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

The Cult of Anubis strikes this week

By

If you’ve read last week’s chapters of Army in the Obelisk, you know things aren’t looking so good for Soriya. This week continues the story with Part IV – The Cult of Anubis. Loren desperately searches for his missing partner and uncovers a deadly threat to the city.

The thought behind Part Four

This part is a little different than the rest. There are some ties to a previous story from the series – Connections – which can be found in Pathways in the Dark.

When I was putting together the series, my aim was to keep it standalone. And it is. Mostly. But if you’ve read the releases before this, you know there is more to the Cult of Anubis and their leader Osiris. You know where their story continues, so I took some time to make that definite connection to Pathways.

I love those connections to the larger narrative. As a reader, it pulls me in and as a writer, I think it helps with worldbuilding. Every story – big or small – should have a lasting impact, and that was my goal with this part of Army. That while the Cult of Anubis might not be the center of matters for this book, they will return to pose a danger to Portents and to our heroes.

Connections

As an added treat, subscribers to the Patreon will be able to read the Cult of Anubis’ first appearance this Friday! There’s a lot to love about this one, and I remember how fantastic some of the imagery throughout was when putting the story together. From the Onna Bugeisha to the pyramid buried beneath the city, this story showcased everything I love about Greystone.

I hope you enjoy both stories this week. Next Wednesday, Part Five arrives with a murder in the Courtyard and the arrival of some cool new characters.

Army in the Obelisk continues…

By

Part Three of Army in the Obelisk arrives today on Patreon! New Dynamics puts Loren at odds with his partner, Robert Standish, and forces Soriya to take a risk that may cost her everything.

Building the serial

If you subscribe to the page, you’ll read more about why I felt it was important to include Robert Standish in this story. His presence really cemented the idea of setting the story in the past. There is this gap in Tales from Portents where Standish goes from absolutely hated (Gremlins) to tolerated as a partner (View from Above) and Army in the Obelisk is the glue that puts it all together.

There are some great beats in this section. The crime scene in Chapter Three is a personal favorite for me. I enjoyed the dialogue between Loren and the shopkeeper. (Much as one can enjoy a conversation centered around the death of an innocent.) Sometimes I dread putting together a crime scene, mostly because I’m afraid of repeating myself from a previous book. The interview from Loren was my way to add a layer of character to the mix, which then led into the scene itself with Standish being an ass (as is his way…)

New Dynamics – Soriya/Loren

There is always a give and take with Soriya and Loren. They can handle the mundane or the extraordinary, but rarely do we see them try to tackle both. I love Loren’s explanation that the dead take priority and how it finally clicks for Soriya. There is always that level of disconnect for her, due to her background, so it was fun to play with that aspect of their relationship.

Head over to the Patreon and start reading.

A reminder: It is free to join the Patreon page and read Army in the Obelisk. I want everyone to have the chance to enjoy this story and hope you are digging it.

Let me know what you think on the page!

Read Part 2 of Soriya and Loren’s latest adventure

By

I hope you enjoyed the opening salvo of Army in the Obelisk last week. I wanted to jump right into the action and thought the Nehebkau was such a cool visual for the threat against Soriya. Djuhuty might be my favorite character in the entire book, and you’ll see why as the story expands over the course of the twelve parts.

Army in the Obelisk Part Two is available now!

The second part brings Loren and Soriya together as the two try to set a trap for the thieves. With the help of Patricia Fleming, our heroes believe they have a way to draw out the enemy, but will it be enough to win the day?

These eight chapters also feature some happy returns. There’s Ruiz, of course, but also Rufus Mathers and a surprise guest at the end that will cause Loren some grief going forward.

Head over to the Patreon page and start reading.

I hope you’re enjoying the page. I’m trying to bring my A game with content. The Friday Fun Facts are a blast to put together, with some tidbits about what went into creating the book as well as hints about what might be coming your way.

If you have any other suggestions on what you might like to see, I’d love to hear from you. Reach out to lou@loupaduano.com and let me know.

Check out some free books this month!

Both of these amazing promos have dozens of free science-fiction and fantasy novels for your reading pleasure. I hope you check them out and find some new favorites.

Army in the Obelisk continues next week!

Army in the Obelisk Launches Today

By

The Patreon page is live! This has been a long time coming, something I’ve been trying to build up for years, and am finally pulling the trigger on. I’ve always wanted a single spot to showcase not only my writing, but offer exclusive behind-the-scenes content, cover reveals, and more.

Having this page, bringing people to it and having them experience everything from Greystone, DSA, and a bunch of new series I’m tinkering with, makes a lot more sense than chasing algorithms and buying ad space. (Though I am sure some of that will always be necessary, unfortunately.)

If you haven’t checked out the Patreon page yet, head there now and pick your tier. Your support is much appreciated.

Army in the Obelisk

A new Greystone tale is waiting for you on the page today. Army in the Obelisk is a twelve-part serial that will be coming out over the course of 2024. In May, I’m delivering a new part (eight chapters each) every Wednesday for your reading pleasure.

Patreon is the only place to find this story. I hope you’ll join me on this new adventure.

What is Army in the Obelisk?

An army is rising…

Thefts of ancient Egyptian artifacts draw Detective Greg Loren and Soriya Greystone into a centuries-old mystery. Standing in their way are mythic creatures and god-like beings, all carrying out orders from a shadowy group attempting to reclaim a bygone era.

At the center of their cause is an obelisk of unknown origin which guards an ancient power within.

