My 4-Star review for Small Cuts to the Psyche by Mark Taylor

It's the little things that just drive you crazy. Like a paper cut, they ache and throb giving you no relief. This collection of tales does the very same thing: it gets your attention and holds it in a death grip.

An adolescent girl winds up in the hands of monsters. A desperate man struggles to overcome death itself. Another must travel through time, yearning only to walk through a field.

There are tales within tales and abrupt endings that leave you reeling. Not all of the characters are human, but they all have something to say. If only there is someone to listen...

Terrors will reach from beyond the grave, and brilliant minds will make gruesome choices. Games will be played, and nightmares realized. The worst things occur in the darkest of places.

Among the delectable morsels on this literary buffet, is a tale of a contract unwisely terminated. Be careful of the wolves who walk in human form. Spirits will refuse their rest and men will have to face their fears.

And it all comes down to a journey through the mind of a madman. The common threads woven throughout this tapestry lead to an inevitable conclusion. For in the end, the most terrifying thing we must face... is the one in the glass staring back at us.

Small Cuts to the Psyche is available here:

http://www.amazon.com/Small-Cuts-Psyche-Mark-Taylor-ebook/dp/B00MQNEUDC

The Human Condition by Mark Taylor

Take a good look at yourself in the mirror. Ask yourself what you are truly capable of. Don't lie...your reflection will know. 

The Human Condition is about the deepest, darkest part of the human mind—that part of us we suppress. But what if...just for a moment...we let the maladjusted you out to play? Would you be capable of the demented? Of maniacal, deranged violence? 

This collection of macabre short stories will have you on the edge of your seat as you come to realize you are not that different from the monsters in these tales…the ones hiding in polite society…the one in the mirror.

The Human Condition is available here:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B010XULOWY

My music playlist on YouTube

I am not just an author, but also a musician. I have been singing and playing since I was a teenager. Enjoy the following playlist of my YouTube music videos:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLExj4HxV7t79ABAEF8yNRjmg521okBUSa

My 5-Star Review for The Mask of Beelzebub by Kevin Rodgers

Dr. Laurent Stine and company continue their quest to save Princess Angelique Bosc's lover, Sir Zachary Plate. On Cadaver Island, they must face all manner of perils in an attempt to prevent Zachary's execution. There are undead reverends and winged demons. They must face insane scientists and villainous knights. And all before Angelique's battery pack runs out.

In the midst of this, the elven Queen Persephone languishes in her cell wearing the Mask of Beelzebub. The hellhound Barghest is sent to fetch her, and take her to the Underworld.

Secrets are revealed and hard choices made. The truth of the present lies in the shattered past. Can they survive against impossible odds? It may all come down to a race against time...

The Mask of Beelzebub is available here:

http://www.amazon.com/Mask-Beelzebub-Cadaver-Island-Book-ebook/dp/B00JLTHLZI

An excerpt from Tales of Faygaea

An excerpt from The Tall, Dark Stranger; part of Tales of Faygaea:

Diedra stood transfixed, gazing into that wondrously handsome face. It frightened her. It delighted her. It entranced her. And yet, everything was clear.

The towering figure approached. “My dear, you are the object of my affections. I have beheld you among your own kind. I have longed to speak to you, to caress you, to ravish you completely. Fear not, for you are my chosen beauty. Come with me.”

Diedra’s eyes grew wide. “But…”

The tall, dark stranger beckoned with his hand. “Come.”

She trembled, her mind conflicted. I am bidden, I must go. But what about the other one? Is there another? The one to whom I pledged my love. But I have been chosen. How can I refuse? She took a step forward.

Corrine reached out vainly to her.

Belle’s eyes were full of tears.

Diedra felt drawn by that outstretched hand. It was as if those long curling fingers had taken hold of her soul. “Please…”

“Shhh. Fear not. You are safe. Come with me.”

She was drawn closer and closer. Diedra shook. Her eyes watered. There was something terrible in the dark knight’s gaze: a hunger, a love; desire mixed with hunger, until the two could no longer be distinguished.

And then, the hand was resting on her shoulder. Sir Olivere loomed over her.

Soon, they were mounted on the black steed. The dark knight took the reins and they slowly proceeded towards the trees…

Tales of Faygaea is available here:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VYXVL4Q

Angel Manor by Chantal Noordeloos

A beautiful house – with a dark and deadly secret. 

When Freya inherits her mother's childhood home, she sees it as an opportunity. A chance for a new life with her best friends, as they convert the crumbling mansion into an exclusive hotel. 

Instead, they'll be lucky to escape with their lives. 

As the first hammers tear through the bricked up entrances, a dark, terrible and ancient evil stirs beneath the house. An evil that has already laid claim to Freya and her companions' souls.


Angel Manor is available here:

http://www.amazon.com/Angel-Manor-Lucifer-Falls-Book-ebook/dp/B00PKD0E4E

An excerpt from Getaway

Cover art by Jeffrey Kosh: www.jeffreykosh.wix.com/jeffreykoshgraphics

The young man shook his head. “It doesn’t work like that.” He looked right at her. “I brought you here for a reason. We’re going to have some fun. And when it’s all over, you’ll change your mind about me.”

Cheryl’s eyes went wide and she started to tremble. “Dennis? Come on, you’re scaring me.”

“Don’t worry. I’m not going to hurt you.” He drew close, running a hand through her brown hair. “You are so beautiful. I really wish things could have been different.” She jerked away from his touch. He shrugged, grabbing a chair and placing it in front of the stocks.

She peered over at him, growing nervous. “What are you doing?”

He seemed to be staring at something. “I’m going to put a smile on your face.” Dennis reached out a hand.

Cheryl started as her sandal was removed. “Dennis?”

He bared her other foot. “Wow, you are pretty all over.”

She gave a look of disgust. “Leave my feet alone, you freak.”

He ran his fingers along the tips of her toes. “Do you remember when I used to do this?”

She gave a slight giggle, twisting her foot. “I remember you always trying to touch my feet. And then I would snitch on you.” Cheryl chuckled maliciously.

Dennis gave a rueful smile. “Yes, you did. But we were kids, so I forgive you.” He grabbed a towel, placing it on the floor in front of the stocks. “But now, there’s no one to tell. And you can’t get away.” He shook his head slowly.

Cheryl begged, “Please, Dennis. Don’t do this. I’m sorry, okay. I should've been nicer to you.”

“Yes, you should have. But it’s too late for that now.” He picked up the bucket, placing it on the towel. “Now, as I said, we are going to have some fun.” Reaching into the bucket, he pulled out a couple of long-handled wooden brushes. “Just think how clean they’ll be.”

Getaway is available here: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00T2ADUV0