Blog Archives
Counterintuitive and Countercultural
New Star follows a Persian Magus as he risks everything to uncover the truth behind a mysterious celestial sign, blending biblical intrigue, spiritual longing, and historical peril in a richly imagined post-Nativity world. Why was this an important book for you to write?
Most of what we think we know about the Wise Men is tradition, not truth. Even when we read about them in the Gospel of Matthew, we skim over the verses because we think we already know their story. Those 2D, stained-glass figures deserve to be seen as 3D real people. Their story is compelling, and I wanted to convey it in a way that aligned with Scripture, culture, and world events of that time.
What inspired you to reimagine the story of the Magi, especially from such an emotionally intimate perspective?
The Parthian Empire tolerated many religions but had a national religion that the Magi society upheld and practiced. What would happen to the religious fabric of the empire if some Magi started to believe and practice something else? I feel that’s what happened to the Magi in real life. They went way out on a limb to believe something that was counterintuitive and countercultural. They risked their reputations, their careers, and more to pursue finding the prophesied Christ child. They had to weigh the risk and cost of their newfound belief.
How did you balance historical accuracy with creative storytelling when reconstructing the world of ancient Persia and Judea?
First and foremost, I remain true to the biblical narrative. That’s my north star for writing biblical fiction. Scriptures tell us what the Magi did, but not the reasons for their choices. To discern the “why” behind their story, I dug into historical records of that time to learn about the world they lived in. When Christ was born, the Roman and Parthian empires were the world’s biggest superpowers. They were often at odds with each other, and they ruled in dramatically different ways. Against that backdrop is the rich history of Magi society, an elite group of Persian priest-scholars that massively influenced the Parthian Empire’s religion, science, and government. The Magi served multiple religions while upholding their empire’s official religion. Understanding the world in which the Magi lived enabled me to write authentic scenes with believable reactions to the pressures they would have faced in pursuing a controversial study of a star linked to some foreign religious writings.
Akilah’s inner journey is so compelling—was his character influenced by any real historical figures or personal experiences?
Thank you for that high compliment. Akilah is not based on a specific person, but I think he universally reflects people’s experience when they question what they previously thought was true. New Star provides a safe space in which to do that.
New Star is the first book in the series The Magi’s Encounters. We know the Magi’s story didn’t end when they tried to circumvent Herod. Survival Secrets, which will release Sept. 24 of this year, is all about the Magi’s struggles to return home.
Author Links: GoodReads | New Star | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
When he and his colleagues uncover a few Jewish prophecies linking the star to an eternal king, Akilah becomes the target of Persia’s religious and governmental conflicts. Jailed for crimes he didn’t commit, Akilah must rely on questionable resources to free himself and reach Jerusalem.
Persia’s purists aren’t the only ones bent on keeping their country free of Jewish influences. As dangers at home and abroad plunge Akilah and his colleagues into three countries’ religious conflicts and circumstances beyond their imagining, Akilah realizes his knowledge of Jesus could potentially destroy Magi society and its power over Persia’s official religion and government. Untrusting of his Council, a thousand miles from aid, and bound in a potentially career-ending contract, Akilah must decide how far he will go to protect what he knows of Jesus—and whether the cost of his belief is worth the risk.
When Jesus Calls
Martha Gayle’s When Jesus Calls is a heartfelt Christian fiction novel that follows the emotional and spiritual journey of Mary, a woman seeking healing, purpose, and a deeper connection with Jesus after a string of personal heartbreaks. The story unfolds through Mary’s inner reflections, her work at a charming inn, her close friendships, and her life-changing decisions, like buying a cottage by the sea and choosing forgiveness over bitterness. Along the way, Mary grapples with past wounds, discovers the redemptive power of faith, and learns how to let Jesus guide her life.
