Book release Archives

You’re never too old for a little adventure. That premise was the driving force behind the story of TNTDUK. When Mark Tullius approached me and asked if I would be interested in joining the world of Try Not to Die (a hugely popular and sprawling series of author-written Choose Your Own Adventure® style books), there was no hesitation in my answer: “YES!”

Writing the story was a challenge. I’ve never written anything like it before and had no clue how to go about formatting a book that takes the reader through various choices and pathways. Thankfully, Mark’s knowledge and passion for the series made the collaboration easy, and I believe that we have put something together that will appeal to readers of all ages!

Starting at Loch Ness in Scotland, journey down through the UK on a five-day quest to save the world and restore King Arthur to his throne. Test your wits, choose your path, and try not to die!

Here’s the official description:

Try Not to Die: In the UK is an epic, interactive dark fantasy where every choice you make determines whether you live, die—or fail the world entirely.

Your journey begins in the misty highlands of Scotland and stretches across the haunting beauty of the United Kingdom. From the shadowy waters of Loch Ness to the storm-swept cliffs of Tintagel, ancient forces are awakening. Myths are real. Monsters roam. And time is running out.

You’ve been chosen to undertake a quest like no other: uncover long-buried secrets, survive legendary creatures, and help restore King Arthur to his rightful throne before the world is plunged into eternal darkness.

But nothing is easy in this land of legends. With over a dozen deadly outcomes and five unique endings, every decision could be your last. Will you trust the wrong guide? Take the wrong path? Or rise as the hero destiny demands?

Perfect for fans of Goosebumps®, Choose Your Own Adventure®, and readers who crave darker, bloodier tales packed with danger, myth, and moral consequence.

Test your instincts. Defy your fate.
Try Not to Die: In the UK—your adventure begins now.

News

February News

March 3, 2025March 3, 2025 mjmarsauthor

Happy March, everyone. The spring buds are starting to bloom, there has been some moments of blue skies and sunshine here in the UK, and it feels as though spring is finally on its way.

We’ve Already Gone Too Far, Award Winner!

2025 has been full of surprises so far. The main news to share with you is that We’ve Already Gone Too Far WON the Books of Horror Short Smack competition. With every round, I expected to go hurtling out of the contest, as each of the 32 books in the smack were wonderful. I somehow managed to cling on to the very end, with a neck-and-neck race against The Conservators Collection by the fantastic trio of Jay Bower, John Lynch, and John Durgin. For those of you who may remember the 2023 Books of Horror Brawl, John Durgin and I went head-to-head when The Suffering was up against The Cursed Among Us in the first round, when John won by a landslide. I wonder if we will meet again in future battles!

Another fabulous accolade for We’ve Already Gone Too Far is that it made the preliminary ballot of The Stoker Awards. While it didn’t proceed to the finals, I am so proud and happy that a book that is so personal to me has resonated with many readers out there. Thank you to everyone for nominating and supporting WAGTF in its first few months of existence. It has been beyond anything I could have imagined and I’m excited to see what the future holds.

RAT

Speaking of short stories, RAT is just over 6 weeks’ old and has been getting a lot of love. It even had the accolade of making it into Malevolent Dark’s Horror Fiction Top 25 in February.

If you haven’t read RAT yet, here’s a little taster: When Victorian clipper, The Cormorant, sails upon a ghosted prisoner hulk, the captain’s decision to explore the crewless vessel proves fatal. For the hulk isn’t completely abandoned, and the entity that follows them back aboard is seeking vengeance.

Are you kind to animals? If not, don’t set foot on the ghost ship, The Tulketh Swain…

Scares That Care Authorcon 2025

Who is coming to Authorcon in Virginia at the end of March? I’ll be flying over the pond once more to meet up with the incredible authors, event organisers, and readers of STC. Authorcon 2024 was my first experience traveling to the US, my first author-specific convention, and my first opportunity to meet my own personal author heroes, including my favourite living writer, Paul Tremblay. I can’t wait to return. If you’re planning on attending, be sure to say hello!

