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Scourge: Triskellion Book One
Some fear the dark. Others embrace it.
Rookie detective Angela Benson and her partner, Joe Anderson, have discovered a group of killers targeting the homeless of New York City. Desperate to prove her worth, Angela knows identifying the perpetrators of these heinous crimes is her best shot and earning the right to be called one of the city's finest.
As the murders move beyond the homeless, Angela and Joe begin to unravel an ancient mystery, revealing there's more to these killers than meets the eye.
Watch as destiny emerges from the shadows to collide with unseen, unspeakable forces, all as the safety of mankind hangs in the balance.
SCOURGE is a literary roller coaster that will keep pages turning and lights burning for fans of urban fantasy. If you're ready, leave the mundane behind and enter a world of magic, danger, and adventure unlike anything you've ever experienced. It all starts on page one.
The only question is...are you brave enough?
SCOURGE won First Place in the CLC Book Excellence Awards for 2023 in the "Paranormal and Urban Fantasy" category!
Rookie detective Angela Benson and her partner, Joe Anderson, have discovered a group of killers targeting the homeless of New York City. Desperate to prove her worth, Angela knows identifying the perpetrators of these heinous crimes is her best shot and earning the right to be called one of the city's finest.
As the murders move beyond the homeless, Angela and Joe begin to unravel an ancient mystery, revealing there's more to these killers than meets the eye.
Watch as destiny emerges from the shadows to collide with unseen, unspeakable forces, all as the safety of mankind hangs in the balance.
SCOURGE is a literary roller coaster that will keep pages turning and lights burning for fans of urban fantasy. If you're ready, leave the mundane behind and enter a world of magic, danger, and adventure unlike anything you've ever experienced. It all starts on page one.
The only question is...are you brave enough?
SCOURGE won First Place in the CLC Book Excellence Awards for 2023 in the "Paranormal and Urban Fantasy" category!
543 pages, Paperback
Published January 9, 2022
3 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
About the author
Rodney W. McWilliams
3 books7 followersI am a newly published author, finally taking my lifelong hobby of writing to the next level. Publishing a novel has been one of my goals for almost 40 years, and this marks a milestone in my life. I feel everyone has at least one good story to tell, and with luck, you will agree. I also intend to release more fiction from this point forward. I want to offer a good story that lets the reader have a temporary escape to be entertained.
Scourge is the first of a planned series, and I have various other fiction and creative non-fiction projects in the works.
I was a finalist in the Sante Fe Writer’s Project annual contest for one of my short stories, which is also set to become a full-length novel.
I live in West Texas with my wife and herd of furry, four footed children.
Scourge is the first of a planned series, and I have various other fiction and creative non-fiction projects in the works.
I was a finalist in the Sante Fe Writer’s Project annual contest for one of my short stories, which is also set to become a full-length novel.
I live in West Texas with my wife and herd of furry, four footed children.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 19, 2025
Scourge by Rodney McWilliams follows two detectives as they investigate gruesome murders in New York City. These are not ordinary murders, spurred by crime or passion. They seem almost ritualistic, and there is more to them than can be understood by the human mind.
This book is written in the third person omniscient with a focus on Detectives Angela Benson and Joe Anderson. Joe is a kind-hearted man who has lost a great deal in life. Police work has become his way of giving his life meaning when he thought he had nothing left.
Against the wishes of her father, Angela answered the call to police work. She felt drawn to a career where she could maximize her impact on the immediate world around her. She is strong and determined, despite the strain it has put on her relationship with her parents.
Though Angela is a new partner to Joe, he becomes a mentor to her—a father figure. I enjoyed watching them bond. Not only did they support each other as partners but protected each other as friends.
McWilliams focuses on these two detectives, but the book offers us a view into every aspect of the murders. We get scenes of the medical examiners looking over the bodies. We get detailed accounts of victims before they meet their end. And McWilliams spares no detail to create an immersive story. The amount of research that went into every facet must have been vast. From police procedures to layouts of the business district of NY, McWilliams ensures the reader is right there with the characters experiencing every smell, the materials of which things are made, and precise descriptions of each area.
