Blog Archives
Pigs Really Can Fly!
Horace in Space follows a little pig with big dreams who wants nothing more than to venture into the great beyond. Where did the idea for this book come from?
I’ve written children’s books for about a decade now. I always wanted to write a book for kids and the ISS. Then it hit me – Pigs really can fly! And that started the entire idea.
Is there anything from your own childhood included in your characters’ traits and dialogue?
Not so much. We had a telescope when I was little, and we looked at the moon and stars. But the ISS fascinates me. I’ve timed and researched when the ISS will fly over my area on a particular night. I get away from city lights and, clear as day, one can watch it orbit from one point in the sky until out of view. I’ve taken pictures and videos. One can easily find out when it will next be over their locale. It is visible in the daytime as well.
Why was it important for you to include facts woven throughout Horace’s narrative?
Facts are facts. My children wanted to know facts from the books I read to them, and that means I want to give out some facts for children to think about, ask more questions, expand their minds to move forward.
Can young readers look forward to more adventures from Horace? What are you currently working on?
Horace may have more adventures, or I will choose another baby animal. Horace In Space is book number sixty-one for me, so I’m also slowing down a bit. Next up is a children’s book or adult sci-fi.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Azazel’s Scriptures
Azazel’s Scriptures, by S.F. Parkhurst, is a richly textured novel that blends historical mystery with magical realism, immersing readers in a vibrant medieval setting laced with supernatural elements. It follows a trio of friends, Simon, Hugh, and Newt, as they become entangled in dark folklore involving the demonic grimoire of Azazel, the ancient Druids, and mysterious beings known as the Daegons. As secrets unfold and tensions rise, they find themselves confronting forces that blur the lines between reality and myth, testing their courage and friendships in unexpected ways.
I found myself completely absorbed by Parkhurst’s lyrical yet accessible prose. The vivid imagery and atmospheric storytelling evoked genuine emotional responses, sometimes fascination, sometimes unease. The author effortlessly drew me into a world where the mystical seems entirely plausible, making even the more fantastical scenes feel believable. Particularly impressive is the way Parkhurst crafts dialogue: each character speaks with a distinctive voice that genuinely matches their persona, providing a sense of depth and realism. Though the writing flows well overall, at times it felt slightly dense, requiring deliberate attention to fully grasp the subtleties of the narrative.
The ideas Parkhurst explores are captivating and unsettling. Themes such as immortality, friendship, and the dangerous allure of forbidden knowledge run deeply throughout the story. Parkhurst does not shy away from portraying complex moral dilemmas, which often left me pondering the ethical gray areas presented in the book. While I appreciated the layers of intrigue and symbolism, the volume of interconnected plots and historical references sometimes made me lose track. That said, the confusion was fleeting and never severe enough to detract significantly from my overall enjoyment.
Azazel’s Scriptures is not a casual read. It demands a willingness to engage deeply with its historical mysteries and magical undercurrents. I recommend it to readers who enjoy thoughtful storytelling blended with dark folklore, especially those who appreciate narratives that explore the boundaries between reality and legend. This book would resonate particularly well with readers drawn to medieval settings and characters whose humanity shines brightest against the backdrop of supernatural darkness.
Pages: 375 | ASIN : B0FGGVHJYV
Tragedy and Triumph
Final Eclipse follows a teenage boy and his emotionally distant father who must confront a global crisis sparked by a solar anomaly, blending space science, grief, and geopolitical tension into one unpredictable story. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I first thought of the premise for Final Eclipse when I was teaching upper-level physics courses at my university. I realized that combining some of the newest ideas in long-range space travel and radiation pressure with what we know about the mechanics of so-called “Lagrange orbits,” you end up with a potentially simple way to devastate Earth by casting the entire planet into permanent darkness. When I found that no other author had used this premise the way I envisioned it, I knew I had to write a story that would explore humanity’s struggle to survive such an apocalypse. And I knew that I could keep real-life science at the core of the story without resorting to highly speculative theories or pseudoscience.
Kevin’s voice feels incredibly authentic. Did you draw from any real-life experiences or teens you know to shape his character?
Some of Kevin’s character comes from memories of my own childhood, though there are distinct differences. Much of his character is an attempted departure from the cliché of the “reluctant hero” used in so many stories, or the “chosen one” with special gifts or powers who just wants to be normal, but is the only one who can save the day for some reason.
Kevin, on the other hand, is a smart kid, but otherwise, pretty normal. His story is of one who is determined do something anyway, trying to push in to the center of the action, wanting to be more special and heroic than he realistically can be, and struggling to believe that despite his limitations and the devastating odds against him, that he can still make a difference and that there is still hope for humanity.
The book shifts from intimate drama to global stakes seamlessly. How did you balance pacing and tone without losing the reader?
Any character-driven story needs to connect with the reader on an intimate, personal level. One of the best ways to do this is through family and friends. I start there in my story and then work outward to bigger and more global events, always circling back to the main characters. I have them travel to several countries and intersect with people of various backgrounds and cultures to give depth to the story. For me, it is more important to follow a handful of central characters, even if they are not always at the center of every important event around the globe. Any story like this has to bring a balance of complexity and simple life, despair and hope, mystery and discovery, tragedy and triumph.
Do you see Final Eclipse as a standalone story, or is there more to come?
Final Eclipse is the first book in the Shadow of Winter trilogy. The second book in the series, Leviathan Rises, will be released in the spring of 2026.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
NASA research satellites suddenly go silent as a mysterious dark “spot” appears in front of the sun. A young Kevin Mycroft discovers that the spot is steadily growing in size, threatening to throw the entire earth into permanent darkness. When senior NASA scientists, including Kevin’s father, begin intentionally hiding the truth, Kevin convinces his friends to take action on their own. But is there anything they can do to fight the grim fate that awaits the planet?
The origin of the eclipse soon reveals that cold and darkness are not the only enemies lurking in the shadows. And as each fight for survival seems to backfire, Kevin’s hopes fade while he questions whether he, or anyone else, can be the hero that the world so desperately needs.
The Tale of the Orphan Magician
The Tale of the Orphan Magician is a richly imaginative and layered fantasy novel wrapped inside a parable of identity, shame, and the long journey toward restoration. Framed by a majestic Sakalon dragon narrator named Rahgornah, the story follows Raziel, a gifted but emotionally scarred orphan, caught in the swirl of political chaos and ancient conflict across the magical continent of Amaratzim. As we’re drawn into a world brimming with dwarves, trolls, talking pouches, mystical documents, and spectral history, what unfolds is a timeless search for “father,” not the person, but the deep, soul-level embrace of enoughness and belonging. It’s a quest that’s part action, part theology, and part myth, with equal parts dry wit and tender emotion.
The voice is whimsical, self-aware, and at times downright hilarious. Senyard’s writing has this oddball charm, like C.S. Lewis channeling Douglas Adams. It’s smart without being showy, deep without getting preachy. There were moments I laughed (dragon baseball leagues?) and others where I had to stop reading because something just hit me in the gut, especially those parts about shame, longing, and the human need to feel like we’re enough. The characters, especially Raziel and Rahgornah, felt real in a strange way, even with all the fantasy trappings. Their pain and hopes were familiar. The pacing sometimes meandered, and there were points where it leaned into exposition, but I didn’t mind. The story had so much heart, I was willing to be led wherever it wanted to go.
More personally, I found myself unexpectedly moved. I didn’t expect a fantasy book to leave me thinking about my own story, my own “search for father.” But it did. There’s a rawness in Raziel’s journey. A mix of trauma, rebellion, grit, and grace that resonated with me. I’ve felt like that kid on the bench before. Lost, a little bitter, hoping someone might still call me worthy. The idea that quests begin with distance from the King, but are designed to draw us back. The magic here isn’t just in the talking dragons or epic wars, it’s in the way the story gently calls you back to something truer than all the noise we carry around.
Fantasy fans will enjoy the world-building, but those who’ve struggled with shame, belonging, or feeling unseen? They’ll find something deeper here. I’d especially recommend it to readers of Lewis, Tolkien, or even those who like the soul-searching of Brené Brown but want it wrapped in a magical story. It’s a tale of dragons, yes, but also of healing.
