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Favorite Fantasy Series
Cinnamon Soul follows a private investigator and her elven assistant who take a case to find a missing princess and wind up tangled up with royal secrets, ominous knights, and magic. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The most basic premise of the story was inspired by Dungeons & Dragons campaigns I was in between 2018-2021, with the two main characters Cinna and Hokuren originating there. (Anyone who plays D&D might know which class Cinna was). However, beyond the tight bond between Hokuren and Cinna and the name of the ultimate villain, very little of the campaigns ended up in the book. What works in a D&D campaign doesn’t always work in a novel! The story came together over the course of multiple drafts as I had a beginning and ending in place first, then built the middle up to make the two meet.
I find the world you created in this novel brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from and how did it change as you were writing?
I like big melting-pot fantasy cities, so that’s where I started. Velles is this big city where everyone’s just trying to get by and they don’t care so much who you are or where you came from as much as what you’re doing now. One of the biggest inspirations for Velles is Ankh-Morpork of Terry Prachett’s Discworld novels, one of my all-time favorite fantasy series. Velles certainly grew as I was writing, with one or two of the neighborhoods only being brought into existence after a few drafts. It’s the sort of place that’s big and disparate enough that I can keep growing it out (to an extent) in future novels. It’s a lot of fun to create the various neighborhoods in the city. Another thing that changed as I was writing was the feeling of decline that lingers in the background of the novel. Magic is weakening while at the same time, monsters are practically eradicated, negating the need for adventurers. There’s this whole past world that no longer exists, and at the time this novel is set, everyone is still trying to figure out how to proceed going forward.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The most important are the themes of found family and friendship exemplified in the relationship between Cinna and Hokuren. They are very different people and react to it differently, but they are both lonely. Particularly with Cinna, I also wanted to explore the idea of it not mattering where you come from. One of her goals early in the book is to find her birth parents, who abandoned her when she was an infant. I won’t spoil it, but she does learn the truth of her parentage and has to grapple with how much it matters considering the life she now has with Hokuren, and does her heritage matter at all. Finally, one of my favorite themes, which is that the people with power are so frequently among the least deserving of it, and how those without power must navigate that sort of world.
When will book two be available? Can you give us an idea of where that book will take readers?
My plan is to make book two available in 2026. It’s in the middle of the first draft, and I don’t have a title yet. What I will say is that while Cinnamon Soul ends up with a heavier focus on Cinna and her past, the second book will flip to more of a focus on Hokuren. She will have to return to Fondence, the town she grew up in, and deal with the ramifications of her decision to leave as an eighteen-year-old to forge her own life in Velles, while leaving her widowed father behind. Expect more heartfelt scenes of introspection as well as plenty more playful banter between Cinna and Hokuren as Cinna goes to a small town for the first time in her life (hint: she’s not initially impressed).
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Her private investigation office’s rent is past due. Her sterling success rate applies mostly to finding lost cats. And she should really pay her overworked elven assistant, Cinna, with more than just slices of blueberry pie. So when the Prince asks Hokuren to find his daughter, she hopes this will be the break she needs.
But there is more to this case than a mere missing princess. Hokuren soon finds herself chasing after the monstrous villain behind an elf kidnapping scheme and tangling with magic said to no longer be possible (never trust the wizards). She’s determined to uncover every secret, no matter how heart-wrenching, until she solves the case—because she always solves the case. Yet as she and Cinna dig deeper into the conspiracy, Hokuren starts to suspect that the hunter has become the hunted. And the biggest secret of them all might be hiding within her unassuming assistant . . .
A lighthearted and fast-paced fantasy adventure full of action, mystery and sly humor, Cinnamon Soul is also the heart-warming exploration of an unbreakable bond of friendship forged between two women as they struggle against the forces of the elite and powerful.
Learning Something New
Thomas Edison and the Magi Solution follows Thomas Edison’s former assistant as he finds himself on a journey to investigate allegations that Hitler has made a deal with the devil. What was the inspiration that created the fantastic journey these characters go on?
The inspiration for ‘Magi Solution’ was a piece of history I’d never known before. In the spring of 1941, Deputy Fuhrer Rudolf Hess stole a plane from the Augsburg-Haunstetten airfield and took off on a wildly improbable mission to Scotland to broker a peace between Germany and the Allies. He failed, Churchill and Hitler both deemed him insane and he was confined to the Tower of London. But was he insane? What if he possessed a secret of Hitler’s that no one has dared to imagine? And what if Hess went on to vow that only three men were worthy of this dark knowledge: Edison (who’s been dead for years), Roosevelt, who’s alive but unavailable, and John Dawkins, Edison’s intrepid assistant. And with that, the plot’s afoot!
