mark mellon



Reviewed by J. F. Nodar - March 9, 2024
Calling all fans of magic, giants, and mighty sword warriors!
Savage Realms Monthly is your one-stop shop for thrilling sword-and-sorcery adventures delivered fresh every month.
I recently devoured the December 2023 issue and was treated to a fantastic trio of stories from diverse authors, each with their own unique voice and style.
First up, “An Amulet of Thorns” by Matthew X. Gomez. This tale had me picturing a gritty John Wickesque protagonist named Reynauld, making for a thrilling adventure.
Next came “Pit of the Orybadak” by Rab Foster. This fast-paced story by Foster throws you into the brutal yet strangely compassionate world of war, following the compelling character Drayak.
Finally, I saved the best for last:
“Melkart in the Land of Blue Men” by Mark Mellon. If you enjoyed Jason and the Argonauts, this is the story for you! A delightful and humorous tale that celebrates the power of teamwork in overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges.
Savage Realms Monthly is a perfect escape for a lazy afternoon. With constantly refreshing content, I highly recommend checking it out!
J. F. Nodar purchased this book.

Reviewed by J. F. Nodar - September 26, 2024
Mark Mellon’s latest novel, The Bigger Con, is an absolute blast to read. With a vibrant cast of characters and a setting steeped in the chaotic frenzy of the 1920s Florida land boom, Mellon expertly captures the speculative madness of the era. His prose seamlessly transports readers to the sun-soaked streets of Target City, where the con is always on, and trust is a luxury few can afford.
At the center of this whirlwind is Harry Easton, a masterful conman whose life is one high-stakes hustle after another. Alongside his crew of swindlers, Harry navigates the treacherous waters of grift and deceit, swiping fortunes from the gullible marks who cross his path. Yet, even as Harry basks in his success and recent marriage to the stunning Gabe, a lingering sense of unease hovers over him, embodied by one man: Sylvanus O’Moira. This mysterious figure, a charlatan who might just dabble in genuine dark magic, proves to be Harry’s most formidable adversary. No matter how clever Harry thinks he is, the ever-merry, enigmatic O’Moira stays one step ahead, leaving a trail of dread and intrigue in his wake.
As the story unfolds, Harry finds himself on the run from the law, his once-perfect life crumbling. Gabe, the love of his life, becomes a potential pawn in O’Moira’s sinister rituals, adding a chilling layer to the plot. It’s at this point that the novel kicks into high gear, turning into a fast-paced, thrilling chase packed with suspense, twists, and turns that keeps the reader guessing until the very end.
I devoured this novel in just three leisurely hours, captivated by Mellon’s sharp storytelling and the spot-on use of period slang that immerses you fully in the 1920s milieu. The ending lands perfectly, wrapping up the wild ride in a way that feels both surprising and satisfyingly inevitable. If you’re a fan of stories set in Jazz Age America, filled with wit, intrigue, and a dash of the occult, The Bigger Con is a must-read. Highly recommended!