James S. Austin

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About James S. Austin
I was born and raised near St. Petersburg, Florida. I went into the Army straight out of high school and worked as a Military Intelligence Analyst for 5 years; to include working with Special Forces and a tour in South Korea. Following my honorable discharge, I spent a number of years in college, completing a BA in Anthropology, a BA in History, and a certificate in Crime Scene Technology. My working years have included being a licensed repossession agent and part-owner of a repossession service, skip tracer, and wandering the stacks at college libraries. Currently, I am the owner/editor of Tacitus Publishing. I have edited three anthologies, 'It's a Grimm Life', 'Haunted by the Past', and 'Shattered Space'. I have published a few short stories and write for a number of blogs, to include the serial 'Chronicles of Ballidrous - The Tales of Devryn'. When not writing or editing, I spend my time as a traditional and digital artist.
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Blog postThe 'Not-So-Critical' Critic: on JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 3 - PARABELLUM (2019, 130 minutes, R)
The Quick of It -It amazes me how Keanu Reeves gets these projects that get so much traction when critics bashed his earlier work. He continually proves them wrong at the box office, even when he still plays that niche role he has created for himself.
To put this into a sports analogy, imagine a team that has a player that excels in a particular skill. If a quarterback is an ou3 years ago Read more -
Blog post‘Blu-ray or Bust’COLD PURSUIT (2019, R, 119 minutes, STUDIOCANAL/LIONSGATE)
A few years ago, writer and director Hans Petter Moland offered up a wonderful gem of a film called IN ORDER OF DISAPPEARANCE.
In it, a father, played the amazing Stellan Skarsgard (the nutty professor of THOR and various Marvel films) played a grieving Norwegian father and snowplow driver who sets off on a path of murderous revenge, determined to destroy all those responsible for his son’s death.&nbs3 years ago Read more -
Blog postDevryn - "The Bridges We Build"
We looked down on the entry gate to the massive stone bridge. The twin spires reached skyward with its thoroughfare pinned between, spanning across the deep gorge to another pair marking its completion on the other side. Time had not crippled this edifice, only blotched the surface in ochre stains. A testament to the long-forgotten craftsmen.
The Fates smiled on us this day, as it seemed only restl3 years ago Read more -
Blog post‘Blu-ray or Bust’ESCAPE ROOM (2019, PG-13, 99 minutes, COLUMBIA PICTURES)
I miss the horror films of the eighties. THE THING, HOUSE (the one with William Katt), FRIGHT NIGHT (the one without Colin Farrell), AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON—you know, movies that utilized practical effects over CGI, quite possibly because CGI sucked shark turds back then.
Not to say that there have not been vast improvements in the technology since then. You wouldn’t have films like TH3 years ago Read more -
Blog postDevryn – "Reverence"
I stood next to my father; his stern look held forward. He smelled of incense and campfire smoke from the brief night’s rest before our early morning arrival. His worn, leather glove engulfed my eight-summer hand with a gentle firmness I was not often afforded. We stood quiet as the service to honor the passing of Matron Enbeyi settled into a lull after the string of mourning hymns. The low hum of the hilltop breeze filled the sp3 years ago Read more -
Blog post‘Blu-ray or Bust’GLASS (2019, PG-13, 129 minutes, BLUMHOUSE/BLINDING EDGE PICTURES)
I think there comes a certain responsibility as a filmmaker who chooses to write and direct his own series of films to his audience.
Continuity, detail, and respect for their own material and characters seems of paramount importance—to me, at least. Honestly, what the hell do I know, though? I am basically just a trumped-up fan of cinema, a geek with a voice, a dork waffle with an o3 years ago Read more -
Blog post‘Blu-ray or Bust’BUMBLEBEE (2018, PG-13, 114 minutes, ALLSPARK PICTURES/PARAMOUNT PICTURES)
I have enjoyed reviewing the TRANSFORMER movies over the years, mostly due to the fact that they have allowed me to come up with new descriptive terms.