Anthology Appearances

This has already been an exceptional year for anthology appearances, and I am thrilled to have stories in the following recent publications:

The Horror Collection: Morte Edition, KJK Publishing

My Evil F*cking Neighbour, Sinister Smile Press/Crystal Lake

Screams from the Dark Ages, Broken Brain Books

Stay tuned for more releases coming soon!

New Logo

If you follow me on socials, you may have seen that I have a brand new logo, courtesy of Grim Poppy Designs. If you’re coming to STC, you’ll be the first readers to grab stickers, bookmarks, and more, with this gentle giant and his friends.

Logo by Grim Poppy Designs

Be sure to stop by the table I will be sharing with the awesome R. J. Benetti. We’re going to have a blast!

Blog Post, News

We’ve Already Gone Too Far is Out Now!

July 26, 2024July 26, 2024 mjmarsauthor

Welcome to the world my second book baby!

We’ve Already Gone Too Far is available in paperback and Kindle/KU

It’s crazy to think that this book was just a twinkle in my eye, even when I got back from Scares That Care Authorcon in April. I knew I wanted to create a book of short stories ready for the Books and Brews event, but apart from the two pre-published shorts I wanted to put in the book (In Bocca Al Lupo and Monastery Blood Moon), I had no idea what I might write.

The advice I received was “Start and end strong” and I’m thrilled to say that the first story, Jeff Through the Trees, has been widely received as a firm favourite, and the finishing title, We’ve Already Gone Too Far, seems to be a close second.

That said, each one of the 8 nasty tales has been receiving love from all around the globe, and it has been incredible reading the reviews on Goodreads. Thank you to everyone who has picked up the book so far.

We’ve Already Gone Too Far is available in paperback, Kindle, and KU, and you can grab your copy by clicking the button below.

Get Your Copy of We’ve Already Gone Too Far

News

A Hell of A Week

February 9, 2023July 12, 2023 mjmarsauthor

You guys, I did a grown-up thing.

I am now a fully-fledged member of the Horror Writer’s Association as an affiliate writer! It may sound silly, but it really does feel like the most grown-up thing I’ve ever done.

As well as celebrating this monumental happening, The Suffering is now released for pre-order on Kindle. It became the #1 new release in the LGBTQ+ category in Amazon, which made me exceptionally proud. Having a queer lead character wasn’t planned when I first started writing the book but, as my characters seem to have free will, Kyle let me know along the way! In a week of dark controversy in regards to representation and diversity in the horror writing world, it’s great to be able to share this positive news.

The book also did great in the categories of New Release in British Horror Fiction and Ghost Suspense, hitting #5 and #3 respectively. This is mind-blowing to me, and I thank everybody who has made the choice already to pre-order the book.

I’ve also received my first reviews from ARC readers on Goodreads. The first was a 4* review, saying they enjoyed the story and that Cassie was their favourite character. This was so great to hear! It was amazing to have a total stranger react positively, and to name a character that resonated with them. I’m also glad it was Cassie – she’s a badass, and I’m thrilled someone else feels the same way.

The second review was a 3* but the reader helpfully listed the reasons why it wasn’t for her, and I guess my style definitely isn’t what she enjoys! I’m grateful they took the time to explain the reasons why they didn’t love it: it has a 2000’s goofy horror kind of feel (excellent! That’s exactly the style I love!). I feel as though lovers of Thirteen Ghosts, which is the ultimate 2000’s goofy horror, will be more my audience. If you’re looking for a slow-burn, suspenseful chiller, this isn’t the book for you! It’s more of a fast-paced, horror romp. Just the way I like it.

Potentially the most exciting thing of all for me was seeing the book unexpectedly feature in 2 publications. You’ll find it in The Horror Maven‘s Comprehensive List of 2023 Horror Book Releases, and The Line Up‘s 4 Terrifying New Releases from Indie and Small Presses.

It’s been a whirlwind few days, the book having only been on pre-release for less than a week. There is so much happening, and a lot more to come! Thank you to everyone joining me for the ride.

Tag: Book release

Try Not to Die in the UK is out tomorrow!