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It Was Aliens
Arkfall follows a man who once stopped an ancient interstellar war with the help of a sentient artifact and is now drawing the wrath of alien beings who see themselves as keepers of the timeline. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration came from blending real-world mysteries with speculative science. Ancient structures like the Great Pyramid and global myths of “gods descending from the stars” became the perfect springboard to ask: What if those myths weren’t myths at all, but remnants of a forgotten war tied to humanity’s survival? I wanted to merge that sense of hidden history with the tension of hard science fiction—alien technology, cosmic timelines, and the consequences of tampering with forces beyond human comprehension.
When creating Adam Freeman, did you have a plan for development and character traits, or did it grow organically as you were writing the story?
Adam began as a planned paradox: a brilliant scientist grounded in logic and reason, yet carrying alien DNA that ties him to the unknown. His hybrid nature demanded a constant push and pull—between wanting to live an ordinary human life and being forced into extraordinary responsibility. While I outlined his key arcs early, many of his traits—his doubts, flashes of humor, and raw humanity—emerged organically as I wrote. In many ways, Adam surprised me as much as he surprised himself, especially in how he wrestles with the choice between destiny and free will.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
At its core, Arkfall wrestles with themes of identity, choice, and the cost of knowledge. I wanted to explore how humanity might respond when confronted with undeniable proof of ancient alien intervention, and how individuals reconcile personal desires with cosmic-scale responsibility. The tension between science and spirituality runs throughout the story, as does the idea that progress often comes with sacrifice. Most of all, I wanted to ask: What does it truly mean to be human when you are more than human?
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?
Arkfall is the sequel to The Ark of The First Gods. I look forward to having both novels published in the near future, they are currently with my literary agent who is shopping them with publishers.
Author Website
Ghost of Nostalgia
Joanne Hatfield’s Ghost of Nostalgia tells the story of Gavril, a young woman living in the fading village of Nostalgie, trapped within a fragile barrier that barely keeps out the monstrous Phases. The novel blends dystopian worldbuilding with intimate human struggles, weaving themes of survival, betrayal, family, and the heavy cost of hope. Hatfield pulls readers into a world where emotions themselves can draw death closer, yet it is precisely the suppression of feeling that makes life unbearable. The book balances action with introspection, carrying us through desperation, sacrifice, and the quiet hunger for freedom.
What gripped me most was the atmosphere. The writing drips with tension, each page humming with unease. I felt the exhaustion of the villagers, the claustrophobia of the barrier, and the weight of being treated as both burden and bargaining chip. Hatfield’s prose has a raw, urgent quality. Sometimes it’s jagged, sometimes lyrical, but always alive. The world she created feels both fantastical and painfully real. I’ll admit, there were moments when I grew frustrated with the characters, especially with how much they clung to false hopes or petty power. But that frustration also made the story stick. It mirrored how people really act when everything is falling apart.
I sometimes wished the pacing slowed down to let me sit longer with Gavril’s inner life because I found it fascinating. The book races forward, crisis after crisis, and though that kept me hooked, I craved a few quiet spaces to breathe. Still, the emotional stakes stayed high, and I found myself surprisingly moved at the raw depiction of what it means to be called “a burden” yet still stand up and fight.
Ghost of Nostalgia is a story about resilience and the cost of hope when hope itself is dangerous. I’d recommend this book to readers who enjoy character-driven fantasy with a dystopian edge, especially those who like their worlds layered with both beauty and decay. If you want a story that makes you feel both despair and defiance, this one is for you.
Pages: 344 | ASIN : B0CW1DQJS2
Marie Curie’s Radiant Quest: Dr. K’s Portal Through Time
Marie Curie’s Radiant Quest is a creative blend of historical biography, time-travel adventure, and science primer for curious young readers. Through the eyes of siblings Jennifer and Daniel, who travel with Dr. K through her magical portal, we get to witness the life, struggles, and triumphs of Marie Curie. From her early days in Paris to the discovery of radium and polonium, her groundbreaking Nobel Prizes, and her wartime work with mobile X-ray units, the book manages to cover both the sweep of her achievements and the personal grit behind them.
What I enjoyed most was how the story balanced real history with an almost playful sense of wonder. Curie describes the grueling, years-long process of isolating radium from pitchblende. The children’s questions bring an immediacy to the narrative, transforming what might otherwise seem like abstract science into a vivid account of perseverance and conviction. When Curie explains that discovery is rarely linear but instead filled with challenges and unexpected turns, the insight resonates deeply. It is a lesson that holds equal weight for adults as it does for younger readers.
