Blog Archives
When Anna Came Home
When Anna Came Home dives straight into the shadows of power, wealth, and betrayal with a gripping opening, and refuses to let up. The story follows Anna Cahill, a young woman who, expecting to surprise her family with good news, walks into a nightmare—her entire family gunned down, and her world flipped inside out. What follows is a fast-paced unraveling of secrets, lies, and a tangled web of criminal conspiracy that stretches from family dinner tables to international arms deals. It’s part domestic thriller, part espionage drama, and entirely absorbing.
The writing was clean and fast-moving, but also rich with emotional detail. Condon doesn’t waste time. From the first page, she plants you right in the action. The opening chapter feels like a scene from a slick thriller, with men in black, secret cash exchanges, and ominous hangars. But then, we’re immediately pulled into Anna’s raw, personal hell. The hotel suite scene where she gives her statement is haunting, and her breakdown after realizing her family is gone hit me hard. It was real and messy and completely believable.
But what really got me was the subtle emotional manipulation going on in her family before everything fell apart. Chapter 3 paints a picture of Anna’s picture-perfect life with all the cracks starting to show. Her mother, Meredith, is this elegant, controlling force, and the scene where she comments on Anna’s weight while smiling lovingly was so sharp and real it made me wince. The way Oliver, Anna’s brother, confesses the truth about their parents’ criminal activity over Chinese takeout was the perfect mix of “I love you” and “you’re my only way out.” It’s all so layered—family, guilt, loyalty. Even when Anna’s getting her makeup done there’s this undercurrent of dread that never quite lets up. I kept waiting for someone to pull the rug out from under her again.
This book had me flipping pages late into the night. There’s action, emotional weight, and a steady drip of reveals that kept me guessing. If you’re into shows like Scandal or books by Lisa Jewell, you’ll probably eat this up. That said, there are definitely some heavy themes—abuse, manipulation, corruption—so it’s not exactly light reading. But it is worth it.
I’d recommend When Anna Came Home to fans of twisty thrillers and emotionally complex stories. It’s for readers who like their heroines smart, their villains slippery, and their plots loaded with secrets just waiting to explode. Shannon Condon doesn’t pull punches, and I was all in from page one.
Pages: 200 | ASIN : B0DVLW8VHG
No Ratulent in Ratatatuvue
No Ratulent in Ratatatuvue takes readers on a journey to a whimsical realm, blending elements of fantasy, adventure, and a sprinkle of familial dynamics. The story revolves around a pair of siblings, Rolanda and James, who find themselves thrust into the legacy of being “keepers” of Ratatatuvue, a hidden mystical world inhabited by sentient “rattans.” Guided by a family history brimming with secrets and a mysterious key, they navigate their new roles while grappling with their own doubts and the fantastical challenges of their destiny.
The writing is both imaginative and heartwarming. The world-building shines when the characters step into Ratatatuvue itself. The vibrant imagery of cake-like houses and bustling rattan streets made me wish I could visit this sugar-coated wonderland myself. The author’s ability to make a rat-human hybrid society feel relatable is impressive. The story perfectly intertwines its fantastical elements with relatable family tensions. Edward, the father, exudes a mix of enthusiasm and obliviousness, pushing his children into the keeper role without fully preparing them. This dynamic adds emotional weight, especially when James’s skepticism clashes with Rolanda’s budding curiosity. Neila’s bravery in chasing the Mandurat—a rat-man hybrid—into Ratatatuvue shows her determination.
The book’s conclusion leaves readers with a sense of hope and possibility, teasing more adventures to come. The epilogue’s hint at Rolanda and James beginning to embrace their roles as keepers suggests a deeper exploration of their personal growth and the mysteries of Ratatatuvue in future installments.
No Ratulent in Ratatatuvue is for young readers or families looking for a story with lighthearted fantasy and touching family themes. It’s a delightful escape for anyone who enjoys imaginative worlds and tales of unlikely heroes. The heart of the story, the connection between its characters and their adventures, shines brightly.
Pages: 240 | ISBN-10 : 1839528540
Forebearer’s Sight: Strangers Among Us
Ayodeji Ayinde’s Forebearer’s Sight: Strangers Among Us is an epic tale that fuses historical adventure with African spirituality and rich mythological storytelling. Set against the backdrop of a mysterious land discovered by European sailors, the novel explores the clash of civilizations, the spiritual power of indigenous people, and the destiny of a young stowaway named Frederick. The book seamlessly weaves two worlds, the invading seafarers and the mystical Yoruba kingdoms, into a tense, often brutal narrative about survival, identity, and power.
