Tag: dark fantasy horror

The Ascension (Callum Walker Book One) by J.M. Shaw Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

An introverted young man discovers he has gained new powers and becomes embroiled in a war between two evil and powerful brothers in author J.M. Shaw’s “The Ascension”, the first book in the Callum Walker series.

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The Synopsis

A magical war is brewing. While humankind is blissfully unaware, two evil brothers, a sorcerer and a necromancer, are marshaling deadly supernatural forces and armies of mythical creatures in a bid to destroy one another. The triumphant warlord will be free to impose their dominion over Earth’s natural world and a coexisting magical realm concealed from human knowledge behind an ethereal veil.

Meanwhile, Callum Walker is an introverted young man born with gifts that he struggles to understand. As monsters begin wreaking havoc in his city, Callum is compelled to use his unmastered arcane abilities to combat the growing menace. Unfortunately, the scheming warlords notice his vigilante escapades, and both see Callum as a potential threat.

While coming to terms with his extraordinary powers, Callum discovers a hidden world of magic and a cryptic prophecy that proclaims he will end the warfare now breaching the veil. However, Callum soon finds himself pursued by the agents of both factions, plus those seeking personal sanctuary or offering to help.

Ultimately, Callum Walker must overcome his fears and doubts if he hopes to survive, let alone bring the conflict to an end.

The Review

What a magical and powerful read. The author immediately draws the reader in with both personal internal conflict for the protagonist and terrifying supernatural and magical threats to the world. The action is adrenaline-fueled, and the imagery the author uses brings the visceral nature of the fighting and the creatures that make up this magical world to life in a very cinematic way. The pacing is fast-paced, drawing the reader in early on and laying out the wealth of mythos the author cultivated for this series. 

The heart of the narrative resides in the character developments that bring this story to life. Not only did I immediately resonate with Callum’s story and personal struggles, especially as an introvert with social anxiety myself, but the wide cast of characters gave readers multiple perspectives that captured the chaos of the war between the two evil brothers and the skewed perspectives their allies have of one another, adding to Callum’s growing problems throughout the narrative.

The Verdict

Memorable, thrilling, and entertaining author J.M. Shaw’s “The Ascension” is a must-read dark fantasy meets horror novel and the perfect first entry into this new series. The twists and turns in the novel and the powerful imagery that keeps the reader engaged with this story and the characters involved will drive readers to want more and more from this fantastic author. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

J. M. Shaw lives in Airdrie, Alberta with her husband and two young children. She has a background in x-ray technology, psychology, and personal training, as well variable personal interests in martial arts, airsoft, and running. A diagnosis of autism for herself and both her sons has begun an incredible journey of understanding, acceptance, and life-long learning. She has immensely enjoyed writing creatively for more than thirty years, and with many novels in various degrees of completion. The Ascension is her debut novel in the Callum Walker series.

https://jmshawauthor.com

Interview with the Devil: Resurrection by Michael Harbron Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

TRIGGER WARNING: This book features storylines involving SA. Anyone who could be triggered by this storyline should avoid this chapter, which the author outlines at the beginning of the book for readers’ knowledge. Reader discretion is advised.

Joseph Banbury must confront his own inner demons while facing a dark destiny, newfound powers and the Devil himself in author Michael Harbron’s “Interview with the Devil: Resurrection”, the next book in the Interview with the Devil series.

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The Synopsis

In the gripping second installment of the series, Joseph Banbury ventures further into the realms of the supernatural, wielding newfound powers that challenge his understanding of good and evil. As he navigates a treacherous path fraught with peril and deception, Joseph confronts his inner demons while forging an unlikely alliance with the Devil himself. With each step closer to the truth, Joseph unravels dark secrets that bind him to his fate, culminating in a chilling revelation that shakes the foundations of his existence. Will Joseph succumb to his destiny, or will he defy the forces of darkness and forge his own path to redemption?

The Review

What an incredible sequel to the first book in this series! The author did an incredible job of crafting a story that really built upon the mythos and narrative laid down in the first book. One of the first things that stood out to me was how the author explored a writer’s relationship to the craft of writing, from writing for themselves versus writing for others to the responsibility of telling the right story. 

