Blog Archives
Utter Destruction
T.V. Holiday’s Cataclysm: Legend of The Iron Warrior Vol. 2 follows the Iron Warrior as he attempts to stop a demon-power couple from overthrowing another city and causing unimaginable destruction. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I’ve always had a love for horror stories and this was my attempt to do one of my own. Based on the way Slaying Paradise ended, it opened the door for me to go darker. I’ve always loved vampire stories and the Evil Dead series is one of my favorites. The world these characters inhabit is prime for those elements. I originally started this story back in 2004 but never finished. I tried a reboot, for lack of a better word, in 2012 but still never finished. This is the third time that I’ve written a version of this story. Just to finish it has been an accomplishment.
What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
Crystal ended up becoming one of my favorites to write for. Her dynamic with Travis was fun and natural. The banter just rolled out and she added some of the balance I felt the story needed in certain places. Ashley was more challenging because it took me a while to find her voice. I found her as I got closer to the end of the first draft. Once I went back for the revisions, I was able to find her much easier.
How did you balance the action scenes with the story elements and still keep a fast pace in the story?
To me, the action scenes flow naturally within the story. The action is part of telling it. That level of violence is essential to the character development and how it impacts those exposed to it. I’ve read that my stories have a fast pace, and it surprises me, to be honest. I try to focus on every bit of the story having a purpose. If a scene doesn’t add anything or is a repeat of something prior, then it has to go. I don’t want to be bored reading the story and it seems like that is what helps me with the pace.
Where does the story go in the next book and where do you see it going in the future?
T.V. Holiday’s Vendetta: Legend of The Iron Warrior Vol. 3 will be the final chapter in this trilogy. This will be the end of the story. I’ve seen the end for almost 20 years now. To me, utter destruction and the breakdown of everything is the only way to go. The Iron Warrior will be broken down in every way and ultimately lead him on a collision course with Luc in Brimstone. The confrontation has been building for two books and now is the time for it all to come to a head. After Volume 3, there will be the potential for spin-offs with other characters. But my goal is to end this and complete the mission that God tasked me with. This one will be the largest story I’ve written yet.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
In the wake of Luc’s failed attempt to seize control of Carnage Coast with The Free Love Initiative, The Iron Warrior is reeling from a devastating loss. Bodies pile up, and the streets run red as he struggles to control the ever-growing darkness within himself.
Detective Rebecca Walters, now tasked with investigating the mounting murders, but time is running out. As the clock ticks, the pressure to solve the case grows, and her failure will lead to more than she can possibly imagine.
Meanwhile, Luc has enlisted the help of the ruthless Monsoon and his deadly wife, The Crimson Queen. Together, they are hellbent on adding The Iron Warrior to their long list of fallen champions and bringing Carnage Coast to its knees.
As nefarious forces close in, The Iron Warrior must make a harrowing decision: succumb to the darkness and meet his brutal end at the hands of Monsoon and The Crimson Queen, or help Detective Walters solve the case and prevent Carnage Coast from falling into eternal night?”
Dawn to Dusk
A Day on the Brine is a charming, rhythmic journey through the ocean’s wonders, seen through the eyes of a curious captain and the creatures she encounters on her voyage. What was the inspiration for your story?
My husband and I are bluewater sailors. We departed Adelaide, South Australia, in 2012 and sailed to Western Australia’s Shark Bay.
Cyclone season was rapidly approaching and still wanting to do more preparation prior to crossing the Indian Ocean, we chose to spend almost twelve months in the region. This is where A Day on the Brine takes place.
Except for the krill which are such miniscule creatures they’re difficult to spy with the eye, we were fortunate enough to see all of the creatures found in A Day on the Brine.
There is no freezer on board Gratis. Once our fresh meat runs out, we toss out the fishing line and wait. Tuna, wahoo, and swordfish are just some of the delicious fish to be found and cooked on the BBQ.
Albatrosses are curious creatures and, except for when a serious storm approaches, are always in sight, whilst squid find their way on deck when waves slap upon the hull and toss them about.
We happened to be sailing at the time of the humpback whale migration and experienced the wonder of having these behemoths breaching and playing all around us.
From these experiences came the idea for A Day on the Brine.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
I thoroughly enjoyed the whole process of creating this story.
