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Small Life Lessons
The Curious Quest of Little Luna follows a fox who stumbles upon a mysterious treasure map in the woods, sending her on a whimsical journey filled with excitement, challenges, and meaningful moments. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration for Little Luna came from watching my own children explore with such curiosity and wonder. I wanted to create a story that encouraged that same spirit of adventure—one that blends imagination with small life lessons. Luna’s journey is not just about finding treasure, but about what she learns along the way.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
One of my goals was to subtly introduce problem-solving, emotional resilience, and the value of curiosity. Luna faces challenges that require her to think, adapt, and sometimes lean on the help of others. These moments offer gentle reminders to young readers that it’s okay to make mistakes, ask questions, or feel uncertain—as long as you keep moving forward.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
Rather than one specific scene, what I enjoyed most was the process of introducing new characters as the story progressed. Each one added a unique energy and helped shape Luna’s journey in a meaningful way.
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?
The Curious Quest of Little Luna is a standalone story and not part of a planned series. Luna’s journey wraps up in this book.
Author Links: Goodreads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
When Luna, a curious young fox, stumbles upon a mysterious treasure map, her quiet forest life transforms into the adventure of a lifetime. With bravery in her heart and a twinkle in her eye, she sets off to uncover the secrets of the map—but she won’t be journeying alone.
Joined by her wise owl friend Benny, the clever turtle Fin, and the fearless rabbit Tilly, Luna ventures through roaring rivers, tangled bramble paths, and the magical Starlight Glade. Together, they face challenges, solve mysteries, and discover that the greatest treasures aren’t glittering gold or sparkling gems—they’re the friendships, courage, and love found along the way.
What’s inside this heartwarming story?
A delightful tale of adventure, friendship, and bravery.
Stunning illustrations on every page that bring the magic of the forest to life.
Memorable characters who teach the power of kindness and teamwork.
Perfect for readers ages 5–10, families to enjoy together, or as a cherished bedtime story.
The Curious Quest of Little Luna is a timeless journey that inspires kids to embrace the magic of adventure and the beauty of connection. Whether read aloud or enjoyed independently, this book is destined to become a family favorite.
Discover the magic, wonder, and lessons that will stay with your little adventurer for a lifetime!
A Complex Mixture
Wishes and Choices: Mythral’s Wish follows the intertwined destinies of a powerful yet emotionally walled-off wizard, a teenage girl aching for purpose and adventure, and a dark wizard with revenge in his veins who live in three different realms. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Wishes and Choices evolved after years of reading the classic sci-fi authors, then the magical realism/fantasy writers, and finally stirring in personal values and interests. A very complex a mixture.
What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
Cat was fun to write. He did not begin as the narrator, but those who read the early versions wanted more of Cat. Perhaps we all wish we could be that snarky at times.
Visualizing and articulating the story’s events and emotions from the perspective of a teenage girl was challenging.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The primary theme is personal integrity and courage–being true to oneself. Learning to avoid the biases and distractions that keeps us from seeing clearly what is right and what is wrong is a critical lesson in life.
A secondary theme is solving problems or finding answers, in life and in theory, by creative processes.
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?
This is the first book in a series of three. Book two, MorKano’s Wish, should be released by the end of 2025. My hope is that each book will entertain, challenge and encourage the reader. There is always a surprising twist at the end. I’d like to know if anyone saw the twist coming. There are clues along the way.
Author Website
Wishes and Choices: Mythral’s Wish is filled with moral dilemmas and mental puzzles to engage and challenge the reader. The quest to alter Mythral’s foreseen death leads them to all three Realms. Within these Realms, the reader will encounter gryphons, dragons, wizards with unique talents, and even stranger dwellings, myths, and mysteries. As they confront dark magic and betrayal, they must face their own flaws. Surviving the final confrontation compels both of them to fundamentally alter themselves in unforeseen ways.
The reader will learn why using wands and hand gestures to do magic is only for beginners. The secrets and physics behind the Time-Space Continuum, déjà vu, and visions into the past and the future will be explained. Did I mention the sarcastic and smug Cat who narrates the story? Warning: Cat never lies, but he does like to toy with you readers.
