From Chains to Fangs: Solomon Dark Sinks Its Teeth into Horror History
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Erick S. Gray’s New Novel Turns a Slave’s Tragedy into a Supernatural Odyssey—And He’s Eyeing the Screen Next
By the Editorial Staff of Intellectual Ink Magazine
Some stories demand more than just a page—they deserve a screen. That’s the dream for Erick S. Gray, longtime Intellectual Ink contributor and bestselling author, whose latest novel Solomon Dark is already making waves as the kind of story that could dominate both bookshelves and big screens.
Gray isn’t just writing another vampire book. He’s building a Black Gothic universe—and he’s already crafted a full pitch deck to bring this supernatural saga to life on film or TV.
“I always saw this story cinematically,” Gray says. “The pain, the power, the blood… Solomon isn’t just a character—he’s a force. I want audiences to feel that.”
The Blood-Stained Beginning
Set in 1845 South Carolina, Solomon Dark opens with heartbreak and oppression. The titular character, Solomon, is a slave on the Walken Plantation, fighting every day just to hold onto a sliver of humanity—especially through the love of his wife, Irene.
But when she’s sold off like property to settle the master’s debts, Solomon’s already fragile world crumbles. One cold night, he escapes in a desperate attempt to find her and secure their freedom.
And then… the horror begins.
In the woods, Solomon meets a stranger—an enigmatic Black man with an unnatural aura and ancient eyes. He promises freedom. He promises power. He even promises Irene. But the offer comes with a deadly bite. Literally.
Solomon awakens as something new. Something powerful. Something cursed.
A Monster Made in America
Gray boldly flips the vampire genre on its neck. Solomon Dark isn’t just about fangs and bloodlust—it’s about the weight of generational trauma, the rage of a man who’s lost everything, and the dangerous seduction of power when you’ve been powerless your entire life.
The novel follows Solomon’s transformation from an enslaved man to an immortal predator, torn between vengeance and the fading hope of love. As his powers grow, so does his hunger—not just for blood, but for justice.
Think Blade meets 12 Years a Slave, with the emotional tension of Lovecraft Country and the heartache of Interview with the Vampire—but Black-led, Black-rooted, and unapologetically bold.
Lights, Camera… Bite?
Gray’s vision for Solomon Dark doesn’t end with the book. With his detailed pitch deck, he’s laying the groundwork for a major screen adaptation. The deck features stunning mood boards, casting ideas, story arcs, and even teaser scenes that show just how visual and visceral this world is.
From moonlit chases through swamps to bloody showdowns with bounty hunters, Solomon Dark is the kind of narrative that demands a cinematic platform.
Gray’s goal? To usher in a new wave of Black Gothic storytelling that honors both the horrors of history and the power of speculative fiction.
Love in the Time of Bloodlust
At its heart, Solomon Dark is still a love story. Irene remains Solomon’s anchor—his hope, his humanity, and his weakness. Her memory fuels his rampage and his redemption. As he hunts those who’ve wronged him and others, he wrestles with whether he can still be the man Irene once knew—or if the vampire has swallowed him whole.
This emotional thread keeps the book grounded, even as the supernatural elements go full throttle. It’s not just a book about power—it’s a book about the price of power. And who you become when the world finally gives you the strength to fight back.
About the Author
About the Author
Erick S. Gray is a celebrated author of urban and speculative fiction with a growing legacy of gritty, emotional, and genre-pushing novels. A contributor to Intellectual Ink Magazine, he’s now carving out space in speculative Black fiction—and building the blueprint to bring those stories to Hollywood.
With Solomon Dark, Gray blends history and horror, pain and passion, love and monsters—and the result is nothing short of electric.
He’s no stranger to the screen either—Gray’s stories have already made the leap to streaming with Bid for Love (2022), No Better Love (2022) and One Lyfe to Life (2023). both currently available to watch on Tubi and other platforms. Now, with Solomon Dark, he’s ready to level up again—and we can’t wait to see where this bite takes him next.
Help Us Bring Solomon Dark to Life
We’re proud to champion Erick’s latest work and amplify his vision. Whether you’re a reader, a film buff, or someone who’s been waiting for the next great Black vampire story—this is it. Let’s get this in front of readers, producers, and fans who need to see it.
📚 Order the book.
🎬 Share the pitch deck.
📢 Spread the word.
