, power, and respect. Their conversations bristle with undercurrents of potential alliance or conflict.
Explosive Chemistry is an engaging read that combines rich storytelling with sharp characters and a healthy dose of suspense. I’d recommend it to readers who love urban fantasy with a splash of mystery and a protagonist who’s both fierce and flawed. If you’re a fan of intricate worldbuilding and moral quandaries wrapped in fast-paced action, this one’s for you.
Pages: 253 | ASIN : B0CLMXW7W4
Paranormal and Supernatural
Twilight’s Veil follows two detectives investigating a series of gruesome killings who wind up descending into the darkness, where reality and time become blurred. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for this story was the premade book cover and the main character, Ellie Graves. I saw a premade book cover I liked, so I decided to make an entire series out of that book cover. This means that the first five book covers for the series have been made. Unlike the Griffin Knight series, I wanted to focus more on the paranormal and supernatural from the get-go. The premade book cover helped me do this because I had to fit it into the story about why a werewolf is on the front cover. Ellie Graves’ name also fits into this because I like wordplay.
Ellie and Phil are both interesting and unique characters. What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
I enjoyed creating all the characters and developing them was a pleasure. I didn’t find one more challenging to write than others.
You flawlessly blend mystery and dark fantasy in this book. It takes exceptional talent to do this. How did you go about blending the two genres without disrupting the story?
Reading other books helps a lot with creating a story. I found bits and pieces in the story that I could add here and there, so I just did it.
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 next story?
Yes, this is the first book in the Ellie Graves series. The next book, Tangled Fates, has been written. It will continue where Ellie left off.
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What if there is more to the world than meets the eye?
In the dark alleys of London, Detective Ellie Graves is on a mission to bring justice to the city. Her relentless pursuit of truth leads her into a string of gruesome killings that have left the streets trembling in fear. With her partner, Phil Woods, by her side, Ellie must navigate through a dangerous game of cat and mouse as they race against the clock to stop the chaos unraveling before them.
As the body count rises, Ellie and Phil uncover a sinister web of ancient evil lurking beneath the surface. With every clue leading them deeper into darkness, the detectives must confront the malevolent forces at play before it’s too late. But as time slips away and reality becomes blurred, Ellie and Phil must make tough choices that blur the line between hunter and hunted. Amidst the chaos, one question remains: will Ellie and Phil emerge victorious or will they become victims of the very darkness they seek to defeat?
This gripping tale of crime and ancient evil will captivate fans of suspenseful thrillers such as The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.
Don’t miss out—grab your copy now before the price changes!
Family Bonds
Wilder Fire: Thomas Berenford Chronicles follows a man claiming to own a pest removal business who takes on the role of trying to save this community from the danger that threatens it. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The core character inspiration was my father, Richard Schwartz. On his best day, he was Thomas Berenford. Charming, competent, and conflicted. In terms of genre, inspiration came from swords and sorcery fantasy from my youth mashed with the noir detective novels and movies.
Thomas acts out of a need to protect and rectify the wrongs in the world. What were the morals you were trying to capture while creating your characters?
Courage: Something in short supply today.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Family bonds and the enduring devotion of the dog.
Where does the story go in the next book, and where do you see it going in the future?
So glad you asked! Coming soon, Berenford will appear in a prequel called Blood Daggers, inspired in part by the likes of The Godfather and The Sopranos. Afterwards, look for another Berenford exploit set in the Wild West. No, he will not don a cowboy hat, but he will ride a horse.
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Nothing comes easy for me. No matter where I wander, whenever I hang my sign, the inevitable femme fatale crosses my threshold and hires my services for the day.
I’m Thomas Berenford. Today, I’ll be on the hunt to rescue a wayward kid banging around with a band of were-dogs. Sort of man’s worst friend. Difficult, to say the least, and hardly worth the gold.
Why bother? To right a few wrongs, that’s why. To expose the pernicious forces behind the Gray Ruin, a fatal disease striking down the best denizens of my latest home. To untangle a web of corruption between violent thugs, greedy crime lords, malevolent mages, and a twisted old witch bearing a hot grudge.
Fear not, for I’ve got a skin of hooch, a few cigars, and Wilma — my tumultuous broadsword and collaborator. I should be fine. Just fine.
