Tag: fiction

Time Travel Meets Thermopylae: ‘The Spartan Sacrifice’ Is Here

‘The Spartan Sacrifice’ by Andrew Varga is Book 4 in the time travel series. Photo: Imbrifex Books, used with permission.

📚 Book Spotlight: “The Spartan Sacrifice” by Andrew Varga

Coming August 5, 2025

If you love time travel, epic battles, and historical adventures, mark your calendars—“The Spartan Sacrifice” is almost here! This highly anticipated fourth installment in Andrew Varga’s A Jump in Time series takes young readers on a thrilling journey to one of the most iconic moments in history: the Battle of Thermopylae. (Imbrifex Books, 2025)

About the Book

In “The Spartan Sacrifice,” seventeen-year-old Dan and his partner Sam know their only chance to stop Victor Stahl’s quest for global domination is one more jump into the past. But this time, they land in ancient Greece, just before the legendary showdown between 300 Spartans and the massive Persian army.

As the warriors prepare for battle, a sudden accident threatens the very fabric of history. With the stakes higher than ever, Dan and Sam must navigate danger, loyalty, and sacrifice to prevent a catastrophe far worse than Victor’s evil plans.

Packed with fast-paced action, emotional depth, and historical intrigue, this book is a must-read for middle-grade and YA fans who crave adventure, courage, and clever storytelling.

Why You’ll Love It

  • 🛡️ Incredible Historical Hook
    From Hollywood epics to viral TikTok explainers, the Battle of Thermopylae continues to capture imaginations—and this novel dives into the real history behind the myth.
  • 🤝 Friendship Over Romance
    Dan and Sam’s bond grows stronger in this installment, highlighting the power of platonic friendships in a genre often dominated by romance.
  • 📚 History That’s Both Accurate and Fun
    Learn surprising details (like what Spartan shields really looked like!) while exploring themes of identity, courage, and sacrifice.
  • 👨‍👦 Parent-Inspired Origins
    This series began as a father-son exploration of history—and continues to be shaped by that shared curiosity and love of storytelling.

Series Recap

Catch up on the first three books in the A Jump in Time series:

  • The Last Saxon King
  • The Celtic Deception
  • The Mongol Ascension

Each adventure offers a stand-alone journey through a different era—perfect for young readers eager to time travel with purpose.

Meet the Author

Andrew Varga has been fascinated by history ever since his mother revealed he’s descended from Vikings. With a BA in history and English from the University of Toronto, Andrew has traveled across Europe, explored castles and museums, and collected swords and medieval weapons along the way.

Now living in the greater Toronto area with his wife Pam, three kids, and a lively household of pets (including dogs, cats, a turtle, and some fish), Andrew draws inspiration from his family’s passion for reading. His mission? To make history exciting, accessible, and unforgettable for the next generation.

Stay tuned for the release of “The Spartan Sacrifice” on August 5, 2025—and don’t forget to grab your shield. 🛡️

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‘Sentinels in the Oakwood’: Post-Apocalyptic Fiction with Heart and Roots

‘Sentinels in the Oakwood’ is the new novel by J.P.S. Stalder

📚 Review: Sentinels in the Oakwood by J.P.S. Stalder

J.P.S. Stalder’s Sentinels in the Oakwood is a richly imagined post-apocalyptic novel set in the Missouri Ozarks, more than 100 years after a devastating nuclear war. Nature has reclaimed much of what was destroyed, and the region has become a vast wilderness of woodlands, lakes, and caves.

Two Ways of Life, One Fragile Balance

The novel presents a vivid contrast between two types of survivors:

  • The Oakwood people, who have returned to a life of simplicity and harmony with the land
  • The underground dwellers of Fort Leonard Wood, descendants of those who took refuge in high-tech subterranean shelters

Their coexistence is uneasy, and a new threat from the north—intent on domination—forces both groups to confront their differences and unite for survival.

More Than a Survival Story

This is not just a story of endurance. Sentinels in the Oakwood is a deep examination of human resilience, community, and the tension between tradition and technology. Stadler’s lyrical, atmospheric prose paints a vivid picture of a world rewilded:

“The fallen slabs of weathered grey concrete jutted out from the edges of the shoreline like giant teeth waiting to swallow those foolish enough to pass through its mouth in a small canoe.”