What research did you do to understand the backdrop for your story?
A lot. When you’re dealing with a period as iconic as WWII you want to make sure you’ve got the underlying details just right so your novel has a historical foundation that allows your high-flying fiction to soar. It was work. It was also fascinating and the parallels to today’s world were startling. As Harry Truman famously said, “The only thing new in the world is the history you don’t know.”
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Edison appears in the book as a reincarnated spirit: still feisty, determined and capable, but also diminished. As a modern-day Prospero he sadly observes, “I’m the ‘Wizard of Menlo Park. And I’ve lost my magic.” But he’s only lost his capacity to invent. He’s retained his ability to learn – and in the course of a series of hair-raising adventures, realizes that while the world is too big and too stupid to be saved, sometimes it can be helped immeasurably simply by saving one person. It’s Edison’s swan song and it’s an elegant one that’s worthy of his genius.
Can fans look forward to more historical fiction releases from you soon? What are you currently working on?
Possible. But not for now. My next project is a play and after that, who knows. I think I’ll leave Mr. Edison in retirement. He’s earned a rest. And so has John Dawkins. But John’s 10 year-old son, Josh? There’s a story brewing there. I can’t wait to see what might happen next.
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Safe Space
Eastlanders’ Fall is a tale of ancient evil rising again, powerful cults seeking domination, and unlikely heroes trying to stop the world from crumbling—literally. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I drew inspiration from the real world and used my fantasy setting as a safe space for an unbiased reflection on current issues.
I find the world you created in this novel brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from and how did it change as you were writing?
In the 90s, I served in the Brazilian military. When cartel violence spiraled out of control, Rio’s governor requested federal troops, and my unit was one of those deployed to assist.
For several months, in between missions, to avoid dwelling in the violence and bleakness, my mind took off. Fantasy books and role-playing games came to the rescue, and the continent of Ananthia was born.
To be in a place where evil and injustice could be fought and defeated—unlike in the real world—was like a drug, so I never left. All the mind space I could spare went into world-building, and seventeen years later, with no plan or ambition, I began laying it down.
The RPG campaign setting I wrote had such an elaborate backstory that I was entreated to tell it all. Eastlanders’ Fall began taking form, and a decade—and eight countries—later, A Drying World trilogy was completed.
Ananthia was so deeply developed in my head that it needed no change to accommodate the story – it was the story.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Bias, hubris, and blind ambition—and how to beat them.
Where does the story go in the next book, and where do you see it going in the future?
Eastlanders’ Fall is the first book of a trilogy. In book 2 (Two Storms), the children of the protagonists, born at the end of the book, take the lead, assisting their whistleblower uncle who’s on to Darvis Talsdrums second phase plans but struggles for decades to prove it. In book 3, the heroes take the fight to the lich.
In the future trilogy, I take the reader to Central Ananthia – the region where the desertification started, now under the sand. It will be told in two parallel timelines: the present, featuring the surviving protagonists, and the past, telling the story of how it all began.
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The land of Ananthia is dying. Its once-prosperous heart has turned to sand, swallowing Empires and burying faiths. But a darker shadow looms—Darvis Talsdrum, a warlock whose cunning strengthens his demon lord’s grip on the continent.
Talented as he is reckless, veteran wizard Milendil’s mistakes could seal the fate of Ananthia, when bitterness bids him to tip the scales for tragedy.
Air ranger Solostamir never asked to be a hero. Burdened by a family rift and torn between two powerful women—Keera, the elven noblewoman who shares his past, and Lilyanna, a prodigy human archer whose fire reignites his hope—he walks a razor’s edge between love and duty.
When war drives them apart, Lilyanna’s fate becomes entwined with Soraya’s, a battle-hardened warrior whose growing bond defies expectation.
As ancient magic stirs and loyalties splinter, these fractured heroes must unite what’s left of Ananthia before darkness consumes it all. But love is as dangerous as war—and not every heart will survive the fire.
Eastlanders’ Fall is a sweeping epic of sacrifice, redemption, and love tested at the brink of ruin—perfect for fans of high fantasy with heart, grit, and consequences.
