Rantings of a Wandering Mind Rantings of a Wandering Mind
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Inali

by Rantings of a Wandering Mind

Inali has spent her life being underestimated. Seen as charming, polished, and politically harmless, she has survived in a world ruled by ambition, secrecy, and fragile alliances. But when a journey with fellow heirs and nobles erupts into betrayal, ritual magic, and murder, Inali is left alone to face a threat far greater than political unrest.

An ancient force called Hunger has entered her world, wearing the body of someone she once knew. As rebellion spreads and the ruling Council begins to crack, Inali must track the surviving conspirators, uncover truths her realm was never meant to remember, and decide whether saving her people means preserving the old order—or helping to destroy it.

In a land where magic has been buried and power is slipping loose, the woman no one expected may be the only one who can stand against the darkness.

More books by Rantings of a Wandering Mind

The Old Man's Request

Book One of the Utgarda Series

Fifty years ago, a group of college friends dabbled in the occult and released a malign presence on the world. Now, on his deathbed, the last of the students, now a trustee of Reister University enlists the aid of three newcomers to banish the thing they summoned.

Russian anthropologist Anna Rykov, doctor Harry Lamb, and Father Sean O’Malley are all indebted the ailing trustee for their positions. Together, they pursue the knowledge and resources needed to perform the ritual.

Hampered by the old man’s greedy son, the wizened director of the university library, and a private investigator with a troubled past, can they perform the ritual and banish the entity?

An Old Man’s Request is a pulp adventure set in the 1920s, and the first part of the Utgarda Trilogy.

The Missing Medium

Book Two of the Utgarda Series

Dive into a treacherous journey through the underbelly of New York City as Russian anthropologist Anna Rykov and Doctor Harold Lamb find themselves entangled in a web of mobsters, madness, and malevolent creatures. While Father Sean O’Malley is summoned to Rome to confront the haunting “Longborough Affair,” Anna and Harold embark on a perilous quest to locate the elusive spirit medium who once advised their mentor, setting in motion a chain of events that would shape their entire adventure.

In the gritty streets of New York City, danger lurks around every corner as Anna and Harold navigate through a labyrinth of deceit. Mobsters with their own hidden agendas, deranged minds haunted by their own demons, and monstrous beings lurking in the shadows all conspire to hinder their search for the truth.

Prepare to be captivated by a tale of suspense and intrigue, where the boundaries of sanity and the supernatural collide. Can Anna and Harold survive the twisted machinations of New York City’s darkest underbelly? Will they uncover the secrets that lie at the heart of the “The Missing Medium”? The answers lie within the shadows, where deception takes hold and danger lurks at every turn.

In “Missing Medium,” Anna and Harold must unravel the enigmatic connections between their mentor’s advice, the criminal underworld, and the supernatural forces at play. Each step draws them deeper into a world where alliances shift like shadows and the line between reality and nightmare blurs.

The Other Realm

Book Three of the Utgarda Series

Embark on a mind-bending journey where reality intertwines with imagination as Russian anthropologist Anna Rykov, accompanied by doctor Harry Lamb and Father Sean O’Malley, ventures into the depths of a secluded asylum to rescue Brian Teplow, the enigmatic Missing Medium.

What awaits them is far from what they anticipated. As Anna delves deeper into Teplow’s imaginative realm, she discovers a world vastly different from the one depicted in his journals—a world of untamed wonders and unforeseen dangers.

In this thrilling quest, Anna must navigate the intricate landscapes of Teplow’s imagination, where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur. Each step further unravels the mysteries that entangle Teplow’s mind, and Anna finds herself confronting both external threats and the demons within.

Prepare to be transported to a realm where imagination reigns supreme and the limits of what is possible are pushed to their very edge. Will Anna succeed in navigating the uncharted depths of Teplow’s mind and bring him back from the brink, or will the enigmatic world of his imagination consume them all?

“The Other Realm” unveils a captivating narrative filled with breathtaking twists and unexpected turns. Anna’s courage and determination are tested as she ventures into the unknown, armed with only her intellect and the unwavering belief that rescuing Teplow is crucial to unlocking the secrets he holds.

