A Legendary Pendant. A Forgotten Curse. A Race Against Time.
When relic hunter Miles Bordel calls AnaRose Preston for
help, she knows trouble isn’t far behind. This time, it’s personal — and
deadly. A nationalist cult bent on restoring ancient Greece to its former glory
is hunting the Medusa pendant, said to petrify anyone who meets its cursed
gaze.
AnaRose and Miles find the pendant, but it’s stolen before
they can secure it. Now the cult is after its missing ruby eyes, hidden
somewhere along the Aegean coast. From sunken ruins to mountaintop shrines,
AnaRose must follow the clues, dodge assassins, and stop a plan that could turn
ancient superstition into modern terror.
The danger is real. The curse may be, too.
She answered a call for help. Now she’s fighting to ensure
the past stays buried. Grab your copy of AnaRose and Medusa’s Curse and chase a
secret some still fear to face.
The INDEPENDENT PRESS AWARD, one of the
most prestigious book award programs globally for independent authors,
publishers, and illustrators, recognized AnaRose and Medusa’s Curse by Mary
Ann Bernal as a Distinguished Favorite in the Novella category.
The competition is judged by experts
from across the book industry, including publishers, writers, editors, book
cover designers, and professional copywriters. Selected IPA Award Winners and
Distinguished Favorites are chosen based on overall excellence.
For more information, please visit independentpressaward.com.
To see this year's list of IPA Winners and Distinguished Favorites, visit:
Haunted by the memory
of a secret love affair in Nazi-occupied Prague, American intelligence officer
Julius Orlinsky is caught in a deadly web of espionage when a routine
assignment in Washington, D.C., disintegrates into murder, attempted murder,
and blackmail.
Determined to uncover
the truth, Orlinsky's quest takes him from the halls of the Pentagon to a
prisoner-of-war camp in Maryland, and, finally, to the city of Budapest under
siege. It's a shadow world where a lifetime of loyalty can be undone by one
secret revealed. Orlinsky soon learns the personal stakes couldn't be higher.
His investigation threatens to expose a betrayal by the woman he believed was
the love of his life.
But Orlinsky has no
choice. Charged with an assignment critical to ensuring America’s safety, he
must confront the ghosts of his past as he navigates a terrain of double
agents, war-hardened German and Russian soldiers, and fanatics who will stop at
nothing to silence him.
Praise for Red
Snow in Winter:
"Red Snow in
Winter is a gripping, ingenious cat-and-mouse political thriller. A young U.S.
Army Intelligence officer finds himself caught up in a deadly espionage battle
involving Americans, Nazis, and Russians that he can only survive by finding
out who to trust--and also by finally uncovering the truth about long-buried
secrets from his own shadowy intelligence past. Smart writing, a high stakes
plot, and fascinating historical background. Author Max Eastern really delivers
the goods in this must-read page-turner of a novel."
— R.G. Belsky, author
of the Clare Carlson mystery series
"I found a
great new-to-me author in Max Eastern. I love how he brought his characters to
life and made the situations in this novel seem as though they were happening
in front of me."
— Terrie Farley Moran,
national bestselling co-author of the Jessica Fletcher Murder She Wrote
mystery series
"Red Snow is a well-paced thriller
capturing the paranoia and moral complexity of WWII’s twilight hours. This is
spy fiction that respects its readers' intelligence, offering a nuanced
exploration of loyalty, betrayal, and a little romance."
--Emilya Naymark, author of Behind the
Lie
"A masterclass in espionage and moral ambiguity, it's an atmospheric
ride of a thriller with plot twists worthy of Hitchcock."
--Mally Becker, author of The
Turncoat's Widow
"This is a fast-moving,
page-turning espionage thriller set just after the war. Highly recommended for
anyone who wants to be kept up at night!"
--Deborah Swift, author of The Shadow
Network
"Max Eastern attacks his story with
dry aplomb and a stripped-down journalistic surety, yet it’s got more
switchbacks than San Francisco’s Lombard Street, and every curve is taken with
his foot on the gas."