Save for the first one (which I enjoyed), they allowed me to first use the phrases “bucket of monkey vomit”, “as useful as shark nipples”, and “Michael Bay”. The reasons for my dislike of every one of those films (besides the first) was,3 years ago Read more -
Blog postThe 'Not-So-Critical' Critic: on HELLBOY (2019, 120 minutes, R)
The Quick of It -The hate that filled critics’ blogs towards the new installment of HELLBOY left enough doubt for anyone to feel the need to spend the money on a failed attempt to reboot. I, typically, dismiss these guys as most don’t give two ‘donkeys’ about the actual film. They hunt for clicks and turmoil, not offering a fair shake.
With hope in my heart, I took a seat and prepared3 years ago Read more -
Blog post‘Blu-ray or Bust’THE MULE (2018, R, 116 minutes, IMPERATIVE ENTERTAINMENT/WARNER BROS.)
I grew up with Clint Eastwood. Not, like, he was my pal or anything—I’m not that old, despite what my thirteen faithful readers may think.
But watching any of his films now is almost a transcendent experience for me. I grew up watching FOR A FEW DOLLARS MORE, WHERE EAGLES DARE, and my all-time favorite of his, THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY (and not just because I identified with all three3 years ago Read more -
Blog post‘Blu-ray or Bust’AQUAMAN (2018, 143 minutes, DC ENTERTAINMENT/WARNER BROTHERS)
Holy fish nipples—it sure did take a while for the DC Universe to awaken to the juggernaut which is Marvel.
They seemed dead-set on concentrating on a small number of properties, mainly Batman and Superman—so much so that much of their comic’s content went ignored. When Marvel opened the door for them, it was with little known characters, or ones that at least had never gotten the big screen treatme3 years ago Read more -
Blog postThe 'Not-So-Critical' Critic: on SHAZAM! (2019, 132 minutes, PG-13)
The Quick of It -To be a kid again. What a joy it… would… be…
Okay, maybe a bit different now than I remember. A different ‘age’. But, seeing that same sense of fun and adventure in SHAZAM! does make me kinda want to get on my bike and ride off to meet with my friends at the park or the mall. Adulting is not so fun. And, this is the magic that is embraced in SHAZAM!
I can hon3 years ago Read more -
Blog post‘Blu-ray or Bust’RALPH BREAKS THE INTERNET (2018, PG, 111 minutes, WALT DISNEY PICTURES)
SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE (2018, PG-13, 117 minutes, SONY PICTURES/MARVEL)
For the last year, I have complained about many, many things. I’m old, so I’m allowed.
But the one constant gripe I have is when it comes to the length of animated films. (Okay, that, and the fact that women look at me like I have a fourth nipple growing on my forehead.) But back in my day, animated fi3 years ago Read more -
Blog postThe 'Not-So-Critical' Critic: on CAPTAIN MARVEL (2019, 123 minutes, PG-13)
The Quick of It -The first round of Marvel films is nearing its end. We have experienced our ups and downs… no need to mention which ones… (cough…Thor), but we now have the final films hitting theaters, adding one more name to the ENDGAME bucket.
There is a ton of history with the Captain’s legacy, and you must know DC had the name first to realize how much history is involved. Legal battles3 years ago Read more -
Blog post‘Blu-ray or Bust’FANTASTIC BEASTS: THE CRIMES OF GRINDELWALD (2018, PG-13/NR, 134/142 minutes, HEYDAY FILMS/WARNER BROTHERS)
It’s funny, what a few extra minutes can do.
In some cases, it makes an okay film great (WATCHMEN, BATMAN V SUPERMAN); those extra minutes, whether they are in the single digits or total dozens, can flesh out a story, make the characters richer and the story more meaningful than in its original release, even if you didn’t even realize the film could bene3 years ago Read more -
Blog post‘Blu-ray or Bust’MORTAL ENGINES (2018, PG-13, 128 minutes, SCHOLASTIC ENTERTAINMENT/UNIVERSAL PICTURES)
If for some ludicrous reason you find yourself in the store holding a copy of this film, you need to ask yourself a few questions.
Do it now, before you wander up to the checkout line and spend your hard-earned cash on it. Just take a minute and consider what you are about to do. How long did you have to work to be able to afford the $20 price tag? An hour and a half? Two ho3 years ago Read more -
Blog post‘Blu-ray or Bust’A STAR IS BORN (2018, R, 136 minutes, MGM/WARNER BROS.)