Thomas Edison and the Magi Solution
If you ever wondered what would happen if Indiana Jones met Thomas Edison, crossed paths with Groucho Marx, and then all three went on a mission to save the world from Hitler—with a dash of sci-fi and the occult thrown in—you’re in for one wild ride. Thomas Edison and the Magi Solution is the final book in David Church’s “Edison Trilogy,” and it doesn’t hold back. It’s historical fiction dialed up to eleven, a kind of high-octane alt-history caper where real figures from history go head-to-head with evil in ways you absolutely never saw in your high school textbooks.
The writing is a mixed bag in the best way. Sometimes it’s poetic and rich with mood—like the eerie prologue with Rudolf Hess making his jaw-dropping escape, or the haunting scene where U.S. troops discover the horrors of Ohrdruf. It’s rare for pulp-style fiction to pause and really make you feel the gravity of history, but Church pulls it off. Then, right after, he swerves into pure madcap adventure with moments like John Dawkins and his wife Sophie fighting off Nazi agents in their farmhouse, or a midair showdown involving fuel tanks as weapons. The whiplash is real, but I didn’t mind. It felt like switching channels between a war drama and a Saturday matinee. Somehow it works.
The book’s full of big personalities and colorful dialogue, but it’s the quieter moments that stayed with me. Like when Edison’s old radio interview plays in the background and Josh, the young protagonist, listens in awe. And that’s the weird magic of this book—it throws so much at you, but every now and then, it hits something honest and true.
The dialogue can be a little over-the-top, and the action can sometimes teeter into full-on absurdity. But I’ll be honest: I didn’t care. I was in it for the fun, and it delivers. This is the kind of book that knows exactly what it is—wildly ambitious, borderline ridiculous, but full of heart. There’s a real affection for history under all the chaos. Churchill isn’t a prop—he’s got gravitas. Same goes for Roosevelt and even the fictionalized Edison, who somehow manages to be both a wizard and an inventor without ever feeling like a caricature.
Thomas Edison and the Magi Solution is for readers who love genre-blending, who don’t mind their fiction a little messy if it means it’s got momentum and flair. If you like your history with a side of “what if,” and you don’t mind Thomas Edison being treated like a Marvel hero with a lab coat, then you’ll enjoy this book. It’s for the dreamers, the sci-fi nerds, the WWII buffs, and anyone who loves a bold swing.
Pages: 275 | ASIN : B0DPRDZL4G
Devil’s Spit: Prequel to The Ironborn Saga
Devil’s Spit is a gritty, booze-soaked detective noir tucked inside a fantasy world teeming with corruption, gang violence, and moral rot. The story follows Inspector Jack Greaves, a rum-drenched city guard with a haunted past, as he investigates a brutal murder scene that turns out to be more than just another night in Ironbay. With a rookie constable at his side and enemies lurking around every corner, Greaves dives headfirst into a tangled mess of bodies, secrets, and vendettas that refuse to stay buried.
This book had me hooked from the first swig of devil’s spit. The writing is razor-sharp, fast-paced, and just oozes atmosphere. That opening scene? Chef’s kiss. Greaves gambling away his last coin while downing the nastiest rum in Ironbay, sitting across from Malrick “the Spider,” oozes tension and worldbuilding without ever slowing down. The rum hierarchy alone—ranging from royal honeysap to the gut-rotting devil’s spit—says more about the city’s soul than any info dump ever could. Cavanagh’s prose is tight, punchy, and unpretentious. You feel the, the weight of Greaves’ regrets, and the heavy buzz of danger around every alley corner.
What really made the story sing for me, though, was Greaves himself. He’s the perfect mess of jaded, broken, and quietly noble. I loved how he lies through his teeth, drinks like it’ll stop the ghosts in his head, but still throws himself into danger to protect a girl he doesn’t even know. That whole bit with Boulder—the sweet, gentle giant pretending to be an “angry dog” to scare off thugs was surprisingly wholesome in a book full of body parts and gangsters. Also, Greaves biting off a dude’s thumb and spitting it out mid-fight was horrifyingly satisfying. There’s violence, yeah, but it never feels gratuitous. Every drop of blood feels like it means something.
Devil’s Spit is a wild and bloody ride through a city where justice is hanging on by a thread and everyone’s got a knife hidden somewhere. If you’re into detective stories with a fantasy twist, flawed but fascinating characters, and a whole lot of creative cussing, you’re gonna love this. Fans of The Lies of Locke Lamora, grimdark fantasy, or even just gritty noir with heart—this one’s got your name written all over it.