-- Timothy Miller, author of The Strange
Case of the Pharaoh's Heart
This title is available to read on #KindleUnlimited.
The
stories his father told him about his time as an intelligence officer in World
War II inspired Max Eastern to write Red Snow in Winter. He has
written about history for several magazines and online publications, with
subjects ranging from Ulysses Grant and Benedict Arnold to Attila the Hun.
His
modern noir novel The Gods Who Walk Among Us won the Kindle Scout
competition and was published by Kindle Press in 2017.
A
lawyer specializing in publishing, he resides in New York State. To learn more,
go to maxeastern.wordpress.com.
Exiled to a Caribbean island, Paoletta
Cadoville and her family cling to the hope of one day returning to their
Parisian home. But in a single, devastating moment, that dream is shattered.
Alone and horrifically scarred, Paoletta embarks on a perilous quest to uncover
the truth behind her family’s tragic fate, only to become entangled in a web of
political intrigue, secret societies, and dangerous alliances.
In a Paris overshadowed by the guillotine,
Paoletta must decide how much of her humanity she’s willing to sacrifice in
pursuit of vengeance. Will she achieve justice for her family or lose herself
to the darkness that threatens to consume her?
Paoletta – An Eye for an Eye is a gripping historical thriller set during the French Revolution
and a stark reminder that in times of upheaval, innocence is the first to fall,
and revenge demands a price paid in blood.
Originally from the UK, J.R. Powell lives in Germany,
where he works as a translator and editor.
His debut novel was published in 2024, marking the first
instalment of a new historical thriller series. Paoletta – an Eye for an Eye
follows Paoletta Cadoville, a young woman driven by vengeance after the murder
of her family during the French Revolution.
Drawing
inspiration from his time living in Paris, Powell immersed himself in the
city’s rich and brutal history to craft a story that brings a lesser-explored
period to life with the momentum and intensity of a gritty, modern thriller.
He’s a prince, a warrior, and a man
burdened by destiny. Now, Robert, Duke of Normandy, speaks for himself in a
format as commanding as his legacy.
This AI-generated virtual character
interview brings Robert to life with striking realism. His voice carries the
weight of leadership, his gaze reflects the cost of war, and his words reveal
the tension between duty and desire. It’s not just an interview—it’s a
reckoning with history.
Watch the full interview here:
This is part of our ongoing series
exploring the world of Crusader’s Path through immersive storytelling.
Each character adds depth to the First Crusade, and Robert’s appearance reminds
us that even legends must choose their path.
Mary Ann Bernal is a distinguished
alumna of Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, NY, where she earned her degree in
Business Administration. Her literary journey began with the 2009 publication
of her debut novel in The Briton and the Dane series, marking the start
of a richly diverse body of work that spans historical fiction, contemporary
short stories, science fiction/fantasy, and fast-paced adventure novellas.
Her recent publications include Crusader’s
Path, a poignant redemption tale set during the First Crusade; Forgiving
Nero, a compelling exploration of familial bonds in Ancient Rome; and the
award-winning AnaRose adventure series, chronicling the daring escapades of a
museum curator-turned-relic hunter. Mary Ann’s work has been honored by the
Independent Press Award, the NYC Big Book Award, Chanticleer International Book
Awards, the B.R.A.G. Medallion, and the Reader Views Reviewer’s Choice Awards.
Her short fiction anthologies have likewise earned distinction, most notably
from the American Legacy Book Awards. She was also recognized with the Editor’s
Choice Award for Literary Excellence by Reader’s House magazine.
A dedicated supporter of the United
States military since Operation Desert Storm, Mary Ann has actively engaged in
letter-writing campaigns and related initiatives. Her advocacy has been
featured on KMTV’s The Morning Blend and in the Omaha World-Herald.
As a celebrated author, she has appeared on numerous reader blogs and book
promotion platforms. Mary Ann currently resides in Elkhorn, Nebraska, where she
continues to craft stories that inspire and endure.
What Remains is a haunting dual-timeline mystery that
bridges centuries-and secrets-between ancient Rome and the modern world.
