Blog Archives
Unintended Consequences
Infernal Wonderland follows an akiko who stumbles into the submerged Amber City, a broken metropolis filled with automations, reptilian gangs, and drugs that push him deeper into madness, violence, and strange alliances. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Games like Bioshock and Dark Souls. I wanted to explore something different from what I had explored in the last book, which also took place on Neldar. I knew what the idea and concept were going to be, but I didn’t know what the city was going to be like. The Ichor was going to be a big driving point since it was one of the mechanics from the previous book I wanted to develop more, and a system like Bioshock spoke to me, so I went with that.
I felt that your story delivers the drama so well that it flirts with the grimdark genre. Was it your intention to give the story a darker tone?
I write dark stories, apparently, and no matter how hard I try, the tales always end up that way. I guess it’s just my style, and honestly, I enjoy those types of stories more, so it’s probably why.
What themes were particularly important for you to explore in this book?
Morality, consciousness, identity, power of corruption, unintended consequences, shadow integration, love and sacrifice, as well as transformation, among others. I believe that in a complex universe, traditional categories of good and evil are insufficient to capture the full truth of existence. I enjoy exploring fundamental questions about morality, consequence, and the price of knowledge and power, for the most part.
I hope the Elder’s Vault series continues in other books. If so, where will the story take readers?
Infernal Wonderland is actually the third novel in the series, and wraps up what the second novel consisted of. I’m currently writing the fourth book. Benign Dystopia is the first novel, and Tellurian Otherworld is the second. The fourth book, currently titled Elysium Nightmare, will take readers on a journey of self-discovery and awakening to one’s true self. It dwells a lot on the nature of consciousness and what it means to be “truly aware.”
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
Infernal Wonderland
When I first cracked open Infernal Wonderland, I wasn’t sure what to expect. What I found was a sprawling, neon-drenched fever dream of a story. It follows Jadecan, an akiko, who stumbles into the submerged Amber City, a broken metropolis that feels alive and dead all at once. From the very first chapter, the world is suffocating, strange, and brimming with danger. Automatons sell people for parts, reptilian gangs lurk in the shadows, and a drug called Ichor twists minds and bodies. The book unfolds in five parts, each one pushing Jadecan deeper into madness, violence, and strange alliances, while the PA system keeps whispering about revolution like a ghost that refuses to die.
This is a unique book. Sometimes thrilling, sometimes disorienting, and often unsettling. Killam has this way of painting a scene that engages your senses. There were moments where I wanted the story to breathe, to let the horror and beauty of Amber City sit with me instead of racing ahead to the next grotesque fight or cryptic exchange. Still, the book’s voice stuck with me. It’s sarcastic, it’s grim, and it doesn’t let you forget that the world is cruel. I found myself both grinning at the dark humor and wincing at the relentless blood and guts.
What really hooked me, though, was the mix of philosophy and pulp. Amidst all the gore and chaos, characters stop to talk about the meaning of life, about want versus need, about existing without actually wanting to exist. Those conversations gave the book an odd tenderness that surprised me. I could feel the author reaching for something bigger.
Infernal Wonderland is haunting and oddly beautiful. It’s not a book for someone looking for a straightforward plot or a clean arc. It’s for readers who want to sink into a unique atmosphere, who don’t mind being jarred, and who can handle equal parts gore and poetry. If you’ve ever loved stories like Bioshock or Blade Runner but wished they were darker and stranger, this book will feel like home.
Pages: 421 | ISBN: 978-1-957195-18-6
To Gaze Upon a Darkened Cloud
To Gaze Upon a Darkened Cloud is a genre-blending speculative novel that unfolds in a world gripped by mysterious and deadly cloud storms. The story follows multiple characters: Michelle, a climatologist estranged from her rural roots; Juliana, a devout Ghanaian woman caught between duty and faith; Jonah, her husband, in desperate search of her; and a secretive religious Order that believes the storms herald a spiritual transition. As lives unravel across continents, each narrative thread explores personal identity, faith, science, and the unsettling unknown. The plot moves between intimate domestic scenes and globe-spanning catastrophes, building tension while deepening emotional connections to its characters.
The writing pulled me in right away. The pacing is quick but never rushed, the dialogue natural and sharp. I felt Michelle’s anxiety and her frustration with her family’s resistance to science. I also found myself rooting for Jonah in a way that surprised me. His grief felt real, his determination grounded. The world-building was eerie and imaginative, especially the strange rain and the blue-light phenomenon. The author avoids info-dumps, instead letting the details creep in slowly, which gives the whole book a simmering kind of suspense. The switches in point of view added richness rather than confusion. I never felt lost, only curious and sometimes a little scared.
Still, parts of the story made me uncomfortable in a good way. The religious Order, with its creepy obsession over “the Guide Couple,” got under my skin. The teen marriages, the patriarchal structures, and the way belief was used to justify control, it all hit me hard, especially because it didn’t feel exaggerated. It felt disturbingly real. And yet, the book didn’t beat me over the head with judgment. It left space for complexity. Even Elder Ferguson, one of the most devout, was filled with doubt. That tension between faith and reason runs through every part of the book. What would I do if I saw what Michelle’s father saw? Would I look up?
I’d recommend To Gaze Upon a Darkened Cloud to readers who enjoy dystopian fiction with a touch of the supernatural, but who also want depth and heart. It’s perfect for fans of Margaret Atwood or Octavia Butler, people who like their fiction smart, unsettling, and emotionally resonant. This book isn’t just about surviving weird weather. It’s about what happens when the ground beneath your beliefs starts to crack. If you’re looking for something haunting but human, this one’s for you.
Pages: 304 | ASIN : B0FG35KMY3
Willow Rose: A Novel
Willow Rose is a suspenseful, strange, and emotionally complex story that follows Dr. Alder Peony, a burned-out ER doctor stationed in a remote Minnesota hospital, as his quiet life begins to unravel in the wake of a mysterious comet streaking across the sky. When a young girl named Willow shows up out of nowhere, bloody, alone, and eerily self-assured, Alder gets pulled into something much deeper and darker than he expects. As strange phenomena begin to twist the world around him, Alder must confront not only external dangers but the mess of his own past, his guilt, and his longing for connection.
I was pulled in by how personal this story felt, even amid the sci-fi weirdness and apocalyptic tension. Hayden’s writing is confident but not showy. There’s a rhythm to it. Poetic in spots, sharp in others, and it balances the mundane and the cosmic really well. Some moments had me laughing with their casual honesty; others left me sitting in still silence, chewing on what just happened. I loved the flawed humanity of Alder. He’s no superhero. He’s lonely, exhausted, and at times bitter, but he’s also deeply decent, and watching him try (and sometimes fail) to do the right thing felt painfully real. The scenes with Faith and Willow, especially those quiet, in-between moments, made me feel something deep in my chest. It’s a rare thing for a book to hit that emotional frequency so consistently.
There were moments that leaned into mystery a bit more than I expected, and I occasionally found myself wishing for just a little more clarity. The comet’s influence begins with a quiet unease, then gradually shifts into something far more surreal. For some, that shift might feel too sharp or confusing. But I kind of liked the chaos. It made sense, in a weird way, that the story unraveled the same way Alder’s grip on normalcy did. You don’t get a tidy bow here. This is a story about being haunted by loss, trying to heal when you don’t know how, and maybe finding a thread to hang on to when everything else slips away.
I’d recommend Willow Rose to anyone who likes their fiction a little messy, a little emotional, and very relatable. If you’re into character-driven stories with threads of sci-fi, mystery, and deep feeling, think The Leftovers or Midnight Mass, then you’ll enjoy this book. It’s not flashy or high-octane, but it stays with you. I closed the final page with my chest tight and my mind still buzzing.
Pages: 201 | ASIN : B0DVSL6LPR
The Dark Without
The Dark Without by T.K. Toppin plunges readers into a haunting vision of Earth’s future—a world ravaged by humanity’s excesses and the relentless effects of climate change. In this dystopia, the government holds a monopoly on technology and resources, leaving the rest of society to languish in darkness and poverty. The planet itself has become a sprawling wasteland, its landscape littered with the ruins of centuries. Amidst this grim reality, people cling to fragments of normalcy—attending school, eking out livelihoods—but an air of despair pervades. The bleakness of this setting provokes a deep existential question: what’s the point of it all?
From the start, the story grips you on an emotional level. The world Toppin paints feels disturbingly plausible, a terrifying extrapolation of today’s crises. Esme’s journal entries, recounting her family’s harrowing escape during riots, are especially compelling. These passages tug at the heart, vividly capturing the chaos and fear of displacement. The parallels to real-world struggles are impossible to ignore, adding layers of poignancy and urgency to the narrative.
The plot takes an unexpected turn into science fiction when Esme experiences what can only be described as an alien abduction—but not in the way one might anticipate. This twist is both startling and fascinating, tapping into speculative theories about extraterrestrial involvement in human affairs. While I don’t subscribe to such ideas, the book’s exploration of them is captivating. Toppin crafts a scenario that feels both imaginative and unnervingly credible, lending the story a thought-provoking edge.
Themes of government corruption and humanity’s self-destructive tendencies resonate deeply throughout the book. These elements ground the fantastical aspects of the narrative in reality, prompting readers to reflect on the parallels to our own world. Fiction like this—stories that entertain while challenging us to confront uncomfortable truths—has a unique power. In some ways, The Dark Without feels like a grown-up counterpart to The Lorax, delivering its cautionary tale with a sharp, sophisticated edge.
The ending left a strong impression on me. Dark and perhaps morbid, it feels entirely fitting for the story Toppin tells. It delivers a poetic sense of justice. This is a gripping and thought-provoking read. The emotional depth, compelling themes, and unexpected twists make The Dark Without a standout work of speculative fiction. Highly recommended for anyone ready to be both entertained and unsettled by a vision of what might come if we don’t change course.
Pages: 267 | ASIN : B0BT81K56W
Everyone Has A System Now Book 1: System Activation
Harder, Better, Stronger, Faster. Isn’t that the dream? Imagine being one of the rare few who can achieve it all—success, wealth, and self-fulfillment—without spending a dime. Tempting, right? All your aspirations, seemingly within reach, hinge on one simple task: activating the System. Simple? Not quite. Alex Petters, the protagonist of Everyone Has A System Now: System Activation, soon discovers the truth—nothing in life is truly free. The cost of everything, it turns out, is steep, often paid in infinite suffering, pain, and effort.
This sci-fi/fantasy/RPG novel plunges readers into a world of intrigue when Alex wakes to find a mysterious floating panel before him. The panel delivers a cryptic mission: activate the System for someone else without them realizing it. What follows is a narrative that’s eerie, fascinating, and undeniably engaging. The story’s setup echoes the popular Isekai genre of Japanese storytelling, where characters are whisked into alternate worlds governed by distinct systems. Much like Isekai, the novel blends the fantastical with the surreal, maintaining a light-hearted tone that adds to its charm. It doesn’t overburden itself with seriousness, a refreshing approach that keeps the pages turning. While the premise may not reinvent the genre, it remains engaging and delivers a fresh, enjoyable perspective. Sci-fi, after all, thrives on reinterpreting familiar ideas, and System Activation does so in a way that feels fresh enough to engage both seasoned readers and newcomers to the genre. As Alex navigates the intricacies of the System, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery. His personal growth is gradual but deeply satisfying. Watching him evolve—learning about himself and the world—becomes the emotional core of the story, offering readers a rewarding connection to the character.
For fans of sci-fi, RPG-inspired narratives, or character-driven storytelling, Everyone Has A System Now: System Activation is a solid pick. It’s a tale of ambition, struggle, and growth, inviting readers to question the true cost of their dreams.
Pages: 247 | ASIN : B0DKHG4CXP
Savage Warrior
Savage Warrior by Denna Holm delivers an intense and captivating paranormal romance where the bonds of fate and the complexities of leadership collide. At the heart of the story is Raif, a cougar shifter struggling to lead his pack while facing constant resistance from the elders. Pressured by his grandfather to find a mate, Raif’s world is thrown into further turmoil when fate intervenes in the most unexpected way. His fated mate, Haven, arrives under extraordinary circumstances that change everything.
Haven’s situation is dire. Drugged and left for dead in the mountains of Oregon, she wakes up with no memory of how she got there and, to her horror, cannot shift into her wolf form. The last thing she recalls is leaving her homeworld, Laizahli, with her vampire partner to hunt down a rogue vampire on Earth. Now, caught in this new reality, Haven finds herself saved by a cat shifter whose presence stirs conflicting emotions within her—an attraction that ignites her desire to both claim him and sink her fangs into his neck. Though her mission to find her vampire partner and stop the rogue vampire should be her main focus, Haven’s growing connection to Raif and the challenge of proving herself to his clan add another layer of tension to an already complicated situation.
Holm masterfully crafts the character arcs of both Raif and Haven. Raif’s battle to assert his leadership while being torn between tradition and instinct showcases his internal conflict, making him a compelling protagonist. On the other hand, Haven struggles with her identity and feelings of rejection from her mate while under pressure to find her missing partner. This dual conflict of self-discovery and romantic tension keeps readers emotionally engaged. Their interactions simmer with attraction and tension, adding complexity to the push and pull between them.
The balance of romance, action, and emotional depth is a standout feature of Savage Warrior. Holm weaves external threats, like the looming danger of a rogue vampire, with the simmering passion between Raif and Haven. This creates a high-stakes environment that blends supernatural intrigue with raw emotional drama. The supporting characters further enrich the story, offering a glimpse into the complexities of pack dynamics and the challenges of interspecies relationships, making the world-building immersive and multi-layered.
For fans of paranormal romance, Savage Warrior offers a richly developed world filled with shifters, vampires, and djinns. Holmes’ strong lead characters and intricate plot make this an irresistible read for anyone who enjoys being swept away by supernatural conflicts, sizzling romance, and the fight for leadership and love.
Pages: 345 | ASIN : B0DGPPBN86
Pulp Fiction-Style Storyline
He Died Two Days Ago follows three people who find themselves entangled in the power struggles between warring alien clans. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Initially, I had intended to create a stylized sci-fi/fantasy pulp fiction/film-noir short story: Nick is brutally shot; it was a mistake even though it was on purpose (Nick has a twin). He is miraculously saved by an alien.
Once that alien door opened, I tried putting myself in the mind of the reader: Who are these aliens? Why did they save Nick of all people? What is going on in their world? But simultaneously, I wanted to keep a fast-paced, pulp fiction-style storyline.
Organically, the “short story” turned into a novel. (As your readers know, sometimes plots and characters take over their own development.)
And to add one other piece to the puzzle: I look at the novel as a thematic exploration. Underneath the
different plot lines and characters, I see an examination of manifest destiny, zealotry, vengeance, power, and egomania.
What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
I enjoyed writing each character. Probably Nick was the most fun because of his unrestrained willingness to exact revenge on the henchmen.
The two hardest were Tony, his twin brother, and Artemesia, an Ephemeral. I actually know a number of twins. One question for the story is: how different can twins be?
Without giving away the plotline and character development, Artemesia had to be strong and prominent, but have a hidden character.
The overall challenge was to keep my idea of quick pacing for the story. It can be a trade-off with character development.
I felt that there were a lot of great twists and turns throughout the novel. Did you plan this before writing the novel, or did the twists develop organically writing?
Basically, organically. Even the existence of Tony, Nick’s twin, was not originally planned. Most of the twists and turns came out of me trying to be a reader, rather than an author. What would I want to know if I was a reader? Who are these aliens? What is their world like? What is the character going to do now?
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?
He Died Two Days Ago is intended as a standalone. If I may suggest to readers that I have another sci-fi book out: Forever is Too Long that is speculative fiction/fantasy (also reviewed by Literary Titan). I see more opportunity with going back to that book and creating a sequel.
A new book is in the works. Again, standalone. Conceptually, think A Race to Armageddon. (It’s the current working title.)
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Instagram | Website | Amazon
Can Earth Be Freed from Twisted Alien Intentions?
Pierce Savage is the ultimate mobster kingpin. With an arsenal of assassins at his beck and call, he dispatches them to take down Tony Cowen, his new enemy who has stolen Sylvia, his gun moll girlfriend.
When the assassins mistakenly shoot the wrong brother —Tony’s twin, Nick—it reveals the Ephemerals, an alien race that secretly inhabits living beings of other planets across the universe, feeding off the emotions of the entities they reside within.
When Nick is kept alive by one of the aliens, Earth becomes a twisted battleground for the plotting clans of Ephemeron.
• What will happen to Ephemeron’s ruling kingdom as rival clans clash
• What will happen to Ephemeron when its 1,000-year political cycle collides against their 300-year biological fertility clock that will pit Ephemeral against Ephemeral?
• Will the three Earthlings, pursuing their Earthly revenge against Pierce Savage and his henchmen, free themselves from alien inhabitation—and maybe free the rest of Earth?
He Died Two Days Ago delivers a fast-paced sci-fi/fantasy read woven with action and suspense.
SCI-FI/FANTASY PSYCHO THRILLERS DYSTOPIAN
LITERARY TITAN 