Bradley Cooper can just have my damn money. Seriously; if I could figure out how to have my paycheck directly deposited to his account, I would.
It isn’t that A STAR IS BORN is a perfect movie—it is not supposed to be, and it is not. The characters are flawed, there is a slight issue with pacing, and, call me nostalgic, but this iteration of the classic tale is occasionally too smart for its own good.
3 years ago Read more -
Blog post‘Blu-ray or Bust’ROBIN HOOD (2018, PG-13, 116 minutes, SUMMIT ENTERTAINMENT/LIONSGATE)
You’ll have to forgive me this week; I’m struggling to find something good to say about this movie.
Hold on…wait…there’s a…
…nope. It sucks. Plain and simple: I cannot find anything remotely redeemable about this…this thing. I cannot refer to it as a “movie” or a “film”, as that would insult those that actually work hard to obtain that status. I also cannot refer to it as a “train wrec3 years ago Read more -
Blog postThe 'Not-So-Critical' Critic: on ALITA: BATTLE ANGEL (2019, 122 minutes, PG-13)
The Quick of It -Director Robert Rodriguez gives us a glimpse into a future that will probably never come to be… but it seems a dystopian blast!!! Okay, maybe not in the best way.
With James Cameron, you know the AVATAR and TITANIC guy, is behind the screenplay, the project is going to have a strong worldbuilding aspect. And again, bringing up Rodriguez, of the DUSK TILL DAWN and the “Ma3 years ago Read more -
Blog post‘Blu-ray or Bust’THE GRINCH (2018, PG, 88 minutes, ILLUMINATION/UNIVERSAL PICTURES)
It felt kind of weird, watching this film in February. I live in Maine, so yes, there is still snow on the ground, which lends to my surroundings a wintry air. But it is no longer Christmas—the snow that falls now isn’t the same you wish for in order to have a more befitting holiday. It’s the kind that you dread a little, as in “still have another month of shoveling”, or “this outta make for a fun walk to3 years ago Read more -
Blog post‘Blu-ray or Bust’BAD TIMES AT THE EL ROYALE (2018, R, 141 minutes, TSG ENTERTAINMENT/20TH CENTURY FOX)
There have been several good films that got their start as stage productions; some classics would include A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE, DRIVING MISS DAISY, and GLENGARRY, GLEN ROSS.
Sometimes the transition from stage to screen isn’t all that impressive, and much is lost in translation. BRIGHTON BEACH MEMOIRS and BILOXI BLUES, despite being written by esteemed and legendary playw3 years ago Read more -
Blog post‘Blu-ray or Bust’FIRST MAN (2018, PG-13, 141 minutes, DREAMWORKS/UNIVERSAL PICTURES)
If you haven’t been paying attention to director Damien Chazelle, you might want to start now.
His 2014 debut, WHIPLASH, was a tour de force, a film that used sound as a weapon and J.K. Simmons as its delivery system. The film perfectly blended the violence of making coherent sound with an Oscar winning, abusive performance by Simmons. He followed that up with 2016’s Oscar winning LA LA LAND—this tim3 years ago Read more -
Blog postDevryn - "Let Them Rest"
One of the advantages to traveling across the Restorae Steppes was the lay of the land. Consistent stretches of passable trails when wanting to avoid anyone on the main road. And right now, I felt the need to hide from the world.
I watched Seth have one of his odd episodes, attempting to break the monotony. In the soldier’s uniform he liberated from the camp, Seth skipped between steps, poorly whistling a quick-paced tune. If3 years ago Read more -
Blog post‘Fists and Fun: What You’re Missing on NETFLIX… and then some.’
NEW ARRIVALS
THE PUNISHER, Season 2(2019, TV-MA, 13 episodes, MARVEL STUDIOS/NETFLIX)
Netflix put the MCU on the map for the small screen with their Hell’s Kitchen crew. It may be a shame that they are relinquishing the helm but THE PUNISHER (if also moving away) leaves Netflix with a bang. Jon Bernthal returns with Amber Rose Revah and Ben Barnes to continue where they left off. This may s3 years ago Read more -
Blog post‘Blu-ray or Bust’PEPPERMINT (2018, R, 101 minutes, HUAYI BROTHERS/STX ENTERTAINMENT)
I sometimes wish that I had a metaphysical stick that I could slap people with.