Forensic
anthropologist Tori Benino has just landed the opportunity of a lifetime:
leading a dig at a long-buried Roman village lost to the eruption of Vesuvius.
But when she uncovers the remains of a Praetorian guard hidden in an ancient
latrine-clearly murdered-Tori realizes she's stumbled onto something far more
sinister than a routine excavation. As she digs deeper into the past, her own
carefully ordered life begins to fall apart.
Nearly two
thousand years earlier, Thalia, the daughter of a wealthy merchant, is
desperate to escape an arranged marriage to a brutal and politically powerful
senator. Her only hope lies with a Praetorian soldier assigned to guard her-but
trusting him could cost her everything.
As past and
present collide, What Remains asks: When history is buried, what truths
refuse to stay hidden?
Perfect for fans
of Kathy Reichs and Kate Quinn, this novel is inspired by true events and
delivers a compelling blend of suspense, history, and heart.
Erryn Lee has spent most of her life between the
covers of books, her love for historical fiction drew her to a career as an English
and History teacher, where she enjoys sharing her passion for both language and
the past with young adults (at least until she needs to give it up to write
full time).
When not teaching or writing she is deeply immersed
in research and studying her Masters in History. Erryn lives with her husband,
a fluctuating number of horses and three bossy cavoodles on a horse farm in the
picturesque central west of NSW, Australia.
She’s loyal, fearless, and never backs
down from a fight. Now, Josephine “Jo” Hughes steps into the spotlight in a
format as bold as she is.
This AI-generated virtual character
interview brings Jo to life with stunning realism. Her voice carries
conviction, her gaze never wavers, and her words reveal the grit behind the
mission. It’s not just an interview—it’s a declaration.
Watch the full interview here:
This is part of our ongoing series
exploring the world of The AnaRose Chronicles through immersive
storytelling. Each character adds depth to the saga, and Jo’s appearance
reminds us what it means to stand your ground when everything’s on the line.
Mary Ann Bernal is a distinguished
alumna of Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, NY, where she earned her degree in
Business Administration. Her literary journey began with the 2009 publication
of her debut novel in The Briton and the Dane series, marking the start
of a richly diverse body of work that spans historical fiction, contemporary
short stories, science fiction/fantasy, and fast-paced adventure novellas.
Her recent publications include Crusader’s
Path, a poignant redemption tale set during the First Crusade; Forgiving
Nero, a compelling exploration of familial bonds in Ancient Rome; and the
award-winning AnaRose adventure series, chronicling the daring escapades of a
museum curator-turned-relic hunter. Mary Ann’s work has been honored by the
Independent Press Award, the NYC Big Book Award, Chanticleer International Book
Awards, the B.R.A.G. Medallion, and the Reader Views Reviewer’s Choice Awards.
Her short fiction anthologies have likewise earned distinction, most notably
from the American Legacy Book Awards. She was also recognized with the Editor’s
Choice Award for Literary Excellence by Reader’s House magazine.
A dedicated supporter of the United
States military since Operation Desert Storm, Mary Ann has actively engaged in
letter-writing campaigns and related initiatives. Her advocacy has been
featured on KMTV’s The Morning Blend and in the Omaha World-Herald.
As a celebrated author, she has appeared on numerous reader blogs and book
promotion platforms. Mary Ann currently resides in Elkhorn, Nebraska, where she
continues to craft stories that inspire and endure.
The scent of ancient parchment mingled
with the tang of desert wind as Jo Hughes stepped into a world few ever glimpse;
a world of relics, ruins, and secrets buried beneath centuries of silence. From
the shadowed commanderies of France to the sun-scorched sands of Cairo, Jo’s
journey alongside AnaRose Preston has been anything but ordinary. Today, she
joins us to reflect on her transformation, the thrill of discovery, and the
truths that history doesn’t always share.
Interviewer: Jo, thank you for joining us. You’ve
come a long way since your first assignment with AnaRose. How did it all begin?
