Blog Archives
Old Paladins
Old Paladins, by R.L. Dean, is a gripping tale of redemption, vengeance, and forgiveness, centered on two unforgettable characters. Gerard Appleby, a retired soldier burdened by the scars of war, is thrust back into the fray when Sasha Martin arrives at his doorstep. Consumed by rage and intent on avenging her family’s murder, Sasha demands Gerard teach her the art of the sword, setting them both on a journey that intertwines faith, loss, and healing.
Dean excels at character development, crafting layered protagonists whose past traumas shape their every decision. Gerard’s weariness contrasts sharply with Sasha’s fiery determination, yet their shared pain creates a compelling dynamic that drives the narrative. The meticulous attention to detail in each scene draws readers into a vividly rendered world, making it easy to imagine the landscapes and trials the characters face as they pursue their quests for justice and closure. The pacing is masterful, balancing moments of intense, visceral action with reflective interludes that explore the deeper themes of duty and faith. These quieter moments resonate just as powerfully as the high-stakes battles, offering a nuanced portrayal of what it means to confront the demons of the past.
This story leaves a lasting impression. Rarely does a book inspire the urge to scour an author’s pages in search of a sequel—but Old Paladins did just that. Although no follow-up exists, the depth of the characters makes parting with them feel almost unbearable. The ending, steeped in ambiguity, invites readers to ponder what lies ahead, creating a sense of yearning for more without undermining the story’s closure. As an avid reader, it’s a rare pleasure to finish a novel and feel as though its characters remain vividly alive, refusing to fade from memory. This enduring connection speaks to Dean’s skill in imbuing them with authenticity and life.
A particularly moving touch is found in the acknowledgments, where the author ties Gerard and Sasha to The Cure’s “Pictures of You.” This personal detail adds emotional depth, striking a chord that lingers. Having recently revisited the song myself, the parallel between its themes and the novel’s exploration of anger, despair, and forgiveness felt profoundly serendipitous. R.L. Dean’s Old Paladins offers a thought-provoking narrative, richly developed characters, and beautifully immersive prose. It’s a story that lingers in the heart and mind long after the final page.
Pages: 370 | ASIN : B0DL4HKWBV
Ashes and Miracles
When armed strangers storm Priest Hamlet demanding the sacred Ashes of St. Arne, Alacrity’s sheltered life is thrown into chaos. Once content with the mundane task of tending a deserted toll bridge, she is now entrusted with a grand assignment: protecting the coveted ancient relic, the Ashes of St. Arne. As Alacrity embarks on her quest, her path converges with Marques D’Wyrmsbane, a desperate nobleman fleeing for his life. Together, they must evade relentless divine beings and mortal adversaries driven by greed, grudges, and hidden agendas. Teetering on the brink of death, they uncover the shocking truth about the Ashes of St. Arne, a secret poised to alter history forever.
Michael Grace expertly weaves suspense and intrigue in Ashes and Miracles, blending intricate plotlines, vivid action, and immersive world-building to deliver an exceptional fantasy tale. The story opens with a gripping hook, setting the stage for a complex and engaging narrative. This compelling start builds excitement and lays the groundwork for the intricate plot. As the story unfolds, suspenseful twists keep readers on edge, although these frequent developments can sometimes become overwhelming, occasionally overshadowing the central storyline and making it challenging to maintain a clear focus. The relationships and dynamics present a mixed bag. While some relationships are straightforward, others are more complex. For instance, the evolving bond between Alacrity and Marques keeps readers guessing whether their connection is a deep friendship or something more intimate. Similarly, his interactions with the divine being, Madeline, add another layer of complexity, leaving their dynamic open to interpretation. This ambiguity fuels intrigue and speculation, allowing readers to explore their interpretations of these relationships.
Grace successfully constructs a richly detailed fantasy setting that will captivate readers. He describes fight and action scenes with striking clarity and intensity, demonstrating impressive attention to detail. Each battle is exhilarating and immersive, adding significant depth and excitement to the narrative. Although the plot twists, especially those involving the antagonist, can be outrageous and exaggerated, they bring a unique and creative unpredictability to the story. Ashes and Miracles is a memorable read due to its richly imagined world and engaging plot.
Pages: 267 | ASIN : B0D77ZK147
A Bit Against The Grain
The Burglar is the fast-paced and captivating story of Springer, a man who awakens to find himself face-to-face with an intruder stumbling around his apartment. Where did the idea for your thrilling short story come from?
It must have come from a movie I saw back in 1986 that I can’t remember the name of. Although I do remember the year I saw it, strangely enough, I don’t remember the film’s name. So, somewhere out there, there is an old flick that is somewhat similar to The Burglar.
There is a saying, “There’s nothing new under the sun.” So, although the flick was not on my mind when I sat down to type, I think it must have been lurking somewhere in my subconscious when I put my fingers to my keyboard.
I don’t remember exactly, but I think that in the film, there were two intruders who broke into a man’s home while he and his wife were there. I also don’t remember whether there was any weed smoking involved, like in The Burglar, but I do recall the homeowner happily getting drunk with one of the intruders while, get this, the other one seduced, as opposed to assaulted, his wife in their bedroom.
I didn’t get the feeling that the “victim” would care if he found out. I remember him being so indifferent and drunk, that to the intruder he contentedly drank with he said, “You will tell my wife that I put up a good fight, won’t you?” Or something along those lines.
His wife was just as indifferent because not only wasn’t she assaulted, she welcomed the second burglar’s attention. Go figure, or try to figure out what kind of mindset that husband and wife had. For me, it was a mind-boggling film that definitely left an imprint on my mind.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
Everything about the human condition makes for great fiction, so it’s nice to read books that go a bit against the grain. You know, those that don’t read like a cliché.
Like I said earlier, there is a saying, “There’s nothing new under the sun,” so to find that one book or movie that stands out from the others because the creator tweaked what has become hackneyed, is always precious.
Was it important for you to deliver a moral to readers as you developed the characters of Springer and the burglar?
It wasn’t important to me at all. My aim was to write a story that was out of the ordinary, not to espouse any particular position or another.
Can readers expect to see more from you soon?
Yes, of course. I am always writing. I have an independent online bookstore business that I have to keep going. Bookstore is the operative word. I write and publish more than just short stories. For that matter, those who know more about me know that I started out writing and continue to write and publish epic dark fantasy novels also.
Author Links: Twitter | Pinterest | Facebook | Website | Amazon | PennFawnBooks
The Burglar is that with a twist. The culprit’s inexperience, jitters, and nerves are at the forefront of what pushes this daring tale forward, where his name and almost nothing about his identity is ever disclosed. An examination of his mindset is what brings this fast-paced action feature to its twisted end.
The Burglar is the opening tale from a series of other short-form writings the author plans to individually release. They will then be published as a compilation.
LITERARY TITAN 