Cauldron of Dagda: The Witch’s Rebirth Part II
Michaela Riley’s Cauldron of Dagda: The Witch’s Rebirth Part II is a sweeping tale of magic, rebirth, and epic destiny, rooted in a richly imagined version of early medieval Europe. Set against the backdrop of 6th-century Francia and the Byzantine Empire, the story follows Merona, a reborn witch, who is thrust once more into a fractured world on the brink of ruin. Guided by visions, ancient gods, and her loyal companions, she must wield the legendary Cauldron of Dagda to restore balance and ward off an encroaching darkness. The novel seamlessly intertwines elements of pagan mysticism with the turbulence of political upheaval, all set within a richly mythological framework.
From the outset, the atmosphere in the story is deeply evocative. The prologue resonates with a potent blend of tension and lyrical beauty, particularly in lines such as, “In the depths of this chaos, hidden within the labyrinth of shadows, the Witch lay ensconced in her own despair.” That moment is haunting in its imagery and sets the tone for the entire narrative. Michaela Riley’s prose is often poetic, even lush, and this quality serves as a notable strength. The rich detail, especially in the vivid depictions of Samhain rituals, flickering torchlight, and whispered invocations, creates an immersive reading experience.
Character-wise, Merona really grabbed my heart. Her struggle with power and doubt felt honest and human, even when she’s literally summoning ancient gods or wielding divine relics. One standout moment comes when she reunites with Murdach in the forest, sobbing, “I have been lost in the endless shadows of the labyrinth once more.” That vulnerability made her feel grounded despite the mythic stakes. Her relationship with her mother, Mairead, was another emotional anchor. Their reunion in the sacred grove was profoundly moving, evoking a powerful emotional response. Riley demonstrates a remarkable ability to craft poignant moments with authenticity and restraint, allowing the emotional weight to resonate without ever feeling contrived.
The narrative structure is richly layered, weaving together ritual, prophecy, memory, and vision to create a story that feels both mythic and immersive. Each chapter unfolds with a dreamlike intensity, blending past and present in a way that evokes the timeless nature of the tale. This interlacing of timelines enhances the sense of destiny at work, heightening the emotional and thematic resonance of Merona’s journey. As the narrative builds toward the expedition to Constantinople, the momentum becomes increasingly gripping. The Morrigan’s haunting transformations and the looming menace of Varis inject a thrilling urgency into the plot, amplifying the sense of peril and the high stakes that define the story’s arc.
Cauldron of Dagda: The Witch’s Rebirth Part II is an evocative, mystical epic that pulses with feminine power, ancient magic, and emotional truth. It’s best suited for readers who love deeply mythic stories with a poetic writing style and a strong, complex heroine. I’d recommend it to fantasy lovers who enjoy spiritual themes, Celtic lore, and high-stakes drama wrapped in gorgeous prose.
Pages: 434 | ASIN : B0DWVRBM2F
Until The Rescue Ship Arrives
Until the Rescue Ship Arrives is a surprising and slow-burning science fiction tale set in a dystopian near-future Earth where trust, compassion, and personal conviction quietly battle the weight of authoritarian oppression. It begins with a washed-up alien, half-drowned on an Oregon beach, and a retired priest, Father Hughes, whose intuition tells him to protect the mysterious visitor rather than hand her over to the authorities. As the story unfolds, a gentle but profound exploration of humanity’s best and worst qualities emerges—not through epic battles or flashy technology, but through whispered conversations, weary choices, and quiet heroism.
What caught me off guard was the elegance and intimacy of the writing. The prose is deeply thoughtful without being pretentious. In the first chapter, the simple rhythm of Father Hughes walking the misty beach with his dog Buster is almost meditative. When he stumbles upon the alien girl, the moment isn’t dramatic in a Hollywood sense—it’s hushed, almost sacred. The author draws this scene out just enough to let the emotional weight sink in. His decision not to call the authorities, guided by nothing more than a “little voice,” was a turning point. It said everything about the kind of story this was going to be—about character over plot, trust over fear.
