Mystery Archives - Joelbooks https://joelbooks.com/category/fiction/mystery/ Selected quality books read by Joelbooks book club Tue, 09 Jan 2024 09:45:03 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.1.4 https://i0.wp.com/joelbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/wp-1626157867628.jpg?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Mystery Archives - Joelbooks https://joelbooks.com/category/fiction/mystery/ 32 32 154781010 Voices In Blood by G. B. Reese https://joelbooks.com/voices-in-blood-by-g-b-reese/ Tue, 09 Jan 2024 09:45:01 +0000 https://joelbooks.com/?p=31593

Three boys, abducted by their mentally unstable father, navigate a...

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Three boys, abducted by their mentally unstable father, navigate a harrowing journey of chaos, mistreatment, and violence.

A father, convinced of the omnipotence of the guiding voices in his head, leads his family to a horrendous conclusion of mayhem. After accusing his wife of an adulterous relationship, he kidnaps his three sons.

Taken from their mother and their home, the boys have to follow the rules of their alcoholic father and his guiding voices. Many tattered trailer parks become their new home, where they experience physical and mental abuse, mental illness, chaos and murder.

The murder is so heinous it becomes national news and leads to a celebrity-driven murder trial, where appearances seem more valid than the actual truth.

They all find different ways to navigate the misguided path on which they were placed.
What kind of men will these boys become?

This psychological thriller is a roller coaster ride of events that sometimes horrifies, sometimes amuses, and even seems frighteningly plausible in our current society’s framework.

Amazon Author's Amazon Page

Excerpt from Voices In Blood © Copyright 2023 G. B. Reese

…my dad jumped up, turning the table over in a rage. All the chips, beer and pizza flew to the ground. The commotion knocked me over and onto the ground as well. I got up to see that my dad had Jack by the throat, his feet off the ground.

I jumped up and plowed into my dad, which caused him to release Jack. Even though I had grown into a muscular build of a man, my dad was still bigger than me.

I was rolling on the ground with my dad, trying to keep him from getting to Jack. Jack was trying to catch his breath, gagging on the ground next to the spray of chips and spilled beer.

Then suddenly I felt a burning hot pain in the back of my leg, so painful my eyes began to tear. Then another pain hit me in the back of my arm, oh god, then my side.

I finally stopped rolling and held my side to ease the pain. I felt a warm wetness there. I looked at my hand, it was bloody. Confused, I look up to see Julien standing over me with a blood soaked knife.

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The Surfacing by Terrance Coffey https://joelbooks.com/the-surfacing-by-terrance-coffey/ Fri, 05 Jan 2024 08:16:50 +0000 https://joelbooks.com/?p=31539

Beneath the surface of our world, an inhuman force yearns...

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Beneath the surface of our world, an inhuman force yearns for vengeance against humanity. It will not rest until it has destroyed every human on the planet…

Meet Kaden, an enigmatic six-year-old whose seeming normality conceals a profound mystery. He possesses an uncanny wisdom beyond his tender age, navigating the world independently, and wielding an eerie influence over those around him, even his parents.

Yet Kaden is not alone in his inexplicable nature. In the quiet town of Lynch, Kentucky, peculiar occurrences spiral out of control. Mysterious chasms materialize from thin air, individuals of all ages vanish without a trace, and the populace succumbs to an eerie force, enveloped by an otherworldly blue haze.

Amidst the chaos stands Clay Krutcher, a disenchanted coal miner unwittingly holding the key to unraveling these anomalies. Little does he know, the fate of humanity rests squarely on his shoulders. Can Clay defy his own destiny, confront the inhuman force lurking beneath the surface, and save our world from impending annihilation?

The countdown to The Surfacing has begun, and time is running out.

Amazon Author's Amazon Page

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Top 6 Hard-boiled Crime Mystery Novels (In Reverse Chronological Order) https://joelbooks.com/top-hard-boiled-crime-mystery-novels/ Tue, 19 Dec 2023 10:03:28 +0000 https://joelbooks.com/?p=31370

The fascination of hard-boiled crime mystery books lies in their...

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The fascination of hard-boiled crime mystery books lies in their realistic portrayal of crime. The complexity of their characters, and the dark, often morally ambiguous worlds they navigate.