Multiple Perspectives, Complex Themes

The story unfolds through three compelling narratives:

  • Jimson, a young Oakwood native connected to the natural world
  • Sarah, from the underground facility, apprehensive but curious about life above
  • BOB-e, a sentinel robot beginning to evolve beyond his programming

BOB-e’s storyline is particularly moving. When his fellow sentinel KYLE-e is critically damaged in battle, BOB-e scours the area for parts, driven by an emerging sense of loyalty and grief. His actions—and Sarah’s eventual recognition of sentient rights—raise profound questions about identity, free will, and the definition of life.

A Thoughtful, Gripping Read

Themes of survival, moral complexity, artificial intelligence, and ecological balance run deep. Stadler crafts a story that is not only thrilling but also introspective. The growing threat from the outside world pushes these disparate communities to confront hard truths and seek common ground.

“The future, it occurred to her, would always be the product of those who were courageous enough to stand for what they had grown to believe in, and that courage mattered most when everything was at stake.”

Final Thoughts

Sentinels in the Oakwood is a gripping and thought-provoking blend of speculative fiction and ecological storytelling. For readers who enjoy post-apocalyptic narratives with emotional depth and philosophical weight, this novel is a must-read.

Recommended for fans of: Station Eleven, The Overstory, The Broken Earth trilogy

*The author of this post received an ARC for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

‘Tiger Chair’: Max Brooks’ Haunting Vision of a Future American Warzone

‘Tiger Chair’ is a short story by Max Brooks. Photo: Amazon

📚 Book Review: Tiger Chair by Max Brooks

A Chilling Vision of America at War

What happens when the world’s most powerful nation becomes the battleground? In “Tiger Chair,” Max Brooks—the #1 New York Times bestselling author of “World War Z”—offers a provocative and unsettling answer.

Set in a near-future where China has invaded the United States, “Tiger Chair” plunges readers into the heart of a guerrilla war raging through the streets of Los Angeles. The Chinese military believed it would be a quick and easy conflict, but years later, the insurgency continues to escalate while state propaganda refuses to shift. One Chinese officer, torn between loyalty to his homeland and the wellbeing of his soldiers, risks everything by writing a brutally honest—and possibly suicidal—letter home, exposing the harsh truths behind the war.

A Compact Yet Powerful Narrative

Brooks’s meticulous research, combined with his talent for creating vivid, emotionally complex characters, makes “Tiger Chair” a standout in the realm of speculative fiction. The titular “tiger chair”—a real-life torture device—emerges as a harrowing symbol of power, fear, and moral ambiguity. With a first person point of view narration by the Chinese officer, it makes it more personal.

Though brief, this story hits hard. It asks difficult questions about nationalism, duty, and the future of warfare, all within a fast-paced and highly believable narrative.

👩‍💻 About the Author

Max Brooks is the author of “World War Z,” “Devolution,” and “The Harlem Hellfighters.” He is also a nonresident senior fellow at the Modern War Institute at West Point and the Atlantic Council’s Brent Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security. Brooks frequently lectures at institutions including the U.S. Naval War College, U.S. Special Operations Command, and the Army’s Mad Scientist Conference.

Final Thoughts

“Tiger Chair” is both a gripping tale of war and a sobering warning. For readers interested in speculative military fiction with sharp political undertones, it’s a must-read.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

“If our way is the only way, why is it leading us off a cliff? I wish I knew. But I’m not a political scientist, or a philosopher, and if the last three years have proved anything, I’m not much of a soldier, either.”

A Quiet Summer in Japan: Masashi Matsuie’s ‘The Summer House’

‘The Summer House: A Novel’ by Masashi Matsuie. Photo: Barnes & Noble.

📚Book Spotlight: “The Summer House” by Masashi Matsuie
Release Date: June 17, 2025

Japanese author Masashi Matsuie makes a powerful debut with “The Summer House: A Novel,” a richly atmospheric and deeply observant story set in the world of architecture. This award-winning novel offers a unique window into modern Japan, told through the eyes of a young architect navigating personal and professional transformation. (Other Press, 2025)

At the heart of the novel is Tōru Sakanishi, a recent university graduate who joins the prestigious Murai Office—a boutique Tokyo architecture firm founded by a former student of Frank Lloyd Wright. Sakanishi’s keen, introspective voice captures the artistry and care that defines the firm’s ethos.

