Esoterrorism – Dab of Darkness Book Reviews

Audiobook Giveaway & Interview: C. T. Phipps, Author of I Was a Teenage Weredeer

Everyone, please give a warm welcome to author C. T. Phipps. I really enjoyed his book, I Was a Teenage Weredeer and am very excited to see that Book 2 in the Bright Falls Mysteries was recently released, out in audiobook. So don’t miss the GIVEAWAY at the end of this post – an Audible.com version of I Was a Teenage Weredeer, narrated by Arielle DeLisle.

So, what’s your current book series out?

I just released the first two BRIGHT FALLS MYSTERIES novels out with I WAS A TEENAGE WEREDEER and AN AMERICAN WEREDEER IN MICHIGAN. They’re available in ebook, paperback, and audiobook format.

What are they about?

They’re my homage to Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Veronica, and Twin Peaks. Jane Doe is a young waitress who is both a weredeer as well as psychic. When her old high school rival is killed, her brother is the chief suspect, and she must clear his name. That takes her into the secrets of Bright Falls, its shifter families, and the dark secrets whose consequences passed down from generation to generation.

“Kiss, Marry, and Kill.” Name one of your favorite book series and tell us which 3 characters you would kiss, marry, and kill.

Going with the easy answer of A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE as my favorite. If I had to make that choice I’d go with kiss Asha Greyjoy, marry Daenerys Targaryen (despite the fate of her husbands), and kill Cersei Lannister. Everyone else is either too young or would probably stab me to death. Actually, most of the above would stab me to death. Is it too late to change my answers to “some nice girl in Braavos?”

If I had to choose from I WAS A TEENAGE WEREDEER and kiss Maria Gonzales, marry Jane Doe the titular character, and then kill Victoria O’Henry. Maria is the kind of fun sexy Goth girl I used to date in college, Jane is pretty much the kind of companion I’d want (like my wife), and Victoria O’Henry is a dangerous manipulative psychopath–so maybe kiss her too. *a shoe is thrown by my wife*

If you owned a bookstore, what would you name it?

The DEER READER or Forest of Reading. I’d love for it to have a nice woodsy theme with pine smell as well as a place for reading around the fire.

If you could have a signed copy of any novel what would it be and why?

I think I’d love a copy of PROVEN GUILTY (The Dresden Files 8#) by Jim Butcher signed along with maybe a copy of Patricia Briggs’ MOON CALLED (Mercedes Thompson 1#). They’re my favorite in their respective series and what caused me to really fall in love with both series.

What mystery in your own life could be a plot for a book?

Honestly, there’s not many mysteries worth speaking of in my life. I’m much better imagining them than participating in them. Mind you, any good writer could make an epic story out of my wife’s life. From struggling childhood to punk rock to marrying a dork like me.

If you could give any literary villain a happy ending who would you chose?

Bizarrely, I really would love to give Sauron or the Witch King a happy ending. He’s a guy who was enslaved by a magical ring and forced to become the enemy of his own kingdom before destroying countless armies of men. Then again, that was basically the plot of my book WRAITH KNIGHT. I also have something of an affection for Sauron himself as I like the idea of the Dark Lord trying to bring order to a chaotic one.

You’re granted a super power and given the chance to team up with 4 other superheroes (or supervillains). What power do you have and who have you teamed up with?

I’d like great magical power because that’s the power which keeps on giving. I’d also team up with Harley Quinn, Bane, Supergirl, and Selene from Underworld. If you find that a conspicuously specific group of heroes and villains then you’ve probably read my books.

If you could own a famous or historical art work, what would it be? Would you put it on public display or keep it privately?

I have an attitude toward famous works of art that the actual object doesn’t necessarily have any intrinsic value. Action Comics 1# is no more valuable than a reprint of it save to collectors but the story is still the same. I think a reproduction of the Mona Lisa or other art is the same way. So, instead, I’ll buy in bulk and say I’d love to own every piece of Twin Peaks merchandise ever made.

Care to share an awkward fangirl/fanboy moment, either one where someone was gushing over your work…..or one where you were gushing over another author’s work?

