The Velvet Hammer by former Chief Judge Belvin Perry Jr. offers a unique perspective within the true crime genre. It sets itself apart from the usual narratives penned by detectives, third-party authors, or perpetrators. Instead, it is written by the judge who presided over some of the high-profile cases detailed within its pages. The title, a nod to his courtroom nickname, will be familiar to those who recognize Perry as the judge in the infamous Casey Marie Anthony case.
Perry acknowledges that many readers will be drawn to the book because of his role in the Anthony trial, and he does not disappoint. A significant portion of the book delves into this case, revealing behind-the-scenes details that even avid followers may have missed. Perry shares insights from the courtroom, including moments that weren’t captured by cameras or recorded in transcripts, offering a fresh perspective on a case that captivated the nation. Beyond the Anthony case, The Velvet Hammer explores Perry’s personal life and other significant cases he handled, such as the Judy Buenoano case, also known as the Florida Black Widow. These accounts provide valuable context for understanding Perry’s approach to the highly publicized Anthony trial. The book paints a picture of a judge who, while emotionally detached in his professional capacity, also grapples with the isolating nature of his role. Perry presents certain elements of the case in a matter-of-fact manner, avoiding excessive graphic detail. This makes The Velvet Hammer accessible to a broad audience, including those new to the true crime genre.
For seasoned true crime enthusiasts, the book is a must-read, offering a rare viewpoint from the bench—a perspective that is both judicially objective and personally reflective. Perry’s account sheds light on the complexities of the justice system and the inner workings of a judge’s mind. The Velvet Hammer is a compelling read for true crime aficionados and an excellent entry point for newcomers to the genre. Its balanced approach, combining legal insight with personal narrative, makes it a standout work that offers something unique in true crime literature.
Daniel J. Heck’s The Seal of Thomerion captivates with its interactive format, immersing readers in a meticulously crafted fantasy world. The story follows you, the reader, in the role of a veteran dwarf on a dangerous quest to save your friend Fedwick, who is suffering from a deadly and mysterious curse. Set in the enchanting land of Ambrosinia, the novel offers multiple pathways and endings, making each reading experience unique. Your choices throughout the story directly shape the characters’ fates, leading to one of 49 possible outcomes.
The novel’s standout feature is its inventive storytelling method. The interactive format introduces a level of immersion that traditional narratives struggle to achieve. Every decision carries significant weight, and the immediate repercussions make the story more engaging. The branching narrative isn’t just a clever addition; it deepens the story by allowing readers to uncover various facets of the world and its rich lore. This variety encourages repeated readings, with each session revealing fresh dimensions of the plot and character dynamics. Heck’s writing is vivid and rich in description, bringing the world and characters to life with great detail. The expansive narrative paths allow for deep exploration, though some sections offer a more leisurely pace that invites readers to fully immerse themselves in the story’s richness. The characters are skillfully developed, each with unique personalities that come alive through their dialogue and actions. The protagonist, driven by a strong sense of loyalty and honor, is relatable, and his interactions with others, such as the thoughtful and occasionally humorous cleric Bartleby, add significant depth to the narrative. The book excels at making readers genuinely care about the characters’ fates, making the choices within the story even more impactful.
The Seal of Thomerion is a must-read for enthusiasts of interactive fiction and fantasy. Its innovative format, paired with a compelling narrative and well-crafted characters, offers a refreshing twist on the genre. This novel is ideal for readers who enjoy immersive storytelling and seek a narrative that goes beyond the conventional linear structure.
Pages: 511 | ASIN : B00THH6GQ4
The Seal of Thomerion and its two sequels, The Gate to Thomerion and The Wrath of Thomerion, are self-published works on Amazon in print or ebook format.
Karen S. Bell’s Like a Lily Among the Thorns mixes romance, personal growth, and a touch of magic. The story revolves around Gabby Bernstein, a young woman in New York City who clings to optimism despite life’s tough breaks. Things take a sharp turn when she crosses paths with the mysterious Countess Anastasia Ivanova. Their friendship opens new doors for Gabby, pushing her toward a life-changing transformation.