As the oppressive Tokyo summer approaches, the Murai Office decamps to Kita-Asama, a faded artists’ colony in the mountains. There, the team—Sakanishi, his enigmatic boss Murai, and two intriguing women who stir Sakanishi’s affections—embark on a high-stakes design competition: creating the new National Library of Modern Literature, while contending with a rival firm dominating government commissions.

Elegantly translated by Margaret Mitsutani, National Book Award winner, “The Summer House” is a quiet yet compelling exploration of creativity, tradition, and longing. Matsuie’s prose evokes the serene beauty of Japan’s natural world while probing the tension between modern ambition and enduring heritage.

This character-driven novel is ideal for fans of Mitsutani’s acclaimed translations and for readers interested in Japanese literature, architecture, and coming-of-age stories with artistic depth.

👩‍💻About the Author
Masashi Matsuie began his career as a fiction editor at Shinchosha Publishing Company, where he worked with literary icons including Yoko Ogawa, Banana Yoshimoto, and Haruki Murakami. He also helped launch Shincho Crest Books, a translation-focused imprint. “The Summer House” is his debut novel and winner of the prestigious Yomiuri Prize for Literature, an honor rarely given to first-time authors.

👩‍💻About the Translator
Margaret Mitsutani is a renowned translator of Japanese literature, known for her work with Yoko Tawada and Nobel laureate Kenzaburō Ōe. She was a finalist for the National Book Award for “Scattered All Over the Earth” and won the award for her translation of The Emissary.

Advance Praise for Masashi Matsuie (“The Summer House”):

“Elegantly understated novel of a tenuous love affair in modern Japan…Matsuie, renowned as an editor (of Haruki Murakami, among other writers) before becoming an author, delivers a simple but graceful tale that’s full of intriguing asides on architecture, which Sensei insists is “function, pure and simple.” A novel packed with ideas about art, life, and love.”
—KIRKUS REVIEWS

“The more I read, the more I fell in love with this beautiful novel…Its foremost charm is the fluent, clean-cut use of words. Nothing in Matsuie’s descriptions is superfluous, nor is anything missing, and the refreshing vitality of his prose is impressive…The birth of such a writer is cause for celebration.”
—Hiromi Kawakami, author of Strange Weather in Tokyo and The Nakano Thrift Shop

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Hunted and Haunted: A Review of ‘Soon to Be Mine’ by K.J. Kalis

‘Soon To Be Mine’ by K.J. Kalis is book 4 in the Detective Emily Tizzano Vigilante Justice series. Photo: Amazon

Book Review: “Soon to Be Mine” by K.J. Kalis

A Detective Emily Tizzano Vigilante Justice Thriller

Synopsis

Federal prosecutor Nicole Strickland is being hunted. Terrorized by a man who won’t leave her alone, she lives in constant fear, feeling his eyes on her at every turn. Her brother, FBI Agent Cash Strickland, wants to help—but without actionable evidence, the law is powerless.

Desperate, Cash turns to Emily Tizzano, a former Chicago PD cold case detective known for bending the law to serve justice. But Emily and Cash have unresolved history, and she’s skeptical—of him, his sister, and the true motives behind the request for help.

Is this really about protecting Nicole, or is it something more complicated?

Review

“Soon to Be Mine” plunges readers into a suspense-filled world where justice doesn’t always follow the rules. Nicole is a compelling protagonist—strong, principled, but also deeply vulnerable. K.J. Kalis crafts her anxiety and growing desperation with raw, emotional depth. Nicole’s determination to handle things her own way can be frustrating, especially as her stalker Ethan escalates his pursuit.

Cash’s position as both a brother and an FBI agent adds emotional complexity, while the tension between him and Emily fuels the narrative. However, Emily’s hesitancy to engage due to her murky past with Cash lacks sufficient backstory. Similarly, her dynamic with her tech-savvy friend Mike feels underdeveloped—his role and relationship to her remain unclear.

