Blog Archives
Protective Instinct
Joy York’s Protective Instinct stands out with its sharp and captivating storytelling. The narrative pulls readers into a whirlwind of suspense and action, where each plot twist defies prediction, keeping them breathlessly turning pages. Every scene pulses with energy, expertly crafted to leave readers on edge, immersed in an atmosphere brimming with danger and intrigue.
The characters shine in their complexity. Morgan Skylar, a tough and resourceful kindergarten teacher with survival instincts hidden beneath her seemingly innocent demeanor, brings a dynamic and relatable strength to the story. Sebastian “Bash” Bartoli, the self-absorbed crime fiction writer, must grapple with his own shortcomings as he’s thrust into peril far removed from his life of privilege and literary fame. Their evolving relationship adds an emotional layer to the tension, especially as they’re forced to rely on each other when the bullets start flying. York’s deft characterization extends even to the secondary players like the powerful Fontana family, whose tangled web of secrets keeps the stakes high and the reader guessing. The chemistry between Morgan and Bash is palpable, growing convincingly amidst the chaos. Their journey from mistrust to mutual reliance, underscored by hints of romance, is seamlessly woven into the thrilling plot.
Protective Instinct moves far beyond the average suspense thriller; it’s a masterful blend of high-stakes drama, unexpected revelations, and deeply engaging characters. York delivers a story that hits every mark for fans of thrillers infused with emotional depth and relentless action. If you crave suspense laced with intensity and character-driven surprises, Joy York’s novel is a must-read.
Pages: 287 | ASIN : B0CPDQ8MCL
Leaping Beauty
In Leaping Beauty, Rebecca Fox transports readers into a world brimming with fantasy, intrigue, and a touch of mystery. Red Felian, the last princess of a crumbling kingdom, is cursed, her strength slowly drained by a spell that keeps her imprisoned within the palace walls. But Red, a symbol of resilience and courage, refuses to let her fate be sealed. With only days left to live, she breaks free, determined to explore the world beyond and uncover the truth behind her parents’ disappearance. Outside the palace, Red encounters a kingdom rife with peril—shadowy forests, corrupt guards, and a ruthless nobleman’s son who’s hellbent on capturing her. Yet, she remains unwavering in her quest. Her journey takes an unexpected turn when she meets Robbie, a captivating and enigmatic traveler whose involvement complicates her already dangerous mission. With time slipping away and threats looming, Red must seize control of her destiny before it’s too late.
Fox masterfully captures readers from the first page, blending elements of fantasy and mystery in an enticing narrative. The story opens with Red boldly declaring her intent to follow in her father’s footsteps on a dangerous quest to find her missing mother. The dialogue is crisp, immediately pulling readers into a world of fog-drenched castles, vanishing royalty, and legendary adventures. Red’s character, with her fierce determination and quiet resolve, is the beating heart of this tale. She reminds us that even the most unlikely hero can challenge destiny.
Unlike traditional tales of epic quests, Leaping Beauty takes a fresh approach, showcasing how quests are not always filled with triumph and glory. They can be a test of endurance, a theme that Fox explores beautifully. Red’s discoveries reveal that courage isn’t just about fighting battles but about pushing through uncertainty and loss. The novel’s atmosphere is rich with tension and symbolism. The persistent rain that falls after the Queen’s disappearance mirrors the kingdom’s grief, while the creeping fog that winds through the castle grounds hints at the uncertainty of the journey ahead. Red spends her time poring over ancient texts in the castle’s vast library, searching for answers to her mother’s vanishing and the strange fog engulfing her world. These scenes add depth, showing that Leaping Beauty isn’t just a fantasy tale but an exploration of familial duty, perseverance, and the battle between hope and despair. As the story builds to its thrilling conclusion, readers are treated to a heart-pounding moment of truth. Red and her companions face the mystery that has haunted them, leading to a surprising and emotional climax. The eerie atmosphere, combined with moments of humor and camaraderie, strikes a perfect balance. Fox weaves together the fantastical and the human, reminding us that in a world of magic and danger, it’s the strength of friendships and human connection that ultimately triumphs.
Leaping Beauty is a must-read for fans of epic quests, magical realism, and character-driven stories. It invites readers into a world where bravery is defined not just by vanquishing monsters but by holding onto hope even when the path forward is uncertain. The journey itself, and the bonds formed along the way, make this story both thought-provoking and deeply resonant.
