Lou Paduano | Urban Fantasy Novels | Sci-Fi Crime Series

  • Home
  • Books
  • Order a Signed Book
  • Blog
  • About
  • Contact
  • Greystone
  • DSA
  • Greystone-in-Training
  • Box Sets
  • Free Books

2025 Goals

January 13, 2025 By Lou

I’m back! Recharged (ha) and ready (haha) to take on the new year with some exciting new projects. This break has given me the opportunity to take stock on how things have been going the last year and see what I can do to make things… let’s say, less stressful. Take a peek at my 2025 goals below:

2025 Goals

Writing

Looking back on 2024, I realize I spent the majority of my time reworking books already set. In terms of drafts, there were only three new projects completed, two of which were short stories for Coventry. That’s not going to cut it in 2025.

This year, I’m diving into the end of Greystone. The last three books in the series will be drafted and set before the calendar changes again. I’ve been reading through the script for Book 8. It’s really good. I’m very excited to bring this book to life. It’s the pinnacle of the series, in my opinion. Key stuff that will send us zooming to the finale.

Beyond Greystone, I have a couple more short story ideas for Coventry to flesh out. There’s also a standalone novel I’ve had sitting on my shelf since 2017 called Lost Outpost. I’m hoping to dust it off and give it a fresh coat of paint for a year-end release.

Knowing Limitations

This is a tough one for me. I want to work. All the time. I love what I do. Life, though, has been diligent about reminding me of other priorities. So, figuring out that balance is key for me this year. It’s the most important goal I have for myself in 2025 because I cannot go through another year like this last one. Self-care really fell apart for me, so taking a step away from the desk will be key to my success going forward.

Audiobooks

I’ve been talking to readers about it for months. This year, I want to focus on getting my books out there in audio. I’ve been stymied by the cost of the endeavor, so I’m taking steps to make this more affordable while improving the quality of what I can offer to my readers. Hoping to get the first ones out by the end of the year.

What would you like to see in 2025?

I make no promises, but I’d love to hear what you want to see this year. There’s the Patreon, of course, and some new releases coming your way, but what else would make your list? Shoot me an email or message me.

Share this:

  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn

Filed Under: Writing Tagged With: 2025 Goals, writing goals

2024 Wrap Up!

December 20, 2024 By Lou

I have quite a few thoughts about 2024. Most of them are less than pleasant, so rather than dwell on them or their impact on our futures, I’ve determined to stick to what I can control and what I can improve upon in the coming year. Check out my 2024 Wrap Up below:

2024 Wrap Up

This year presented numerous challenges to this poor writer. Iris, my three-year-old whirlwind, broke the mold of the Paduano children and shucked off the nap much sooner than expected. Not the worst thing in the world. We’ve certainly enjoyed ourselves, reading and coloring and playing games, but holy hell has it taken away from my work. That sixty to ninety minutes every day really helped take care of quite a bit. Without it, things have been… tougher, let’s say.

I’ve written under pressure for most of my career. When you have three kids and a wife who want nothing more than to spend time with you, you try to make the most with the minutes you have. This year, though, with four releases, more in-person events than ever, and less time to work than ever, it has not been my best year.

This isn’t meant to be a downer. I don’t care to complain. This is just where life is at the moment, but things will change. This time will never come again, so I am rolling with the punches to do what I can while enjoying my family as it stands in this moment.

But enough with the complaining.

I mentioned the four releases. DSA Season Two is finally out in the world! I remember putting down my first thoughts on The Wellspring in December 2019. That’s how long these six books took to ruminate into existence. The pandemic was a tricky devil to navigate, but out of that time away from publishing came six of my best works and I will always be proud of the journey taken to make them a reality.

The reception to the season has been phenomenal. We’re not burning up the sales charts, but those who have read the tales of our intrepid adventurers have said nothing but wonderful things.

Greystone returns.

If those would have been the only releases this year, I would have considered that a triumph. But then came The Last King. Yes, it isn’t truly out in the world on its own yet. That comes next month. But The Last King was a project that came out of nowhere and one that has quickly become a favorite of mine. Everything about putting the story together was a dream come true. For those who haven’t read it yet, you are in for a treat.

Out of everything that happened this year, the Patreon is what I am most proud of. This was something I wanted to do for years, yet kept putting it off repeatedly out of pure terror. I am what I am and most of the time, that is a self-loathing fool of a man. I am my greatest critic. Always will be. I worried over the commitment required to publish content regularly, sure, but what it boiled down to was a sense of failure if the page didn’t take off.

I really am quite stupid. The Patreon has been a lot of fun to work on this year. Not only has it allowed me another avenue to reach readers, it’s given me the chance to finally publish Army in the Obelisk. This was another long-gestating project that I pushed aside many times to work on other things. The story is great, but the structure appealed to me more than anything else. I love toying with new formats and different ways to tell a tale. Thankfully, Loren and Soriya make it very easy.

