Blog Archives
Stealing Glass
Stealing Glass, by Liv Strom, is the enchanting introduction to the Tales of Bones and Roses series, weaving elements of magic, royalty, and survival into a richly textured narrative. The story opens with Vanya, a character determined to secure freedom for herself and her sisters from the clutches of Kirill. Their plan relies on executing one final heist, leading them into a maze of ever more complex schemes.
The narrative is imbued with a spiritual and mystical aura, particularly highlighted by Strom’s vivid settings—like the haunting image of trees adorned with bones, a tribute to the departed, which, rather than macabre, is portrayed as a serene and sacrosanct space. This backdrop serves as a poignant reflection on themes of loss and remembrance, resonating deeply with readers. Vanya’s internal conflict about communicating with her deceased mother adds a personal layer to her quest, enhancing reader empathy and engagement.
Strom skillfully balances the elements of action, desire, and the fantastical, making Stealing Glass a captivating journey. This novel will particularly appeal to enthusiasts of fantasy and romance, offering a fresh and spirited take on the genre that is currently capturing the imaginations of many.
Pages: 401 | ASIN : B0CHVYH5Q2
Modern Naval Warfare Novel
Against All Enemies follows a Naval Commander whose crew is cut off from leadership after a devastating attack on the US. What inspired the setup of your story?
I wrote the first draft between Feb. and Nov. of 2016. Tensions were fairly high with China, again. I worked at the Navy lab where the Prologue is set and often lunched at the cafeteria that features. One day in late 2015, I wondered what it would look like if a cruise missile attack streamed in from the sea. That gave me the opening. A few months later, I listened to the various debates and positions taken by presidential candidates across the spectrum. I took what I felt were the least well-considered positions vis a vis our relationships with China, Russia, and NATO, and combined them all into my president. He was not patterned after any one candidate. I’d always wanted to write a modern naval warfare novel, and the rest of the characters were born as amalgamations of officers and enlisted I served with through my 32-year career. Though I must admit, my Seventh Fleet commander, Vice Admiral Simpson, was influenced by David Weber’s Honor Harrington character! The Russia-NATO war came as a natural consequence of a break with NATO. I am not prescient by any stretch of the imagination, but I did have to make some changes and edits over the next five years. It also required a full year and a half to get the manuscript through the Navy Operational Security review process.
Newly appointed Commander Bill Wilkins is a fascinating character who is thrown into a complex situation. What scene was the most interesting to write for that character?
There were several, but the scene that sprung fully developed without any conscious thought was when he is reporting in with Rear Admiral Gupta at the end, just before Bill and Nicholas are ordered home. The possibility that Bill would reject an augment to his crew after suffering such losses definitely didn’t come from me! Bill had his own ideas by this point, and he made it clear he didn’t need any help. The real-life USS Franklin analogy is much more nuanced than portrayed here, but Bill was clear about why he wanted his crew to take Nicholas home themselves. The second most interesting, and difficult, scene to write with him was the one (SPOILER!) in which his Navigator dies. I didn’t want her to die, but the story needed it, and it led to the theme, which hadn’t yet revealed itself to me: risk and the need to embrace it.
I felt that the action scenes were expertly crafted. I find that this is an area that can be overdone in novels. How did you approach this subject to make sure it flowed evenly?
I have a wonderful editor, Laura Taylor, who runs a Read and Critique workshop at the Southern California Writers Conference. She’d seen several of the action sequences and encouraged me to keep writing them short and to the point. She doesn’t believe in overdone action scenes, either! I avoided them because I’ve experienced combat at sea myself and want to be true to the way it plays out. Especially today with supersonic missiles, but even as far back as World War II (particularly during the Guadalcanal campaign), sea combat moves quickly. If I were to have characters over-reacting, or inject unnecessary drama, I’m no longer being authentic. Authenticity is very important to me. I want Navy veterans to read this and say, “Yep, that’s how it was.” People do their jobs amidst chaos. There’s no time to let anything else in, even if the ship is taking hits. That was true 249 years ago and has proven true again as recently as last month in the Red Sea.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
I’ve been asked that quite a bit. When I finished this book, I didn’t have any plans for these characters, and I will definitely never try writing a story too close related to real-world events again! That said, I’ve played with some possible future scenarios, perhaps where Bill is now a Destroyer Squadron commander. Iran and Korea are obvious possibilities for adversaries, but again, I am leery of writing anything that might be overcome by events by the time it comes to print. I think China is done for this generation, based on where I’ve left it, and I don’t want to stretch the bounds of reasonable to create another conflict with them just to get the characters back into another book. I’m working on a trilogy set during the American Revolution right now, and a World War II novel loosely based on my father’s and two of my uncles’ service. But I’m not ruling out Bill’s eventual return. I wish Barrister were alive, as I think she’d be an interesting character for a future story, but alas, it’s not to be.