Jo
Hughes: I was a grad student in archaeology, working as
AnaRose’s personal assistant, the kind of job where you expect to manage
schedules, answer emails, and maybe help organize a few lectures. Then she
invited me to join her on a field mission in France. I thought I’d be
cataloging artifacts and sipping espresso in quiet libraries. Instead, I found
myself navigating underground speakeasies, decoding Templar lore, and dodging
black marketeers. It was a crash course in the real world of relic hunting, and
I loved every minute of it.
Interviewer: That first quest took you to some
remarkable places. What stands out most from your time in France?
Jo Hughes: The Underground was
unforgettable; a speakeasy hidden beneath a polished restaurant, velvet booths
above, secrets below. It felt like stepping into a noir film with a passport to
the past. But it was the ruins and commanderies
that really left an impression. Avalleur felt like stepping into a forgotten
heartbeat. And Sainte-Eulalie-de-Cernon! That place gave me chills. Locals
spoke of cries in the night and a figure in white robes. Frankie and I didn’t
see anything, but the air was heavy. You don’t forget places like that.
Interviewer: You and Frankie Travers seemed to hit
it off. What’s your dynamic like?
Jo Hughes: Frankie’s brilliant and a bit
eccentric in the best way. We were both new to AnaRose’s world, so we leaned on
each other. He’s got this quiet reverence for history, and I admire that. We’ve
shared some wild experiences, and he’s become one of my closest allies in the
field.
Interviewer: In Pharaoh’s Gold, your role
expanded dramatically. Without giving too much away, how did that mission
challenge you?
Jo Hughes: Cairo was intense. AnaRose was there
to speak on stolen antiquities, and I tagged along thinking it’d be a learning
opportunity. It was just not the kind I expected. I ended up in situations I
never imagined, and let’s just say I got a firsthand look at how dangerous
relic hunting can be. But AnaRose was there when it counted. She always is.
Interviewer: You’ve faced some serious danger. What
keeps you coming back?
Jo Hughes: The adrenaline, the mystery, the
history; it’s addictive. I never thought I’d enjoy the rush, but there’s
something about chasing truth through forgotten corridors and ancient puzzles
that makes you feel alive. AnaRose warned me it wouldn’t be easy, but she also
showed me how meaningful it can be.
Interviewer: By Medusa’s Curse, you’re no
longer the rookie. How has your relationship with AnaRose evolved?
Jo Hughes: We’ve grown close, but we’ve
also had our moments. I found out she could dive and fly a helicopter, skills
she hadn’t mentioned, even after saying she’d be upfront with me. I get why she
held back, but it still stung. I thought we were in this together, no secrets.
But I understand now; she carries a lot, and sometimes she shields people to
protect them. Still, I’ve earned her respect, and that means everything.
Interviewer: What’s next for you?
Jo Hughes: I’m still pursuing my PhD, but
fieldwork has changed me. I’m not just studying history, I’m living it.
Wherever AnaRose goes next, I’ll be ready. And if she ever needs backup, she
knows I’m more than just an assistant. I’m part of the team.
Interviewer: Jo, thank you for sharing your
journey. Before we wrap up, is there anything you’d like readers to know about
your time with AnaRose?
Jo Hughes: Just this. History isn’t always found
in books. Sometimes it’s buried in sand, etched in stone, or whispered through
ruins. And if you’re lucky enough to chase it with someone like AnaRose
Preston, you’ll discover more than relics. You’ll discover who you really are.
Mary Ann Bernal is a
distinguished alumna of Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, NY, where she earned her
degree in Business Administration. Her literary journey began with the 2009
publication of her debut novel in The Briton and the Dane series, marking the
start of a richly diverse body of work that spans historical fiction,
contemporary short stories, science fiction/fantasy, and fast-paced adventure
novellas.
Her recent
publications include Crusader’s Path, a poignant redemption tale set during the
First Crusade; Forgiving Nero, a compelling exploration of familial bonds in
Ancient Rome; and the award-winning AnaRose adventure series, chronicling the
daring escapades of a museum curator-turned-relic hunter. Mary Ann’s work has
been honored by the Independent Press Award, the NYC Big Book Award,
Chanticleer International Book Awards, the B.R.A.G. Medallion, and the Reader
Views Reviewer’s Choice Awards. Her short fiction anthologies have likewise
earned distinction, most notably from the American Legacy Book Awards. She was
also recognized with the Editor’s Choice Award for Literary Excellence by
Reader’s House magazine.
