Blog Archives
Black Glove
The novel Black Glove by M.A.N. is a sprawling tale of vengeance, power, and the blurry line between justice and corruption. It follows Leroy Black, a young man marked by loss, who grows from grief into a relentless vigilante. His brother is murdered by gang members, his father killed unjustly by police, and these tragedies set him on a lifelong path. Trained in every art of combat, from boxing to martial arts to military precision, Leroy reinvents himself as a force of wrath against gangs and systemic oppression. Parallel to his story is the rise of King Solomon, the leader of the Dynamite Flash, a militant group caught between fighting oppression and becoming what they despise. The two figures move through a world where brutality and ideals clash, raising the question of whether salvation can ever be born from violence.
This story is a whirlwind of action and anger. The fight scenes are long, detailed, and absolutely wild, sometimes almost cinematic in their intensity. At times, I found myself grinning at the sheer audacity of the battles. The writing doesn’t hold back. It’s raw and brutal, sometimes over-the-top, yet I could tell the author poured a lot of heart into balancing the spectacle with deeper themes. I liked the tension between Leroy’s personal mission and the wider chaos around him. He’s both a hero and a man broken by grief, and that contradiction kept me hooked. At the same time, there were stretches where the detail of combat overshadowed the emotional core, and I found myself wishing the quieter, human moments had more room to breathe.
I admired the ambition. The book isn’t afraid to dive into uncomfortable territory. It doesn’t gloss over systemic failures or the ways power corrupts, and it asks hard questions about what happens when resistance begins to mirror oppression. King Solomon, in particular, fascinated me. He’s charismatic and ruthless, convinced that dirt must be fought with dirt. I felt uneasy whenever he spoke, which I think was the point. The moral ambiguity, paired with the relentless energy of the prose, gave the story a jagged edge.
Black Glove is a furious book. It’s for readers who want action mixed with philosophy, who don’t mind a story that gets messy and brutal to make its point. I’d recommend it to people who enjoy gritty superhero stories, vigilante epics, or urban tales that don’t shy away from politics and pain. It’s not a light read, but if you’re ready to ride through chaos, it has a lot to offer.
Pages: 260 | ASIN : B0FDTRSBZH
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
Bland Loafer
Bill McCoy’s Bland Loafer centers on a narrator struggling against societal norms and the crushing weight of expectations, all while grappling with a complicated love-hate relationship with his fiercely religious and illiterate mother. The narrative twists and turns through surreal and often jarring scenes, pairing biting social critique with the raw poetry of life’s tragedies. At its heart, Bland Loafer is a rebellion wrapped in art, daring to capture the dreams and defeats of marginalized voices who never quite fit into society’s neatly labeled boxes.
The writing style is undeniably unique, but it can also be a headache if you’re not ready for McCoy’s rollercoaster of thoughts. His language veers from deeply poetic to downright chaotic. Take, for example, the scene where the narrator and his mother confront the technical college director, Attila. The verbal sparring between the characters is surreal yet uncomfortably real, a collision of high-stakes desperation and absurd humor. The dialogue might leave you both laughing and seething, especially when McCoy’s satire highlights the injustices the narrator’s mother faces while trying to survive as a domestic worker. These moments make Bland Loafer feel alive and unpredictable, but the stream-of-consciousness style can occasionally leave you feeling lost.
What I appreciated most was the novel’s audacious approach to heavy themes. The narrator’s struggle against the crushing realities of systemic oppression is palpable. McCoy doesn’t shy away from showing the absurdity of bureaucratic power, especially in the gut-wrenching scenes where his mother is reduced to begging for her son’s education. There’s a rawness to the way McCoy portrays the generational trauma inflicted by poverty and racism. Yet, despite all the darkness, there’s hope woven into the story. The narrator’s defiant desire to rise above his circumstances through literature and knowledge is inspiring, even if it seems like an impossible dream. The book captures the desperate, defiant spirit of those who refuse to be swallowed by society’s indifference.
Bland Loafer is a challenging yet rewarding read, best suited for those who enjoy fiction that takes risks and refuses to fit into a tidy mold. If you appreciate stories that explore the gritty and poetic realities of marginalized communities then this book will resonate. I think it’s for dreamers, activists, and thinkers and anyone who can handle a little chaos in their quest for truth.
Pages: 414 | ASIN : B0CD58CWZ2
I Wanted To Write Something Different
Odox: A Medieval Epic Fantasy follows a military officer with the power of telekinesis who is betrayed by his general and must find a way to save the kingdom. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I wanted to write something that was different than just your normal Fantasy book with a powerful magician. The idea of being betrayed is also seen in fantasy, and I love to see when the underdog triumphs.
