One with a Strong Message (& Exclusive Author Interview!)

 

The Curses We Keep

by Dakota J. Miller

(Image taken from Apple Books)

My rating on a 100-point scale: 87

How I discovered this book:

I was part of this author's circle of Twitter buds and others who helped this debut novel become what it is today... The author spent MONTHS on sifting through feedback, making numerous edits, and struggling with editors who wouldn't respond or provide top-gun services; in the end, I received a free copy of this book for the purpose of reviewing it in detail here. Please note: this was an advanced review copy and this  novel will release March 2nd -- less than 10 days from now! 

My synopsis: 

   In the 1600s, the York family -- Earnest, Iris, and their daughter Cassandra -- is escaping a New England town where they were to be banished or killed. Choosing to (roughly) leave through a throng of rejecting folk, they have a long journey to Charleston, Carolina. There, more tragedy strikes them: a specter follows them, children are disappearing, and the natives are highly wary of them, saying they bring trouble. Can they overcome all the deck stacked against them in this new place, with a clean slate? It seems the townspeople may be accepting of them... but tensions grow as more children disappear. Iris is a healer in a time when using nature and wisdom to help others is questioned as witchcraft. The dark shadow's appearance adds to the suspicion... Where did this specter come from, why is it following the York family, and who -- or what -- is taking the townspeople's children? Readers follow Earnest, Iris, and Cassandra as they try to live their humble lives with the dark challenges their new, but still dark, setting presents. 

My review: 

   This Gothic tale has fantastic imagery! The author's use of flashback and foreshadowings are brilliantly woven into the story's plot to hook a reader and keep them reading despite the heavy doom and gloom throughout. The characters' struggles are true to their time period and make for a very clear, strong message to readers in the end. 

     For an example on the brilliant imagery and flashbacks throughout, see this short excerpt from the beginning of Chapter 3: 

   Dawn came thin over the riverside village, light pushing through the storm's wreck. Branches hung split and heavy. Needles lay in wet drifts. Mud ribbed the ground and pooled at the roots. What embers lived under the wet gave up a sour breath of char.  

    Earnest stood at the camp's edge with his lantern turned low. The woods beyond held that charged stillness he knew from bad water before a sea rose. Toms' grin flashed and sank. He drew short breaths and said nothing. 

Here, notice how this imagery not only creates a dreary, foreboding setting (best for this novel and its intent!), but the flashbacks to past issues on the sea also create a depth to Earnest's character. We see that he feels something is very wrong -- a foreshadowing of the further coming doom for his family.

    This novel delivers a very powerful message -- and the feeling of dread in the end: Oh my! It is the kind of feeling that classics leave you with -- Gothic classics like Stevenson's The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and Stoker's Dracula. I surely don't have to tell you, reader, that this is something not commonly found in today's literature. In this novel, you will feel the chill and anticipation that is best in Gothic Horror. How is this novel classic Gothic Horror in today's literature, you may ask: it does have supernatural elements, the past does invade the present/future, the setting is a crumbling society, there is great emotional/psychological turmoil, and the themes of the novel are definitely in line with this genre (but if I discuss themes, I may be giving you spoilers... and I don't want to spoil anything for you!). An excerpt from Chapter 9 to support this determination follows, when young Cassandra is awoken in the night:  

   The night smelled of sap and damp wood. Mud had glazed hard with frost. She kept one hand on the post and leaned enough to look. The figure did not move. It faced the house. No wind troubled the pines, yet the edge of its cloak fretted as if in a draft of its own making. When it tilted, the hood slipped to a ragged angle and showed a sliver of face. Cheek bone. A wet track of skin. A mouth opening once without sound.  

   "Who are you," she said, not loud. 

   The head turned a fraction, as if the question tugged a cord. The hand lifted and closed, not in threat but in a reach she felt low in the body. For a breath the posture held, a mute petition, and then the shape thinned where it met the dark. It slid along the fence and fell back into the trees.  

Here, we can see this dark specter interacting with childhood wonder and curiosity -- she isn't necessarily afraid of this unknown entity; instead, she has opened the door and asks what or who it is. Cassandra longs to know and understand this creature and later reports on its appearance with only the facts; she is key in revealing whether this specter is guilty of harm (and murder) or if it is there trying to warn them of something. This passage directly ties in to the strongest message this novel sends readers -- it does involve emotional and psychological turmoil and other elements of Gothic Horror, and this passage is an example of how this theme is built and delivered masterfully. 