Pages: 254 | ASIN : B0F94WCCDB
Tavern
Tavern follows Xelnath, or Xel, an orc priest who also happens to be a tavern owner, a healer, and the mastermind behind a covert mercenary guild called the Blackwind Company. Tavern is a character-driven fantasy adventure wrapped in rich worldbuilding and filled with witty dialogue, deep friendships, and a good bit of magical ass-kicking. From shady alleys to political schemes, the story flows through layers of intrigue, touching on themes like found family, trauma, identity, and self-worth.
I didn’t expect to fall so hard for the characters, especially Xel. He isn’t your typical fantasy protagonist. He’s overweight, scarred, introspective, and surprisingly gentle for a guy who can summon magical tree roots and crush bones with a staff. I loved the emotional layers the author gave him. His self-doubt, his craving to protect his found family, and the way he hides his pain behind sarcasm and kindness. Munden’s writing feels warm and lived-in, especially when characters are just talking. There’s a weight to their pasts that makes the small moments between them hit harder than the action scenes. The action is no slouch either. It’s visceral, fast, and packed with tension. Some chapters, especially the early fight scenes and Xel’s quiet, vulnerable monologues, really stuck with me.
The story doesn’t follow a typical structure, which I actually liked, but it might throw off readers who want a clear-cut hero’s journey. The book feels more like a slice-of-life with high stakes than a straight fantasy epic. I found that refreshing, especially with all the time spent on tavern life and casual conversations. Those slower parts often carried the emotional weight. The prose itself has a unique rhythm. Sometimes poetic, sometimes conversational, sometimes just plain weird in a good way.
Tavern is perfect for readers who care more about character depth and emotional payoff than nonstop action. It’s for folks who love a messy, flawed hero, and for those who don’t mind their fantasy with more heart than fireballs. If you’re into found-family stories, secret guilds, or cozy settings with dark undertones, you’ll find a lot to love here. I walked away from this book feeling like I knew these characters. And honestly? I miss them already.
Pages: 435 | ASIN : B07PWTR89Q
The Floating Lake of Dressa Moore
The Floating Lake of Dressa Moore is a sweeping fantasy adventure packed with humor, magic, and a healthy dose of emotional complexity. The novel follows two university professors, Jonathan Braxton, a pompous yet oddly endearing magilurgist, and William Watts Worthwaddle, a linguist with more curiosity than caution, as they embark on a scientific expedition to the mysterious floating lake of Dressa Moore. What begins as an academic quest quickly morphs into a chaotic journey involving pirates, cursed crew members, ancient magical sources, and an empire that doesn’t like being questioned. Told in a lively, almost whimsical tone, the book shifts between perspectives, including a pirate captain with a heart buried deep under layers of steel, and a military commodore hell-bent on revenge. All creating a vibrant mosaic of motives, secrets, and world-shaking consequences.
Miller’s writing balances snappy banter with heartache, which I loved. I found myself laughing one moment and stunned the next, especially when the story shifted into darker territory with flesh-eating townsfolk and twisted magical consequences. The magic system is chaotic but layered in intrigue, and the way Miller uses magic to explore themes of control, love, and regret really caught me off guard. The romantic tension between Jonathan and William is subtle and surprisingly tender, especially given how often they’re bickering or rolling their eyes at each other. That human element made the world feel more grounded, even when lakes were floating in the sky.
Occasionally, I wanted less talking and more doing. The commodore’s vendetta, while fascinating, bordered on melodramatic at times. And Marta, the pirate captain, almost stole the entire book, but I wished her inner turmoil had more time to breathe. Still, these are small things in a story that kept me turning pages like a fiend. The prose doesn’t try to be lofty, and that works in its favor. It’s clever, conversational, and full of personality. It reads like someone telling you a fantastic story over a pint with animated hands, raised eyebrows, the whole bit.
I’d recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fantasy that doesn’t take itself too seriously, but still hits you emotionally when you least expect it. If you’re into world-building with some weird magic, flawed characters trying to do the right thing (or at least not the worst thing), and dialogue that crackles with wit, The Floating Lake of Dressa Moore is for you. It’s a madcap ride through floating lakes, shattered love, and magical chaos, and I had a blast.