All in a day’s fun for an entrepreneur in the business of Pest Control.
Wilder Fire: Thomas Berenford Chronicles
In Wilder Fire: Thomas Berenford Chronicles, by Joseph Schwartz, readers are introduced to Thomas Berenford, an intriguing character with a knack for wielding a broadsword and a sharp sense of humor. Set in the fictional community of Blackstone Springs, Berenford’s arrival marks the beginning of his journey as he sets up a pest control business, only to find himself entangled in a web of danger. The narrative suggests a connection between these perilous events and the enigmatic characters of the Wilders and Kilgore. As the plot thickens, it becomes apparent that Blackstone Springs faces a grave threat, and Berenford might just be the key to averting it.
Schwartz’s fantasy adventure novel is rich with vivid battle scenes and mythical creatures, aligning well with the shifter or werewolf genres. Readers familiar with Andrzej Sapkowski’s “The Witcher” series may find similarities in theme and style. Berenford, as a protagonist, melds the roles of warrior and detective, navigating the story’s challenges with both physical prowess and keen insight. The novel’s first-person narration enhances the storytelling, with Berenford’s acerbic wit and world-weary demeanor bringing a unique perspective to the magical and mystical elements of the plot. Despite his experience in facing formidable challenges, Berenford finds the situation in Blackstone Springs particularly daunting. The injustice perpetrated by Kilgore and the Wilders strikes a chord with him, compelling him to take action. Berenford’s motivations evolve from self-interest to a genuine desire to do good, revealing his underlying heroism. His character, reminiscent of Han Solo from the Star Wars saga, is driven by a deep-seated need to confront and rectify the wrongs he witnesses. This transformation from a mercenary to a champion of justice adds depth to his character, making him an engaging and relatable figure for readers.
Schwartz skillfully weaves a tale of adventure, mystery, and moral complexity, presenting a protagonist whose journey is as much about internal discovery as it is about external conflict.
Pages: 124 | ASIN : B0CNG7R5CP
Pulling Teeth and Other Stories
Grimdark fiction with a paranormal focus can settle like oil underwater when blended with action and gunplay, but Pulling Teeth and Other Stories by Jessa Forest has a balanced blend. Each corner of stark weird or science fiction here is softened by the wolves. Sterile laboratory prison landscapes are brightened somehow with childlike wonder. Bounding through these forests untethered, we find stories of the bond between father and daughter, master and apprentice, trust and honor.
As a collection of novellas and short stories, Pulling Teeth is the beginning of a series about a young hybrid werewolf, Regina Slaughter. Maintaining a similar tone and following in chronological order, each story hits extremes of tension, horror, and the unknown with ease and alacrity.
Regina’s tragic upbringing to the age of nine and the fate of her family unfolds as we follow her from being an imprisoned test subject to her freedom after being taken in by another faction, more of her kind, mercenary werewolves. Considering this is a world where werewolves, magic, parallel dimensions, and vampires exist, in the relatively small space these stories provide, we also delve into friendships, family, loss, and lunacy which is no small feat for a world with such complexity.
Regina was test subject 33 at the HADES facility. After two years of their attempts to control the powers of werewolves with torture and restraint, her rescue comes in a bloody and unexpected ally. Atlas, a werewolf mercenary from a nearby stronghold, becomes her protector and unlikely substitute for her father, who was taken away too soon. Her new pack leader, Thane, who dresses in the hides of mysterious creatures formed into a plague mask, is cold and strict. But, when he unexpectedly takes the feral Regina under his wing, her animal strength and desire to serve her new pack with honor seem to have finally found a place. There are many factions at war or with tenuous alliances in the world that Jessa Forest has created. The world can seem quite complex.
Luckily, we have an introductory short story, Welcome to HADES, that outlines the differences between the organization’s different departments that hunt werewolves, vampires, mages, and other Void creatures in the form of an employee manual. The stories of these animals’ hunters and the hunted unfold in three novellas and two short stories mainly from the werewolf point-of-view. Regina’s Guide to Monster Hunting, later on in the book, serves as a bookend to the first chapter and creatively adds to the readers’ arsenal. Many of our questions are answered as we read on, exploring the world between these two chapters.
