Thursday, October 8, 2026
My 5-Star Review of Sorcerer of the Realm by Shawn O'Toole
Tuesday, June 23, 2026
An excerpt from The Winnowing Way
Heidi
grew flushed. “It is hard to be humble when you speak of me so.”
“From
the abundance of the heart, do these words come.”
She
sighed, “I believe I should go, lest the sense of my worth become
overinflated.”
“Must
you leave, when my heart is so full?”
“Do
not drain yourself dry merely for me.”
He
professed, “I would do it, of that I am sure.”
She
nodded. “And so I must leave, to prevent a tragedy.”
The
young man held onto her hand.
With
her other, she placed a pat upon his.
Klaus
smiled and released her. “Until the evening, my love.”
Heidi
nodded and hastened away.
The
young man sighed, and continued to sing:
Is it bad?
Is it good?
If I could,
then I would.
What I know.
How I think,
pushing me
to the brink.
Take one step,
then step back.
Just one page
from the stack.
All these
things,
tear and rip!
Have my wings
just been
clipped?
I yearn to soar
as free as a bird,
first to be seen
and then to be heard.
And yet, I smack
right into the wall.
I want to rise,
but instead I fall.
Live free, as
free as can be!
Wings spread so
naturally!
The ties that
bind us all,
the time comes
when they must fall.
I fly above,
just watch and
you'll see
the wonderful
wonder
that is me!
Soar up in the
sky,
the dream has
been to fly.
All glory is
found,
when you leave
the ground.
Live free, as
free as can be!
Wings spread so naturally!
The ties that
bind us all,
the time comes
when they must fall.
I fly above,
just watch and
you'll see.
Live free, as
free as can be!
Wings spread so
naturally!
The ties that
bind us all,
the time comes
when they must fall.
I fly above,
just watch and
you'll see
the wonderful
wonder
that is me!
[Click here to
listen to That is Me on Youtube]
He
smiled, watching the birds flutter about. Then he gave a sigh, descending the
hill.
The Winnowing Way is available here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H5YHMYQF
Monday, April 20, 2026
An excerpt from Hand of Fate
Fang
growled, "I have fought for my own, as well! You think I like to kill, but
you are wrong. I want to fight, because there are enemies. I am a warrior, but
I am not a beast! Goblins do not understand. They attack from behind. We march
into battle! The enemy sees us coming, so we must fight with fury."
Slither
scowled. "Orcs are loud and obvious. We strike when the enemy is unawares.
But we still die, just like you. I have lost many friends on the field of
battle."
"Then,
you should understand why I want to return. There are enemies to fight, and my
people need me. You are needed, too."
The
goblin grew frustrated. "You have always seen me as smaller and weaker.
So, what makes you think I can make a difference?"
Fang
looked right at him. "When, we were young, you convinced me to help our
fathers. I did not want to do it. So, you told me you would do it alone. Now,
it is my turn. If you will not return to the war with me, I will go
alone." And with that, he turned to leave.
Slither
paused, and then said, "Wait."
The
orc stopped, and turned to look at him.
"We
have fought the humans before. Our numbers are of little use."
Fang
walked right up to him. "We will not return as warriors, but as
Chiefs."
"You,
a leader?"
The
orc smirked, "You followed me." Slither was about to speak, but Fang
held up a hand. "I know the Shades will follow you. We are heroes."
He gestured all around. "Look at how they revere us. We will show them we
deserve it. And we must use it as a weapon against our enemies."
Slither
bowed his head. "I do not want to be a hero."
Fang
assured, "What we want does not matter. We can make things better. We have
done it before."
"Does
Clar know about this?"
The
orc chuckled. "Can I keep secrets from her? She knows, and she is not
happy about it."
"Gishin
will not like this. She will blame you."
Fang
shrugged.
Slither
turned to look at the orchard, as if for the last time.
The
orc just stood there, waiting.
"What
if we offer to be Chiefs and they refuse?"
Fang
grinned. "We will convince them."
Hand of Fate is available here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GX2SM81S
Thursday, January 29, 2026
An excerpt from Rise of the Host
The night ended
without further incident. Fang followed his parents to the place where they
would rest for the night. Slither joined his mother and father, as well.
Brunt and Treska
spent the time they had together.
Lurg enjoyed the
festivities. Though he had few friends, he was still well liked. So, he danced.
And he talked some. And he felt at home, once more.
Clar plotted and
schemed a way to force Fang to reveal his feelings for her.
Quick, Amble and
Ruse wiled away the evening telling tales of their training. They eyed the
goblinesses of their tribe, but were too nervous to approach any.
Deep down in the
recesses of all their hearts, the war loomed.
***
Days went by and
they enjoyed their time with friends and family. And then, the orders came.
Each one said their goodbyes. Many tears were shed. Promises were made, though
some would inevitably be broken. And the warriors set out. The Horde marched
toward their destination. The Shades moved through the shadows toward theirs.
Dark elves set out, as well. For the Host had risen: and Fate would have its
way.
Rise of the Host is available here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GK7J5PQQ
Thursday, November 20, 2025
An excerpt from Soldiers of the Dark Knight
He
crouched low, his deep blue eyes searching the thick vegetation for any sign of
movement. Neetle had a scrawny frame with an ashen complexion. He had short
black hair, and the top of his head would be only as high as a man's
midsection. However, he was quick and nimble, with the most devious look in his
eyes. He was a goblin, wielding a long curved dagger in his left hand and a
straight one in the right.
In
contrast, Tusk was gray-skinned and enormous, as tall as a man but with a more
muscular, heavier frame. His long black hair flowed down to his shoulders. He
was armored in scale mail that was battle-worn and rusted. One huge arm gripped
a bludgeon with a round metal head and spikes protruding from it. His eyes were
amber, and his canines showed slightly. He was an orc, who observed the area,
ready to move at the slightest sound. "Hurry, Brev" he growled.
His
pregnant mate inhaled sharply. "This child will tear itself from me when
it chooses to." She was almost as big as Tusk, with wide hips and a large
bosom that rose and fell with her labored breathing. Her eyes burned with the
same eerie amber glow.
Opposite
her, was Neetle's mate, Sensia. She concentrated on the child within her own womb. "Come, little one, it is
time emerge from the darkness." She, like Neetle, was a goblin, but with
an even smaller body, and slight curves to show her femininity. She moaned
slightly, staring off into the undergrowth.
Tusk
turned around. Heavy footsteps were approaching. "Dwarves," he
rumbled.
Soldiers of the Dark Knight is available here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G2ZVK7R9
Monday, September 1, 2025
An excerpt from Marshmallow Men From Outer Space
An excerpt from Marshmallow Men From Outer Space:
He sat down to consume his meal, grimacing at the terrible taste. His stomach protested, but he was able to keep the food down as he turned to look out the front window. The young man noticed that a shadow was growing outside the cafeteria, increasing in size until the whole area became darker.
Some others had noticed,
so he got up and joined them in looking upward. His eyes went wide and he gaped
at the sight. He was suddenly reminded of the story he had been writing.
There was a ship floating
high above the university. It looked
like some type of creature, with three claws reaching like talons for those in
the buildings below. A beam of light shown down and humanoids in sleek black
space suits descended on it, armed for battle. Then, he saw a bright flash.
Brannock leapt away, as
the front wall of the cafeteria tore apart violently. He landed, taking cover
behind an overturned table. The young man peeked out, shocked at what he saw.
Bodies were strewn along
the entire front section of the cafeteria. Portions of the ceiling fell on
those who remained. Pitch black beings with solid white eyes entered, firing at
anything that moved.
Marshmallow Men From Outer Space is available here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FP9P4NJS
Sunday, March 23, 2025
An excerpt from Ticklish Treats - Back for More
An excerpt from Fun With Nerve Endings, part of Ticklish Treats - Back for More:
Sometime
in the future: A young woman lay with her shackled wrists and ankles attached
to a padded table. She was a short-haired brunette with brown eyes. Her slim
form was covered in a gray bodysuit that left her hands and feet exposed.
Another
attractive woman leaned over her wearing a lab coat, blouse, slacks and
comfortable shoes. She had curly red hair that hung down to her shoulders, with
a pair of glasses covering her green eyes which had information scrolling down
the inside of the lenses. “Ms. Walker, I am so glad you agreed to assist me in
my work.”
Susan
looked up at the grinning scientist. “What kind of research study requires such
restraints?” She pulled, but could barely lift her wrists.
“Now
Ms. Walker, all of this has been thoroughly discussed and agreed upon by you.
It is too late to back out now, seeing we have already credited your account
with the promised sum. So, please try to relax as the tests are about to
begin.”
A
group approached that all bore the appearance of the scientist Olivia Foster,
though they were dressed in security uniforms and not wearing glasses. Susan
frowned up at them thinking, What sort of
person surrounds herself with androids that look like her? She watched as
they spread powder on the bottoms of her feet. “Hey, what are they doing?”
The
scientist smiled pleasantly explaining, “It is all in preparation for the
tests. Now it will cause a great deal of itching, but this will lead to
heightened sensitivity which should provide the desired response.”
Susan’s
soles and toes began to itch quite a bit. She twisted her feet back and forth,
but it provided little or no relief. “Just what kind of study is this?”
Ms.
Foster sighed. “It was all in the paperwork which you signed. This is an
extensive study of Gargalesis in the Plantar Aspect. For the next three months,
you will be stimulated by various means and your reactions observed.”
“Hold
on. I didn’t sign up to be tortured daily so you can watch.”
The
scientist held a tablet before the vexed woman, pointing to the information on
the screen. “That is precisely what you agreed to, Ms. Walker. Now this will
not be pleasant, but you have been paid well for your assistance.”
Susan
yanked at her restraints, as the itching sensations continued to intensify.
“Let me out, right now. You can’t treat me like this!”
“Calm
down, Ms. Walker. You will be released when it is time for your break. Right
now, it is time for the tests to begin.” With that she stepped back from the
padded table, and it began to slide into the wall.
The
restrained woman’s eyes went wide as a thick metal wall descended, shutting her
in. Though enclosed, the space was well-lit and there was room enough that it
did not feel claustrophobic. Still, she glanced about at all of the mechanical
instruments contained therein. Susan wailed in despair, struggling to get free.
Ticklish Treats - Back for More is available here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F27J5DNL
Monday, October 21, 2024
An excerpt from Lawe Dogs
"Mr.
Raze! I really think that you should stop this nonsense before someone gets
hurt. Besides, of course, the three scores of my men that you have already
maimed or killed."
"Let
her go! Or else I'll soil your derby." Cecil pointed one gun at Mr. Lawe,
keeping the other trained on the horsemen.
"I
really doubt that you could shoot me before I have ruined a perfectly good
lady! Now, drop those guns before I have to damage her unnecessarily."
Katey
struggled to get free, wriggling violently and stomping on Mr. Lawe's feet,
only to hurt her own on his boots.
However,
Prescott Lawe tightened his grip and she succumbed.
Cecil
asked, "What's this all about anyway?"
"Oh,
I'm sure that you are well aware of what caused this! You killed four of my men
today."
"One
of them tried to rape my betrothed! Then, all four held her hostage and waited
for me to arrive so they could kill me."
"Now,
why would they do a thing like that? I don't take the word of murderers!"
"But
that's what happened!"
"We'll
see what the judge says about that, my boy! Now, drop those guns or you'll have
to start looking for another bride. This one will be in dire straits…"
The
horsemen closed in on Cecil. He dropped his guns and ten men tied him up,
placing him on one of the horses that he had emptied.
Prescott
Lawe said, "Don't worry, son. I guarantee that you will get a fair
trial." Then, he shouted to his men "Take him into town! Come on,
young lady. You ride with me."
They
mounted their horses and headed for town. The new ranch was soon far behind
them, with scores of bodies strewn all along the front.
Lawe Dogs is available here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DKGV9Q9Y
Friday, March 1, 2024
An excerpt from Jarmus
The
youth looked up to see giant beings as tall as trees floating down towards him,
held up by what appeared to be small stars.
They were human in general appearance, but glowed with an immense secret
power. Their eyes were lit with starlight, eerily glowing too bright to stare
at, but not bright enough to blind the eyes of those watching and not
concealing the rest of the body. Their arms were crossed over their chests in
grim defiance of any who would stand in their way.
Devastating
bolts were coming from their eyes, causing massive explosions wherever they
struck. He staggered, as the ground shook beneath him. Someone beckoned to him,
and he hastened to follow.
The
young man was led to a ship, and was ushered inside. All about, he could hear
as the destruction continued.
His
guide strapped him in and then programmed the controls. The Harkee then gave a
nod and swiftly exited the ship.
Shortly
afterward, the craft shook as its thrusters were engaged. Jarmus peered out of
a porthole, as the ship began to rise up into the air. He saw several giants
descending towards the surface all around him, with destructive blasts coming
from their eyes.
He
saw one being turn towards him, and the eyes started to glow impossibly bright.
The ship surged forward suddenly, as the devastating blast just missed. Jarmus
breathed a sigh of relief.
The
craft rose up into the sky. He grew dizzy, as he watched the ground recede
beneath him. Jarmus turned away, closing his eyes as he left the place he had
come to call home.
Jarmus is available here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CTHRHFR7
Monday, November 13, 2023
An excerpt from Hallowed: The Collection - Volume 2
Cover art by Jeffrey Kosh https://jeffreykosh.wixsite.com/jeffreykoshgraphics
An excerpt from The Gemstone Tear, part of Hallowed: The Collection - Volume 2
Seeing
his apprehension, the old man grinned. “All those years, she kept you from me.
But now, here you are.” He scowled once more. “Why have you come?”
The
young man bowed his head. “I wanted to see you.”
His
grandfather gave a rasping chuckle. “Well, now you have. Was it worth it?”
Eric
shook involuntarily, and then his eyes were drawn to something on the man’s
chest beneath his dressing gown. “What’s that?”
There
was a hiss, and the old man clutched the object in question. “It is nothing,
merely a family heirloom.”
The
young man’s eyes became wide and staring. “Can I see it?”
“No,
it’s mine.”
Eric
noticed the silver chain around the man’s neck. “It’s a pendant. Show me.”
His
grandfather started to tremble. “No.”
The
young man’s hand shot out, and he managed to pry the object from its owner’s
grasp. It was a large ruby in the shape of a teardrop.
Fear
could be felt in the old man’s voice, which softly demanded, “Give it back.”
Eric
stood there mesmerized as the jewel started to pulse with a crimson glow.
“Beautiful.”
The
old man struggled feebly, but to no avail. “No, please. Don’t leave me. I need
you.”
With
a smirk, Eric pulled the pendant from the man’s neck and placed it on his own.
The jewel had stopped pulsing. “Sorry old man, it now belongs to me.” He
carefully concealed it beneath his shirt, wondering if there were security
cameras in this room. Deep within, he felt an assurance. No one saw. It’s mine now. With a last look at the shriveled
creature before him, he placed a finger over his lips. “Remember, this is our
little secret.”
Dismay
was etched on the weary face, as the old man nodded reluctantly.
Eric
patted him on the shoulder, turned and left the room.
Hallowed: The Collection - Volume 2 is available here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CN5WLBK7
Tuesday, June 13, 2023
An excerpt from Ticklish Treats - Second Helping
“Mary.”
He
gestured at himself. “Well, my name is Thad Hatton and this is Bernard.” He
pointed at a large man who was holding the overcoat she had been wearing. “He
works for me. Whereas you,” the young man drew close to her, “belong to me now.
I am your master. Do you understand?”
“Yes…
Master.”
“Good.
Well, now that we have been introduced I will explain your duties. You are my
maid, and will cook and clean for me along with any other household chores.”
She
nodded. “Yes, Master. I live to serve.”
“And
you shall, my dear. Above all else, you will entertain me.”
Mary
looked at him confused.
Thad
pointed, “Take off those slippers.”
She
did so, shifting nervously from one foot to the other.
He
held up a hand. “Stay still. I wish to admire your finer qualities.”
Mary
stopped moving, as he inspected her feet.
The
young man said, “Now, turn around. Lift up one so I can see the sole. Yes, now
the other.” He moaned contentedly. “Very nice. Now, for the real test.” He
grabbed her ankle, running a finger down her sole.
She
giggled, but managed to retain her balance.
He
grinned. “Now, the other.” He titillated that one. “Yes, you’ll do nicely.” He
released her.
“Thank
you, Master.” Mary bowed her head, wondering just what her servitude would
entail.
Ticklish Treats - Second Helping is available here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C7WM825V
Monday, April 3, 2023
An excerpt from A World Without Oceans
Marian watched in horror, as the spheres attempted to descend into the trench. These were silver vehicles which operated by the magnetic poles of rollers between two revolving spheres that moved in opposite directions at the same rate to keep the operator upright.
They could move in any direction and would never fall over. Their weaponry was magnetic-based, as well. The same energy used for movement was focused through the outer sphere, erupting in a devastating bolt. It could be channeled through any portion of the outer shell, thus giving the driver superior targeting ability.
Utilizing more powerful versions of the energy cable, the armored spheres descended precariously into the trench. The outer and inner globes did not turn as the vehicles slid down towards her.
As she scrambled to find her gun, a flash of light came from the depths. Marian closed her eyes, throwing herself back against the side of the trench.
The energy cables disappeared and the deadly vehicles dropped suddenly. Men frantically struggled to reboot their systems, but to no avail. Every panel had shorted out, and each vehicle had lost power.
Cruel soldiers scrambled for the escape hatches, and a few managed to leap for the side of the trench and hang on for dear life. The vehicles continued to fall, with the rest of their trapped occupants, inexorably to the bottom.
A World Without Oceans is available here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C19JYVRB
Sunday, February 13, 2022
An excerpt from Ticklish Treats
The
young woman curled her fingers at the sensitive flesh. “I want it all. It should be mine. If you will not
give it to me voluntarily, then I will persuade
you.”
Lily
moaned softly.
Cordelia
brought her fingers closer.
The
girl jumped slightly as she made contact.
Her
step-sister asked, “So, what have you chosen?”
Lily’s
eyes grew moist. “Please, Cordelia…”
The
young woman gave a sigh. “Very well.” She trailed a fingernail down one sole.
Her
step-sister giggled involuntarily and chagrined. The bedclothes felt so heavy.
Cordelia
assured, “Let us not be negligent.” She titillated the other sole.
Lily
squeaked, trying to move her foot. But the bedclothes held it fast.
The
older sister used her hands like surgical instruments. She lightly scratched an
arch, and then rubbed her fingers against a smooth heel. Then, she commenced to
trail her fingernails up and down the other sole. “Such soft, little feet,
trembling like rabbits as I have my way with them.”
Lily
bit at the bed clothes, but a stream of soft giggling could be heard. She
wished for a scream, but a soft moan was all she could muster. Her weary mind
was filled with one desire: to shriek or scream. How can she be so cruel?
Cordelia was chuckling at her predicament. “Laugh for me, dear sister. Your tortured mirth is music to my ears.”
Ticklish Treats is available here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09SDR2FQW
Wednesday, December 8, 2021
An excerpt from Southlands
Unger
leaped forward, knocking the larger man to the ground. Both of them lay stunned
momentarily. Then they struggled to their feet, glaring at each other.
The
tall man spit blood, shaking his head. “It will be a shame to kill you.”
Twisting
his head to either side, Unger replied, “You’ll need to try harder.”
Shem
Rahn yelled, “Try this!” He swung his axe down towards the youth’s head.
Unger
sidestepped, slashing at the larger man’s side.
However,
the shield blocked his attack. “Not good enough!”
The
youth ducked an axe swipe and then dove forward, knocking the man off his feet.
Striking
the ground hard, Shem Rahn struck his assailant in the face with his shield.
Falling
to the side, the youth managed to roll out of the way as the axe came down.
The
bigger man struggled to his feet. “Stay still!”
Unger
got to his knees, absorbing the blow with his shield. He swung his club at the
large man’s groin.
Jumping
back, Shem Rahn bellowed, “You’ll have to do better than that!”
The
youth lunged, swiping at the man’s gut.
Suddenly, there was a flash of light.
Southlands is available here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09N6PYLXR
Wednesday, March 3, 2021
An excerpt from Medley of the Mind
Cover art by Jeffrey Kosh: www.jeffreykosh.wix.com/jeffreykoshgraphics
An excerpt from Biting Back, part of Medley of the Mind:
The coaster climbed slowly at first, and then it dropped suddenly, racing down the track. "Faster! Faster!" the guy in front of her cried.
Mary's eyes filled with recognition. She knew that voice... "Benny?"
He turned to reveal long, sharp fangs, dripping with saliva! "Hello again, Mary."
She heard his voice clearly, despite the whipping wind and the screams of the other riders. Mary blinked, hoping that she was hallucinating. "This is not happening!" she shouted.
"Oh but it is, my dear!" the fanged freak yelled. Everyone else on the ride seemed oblivious to the two.
The speeding coaster headed upward.
"Benny?" Mary pleaded. "I didn't do it, Benny! You know that. It was Jimmy!"
"What you did or didn't do is not my concern, silly girl. You see, I've got this list. And yours just happens to be the next name on it."
As he said this, the coaster passed the next rise, hurtling downward. The other passengers screamed with delight.
Mary could feel her stomach diving with the force of gravity. "Benny? Okay, okay. Maybe I share just a teensy bit of the blame for what happened to you. And I'm sorry about what happened. Really I am. Hey, how did you survive the fall anyway?"
He ignored her question. "I feel the need for speed, baby!" The coaster jumped forward at the sound of Benny's voice, its momentum carrying it upward.
Time and space grew disarrayed, as the coaster hurtled down the track. The wind forced Mary's head backward and she wondered how they could be going so fast, and yet not reach the end of the ride...
Medley of the Mind is available here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08XTVTHKS
Sunday, January 3, 2021
An excerpt from Toothsome Girl
Angie
observed the young woman sleeping on her side, with the covers pulled up. Well, we can’t have that. She carefully
exposed the sleeper’s neck. I’m sure now
you regret what you did, but it’s too late to make amends. She opened her
mouth wide.
Joanie’s
eyes opened and she turned to look at her attacker. “Who’s there?” She became
still, staring up into those bright blue eyes which seemed to shine in the
dark. “Angie? Is that you?”
“Shh.
Just relax.” She frowned, speaking softly. “You know what you did was wrong,
don’t you?”
The
young woman stared up at her, confused. “I must be dreaming. This can’t be
real.”
Angie
grinned. “Oh, but it is. But don’t worry,” she assured, “this won’t take long.”
She opened her mouth wide and bit into the girl’s neck.
Joanie
moaned in pain, unable to cry out. She shook as the teeth pierced her skin.
Angie
could feel the warm fluid enter her mouth and greedily swallowed it. She
ingested more, as the young woman’s life flowed into her. Yes. More. I want more.
The
victim tensed beneath her, and then slowly grew still. Angie sucked
aggressively, determined to drain as much of the girl’s blood as possible.
After awhile, she released the corpse and leaned back on her haunches. Oh, yes. Oh, that was good. I’m so glad we could have this talk. She wiped her lips, licking her fingers clean. But now, I really must go.
Toothsome Girl is available here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08RY8CFPJ















