Forked Tongue: Lithic

Name: Forked Tongue: Lithic
Price: 7.66 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9798274549288

✍️ Jacob Russell Dring

Reader Score

4.5

(1 review)

$7.66

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A prequel novel detailing a paramilitary response to subterranean supernatural threats in California.

This volume shifts focus from the broader history of the Dreaded Five to a specific tactical crisis. Dring examines the operational dynamics of Forked Tongue as it confronts emerging dangers in Ridgecrest. The text highlights the role of Dyads, particularly Adder, in assessing the enemy's power. It does not rehash previous lore but instead offers a focused look at the immediate prelude to larger conflicts. The narrative relies on the actions of Ben Rylett and Roe Colter to illustrate the scale of the threat. This approach provides a grounded view of supernatural warfare through the eyes of specialized operatives.

Key Themes

paramilitary response subterranean enemies Dreaded Five lore

Literary Context

The book sits within the modern horror genre, specifically exploring the intersection of private military contracting and supernatural fiction. It draws on contemporary fears of hidden threats emerging from the Earth's crust, reflecting a blend of military thriller conventions with gothic elements of ancient evil.

Difficulty

●● Medium

Recommended For Fans Of

Stephen King's urban horror · Clive Barker's dark fantasy · John Scalzi's military sci-fi · H.P. Lovecraft's cosmic dread

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Horror Fiction

🏛 Independently Published 📅 2025 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9798274549288

📝 Description: Forked Tongue: Lithic

Jacob Russell Dring’s Forked Tongue: Lithic functions as an immediate prequel to his earlier work, detailing events that occur just days before the climactic moments of the original narrative. This structure allows readers to witness a terrifying new aspect of humanity's most persistent adversary. While the author recommends starting with Forked Tongue for its expansive lore regarding the Dreaded Five and the private military contractor’s history, this volume stands as a viable entry point for those seeking immediate action. The story centers on Southern California, specifically the small town of Ridgecrest, where long-hidden enemies emerge from the Earth's crust. This emergence coincides with a cambion uprising on the East Coast, creating a dual threat that challenges the elite paramilitary organization known as Forked Tongue. The facility in Salem, Oregon responds by dispatching two-person units called Dyads to manage the chaos in Ridgecrest. Among these teams, the Dyad named Adder, consisting of Ben Rylett and Roe Colter, provides a critical perspective. They witness the true scope of their enemy's capabilities, revealing staggering powers that test the limits of human resilience. The narrative focuses on this specific operational response rather than broad historical context. It suits readers interested in military fiction blended with supernatural horror. Those preferring slow-burn atmospheric tales may find the pacing too urgent.

💎 Our verdict on Forked Tongue: Lithic

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Horror Reads editorial team

Horror desk

Jacob Russell Dring delivers a tense, immediate prequel that highlights the operational realities of fighting subterranean supernatural threats. The narrative effectively uses the Dyad Adder to showcase the scale of danger in Ridgecrest, offering a grounded view of combat against cosmic horrors. While it complements the broader lore of the Dreaded Five, its strength lies in focusing on Ben Rylett and Roe Colter’s struggle against emerging enemies. This approach suits readers who prefer military fiction elements over traditional ghost stories. The book successfully balances tactical detail with horror, providing a terrifying glimpse into the limits of human resilience. It is a solid choice for fans of dark fantasy and paramilitary horror who want to witness the prelude to larger conflicts without needing extensive prior knowledge.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

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Why this book is worth reading

Readers seeking a grounded perspective on supernatural warfare will find value in this focused tactical crisis. The narrative offers a unique view of specialized operatives confronting emerging dangers in Ridgecrest, California. It appeals to fans of military fiction blended with horror, particularly those interested in the operational dynamics of the Forked Tongue organization. By shifting focus from broad lore to immediate action, it provides a terrifying look at humanity's adversary without rehashing previous history. The Dyad Adder’s experience illustrates the staggering powers of the enemy, making it ideal for those who prefer specific, high-stakes scenarios over expansive world-building. This volume serves as a viable entry point for action-oriented horror enthusiasts.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.5

Based on 1 reviews

Horror Reads editorial team

Jacob Russell Dring delivers a tense, immediate prequel that highlights the operational realities of fighting subterranean supernatural threats. The narrative effectively uses the Dyad Adder to showcase the scale of danger in Ridgecrest, offering a grounded view of combat against cosmic horrors. While it complements the broader lore of the Dreaded Five, its strength lies in focusing on Ben Rylett and Roe Colter’s struggle against emerging enemies. This approach suits readers who prefer military fiction elements over traditional ghost stories. The book successfully balances tactical detail with horror, providing a terrifying glimpse into the limits of human resilience. It is a solid choice for fans of dark fantasy and paramilitary horror who want to witness the prelude to larger conflicts without needing extensive prior knowledge.