Megalomaniac opens in select theaters on September 8, 2023. Photo: Pascal Bernaerts, used with permission.
In movie news today, there is a new horror movie coming out today, September 8 in select theaters. Megalomaniac opens in select theaters in New York City, Los Angeles, Columbus Ohio, and Rochester Minnesota on September 8 and in digital (iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, Vudu, and more) on September 26, 2023. So if you like violent, gory, horror movies and appreciate foreign films (it is subtitled), then check this one out.
Megalomaniac stars Eline Schumacher, Wim Willaert, Benjamin Ramon, Pierre Nisse, and Raphaëlle Lubansu. Directed by Karim Ouelhaj. (The Write Way, 2023)
Martha and Félix are the children of the Butcher of Mons, a notorious Belgian serial killer from the 1990s. Unstable and riddled with insecurities, Martha lives vicariously through social media. Her brother, crushed by the family legacy, takes over their father’s killings. Harassed and violently assaulted at work, the docile Martha falls into madness and goes through the looking glass into the strange and terrifying world inhabited by her brother.
“Writer/Director Karim Ouelhaj crafts extreme confrontational horror that aims to offend as much as it does evoke wrath and societal reflection. It’s at once compelling and uncomfortable to watch.” – Bloody Disgusting
“‘Megalomaniac’ is top-tier European arthouse feel-bad horror cinema that, paired with stunning cinematography, will thrill extreme horror fans.” – Dread Central
Poster for Megalomaniac. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
‘The Founders’ Plot’ is the new political thriller from Frank Victoria. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Today’s new book release is perfect for readers who like political thrillers full of action, suspense, and conspiracy theories. “The Founders’ Plot” by Frank Victoria weaves together intricate layers of political intrigue, personal sacrifice, and moral dilemmas. Set against the backdrop of contemporary issues, the story offers a gripping story that not only sheds light on the dark underbelly of politics and immigration but also challenges the audience to question the true intentions behind the exercise of power. What happens when the newly elected California Governor Mike DiGrasso defies the Supreme Court? No one would ever know the meeting took place. Sounds intriguing? Find out for yourself and pick up a copy of this exciting thriller today. It is a masterful political thriller and winner of the Beverly Hills Book Award and it is available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle format. (Frank Victoria, 2023)
Frank Victoria was born and raised in Chicago, but now lives in Orland Park IL, a suburb of that city. He served in the Marine Corps, graduated from Northern Illinois university with a B.A. in Journalism, and was a writer and editor for several business magazines for more than twenty-five years. Then he made a career change into Education and taught American history and government in the Chicago Public Schools for sixteen years. In his new book “The Founders’ Plot,” Afghanistan war hero Mike DiGrasso has just been elected Governor of California by an overwhelming majority and immediately sets out to work on keeping his campaign’s primary promise – to create a strict immigration law.
“The Founders’ Plot” – In the wake of Mike Digrasso’s (50s) election as California governor, the sordid and dangerous world of illegal immigration becomes a central focus. DiGrasso, a decorated Afghan war veteran, initiates a stringent immigration law, which later faces opposition as the Supreme Court declares it unconstitutional. Despite the Court’s ruling, DiGrasso chooses to continue enforcing the law, igniting a collision of federal, state, and judicial powers. This clash not only jeopardizes the country’s political and justice systems but also tests the limits of authority.
United States President Martin W. Ballard (50s), a long-time friend of Governor DiGrasso, is faced with a pivotal decision – whether to federalize the California National Guard in order to enforce the Court’s ruling. As tensions escalate, Senate Minority Leader Elizabeth Stern, a cunning member of the opposition party, emerges as a formidable adversary. Stern is relentless in her pursuit to make DiGrasso comply with the Court’s decision, even resorting to tactics such as planning impeachment proceedings and blackmailing the governor over a past affair. The strain on DiGrasso’s personal life is undeniable, as his wife learns of his infidelity and temporarily leaves him.
