gothic
-
The Vampire Mariki by Joseph Howard
Against a malevolent vampire, a daring prince named Mariki sets out on a thrilling quest to safeguard his kingdom in the ancient kingdom of Kemet. But that’s not all – for Mariki, his challenges are twofold. As he delves deeper into this perilous journey, Mariki uncovers long-hidden family secrets that shake his very foundation, as well as the perilous power grab of his stepfather and wicked stepbrother. And here’s the twist – Mariki is no ordinary mortal. As a vampire, he soon discovers he is unique, destined to traverse the ages, interacting with cultures across the globe.
Joined by his maker, a wise mentor, and a fiercely loyal protector, Mariki sets off on an extraordinary odyssey, where loss, pain, and heartache test his resilience at every turn. In the midst of these trials, he unearths profound discoveries and experiences a tapestry of emotions, including electrifying thrills of adventure, tender warmth of romance, and even moments of lighthearted comedy.
In this enthralling tale, shadows lurk around every corner, and enigmatic mysteries shroud Mariki’s path. With each twist and turn, the story keeps readers on edge and craving more, blending fantasy, horror, and suspense. Every twist and turn keeps readers on the edge of their seats, eager for more to come. With his quest to uncover the secrets of his lineage and confront the forces of darkness that threaten his beloved kingdom, Mariki embarks on a grand adventure through the ages. Take part in a breathtaking adventure that explores human nature and reveals a world you never knew existed.
His Grey Eyes by Laurel Black
My pulse pounded against my eardrums. My mind short-circuited. I could feel the adrenaline pouring into my veins. I didn’t check to see if the door was still closed, if anyone was peering in. No, my normal cautiousness didn’t occur to me that day. I guess, if anything, I was supposed to push him away, to say how inappropriate this was, to suspect that he was only using my affection for something more devious.
Instead, I wrapped my arms around his waist, and pulled him closer. I heard a small squeak escape from his lips, and while I felt him stiffen, eventually, he placed his arms around my neck, and clung to me.
Something overcame me then. I yanked his head back, pushing my tongue into the caverns of his mouth. I could hear those subtle whimpers bubbling up from the surface of his lips, so I pressed harder, no longer caring what he thought of me.
To Betray a Master by MM Glenn
Once, Matthias sacrificed his soul to protect his acolyte Aurianna from a demonic ambush. Now, the demon within him desires to corrupt and possess her.
Matthias is torn between the man he was and the monster he’s become, and at the center of his strife is Aurianna. She’s the only one who can save him now, but his demon tempts him with his own deepest, darkest desires.
Can he overcome his darkness? Or will he drag her down to his level of depravity and lust?
The Velvet Quiet: Volume #1 by Laurel Black
‘The two stared out at the sky. Alex reminisced on what could have been, what he’d already achieved. He thought about Alice, about the lovers he abandoned, the dreams he built for himself. And as the sun kept rising, he couldn’t help but turn to Erin then. He titled his chin up, and kissed him once more, their hands still intertwined.
‘Light filled the sky, and just like that, everything faded to white.’
We fell in love within the veil. Our arms caressed our lovers, as we spoke our promises in the dark. We made our vows, and made them ours, no matter what anyone else may think. Our hearts called out to our lovers, and when Death finally comes for us, we’ll fall asleep softly, gently.
This short story collection includes His Grey Eyes, Time’s Decadence, and The Reaper’s Blessing.
Lily’s Awakening: Book One of the Elemental Guardian series by Omni Delano
Murderers savagely killed Lily’s mother and caused her to flee her home with her father and brother, leaving behind all they hold dear. Traumatized and desperate, they cross paths with Rain, the mysterious Guardian of the Mountain who vows the help them. On the run from dangerous forces, they escape into the dense forest, ascend through snow and ice, to the peaks of the mountain where lies the hidden realm of the Eavald- powerful being tied to the elements.
Here Lily learns the terrible truth that she was the target of the murderers- and why. Lily must now learn their ways, develop and enhance her own powers, if she has any hope of avenging her mother’s death and ending this cycle of violence once and for all. Meanwhile, she must care for her brother and father, and control the burning desire she feels for her savior, Rain, as she learns her way in this dangerous new world.
Will she follow her heart, her desires, or her destiny? Dorchadas House by Emmanuelle de Maupassant
A dilapidated manor on a remote Scottish isle.
An old maze, concealing something even older.
Strange dreams and awakening desires.“Even on that first night, I dreamt. A presence, in the darkness.”
Yearning for new surrounds, Iris Muir accepts a position at historic Dorchadas House, on the remote Scottish island of Eirig. Attracted to the wild landscape, Iris hopes to forget the burdens of her past, but the house has its own secrets. There are strange cries in the night, and is the stoic housekeeper Mrs McInnes all she seems?
Iris begins to have disturbing dreams about the maze, planted centuries ago in the manor grounds, and feels the brooding presence of Neas and Eachinn, the two brutish farmhands.
As autumn wanes and Samhain Eve approaches, the island folk prepare to honour the dead and the Goddess Nicneven, as they have done for generations past. Has something more than chance drawn Iris to Eirig?
‘Dorchadas House’ is a 1940s Gothic mystery, combining elements of folk-horror with adult themes.