A dedicated supporter
of the United States military since Operation Desert Storm, Mary Ann has
actively engaged in letter-writing campaigns and related initiatives. Her
advocacy has been featured on KMTV’s The Morning Blend and in the Omaha
World-Herald. As a celebrated author, she has appeared on numerous reader blogs
and book promotion platforms. Mary Ann currently resides in Elkhorn, Nebraska,
where she continues to craft stories that inspire and endure.
The scent of linseed oil lingered in
the air as sunlight filtered through stained glass windows, casting crimson and
gold across centuries-old manuscripts. In the Paris suburbs, nestled
between a gallery and a studio, Francois Travers,
known to most as Frankie, paints history not just on canvas, but through the
stories he preserves. As AnaRose Preston’s latest mission leads her into the
shadowed legacy of the Knights Templar, she turns to Frankie for answers buried
in time. Today, he joins us to discuss relics, ruins, and the ghosts that
refuse to be forgotten.
Interviewer: Frankie, thank you for joining us. For
those unfamiliar with your work, how would you describe what you do?
Frankie Travers: I’m a painter by trade, but my passion
is history, specifically Templar history. My gallery showcases my art, but my
office is where the real treasures live: maps, scrolls, relics, and theories
that most historians won’t touch. I’m not officially affiliated with any
academic institution, which gives me the freedom to dig deeper, ask questions
others won’t, and occasionally help people like AnaRose when the past refuses
to stay buried.
Interviewer: AnaRose sought you out for your
expertise in Templar lore. What drew you into this world?
Frankie Travers: I grew up fascinated by the symbolism;
the red cross, the secrecy, the idea of a brotherhood guarding something
sacred. But it wasn’t until I inherited a collection from my grandfather, a
historian himself, that I realized how much had been lost or hidden. The Holy
Nail, embedded in a dagger, is one of those legends that keep resurfacing. When
AnaRose came to me with questions about Lord Balian’s ring, I knew we were
chasing something real.
Interviewer: You’ve visited several commanderies
with AnaRose. What was it like exploring the ruins at Avalleur?
Frankie Travers: Haunting, in every sense. The
architecture still whispers of purpose; stone corridors built for silence, not
spectacle. When we found the ruins, it felt like stepping into a forgotten
chapter. There’s a weight to places like that, as if the stones remember. And
when you’re standing there, knowing what might be hidden beneath your feet. It’s exhilarating and terrifying all at once.
Interviewer: One of the commanderies you visited,
Sainte-Eulalie-de-Cernon, has a reputation for being haunted. Did you
experience anything unusual?
Frankie Travers: That place is different. Locals
warned us about the sleeping quarters, sharing stories of cries in the night and a figure
in white robes bearing the Templar cross. We didn’t see him, but the atmosphere
was heavy. Ghost Hunters International tried to film an episode there, but the
footage was lost, and the results were inconclusive. I don’t know if it’s truly
haunted, but I do know that history leaves echoes. And some echoes don’t fade.
Interviewer: The Ordo Christi plays a major role in
this mission. What can you tell us about them?
Frankie
Travers: They’re not exactly villains. Their goal is
preservation; to protect sacred relics from misuse. But their methods, let’s
just say, they don’t always ask nicely. They believe the Holy Nail must remain
hidden, untouched. Legend has it, the Holy Nail was concealed within a Templar
dagger, a weapon forged not for war, but for secrecy. AnaRose and I don’t
disagree with the need for caution, but we do disagree on who gets to decide
what’s safe and what’s sacred.
Interviewer: You’re an artist as well as a
historian. How does your painting influence your research?
Frankie Travers: Art teaches you to see patterns in
light, in shadow, and in silence. That skill translates beautifully to
historical research. Sometimes a fresco reveals more than a scroll. Sometimes, a forgotten symbol in a painting can lead to a clue that no one else has noticed. My studio
is where I reflect, but my gallery is where I connect the dots.