I found myself emotionally invested in Mary’s story from the very first chapter. Gayle’s writing isn’t flashy, but it’s deeply sincere. She writes with a raw honesty that makes you feel like you’re sitting with a friend who’s laying their heart bare. Her style is intimate, plainspoken, and brimming with warmth. There’s no pretense, just a genuine voice telling a story grounded in love, loss, and the quiet call of God. I admired how Mary’s spiritual insights came through lived experiences, not sermons. It didn’t feel like I was being preached at. Instead, I was invited to reflect right alongside her, which made the story more powerful and real for me.
What stood out most was the emotional depth and vulnerability. I felt Mary’s loneliness. I understood her ache for love, her longing for peace, and her deep need for meaning. Gayle doesn’t gloss over the hard stuff—betrayal, temptation, self-doubt—but instead shows how grace meets us in the middle of the mess. I loved the supporting characters. Mr. Henry, the inn’s general manager, especially touched me. His quiet faith journey and the kindness he showed others brought tears to my eyes more than once. The book reminded me how much we all need community and how God can speak through the people around us.
When Jesus Calls is a quiet reminder that healing is possible, faith is alive, and we’re never too far gone to be called back home. I’d recommend this book to anyone who’s been through heartbreak, who’s questioning their faith, or who just needs a gentle story that breathes hope.
Pages: 174 | ASIN : B0DHSXZCP6
Touch of Power
Touch of Power by D.M. Griffin is a compelling fictional retelling of the biblical narrative of the woman with the issue of blood. Set in an evocative historical backdrop, the story delves into Eliora’s struggles, pain, and redemption. From her early life as a spirited young woman to her transformative encounter with Christ, Griffin masterfully intertwines biblical themes with rich storytelling. The novel also explores faith, suffering, and the profound love of God as characters confront personal trials and societal expectations.
The writing style is immersive with moral undertones. For instance, the description of Eliora’s internal struggle with her illness and faith feels deeply personal yet slightly repetitive. One poignant scene involves Eliora realizing her worth beyond societal judgments, a theme mirrored beautifully in her interactions with Martha and her siblings. However, the pacing occasionally falters, especially during long monologues that, while poetic, slow the narrative’s momentum. The ideas explored in the book are timeless and meaningful. The transformation of Eliora, as she wrestles with abandonment and spiritual awakening, is deeply moving. Griffin’s depiction of secondary characters, such as Martha’s quiet strength or the cynical yet hopeful Tithe, adds depth to the narrative. The central message—faith in God’s timing and love—resonates powerfully, particularly in the climactic scene where Eliora’s healing signifies both physical and spiritual restoration. What I found most intriguing was the symbolic thread of divine sovereignty running throughout the novel. Griffin doesn’t shy away from exploring complex questions about human suffering and divine purpose.
Touch of Power is a thoughtful and inspiring read, particularly for those who enjoy faith-based fiction with a historical setting. It is perfect for readers seeking a blend of biblical storytelling, personal redemption, and spiritual encouragement. It leaves a lasting impression of God’s love and the power of faith to transform lives.
Pages: 444 | ASIN : B0CW1BF2XC
The Search for God
In Death of a Blue Jay, a man is forced to face his inner demons as he learns to embrace life’s nuances and rediscovers his own faith. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for my story was based on a trip to Bar Harbor, Maine. My friend and I were not cognizant of the time on one hike and we found ourselves trying to hike back after sunset in the darkness. This experience helped me understand how life is hard and we all have a “dark path” to follow to reconcile past traumas or mistakes. The issue is it is hard to face this reality so most people tend to mask their obligations and distract themselves with comfort. Along the process, there is humility involved and a reliance on a higher power above ourselves.
Did you plan the tone and direction of the novel before writing, or did it come out organically as you were writing?
I planned the very beginning and ending of the novel before writing and also established the main themes throughout the novel. I started writing the book with the scene from the very middle of the novel and organically the tone and direction developed as I was writing from the beginning to the end.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Some themes that were important for me to explore in this book were mortality, morality, and the search for God.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from Jeremy’s story?
