"Mercenary at Midnight" is a blazing assembly of provocative verse by author, philosopher, and creator Nicholas Ryan Howard. Crafted in the moments of utmost vulnerability—and always after the midnight hour had struck—the poet journeys without allegiance into the harrowing land of introspection armed only with a combination of daring, desperation, and mettle. The 100 poems, tales, and reflections within showcase the author's rebellion against complacency, rage against submission, and insurrection against resignation. Packed with vigorous wordplay and a razor-sharp wit, the writing burns like a shot of whiskey and sparks like an exposed wire sizzling in the rain.
Nicholas Ryan Howard is an author, philosopher, and expert in the field of Creativity. He was educated at The University of Southern California in Communications and trained as a Master Facilitator in Spiritual Psychology at the University of Santa Monica, where he later served as a Director. As a media producer and content creator he has worked on such properties as "The Bourne Identity," "Harry Potter," and "Star Wars," and he is the visionary behind the epic "Legends of the Grim Reaper" saga as well as the podcast "Of Tears and Blood." Currently he spends his time dreaming up new worlds, counseling individuals on their expansion of consciousness, consulting with organizations, and speaking around the globe.
It’s the kind a book that you don’t just read, but contemplate, savor, experience, keep coming back to. Fantastic deep, clever, gorgeous. I couldn't stop reading, and I already know I will read it again. This is not a book but an experience. I loved all the feelings the verbal imagery were throwing me into.
Poetry with a twist — Nicholas Ryan Howard's verses are like mini-journeys with a satisfying plot twist that you won't see coming until the end of each piece. They're emotionally raw and intensely vulnerable, giving us insight into the poet's internal landscape and reflecting back to us parts of ourselves that we wouldn't otherwise have identified. I'm really enjoying reading this!
Nicholas Ryan Howard’s verse is the definition of mastery and skill. Mercenary at Midnight grants its readers an up close and personal look into his life’s journey through all of its love and pain, and he never shies away from vulnerability. His words are carefully crafted, yet still provide a relatable experience that will allow you to tap into your own heart’s journey.
I’ve loved everything I’ve read by NRH, this was no exception. An amazing human being with a beautiful soul, evident by the way he puts his words together. This is a must read!
Nicholas Ryan Howard’s collection is at times unconventional and often emotionally raw-edged, all while revealing a lithe earnestness. Taking turns being conversational and directional, the poems collect into a kind of novena, a recurring group of prayers venerating the author’s experience in the realms of love and lust, of creation and destruction, of heaven and hell on earth. His choice to weave the fantastical into the explicitly temporal gives the reader a chance to reflect on their own experiences and emotions following along with the wry spirit of the inherent storytelling. Mercenary at Midnight is at once a dark path in a deep forest and a cocktail on a streetside patio in a busy metropolis—and wherever you find it takes you—that is expressly where you are meant to be.