I also liked how the book made science approachable without dumbing it down. In Chapter One, when Dr. K explains radioactivity, she compares unstable atoms to restless kids who can’t sit still and then to bubbles that “pop” to release energy. I was struck by the moment when Daniel exclaimed, “Pop? Like popcorn?” The lighthearted exchange underscores how effectively the book employs humor to make complex scientific concepts more accessible. It’s clever, and it makes concepts that would usually be intimidating feel relatable. The writing is clear, warm, and often funny; it kept me turning the pages even in parts I already knew from history.
Another standout for me was the way the book handled Marie Curie’s resilience as a woman in science. The narrative doesn’t shy away from the difficulties she faced, whether it’s being shut out of higher education in Poland or the immense skepticism she encountered in France. The moment when she becomes the first female professor at the Sorbonne felt huge, and it was powerful to see Jennifer draw strength from that as a young girl dreaming of her own future in science.
Marie Curie’s Radiant Quest left me with a real sense of admiration, not just for Curie, but for how stories like this can inspire curiosity in kids. The mix of adventure, history, and hands-on science makes it a great pick for classrooms, families, or anyone who wants to introduce children to one of the most remarkable figures in science. If you’ve got a young reader who asks “why?” a lot or if you’re an adult who still remembers the magic of discovery, this book is for you.
Pages: 116 | ASIN : B0F6M4MVX4
Climb Greater Heights: How to Accelerate Your Business Growth, Amplify Your Success, and Build a Legacy of Significance
Tony Jeton Selimi’s Climb Greater Heights presents a structured and inspiring framework for entrepreneurs seeking to build purposeful, profitable, and enduring businesses. Centered on his 12-Step Growth Accelerator Method™, the book guides readers through clarifying values, cultivating resilience, defining vision, and aligning professional goals with a broader sense of meaning. Selimi integrates practical strategies, such as pitching, marketing, and partnership development, with deeper reflections on mindset, leadership philosophy, and philanthropy. What distinguishes this work is its insistence that success cannot be measured solely in financial terms but also by the legacy and contribution one leaves behind.
One of the most compelling aspects of the book is Selimi’s discussion of “voids,” the unmet needs and gaps in life and business that shape our priorities and values. This idea resonated with me because it reframes challenges not as failures but as indicators of what truly matters. His six-step Values Clarification Process provides a structured exercise that encourages entrepreneurs to ensure their decisions align with their authentic values. I found this section both practical and thought-provoking, as it bridged personal development with business growth in a way that felt both relevant and actionable.
There are moments, however, when the book feels somewhat dense. In his chapter on reprogramming the mind for business and life, Selimi blends research, client anecdotes, and motivational guidance in rapid succession. While this breadth demonstrates his wide-ranging knowledge, I sometimes wished for greater depth in fewer examples rather than a fast-paced layering of many. That said, the momentum of his writing is undeniably energizing and reflects his passion for guiding others toward ambitious goals.
What I appreciated most was his emphasis on credibility and authority. His argument that publishing one’s ideas, whether in books, articles, or public forums, can transform expertise into tangible influence was especially persuasive. His candid acknowledgment of the struggles entrepreneurs face, including financial strain, exhaustion, and doubt, adds authenticity. His advice is grounded in lived experience rather than abstract theory, which makes his encouragement far more convincing.
Climb Greater Heights is an ambitious and thought-provoking book that blends strategy with personal growth. It is particularly well-suited for entrepreneurs and business leaders who feel stalled or overwhelmed yet remain committed to pursuing meaningful success. Those seeking a purely tactical manual may not find it here. Still, readers who seek a comprehensive guide that integrates business practices with values, mindset, and purpose will find Selimi’s work both insightful and inspiring.
Pages: 274 | ASIN : B0FH9D8FD3
Beast Heart Series: The Wild Shepherdess
Erin Tunney’s Beast Heart Series: The Wild Shepherdess is a dark yet enchanting fantasy that pulled me in from the very first page. The story follows Clara, a girl born under mysterious circumstances during a storm and marked by the blessing of a dragon. Instead of being celebrated, she grows up isolated, treated as cursed by her village and tormented by both common folk and nobles. Her life is shaped by cruelty and loneliness, yet her journey is also marked by strange moments of wonder, be it the comfort of weaving flowers into a crown, or the terrifying beauty of beasts that enter her path. This push and pull between brutality and awe defines the novel, and I found myself deeply drawn into Clara’s fragile, painful, and extraordinary life.
