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A Clean Slate
A Mother’s Promise follows a fed-up thirteen-year-old boy who runs away after his mom’s partner starts drinking again, and witnesses a brutal attack on a helpless stranger, where he steps in to help. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I always wanted to write a story that combined both magical, fantastical elements with real-life, everyday occurrences that a lot of families experience around Christmas. I wanted to show the harsh truth that leaving a volatile relationship like that is extremely difficult for some people, but with enough courage, it can be done.
Grace and Dylan are both looking for a Christmas miracle and find it in different ways. What were some of the emotional and moral guidelines you followed when developing your characters?
Throughout my life, I grew up knowing friends who are in the same position as Grace and Dylan. There are female friends of mine who wanted to remain loyal to a very flawed partner who, only when circumstances become dire, they see as very selfish. I wanted to keep the story grounded within reason and make the fantastical scenes feel a bit more real.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Hmm…that’s a tough one to answer because there were a lot. I guess if I were to narrow it down, the main themes were: the courage to do what’s right and knowing when to leave a bad situation. So courage, forgiveness, and redemption. Forgiveness is very important around Christmas time because nobody knows how much time we have left on Earth. So the one question I always ask is: do you want to leave here bearing a grudge and have others hating you? Or do you want to leave here with a clean slate and a clear conscience?
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
The next book I’m getting ready is the final, action-packed book in the YA horror series, The Hopps Town Quadrilogy. That will be released in April 2026. Then I’m finishing, When Worlds Collide, the third book in my YA epic fantasy series, The Zargothian Saga. There are a number of screenplay scripts I’m working on, as well as making AI movies. So 2026 will be pretty busy, but I’m very grateful to be able to do all these wonderful things.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Dylan Sanchez used to love Christmas. But for the last three years, the holidays have been anything but festive. Like clockwork, Greg – his mother’s partner – gets intoxicated and spirals from awkward jokes to tense, needling arguments that drain the joy from the season. Every year, his mother says it’ll be different. Every year it isn’t. When Greg slips back into old habits just days before yet another Christmas, Dylan can’t take it anymore. He grabs his coat and walks out, leaving behind the wreckage of promises too thin to stand on.
But when he witnesses a brutal attack on a helpless stranger out in the dark streets, his split-second choice to intervene sets off a chain of events unlike anything he could have imagined — something that’s nothing short of a Christmas miracle.
Sometimes, a thirteen-year-old boy’s fierce heart is exactly what the world needs to remember the true meaning of Christmas.
A Mother’s Promise
Aidan Lucid’s novella, A Mother’s Promise, is a fast read that packs a punch that’s perfect for the holidays. The story centers on Grace, a mom who is trying her best to give her son, Dylan, a good Christmas, but her boyfriend, Greg, is a major problem. Every year, Greg drinks too much and ruins everything, and it has Dylan completely fed up. When Dylan finally runs away, we get this wild visit from a modern, tech-savvy Santa Claus, which gives Dylan the nudge he needs. Ultimately, it’s a feel-good Christmas story about a mom who finds the courage to keep her word.
I really felt invested in Grace and Dylan’s pain, and the emotional connection worked, and that’s the best part of the book. I felt so bad for Dylan, watching his hope get crushed year after year, and when he finally ran away, my heart was right there with him. I just wanted him to be safe. The scene where he meets Santa was pretty clever, and I enjoyed the spin on the whole Santa thing. The writing keeps you moving, it’s definitely a page-turner. The author uses dialogue well to show you how terrible Greg is. You don’t need long descriptions to get the point, and I was excited when Grace finally stood up for herself. Greg felt like a bit of a cartoon villain sometimes, and I wished there was just a tiny bit more shading to him, but seeing him get what he deserves was worth it.
The core idea here, that sometimes people just need a “nudge” to do the right thing, really resonated with me. It’s smart because it doesn’t solve all of life’s problems with magic, it just helps the main characters find the guts they already had. The story doesn’t shy away from how tough it is to leave a bad relationship, and that’s an important thing to show, especially in a story that’s aiming for a happy ending. I think that grounded, real-world struggle is what makes the magic bits work so well.
If you are looking for a quick, heartwarming holiday story that is about more than just finding presents, then this book is absolutely for you. This is a perfect read for a cozy afternoon or a winter evening when you need a boost of hope, and I think teenagers and adults who enjoy family drama mixed with a touch of holiday magic will totally get into this. It’s an encouraging read for anyone who needs a little reminder that it takes strength to make a change, and I highly recommend it if you want something that will leave you smiling and feeling good about life.
Pages: 64 | ASIN : B0FMKG2QNK
A Sense of Hope
The Scavenger follows three teens fighting their demons who make a wish at a mysterious well and find their lives are flipped upside down by the supernatural when something ancient, dark, and deadly starts to stalk them. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
As with a vast majority of stories, it started with a ‘What if” scenario i.e. what if three teenage kids, all close friends but all with their own personal issues, make a wish at a cursed well but their wishes come true in a twisted way? This came to me in mid-2019 and stayed in my mind for a few months. I then started to become familiar with the characters, getting to know their likes, dislikes, what makes them tick, etc. Once all the characters were fleshed out, I began plotting each chapter when I was very familiar with the main protagonists.
But I also think the inspiration came from Stephen King’s IT and the movie, Stand By Me, which apparently was based on one of King’s short stories too. I wanted to capture the same element of friendship or strong bond like the characters had in those stories. I must have pulled it off because fans really resonated with Jessica, Adrian, and Jared.
Jared, Jessica and Adrian are typical high schoolers on the surface, but are each facing struggles that weigh them down. What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
I know this is a cliché but I really enjoyed writing all the characters, especially Jared’s spooky scenes. They were fun because I always tried to up the scare factor each time something supernatural occurred in the book. Jessica, however, was a character I found hard to write because her scenes with her mother, Bertha, are raw and edgy. There’s always a tension there. It’s like a powder keg ready to explode.
There is another reason why her character touched me. When I was a kid, I knew some friends who were in exactly the same predicament she’s in. They had abusive parents, too, so writing those scenes in a way, brought it all back to me. Now that I’m older and can understand more of what they went through, my heart goes out to them.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The themes that were really important for me are: accepting yourself when people around you can’t and having the strength to stand up against someone/something far stronger than yourself. It’s gratifying to know that people find a sense of hope in The Scavenger‘s, conclusion.
Where does the story go in the next book and where do you see it going in the future?
When I first started writing, The Scavenger, it was only meant to be a one-off. However, the reaction by readers was so strong that I decided to write a sequel. That was in 2021; fast-forward to present day and it has now turned into a four-book series.
In the next book, Unlucky Charm (Second Edition), we’re introduced to two new characters, Reggie and Zane, who are also long-time buddies. When one of them buys an antique pocket watch for his mother, little does he know that it will set off a chain of events that will ultimately change both their lives. Jared and Aunt Maybelle are called in to help. In this book, Jared develops his abilities even more and comes into his own. Jessica also develops a strong bond with her mom. An event at the end of the book sets up a HUGE rollercoaster ride in book three – Dark Secrets, where Jessica will come face-to-face with a shocking secret from Bertha’s past that will make her question everything she knew about her mom!
The final book of the series, Lurking Beasts, will hopefully be released in November of this year.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Amazon
Jared, Jessica, and Adrian seem like your typical high schoolers, but each harbors a secret that gnaws at their souls.
Jared is struggling for acceptance from his disapproving mother as a gay teen while enduring the relentless torment of a bully. Adrian is crushed under the weight of his father’s impossible expectations as he conceals a forbidden crush. Jessica, trapped in a nightmare with her abusive, alcoholic mother, dreams of escape but finds no solace.
Then, one frigid night, the trio stumbles upon an ancient wishing well, its ominous aura drawing them in. With eyes closed and hearts burdened, they each make a wish half-heartedly but secretly hope for something—anything—different. In a snap, their wishes seem to mysteriously materialize.
But they have no idea they’ve just awakened something far more sinister than their minds can grasp, and things are about to go horribly wrong!
The Scavenger (Second Edition) is the chilling beginning of the Hopps Town Quadrilogy, where every wish comes at a deadly price.
The Scavenger (Second Edition)
The Scavenger kicks off with three teens, Jared, Jessica, and Adrian, all navigating high school life in Hopps Town, each struggling with personal demons. Jared is tormented by both bullies and supernatural nightmares. Jessica’s life at home is shattered by her abusive, alcoholic mother. Adrian, caught between expectations and his own passions, tries to find balance. But once the trio makes a wish at a mysterious well, their lives are flipped upside down, and something ancient, dark, and deadly starts to stalk them. Part coming-of-age story, part horror-fantasy, this novel blends trauma, friendship, and paranormal tension with surprisingly emotional depth.
Lucid does a great job crafting teenagers that aren’t just stereotypes. Jared, for instance, is more than the gay kid dealing with bullies, he’s witty, loyal, and haunted (literally and emotionally). His interactions with his mom, especially the confrontation about his sexuality (“I’m gay, get over it”), hit hard. It’s raw and messy, and painfully honest. Same with Jessica, her scenes with her abusive mother had my stomach in knots. One moment that stuck with me was when her mom told her she should’ve aborted her is absolutely chilling. But Jessica’s strength and resilience kept me rooting for her.
The horror builds slowly, which I enjoyed. The scene where Jared’s school empties out and he’s chased by a black smoke creature gave me serious goosebumps. The whispers, the locked doors, the way the laughter chased him down the hallway, it felt like something straight out of a nightmare. And later, when the crow crashes into Adrian’s window and its eyes glow red? I actually paused reading to take a breath. The horror elements don’t overwhelm the story. Instead, they sneak in gradually and make the tension feel very real. It’s not just gore or shock for the sake of it. There’s meaning behind the madness, and the pacing kept me hooked.
What also impressed me was the blend of emotional arcs and supernatural themes. The wish-at-the-well premise could’ve felt cheesy, but Lucid makes it work. It’s not about the wish itself; it’s about what’s inside the characters when the darkness comes calling. After the wish, the world subtly shifts: abusive parents start acting too perfect, the past won’t stay buried, and the kids begin unraveling. It’s eerie in the best way. Even side characters like Tina, with her own painful backstory, feel layered. The book isn’t afraid to tackle hard stuff: abuse, homophobia, grief, trauma. But it doesn’t wallow in misery; there’s light, too. Friendship. Laughter. Hope. That balance made the heavier themes hit even harder.
The Scavenger is a wild, emotional ride. If you’re into horror stories with heart, this is for you. It’s got teenage banter, real-world pain, and enough mystery and chills to keep you flipping pages. Fans of Stranger Things, IT, or even Goosebumps with a bit more grit will probably enjoy it. The characters are memorable, the scares are solid, and the story stays with you. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who likes thrillers with a side of soul.
Pages: 140 | ASIN : B0CY4SQXPH
A Beast Within
A Beast Within by Aidan Lucid intertwines the ordinary and the extraordinary, blending the lives of a quintessentially American family with a group of bank robbers, culminating in a suspenseful encounter with the supernatural. The narrative unfolds from two distinct perspectives, creating a dynamic and engaging storytelling experience. The book opens with a family – Malcolm, Helena, and David – who find themselves in a nightmarish scenario, encountering a werewolf on a desolate road. This traumatic experience serves as the reader’s introduction to the paranormal elements that permeate the story. The narrative then shifts to Jeremy, a character freshly released from prison. Despite his aspirations to leave his criminal past behind, he finds himself drawn back into that world by his friend Stephen and Stephen’s girlfriend, Natalie. This decision leads them to face unexpected and otherworldly consequences.
Lucid excels in pacing, crafting a narrative that is both brisk and captivating, making it an ideal read for those looking to immerse themselves in a story in one sitting. Jeremy, as a character, is particularly well-rendered, embodying a blend of vulnerability and resilience that makes him a compelling protagonist. His moral complexity adds depth to the narrative, presenting him as flawed yet fundamentally decent. The portrayal of trauma and its diverse impacts on individuals is a standout aspect of Lucid’s writing. The characters’ varied responses to their traumatic experiences are depicted with a sense of authenticity. For instance, while Jeremy grapples with lost self-confidence, Natalie turns to adrenaline-fueled activities for solace. These personal struggles inadvertently summon the supernatural forces that thrive on their fears and anxieties. While the novel effectively delves into these psychological themes, it leaves certain areas underexplored. The backstory involving Iraq, for instance, feels like a missed opportunity for deeper character development, particularly for Natalie, whose character at times feels limited in dimensionality. A more thorough exploration of this aspect could have enriched the narrative and offered a more nuanced understanding of her character.
A Beast Within is an engaging read for those who relish a blend of suspense, the supernatural, and psychological depth. Lucid’s storytelling is marked by a compelling plot twist that adds to the book’s overall entertainment value. Recommended for fans of thrillers and supernatural fiction, this novel is a testament to the exciting possibilities of genre blending.
Pages: 116 | ASIN : B0CJP9ND4N
WWII Fighters and Dragons?