I love doing jigsaw puzzles and creating A Day on the Brine was no different to doing one. Placing the characters in the correct order was crucial, as was ensuring the rhyme worked. Moving from dawn to dusk, everything had to flow in a circular movement. Easier said than done, the rhyming was my greatest challenge, and there is nothing I love more than playing with words.
Many miss that there is a secondary theme – a food chain – running through the illustrations. Thinking back, this is the section I most enjoyed writing. A great deal of imagery was in the illustrations rather than the text, so there was a need to get the illustrations notes ‘perfect’ – if there is such a thing – in order for Emma to interpret them in the way that she has.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Emma Stuart?
Working with Emma was a dream. She loved that my illustration notes were detailed and provided her with a vision she could work with.
Within a short time, she had created the initial sketches and very little adjusting was required. I also loved the way she shared parts of her creative process. Watching the imaging as it came to life beneath her fingertips was the most exciting part of the whole process.
Emma is a talented wonder, I feel so honoured that she came on board this journey with me.
What is the next adventure in store for the Big Blue Boat, and when can your readers expect it to be out?
Several A Big Blue Boat manuscripts are ready and waiting for illustration. The question is, which one do I choose first? Will it be the one about the storm, or the fog, or maybe the story about an endangered bird?
At this stage, there isn’t timeline set for their release. I’m in the process of trying to work this out now.
I currently have two books set to launch in 2026. The first is a project I commenced with a special group of children in 2024 and is a prequel to the A Big Blue Boat series. We are aiming to launch this book towards the end of next March. If interested, you can follow this story at https://suseaspray.com/a-big-blue-boat-prequel/.
The second book has nothing to do with sailing or boats. It’s a rhyming story, has animals, and is lots of fun as twists and turns take place.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Instagram | Susea Spray | Website | Amazon
When the captain of a big blue boat throws out her fishing line, what will she find?
The captain of a big blue boat is hungry.
She throws out her fishing line and waits …
As the hours pass, Captain discovers a world where albatross soar and whales play.
There is an ebb and flow to life out on the brine and Emma Stuart’s stunning illustrations bring to life this magical rhyming tale.
Set on the west coast of Australia, if you have a fascination with boats, sea life and the ocean, you are going to love this award-winning sequel to ‘A Big Blue Boat’.
Overcoming Fears and Self-Doubt
Rage Against the Machine follows a celebrated filmmaker who explores the dangers of filming and research when she finds herself deep within a world that combines faith and science fiction. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Great question. I always found faith in God and science interrelated because both are sought after in search of truth, understanding why we’re here, with hope for the eternal life while discovering unknown mysteries of God, science, and the universe. I wanted to create a storyline that would weave these forces together and thought science fiction may be an avenue to explore the human struggle of faith and the technological world we live in and have yet to discover.
What do you think is the key to successfully blending spiritual elements within a science fiction plot?
Given this is my debut novel, I’ve learned a lot from my editors and trusted their input. Having said that, I believe too many spiritual elements would actually work against the science fiction plot. The spiritual aspects of the book should be subtle but prolific and nourishing to the soul. The science fiction elements should catch the reader off guard, be impactful, and thought-provoking, leaving the reader wanting to know more.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I thought it was important to highlight overcoming fears and self-doubt and finding inner strength through faith, and forgiveness. Given that A.I. is becoming more integrated into our lives whether we accept it or not, it’s not going away. I felt it was important to recognize the pros and cons of what direction advanced technology may be heading.
Can you give us a glimpse inside the second book in this trilogy? Where will it take readers?
I haven’t started writing the second book of this trilogy yet, but plan on beginning shortly. The outline is completed and is subject to change with a series of drafts before it’s perfected. The second book will delve deeper into the supernatural realm, off-world entities, greater challenges of faith, galactic battles, and bleeding-edge technology that hopefully will startle readers.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
Amid the challenges and dangers of research and filming, Hunter Barraclough, Roare’s biological father, enters her life for the first time. When Roare reaches her breaking point, help comes from an unlikely source, Sloane McInerney, Roare’s bodyguard. Sloane has his own reasons to join forces with Roare to unmask a malevolent AI lab whose CEO plots to destroy human souls through AI and other-worldly technology. As she battles demonic forces, Roare uses fear and anger to her advantage. But how long will she last before she questions her own survival?
