The Unseen Forces of Souls of the Forgotten – A Journey Between Life and Death
Life and death—two sides of the same coin, yet forever separated by an invisible veil that has long kept their domains apart. In Souls of the Forgotten, this veil begins to unravel, revealing a chilling truth: the dead may not be as far from the living as we once believed.
Souls of the Forgotten is a supernatural thriller that delves deep into the fragile balance between life and death. Dr. Evelyn Carter, a population scientist, stumbles upon an alarming statistical anomaly: for the first time in human history, the number of dead will soon surpass the number of living. As she investigates further, she uncovers a chilling reality—the boundary between the living and the dead is eroding. Spirits of the forgotten are returning to the world of the living, and it’s only a matter of time before the floodgates open wide.
I sat down with the author, Herman DeBoard, to discuss what inspired this gripping tale, how it explores the afterlife, and the deeper themes of balance and sacrifice.
Herman, what inspired you to write Souls of the Forgotten?
“Life and death have always fascinated me,” says DeBoard, “but this story emerged from my deep curiosity about the thin line between them. We rarely think about how fragile that boundary is—yet it’s something that governs every part of our lives. What happens if that line begins to blur? If the dead were to outnumber the living, would our world still make sense? The story grew from that question, and I wanted to explore what would happen if the dead started to walk among us.”
In Souls of the Forgotten, Evelyn Carter’s journey is one of discovery, fear, and ultimately, sacrifice. The dead aren’t merely spirits in the shadows; they are tangible, and their return brings with it a sense of dread that grips the living. DeBoard explores not only the supernatural elements of the story but also the psychological toll it takes on the characters.
One of the most powerful lines in the book is when Evelyn says:
“The dead may rest, but their shadows linger, waiting for the balance to shift.”
DeBoard reflects on the significance of this quote: “The dead never truly leave us. They shape our lives, influence our decisions, and linger in the spaces between moments. It’s this haunting presence—the one we often ignore—that I wanted to emphasize. The dead don’t disappear; they leave an imprint on the world.”
The book isn’t just about the supernatural. It’s about the relationships we have with one another, the fragile threads that hold us together, and the terrifying consequences when those threads are threatened.
Balancing Life and Death
At its core, Souls of the Forgotten is a meditation on the balance between life and death, and how even small disruptions to this balance can have catastrophic consequences. The ritual that Evelyn and her team must perform to restore order is no easy task, and DeBoard doesn’t shy away from the moral and emotional weight of the choices they must make.
“Balance is not something we can control,” says DeBoard. “It’s something we must constantly protect. Once the line between life and death is crossed, there is no turning back. This story is a reminder that life is fragile, and so is the world around us.”
Throughout the novel, the tension between the living and the dead grows, and with each page, readers are reminded of the sacrifices required to maintain that balance. Whether it’s the choices Evelyn must make or the ultimate cost of restoring order, the theme of sacrifice runs deep. As Evelyn contemplates the price of saving humanity, she reflects:
“To restore balance, we must first understand what we’re willing to lose.”
Why Souls of the Forgotten Resonates with Readers
What makes Souls of the Forgotten stand out in the crowded world of supernatural thrillers is the emotional depth that accompanies the chilling plot. The characters are not merely caught in a battle between the living and the dead—they are also confronting their own fears, regrets, and desires. DeBoard’s exploration of these deeper themes is what gives the novel its staying power.
“I wanted to create a story that was not just about action or suspense,” says DeBoard. “I wanted readers to feel the weight of what the characters are going through. They’re not just fighting for their lives—they’re fighting for their understanding of the world and their place in it.”
As the ritual to close the gate between life and death grows ever more imminent, Evelyn’s internal struggle mirrors the external one. She must decide not just what she’s willing to sacrifice for the living, but what she’s willing to sacrifice for the dead.
What’s Next for Herman DeBoard?
As DeBoard wraps up his discussion of Souls of the Forgotten, it’s clear that the themes of balance, sacrifice, and the fragility of life will continue to guide his work. “There’s always more to explore when it comes to the intersection of life and death,” DeBoard says with a thoughtful pause. “But for now, I’m excited for readers to take this journey with Evelyn and her team. They’re not just facing the dead; they’re facing the complexities of their own humanity.”
As the world of Souls of the Forgotten continues to haunt readers long after the final page, the question remains: What happens when the dead are no longer forgotten?
Join the Journey
If you’re intrigued by supernatural mysteries that explore deeper themes of life and death, Souls of the Forgotten is the book for you. To hear more from Herman DeBoard, book a speaking engagement, or schedule a book signing, visit HermanDeBoard.com. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience this gripping tale of suspense, sacrifice, and the unseen forces that govern our world.
“When the dead walk among us, the living must fight to close the gate—but some doors should never be opened.”