The novel’s strength lies in its pacing and emotional stakes. Kalis writes with intensity, and scenes like Ethan’s obsessive search for Nicole or Nicole’s late-night fear feel chillingly real:

“Ethan was frustrated. He’s spent the entire morning circling the building, trying to get a glimpse of Nicole, but she was nowhere to be found.”

“Fear gripped her. She stared out into the backyard again through the gap in the curtain, waiting. Her breath was caught in her chest. Her heart pounded, sending a rush of blood into her ears.”

Though it’s the fourth in the Emily Tizzano series, “Soon to Be Mine” works as a standalone, but readers may find themselves craving more character depth that previous books might provide.

Series Reading Order

  1. Twelve Years Gone
  2. Lakeview Vendetta
  3. Victim 14
  4. Soon to Be Mine
  5. The Investor
  6. The Killing Graves
  7. Deadly Verdict

About the Author

K.J. Kalis is known for gritty, heart-pounding thrillers that explore the darker sides of justice, obsession, and survival. Her work spans categories including medical thrillers, military suspense, and vigilante justice. A former poet and professional copywriter, her thrillers consistently rank in Amazon’s Top 100.

Final Thoughts

This book is perfect for fans of fast-paced suspense novels by authors like James Patterson and Harlan Coben. With its chilling stalker plot, themes of justice and family loyalty, and a resilient heroine, “Soon to Be Mine” delivers gripping storytelling that stays with you long after the final page.

Have you read any of the Emily Tizzano books? Let me know in the comments which one is your favorite or what you thought of Nicole’s story.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5.

From the Alamo to the Gulf: Texas-Set Novels to Heat Up Your Summer

Escape into the heart of Texas with these three unforgettable novels set against the backdrop of frontier battles, coastal romances, and historic storms. Photo: Stoney Creek Publishing, used with permission.

Summer Reading & Stories Set in the Lone Star State

Summer reading lists hold a special charm, offering readers a chance to slow down and escape into new worlds during the year’s warmest, most relaxed months. Whether lounging by the beach, traveling, or enjoying quiet evenings at home, summer invites exploration through books.

These curated lists often feature lighter, more engaging reads—thrillers, romances, memoirs, or thought-provoking fiction—that match the season’s mood. For many, it’s a time to catch up on long-awaited titles or discover hidden gems. Summer reading isn’t just a pastime; it’s a seasonal ritual that blends leisure with the joy of discovery, turning every page into a small adventure.

With Father’s Day around the corner, here are three novels set in Texas that the book-loving dad in your life might enjoy. (Stoney Creek Publishing, 2025)

📚 “Dangerous Latitudes“ by Jack Woodville London

A gripping historical thriller set in the violent Republic of Texas during the 1840s. This novel follows an unlikely spy, two bumbling horse thieves, and a bewildering Black woman—all caught between Sam Houston and a Mexican army that crosses the Rio Grande with impunity.

Synopsis

Six years after the fall of the Alamo, Texas is on the brink of losing its hard-won independence. Naïve surveyor Alexandre LaBranche takes on a risky commission to map the Rio Grande, only to find himself embroiled in a dangerous game of war and espionage.

Packed with iconic figures like Sam Houston, Mirabeau Lamar, and Jack Hays, “Dangerous Latitudes” is a sweeping quest through a fractured frontier—culminating in a desperate race to save 200 captured Texans.

About the Author

Jack Woodville London is the author of four novels, including “French Letters: Children of a Good War,” winner of the 2018 Gold Medal for War and Military Fiction. He is also a respected legal author and essayist on literature, history, and travel.

🌊 “Under the Gulf Coast Sun” by Skip Rhudy

A coming-of-age love story set against the sunny beaches of 1970s Port Aransas. When Kassie Hernandez meets surfer Connor O’Reilly at a legendary beach party, sparks fly—but life on the coast is far from simple.

Synopsis

Kassie is focused on her dream of working in the space program, but her summer romance with Connor complicates everything. After a disastrous misunderstanding and a tragic accident at sea, both must wrestle with regret, longing, and the power of second chances.

With themes of young love, nostalgia, and resilience, “Under the Gulf Coast Sun” is perfect for readers who cherish memories of wild beach parties, endless summers, and the deep pull of the Gulf.

About the Author

Skip Rhudy grew up surfing the beaches of Port Aransas, Texas. He’s a translator, writer, and author of One Punk Summer and numerous short stories. His love for the Texas coast is evident in every page.