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When the People’s Republic of China unleashes a devastating attack on the United States, newly appointed Navy Commander Bill Wilkins and his crew are suddenly alone, deep in the enemy’s backyard, and unable to communicate with naval or national leadership.
At home in Washington, the president is detached from reality. Survivors of his cabinet contend with military leadership for control, some to save the nation they serve, others in pursuit of personal power.As America becomes alienated from her allies, Russia begins a campaign that creates heightened fears of nuclear annihilation.
Bill must navigate a political minefield to find friends among China’s neighbors while undertaking a role that demands he take unimaginable risks and wrestle with the question, What losses are acceptable in order to win?
The Conscience of the C.O.D.
James Terminiello’s The Conscience of the C.O.D. embarks on a frantic adventure aboard the luxury cruise ship Climax of Dreams. Here, the PR director, Trip Torrent, is thrust into a day that spirals increasingly out of control. Initially faced with the news that his vessel will shelter 4,000 refugees, his challenges escalate when the ship is overtaken by O’Higgins and his crew during a high-profile fundraiser, sparking a chain of chaotic events.
Torrent’s ordeal is amplified by an approaching hurricane, a kidnapped tech entrepreneur, and a malfunctioning automated ship, among other crises. Amidst the turmoil, he interacts with a vibrant ensemble of characters—ranging from semi-nude female commandos to a dubious repairman and a charismatic robotic bartender—each rendered with a mix of sharp wit and vivid detail. Terminiello skillfully blends suspense, action, romance, and comedy to navigate the disasters befalling the C.O.D.
The protagonist, Trip Torrent, is portrayed as a grumpy yet endearing figure whose resilience garners reader support, while O’Higgins emerges as a complex antagonist who elicits unexpected empathy. The novel’s humor shines as one of its core strengths, weaving through the bizarre and intricate circumstances that conspire to complicate Torrent’s day. Terminiello’s satire is particularly effective, offering a clever critique wrapped in humor that might not suit all tastes but stands out for its incisiveness. Action sequences in the book are vivid and engaging, with Terminiello’s detailed prose ensuring that readers remain riveted. The strategic intricacies of a naval maneuver and the ethical quandaries faced by the characters are portrayed with a compelling clarity that effectively balances the narrative’s humorous and tense moments.
The Conscience of the C.O.D. offers an absorbing mix of laughter and adrenaline, making it a delightful pick for readers who enjoy a dynamic blend of humor and suspense. While Terminiello’s distinctive comedic style may vary in appeal, his sharp wit and engaging storytelling craft a thoroughly enjoyable reading experience.
Pages: 180 | ASIN : B0CZZCJPRP
Mercy on Your Soul
Mercy on Your Soul, by H. M. Mills, follows Mercy, a character who is part demon and part angel, allowing her to navigate both hell and heaven. Lucifer desires to make Mercy his queen to exploit her ability to access heaven and overthrow God. However, Mercy is in love with someone else and refuses Lucifer’s proposition. In response, he and his demons pursue her, while archangels, intent on thwarting Lucifer, seek to eliminate her. Aware of the peril she faces, Mercy goes on the run with her beloved and friends, some of whom are human, seeking assistance to ensure her survival and freedom.
The novel falls within the supernatural genre, featuring characters like demons, Satan, and angels. It is set in France, the United Kingdom, and various realms beyond Earth. The narrative highlights the rewards of taking a challenging path. Mercy had the option to mate-bond with Talus, eliminating her demonic side and rendering her useless to Lucifer, but she chose to fight and preserve herself until she was ready. When she eventually bonds with Talus, it is wholehearted and without regret.