The Hunter in the Shadows

Book Four of the Utgarda Series

Prepare to be thrust into a world of peril and uncertainty as Anna Rykov embarks on a mission to save her alter-dimensional sister, Sobak, and prevent the cataclysmic plans of a shape-shifting alien. In a haunting portrayal of Depression-era Boston, danger lurks at every turn, threatening not only Anna’s existence but the very survival of all life on Earth.

Haunted by a prophetic dream foretelling her sister’s peril, Anna is thrust into a treacherous game of cat and mouse. Tasked with finding and eliminating the alien threat, she finds unexpected allies in Cletus, a loyal hound with mysterious abilities, and a homeless World War I veteran harboring his own secrets. Together, they delve into the dark underbelly of Boston, uncovering a web of deceit and betrayal that spans across dimensions.

However, as Anna’s investigation gains momentum, it draws the attention of the enigmatic J. Edgar Hoover, whose true motives remain shrouded in darkness. With the stakes higher than ever, Anna must navigate the precarious landscape of alliances and hidden agendas, unsure of whom to trust.

With the weight of the world on her shoulders and the shadow of betrayal ever-present, Anna’s courage and resilience are put to the ultimate test. Will she uncover the truth behind the alien’s intentions and save her sister, or will her efforts be in vain, leading to the extinction of all life as we know it?

In “The Hunter in the Shadows,” the fate of Sobak, Anna’s alter-dimensional sister, hangs in the balance, and the consequences reach far beyond their own existence. As she races against time to thwart the shape-shifting alien’s plans, Anna is propelled into a battle that will determine the very survival of life on Earth.

The Worlds I Know

Book Five of the Utgarda Series

Join Anna Rykov on a perilous journey as she races against time to prevent the cataclysmic union of two worlds. The discovery of a sinister plot orchestrated by the German Thule Society sets Anna’s path in motion, leading her to England where mysterious runes unearthed during a mining survey hold the key to unraveling the impending chaos.

However, Anna’s arrival in England is met with hostility from British authorities, thrusting her into a dangerous game of power and secrets. As she delves deeper into the investigation, Anna’s path takes an unexpected turn—transporting her back to Siashutara, the enigmatic realm foreseen by psychic Brian Teplow and chronicled in his childhood journals. But this Siashutara has undergone a modern transformation, and Anna herself is revealed to be the heretic scion of Nygof, the infamous assassin responsible for the global upheaval known as the Cataclysm.

Imprisoned by a fanatical theocracy that has risen after the reign of Queen Sif of Brynn, Anna finds herself surrounded by alter-egos of her colleagues from Earth. Now, with both Earth and Siashutara hanging in the balance, Anna must escape her captors and unravel the mystery that will prevent the merging of the two worlds, restoring each to their rightful paths.

In this race against an inexorable convergence, Anna must navigate through a web of intrigue, confront ancient foes, and unearth the hidden truths that will shatter the fragile equilibrium between Earth and Siashutara. Will she succeed in her mission to save both worlds, or will the forces of darkness prevail, forever altering the fabric of reality?

“The Worlds I Know” is a pulse-pounding pulp adventure set against the backdrop of the 1930s—a world brimming with danger, treachery, and breathtaking discoveries. As the second part of the Thule Trilogy, this thrilling tale explores the depths of betrayal and redemption, weaving a narrative where the fate of entire realms hinges on one woman’s courage and determination.

Reversing the Cataclysm

Book Six of the Utgarda Series

Embark on an extraordinary quest as Anna Rykov, driven by the weight of unintended consequences, sets out to restore the fate of two entangled worlds. In her pursuit of Brian Teplow, the spiritualist who communicated with her deceased benefactor, Anna finds herself thrust into a conflict between warring alien species, each vying to shape their preferred version of the timeline.

Traversing ancient and modern Siashutara, Anna discovers that her interference in the past has caused the Cataclysm, a cataclysmic event that led to the merging of her own reality and the enigmatic Other Realm. Now burdened with the knowledge of her role in this chaos, Anna must rally her colleagues, counterparts of familiar faces from her own world, to aid her in undoing her past actions and restoring the equilibrium of both realms.