🌪 “Island Intern” by Paul Remmers

Set in the summer of 1900, this medical drama unfolds in Galveston just as the deadliest hurricane in U.S. history approaches. A young doctor must rise to the occasion—and face the storm of a lifetime.

Synopsis

Fresh from medical school, Douglas Schuler is eager to prove himself. As he navigates the pressures of hospital life, he falls for Rosa—a local girl with a big heart. But when a massive hurricane devastates the island, Douglas must rely on every ounce of skill and courage to save lives.

As disease spreads and the death toll rises, Douglas’s greatest fear is losing Rosa. “Island Intern” is a tale of heroism, love, and survival amid catastrophe.

About the Author

Paul Remmers is a physician with over 40 years of experience. Born and raised in Galveston, he’s a graduate of UTMB and has served on the faculty at both UTMB and Baylor College of Medicine. Island Intern is his debut novel.

Looking for the Perfect Father’s Day Gift?

Books like these offer more than great stories—they connect readers to the culture, history, and heart of Texas. Whether your dad is a history buff, a romantic, or a fan of character-driven fiction, one of these Texas-set tales is sure to make his summer reading list one to remember.

‘Final Recovery’: A Twisted Descent Into Rehab Gone Wrong

Final Recovery is now available for streaming. Photo: IMDb

🎬 Final Recovery – Movie Review

📖 Synopsis

When Rodney winds up in the Sage Treatment Facility and in the care of the twisted Nanny Lou, his drive to do better for his family and new friends leads him into more trouble. As he rebels against his ornery captor, he uncovers a dark conspiracy. With fellow patients mysteriously vanishing, Rodney takes on a new mission: exposing the prison his addiction has built around him.

Genre: Horror, Thriller
Run Time: 1 hr. 36 mins

Where to Watch:
📺 Stream for free on Tubi
🎥 Rent or purchase on Fandango at Home and Amazon Prime Video

🎬 Creative Team

Writers: Jerry Lee Davis & Nick Theurer
Director: Harley Wallen

👥 Cast

  • Charlene Tilton – Nanny Lou
  • Jasper Cole – Rodney
  • Richard Tyson – Dr. Sam Potter
  • Michael Emery – Levi
  • Kaiti Wallen – Cindy Porter

📝 Movie Review: Final Recovery

Final Recovery is a tense psychological thriller that explores the fragile boundaries between rehabilitation and manipulation. The film centers around Rodney (Jasper Cole), a troubled man desperate to rebuild his life for the sake of his family. His journey takes a dark turn when he lands in the eerie Sage Treatment Facility, where healing comes with a sinister cost.

Nanny Lou, played with chilling precision by Charlene Tilton, is not your typical caregiver. Her twisted methods of control and psychological torment, fueled by childhood trauma, create a suffocating atmosphere that quickly consumes Rodney. The film builds suspense as Rodney’s initial compliance gives way to rebellion, sparked by his growing connection to fellow patients and his deep longing to return to his family.

The cinematography enhances the claustrophobic feel of the facility, while the score amplifies the underlying dread. Though the pacing slows midway, strong character arcs and an emotional payoff keep viewers engaged. Rodney’s transformation from passive patient to defiant fighter is compelling, though a few plot twists feel rushed.

Ultimately, Final Recovery is a disturbing yet gripping tale of resilience. It asks: Can true recovery be found in a place designed more to break than to heal — or must some battles be fought entirely from within?

Rating: 3.5 out of 5.

*The author was contacted for an honest review of this movie. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Detective Zorn Faces His Darkest Case Yet in Otho Eskin’s ‘Black Sun Rising’

‘Black Sun Rising’ is the thrilling new Marko Zorn novel by Otho Eskin. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Book Review: Black Sun Rising by Otho Eskin

Otho Eskin’s “Black Sun Rising” is a riveting, high-stakes thriller that masterfully blends political intrigue, historical resonance, and relentless action. In this fourth installment of the Marko Zorn series, readers are pulled into a suspenseful, chillingly timely narrative that stands strong as a standalone read.