Hard-boiled fiction, with its roots deeply embedded in the gritty realities of American life, marked a significant departure from the genteel detective stories that preceded it. Dashiell Hammett's pioneering work in this genre, notably through The Maltese Falcon, introduced a raw, unvarnished perspective to detective fiction, intertwining stark realism with elements of naturalism.

The Evolution of Hard-boiled Crime Mysteries

Over the years, hard-boiled crime mysteries have evolved from straightforward detective stories to complex narratives that delve deep into character psychology and social commentary. The genre has expanded to include diverse settings and characters, reflecting contemporary issues and societal changes.

This following list of top hard-boiled crime mystery novels showcases the genre's growth, featuring books that not only offer thrilling mysteries but also provide insights into the modern world.

I did compose the following list in revers-chronological order.

What Are The Top Hard-boiled Crime Mystery Books?

Full-Tilt Boogie, by Robb T. White (2023)

Set against the gritty backdrop of Youngstown, Ohio, Full-Tilt Boogie is a riveting story that had me on the edge of my seat. Special Agent Jade Hui, the protagonist, is a compelling character, thrown into a complex web of crime involving a new designer drug and a series of unsettling events.

The book excels in its vivid portrayal of Youngstown as a hotbed of criminal activity, with the narrative weaving through various dark and disturbing scenarios.

What particularly caught my attention is the character development of Jade Hui, who confronts not just external threats but also internal conflicts, making her journey through the novel both thrilling and deeply personal. The interplay of different elements like the designer drug plot, the murder of a female prizefighter, and the shadowy figure known as the emissary all contribute to an atmosphere of high tension and intrigue.

The book doesn't shy away from showcasing the harsh realities of crime and its impact on both the victims and those who seek to bring justice. This novel is a standout addition to the hard-boiled crime genre, offering a fresh perspective and a gripping storyline.

Traitors Gate (William Warwick Novels Book 6), by Jeffrey Archer (2023)

Traitors Gate is a masterful addition to the William Warwick series, blending high-stakes drama with intricate plotting. This novel is set in the heart of London, revolving around the audacious heist of the Crown Jewels.

The narrative is ingeniously structured, shifting between the meticulous planning of the heist and the efforts of Scotland Yard to thwart it. Archer's skill in crafting a suspenseful story is evident in the way he ramps up the tension, making Traitors Gate a true page-turner.

The portrayal of the Metropolitan Police and their secret operation is both authentic and fascinating, providing a glimpse into the high-pressure world of law enforcement.

The inclusion of a master criminal with an insider at Scotland Yard adds a thrilling twist to the tale, making it not just a story of crime, but a chess game of strategy and deception.

The Maltese Falcon, by Dashiell Hammett (2022)

Dashiell Hammett's novel is a seminal work in the hard-boiled crime mystery genre, and its recent reissue in 2022 brought this classic back into the limelight.

Sam Spade, the central character, is the epitome of the hard-boiled detective – tough, cynical, and deeply intuitive. Hammett's narrative is crisp and direct, cutting to the heart of the mystery with an economy of words that is both striking and effective.

The story revolves around the hunt for a priceless artifact, but it's the interplay of the characters that truly drives the narrative. Each character, from the enigmatic Brigid O'Shaughnessy to the shifty Joel Cairo, is masterfully crafted, bringing depth and intrigue to the plot.

Reading The Maltese Falcon is like stepping into a different era, one where the lines between right and wrong are blurred, and everyone has their own agenda. Hammett's portrayal of 1920s San Francisco is vivid and atmospheric, offering a window into a world of speakeasies and shadowy alleyways.

Red Harvest (The Continental Op Book 1), by Dashiell Hammett (2014)

Red Harvest is another exceptional work by Dashiell Hammett, marking the debut of his iconic Continental Op character.

The novel is set in Personville, nicknamed Poisonville, a town rife with corruption and violence. Hammett's skill in creating a palpable sense of place is evident here; Poisonville is a character in itself, oozing menace and decay. The Continental Op, an unnamed detective, is drawn into the town's conflicts, navigating a complex web of crime and corruption. His pragmatic, no-nonsense approach to solving the mystery is both refreshing and compelling. The narrative is lean and fast-paced, with Hammett's trademark dialogue that crackles with wit and tension.

As you read into Red Harvest, you will notice the novel's timeless quality. Despite being written in the early 20th century, its themes of power and greed remain relevant today.