Right from the opening chapter, I was hooked. Ayinde’s prose has a cinematic quality that grabs your senses—there’s thunder crashing, wind howling, ships nearly capsizing, and a scrappy twelve-year-old fighting to prove he belongs. Frederick’s bravery during the storm won me over immediately. He’s smart, stubborn, and full of heart, and Ayinde gives him just enough edge to feel real. But what really impressed me was the layered emotional undercurrent, especially that moment when Afonso, the rough first mate, hugs Frederick and then awkwardly pulls away. It’s small, but it’s loaded.
Now, when the story shifts to the Yoruba kingdom, things get mystical and deep fast. The introduction of Ifaromi and the spiritual depth of the Ile-Ife culture is powerful. The world-building is detailed. The customs, the Orishas, and the rituals are immersive and rich, though at times, they can be a bit dense. Ayinde treats African spirituality with reverence and flair. The astral plane sequences and the role of the Hand of Olodumare gave the book a fresh, fantastical vibe that reminded me of why stories rooted in indigenous lore are so necessary.
One thing I didn’t expect was how intense the violence would be. The ambush in the forest was absolutely brutal. Heads rolling, throats slashed, and warriors emerging from tree trunks like ghosts—it’s savage, raw, and effective. Ayinde uses brutality to highlight the stakes of cultural collision. The native warriors aren’t just “villains,” they’re defenders of a sacred land, and that moral grayness is compelling. I also liked how even the supernatural moments, like Frederick’s body going limp from a mysterious touch, are handled with subtlety.
Forebearer’s Sight is a wild mix of swashbuckling adventure and spiritual epic. It’s not a light read, and it definitely asks you to pay attention, but if you’re into rich world-building, complex characters, and bold storytelling, it pays off. I’d recommend this book to readers who loved Things Fall Apart but wished it had more pirates, or fans of Black Panther who want something with more traditional African spiritual elements. It’s daring, emotionally charged, and wildly imaginative.
Pages: 221 | ASIN : B0BRBLHMYG
Army of 29 Cats
Wynter St. Vaughan’s novel Army of 29 Cats is weird in the best way possible. Army of 29 Cats is a gritty, post-apocalyptic story told through the eyes of street-smart, dumpster-diving cats. The setting is Atomic City, a once-thriving metropolis now drowning in purple fog, feral vibes, and existential dread. Our main feline hero, McGrady, is basically a warrior-poet with claws, and along with his anxious but lovable sidekick Paws, they set out to find out what’s corrupting their city—and their friends. It’s like Watership Down meets Blade Runner, but covered in fur and way more sarcastic.
I was not expecting to get emotionally attached to a cat. But there I was, rooting for him as he leapt rooftops, dodged glowing-eyed mutant dogs, and tried to rescue Felina, a cat gone rogue. The writing has this flow that jumps between poetic and street-wise without missing a beat. Like when Grandma Mittens describes Felina’s haunting purple eyes. That’s some vivid storytelling. The whole world-building around Atomic City is eerie and immersive. It’s a mess of decay, forgotten neighborhoods, creepy raccoons, and weird purple goo that’s turning everyone into mindless husks. I was hooked.
The dialogue is hilarious and punchy. The banter between McGrady and Paws had me laughing. There’s also a moment where Amazing Grace—who totally lives up to her name—pulls a full-on parkour escape from a dog pack and disappears like a silver ninja. And when Professor Waffles showed up with his steampunk goggles, I almost clapped. The characters are so over-the-top but grounded in enough raw emotion that it works.
Sometimes, the book throws a lot at you. Like, every chapter ramps up the action and adds another creepy villain, new neighborhood, or dramatic cat monologue. I occasionally lost track of who was infected and who was just cranky. And the purple-eye infection subplot was super cool and ominous but gets a bit murky in explanation. I wanted a tiny bit more clarity there, especially after the introduction of Mr. Geiger, the ultra-creepy villain.
Still, I had a blast reading this. The mix of high-stakes adventure, grimy urban survival, and cat drama is unique. If you’re into dystopias, underground animal rebellions, or just want something completely unexpected, Army of 29 Cats delivers. It’s great for readers who liked Redwall but always wished the characters were sassier and the setting more cyberpunk. I’d hand this to teens, adult animation fans, or anyone who secretly thinks their cat is plotting world domination.
Pages: 226 | ASIN : B0DPTTHRXV
The Challenges of Our Times
Aquila Rising follows a Martian-born young man whose colony is attacked and his father is executed before his eyes, leading him to seek a way to get revenge while being forced into the army that destroyed his life. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I was watching an old History Channel series on The American Revolution and a world started to grow in my head as I watched. I liked the power dynamics between the American militias and the British army that was considered the most powerful army in the world at the time. The British were also seen as the oppressors and it’s an infamous story of humanity’s struggle for freedom.