Bell’s writing style is poetic, vivid, and full of detail, making every scene pop. Whether it’s Gabby’s simple morning routine or the lush garden of the Countess, the words pull you in. You can almost see and feel everything through Gabby’s eyes. The way Bell blends everyday life with a dash of the mystical gives the story a unique, almost magical vibe. Gabby’s constant reflections, while key to her character, add depth to the story. They offer insight into her mindset and her journey. These moments allow readers to connect more deeply with her. Her focus on gratitude and mindfulness is central and enriches the narrative. While these reflections do slow the pace a bit, they also create a thoughtful, introspective atmosphere that adds to the story’s charm. The bond between Gabby and the Countess is where the magic really happens. Watching them grow and heal together is both moving and inspiring. As the Countess reveals more of herself, her role as a mentor to Gabby becomes more compelling. There’s a scene where Gabby finally faces her painful past that hits hard. It’s raw and emotional, showing just how good Bell is at capturing real, deep feelings.
Like a Lily Among the Thorns is a solid pick for readers who enjoy stories that focus on characters, with a sprinkle of magic. The book’s poetic language and thoughtful narrative dig deep into life’s ups and downs and the path to personal growth. This book is the perfect mix of the ordinary with a little bit of magic.
In Choo! Choo! Choo! The Train at the Zoo, a personable pig takes young readers on an educational journey through the zoo. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I have been visiting Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago on an ongoing basis and as a member for many years. Their train ride always seemed to bring such joy to everyone walking around and about—from the conductor and the passengers on the train to the kids and parents in line. I really love visiting the lions there as well as seeing the monkeys play and giraffes with their long necks.
What educational goals did you set for yourself when writing this book?
My goal for this book is to inspire a love of reading and life-long learning. My editor and I talked about how “The Wheels on the Bus” is such a lovely song for kids to learn words and sounds and we agreed that it could lend itself to the concept of book. I also hope that readers can embark on a fun adventure and want to visit a zoo or learn more about their favorite animals.
I enjoyed the wonderful artwork in your book. What was the collaboration process like with illustrator Tamara Joubert?
Working with the entire team at Blue Balloon Books has been a joy. From the initial call with their acquiring editor to the editing and illustration process—it has been seamless and a fantastic experience for me. Tamara Joubert is an award-winning illustrator and she captured the vision of the characters perfectly. Her illustrations really make me smile and I hope that they bring the same feelings of fun to the readers. I think that the illustrations really help the bring positive attention to the animals and to the sounds of the train. Tamara was wonderful to work with and made the process fun and her take on starting early in the day and ending as it gets dark was a special gift.
Can we look forward to more books from you soon? What are you currently working on?
There are several projects that I am excited about publishing and writing over the next few years. I am currently working with Blue Balloon books on the next book in the series for spring 2025, “Whoo! Hoo! Hoo! The Carousel at the Zoo” also illustrated by Tamara Joubert. I really love to write picture books and look forward to hopefully publishing two to three books each year for the foreseeable future.
The Holocaust Conspiracy by Olena Vasylchenko is a gripping geopolitical thriller that masterfully combines espionage, global intrigue, and tough moral dilemmas, ensuring readers remain captivated from start to finish. The novel centers on Viktor Wolf, a Ukrainian military intelligence officer, as he uncovers a conspiracy with the potential to ignite World War III. Viktor’s mission propels him from the bustling streets of London to unfamiliar territories, where he encounters formidable adversaries and faces difficult decisions that challenge his deepest beliefs. What begins as a routine investigation quickly escalates into a high-stakes adventure, with Viktor racing across Europe, South Africa, and Britain, unraveling a web of deceit and unexpected twists that will keep readers on edge throughout the entire narrative.
Vasylchenko’s writing is polished yet accessible, making it easy for readers to become engrossed in the story. The plot is intricately woven with surprises that capture the essence of the espionage world. The characters are convincingly portrayed, each with their own hopes, fears, and flaws. Viktor, in particular, stands out as a well-crafted protagonist, constantly torn between his duty to his country and his personal convictions. His journey through the perilous situations he encounters is one of the book’s highlights, keeping readers on the edge of their seats, wondering whether each mission is routine or a carefully orchestrated trap by his enemies. The author’s vivid descriptions of the various settings add depth to the narrative, transporting readers into the heart of the action. Some secondary characters lack the development given to Viktor, creating an imbalance in the story’s characterization. Additionally, the detailed geopolitical backdrop, while rich and immersive, might overwhelm readers who are less familiar with international politics, as the information can sometimes feel overwhelming rather than seamlessly integrated.