The story unfolds with a series of twists and turns, each more surprising than the last, keeping me thoroughly engaged. Hammett's ability to craft a multi-layered mystery, complete with a diverse cast of characters, each with their own motivations and secrets.

The Postman Always Rings Twice, by James M. Cain (2010)

The Postman Always Rings Twice is a groundbreaking novel in the hard-boiled crime genre, noted for its raw energy and intense emotional depth. The story revolves around a drifter, Frank Chambers, and his tumultuous affair with Cora. Their passion leads to a plot of murder and betrayal that is as compelling as it is disturbing.

Cain's writing is stark and unadorned, yet it conveys the desperation and darkness of the characters' lives with remarkable clarity. The novel's portrayal of illicit love and moral ambiguity is handled with a deftness that is both shocking and captivating.

Frank and Cora are not simply black-and-white figures, they are deeply flawed, yet strangely sympathetic. The narrative is tight and focused, with each scene adding to the mounting tension that drives the story forward. The novel's setting, a roadside diner in rural California, adds to the sense of isolation and claustrophobia that permeates the story.

The Big Sleep (Philip Marlowe Book 1), by Raymond Chandler (1988)

This classic introduces us to Philip Marlowe, an iconic figure in the hard-boiled detective genre. Set in 1930s Los Angeles, the novel is a rich tapestry of intrigue, deceit, and moral ambiguity. Marlowe is hired to deal with a blackmailer, but the case quickly spirals into a complex web of murder, corruption, and family secrets.

Chandler's prose is elegant and witty, with a poetic quality that elevates the narrative beyond the typical crime story. His depiction of Los Angeles is atmospheric and vivid, capturing the essence of the city with all its glamour and seediness.

Marlowe is a deeply nuanced character, embodying the ideals of the hard-boiled detective while also displaying a certain vulnerability and moral complexity. The plot is expertly crafted, with each twist and turn adding to the overall mystery. The author's dialogue is particularly noteworthy, with each exchange revealing something new about the characters and their world.

Final Thoughts on Hard-boiled Crime Mystery Books

Reflecting on these hard-boiled crime mystery novels, it's evident that the genre continues to evolve, offering readers not just suspenseful stories but also deeper insights into the human condition. These books, with their complex characters, intricate plots, and richly detailed settings, demonstrate the enduring appeal of hard-boiled crime mysteries.

They challenge readers to confront the darker aspects of society, while also providing thrilling, engaging narratives. Each novel, in its own unique way, contributes to the rich tapestry of the genre, and 2023 proves to be a year where hard-boiled crime mysteries continue to captivate and intrigue readers around the world.

If you enjoyed this list check also our favorite crime thriller novels.

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The Letter by CJ Sandstone https://joelbooks.com/the-letter-by-cj-sandstone/ Mon, 18 Dec 2023 08:00:12 +0000 https://joelbooks.com/?p=31354

A Psychic Time Travel Story Part of The Calls From...

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A Psychic Time Travel Story

Part of The Calls From the Past Psychic Time Travel Stories

This psychic time travel fantasy-mystery fiction story introduces Amelia Blake, a curious and brave teenager, who develops unique abilities that only a previously-unknown older relative, shunned by her own parents, may be able to help her use effectively.

Old Coins, Hidden Secrets, and Supernatural Mysteries

For Amelia Blake, an inquisitive and dedicated teenager, high school seems so monotonous, especially history class, where lessons looked like a jumble of dry words and dates that she was supposed to memorize.

Then, bored while studying for a history test, she noticed a penny in the corner of her desk—an old, tarnished relic from 1861. Intriguingly, upon picking up the old coin, Amelia experienced a vivid dream about the Civil War. To her astonishment, she aced her history test the next morning.

Soon after, Amelia stumbled upon a mysterious letter accompanied by an invitation to visit Isabel Blake, a previously unknown relative in Dagrun, Massachusetts. The revelation startled her—she wasn't supposed to have any knowledge about her grandmother or the existence of the letter, as it had been concealed from her all this time. But why?

Resolved to find out, she decides to confront her parents and accept the invitation.

The unfolding events will not only test her resolve but also reshape her destiny.

Amazon

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The Secret Six by Stephen Nuttall https://joelbooks.com/the-secret-six-by-stephen-nuttall/ Mon, 11 Dec 2023 13:31:06 +0000 https://joelbooks.com/?p=31237

The Lighthouse of Adventure Book 3 The Secret Six have...

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The Lighthouse of Adventure Book 3

The Secret Six have embarked on a thrilling sailing vacation in the picturesque Lake District. Joining them are their friends, the twins Summer and Scarlett, making this a holiday to remember.

The children investigate Shadowmere Rock Lighthouse, the home of the reclusive Captain Albert Finch. They find it empty, with a half-eaten meal left on the table, the solitary chair overturned, and old Albert nowhere to be found.

When a stranger with a curious tattoo etched onto his hand collides with Scarlett at the jetty, the children discover that the disappearing lighthouse keeper, the tattooed man, and a relentless artefact collector named Percival Blackwood are inexorably linked.

What secret lies within the gem Blackwood desperately craves, the fabled Maritime Illuminara? Why is it of such profound importance? Does it even exist?

In The Lighthouse of Adventure, join the Secret Six and their friends as they unravel the mystery. Where the past and present collide in an unforgettable journey of discovery and courage.

Amazon

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Hunting Tesla by Bert Janssen https://joelbooks.com/hunting-tesla-by-bert-janssen/ Mon, 27 Nov 2023 06:00:00 +0000 https://joelbooks.com/?p=30835

The hunt for Nikola Tesla's secret of free energy A...

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The hunt for Nikola Tesla's secret of free energy

A scientist becomes entangled in an uphill battle to discover Nikola Tesla’s secret of free energy and make it available to the world.

Dan Brown meets Nikola Tesla

Hunting Tesla is an intriguing and mind-teasing action thriller that follows the journey of Dr. Ir. Hans Nieuwdorp, an introverted Dutch physicist, who becomes entangled in a perilous quest for the secret of Nikola Tesla’s enigmatic free energy.

While facing formidable opposition from various energy moguls and secret services such as the Dutch AIVD, the Russian FSB and the Chinese MSS, among others, Nieuwdorp must fight for his life to uncover Tesla’s well kept secret and make it available to the world.

This gripping and captivating story about the dark sides and shadowy realms of greed and lust for power in battle with the unsuspected forces that lie hidden in equality and cooperation, asks the all-important question of whether humanity is really ready for such a miraculous gift as free energy.

Amazon Author's Amazon Page

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The Light of Silver by K. R. Shepard https://joelbooks.com/the-light-of-silver-by-k-r-shepard/ Wed, 15 Nov 2023 13:42:13 +0000 https://joelbooks.com/?p=30559

A Slavic-Inspired Fantasy Novel with Elements of Mystery and Romance...

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A Slavic-Inspired Fantasy Novel with Elements of Mystery and Romance

Those beautiful eyes, shining the light of silver.

Oldřich Lýnhart, the King of Lemaria, hires a group of hunters to dispatch a monster, hidden deep in the forests of Podkray. Salvyra, a girl of seventeen, finds herself at one end of the conflict – she who loves that monster; she who would die for that monster; she who would kill for that monster. That monster is none other than Vilod, a veritable artist and saint, whose only sins are his disfigured looks and divergent nature. The group of hunters, called the Seílgars, care not for a monster's personality. Quick to judge, they have only one thing in mind. Extermination.

Referin Tállier, a member of the Seílgars, stands in the middle of it all. After being unable to prevent a tragedy, Referin starts questioning the nature of things. Not fate but choices bring Salvyra and Referin together. Pelted by dangerous creatures, moral conundrums, and encounters with eccentric characters, the two of them end up sharing everything; personal growth, moral ambiguity, and a determination to keep moving. Despite the obstacles. And to the end.

Amazon

Excerpt from The Light of Silver © Copyright 2023 K. R. Shepard

PROLOGUE

Oldřich Lýnhart, the King of Lemaria, approached the balustrade of his terrace, the hem of his long robe billowing in the afternoon wind. He sighed, rested his hands atop the railing’s cold surface, and gazed into the distance.

A dark forest of spruce and pine stretched as far as he could see, all the way up to the Slazicy Mountains encircling the enormous valley. To the west, swift currents of the River Wesna ran between wooded hills and rocky outcrops, sparkling like woven strands of silver. In the middle of the valley, huge plains stretched in all directions, dotted with small settlements and towns, built on the Karina’s and Pavlína’s many banks. The partially-clouded sun had reached the high horizon, lending the world a meek, orange hue. The peaks of the distant massif were coated with snow, shimmering in the dying light like foothills of heaven. Cold wind rustled Oldřich’s hair under the heavy crown on his head.

Yet the crown was not the heaviest burden he bore.

He shifted his gaze down at the courtyard. Amidst trimmed shrubs, flowerbeds of lilies, and pebbled pathways, Mokva and Varimiř were holding a child’s competition, splashing each other with water from an intricately carved stone fountain in the centre of the yard. The fountain comprised a squat plinth, on which a statue of a young man stood proudly, holding up a horn and blowing through it with inspiring vigour. Mokva was making circles around the fountain, trying to catch Varimiř, who was giggling and blowing raspberries at her. She finally caught him and tossed him into the fountain. The boy looked as though he would cry, but he burst into laughter instead and pulled his sister into the fountain to join him. They splashed in the shallow water like a couple of frogs.

Oldřich turned, abandoning the high terrace, and strode briskly into the half-gloom of his chambers.

The stone walls of his room emanated warmth and were adorned with numerous paintings and richly embroidered tapestries. The paintings depicted landscapes, portraits, battles, and crowded streets, and the tapestries’ deep and tasteful colour palettes juxtaposed the dull, grey walls. A large crimson carpet made most of the spruce floor, and the chamber held a small number of furnishings; a large bed, two nightstands, a malachite table, a small cupboard, and two linen chairs.

Oldřich sauntered over to one of the chairs, occupied it, and poured himself a cupful of wine from a sizeable silver pitcher, which was resting on the lacquered cupboard. He leaned back and began sipping the sweet-sour drink, listening to his children’s laughter down in the courtyard.

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Silenced by Kiontai Lawson https://joelbooks.com/silenced-by-kiontai-lawson/ Sat, 11 Nov 2023 06:00:00 +0000 https://joelbooks.com/?p=30458

In a small, tight-knit town where family legacies are revered,...

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In a small, tight-knit town where family legacies are revered, David finds himself torn between societal expectations and his own desires. Trapped in a house he never wanted, he becomes an unwilling participant in his family's oppressive tradition – a sinister and mysterious custom that demands unwavering obedience. As he delves deeper into this dark inheritance, David's unhinged aunt becomes both a catalyst and an obstacle, propelling him on a journey to uncover the truth behind their twisted legacy.

Amidst the chaos, he grapples with the blurred boundaries between right and wrong, seeking to unravel the true nature of good and evil. In this gripping tale of self-discovery and defiance, David must muster the strength to forge his own path, even as his hesitant brother, Mark, lacks the courage to defy convention. With the love of his life, Zari, hanging in the balance, he faces an impossible choice: should he succumb to the path dictated by his aunt and brother, or will he find the courage to break free from their dark influence?

As the stakes intensify, David's internal struggle mirrors the larger conflict within the town, unveiling hidden secrets and buried truths. The boundaries between reality and superstition blur, and he must navigate a treacherous game of power and manipulation to protect what he holds dear. In this riveting thriller novel, the battle for his identity becomes entwined with the fate of his beloved, as they both become pawns in a dangerous web of family secrets and deception.

Amazon

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First Spells: A Witch Emerges by Miranda Rose Barker https://joelbooks.com/first-spells-a-witch-emerges-by-miranda-rose-barker/ Tue, 12 Sep 2023 13:20:37 +0000 https://joelbooks.com/?p=29415

The Witches of Moonlight Hollow Series Prequel Awakening to a...

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The Witches of Moonlight Hollow Series Prequel

Awakening to a World of Supernatural Mysteries

This story introduces Eleanor, a young woman living in a small town, who begins to discover her own unusual supernatural witchy abilities that her grandmother helps her nurture and develop.

Words from her grandmother echo in Eleanor's mind, ‘You've got the gift, my girl,' yet she remains convinced she's nothing more than an ordinary girl, and feelings of inadequacy cast shadows upon her heart.

Then one day, fate leads Eleanor to cross paths with Andy, a mysterious cat, and everything changes. With her grandmother's guidance, Eleanor begins to realize the truth—she holds within her supernatural powers. A world she once thought was beyond her grasp now unfolds before her.

Embarking on an extraordinary journey of self-discovery, Eleanor unearths her place in a lineage of powerful witches. Along the way, she unravels the mysteries of her true identity and life's purpose. As she embraces her newfound abilities, Eleanor makes a life-altering decision.

If you love cozy mysteries with a twist of nail-biting suspense and paranormal, you’ll enjoy First Spells: A Witch Emerges, the non-stop page-turner prequel novel to the series The Witches of Moonlight Hollow, by popular author Miranda Rose Barker.

Would you dare to join her in a realm where the ordinary transforms into the extraordinary, and the supernatural awaits those who dare to believe?

Amazon

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Man Versus Machine by Nicholas Morine et al. https://joelbooks.com/man-versus-machine-by-nicholas-morine-et-al/ Fri, 08 Sep 2023 06:00:00 +0000 https://joelbooks.com/?p=29308

Experiments in Human and AI Artistry This is a mixed-genre...

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Experiments in Human and AI Artistry

This is a mixed-genre book ranging from sci-fi short stories to poetry to food and beverage recipes to essays and debates.

The main hook, though, is that half of the material is written by humans, and half by AI. The names are removed and placed at the back of the book in an answer key. Readers have to guess — if they can! — which stories, poems, recipes etc. are penned by humans, and which by AI. Also, see if AI can convincingly imitate human art.

If a story was written by an AI instead of a human artist… could you tell?

Could you tell the difference between a poem penned by a person versus one crafted by a computer?

Prove it.

Man Versus Machine is among the first experiments offering an answer to these questions for those curious.

Join an array of artists, amateur and professional, who desire to test their skills against the emerging powers of artificial intelligence. AI models like ChatGPT and Google Bard are entering the collective consciousness, spawning countless media articles and conversations. How do they stack up against their human counterparts when it comes to expressions of the written word?

Excited to try a recipe whipped up by an AI, even though it doesn't have a sense of taste? You can, and even compare it to a treasured family recipe passed down through the generations.

Poetry, short fiction, song lyrics, brief debates, an examination of AI-generated news articles and more can be found within this volume for those who dare. Regarding each work, the author's name has been removed and placed in an answer key at the rear of the book to make things more interesting.

Press on, don your detective cap, and enjoy this spirited contest between flesh and circuitry.

Amazon Author's Amazon Page

Excerpt from Man Versus Machine © Copyright 2023 Nicholas Morine et al.

The Embrace of Shadows

Morgana's eyes glistened beneath the moon's gaze, her allure as dark as the shadowed depths of Camelot's corners. She turned her gaze to Edmund, a knight of the Round Table, his loyalty to King Arthur as evident as the moon in the night sky.

“Edmund,” she whispered, her voice silken against the rustle of leaves. “Why do you keep a distance when your heart yearns to be close?”

Edmund averted his gaze, attempting to hide the turmoil within his chest. “I am a knight, Morgana,” he replied, his voice gruff. “Sworn to serve Arthur, not to indulge in whims of the heart.”

Her laughter, melodious yet haunting, echoed around them. “And what if your heart commands you to serve differently?” she questioned, her hand reaching to caress his armored cheek. His eyes betrayed him, revealing the conflict that raged within him. He was a knight, yes, but a man first.

In the battlefields that stretched beyond Camelot's walls, Edmund fought with a new fervor. Every thrust of his blade, every dodge of his opponent's attack, was not for the glory of King Arthur, but for the love that was blossoming within his heart. The passion that consumed him reflected in his battles, his fury and might turning him into a formidable foe.

His adversaries fell one by one, their defeat echoing his inner turmoil. “For the love that dare not speak its name,” he muttered under his breath, driving his sword deeper into the enemy lines. The battlefield turned into a stage for his internal conflict, his loyalty clashing with his newfound passion, painting a grisly tableau of love and betrayal.

One evening, under the star-studded sky, their secret was sealed with a kiss. Morgana’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she pulled away, her voice trembling. “We tread a dangerous path, Edmund.”

“I know,” he admitted, his voice barely a whisper. His hand found hers, their fingers intertwining. “But it's a path I'm willing to tread, for you.”

Edmund found himself walking on a perilous line, his nights filled with clandestine meetings and his days consumed by bloody battles. Every stolen moment with Morgana was a sweet poison, the taste of betrayal bitter on his tongue but the exhilaration far too intoxicating to resist.

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