Official Review: VooDoo Souls by Ezekiel Azazel II
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- Ezekiel Azazel
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Re: Official Review: VooDoo Souls by Ezekiel Azazel II
I only started writing recently because of my failing health, and facing a possible layoff from my job. I didn't have much to start with except crazy ideas, and bad dreams from the war. My only regret is not picking up a pen years ago, as I absolutely love reading and writing. Thank you guys for such encouraging words, as it means the world to me. Also, if you're a reader wanting to turn author, I'd love to help out, especially to a fellow veteran, but I'll help any fellow author. I'm on Twitter (no Facebook) and I like this forum too. Thanks again-Ezekiel
- Cee-Jay Aurinko
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Very good review. The premise of the plot doesn't do it for me though. And the name of the author... I'll just let that thought linger.
- stoppoppingtheP
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Its really nice that you are starting another book. It seems like such a lot of reasearch! I am interested to know what legends about Suleyman the Turk you will be using. I have family from there and I think I would find the Ottoman history interesting.
“there have been so many times
i have seen a man wanting to weep
but
instead
beat his heart until it was unconscious.
-masculine”
― Nayyirah Waheed
- Ezekiel Azazel
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Azazel-I understand the concern there, but I don't worship that thing or any things like it. I chose it for a few reasons...Along with good, I seen a lot of evil in me, and done things I'm not proud of. That name (if memory serves) is a "Jinn" (demon) in Islamic belief. I'm sure I've been called that before too, but, I also chose it for the theme of all my work-Good/evil, but told with an open mind to alternative beliefs and legends. I hope I didn't offend you, but if I did, again, please accept my apologies.
stoppoppingtheP-The legend I'm going by is this-Suleyman was a (supposed) Prince whom back in the 1800's, had a house on Dauphine Street where he ran a harem. He was a recluse character, and had two guards with two Turkish Scimitars (sound familiar? standing watch at his front door. Neighbors said they would always smell incense, hookah tobacco, and would hear wild parties with women, and sometimes little boys. One day, a nosy neighbor took note that the guards were gone, and the front door was swinging in the breeze. Upon looking closer, they seen blood trickling down the galley, and body parts tossed about the inside of the house. Suleyman was buried alive in the courtyard of the house, with his hand raising from the earth when he tried to escape. He was also buried in traditional Muslim burial attire, leading me to believe his killers were knowledgeable of that faith. His killers, and the whole story remain a mystery. I tie my story into that legend.
I have another idea for a book about Ottomans, back in the days of Vlad Tepes (Dracula), but that's going to take a lot of research. Believe it or not, I can easily tie it in with VooDoo Souls, but I haven't decided yet.
- stoppoppingtheP
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I definitely remember the Turkish Scimitars and I look forward to your next book as it sounds intruiging.
“there have been so many times
i have seen a man wanting to weep
but
instead
beat his heart until it was unconscious.
-masculine”
― Nayyirah Waheed
- Levi
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- Ezekiel Azazel
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My pseudonym is also a parable-Veterans with bad dreams/flashbacks also call them their "demons". When I write about them, I see entities like Azazel, Cthulhu, and all of the trimmings that go with them. My anger and rage is also very real, but I put those thoughts on paper instead of acting out. When I read my work, I see how insane it all is and get a lesson about myself and mindset. With that said, I don't think I (or anyone) should walk away from the ending of VooDoo Souls with a smile or feeling of satisfaction...Who was the real winner? Other not so obvious parables-The Confederate flag mentioned a few times-Soiled/stained (tarnished), with one side viewing it the proper way (symbol of Southern Pride), and then others using it for intimidation and hate. Those individuals (Confederate Buzzards) also named their cartoon mascot in his red/white (Nation of Islam flag colors) shirt "Barry", a shot at certain groups who draw cartoons or make fun of President Obama, but overall, the story and parables don't vilify any organization more than the other. In closing, I don't chose one political party over the other, but as a war veteran, some of the things being said by our future candidates upset me beyond anything imaginable, and go against what I stand for.
I'll be working on Book of Joel the next few days, and it should be done within a month. The date of release that I'm aiming for-2/14/16, in "honor" of the St. Valentines Massacre. Have a happy holiday, and I hope you guys have a great New Year. I'll be doing what I love-Writing and researching, and I hope you find the times pleasurable too.-Ezekiel
- Levi
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- Ezekiel Azazel
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One book that I can recommend over all of them is Wild Ones, Tales of the Boozefighters Motorcycle Club by Bill Hayes. It explained the days of the very early clubs that were far less nefarious, and the members were blue collar guys by day. There was no need for that full commitment, or that constant trepidation over your head. I loved my time in the Marines, but I guess some of my brothers still want and need that feeling of commitment and nomadic lifestyle. I can certainly understand it, and even appreciate it, but I prefer to not swear allegiance to just one color.
I like stories set in the past too, and if you're into Americana, roadside oddities, ghost stories/legends, there's a series of books out called Weird US, by Mark Moran and Mark Sceurman. I was in contact with Moran a few years back and was going to help him with a story about a former place that I worked for, which was interesting to say the least. Marines didn't pay enough to support my muscle car habit, so I worked a security gig on weekends and evenings. One of those posts was this place called Questhaven that no one wanted to work. When my former boss explained it to me, and said it would even pay extra, I was all over it. Google "Questhaven Asylum/Haunted" to see what I mean. I never got back to Moran, because the people there give me the creeps. They are Christian based, but mess with reincarnation/séances and things they shouldn't meddle in. They're also literally down the street from the former Heavens Gate cult, which killed themselves in a mass suicide in the 90s. No need to read anything by Koontz or King on that post, as I had a front row seat to horror and mystery.
Anyway...I'm rambling now. Interesting books, and I think they have one for every state by now. I like them because it gives me a guide as to what I live around. I do that with every place I move, as I'm intrigued and sometimes horrified at what I find. Also, thank you for reading all of this. I love to write, and I'd honestly do it for free. I evade social media and the bad grammar (habits) that come with it in order to practice. I'm also not close to many people, not even my own family whom I haven't seen in nearly 20 years. They'll always see me as the demon I used to be-another reason why I chose my pseudonym
- Levi
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That's an interesting story you have there, and I don't blame you for keeping from people. I keep from most, but my family. I'm starting Voodoo Souls so I'll let you know what I think.
- Ezekiel Azazel
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