Blog Archives
Case Files From The Nightfall Detective Agency: The Mummy’s Vengeance
Following the groundbreaking discovery of King Tut’s tomb in 1922, mummies and the ominous curses they carried became an obsession. For archaeologist Trevor Grantham, the allure was not just the thrill of unearthing history but also the opportunity to cement his reputation within his field. His benefactor, the obscenely wealthy Malcolm Thorne, had far less noble motivations, status, wealth, and notoriety. Fast forward five years, and Thorne meets a gruesome end at a museum gala, murdered on the very night Grantham’s latest find is unveiled. As the suspect list grows, Dr. Abraham Mueller an undead werewolf from ancient Egypt and his supernatural team enlist the help of a few familiar faces to unravel the mystery of the Mummy’s vengeance.
Case Files From the Nightfall Detective Agency: The Mummy’s Vengeance by David Alyn Gordon delivers a fast-paced and exhilarating supernatural mystery. Though novella in length, the story packs a formidable punch, weaving together supernatural lore, ancient curses, family tensions, and the timeless downfall that comes with an insatiable thirst for power. Gordon masterfully balances the fantastical elements without veering into absurdity, maintaining a lighthearted tone while constructing a compelling and immersive narrative.
Mueller, serving as the de facto leader, is a particularly nuanced character. Despite his supernatural origins and formidable abilities, he remains composed and cerebral, his wisdom shaped by centuries of existence. He takes great care in mentoring his team, Frank, the steadfast golem, and Tori, a newly turned vampire fully aware that any loss of control could lead to catastrophe. While the supporting cast is not as intricately developed, each character serves a clear purpose, navigating the story’s labyrinthine twists with precision.
Finding a novel that seamlessly blends multiple genres without losing coherence is rare, but The Mummy’s Vengeance achieves this feat effortlessly. Gordon crafts a story that is equal parts mystery, adventure, and supernatural intrigue, never allowing any element to overshadow the rest. The journey to the book’s conclusion is as enjoyable as it is unpredictable, culminating in a final twist so unexpected it cements the story’s strength as a truly effective mystery. Readers looking for a thrilling, genre-bending read will find The Mummy’s Vengeance an absolute delight.
Pages: 132 | ASIN : B0CKLKLK6G
Across The Border
Anthony Pond’s Across the Border: Stories delivers a compelling exploration of migration, displacement, and identity. Through a series of gripping short stories, Pond amplifies the voices of those navigating the complexities of crossing borders, both literal and metaphorical. Each narrative presents a unique lens on the migrant experience, from those striving for a better future to individuals haunted by memories of the home they left behind.
One particularly electrifying scene unfolds at the Tijuana border, where a hidden firearm transforms an already tense crossing into a moment of unbearable suspense. Anxiety crackles in the air, the weight of uncertainty pressing down. Even when no crime is being committed, fear lurks at the margins of the journey. Pond injects this kind of taut, nerve-wracking tension throughout the collection, ensuring that each journey feels personal and perilous.
Beyond individual narratives, Pond paints a sweeping portrait of resilience and survival. Hardship takes center stage, yet flickers of hope shine through small acts of kindness from strangers, families forging new connections, and individuals uncovering hidden reserves of strength. These moments elevate the book beyond a mere collection of stories, transforming it into a deeply human meditation on the sacrifices and triumphs of migration.
Some stories conclude abruptly, leaving a sense of unfinished business. Yet, this mirrors reality, migration is rarely a neatly wrapped journey. Uncertainty lingers, and the next chapter is unwritten. The lack of closure enhances the authenticity of the collection rather than detracting from it.
For readers drawn to contemporary fiction that grapples with pressing social issues, Across the Border: Stories is essential reading. It resonates long after the final page, offering character-driven storytelling infused with emotional depth and keen social insight.
Pages: 202 | ASIN : B0DK1LFMX7
Jigsaw: Beginnings: Second Edition
David Alyn Gordon’s Jigsaw: Beginnings is a multifaceted tale that intertwines historical intrigue with modern-day adventure. The narrative pivots between World War II, where a dangerous teleportation experiment is being developed, and a contemporary group of students embarking on an educational trip to Italy. The book blends a tense scientific conspiracy with a coming-of-age travel story, creating a gripping exploration of history’s long shadow on the present.