Loren, still wary of Soriya’s world, turns to Egyptologist Patricia Fleming for help. As the mystery deepens, so does Loren’s attraction—feelings he never imagined possible after the loss of his wife.

Navigating the dangers all around them, Soriya and Loren must overcome their differences to find a way to piece together the mystery and stop the threat of the obelisk before its power is unleashed upon the city of Portents.

Part One is available now!

Read the opening chapters of this sprawling epic. It has a great battle between Soriya and a terrible new menace, as well as Loren’s confrontation with a mysterious foe that will be troubling our dynamic duo during the course of the serial.

Start reading Army in the Obelisk today!

Thank you to everyone for supporting my work. I know there are a million ways to spend your time and money with content today. I appreciate every subscriber and hope to deliver you the best content I can for many years to come.

Army in the Obelisk news

By

I’m so excited to finally be able to share an update on Army in the Obelisk. It’s been coming for a LONG time.

What is Army in the Obelisk?

An army is rising…

Thefts of ancient Egyptian artifacts draw Detective Greg Loren and Soriya Greystone into a centuries-old mystery. Standing in their way are mythic creatures and god-like beings, all carrying out orders from a shadowy group attempting to reclaim a bygone era.

At the center of their cause is an obelisk of unknown origin which guards an ancient power within.

Loren, still wary of Soriya’s world, turns to Egyptologist Patricia Fleming for help. As the mystery deepens, so does Loren’s attraction—feelings he never imagined possible after the loss of his wife.

Navigating the dangers all around them, Soriya and Loren must overcome their differences to find a way to piece together the mystery and stop the threat of the obelisk before its power is unleashed upon the city of Portents.

Doesn’t that sound awesome?

Army in the Obelisk is a twelve-part serial, with each part broken up into eight chapters, which makes this the BIGGEST Greystone adventure yet.

I outlined the project back in 2020, right before the world imploded. It took a bit to finish, with lots of stops and starts along the way. Last year, I committed myself to making the book a reality.

Now, I can finally share it with you.

Where can I find Army in the Obelisk?

Starting May 1st, Army in the Obelisk will be released through my brand-new Patreon page!

Supporters will get access to this exclusive adventure, as well as background info on the threats revealed with each part, their connections to Greystone, and more cool stuff along the way.

This is just the beginning for the Patreon page. After Army, there will be more exclusive content shared and you’ll be able to find all future releases on the page first.

Release Schedule

  • Part One – May 1st
  • Part Two – May 8th
  • Part Three – May 15th
  • Part Four – May 22nd
  • Part Five – May 29th
  • Part Six – June 5th – June 19th
  • Part Seven – June 26th – July 17th
  • Part Eight – July 24th – August 14th
  • Part Nine – August 21st – September 11th
  • Part Ten – September 18th – October 9th
  • Part Eleven – October 16th – November 6th
  • Part Twelve – November 13th – December 4th

Higher Tier Patrons will receive this exclusive story in its entirety at the end of the release schedule in either a downloadable EPUB or as a limited-edition paperback edition.

This schedule isn’t written in stone. Depending on feedback, as well as my own personal output, there is every chance I might accelerate the releases. Right now, though, they line up perfectly so I can release a couple cool holiday-themed tales at the end of the year.

Want to know more about the Patreon page?

That info is coming later this month. I’m trying to finalize the tiers and the layout of the page, as well as all the other intro elements to release when it launches. But it is coming! By God, it is finally coming!

I hope you’re excited for this story. It is one of my favorites. I love Egyptian mythology, and the way it works into the world of Greystone–as well as how the mystery unfolds over the twelve parts–was so much fun to put together.

I’ll be sharing more here and at the Patreon page in a few weeks!

Happy reading.

Greystone Series Sale and Update

By

You always come back to your first. That’s a rule in life. For me, there will always be a special place in my heart for Signs of Portents. It was the first book I felt confident enough to publish. It was the first pure idea I was able to bring to fruition – to create a coherent beginning, middle, and end.

This month, I’m celebrating all things Greystone with a sale on the series. All five books are only $0.99 each and the box set is 50% off this month as well.

Greystone Series Sale

Follow Soriya Greystone and Detective Greg Loren as they battle the myths, legends and monsters of Portents. There is a sweeping arc in the background of all five books that culminates in A Circle of Shadows.

Head over to Amazon now and check out the series page.

Box Set Fans can grab the entire five book epic for $4.99.

Series Update

My schedule has been manic of late. There are so many outlines and notes scattered across my desk. Greystone is part of this mess, I assure you.

Coming later this year is Army in the Obelisk, the 12-part serial set in the early days of Soriya and Loren’s working relationship.

Next year will see the release of Alpha and Omega, Book Six of the Greystone Saga. It recounts Soriya and Loren’s very first meeting and their handling of the Kindly Killer case that is hinted at in the background of most of the books.

Book Six also sets up the Second and Final Phase of the series. Books 7 through 10 contain a mega-arc much like the story of Beth’s murder in the first five books. There is a massive mystery to be unraveled in between the craziness that inhabits each and every Greystone story.

Everything is mapped out. Everything is swimming inside my head, threatening to break through at any given moment. I love that feeling. That’s when I know the book is ready: when it demands to be drafted. When every character’s actions are so refined and true that it will stand up to not only my scrutiny but yours as well.

I know this is a long term timeline. I know you want and NEED more books. That feeling is matched on my end as well. 2020 was a setback to be sure, but the stories are coming.

You’re going to freaking love what comes next. Guaranteed.

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