The action begins with a jolt: “The bomb explodes at 8:42 a.m.” A device detonates at Friendship House—a sanctuary for the poor and vulnerable—signaling the start of a far more dangerous plot. Detective Marko Zorn, reeling from the murder of his partner, soon uncovers a violent neo-Nazi conspiracy rooted in WWII and designed to destabilize the nation. Global chatter hints at an assassination attempt on the new president during the upcoming inauguration, and Zorn must infiltrate the movement to stop an attack that could cripple the country.

Told in the first person through Zorn’s sharp, often wry perspective, the novel features a fast pace, vivid language, and even moments of humor:

“One must always answer a summons from Mount Olympus. Even before morning coffee. Otherwise, be prepared to be zapped by a thunderbolt.”

Zorn is a morally complex, emotionally grounded lead, matched by unforgettable villains—particularly the ominous “Bride of the Apocalypse,” whose mythic menace lingers long after the final page. Eskin’s experience in the U.S. Foreign Service brings striking authenticity to the geopolitical stakes, while fans of WWII history will appreciate the rich historical context woven into the plot.

Overall, “Black Sun Rising” is a smart, fast-paced, and thought-provoking thriller that confronts modern threats head-on—with style, heart, and deadly precision. With its tight narrative, compelling themes of extremism, power, and corruption, and razor-sharp suspense, it’s a standout thriller and recommended for fans of David Baldacci, Lee Child, and Daniel Silva.

“In the chaos and darkness, I could slip away, unnoticed. I could hide in this labyrinth of caves and secret passages for days, maybe weeks. But it would mean giving up Zyklon. Not to mention, dying of starvation.”

*The author was contacted for an honest review of this book and received an ARC. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Related post: Marko Zorn Returns: Otho Eskin’s New Thriller Delivers High-Stakes Suspense

A Killer Returns: ‘First Cut’ by J.T. Bishop Slices Into the Psyche

‘First Cut’ is Book 1 in the Family or Foe Saga by J.T. Bishop. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Book Spotlight: First Cut: A Serial Killer Murder Mystery Thriller by J.T. Bishop

(The Family or Foe Saga with Detectives Daniels and Remalla – Book 1)

Synopsis

He stole everything from her. But when he lines up his pieces for a rematch, he’ll be surprised at how well she’s learned to play the game. (Barnes & Noble, 2025)

In a gripping tale of obsession and revenge, former detective Jill Jacobs must confront her darkest nightmare: the Makeup Artist, a twisted serial killer whose gruesome crimes and disturbing fixation on Jill nearly destroyed her.

Now, with the psychopath striking again, Jill’s uncanny telepathic bond with the killer becomes the only hope for Detectives Daniels and Remalla to end the carnage. But to catch him, Jill must re-enter the chilling mindset that once connected them—a connection he still craves.

As Jill grows closer to one of the detectives, the killer’s obsession reignites, and the danger escalates. Will she find the strength to stop the sadistic murderer who shattered her world—or will this deadly game claim more innocent lives, including her own?

“First Cut” is the thrilling opener of the Family or Foe Saga, blending psychological suspense with paranormal crime fiction. It’s an electrifying read that probes the darkest corners of justice and the human psyche.

Series Titles in the Family or Foe Saga

  • “Second Slice: A Murder Mystery Suspense Thriller“
  • “Third Blow: A Murder Mystery Paranormal Thriller“
  • “Fourth Strike: A Murder Mystery Paranormal Thriller“

Review

“First Cut” is a chilling and fast-paced thriller that immerses readers in a nightmare of obsession, trauma, and vengeance.

The story centers around Jill Jacobs, a former Seattle detective who reluctantly returns from indefinite leave to assist Detectives Aaron Remalla and Gordon Daniels in stopping the Makeup Artist before he kills again. Bishop wastes no time, opening with a disturbing crime scene:

“The body stared up with vacant eyes, the garish lipstick smeared across the lips, and the cheeks streaked with harsh red.”

Bishop excels at psychological tension. Jill is a layered, compelling protagonist—haunted but resilient—while the killer’s eerie presence and grisly calling card are nightmare fuel. As the investigation deepens, so does the emotional complexity. With language that is easy to follow, the action flows naturally through the pages. The story explores themes of fear, identity, justice, and trauma, and the bond Jill shares with the killer adds a chilling supernatural twist.

Bishop’s prose is crisp and evocative:

“Peering around the corner, he looked inside. It was quiet and the only things moving were the tiny dust particles in the air that caught the light.”

This is a dark, engrossing tale of survival and reckoning. Fans of gritty crime thrillers and psychological suspense will enjoy this book—and eagerly await Detective Daniels and Remalla’s, as well as Jill Jacobs’ next harrowing journey.

“At that moment, her protective wall disintegrated. Images assaulted her. Screams of rage and fear bubbled up, and she could see it in her mind’s eye. Vicky’s terror.”

About the Author: J.T. Bishop

J.T. Bishop is an award-winning author known for writing mystery thrillers with a supernatural twist. She loves weaving tangled relationships, unexpected plot turns, and heart-stopping love stories—sometimes with a dose of paranormal fun.

Her works include:

  • The Red-Line Trilogy
  • The Fletcher Family Saga
  • The Family or Foe Saga, starring the charismatic Detectives Daniels and Remalla
  • A crossover series featuring a gifted paranormal P.I. and his spunky sister

Her evil plan? To hook readers with suspense, thrills, and just the right touch of the unknown.

Have you read “First Cut“? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
📚🔪✨

Marko Zorn Returns: Otho Eskin’s New Thriller Delivers High-Stakes Suspense

‘Black Sun Rising’ is the new Marko Zorn novel by Otho Eskin. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Book Spotlight: “Black Sun Rising” by Otho Eskin

A long-buried Nazi weapon resurfaces. America stands on the brink of destruction. One man must stop history’s darkest nightmare from happening again in “Black Sun Rising,” the electrifying thriller by former Foreign Service Officer Otho Eskin. (Meryl Moss Media Group, 2025)

Release date: June 10, 2025. It is available for pre-order.

The Story

When Washington, D.C. homicide detective Marko Zorn’s partner is murdered, his pursuit of justice leads him into the heart of Black Sun—a violent neo-Nazi movement born from the ashes of World War II’s most sinister forces.

Their chilling goal: to unleash a catastrophic attack that will plunge the nation into chaos.

To stop them, Zorn must:

  • Outwit a mysterious and deadly woman known only as the Bride of the Apocalypse
  • Navigate the treacherous ambitions of two of the world’s wealthiest—and most ruthless—men
  • Expose a conspiracy stretching from the highest levels of power in Washington to the darkest corners of the underworld

Can Marko Zorn save the country from annihilation?

“Black Sun Rising” is a pulse-pounding thriller in the tradition of Baldacci, Clancy, and Patterson, delivering nonstop suspense, razor-sharp political intrigue, and a chillingly timely tale of hatred, extremism, and one man willing to risk everything to stop it.

“A taut, fast-paced thriller with unforgettable characters and high stakes from the very first page.”

About the Series

“Black Sun Rising” is the fourth book in Otho Eskin’s acclaimed Marko Zorn series, which includes:

  • “The Reflecting Pool”
  • “Head Shot”
  • “Firetrap”

Each novel can be read as a gripping stand-alone or as part of the ongoing series.

About the Author: Otho Eskin

Otho Eskin launched his career as a thriller writer in 2020 with “The Reflecting Pool,” which was met with rave reviews and chosen as an Amazon Editors’ Pick for Best Mystery, Thriller, and Suspense. (Otho Eskin, 2025)

Before turning to fiction, Eskin served in the U.S. Army and as a diplomat in the U.S. Foreign Service. His postings took him to Syria, Yugoslavia, Iceland, and East Berlin (then part of the GDR), where he witnessed political corruption and international intrigue firsthand—experiences that now inform his high-stakes novels.

While stationed in East Berlin during the Cold War, Eskin was named in a Soviet-backed propaganda publication titled Who’s Who in the CIA—a false accusation meant to discredit and endanger American diplomats. Though not a spy, the disinformation campaign shaped his understanding of global deception and power plays—key themes in his writing today.

Eskin is also an accomplished playwright. His works—including Act of God, Murder as a Fine Art, Duet, Julie, Final Analysis, and Season in Hell—have been professionally staged in Washington, New York, and Europe.

Are you ready for a thriller that doesn’t let up?
Pick up “Black Sun Rising” and join Marko Zorn in a race against time to stop a nightmare’s rebirth.

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