Beyond Blood Ties
The Shadow and the Scream follows a woman struggling with trauma who encounters a distressed teen girl, and she is drawn into a supernatural mystery to find a killer. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I have a really good friend who has been diagnosed with complex PTSD as a result of long-term chronic relational family trauma. I remember having a lot of conversations with her over the years about how she struggles to find books that represent the ongoing, long-term recovery of trauma survivors. I’m also really interested in the idea of female rage, and how this manifests, especially in female survivors of trauma. I’ve also always been fascinated by the concept of monsters, what makes something a ‘monster’, and what being a ‘monster’ means. I decided I wanted to combine all these ideas to create a world where monsters were drawn to human rage and pain, providing a way for my characters to explore their feelings and learn to accept them as part of themselves. In the story, and in the series as a whole, the creatures called ‘monsters’ are often not the ones perpetrating real harm. I liked the idea of the monstrous deeds not actually being carried out by the creatures labelled as ‘monsters’, but by ordinary human beings working within the confines of a society that allowed them to behave monstrously.
I find the world you created in this novel brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from and how did it change as you were writing?
I’ll admit, I struggle to stick to a story plan! A lot of the worldbuilding for Wilderness, the world Annie and Sheb travel to, emerged organically as I was writing. I had some idea about the Dread King and who he was, but the power of the Wood, and its magic, was something that evolved over the course of the first two drafts. I am a huge advocate for ecological sustainability and respecting our living planet, so a lot of my books tend to have a nod toward that, including through using settings like the Wood as characters in their own right.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
A key one for me was the importance of found family, and building a positive, protective community for yourself. I have an extremely supportive family, whom I love dearly, but not everyone does, and I wanted to provide room in my stories for the idea of family to go beyond blood ties and genetic relations and move more toward communities of people who care for and look out for each other. Trauma recovery was also another big one for me, including the fact that it takes time, and there are often setbacks. I also really wanted to explore the idea of how we can harness our emotions to better understand ourselves. That’s the whole point in the relationship that grows between Annie and her monster, Wriggler. She believes her rage makes her wicked and evil. What Wriggler shows her is that emotions are neither good nor bad and, if we learn to harness them properly, even anger can be a force for positive change.
What will your next novel be about, and what will the whole series encompass?
I’ve actually already published book 2 of The Nowhere Chronicles! It’s called ‘Flight of the Bone Crow’ and, in it, Annie and her friends venture into Sheb’s world, where he must contend with his past. Like ‘The Shadow and the Scream’, there is a monstrous mystery to solve, a whole new world to explore, a natural setting that has its own personality, and plenty of new characters to get to know! You can grab the book from my website, or from most of the large, popular online bookstores. I’ve just finished the developmental edits for book 3, which is called ‘A Fearsome, Lonely Heart’, and, in this one, Annie will have to confront someone important from her own past. It’s due to be released later this year!
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***Feathered Quill Bronze Award 2025***In a world of hidden monsters, she must catch a killer – without becoming one herself.
Annie has spent five years hiding in the parallel universe of Nowhere, wrestling with a terrible, uncontrollable power. But her fragile peace shatters when a distressed teenage girl emerges through a mysterious portal, claiming to have witnessed a monstrous murder. Reluctantly, Annie is drawn into a supernatural mystery that will test her resolve and challenge her very nature.
As she delves deeper into this twisted tale, Annie uncovers unsettling secrets and faces off against a monstrous force she barely understands. With each step, she battles not only external threats but also her own inner demons.
Can she solve the mystery and catch the killer without becoming as monstrous as the beast she hunts?
This coming-of-age fantasy novel blends suspense, complex characters, and immersive worldbuilding with themes of love, forgiveness, and family. If you enjoy the eerie atmosphere of Stranger Things combined with the heart of How to Train Your Dragon, you’ll love this adventure that explores trauma and self-acceptance.
Don’t miss out on the dark fantasy sensation that’s mesmerizing readers. Grab your copy of The Shadow and the Scream now and lose yourself in a world where shadows whisper and screams echo with untold secrets!
The Blood Queen: A ‘Bhanrigh Full
The Blood Queen: A ‘Bhanrigh Fuil by David H. Millar is a thrilling blend of historical fantasy and Celtic mythology, steeped in rich lore and compelling characters. Set against the turbulent backdrop of ancient Scotland, the story dives into themes of power, betrayal, and survival. The narrative follows Gràinne Ni Fearghal, haunted by a prophecy tying her to dark forces, as she navigates treacherous alliances, familial conflicts, and the sinister resurgence of an ancient evil. Millar’s world-building is meticulous, creating a vivid and gritty landscape where legends and nightmares collide.