Just hard enough to let them know when their “brilliant” ideas are stupid. That’s it—I wish I had a Metaphysical Stupid Stick. If I did, I would have knocked the idea for PEPPERMINT right out of screenwriter Chad St. John’s noggin, and right over the left field fence. This is the same guy that cam3 years ago Read more -
Blog postThe 'Not-So-Critical' Critic: on GLASS (2019, 129 minutes, R)
The Quick of It -Yeah, so… a trilogy has been completed. Just maybe not so ‘complete’.
We have UNBREAKABLE, SPLIT, and now GLASS coming from the mind of director M. Night Shyamalan. This is a visualization of a timeline where superheroes are a part of today’s world… a plausible spin of what could be. This trio of films has a great buildup to ultimately fail me in the end. Mamma always said to3 years ago Read more -
Blog post‘Blu-ray or Bust’VENOM (2018, PG-13, 112 minutes, MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT/SONY/COLUMBIA PICTURES)
Just when you thought that you’d had enough of superhero movies, Sony decides to remind everyone that they still own the rights to several key characters in the Marvel Universe.
Interestingly enough, they can also produce a kickass film, too. VENOM is the first in a planned series of films featuring several Spider-man villains, a curious move for a studio hell-bent on throwing3 years ago Read more -
Blog post‘Blu-ray or Bust’THE EQUALIZER 2 (2018, R, 121 minutes, FUQUA FILMS/COLUMBIA PICTURES)
I love me some Denzel Washington.
The sixty-four-year-old Oscar winner does not shy away from many roles; we’ve seen him as a proud infantryman in GLORY, a defiant leader in MALCOLM X, and a paralyzed ex-detective in THE BONE COLLECTOR. His face is iconic, and many of his roles are, too. Unfortunately, his second turn as ex-military man turned anonymous vigilante Robert Mc3 years ago Read more -
Blog post‘Blu-ray or Bust’ THE PREDATOR (2018, R, 107 minutes, DARK CASTLE ENTERTAINMENT/20TH CENTURY FOX)
I’ve always been a fan of Shane Black’s film career. This is the man that wrote LETHAN WEAPON, KISS KISS BANG BANG, IRON MAN 3, and THE freaking MONSTER SQUAD, for crying out loud.
So, who better to jump start a series that went woefully off course when Fox decided to put Predators and Aliens in the same movies? Who better to write (er, yeah—I meant “right”) the wrongs3 years ago Read more -
Blog postDevryn - "A Desperate Escape"
I awoke to a shiver rippling through my stiff body. The cold had leached into my body while I slept. A respite from my continuous exertion over the last few days, but the comfort of a bed continues to elude me.
The quiet reigned supreme in my tunnel that overlooked the chamber of discarded bones. My little companion was near but not visible. Slowly rolling over and pushing myself to my knees, I worked throug4 years ago Read more -
Blog postDevryn - "What Awaits in the Darkness"
The Perussians have a singular word for those moments when your life is given to the Fates, ef-fa-timat. My father’s death was my first. Twelve at the time, I found myself abandoned in the city of Ardal, capital to the elven empire. Our small troupe disbanded the week before, leaving me to find my way on the unkind streets of the massive urban sprawl.
The night in the Lamb’s Slaughter Tap House in Ebold’s Way w4 years ago Read more -
Blog postDevryn - "Something Gained"
Blinding white light filled my vision as flashes of excruciating pain shot through my body. My lungs screamed for breath, fighting to recapture my lost wind. Why me? Things are always so difficult.
The first drag of air included the dust that swirled about, dense and choking. A coughing fit brought me back from the edge of panic. The years of training did not prepare me for this, the simpler moments of fear. <4 years ago Read more -
Blog postDevryn - "Forgotten Times"
The crawlspace pushed tight against me as I wormed myself backwards, feet-first. Jagged rocks stabbed into my back and sides, the grit rough on my hands and forearms. The sense of an earthy weight pressing in did little to help. But, the fear of capture fed my quickened, painful pace.
