Maria Savva's Blog - Posts Tagged "dark-fiction"

I've created a book trailer to help promote my latest novel, Haunted

I found the photos on morguefile.com, and the background music is from http://freemusicforvideos.com/

Here's a link to the trailer on Youtube:


http://youtu.be/64B01EquOyk

Darcia Helle has a new book out! That's always cause for a celebration. I was lucky enough to read the pre-release copy, and I couldn't put it down!

The new release is called Killing Instinct: A Michael Sykora Novel. It's the third book in her Michael Sykora series. I recommend you add it to your Kindle today.







When I read the book, I was fascinated, and if I'm being honest, a little bit terrified, by the goings-on in the dark underworld created in this book. When Darcia asked me what subject she should write about for a guest post, I suggested she tell us something about her research into this. Part of me was hoping it was entirely fictional, but I suspected that there was some truth in it. I will let Darcia explain, while I go and hide somewhere... (scary stuff)






Guest Post:


When I say the word Tor, what comes to mind? For me, it sparked the image of a comic book hero. I saw a cartoon character with big muscles and an intense expression. Maybe he’s wearing animal skin and holding a club, like a caveman. I could also place him in the future, holding a laser gun and wearing a fancy suit of thin armor with hidden weapons. Either way, the real Tor was not at all what I expected.

I stumbled upon the word several years ago while reading an article in The Atlantic. Or was it Rolling Stone? Whichever. That’s not the important detail here.

Tor is an open network you can download for your computer, which you then use as your web browser. It’s free. It’s confidential. It’s hidden. And it’s completely anonymous. In fact, the tag line Tor uses on their site is “Anonymity Online”.

These are some of the benefits listed on Tor’s website:

Tor's hidden services let users publish web sites and other services without needing to reveal the location of the site.
Individuals also use Tor for socially sensitive communication: chat rooms and web forums for rape and abuse survivors, or people with illnesses.
Nobody would be able to determine who was offering the site, and nobody who offered the site would know who was posting to it.

What Tor doesn’t advertise is the sordid side of this anonymity. Rape abuse survivors might use Tor to communicate, but so do rapists. So do drug dealers. And killers. You get the idea, right? Keeping websites off the grid means no one knows who or where these people are. It means sociopaths can connect and trade stories online, and the cops have no way to find them.

I’d had a vague sense of an Internet underground, but reading about Tor really flipped on the switch for me. My mind being a dark, twisted place means that switch didn’t shine light, it prompted ideas. That’s when the storyline for Killing Instinct was born.

Further exploration taught me about bitcoins. This isn’t change we carry around in our pockets; nor are they coins we use in a gambling casino. Bitcoins are digital currency. When used correctly, the transactions are completely untraceable. Anonymous. Want to buy designer drugs or hire a hit man? Log onto the Internet with Tor and pay with bitcoins. No one will know who you are.

This all led me to a place called Silk Road Marketplace, a website on Tor that sells everything you won’t find on Amazon. Silk Road was known for their designer drugs; a kind of candy store for drug addicts. Dig deeper and you’d find college acceptance papers forged so well they’ll fool the college. You’d also find prostitutes and hired killers.

All this gave me the ideal setting for some seriously disturbed characters.
Just a few weeks ago, I read that Silk Road Marketplace was shut down. No, the cops didn’t manage that. The site’s administrators shut the site down because they were being blackmailed by some unknown person looking for easy money. Silk Road’s administrators have offered a $5,000 reward to anyone with information on their extortionist’s identity. Kind of funny, in a way. It’s like the Old West has moved over to the Internet.

Given what I’ve learned, I doubt Silk Road has completely shut down. They’ve just changed their name and moved to a different dark corner of the Internet. I guess, in that way, they’re a bit like the drug dealers hanging out on city corners.

While Killing Instinct is fiction, the story could easily be playing out somewhere at this very moment. And that, for me, is the scariest part of it all.

********************************************************************************************

You can purchase Killing Instinct at all good retailers. Here are the main Amazon links:

Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Killing-Instinc...

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Killing-Insti...

My new collection of short stories, Far Away In Time, is currently with a proofreader. After that it will go for formatting and should shortly be available for Kindle.

I thought now would be a good time for a cover reveal.

Here it is:





I hope you like it as much as I do :)


Coincidentally, it is a photograph by the same man who took the photo that graces the cover of Second Chances. I chose it from a royalty-free website, not knowing that it was one of his photos! He's a talented photographer. I've used many of his photos in my book trailers as well. He's also a talented writer. His book The Beatle Man is a must read.









There are 8 stories in Far Away In Time:

1. The Ghost of Christmas Past

2. Far Away In Time - Part I

3. Far Away In Time - Part II

4. Echoes Of Her Dreams

5. A Sign

6. Tragedy of Love

7. The Beach

8. Betrayal


About the stories:

1, 6, 7, and 8, are dark fiction

2 & 3 are two parts of the same story. A fantasy tale.

