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The Preternatural Chronicles #3.5
Moonlight Equilibrium
Note from the sick and twisted Author: This novel can be read as a standalone horror book. It can also be a sweet, delectable treat for those that are already engrossed in the "Preternatural Chronicles" as it fills in some backstory between books 3 and 4. Either way, I do so hope you enjoy the ride *insert evil laugh while twirling ends of mustache*
We are all beasts that hunger from inside, trapped within a prison of flesh, just waiting to escape.
Jose had made the unfortunate decision to work with the cartel under the guise of providing a better life for his loving wife, five-year-old son, and newborn daughter. All too late, Jose learns that we are free to make any decision in life that we want, but it’s the consequences we cannot avoid.
An eerie howl reminiscent of a haunted train pierces the night, signifying that the hunt has begun . . .
Feel the pull of the Moonlight Equilibrium and get lost in a visceral world of unrelenting terror, exquisitely detailed gore, and the existential sorrow of regret.
We are all beasts that hunger from inside, trapped within a prison of flesh, just waiting to escape.
Jose had made the unfortunate decision to work with the cartel under the guise of providing a better life for his loving wife, five-year-old son, and newborn daughter. All too late, Jose learns that we are free to make any decision in life that we want, but it’s the consequences we cannot avoid.
An eerie howl reminiscent of a haunted train pierces the night, signifying that the hunt has begun . . .
Feel the pull of the Moonlight Equilibrium and get lost in a visceral world of unrelenting terror, exquisitely detailed gore, and the existential sorrow of regret.
- GenresFantasyUrban Fantasy
161 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 12, 2020
127 people are currently reading
222 people want to read
About the author
Hunter Blain
43 books212 followersMy name is Hunter, and I’m a wordaholic. I’m also about to break the fourth wall…of your mindhole. Because there is a true story behind this…well…story.
It begins with two best friends who grew up together, breaking rules and raising hell as they shaped each other’s personalities into the shameless assholes they are today. Well, at least for one of them, but I’ll get to that in a moment. These two boys—let’s call them Hunter and John—were all but inseparable. John excelled at creating music powerful enough to make angels weep and being the funniest asshole in Texas while Hunter dabbled—poorly, I might add—in his humble writings. Because they were self-declared brothers from other mothers, John respected Hunter’s humble writings as much as I—I mean Hunter (stupid third person perspective)—respected John’s musical magic. John’s tunes could have changed the world, one day…
One fine day, after reading one of Hunter’s horrifically detailed short stories about a serial killer, John asked Hunter to write a story about him.
“Hell yeah, dude! What do you want to be?” Hunter asked, brimming with honor and biting back a very manly squee.
“A vampire,” John responded with a mischievous gleam in his eye. “But not one of those sparkly ones. A true bad ass!”
“Done!” Hunter crowed with a smile and an accompanying high five.
“No, dude. Promise. Promise you’ll write and finish a book about me. You are the most prolific writer of our generation!” John said. (Something like that. I might be paraphrasing a little, but you get the gist of it). “I would consider it an honor to live on for eternity with your words as my life’s blood.”
Hunter agreed, never to realize the weight of that promise until one Sunday morning when John’s mother called, crying incoherently.
John…had died.
Hunter was left in a cold world without his best friend and doppelgänger. Hunter still thinks about that moment to this day. How the morning light crept through the bedroom window while Hunter stared at the ceiling, noticing how the popcorn texture created cruel, jagged shadows. How everything started to blur as his chest was crushed beneath the weight of what he was hearing, each word stacking heavily upon the other until only fitful, ragged gasps of air could escape his throat. Only fiery tears existed, especially after the horrific realization that Hunter now had to make some of the hardest phone calls of his life to the circle of friends who orbited around John’s solar pull.
Their star was no more, leaving their universe a colder and darker place.