Togetherness
Lucina in Humbra Land a young girl opens a mysterious birthday gift, a ruby necklace, she is suddenly transported into a magical world filled with enchanted creatures and perilous journeys. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Originally I wanted to write about girls having a tea party with their grandma because I grew up loving tea parties. I came up with the idea for the ruby necklace because both a ring and shoes had been used in other famous tales. Ruby is my birthstone and has always been my favorite stone. I wanted Lucina to travel to a fantasy land because that is what children dream about. The characters in the forest mirrored the characters from the grandparents’ farm. The grammy’s art studio is like my art studio.
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?
The farm in my story is my sister’s farm. I chose the 50s as the time period because I think that would have been one of the best times to grow up. Tea parties happened in the 50s; we need children to spend time having a tea party with their grandparents. I love to take walks in the forest, enjoying the colors, creatures, and fresh air. The setting morphed from being fun to mysterious to creepy to loving.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The main theme of my book that I want to promote is the theme of family togetherness. It’s very important to spend time with your family. I use Lucina as an example of someone who has courage and strives to do the right thing, not just for herself, but for others. I encourage the theme of working together, and I promote the Celtic or Irish theme because it is my heritage.
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
There is a sequel coming to my Lucina in Humbra Land Book. The story is not complete yet, but I’m hopeful that fans will be equally enchanted with the next book.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Amazon
The story unfolds as Lucina, guided by the wise and sturdy Noak, attempts to unite the inhabitants of Humbra Land, including the ethereal Cinda, the mischievous Nutty, and the formidable vine monsters led by Crag. The fate of this enchanting realm rests on their shoulders, and Lucina becomes the linchpin in their efforts to avert disaster.
The urgency to save Humbra Land is intensified by torrential rains, thunderous storms, and a relentless flood that threatens to erase the magical realm. With determination and courage, Lucina faces the challenge of convincing the vine monsters, lost in a misunderstanding, to join forces with the other inhabitants.
As Lucina and her newfound friends embark on a mission to transport a gigantic granite boulder up the Shannon River, they encounter numerous obstacles and confrontations. The story weaves themes of cooperation, empathy, and friendship, emphasizing the transformative power of unity in the face of adversity.
Lucina’s journey is not merely a quest to save Humbra Land; it becomes a personal odyssey of growth, resilience, and self-discovery. Alongside the fantastical elements, the narrative explores family bonds, as Lucina’s commitment to saving her Grammy’s farm becomes a driving force for her.
Amidst the adventure, suspense, and remarkable encounters, Lucina’s character evolves, demonstrating the strength that emerges from facing challenges head-on. The book captures the essence of courage, friendship, and the enduring spirit of resilience.
“Lucina in Humbra Land” offers a captivating blend of fantasy and adventure, suitable for middle-grade and young adult readers. With its richly developed world, relatable characters, and heartfelt themes, this enchanting tale promises to captivate readers and leave a lasting impression.
The Dog Roses: Resolution
The Dog Roses: Resolution is a bold, blood-soaked dive into a myth-soaked world of ancient Ériu, dripping with power struggles, family betrayals, and queens who rule with both sword and seduction. It’s the second book in Millar’s Dog Roses series, and it doesn’t pull any punches. At the heart of it are two sisters, Brighid and Danu, daughters of legendary rulers who were meant to lead with wisdom but fell into tyranny and chaos. When their father sends their brothers to clean up the mess, all hell breaks loose. You’ve got ancient gods, cunning assassins, ruthless politics, and enough battle scenes to make a Roman general blush.
Millar’s writing punches hard right out of the gate. Chapter 1 left a powerful impression. Aoife storms into the Great Hall, a spear in hand with a child’s severed head mounted on its tip, demanding accountability. It’s a harrowing and unforgettable entrance, one that immediately grips the reader and sets the tone for the intensity that follows. It was brutal, but there was a righteous fury there, too. Aoife doesn’t come off as just a warrior; she’s grief incarnate. Millar writes these women not just as strong, but deeply human. They rage, they love, they crumble. Even when I didn’t agree with what they were doing, I understood why.
