Tag: horror

She Tames the Kings by E.M. Etheridge 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. 

Imprisoned and betrayed, a woman must reclaim her destiny amidst a power struggle between warring kings of both land and sea in author E.M. Etheridge’s “She Tames the Kings.”

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The Synopsis

Chained in the deepest bowels of Captain Keres’ ship, Estella Bohem has lost everything-her freedom, her father’s safety, and the trust she placed in Dane. With her heart shattered by his betrayal, she has only one chance to reclaim her destiny.

To break the Pirate Lords’ Bonds and free the witches of Salvus Island, Estella must steal back her family’s grimoire and shatter its seal before the ruthless Pirate King Moritie and his cunning witch, Ines Laurent, bind her-and the sea beast she commands-to their will.

But survival on the high seas demands treacherous alliances. As war brews and the Land Kings set their sights on Moritie’s stronghold, Estella must outmaneuver the most cutthroat players in a deadly game of power, deception, and magic.

With time running out, one question remains: Can she tame the Kings-before they tame her?

The Review

What a compelling and twisted yet entertaining dark fantasy read. The author did an incredible job of expanding upon the mythology and world-building in the first book of this duology. The relationships that the author explored through engaging character development, from the bond between witches and their gods or goddesses, to the way witches were bound to pirates and kings, all played critical roles in the decisions and story developments that were brought to life on the page. Even the protagonist’s relationship to the beast she is forced to command is such a unique and powerful narrative to explore in this book, and speaks to much higher themes in the novel.

The character development’s themes and emotional depth make this a steady and thrilling sequel. The book uses magic, monsters, pirates, gods, and high octane action in a beautiful fusion with themes of power, control, the fight for freedom, vengeance, and self-reliance so expertly through the protagonist herself and the witch’s struggles. Set in a period already rife with untold horrors due to slavery and violence, the juxtaposition of Estella’s journey allowed her to find a way to tackle that even bigger problem later on in the book in a surprising way.

The Verdict

Entertaining, compelling, and mesmerizing, author E.M. Etheridge’s “She Tames the Kings” is a must-read dark fantasy novel. The twists and turns in this story, the rich storytelling and world-building, and the epic final chapter will give readers a sense of fulfillment and wonder while also leaving them eager to read more by this incredible author. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

I’d always known I was going to publish books, and after years of writing my first book, I decided I wanted to publish traditionally. While still queering agents for that book, I came up with a whole new concept and decided to try my hand at publishing independently so I could gain experience in both industries. I’ve worked as a teacher, interned as an editor, and now I am ready to make books my livelihood through publishing and through freelance editing.

https://emetheridgewriter.wordpress.com

A Song at Dead Man’s Cove by Ana Yudin 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. 

In author Ana Yudin’s ” A Song at Dead Man’s Cove,” a young woman is confronted with a terrifying reality when a spirit targets her. She must solve the mystery of what happened to this spirit before it is too late.

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The Synopsis

Never turn your back on the ocean…

2023. Another person has disappeared at Dead Man’s Cove in coastal Washington. Jaded from her job at the historic Irving Hotel, Zarya wanders to the scene of the tragedy. She has heard her Russian mother’s tales of rusalki—vengeful spirits that have died unclean deaths near a body of water—and never paid them much attention. But now, on a misty headland beside an abandoned lighthouse, Zarya locks eyes with the rusalka and is chosen to be the next victim. She must unearth the siren’s tragedy before Rusalka Week, a period in early summer when water-spirits roam freely on land.

1850. Josephine has just joined her newlywed husband in Washington, in the lighthouse erected by local businessman Hurley Irving. Marriage is not quite what she expected, and her melancholia grows over the course of the winter. The medic prescribes pregnancy as the antidote. What he doesn’t realize is how far Josephine is willing to go in order to become a mother.

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The Review

What a truly emotional, compelling, and haunting gothic horror read. The atmospheric nature of the setting and tone this novel exuded from beginning to end was intense and mesmerizing, with the reader instantly transported to this small Northwestern Pacific town. This narrative also artfully handled the idea of small-town life and deep-rooted beliefs playing a role in how events are perceived.

The heart of this narrative was the rich history of life in the mid-nineteenth century, especially life in a coastal town, and the rich character development explored in both periods. The historical fiction bend in this gothic horror story was an excellent addition that made the narrative feel more alive and pronounced on the page. The root of both perspectives and protagonists, Zarya and Josephine, respectively, explored what it truly means to be haunted in life, both emotionally and psychologically, giving readers more depth to this horror story and inviting them down the rabbit hole, so to speak.