Interviewer: Without giving too much away, what’s
next for you?
Frankie Travers: I’ve got a few canvases waiting, and a
few theories I’m still chasing. AnaRose has a way of turning quiet days into
quests, so I’m sure I’ll be pulled into something soon. And if the past has
taught me anything, it’s that relics don’t stay hidden forever. They call to
those who listen.
Interviewer: Frankie, thank you for sharing your
insights. Before we wrap up, is there anything you’d like readers to know about
your work or your time with AnaRose?
Frankie Travers: Just this; history isn’t a straight
line. It’s a labyrinth. And if you’re lucky enough to walk it with someone like
AnaRose, you’ll find that every twist, every shadow, every mystery is worth the
journey.
Mary Ann Bernal is a
distinguished alumna of Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, NY, where she earned her
degree in Business Administration. Her literary journey began with the 2009
publication of her debut novel in The Briton and the Dane series, marking the start
of a richly diverse body of work that spans historical fiction, contemporary
short stories, science fiction/fantasy, and fast-paced adventure novellas.
Her recent
publications include Crusader’s Path, a poignant redemption tale set during the
First Crusade; Forgiving Nero, a compelling exploration of familial bonds in
Ancient Rome; and the award-winning AnaRose adventure series, chronicling the
daring escapades of a museum curator-turned-relic hunter. Mary Ann’s work has
been honored by the Independent Press Award, the NYC Big Book Award,
Chanticleer International Book Awards, the B.R.A.G. Medallion, and the Reader
Views Reviewer’s Choice Awards. Her short fiction anthologies have likewise
earned distinction, most notably from the American Legacy Book Awards. She was
also recognized with the Editor’s Choice Award for Literary Excellence by
Reader’s House magazine.
A dedicated supporter
of the United States military since Operation Desert Storm, Mary Ann has
actively engaged in letter-writing campaigns and related initiatives. Her
advocacy has been featured on KMTV’s The Morning Blend and in the Omaha
World-Herald. As a celebrated author, she has appeared on numerous reader blogs
and book promotion platforms. Mary Ann currently resides in Elkhorn, Nebraska,
where she continues to craft stories that inspire and endure.
From sacred daggers to cursed pendants, AnaRose Preston
races through ruins and secrets to stop mythic power from falling into the
wrong hands. The past isn’t just calling, it’s threatening to rise.
Watch the Trailer
Experience the adventures that redefined historical
suspense.
Behind the Collection: One Heroine, Three Relics, Endless
Danger
Before the dagger, there was a vow.
Before the ushabti, a sacrifice.
Before the pendant, a curse.
AnaRose Preston doesn’t seek danger, but when history calls,
she answers. This cinematic box set brings together three unforgettable
adventures:
AnaRose and the Templar’s Quest – A sacred dagger. A silent
brotherhood. A vow buried in stone.
AnaRose and Pharaoh’s Gold– A doomsday cult. A stolen relic.
A race through Egypt’s ruins.
AnaRose and Medusa’s Curse – A cursed pendant. A
nationalist plot. A chase across Greece’s ancient shrines.
Each story stands alone. Together, they reveal a legacy of
courage, intellect, and sacrifice.
This moment, where myth meets menace, captures the soul of
The AnaRose Chronicles. It’s not just a collection. It’s a cinematic journey
through the shadows of history.
A Note from the Author
I created The AnaRose Chronicles to bring together three of
AnaRose’s most perilous adventures in one immersive experience. These stories
explore the tension between myth and truth, and the courage it takes to protect
what matters most. I’m thrilled to share this trilogy with you.
About the Collection
Featuring AnaRose and the Templar’s Quest, AnaRose and
Pharaoh’s Gold, and AnaRose and Medusa’s Curse, this box set follows renowned
antiquities expert AnaRose Preston as she confronts secret sects, ancient
curses, and cults willing to kill for mythic power.