Odex is betrayed and left for dead but refuses to give up hope or let down the kingdom. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
Hope. Odox needed to fight for something bigger than himself. He soon realizes that he needs help from others even if that help comes from a very small bird.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
You can not judge a book by its cover. For instance, Lanx was so insecure about his abilities that he never even tried to work through his issues. Once it was revealed to him who he was everything changed. For Odox, it was needing to rely on others. He could not do everything himself but he thought he could until it was too late.
Where does the story go in the next book and where do you see it going in the future?
I have already planned out the three other books in the series. The only hint I will give about the next book is the title. A Cracked World.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website
The novel follows a Drakkearean military officer named Odox. He possesses the power of telekinesis given to him by an elder of the ancient Croc Sapien race. Only the immortal Queen Isla of the Croc Spaiens’ possesses the same ability.
Odox must master the power and use it to fight against the menacing armies of the northern Throderian empire and a horde of Mul-Senup Ogres, giants, and Shiver Hallow witches.
However, his world collapses when general Venla, one of his fellow officers, betrays him. Odox is captured, blinded, caged, and put in a hole in the bottom of a dungeon to rot. He needs to escape and find the mysterious Queen Isla.
To the north, in the human-occupied Throderian empire, King Thaddeus is set on expanding his castle grounds. However, he must choose between expanding his kingdom quickly or heeding the council of his advisors and slowing his progress to respect nature. If not respected, Mabbalor would unleash its rage on the person responsible in the form of cursed tree root creatures called Underfoots.
Mothers Vol. 1
In Mothers Vol. 1, Ben Burgess Jr. masterfully weaves a poignant, multi-layered urban narrative that delves deep into the heart-wrenching struggles of a single mother, Juanita, raising two boys in a crime-infested neighborhood. Tragedy strikes when Juanita’s son is diagnosed with cancer just two years after the devastating loss of her spouse to a stray bullet. As she grapples with financial woes and the constant worry about her older son’s brushes with the law, Juanita’s job as a senior executive assistant and administrative manager at the prestigious New York law firm, Wayne, Rothstein, and Lincoln, hangs in the balance.
Enthralling and thought-provoking, Mothers Vol. 1 captivates readers with its intricate plot twists, memorable characters, and a potent exploration of the challenges faced by resilient, independent single mothers in today’s world. The workplace antagonist who schemes to oust Juanita in favor of his illicit lover adds a layer of tension and frustration to the story.
Though the novel features some violent episodes and explicit intimate scenes, making it most suitable for mature readers, its emotional core shines through. The narrative switches between the perspectives of Juanita and her son, offering a comprehensive view of their internal struggles. While Jalen spirals into a life of crime, resentful of his mother’s perceived inadequacies, Juanita strives to provide for her children and maintain a semblance of normalcy amidst chaos. The engaging storyline is further enriched by powerful lessons on empathy, bridging racial divides, and embracing tolerance.
This compelling novel is sure to resonate with fans of urban literature and stories that celebrate the fortitude of single mothers. Upon turning the final page, readers will not only gain a newfound admiration for the heroic efforts of single mothers but also develop a deeper understanding of the hardships faced by children raised in crime-ridden communities. Mothers Vol. 1 is an unputdownable, eye-opening literary gem that leaves a lasting impression.
Pages: 499 | ASIN : B0C1MN2NW3
ODOX A Medieval Epic Fantasy
In Odox: A Medieval Epic Fantasy, Mysteries of Mabbalor: Book One, author Ken C. Kennedy masterfully weaves an enchanting tale set in the rich and vivid world of Mabbalor. The story follows the captivating journey of Odox, a courageous Drakkearean military officer. He navigates through treachery, a menacing enemy army, and the burgeoning power bestowed upon him by an enigmatic Croc Sapien.
The gripping prologue instantly immerses readers into the imaginative realm of Mabbalor, where a young boy – who is later revealed to be our protagonist, Odox – takes center stage. Kennedy has skillfully crafted a dynamic cast of characters, including the memorable bounty hunters and the uniquely intriguing ogre brothers, whose lively dialogue adds delightful entertainment to the narrative.
Mabbalor’s well-conceived magick system effortlessly complements the story’s fabric, providing a balanced, natural presence without dominating the plot. With its inherent limitations, the magick system ensures that Odox remains a relatable, human-like character instead of an invincible god. The only drawbacks are occasional slow pacing and a scarcity of information on certain kingdoms. This could be intentional on the author’s part to leave readers in wait for future novels in the series.
