Blog Archives
Our Shared Human Condition
Keyholes follows two brothers who have a strained relationship grappling with an ethical dilemma when they stumble upon a portal to another world. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
I have a deep love of both science and our shared human condition. As a hard science fiction work, I wanted to build a story that used the many worlds theory as a grounding back drop. I want any of my works to show something about our thinking, and mistakes. How we approach situations that are novel and stressful can demonstrate much of a person or people. I hope the book checks both these boxes.
What was your approach to writing the interactions between Allen and Brice?
First, I gave them different world views. Brice’s military background, and Allen’s academic. I have had more foot in both these words. I used that to help guide the process of writing their perspectives and then interactions.
Do you have a favorite scene in this story? One that was particularly enjoyable to write?
One that I found exciting to write was one where the characters are attacked by a pack of creatures they knew were about. Its a fast-paced scene with a lot going on it is one I had some of the best feedback on from beta readers. Needless to say, it was tinkered with a good bit.
Can you give readers a glimpse inside the second book in the Keyholes trilogy? Where does it take readers?
The next book will be out around the end of this year. It will pick up right after the events of Keyholes. Since much of the technological parts of the world are already explained. The second book focuses more on action, characters, and other world building. It will cover a lot of ground and readers will get to see much more of what can be out there.
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Unlock the Mysteries of the Universe in the Keyholes Trilogy!
In the first installment of The Keyholes Trilogy, Dr. Allen Messman and his brother, COL. Brice Messman, are thrust into an extraordinary discovery—a mysterious portal that challenges everything they know about reality and the universe. With a team of military and scientific experts by their side, they embark on a race against time to uncover the truth behind this enigmatic gateway.
Is it a doorway to the past, an entrance to another universe, or something beyond comprehension? As they push the boundaries of science and existence, the Messman brothers face obstacles that could unravel the very fabric of space and time. What they uncover may not only reshape their understanding of the universe but alter its course forever.
Hard science fiction fans, prepare for a mind-expanding journey that will keep you questioning the nature of reality long after you turn the last page.
Book One of The Keyholes Trilogy—a gripping adventure that will leave you on the edge of your seat, craving the next installment.
A Poet and An Artist
Moses and Akhenaten: Ancient Egypt Fiction Series Book 1 explores with great detail and some imaginative storytelling the theory that the biblical Moses and the Egyptian Pharaoh Akhenaten were the same person. Where did the idea for this novel come from and how did it develop over time?
Akhenaten amazed me as a child. He was considered the “first monotheist” and “first individual in history”.
As an adult, I wanted to write literary fiction and chose Akhenaten as a subject. This book is a response to a man who was not only a king with a unique religious vision, but also a poet and an artist.
Fiction is an art form that uses elements of the imagination as an artist uses paint. Many paintings are layered and this was my approach. It seemed appropriate because King Akhenaten was many things.
First, there is the little boy, Akhy, and his family, all of whom are based on real people instantly recognizable to those familiar with Egyptian history.
Akhenaten crossed his own time and culture to be of interest to people in many countries living in times different from his own. It is the reason he debates with modern academics in the novel and why a time machine is included.
The real King Akhenaten was an artist so far ahead that much of his work appears to be out of his time. His art, for instance, has been described as expressionistic. It is the reason this novel shows him painting both within his own time and in ours.
Likewise, his ownership of Bessie, the dinosaur is an echo of the Biblical leviathan. This creature is mentioned in Psalm 104, which is also dubbed the Song of Moses. It is this psalm that scholars have equated with Akhenaten’s own Hymn to the Aten. They both appear at the end of this novel where readers may compare the two works at their leisure.
There have been heated responses to the Moses and Akhenaten theory. Ahmed Osman had his book, which boldly stated that Akhenaten was the prophet, burned in the streets of Cairo.
My book is not an altogether serious religious discussion, which is better served in the academic realm of non-fiction. Rather, it is a celebration of the artist and the poet whose religious ideas still intrigue us.
Children appear in the novel because they, more than any of us, express the joy of life and creativity.
As for Akhenaten, Egyptologist and Director General of the Cairo Museum (2004 to 2010), Wafaa El-Saddik once said he was of huge importance, not simply as an Egyptian pharaoh but to the history of the world.