What I admired most was how the book takes time to earn your emotional investment. It lets you sit with discomfort, with silence, with uncertainty. When Father Hughes debates whether helping this alien being is the right thing to do, knowing the risks not just to himself, but to others, it felt incredibly grounded. His conversations with Mother Catherine and Doctor Griffith aren’t expositional info dumps; they feel real. These are people with doubts and weariness and love for each other, pushed into a situation that none of them were prepared for. There’s a moment when Sister Clare chooses a name for the alien—”Laura”—that brought me to tears, not because it was grand, but because it was so heartbreakingly human.
It occasionally leans heavily into exposition, particularly during the sections that explain the alien civilization or the tunneling technology. While interesting, these parts slow the story’s pace. I found myself much more invested in the scenes grounded in human connection, like the moment when Laura listens to the nuns singing in the chapel, or when she asks about truth and kindness. Those scenes carried more weight than any sci-fi explanation ever could. The latter chapters involving the alien couple’s escape and internal monologues about their society were beautifully written, but I wished they had been more tightly integrated with the human narrative.
Until the Rescue Ship Arrives isn’t about aliens, or dystopias, or resistance movements. It’s about the quiet decision to care for someone who is different. It’s about the fragile but powerful ways humans choose grace over fear. I’d recommend this book to anyone who loves thoughtful, character-driven stories with a moral spine. Fans of The Man Who Fell to Earth or The Left Hand of Darkness will find a kindred spirit here. If you’re tired of noisy, effects-laden science fiction and want something that feels like a whispered prayer against a storm, this book might be exactly what you’re looking for.
Pages: 270 | ASIN : B0DHV72FWH
Family and the Bonds of Friendship
The Forsaken Planet follows an ordinary young man from suburban New England whose world is shattered when alien ships invade Earth, leading him to enlist in a different alien army to learn how to protect those he loves. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I had many inspirations. It really evolved from my love of epic fantasy and anything space-related, and wanting more books that blend the two. I started this story over twenty years ago while in my teens. I had read Ender’s Game only a couple of years before, and that was a major inspiration, especially towards the combat simulations in this book. Wheel of Time was another one. Its themes of the ordinary, innocent farm boys and girls becoming heroes, as well as its lore and the connection to the ancient past that the struggle during that series is linked to, that all rubbed off onto my own work. Lastly, the mini-series Band of Brothers is a big one. That is my favorite show of all time and it directly influenced many of my war-training scenes.
A lot of time was spent crafting the character traits in this novel. What was the most important factor for you to get right in your characters?
The most important thing was to make them all diverse and different enough from one another. It is a grand story I have in store, one that only grows as the series expands. I needed to ensure that I laid a solid foundation for each character, as many of them have their own POVs and larger parts to play in this conflict as the series progresses. I think the roots I laid here will help them better stand on their own down the road, when it’s their time to shine.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
It was critical for me to express the importance of family and the bonds of friendship. My story centers around these ideas and eventually asks some hard-hitting questions regarding them. We all want to protect those we love. But what if by doing that, we are putting others in harm’s way? That is a central theme as the series progresses, and it was the main focus of this installment to fully mold that bond, loyalty, and love between not just the core group of characters but those they meet along the way.
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?
This is the first book in the series, and book two (The Son of the Prophets) is already out. There is also a novella linked to the series (A Princess of Oldir), which can be read for free by anyone who signs up for my Readers List (newsletter) on my website. And book three (The Dark Element) actually comes out this month on May 20th, 2025.
Readers can expect a lot of the same. A story centered around Colt and Company and their loyalty towards one another, one with the intense combat sequences you grew to know in TFP, along with the mysteries of the past and prophets ever-growing. However, it all expands tenfold more than it did in book one, with the addition of many new POVs in books two and three, as well as events taking these characters away from one another, across the stars to multiple other planets, and to war.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook | Website
-The Power of the Stars-
“With it, we are capable of greatness or are a weapon that will only bring suffering to the universe.”