Joseph’s evolution and the volatile and charged sessions interviewing the Devil really kicked this story up a notch. The imagery and powerful world-building that the author poured into this sequel only served to elevate Joseph’s journey, toeing the line between sci-fi and fantasy storytelling and exploring the power and influence of the human psyche as well. The themes of order versus chaos, control versus freedom, and the true nature of “good and evil” made for compelling narratives, and the author really embraced the horror nature of this novel, crafting some chilling scenes that will stay with readers long after the book ends. 

The Verdict

Shocking, entertaining, and harrowing, author Michael Harbron’s “Interview with the Devil: Resurrection” is a must-read supernatural horror fantasy thriller. The twists in the narrative as the author explores both the Devil and Joseph much more closely in this sequel and the cliffhanger ending will stay with readers, who will be eager for the third book in this trilogy. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Michael Harbron is an American fiction writer who brings a unique, yet traditional approach to the horror and supernatural genres. From a young age, Harbron was captivated by the eerie and unexplained, a fascination that has deeply influenced his writing. His works aim to unsettle readers through suspense and psychological depth, revisiting the shadowy corners of childhood fears. His debut novel, “Interview with the Devil,” exemplifies the blurred lines between reality and the unimaginable. Harbron’s storytelling resurrects dormant fears, proving that true horror lies not in what is seen, but in what is felt.

https://michaelharbron.com

The Undead Wars (A Cry in the Moon’s Light Book Two) by Alan McGill Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

A deadly threat emerges and former enemies must band together to stop it in author Alan McGill’s “The Undead Wars”, the second book in the A Cry in the Moon’s Light series. 

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The Synopsis

A LEADER WILL RISE AND A KINGDOM WILL FALL.

The former Duchess of Harcourt lives a quiet life. The events of the Dark Forest are a distant memory. But evil does not forget so easily. The sinister Witch King has sent new creatures to find the remaining witches.

Gruesome murders plague the land as eerie Wolf Song echoes from the mountains. Is this the return of Seth? Or something else?

Alessandra de Moreau must decide if she can work with those who killed her love, for only together will they be able to stop the Undead Army. But first, she will have to find the Dagger of Dark Silver and unravel the Mystery of the Wolf, if they are to survive The Undead Wars.

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The Review

This was a gripping and captivating fantasy read. The perfect sequel to A Cry in the Moon’s Light expands upon the mythos and world-building of the first novel, allowing readers to dive deeper and deeper into the world the author has crafted. The author’s dark and grim imagery in the book is spine-chilling and beautiful in its delivery.

The story’s fantastic character development and pacing became the heart of the narrative. The pacing matched the suddenness and shock of the emerging threat of this undead army, and getting to see the way these characters from the first book have progressed in the years since the shocking ending of that first novel was incredible to see, especially the emergence of Alessandra as the heroine who has to bring these ragtag fighters together to face this undead threat was great to see come to life on the page. 

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The Verdict

The harrowing narrative and shocking twists and turns make this a must-read dark fantasy and gothic horror read. The introduction of both historical figures and new foes for the heroes of this tale to face will draw readers in instantly, with a couple of threats emerging as new iconic villains in the genre and the emotional pull of the main cast of characters and their emerging struggles made this a top contender for novel of 2024 early on in the year. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Alan McGill is an American author who lives in an old farmhouse with a clowder of cats. Alan was close to his grandparents, who grew up during the Great Depression. They were married young and remained together until his grandmother’s passing. His grandfather served in the Navy during WWII and was a gifted storyteller who wove humorous tales about tough events. Alan grew up listening to these stories of right and wrong and watching fictional heroes–such as the Lone Ranger, Adam West’s Batman and Captain America–stand up to bullies and protect those who count not protect themselves. This inspired him to always do what was right in his own life and shaped his love of storytelling. He is a multigenre author whose debut novel, A Cry in the Moon’s Light, combines horror, romance, and mystery. As with all his books, A Cry in the Moon’s Light centers on characters who strive to do the right thing regardless of the adversity they face. The book focuses on the theme of love–a pure and deep love that defeats all evil.

https://www.alanmcgillbooks.com

Spirit & Fire (Cymraeg Tales Book 1) by T.C. Marti

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

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A young outcast and a prince on the run must band together when she is blamed for the prince’s “abduction” in author T.C. Marti’s “Spirit & Fire”, the first book in the Cymraeg Tales series.