The Holocaust Conspiracy is a thought-provoking and engaging thriller. It’s an intriguing read that I would highly recommend to fans of spy fiction and political dramas. This book will undoubtedly keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.
Princess Iridescent and the Cloudy Day follows a princess in a magical kingdom of color and light who encounters a cloud trying to take their colors away and teaches him about kindness. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration for this book all started with my favorite word: Iridescent. It’s a magical array of colors that always brings me happiness when I see it. One day I wondered, “What would iridescence look like if it were personified as a person? Obviously a colorful princess, of course!” But she needed to be more than that, I wanted her to be a role model for all young readers to aspire to be like. I thought this Princess should embody kindness, empathy, and wisdom. And thus, the Princess was born! And when it came time to give the Princess an obstacle that could be a great lesson for young readers, conflict resolution with someone who was the opposite of her seemed like a fun story to me.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Patience was the most important idea I wanted to share with this book. While it’s not the main theme of the story, I wanted Princess Iridescent to show, not tell, how it can be used to handle conflict resolution. Patience is not once mentioned in the book, but you can see it throughout the Princess’ actions. No matter how many times King Cloudius dismisses the Princess she never gets frustrated, knowing that staying calm and kind will be what helps King Cloudius in the end.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Patrizia Diana?
Getting to work with Patrizia Diana was a dream come true. She is so knowledgeable and skilled at what she does. While I had the story and a vision of what I wanted the book to look like, I have absolutely no art skills. So it was wonderful being able to rely on Patrizia to take just my words and bring them to life with her art. I learned so much from her, one of the biggest lessons being to take a step back and see what new ideas the artist can bring to your vision instead of micromanaging.
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?
This is indeed the first book in the Princess Iridescent series! And I’m excited to announce the second book, Princess Iridescent and the Scary Night, will be coming to Amazon the first week of this October (2024)! This book is made for children who are afraid to go to sleep at night. We follow Princess Iridescent helping a young dragon pup face her fears of the creaks, bumps, and shadows in the night. The Princess will once again teach this lesson through patience, kindness, and empathy. You can expect this book to be just as colorful and magical as the first book! If interested, you can join the mailing list on my website below so you can be notified once it’s published!
The kingdom of Prismatica is a paradise of color and light. What could ever go wrong? Well, when King Cloudius rolls in to take all the color of the kingdom away, its up to Princess Iridescent to show him that true colors shine brightest when kindled by kindness. Cleverly woven into a rhyming story, Princess Iridescent teaches us that the best way to handle someone mean is by being nice. This beautifully illustrated children’s book will help little princesses and princes learn how to resolve conflict in a magical way. You’ll encounter adorable creatures that live throughout the kingdom, magic that brings color to life, and a princess who believes that a little compassion can go a long way.
In a world where humans and paranormal beings exist side by side, trouble is brewing. The delicate peace between them teeters on the brink, pushing unexpected partnerships into the spotlight. Trust and loyalty hang in the balance, tested to their very limits. The Path to Trust by Andrews plunges readers into the mystical Irish island of Luach. Here, a secretive werewolf community led by Adam faces an unprecedented crisis. As chaos unfolds, Adam loses his grip, and his bond with Kate begins to fray. But Kate, unwavering in her love, refuses to surrender. She’s determined to fight for the life they once cherished. Adam, now at a crossroads, must reclaim the trust of his community, defeat The Order, and mend his fractured relationship with Kate.
