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.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
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 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
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!
A Champion for Nature
Raccoons Go Rafting follows a group of mischievous and adventurous raccoons as they go on a rafting trip over the summer. What was the inspiration for your story?
This summer “tail” is based on my adventures as a NYS Whitewater Raft Guide on the Hudson River. The raccoons featured in Raccoons Go Rafting (RGR) are based on guide friends I formed amazing friendships with. Nugget was the nickname I was given on the water by Bandit, the rascally red-vested raccoon. In real life, Bandit was the one who taught me how to raft!
The art in this book is vibrant and entertaining, making readers wish they were right there on the river with the raccoons. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Anthony Richichi?
I have been very fortunate that the indie publisher, Saratoga Springs Publishing (SSP), has such talented illustrators available to her authors! While in the storyboarding process with SSP, we realized that RGR needed an illustrator with a passion for nature and animals as well as a sense of adventure. Anthony possesses all of those traits! During our collaborations, it was amazing to see my stick figure raccoons turn into the adorable furry adventurers featured on the pages of RGR.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
In my debut book, I wanted the Hudson River’s beauty and strength to shine. As a guide, I fell in love with the River and the animals that call it home, therefore I wanted to create an engaging and educational picture book that could grow with young readers. On the first read, this “tail” is very vibrant with short bursts of text but on your second, third, and later reads the different rapids and animals within the pages start to pop. The call of conservation as seen on the map’s signs “Take only memories” and “Leave only pawprints” is another aspect that I like to expand on during my author readings. It is very important that our youth begin to not only experience and fall in love with our vibrant Earth; our youth must also become active in conservation so that they can continue to be a champion for nature as they grow up.
What future adventures do readers have to look forward to with these mischievous raccoons, and when can they expect the next story?
This gang of raccoon friends isn’t done exploring yet! The Raccoons Go Rafting series will be expanding this summer with a trip down the Sacandaga River! This new adventure, Raccoons Ride the Dragonback, will be splashing onto shelves later this summer. Nugget and her friends still have many other river adventures ahead of them with the Moose River, Niagara Falls, and even rivers outside of Nugget’s home state, New York, on their TBR (standing for To Be Rafted) list! Follow our adventures on Facebook for the inside scoop!
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Amazon
The Old West
Blessed Are the Peacemakers follows an outlaw turned preacher who heads to a gold camp in Alaska to start a church. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
In 1972, our family moved to Alaska to do missionary work. One day in Church, I realized one of the Beatitudes, ‘Blessed are the peacemakers’, would be a great title for a Western. I wrote it down in my journal. Finally, last year in 2023, I sat down and started writing it.
What were the morals you were trying to capture while creating your characters?
In all the Western movies I’ve seen while growing up, the town preachers turned out to be either a Caspar Milquetoast or a bad guy. Someone who was timid and didn’t believe in deadly force to protect his family or the town, or someone who was out to take all they could get. The scriptures say a man who doesn’t provide for his own is worse than an infidel. That includes protection. Why can’t a preacher who is good with a gun be a good guy?
What intrigues you about this time period enough to write such a thrilling period piece?
I have always been interested in the history of the Old West and the Mountain Man era. I grew up in Fairbanks Alaska, an old gold rush town turned modern. I became interested in Fairbanks’s history.
What is the next book that you’re working on, and when can your fans expect it?
More exploits of Coy Tucker, in Blessed Are the Peacemakers. Hopefully out by the summer of 2004.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Amazon
Bob Duelin and his rag-tag gang of thieves and cut-throats have other plans, and Coy must walk through hell on earth.
Will the preacher outlive the haunting memories of his past? And more importantly, survive long enough to establish the church that God has called him to do?
From Out of the Loneliness: The Adventures of Dalton Laird
In From Out of the Loneliness by Russell Chace, readers are transported to early 1900s Alaska, a time and place dominated by the lucrative pursuits of gold mining and fur harvesting. The narrative introduces us to Dalton Laird, a former Deputy Sheriff whose relatively quiet life is disrupted by the arrival of the villainous Jon Batiste. Laird’s adventure begins in earnest when he rescues an old sourdough, a victim of both a bear attack and Batiste’s ruthlessness, hinting at the larger conflicts revolving around control of local resources.