To succeed in her mission, Anna embarks on a treacherous journey into the uncharted Jungles of Niahaut. There, she must negotiate with the formidable God-King of the Haut, seeking his aid in returning to the past and following the path originally described in the medium’s boyhood journals. But the question lingers—will her plea be granted, and can she adhere to the strict rules set forth, or will her very presence in the past further unravel the fragile fabric of time?

As Anna’s quest unfolds, the intricate threads of destiny and redemption intertwine. Will her endeavors be enough to reverse the Cataclysm and reshape the intertwined fates of both realms? Or will her desperate quest only sow more discord and chaos within the delicate tapestry of time?

In “Reversing the Cataclysm,” the stakes are immeasurable, and Anna Rykov’s journey becomes a thrilling race against time itself. Explore the complexities of altered timelines, ethereal realms, and the ultimate battle between preservation and transformation. Will Anna’s quest for redemption bring harmony or unravel the very essence of existence? Prepare to be swept away into a world where the past, present, and future converge in an epic battle for the restoration of two intertwined realms.

Designed for Slaughter

Agent of the Overlords Book 1

In the modern industrial city of Dylath-Leen, ruled by enigmatic extra-dimensional Overlords, Inspector Lazarus Balthazar Nodens leads a squad of detectives in the Criminal Investigations Division. Their primary task? Investigating deaths attributed to either the merciless Ravagers or terrestrial culprits. But when a string of murders targeting identical women shakes the city, Inspector Larry Nodens finds himself caught in a perilous web of politics and secrecy.

Dylath-Leen is a place where the Overlords hold dominion, their hybrid offspring managing the day-to-day affairs of the government. The appearance and disappearance of both the Overlords and the Ravagers add an eerie layer of unpredictability to the city’s landscape. Victims claimed by the Ravagers, known as Ravager Attributed Deaths (RADs), are reluctantly accepted as the Overlords’ grim prerogative. Any other deaths fall under Larry’s jurisdiction.

As Larry and his dedicated team dive into the investigation, they unearth a startling revelation—the murdered women possess a politically sensitive secret. Balancing the will of the Overlords and his commitment to upholding the law, Larry must tread a treacherous path where the line between justice and the desires of the ruling elite blurs.

In a city where truth is elusive and allegiances are tested, Larry Nodens finds himself entangled in a high-stakes game of power. As he uncovers hidden agendas and confronts the shadowy forces manipulating Dylath-Leen’s destiny, Larry must make difficult choices that could alter the delicate balance between the Overlords and the human populace.

In “Designed for Slaughter,” the fate of Dylath-Leen hangs in the balance as Inspector Larry Nodens walks the tightrope between fulfilling the Overlords’ will and seeking justice for the victims. Will he uncover the truth behind the murders, or will he become entangled in a web of darkness, where secrets have dire consequences? The city’s destiny and Larry’s own soul hang in the balance as the threads of loyalty and deception entwine in a battle for control that spans dimensions.

Bound By Possibilities

Agent of the Overlords Book 2

Inspector Lazarus Balthazar Nodens is a seasoned detective in the modern industrial city of Dylath-Leen, where enigmatic extra-dimensional Overlords reign. Leading a squad in the Criminal Investigations Division, Larry faces the challenges of a city where the Overlords and their hybrid offspring wield authority.

Dylath-Leen is a place of eerie unpredictability, with the appearance and disappearance of the Overlords and the terrifying Ravagers. Victims claimed by the Ravagers, known as Ravager Attributed Deaths (RADs), are reluctantly accepted as the Overlords’ grim prerogative. However, any other deaths fall under Larry’s jurisdiction.

When a dead body with aquatic features is discovered on the docks, Larry’s investigation takes a sinister turn. He soon unravels a web of secrets surrounding a nightclub, which happens to be a premier Selection site for the Overlords. The body of a woman initially found in a dumpster leads Larry to a grim discovery—body parts from numerous other victims. It becomes evident that the club is involved in a process of drug-induced brainwashing, shaping its Selection candidates for compatibility with the Overlords.

Amidst the investigations, Nodens’ daughter Dani becomes the target of an otherworldly entity that tempts her with the development of alleged paranormal powers. As Nodens navigates this complex web of supernatural forces, his personal life takes an unexpected turn. Instructed by the Overlords, his girlfriend Farley is compelled to move in with Nodens and Dani, ostensibly to prepare him for an assessment by the enigmatic rulers.

