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Designed for Slaughter: Larry Nodens #1
Unveiling the Justice, Secrets, and the Overlord's Will
In the modern industrial city of Dylath-Leen, ruled by enigmatic extra-dimensional Overlords, Inspector Lazarus Balthazar Nodens leads a squad of detectives in the Criminal Investigations Division. Their primary task? Investigating deaths attributed to either the merciless Ravagers or terrestrial culprits. But when a string of murders targeting identical women shakes the city, Inspector Larry Nodens finds himself caught in a perilous web of politics and secrecy.
Dylath-Leen is a place where the Overlords hold dominion, their hybrid offspring managing the day-to-day affairs of the government. The appearance and disappearance of both the Overlords and the Ravagers add an eerie layer of unpredictability to the city's landscape. Victims claimed by the Ravagers, known as Ravager Attributed Deaths (RADs), are reluctantly accepted as the Overlords' grim prerogative. Any other deaths fall under Larry's jurisdiction.
As Larry and his dedicated team dive into the investigation, they unearth a startling revelation—the murdered women possess a politically sensitive secret. Balancing the will of the Overlords and his commitment to upholding the law, Larry must tread a treacherous path where the line between justice and the desires of the ruling elite blurs.
In a city where truth is elusive and allegiances are tested, Larry Nodens finds himself entangled in a high-stakes game of power. As he uncovers hidden agendas and confronts the shadowy forces manipulating Dylath-Leen's destiny, Larry must make difficult choices that could alter the delicate balance between the Overlords and the human populace.
In "Designed for Slaughter," the fate of Dylath-Leen hangs in the balance as Inspector Larry Nodens walks the tightrope between fulfilling the Overlords' will and seeking justice for the victims. Will he uncover the truth behind the murders, or will he become entangled in a web of darkness, where secrets have dire consequences? The city's destiny and Larry's own soul hang in the balance as the threads of loyalty and deception entwine in a battle for control that spans dimensions.
In the modern industrial city of Dylath-Leen, ruled by enigmatic extra-dimensional Overlords, Inspector Lazarus Balthazar Nodens leads a squad of detectives in the Criminal Investigations Division. Their primary task? Investigating deaths attributed to either the merciless Ravagers or terrestrial culprits. But when a string of murders targeting identical women shakes the city, Inspector Larry Nodens finds himself caught in a perilous web of politics and secrecy.
Dylath-Leen is a place where the Overlords hold dominion, their hybrid offspring managing the day-to-day affairs of the government. The appearance and disappearance of both the Overlords and the Ravagers add an eerie layer of unpredictability to the city's landscape. Victims claimed by the Ravagers, known as Ravager Attributed Deaths (RADs), are reluctantly accepted as the Overlords' grim prerogative. Any other deaths fall under Larry's jurisdiction.
As Larry and his dedicated team dive into the investigation, they unearth a startling revelation—the murdered women possess a politically sensitive secret. Balancing the will of the Overlords and his commitment to upholding the law, Larry must tread a treacherous path where the line between justice and the desires of the ruling elite blurs.
In a city where truth is elusive and allegiances are tested, Larry Nodens finds himself entangled in a high-stakes game of power. As he uncovers hidden agendas and confronts the shadowy forces manipulating Dylath-Leen's destiny, Larry must make difficult choices that could alter the delicate balance between the Overlords and the human populace.
In "Designed for Slaughter," the fate of Dylath-Leen hangs in the balance as Inspector Larry Nodens walks the tightrope between fulfilling the Overlords' will and seeking justice for the victims. Will he uncover the truth behind the murders, or will he become entangled in a web of darkness, where secrets have dire consequences? The city's destiny and Larry's own soul hang in the balance as the threads of loyalty and deception entwine in a battle for control that spans dimensions.
185 pages, Paperback
Published February 4, 2023
2 people want to read
About the author
Joab Stieglitz
30 books27 followersJoab Stieglitz is an accomplished author best known for his evocative Utgarda and Thule Trilogies. Delving into the depths of the supernatural, mythology, and the arcane, Stieglitz crafts tales that are as captivating as they are eerie.
A keen enthusiast of history, he masterfully blends elements of the past with fantastical horror, transporting readers to worlds both familiar and mysterious. His Utgarda Trilogy, comprising of "The Old Man’s Request", "The Missing Medium", and "The Other Realm", established him as a force to be reckoned with in the realm of supernatural fiction. Not one to rest on his laurels, Stieglitz further expanded his literary universe with the Thule Trilogy, featuring titles such as "The Hunter in the Shadows", "The Worlds I Know", and "Reversing the Cataclysm".
