Category: Dark Fantasy

Holly and Ivy

12/21/2015

I have to tell you, Christmas is my favorite holiday. But I don't mean that in the cheesy, commercial way. In my mind it's the darkest, scariest, and most pagan time of year. It just stirs my blood. I WANT TO SACRIFICE A GOAT. I am not kidding. Something about this season stirs the dark magic in my blood. I love it.
I'm fine with the Christian aspects, too. A holy birth in the dead of winter, of a mystical child doomed to die in horror? That's pretty messed up.
This holiday is a fantastical conglomeration of cultures and stories. I love the connection to the sun god Mithras, and the pagan traditions of the solstice, Yule and Saturnalia. Mostly, it just moves me in some primal way, to fight against the darkness of winter, to feast and be merry with those I love, because we might not all make it to spring. *Merry Christmas*.

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Author Andy Peloquin

8/31/2015

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A few words about one of my favorite authors and people. And it's the same guy!

I’ve just reviewed Andy Peloquin’s new book Blade of the Destroyer. I’ll readily admit to knowing the author personally and to being a beta-reader on his work. But lest you think my warm, fuzzy sentiments are being bought and paid for, let me say this, somewhat controversially: I was not an instant fawning admirer of his work. I was a bit conflicted about his first book, called In the Days. It’s a tale of the Atlantis legend, and frankly, I found it a bit of a hot mess.

See, I’m a REAL stickler for continuity, plausibility, tone, style, and flow, and I found so many little nitpicks about this book that I secured the author’s permission to create a full document of them all. I mostly wanted to practice my own editing skills. I’ll tell you, I expected the guy to never speak to me again after seeing my notes. Instead he asked me to beta-read his next work. Because he’s just an amazingly cool, down-to-earth dude.

So what happened with that first book? Here’s the thing - I wanted to NOT like it. But I just couldn’t! It didn’t matter how many quibbles I had with the details, the overall book was just so much danged fun! It was fast-paced, witty, and adventuresome, and the author’s absolute love for the subject matter and writing process came pouring through the pages. With that much blazing nuclear enthusiasm, how could I not be won over? It got a 4-star Amazon review out of me, because it was ultimately a really fun read. And I got to know an awesome writer.

Watching Andy develop his next character, the chilling and enthralling Hunter, was a lesson in perfect writerly development, and a total inspiration to me as a writer. I can’t wait to see where his writing goes next. In the meantime, in case you haven’t seen it, enjoy this promotional video clip I did for him. Which sort of...turned into a roast. Sorry, Andy. Couldn’t help myself. But I strongly suspect you’ll get a good belly laugh. And then send The Hunter after me. So if this is my last post ever, everyone will know why...

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Review: Blade of the Destroyer

8/21/2015

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My Review of Andy Peloquin's Blade of the Destroyer (The Last Bucelarii Book 1)

Once in a while a book comes along that gets under your skin and sticks in your head, until it’s become a part of your literary vocabulary: next thing you know you’re reading another book thinking “oh, this part reminds of when…” or “this character really needs get a visit from…” Blade of the Destroyer is just such a tale, and once The Hunter gets in your head, he’s there to stay.

The premise is not unheard of - A faceless assassin who holds a city in the terror of his grip. But the path it takes from there is surprising. Can a ruthless assassin with a soul-sucking blade really be the hero of a story? Yes, he absolutely can. He can be a wonderfully conflicted antihero whose behavior ranges from the almost-gallant to the utterly cringeworthy. As he starts to question his own past and purpose, you’ll find yourself searching right along with him, cheering him on in his battles, willing to forgive any sin to watch him conquer greater evils.

This book is a fast-paced, extremely visual read; wonderful description, terrifying violence, and moments of stomach-churning, eye-stinging sadness. But even as it rips your guts out you’ll be panting for the next installment. Lucky for you, it’s already written, because this author’s passion is only matched by his intense work ethic.Welcome the Hunter into your life, and follow his continuing adventures!

This haunting book hits the proverbial shelves tomorrow; don’t wait! Jump on Amazon or your other favorite online retailer and get reading!

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The Dark Side: Part 2

2/14/2015

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Well, look at that, it’s Valentine’s Day – a day that should fill all right-thinking people with shuddering horror, and the perfect day to continue my musings on the Darkness of the Human Soul.

Why is horror is so enticing, so arousing? It seems like sex and death, desire and fear, are closely linked. Is it an affirmation of life to follow up a really good scare with a really good shag? I don’t know. Enough pop psychology, I can really only speak from my own experience.

The depths of my subconscious have always been filled with outlandish romantic imagery. As a child I had a recurring dream of going up into an attic and finding a living skeleton. He would dance with me and I knew he was my one true love. As a teen I dreamed I was Pinhead’s girlfriend. He was very gentlemanly. I don’t know how we kissed, so don’t ask. He may have been asexual. It was still awesome. As an adult it follows that the dreams developed darker and more explicit scenarios, but you’ll have to pay to read about those. Suffice to say it’s all rather fascinating and makes for great writing fodder.

Not that I’m holding myself up as the example of the typical human psyche; that would be a bit alarming. But I do think that everyone has a dark streak. Why not celebrate it? (And I don’t mean in the grey silk tie kind of way). On this day of overblown, farcical, commercialized love, celebrate the right way: Watch Hellraiser. Snap the heads off some roses. Eat your chocolates from the tip of a sharp knife. Embrace the Darkness.

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"The Reluctant Blogger"

Very much of two minds about this blogging thing, in case you hadn't noticed. But there's so much wonderful geekery to share! Posting here about sci-fi, fantasy, horror, and more.

Holly and Ivy

Author Andy Peloquin

A few words about one of my favorite authors and people. And it's the same guy!

Review: Blade of the Destroyer

My Review of Andy Peloquin's Blade of the Destroyer (The Last Bucelarii Book 1)

The Dark Side: Part 2

"The Reluctant Blogger"

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