In-person events were amazing this year. So many conventions and festivals allowed me so many new opportunities to connect with readers. Every interaction was a treat for me and I hope you feel the same if you happened upon me out in the wild. I’m still pinning down what I want to do next year. We’ll see what I can squeeze in.

That was the year in review. A reflection of the tough days endured and the sadness at not being able to write more than I did. The best thing about doing these wrap ups is that they not only let me see where I’ve been, they allow me to see the road ahead. And to share a bit of it with you.

A look ahead…

Greystone will be the big takeaway for 2025. Hardcover editions of the books are coming starting next month. The prequel trilogy will be getting a box set… FINALLY. The Last King and Army in the Obelisk were just to get the ball rolling. Books Six and Seven of the main series arrive next year. I’ve spent the last two weeks reading through them (again). They are, without a doubt, two of my favorite books. I’m actually scared to write the next one because of how good these turned out. Isn’t that ridiculous?

Realizing the dwindling time available to me and the pressure of the past year, I’ve redoubled my efforts to make next year about some long-deserved self-care. My writing schedule is set. I will be finishing the Greystone series on my end, but rather than push hard into the next big endeavor, I need to take some time to work on myself a bit health-wise.

That might not be what you want to hear. You want the next season of DSA, or the Coventry series, or Spectral Advocate, or Red Epsilon, or, or, or… So do I! More than anyone! This is for their benefit, trust me. I never stop working, and don’t think I can at this point, but by taking a step away more often than I have in the past, I think the books will be better for it.

Thank you for supporting my work. You have no idea what it means to me having you here. Whether it is on the blog or on social media or on the Patreon page. I know you have my back and I can only hope to deliver the best fiction possible for many, many, many years to come.

Wishing you a very magical holiday season and a happy new year.

Thanks for reading.

Share this:

  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn

Filed Under: Writing Tagged With: 2024, Wrap Up, writing, year-end wrap up

Terminal Point is out now!

December 11, 2024 By Lou

Launch day has arrived. Terminal Point is out now in digital and paperback! The climactic season finale finds the DSA in their toughest situation yet. Zac confronts his destiny with the fate of humanity’s future on the line. And David Hollis takes one step closer to ultimate victory…

Order your copy of Terminal Point now!

For the last century, humanity has achieved wonders beyond imagination. Every development, every advancement—be it in medicine or science or war—has come from someone else… something else.

The Wellspring.

This ancient program has guided the world down a singular path toward a future which remains a mystery. At the heart of this program lies a signal, transmitting instructions to chart the course ahead.

Zac Modine has finally found the signal. After weeks on the run, he hopes to save his own life and escape the destiny thrust upon him. Unfortunately, the Trust has followed his every move, and under the leadership of the manipulative David Hollis, they will stop at nothing to secure the future for their own ends.

The DSA is all that stands in the Trust’s way. But will their timely intervention help save the world from the threat of the signal and the dangerous guardian at the gate, or will they merely open the door to a power beyond all comprehension?

The saga of the Wellspring comes to a cataclysmic conclusion in the thrilling season finale of the DSA.

The end of Season Two.

What a wild ride it has been. I remember outlining these six books back at the end of 2019, so to see them out in the world is an absolute thrill for me. This series means everything to me, from the twists and turns to the incredible cast of characters. I love writing DSA and I hope you feel the same reading their adventures.

There is so much more to come for Ben, Morgan, and the rest of the team. I can’t wait to share what happens next.

Enjoy Terminal Point!

The ebook is only $0.99 through December 19th!

Or snag your signed paperback through my online store.

Thank you to everyone who preordered the book. I can’t thank you enough for your support.

Have a great time with this one, everyone. I put everything I could into making the season finale as epic as possible.

If you get the chance, please consider leaving a review for the work when you’re done. I don’t usually push the reviews often, but they do help the books.

Happy reading!

Share this:

  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn

Filed Under: Terminal Point Tagged With: DSA, DSA Season Two, Terminal Point

Terminal Point Sneak Peek

December 3, 2024 By Lou

Terminal Point arrives next week! The big season finale raises the stakes for the team. Not everyone makes it out of this one and nothing will be the same again. Check out the sneak peek from the novel below.

Terminal Point Sneak Peek

“This is it.”

The car cruised to a halt along the corner of Woodbine and Plymouth. Passenger-side tires hugged the curb. The hum of the engine ran in the background against the sound of birds fluttering overhead. The late-morning sun washed over the skyline, but downtown spires blotted out the impressive light, casting deep shadows on the streets below.