Amid this turmoil, the lives of two Mexican families living in the country illegally are deeply affected by the hyperintense atmosphere brought about by the new immigration law. Their struggles underline the human toll of such policies, revealing the heartbreaking consequences for those caught in the crossfire.
Behind the scenes, several political players share the belief that federal courts have amassed excessive power, operating beyond the bounds of authority outlined in the Constitution. They orchestrate a clandestine plot that is rooted in a desire to recalibrate the balance of power and reflects their conviction that their actions align with the principles of the Founding Fathers. Thus, the title “The Founders’ Plot” takes on a deeper meaning, encapsulating the audacious plan to reshape the nation’s legal landscape.
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Author Frank Victoria. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
‘Love’s Forbidden Path’ is a contemporary romance novel by R.A. Harolds. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Romance novels tend to be escapist fun reads and have always been popular through the years. If you are a fan of contemporary romance and historical/regency romance novels (think Bridgerton and Pride and Prejudice) here are two new ones by R.A. Harolds that deserve mention. So whatever mood strikes today, whether a modern romantic ‘forbidden love’ suspense novel, or a historical romance filled with pirates and arranged marriages, consider the following novels. They are both available on Amazon.
“Love’s Forbidden Path: Bound by Society, United by Forbidden Love: A Passion Ignited Against All Odds: Defying Boundaries, Igniting Hearts: A Forbidden Love that Transcended All”
Contemporary romance Romantic suspense
Their first impression of each other was like a bolt from the blue. It was a moment that would change their lives forever. The instant they laid eyes on each other, they knew they were in trouble. It was a forbidden love that they could not control. In a world divided by strict societal norms and prejudices, two individuals found themselves entangled in a forbidden love affair. Despite the odds stacked against them, their attraction for each other burned with an intensity that could not be ignored.
Historical regency fiction Regency historical romance Fantasy romance
Elsie Barclay does not want to marry Baron Alistair Duncan. He is a shrew, vile, and she is furious that her father, Viscount Everly Barclay, has arranged the marriage to the dolt of a man. She wants to marry for love and not for standing within the Scottish monarchy. Feeling sullen and dwelling on her future as Alistair Duncan’s betrothed, Elsie’s surprised when someone enters her bedchamber and whisks her away. But she is even more flabbergasted when she realizes Brigg Cronan, marauder, and pirate captain, kidnapped her. She met the bandit years ago and despised him for how cruel he treated her, but after spending months at sea with the buccaneer, Elsie has fallen in love with the man.
Buccaneer Brigg Cronan has vowed retaliation upon Viscount Barclay for taking his younger sister, Charlotte Cronan, months ago, and his plan to retrieve his sister fails. Still, Brigg decides to return the abduction if the viscount’s only daughter is equivalent enough for now. Little did Brigg know the fiery viscount daughter would be his undoing when he realizes he has fallen in love with her while she had been held captive aboard his ship. When Elsie is taken from his ship during an attack on Everly’s army, Brigg vows to get her back.
‘Root of All Evil’ is the thrilling new novel by Ayura Ayira. Photo: Amazon
Ayura Ayira is a melting pot author who, with a masterful blend of genres, effortlessly spins captivating tales that empower, uplift, and celebrate the enduring power of strength, love, and diversity. Her books delve into dark content and feature characters from diverse social, economic, and racial backgrounds, often set in international locations. “Root of All Evil” is set in an intricate world of politics, spies, and assassinations where nothing is ever as it appears. It is available on Amazon and Goodreads. (Amazon, 2023)
“Root of All Evil”– What do you do when your true existence is cloaked in darkness? Set in fictional Togulisho, West Africa, First Lady Zayani Ada, formerly known as Chinasa, resides in a realm of duality, fueled by a clandestine operation orchestrated by her dictator husband Changa Ada and the powerful foreign forces that sustain tyranny. Balancing a facade of humanitarianism with internal turmoil, she keeps her identity concealed, haunted by the heinous acts she once played a part in during her country’s harrowing genocide. The story begins as a flashback in the Prologue, when, as a young girl, Zayani witnesses the total slaughter of her village and is taken as a child bride. In the first chapter, she is hosting a charity gala to benefit the Ijun people when she meets Stefan, who will ultimately challenge everything she has ever believed. In that moment, she tumbles into an overwhelming infatuation. With him, she can finally shed the layers of pretense and confront the consequences of her past actions—the damage she inflicted upon the world as a child soldier and the devastation she furthered by marrying the man responsible for spearheading the ethnic cleansing campaign that shattered her life. The weight of her secrets has placed her life, as well as the lives of her people, in constant jeopardy. Before she can embrace her own rendition of a blissful ending, she knows she must confront her past and seek redemption. As love beckons to her soul, the urge for revenge is stronger. She must reconcile her past misdeeds, charting a course that paves the way for her ultimate happily ever after.