The writing switches between sharp historical drama and lighthearted modern banter, giving the book an eclectic rhythm. The wartime scenes, particularly the character of Colonel Angelo and his ruthless manipulations, are chillingly vivid. I found the prologue’s depiction of Dr. Saberstein’s sacrifice compelling, it sets a gripping tone for the stakes involved. On the other hand, the contemporary sections featuring Noah and Mariah capture a different energy, one that’s humorous and relatable. However, at times, the transitions between these two tones feel abrupt, and I wished for smoother integration.
Gordon’s characters are distinct and memorable. Colonel Angelo and Professor Klein stand out with their moral complexities, especially Klein, whose reluctant collaboration with the Fascists is both heartbreaking and thought-provoking. On the other hand, the modern characters sometimes feel a bit familiar, with certain dialogue reflecting common teenage tropes. Still, moments like Mariah’s near-accident in Genoa inject genuine tension, reminding us how history and danger intersect in unexpected ways.
The book excels in its portrayal of the setting. Gordon paints Italy, both past and present, with a vibrant palette. From the chaos of wartime Voltri to the bustling charm of modern Genoa, the locales feel alive. I appreciated the juxtaposition of the students’ carefree tour with the weighty historical secrets beneath their feet.
Jigsaw: Beginnings is a bold and ambitious story that will appeal to fans of historical fiction and young adult adventure alike. Its vivid settings and compelling stakes make it a rewarding read. I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys a mix of historical depth and modern relatability, especially readers curious about how past actions ripple into the present.
Pages: 196 | ASIN: B092YS1SSJ
Restart: Dawn of Shadows Book 2
Restart: Dawn of Shadows – Book 2, by Drew Samuelsen, picks up where its predecessor left off, plunging readers into a world teetering on the edge of chaos. The story follows a band of survivors who, against all odds, work to reclaim humanity’s future from Queen Eve, a merciless antagonist who embodies both a personal and a global threat. The narrative sweeps from the cold vacuum of space to the teeming streets of post-apocalyptic Earth, intertwining high-stakes missions with intimate character conflicts. It’s a story of resilience, hope, and the staggering cost of fighting for freedom.
One of the things I enjoyed most about this book is its pacing. The action doesn’t just move, it rockets. Take the sequence where the protagonists escape a collapsing space station while fending off an attacking drone. The tension is palpable, and I felt myself gripping the edges of my chair as the crew scrambled to survive. Samuelsen’s imaginative world-building is something to appreciate. The descriptions of life aboard the space station the floating chaos, moonlight-induced trances, and cryptic symbols immersed me fully. The scene where Ulysses experiences a hauntingly vivid memory of his childhood thanks to alien technology was particularly striking. Some of the fantastical elements, while engaging, sometimes made the story feel more like a series of dramatic vignettes than a cohesive whole.
The dialogue shines in this book. It’s sharp and natural, often laced with humor. I chuckled at Uly’s exasperation with Xavier’s penchant for dramatic quips. But the heart of the story lies in the emotional exchanges, like the fraught conversations between Max and her father about her altered mother. These moments hit hard, revealing the emotional toll of their fight for survival.
Restart: Dawn of Shadows – Book 2 is an exciting, imperfect gem. I highly recommend this read for fans of action-packed, character-driven sci-fi with a dose of moral complexity. If you enjoy stories like The Hunger Games or Divergent, this book will be right up your alley. It’s an emotional rollercoaster with enough twists to keep you guessing and enough heart to make you care.
Pages: 206 | ASIN: B0DNQY2RVV
Creating My Own Fantasy World
In Sorcery & Sin in the Second World: A Tale of Two, a couple who enter a mysterious portal are ripped apart, one imprisoned and one forced to marry an evil sorcerer, must face perilous quests in order to reunite. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
Some of the idea came from reading classical novels by Edgar Rice Burroughs like the Princess of Mars and Tarzan series, but also from all of the sword and sandal movies in the 1980s like Conan the Barbarian and Red Sonja just to name a few. I’ve always wanted to create my own sword and fantasy world.
Do you have a favorite character in this novel? One that was especially enjoyable to write?