John not only left Hunter, but a friend named Valenta as well. There was also Nathanial and Depweg. The friends were each stricken numb with the loss of such a beloved flare of life. But…
When the three found out that Hunter was keeping his promise to write the greatest story ever told—starring their dear friend, John—they demanded to be a part of the adventure. Each of them immediately knew what type of supernatural character they wanted to play in this urban fantasy eulogy. It would be a funeral pyre of words, and their fictional personas would be John’s pallbearers.
So please, as you read the following pages, feel free to laugh. Laugh at the situations John is placed in and his dickish dialogue to those around him, because John is 100% in this story without alteration (albeit he is a vampire). Laugh and let his memory live on inside the theater of your mind. Like he does in ours.
Thank you, sincerely, from the bottom of my beating heart, for giving my best friend the chance to live again. You are part of this magical ritual, and that would make him the happiest man in the…well, wherever the hell he is.
It begins with two best friends who grew up together, breaking rules and raising hell as they shaped each other’s personalities into the shameless assholes they are today. Well, at least for one of them, but I’ll get to that in a moment. These two boys—let’s call them Hunter and John—were all but inseparable. John excelled at creating music powerful enough to make angels weep and being the funniest asshole in Texas while Hunter dabbled—poorly, I might add—in his humble writings. Because they were self-declared brothers from other mothers, John respected Hunter’s humble writings as much as I—I mean Hunter (stupid third person perspective)—respected John’s musical magic. John’s tunes could have changed the world, one day…
One fine day, after reading one of Hunter’s horrifically detailed short stories about a serial killer, John asked Hunter to write a story about him.
“Hell yeah, dude! What do you want to be?” Hunter asked, brimming with honor and biting back a very manly squee.
“A vampire,” John responded with a mischievous gleam in his eye. “But not one of those sparkly ones. A true bad ass!”
“Done!” Hunter crowed with a smile and an accompanying high five.
“No, dude. Promise. Promise you’ll write and finish a book about me. You are the most prolific writer of our generation!” John said. (Something like that. I might be paraphrasing a little, but you get the gist of it). “I would consider it an honor to live on for eternity with your words as my life’s blood.”
Hunter agreed, never to realize the weight of that promise until one Sunday morning when John’s mother called, crying incoherently.
John…had died.
Hunter was left in a cold world without his best friend and doppelgänger. Hunter still thinks about that moment to this day. How the morning light crept through the bedroom window while Hunter stared at the ceiling, noticing how the popcorn texture created cruel, jagged shadows. How everything started to blur as his chest was crushed beneath the weight of what he was hearing, each word stacking heavily upon the other until only fitful, ragged gasps of air could escape his throat. Only fiery tears existed, especially after the horrific realization that Hunter now had to make some of the hardest phone calls of his life to the circle of friends who orbited around John’s solar pull.
Their star was no more, leaving their universe a colder and darker place.
John not only left Hunter, but a friend named Valenta as well. There was also Nathanial and Depweg. The friends were each stricken numb with the loss of such a beloved flare of life. But…
When the three found out that Hunter was keeping his promise to write the greatest story ever told—starring their dear friend, John—they demanded to be a part of the adventure. Each of them immediately knew what type of supernatural character they wanted to play in this urban fantasy eulogy. It would be a funeral pyre of words, and their fictional personas would be John’s pallbearers.
So please, as you read the following pages, feel free to laugh. Laugh at the situations John is placed in and his dickish dialogue to those around him, because John is 100% in this story without alteration (albeit he is a vampire). Laugh and let his memory live on inside the theater of your mind. Like he does in ours.
Thank you, sincerely, from the bottom of my beating heart, for giving my best friend the chance to live again. You are part of this magical ritual, and that would make him the happiest man in the…well, wherever the hell he is.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
April 13, 2020
Hunter Blain takes a darker turn in this supplement to the Preternatural Chronicles. Think splatter-gods like Tarrantino, Miller, Rodriguez...
So, just what was Depweg doing after he fled his friends in Texas? Well, it warn't a vacay in Cabo.