While the epilogue may initially leave readers feeling somewhat perplexed about the unfolding events and characters’ identities, the tantalizing mystery ultimately fuels anticipation for the next installment in the series.
Kennedy has successfully created a vibrant, immersive world, complete with multiple kingdoms and a sophisticated magick system. The characters are remarkably distinctive and genuine. Odox: A Medieval Epic Fantasy, Mysteries of Mabbalor is a captivating epic fantasy that takes readers on an adventure in a magical world that is unique and mysterious.
Pages: 511 | ASIN : B0BQCN4W82
Blue-Eyed Slave
In 1764, a young Jewish girl named Hannah lived in the bustling port city of Charleston, South Carolina. Ruled by the British, Hannah’s town became accustomed to the practices of the West, particularly with regard to slavery. In one auction, Hannah meets Bintu, an African girl notable for her blue eyes. Intrigued by the distinct feature, the Reverend buys the slave, who becomes a helper to his household. Despite strong opposition from their owners, slaves were educated to read and write in a school operated by Harry, a literate slave. Hannah grows interested in assisting the teacher, becoming one herself. This is where she grows closer to Bintu, forming a bond between the two and also leading to dangerous consequences that will test their principles and beliefs about the life each girl knew.
Blue-Eyed Slave, by Marshall Highet and Bird Jones, is an inspiring story of sisterhood in a world where relationships between people of different backgrounds are frowned upon and forbidden. The story opens with an 80-year-old Hannah, who recounts her journey to Rachel, her young granddaughter, who was the same age she was in 1764. Telling the story as a sort of flashback was a nice touch, for it gently introduces the heavy themes of slavery, corruption, and the like. Moreover, it subconsciously reminds its readers that there is a hopeful ending in store, with Hannah living as an octogenarian.
As the story plunges to the past, picturing Charleston is easy due to the articulate description of the setting and the fact that the city itself was able to preserve its rich history even up to this date. The number of characters in the novel is not overwhelming, making sure that readers can get invested in each character, something integral in inspiring stories such as this one. The language is also easy to understand, explaining the scenes in a straightforward manner.
I am fascinated with period pieces for their depiction of how our ancestors lived, and shining a light on their social issues makes Blue-Eyed Slave more appealing to me. Many novels and films have already followed this road, where a historical narrative focused on a real person or group of people. Still, experiences vary, making this unique and all the more interesting. We can only imagine the hardships Hannah, Bintu, and so many more people went through, but to be able to intricately look at their lives even after centuries since their existence is a privilege readers will be able to get when they read this novel.
Blue-Eyed Slave is a historical fiction novel written in a way that teens and young adults will be able to connect to the Revolutionary War period. I would recommend this to anyone interested in knowing more about slavery during this critical time period. This novel is appropriate for middle grades and up. Hannah and Bintu, while young, are able to comprehend the world they live in and the challenges they face head-on without diminishing the reality of things.
Pages: 228 | ASIN : B09Q64WS68
Trapped
Trapped by Reese is a fiction story about four friends who meet during their freshman year in college when they are assigned to complete a group project together. Naomi Spencer is from an affluent family but had a unique childhood experience that left her anxious in social situations. Arnya Nicholas was raised by a single mother but comes from a large extended family, and she is into computers. Stephanie Stone was raised by her religious grandmother after her mother abandoned her. Jasmine Taylor grew up in foster care, and that experience has left her cynical, but she likes to draw. Despite their different personalities and upbringing, they find that they have a lot in common. But can their friendship last through all life’s changes after the end of college?
I liked that this story was told from the point of view of the four friends, which provided additional insights into the characters’ motivation. Naomi, Arnya, Stephanie, and Jasmine had very distinct personalities and might never have become friends if they were not forced to work together on a class project. At the beginning of the story, Jasmine was my least favorite of the four friends. But as the book progressed and other softer characteristics about her are revealed, I could understand why the other girls became friends with her.
I liked that this book showed several years in the characters’ lives, from the start of college to their lives after graduation. Most of the books I’ve read take place over the course of a few weeks or months and might have a short epilogue that gives readers a brief glimpse into what happens a few years later. This book was an unexpected and interesting change from that. However, this did cause an issue where large chunks of time were skipped over. I would have loved to have seen more time dedicated to the developing relationship of the four friends.
Trapped is a riveting coming-of-age women’s fiction novel that shares the story of four women that meet in college and how their lives are intertwined as they grow up. There is some romance, some drama, and lots of self-discovery as each of the protagonists finds their own path in life.
Pages: 321 | ASIN : B0B16K6FDH
LITERARY TITAN 