4 is a true-to-life reflective tale

5 is a mystery with elements of the paranormal.

I'll be working on a blurb and will post that soon.

I'm also putting together a book trailer.

More news soon...

It's nearly Halloween.



I've always loved a good ghost story. It might have something to do with the fact that I grew up in a haunted house. Many of my novels and stories have some elements of paranormal in them, probably for the same reason.

Open Culture posted a blog today about horror author H.P. Lovecraft's books. You can get his complete works free, either as an e-book or audiobook. Follow the link to find our more: http://www.openculture.com/2014/10/h-...

Reading that blog got me thinking about what books I could recommend as Halloween reads.

Here are a few suggestions:

Her Fearful Symmetry, by Audrey Niffenegger.



From the bestselling author of The Time Traveler's Wife. I loved absolutely everything about this book. It's definitely spooky, and there are ghosts in it. I'd say this is a more or less perfect Halloween read. It's great for those who don't really like gory books. It's also quite light-hearted in parts even though the theme is dark and disturbing.

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Her-Fearful-Sym...

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Her-Fearful-S...

Legend of the Pumpkin King by J. Michael Radcliffe.



If you like fantasy tales, J. Michael Radcliffe is a master of the genre; this is a nice little story. It's part fantasy and part horror. It will definitely get you in the mood for Halloween.

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Legend-Pumpkin-...

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Legend-Pumpki...


Dying Embers, by M.R. Cosby.



This is a book of dark and strange tales with ghosts that turn up often as memories from the past. It's an ideal read to put you in the frame of mind for the spooky goings-on at Halloween. The characters will lead you down very dark and ghostly paths.

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Dying-Embers-M-...

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dying-Embers-...


The Other Room and
Falling Over by James Everington.



I couldn't decide between James Everington's two brilliant collections. These contain horror, paranormal, and all things twisted. He has some other books that are also dark and highly recommended. These stories definitely challenge our perception of reality and are just right for this spine-chilling season.

The Other Room:
Amazon US:http://www.amazon.com/Other-Room-Jame...
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Other-Room-Ja...

Falling Over:
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Falling-Over-Ja...
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Falling-Over-...

While we're on the subject of horror, you could try 13, by Julie Elizabeth Powell, if you want to be shocked and scared. This is a perfectly crafted horror story that will send shivers down your spine.





Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/13-Julie-Elizab...
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/13-Julie-Eliz...

If you want ghosts in your Halloween read, but would prefer a book that will also make you laugh, you should check out Into The Light, by Darcia Helle and Horse Latitudes, by Quentin R. Bufogle.





Into The Light is the story of a ghost who is trying to help to solve his own murder. It will definitely add an element of fun to your Halloween.

Horse Latitudes features a ghost who helps the main character make an important decision. It's a book that will definitely make you laugh out loud.

--------------------------

I've seen lots authors promoting special Halloween stories or posting on Twitter about their books that would make great Halloween reads, so below is a list I have compiled from those promotions. I haven't read any of the books listed below, but they all sound great and will be added to my never-ending TBR list!

Shadow the Ghost Dog by J T Therrien



(Children' fiction)

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Shadow-Ghost-Do...
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Shadow-Ghost-...

Sad I Am, by Regina Puckett



Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N99F1K8/
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00N99F1K8/

Dark Before Dawn, by Stacy Juba



Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Dark-Before-Daw...
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dark-Before-D...

-----------------------

Talented author, Justin Bog has been posting chapters from his current work in progress since May this year, on his blog. It's a horror story called The Play (The Queen’s Idle Fancy). Having read both of Justin's published works I know this must be good. I haven't found time to read any of it yet! Seems like the ideal time of year to start. The first part is here: http://justinbog.com/new-horror-ficti... and you can follow the story on his blog.



-------------------------------

As I mentioned at the start of this post, some of my novels and stories have elements of paranormal in them. The Dream and Haunted both feature ghosts. There are also ghost stories included in my short story collections Fusion and 3.

The new novel I'm working on also features a ghost, but probably won't be released until Halloween next year!





Haunted:
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Haunted-Maria-S...
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Haunted-Maria...

"3":
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/3-Maria-Savva-e...
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/3-Maria-Savva...

The Dream:
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Dream-Maria-Sav...
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dream-Maria-S...

Fusion:
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Fusion-Maria-Sa...
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fusion-Maria-...
-----------------------------------



I hope you find something from the above suggestions to help make your Halloween more spooky! Whatever you're planning, have fun and stay safe!



HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

For the next 9 hours or so, you can download Perspectives for the bargain price of 99 cents on Kindle from the US Amazon store. It's part of the Kindle Countdown deal.