It must be remembered there is still a lot for us to discover about the Egyptian king. In the meantime, while the academics debate and archaeologists dig, this novel invites the reader to celebrate a genius who was a significant thinker and innovator in human history.
Did you find anything in your research of this story that surprised you?
My conclusion, which is that Akhenaten is not Moses.
Once heralded as a forerunner of Christ and the first monotheist, Akhenaten was later considered to be a fanatic who ruled in a manner not unlike that of the Nazis. (This is the reason there is a reference by Akhenaten in the novel to this latter-day interpretation.)
Many people, including the famous psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud, were captivated by both the prophet Moses and the pharaoh Akhenaten without making a connection that the two could be the same individual. Other writers made the connection, including the Egyptian author Ahmed Osman, who declared Akhenaten to be none other than Moses.
I visited Egypt several times, fuelled by the desire to discover more about both Moses and Akhenaten. I am also qualified in Egyptology with a postgraduate degree in the discipline.
The whole process was a massive undertaking and the novel was shelved for many years. Now, after further thought, I have concluded that Akhenaten was not the prophet Moses. Part of the reason is that there are new academic theories and archaeological evidence that support this conclusion.
However, Akhenaten’s revolution was important and still intrigues many historians. What is interesting is that the prince of Egypt, who caused issues in Egypt has no other historical parallel except with Pharaoh Akhenaten.
Both Moses and Akhenaten were raised in Egypt. Moses’ Ten Commandments are a brilliant abbreviation of the Negative Confessions within ancient Egyptian writings. It is no accident, either that there are echoes of Akhenaten in the holy books.
Even while scholars debate Psalm 104 and the Hymn to the Aten, and whether Akhenaten was a monotheist or not, his city is still out there. Badly in need of restoration, my view is that it is a city of global importance, not simply another local heritage site (as valuable as such sites are).
Despite the deep connections between Akhenaten and Moses, for me, Akhenaten stands on his own as a great Egyptian prophet who was light years ahead of his time. There is no need for him to be Moses to hold his place in history.
Egypt should be credited with his achievement as with other great works of their civilization such as the pyramids. The ancient Egyptian civilization was the most advanced of its time, and as Wafaa El-Siddik pointed out, Akhenaten is of immense importance to the world.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I wanted people to think about Akhenaten. We are all aware of Moses from holy texts. Three monotheistic religions recognize him as a prophet. However, archaeological evidence shows that there once lived a king who spearheaded a religious revolution and did something so extraordinary that we are still talking about it. The site of Akhenaten’s city, Tell el-Amarna, which the ancient Greeks referred to as the City of Moses, still exists in the middle of Egypt.
When will book two be available? Can you give us an idea of where that book will take readers?
Book two is available. The Tutankhamen Friendship has a British style because it is about the English discoverers of Tutankhamen’s tomb. Both English and European readers love it, perhaps due to the style and their familiarity with the story.
Book three, The Queen Who Became King is also available. It is based on the true story of an ancient Egyptian queen, and incidentally one of Akhenaten’s ancestors. Feeling that she had to protect her young nephew Tuthmosis, this extraordinary woman stepped up to rule as king. At her death, Hatshepsut left a legacy of a strong country to her nephew. Tuthmosis III, known as Tuthmosis-the-Great, inherited her throne and went on to become Egypt’s greatest conqueror. To this day, he is thought to be Egypt’s foremost military ruler.
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He could inherit the throne of Egypt …
… and change the world forever.
But does he?
This is the first novel to set Akhenaten in his childhood.
Making use of the theories surrounding a king, who has been thought to be Moses, the book entertains with a poetic tale of children and what might have been, if only it were true!
Keyholes
Keyholes, by Tony Travis, follows brothers Allen and Brice Messman as they stumble upon a potential breakthrough in physics, a portal to another world, or possibly another time, created accidentally in Allen’s lab. Their relationship, strained by past familial tensions, becomes the backdrop to an intense exploration of the unknown, as they grapple with the ethical and scientific implications of their discovery. It’s a story about curiosity, risk, and the heavy weight of decisions that could change the world.