What captivated me most about this novel is its warm, inviting portrayal of the werewolf world. The setting, in particular, is mesmerizing. Luach, with its mist-laden landscapes and ancient woods, offers a hauntingly beautiful stage for the drama that ensues. Andrews masterfully transports readers to this secluded, almost otherworldly place, where the lines between the magical and the mundane blur. The imagery in the book is strikingly vivid, with a strong atmospheric presence. Werewolf transformations are depicted in a way that captures both raw power and the primal beauty of nature. The rugged island terrain, combined with the cold, relentless threat of The Order, injects a tension that permeates the entire story. This contrast between the safety of the werewolf community and the looming danger amplifies the suspense, making Luach feel almost like a living, breathing character. Character archetypes are skillfully brought to life. Adam embodies the tortured leader, his struggle to maintain control deeply relatable despite his supernatural nature. Kate, on the other hand, is the steadfast partner, her loyalty unwavering even as their world crumbles. Their relationship forms the emotional heart of the story, anchoring the fantastical elements in raw, human emotion.
The Path to Trust offers a gripping blend of fantasy and romance, all set against a vividly crafted backdrop.
Do You Believe in Miracles? follows a once shy teenage boy who discovers a hidden realm where he is a powerful wizard and now must decide to remain in that world or return to his mortal life.What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Two things stand out. My previous epic fantasy saga is titled The Death Wizard Chronicles, and it contains adult content that makes it appropriate for 18 and older. But I have five daughters, and the youngest one — who is a voracious reader — couldn’t bring herself to read DW. The ol’ you can’t picture one of your parents even thinking such things. So she asked me if I could write something appropriate for the 13+ age group. Hence, my teen fantasy adventure series Dark Circles was born. Do You Believe in Miracles? is book 3. The second thing that stands out is that the setting for Dark Circles is based on a small town in rural Upstate South Carolina that is near to where I currently live.
Were you able to achieve everything you wanted with the characters in the novel?
The short answer is yes. The long answer would go on forever. So I’ll give you the middle-length answer. 😀 I went to great effort to give each of my major characters real and recognizable traits such as their physical appearances, emotional responses, personality quirks, and their values, beliefs, and morals. For example, Charlie’s growth from a timid teen to a powerful wizard built slowly throughout the narrative. If you read carefully, you’ll be able to see this growth step by step, almost like walking up a long set of stairs.
What was the initial idea behind the Dark Circles Trilogy, and how did that transform as you were writing the series?
The initial idea came from the title. The trilogy is called Dark Circles for a specific reason. When teens from the real world enter the fantasy world, they are unable to sleep because an evil being haunts their dreams and is intent on killing them. Therefore, when they return to the real world, they have dark circles beneath their eyes from lack of sleep. I carried this theme throughout the series, though it became less important as the story picked up speed.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I’m working on two books: a novel and a memoir. The novel is titled Bhayatupa the Great: The Dragon Wars and is a prequel to my six-book adult epic fantasy titled The Death Wizard Chronicles. It should be available by June 2025. The memoir is titled The Adventures of a Florida boy and it chronicles what it was like to grow up in the 1960s on the west coast of Florida, a time when kids roamed wild and free. I’ll be shopping this to publishers and agents soon, so I’m at their mercy as to when it will be available.
Dark Circles is the winner of ten prestigious international awards. From the author of The Death Wizard Chronicles comes an award-winning adventure suitable for teens and adults.Do You Believe in Miracles? is book 3 of Dark Circles, a fantasy trilogy for readers 13 and older. This is a fascinating coming of age series for fans of J.K. Rowling, Neil Gaiman, and Brandon Sanderson.
Book 1: Do You Believe in Magic? (May 25, 2023) Book 2: Do You Believe in Monsters? (Oct. 23, 2023) Book 3: Do You Believe in Miracles? (April 21, 2024)
Synopsis: When Charlie Magus enters a fantastical world hidden deep in the forest, his life is turned upside down. The timid 13-year-old transforms into a powerful wizard wielding formidable magic. In the real world, life goes on as usual. But in the fantasy world, a war is brewing that will dwarf all others. Charlie’s newfound powers stand between victory and defeat. But in which world does he truly belong? Dark Circles is an adventure of epic scope. Only those with a hero’s heart will dare to stand at Charlie’s side as he battles an army of monsters led by an evil being of immense power.
LITERARY TITAN 