Not only are Angela and Joe’s backstories explained throughout, we get a lot of information on everyone we meet. I think I found Thomas’s story to be one of the saddest. Each character is unique and diverse and reacts to things differently depending on their station in life. McWilliam’s characters are another well-thought-out facet delivered to the reader in King style with a full backstory, allowing us to imagine each scene in as much detail as possible.
As we get deeper into the investigations of these murders, we also get scenes from the killers themselves although McWilliams does not offer us all the information at once. As we get little snippets, we start to realize that the killings are more than person-on-person violence and the entire balance of good and evil is at risk.
Once you discover who the killers are, there are still secrets to be unveiled and the story becomes a wild race to the end. A well-written story that kept me on my toes until the very end, Scourge will keep you up late at night scrounging for more answers.
Review originally posted to the FanFi Addict website
This book is written in the third person omniscient with a focus on Detectives Angela Benson and Joe Anderson. Joe is a kind-hearted man who has lost a great deal in life. Police work has become his way of giving his life meaning when he thought he had nothing left.
Against the wishes of her father, Angela answered the call to police work. She felt drawn to a career where she could maximize her impact on the immediate world around her. She is strong and determined, despite the strain it has put on her relationship with her parents.
Though Angela is a new partner to Joe, he becomes a mentor to her—a father figure. I enjoyed watching them bond. Not only did they support each other as partners but protected each other as friends.
McWilliams focuses on these two detectives, but the book offers us a view into every aspect of the murders. We get scenes of the medical examiners looking over the bodies. We get detailed accounts of victims before they meet their end. And McWilliams spares no detail to create an immersive story. The amount of research that went into every facet must have been vast. From police procedures to layouts of the business district of NY, McWilliams ensures the reader is right there with the characters experiencing every smell, the materials of which things are made, and precise descriptions of each area.
Not only are Angela and Joe’s backstories explained throughout, we get a lot of information on everyone we meet. I think I found Thomas’s story to be one of the saddest. Each character is unique and diverse and reacts to things differently depending on their station in life. McWilliam’s characters are another well-thought-out facet delivered to the reader in King style with a full backstory, allowing us to imagine each scene in as much detail as possible.
As we get deeper into the investigations of these murders, we also get scenes from the killers themselves although McWilliams does not offer us all the information at once. As we get little snippets, we start to realize that the killings are more than person-on-person violence and the entire balance of good and evil is at risk.
Once you discover who the killers are, there are still secrets to be unveiled and the story becomes a wild race to the end. A well-written story that kept me on my toes until the very end, Scourge will keep you up late at night scrounging for more answers.
Review originally posted to the FanFi Addict website
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April 12, 2025I apologize. Made it about 45% through but I had to pull the plug. I absolutely hate not finishing a book and this one definitely has potential. I don’t think I’m the right reader, as evidenced by the many other super positive reviews.
Often it’s the lack of details that stands out in independent books, the problem for me in this case was an excess of details. There was so much description my short term memory forgot where we were in the story, thus making it difficult for my imagination to really take off and get lost in the book.
To be honest I think this book would make an excellent screenplay, especially with how the dialogue was formatted.
I did read the final chapter and can say there is a juicy cliffhanger. Do give this book a chance if you’re a fan of urban fantasy and crime dramas. You may find you enjoy it more than I was able to.
Often it’s the lack of details that stands out in independent books, the problem for me in this case was an excess of details. There was so much description my short term memory forgot where we were in the story, thus making it difficult for my imagination to really take off and get lost in the book.
To be honest I think this book would make an excellent screenplay, especially with how the dialogue was formatted.
I did read the final chapter and can say there is a juicy cliffhanger. Do give this book a chance if you’re a fan of urban fantasy and crime dramas. You may find you enjoy it more than I was able to.
