Book 3 of The Martyr's Vow series
Horror/Paranormal
Date Published: 12-15-2024
Publisher: Shadow Spark Publishing
A bloodline curse haunts monster hunter Armand Tarkanian, granting him the
ability to summon the dead. But the more spirits he channels, the more
supernatural energy threatens to tear him apart.
An unexpected invitation from distant relatives gives him a chance to learn
more about his curse. What Armand finds in their moldering mansion is an odd
assortment of Armenian traditions, dark secrets, and personal grudges.
Besides a history of genocide and tragedy plaguing his kindred, things
aren’t what they seem: paintings shift and change, bones hang from
trees, and the family’s elusive patriarch is a dakhanavar – a
vampire from Armenian folklore.
When his undead host hungers for vengeance, Armand finds himself trapped
between worlds.
He must choose: either take the Martyr’s Vow and pledge to sacrifice
himself, or succumb to the dark impulses that claimed his ancestors.
Blood Family is a harrowing tale of generational trauma, folk magic, and
ripping free from the past.
INTERVIEW
What is the hardest part of writing your books?
Worrying whether they’re truly complete, and stressing over what to include or what to omit. With Blood Family, it was about creating a family for the protagonist to interact with. I made a family tree, designed characters with different personalities and dynamics, and breathed life into them. The Barsamians are more than just an Armenian Addams Family. Sure, they’re weird and parochial, but underneath all the bizarre customs and prim New England mannerisms is a family that loves each other. Bringing out these two sides proved challenging.
What are your most played songs?
It all depends on my mood. Sometimes it’s classic rock, pop, or movie soundtracks.
Do you have critique partners or beta readers?
I use beta readers and critique partners on different projects. For longer works, I might ask for a deeper critique and developmental edits in addition to beta reader input. For short stories, one or two beta readers provides valuable feedback.
What book are you reading now?
Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler.
How did you start your writing career?
My first writing break came from role-playing games. I wrote and designed Ravaged Earth, a tabletop RPG that combined my love for classic science fiction and 1930s pulp adventure. A small gaming company eventually published the game in 2008. I then shifted my focus to writing fiction.
Tell us about your next release.
Part 4 of The Martyr’s Vow is scheduled for a release in December 2025. Writing this series is a big gamble. Will readers show interest in Armenian culture and ancient myths? Will they care about the characters enough to follow them over all four books? Time will tell. For now, I’m working on an exciting project with another author. It’s my first time as a co-author and I’ve created the most conflicted character I’ve ever written. He’s a real jerk, but when you read his backstory you discover why and you start rooting for him. It’s also a love letter to old monster and horror movies, and why cheap scares are the best kind.
About the Author
ERIC AVEDISSIAN is an adjunct professor and speculative fiction author. His
published work includes the novels Accursed Son, Mr. Penny-Farthing,
Midnight at Bat Hollow, and the role-playing game Ravaged Earth. His short
stories appear in various anthologies, including Across the Universe, Great
Wars, and Rituals & Grimoires. Avedissian received a 2024 Fellowship in
Prose from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. He lives in New Jersey
with his wife and a ridiculous number of books. Find him online at
www.ericavedissian.com if you dare.
Contact Links
Website
Twitter: @angryreporter
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Purchase Link
Amazon
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