Tell us a bit about yourself. I am the author of 23 romance novels written under four pen names (Dakota Madison, Savannah Young, Sierra Avalon and Ren Monterrey). I live in a small town outside Phoenix, Arizona with my husband and our bloodhounds, Dakota and Madison. Tell us about your most recent book. The Nines…
Classic Characters: Frankenstein – Who is the Villain?
As a horror fan, one of my favorite classic novels is Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. The story explores dark parts of the human soul and raises questions about good and evil. Since the story is told in Victor Frankenstein’s point of view, his monster is the antagonist, but which character is of a more villainous nature?…
The Good, The Ugly and The Bad Boy
Everybody loves a bad boy. Even those who say they don’t really do, deep down. Whether it’s the classic Mr Darcy, the luminescent Edward Cullen or the indelible Christian Grey, the variety to suit every woman’s tastes in boundless. Why do we love bad boys so much? Who’s to say? As a writer, I can…
Antihero Recommended Movie: Solomon Kane
Reviews and recommendations on the Compelling Beasts blog are my honest opinion. I purchase the books, comics, and movies that I recommend and review and I do not accept free copies for review. If you like a blend of historical, fantasy and action with a bit of horror, Solomon Kane has it all. Most important,…
Villain Excerpt from Love’s Enduring Flame by Ruth Axtell
Love’s Enduring Flame by Ruth Axtell Krysia Milos comes of age at the height of the Romantic era, when poets, musicians and writers influenced the course of nations. Krysia, raised in Poland by an influential uncle and his unorthodox sister, joins those struggling for independence under Russian rule. When she comes to Warsaw for her…
Guest Blogger: Jean Joachim – GOOD GUY OR BAD GUY? MEET GUNTHER QUILL, HOLLYWOOD PRODUCER
GOOD GUY OR BAD GUY? MEET GUNTHER QUILL, HOLLYWOOD PRODUCER Gunther Quill was a bad guy in book 4 of the Hollywood Hearts series – Movie Lovers. He seduced the heroine with the promise that he would read her movie script. Then he didn’t, even though her sister was a big movie star. Still, he’s…
Five Screen Villains with Heroic Qualities
Some villains have heroic qualities. Maybe they’re doing the wrong thing for the right reason. Maybe they have a code of honor and there’s a line they won’t cross. Sometimes they realize they’re wrong and try to redeem themselves. Here are five of my favorite villains who I believe have some heroic qualities. Who are…
Welcome
Welcome to Compelling Beasts. Not all antagonists are evil and many have heroic qualities. This blog is dedicated to villains, antiheroes and other characters who are not the golden hero of a story, but often steal it nonetheless. Do you love characters who are dark and dangerous? Do you at times find yourself rooting for the…