November 2, 2024
Those who enjoy reading paranormal fantasy should get their hands on Scourge penned by the author Rodney McWilliams. It is the first book in the Triskellion book series. Angela Benson and Joe Anderson are the detectives who have recently partnered up and are working to investigate the chain of murders.
Angela's father never liked the fact that she became a detective being a woman. According to him, the role of the protector suits men. But, Angela was lucky to have the support from her mother. Now, her partner Joe supports her well.
When Dr. Allen Palmer performed an autopsy on John Doe, Detectives Angela and Joe attended as representatives from the Homicide Division of the Police Department. Doctor informed that the victim was given facial trauma first and the damage to the torso is the cause of death. Angela was shocked to know about the murderer's intent to remove the victim's heart. Who is behind these murders and why is the killer so brutal?
This is a gripping story. Those who enjoy reading stories with many characters should get their hands on this book. The story is full of twists and turns. There are no dull moments in this book. I am eager to read the next book in the series. The author has done fantastic work with the storyline and the characters. The brutality with which people were murdered will leave you in shock.
Angela's father never liked the fact that she became a detective being a woman. According to him, the role of the protector suits men. But, Angela was lucky to have the support from her mother. Now, her partner Joe supports her well.
When Dr. Allen Palmer performed an autopsy on John Doe, Detectives Angela and Joe attended as representatives from the Homicide Division of the Police Department. Doctor informed that the victim was given facial trauma first and the damage to the torso is the cause of death. Angela was shocked to know about the murderer's intent to remove the victim's heart. Who is behind these murders and why is the killer so brutal?
This is a gripping story. Those who enjoy reading stories with many characters should get their hands on this book. The story is full of twists and turns. There are no dull moments in this book. I am eager to read the next book in the series. The author has done fantastic work with the storyline and the characters. The brutality with which people were murdered will leave you in shock.
January 7, 2025
Scourge,
This is one of the hardest reviews I’ve ever had to write, after finishing the book, I’m just in stunned silence and shocked by this unknown masterpiece that has just been a privilege to read and review
It’s a mysterious phenomenon, a mystical masterpiece that has more shocks, chills and thrills, you’re have your emotions shredded as you react to characters changing, it’s a case of magical, mayhem, chaos and death, such a detailed storyline, character development and world-building are exceptional and the way it starts so dramatic makes it feel like it’s you who is involved.
It’s definitely a top tier novel, and exceeds the 5-stars for the breakdown, writing is just exceptional, the story telling is beyond description and so easy to read, the story style flows perfectly, and it’s also very much something I would recommend to anyone, especially if it was made into something like a tv series or movie.
You’re going to have to read it, to experience the story of chills and thrills, and will end up sitting on the edge of your seat, as you everything unfold, it’s is one of the most remarkable books from a first time novelist, I’ve ever had the opportunity to read their entire life’s work.
It’s a true masterpiece and testament to Rodney McWilliams, I look forward to Book 2, Demons.
This is one of the hardest reviews I’ve ever had to write, after finishing the book, I’m just in stunned silence and shocked by this unknown masterpiece that has just been a privilege to read and review
It’s a mysterious phenomenon, a mystical masterpiece that has more shocks, chills and thrills, you’re have your emotions shredded as you react to characters changing, it’s a case of magical, mayhem, chaos and death, such a detailed storyline, character development and world-building are exceptional and the way it starts so dramatic makes it feel like it’s you who is involved.
It’s definitely a top tier novel, and exceeds the 5-stars for the breakdown, writing is just exceptional, the story telling is beyond description and so easy to read, the story style flows perfectly, and it’s also very much something I would recommend to anyone, especially if it was made into something like a tv series or movie.
You’re going to have to read it, to experience the story of chills and thrills, and will end up sitting on the edge of your seat, as you everything unfold, it’s is one of the most remarkable books from a first time novelist, I’ve ever had the opportunity to read their entire life’s work.