The writing is immersive, though it occasionally indulges in detail. The opening chapter, for instance, is both gripping and unsettling. It paints a vivid picture of sacrificial rituals, setting a tone of dread and suspense. While this effectively captures the stakes and atmosphere, it might be too graphic for some readers. Yet, these moments anchor the narrative’s darker themes, showcasing Millar’s ability to evoke powerful emotions. The scenes involving Gràinne’s visions are particularly striking, blending psychological tension with mystical intrigue. However, at times, the descriptive prose slows the pacing.
The characters are well-crafted, particularly Gràinne and her daughter Brianag. Gràinne’s struggles with her past and her determination to protect her family make her a compelling protagonist. Her complex relationship with her estranged lover, Brion, and the fraught dynamics with her impulsive daughter, Brianag, add emotional depth to the story. Brianag’s fiery personality and warrior’s spirit shine in her confrontations, especially the tense duel with her half-brother, Cassán. These interactions are a testament to Millar’s skill in creating multi-dimensional characters.
Thematically, the book excels in exploring the cyclical nature of power and its corrupting influence. The Na Daoine Tùrsach’s dark rituals and their ties to ancient evils reflect humanity’s capacity for both creation and destruction. The contrast between Gràinne’s maternal instincts and her warrior’s resolve underscores the tension between personal desires and larger responsibilities. These ideas are woven seamlessly into the plot, though I felt that the frequent shifts in perspective can occasionally disrupt the flow. I enjoyed the inclusion of Gaelic terms and historical details which enriched the story.
The Blood Queen: A ‘Bhanrigh Fuil is a dark and captivating tale that blends historical authenticity with mythological elements. Its vivid imagery and complex characters make it a rewarding read for fans of Celtic lore and gritty fantasy. Readers who appreciate richly detailed worlds and morally ambiguous narratives will find much to enjoy.
Pages: 359 | ASIN : B0BV1J3ZBW
Creating My Own Fantasy World
In Sorcery & Sin in the Second World: A Tale of Two, a couple who enter a mysterious portal are ripped apart, one imprisoned and one forced to marry an evil sorcerer, must face perilous quests in order to reunite. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
Some of the idea came from reading classical novels by Edgar Rice Burroughs like the Princess of Mars and Tarzan series, but also from all of the sword and sandal movies in the 1980s like Conan the Barbarian and Red Sonja just to name a few. I’ve always wanted to create my own sword and fantasy world.
Do you have a favorite character in this novel? One that was especially enjoyable to write?
It’s hard to pick a favorite character because there are aspects of each one that I like such as Rena’s resilience, Kana’s toughness, or Pal’s ability to deal with all of the B. S. whether it be in the first or second world. My favorite character to write is probably Garneth because although he’s wise like Yoda or Gandalf, he’s also a grumpy old man with a potty mouth and flaws. It makes it more fun to me that he’s not pefect.
What was your hardest scene to write?
The sex scenes can be difficult because I want to entice the reader with a bit of eroticism but at the same time convey the characters’ thoughts and emotions during them to give it some heart.
Can we look forward to a third installment in this series soon? Where will it take readers?
I’m aiming to have the third installment done by the end of this year/beginning of next. I’m thinking of Rena and Pal having more time together rather than apart but also show Rena and Kana dealing with each other because of their closeness to Pal.
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Tossed into a magical prison tower after reuniting briefly with his wife Rena, Pal must figure a way out to be with her once again. In prison he meets Kana, a neighbor from back home now living in the second world for twenty-three years, not quite a day in the first world. With her help he’s determined to break out, learn about his sorcerer powers, and find Rena once again.
While her husband Pal is locked away, Rena contends with being forced into a marriage with the duplicitous Sorcerer King Sego and battling multiple sorcerer enemies. All the while, Rena keeps a secret that could change the course of not only her life, but Pal’s too.
Rena and Pal discover what they are made of, but is it enough in this second world of sorcery, sex, love, and adventure?
Unravel the mysteries of the Second Word, where a moment is a lifetime, and every lifetime is a tale of magic.
Join Rena and Pal as they navigate a land brimming with magic, ancient enmities, and timeless love. Get your copy of Sorcery & Sin in the Second World: A Tale of Two today and unravel the magic, mysteries, and monumental adventures waiting on the other side of reality.
LITERARY TITAN 