In novels, politics, civil war, and humanitarian issues can sometimes be one sided and feature mostly male characters. What makes “The Root of All Evil” unique is that the protagonist is a strong female character who has been through hell and back, yet wants to help her people but still needs to look out for herself. Zayani can never let her guard down as she is under constant threat of violence. To make matters worse, she has to pretend to like her husband as a survival mechanism but in reality she cannot stomach him. She is complex and multidimensional; vulnerable but strong and smart enough to know when to push an issue and when to let it go: “Zayani wondered if she was boundary-defying or just a bitch with a long memory.” Due to her circumstances, she was a child soldier so as an adult, she has no qualms about killing when necessary. Even though she experiences love, she does not let it cloud her judgement because she learns that “Love, the soul’s highest aspiration, was remarkably unreliable. Hate is the most reliable emotion in the world.” With complex and well developed characters, this well written political thriller goes deep into the mind of a woman who has been through enough trauma and pain to last her a lifetime. The language is down to earth yet hauntingly poetic and descriptive: “The cut sounded like a foot sliding into a slipper, but the red of his insides splattered her face.” Overall, “The Root of All Evil” is a must read page turner with a riveting story that shines a light on how far people are willing to go due to greed and an unquenchable thirst for power. It is recommended for fans of Tom Clancy, Robert Ludlum, and Vince Flynn who appreciate political thrillers with an added human element component.
*Disclaimer: due to violence and sexual content, this book is intended for mature readers, but in this reviewer’s opinion, the violence is not graphic.
“Sometimes the only response to unspeakable cruelty is cruelty. There is no speech, no prison, no meeting of the minds, that reaches these people. There is only blood for blood.”
*The author was contacted for an honest review of this book. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
Clint Eastwood. Image by Brigitte Werner from Pixabay, used with permission.
Sometimes a certain type of movie becomes trendy. This leads to various film studios creating their own variations in order to cash in on this trend. Some trends last a couple years while others last a generation. In most cases, they have a certain decade in which they peak. Below are just some of the biggest trends that have taken over Hollywood throughout the years and what made them so popular.
1930s: Creature Features
Creature features are typically horror movies that revolve around a single monstrous creature. There have actually been many creature feature waves throughout cinema history – Hollywood went through a sci-fi alien monster phase in the 1950s with movies like Attack of the 50 Foot Woman and The Blob, while Japan released numerous movies about giant monsters (‘kaiju’) throughout the 1960s including the Godzilla and Gamera movies. However, the peak of creature feature movies was all the way back in the 1930s and included movies like Dracula, Frankenstein, The Mummy, King Kong and The Werewolf of London. Nowadays, creature features are rarer in favor of more supernatural horror movies or more human villains. Recent reboots of Godzilla and King Kong have typically been more action-oriented than horror-based.
1950s: Westerns
The most iconic movie trend is arguably the ‘western.’ These movies about cowboys and life on the frontier would gain popularity in the 1930s and reach their peak in the 1950s. The Gunfighter, Oklahoma, High Noon and The Searchers are some of the most iconic movies from this period. The success of westerns during this period is thought to be due to the nationalism and need for escapism caused by the Cold War. Ultimately however, the market would become saturated causing individual westerns to earn less money at the box office in the late 1960s, paving the way for a new style of action movies. Of course, the genre would never truly die – there have been many cowboy movies released since and every few years a director like Tarantino or the Coen Brothers will release an epic western blockbuster.