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The Synopsis

A troubled outcast on the run from her home nation’s wrath…

…An estranged prince escaping a dreary home life in a distant land

Mali LaSalle always wanted to exert revenge on a monarchy that rendered her family outcasts centuries ago. But the girl never dreamed she would cross paths and befriend a crown prince from an allied nation seeking to run away from a prearranged betrothal.

Now on the run, they learn that the monarchy framed Mali for kidnapping Prince Caer and employed more sinister entities than the duo could ever have imagined to arrest her. If caught, Mali will face a death sentence. If she and Caer can outrun the monarchy’s henchmen, then she will at least live to fight another day.

Spirit and Fire is rich in sword and sorcery, and elemental magic. If you like stories about forbidden love, chosen ones, ultra-complex plots, and thrilling fight scenes, this epic young adult dark fantasy is for you.

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The Review

Serving as a prequel to the author’s Elementals of Nordica series, this book does an excellent job of delving more into the fantasy element of this franchise than ever before. The author really honed in on the age of kingdoms and magic perfectly, crafting a narrative that felt both large in scale and yet intimate all at the same time. 

The heart of this story, as so often is in this amazing fantasy author’s work, is the rich character development and world-building that brought this world to life. The way the author was able to hone in on the history of this world, and the way the chemistry between Mali and Prince Caer brought out both the tension and the heart of the narrative really kept the reader engaged throughout this story.

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The Verdict

From rich settings and detailed writing styles that honed in on the imagery this novel was rife with, author TC Marti’s “Spirit & Fire” is a must-read dark fantasy novel. The way the story plays into the future of this world from the Elementals of Nordica franchise, including the ancestors of some of the reader’s favorite characters, made this a thrilling and entertaining novel that is not to be missed. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

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Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

TC Marti has been an avid reader/writer for over three decades. He is the author of the Elementals Universe, a shared speculative fiction universe spanning multiple series. He is also a workout fanatic, and a fan of Arizona sports teams.

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The Wolf and the Favour by Catherine McCarthy Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and hones review. All opinions are my own. 

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A young girl must learn who to trust and what path to walk in author Catherine McCarthy’s “The Wolf and the Favour”.

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The Synopsis

Ten-year-old Hannah has Down syndrome and oodles of courage, but should she trust the alluring tree creature who smells of Mamma’s perfume or the blue-eyed wolf who warns her not to enter the woods under any circumstance?

The Wolf and the Favour is a tale of love, trust, and courage. A tale that champions the neurodivergent voice and proves the true power of a person’s strength lies within themselves.

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The Review

This was such a fantastic and thoughtful dark fantasy and horror story meets mythological tale. The rich and chilling imagery was brought forth by some highly detailed and creative writing on the author’s part, and the infusion of Welsh culture and dialect really helped bring a unique spin on the fantasy and horror genres.

To me, the heart of this narrative rested in the unique character development and world-building the author put into place. The author’s ability to make the protagonist neurodivergent and showcase their individual selves perfectly while also showcasing the challenges that both the protagonist and her parents face was so grounded and moving to read. Paired with the mystery of the good wolf versus the alarming wolf dilemma, the addition of the fantasy element with the witches also made the growth and development of these characters that much more impactful.

The Verdict

Memorable, entertaining, and richly developed, author Catherine McCarthy’s “The Wolf and the Favour” is a must-read dark fantasy and horror novel! The twists and turns in the narrative and the heartfelt connection that readers will draw to the cast of characters made this a memorable read. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Catherine McCarthy weaves dark tales on an ancient loom from her farmhouse in West Wales.

She is the author of the novellas Immortelle and Mosaic and the novel A Moonlit Path of Madness. Her short fiction has been published in various anthologies and magazines, including those by Black Spot Books, Brigids Gate Press, and Dark Matter Ink.

In 2020 she won the Aberystwyth University Prize for her short fiction.

Time away from the loom is spent hiking the Welsh coast path or huddled in an ancient graveyard reading Dylan Thomas or Poe.

https://www.catherine-mccarthy-author.com/

A Cry in the Moon’s Light: Special Edition by Alan McGill Review and Showcase

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It’s not often that I get the rare opportunity to reexamine a special book I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing before, but my friend and fellow author Alan McGill have just released a brand new special edition of his book, A Cry in the Moon’s Light, and I thought I’d share some of my thoughts on the new edition. First, here’s a synopsis.

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The Synopsis

Includes special sneak peek of the next book in the series!