I’ve always thought that using our history as inspiration for a story will help make it feel more real, so I took the inspiration and built a new world around it. A space opera felt like a fitting setting for my story!
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?
There’s a lot of tension and discussion right now regarding wealth inequality and corporate power. I wanted my space opera to be relevant to our times and challenges, so I started brainstorming ways that I could incorporate the world I had created with the challenges of our times.
As I built out the story, more and more possibilities sprung up and the size and power of Draconis grew. As I wrote, their leader took on more evil, but I tried to make the employees seem like good, normal people, stuck within their grasp.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I really wanted to explore some social themes in this book, the big one for me was corporate power and corporate greed. We’re living in a time where certain companies have incredible amounts of power and they use their influence to alter humanity’s course in the world, most often, not for the betterment of the average person.
A gripping adventure through space provides an engaging platform for readers to explore some of these themes and the ambiguity of some of the moral decisions hopefully leaves readers thinking long after they set down the book.
Can you tell us where the book goes and where we’ll see the characters in the next book?
Lewis and Nels continue their quest for freedom with The Aquila Front. They’ve become accidental heroes of the rebellion and given it credibility. Inspired by their actions, more people within Aquila start following suit and wage a hidden war against Draconis.
Draconis becomes more and more desperate as they feel threatened for the first time, they become hyper-focused on finding Lewis, convinced that capturing him will end the war. Their singular focus leaves them vulnerable and The Aquila Front takes their chances in their biggest open act of war yet.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Conscripted by a ruthless space mining corporation, Lewis rose through their ranks, becoming a weapon in their iron grip. But a chance encounter with a childhood friend ignited a rebellion within him.
Joining the Aquila Front, an insurgent movement fighting for freedom, Lewis uses his insider knowledge to launch devastating strikes against Draconis. But as the war escalates, he must confront the ghosts of his past, and find the man he was meant to be.
“Aquila Rising” is a pulse-pounding space opera that will leave you breathless. Buckle up for thrilling battles, daring escapes, and a hero who must choose between duty and defiance.
For fans of Hard Science Fiction books like James S.A. Corey’s The Expanse and Andy Weir’s The Martian, this is a must-read.
Don’t just read about it! Experience it. Click “Add to Cart” and join the rebellion against corporate greed today!
Using Your Superpower
Dan Ford’s Using Your Superpower is a wild ride through politics, spirituality, and human resilience. It follows Amelia Castro, an accomplished woman who is suddenly thrust into a new reality as the U.S. Secretary of State. What starts as a personal struggle with self-doubt quickly turns into an action-packed adventure, complete with abductions, political intrigue, and a deeper journey into the nature of empathy as a “superpower.” Alongside her trusted team, dubbed the Fearless Five, Amelia navigates a world where diplomacy is just as dangerous as battlefields, and where empathy, not force, might be the greatest weapon of all.
One of the most engaging aspects of the book is how it portrays Amelia’s growth. At first, she’s unsure if she can handle the job. She’s a powerful businesswoman, sure, but politics? That’s a different beast. Her initial doubts manifest in some self-destructive behavior. It’s a low moment, but also a relatable one. Who hasn’t felt overwhelmed by the weight of expectation? Ford does a great job of making Amelia feel human, rather than some untouchable, hyper-competent protagonist.
The book’s spiritual angle is both thought-provoking and I felt, at times, a little heavy-handed. The idea that empathy is a “superpower” is compelling, Amelia and her team tackle conflicts not through brute force, but through understanding. This isn’t just feel-good rhetoric; it’s an active strategy. The novel weaves this idea into global politics, showing how traditional diplomacy often fails because it lacks real human connection. However, there are moments where the message overshadows the plot somewhat, making the dialogue feel more like a philosophical lecture than an organic conversation. That said, when it works, it works well. The discussions between Amelia and her team, especially with David Stanford, are some of the best moments in the book.
The action and suspense keep the story moving at a brisk pace. From assassination attempts to covert missions, Using Your Superpower doesn’t lack excitement. There’s even an element of science fiction and metaphysics, with characters experiencing time travel-like events and spiritual awakenings. This blend of genres is ambitious and successful, though at times it stretches believability. If you’re someone who likes their political thrillers grounded in realism, this might not be your cup of tea. But if you enjoy stories that push the boundaries of reality, you’ll be hooked.