A major strength of the book lies in its dual narrative perspectives, using both third and first person. Mercy narrates her story, offering readers valuable insight into her character. The third-person viewpoint allows the author to cover events outside Mercy’s realm, providing a broader overview of the story. The ending, which leaves readers wondering about the future of Mercy and Talus’s relationship, is also compelling. The introduction of numerous characters throughout the book adds depth, occasionally encouraging readers to revisit certain sections to fully appreciate their roles.
Mercy on Your Soul, by H. M. Mills, provides an engaging narrative filled with supernatural elements, compelling character perspectives, and a storyline that emphasizes the rewards of choosing a challenging path. With its unique mix of viewpoints and intriguing ending, the novel captivates readers while encouraging them to dive deeper into its richly woven tale.
Pages: 400 | ASIN : B08XWPWJ2F
The Reentrant
The Reentrant, by Terrence Hart, is an engaging sci-fi novel that delves into futuristic themes such as biological evolution, the origin of life, and the future of technology and space travel. The novel’s central character, Aurelia, undergoes a transformative journey starting on contemporary Earth. She becomes the first to test Reentrancy technology, which allows her consciousness to be uploaded to the digital realm. This groundbreaking event enables her to transcend biological death. After a lengthy period of stasis, Aurelia awakens in a distant future as a digital entity, capable of transferring her consciousness into bio-shells, specialized biological organisms designed for foreign planets. The novel follows her as she navigates this new future, where time is perceived differently and interstellar travel is possible thanks to Reentrancy technology.
The novel is exceptionally well-written, with compelling characters and convincing premises. Hart effectively grounds the reader in Aurelia’s familiar world before launching her into a vast journey through the cosmos. The descriptions of space travel and the technology that enables it are detailed and immersive, creating a richly imagined future. The plot is strong and captivating, filled with vivid imagery of a galaxy brimming with life, new technology, and the potential for indefinite survival in digital form. The characters are engaging, particularly Aurelia, whose survival journey is easy to root for. Her bond with her new space companion, Nimishi, adds depth to the story as he helps her adjust to her new life among the stars. The book offers an enjoyable and intriguing read, with Hart’s writing style effectively addressing relevant themes.
The Reentrant, by Terrence Hart, stands out as a compelling exploration of futuristic themes, blending intriguing characters, imaginative technology, and a captivating plot. Terrance Hart’s storytelling weaves an immersive journey through time and space, leaving readers with much to ponder about humanity’s future.
Pages: 330 | ASIN : B0CW1GM2K5
Fictional, Poetic Justice
Torrent Tragedy follows a prodigious teenager whose involvement in e-book piracy leads to a chilling curse as he seeks to uncover the truth behind a mysterious author and navigate supernatural consequences. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My inspiration for writing Torrent Tragedy was being a victim of piracy, not just once. Back in the late 80’s, I had a cosmetics company named, Colecciones de Raquel. In search of investors, I had written a business plan. In that plan were photos of me as a model. One person somehow took my plan and put it into action without me. Except, they named their line Raquelle. Unfortunately for them, they also used one of my photos.
In 2016, I learned that all of my books had been pirated and placed on different sites around the internet. Needless to say, I was furious. After reporting them and taking their pages down, I started writing Torrent Tragedy. When you want to punish someone and you’re not a violent person, it’s much better to have a supernatural entity do your dirty work. That’s when I created Alexa and her Bloody Urn Curse. Yes, this story is bloody; and that’s what I wanted to do: send these pirates to bloody hell.
How did you approach writing the character of Serge Michaels to reflect both his youthful missteps and his growth throughout the story?
How did Serge become a monstrous cyber pirate? I had to paint a picture of his walk onto the dark side. When you see a child abusing an animal, that is significant. This child has lost its innocence. Thus, the description about his abuse of animals. Whether it’s nature or nurture, it is there; the bad seed. He was talented and intelligent, but lazy. Just like any bad seed, Serge continued on his path toward criminality. Like any clever criminal, he morphs into a new identity: Frederick Woodley. Now I had a profile of the villain in Torrent Tragedy. People around Freddie (Serge) suffered because he had Anti Social Personality Disorder. Now, it was time for Freddie to suffer.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
When I added the vampire character to the story, I started to think, why not create a good vampire? A vampire is someone who is forced to commit crimes in order to survive. Then of course, there’s the obstacle of “the blood thing.” That lead me to create the Nocturnals, vampires who no longer drink blood. This is the contrast of someone who is forced to do bad things to survive versus someone who chooses to do so.