Charity is an essential call for all of us in life and we must be realistic with our mental health and reconcile any past traumas before giving joy to others because otherwise we are left confused, stuck, and selfish!
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Amazon
This book has received recognition from:
International Impact Book Awards (May 2024) under Christian Fantasy.
2nd Quarter 2024 Firebird Book Award Winner- Christian Fiction (1st Place) and Religious Fiction (2nd place)
In D’Souza’s “Death of a Blue Jay“, Jeremy Martin goes through a supernatural experience of ups and downs and understands that there is value even when we fall because there will be new lessons gained for future use of wisdom.
In the fictional world of ROB-RAH-RATS, Jeremy is forced to face his unconscious mind, where his deepest secrets are revealed; and where he must face his inner demons and build virtue to ultimately return to the real world and fulfill a final act of charity. D’Souza shares contemplation and the allegory of certain objects to give the reader a new perspective on the value of living by eyes of faith rather than simply by eyes of sight.
The Guardians of Kawts
In The Guardians of Kawts, Weston Fields delves into the grim life of Timothy, a young boy confronting the harsh realities of life under a dictatorship. The Council of Kawts tightly controls information, restricts movement, and manipulates the distribution of food and water, enforcing their rule with cruel precision. As Timothy approaches his graduation, his passion for books drives him to excel academically, aspiring to apprentice under the local librarian, Samuel. However, before he can achieve this dream, he must first endure the Race—a harrowing ritual designed by the Council to eliminate the weak, with the last-place finishers facing execution. Miraculously winning the Race, Timothy secures his apprenticeship with Samuel, only to have his world upended when rebels attack nearby. The incident reveals Samuel’s involvement in the resistance and shatters Timothy’s previously unchallenged perceptions of the Council and the fate of his best friend, believed to have perished in the Race.
Set in a future where cultural memories like religion and art have faded, Fields emphasizes the critical role of books in preserving knowledge and inspiring future generations. The story’s backdrop—an attic turned secret library—adds a layer of intrigue. Fields crafts a compelling narrative with a well-paced plot and thoughtfully developed characters. Timothy’s evolution from a naive student to a key player in the resistance is portrayed with depth, capturing his intellectual and emotional growth. Fields gradually unveils key aspects of the narrative, such as the enigmatic “blanks” originally perceived as drones and the actual implications of the Race. This measured revelation adds layers of mystery and anticipation as the story unfolds. Furthermore, the segment depicting Timothy’s time in the wilderness offers a concise portrayal that might be enhanced by additional details to better illustrate the passage of time, such as visual cues like Timothy’s growing beard. These elements invite readers to engage deeply with the text and appreciate the gradual construction of the story’s context.
The Guardians of Kawts is a well-crafted dystopian tale that will appeal to fans of science fiction. It skillfully combines personal transformation with broader themes of tyranny and resistance, making for a rewarding read that is rich with intrigue and revelation.
Pages: 335 | ASIN : B0CY3LW9J9
Redemption’s Promise
Redemption’s Promise by Sandi Rebert is a captivating delve into the realm of biblical fiction. Set in Jerusalem approximately 2000 years ago, the narrative unfolds through the eyes of a young protagonist named Jason. From the exhilarating onset, we encounter Jason in the throes of evasion, desperately trying to escape Roman soldiers. But the stakes ascend swiftly as he is confronted with a heart-wrenching decision: what does it truly mean to choose life?
Rebert artfully intertwines Jason’s journey with the seminal events marking Jesus’s life, including His miracles and crucifixion. The brilliance lies in the gradual unveiling of their connection, allowing readers to ponder and anticipate its intricate weave within the broader tapestry of the tale.
One of the standout features of this work is the adept integration of biblical verses that seamlessly align with the unfolding plot. Rebert provides a historical lens, presenting the Romans through the eyes of the Jewish community. While the narrative is fictional, it provokes deep reflection. In a world where Jesus is largely celebrated, Redemption’s Promise serves as a poignant reminder of the contentious views held by the religious leaders of His time, prompting readers to critically engage with the subject of resurrection.