Pages: 442 | ISBN : 1739356101
Good Overcoming Evil
The Fastest Water Pistol in Splodge City follows a young boy visiting with his grandparents in the Arizona desert who winds up in an exciting Wild West showdown adventure. What was the inspiration for your story?
My grandson, Daniel remains the inspiration for my children’s books. During another difficult period of my life he came along just at the right time, and since his birth, he has been a constant inspiration to me. I firmly believe, that in everything we do in life, we need to be inspired – after all, life is not a rehearsal, and nothing is more important than family.
I am a big believer in fate, things happen for a reason, as has happened in my life. I started Biddick Hall Infants School in 1962; Daniel started the same school in 2022. He has called me Papa since he started to talk.
In addition to this, I wanted to write stories that would create escapism for children but at the same time add a dash of magic. I want children to understand that if they work hard, they can play hard too, and behind every marshmallow cloud, there is a dream – because dreams do come true.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Undoubtedly, good overcoming evil is the fundamental message in the book. The story also has a strong moral message, like ‘no one likes bullies.’
I also felt it was important to demonstrate that helping each other can have its rewards.
So, Daniel and his Papa along with the help of some colourful characters defeat the evil gun (water- pistol) slinger, Wild Will Hickory Dickory Jock.
I found Two Clouds to be an interesting character. What was your inspiration for that character and his role in the story?
Good questions, here is the short answer:
I am humbled to be one of the longest survivors of cancer in the UK at fifty years since diagnosis. I wrote my three-dimensional memoir, Me and My Shadow – memoirs of a cancer survivor, in the hope it would deliver hope and inspiration to anyone in society touched by cancer. I mentioned above about the importance of inspiration – my inspiration during the years of failed treatment was the Lakota Sioux Nation, after I read Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee, by Dee Brown. In 2018, despite being in the UK, I contacted the tribal council of Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, in South Dakota, requesting a visit. Subsequently, I spent a week on the reservation with the indigenous people who, unknowingly supported me through my cancer journey – whilst there, I was made an honorary member of the tribal council.
In all of my books, there is a Native American. On this occasion, as the story is set in Arizona, then it had to be a Navajo.
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?
So this is the third book in a series of Daniel and Papa. The next release will be early 2025 and is title, Kingdom of Huckleberry Jam. On this adventure Daniel goes it alone and is tasked with saving the kingdom from an invasion of super powered ants, deriving there super power, and growing four- times larger from consuming huckleberry jam – hence their invasion.
Following this book, again likely for 2025, will be, Lunar Von Buella, the Mystical Mouse from Missoula. This is the story of a warlock from the underworld, determined to destroy the American dream with the help (against his will) of a field mouse called Lunar. During his vacation in Montana, and on a trip down the mighty Yellowstone River, Daniel is contacted once again by Two Clouds and tasked with stopping Zagan, the warlock.
Two further titles are complete but without a publication date: Admiral Percival Pigeonforge (the cave of eternal screams). Finally, Mind-Boggling Stories will be published at a future date.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Splodge City is being bullied by a band of evil gunslingers, determined to get their grubby hands on Papa’s book of magic.
Two Clouds, an Indian chief with more magic than there are stars in the sky, whispered an old Indian spell and the surrounding ground began to shake, revealing the entrance to Splodge City.
When the fighting started, the water was flying everywhere. In the corner sat a smelly stranger with bloodshot eyes, which hid a hundred and one evil secrets. Ringo Smarty Farty Pants was his name, and no good tricks were his game. When Spike ‘The Fool’ Gooseberry steals Papa’s black book, it seems that Daniel and his friends are beaten. However, Weston Wolf has other ideas.
Eventually, Daniel stood face to face with Sir Stumpy Slugworm from Spoonstone. Their hands twitched and they both went for their water pistols – SPLOOSH!
But who would be The Fastest Water Pistol in Splodge City?
Critical Habitat
Critical Habitat, the award-winning sci-fi, dystopian adventure by Terrence King, delivers a chilling vision of the future that feels alarmingly close to reality. In this gripping tale, humanity is ruled by a mysterious Authority, a force so oppressive that even basic human needs are crushed beneath its iron grip. In a world where survival is bleak and hope is a distant memory, the idea of a hero feels obsolete. But heroes exist here, even if they remain nameless. Our protagonists, simply known as X and Y, hold the key to dismantling the Authority—a critical data chip that could destroy everything the regime stands for. Yet, they can’t complete their mission alone. Trust, however, is a rare commodity in this desolate landscape. Even among rebels, fear and suspicion reign. How do you trust others—or yourself—when everything around you is built on deception?