One of the many things I enjoyed about Keyholes was the interplay between Allen and Brice. Their banter felt realistic, especially when their different worldviews clashed. Allen’s more cautious, scientific approach contrasts with Brice’s military background and action-oriented mindset. This dynamic is particularly evident in scenes like when Brice suggests taking immediate action to test the portal’s possibilities, while Allen insists on carefully considering the potential dangers first. The tension between them gave the narrative an emotional depth that kept me invested.
I feel the pacing felt a bit uneven at times. Some chapters start with gripping tension, but others contain lengthy technical descriptions of the lab equipment and experiments. While these details ground the story in realism, they occasionally slowed the plot, and I found myself skimming through them to get back to the meat of the story—the interactions between the brothers and the mystery of the portal.
The most exciting aspect of Keyholes was the moral quandary presented by the portal. The stakes feel personal and global all at once, and the narrative doesn’t shy away from showing the complexity of their decision. Watching them debate the implications of their actions added a layer of philosophical tension that I really appreciated.
Keyholes is a thought-provoking read that would appeal to fans of slow-burn science fiction, especially those who enjoy stories rooted in ethical dilemmas and personal relationships. If you’re the kind of reader who enjoys a mix of scientific exploration, sibling rivalry, and just a touch of danger, Keyholes is a must-read.
Pages: 342 | ASIN : B0CQYR8VT9
Moses and Akhenaten: A Child’s Tale
Moses and Akhenaten by Sharon Janet Hague takes on the ambitious theory that the biblical Moses and the Egyptian Pharaoh Akhenaten were the same person. The book weaves historical analysis and imaginative storytelling, proposing that the famous biblical exodus and Akhenaten’s religious revolution are intertwined stories of the same man. Through a blend of fictional dialogue, historical narrative, and philosophical musings, Hague presents a compelling story for this theory.
The book is a unique mix of informal conversation and deep historical exploration. At times, it feels like sitting in on a heated debate among scholars as characters such as Walter, Tom, and Ernest discuss the possible connections between Moses and Akhenaten. For instance, Tom’s logical statement, “If Theodore Davis’ discovery in cache number fifty-five was Akhenaten’s body, then Akhenaten cannot be Moses,” drives home the tension between hard evidence and speculative theory. This dynamic made the book engaging and made me feel like I was part of an intellectual journey, though I feel that sometimes the debates veered into detailed and repetitive territory.
One of the things I loved about the book was its willingness to tackle big ideas with an unapologetic mix of history and conjecture. The idea that Akhenaten’s monotheism predates and even influences the Jewish faith is thought-provoking, and Hague doesn’t shy away from pushing that theory. She writes, “Nobody can convince me that billions of people worshipping one god, thirty-one centuries later is anything but a success”, showcasing Akhenaten’s monumental impact, whether or not he was Moses. While the story borders on speculative fiction, Hague’s presentation of Akhenaten as a revolutionary and somewhat tragic figure is heartfelt, bringing life to what could otherwise have been a dry historical argument. At one point, Akhenaten himself complains about modern perceptions of him: “I can’t tell you how heartily sick I am of being labeled everything from a weak king to a Nazi.” Moments like this add a humorous, almost anachronistic flavor that, while entertaining, sometimes undermines the gravitas of the subject. Still, the book’s casual conversations helped break down the dense historical material, making it more digestible and approachable for readers less familiar with ancient Egypt’s intricacies.
Moses and Akhenaten is a fascinating blend of historical theory and speculative storytelling. It’s ideal for readers who enjoy mixing history with a splash of imaginative fiction. If you’re a fan of ancient history, religious studies, or philosophical debates on the origins of faith, this book will keep you thinking long after you’ve finished it.
Pages: 301 | ASIN : B0BQCT1G1Q
Involuntarius
Involuntarius plunges into darkness, unraveling a tale of religious dominance, hidden truths, and brutal rituals. The story follows Ellis, a young man entangled in the sinister web of the Congregatio, a powerful religious order that dictates every aspect of society. Ellis, seeking answers, uncovers unsettling connections within his family, spiraling deeper into a nightmarish reality where nothing is as it seems.
