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Learning Something New
Thomas Edison and the Magi Solution follows Thomas Edison’s former assistant as he finds himself on a journey to investigate allegations that Hitler has made a deal with the devil. What was the inspiration that created the fantastic journey these characters go on?
The inspiration for ‘Magi Solution’ was a piece of history I’d never known before. In the spring of 1941, Deputy Fuhrer Rudolf Hess stole a plane from the Augsburg-Haunstetten airfield and took off on a wildly improbable mission to Scotland to broker a peace between Germany and the Allies. He failed, Churchill and Hitler both deemed him insane and he was confined to the Tower of London. But was he insane? What if he possessed a secret of Hitler’s that no one has dared to imagine? And what if Hess went on to vow that only three men were worthy of this dark knowledge: Edison (who’s been dead for years), Roosevelt, who’s alive but unavailable, and John Dawkins, Edison’s intrepid assistant. And with that, the plot’s afoot!
What research did you do to understand the backdrop for your story?
A lot. When you’re dealing with a period as iconic as WWII you want to make sure you’ve got the underlying details just right so your novel has a historical foundation that allows your high-flying fiction to soar. It was work. It was also fascinating and the parallels to today’s world were startling. As Harry Truman famously said, “The only thing new in the world is the history you don’t know.”
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Edison appears in the book as a reincarnated spirit: still feisty, determined and capable, but also diminished. As a modern-day Prospero he sadly observes, “I’m the ‘Wizard of Menlo Park. And I’ve lost my magic.” But he’s only lost his capacity to invent. He’s retained his ability to learn – and in the course of a series of hair-raising adventures, realizes that while the world is too big and too stupid to be saved, sometimes it can be helped immeasurably simply by saving one person. It’s Edison’s swan song and it’s an elegant one that’s worthy of his genius.
Can fans look forward to more historical fiction releases from you soon? What are you currently working on?
Possible. But not for now. My next project is a play and after that, who knows. I think I’ll leave Mr. Edison in retirement. He’s earned a rest. And so has John Dawkins. But John’s 10 year-old son, Josh? There’s a story brewing there. I can’t wait to see what might happen next.
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Thomas Edison and the Magi Solution
If you ever wondered what would happen if Indiana Jones met Thomas Edison, crossed paths with Groucho Marx, and then all three went on a mission to save the world from Hitler—with a dash of sci-fi and the occult thrown in—you’re in for one wild ride. Thomas Edison and the Magi Solution is the final book in David Church’s “Edison Trilogy,” and it doesn’t hold back. It’s historical fiction dialed up to eleven, a kind of high-octane alt-history caper where real figures from history go head-to-head with evil in ways you absolutely never saw in your high school textbooks.
The writing is a mixed bag in the best way. Sometimes it’s poetic and rich with mood—like the eerie prologue with Rudolf Hess making his jaw-dropping escape, or the haunting scene where U.S. troops discover the horrors of Ohrdruf. It’s rare for pulp-style fiction to pause and really make you feel the gravity of history, but Church pulls it off. Then, right after, he swerves into pure madcap adventure with moments like John Dawkins and his wife Sophie fighting off Nazi agents in their farmhouse, or a midair showdown involving fuel tanks as weapons. The whiplash is real, but I didn’t mind. It felt like switching channels between a war drama and a Saturday matinee. Somehow it works.
The book’s full of big personalities and colorful dialogue, but it’s the quieter moments that stayed with me. Like when Edison’s old radio interview plays in the background and Josh, the young protagonist, listens in awe. And that’s the weird magic of this book—it throws so much at you, but every now and then, it hits something honest and true.
The dialogue can be a little over-the-top, and the action can sometimes teeter into full-on absurdity. But I’ll be honest: I didn’t care. I was in it for the fun, and it delivers. This is the kind of book that knows exactly what it is—wildly ambitious, borderline ridiculous, but full of heart. There’s a real affection for history under all the chaos. Churchill isn’t a prop—he’s got gravitas. Same goes for Roosevelt and even the fictionalized Edison, who somehow manages to be both a wizard and an inventor without ever feeling like a caricature.
Thomas Edison and the Magi Solution is for readers who love genre-blending, who don’t mind their fiction a little messy if it means it’s got momentum and flair. If you like your history with a side of “what if,” and you don’t mind Thomas Edison being treated like a Marvel hero with a lab coat, then you’ll enjoy this book. It’s for the dreamers, the sci-fi nerds, the WWII buffs, and anyone who loves a bold swing.
Pages: 275 | ASIN : B0DPRDZL4G
The Last Rival: A time of our Choosing
Kyle Palmer’s The Last Rival: A Time of Our Choosing is a gripping and intellectually compelling novel set in the turbulent aftermath of World War II. At its heart are Jim Bolden and Lew Weinman, covert operatives navigating the shadowy world of intelligence. Their mission is perilous, their existence unacknowledged by any government, and their enemy a hidden remnant of the Nazi regime seeks to seize power and reshape history in its own sinister image.
Palmer’s prose is sharp and evocative, balancing high-stakes action with moments of profound introspection. Suspense builds with relentless intensity, yet the novel’s true strength lies in its exploration of moral ambiguity. Themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the battle between duty and conscience weave seamlessly into the narrative, elevating it beyond a conventional spy thriller. The action grips, but it is the philosophical depth that lingers, prompting readers to ponder the complexities of right and wrong when allegiances shift and ideals collide.
Far from mere instruments of espionage, the characters emerge as deeply human figures wrestling with personal demons and ethical dilemmas. Their struggles, whether to seek vengeance or embrace forgiveness, add a rich emotional undercurrent that resonates beyond the confines of their mission. As they confront impossible choices, their internal battles become as compelling as the external threats they face.
For those who appreciate historical fiction infused with intellectual depth, The Last Rival delivers an immersive and thought-provoking experience. Palmer masterfully blends real-world history with speculative intrigue, crafting a novel that feels both immediate and timeless. Though the pacing slows at times to allow for introspective moments, the payoff is well worth it. This is more than a thriller; it is a journey into the heart of human conflict, both on the battlefield and within the soul.
Pages: 500 | ASIN : B0DM6H5TD8
Moonlight Serenade
Terry Mark’s Moonlight Serenade offers a wild reimagining of World War II, blending historical fiction with bold fantasy. It’s August 1944. The Normandy invasion has shaken Europe. General Patton races across France with his armored command. Meanwhile, Amelia Earhart is stationed on a remote South Pacific island, secretly reporting on Japanese warship movements for the U.S. Navy. Across the globe, young Navy flier Paul Newman teams up with Earhart as they embark on a whirlwind journey through war-torn Europe, eventually crossing paths with Patton. In a twist straight from the imagination, Anne Frank and her family flee Nazi werewolves while Hitler and his forces hunt for the Vim gems—mystical relics with the power to unleash unspeakable destruction.
This novel is an alternate history as bizarre as it is captivating. Real historical figures—Anne Frank, Paul Newman, Amelia Earhart, and Glenn Miller—are thrust into a world where historical events collide with the fantastical. It’s a premise reminiscent of Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, where fact and fiction fuse to dazzling effect. The story’s strength lies in its playfulness. While the characters face peril, the tone is unmistakably tongue-in-cheek, making it difficult to take the danger too seriously. This approach suits the material perfectly.
Mark’s mischievous storytelling keeps readers guessing, weaving real-life events with inventive twists in a way that feels fresh and exhilarating. Imagine World War II in a snow globe—shaken, scattered, and reassembled into a thrilling new vision. The result? Pure entertainment. This isn’t literary fiction, nor does it aspire to be. It’s pure pulp escapism, and it excels in its mission. Glenn Miller, reinvented in Mark’s imaginative world, is an undeniable standout, stealing the show with charisma and charm. Despite being the third entry in a series, the novel works seamlessly as a standalone. Newcomers can dive in without hesitation and follow the action with ease.
Moonlight Serenade is an unabashedly bombastic romp, a whirlwind of intrigue and humor set against an alternate WWII backdrop. It’s not just a book—it’s an adventure worth taking, and one that will leave you grinning from start to finish.
Pages: 309 | ASIN : B09M547NX8
Angel’s Mistake
Angel’s Mistake, by K.H. Asabi, sweeps readers into a supernatural journey, centered around Maia Barska, formerly Maia Romer. Years after believing her first love was dead, Maia’s world turns upside down when she sees him alive and well. At first, she thinks it’s a trick of the mind, but soon, reality blurs as unexplainable events begin to unfold. The intrigue builds as Maia confronts mysteries that challenge her understanding of faith, love, and loss.
K.H. Asabi crafts a world rich in emotional depth and vivid imagery with writing that flows effortlessly and descriptions that carry a weight that makes every scene come alive. The characters feel fully realized and relatable, each grappling with their own struggles, pivotal moments, or life-altering realizations. There’s a palpable sense of anticipation running through the narrative. Everyone seems on the brink of something extraordinary, yet not all find the closure or success they crave. Asabi’s knack for scene-setting draws readers in, making it easy to become deeply invested in the characters’ journeys and the twists that lie ahead.
Told from multiple points of view, the story uses time jumps to build suspense and keep readers engaged. This narrative style adds an element of intrigue, offering different angles and perspectives. However, it sometimes leads to confusion about where or when events are taking place. The timeline only fully makes sense as the book nears its conclusion. While this technique heightens the suspense, I believe it may momentarily leave some readers disoriented. Additionally, the ending felt somewhat hurried. The concept behind “Angel’s Mistake” deserved more buildup and clarity, and the events leading to the finale could have been fleshed out more to reinforce the story’s emotional impact.
Angel’s Mistake shines through Asabi’s ability to paint scenes and evoke genuine emotion. The author’s storytelling captures the complexity of humanity, sparking empathy and compassion for the book’s characters. Despite some confusion with the time shifts and a conclusion that felt rushed, the novel’s heart and vivid descriptions keep it compelling. This book will resonate with readers who appreciate layered tales of love, faith, and the supernatural, especially those drawn to character-driven stories that blend real-life struggles with the inexplicable.
Pages: 185 | ASIN : B0DKCC72XZ
Past, Present, and Future
The Adamantine Jewel follows a university professor and former U.S. Marine who, with the help of his daughter, tries to track down a mythical healing stone to save humanity from a flesh-eating virus. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for my story came from a dream I had over fifteen years ago. I wrote the first twenty pages within a few weeks, but as life got busy, the project was put on hold. It stayed on the shelf until last year when I discovered NaNoWriMo.org, a writers’ resource. I decided to take on their 55,000-word challenge—to write 55,000 words in one month. I succeeded, and that’s how my novel was born.
David and April are intriguing characters with great emotional depth. What emotional and moral guidelines did you follow when developing them?
David believes in the inherent goodness of all people, though he acknowledges that some make poor choices in life. He is compassionate and non-judgmental, firmly believing in second chances and embodying unconditional love for all living beings. With unwavering faith and hope for a brighter future for humanity, David exemplifies the archetype of the peaceful warrior—kind and forgiving, yet resolute. He possesses the strength and skills needed to protect his family and friends when it matters most.
April, on the other hand, is on a quest for meaning and purpose, struggling to define her identity and place in the world while battling a life-threatening illness. Despite her challenges, she maintains a good sense of humor and discovers a profound spiritual connection with the universal goddess energy, or divine feminine. She faces her impending death with remarkable courage and fortitude.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
One theme I explore is the interplay of the past, present, and future. The past is represented by a prophecy rooted in an 18,000-year-old religion. The present follows the journey of David and April, including an epic battle of good versus evil. The future envisions transformative initiatives for spiritually focused individuals on Earth.
Another theme I delve into is the mythic archetypal structure of the Hero’s Journey—and the Heroine’s Journey—that mythologist Joseph Campbell is renowned for. Both David and April are living their ordinary lives when they are suddenly thrust into a life-or-death quest. Through their struggles to fulfill this quest, they embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth.
Where does the story go in the next book, and where do you see it going in the future?
April grows and matures as a woman, with a budding romance on the horizon, a deeper understanding of her role in the world, and her mission as a divine world spirit healer. Meanwhile, David collaborates with world leaders to address the issue of homelessness, assumes his role as Earth’s representative in working with advanced civilizations within the Galactic Federation Council, and expands his mystical understanding of universal truths.
New characters are introduced, enriching the narrative, while existing characters develop deeper and more meaningful relationships. The upcoming twelve metaphysical supernatural novels in The David Thoreau Adventure Series further explore the visionary themes introduced in this first installment. These visionary initiatives aim to guide humanity toward becoming a spiritually evolved, space-faring civilization.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Book Review
Their journey thrusts them into a life-or-death race to India, where their only hope lies in a rare, miraculous healing herb. As time slips away, every second counts, and failure means the end. But fate deals a cruel blow when their flight crashes in the treacherous Himalayan Mountains of Tibet.
What follows is an epic saga of survival, love, and redemption. Together, David and April confront their deepest fears and battle formidable adversaries. With each passing moment, the countdown to her demise draws closer. Guided by allies and aided by supernatural forces in the mystical “Land of the Gods,” they are destined to undertake a perilous quest to fulfill an ancient prophecy that only they can complete.
With time running out, their love and courage will be tested beyond anything they’ve ever known. In a battle where life, death, and the supernatural collide, they will discover that some destinies are forged in the crucible of the impossible—where a father’s devotion and a daughter’s courage shatter the very limits of time, space, and even death.
The Adamantine Jewel
The Adamantine Jewel by Jeffrey Scott Pears is a thrilling supernatural adventure that sweeps readers into a world balancing on the brink of catastrophe. When an unstoppable, flesh-eating virus threatens humanity with extinction, David Thoreau, a university professor and former U.S. Marine, races against time alongside his brave eighteen-year-old daughter, April. Their mission? To track down a mythical healing stone known as the Adamantine Jewel. The stakes are impossibly high, and the journey is nothing short of epic, involving dangerous conspiracies, mystical forces, and the wisdom of ancient cultures.
The writing in The Adamantine Jewel is a mixed bag. There are moments of taut, breathless action where the prose shines. It grabs you and doesn’t let go, mixing humor with suspense. Yet, there are times when the narrative feels overly descriptive, bogging down scenes that would otherwise fly by. David’s philosophical musings, while intellectually intriguing, sometimes pull away from the story’s tension, making me wish the author would just get back to the action. Nevertheless, these reflective pauses do add a layer of depth, even if they occasionally feel misplaced. Character dynamics are where Jeffrey Scott Pears really excels. David’s relationship with April is authentic, heartwarming, and bittersweet. You can feel the weight of their shared grief over the loss of April’s mother, making their banter and mutual support all the more touching. Some secondary characters, like Serenity Adler, felt underdeveloped despite the potential for complexity. I wanted more from her, especially given her sudden departure to India and the emotional stirrings she awakens in David. The book’s plot brims with intrigue and cinematic energy. From high-speed chases through West Hollywood to the mounting horror of a global pandemic, the stakes are palpable. Pears does a fantastic job weaving real-world fears with mystical elements. The sudden, brutal encounter with the CDC authorities at David’s home made my heart pound, while the philosophical lecture on death during his university class left me contemplative. Yet, I couldn’t help but feel that the pacing wavered in some areas. The narrative jumps from action-packed scenes to quieter moments without always maintaining momentum, leaving me both exhilarated and occasionally restless.
The Adamantine Jewel is a gripping ride that delivers on suspense, family drama, and metaphysical reflection. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy thrillers with a spiritual twist, especially those curious about ancient cultures and myths. If you’re looking for a thoughtful adventure that keeps you thinking while keeping you on edge, this book is worth the read.
Pages: 266 | ASIN : B0DHPMNXBR
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.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazo
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.