So, just what was Depweg doing after he fled his friends in Texas? Well, it warn't a vacay in Cabo.
February 21, 2025
This one definitely took a dark turn it wasn't the normal fun read.
August 15, 2020
Hunter Blain gives a new light to " drugs are bad business "
Jose doesn't do them, Martin does. Hector rules over all, and somewhere it just sucks to be at work on the wrong day. Follow Jose as he follows a downward spiral into madness after surviving a bite from a werewolf.
Jose doesn't do them, Martin does. Hector rules over all, and somewhere it just sucks to be at work on the wrong day. Follow Jose as he follows a downward spiral into madness after surviving a bite from a werewolf.
July 17, 2021
Moonshine Equilibrium, a Preternatural Chronicles novella by Hunter Blain, is a stand-alone story that is set apart from the rest of the series. It is about Jose who faces his worst nightmare, a journey that changes his life as he knows it. It is a story about werewolves and the havoc their impact has on communities and families.
As I read the novella, it is clear the setting is still the universe that John Cook lives in and I could not help but think about how the 3rd book, Shadow of a Doubt, left off. John’s best friend, Depweg, is a werewolf that has gone rogue and this novella features a werewolf that is terrorizing people.
It is well written, filled with rich and explicit imagery. The nature of the premise demands that it is written with graphic horror and it is. Blain’s trademark humor is not present, yet it was a story that grips you and does not let go. Predictable at best, but one that sets the stage of what John will face next.
Normally, graphic horror is not something that appeals to me, but I feel reading this was important to the overall arc of the series. It helps you understand the emotions and drive of the werewolf.
This was necessary in understanding one of the key characters in “Preternatural Chronicles. It is a piece of the puzzle that must be read to complete the masterpiece.
As I read the novella, it is clear the setting is still the universe that John Cook lives in and I could not help but think about how the 3rd book, Shadow of a Doubt, left off. John’s best friend, Depweg, is a werewolf that has gone rogue and this novella features a werewolf that is terrorizing people.
It is well written, filled with rich and explicit imagery. The nature of the premise demands that it is written with graphic horror and it is. Blain’s trademark humor is not present, yet it was a story that grips you and does not let go. Predictable at best, but one that sets the stage of what John will face next.
Normally, graphic horror is not something that appeals to me, but I feel reading this was important to the overall arc of the series. It helps you understand the emotions and drive of the werewolf.
This was necessary in understanding one of the key characters in “Preternatural Chronicles. It is a piece of the puzzle that must be read to complete the masterpiece.
February 14, 2021
I wasn’t sure what exactly to expect from a book that from the beginning took a slight detour from the Preternatural Chronicles timeline as it were. At first it didn’t seem super interesting, but after a certain point, it started to get reallly good. I know that if you’ve read this book, the point I’m talking about in the book, may or may not make you question what kind of person i am. However, I’m a fan of action & when it comes to ohhh say Werewolves, it just so happens to be in certain cases, when they go ballistic & start going on a feeding frenzy, but whatever.. I’m a weirdo. Anyways, good resting point for some people to digest what happened in Preternatural Chronicles Book 3, while wondering what’s going to happen in 4.
April 23, 2026
This book was different. This is not a bad thing as it shows Hunters ability to write in more than one style.
The horror like aspect in this book really brought a darker feel to the entire series as you realise how normal people see the preternatural beings.
There were parts I personally didn’t overly enjoy, hence the 4 instead of 5 star rating, but an author can’t please everyone XD
That being said I did generally really enjoy this darker style of writing, and the end ties in so well with the next book!
John on!
The horror like aspect in this book really brought a darker feel to the entire series as you realise how normal people see the preternatural beings.
There were parts I personally didn’t overly enjoy, hence the 4 instead of 5 star rating, but an author can’t please everyone XD
That being said I did generally really enjoy this darker style of writing, and the end ties in so well with the next book!
John on!