In a time of castles, muskets, and hideous creatures of the night, a beautiful woman travels across the treacherous Dark Forest to be by the side of her dying grandmother. With only a young carriage driver to protect her, she must use her wits and all of her courage to cross the wild country—and to evade the mysterious beast who stalks her.

What follows is a tale full of horror, mystery, and romance: gruesome murders at a village hidden deep in the forest, a castle that holds dark secrets, and a black wolf leading a deadly pack. Nothing is as it seems, and this journey has only just begun. The beautiful lady in the carriage will learn that only love can defeat evil, but is it love or danger that cries out to her in the deceitful light of the moon?

The Review

Now for those of you who didn’t see the first book review I did, you can read the full review here, but here’s a snippet:

I was hooked immediately on this book. The author did such an amazing job of crafting a narrative that was both emotionally invested and chilling at the same time. The story was written in a way that felt like historical fiction meets Brothers Grimm meets folklore all at once. The nods and homages to classic fairy tale style storytelling elements and themes were felt immediately, but then did such a great job of taking readers immediately into a right turn that held gruesome mayhem and terrifying creatures, and then made a completely new turn into heartbreaking and heartfelt romance and drama. 

The character growth in this narrative made the story everything it was. The horror, the scares, the heart, all of it wouldn’t have been possible without such strong characters and their bond with one another. From the young woman seeking to care for her grandmother to the loyal carriage driver hoping to protect her, and the creatures she shares a mysterious connection with, each of these characters felt dynamic and grand in their design, and yet very human and emotional in their motives and interactions with one another, making this such a superb read.

However, one thing that really makes this special edition stand out is the new chapters that the author previews from book two in the series, Undead Wars. The new book promises to flesh out this magnificent gothic world, even more, introducing new creatures and delving into the decade after the emotional ending of book one in the series. The stakes are raised immediately, honing in on the chaos these creatures are bringing to the European continent and even showcasing the conflicts emerging between the different European nations and kingdoms of this period of history. 

The Verdict

This is a masterclass special edition of one of my favorite gothic horror reads of the last few years. The author’s work and ability to world-build are unparalleled, and the promise of a fantastic new chapter in this gothic universe will have readers clamoring for more from this stellar author’s work. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy of this special edition today!

Rating: 10/10

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♬ Ambient-style emotional piano – MoppySound

About the Author

Alan McGill is an American author who lives in an old farmhouse with a clowder of cats. Alan was close to his grandparents, who grew up during the Great Depression. They were married young and remained together until his grandmother’s passing. His grandfather served in the Navy during WWII and was a gifted storyteller who wove humorous tales about tough events. Alan grew up listening to these stories of right and wrong and watching fictional heroes–such as the Lone Ranger, Adam West’s Batman, and Captain America–stand up to bullies and protect those who count not protect themselves. This inspired him to always do what was right in his own life and shaped his love of storytelling. He is a multigenre author whose debut novel, A Cry in the Moon’s Light, combines horror, romance, and mystery. As with all his books, A Cry in the Moon’s Light centers on characters who strive to do the right thing regardless of the adversity they face. The book focuses on the theme of love–a pure and deep love that defeats all evil.

https://twitter.com/AlanMcGill14

Interview with Author Jason Goss

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1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?


I’ve always been creative. I have an over active imagination.  And often times I’ll read a story and think the ending could have been better, or something else would have made more sense.  So I eventually decided to write my own stories.

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2) What inspired you to write your book?


Specifically with this book, I was sick of most vampire stories featuring vampires falling in love with a whiney neurotic teenager.  Vampires see us as food, not lovers.  I’ve never lusted after a big mac. So why would a vampire lust after his food.  So I decided to write a dark vampire story with an actual monster who has a complete disregard for human life.

3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?


That’s a tough on.  The theme itself is about revenge.  But at its heart…the story explores the vampires broken heart.  He loved someone who turned on him.  It drove him mad. And most of the book focuses on his madness.    I guess that’s the take away…women drive men mad 

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

Honestly…a facebook vote lol.  I wanted to write several different genres.  And I asked my followers which of several ideas they liked most based off 3 line pitches…and this one got most likes lol.

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5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?


This is a hard one.  I get into the head of all my characters as I write them.  Good or bad, I try to write from his or her point of view.  So in essence…I’m already a part of all of them.

6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?