Izquierdo’s writing is gripping. The prose, dense and vivid, pulls you into a world that feels alive yet eerily off-kilter. Early on, Ellis stumbles upon his mother’s lifeless body. The scene is stark and haunting. You feel the horror, the despair. This intensity doesn’t let up; it keeps you hooked. The rapid pace, combined with the heavy language, makes this book hard to put down. The Congregatio dominates, and its presence is tangible, almost like that of a character itself. Rigid hierarchies, secretive rituals, and absolute power—this is a world where blind faith is dangerous. The tension between control and rebellion pulses through the narrative. Sadie, an enigmatic figure, is both captivating and terrifying. Her relationship with Ellis and his father is a twisted dance of power, leaving you questioning who’s really in charge. The plot is filled with twists and tangles. Supernatural elements sneak in, voices whisper, and heat shimmers. There is a sense of something dark lurking beneath the surface that keeps you reading.
Involuntarius is a dark journey. Fans of gothic horror and psychological thrillers will find it compelling. Izquierdo crafts a world that’s as terrifying as it is fascinating. The characters are shadowed in mystery, their secrets pulling you deeper. It’s a story that will linger long after you’ve turned the last page.
Page: 343 | ASIN : B0D9ZZDJVB
Courage
The Timepiece Legacy is a genre-crossing novel with elements of fantasy, Science Fiction, and romance as well. Did you start writing with this in mind, or did this happen organically as you were writing?
When writing this novel I planned to have the three elements of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Romance as elements to the story. I felt it would make an exciting story and welcomed the challenge of marrying all three into the themes, which ended up a fun adventure as a writer. Many of the directions the story went developed organically. I’m more a panzer than an outliner and sometimes I don’t know where the story is going until I can visualize it on my internal movie screen, so to speak.
Bodhi realizes all his Gram’s wild stories are actually real once he is thrust into the world of time travel and has to rethink reality and his future. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
The ideals that drove Bodhi’s development were his unconditional love for his daughter, Cassie. He’d do anything for her, even sacrifice his own life as any good father would. Bodhi was also devoted to Gram, the only mother he knew, and her welfare and he strived to be a good son. Bodhi believed in being a good and loyal friend. He’s loyal to a fault as we see in his relationship with his ex-wife and his devotion to the new love he discovers in the past. He isn’t perfect but he strives to right a wrong and reconcile his differences with the people in his life and he is fiercely protective of them. Everything is a competition to him, stemming from his background as a former athlete and this causes him to be a bit too reactive at times, straining his personal relationships.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The themes most important to me were family and the complexities of those relationships. Love, and the many forms love takes that lead to sacrifice, forgiveness, and redemption. Courage, to make difficult decisions and to face one’s deepest fears, and the courage to let go and start over.
Can you tell us what the second book will be about and when it will be available for fans to purchase?
The second book titled, “The Timepiece Paradox” is currently available on Amazon in eBook, paperback, and audiobook, and on Barnes and Noble in eBook.
SYNOPSIS: Cassie McMullin arrives at Gram’s beach house in northern California nine years after her accidental travels through time with her father, Bodhi McMullin. Still traumatized by the experience and going through a painful divorce, she seeks the solace and peace of Gram’s beach house. A place she loved as a child. A visit to her dad and his wife, Elena, is just the break she needs.
When Cassie searches through Gram’s diary and old love letters, she discovers a disturbing letter from the distant past. When she attempts to use the timepiece to find the answers, it suddenly propels her to terrifying and unknown destinations.
Lost in time, with no way home, she is at the mercy of the ancient relic. But is the timepiece the cursed object Gram describes in her diary, or does it possess divine powers to guide the possessor to discover profound mysteries and hidden truths of the universe and themselves?
Cassie will find the answers soon enough. But the answers may be darker and more dangerous that she could have ever imagined. If Cassie fails to overcome the obstacles that destiny has set before her or solve the paradox of her journey, she will be lost in time forever.
Will Cassie discover the answers she so desperately seeks? Will she find the love her heart has yearned for all of her life? Her fate lies in her own hands and her ability to unravel the enigma of the timepiece and the mysteries of the universe.