     Now, however, there are just a few things that keep this novel from being five-star, right now, in my opinion as a reader and writer: some minor plot errors (like, how does this character know this when she hasn't learned it/we didn't see her learning it; this character says this thing happened, but when did it happen, because we didn't see it happen and it doesn't appear the Yorks have been there long enough for it to happen... etc.) and, especially more towards the end of the book, conventions errors (missing question marks for questions throughout, comma splices and sentence fragments much too prevalent in some places... etc.). Keep in mind, though, the considerable amount of time, effort, and recursive editing this author has put into this work (I personally am verifying this, as I have been part of the feedback given to the author, but I have yet to be an editor of it) -- these are minor errors and should not deter you from making your own determination of whether these things detract from the story for you. This is a brilliant story! 

I recommend to... 

Fans of horror novels, especially lovers of classic horror and Gothic Horror.

Suggested restrictions: 

I do not suggest this novel for anyone less than 15 years of age due to intense images, horror, and situations that may not be suitable for younger readers, and supernatural violence, homicide, and suicide.

 

With no further ado, my interview with the author, Dr. Dakota Miller: 

Tell us a little about yourself. What do you like to do when you’re not writing? Are there any people who are extra special to you as a writer or as a person that you would like to tell us a little bit about as well?

   I am a U.S. Army veteran with a PhD in Health Sciences and an emerging horror author. Most of my time is spent away from the page: thinking through stories while working, reading classics, lifting weights, or boxing. When the plot finally crystallizes, I lock myself away and write in intense bursts, sometimes ten thousand words in a day. It is a habit I developed from cramming academic papers on weekends, and I do not recommend it to others.

(Image taken from Amazon Author page)

   My wife is the only person truly special to me in this journey. She is my biggest supporter, taught me grammar (which I never properly learned in school), and believed in The Curses We Keep from the first idea. Every draft she read with enthusiasm, even when I doubted the story. Her conviction carried me until beta readers confirmed it was strong. I would not be here without her.

That sounds way too much like how I get when writing! My writing obsession becomes very unhealthy at times, and I definitely don't recommend it to others (I get that way when I play a really good video game, too -- it's the love for the story!). I love that your wife is such a strong supporter for you -- I'm glad she supports you in this, because now we have such a wonderful Gothic tale that the world would otherwise be without!

What inspired you to start writing fiction? What would you say to someone who asked you why you started writing horror? How has writing affected your life?

   I always wanted to write a book but lacked a persistent idea until my dissertation years. After a decade in rigid APA format, my mind craved creativity, so I procrastinated by drafting fiction. Horror appealed to me because I was raised to see it as inherently evil, potentially dangerous. As a Christian apologist, I examined the genre and found it otherwise: a powerful vehicle for cautionary tales about morality, destiny, and the human heart. I write horror to scare meaningfully while prompting reflection. Writing has been a vital outlet. After leaving the Army, I struggled to find my place. Though that search continues, crafting this story brings comfort and pride unlike any other accomplishment.

The Curses We Keep definitely prompts reflection after that ending! I'm glad you feel pride in your work -- you should, as I think the story is brilliant.

How did you get the idea for your book? Do you see any of yourself in any of your characters?

 
   I see pieces of myself in every character, the virtuous and the flawed alike. The idea formed a few years ago when my wife and I visited Salem, Massachusetts. As a fan of classical literature, I searched for a witch tale on the scale of Dracula or Frankenstein but found none that satisfied. Watching The Witch afterward sparked the concept. Around the same time, we were viewing Game of Thrones, and I grew frustrated with characters shielded by plot armor. I wanted to explore genuine psychology: intelligent people shaped by biases, each holding fragments of truth, reacting authentically without contrived demands from the narrative. The story grew from that experiment in character-driven dread.

I totally got that kind of feel when reading it -- that classic-dread kind of feeling!

What would you say to other writers if asked how to create a story as dreadfully horrible (I mean this in a positive way, of course) as The Curses We Keep? What tips could give them from your experiences? 

   I explored fears that genuinely unsettle me, like fatalism. Written horror lacks cinematic jump scares or soundtracks, so atmosphere must linger, creating a pit in the stomach long after the last page. I focused on suffocating immersion: the forest closing in, the weight of inevitability. This meant a longer draft initially, which I trimmed for nuance, letting readers fill in horrors with imagination rather than explicit reveals. The monster often terrifies more when unseen. Above all, stay faithful to your vision. I nearly veered into chasing every scare trope, which diluted the story into fantasy. I set rules to ground the world and leaned into personal themes. Be true to what disturbs you.