Then there’s the slow unraveling of power between Brighid and Danu. That sibling dynamic is pure gold. It’s petty, painful, political, and believable. Their kingdom starts off strong, but the infighting is like a slow poison. When Brighid retreats to Caher Conri and Danu digs in at Ráth Na Conall, you know the gods are rolling their eyes. But still, there’s a vulnerability there. Danu breaking down in front of her children reminded me that even tyrants can be broken mothers. And Brighid’s slow descent, especially when Báine pulls away, is just tragic. She’s not evil, she’s just… lost. And Millar gives her that space to unravel.
This book is loaded with action and not just sword fights. The tension hums constantly. Whether it’s Tisiphone gliding through a hall like a ghost with knives in her hair or Lonán calling kings cowards to their faces with that glorious, gruff “I’m too old for this” attitude, there’s never a dull moment. Daráine shaving her head and quietly outwitting men twice her age was one of my favorite low-key power moves. Every scene at the council table crackled with unspoken threats and old grudges. It felt like reading Game of Thrones but set in mythic Ireland, and it worked.
This book is not for the faint of heart. It’s violent, earthy, and unrelenting. But if you’re into Celtic fantasy that doesn’t tiptoe around darkness, The Dog Roses: Resolution will grip you and not let go. I’d recommend it to fans of Bernard Cornwell, lovers of Irish mythology, or anyone craving epic family drama with bite.
Pages: 422 | ASIN : B0D1WCM2NH
The Adventurers and the Enigma of the Lagoon
This book is a delightful mix of mystery, history, and good old-fashioned adventure. It follows four kids, Bea, Chris, Tony, and Daniel, plus Jack, a talkative, mischief-loving crow, as they head to Óbidos Lagoon in Portugal for a camping trip. What begins as a fun getaway quickly morphs into a suspenseful journey involving odd nighttime conversations, historical legends, sneaky strangers, and a whole lot of curiosity. With its blend of real locations, local folklore, and fast-paced action, The Adventurers and the Enigma of the Lagoon feels both grounded and fantastical.
What really pulled me in was the charm of the characters, especially Jack the crow. His goofy lines like “Shoo, pests! Shoo!” and “Well, whaddya know?” gave the story so much life. The dynamic between the kids was warm and familiar, with snarky sibling comments, inside jokes, and all the awkward chaos of real friendships. One of my favorite early moments is when Jack mimics the train whistle and causes such a ruckus that passengers switch train cars. That’s the kind of energy this book carries, playful and slightly unhinged in the best way.
I also appreciated how rooted the story is in the setting. The descriptions of Óbidos are just beautiful, like when Bea exclaims, “I’ll come and live here one day! I’m in love!” I shared the same sentiment. The castle, the winding streets, the lagoon, it all feels vivid and alive. Plus, the historical facts sprinkled throughout (like the tale of Afonso Henriques and the Traitor’s Gate) are fascinating without ever being dry. It’s clear the author knows and loves this place deeply. That passion is contagious.
The mystery itself, while not wildly complex, is satisfying. There are shady adults, missing items, whispers in the night, and even a bit of environmental commentary on lagoon pollution. I wouldn’t say it had me on the edge of my seat, but I was definitely eager to find out what the deal was with Margarido and the weird noises at night. It’s a mystery more about atmosphere and tension than plot twists, which works for a younger or middle-grade audience.
The Adventurers and the Enigma of the Lagoon is fun and wholesome without being boring, adventurous without being reckless, and smart without being preachy. If you like The Famous Five or Nancy Drew, but with a European twist and a slightly more magical bird, this is right up your alley. I’d recommend it to kids around 9–13, families reading together, or anyone who enjoys lighthearted adventures in charming places.
Pages: 181 | ISBN : 1962185478
The Borealis Queen
The Borealis Queen by Henry Guard is an imaginative adventure set in a speculative Ice Age world, centered around Nin, a resilient young woman marked by a mysterious prophecy. Struggling against oppressive foes and navigating harsh landscapes, Nin embarks on a perilous journey that intertwines survival, destiny, and the forging of unexpected bonds.