The shadows covered Zac Modine’s face. The wide-brimmed cap he’d borrowed from the man behind the wheel helped to obscure him from the traffic cams that lined every block of Bismarck.

“You sure this is the place?” Buck asked. He was well into his fifties, with bushy eyebrows that hid his muted green eyes.

Zac had met the man at a diner in the wee hours of the morning. His travels from the Trust compound had been frantic and scattered. For every mile in the right direction, Zac had taken three to cover his tracks from any potential pursuer. From bus routes to taxi cabs, over the course of the last two days, he had done everything possible to make it to Bismarck safely. Since learning about the destination, the city had called to him—another voice added to the mix in his mind.

Buck had immediately noticed Zac in the diner. With no money, and a pair of clothes begging to be changed, Zac had been easy to spot and easier to ignore. Zac’s appearance hadn’t bothered Buck. He brought the weary traveler a plate of food he’d ordered for the road and joined him for a meal and a story. Zac had declined to share most of his tale, but when he mentioned Bismarck as his ultimate destination, Buck had been gracious enough to take him the rest of the way.

A change of clothes later—the man’s generosity knew no bounds—and they had started their trek. Buck had filled the trip, and the silence from his companion, with his own stories. They had been tales of loss and great sacrifice, but through each one, Buck carried a joy in his voice that never diminished.

Zac was grateful to the man—both for his deeds and his words. They lightened the load burdening his mind. They eased the journey that troubled him for so long. Peace returned to his thoughts and his dreams… until they arrived at their destination.

“Zac? I said, you sure this is the place?”

“This is it, yes,” Zac said.

Buck turned to the window, his furrowed brow stuck in place. “Looks abandoned. In fact, I’ve been coming down this way for years, and it’s always looked that way to me. Like whoever owned it just forgot about it one day. And then so did everyone else.”

“Buck?” Zac stared at him curiously. “Are you sure we’re looking at the same place?”

“On the corner, right?” Buck asked. “Place is practically falling apart. Why the city hasn’t done anything to clean it up, considering everything else in the area, makes no sense to me.”

Zac didn’t understand what Buck meant. Where Buck saw a rotting derelict, Zac beheld a wonder. The building sparkled in the sunlight. The spire shot up into the sky like a rocket. Their perceptions failed to line up. Unfortunately for Zac, that was becoming the norm, and he kept the truth to himself.

He patted Buck on the shoulder. “I can’t thank you enough for everything.”

“I’m happy to do more,” Buck said. “You don’t have to stand alone. Whatever it is you’ve got going on, there are people willing to help. I—”

“I know.” Zac stopped the man with a sad smile. His silence afforded him nothing but more concern from the man. This trip, however, was for Zac to complete. “Trust me, Buck. I know I’m not alone in this.”

“Call me,” Buck said. “You need anything, you call.”

“Thank you.” Zac took the man’s hand, gave a firm shake, and then stepped out of the car. Zac offered a goodbye wave. Buck, for a second, appeared ready to join his departed passenger. He held tight to the door handle. His eyes locked on the building across the street. The second they did, his fingers started to tremble until he let go of the door and settled against his seat. Then the Good Samaritan shifted the car to drive and coasted into the morning traffic. A gentle nod of farewell left Zac to the task ahead.

Zac crossed the street at the light. He slipped between pedestrians, who rushed to their destinations. The crowd headed to places of employment, or off to an early lunch, while shoppers moved slightly slower to head to their next excursion.

None stopped at the building on the corner of the busy intersection. Not a single one even looked toward it in passing. Something about the place sent them heading in the opposite direction, as if commanded to ignore the gleaming structure.

Only Zac appeared to witness the truth: he finally arrived at his journey’s end. He had spent too long getting here, too many agonizing weeks on a trek that had seen him chased, beaten, and abused by too many outside parties. All had been interested in the Wellspring, and the secret behind its protocol: the signal.

Inside were the answers to that mysterious item. According to the voice locked in his mind, the signal stood at the center of everything—every innovation and advancement of the last century and beyond. The signal gave birth to the future, one Zac needed to stop from happening.

It was the only way to save his life, and the only way he could ever reunite with his family again. Nothing would stop him from fulfilling that goal. Zac’s fists balled up at his sides, and he started for the front door.

“No turning back now.”

Zac Modine and the rest of the team face their greatest challenge yet.

Terminal Point arrives December 11th!

Share this:

  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn

Filed Under: Terminal Point Tagged With: sneak peek, Terminal Point

Coventry arrives next month!

November 20, 2024 By Lou

There’s a lot going on lately. There’s new Greystone coming your way. The season finale of DSA arrives in a few weeks. But that’s not all that’s been cooking lately in the writing cave. Two short stories are heading to Patreon next month that open the door to a new world of adventure. It’s called Coventry, an urban fantasy series that I can’t wait for you to read.