One of the most touching moments of my career as an author was when I received a letter from a fan who really liked the fact I’d included a transgender character and another from a reader who said he felt my books were very inclusive to the point they made him feel like I was a welcoming science fiction author for people like himself (he was a gay Indian man). I feel like fandom should always be encouraging people from outside it to be open to new people to experience the wonders of what you love. Lately, a lot of fandoms seem full of toxic people who don’t want them to welcome anyone new but make the existing fandoms smaller.

Another moment I absolutely loved was as a reviewer when I was contacted by Richard Knaak to review DRACONIS REX before its release. Richard Knaak was, notably, one of the authors I loved growing up reading and had steadily followed my entire adult life. We got to talk about quite a bit of fun stuff.

Finally, what upcoming events and works would you like to share with the readers?

I’ll be releasing WRAITH LORD, the sequel to my Wraith Knight novel, AGENT G: ASSASSIN which is the third novel in the Agent G series, ELDRITCH OPS of the Red Room series, and TOURNAMENT OF SUPERVILLAINY hopefully soon. I’m also working on the third novel in the Bright Falls Mysteries.

So very very busy.

Book Blurb for I Was a Teenage Weredeer

Jane Doe is a weredeer, the least-threatening shapechanger species in the world. Blessed with the ability to turn furry at will and psychically read objects, Jane has done her best to live a normal life working as a waitress at the Deerlightful Diner. She has big dreams of escaping life in the supernatural-filled town of Bright Falls, Michigan, and her 18th birthday promises the beginning of her teenage dreams coming true.

Unfortunately, her birthday is ruined by the sudden murder of her best friend’s sister in an apparent occult killing. Oh, and her brother is the primary suspect. Allying with an eccentric FBI agent, the local crime lord, and a snarky werecrow, Jane has her work cut out for her in turning her big day around.

Thankfully, she’s game.

Set in the same world as Straight Outta Fangton.

Places to Find C. T. Phipps

GIVEAWAY!

C. T. Phipps is generously offering up 3 copies of the Audible.com audiobook of I Was a Teenage Weredeer. You can enter the Rafflecopter below or you can answer these questions in the comments: 1) Do you have an Audible.com account? 2) If you could have a signed copy of any novel what would it be and why? 3) Please leave a way to contact you if you win. Giveaways ends July 27, 2018, midnight.

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Audiobook Giveaway & Review: Esoterrorism by C. T. Phipps

Scroll to the bottom to check out the audiobook giveaway!

Narrator: Jeffrey Kafer

Publisher: Audible Studios (2016)

Length: 9 hours 40 minutes

Series: Book 1 The Secret Files of the Red Room

Author’s Page

In this urban fantasy, the morally questionable fight the morally void. Derek Hawthorne and his twin sister Penny were raised within the secret organization known as the Red Room. This organization has kept the larger world safe from the supernatural for millennium. However, Derek is now caught up in a plot that is wrongly accusing him of treason while at the same time he hunts down the evil and powerful Wazir. Things are about to get messy.

This was a fun story. It’s got dark humor, plenty of action, and really interesting characters. I give extra points for all the Richard Matheson references. Derek is our main character and we experience the entire book through his point of view. He’s been raised to be this spy who happens to have some supernatural abilities and his primary job is to keep the populace at large from learning about the existence of supernatural creatures. The Red Room doesn’t really have a retirement plan, so once you’re in, you’re in for lfve. In Derek’s case, he (and his sister) were born into the Red Room. This is what they know. Penny is the witch in the family whereas Derek is more like a scruffy James Bond with some unexpected talents.

Lucy was one of my favorite side characters. She’s so cute and such a geek and doesn’t pick up on social cues. She’s grown up in the lab of the Red Room creating supernatural gadgetry for all the agents. She seems happy if a bit odd. I do wonder what she and Penny do on date night, since Lucy seems to never leave the lab….

While there is plenty of entertaining snark and jokes passed back and forth among the agents, there is this more serious underlying plot. First, there’s the unexpected reappearance of the Wazir and his henchmen. Then there is evidence that a mole is releasing critical information about the Red Room to outsiders. Derek eventually picks up on the fact that some higherups at the Red Room think that mole might be him. As a test of sorts, he’s given a new partner (Shannon O’Riley) and they are sent to question Derek’s ex-wife Cassandra. This plot kept me engaged the entire time because I wasn’t sure how things would turn out. I knew Derek wasn’t a mole but I wasn’t sure about Shannon or Penny or Cassandra. The story kept me guessing and I really like that.