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The Verdict

Haunting, engaging, and heartbreaking, author Ana Yudin’s “A Song at Dead Man’s Cove” is a must-read gothic horror novel that is impossible to put down. The twists and turns the story takes, and the question of what happens when the ghosts chasing us are those of people who never were, make this one book that readers will turn to time and time again, much like Henry James’s “The Turn of the Screw,” making it an instant classic. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today.

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Ana Yudin is an author, content creator, and Doctor of Clinical Psychology. She writes Gothic horror, psychological thrillers, and journaling workbooks.

https://www.dranayudin.com/

Interview with Author Joel McKay

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

When I was 12, my best friend told me I was too old to play with action figures and it wasn’t “cool” anymore. I had some pretty elaborate action figure-based stories underway I didn’t want to lose track of, so I started writing them down. That’s how it all started and it’s never stopped.

2) What inspired you to write your book?

I’ve wanted to write a fun fantasy adventure novel since I was 12. It’s the genre I started with and loved the most. So this new novel is really an ode to pocketbook fantasy adventures that I grew up reading and enjoying.

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

In so many ways this book is about courage: the courage to keep going, the courage to set boundaries, the courage to forgive. It’s also about the journey, it’s the adventure itself that matters, less so the outcome.

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

I’ve been drawn to fantasy all my life, it’s pure escapist magic but also founded in great truths about the human experience. I think through fantasy you can have a flashy, fun rollicking adventure and also say things about life in a way that’s far simpler and more impactful because of the fantastic setting. That appeals to me.

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

I’d sit down with Ruddlefunt and ask him to tell me the entire history of Roan and everything packed into his mechanical head. We only get shades of it in the story, and the characters are too darned caught up in their own dramas to realize he’s the treasure.

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

Instagram, likely. In all honesty, I’m not great at social media. I try to keep it alive as best I can but it’s not my strength, never has been.

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

Just write. Enjoy the craft. Enjoy the process. Have fun with it even when you’re not. And when you’re not, take a break, then get back to it.

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

The Dungeoneers and the Treasure of Roan is due out August 15th. I’m also starting edits on a full-length epic cosmic horror novel now … should see the light of day in a year or two…

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About the Author

Joel McKay is an award-winning author, journalist and executive from Northern British Columbia. His fiction includes the horror comedy novella Wolf at the Door, the anthology It Came From the Trees and Other Violent Aberrations and a host of short stories published in various anthologies and online.

https://www.joelmckay.ca/

Forsaken Souls (Callum Walker Series Book 4) by J.M. Shaw 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 brewing war threatens to tear the realm apart as one man must find a way of repairing the veil between the human world and the magical one in author J.M. Shaw’s “Forsaken Souls”, the fourth book in the Callum Walker series. 

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The Synopsis

Driven south by their brethren in the Northern Kingdom, the Der’geron have bided their time for nearly two centuries, nursing hatred and plotting vengeance since their defeat in the great elven war. As a new conflict draws ever closer, Queen Jobella struggles to assert her authority over her northern domain—battling civil unrest, sabotage, and misinformation while attempting to mend fractured alliances.

Meanwhile, Callum and Jax set out on a perilous journey to repair the veil separating the magical realm from the human world. Unbeknownst to them, their path leads directly into the heart of danger, where they are captured by the Der’geron. Imprisoned in the hellish grotto beneath the subterranean city of Elfarian, Callum and Jax are forced to work or die at their enemy’s command.

However, danger turns to horror when Callum learns of the Der’geron King’s plans for the Northern Kingdom and the rest of the realm. What is to come will be a reckoning, not a war. It will be a battle for the ages, where both lives and souls are at stake, and death is not the worst outcome.

Imperilled by violence, assailed by evil energy, and tempted by dark magic, Callum must stand against the rising darkness, but first, he needs to find the strength to face his buried anguish, even at the risk of fracturing what remains of his sanity. Yet, there is hope for a happy ending, if only Callum can summon the courage to accept it.

The Review

This was such a gripping and memorable entry into the Callum Walker series. The mesh of world-building and expansion upon the mythos of this magical world was perfectly executed, allowing the reader to fall deeper and deeper into the world the author has created. The conflict the story explores between the Northern Kingdom and the Der’geron, and the dark magic’s impact on those attempting to wield it, are perfectly captured and elevate the action significantly as the story progresses.