The villagers’ scorn, the vicious taunts of Lady Maroona, and the constant reminder that she doesn’t belong all rang with a rawness that was hard to look away from. At times, I felt genuine anger at the way she was treated, and yet those feelings made the few glimmers of kindness shine even brighter. Her bond with Rue offered fleeting comfort, but even more powerful was her connection to the unicorn Lotus. Their meeting during the sacred ceremony was stunning, described with a ribbon of silver light that felt both magical and dangerous. The scene filled me with hope, only for that hope to be dashed when Clara was cast out in fear and rage. That moment captured the heart of the book for me, the way wonder and cruelty can coexist so tightly.
The writing itself often surprised me. There are stretches of vivid description that made the world feel both grand and terrifying, like the cockatrice battles and the haunting presence of dragons, but also quiet passages that linger on Clara’s inner life. Tunney has a way of drawing out the emotion of a scene without drowning it in detail. I did notice that some of the world-building came across a little heavy at times, especially when the gods and beasts were explained in dialogue, but the emotional depth of Clara’s journey always pulled me back. Her struggle to find strength in the very things that once marked her as cursed felt authentic, even uplifting, without ever straying into sentimentality.
By the time I reached the end, I realized I wasn’t just invested in the story but in Clara herself. She begins as a girl beaten down by cruelty, but she grows into someone who carries her scars with a quiet strength. The final chapters don’t offer easy answers or neat victories, but they left me with a sense of sorrow edged with hope. I closed the book with the feeling that Clara’s story was only beginning, and I wanted to follow her further into the strange, perilous world Tunney has created.
I’d recommend The Wild Shepherdess to anyone who loves fantasy that digs beneath the surface of magic and monsters to explore the loneliness of being an outsider. It’s not a lighthearted tale, but it’s beautiful in its honesty and moving in its quiet moments of wonder. Readers who enjoy character-driven stories that aren’t afraid to show both the cruelty and the grace of the world will find much to admire here.
Pages: 376 | ISBN : 1837943508
Allie’s Adventure on the Wonder
When I first picked up Allie’s Adventure on the Wonder, I thought I was stepping into just another quirky retelling of Alice in Wonderland. But it’s not that at all. The book blends the dreamlike strangeness of Lewis Carroll with the raw reality of a teenage girl navigating life with Auditory Processing Disorder (APD). It shifts between surreal, wild adventures underground and painfully real moments in Allie’s home, school, and therapy sessions. At its heart, it’s a story about what it feels like to live in a world where words don’t always connect the way they’re supposed to, and how exhausting and isolating that can be.
In the opening nightmare sequence, Allie tumbles through chaos, waves, monsters, riddles she can’t answer, and it all echoes the frustration of not being able to “get it right” in real life. I couldn’t help but feel that panic when she’s spinning in circles with the rabbit yelling orders she can’t possibly remember. That scene struck me deeply, as it reflects how APD later manifests in Allie’s school life, particularly when she misses instructions and experiences humiliation in her English class. The dream world and the real world bleed together in a way that feels both clever and painful.
The writing is sharp, sometimes biting, and it doesn’t sugarcoat Allie’s experience. The way Adams writes Allie’s inner voice, confused, looping, sometimes self-deprecating, feels so authentic. I liked how her thoughts zigzag all over the place, because it makes sense for someone whose brain struggles to process in a straight line. At times, it was almost hard to read, but in the best way, because it felt like stepping into her head.
Another thing I appreciated was how Adams wove in little moments of humor and softness. Allie’s relationship with her rabbit doll, Leiya, absolutely melted me. She talks to it like it’s alive, apologizing when she thinks she was rude. That cracked me up but also made me ache a little, because it’s such a tender survival mechanism, clinging to something safe when the real world feels harsh and unpredictable. Even when Allie is frustrated with her therapist or shut down by her mom’s distractedness, those small moments show that she’s still fighting to stay hopeful.
By the time I reached the middle chapters, I realized the book isn’t just about APD or even Wonderland. It’s about identity, how it feels to be constantly misunderstood, how you start to doubt yourself, and how badly you want to belong. It left me both frustrated and inspired. Frustrated because Allie gets such a raw deal at times, but inspired because she keeps trying, even when she thinks she’s failing. I especially loved the contrast between her disastrous Shakespeare reading and her quiet pride in her art contest drawing. It made me want to root for her even harder.
Allie’s Adventure on the Wonder feels like a strange mix of fairy tale, diary, and survival story. I’d recommend it to readers who like reimagined classics but want something deeper, especially teens (or adults) who’ve ever felt out of step with the world. It’s not always an easy read, emotionally, but it’s the kind of book that sticks with you, because it makes you sit with discomfort and then find beauty in it.
Pages: 204 | ISBN : 1643435264
My Therapist Thinks I’m a Toaster
Hector Casway’s My Therapist Thinks I’m a Toaster is a sharp, imaginative satire that explores the uneasy intersection between technology, mental health, and human vulnerability. The novel follows Maya Fisher, an artist whose act of protest against corporate consumerism lands her in a bizarre agreement: participate in a beta trial for Clara, an AI “wellness companion,” or face legal consequences. What begins as a humorous premise quickly develops into a layered narrative about burnout, grief, and the search for connection in a world increasingly mediated by machines.
One of the novel’s strongest elements is Casway’s deft use of humor to frame complex emotional realities. The scene in which Clara earnestly encourages Maya to imagine herself as a household appliance, and Maya realizes with horror, “You think I’m a toaster,” is both absurd and incisive. The comedy lands, but it also underscores Clara’s unsettling ability to translate metaphor into strikingly accurate psychological insight. It is through these moments of ridiculousness that the book captures something essential about modern exhaustion and the often misguided attempts to “optimize” it.
Equally compelling are the ensemble scenes with the other Clara participants. Each character represents a different response to technological intrusion: Brenda, the weary QA analyst; Rina, the influencer intent on monetizing vulnerability; and Trevor, the survivalist weighed down by personal tragedy. The “Roundtable of Complaints,” where each participant recounts Clara’s misinterpretations, is both entertaining and poignant. Trevor’s story, Clara advising demolition services when he expressed feeling that “the walls were closing in,” is comical on the surface, yet reveals his profound unease. Casway excels at balancing wit with empathy, ensuring these characters feel exaggerated yet authentic.
Perhaps the most affecting passage comes outside the official sessions, when Trevor discloses that his late wife enrolled him in the program after the loss of their son. In this moment, his eccentricities and paranoia are reframed as protective mechanisms against overwhelming grief. The shift is sobering and adds gravity to the novel’s satire, reminding the reader that beneath the absurdity lies an exploration of human fragility. Casway’s ability to pivot from biting humor to emotional resonance gives the work surprising depth.
My Therapist Thinks I’m a Toaster is not only a critique of technological overreach and corporate opportunism but also a reflection on what it means to be human in the face of grief, alienation, and absurdity. Casway’s prose is witty, inventive, and unflinchingly observant, while never losing sight of the emotional heart of the story. I would recommend this novel to readers who appreciate speculative fiction with a satirical edge, as well as those interested in narratives that interrogate the promises and failures of technology. It is an unusual book, at once humorous and haunting, and it succeeds precisely because it refuses to separate those two tones.
Pages: 112 | ASIN : B0FCR7GKLP
Theoryland
Theoryland is a sprawling and satirical poem that unspools across five cantos. It tells the story of an ambitious academic who dives headfirst into the world of highbrow theory, hungry for status and recognition. Along the way, we see his rise, his arrogance, his hollow victories, and finally his collapse into disillusionment. Price borrows from Eliot in both structure and tone, weaving in echoes of The Waste Land and Prufrock, but he flips the solemnity on its head with biting humor. What emerges is a tragicomic portrait of academia itself, skewered with wit and laced with despair.
I found myself laughing at the sheer absurdity of it all, then moments later shaking my head with a kind of weary sadness. The writing is sharp, playful, and full of little surprises. Sometimes the language feels like it’s making fun of itself, which I think is the point. Price clearly has no patience for pretension, and he doesn’t mind calling it out. But behind the jokes, there’s real anger too, a kind of disappointment in what education has become. I felt that frustration come through, even in the most outrageous lines. It’s funny, but it’s also a little heartbreaking.
The constant twisting of phrases can feel overwhelming. I admired the daring of it. It seemed deliberate, like I was being dragged through the very confusion and emptiness that the poem is mocking. And when the humor hit, it really hit. I caught myself grinning at lines that felt like inside jokes between the author and anyone who’s ever sat through a dull seminar full of jargon.
I’d say this book is best for readers who like satire that cuts deep and doesn’t pull its punches. If you’ve ever been frustrated by academic doublespeak, or if you simply enjoy a work that blends humor with despair, Theoryland delivers. It’s clever and raw and oddly moving. I’d recommend it to people who like poetry with a bite, or anyone who wants to laugh at the madness of academia. If you like long poems, then read this book, because finding one that’s both lengthy and enjoyable is almost impossible.
Pages: 28 | ISBN : 144148986X
LITERARY TITAN 