ABOUT THE BOOK

12 Moments Captured
12 Stories Told

Do you trust what you see?
A rock only becomes a mountain when you broaden your view.
We challenge you to look at the world from different…
PERSPECTIVES


WHAT REVIEWERS ARE SAYING:

"First story left me with tears in my eyes. Second story a chill down my back and so they go on."

"Absolutely stunning, raw pictures with a story to go with them. The photographer and authors and editor have done an Awesome job..."


BUY THE BOOK:

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Perspectives-Mi...

I've just found out about 2 new releases and these books are going straight on my to-read list, in fact, I've already started reading one of them.

Firstly, Lisette Brodey has released the second book in her paranormal YA series: the "Desert Series", DESERT STAR. Having read the first book in the series, I'm very much looking forward to reading this one.



You can get a copy from Amazon by following the link: http://www.amazon.com/DESERT-STAR-Des...

This series would make a great Christmas gift for the book lover in your life. Even though it's listed as a Young Adult series, I think it can be enjoyed by all ages.

The first book in the series, Mystical High is currently available at just 99 cents: http://www.amazon.com/MYSTICAL-HIGH-D...



The second new release I've heard about is a collection of short stories with Christmas as a theme. Justin Bog has just published Hark---A Christmas Collection. This is a collection of six short stories. I couldn't wait to start reading them and have read the first three already. They are not your typical Christmas stories, they uncover and examine the darker and lonelier side of Christmas. Justin's writing is compulsive reading and I'm enjoying this book. It's the perfect time of year to read it.



You can get your copy here (in Kindle or paperback): http://www.amazon.com/Hark--Christmas...

I think this would make the perfect gift for the short story lover in your life.

My good friend and fellow author, Darcia Helle has just released a new novel. Eli's Coming is the first in a brand new series.

I was lucky enough to be able to read a pre-release copy.

Here's my review:

Eli's Coming by Darcia Helle

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I'm a big fan of Darcia Helle's writing. This author really knows how to write books that keep you turning the pages. I have yet to read something by this author that has disappointed me and I think the key to that is that she always keeps surprising the reader with new and exciting ideas. With this book she surprised me again because it was not what I was expecting at all. It's a supernatural thriller with elements of fantasy and suspense. Even though she has written something that deviates from her usual fiction it still has all her hallmarks: suspense, thrills, humour, and believable characters that we can all relate to.

When we meet Eli he is at a kind of crossroads in his life because he has found love but there is a dark secret that he is keeping and something that could threaten his new love and also his own life. The secret is slowly and steadily revealed as the story unfolds and his past comes back to find him.

I really enjoyed Eli's Coming. The dark fantasy element is fascinating. I'm pleased that this is the first in the series and am looking forward to the next book!



You can get a copy on Amazon and Barnes and Noble at the links below:

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Elis-Coming-Cha...

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Elis-Coming-C...

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/elis-...

I read and enjoyed Sandcastle and Other Stories when it was first released a couple of years ago.

This new edition has just been released with a fabulous new cover. It contains two additional dark psychological tales from the talented Justin Bog. I'm looking forward to reading the extra stories.

You can get a copy of the book in eBook or paperback, worldwide on Amazon.

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Sandcastle-Othe...

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sandcastle-Ot...



Author links:

Website/Blog: http://justinbog.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JustinBog1
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JustinBog

The Trains Don't Stop Here by Martin Cosby

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This book is a real treasure trove of stories. I enjoyed every one of them and was completely immersed in the strange and dark tales. Martin Cosby has a way of writing that draws you in and keeps you interested. There are themes that run through this collection of stories, including loss and grief, mental illness, the past, fear and ghosts. Each story is a complete world in itself. There are similarities in the circumstances some of the characters in different stories find themselves in. Many of them are lost for some time, either in darkness or looking for someone in some unfamiliar place. The overriding sense you get is that this author is a masterful storyteller who is able to manipulate both the characters and the readers with the twists and turns. Many of the endings of these stories are not clear cut and you find yourself wondering about what it all meant, but it's almost like a puzzle that slowly slips into place as the different elements of the story start to make sense the more you ponder them and it adds depth to the tales. Many of the stories have dark and sometimes sinister elements.

As well as similar themes, two of the stories are linked in a very creative way, with the same characters appearing in the later story and being instantly recognisable, as these are characters and stories that will stay with you long after you have finished reading them.

All of the characters in this book seem like real people and their stories seem like they really could have happened even though these are mostly very odd and unusual tales. The author has a wonderful way of describing surroundings and people that makes them seem all the more real. He also uses imagery effectively to add further layers to his complex storylines.

I read Martin Cosby's book Dying Embers quite a few years ago and really enjoyed it, so I was thrilled to see he had published another collection. I am pleased to say that this collection did not disappoint. I am looking forward to more stories from this talented writer.



View all my reviews