Why am I passionate about this?

I am a rising literary star, crafting captivating narratives that blend classic and contemporary themes. My work, like Tolkien, Lovecraft, and King, delves into the darker side of humanity and explores complex characters in intricate worlds. My unique perspective and deep understanding of storytelling make my book recommendations invaluable. I have a passion for the craft, offering insightful analysis and curating diverse reading lists. By introducing readers to classic works, I foster a deeper appreciation for the art of storytelling.


I wrote

Walking the Halls

By Marcel Ray Duriez ,

Book cover of Walking the Halls

What is my book about?

Nevaeh is a gripping dark fantasy series that plunges you into a world where the lines between good and evil…

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The books I picked & why

Book cover of The Lord of the Rings

Marcel Ray Duriez Why I love this book

I yearn to lose myself in the intricate tapestry of Tolkien's world, where every word is a brushstroke on the canvas of imagination. I am captivated by the allure of ancient languages and the power of storytelling to transport the reader to realms beyond reality.

The epic struggle between good and evil, the weight of destiny, and the enduring bonds of friendship resonate deeply within me. I am eager to embark on this perilous journey, to witness the rise and fall of heroes, and to confront the ultimate test of courage and will. 

By J.R.R. Tolkien ,

Why should I read it?

58 authors picked The Lord of the Rings as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 14, 15, 16, and 17.

What is this book about?

One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them, One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them

In ancient times the Rings of Power were crafted by the Elven-smiths, and Sauron, the Dark Lord, forged the One Ring, filling it with his own power so that he could rule all others. But the One Ring was taken from him, and though he sought it throughout Middle-earth, it remained lost to him. After many ages it fell by chance into the hands of the hobbit Bilbo Baggins.

From Sauron's fastness in the Dark Tower of…


Book cover of The Left Hand of Darkness

Marcel Ray Duriez Why I love this book

This book is a mind-bending exploration of gender, sexuality, and human nature, set against the backdrop of a harsh, alien world.

What makes this novel so compelling is its innovative approach to gender. On the planet Gethen, individuals are born genderless and cycle through phases of male and female. This unique biological characteristic forces readers to question our own preconceived notions of gender and sexuality.

Beyond its groundbreaking exploration of gender, the novel delves into profound questions about human nature and society. Le Guin challenges us to consider the impact of power, politics, and cultural differences on individual identity and behavior.

The stark, alien landscape of Gethen serves as a metaphor for the human condition, highlighting our capacity for both compassion and cruelty. Le Guin's vivid descriptions transport readers to a world both familiar and utterly foreign, inviting us to contemplate the vast possibilities of human experience.

It is a thought-provoking and unforgettable read that will challenge your assumptions and expand your understanding of the human experience.

By Ursula K. Le Guin ,

Why should I read it?

27 authors picked The Left Hand of Darkness as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

50TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION-WITH A NEW INTRODUCTION BY DAVID MITCHELL AND A NEW AFTERWORD BY CHARLIE JANE ANDERS

Ursula K. Le Guin's groundbreaking work of science fiction-winner of the Hugo and Nebula Awards.

A lone human ambassador is sent to the icebound planet of Winter, a world without sexual prejudice, where the inhabitants' gender is fluid. His goal is to facilitate Winter's inclusion in a growing intergalactic civilization. But to do so he must bridge the gulf between his own views and those of the strange, intriguing culture he encounters...

Embracing the aspects of psychology, society, and human emotion on an…


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Book cover of The Rosewood Penny

The Rosewood Penny by J.S. Fields,

2023 Queer Indie Award Nominee!

The dragons of Yuro have been hunted to extinction.

On a small, isolated island, in a reclusive forest, lives bandit leader Marani and her brother Jacks. With their outlaw band they rob from the rich to feed themselves, raiding carriages and dodging the occasional vindictive…

Book cover of The Raven and Other Favorite Poems

Marcel Ray Duriez Why I love this book

This is a haunting exploration of the darkest corners of the human psyche. Poe’s mastery of language and imagery creates a palpable atmosphere of dread and despair, drawing readers into a world of gothic horror and psychological terror.

The titular poem, The Raven, is a masterpiece of suspense and symbolism. As the speaker descends into madness, the raven’s ominous presence and cryptic utterances intensify the reader’s sense of unease. The poem’s exploration of grief, loss, and the fragility of the human mind continues to resonate with readers today.

Beyond its literary significance, Poe’s poetry also offers a poignant reflection on the importance of family. In poems like To Helen and Annabel Lee, he explores the enduring power of love and the devastating impact of loss. By delving into these deeply personal themes, Poe connects with readers on an emotional level, reminding us of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing our loved ones.

Poe’s enduring legacy lies in his ability to evoke powerful emotions and challenge conventional notions of beauty and morality. His dark and atmospheric poetry continues to fascinate and disturb, making him one of the most influential figures in American literature.