As Larry delves deeper into his investigation, he becomes the target of a suspected dissident group. Threats escalate, and Larry finds himself caught in a final conflict that will forever alter his world. Drastic changes, both personal and societal, are set in motion, leaving Larry to grapple with the aftermath and navigate the new reality that unfolds before him.

The Crucible of Control

Agent of the Overlords Book 3

Larry Nodens has seen the shadows of Dylath-Leen like no other—an inspector hardened by the city’s endless mysteries, its lurking horrors, and the cruel whims of the Overlords. But after a harrowing battle with the Cult of the Yellow Sign, Larry finds himself at his lowest: his body battered, his daughter Dani taken by the enigmatic rulers, and his soul weighed down by unanswered questions.

When a summons from the Overlords forces Larry into a series of grueling trials, both psychological and physical, he discovers the fragile boundaries between reality and illusion. As each challenge peels back the layers of his psyche, Larry faces horrifying creatures, unthinkable dilemmas, and truths about himself he’d rather keep buried. Yet, in the heart of this torment lies the key to an unimaginable revelation—and an even greater test of loyalty.

Promoted to Commissar, Larry now holds power he never sought, offering him both a pathway to truth and a dangerous tightrope above the abyss. Beneath the Overlords’ shadow and amidst whispers of rebellion, he must tread carefully, balancing duty, resistance, and the aching drive to reunite his fractured family.

A Quest for Dragons

High in the Fallen Scale Peaks, the last brood of dragons claws its way into a world already turning against them. Srezzig, the blue—bold, reckless, and hungry for the sky—struggles to lead his clutchmates: Ukshagg, the calculating gold; Drozkax, the black with more rage than wisdom; Hashaezkend, the fragile pearl; and Shrarzeth, the small bronze.

Under the brutal tutelage of Shyvnir the Elder, they face trials that would break gods—razor-winds, stormfire, and the cunning predators that stalk the mountains. Each challenge shapes them: from their first, shattering flight to the blood-hunt of the blink rams, to the storms that test the meaning of kinship itself.

But when the skies darken and the Undragons rise from beneath the peaks, courage and cruelty will no longer be enough. The wyrmlings must decide whether to fight for their matron’s legacy… or forge their own.

Sweeping, visceral, and told through the eyes of dragons themselves, A Quest for Dragons is a coming-of-age saga of survival, loyalty, and the price of freedom at the edge of extinction—perfect for readers of John Gwynne, Anne McCaffrey, and Naomi Novik.

Rising

Kai is certain he is meant for better things. When Destiny does tap him, he finds that being a Hero isn't at all like he dreamed it would be and he has to find the Hero within.

Elese, a no-nonsense wizard, doesn't care for all this soul-searching, touchy feeling nonsense. She just wants to get on with saving the world already.

The unlikely pair have to find a way to work together before time runs out.

After the Battle: Kelley's Story

Kelley was a Fleet career soldier who never thought about the future and didn’t care to remember his past. It was that simple and he liked it that way. Nothing got in the way of living life to its fullest.One explosion changed everything. Through a series of events, Kelley is forced to leave Fleet’s service. Directionless, antsy, he is certain he still has all the answers. When an old connection gets him set up with a fairly good job, Kelley thinks he can get back to the life he had.That is until a routine background check brings to light family secrets that force him to question everything he thought he knew. Kelley must face his estranged family and find a way to reconcile the past to be able to deal with his present situation. Simple? Kelley would prefer to navigate an asteroid belt under fire with one thruster down to what he has to handle now.

The Ground Upon Which I Stand

The Ground Upon Which I Stand is a collection of three light Lovecraftian horror stories.Mythos 101Ramona thinks college is just an institution of higher education. She isn’t ready for a crash course into the mythos. HomecomingAfter surviving her first ritual, Ramona goes home with Dexter to meet his father. Neither of them are prepared for what they find. ReckoningGood things happen to bad people. Bad things happen to good people. Its just the way life goes. But Dexter and Ramona aren’t willing to wait for karma to catch up and play out on its own.