The story grips you from the start, keeping you on edge with its constant twists and turns. The world King has created is hostile, but the characters of X and Y shine through, forming a connection with the reader that makes the stakes feel personal. X, in particular, stands out with her biting sarcasm, providing much-needed levity in a world filled with darkness. Her sense of humor adds a sharp, refreshing dynamic that elevates the entire narrative.
What truly sets Critical Habitat apart is how original it feels. In a genre that often recycles familiar tropes, King takes well-worn concepts—advanced technology in a broken world, a totalitarian regime, and rebels seeking to overthrow the system—and spins them in a way that feels fresh and innovative. It’s rare to encounter a sci-fi story that breaks from the mold so completely, and that’s what makes this book such a standout. It offers a new perspective, something that feels like a breath of fresh air in a genre where stories often blend into one another. I feel the book’s slow start is its one drawback. The initial chapters can feel dense, as King meticulously builds his dystopian world, and it takes some time to fully immerse yourself in the story. However, once you push through those early pages, you’ll find yourself hooked, unable to put it down.
Critical Habitat is more than just an engaging sci-fi adventure—it’s a thought-provoking reflection on where our planet could be headed. King’s vision of a future ruled by fear and control hits unnervingly close to home. By the end, you’ll be left pondering the frightening possibility that this dystopia may not be so far off. Thank you, Terrence King—you’ve made me question the future, and now I won’t be sleeping tonight.
Pages: 270 | ASIN : B0C4QXLBSC
The Lost Expedition (Book #2 in the Indian Hero series)
The Lost Expedition by Douglas Misquita is a whirlwind of adventure and high-stakes intrigue that spans continents and timelines. It follows former Indian paratrooper Izak Kaurben, who, while trying to enjoy a vacation in Dubrovnik, gets sucked into a web of danger involving war photographers, mystical relics, and Croatian warlords. It’s a breathless chase from Europe to Africa, laced with international espionage, historical mysteries, and ruthless antagonists. Misquita doesn’t just stop at thrilling action sequences; he weaves a layered narrative about sacrifice, betrayal, and what drives people to become heroes or villains.
From the get-go, the writing draws you in with its cinematic quality. I found myself completely transported to the blistering heat of the Sahara or the tense standoffs on Abhita, a fishing trawler with secrets. Misquita’s prose bursts with energy, and he has a knack for setting the scene with visceral detail. For instance, the opening description of the Saharan caravan felt like stepping into a vivid, sun-soaked mirage. Sometimes the attention to description comes at the expense of pacing. The book has moments where the thrill pauses to indulge in world-building, which can either be a welcome immersion or a slight drag, depending on your taste. What stands out in The Lost Expedition is its unpredictable character dynamics. Izak Kaurben is a compelling protagonist, tough but haunted by a past he’s not keen on revisiting. The uneasy alliance he forms with Chief Inspector Josip Goran is electric, especially in scenes where their moral codes clash. These intense, morally gray partnerships are the soul of the story, though at times, I felt the secondary characters, like Yamba Bagayogo, fell into predictable tropes and could’ve used a bit more depth. The plot’s ambitious scope ties back to real and fictional history, which is impressive but occasionally overwhelming. Misquita throws in references to the Malian Empire, Soviet psychotronic experiments, and Croatian war crimes. These threads are fascinating, especially when they intersect with modern-day geopolitical games. But they also make the book dense, and I found myself wishing for a bit of breathing space to fully appreciate each plotline. A particular highlight was the scene in Nouadhibou, where the characters navigate the world’s largest ship graveyard. The atmosphere drips with tension, the rusted ships looming like ghosts of past crimes. It’s moments like these that demonstrate Misquita’s strength in blending action with a sense of history and place.
The Lost Expedition is a thrilling ride, but not without its bumps. It’s perfect for readers who love pulse-pounding action with a global scale and a historical twist. If you’re a fan of Matthew Reilly or Clive Cussler, you’ll probably devour this book. Misquita has crafted a fast-paced narrative brimming with vivid settings, complex characters, and enough plot twists to keep you guessing. Just be prepared to strap in and keep up this isn’t a story that waits around for anyone.