By Edgar Allan Poe ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Raven and Other Favorite Poems as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 11, 12, 13, and 14.

What is this book about?

One of the most famous poems in the English language, "The Raven" first appeared in the January 29, 1845, edition of the New York Evening Mirror. It brought Edgar Allan Poe, then in his mid-30s and a well-known poet, critic, and short story writer, his first taste of celebrity on a grand scale. "The Raven" remains Poe's best-known work, yet it is only one of a dazzling series of poems and stories that won him an enduring place in world literature.
This volume contains "The Raven" and 40 others of Edgar Allan Poe's most memorable poems, among them "The Bells,"…


Book cover of The Call of Cthulhu and Other Weird Stories

Marcel Ray Duriez Why I love this book

This is a chilling dive into the depths of cosmic horror. Lovecraft’s masterful storytelling and vivid descriptions transport readers to a world of ancient, otherworldly beings and unspeakable horrors.

What sets Lovecraft’s work apart is its ability to induce a sense of existential dread and cosmic insignificance. His tales explore the darkest corners of the human psyche, revealing the terrifying potential of the unknown. The titular story, The Call of Cthulhu, is a prime example of Lovecraft’s ability to craft a truly unsettling narrative.

If you dare to venture into the realm of the truly bizarre and terrifying, I highly recommend this book. Be warned, however: once you’ve encountered the cosmic horrors that lurk in the shadows, you may never look at the world the same way again.

By H. P. Lovecraft , S. T. Joshi (editor) ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Call of Cthulhu and Other Weird Stories as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Part of the Penguin Orange Collection, a limited-run series of twelve influential and beloved American classics in a bold series design offering a modern take on the iconic Penguin paperback

Winner of the 2016 AIGA + Design Observer 50 Books | 50 Covers competition

For the seventieth anniversary of Penguin Classics, the Penguin Orange Collection celebrates the heritage of Penguin's iconic book design with twelve influential American literary classics representing the breadth and diversity of the Penguin Classics library. These collectible editions are dressed in the iconic orange and white tri-band cover design, first created in 1935, while french flaps,…


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Book cover of The Time-Jinx Twins

The Time-Jinx Twins by Carol Fisher Saller,

Twelve-year-old identical twins Ellie and Kat accidentally trigger their physicist mom’s unfinished time machine, launching themselves into a high-stakes adventure in 1970 Chicago. If they learn how to join forces and keep time travel out of the wrong hands, they might be able find a way home. Ellie’s gymnastics and…

Book cover of The Shining

Marcel Ray Duriez Why I love this book

Stephen King is a literary titan whose work continues to captivate and terrify readers worldwide. This is undoubtedly one of his most iconic novels, a chilling tale of a family’s descent into madness. King’s ability to build suspense and create unforgettable characters is unparalleled.

But it is just the tip of the iceberg. King’s body of work is vast and diverse, encompassing everything from psychological horror to supernatural thrillers. Misery, The Shawshank Redemption, IT, and 11/22/63 are just a few examples of his many masterpieces.

What makes King so special is his ability to tap into our deepest fears and anxieties. His stories often explore the darker side of human nature, exposing the horrors that lurk beneath the surface. Yet, even in the darkest of times, King’s characters offer hope and resilience, reminding us that the human spirit can endure even the most terrifying trials.

King’s prolific output and enduring popularity are a testament to his talent and influence. His work has inspired countless writers and filmmakers, and his stories continue to shape the horror genre. Whether you’re a seasoned horror fan or a newcomer to the genre, I highly recommend exploring the vast and terrifying world of Stephen King.

By Stephen King ,

Why should I read it?

33 authors picked The Shining as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Before Doctor Sleep, there was The Shining, a classic of modern American horror from the undisputed master, Stephen King.

Jack Torrance’s new job at the Overlook Hotel is the perfect chance for a fresh start. As the off-season caretaker at the atmospheric old hotel, he’ll have plenty of time to spend reconnecting with his family and working on his writing. But as the harsh winter weather sets in, the idyllic location feels ever more remote . . . and more sinister. And the only one to notice the strange and terrible forces gathering around…


Explore my book 😀

Walking the Halls

By Marcel Ray Duriez ,

Book cover of Walking the Halls

What is my book about?

Nevaeh is a gripping dark fantasy series that plunges you into a world where the lines between good and evil blur. Nevaeh, a young girl, is thrust into a harrowing journey as she awakens to a terrifying truth: she possesses the immortal, godlike powers of a fallen angel.

As she grapples with her newfound abilities, Nevaeh must confront the darkest corners of her soul and the sinister forces that seek to exploit her power. With each page, the stakes rise, and the fate of the world hangs in the balance. Embarking on a thrilling adventure filled with heart-pounding action, mind-bending twists, and unforgettable characters?

Book cover of The Lord of the Rings
Book cover of The Left Hand of Darkness
Book cover of The Raven and Other Favorite Poems

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