July 9, 2025
4.5 stars. I'm assuming this is Depweg that is terrorizing the cartel, but that isn't the point of this story. This story does not have the humor that the rest of the books had shown so far, but of course not. It's not from John's point of view. The author tells us prior to the story that this is more horror than the previous books in the series. I'm hoping book four will show us this story from Depweg's POV and I hope Jose doesn't meet a brutal ending.
On to the next book!!
On to the next book!!
January 4, 2021
Enjoying the series....
Will begin the next as I have very much enjoyed them so far..hoping it isn't going off the rails after such a fun run. There's a reason I really don't like series...they typically go on just a bit too long. Here's hoping the fun hope filled atmosphere returns!
Will begin the next as I have very much enjoyed them so far..hoping it isn't going off the rails after such a fun run. There's a reason I really don't like series...they typically go on just a bit too long. Here's hoping the fun hope filled atmosphere returns!
November 2, 2021
Insane
So best friends will do what ever it takes but there is no sign of John until the very end where we find out vampires and werewolves may not be the only beings that live hundreds of years this story shows how far off the rail johnathen has gone stuck in a monster body doing terrible things
So best friends will do what ever it takes but there is no sign of John until the very end where we find out vampires and werewolves may not be the only beings that live hundreds of years this story shows how far off the rail johnathen has gone stuck in a monster body doing terrible things
September 24, 2020
Well I was not expecting that
Ever been worried about what's watching you in the dark? Scared of a creak? A breath on your neck?
Hunter has turned his own narrative on its head with a side story from the side of the humans
Dark and gritty - a must read for any werewolf fans!
Ever been worried about what's watching you in the dark? Scared of a creak? A breath on your neck?
Hunter has turned his own narrative on its head with a side story from the side of the humans
Dark and gritty - a must read for any werewolf fans!
October 8, 2020
Please Hunter sir! Can I have some more?
This is Hunter Blains first 100% horror work and it is amazing! The fear starts like a distant faint pitter patter of a heartbeat until your heart bursts right out of your chest! This man knows horror!
This is Hunter Blains first 100% horror work and it is amazing! The fear starts like a distant faint pitter patter of a heartbeat until your heart bursts right out of your chest! This man knows horror!
November 3, 2020
To taste the red, your only will!
There's no salvation.
First off, Moonlight Equilibrium is one of my favorite TBDM songs. So, bonus points.
This one was full of so much action, very descriptive violence.
I thought it was an awesome insight to a werewolf's mind. Next book is already in queue.
There's no salvation.
First off, Moonlight Equilibrium is one of my favorite TBDM songs. So, bonus points.
This one was full of so much action, very descriptive violence.
I thought it was an awesome insight to a werewolf's mind. Next book is already in queue.
December 14, 2020
Moonlight Equilibrium: Preternatural Chron...
The rating was well deserved. I absolutely love the characters, the plot, and the intensity. The reader is swept along on a terrifying, exciting, adventure. The plot is guaranteed to keep you glued to the book until the very end.
The rating was well deserved. I absolutely love the characters, the plot, and the intensity. The reader is swept along on a terrifying, exciting, adventure. The plot is guaranteed to keep you glued to the book until the very end.
February 17, 2021
Good reading !
Great story, interesting ending, and I can’t wait for the next book. Poor guy really shouldn’t have taken that job ..
As usual our Author makes you feel as if you are right there .
Great story, interesting ending, and I can’t wait for the next book. Poor guy really shouldn’t have taken that job ..
As usual our Author makes you feel as if you are right there .
August 31, 2021
wry dark read
This book is a bit of a departure from the first three books in that there isn’t the fun repartee and the storyline is very dark. The book is fast paced with little lag from one chapter to the next.
This book is a bit of a departure from the first three books in that there isn’t the fun repartee and the storyline is very dark. The book is fast paced with little lag from one chapter to the next.
April 25, 2025
You do need to read this before you read book 4-Mouth of Madness as the characters here show up in later series. This book is more sad and tragic and does not have comedy in it. Take this as the more serious side of the series.