The theme of Torrent Tragedy is the never-ending battle between good and evil in this 21st century. Some people are under the mistaken impression that if a crime does not involve violence, it is not a crime. Stealing is a crime no matter the means.
I am a strong believer in karma. In my work as a paralegal, I learned just how hard it is to get justice in this world. My stories are about people who do get justice, even if it is only fictional, poetic justice. I find it very satisfying to create an entertaining tale that amuses and revives a touch of hope into someone’s mind.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
Torrent Tragedy was the first in the Nocturnals series. Bloody Urn is the second installment. New characters enter the story in this sequel: A group of people who work at The Underground Telegraph, a news magazine that delves into the supernatural. Then there’s Lieutenant Loya who is investigating the strange “vampire murders” in Los Angeles. Benedictus, the founder of Nocturnals also enters the picture. Then, Freddie Woodley re- emerges (Serge Michaels).
The third sequel is Nocturnals. In this installment, wealthy individuals are being murdered by vampires then disappearing from the morgue. Some of these victims are later captured on surveillance cameras leaving the country – alive and well. There is a war brewing among the vampires: Bloodsuckers v. Herbivores. (Dark Dynasty v. Nocturnals). The spree of sensational and ghastly vampire murders ontinue, as the Lieutenant and members of the Underground Telegraph try to solve them.
I am now working on the final sequel, Moon Garden. In this final chapter of the series, much will be resolved. Such as:
a. Is Alexa the reincarnated soul of Calista?
b. When will Benedictus tell Alexa that he is a Nocturnal Vampire?
c. Can you incarcerate a blood sucking vampire?
d. Will the Nocturnals make it to Primavera Island in time?
Moon Garden will be available sometime before summer. That is, prior to the end of spring or “primavera.”
Author Links: Goodreads | Facebook | Instagram | Website
Focus on Humanity
Of Friction follows a brother and sister team who are on a mission to protect a pivotal summit between the Altered and Humans from human-supremacist terrorists. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
This story and idea has been playing in my head for fifteen years and when I finally attempted to write it down, it was more angst than an actual plot. Worse, most of the story is in the second book of the planned trilogy, which meant I had to figure everything out before then. I turned to different world events and international affairs that I’ve been interested in. History repeats itself or something like it, right? Overall, I’m influenced by A24 films and Denis Villeneuve (the story was initially written as a screenplay) and I wanted to emphasize character while balancing the world-building and plot.
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 always knew I wanted to focus on humanity and I prefer “realistic” science fiction (less aliens, more technology and science). The Altered, genetically engineered humans who are stronger and more resilient in a post-climate change/war-destroyed earth, were a credible “enemy.”
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Growing up as a first-generation American, I struggled with a lot of identity crises. When you add on a difficult transition from a year-long assignment in Iraq (two years in Mexico before that) where my job became most of who I was, identity is questioned. A lot. Of Friction helps touch on this as well as the theme of perspective. I am grateful my experiences exposed me to different cultures and stories, and one thing I noticed is that no one believes they are the bad guy.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out and what can your fans expect in the next story?
Yes, this is the first book of a trilogy. I am currently editing Book 2 and plan on releasing it in early 2025. The next book picks up immediately after Book 1, but will stretch over a longer period. It delves into the relationships explored in Of Friction, throws the team into more tense situations as Altered and humans are “forced” to coexist, and touches on themes of anger, fear, PTSD, and how war affects different people/sides.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
Winner, 2024 Pencraft Seasonal Book Award
Decades of hostilities. A chance for peace. Caught between belligerent groups, will this operation be her last?
Sam “Valkyrie” Ryan is reeling. Struggling with her brother’s recent decision to make their next assignment his last, the recon specialist fights to change his mind. But she has no time to process her emotions when they’re tasked to protect a pivotal reconciliation summit between the Altered and Humans from human-supremacist terrorists.