When mysterious aircraft wreak havoc across Earth’s skies, it is revealed that there are clusters of other planets where humankind resides, distant worlds where the people wield the power of the stars themselves. It is an energy force that can bring about miracles or, as the alien fleet’s ruthless leader displays, unleash horrors beyond imagination.
After experiencing a loss during the onslaught, Colton Samson, an ordinary college student, vows to protect his loved ones at any cost. But to learn the power to do so, he must enlist into the Army of the Universal Throne—a second alien force with its own agenda.
With the revelation of a secret prophecy foretelling humanity’s demise and Colton’s improbable role in preventing it, he embarks alongside a diverse group of friends to the Throne’s capital, the planet of Vintara. There he faces prejudice from supposed allies, lifelike combat simulations that test him to his core, and the looming threat of a universal war. Only by embracing his true potential can Colton hope to secure the safety he seeks, in a universe that views him as nothing more than Forsaken.
Always Bet on Death: The Griffin Knight Rises
Always Bet on Death: The Griffin Knight Rises kicks off with a bloody murder in a half-renovated casino and doesn’t slow down from there. The book follows Griffin Knight, a sharp new detective transferred from Chicago to Long Island, as he’s thrown into a tangled web of casino politics, shady business deals, and buried secrets. With his grizzled partner, Trenton Barnes, by his side, Griffin unravels a death that’s anything but accidental. The deeper they dig, the more corruption bubbles to the surface, and nobody, not even the casino’s power players, nor Griffin himself, is safe from suspicion.
What immediately stood out to me was the tone of the writing. It is sharp, cinematic, and highly effective, particularly in the prologue. The opening scene, depicting a woman fleeing barefoot through an unfinished construction floor, wounded and pursued by a masked assailant, is gripping and visceral. It evokes the urgency and tension of a Bond film, though with a darker, more grounded edge. The atmosphere is palpable; the blood on the concrete and the fear driving the woman’s flight are rendered with striking clarity. Miguel Angel Hernandez Jr. wastes no time establishing momentum, and his ability to craft intense, visually charged moments speaks to a strong command of narrative pacing and mood.
Where the book shines brightest is in the banter between Griffin and Trenton. Their chemistry is hilarious and tense in equal parts. Take the early scene at the crime scene, where Trenton disarms the smug casino head of security with sarcastic wit and a fake Pop-Tart emergency. It’s ridiculous and perfect. These moments give the book heart, making it more than just a gritty mystery. It’s not all laughs, though. Trenton shares a heartbreaking story about a former partner ruined by a corrupt elite. It gave weight to the whole investigation. The book’s got teeth, and it bites when you least expect it.
That said, the plot is rich with twists and turns, offering a complex web of intrigue that rewards close attention. Particularly in the middle chapters, the narrative demands an engaged reader, as layers of deception unfold and motivations shift. While some of the secondary characters serve more as moving parts within the broader mystery, they contribute to the sense of a larger, bustling world surrounding the central investigation. Jennifer Grimwald, the shady executive, is a standout, though cold, clever, and clearly hiding something from the moment she dumps a suspicious trash bag into the Long Island Sound. Her scenes added a delicious layer of villainy that kept me turning pages, but I wish a few of the others were drawn with the same flair.
If you appreciate crime fiction that blends the sharp wit of Knives Out, the gritty energy of Lethal Weapon, and the atmospheric depth of L.A. Confidential, Always Bet on Death: The Griffin Knight Rises will likely resonate with you. It offers a compelling mix of suspense, moral ambiguity, dark humor, and emotional weight. This novel is particularly well-suited for readers who enjoy noir-inflected detective stories with brisk pacing and vividly drawn characters. The setting, an opulent casino shadowed by violence, adds an irresistible layer of intrigue. Be advised, however: once you begin, it becomes remarkably difficult to put down.
Pages: 105 | ASIN : B0DMJQB746
The Prince of Ileria
The Prince of Ileria is a spirited and heartfelt young adult fantasy that blends real-world coming-of-age struggles with immersive gaming escapades and a touch of sci-fi mystery. The story follows Nathan Daniels, a whip-smart, wisecracking teenager still reeling from the childhood disappearance of his parents. He’s on a personal quest to find them, navigating high school drama, a complicated friendship with his disabled adoptive brother, and a crush on his neighbor and best friend, Jan. But when a strange new gaming store opens in town, offering a mysterious VR experience, Nathan finds himself pulled into a world unlike anything he’s seen—one that might hold the key to his past and the answers he’s been seeking for years.