The characters of Regina, Thane, and Atlas are broadened expertly in the titular short story, Pulling Teeth. It is somewhat visceral; it reminds us that Regina is the scrappy orphan we envision as a budding werewolf warrior or typical young teen. However, the unexpected change of pace with Demon Tooth reveals that the humans here are largely oblivious to the dark world at their doorstep. Werewolves, understandably, stay within the shadows hiding in the darker recesses of humanity. Inevitably they will cross with this story of bored suburban human teens taunting forces they barely understand, but that Regina knows all too well.
Although we get to know a lot about her past captivity, abuse, and perhaps stunted personality, Regina sometimes comes across as a lot younger than she is. This could also speak to her animalistic and simplistic nature, which may naturally read as a younger girl than 11 years old. This is the only fault in the dialogue or how others treat her; at times, a child is a trusted member of the team. Her attitude vacillating from studious apprentice and bratty teen reads as unstable at times. Ultimately, it is refreshing to see some of the childlike phrases from Regina and see the world through her eyes guide our reactions to those around her to a certain extent.
As with much science fiction or weird tales, it takes a little getting used to the typology, the taxonomy, and jargon. One tactic Forest uses is likening Regina’s situations into contemporary, classic horror, and science fiction films. Without being a casual name-drop, this helps ground readers into the world through Regina’s eyes because she’s watched many films that fans of this literature are likely to have seen.
If anything, we want to find out more about Regina. Although we’ve had a great insight into her past, her future is a mystery. From the human threat to the Void itself, there is peril in our imaginations. The more we understand how she fits within this world, the more we want to see her adapt. As this is the beginning of a series, fans of this first set of stories will eagerly expect the next installment.
Our world of mythology and science blends here as naturally as fur and fang. Definitely a great fit for fans of a strong character storyline, the politics of warring factions, and following guns for hire. And, of course, those who love a new take on monster stories, specifically werewolves and origin stories for all that is dark, occult, and macabre.
Pulling Teeth and Other Stories is a riveting combination of grimdark, science fiction, fantasy, and horror. This collection of short stories will take readers on an unforgettable journey.
Pages: 266 | ASIN : B08M12631P
It Had Power
Angelina Kerner Author Interview
The Scented Bones follows a young forensic anthropologist thrown into the middle of a feud between vampires and werewolves. What was the inspiration for the setup to this thrilling story?
The Godfather by Mario Puzo. When I was in college, taking an English class, most essays and books were boring until the professor chose his book. The book inspired discussions and gained attention of the students. It had power and I wanted to have similar power over my readers with my writing.
This book has been in the works for more than 5 years. It has gone through 5 drafts, including Angel being a university student and main character to be Rayne and not Gage. However, that draft seemed to read more like about street gangs and so I worked hard to make it more like mafia families.
The Scented book is the first in the series and in every book I’ll introduce more characters and families. Hopefully, my books will inspire readers to read more and even try their hand at writing.
Angel is an intriguing character that I enjoyed following. What were some themes you wanted to capture in her character?
I didn’t want her to be perfect. I wanted her to be smart but timid. Serious but with surprising funny moments. I wanted her to tread carefully when it comes to relationships and focus on the job. But, what I wanted to show was how she looked at magic. Of how she was afraid of what she was and what she could do.
I enjoyed the backstory and mythology embedded in this world between the vampires and werewolves. What were some sources of inspiration that helped you create this world?
Most inspiration came from the characters themselves. Originally all characters were mundanes and as the book progressed into the paranormal, the characters became their other selves. When I was re writing them, I was thinking that if they weren’t paranormal born, how would they shift if bitten? How would they act if they were born?
I tried staying away from other paranormal books about vampires and werewolves to keep my characters original.
Where will the next book in The Svabodina Case Files pick up and when will it be available?
The next book will pick up a couple of weeks after the last scene in The Scented Bones with a new case. The new case will involve a serial killer.
At the moment, I have about 20 chapters written. I’m going back to editing these chapters before finishing the book because I have to add information to the already written ones in order to write the scenes with the actual killer. It is a lot of work and I have a chapter summary file that I go back to for each chapter. I’m tracking dates, character appearances, etc.
I’m not sure when it will be out, hopefully next year. The Scented Bones has been republished by a publisher! So, I’ll work closely with the publisher for book 2 as well. It’s super exciting! Book 2 is titled – The Puzzle of Bones.