I found myself captivated by Guard’s storytelling. His vivid descriptions, especially of Nin’s harrowing encounters with Gore, are so intense and emotional they kept me flipping pages, heart in throat. The opening scene in Chapter 1, where Nin is dragged through the snow by her hair, is brutal but powerfully written. It immediately connects readers with Nin’s defiant spirit despite her desperate circumstances.
One thing that stood out to me was the portrayal of relationships and unexpected alliances. Nin’s bond with Shadow, the fearsome Dagger Mouth Demon, genuinely moved me. The nuanced depiction of their connection—beginning with Nin’s compassionate rescue of Shadow as a pup and later reciprocated through his fierce loyalty—highlighted themes of empathy and interdependence. The moment Shadow saves Nin from Ursang was both thrilling and heartwarming, encapsulating the book’s underlying message about the power of kindness even amid brutality.
While I admired the strong character development, some sub-stories, like the detailed recounting of tribal rituals or backstory expositions, momentarily pulled me away from the main plot. Still, these slower sections offered rich cultural insights, and Guard’s enthusiasm for his created world shone through clearly.
The Borealis Queen is a compelling read with memorable characters and gripping emotional intensity. Guard does a fantastic job creating a world that’s both fantastical and believably harsh, making the stakes feel real and the victories genuinely rewarding. I’d recommend this book to readers who enjoy immersive fantasy with a gritty edge—particularly those who appreciate strong, complex heroines and intricate relationships set against vivid, unforgiving landscapes.
Pages: 395 | ASIN : B0DXH5MT1B
Chronicles of Iron: Thunder Road
Chronicles of Iron: Thunder Road is a gritty coming-of-age tale set against the harsh backdrop of the American frontier, told through the eyes of young Ian, whose life is upended by the sudden suicide of his father. Thrust into adulthood far too early, Ian’s journey begins with trauma and spirals into a rugged path of survival, heartbreak, and ultimately, redemption. From the rural fields of his childhood to the dust-covered roads of salesman caravans and the unrelenting reality of a cowboy’s life, this book weaves together themes of grief, betrayal, hard-earned wisdom, and the search for belonging. Chilson gives us a western that’s as psychological as it is physical, and that’s where its power lies.
As someone who grew up devouring westerns, I didn’t expect this one to hit me the way it did. The tone is raw and visceral. The pain is real, and the opening chapter sets the foundation for everything that follows. And it ain’t just about survival or gunslinging—this story digs into what it means to grow up hard and fast when the world ain’t offering you a single lifeline. Ian’s descent into guilt and self-blame, followed by his attempts to find work, his failures, and the heartbreak of losing Bess, the horse he cared for, made the story feel more like a psychological duel than a shootout. Yet somehow, it still holds onto that cowboy code of grit and quiet honor.
What really got me was the switch in the second half—from broken boy to sharp-tongued hustler under the wing of Silas. That arc reminded me of the classic western trope of the young buck learning the ropes, except here it’s twisted. Instead of becoming a hero, Ian learns how to manipulate, lie, and cheat—and then pays the price. I wanted to shake him when he betrayed Silas, a man who genuinely gave him a shot. Chilson’s writing is sharp in those parts—not flowery, not dressed up—just bare-boned truth. There’s a beauty in that kind of honesty, the kind of storytelling where every misstep matters.
By the time the story shifts to Henry, a more grounded version of Ian trying to find peace and purpose on a struggling farm, you start to feel the tide turn. The relationship between Henry and Lucas brought it all home. It’s the kind of mentorship that defines a man, built not on words but actions. From fixing busted irrigation systems to fighting off rabid wolves with nothing but grit and a stick, these chapters scream classic western, but with soul. Lucas’s line, “There’s a code… a cowboy code,” resonated with me. It wasn’t just about riding tall or shooting straight. It was about keeping your word, being decent when it costs something, and doing right by others even when no one’s watching.
If you’re a fan of traditional westerns packed with dust, blood, moral gray areas, and characters that stick with you long after the fire’s out, Chronicles of Iron: Thunder Road deserves a place on your shelf. But it’s more than a western—it’s a story about being lost and clawing your way back, about learning that being strong doesn’t mean being cruel. This one’s for readers who appreciate depth in their cowboys, who want a story that punches first and comforts second. Kelly Chilson wrote something real here.
Pages: 87 | ASIN : B0F3V99JWV
LITERARY TITAN 