Footsteps rushed towards the entrance that now appeared a good distance away. It slightly winked like an eye of white light as shapeless for4 years ago Read more -
Blog postDevryn - "Into the Mouth of the Abyss"
I felt no immediate pressure of being chased through the camp, only a few heads turned at my passing. . . but I knew.
Making it to the edge of the escarpment I visited last night, I slid down its jagged side and into the ruins of the ancient city below, bounding side to side, ledge to ledge, to slow my descent.
Touching down, I sprinted into the first line of bramble-covered walls. I sped past a decrepit, stone piling, hear5 years ago Read more -
Blog postHere is a short story to be added to the campaign world we are building, The Chronicles of Ballidrous. Enjoy!!!
The Mirror's Edge
by James S. Austin
A road, not unlike most leading into any town, sat clouded in the dust kicked up from quick-paced pedestrians and the rolling wheels of carts and wagons. Tomorrow was the first day of 'The Festival of Stars', a time for celebration held throughout the5 years ago Read more -
Blog postDevryn - "Protector"
"Abi, come on!" Merrin screamed.
"Wait!" I screamed. Father had me packing our wagon early, well before starting back on the trail. The caravan had spent months on The Wayman's Crossing and we were finally about to reach the border of Llwynn. The group camped here by a sizeable lake for three days while my father and a few others rode out to make contact with the nearby villages. This was my first time leaving5 years ago Read more -
Blog postCreating the Shattered Space cover was a thrilling project to work on. I knew that I had to paint something that portrayed the belief that the Earth was doomed to one day be consumed by an eldritch being. Right?! No brainer.
I did a cursory search on the web to see what other artists have done. I wanted to avoid making something too similar to another themed piece. What I discovered was a little troubling. There was not much to be found. I t5 years ago Read more -
Blog postDevryn - "Painted in Sorcery"
My surroundings grew still, a stark contrast to the chaos created by the unearthly creature. I could hear distant shouting from other camps between my heavy breaths. My head swam from the residual adrenaline. A starved body will suffer after rushed exertion and I hated myself for being in this weakened state. I was taught to be better.
Tae-gron laid on his back clutching his chest, blood soaking through his tattered shir5 years ago Read more -
Blog postShattered Space has been completed, making this the third anthology by Tacitus Publishing.
The back cover blurb -
The concept of traveling through space and visiting outlandish planets has always fascinated humankind. But what if these journeys to the outer reaches are not so pleasant? What horrors, whether alien or imagined, would we find? Once there, what new challenges will we face as technology progresses beyond socially acceptable behaviors5 years ago Read more -
Blog postHere are the illustrations included in Tacitus Publishing's Shattered Space. Unlike the previous anthologies, this process was more of a challenge to design an image that captured the core element of each story. But, I think I may have done some justice to these great stories.
THE RATS IN THE BULKHEADS Gregory L. Norris
THE SPACE OF GODS T.S. Kummelman
LAUNDRY James S. Austin
TOASTER BLUES C.R. Galarza
THE STARS DENIED Da5 years ago Read more -
Blog postHere is a glimpse of the process for a commissioned piece, the Retaliator from EVE. With such a large starship, there was only one choice on how to proceed - it had to be a triptych. Go big or go home!
The reference image chosen was from Star Citizen's "Aegis Dynamics Retaliator", a wallpaper he created for others to use. When looking at it for the first time, nothing about to screamed 'quick' or 'easy'.
With such a busy schedule, the6 years ago Read more -
Blog postDevryn - "Unwanted Guests"
Son of a bitch.
The Tressian rider glared at Tae-gron and me with a gleam of vicious delight. He rolled his shoulders a couple times, as if loosening up for a casual skirmish. One of his meaty hands clinched down on a wicked looking saber. Banded-cut leather mail with steel ribbings encompassed his thick frame with a silver lion at the center. Hilts of various small blades poked out from strategically placed sheaths on his body. Strips of midnight6 years ago Read more -
Blog postTacitus Publishing likes to run rampant in the world of traditional art as much as the written word. There is an unspoken desire to promote the continued concept of a 'Renaissance Lifestyle'. Be as eclectic as possible, knowing you can contribute something small to this larger universe.