Pages: 342 | ASIN : B0DFHW4V3Q
Achieving Verisimilitude
Dissonance Volume III: Renegade follows a group of renegades who uncover a plot by the president to unleash a nuclear attack on the world, and it is a race to stop it from happening. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The seeds were there and they were planted in Dissonance Volume I: Reality. Cameron Shipley already discovered that something very big was going on, but he didn’t know what, and there were clues that the President was behind all of it. She is well past her prime and is now a four-term president, beyond the expected length of service by virtue of the gorgon occupation. That has seen her desire to cling to power, has seen her corruption grow, and now has seen her seeking nefarious means to eliminate dissent to her power. She has herself become a renegade world leader, and it is up to the group of renegades to take on this renegade. In short, power corrupts.
I felt that the action scenes were expertly crafted. I find that this is an area that can be overdone in novels. How did you approach this subject to make sure it flowed evenly?
Thank you, and I so appreciate you observing that! I took GREAT pains to ensure that, militarily, my novels would cut the mustard and stand up to scrutiny. To that end, I consulted with several military personnel to ensure verisimilitude. A former 35-year aircraft carrier captain. Two senior airmen in the Air Force. A Lieutenant Colonel in the Air Force. A retired Army Chopper pilot. An infantryman. They ensured that what I wrote was actually correct, and I so appreciated them! I did a ton of research on my own for the cockpit scenes in an F-15, for inside an Abrams tank, for life aboard an aircraft carrier, etc.. I think it turned out pretty well and I achieved verisimilitude. For that, I’m so very grateful!
What was one of the hardest parts of Dissonance Volume III: Renegade for you to write?
I think the trip timing out over the Atlantic was one of the hardest. It really involved mathematical equations, which I’m not skilled at. Really required lots of attention to time zones, ship speeds, knots per hour, timing the arrival at the funnel, etc.. I had to design out a bit of a graph for that. 😊 The other thing would be the battles. The tactical nature of them requires attention to detail and precision, but also requires some ingenuity in fleshing out the narrative so it’s not just recycled from what people have already seen or read. I had to get extra creative on those scenes. I think you’ll notice those creative strokes rather quickly and appreciate them.
What is one thing that people point out after reading your book that surprises you?
Well, especially as it pertains to those in the military, I appreciate how they appreciate the veracity of the details that I worked so hard to include correctly. They all turned out so great, and I really highly value when someone who has seen actual service comments that what I’ve written out is actually correct. That is high praise and is so satisfying. Overall, however, I wanted to write a thrilling and powerful climax to the saga, redemption for planet Earth, a massive final battle preceded by massive final mini-skirmishes, and I’m confident I accomplished that. So satisfied with the grandeur of it, the epic scope of it, the scale, the magnitude of the conflict, and the resolution as well. I couldn’t have asked for a better conclusion to the original trilogy.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook | Website | Book Review
Orchestrated by the President herself, the gorgon attack on Mammoth Cave proves to be utterly devastating. With the death of those closest to him and betrayed again by the ones he trusted the most, Cameron finds himself in a state of catatonic shock. Now, one thing is sure: the threat of world destruction is nothing when compared to his festering thirst for revenge.
Desperate to preserve power, President Graham will use the gorgon threat as an excuse to unleash an unprecedented nuclear attack. The surviving remnants of the world are reduced to collateral damage for the eradication of the aliens.
And now, branded a military renegade along with his rogue superiors, Cameron and the resistance are the world’s only chance for survival. They face three grave tasks. One: they must disarm the nuclear devices in the east. Two: they must utterly destroy the alien queen and the funnel. And three: President Graham must be brought to justice.
When betrayal strikes, they lose lives and Cameron is shot. And for the first time, some must accept that the aliens just might win this war. In a dystopian, post-apocalyptic world ravaged by carnage, surviving a gunshot wound is sometimes impossible…but humanity is built by those too stubborn to follow the rules!
Read all six installments in this bestselling series, in this order:
Dissonance Volume I: Reality (released 1.1.24)
Dissonance Volume II: Reckoning (released 3.20.24)
Dissonance Volume III: Renegade (released 5.18.24)
Dissonance Volume IV: Relentless (coming November 2024!)
Prequel #1: Dissonance Volume Zero: Revelation (released 6.6.24)
Prequel #2: Dissonance Volume Up: Rising (released 9.3.24)
The multiple climactic battles are epic in scope in the bestselling Dissonance Volume III: Renegade. It’s the ‘unputdownable’ conclusion to the military science fiction series started in Dissonance Volume I: Reality. Get your copy now and embark on the massive conclusion to this bestselling post-apocalyptic military science fiction war series!