The Lost Son follows the journey of a teenager who is transported to the mystical land of Zargothia, where he navigates a battle of good versus evil with a unique band of allies. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The original inspiration came from a quote I read from a famous scientist where he thought that Atomic Bombs could potentially form a ripple or open a hole in space to another world. So I was actually going to use the Enola Gay, which dropped the Atomic Bomb but decided not to as to not cause offense. So I really wanted WWII planes attacking dragons in the opening chapter, so when I read about the Flight 19 incident that occurred in 1945, that sparked an idea. As for Henry, he was a character in another short story that was going nowhere. So I sat down and had a rethink and decided to combine some of the characters from Henry’s short story with the idea of the WWII Plane attacking dragons over the Bermuda Triangle. It took a bit of tweaking, but it eventually was a happy marriage of the two ideas coming together.
Can you elaborate on the process of creating your characters, particularly Henry Simmons, and making them relatable to your young readers?
Some of Henry’s characteristics are based on mine, but when I create a character, I always create an Excel spreadsheet where I have several headings like name, age, description, hobbies, dislikes, pet peeves, etc. By doing this and focusing on each character, it allows me to make them more realistic. To me, it fleshes them out and helps give each their own individuality or personality.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I think for me, the main themes are: accepting and believing in oneself, overcoming our greatest fears, and you are enough to overcome any obstacle in life.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
I loved writing the dogfight between the WWII Plane and the dragons. I also loved writing the epic battle scene at the end. The latter proved tough because it took a couple of days to finish it and re-edit it, but I love writing high-octane action scenes/battles like that. My tip is to play a song that makes you feel energized or upbeat beforehand, and that will get you ‘into the groove’. The song that I played to help me write the battle scene at the end was John Williams’ Superman The Movie theme tune.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Website
Henry Simmons is your average seventeen-year-old kid until one day, he isn’t.
All Henry cares about is gaming and ogling his long-time crush, Tracey Maxwell. It feels to him that the universe has granted his wishes when he stumbles upon a mysterious gold coin in his family’s garden.
From manipulating physical objects to getting Tracey to go to prom with him, Henry basks and revels in the power he believes the coin has granted him. Until one day, he finds himself mystically transported to an entirely new dimension, a realm of war and bloodshed.
Henry’s life takes a 180, as he is trapped in this dimension and given the responsibility of helping to save its people from King Zakarius and his bloodthirsty Sadarkian army. He must fight for the humans in this realm alongside the human king, or he stands to lose his life and his way back home.
While Henry is burdened with this ambiguous task, he makes a few unexpected allies, from former World War II pilots to his neighbor’s cat who can now talk. Will Henry and his little troop defeat King Zakarius’s army, or will they fail and be trapped in this strange world forever?
The Lost Son (Second Edition)
The Lost Son by Aidan Lucid is an engaging fantasy story that will captivate young readers with its thrilling narrative centered around the journey of Henry Simmons. Transported to a mysterious realm on his prom night, Henry, accompanied by his date Tracey, becomes entangled in a profound struggle between forces of good and evil. This enthralling tale introduces readers to a diverse array of characters, including two British-American WWII pilots, a skilled healer’s apprentice, and a young boy with aspirations of knighthood, forming an ensemble that embarks on a transformative odyssey in the mystical land of Zargothia.
The novel adeptly combines elements of time travel, fantasy, and alternate worlds, intricately weaving them into a tapestry of intrigue and adventure. Notably, it is the overarching themes of perseverance and friendship that lend a distinctive and commendable quality to the book. Despite being burdened with the weight of the “Chosen One” mantle, Henry remains a relatable protagonist, navigating the trials and tribulations of his journey with fallibility and earnest effort. His relatability is further enhanced by his positive attitude, which resonates amidst the complex decisions and conflicting emotions he grapples with throughout the narrative. Furthermore, the dynamic camaraderie shared among Henry, Hannorah, Daniel, and Tracey, the core friend group, provides delightful interludes of entertainment, adding depth and humor to the story’s vibrant action sequences.
The exposition, although informative, could have been artfully presented to enhance reader engagement. Some sections, such as the introduction to the new world and the historical “movie” depicting the conflict, occasionally inundate readers with an abundance of information, potentially overshadowing the narrative’s flow. The teenage love segments lacked the necessary chemistry to immerse readers in the characters’ romantic entanglements fully. However, it is essential to highlight that this does not detract from the book’s primary focus, allowing readers to remain immersed in its captivating storyline and overall essence.
The Lost Son by Aidan Lucid is an excellent choice for young readers seeking an enthralling and action-packed fantasy experience set within alternate worlds. The novel’s adept blend of various genres, coupled with its emphasis on perseverance and friendship, ensures an engaging and fulfilling reading adventure for its intended audience.
Pages: 257 | ASIN: B0BHJLSCBL
LITERARY TITAN 