But Joab's creative prowess doesn't end with epic trilogies. His "Larry Nodens Mysteries" series adds a detective twist to his repertoire, demonstrating his versatility and depth as a writer. "Designed for Slaughter", the first book in that series, delves deeper into the realms of horror and suspense, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
Drawn to the world of myth and legends from a young age, Stieglitz's works reflect his passion and deep understanding of ancient lore, while also touching upon universal themes of human nature, destiny, and the ever-present battle between light and darkness.
Through his stories, Joab Stieglitz not only entertains but also encourages readers to explore the shadowy corridors of history, myth, and the human psyche. His contributions to the genre have earned him a devoted readership, eagerly awaiting each new journey into the realms he so vividly portrays.
A keen enthusiast of history, he masterfully blends elements of the past with fantastical horror, transporting readers to worlds both familiar and mysterious. His Utgarda Trilogy, comprising of "The Old Man’s Request", "The Missing Medium", and "The Other Realm", established him as a force to be reckoned with in the realm of supernatural fiction. Not one to rest on his laurels, Stieglitz further expanded his literary universe with the Thule Trilogy, featuring titles such as "The Hunter in the Shadows", "The Worlds I Know", and "Reversing the Cataclysm".
But Joab's creative prowess doesn't end with epic trilogies. His "Larry Nodens Mysteries" series adds a detective twist to his repertoire, demonstrating his versatility and depth as a writer. "Designed for Slaughter", the first book in that series, delves deeper into the realms of horror and suspense, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
Drawn to the world of myth and legends from a young age, Stieglitz's works reflect his passion and deep understanding of ancient lore, while also touching upon universal themes of human nature, destiny, and the ever-present battle between light and darkness.
Through his stories, Joab Stieglitz not only entertains but also encourages readers to explore the shadowy corridors of history, myth, and the human psyche. His contributions to the genre have earned him a devoted readership, eagerly awaiting each new journey into the realms he so vividly portrays.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
April 19, 2024
Larry Nodens is the relatable cop we’ve all come to love in the police action dramas we regularly see on TV. But, in true Stieglitz fashion he adds a peppering of fantastical, out of this world type characters, as Nodens hunts down a serial killer. But how do all these victims tie together?
Despite the science fiction aspects of “Designed for Slaughter,” it reads incredibly realistically. With themes prevalent to the real world such as racism and feelings of otherness, as well as single-fatherhood and career stressors. This first book in the Larry Nodens Series kicks off with a bang as it begins with otherwise unknown individuals in the lead up to their deaths as Larry and his team are sent in to investigate.
Author Joab Stieglitz’s talent lies in his ability to create immersive and otherworldly scenery that draws the reader to the page, in an engrossing and engaging manner. His ability to create immersive and all-encompassing worlds of reality, complete with a front cover map are impressive. With characters that intrigue and excite, drive the plot, and keep the pages turning. “Designed for Slaughter” is a crime loving sci-fi investigation that will leave readers hungering for more from Larry and his team.
If you love criminal investigations with a spattering of science fiction and experimentation, this is the read for you! Stieglitz has a knack for writing the supernatural and this latest series shows off his chops for thrilling crime investigations. Hats off to Larry Nodens and his trusty Shantak in this job well done.
Despite the science fiction aspects of “Designed for Slaughter,” it reads incredibly realistically. With themes prevalent to the real world such as racism and feelings of otherness, as well as single-fatherhood and career stressors. This first book in the Larry Nodens Series kicks off with a bang as it begins with otherwise unknown individuals in the lead up to their deaths as Larry and his team are sent in to investigate.
Author Joab Stieglitz’s talent lies in his ability to create immersive and otherworldly scenery that draws the reader to the page, in an engrossing and engaging manner. His ability to create immersive and all-encompassing worlds of reality, complete with a front cover map are impressive. With characters that intrigue and excite, drive the plot, and keep the pages turning. “Designed for Slaughter” is a crime loving sci-fi investigation that will leave readers hungering for more from Larry and his team.
If you love criminal investigations with a spattering of science fiction and experimentation, this is the read for you! Stieglitz has a knack for writing the supernatural and this latest series shows off his chops for thrilling crime investigations. Hats off to Larry Nodens and his trusty Shantak in this job well done.
November 8, 2023
This very visual police procedural story follows Inspector Lazarus (Larry) investigating murders committed by Ravagers or terrestrial culprits. There are various character perspectives, showing Larry's observations and the characters involved in the case. This means readers gain an overall view of the investigation as well as Larry's family life. This is a quick and dialogue-driven story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 6, 2024
Not my usual genre but I enjoyed it. Storyline grabbed my attention and found it hard to put down. Ended kind of abruptly but was enjoyable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 13, 2024
Overall, it was a good story, but sometimes for me, anyway, it was just....off. The whole thing with Farley threw me way off. And some of the conversations. Maybe it's just me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews