HORROR FOLKLORE NOVEL SERIES
BY BLADEN MERCUTIO START READING

Tell me...
What is it you believe?

An ancient villain draws Macarthy Black into its spiral as a mysterious drought overtakes the region. When legends such as the Marfa Mystery Lights and the Ghost Torch of the Chisos go missing, Macarthy returns to her roots only to uncover that the enemy has set a target on her back. 

She finds herself in cahoots with renegade meteorologist and closet necromancer, Remy Gaumond; scholar and sassy librarian, Jonas Rodriguez; and the charmingly dark, cartel-associated Vincent Salmerón. 

Tensions and wit run high as this makeshift group of strangers race to uncover their villain’s weaknesses before it unleashes its world-altering Reaping.

Book Release Schedule

OCT 28, 2025
VOLUME 1

Harvesting Angel of the Plains

A mysterious drought threatens the region as legends begin to disappear. Four witchy strangers are tasked with the eradication of a mysterious enemy.

MAR 2027
VOLUME 2

Seven Plagues of Sa'stoh

An ancient enemy unleashes a series of plagues as retaliation against his siblings. 

JUN 2028
VOLUME 3

Wrath of the Stryx

In pursuit of a formidable opponent, the Stryx unlocks a terrifying prophecy. 

SEPT 2029
VOLUME 4

Messiah of Ruin

The ancient Coven of Sighs descends on the Desert Southwest intent on stopping the awakening of history’s most terrifying necromancer.

DEC 2030
VOLUME 5

Rise of Hekka

Old enemies return in the gripping conclusion of the Southwest Gothic series. 

About the Creator

Bladen is a scientist by day, rock star by night, writer in between, and someone who enjoys running only in dreams. A graduate in atmospheric sciences, they chase fire and tell the future for a day job. In addition to their work with the Southwest Gothic series, Bladen has written and recorded several varieties of sonic entertainment, including an accompanying soundtrack to the novels. 

Witches

plains

Macarthy Black

Plains Coven | Shaman
plateau

Remiel Gaumond

Plateau Coven | Necromancer
hill

Jonas Rodriguez

Hill Coven | Regent / Cleric
creek

Vincent Salmerón

Creek Coven | Arcanist
f

  • “You'll believe a lot of things by the time this book is over.”

    J. Jackman

  • The story was engaging, and the world-building was rich. I really appreciated how each character was written with their own unique struggles and flaws—none of them were perfect, and that made them feel real.

    Jeannie Davis - https://www.netgalley.com/book/708243/review/1434427

  • The dialogue had me in stitches.

    another human person

By the guard the frontier ghost provides

Something wicked this way rides

Contact

Review/marketing inquiries:

bohemiantrash[at]gmail[dot]com

Booking/Signing/Media Inquiries:
Bladen Mercutio
bladen.mercutio[at]gmail[dot]com