Getting back into painting acrylic on a large canvas can be refreshing, even when the inspiration is a little dark. I have had this image haunting me for a few years now. I picture6 years ago Read more -
Blog postDevryn - "New Identity"
We made our way out of Windruck Valley. Signs of life returned to the far-reaching countryside. Sand finches darted from bush to bush, appearing as brilliant blurs of color chasing about the hillocks. Further out, patches of wildflowers painted the landscape in deep blues and bright yellows. A small herd of arroz grazed on a section of spotty grass with a large buck, great horns twisted to the sky, scanning the horizon. The st6 years ago Read more -
Blog postTacitus Publishing is now open to submissions for its latest anthology project - Shattered Space. This third release has a much broader topic, tales of horror in space. The excitement is palpable but I know this is just the beginning of the roller coaster ride.
From where I sit, meaning a small publishing house, anthologies bring a mixed bag of emotions. At the start, launching one takes a little courage. There is a sense of obligation involved. I first6 years ago Read more -
Blog postDevryn - "The Chains We Bear"
The morning air was cool and carried the dust of the land on its wispy breath. If not for the aches and fatigue, I might have enjoyed the light-splintered sky. If only. . .
Seth strolled out from the tunnel's shaded entrance smiling, flipping his wrists around to flaunt his freedom. His tall, bony frame said he was not a pure Tressian and right now I wouldn't mind cracking open that smug face to find out. He walked with6 years ago Read more -
Blog postDevryn - "Blood Rush"
The chained prisoner closest to the embankment, a gaunt man dressed in sweat-stained underclothes, danced around his platform. Whimpers and garbled words in a foreign tongue spouted forth. Something I didn’t recognize, which was unusual. But their meaning held no mystery… prayers to some god.
A gray streak closed the distance in a flash. The sciver launched itself at the prisoner's raised arm, quickly pulling the screaming man t6 years ago Read more -
Blog post
Devryn - "The Night's Hungered Bite"
I awoke to a deep chill in my bones and my face resting on the harsh stone.
I pulled myself to a sitting position. Night had fallen. The evening clouds hung low in the sky and the winds had quieted down to a gentle breeze.
"The crier has awakened," said one of the chained prisoners in a thick Tressian accent. This brought a laugh from the one sitting on the platform across the brid6 years ago Read more -
Blog postAMOR VINCIT OMNIA
by James S. Austin
The deep melancholy of the evening only disheartened Father Prichard further. The swollen clouds laden with heaven's tears erupted as he finished his evening cleaning of the ruined cathedral. He had no desire to dash through the sodden cemetery or around its lengthy perimeter to the small chantry. He slid down the aged wall, the fatigue from the recent restless nights creeping through his bones. The rain would6 years ago Read more -
Blog postTacitus Publishing is reaching out with new marketing strategies. We now have an ad running on the USA Today website. Here it is:
I can't be happier with the idea of growing and expanding.6 years ago Read more
Titles By James S. Austin
Everyone knows the zombie apocalypse is bound to happen, these authors just bring it to you sooner than you expected. Authors from all over the globe spin terrifying tales of the infected and undying in just 100 words per story.
From soccer mom zombies to military experiments; reanimated commanders directing an army of zombies to a monster-esque meteorologist. Get a fresh take on an undead theme with Infection from Black Ink Fiction.
What miracles can more than one hundred debut to bestselling authors do with 100 words?
Haunted by the Past features tales that hope to instill that same sense of terror the masters did so long ago. You will find yourself lost in the melody of possibilities, what lengths family will go to be a part of your life, and the troubles encountered when in search of a new residence. The resounding voices of the past will haunt your waking moments.
Tacitus Publishing’s run of anthologies over the past years had to eventually lead us here – horror and oddities in space. The tales chosen make for an eclectic wonder, a chance to experience space and its marvels in a very different light. In this collection of eleven titillating stories, you will succumb to madness, you will face interstellar threats, and as a coup de gras, you will endure the chore of laundry.
It's a Grimm Life is a tribute to these resounding folktales from the past, placing them in a modern setting. Each story is germinated from a Grimm seed, embracing the darker side of humanity and the world that we know to exist in the shadows, just out of sight.