1960s: Beach party films
In 1963, AIP released a movie titled Beach Party which would spawn a series of beach-themed comedies aimed at teen audiences (although you could argue Gidget in 1959 was the film that truly kickstarted the genre). The 60s was a period of teen rebellion and these movies appealed to the attitudes of the time by being centered around the adventures of teens. By the end of the 60s, beach party films were overdone however and biker movies briefly took over as the new teen-based movie of choice.
1970s: Disaster movies
The 1970s was the peak of disaster movies. Airport, The Towering Inferno, The Poseidon Adventure and Earthquake are just some of the classics produced during this decade. Why were disaster movies so popular in the 1970s? Some critics have suggested that it was a reflection of the political and economic chaos of the time. These movies played to audiences’ fears and made huge amounts of money at the box office, leading to increasingly bigger budget films until they became played out. Disaster movies would make a comeback in the 90s due to the birth of CGI, but became less popular after 9/11.
1990s: Teen ‘gross-out’ comedies
Teen comedies would gradually evolve from the fairly innocent beach party films of the 1960s to more overtly sexual movies (such as the ‘brat pack’ movies in the 1980s) and eventually gross-out comedies in the 1990s. These films relied on shock value and toilet humor to push the boundaries of comedy and included franchises such as Dumb and Dumber, American Pie and Scary Movie. These comedies would continue to remain popular in the 00s but increasingly began being aimed at young adults rather than teens.
2000s: Found footage horror
In 1999, The Blair Witch Project was released – a movie that would kickstart the found footage horror trend. This movie trend aimed to make horror movies feel more realistic by filming them in the style of a camcorder recording. Found footage horror movies peaked in the 00s with the release of films like Paranormal Activity, REC and Cloverfield. Endless sequels and reiterations of the genre have since reduced its novelty and nowadays found footage horror movies – while still continuing to be frequently made – don’t do as well at the box office.
2010s: Superheroes
The most recent notable movie trend has definitely been superhero movies. These movies dominated the 2010s – particularly superhero movies based on Marvel and DC comics. The creation of Marvel studios and its purchase by Disney in 2009 would ultimately lead to superhero movies being churned out at an alarming speed compared to previous decades. Avengers: Endgame in 2019 remains the highest grossing superhero movie and the second highest grossing movie of all time. Since then, superhero movies have been underwhelming at the box office and the likes of Disney have been slowing down releases. Is the superhero movie fad coming to an end?
‘Are You A Light Or A Shadow?’ is Ayodele Abina’s debut book. Photo: Ayodele Abina, used with permission.
Today’s new book release is for those seeking inspiration, guidance, and a deeper connection with their faith. Ayodele Abina’s debut book “Are You A Light Or A Shadow?” is a must-read and will empower you to walk in the light. Unleash your inner light and burn with the power of the Holy Spirit with this insightful spiritual guidebook. Are you ready to begin becoming the light that God wants you to be? Then order your copy today!
Ayodele Abina is a writer and a beacon of faith and inspiration within his community. He grew up in Washington, DC after his family moved to America. As an investor, independent contractor, and successful businessman, his accomplishments stand as a testament to his unwavering dedication and entrepreneurial spirit but his most important roles are those of a devoted husband and proud father of two beautiful children.
“Are You A Light Or A Shadow?” – Are you a Christian who wants to strengthen your faith and walk closer to God? Are you searching for spiritual resources to rejuvenate a dry soul and inflame your passion for righteousness? Or do you want to scatter the many shadows that surround you? Then keep reading.
Beautifully written with a profound and soul-stirring collection of timeless spiritual reflections and practical guidance, “Are You A Light Or A Shadow?” is an eye-opening book that inspires Christians to deepen their faith and begin walking fearlessly in the light.