Distracted by a charming female medic, the golden-haired marine struggles to stay focused as events quickly unravel. And with the conflict becoming dangerously unpredictable, secrets from the past catch Sam by surprise as she uncovers a plot to destroy all of humanity.
Can she stop a violent and oppressive history from spiraling into a catastrophic future?
Of Friction is the fast-paced first book in the Altered Earth dystopian military speculative fiction series. If you like strong women, tense action, and slow-burn LGBTQ+ romance, then you’ll love S.J. Lee’s gripping story.
Read Of Friction to launch a critical mission today!
Certain But Unpredictable
Thaddeus and the Master follows three Brother Apprentices who have arrived at the College of Sorcerers only to face new challenges and tribulations set upon them by both the senior students and the Faculty. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Back in the 70s, I used to drive to Chicago from Milwaukee for certain post-graduate studies I was attending in the Windy City. On those drives, I began to entertain the fantasy of what it would be like to attend a Sorcerer’s school – what sort of trouble would the students get into, what sort of pranks would they attempt, and what measures would the faculty – with centuries of this sort of behavioral experience under their belts – employ.
The concept gradually evolved over time to more of a full-fledged story and the details filled themselves in.
In a lot of contemporary coming-of-age fiction novels, authors often add their own life experiences to the story. Are there any bits of you in this story?
Yes, especially in several of the characters who I ‘borrowed’ from various high school friends. I found it easier to take a person I already knew about in a way and modify them to fit the story as opposed to inventing an entire personality on the spot. Just being lazy, I suppose.
In fantasy novels, it’s easy to get carried away by the magical powers of characters. How did you balance the use of supernatural powers?
In this series, our Sorcerers are limited by the fact that each and every time they use their powers – even in the learning process – their life spans are reduced by a random, variable, and unknowable amount. One could cause a teacup to appear on Monday and lose 13 minutes of life span. On Tuesday of the same week, the same act could cost a Sorcerer 2 years of life span. The fact that it is certain but unpredictable causes a great deal of parsimony in the use of Sorcery in this world.
Can you tell us more about what’s in store for Thaddeus and the direction of the third book?
In Thaddeus and the Daemon, the evil plot of the corrupted Master Sorcerer and his Daemon accomplice is at last uncovered. Our Hero then goes to confront the pair knowing that he, a first-year only student, is sadly out-classed in power in facing the twain. Grasping at straws he begins to entertain the counter-intuitive idea that if he surrenders all of his Sorcerous powers he will, somehow, achieve the advantage over his antagonists. The results of this desperate move are eye-opening.
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The three Brother Apprentices have arrived at the College of Sorcerers only to face new challenges and tribulations set upon them by both the senior students and the Faculty.
Hindering their advancement at College are a collection of obstacles including a half-mad Centaur, a Green Goblin, the last living Father of Man, drug-seeking Sprites, sentient warrior statues, the Guardian of the Temple of Time, murderous attacks by Excelsior-Class brigands, Graecolian Slavers, the uncloaked evil of a twisted Master Sorcerer and the Pale Horse of Death.
. Can Thaddeus truly trust the mysterious Prince from far-distant Mauretesia?
. Can Thaddeus and his three friends solve the riddle of what lies behind the mirrors?
. Can Rolland prove how the College’s cook can claim to have fathered the leader of Fountaindale’s Thieve’s Guild?
. Can the Daemon’s challenge to Thaddeus be answered by his brother Apprentices?
. Can the ancient Lay of Man unravel the fate of the Father of Man?
. Can the four friends alter the dread fate prophesied by the Pale Horse?
In Louis Sauvain’s epic fantasy Book One, Thaddeus of Beewicke, the tortuous and danger-laden journey to the Sorcerer’s school is at last completed. In Book Two, Thaddeus and the Master, the young Apprentices at the College of Sorcerers learn first-hand the life-threatening risks of spell-casting, hand-to-hand combat and confrontation with hostile upperclassmen, disdainful Faculty and the deadly presence of the school’s Daemon.
Sauvain’s strength prevails creating a page-turner of strong and vigorous cast of characters.
LITERARY TITAN 