Id say facebook has been most influential.  I have a decent following from my days as a former youtuber.  My old YouTube channel still has 25k subs…and I haven’t yet released a video on the channel to get sales for my book.  But im debating advertising on my old channel.  So if I do…YouTube will likely be most helpful lol but as of now…its facebook.

7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?


Just do it.  Don’t do it for fame or money.  Just write what you enjoy.  Tell a story you would want to read. And get it done.  If people like it great.  If not…who cares.  You did it.  The most satisfying part so far…is being able to say I wrote a book.  The fact so many people who’ve read it….like it…is just a bonus.

8) What does the future hold in store for you? Are any new books/projects on the horizon?


This book is a planned trilogy.  So I’m really excited for people to find out what happens to Alaric after the cliffhanger ending. After that I want to do a autobiography. I’ve lived a crazy life and want to document it in case I die one day lol

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About the Author

I’m Jason M Goss, and I’m a huge nerd 

Love anything sci fi or fantasy. I have a million ideas in my head and finally decided to start putting some down on paper.

I hope you like them, and I’m always open to feedback!

Life is about growing and become better than we were previously, and that’s what my goal is!

https://twitter.com/JasonMGoss

Red Door (A Cry in the Moon’s Life) by Alan McGill Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Three childhood friends find themselves at a crossroads filled with dangers lurking in the shadows as they find their lives changed forever in author Alan McGill’s “Red Door”, the prequel to the author’s novel A Cry in the Moon’s Light”. 

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The Synopsis

This is the story of a beautiful peasant girl and a farm boy who fall in love in the South of France, years before she becomes mi Lady, the Duchess of Harcourt and he becomes . . . something else. It is also the story of William de Parlimae, their childhood companion, whose path takes a different turn.

As children, the three played together. But when the Lord’s son embarks on an important mission with his two closest friends, they find that they’ve stepped past the threshold of youth and into a long, dark night filled with nightmares, cruelty, and vicious beasts.

In the darkness, the two lovers seek refuge at an abandoned village deep in the Dark Forest. But will the moon’s light be enough for them to tell friend from enemy, poison from perfume, and the stuff of dreams from the horrors around them?

The Review

This was an incredibly vivid and atmospheric read. The gothic setting and tone the author struck immediately kept me invested in the book, and the rich mythology and European culture the author infused into this story helps build upon the equally compelling mythos that the story this prequel plays into began. 

Yet it was the character development that truly kept me hooked on this story. The tension and chemistry these characters exhibited, especially the love story of Seth and Alessandra. The connection that their story had to the development of William as a villain and the way their story mirrored the larger mythos was incredible to behold. 

The Verdict

Gripping, entertaining, and chilling, author Alan McGill’s “Red Door” is the perfect gothic horror and fantasy novel for the spooky season and a definite must-read of the year! The brilliant world-building, haunting imagery the author infused into their writing, and the captivating characters made this a stellar novel that readers won’t be able to put down, and I can’t wait to see what comes next in the A Cry in the Moon’s Light series. If you haven’t already done so, be sure to grab your copy today! 

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Alan McGill is an American author who lives in an old farmhouse with a clowder of cats. Alan was close to his grandparents, who grew up during the Great Depression. They were married young and remained together until his grandmother’s passing. His grandfather served in the Navy during WWII and was a gifted storyteller who wove humorous tales about tough events. Alan grew up listening to these stories of right and wrong and watching fictional heroes–such as the Lone Ranger, Adam West’s Batman, and Captain America–stand up to bullies and protect those who count not protect themselves. This inspired him to always do what was right in his own life and shaped his love of storytelling. He is a multigenre author whose debut novel, A Cry in the Moon’s Light, combines horror, romance, and mystery. As with all his books, A Cry in the Moon’s Light centers on characters who strive to do the right thing regardless of the adversity they face. The book focuses on the theme of love–a pure and deep love that defeats all evil.

https://www.instagram.com/alanmcgill14/

https://twitter.com/AlanMcGill14

https://cryinthemoonslight.podbean.com/

Interview with Author Holly Rhiannon 

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1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

Well, when I say I’m a lifelong writer, I really am. I can’t remember a time I was not writing! My parents are both artists and writers so I grew up around art and literature. We all read aloud to one another long past the point most kids would read with their parents, and I still pick up that tradition again sometimes when I’m with one or the other. I have fond memories of my Mom making up fairy stories on the spot for me while we were running errands, and the excitement of seeing creators at the comic conventions I’d attend with my Dad whenever he was a guest. It was a very creative and inspiring upbringing so it’s really no surprise I wanted to tell my own stories quite early on.

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2) What inspired you to write your book?

It’s kind of funny. As someone who has been writing for so long, I have quite a few projects that have been in the works for years and years… decades even. But, when it came to getting my first full indie novel out there, A Time When Demons was a very new idea. I came up with it during Preptober of 2020 as my first NaNoWriMo novel, completed the first draft in November 2020 then spent the next year editing it, querying for a bit, then self publishing. 

Because of this, the “inspiration” process was a bit formulaic because I was working quickly, and experimentally and didn’t even expect to finish it. First, I picked witches. Then the big idea that pushed the story further was the concept of The Dreaming. I think I just thought that one up lying in bed one night fretting about mortality. Like with many of my stories, they’re inspired by classic teen horror and fantasy. Buffy the Vampire Slayer was a huge influence on me during my formative years so I think I’m always trying to attain some level of storytelling that can be on that level. The Dreaming is one of the things in this novel that I’d like to hold on to for future works and experiment with more.

3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

If you put the work in and stay true to yourself, you can find redemption. When I write, I rarely have a message I want to convey from the start, but rather let it come out as I write. A Time When Demons is very much a coming of age story, and redemption is a major theme of it.

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

It’s all I know, really. Ever since I sat down in my Dad’s studio and he played through the entirety of Alice Cooper’s “Welcome to my Nightmare” when I was about twelve, my life has revolved around horror and theatrics. As I mentioned before, Buffy only added to this. I’ve always been a spooky weirdo. That’s what I know best, so that’s what I write. That being said, I do have goals to explore other genres and challenge myself more in the future! 

5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?

Good question! As the author, I know all the inner workings of my characters. So, I’m going to pretend I’m in the novel myself, as a friend of my characters and take the chance to grab coffee with Kami. Dearest Kami, how on earth do you put up with having a best friend who’s a witch when you are a mere mortal? I think I’d lose my mind from jealousy! Or at least push a lot harder to find out more about the Wicca world and what other paranormal stuff might be out there. Vampires? Are they real? Can we find one to bite me?

6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

Twitter has been a really fun and welcoming community. I know, kind of the opposite of what most people say about it but I’ve never had a bad experience. The writing community is really supportive and friendly and the algorithm hasn’t been completely obliterated so it is still possible to get interactions and bring in new followers, readers, and friends. Aside from that, I have had a lot of fun building my Discord community. It’s a bit more of an intimate/concentrated space with deeper conversation as there are about 50 of us at the moment which is quite different from the large buzzing hive of Twitter.

7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

First of all – there is no such thing as an aspiring author. Aspiring *published* author? Sure. But if you’re a writer, you’re a writer. Establish that first. If you’re a writer, you aren’t going to have any other choice but to do it, and, if that’s you, that is exactly what you have to do. 

Sit down every day and write something, even if it’s one sentence. Don’t wait around for inspiration to hit – creativity is very much driven by that magical feeling, but it is also a lot of work. Find your community. Watch interviews and educational videos on YouTube. There’s a massive amount of support out there for authors these days and we want to help you tell your story!

8) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?

Right now I am working on launching a small publishing company. I’m not going to say much on that yet, but definitely keep an eye on my social media and YouTube channel as there will be announcements coming out before the new year. In addition to that, I’m always writing! It’s NaNoWriMo season at the moment, and I’m a Municipal Liaison so there’s a lot going on there with prep, helping new writers, and getting my own novel finished. This year I’m doing “Rebel WriMo” so will be finishing an old project called “Eternity” which is very exciting.

As for my next published work… it’s likely going to be the first novel in my fantasy epic “Synterra”. Again – watch my social media for updates on that! 

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About the Author

Holly Rhiannon is a life-long writer who has previously self published one novella and two graphic novels. After becoming certified in photography, attending a few years of Fine Arts at the University of Manitoba and running a successful alternative art event in her hometown of Winnipeg, she moved to Montreal to pursue the field which has always been closest to her heart: literature. A Time When Demons is her debut full-length novel for young adults.

https://www.hollyrhiannon.com/

https://twitter.com/StygianPen

https://www.instagram.com/stygianpen/

https://www.facebook.com/hrhiannon

https://www.youtube.com/c/HollyRhiannonWrites