Author Links: Website | Goodreads | Amazon | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest
![The Scented Bones: The Svabodina Case Files by [Kerner, Angelina]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51sv4HsgrFL._SY346_.jpg)
Angel Svabodina is a rookie forensic anthropologist, enjoying the beginning of her new career. That joy comes crashing down when she figures out the skeleton she’s working on is not human and then it vanishes.
She throws herself fully into the case without thinking about the parties involved, a psychopomp associate, and paranormal mafia families made up of vampires and werewolves—or the consequences.
When she sees there’s no avoiding the inevitable, Angel has to suck it up and work with the werewolves to solve the case but can she trust them?
Werewolves and witches are in a centuries-old feud, but that doesn’t stop the shivers running down her spine from one wolf in particular. Rights and wrongs become blurred, as she is tormented by her past and accepting who she truly is while searching for the skeleton. What’s more, nothing comes for free, including information. To get what she needs from the werewolf don, Angel has to meet with the fae queen. Can she meet her without repercussions and solve the case?
The Scented Bones: The Svabodina Case Files
The Scented Bones is an outstanding contribution to the world of paranormal and light-hearted romance. The author, Angelina Kerner, provides a novel which opens up a whole range of emotions and mysteries. The unique plotline of The Scented Bones is both humorous, enticing and intense. Kerner’s nerve-wracking story line is perfect for those who are thrill seekers that enjoy all things odd, weird and truly abnormal.
From shape-shifters, to witches, to vampires and werewolves, The Scented Bones really does captivate all key elements of the paranormal world. Nothing beats a book that is full of mystery, tension and the unknown. Angelina is able to write a fluent and creative plot. Her heroine, Angel, is a forensic anthropologist when her life is turned upside down when the skeleton that she has been working on vanishes. This book follows case files to help solve what happened to the skeleton. But along the way, Angel has to face all sorts including the Fae Queen. Can she solve the case with the help of different paranormal families?
Angelina Kerner does a fantastic job at writing fluently with regards to her characters. Right from the offset, I was instantly drawn into the heroin, Angel, and her Grandma. The characters are well described, well thought out, and appeal to all types of reader. Kerner continues to keep the reader’s attention with both humans and paranormal characters, providing the ultimate paranormal novel.
One of the great things that Angelina Kerner articulates in her writing is the ability to look beyond reality and enter a world of pure make-believe. The author of The Scented Bones reinforces ideas such as the paranormal and the unknown – something that all of us are slightly bewildered by.
The Scented Bones is a book that is easy to follow and written with unique style and creativity. What is even more, is that the author has gone out of her way to create a vocabulary section at the beginning of her book to ensure readers know the meaning of bizarre words and/or phrases.
After reading The Scented Bones, I can safely say that this book took me out of my comfort zone. However, I can honestly say that I enjoyed the narrative, plot twists and characters. Angel plays the perfect heroine throughout this book, and I loved reading how her journey played on. From beginning to end, Angleina Kerner kept me on the edge of my seat. This is the first book that I have read by Kerner, and I can safely say that I will be back for more of her books.
An articulate, creative and highly imaginative novel blending an array of themes and emotions with the unnatural world. I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Scented Bones and I believe this book has lots of things to offer a wide range of readers. You will not be disappointed with what this book has to offer! Trust me!
Pages: 156 | ASIN: B07DHZFBD4
The Scented Bones: The Svabodina Case Files
Angel Svabodina is a rookie forensic anthropologist, enjoying the beginning of her new career. That joy comes crashing down when she figures out the skeleton she’s working on is not human and then it vanishes.
She throws herself fully into the case without thinking about the parties involved, a psychopomp associate, and paranormal mafia families made up of vampires and werewolves—or the consequences.
When she sees there’s no avoiding the inevitable, Angel has to suck it up and work with the werewolves to solve the case but can she trust them?
Werewolves and witches are in a centuries-old feud, but that doesn’t stop the shivers running down her spine from one wolf in particular. Rights and wrongs become blurred, as she is tormented by her past and accepting who she truly is while searching for the skeleton. What’s more, nothing comes for free, including information. To get what she needs from the werewolf don, Angel has to meet with the fae queen. Can she meet her without repercussions and solve the case?
LITERARY TITAN 