From unraveling the mystery of a Templar knight’s sacred
dagger to confronting a doomsday cult in modern Egypt, and battling for a
cursed pendant across the ruins of Greece, AnaRose must outsmart enemies who
would rewrite history for their own dark ends.
History lives in the shadows. She’s the last line of
defense.
Ready to Read?
Relive the adventures. Protect the past. Face the legend.
Moonlight rippled across the Aegean as currents whispered
through the ruins of a temple long claimed by the sea. In the shifting shadows,
relic hunter Miles Bordel fought for breath and survival, fending off
mercenaries among toppled columns and statues whose stone eyes seemed to watch.
Somewhere in the darkness, the Medusa pendant waited, its empty ruby sockets
promising either fortune or a fate carved in myth. Fresh from this perilous
mission with Dr. AnaRose Preston, Miles sits down with us to share the truth
behind the legend, the man who would wield it, and the cost of chasing history
into the deep.
Interviewer: Miles, thank you for joining us. For readers
new to your work, how would you describe what you do?
Miles Bordel: I track down relics that history has
misplaced, or that someone’s willing to pay handsomely for. I’m not in the
business of returning treasures to dusty museum cases unless AnaRose is
involved. When we work together (and we have many times), I have to play by her
rules, which means developing a conscience, at least for the duration of the
job.
Interviewer: Your latest mission began with a call from the
Aegean Sea. What set this hunt in motion?
Miles: I’d just delivered an ancient drinking cup said to
have belonged to Alexander the Great to a collector in Thessaloniki. The cup
bore the image of Medusa, and I suspected it was more than decorative. While I
was there, I overheard him speaking in ancient Macedonian to his associate,
bragging that this was proof Alexander had used Medusa in battle, and that
they’d soon claim the pendant and its ruby eyes to “rule the world.” The only
reason I understood a word of it was because I’d studied the language years
ago. I hadn’t yet realized how deep this organization’s ambitions ran. That would
come later, after I met with AnaRose. At the time, I just booked passage from
Thessaloniki to Athens, figuring I’d get to the pendant first, and maybe make a
tidy profit before anyone else knew it was in play.
Interviewer: The underwater scenes sound intense. Can you
walk us through the dive and the fight with Alekos Chloros’s men?
Miles Bordel: The ruins were stunning, with columns draped
in coral and statues half-buried in sand, all freshly revealed after an
earthquake shifted the seabed. A lot of Medusa-themed artifacts had surfaced at
the Alonissos Underwater Museum, so AnaRose and I went looking for the pendant.
We were navigating a collapsed temple when the water seemed to breathe, a slow,
deep shift that made the silt swirl around us. That’s when Alekos’s divers
appeared. Armed, fast, and clearly trained, but they didn’t press the attack.
We fought them off and made it back to our boat, but they never followed. At
the time, I figured they were just trying to scare us off. They didn’t know yet
who we were, or how far we were willing to go.
Interviewer: Alekos Chloros has been likened to a modern-day
Alexander the Great, with a god complex. What makes him so dangerous?
Miles: He’s not chasing wealth; he’s chasing immortality
through legacy. Chloros believes he’s destined to restore Greece’s ancient
glory, and he’ll twist myth into a weapon to do it. That kind of conviction,
backed by money and an army of mercenaries, is deadly. I’ve dealt with greedy
men before, but true believers are far worse.
Interviewer: You and AnaRose have worked together before.
How would you describe your partnership?
Miles: She’s brilliant, relentless, and has an instinct for
seeing patterns others miss. We don’t always agree; she’s all about
preservation, while I’m all about acquisition. However, when the stakes are
this high, trust is everything. She keeps me honest, or at least, honest
enough.
Interviewer: The Medusa pendant is said to petrify with a
gaze. Do you believe in the curse?
Miles: I’ve learned that legends often grow from a seed of
truth. Whether it’s supernatural or just the fear it inspires, the pendant has
power. In the wrong hands, that’s as dangerous as any curse carved in stone.
And if you’re smart, you don’t stare too long, wondering which it is.
Interviewer: What’s next for you now that the dust has
settled?