Featuring key life lessons that challenge you to cultivate inner virtue, author Ayodele Abina invites you to uncover the mysterious – and often surprising – revelations that God uses to communicate with us. Written with a warm and friendly tone, this book encourages readers to meditate on the fruits of the Holy Spirit, from love and peace to gentleness, meekness, and self-control, so that we can accept God’s life-giving graces and uplift the people around us.
Inside you will discover:
Exploring The fruits of The Holy Spirit (and How a Christian Can Acquire Them)
Why Love Is The First Characteristic of Light – and How Our Culture Gets It So Wrong
Practical Ways To Develop an Attitude of Peace, Gentleness, & Self-Control
Why You Should Strive To Develop a Spirit of Long-Suffering
One Powerful Antidote To Spiritual Depression That Will Uplift a Weary Soul
How To Follow God Amidst The Many Storms & Challenges of Life
And Much More…
As a must-read for any aspiring or committed Christian, as well as for those curious about cultivating virtue and leading a life of peace and joy, “Are You A Light Or A Shadow?” seeks to dispel our inner darkness and create a ripple effect that will rejuvenate our communities.
‘The Seattle Fugitive: The Story of Jimmy James III’ is Elonzo Phillips’ exciting new novel. Photo: Amazon
Today’s new book release is “The Seattle Fugitive: The Story of Jimmy James III” by Elonzo Phillips. It is the story of seventeen year old Jimmy James III as told by Jimmy himself and begins with him trying to reassure us that he is not a monster, that he is not a killer. He is a fugitive in hiding, accused of killing two of his classmates but insists he is just a normal high school kid and proceeds to recount the events of that tragic day. The first couple of chapters take place at school and revolve around Jimmy and his friends during a typical school day. Want to find out what happens to Jimmy? “The Seattle Fugitive” is available through the author’s website and Amazon.
Elonzo Phillips is a writer who was born and raised in Wharton, Texas. He started writing when he was 19 years old while in his second semester in college and wrote his first book when he was 21. By the time he graduated college, he had written four books. He wanted to become a writer because he has always excelled at creating stories, both fiction and non-fiction. When he was in school, he was constantly teased for daydreaming and now he has turned it into writing, his favorite hobby, for when he is daydreaming, he is re-writing reality in his head as his own personal multiverse. His favorite author is Stephen King and the movies based on his books, especially Stand By Me, Misery, Pet Sematary, and The Shawshank Redemption partially inspired him to become a writer. His new book “The Seattle Fugitive: The Story of Jimmy James III” is his 5th book and the story of a young high schooler named Jimmy James III. (Elonzo Phillips, 2023)
“The Seattle Fugitive: The Story of Jimmy James III” – Jimmy James was living life the way any other genius student would until an infamous tragedy takes place. One day he was casually sitting in class when all of a sudden he blacks out. He wakes up in the middle of a murder scene involving two of his classmates. With blood all over him, almost the whole school stands witness, as they all point fingers at him, believing he had murdered the two students who were lying dead next to him. Now, while on the run from the police, swat, the army, and even the national guard, Jimmy James has no choice but to prove his innocence while hiding out in the very city that claims him as a monster. Will he solve his case in time or will he serve the death penalty?
“This book will catch you by surprise every minute!” “This book is based on a true story!” “This book is very inspiring and it inspires people, who feel different, that they’re somebody too!”
“Mindful Communication: Mastering Personal and Professional Interactions: A Guide to Promoting Openness and Understanding with Mindfulness Techniques” by Asher Blythe. Photo: Amazon
Asher Blythe is a passionate writer dedicated to exploring meaningful themes in personal development, mindfulness, and work-life balance. His focus is on providing actionable insights and practical advice to empower readers to lead more fulfilling, balanced lives. He believes in combining research-driven information with accessible writing to ensure complex concepts are comprehensible to all. He is also a firm believer that books can act as catalysts for personal growth and transformation and he is committed to providing thoughtful, impactful content. When he is not writing, he enjoys reading, exploring nature, and pursuing continuous learning. Join him on this journey towards personal growth and transformation. His new book is “Mindful Communication: Mastering Personal and Professional Interactions: A Guide to Promoting Openness and Understanding with Mindfulness Techniques” focuses on applying mindfulness to communication. (Asher Blythe, 2023)
“Mindful Communication” – This guide explores mindful communication and provides practical applications for improved skills in personal and professional interactions. Topics include mindful listening, speech, non-verbal cues, overcoming barriers, and the long-term benefits of incorporating mindfulness.