Shannon is a bundle of mysteries. She’s assigned to Derek out of the blue and he’s immediately suspicious of her and whoever arranged for her to be his partner. Still, she’s efficient and pleasant company. As the story progresses, Derek learns some of her secrets and, for the most part, these revelations just make him more wary of her. Still, there’s this sexual tension between the two that make for some entertaining conversations, in or out of the locker room.

Battling the Wazir was more difficult than Derek expected. I really liked that the story started off with a cocky Derek but as one misjudgment or mishap after another occurs, Derek becomes more cautious. The man is trainable! While I was expecting a higher body count, I was pleased that several of my favorite characters made it out alive (if not unscathed). I look forward to seeing what happens next in this series.

I received a free copy of this book.

The Narration: Jeffrey Kafer was a great pick for this book. He makes a really good Derek Hawthorne. I also loved his snarky voice for Penny and his excited, geeky voice for Lucy. His Irish accent for Shannon started off a little rough but quickly smoothed out. He pulls off the humor so well!

What I Liked: Snarky humor everywhere; Shannon’s secrets; Derek isn’t as emotionally devoid as he would have everyone think; I really wasn’t sure who the traitor was; the Wazir was harder to take down than expected; love the cover art.

What I Disliked: It’s a tiny criticism – the Irish accent in the narration started off a little rough.

What Others Think:

Audio Book Reviewer

My World… in words and pages

Book Lover’s Life

Beauty in Ruins

Fantasy Book Critic

GIVEAWAY!!!

C. T. Phipps is offering up 3 copies of his audiobook The Secrets of Supervillainy! Do the Rafflecopter thing below or answer the following questions in the comments section: 1) Do you have an Audible.com account? 2) Who are your favorite book villains? 3) Please leave a way to contact you if you win. Contest is open until Jan. 20, 2017, midnight my time.

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Audiobook Giveaway & Interview: C. T. Phipps, Author of Cthulhu Armageddon

Everyone, please give a warm welcome to author C. T. Phipps. I really enjoyed his book, The Rules of Supervillainy and am very excited to see his latest, Cthulhu Armaggedon, out in audiobook. So don’t miss the GIVEAWAY at the end of this post – an Audible.com version of Cthulhu Armageddon, narrated by Jeffrey Kafer.

If you could be an extra on a horror movie or TV show, what would it be and what role would you have?

I’d have to say I’d probably do best as an extra on SUPERNATURAL. I wouldn’t really fit in as the bearded pudgy Southern author unless it’s as a zombie on The Walking Dead. I also was a huge fan of the show for the first five seasons with my wife making a regular ritual of it. As for what role I’d have, I’d love to be the guy who gives them a vital clue before dying horribly. I’m realistic about my chances in such a situation.

I’d also love to have a guest starring role on an adaptation of one of my books but baby steps. Hehe.

What makes you cringe?

It’s funny but I’m not afraid of things like spiders, clowns, closed spaces, heights, or any of the usual things but am mortally terrified of embarrassing situations. I could probably deal with the Slenderman more easily than I could an awkward conversation about emotional stuff. It’s funny because my wife thinks I’m a big baby about that while we have our weekly horror movie-a-thons but flee at any romance films.

Ironically, I had a lot more trouble writing the emotional beats of THE RULES OF SUPERVILLAINY and its sequels than I ever did with the zombies or demons. It’s similar with CTHULHU ARMAGEDDON and STRAIGHT OUTTA FANGTON.

What now-dead author would you like to interview? What are some of the things you would chat about?

I’d like to say H.P. Lovecraft because while I’d love to interview J.R.R Tolkien, I probably wouldn’t be able to come up with any interesting questions for him. With H.P. Lovecraft, I would have a bunch of them ranging from talking about racial issues, the meaning of his monsters, and so on. It’d be a conversation he’d probably walk out on me during but it would certainly be enjoyable. Then again, we might just bond over our shared love of the weird. I did, after all, write the novel CTHULHU ARMAGEDDON to follow up on some of his ideas.

Personally, I’d like to know what he thought of the way his stories have spread out and become so influential.

If you could, what book/movie/TV series would you like to experience for the first time all over again and why?

That’s a tough call because I really do love to resist books I’ve read in the past and see if I can get anything new from a re-read. I’ve re-read A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE over and over again. I’ve also done the same with the LORD OF THE RINGS. So I’ll avoid the usual answers and go with THE DRESDEN FILES by Jim Butcher. Those books have been something I’ve enjoyed for almost seventeen years now and helped create my love of urban fantasy. I loved reading about Harry’s crazy adventures, his myriad femme fatales, and experiencing the crazy combination of humor with dramatic storytelling which is the heart of the series. Being able to enjoy that all for the first time again would be grand. It was a big influence on THE SUPERVILLAINY SAGA, ESOTERRORISM, and STRAIGHT OUTTA FANGTON.

What has been your worst or most difficult job? How does it compare to writing?

Writing is my most difficult job! Well, actually, no, it’s all the things around writing. The job of editing, advertising, and selling your book to your audience is a full-time job well after the “fun” part of making it work. Being an indie author definitely has its advantages over one of the big publishing houses but one of the reasons I could never be a self-published author is because I’m overwhelmed with the parts I do do. LOL.

Still, I would never do anything else.

What book should be made into a game (card, PC, board, etc.) and why? Is there a specific character who you would want to play in this game?

I’m a very video game-influenced author as I love the interactivity of being able to project a portion of yourself into the game world, particularly RPGs. So it’s actually a complicated question as the majority of books are more like movies in that you’re along for the ride but don’t really have a way of impacting the plot. The exception to this was the fabulous “Witcher” games which managed to preserve the feel of the classic fantasy series while also allowing you a lot of choice in the narrative. I also loved THE SHADOW OF MORDOR which isn’t about any of Tolkien’s characters but set in his world with someone not so morally pure.

If I were to see one of my books adapted to a video game, I’d definitely choose THE RULES OF SUPERVILLAINY, STRAIGHT OUTTA FANGTON, and CTHULHU ARMAGEDDON in no particular order. I think Rules would be particularly awesome as you’d have this big wide open sandbox full of colorful characters. You could also decide whether Gary goes the Anti-Villain route or becomes pure evil.

Who are some of your favorite book villains?

If I had to choose favorite villains from books other than my own, I would choose Grand Admiral Thrawn from THE THRAWN TRILOGY, Jaime Lannister from A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE, and THE LORD OF THE RINGS’ Sauron. In the first case, Grand Admiral Thrawn is such an elegant and cultured character you actually want him to win despite being up against our heroes.

Jaimie is such a three-dimensional character that it’s hard to even say he’s a villain rather than a differently valued protagonist. Sauron? Sauron never even shows up in-person but casts such a shadow over everything that he manages to become a pervasive presence nevertheless. I also have a strong fondness for Gentleman Johnny Marcone and Lara Raith from THE DRESDEN FILES.

If I had to choose my favorite villain from my books, I’d probably choose Alan Ward from CTHULHU ARMAGEDDON. He’s a scientist and wizard with knowledge dating back to the Pre-Rising world which everyone has forgotten. Alan has the desire to save humanity from destruction and is willing to do anything, break any taboo, and do whatever horrible thing is necessary to figure out a way to preserve the human species.

If everyone came with warning labels, what would yours say?

Warning – Easily Distracted.

What were you like as a kid? Did your kid-self see you being a writer?

Shorter.

I always saw myself as a writer, too. Which is why becoming one is such a gleeful thing.

Thanks for the interview!

Book Blurb for Cthulhu Armageddon

Cthulhu Armageddon is the story of a world 100 years past the rise of the Old Ones which has been reduced to a giant monster-filled desert and pockets of human survivors (along with Deep Ones, ghouls, and other “talking” monsters).

John Henry Booth is a ranger of one of the largest remaining city-states when he’s exiled for his group’s massacre and the suspicion that he’s “tainted”. Escaping with a doctor who killed her husband, John travels across the Earth’s blasted alien ruins to seek the life of the man who killed his friends. It’s the one thing he has left.