That's great advice and well-put! I agree: the build-up with the unseen villain, ghost, or monster is much more terrifying than the one you see... wait, unless there is a chainsaw involved. Chainsaws are scary no matter what! ... But, yes, staying true to your own vision is most rewarding in the end. 

What is the best part of writing for you? What is the hardest part about it? What have you learned from writing and publishing your first novel that you'd like to share with us?

   The best part is when a plot twist surprises even me as I write it, mirroring the reader's shock and revealing something unexpectedly compelling. The hardest is editing: I love drafting but dread returning to polish. From publishing The Curses We Keep, I learned that not all feedback is equal. Early on, I sought any reader and grew overwhelmed by conflicting opinions. Targeting my intended audience brought consistent, useful insights. I may not always agree, but the clarity helps immensely.

I totally get all that! Some just do not understand vision... and some are just nit-picky and can't overlook small, opinionated flaws. However, much feedback can be helpful -- like, for my first novel, the majority of feedback I got said it was confusing... looking back, it is still a bit of a chaotic mess (but I'm working that into the series, and I've done multiple things to help with the confusion after that feedback). With your novel, with a different "taste" than other literature of today, you do have to pick and choose the feedback you use and take the rest for what it is -- opinion that may or may not matter in the long run. 

What kind of books do you read? What is your favorite books and/or favorite author, and what do you love about them/their work? 
 
   I gravitate toward classics. Frankenstein is my favorite book, a masterful retelling of Paradise Lost and the Prometheus myth that laid foundations for modern horror. My favorite author is C.S. Lewis for his natural flow of logic and storytelling. Till We Have Faces, his retelling of Cupid and Psyche, echoes what I admire in myth-infused narratives. Lewis weaves objective truths with rare intelligence. Both he and Mary Shelley, devout Christians, wrote horror that inspires me, despite many Christians viewing the genre with suspicion. I believe horror offers essential cautionary tales worth exploring.

Frankenstein is a masterpiece for what it is, I can't argue. These are both great influences that clearly show through in The Curses We Keep. 

I'm glad you could join us for an interview today! I sincerely hope we see more Gothic Horror tales from you in the future, and I have LOVED working with you on Moon Goddess! (Oh, yes, readers, I forgot to mention that Dr. Miller and I also collaborated a bit on my new novel coming out -- so, his literary genius is being published TWICE this year!)

Find this brilliant mind of horror online: 

Connect with Dakota on Twitter and on GoodReads!

A God-Appointed Chosen One 
& Exclusive Author Interview!

(Image received directly from the author)

Chains of Prophecy

Book 1 of the Samuel Buckland Chronicles 
by Jason P. Crawford

My rating on a 100-point scale: 97

How I discovered this book:

When signing up for the author's newsletter (introduced via Twitter/X), I received a free copy of this book!

My synopsis: 

   Samuel Buckland is an accountant who, one day, takes one thing a little too far and loses his job over it. Then, more tragedy strikes him. Could the two most negative events in his life be connected? It seems they may be... but Sam has some trouble coming to terms with what he seems to be destined for. Events force him to try and be a savior in a way he could have never imagined, and he seems to be a natural at it, but he's never been taught how to do what he can, and the ancient book that would help him succeed in his endeavors comes up missing... What follows is a kind of war, a journey of discovery, and the reader is swept along with Sam as he stumbles his way through seemingly insurmountable challenges. 

My review: 

   I was VERY pleasantly surprised with this independently published GEM of a novel! The plot and words are intricately woven to keep a reader intrigued, entertained, and looking forward to what happens next. The characters are complex and struggle with themselves and each other. The story is clear, has details that ground the reader well, and there are some nice twists here and there. For an example on the writing style, see this short excerpt from Chapter 1: 

Gregory had been clear on how this was his space, how he needed a room to do his work and have things his way. At first, his wife had worried that there was something... untoward going on, that maybe this room was where he would stash his child pornography or something like that. As years had passed, however, she had come to accept the fact that, sometimes, a man needs a place to be himself. 

Here, we see easy character development, and the slow creation of a mystery: Gregory is even hiding something from his wife at home -- he somehow comes up with brilliant ideas in this space related to his success... but that's nothing sketchy -- is it?

    Some themes I picked up from this novel concern overcoming adversity despite the shortcomings you encounter within yourself, the importance of appreciating what you have, and rising to challenges with confidence to succeed -- all messages worth receiving. Another theme, God has a plan for you, and other religious themes, can be seen in text like this, from Chapter 3: 

     Although only five years old at the time, Sam had still been possessed of a prodigious intelligence. He had thought about his great-grandma's question for several moments before answering. "I think it's because Solomon was using God's magic, but the witches were using bad magic." 

        More laughter from the old lady. "Exactly what I thought you'd say." She had clapped her hands together before leaning in closer. "Don't forget this, Sammy; there is good and evil in the world, but all of that is in here," and she pointed as his head, "and in here," to his heart. "A rock can kill people, or a rock can build a house, but a rock can't be good or evil. Magic could hurt people, or it could help them; it was the magician, the sorcerer, who decided if they were working for God or not..."  

Here, I know there are readers out there who may think "blasphemy!" at using magic at all, especially when saying God condones it, whether for God's purpose or not. That's okay (that's why I'm mentioning it here, so you know) -- but there is magic in this book, both magic being used for good and magic being used against the betterment of all. In my educated opinion, it enhances the story and its entertainment value -- and it's fiction -- we are not saying this is real!

     With the right amount of "figuring it out," readers follow Sam as the story builds up to an exciting climax, an unpredictable reveal, and a very fulfilling resolution. There is an excerpt from the beginning of the next book at the end, and I totally drank that up. Sam is such a well-developed, dynamic, realistic character (despite the magical elements) that you'll want to visit with him and follow his adventures more -- it may be a little addicting, I'll warn you. 

     The reading flows easily after the initial "what the...?" of the opening pages. There's a sense of mystery about what the "villain" of the story is exactly doing -- why does he have a secret warehouse and what is he doing there? Whatever it is, it seems to be tied to his prominent influence as a politician. Sam, just a former accountant, must approach this insurmountable power again and again to answer questions and overcome the evil of the story, creating a kind of intrigue that keeps a person intrigued and reading on. 

     There's just one thing that is a little irksome to me, personally, but it's a little, vestigial thing from long times past, and not a big deal at all: the author puts "The End" at the end of the book, and at the end of the preview to the next book. Just a little thing, but when it's a series, it's not the end, you know...

   

My Goodreads updates: 

I had 3 updates on Goodreads while reading this book: 

"So far, a captivating author intro. and a captivating read!"

"I think I’m enjoying this more than any other indie book I’ve read so far (except my own, that is…)!" 

"The author is handling mental instability well ☺️."

I highly recommend to... 

Fans of fantasy and paranormal novels and thrilling reads with religious themes.

Suggested restrictions: 

I do not suggest this novel for anyone less than 13 years of age due to sparse adult language, some adult situations that may not be suitable for younger readers, and mild, magical violence.

I'm going to brag for the author a little bit here: 

Chains of Prophecy won the 2014 Paranormal Silver Global Ebook Award! 

This novel currently has 4.25 on Goodreads (which better than most classics)! 

Also, this whole series (all 5 books) consistently has above 4 stars on Amazon!

-- So, I'm not the only one who says it's GREAT!

Links and information from Amazon are at the end of this post! 

When finishing up this book, I thought, oh my goodness, an indie gem like this, I want to resurrect my book blog to talk about it! I reached out to the author, and he agreed to an exclusive interview here! 

My interview with the author, Jason Crawford: 

Tell us a little about yourself. What do you like to do when you’re not writing? Are there any people who are extra special to you as a writer or as a person that you would like to tell us a little bit about as well?

I was born in Bogalusa, Louisiana, to Army parents. We moved around a lot—Germany, Panama, Maryland—until we came back to Louisiana, where I lived until I myself joined the military as a cryptologic linguist. That's where I met my wife of now 21 years, Cherrie, or CL Fors as she's known for her award-winning art and amazing science fiction. I have four children from 18 to 9 years old, love tabletop roleplaying, and teach high school Physics in southern California.

That sounds interesting and eventful! We have something in common -- I love studying language; I call myself a "linguistics nut" at times. It's so great that you have multiple successful writing careers in your family. 😁

(This picture taken from Mr. Crawford's website)

I know there are tons of ups and downs with being an author. What is the best part of writing for you? What is hardest about it?
 
The act of creating the story is my soul's ambrosia. I write what I want to read and I love every moment of it. The hardest part is, of course, rejection—whether that's my first reader telling me that I didn't manage something the way I wanted, or the repeated form "No thank you's" that I get from short-story magazines; it's never fun. Still, I've gotten to the point where I can absorb most of those without falling down or getting depressed. Usually.

I completely understand! I love that I can say that I loved your book enough to give you further praise! 

I just saw a Twitter post yesterday about the "coincidences" of our characters and events in relation to real-life people and events that we generally put at the beginning of fiction books as a disclaimer. Are the characters in your books based on people in real life? If they are, would you care to share with us who? If they aren’t, how do you create complex characters for your books?

I definitely take traits from people that I know, but I don't ever make the character the same as they are. The character starts as a general idea; for instance, Sam Buckland, from Chains of Prophecy, started as "A genius accountant has to save the Archangel Gabriel from being captured by a politician/businessman." That, and the idea of the Keys of Solomon, was all I knew about him when I started. My characters are complex because I let them make decisions, steer the story, and tell me what they're going to do. I don't control them (except in very rare instances); they control the writing by the choices they make.

Mine, too! My characters often change my plans for a story after I've planned it out. They're like, nuh uh, that's not how that happened... This is how it happened. 

What would you say to a reader who approached you and praised your work, saying Chains of Prophecy is one of their absolute favorites?
 
This has happened! I was vending at a local convention and a reader came up, saying she'd bought my book at the last event I was at and showed me how beat-up it was because she'd been reading it so much. I gave her a new signed copy, and we've been friends since. This is the best feeling that a writer can have, and I encourage all readers to let their favorites know that you love their work. It makes our day, every time.

That's wonderful! Thank you for sharing that -- perhaps it will be inspiration to both readers and writers who are readers to do just that! 

Now that you've clearly had success with your writing endeavors, I want you to reflect on what inspired you to become a writer. What would you say to someone who asked you why you do what you do? How has writing affected your life?

Becoming a writer has happened in three stages. In 2012, my sister-in-law suggested to my wife and I that we try writing, since we're creative and intelligent. That's how I wrote my first book, The Drifter. Chains followed soon thereafter.

The second stage happened much more recently. In 2024, my wife returned from her first Superstars Writing Seminar in Colorado, an annual event made by several influential authors like Brandon Sanderson and Kevin J. Anderson. She was effusive about how wonderful it was, and her experience inspired me to really try with my writing. I started setting aside more time, submitting to short-story markets, and putting myself out there. I made my first fiction sales to anthologies here.

The third stage, the present, happened after I attended SSWS in 2025. I realized that writing fuels my soul, that it isn't work, and that it's what I want to spend my life doing. I want this to be my full-time career,  crafting stories for myself and others. Since February of this year, I've written three full novels and I have plans for more. I can't stop, don't want to, and I'm so grateful for this chance.

That is absolutely wonderful -- your evolution to the writer you are today! Thank you for sharing your writing journey with us. 😃

I've very much enjoyed this opportunity to get to know you a little better and wish you further success with your writing career. Have a great weekend! 

Find this awesome author online: 

Website: https://www.jasonpatrickcrawford.com/ -- here, learn more about his work and awards!

Also, you can sign up for his newsletter on his website! (It does NOT spam your inbox AT ALL!) 

Connect with Jason on his website, on Facebook, on Twitter, and on GoodReads!

Currently, for signing up for his newsletter via Bookfunnel, you receive "Legacy of Lies" for free!

Amazon Author Bio: 

(Taken from Amazon)

(Alternate cover from Goodreads)

Synopsis from Amazon: 

   Samuel Buckland has everything going for him—until a single encounter shatters his certainty and thrusts him into a hidden war of magic, myth, and ancient prophecy. Gregory Caitlin, a rising star in politics and business, claims he’ll bring hope to a crumbling world—but his ambitions hide something far darker. When their paths collide, even angels falter.

Sam must grapple with forces he never believed in—demons, djinn, and an ancient power long thought lost. Gregory walks a razor’s edge between messiah and tyrant, and he’s not above using forbidden knowledge to shape the future.

Their choices will tip the balance between salvation and ruin.

Chains of Prophecy (Book One of the Samuel Buckland Chronicles) is a fast-paced blend of modern fantasy and ancient lore, perfect for readers who enjoy smart, character-driven stories with deep mythological roots and explosive consequences.  

Short and Sweet Post

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