Briscoe Storytime Stampede offers young children a FREE fun way to learn about the west. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.
Families and caregivers of young children can enjoy Western fun and stories each month at the Briscoe Western Art Museum’s new Storytime Stampede. Featuring 30 minute programs designed for young children ages 18 months to 5 years, Storytime Stampede will include stories told and acted out, books read aloud, movement activities, songs and art fun. The new program series kicks off Saturday, September 16 and will be held 10:30a.m. – 11a.m. the third Saturday of each month. Adults bringing children to the Storytime Stampede will receive half-off general museum admission and children 12 and under always receive free admission at the Briscoe, turning Storytime Stampede into affordable family fun.
Storytime Stampede is designed to foster art awareness, fine motor development, language and literacy, cognitive development and social-emotional growth. Providing an excellent opportunity for families to unplug and practice their social skills, children can also work on language development and listening skills. Listening to stories provides children with a chance to be introduced to new words. As they learn new words their vocabulary will build – all while they’re having fun.
Stories and topics for the series include:
September 16: Hear “Bertie the Buffalo,” by Wendy H. Jones and make bison masks so you can play buffalo at home.
October 21: Enjoy “The Three Little Javelinas,” by Susan Lowell and make maracas to enjoy the sounds of the West.
November 18: Listen to “Shaped by Her Hands: Potter Maria Martinez,” by Anna Harber Freeman and Barbara Gonzales, then make Native American pinch pots to celebrate National Native American Heritage Month.
December 16: Mark the holiday season with “The Gingerbread Cowboy,” by Janet Squires, then craft gingerbread cowboys from paper.
January 20: Hear “Fry Bread,” by Kevin Noble Maillard, then make drums to start the new year off on a musical note.
February 17: Learn the story of Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, the groundbreaking Black tap dancer through “Rap a Tap Tap: Here’s Bojangles – Think of That!” and craft rhythm instruments to mark Black History Month.
March 16: Squeeze some learning fun into Spring Break with special programming.
April 20: Enjoy a Western twist on a classic story with “There Was a Coyote Who Swallowed a Flea,” by Jennifer Ward and Steve Gray, followed by coloring and creativity.
May 18: Get prickly with “Cactus Hotel,” by Brenda Z. Guiberson and have fun crafting cactus art as you learn about the desert.
June 15: Giddy up for “Cowboy Camp,” by Tammi Sauer and decorate a cowboy boot together.
July 20: Add some sweet to your summer with “Rio Ruby Invents the Pecan Pie,” by Robin Davis, then have fun coloring the official small mammal of Texas, an armadillo.
August 17: Meet the coolest coyote around with “Way Out West Lived a Coyote Named Frank,” by Jillian Lund, then stay cool with some bandana art.
Full STEAM Ahead on the First Sunday: Free Education Series Offers Hands-on Fun The Briscoe also offers “Full STEAM Ahead,” a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics) learning experience to educate and entertain families about the West. Full STEAM Ahead is paired with the museum’s monthly Locals Day on the first the Sunday of every month, giving locals free admission to the museum and free hands-on educational opportunities. Learners of all ages work together and learn about the American West, with each activity tying back to the Briscoe’s art and artifacts to bring the West to life in a new way.
From transportation and weather to animals, astronomy and engineering, each program explores an aspect of life in the West to engage and inspire learning. Full STEAM Ahead is designed for all ages to enjoy, making it a terrific family activity. Enjoy STEAMing with your family 1p.m. – 3p.m. on the first Sunday of every month at the Briscoe.