Marrying suspense with spiritual introspection, this book beckons its readers to not only immerse themselves in its riveting plot but also to delve deeper into the intricacies of biblical events. I recommend Redemption’s Promise to fans of biblical fiction and to those intrigued by the myriad possibilities that might have colored the epoch of Jesus’s death and resurrection.
Pages: 276 | ASIN : B09SB8ZWY9
The Genesis 6 Project
The Genesis 6 Project is a fast-paced action spree from author Michael Ferguson. A mix of sci-fi and biblical fiction, the story centers around a United States research team and a newly rediscovered dangerous threat to man: the Nephilim–powerful creatures born of fallen angels who once ruled the earth. Tamir-Benob is one such creature. He is a giant who has lived for thousands of years and dispatched armies of men throughout history. The capture, understanding, and, most importantly, militarization of this being will impact the balance of world power for ages. Different factions come to a head as Tamir-Benob rampages through rural Montana, leaving soldiers and tribal Crow warriors broken in his wake.
Paced exceptionally well, The Genesis 6 Project is a really tight read. The action ramps up early and is pretty much non-stop. The different characters from the rival factions, especially Dr. Kathryn Ryan and Indian Affairs agent Ironhorse Whitman, really stand out. Ferguson does an excellent job of switching perspectives between the hunters and the hunted, and those roles reverse many times throughout the story.
At times the novel really reminds me of Rambo: First Blood, and that’s not a bad thing. But unlike John Rambo, Tamir-Benob is a genuinely menacing villain who has plans to lay biblical waste to mankind. The action is fun, and there is also a delightful amount of cloak-and-dagger intrigue. Different individuals are each vying for the power they believe the Nephelim holds. Seeking to use science to unlock the ancient mysteries of what they believe is the descendant of an actual angel, there is plenty of backstabbing and treachery.
The Genesis 6 Project is a suspenseful Christian thriller that blends seamlessly with science fiction themes. This novel will captive readers looking for an action-packed story that keeps them on edge from the open pages till the exciting end.
Pages: 301 | ASIN : B0BN2NWL4L
Blood Sick Vampire
Blood Sick Vampire is a fun adventure novel that depicts the biblical Cain as an unlikely hero struggling against the armies of Satan. He also just so happens to be a vampire. J.E. Serrano’s novel follows Cain from his tragic fall to his appearance during the Third Crusade, where he captivates and transforms Diego Torrolisimo. They soon realize that Diego may be more than your average vampire. The two of them, alongside Cain’s disciples (including a talking vampiric Bengal tiger named Shao-sin!), go on adventures and battle against Satan and his minions across the globe.
I had a lot of fun reading Blood Sick Vampire. Serrano has a gift for snappy dialogue, and his characters have a quirky wit about them. The way Cain and his companions casually insult demons spawned from hell with so much bravado is pretty amusing. I also appreciated the use of flashbacks to show the origins of the many different demons and vampires. The bureaucracy of hell is rather interesting, as punishments for failures seem to range from simply more hell to oblivion. The spiritual themes in the book follow a simple “good” versus “evil” formula, with the vampiric heroes using a little gray area in between.
Technically, Blood Sick Vampire suffers from a few issues. A solid proofreader would help with many punctuation and grammar mistakes. There’s also a section of three chapters that repeat themselves starting with “Cain Confronts Mmbyu” on page 96. Technical issues aside, J.E. Serrano weaves an entertaining tale. Much of the story reads like bible verses or old fables, which contrasts sharply with the modern dialog. I found this to be more charming than jarring.
Blood Sick Vampire is an unconventional twist on Biblical fiction and vampire stories. Readers will be entertained by the well-developed characters and unforgettable dialogue. It is the perfect book if you are looking for that “something different” to sit down with and go on an exciting adventure.
Pages: 304 | ISBN: 1955531501
LITERARY TITAN 