The third book in the series title, “The Tempus Glass” will be available in the fall and will tell the story of Elena Lozano, Bodhi’s new love at the end of book one. It will explore her backstory as a spy for the Union army during the Civil War and how she winds up in the early 1920s in Nogales, Arizona, where Bodhi eventually finds her and falls in love with her. Stay tuned.
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Gram gifts Bodhi a mysterious and enigmatic timepiece after she drops a bombshell that his grandfather isn’t his biological grandfather. She claims that Bodhi is the grandson of a captain in the Revolutionary War and the timepiece is a mystical device that allows her to traverse through time. As a physician, he questions her mental faculties. But unforeseen events push Bodhi to the brink of his sanity and the possibility that Gram wasn’t crazy after all.
Bodhi finds himself thrust into a whirlwind of uncertainty, where he encounters a rare love that transcends the bounds of time. Yet, in this unfamiliar realm, he’s forced to make heart-wrenching choices that could shatter the lives of those he holds dear. However, a new, unthinkable crisis looms on the horizon: He and Cassie are swallowed and separated in time by the terrifying jaws of a spiraling wormhole. With the clock ticking, Bodhi must embark on a desperate journey to rescue his only child, risking everything in a race against the unforgiving hands of destiny.
The Timepiece Legacy is the first book of a trilogy that sets the stage for a wild and thrilling adventure charged with emotion, romance, and edge-of-your-seat action that will keep the pages turning. It’s the kind of novel fans of Kevin D. Miller have come to expect and thoroughly enjoy.
The Timepiece Legacy: Book One of the Timepiece Series
Dr. Bodhi McMullin has had a challenging year. Coming to terms with the divorce from his high school sweetheart, he struggles to connect with his teenage daughter. To make matters worse, his beloved Gran is now in hospice care. Having lived with her for most of his childhood, Bodhi knows better than to believe her eccentric stories—especially those involving a small pocket watch and time travel. However, even her stories couldn’t prepare him for the journey ahead, one that might help him piece together his crumbling life.
The Timepiece Legacy by Kevin D. Miller is a time-traveling, emotion-filled adventure. The story follows Bodhi as he attempts to save his family and himself from the dangers of both past and present. It’s a thrilling novel that skillfully balances emotion, romance, and adventure. Nearly all the characters are compelling, each with their own motivations and drives, making it hard not to become attached to them as their stories unfold. The narrative is filled with numerous twists and turns, keeping readers thoroughly engaged and often pleasantly surprised.
The story maintains a steady pace, ensuring readers’ interest, while the characters are richly developed and full of heart. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in fantasy. Even those not overly familiar with the genre will likely find this book easy to follow and engaging. The focus on character and story, rather than an overuse of fantasy elements, magic, and time travel, makes for a refreshing read. I look forward to seeing what adventures await Bodhi and what Kevin D. Miller will create next.
Pages: 267 | ASIN : B0CHX1W26P
Signs on a Page
Erik D. Weiss’s historical fiction novel Signs on a Page presents a gripping tale of intrigue and suspense centered around its protagonist, Molly McMurphy. As a recent college graduate and research consultant, Molly’s curiosity leads her through a labyrinth of historical and literary mysteries. The narrative cleverly interweaves real historical figures and events, such as MacArthur’s involvement in the Pacific War and the infamous Charge of the Light Brigade, with Molly’s personal journey. Weiss skillfully blends these elements, crafting an educational and thrilling narrative.
Throughout the story, Molly finds herself unwittingly entangled in the clandestine activities of a secret society intent on shaping the course of human history. This adds a layer of complexity to her character as she balances her professional pursuits with the dangers that come from uncovering long-hidden truths. The novel excels in creating a sense of tension as Molly navigates between the society’s rival factions, each with their own agenda. I found myself deeply connected to Molly’s character, particularly her passion for research. This aspect of her personality resonates strongly with anyone who shares a similar love for unearthing hidden knowledge. Weiss’s writing is both articulate and engaging, making the novel enjoyable for those who appreciate historical fiction with a blend of mystery and adventure.
Signs on a Page comes highly recommended for readers seeking a well-crafted story that combines historical elements with suspenseful storytelling. Weiss’s thorough research and compelling narrative make for a truly immersive experience.
Pages: 299 | ASIN : B0CLQR1HSY
LITERARY TITAN 