It’s a true masterpiece and testament to Rodney McWilliams, I look forward to Book 2, Demons.
October 11, 2023
I was a bit skeptical about this mystery because of the paranormal aspect of the cover. I was amazed at the complete universe that was created within. The characters especially urban detectives, Joe and Angela, were fully developed, fleshed out and believable. The events were fast paced, yet the transitions from one to another were smooth. After finding the first bodies the atmosphere changes from a standard murder scene to a mysterious and paranormal one. Vampires appear to be in the mix but who or what is the force that is able to cope with them?
There were times when I simply could not put the book down. I highly recommend this book.
There were times when I simply could not put the book down. I highly recommend this book.
April 5, 2023
This book was full of adventure, mystery, action, and had a great storyline. It kept me on my toes the entire time and took an unexpected turn. A very good, easy read with a great plot!
September 3, 2024
I’ll start out by saying that this is not my typical genre…but I loved it anyway.
I was immediately pulled in by the fast-paced plot and relatable characters. I found myself picking up the book even if I only had a few minutes to spare because I simply couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen next. Each chapter is broken up into smaller sections allowing me to keep telling myself “just one more part.”
NYC plays a gritty backdrop to a rather terrifying group of vampires that plague the citizens, especially the most desperate of populations. The story-telling is raw, character driven and exceptionally detailed. It read like a movie and with its Batman-esque vibes, I could actually see this story as a potential DC or Marvel pick-up.
Unique and creative, this novel is not one I will soon forget and I eagerly anticipate reading the second book!
I was immediately pulled in by the fast-paced plot and relatable characters. I found myself picking up the book even if I only had a few minutes to spare because I simply couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen next. Each chapter is broken up into smaller sections allowing me to keep telling myself “just one more part.”
NYC plays a gritty backdrop to a rather terrifying group of vampires that plague the citizens, especially the most desperate of populations. The story-telling is raw, character driven and exceptionally detailed. It read like a movie and with its Batman-esque vibes, I could actually see this story as a potential DC or Marvel pick-up.
Unique and creative, this novel is not one I will soon forget and I eagerly anticipate reading the second book!
June 3, 2025
Reading this book genuinely felt like watching a movie. The level of detail runs deep and it's clear the author poured his heart into crafting such an awesome story. There are a lot of characters in this book, yet each one feels distinct and real, their backstories stitched together beautifully. I loved the dynamic between the two detectives, Angela and Joe. Joe has years of experience on young Angela, but neither of them realizes just how deep the mystery behind the gruesome deaths plaguing the city really goes. There were a lot of twists that I wasn't expecting, but everything just worked so well as it all fell into place. I especially appreciated what felt like a unique take on a common myth. Truly a great read!
July 23, 2023
Scourge kept me on my toes page after page! It was the action-packed, nail-biting, mysterious kind of book that I like to read! I thought the characters were unique, interesting and original and I loved the intriguing plotline. It has a touch of paranormal with a lot of action and mystery—just the blend that I love! This is a great book that I’d highly recommend!
July 23, 2023
It was the action-packed, nail-biting, mysterious kind of book that I like to read! I thought the characters were unique, interesting and original and I loved the intriguing plotline. It has a touch of paranormal with a lot of action and mystery—just the blend that I love!
July 23, 2023
Scourge is an action-packed, paranormal fantasy novel that will take you on an intense, emotional and nail-biting rollercoaster ride from start to finish.
December 5, 2023
Lots of fun from start to finish. I will continue to follow this series
July 23, 2023
While this may be Rodney McWilliam's first published book, his writing reads like that of a gifted storyteller and a skillful writer. He effortlessly created multiple characters with complex storylines and a plot that unfolds slowly and steadily with the anticipation of plot twists that readers won’t see coming. I enjoyed his expressive writing style so much that I felt like I was right there looking on as the story unfolded. His characters are so interesting and unique, and the way he developed them caused me to grow to feel a deep connection with some of them. This is the type of writing I love and want to read more of.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews