Where to Begin – Open Book Blog Hop #436

♦Welcome to another edition of the Open Book Blog Hop!♦

Topic #436

Which book of yours do you recommend readers start with?

Welcome back to another Open Book Blog Hop! The authors included in this ongoing series wish to thank you for your reads. Even more so, we appreciate that you share our writings with friends. If you’re new to the series, welcome aboard. The authors engage and impress weekly. Prepare to become a regular reader.

I cannot wait to hear what the other writers on the hop have to say about where to begin with their work. Make sure you click their links via the icons below, so that you can view each of their answers. This is important! Whenever I meet a new writer, and they’ve gained my interest, this is the first question I ask. Sometimes, even when their books appear to have no necessary order, there is a book that is important to understanding their work overall. It gets you in the right frame of mind, and reveals intertexts/subtexts in the other pieces.

Writing in seemingly different genres, my work can seem to bounce about a little. However, there is a connection. There is always a historical aspect, overt or otherwise. Additionally, there is always a darkness to the work, something hanging over it that makes it a bit shadowy. Some may read it is sullen or somber moods, while others will see the connection of looming threats. Noir is a heavy influence on my work. Regardless of the year in which the book is set, you’ll find that flavor included. Lastly, there are downright horrific things going on.

While I tend to write for anyone of a mature reading level, I don’t put ages on my work. A teen of 15 years can be ready to read these depending on their maturity level. That’s up to their parents to help them decide. The dark, often horrific, topics can give one pause. However, there are a lot of ideas to explore and things to meditate upon. The series is the deepest of them all.

Where should a reader begin with my work? If you like the dark fantasy, you should always begin with the first book in Trailokya. It will set you up for understanding the entire universe it encompasses. The series is linear. That stated, there are also the two historical fictions under my name. My best seller is OP-DEC. I recommend this to begin consuming my work. This is the one I recommend to pretty much everyone seeking one of my books. It’s a good introduction to my style without dumping them in the deep end too quickly (or, rather, noticeably).

OP-DEC is a thrill ride set in Europe during a specific point of the Second World War. There are set dates, and the accuracy of what goes on during that period was painstakingly adhered to–down to the moon phases. It’s scary without being a horror or paranormal. It faces tough questions, without banging anyone over the head about it. The best part: it pays homage to Noir Film and classic adventure pieces. This one would make a great limited series for streaming.

The best reviews I have received came in on this book. It’s well-liked by just about every type of reader. From there, you’ll be able to tackle Blue Honor and Trailokya with a sense of how things form in my head (a bit on the dark side). Keep in mind, Trailokya can be read without a deep knowledge of world mythologies. However, the more you know, the better your read will be. There are a lot of Easter Eggs for historians and culture buffs.

Ultimately, where you begin is your purview. I won’t steer anyone away from any particular book I have to offer. In the end, I just want to share them with everyone who will listen. Happy reading. Let me know which you decide on in the comments below. And, don’t forget to stop by the other author responses (click their links below) to get their recommendations. This hop is full of great authors ranging many genres. Enjoy!

Subscribe to my newsletter and have this hop delivered to your inbox every Friday at 1:00 PM est. See you next time!