Miles: Taking time off would be nice, but history doesn’t
rest, and neither do the shadows it leaves behind. There’s always another
relic, another danger, another story waiting to be written. And if AnaRose
calls, I’ll answer without hesitation.
Interviewer: Miles, thank you so much for sharing your
insights with us today. Before we wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to
share with our readers about your work or any upcoming adventures?
Miles Bordel: It’s been a pleasure. Although I’m not usually
in the habit of giving away my secrets. I will say this: working with AnaRose
Preston is never dull. She’s sharp, fearless, and has a way of turning even the
simplest job into something worthy of the history books. We’ve faced danger on
land, at sea, and now under it, and I’ve no doubt there are more high-stakes
missions in our future. Just don’t expect me to admit I’m looking forward to
them.
Mary Ann Bernal is a distinguished alumna of Mercy College
in Dobbs Ferry, NY, where she earned her degree in Business Administration. Her
literary journey began with the 2009 publication of her debut novel in The
Briton and the Dane series, marking the start of a richly diverse body of work
that spans historical fiction, contemporary short stories, science
fiction/fantasy, and fast-paced adventure novellas.
Her recent publications include Crusader’s Path, a poignant
redemption tale set during the First Crusade; Forgiving Nero, a compelling
exploration of familial bonds in Ancient Rome; and the award-winning AnaRose
adventure series, chronicling the daring escapades of a museum
curator-turned-relic hunter. Mary Ann’s work has been honored by the
Independent Press Award, the NYC Big Book Award, the Chanticleer International
Book Awards, the B.R.A.G. Medallion, and the Reader Views Reviewer’s Choice
Awards. Her short fiction anthologies have likewise earned distinction, most
notably from the American Legacy Book Awards. She was also recognized with the
Editor’s Choice Award for Literary Excellence by Reader’s House magazine.
A dedicated supporter of the United States military since
Operation Desert Storm, Mary Ann has actively engaged in letter-writing
campaigns and related initiatives. Her advocacy has been featured on KMTV’s The
Morning Blend and in the Omaha World-Herald. As a celebrated author, she has
appeared on numerous reader blogs and book promotion platforms. Mary Ann
currently resides in Elkhorn, Nebraska, where she continues to craft stories
that inspire and endure.
The sea hides secrets. The mountains echo warnings. Beneath
the gaze of legend, danger awakens.
Watch the Trailer
Face the myth. Chase the truth.
Behind the Curse: Echoes from the Deep
Before the pendant, there was a call for help. Before the
ruby eyes, a legend whispered in stone. Before the chase, a curse long
forgotten.
AnaRose Preston didn’t seek this relic, but when Miles
Bordel calls, she answers. What begins as a rescue spirals into a race against
time, where myth and nationalism collide. The cult believes in Medusa’s power.
And they’ll kill to wield it.
This moment, where superstition becomes strategy, captures
the soul of AnaRose and Medusa’s Curse. It’s not just a story of pursuit. It’s
a story of fear, legacy, and the danger of belief.
A Note from the Author
I wrote AnaRose and Medusa’s Curse to explore how myth can
be weaponized, and how courage is tested when the past refuses to stay buried.
This trailer brings that tension to life, and I’m honored to share it with you.
About the Book
A Legendary Pendant. A Forgotten Curse. A Race Against
Time.
When relic hunter Miles Bordel calls AnaRose Preston for
help, she knows trouble isn’t far behind. This time, it’s personal and deadly.
A nationalist cult bent on restoring ancient Greece to its former glory is
hunting the Medusa pendant, said to petrify anyone who meets its cursed gaze.
AnaRose and Miles find the pendant, but it’s stolen before
they can secure it. Now the cult is after its missing ruby eyes, hidden
somewhere along the Aegean coast. From sunken ruins to mountaintop shrines,
AnaRose must follow the clues, dodge assassins, and stop a plan that could turn
ancient superstition into modern terror.
The danger is real. The curse may be, too.
She answered a call for help. Now she’s fighting to ensure
the past stays buried.
Ready to Read?
Face the legend. Stop the curse. Keep the truth hidden.