Upcoming programs include:
September 3: Full STEAM Ahead – Art in the Sky – Study the night sky through Kim Wiggins’ “Colonel Crockett’s Return to Cibolo Creek”. After a short study of the painting, everyone will create a bedroom planetarium to take home.
October 8: Full STEAM Ahead – Pottery of the Southwest – Learn more about the pottery made by Native Americans in the southwest, including the techniques they used to craft their pieces. Use those techniques to create a piece of pottery of your own.
November 5: Full STEAM Ahead – Native American Homes – Native Americans lived in a variety of homes. The type of home they built fit their culture and lifestyle. While learning about these different homes, put your engineering skills to the test and use materials provided to try to build a tipi, longhouse, wigwam or other types of Native American shelters.
December 3: Cowboy Christmas – Join the Briscoe to celebrate the holidays and meet Cowboy Claus as he makes a stop at the Briscoe to hear what all of the cowpokes want for Christmas. Cowboy Christmas at the Briscoe is free holiday fun, making the Briscoe the perfect way to make holiday memories with your family.
‘The Amber Menhir’ will be released October, 4, 2023. Photo: Amazon
Jonathan N. Pruittis a lifelong educator, a former scientific researcher, and a provocative fantasy author. Rising from humble beginnings in a rural, economically disadvantaged county in Florida, he skyrocketed to academic success, earning a PhD at the youthful age of 24. Pruitt’s journey took him from the concert halls as a child prodigy pianist to the globally recognized halls of esteemed universities including the University of Pittsburgh, Princeton University, and the University of California, Santa Barbara. His life experiences—from living in diverse corners of the world like South Africa, Namibia, Australia, and Canada, to navigating the wild landscape of his career—richly inform his narratives. Pruitt’s storytelling defies reality yet resonates with emotional truth. He makes readers question the differences between good and evil and the murky area between the two. With his debut novel “The Amber Menhir,” Pruitt delivers biting humor, deep human insights, and a unique scientist’s perspective. Readers visit a modern-day, grimdark fairy tale where reality bends and twists. Jonathan N. Pruitt’s metamorphosis from a prodigious scientific mind into a fantasy author is a testament to reinvention. Avoiding the usual expectations of fantasy by way of satire, humor, and a race of nefarious evil cats, it is the first in Jonathan Pruitt’s The Shadows of the Monolith series and arrives this October from Spinner Loom Press. It is available now for pre-order on Amazon. (Black Château, 2023)
“The Amber Menhir” – With each new dawn, the celestial body known only as ‘Calamity’ draws closer – and with it the end of the world. Humanity’s only hope from oblivion rests in the menhirs, towering bastions of scholarship and imagination which cast long shadows across the lands. The scholars within the menhirs devote themselves selflessly to the discovery of new magic that will help avert the impending apocalypse … or so the masses have been made to understand.
In a society divided between those with occult potential and lay citizens, Tara Langcraw is recruited into the Amber Menhir with great interest. The long-awaited heiress of a bloodline bearing the rarest of the six magical disciplines, time manipulation, she is expected to flourish within this noble citadel of learning, as are her friends and fellow recruits, Roland Ward and Peony Bianchi. They soon find, however, that those who fail to meet expectations, or who dare to challenge the prevailing order, put more than their marks on the line. For the menhir squirms with rivalries, and those who stand against the status quo may not stand for very long.
Having earned the title of the world’s most infamous spider biologist, Pruitt has penned a grimdark fantasy lampooning the academic and scientific communities, while also offering an immersive, diverse, and fast-paced story. What exactly is a Menhir? “Found across the globe, Menhirs are mysterious, ancient, imposing monoliths that prove evidence of a civilization’s existence. They’re often the subject of superstition, just like the magical institutions that make up this world. Whether they stand as pinnacles of grandeur and discovery, or blemishes of political pestilence will be up to the reader,” explains Pruitt.
SA Examiner 