This story’s most significant impact is through the character progression, especially for the protagonist Callum Walker. Between his relationship with his brother Jax, the new allies he makes, and his struggle with past trauma, the readers form an emotional and heartfelt connection with this character, one that keeps the reader engaged thoroughly throughout the story.

The Verdict

Entertaining, thrilling, and haunting in its delivery, author J.M. Shaw’s “Forsaken Souls” is a must-read dark fantasy and genre fiction read with hints of horror and magical realism at the same time. The twists and turns this story takes and the story elements that end with an open-ended note leave a promising and hopeful note for the future of Callum Walker and the character’s series moving forward. 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.

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Tick Town by Christopher A. Micklos 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. 

A small town becomes infested with mutant ticks in author Christopher A. Micklos’s “Tick Town.”

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The Synopsis

Welcome to Tick Town


Tomahawk Hollow has a huge problem. Slaughtered livestock. Disappearing townsfolk. And something in the woods hungry for blood. When a young reporter and her boss investigate, they discover a band of giant mutant ticks have made the rural Wisconsin tourist town their feeding ground.

Now, with the annual Harvest Moon Jubilee about to begin, Emmaline and Jackson must race to find the queen tick and her nest before a massive clutch of monster eggs hatch…and thousands more terrifying ticks are unleashed into the world!

Bursting with cinematic action, horror, fun, and suspense, TICK TOWN is an old-school, pulse-pounding pulp horror adventure. If you like classic creature feature horror fiction like JAWS and NIGHT OF THE CRABS or b-movie monster mayhem like THEM! and STARSHIP TROOPERS, you’ll love TICK TOWN!

The Review

I loved this pulp horror novel. The instant I was hooked on this narrative, I was transported back to my youth, when my family and I watched the pulp horror meets creature feature Eight Legged Freaks, with giant spiders taking out a small town. The author perfectly captures this same theme, tapping into the everyday fears people associate with insects and the inescapable feeling of trying to outrun threats far bigger than ourselves. The vivid imagery and the fast pacing of the narrative instantly transport the reader into the action, getting lost in the growing threat these creatures pose and the dangers they pose. 

To me, the true heart of this book was in the fantastic attention to detail the author put into making classic horror tropes work, making them feel both classic yet fresh in this narrative. From the small town setting of Tomahawk Hollow, to the teens hanging out in the woods they know they shouldn’t be in, to the abandoned building no one goes near but these kids do, and so much more, this novel oozes the iconic horror tropes that have made people such fans of the genre. The characters felt familiar, from the out-of-town visitors who seemed up to no good, the citizens put into the role of heroes, and even the laughable and reviled characters you either love or love to hate.

The Verdict

Haunting, thrilling, and entertaining, author Christopher Micklos’s “Tick Town” is a must-read pulp horror classic in the making, and one horror novel readers will want to watch out for this summer. The twists and turns in the narrative and the mixture of fun and horror readers get when delving further and further into the narrative will stay with them long after the story ends. If you haven’t yet, be sure to preorder your copy today or pick up your copy on June 24th, 2025. 

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Christopher Micklos is a life-long horror junkie, an award-winning filmmaker, and a frequently published writer of horror-themed fiction and non-fiction. A member of the Horror Writers Association and the Wisconsin Writers Association, Christopher recently received the Wisconsin Backbone of Horror Award for “crafting amazing horror experiences” and “supporting Wisconsin horror.” His two feature films, THE NURSERY and THE HEADMISTRESS, are widely available streaming and on DVD; and his writing has appeared locally in numerous national outlets, including Rue Morgue Magazine, Sci-Fi Lampoon Magazine, and many others. . Christopher lives in Madison, Wisconsin, with his wife, daughter, two frisky ferrets, and their monstrous mini-labradoodle Ygor.

https://christophermicklos.com/

PRESS RELEASE: The Ghost Wrangler: Gold Winner in the 2024 Global Book Awards by critically acclaimed author, Matthew Hughes

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In a world of wizards and walled cities, Galabras Nachecko is a necromancer in the seaport metropolis of Golathreon, connecting the living with deceased relatives and associates to answer questions left unresolved at the time of death.

Then he is tasked by Duke Simisson’s conniving seneschal to capture the ghost of a notorious land pirate scheduled for execution. He snags the spirit but finds that the assignment has made him a man who knows too much.

Nachecko is propelled into a new career—secret agent segueing into diplomat—that leads him far from home, plunges him into perilous adventures, and brings him both true love and tragedy.

More from Matthew Hughes:

Praise for Matthew Hughes:

“I really enjoyed Barbarians of the Beyond. Matthew Hughes does Jack Vance better than anyone except Jack himself.”  — George R. R. Martin

“Lock the door, turn off the phone, get into a comfy chair, and deep-dive into a marvelous continuation of Jack Vance’s Demon Princes series. Matthew Hughes is a treasure and Barbarians of the Beyond is a terrific adventure.”  — David Gerrold

“Matthew Hughes follows nimbly in Jack Vance’s footprints, then breaks some fresh trail. First-class space opera.”— Robert J. Sawyer, Hugo Award-winning author of Hominids

“Engaging and enchanting…a fine companion adventure to Jack Vance’s The Demon Princes series, told with Matthew Hughes’s excellent sense of charm, ethical complexity and exotic worldbuilding. Let’s hope this is just the beginning!” — Kurt Busiek

“Barbarians of the Beyond is just plain old-fashioned space opera fun with a relatable heroine who is sometimes fallible, rather than some Shaolin Temple kung fu megamaster. I enjoyed it a lot.”
— Glen Cook

“…a tale that captures that special ‘golden age’ feel in which mankind has travelled far into the stars yet still behaves as though it’s the Wild West.” — David White, RNR Magazine

About Matthew:

 Matthew (Matt) Hughes writes fantasy, space opera, crime fiction, and historical novels. He has sold 24 novels to publishers large and small in the UK, US, and Canada, as well as 101 works of short fiction to professional markets. 

Besides the Global Book Award in the dark fantasy category, he has won the Endeavour and Arthur Ellis Awards, and has been shortlisted for the Aurora, Nebula, Philip K. Dick, Endeavour, A.E. Van Vogt, Neffy, Derringer, and High Plains Book Awards.  He has been inducted into the Canadian Science Fiction and Fantasy Association’s Hall of Fame

People who sign up for his monthly newsletter will receive a free ebook of his short story collection, 9 Tales of Henghis Hapthorn:  http://eepurl.com/cyNSA9

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matt_Hughes_(writer)

Tales of Christmas Villains  (The Tales Short Story Collection Book 2) 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.

A unique twist on the holiday season comes to town as horror and fantasy authors tackle Christmas in the short story collection “Tales of Christmas Villains.”

The Synopsis

Ruined holiday plans and stolen gifts are only the beginning in this collection of villains gone wild for the holidays!

Tales of Christmas Villains brings together the most mischievous batch of scrooges, thieves, and humbugs out to wreak havoc on the Christmas cheer.

Featuring a chilling ice fairy who feeds on her victims’ souls, chaotic criminals disguised as grinches, and the infamous Jack Frost meeting his match in a plucky mermaid, these wicked adventures will have you howling with dark delight.

If you think you’ve got enough spirit to take on these troublemakers, think again. The naughty list just got longer and more sinister! So watch out this season and prepare for some seriously spirited scroogery – Tales of Christmas Villains is coming to town!

The Review

A truly fun and entertaining take on the holiday season, each story does an incredible job of leaning into their respective genres while sprinkling some yuletide magic into the setting. The action and suspense that each story holds not only do justice to the existing universes that these authors have crafted but also add more dimension by exploring unique holiday mythology and culture.

As a longtime fan of D.C. Gomez and her books, seeing a story centered around Bartholomew the Reaper and exploring that paranormal world, which felt like returning home, was great. The twist on the iconic Grinch story by adding the Reaper twist on their existence and the balance of humor and wit made this story shine as much as the entire collection.

The Verdict

Entertaining, magical, and thrilling, “Tales of Christmas Villains” is a must-read holiday fantasy/horror short story collection. The twists on iconic Christmas figures and myths, from the Grinch to Jack Frost and even Santa himself, and the harmonious blend of fantasy and holiday spirit that this collection boasted made this a memorable read. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

The Last Breath Before Death by Alan Golbourn 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. 

An artist and paranormal investigative reporter must seek answers to his missing brother when he disappears in Germany and in the process discovers an unparralleled evil in author Alan Golbourn’s “The Last Breath Before Death”. 

The Synopsis

BLOOD IS THICKER THAN WATER

A missing brother … An imminent phenomenon …

Award-winning comic book illustrator and artist Jimmy Cochran is also a freelance reporter in New York City, specialising in the supernatural. Upon hearing that his estranged brother, Quentin, has gone missing with his best friend over in Germany, Jimmy becomes concerned — unable to shake off the feeling of foreboding and dread. Things worsen when he quickly learns that the missing two are in great danger from an unequalled evil, which is connected to an upcoming, ominous and phenomenal event.

A mysterious ‘man’ with a terrifying tale …

With time running out, Jimmy investigates further, in spite of the strong warnings and the danger to his own life — particularly after he is contacted by a peculiar and mystifying man with a horrific, nefarious past of his own, linked to old Serbian and German folklores and a sinister, secret brotherhood.

The Review

Another compelling supernatural thriller from author Alan Golbourn. The author does a remarkable job of simultaneously creating atmospheric supernatural stories and a cult following. The imagery in the author’s writing brought the European setting and folkloric atmosphere to life on the page in a way that will stay with the reader.

The heart of this novel was in the balance the author found between relatable character development and deep, folkloric mythos. The unique spin on the classic “vampire” that the author found through Germanic folklore was so inspired and added a depth of terror that few vampire books manage to capture these days. The protagonist’s complex familial bonds with his brother and mother and the relatable life experiences he exudes throughout this narrative will instantly draw readers in.

The Verdict

Haunting, detailed, and entertaining, author Alan Golbourn’s “The Last Breath Before Death” is a must-read supernatural horror thriller. The unique twists and turns that this narrative takes, the relatability of the protagonist, and the chilling nature of this take on vampires will stay with readers long after the final chapter ends. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Alan Golbourn was born in Essex, England. He has enjoyed writing stories since a young age, when he was recognised early for his writing abilities. Amongst several interests and hobbies, including football and computer games, he holds a love and compassion for animals.

Devils Like Us by Lincoln James 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 man must face his demons when a simple trip home from college turns into a chaotic run from the law and a dangerous series of mazes in an underground sewer under Los Angeles in author Lincoln James’s “Devils Like Us”.

The Synopsis

Why does it smell like… blood?

What was supposed to be a quick trip home from college turns into a nightmare for Jason Murich when two runaway teens hijack his car, pulling him into a chaotic, high-stakes chase through Los Angeles. Forced into the city’s sewers to escape the law and those hunting them, Jason soon realizes survival is far more dangerous underground. With Christopher and Nicole—two teens whose pasts are as twisted as the tunnels they’re lost in—Jason must navigate a shadowy world of crumbling passageways, where trust is fragile, and every step could be their last. As the sewers close in and unseen threats circle, Jason finds himself trapped in a fight not just to escape but to stay alive. “Devils Like Us” is a pulse-pounding thriller where the lines between ally and enemy blur, and survival demands more than just escaping the darkness of the city—it requires facing the demons within.

The Review

What a chilling and engaging read! The psychological horror aspect of this narrative instantly hits readers, as does the stark contrast of the world above clashing with the world below as readers embark on this twisted journey with the characters. The bond that forms between these characters, especially Christopher and Jason, allows the horrors that await them in the sewers underneath the city to have much more of an impact, terrifying readers as the story progresses. 

The strong sense of imagery in the narrative stood out to me as a reader. The descriptive nature of the settings emphasizes how terrifying and haunting this story is, and the potent antagonists that the author created will stay with readers long after the story ends. The exploration of themes like grief and identity will also keep readers engaged in this story, as the book takes advantage of a time of significant change on the surface just as the horrors of the narrative wait to burst forth.

The Verdict

Haunting, memorable, and entertaining, author Lincoln James’s “Devils Like Us” is a must-read psychological thriller meets horror novel. The fast pace of the narrative and the heart-pounding terror that awaits readers as the cast of characters finds themselves lost in the nightmare underground will leave a lasting impression on readers from now on. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Lincoln James, a seasoned college professor specializing in communication and public speaking, seamlessly channels his captivating expertise into the world of suspenseful thrillers. Known for his unique blend of dreadful and heart-wrenching scenes, James crafts narratives that enthrall readers from the first page to the last.

 Beyond academia, he leads a life as a dedicated content creator turned wordsmith, finding solace in the chilling embrace of suspense and the liberating laughter of comedy. As an author and curator of horror memorabilia, James is able to create a tangible connection to the spine-tingling tales he spins. Drawing inspiration from history and art, he breathes life into his narratives.

 James lives in the bustling heart of New York City and cherishes moments with family, proving that the most thrilling stories often lie in the laughter and love shared with those closest to us.