Asylum Seekers: A Dark Urban Fantasy Pulp Fiction Noir Novel

by Seth Hobbs

A dark fantasy noir/mystery suspense thriller, set in Seth Hobbs' massive alternate universe, with diverse characters and reminiscent of a 1940s/50s World War Two Era! Intrigue, secrets, violence, romance, spice, and epic worldbuilding abound!

Randal Gladenmoore had it all: fame, fortune, respect, and a directorial career to die for-- until people actually did. Now, the former celebrity spends his retirement years in Ecstasy Bay Mental Asylum, but his case and future are anything but clear.

Meanwhile, the nation of Sendya is once again at war-- this time, with the growing expansion of Zendorb in the East. Zephaniah Plondike, a hotshot pilot in the Speedy Serpents, is rapidly becoming a rising star, but danger and death await, every time he climbs into the cockpit. Victor "Mollusk" Mullus, a grizzled but handsome army grunt, fights for the Sendyne nation on the ground, while dreaming of a local Zendorbian vixen and plans to settle down.

Zelphia Thulerrus is a newly arrived nurse at the Ecstasy Bay Mental Asylum, just outside the Sendyne capital. Strikingly gorgeous and somewhat mysterious, she draws the unwanted attention of Doctor Eldon Belvidius, among many others.

When fate and unforeseen consequences draw these unlikely personalities together, it will result in explosive showdowns and might just blow the lid off of sinister secrets and powerful networks, with devastating ramifications. Set roughly 100 years after the events of the Sendyne Flintlock Fantasy Chronicles, this twisted tale packs a punch, with complex characters, bloody violence, and dark mysteries!

What readers are saying about this author/universe:

"One of the more enjoyable fantasy books I have read in a while!"

"Enjoyable saga! Epic Fantasy Indeed!"

"Excellent Fantasy."

"Plot twists keep the pages turning!"

"It's THAT good!"

"Exceptional World-building!"

Genres: Fantasy

409 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 26, 2025

Reviews

[Loralee · Rating 4 out of 5]

War, corruption, blackmailed politicians, and a pervading sense of despair are the backdrop to this Noir novel set in an alternate universe. Sendya and Zendorb are at war, and corruption abounds everywhere. There is also the "Humanitarian" a serial killer going around, doing what serieal killers do. Vic is a morally grey character, as the heroes of noir stories often are, but very courageous as he proves especially at a certain point. The world building of this story is well put together, and complex situations are woven together well.
There are places where the writing is a bit awkward, the timing of situations and transitions not quite as polished as many readers would prefer. I also noticed many places where there were mistakes with punctuation.
Overall though, the story was imaginative and well-crafted. ADULT readers who enjoy noir and don't mind violence, gore, frequent and strong swearing, sexual assault, animal abuse, etc. would find this story entertaining. As per what I just mentioned, the story is not appropriate for young people.

[Chelsea O'Hara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Asylum Seekers” is a wild, gritty mash-up of dark fantasy and pulp-noir that kept me on edge from start to finish. The asylum opening immediately set the tone with its chaotic energy and sharp dialogue — I really liked the way even small moments, like the bizarre “birdhouse” exchange, made the madness feel real. As the story moved through Ecstasy Bay and into bigger political and war-driven conflicts, I found myself caught between the raw worldbuilding and the quick, biting character voices.

The writing is unapologetically bold — sometimes brutal, sometimes almost darkly funny — and that mix worked well for me. By the end, I was impressed with how characters like Calista and Vic carried the tension, showing how survival in this world comes down to grit and choices. It’s heavy at times, but definitely memorable. If you’re after something different, with grit, corruption, and a unique voice, this one delivers.

[Terry Birdgenaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Asylum Seekers by Seth Hobbs is an excellent dark fantasy novel in a highly realistic, but completely foreign urban setting. Like most of Hobbs' stories, this one is a tour de force in world-building, furthering the Sendya immersive experience. Multiple arms of the plot follow a framed former director's new existence, imprisoned in a psychiatric hospital, a severely burned fighter pilot, an infantry officer set up for a dishonorable discharge, a suspected serial killer, and a hard-nosed female police detective, who all come together near the end of the tale. It's a novel filled with high-stakes drama, ripping dialect, with a perfect blend of descriptive prose and thrilling action. Dark fantasy enthusiasts will love all the twists and turns and the surprising ending. Highly recommended!

[Ela Sharp · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Asylum Seekers” is a dark noir fantasy that explores a wide range of themes: war, corruption, blackmail, and, of course, the asylum itself. There’s plenty of dark material here, as the cover warns, and some readers may find it quite disturbing. So, I think it’s best to approach this story with an open mind and be ready for what it throws at you.
Vic and Zaph stood out as the most interesting duo in the story compared to other characters. At times, I felt the story could have been tightened up a little for a smoother reading experience, but that’s just my personal take. Overall, this is a well-crafted story. Fans of dark fantasy will likely find it both engaging and exciting.

[Thomas Jr. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Seth Hobbs's Asylum Seekers showcases a dystopian world in conflict. There are plenty of action scenes and a good bit of hot sex. That, along with a hefty dose of profanity, definitely make it an adult read. The plot is somewhat convoluted, crafted to provide twists and turns. The novel's biggest flaw is that it's overwritten, too much flowery language, and it's too long. Still, it could provide a couple of days' diversion for those who like this sort of thing.