Using Your Superpower is a fascinating blend of political thriller, self-discovery, and philosophical exploration. It’s a book for readers who enjoy high-stakes diplomacy, strong female leads, and a touch of the mystical. If you liked The West Wing but wished it had a bit more metaphysical depth, this book is for you. The core message, empathy as a powerful force for change is one worth exploring. Would I recommend it? Absolutely, especially for readers who enjoy a mix of action, reflection, and a touch of the extraordinary.
Pages: 317 | ASIN : B0DWZ695Z3
Rustlers, Renegades, and Rogues
Joanne Fralick’s Rustlers, Renegades, and Rogues: Cournoyer Brothers Book 1 is a gripping Western novel that pulls you straight into the rugged landscapes of South Dakota in the late 19th century. The story follows Leon Cournoyer, a half-French Canadian, half-Lakota freighter and rancher, as he navigates the challenges of frontier life. From battling brutal storms to outsmarting cattle rustlers, and facing the slow, creeping grasp of government control over Indigenous lands, the novel doesn’t hold back in immersing readers in a world that is both harsh and beautiful. Family, identity, and survival lie at the heart of the story, as Leon and his sons try to hold onto their Lakota heritage while adapting to an ever-changing frontier.
What I really enjoyed about this book was how Fralick’s writing brings the setting alive. Right from the opening chapter, where Leon trudges home in a relentless rainstorm, drenched and weary after weeks on the trail, I could feel the weight of his exhaustion. The way the environment is described, the sticky, muddy roads, the storm beating against his oilskin, and the smell of woodsmoke promising warmth make the book feel vivid and immersive. The prairie is as much a character as the people, and every description of the land and weather sets the perfect mood for the scenes that unfold.
The characters in this novel stand out as its strongest feature. Leon is a tough, hardworking man, but he’s also a father, and you can feel the deep love he has for his family. One of the most powerful moments for me was when he reassures his son John during Sarah’s childbirth, trying to remain composed even as his own nerves are frayed. The interactions between the brothers, John, Claude, and Philip, are filled with the kind of rough teasing and camaraderie that makes them feel real. Fralick is adept at interweaving deep undercurrents that add a rich layer of complexity to the story.
The action in this book keeps readers on their toes. The cattle roundup scenes, the run-ins with land-hungry settlers, and the tension of frontier justice all build an atmosphere of uncertainty and danger. The anger, the frustration, and the unfairness of some situations made my blood boil. And then there are the quiet but powerful moments. The contrast between action-packed sequences and deeply emotional reflections makes this book a page-turner.
Rustlers, Renegades, and Rogues is a fantastic read for anyone who loves Westerns with depth. It’s not just about cowboys and cattle, it’s about family, resilience, and the painful history of Indigenous displacement. Fans of historical fiction, especially those interested in stories that balance action with rich character development, will find a lot to love here. If you enjoy books with strong, morally complex characters and an authentic sense of place, this one’s definitely worth picking up. I can’t wait to see what happens next with the Cournoyer brothers.
Pages: 226 | ASIN : B0D96D2B33
Dancing to Her Own Music
Dancing Valley follows a grieving woman seeking solace in nature who gets lost and winds up in a mystical valley where magical beings she once thought imaginary are not only real but deeply connected to her. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I have a friend who dances through life to music only she can hear. There’s something a bit mystical about her. I expanded on that magic by creating Anita, a woman who can talk to elves and faires, but who has been convinced the little people exist only in her mind.
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?
As Anita evolved, I realized she would have fit into Goldfield Forest, a book I’d recently published. I hadn’t intended to write a series,but Anita’s character demanded it. She led me to Dancing Valley which became Book Two in the Unmistakably Mystical series.
Your characters go on a deeply emotional and transformative journey in your novel. Is this intentional or incidental to the story you want to tell?
It is intentional. My stories are always character-driven. I want the readers to relate to them. In Dancing Valley, loyalty, adventure, strength and a touch of romance combine to allow the characters to confront the challenges that ultimately show good prevailing over evil.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
Yes. Heritage Mountain, set in the Adirondack Mountains, is book three in the series. My intention is to have it ready for publication by the end of the year. Like the first two books, some characters will carry over, but it is also a standalone, filled with adventure and magical realism.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook | Website
Abandoned by her mother, when she was hours old, Anita’s only clue to her history is an emerald pendant tucked into the pocket of the shirt she’d been wrapped in. After the unexpected death of her adoptive parents, Anita sells everything and heads to the wilderness. During a week of hiking unmarked trails, she becomes lost and roams for days until she sees a fairy, a creature she’s been convinced doesn’t exist. Anita follows the tiny creature, who leads her to Carolyn, who leads her on a journey to learn about her past and discover her destiny.
When Dancing Valley is threatened, Anita stands beside Carolyn, risking her life to fight for her new home and her mystical family.
LITERARY TITAN 