It’s hard to pick a favorite character because there are aspects of each one that I like such as Rena’s resilience, Kana’s toughness, or Pal’s ability to deal with all of the B. S. whether it be in the first or second world. My favorite character to write is probably Garneth because although he’s wise like Yoda or Gandalf, he’s also a grumpy old man with a potty mouth and flaws. It makes it more fun to me that he’s not pefect.
What was your hardest scene to write?
The sex scenes can be difficult because I want to entice the reader with a bit of eroticism but at the same time convey the characters’ thoughts and emotions during them to give it some heart.
Can we look forward to a third installment in this series soon? Where will it take readers?
I’m aiming to have the third installment done by the end of this year/beginning of next. I’m thinking of Rena and Pal having more time together rather than apart but also show Rena and Kana dealing with each other because of their closeness to Pal.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram
Tossed into a magical prison tower after reuniting briefly with his wife Rena, Pal must figure a way out to be with her once again. In prison he meets Kana, a neighbor from back home now living in the second world for twenty-three years, not quite a day in the first world. With her help he’s determined to break out, learn about his sorcerer powers, and find Rena once again.
While her husband Pal is locked away, Rena contends with being forced into a marriage with the duplicitous Sorcerer King Sego and battling multiple sorcerer enemies. All the while, Rena keeps a secret that could change the course of not only her life, but Pal’s too.
Rena and Pal discover what they are made of, but is it enough in this second world of sorcery, sex, love, and adventure?
Unravel the mysteries of the Second Word, where a moment is a lifetime, and every lifetime is a tale of magic.
Join Rena and Pal as they navigate a land brimming with magic, ancient enmities, and timeless love. Get your copy of Sorcery & Sin in the Second World: A Tale of Two today and unravel the magic, mysteries, and monumental adventures waiting on the other side of reality.
Immortality Bytes: Digital Minds Don’t Get Hungry
Immortality Bytes is a sharp, satirical cyberpunk adventure that plunges into a world of digital immortality, hyper-advanced AI, and a society grappling with its technological future. The novel’s sprawling narrative introduces us to Stu, an overconfident AI programmer, and his vibrant circle of associates, ex-lovers, and rivals, each caught in the high-stakes game of technological advancement and survival. Through its vivid characters, the story explores questions about morality, progress, and what it means to be human in a world increasingly ruled by machines.
The prose dances between biting humor and philosophical depth, a balance that’s rare and delightful. Stu’s sarcastic yet oddly optimistic video rants are as hilarious as they are unsettling, pointing out society’s obsession with appearances over substance. His self-aware commentary on contentment and responsibility rings true in a world flooded with cynicism. Author Daniel Lawrence Abrams’s portrayal of a society numbed by post-scarcity comforts, where Universal Basic Income citizens drift into self-indulgent stupors, felt both exaggerated and alarmingly plausible.
One of my favorite elements was the character work. Each figure—from the enigmatic Roxy, Stu’s brilliant ex, to Pyotr, a chillingly pragmatic antagonist—adds a unique flavor to the story. Roxy’s agnostic defense of religion, likening life’s tragedies to fleeting pains on an eternal timeline, was surprisingly moving. Her dry pragmatism contrasts beautifully with Stu’s chaotic, often naïve determination. Meanwhile, Chuck Rosti, a caricature of capitalist excess, brought moments of dark comedy, like his outrageous belief that debt is “civilized slavery.”
While the technological details and societal constructs are imaginative, they sometimes drown the plot in jargon-heavy asides. The “bonus material” sections, while clever, disrupted the flow for me. That said, moments like the Turing competition, where AI systems engage in dazzlingly complex tasks, had me riveted. The competition’s climax, involving a Kendrick Lamar cameo and Stu’s ingenious use of a digital avatar, was a standout sequence—a brilliant encapsulation of the author’s knack for blending tech wizardry with human drama.
Immortality Bytes is a feast for readers who enjoy thought-provoking, satirical science fiction. It challenges you to laugh, think, and squirm—sometimes all at once. Fans of Neal Stephenson, Douglas Adams, or Charlie Brooker’s Black Mirror will find plenty to love here. It’s a rewarding ride for those willing to engage with its ambitious ideas.