September 9, 2020
Not really a horror fan, but read it as I am a Hunter fan. Missed the Deadpool esque commentary
October 10, 2020
Yet again excellent writing and story concepts.
January 20, 2021
Excellent stories!
These are very well written and are a must read! You won't be able to put them down! Narrator is perfect for these stories!
These are very well written and are a must read! You won't be able to put them down! Narrator is perfect for these stories!
January 20, 2021
Page turner
Hunter you have done it again. This was a page turner indeed! Can’t wait to read the next book. Keep them coming!
Hunter you have done it again. This was a page turner indeed! Can’t wait to read the next book. Keep them coming!
January 30, 2021
Very engaging
It was a good read and a good storyline. This is one author to watch for in the future. Great work.
It was a good read and a good storyline. This is one author to watch for in the future. Great work.
January 31, 2021
As much as I love reading about John and friends, it's nice to see some of the side effects of what happens with them. This whole thing is full of action and excitement.
March 20, 2021
I don't know why I can't post more than 1 star. I love everything from this author!!! I can't put the books down!
June 14, 2021
Nice side story
Nice way of introducing new characters, and letting poor John rest up. Good read. I highly recommend the Prefer natural Chronicles. Fun reads through and through
Nice way of introducing new characters, and letting poor John rest up. Good read. I highly recommend the Prefer natural Chronicles. Fun reads through and through
October 11, 2021
Well...that was a non-stop of thrills and horror, can't wait to see what comes of this in the future. :)
January 6, 2023
Good short story!
A lot of action and explanation on werewolves! Super action-packed and creepy ending. I'm excited to read what comes next!
A lot of action and explanation on werewolves! Super action-packed and creepy ending. I'm excited to read what comes next!
February 28, 2025
It was ok. Not great, not awful.
August 29, 2025
The action was fun, but every sentence does not need a simile or metaphor. That was exhausting
February 14, 2025
Werewolf Showdown
Even though it is part of the Preternatural Chronicles, our favourite sarcastic vampire was not in this one. We did have, who we assume to be Depweg, based on the epilogue from book 3.
This book was a slow start, it took a couple of chapters to get into the story and the “want” to continue reading. Not really sure how to sum up this book, though, in relation to the rest of the series. A werewolf is targeting the cartel, and a man who is fleeing the werewolf, and in turn, the cartel, is accidentally infected with the werewolf virus. He doesn’t realize this right away, but soon figures it out, just before he accidentally kills his wife and two small children, but has no recollection of it. After his family is gone, he is determined to eliminate the werewolf who turned him, causing his family to be dead. He returns to the base of the cartel he fled, to find them in a war with the werewolf he was hunting. In the end, he isn’t strong enough to kill the much larger werewolf, but he is determined to gain strength, and one day, kill the other werewolf.
Even though it is part of the Preternatural Chronicles, our favourite sarcastic vampire was not in this one. We did have, who we assume to be Depweg, based on the epilogue from book 3.
This book was a slow start, it took a couple of chapters to get into the story and the “want” to continue reading. Not really sure how to sum up this book, though, in relation to the rest of the series. A werewolf is targeting the cartel, and a man who is fleeing the werewolf, and in turn, the cartel, is accidentally infected with the werewolf virus. He doesn’t realize this right away, but soon figures it out, just before he accidentally kills his wife and two small children, but has no recollection of it. After his family is gone, he is determined to eliminate the werewolf who turned him, causing his family to be dead. He returns to the base of the cartel he fled, to find them in a war with the werewolf he was hunting. In the end, he isn’t strong enough to kill the much larger werewolf, but he is determined to gain strength, and one day, kill the other werewolf.
February 5, 2021
The character Jose is very interesting. He seems like a great guy wanting to make a better life for his family. The writing lets you feel his anguish as things get beyond his control and he becomes a monster. Great story telling. With this being a part of the series, I am assuming this was character introduction for a future book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews