Eric Butler's Blog, page 25

Uncomfortably Dark dives into The Sins of the Past

One week into the release of The Sins of the Past and the reactions have been fantastic. Just this Saturday, the book was featured in the New Releases in Horror section of the incredible review site, Uncomfortablydark.com run by Candace Nola (also a published author).

I've included a snippet below, but you should head over and check out Candace's full thoughts on the book and the interview she had with me. I think y'all will enjoy getting a peek inside my head.

You can find the full review and interview here.

I'm super excited to announce I have a story selected for the upcoming Splatter Ink Publication's No Anesthetic Anthology. It should be hard-hitting and very bloody.

As soon as I have more information, I'll be sure to share it here. Also, remember there will be several of Black Hare Press 500-word Anthologies featuring a story by me as well. If you enjoyed last Wednesday's story, they will be similar to that...of course with different themes.

There are 2 ways to help out this, and many other, independent writers. The first is simple...if you've read one of my books, leave a review on Amazon or Goodreads. It doesn't need to be long - unless you want to write a bunch - but you'd be surprised how helpful a few lines and the stars selected are. Amazon has weird rules and sometimes won't let people leave reviews, Goodreads has no restriction that I know of...

I've included both of my Author links above in red so you can find all my works in one place to make it easier. Also don't think they need to be different. You can leave a review on one site and then copy and paste it to the other. Every review helps...

The other thing is unique to me at the moment, but many times writers may ask you to do something similar. If you have the time, every little bit helps.

The Sins of the Past is in a Cover of the month contest over at Allauthor. Every vote received allows the book to stay in the contest longer, which will be a boost with free advertising. The more people who get a chance to see it will of course raise the opportunity I have of getting it into someone's hands. If you have the time, please click here to cast a vote. I'd suggest checking out the site while you are there, you may stumble across other books that might otherwise have gone unnoticed.

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Published on March 08, 2021 05:30

A quick story - The Setting Sun

I had an incredible run of stories accepted by Black Hare Press for their 500-word anthologies. I'm thinking the volumes will be released at various times this year. I'll let you know as soon as I do...

That being said, the story I submitted for the 500-word Hell anthology was passed on. So I thought what better place to share it on than here. Let me know what you think...

The Setting Sun

By Eric Butler

Daniel sat at the red light, his fingers tapping the steering wheel in time with the

song playing on the radio. His gaze moved past the traffic light to focus on the setting

sun. His breath caught as the once blue sky transformed into a burst of colors before

fading into darkness. Unease settled over him for a moment. His stomach tightened as

his bowels turned to water.

A car horn blared from behind, giving Daniel a start before he offered a wave

and accelerated through the light. What was I thinking about? He struggled to remember

as he made his way through the neighborhood until he finally pulled into his driveway.

He grabbed the grocery bag and slipped out.

Daniel froze on the top step. The front door sat open, the frame splintered and

broken near the deadbolt strike. A chill settled over him as he stepped forward, pushing

the door open. Clutter littered the hallway as the table for mail lay on its side and

blocked the way.

"Kate?" he called out as he placed the table back against the wall. Daniel stood

still, straining to hear anything. The house stayed quiet, giving off an impression of

complete stillness that reinforced the déjà vu from earlier. "Kate?"

His heart pounded as he advanced down the hall, each step reinforcing his

unease. The house hadn't been this quiet since we brought Natalie home. It was part of

the reason Daniel volunteered to run to the store for formula. A little peace and quiet

was hard to come by. A weak moan sounded from deeper in the house. Daniel rushed

forward, calling his wife's name once again. As he approached their bedroom door, a

weak cry sounded and he burst into the room.

His wife laid on the floor, curled in a ball, her blood slowly pooling around her.

He slipped to her side, his hand hovering over her arm as he studied the damage to her

naked flesh. Is she dead? Daniel's breath caught as he moved her dark hair away from

her face. Her unblinking eye stared blankly ahead.

Whimpers issued from her center, and he pushed past her limp arms to find his

daughter struggling to move. A loud cry sprang past her lips as he pulled the babe away

from her mother. So beautiful...always so beautiful...

Pain bloomed in his back, cutting off his breath. His daughter turned to ash,

slipping through his fingers as tears ran down his cheeks. He studied the three prongs

sticking through his chest as hot breath caressed his neck before a deep voice spoke.

"You know when you offered your soul to see them one more time, I thought

this would grow old. But these tears only get sweeter." A tongue snaked out and licked

Daniel's cheek. "Let's go again..."

Daniel sat at the red light his fingers tapping the steering wheel in time with the

song playing from the radio. Man, they sure are playing this song a lot.

My newest novel is ready for you. Get your copy here.

I need your help! The Sins of the Past is in a cover-of-the-month contest. If you feel like giving me a bump, I sure would appreciate it. Just click on the link and you can vote...you may have to register to the AllAuthors site but it is a great place to discover new books and authors. Plus you can help out your friendly neighborhood horror writer!

Click here to vote!

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Published on March 03, 2021 00:17

The Sins of the Past is now available!

My 3rd novel is now available in paperback and on Kindle. Get your copy here.

My first 2 novels, The Shadow Within and The Pope Lick Massacre are extreme examples of my favorite genre, horror. The great thing about horror is it has no limit or restrictions on where it appears or how it might be presented. Enter The Sins of the Past, my Victorian horror mashup. While I may have pulled back on the extreme nature of my first 2 books, I wanted to showcase the horror of the unknown.

This book is hard for me to pin down with a specific category like Amazon and many author sites require. It's horror, but so much more. This book has supernatural elements, spiritualism, monsters, mystery, history, dark forgotten gods, action, adventure, and characters that leap off the page.

This book is a labor of love, and I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it. You may read this novel as a stand-alone, but know I plan on revisiting this world several times. Hopefully, you will join me on Ephraim Godwin's journey.

Reviews are already coming in...

https://youtu.be/oR3QcpO70QM

The Author of Billy Silver finished The Pope Lick Massacre and left a great review. Daniel knows extreme horror and it's an honor to receive praise from this incredible Indie horror writer. I'm in the middle of Billy Silver and let me tell you, so far, it is brutal horror! If you don't want to wait for my final verdict, you can snag a copy here

Oh and if you haven't already...what are you waiting for? Get you copy of Pope Lick here.

On a final note, Brian Regan has a new special on Netflix. I love his style of comedy and this one didn't disappoint. It's that weird mix of clean, silly, and above all funny that Regan pulls off so well.

https://youtu.be/yOgwUdlNSNk

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Published on March 01, 2021 05:27

The Ephraim Godwin Chronicles - The Early Years: The Awakening Part 25

This story takes place 5 years before the first Ephraim Godwin Chronicle Serial. It will be longer than a simple stand alone story so I will be releasing parts of the tale every Wednesday. Part 25 contains Chapters 48, 49, & 50.

CHAPTER FORTY-EIGHT

Ephraim glanced back to make sure Henry was still following. He assumed their time was running out to complete Lady Farkus' plan. Lord knows how long we lost after the pond incident. His brother clutched his broken arm tight to his chest, a blank look on his face.

"Do you need a break?" Ephraim called out as they worked to push through the undergrowth.

"No."

Ephraim stopped and spun, keeping his newly acquired sword close to his side. The last thing I need is for the blade to accidentally cut my brother...I'd never hear the end of it. Henry pulled up and offered a glare.

"This isn't the time for your foolishness," Ephraim barked. "I understand your entire world is being dragged into question but I don't have the time to coddle your feelings."

"I am well aware of our time crunch," Henry replied, baring his teeth with a forced smile on his lips.

Ephraim sighed before stepping closer. He locked eyes with his brother and for a moment fought the urge to strike him with the hilt of his sword. Sighing he closed the gap, hugging his brother with his free arm.

"Brother...no matter what happens, you must keep the faith," Ephraim whispered before letting go.

He spun and hurried forward, trusting his brother to follow him.

***

Blood ran down the right side of the giant's face. He blinked a few times to clear his vision from that eye. He took huge gulps of air, as his heart pounded from the exertion in dealing with the good Baron; although truthfully, the beast was more than holding up his end of the fight. The giant glanced over at Lady Farkus' transformed corpse.

All that work for nothing. The thought sunk heavy in his gut. His plan to remove the plague of humanity from the countryside was feeling less sure. All because of that cursed stone. The one thing that stood in his way the last time somehow found again just at the right time. Fate is a cruel mistress. He snorted at the thought. If he needed to prove his worth so be it.

"Well beast? Are you ready for more?"

CHAPTER FORTY-NINE

Crashes like thunder claps sounded and Ephraim began to run toward the noise. Henry can catch up. He feared if he arrived too late, it would mean a catastrophe for not only him and his brother, but England herself.

Ephraim burst through the foliage. He swept his gaze over the area, trying to piece together what exactly was taking place. Two giants locked in battle in the middle of the clearing. A body lay off to the side. Ephraim thought it might have been female but the odd coloring and extensive damage made it near impossible to be sure from where he stood.

His eyes moved back to the battle. Ephraim found it perplexing. If he was to trust his eyes, he was witnessing a horned goliath locked in combat with a giant wolf-man. Obviously, Baron Hall must be the beast but who exactly was the giant. An inch formed at the back of his head.

"My Lord," Henry said as he struggled for breath.

Ephraim glanced at his brother and signaled for him to be quiet. Henry shot him another glare, but Ephraim could tell his heart wasn't in it. He stepped back and leaned close to his brother's ear.

"I don't understand what is happening before us, but I think your Lady Farkus wants me to kill whoever wins."

"Yes...that was my understanding as well," he whispered back. "But where is she?"

A pained look flashed over Ephraim's face, and Henry straightened up. He pushed past his brother and stood on the edge of the clearing. A cry slipped from his lips as his gaze fell upon the body off to the side. He hurried to it, ignoring the clash taking place mere feet away. Stumbling to his knees, he scooped up the body with his good arm and held it tight to his chest.

The giant roared in frustration as the wolf-man threw him backward into the trees. The creature sprang forward, its claws striking out and slashing the giant across his chest and face. Blood sprayed out, soaking the beast as it pressed its attack. The giant held up his arms in a weak attempt to slow the blows landed by the wolf-man.

Ephraim tightened his grip on the hilt. There was no doubt in his mind who was winning between the two. But how am I to find victory? The giant slumped back, his blood running freely to the ground which sucked it up greedily. Flowers and vines sprang up around the body, quickly covering it in thick strands of colorful flora.

The wolf-man threw back its head and howled in frustration. Goosebumps sprang up on Ephraim's skin as he stepped into the clearing. He glanced at Henry. His brother sat frozen, his arms wrapped around the body. His lips moved in a steady flow, alerting Ephraim he was praying. Save a prayer for us, brother; the thought provoked a sad smile on his lips. At least something will come of this day...

A roar interrupted his thoughts, and Ephraim dove out of the way as the Baron swung his claws. He rolled to his knees and sprang up, holding the sword before him. A red pulse of light flashed from the beast's chest as a hum filled the clearing.

The wolf-man threw its paws over its ears and howled its frustration obvious. The hum continued to build until it drowned out all sound. Ephraim darted forward, swinging the sword from above. The wolf-man side stepped at the last moment, swinging its paw out and raking Ephraim across his side and torso with its sharp claws.

Ephraim groaned in pain as he stumbled back. His feet tangled together, and he tumbled to the hard ground, landing hard. The sword lay pinned beneath his body. He struggled to shift but found his body reluctant to listen to any of his commands at the moment. The wolf-man threw back its head again and howled until the hum was gone and there was only the beast's cry.

Its tongue snaked out and licked its maw before it sprang in the air looking to drive its weight down on Ephraim. Screaming in his head for any movement, he finally flopped to the left, taking the sword with him. The beast landed on Ephraim, tearing at his flesh as it hunched forward. Screaming in pain, Ephraim struggled to hold fast as the sword slipped into the wolf-man's chest shattering the stone there and extinguishing the red glow.

The light faded from the beast's eyes as it shifted and changed back into Baron Hall. The original monster returns. Ephraim grimaced at the thought as darkness overcame him.

CHAPTER FIFTY

The smell of chicken roasting woke Ephraim. He struggled to open his eyes as a sense of complete exhaustion seemed to have soaked into every part of his body. His mouth was somehow dry and sticky at the same time as he struggled to work moisture into his throat. A soft croak issued past his cracked lips.

A woman appeared in the doorway holding a candle. She slipped into the room, and knelt by the bed. Producing a cloth from a bucket, she wrung out some water and placed it to his lips. Ephraim weakly sucked as if he was a new babe. As his strength grew, he extracted more of the cool water.

"Slowly Mr. Godwin," she whispered as she placed her free hand on his forehead. "Oh, praise the Lord...the fever appears to be gone. I'd be lying if I didn't say you had us all worried."

Ephraim groaned as she removed the cloth and dropped it back into the bucket. The candle light illuminated the woman a moment, and he wondered who she might be. More importantly, where am I? He thought to ask, but his mouth refused to open, and he slipped back into the darkness.

A gentle shake on his shoulder roused Ephraim. He wondered how long he'd slept this time as the memory of the woman and the water flashed into his mind. He pushed to remember more, but a jolt of pain in his forehead dissuaded him for trying any harder. There was simply nothing there but a blank space.

"Ephraim?"

He forced his eyes open and looked up at his brother's relieved face. A memory popped into his head, one of Henry holding a body in a clearing but it disappeared just as fast as it arrived.

"What happened?" Ephraim asked his voice raspy with disuse. "How..."

Ephraim trailed off, unsure just what he was about to ask. Henry patted him on the shoulder and smiled. For a moment Ephraim thought he caught a glimpse of utter defeat and sadness in his brother's eyes, but like the memory it was gone so quick, he couldn't be sure.

"You had an accident. You fell from a horse," Henry said as he sat down on a chair he placed next to the bed. "You've been here now for over a week. If I'm being honest...I thought we were going to lose you."

"Now don't be so negative Vicar," the woman from the night before said as she entered the room with a bowl. "I thought we might try some broth."

Ephraim smiled at the dark haired beauty as she handed the bowl to Henry. She placed a loving hand on Henry's shoulder and returned Ephraim's smile. He studied her as his brother fed him small sips from a wooden spoon. There was a quality about her that Ephraim hadn't experienced since returning from the war. He struggled to put his finger on it, but somehow she reminded him of someone.

"She is the answer to my prayers," Henry said suddenly. He flashed a smile and continued to spoon the broth to Ephraim. "She has been a Godsend helping to get you back to the land of the living."

"Thank you...?"

"Selina, Selina Farkus. But enough about me," she said as she took the bowl from Henry. "Let's focus on getting you better."

The End...

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Published on February 24, 2021 05:43

The Sins of the Past out this week and the book trailer unveiling.

My 3rd novel and the first in the world of Ephraim Godwin Chronicles will be available to purchase on February 26th. Pre-orders are available for the Kindle now. Get your copy here.

https://youtu.be/oR3QcpO70QM

After the end of Ephraim Godwin Chronicles: The Early Year serial, I will be taking a few weeks to finish up some projects before introducing another serial. I will be stepping away from his weekly tales and jumping into a new world of horror and mystery. I haven't decided just yet which direction I plan on heading, but I believe it will be as interesting and fun a ride as Ephraim has provided.

That being said, there will still be posts every Monday and Wednesday as I share my thoughts on a variety of topics.

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Published on February 22, 2021 05:32

The Ephraim Godwin Chronicles - The Early Years: The Awakening Part 24

This story takes place 5 years before the first Ephraim Godwin Chronicle Serial. It will be longer than a simple stand alone story so I will be releasing parts of the tale every Wednesday. Part 24 contains Chapters 46 & 47.

CHAPTER FORTY-SIX

Ephraim Godwin paused by the pool of water. Blood floated at the surface and covered the plant life at the far edge of the sand. His heart fluttered at the amount of damage needed to create such a vast quantity of the liquid.

Henry, further along, stopped and spun around. He cradled his arm tight against his chest; the pain obvious by the expression he wore. Impressed, Ephraim thought back to when they were young. Henry had a laughably nonexistent pain tolerance.

"We don't have time," Henry called out, moving back towards Ephraim who was studying the pool.

"We also can't afford to blunder ahead with no plan or way to defend ourselves."

After a moment, Henry nodded his agreement. A shimmering caught Ephraim's eye, and he motioned his brother to join him. He glanced up, but the sunlight was coming through the leaves at the wrong angle to create such an effect. Pushing through the foliage, he stepped to the water's edge and knelt. His hand moved to his chest as his heart began to pound. The surrounding leaves rustled as Henry followed him.

Resting his hand on Ephraim's shoulder, Henry asked, "What are you looking at?"

Ephraim stare ahead and couldn't force himself to glance at his brother to ascertain if he was in fact joking. There was a calm that descended on the area so completely that Ephraim became unsettled. A low hum filled the air, gaining in volume as the seconds ticked by. The hairs on Ephraim's arms and neck stood as a tuneless roar soon deafened him.

The water in front of him began to circle counterclockwise, moving at first at a lazily slow pace but quickly gaining speed until the water swept by in a frenzy. At the center of the pond, an area of space appeared. Ephraim leaned forward until his brother's grip was the only thing stopping him from plunging into the water.

The space seemed an absence of light more than an actual hole in the water. The darkness in a depth that pulled his thoughts back to the void he recently floated within. Could this be the same? Am I still trapped there...is this all a dream? The darkness grew in circumference as the water pulled closer to the shore, building an ever-increasing wall in all places save where the brothers occupied.

A crack of thunder sounded from above a moment before a streak of lightning flashed into the darkness at the center of the pond. Ephraim blinked away the stars suddenly filling his vision. In the center of the darkness was a sword, held aloft by a feminine hand. Ephraim finally glanced back at his brother, but Henry now frozen stared blankly ahead.

Ephraim leaned forward, straining to reach out to take the blade. Henry's fingers slipped back from Ephraim's shoulders but instinctually grasped his shirt to keep him from falling forward. Ephraim held his breath as his hand wrapped around the hilt and took the sword from the hand. Another flash of lightning struck the pool, blowing the brothers back from the edge.

Ephraim and Henry landed in a heap as the blade spun through the air. He followed the sword as it flew through the air until it landed a few feet away in the ground. At least, I have a weapon now...

CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN

The Baron stood off in the shadows. His body pulsed with the energy provided by the nymphs. The stone produced a heat that radiated throughout his body, feeding his muscles with a newfound strength. His mind flashed to his earlier transformations which he now realized paled in the power he once thought godlike.

His vision, now a permanent red hue, locked onto the giant in the clearing. He cradled something to his chest. No matter, the time is now. The heat continued to build throughout his body, the pulse of the stone speeding up until it seemed to be a continuous glow.

The Baron slumped down until he was on fours, his fingers digging into the forest floor. His nerves screamed out in pain as his skin writhed and pulsed in rhythm with the stone. Long brown hair pushed through the skin as his limbs stretched and popped. He threw his head back, grinding his teeth to hold back the howl pushing to escape. His face elongated until it no longer held human form. Snot and spit mixed as his mouth spread wide and his nose opened at the end of his newly formed snout.

He pushed off the ground, standing on his hind legs. The Baron stepped forward, each step allowing him to gather his balance to the new form he found himself in. All thoughts of his true self now gone. There were only the red haze and the now steady pulse of the stone. He burst into the clearing and let out a long, full howl of anger.

The giant spun around and smiled. He kissed Lady Farkus on the forehead and placed her on the ground in front of him. He spread his arms out and reached to his antlers. The Baron pawed at the earth but stayed in place, glaring at the giant as he snapped off two pieces and held them out to the woman.

Lady Farkus snatched the horns before sprint forward at the Baron. He snarled as she slid next to him, slashing at his side with the weapons. Blood sprayed out, splashing her and the ground in his dark gore. He turned in a circle, swiping with his large paws. Lady Farkus ducked and wove herself away from the beast's awkward attacks. She landed three more strikes with the horns before his claws connected. The four talons ripped into her skin at the side, sliding through her body until striking the hardened armor closer to her chest. Green blood ran freely down her side as she stumbled to her knees.

The Baron pounced, driving his weight upon her until her chest burst open like an overripe berry. He clawed and tore at the body, slinging her insides around the clearing with glee. His head snapped back as he howled once again.

"Well, I expected a bit more of a struggle. So in the end it will be you and I once again," the giant said with a sad smile upon his lips. "To the victor goes the spoils."

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Published on February 17, 2021 05:27

The Ephraim Godwin Chronicles - The Early Years: The Awakening Part 23

This story takes place 5 years before the first Ephraim Godwin Chronicle Serial. It will be longer than a simple stand alone story so I will be releasing parts of the tale every Wednesday. Part 23 contains Chapters 44 & 45.

CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR

"Well this is unexpected," Ephraim said, his voice portraying a calmness he did not feel.

If pressed, he would not have the ability to express exactly what he thought might happen as he slipped through the mud but arriving in an eternal sea of blackness was not it. He held his arms out to his side in case it kept him floating but soon realized the inky darkness supported him no matter what.

Well, at least the fighting has concluded. Ephraim closed his eyes at the thought, hoping to steal a few moments of sleep while bobbing in nothingness. A chill traveled through him and he hugged himself, hoping to generate some warmth. When the chill intensified Ephraim opened his eyes suddenly aware the cause was before him.

Lady Farkus stood in front of him with a sad smile on her lips. Her eyes shined with unshed tears, and Ephraim could only ponder what upset her so. He studied her with unblinking eyes waiting for her to make the first move.

"Ephraim Godwin, stoic until the end," she said, her voice no longer light but heavy with an unseen tragedy. "I wonder if you would have fought those demons until the end of time...simply because it was the correct thing to do."

Ephraim offered a shrug before gripping his sword's handle tighter. He had no idea what was happening but he would not allow himself to be caught unaware by this woman ever again.

"Where is my brother?"

"Henry is injured, but alive."

Ephraim studied the woman floating in the void before him. She had brightened up as she spoke of Henry, of that he was sure. However, he wondered just how she knew that since she had to be a figment of his imagination. His mind's last desperate scramble to put him at ease before Ephraim slipped into madness. Most likely already there.

"Mr. Godwin, I sent Henry to retrieve you. He will not have the will or strength to finish what needs to be done. But we both know you do."

Ephraim offered nothing but a slow blink of his eyes, refusing to be drawn into whatever game his mind was playing. If my mind seeks to punish me with a woman it could have at least sent my wife.

"I am content to float here until I expire," he whispered hoping to scare away the vision.

"I am not a figment of your imagination, Mr. Godwin," she snarled as she glided forward to strike him across his cheek.

Ephraim grabbed her wrist as her hand swung to strike him a second time.

"Enough...woman," he said as he released his grip. "You have my undivided attention now speak so you may leave and haunt me no longer."

"When Henry wakes you, you will need to return to the clearing. He will know the way. Make sure to arm yourself and when it's time...remove the demon's heart."

At the last word, Lady Farkus faded away leaving behind a soft shimmer of light.

"Fine," Ephraim said into the darkness. Now to get back to my madness.

CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE

Henry stared at his brother lying in the middle of a field of flowers. They looked oddly familiar but he could not place why. Obviously, they are dangerous...Ephraim doesn't usually nap in times of trouble. A sly grin formed on his lips as he thought of some of the mischief they pulled when they were younger.

"Not the time," he whispered to remind himself the clock was ticking. He stalked around the outskirt of the flowers searching for anything that may help retrieve his brother.

The sound of rustling leaves brought his attention back to the middle of the field. Ephraim rose above the flowers, his arms and legs still dangling in the green. Soft snores slipped past his lips alerting Henry his brother was still asleep. How in the world?

Ephraim slowly moved to the edge of the field, his body rolling up and down as if upon a wave of green. Henry rushed to his brother as he rolled from the flowers. He grasped Ephraim's shirt collar and shook him.

"Wake up," he yelled, pulling Ephraim closer when he received no response. "WAKE UP!"

Ephraim moaned softly before the snoring took over once again. Henry swung his open hand back, holding it above his head a moment to see if there was any change before swinging it toward his brother's face. A loud crack filled the quiet. Henry dropped Ephraim back to the ground and stepped back.

"What?" Ephraim asked as he gingerly touched his cheek. "Ouch...what happened?"

"Oh good...I've found you, brother," Henry said as he stepped closer and offered his hand. Ephraim studied the extended appendage as if it might strike before grasping it.

"So I guess Lady Farkus sent you to find me?"

Henry nodded, "and we must return. This way, hurry."

Ephraim studied his brother as he crashed back into the woods. Might be smarter to just drag him back to the church and wait this out. The sounds of Henry's heavy footsteps through the undergrowth floated on the wind. Ephraim let out a sigh, if he didn't stop his brother the whole forest will know their location.

"Henry, wait up and for the love of God be quiet."

***

The giant gleefully watched the pod shudder and shake. His path to ascension was finally here. He clapped his hands and danced around as he imagined the death and destruction he planned to visit upon mankind as he swept them from his lands and into the oceans. Let Lir deal with the vermin.

A tear appeared in the pod, sharp fingertips protruding from the rent before sliding down to widen the opening. The pod burst open, spilling a thick green fluid upon the ground. Wildflowers instantly bloomed all around as Lady Farkus tumbled from her cocoon.

The giant leaned over her, a smile splitting his face as his laughter boomed all around. It worked...it worked. She was the lady Farkus in name only as the once petite woman was now longer in limb and stature. Her skin was a light green, and her hair hung loose like Spanish moss. Thick vines encircled her legs and arms, meeting and blending across her torso and groin, providing her with a natural defense against physical blows.

He scooped her up, pulling her tight against his chest. She struggled a moment but he shushed her as he rocked her like a babe, "Soon my beauty, I will unleash you upon this world but for a moment you are mine alone."

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Published on February 16, 2021 21:28

Snow day in Texas

Well, snowmagedon is here in Texas and you may very well be trapped in the house searching for something to do. You could download my novels in preparation for The Sins of the Past releasing on February 26th. Each is a stand alone story...

You can preorder a Kindle copy here...Paperbacks will be available on the day of release.

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Grab a copy of The Shadow Within ,here - Kindle or Paperback

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Grab The Pope Lick Massacre here - Kindle or Paperback

Or if you want to join a fun extreme horror group on Facebook, you can become a member of the Splatter Club. They are running a book of the month from Feb 14th-28th and you can get a free copy of Daniel J Volpe's Billy Silver. Then you can discuss it with like-minded horror fans. If you are already a member, click here.

Warning - this is an extreme horror story, 18+ suggested.

Billy Silver, a low-life, self-downtrodden junkie, needs some cash to get his next fix. After getting kicked out of his own band, Shit Fist, losing his girlfriend, and left with no other options, he decides to sell his flesh to the ink of a needle at a newly opening tattoo shop. The mysterious artist, Talia, tattoos a cryptic design he’s never seen.Shortly after getting inked, compulsions burn underneath his skin. His need to satisfy a newly arisen addiction to self-mutilation begins a descent into darker places than his miserable life never dared go.Eventually, violence against himself is no longer enough to satisfy his cravings. The urge to commit the grotesque brings his brutal tendencies to others… To strangers, to acquaintances, to his prostitute ex-girlfriend…When Billy finds out his band replaced him, with a new vocalist singing his lyrics on stage, Billy’s desires reach their peak, and Talia, behind the fire of his rage, bears witness to all.

As it is also Black History Month, I have a few suggestions; first, a documentary, followed by a movie.

Sam Cooke: Legend is available to stream on Amazon Prime.

https://youtu.be/Y5CftSgZd3k

The movie unfortunately isn't on any streaming services but it's worth the $4-6 to rent/own in my humble opinion. Cadence stars Charlie Sheen, Martin Sheen, and Laurence Fishburne.

As punishment for drunken, rebellious behavior, a young white soldier is thrown into a stockade populated entirely by black inmates. But instead of falling victim to racial hatred, the soldier joins forces with his fellow prisoners and rises up against the insanely tyrannical and bigoted prison warden.

It has some powerful performances between Charlie and Martin and introduced me to the music of Sam Cooke.

https://youtu.be/LgGat7nYiNw

Finally, I want to throw out some snow based movies so my fellow people in Texas will understand what we are facing in the next couple of days.

First, if you haven't seen Snowpiercer on Netflix, today is the day. In a future where a failed climate-change experiment has killed all life except for the lucky few who boarded the Snowpiercer, a train that travels around the globe, a new class system emerges. Stars Chris Evans, Jamie Bell, John Hurt, and Tilda Swinton

https://youtu.be/nX5PwfEMBM0

Next up I offer D-Tox or as I know it, Eye See You. This 2002 movie stars Sylvester Stallone, Robert Patrick, Charles S Dutton, Stephen Lang, and Tom Berenger. A lead detective being stalked by a serial killer is asked to check into a clinic treating law enforcement officials who can't face their jobs. Of course, the clinic is in the middle of some Godforsaken snow country. Am I saying snow attracts serial killers? Yes...Yes, I am. You can stream for free on VUDU Free and TUBI

https://youtu.be/L3x9RpAmjRc

If you don't mind paying for a movie starring Kate Beckinsale, then I suggest Whiteout. This is based on the Greg Rucka comic and one of my personal guilty pleasures. U.S. Marshal Carrie Stetko tracks a killer in Antarctica, as the sun is about to set for six months.

https://youtu.be/GqxjF9qR5Cg

Of course, if you are going to visit Antarctica, you really should pull out one of your multiple copies of the Thing...or is that just me? You have to pay to watch but it is worth every penny...

https://youtu.be/5ftmr17M-a4

If I survive this winter wonderland, I'll be back Wednesday with another installment of the 2nd Ephraim Serial.

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Published on February 15, 2021 05:36

Copy of The Ephraim Godwin Chronicles - The Early Years: The Awakening Part 23