Chace crafts a tale rich with action, adventure, and romance, set against the rugged backdrop of the Fairbanks region. His deep understanding of the historical and environmental context enriches the story, providing just the right amount of detail to captivate without overwhelming the reader. The vivid descriptions of the Alaskan wilderness and the intricacies of trapping and fur harvesting bring authenticity to the narrative, enhancing the immersive experience. The characters in Chace’s novel are particularly well-drawn, each adding a unique flavor to the story. From the menacing Jon Batiste to his unexpectedly complex daughter, the characters’ interactions and conflicts drive the plot forward compellingly. The antagonists evoke a genuine desire for their comeuppance, while the protagonists garner empathy and support from the reader, thanks to Chace’s skillful character development.
Russell Chace’s narrative style is clear and direct, making the book as accessible as a leisurely walk in the park. His adept use of language and narrative pacing ensures the reader’s journey through the tale is smooth and engaging. From Out of the Loneliness is not just a story about the Alaskan frontier; it explores human resilience and the complexities of love and power in a harsh landscape.
Pages: 257 | ASIN : B07SR8HHCP
THE DARK SIDE OF WRITING
Readers often enjoy happy-ending stories, but everyone craves stories with intrigue, nail-biting dilemmas, and unusual storylines. Since the beginning of time, humans have told (as well as listened to) the tales that weave unusual and unexpected ‘dark’ threads together. Sometimes these stories become a golden fabric by the end of the weaving.
As writers, wanting to explore the entire spectrum of emotion, for this story we wanted to check out the dark side of a storyline, even if it was just to peek at that edge of murky gloom. Writing about a subject that even scares us (!) was something we wanted to try in Tree Pose.
Tree Pose follows a couple on their dream vacation to Tasmania who end up in a nightmare of mystery, murders and ghosts from the past seeking revenge. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
One of our favorite short stories is The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving. It is hard to top a headless horseman, a shaky schoolmaster named Ichabod Crane, a night of relentless shadows, a discarded hat on the ground, and the remains of a shattered pumpkin.
As one of the components of Tree Pose, we created a short ghost story. And Tasmania gave us all the elements to build that ghost story. Several Australian states were used as a penal colony starting with the arrival of the first British fleet in 1788. Tasmania was an isolated island at the lower end of Australia reserved for prisoners deemed the worst, or even just recalcitrant at being ‘transported for life’.
The mixture of a naturally beautiful island with the brutality of the prison system led to the desperation and hopelessness felt by the men, women, and children convicts locked up in Tasmania. These images provided us with a ‘ghostly’ backdrop for this embedded story. It also helped to visit the remnants of the prison buildings which are spread throughout Tasmania. Many have what are called ‘nightly ghost walks’ and guides recounting the horrid tales of the past.
Ghosts became a theme within the entire story line. Elaina picks off a leaf from Ric’s clothes that is from an iconic Australian Ghost Gum tree. There is a joke between Ric and Elaina about ‘The Ghost of Christmas Past’ and the movie Ghostbusters. The ghosts from Ric’s past have haunted him throughout the first three books.
Ric and Elaina, our protagonists, move between the joy and elation of their budding romance to dealing with a past that haunts them both. This includes dark secrets Ric cannot reveal. While Ric and Elaina share the beauty of coming together there is a darkness—from hitmen to multiple warnings, to ghost stories. These are wrapped up and delivered within the storyline.
And that is why the dedication in the eBook and Audiobook is in part: To All Ghosts – Past, Present, and Future. There is nothing like ghosts to help explore the darkness … and light within a story.
How did you come up with the idea for the antagonist in this story, and how did it change as you wrote?
There are four main antagonists in Tree Pose. Two remain a threat throughout the story, two turn out to be different than expected. We wanted to use these changing patterns contrasted against a combination of people caught in the throes of life altering events.
The events of the story help create the varying feelings of regret, hatred, seeking revenge and settling a score among the different antagonists.
Both authors have had varied backgrounds including working and living in various parts of the world. This includes military service, law enforcement, restoring a presidential yacht, cleaning up hazardous waste sites and working in Middle Eastern oil production areas with live minefields … just to name a few. With that background we have seen a variety of antagonists of varying degrees, as well as done significant research in various psychological realms. Further we drew on personal experience for the some of the emotions of the antagonists in Tree Pose.
But like all humans, changes do occur over time. The raw motive of revenge, the elements of pity, self-doubt and remorse, and finally redemption, which can turn a character from a vengeful monster into a caring human. But not all characters make this transition. Their storyline thus becomes a tragedy.
Was there a reason why you chose this location as the backdrop for your story?
The Australian island-state of Tasmania is well known as a tourist destination, a ‘go-to place’ for throngs of visitors from Australia and from all over the world. It is a stunning part of the world and like no other. While living in Australia, we became fascinated with the state and more so with its dark beginnings and history.
At one point, Tasmania was inhabited by First Nations Australians during the time of lower sea levels when the area had a land connection to the mainland of Australia. But with a sea level rise, those early inhabitants and the flora and fauna were cut off from the mainland. Imagine that for 12,000 years, a few thousand people were isolated and cut off from anyone else on the planet.
When European settlers first arrived, Tasmania was established as a penal colony for the British Government. Men, women, boys, and girls were transported by sailing ships to Tasmania shores.
The crimes were often minor, such as stealing food and clothing. Hardened criminals were also ‘transported for life’. The contrast of Tasmania as a popular destination for tourism, compared to its dark past as a penal colony actually attracted us for this very distinction.
We thought it helped provide the contrast for our main characters coming to a beautiful place to sort some things between out between them, while being met by the darkness and dangers that faced them in Tasmania. It was irresistible.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
We are long term planners and writers. We have produced three eBooks and three audiobooks in three years.
Our next book is Warrior Pose. This book is set in another one of our favorite locations in the world—the islands of New Zealand, and particularly, Nelson, on the South Island.
The next book is also a homecoming for Ric Peters, since he was born in New Zealand. His partner in the crime solving mystery series, Elaina Williams, will be meeting Ric’s parents while there. Does it sound like we think our characters are real? You bet!
New Zealand is an island chain of volcanoes, thermal pools, snowcapped peaks, fertile valleys, and forests spread from the tropical North Island to the cooler alpine climate and topography of the South Island. It has ‘drop dead’ gorgeous scenery, which is perfect for two crime-writers.
As expected, we will explore several themes, and a mysterious death or two. The eBook will include an audiobook some months after, as the previous writings.
As far as the upcoming books, Book 5 is Half Moon pose set in the south of France, Book 6 is Dragon Pose set in Melbourne, Australia and Book 7 is Goddess Pose centered, in Greece and the Mediterranean.
As with all our writing we ground truth all story locations as part of our research. If you see us walking around, we are the ones with cameras, notebooks, measuring tapes … and spare change for the coffees we sample along the way.
The Devil’s Island is living up to its name, serving up the ghosts of its dark past, while Ric is haunted by his own demons. The truth is unravelling, and death is closing in from all sides. And now, it’s stalking Elaina.
Ric’s past is catching up to him, with a vengeful man seeking retribution for a catastrophic blunder in Indonesia. Ric has kept a secret hidden from Elaina, fearing that she will not … cannot, forgive him. That after all they’ve been through, he’s not the man she believes him to be.
In the shadows, a hitman lurks … waiting for the time to strike, unafraid of collateral casualties.
As corrupt officials pull strings and innocents are sold, Ric and Elaina’s life together is threatened. Detective Inspector Jack McMasters races against time to piece together the clues before it’s too late.
A sociopath and an anguished man are closing in. As the lightning strikes, the uncertainties remain … revenge, redemption, or devastation?
Tree Pose is delivered hot with twists and turns, mixed with secrets and attractions, tossed with suspense and revenge, then blended with classic storytelling.
The third book in the Yoga Mat Mysteries series takes readers on a thrilling ride through the beautiful and mysterious island of Tasmania, Australia. The story follows Dead Man’s Pose, set in Sydney, and Cobra Pose, set in Brisbane.
BUY Tree Pose for a captivating mystery with murders, ghosts, and a past that won’t stay buried.
LITERARY TITAN 