What I loved most about this book is its voice. Nathan’s narration is sharp, funny, painfully honest, and packed with nerdy references that hit just the right note. It’s rare to read a YA protagonist who feels this fully realized, equal parts sarcastic and vulnerable. Daniel N. Fite’s writing has that magic quality where a single sentence can make you laugh, then sucker-punch you with raw emotion. The banter between Nathan, Jan, and Thomas is quick and witty, and their relationships feel authentic, messy, and layered. Especially notable is how Fite handles Thomas’s disability—not as a gimmick, but with emotional complexity, frustration, and empathy.
The book shifts between epic fantasy stakes and slice-of-life teenage drama, which mostly works but sometimes undercuts the tension. The VR game world is imaginative and vivid, a dream come true for any fantasy or D&D fan, but I occasionally found myself wishing the story would stay grounded just a little longer, especially when Nathan’s real-world stakes were so compelling. That said, the constant shifts keep the story feeling fresh and unpredictable, and the variety of tones makes it accessible to a wide range of readers, whether you’re in it for the magic, the mystery, or the meaningful human moments.
The Prince of Ileria is a clever and heartfelt ride that’s hard to put down. It’s for anyone who’s ever stayed up late raiding dungeons with their friends or stared at old family photos wondering what really happened. I’d recommend it to fans of Ready Player One, Stranger Things, or anyone who’s ever felt like a misfit with a mission. This book speaks to the adventurer in all of us, the one who believes answers are out there, and quests are real, even when no one else believes in them.
Pages: 367 | ASIN: B0F1Z25TPZ
Sanctum – Dragon Guild Book 1
P.T.L. Perrin’s Sanctum kicks off the Dragon Guild series with a thrilling and heartfelt plunge into a world where ancient gifts, alien allies, and shadowy enemies intertwine. At its center is Gabriella, a Cherokee teen with the power to manipulate frequencies, a gift she’s barely begun to understand. After a terrifying vision and a sudden abduction, Gabri finds herself trapped in a bleak realm by a creature calling her “world-destroyer.” With the help of her fiercely protective friend Donny, a dragon rider, and mysterious allies from other worlds, she fights to reclaim her identity, her abilities, and her future.
I didn’t expect to get so emotionally invested in this story. Perrin has a gift for character depth. Gabri isn’t just some overpowered chosen one; she’s vulnerable, angry, stubborn, and relatable. I felt her fear in that cold, silent tower. I cheered when she found strength in the smallest sprout of hope—literally, a baby Aracai plant. And Donny? He’s the kind of quiet hero who sticks with you—protective but not controlling, smart but still deeply unsure. Their bond felt real, messy, and tender. The writing flows well, with immersive sensory detail. The pacing dips a little in the middle, but the emotional undercurrent keeps it alive.
What I loved most were the ideas behind the story. There’s a deep respect for Indigenous cultures, for the natural world, and for spiritual connection—things too often tokenized in sci-fi/fantasy. But here, they’re essential, woven in with care. Perrin also explores the weight of identity: What does it mean to be called “destroyer” when you’ve only ever tried to protect? Gabri’s inner conflict hit home. The whole narrative dances on this line between ancient tradition and futuristic tech, and somehow, it all works. There’s telepathy, dragons, dimension-hopping, alien races, and yet, it never loses its soul.
Sanctum isn’t just a sci-fi fantasy adventure. It’s about finding power in who you are, even when the world (or some monster in another dimension) tells you you’re something else. I’d recommend this book to readers who love rich world-building, strong female leads, and a story that hits both the heart and the imagination. Fans of Percy Jackson, Avatar: The Last Airbender, or A Wrinkle in Time will probably feel right at home. I know I did.
Pages: 281 | ASIN: B0F8FVQ9HX
LITERARY TITAN 