Coventry

I knew I wasn’t quite finished with urban fantasy after all the fun I’ve had building Greystone. There is something wonderful in pairing the fantastical with the modern world. Greystone barely scratched the itch for me, so when it came time to explore new worlds, Coventry was one of the first that popped up for me.

So what is it? Better still, who is Coventry?

Warren Coventry is an adventurer akin to Indiana Jones or Lara Croft. He is a treasure hunter, one who is skilled at finding buried and forgotten treasures, lost to the world. When he goes too far on a dig, he is cursed with a terrible power–a gift to see beyond the world around us into every other that connects to our reality. With it comes a new responsibility to safeguard not only the treasures he’s blindly surrendered to the worst of the worst, but also our world as a whole.

Two short stories arrive next month.

I knew I wasn’t ready to dive into the novels yet. Exploring Coventry’s world from the fringes with some short stories was the best way to figure out who these characters are and what their stories will be like. Coming to Patreon next month will be two short stories to introduce you to Warren’s story.

The first is called Nachtfey. It’s my first try at a Christmas-themed adventure. I’m hoping to make an annual tradition out of it for Warren, much to his chagrin.

The second is called Legends. It is an abbreviated version of Warren’s origin story, but one that also ties to a larger thread (that’s a delicious pun you won’t understand until after the story comes out) that will spin through the main series.

Where do we go from here?

Like I said, for the moment the annual Christmas tale is probably all I will have time for when it comes to Coventry. But–BUT–the plan is to release FIVE novels starring Warren. I know what the overall arc is for the series, as well as what each threat will be for the novels. Time is my only opponent, and holy hell, is it winning at the moment.

I’m excited to explore this world with these characters. Please check out the stories on Patreon next month. (December 11th and 18th, respectably.) Let me know what you think or what you would like to see Warren tackle in the future.

Share this:

  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn

Filed Under: Coventry Tagged With: Coventry, Patreon

The Last King Cover Reveal

November 13, 2024 By Lou

Back in May, a new Greystone adventure was included in a cool anthology called Fates of Magic and Myth. The Last King brought Soriya and Loren face to face with Ur, a god of darkness in his quest to overtake the light of the world. It might be my favorite Greystone story to date.

With the anthology in the rearview, I wanted a place for people to find the story. It’s a true standalone and a great entry point to the series. So, coming January 29th, The Last King will be available digitally, in paperback, and in hardcover!

Feast your eyes on the cover from Getcovers.com.

What a beaut, right? The designers did an amazing job with this one.

What is The Last King all about?

A dying king, a guardian lion, and a shadowy demon spell disaster for Portents.

The skandola—an ancient talisman with the power to ward off evil—is in danger. When its protection fails, one of the great demons from the underworld escapes to walk the Earth once more.

Ur has returned and with him comes eternal darkness.

Greg Loren, reassigned from the Central Precinct to a cold case warehouse, finds himself pulled into the conflict when a Shishi lion—a guardian to the last king of men—dies in front of him. Unsure how to proceed, Loren turns to the only person he trusts when the city turns bizarre: Soriya Greystone.

Together, with the help of the king’s final guardian, Idris, Loren and Soriya must keep the king safe long enough to banish Ur’s evil from the city of Portents forever.

You can pre-order your digital copy today!

The pre-order is live for The Last King on Amazon. More links are coming together and should be live any day now.

Physical copies will arrive in early January through the online store.

You can also read the story through the Patreon page this January. 

I hope you enjoy this one. The way the whole project came together was a dream for me. I even dedicated the book to Soriya and Loren for making the story so much fun to write.

Share this:

  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn

Filed Under: Greystone, The Last King Tagged With: Greystone, The Last King

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • …
  • 80
  • Next Page »

Join My Newsletter Today!

Sign up for news and special offers!

Thank you!

You have successfully joined my newsletter list.

Recent Posts

  • Greystone Series Sale Ends Today
  • Errant Knight is now on Patreon!
  • Alpha and Omega is out today!
  • Alpha and Omega Sneak Peek
  • Errant Knight Cover Reveal

Disclaimer: Links throughout this site may be affiliate links. All commission earned through these links go to Eleven Ten Publishing to produce more books for your reading pleasure.

You can view our privacy policy here.

Recent Posts

  • Greystone Series Sale Ends Today
  • Errant Knight is now on Patreon!
  • Alpha and Omega is out today!
  • Alpha and Omega Sneak Peek
  • Errant Knight Cover Reveal

Join My Newsletter Today!

Sign up for news and special offers!

Thank you!

You have successfully joined my newsletter list.

Copyright © 2025 Lou Paduano