Wild Ride
Smuggler’s Love follows a space smuggler navigating a web of intrigue and ruthless gangsters who is trying to keep himself and the woman he loves safe from assassins and other unsavory types. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
So the Reese Daniels Smuggler series is a prequel novella/novelette series for my Epherium Chronicles novel series. I wanted to use as a way to get readers engaged in the events before the novels started, especially the alien invasion. Reese Daniels is such a fun character and I wanted to use his stories as fast-paced action-packed adventures to paint more of a picture for the sci-fi world I had created. With Smuggler’s Love, readers get to experience more of the intrigue in Reese’s life, both from the criminals and from the law enforcement members of EDF Security.
What was the inspiration for the relationship that developed between Reese and Irina?
When I created Reese’s character, he was a free spirit, but he has a protective side. Ever since the tragic death of his parents, he’s been extremely protective of his younger sister and when it comes to relationships, they never really last. In the previous story, Smuggler’s Guilt, Irina Almora enters his life, unexpectedly and presenting a connection he wasn’t prepared for. In Smuggler’s Love, that relationship blooms, but he falls into the same pattern of wanting to protect Irina and she’s someone who has grown up in a life surrounded by dangerous people. It’s an interesting and powerful dynamic which presents challenges for them both. Mix in trouble from both their pasts and you have a wild ride ahead.
The science inserted in the fiction, I felt, was well-balanced. How did you manage to keep it grounded while still providing the fantastic edge science fiction stories usually provide?
As an engineer, I always want to present a sense of realism in my writing. Having the science in science fiction enhances the story, much like The Expanse series and books like Old Man’s War present. The trick I have found is to not to get trapped in exposition to explain it. Give the feel, the effect, and the visual then let the reader’s imagination take it from there.
I hope the series continues in other books. If so, where will the story take readers?
I have several more books in this series planned. The next is called, Smuggler’s Loss. Reese, still struggling with the loss of Irina, takes on a new risky set of jobs that put him in conflict with a new enigmatic group called The Collective. His sister, Gracie, will have a much more involved role in this story and characters like Grimm, Jax, and Maya Greywalker will return.
Readers can also follow some new stories about characters from Reese’s first adventure, Smuggler’s Valor. The Marine cadets he saved have graduated and begin their first mission in a story called Titan’s Hell: A Black Watch Regiment Story. It is part of a newly released anthology on Amazon titled, The Expanding Universe Volume 10.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Relationships and smuggling are tricky business, and for Reese Daniels tricky is a steep slope to disaster.
Enter Irina Almora, niece to mobster Gideon Almora, the same man Reese helped bring down a few months ago. While on a simple delivery to Mars, Reese and Irina become the targets of assassins, security, and other unsavory types who want Irina for who she is and what she knows.
Short on friends and his enemies list growing, Reese must navigate a tangled web of intrigue and ruthless gangsters to keep them both alive.
Children Love Misha
Misha the Travelling Puppy ABC takes young readers on an adventure from Australia to Zimbabwe that sparks curiosity and fosters a love for learning. What was the inspiration for your story?
I am an avid traveler, and I recognize how important it is for young children to learn about the world. I have a series of children’s books called Misha the Travelling Puppy, and Misha has adventures in Australia, England, America, India, and beyond. I also have coloring books, t-shirts, and plush toys – the children love Misha!
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I know that ABC learning is so imperative, and why not mix it with learning about different countries as well. I like that this book mixes literacy with geography. The book is written in rhyme and it has the most iconic facts to teach young children about each country.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Svetlana Pikul?
Sveta is a great artist to work with. I would give her the description for each country, send some images for inspiration, and she would no doubt come up with something beautiful and original.
What is Misha and her friends’ next adventure, and when can readers expect their next story?
I have just published Misha the Travelling Puppy Italy! That is a culinary adventure learning about all types of famous Italian food. The Christmas title is also new; Misha is called to help Santa Claus. The next country Misha goes to will be France.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
“Misha the Travelling Puppy ABC” is an engaging and educational book for children that takes them on a journey around the world. Each letter of the alphabet is paired with a country including fun and interesting facts about the culture and tradition.
Misha and her puppy friends travel from Australia to Zimbabwe. This ABC book is a wonderful tool for parents and teachers to engage children’s curiosity and imagination while promoting global awareness and literacy skills.
With rhyming text by Natalia Hooker and charming illustrations by Svetlana Pikul, this book is the perfect way to introduce children to the countries of the world and the English alphabet. Don’t miss out on this delightful journey with Misha.
LITERARY TITAN 