Pages: 394 | ASIN : B0F4XRK9Q3
Dominion – Dragon Guild Book 3
Dominion by P.T.L. Perrin is a fast-paced and emotionally rich continuation of the Dragon Guild Chronicles series. The story follows Gabri and her dragon Makani as they fight to protect Sanctum, a refuge for dragons and their riders, from the dark forces of Ozul and Katzir. Alongside her family and bonded companions, including her precocious younger brother Alex and his fire-breathing dragon Tito, Gabri grapples with the loss of her powers, the heavy burden of leadership, and a growing resistance effort. With chapters jumping between key characters, the book explores themes of love, sacrifice, memory, and what it means to belong.
What struck me right away was how deeply personal and warm this story feels, despite the stakes being planetary in scale. Perrin writes with a tenderness that makes each character matter. The family ties between Gabri, her mother Sequoia, and little Alex feel raw and real, even as they navigate telepathy and dragon flights. I found myself smiling at Alex’s innocent boldness and tearing up during scenes that touched on grief and trust. The dragons, with their distinct personalities and emotional depth, never feel like accessories, they’re family too. Perrin’s writing style leans into heart and clarity over flair, and it works.
The first half of the book builds emotional connections and explores internal struggles, but some key plot advancements come in short bursts later on, especially involving the enemy forces and their brutal plans. I wished there had been more tension built around these conflicts earlier. There are moments when I wanted more grit, more danger, to match the fear the characters carried. Still, the ideas underlying them, such as the weaponization of refugees or dragons with cloaking devices, are clever and layered. And honestly, I didn’t mind slowing down if it meant more time in this world with these characters. The author makes you care, and that’s half the battle.
Dominion left me hopeful. It’s a story that holds on tight to light in the face of darkness. I’d recommend it to readers who love dragon tales but want something more rooted in family and empathy than just epic fights. It’s especially great for young adult readers, fans of character-driven sci-fi/fantasy, and anyone who enjoys stories where relationships matter more than spectacle.
Pages: 430 | ASIN : B0FK2WR96M
The Ruinous Curse: The Hunt for Alesta
The Hunt for Alesta kicks off Mark K. McClain’s “The Ruinous Curse” series with the story of Barrett, a prince caught between duty, prophecy, and personal longing. As his kingdom teeters on the edge of war, Barrett discovers not only that magic might live inside him, but also that he’s at the heart of a much larger destiny. Alongside loyal friends Zanora, Gaia, and Unger, he battles dark forces, navigates hidden tunnels and magic festivals, and must decide whether to wield ancient power or follow a simpler path. The book weaves friendship, fear, and growing up into a quest full of danger and mythic weight.
What stood out most to me was how deeply human Barrett felt. He’s not some perfect hero. He hesitates, he doubts, and he fumbles through his feelings for Zanora like any teenager would. That made his story so much more relatable. The magic and world-building had a classic fantasy feel, but the dialogue kept it fresh. There’s a bit of whimsy here, like talking doors, cheeky magical creatures, and floating gossip orbs, but it’s grounded by the looming threat of war and the emotional weight of loss. McClain isn’t afraid to slow down for a tender moment or dive into darker territory.
The setup took a while, and while I enjoyed the time with the characters, I found myself itching for the real stakes to kick in. Still, once the action started, especially with the chase through Ashton and the reveal of Barrett’s power, I was hooked. There’s also a lot of prophecy talk, which can get a little heavy-handed, but it didn’t stop me from caring about the choices Barrett had to make. McClain manages to keep the story from veering into cliché by injecting heart into every turn, even when the tropes feel familiar.
The Hunt for Alesta is a heartfelt and imaginative coming-of-age story wrapped in the trappings of high fantasy. I’d recommend it to younger readers who loved the early Percy Jackson books or fans of coming-of-age tales in magical worlds like Eragon or the Earthsea Cycle. It’s for those who want magic with emotion, action with meaning, and friendships that feel real. It spins a tale worth following, and I’m excited to see where Barrett’s story goes next.
Pages: 301 | ASIN : B0B4V5BMLG
LITERARY TITAN 