Pagesa 354 | ASIN : B0DBPSVF9C
Beyond Reality’s Edge
Breanna stands on the verge of a career-defining moment. For any author, having a book adapted for the big screen is the ultimate dream. All she needs to do is make it to her meeting. But fate intervenes in an unexpected twist—she accidentally steps into a portal and lands in another world. Not just any world, though. Breanna finds herself de-aged and transported into Gateway to Infinity, a cult-favorite sci-fi show that captivated fans for five seasons before ending years ago. Suddenly embedded in the show’s narrative, she’s thrust into the middle of a high-stakes conflict between the main cast and their formidable enemies, the Threnarians. While her intimate knowledge of the plot gives her an edge, the enemies seem intent on rewriting the story, leaving her scrambling to adapt.
In Beyond Reality’s Edge by B. A. Chapman, readers follow Breanna’s thrilling journey as she navigates a world that once only existed on-screen. Alongside the beloved cast, she must fight to survive in a story that keeps shifting under her feet. The narrative is both engaging and imaginative, blending sci-fi adventure with a unique twist of meta-awareness. Breanna’s insider knowledge of the show’s events adds a fascinating layer to the story, allowing her to influence outcomes in ways that feel fresh and compelling. Watching her reshape the narrative while interacting with her favorite characters offers a delightful twist for fans of the genre.
This book is a must-read for sci-fi enthusiasts and romance lovers alike. The plot flows seamlessly, keeping readers hooked from start to finish. The characters are likable and easy to connect with, making it a joy to journey through the story with them. One area that could have used more depth, however, is the relationship between Breanna and her love interest, Rylo Dax. Their connection develops at lightning speed, which feels rushed given the promise of an ongoing series. A bit more time spent building their bond would have enriched the romantic subplot.
That said, the pacing of the main story remains tight and well-executed. Every twist and turn kept me eagerly anticipating what would happen next. The premise feels refreshingly original, and Chapman’s writing delivers a unique blend of nostalgia and innovation. I’m excited to see where Breanna’s journey leads in future installments and can’t wait to dive back into this inventive universe.
Pages: 292 | ASIN : B0DS6CLRSL
TWO CROWNS, THREE BLADES
In the wake of Madam Dunn’s death, Sibil declares her intent to join the army, openly vowing to strike against The Guild. Whispers of a young woman wielding a dagger adorned with a red-jeweled bone handle, slaying giants, tangle with rumors of the Wisperal’s return. Are these two tales connected? The narrative unfolds as an unlikely duo—a determined girl and an aging man—embarks on a perilous journey through a tumultuous world. Together, they navigate dangers and surprises, pursuing separate but intertwined goals.
Two Crowns, Three Blades, which is book two in The Legends of Baelon by Robert A. Walker, delivers a sprawling and intricate plot, anchored by engaging characters and formidable challenges. From a deadly pact to eliminate two kings to the intricacies of battle strategies, the novel seizes readers’ attention with its high-stakes missions and life-or-death gambits. The war strategies stand out as a highlight, evoking the grandeur of Tolkien’s beloved fantasy epics like The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Discussions of medieval tactics—from bracing for volleys of arrows to weighing the risks of cavalry against spiked barriers—are rich with detail and lend authenticity to the book’s action sequences.
Walker’s prose vividly captures the world through his characters’ eyes, immersing readers in the unfolding drama. His ability to bring even minor characters to life is evident through meticulous descriptions, such as the “small curved nose, taut cheeks, and thin lips” of a striking female figure. These details ground the fantastical setting in a sense of realism. The Wisperal herself is a standout element, shrouded in an aura of awe and menace. Rumors paint her as a giant slayer, a figure who hunts the wicked and delivers them “to Baelon below.” Her mythic presence elevates the stakes and deepens the intrigue, making her one of the story’s most compelling elements.
The abundance of characters—kings, enemies, and allies—woven into an intricate web of missions and alliances will appeal to readers who seek a rich, character-driven saga. Walker crafts a tale brimming with twists, suspense, and engaging fantasy elements. Fans of intricate political intrigue, thrilling action, and clever strategic planning will find much to enjoy. Two Crowns, Three Blades offers a captivating blend of epic adventure and imaginative storytelling.
Pages: 393 | ASIN : B0DRFF2V9D
LITERARY TITAN 