Blog Archives
Being Relatable to Teens
The Tale of the Orphan Magician follows a gifted but emotionally scarred orphan, caught in the swirl of political chaos and ancient conflict across the magical continent of Amaratzim. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
In all of my Kingdom Quest series books, I’ve sought to address the societal, emotional, sexual, and theological struggles young adolescents face today. According to the CDC, 42% of adolescents report persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness—a 50% increase since 2011. Additionally, 46% of teens aged 13–17 say social media makes them feel worse about their body image.
In The Tale of the Unlikely Prince, I explored themes of identity, the longing for approval, and the pain of failure. In The Storyteller’s Tale, we confronted identity confusion, abusive parenting, depression, and the challenge of forgiveness. The Garden Tale turned its focus to addiction—particularly the insidious effects of social media addiction. Each of these stories wrapped weighty, core-level emotional struggles in the trappings of fantasy—quests, dragons, the clash between good and evil—all grounded in hope.
I’ve long admired the fantasy philosophies of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. They wrote their stories to offer hope to a generation of teens scarred by the trauma of World War II. Their tales drew clear distinctions between good and evil and hinted at a hidden, benevolent force guiding events toward a just and redemptive end. Consolation was key: in their worlds, good ultimately triumphed over evil. They believed such stories, absorbed into the hearts of young readers, could nurture hope, security, and joy.
I agree deeply. And I am troubled by how many modern fantasies seem to do the opposite—amplifying anxiety, loneliness, and insecurity rather than offering relief from them.
There was a lot of time spent crafting the character traits in this novel. What was the most important factor for you to get right in your characters?
I tried to make my characters very relatable to today’s teens. Teens can smell a fake. The characters in my book should be dealing with the very same issues today’s teens are. That makes it easier for teens to enter the sandals of my characters and walk with them as they find resolution, hope and consolation.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
All of us, and in particular teens, are subconsciously jonesing for that relationship, that embrace, that look, that hug and kiss that communicates to them that they are adored as they are. This is our core ‘search for father’ that we mention in the book. Per child psychologist Urie Bronfenbrenner, “Every child needs at least one adult who is irrationally crazy about him or her.” Adults too. Theologically, I believe that is the ultimate message of Christianity, which believes that there is a God who innately loves the unlovable, the unloved, and the unlovely, and that’s all of us on any given day, if we were just a little bit honest. Whether one believes that or not, it seems obvious that all of us are longing for such a relationship.
Here’s how I like to describe it to young teens. When you enter a room, there is part of you that longs for people to notice your presence and then stand and applaud you—not because of what you have done, but just because you are who you are and you deserve such an honor. On the other hand, there is another part of you that would be scared to death such a thing might happen.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
The Tale of the Orphan Magician is the fourth book in my Kingdom Quest Series. The next installment is Shadowbound. Reggie, the main character of The Tale of the Orphan Magician is caught up in a seven-part Job-like trial to test his faithfulness to the Great King—at least that is what is happening on the surface. Is he faithful to the King because of the King’s ongoing favor? Or is his faithfulness made of higher stuff. For readers, what do we do when all hell unjustly breaks loose in our lives? How do we process things when all is falling apart and there seems to be nothing we can do about it? Teens who have suffered great loss in their lives will be greatly encouraged.
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Book Four in the Kingdom Quest Series
An explosive mix of heart-pounding adventure, enchanting fantasy, unforgettable characters, and powerful life lessons, this book is a must-read for young teens and tweens.
War looms over the continent of Amaratzim, and no one knows who or what is pulling the strings. Is it the shadowy terrorist group known as the BLA? Or perhaps the newly united Dwarven kingdom of Gridaria, hungry for power, glory, and riches? Some whisper that the roots of the conflict go back centuries, to a bitter rift between two brothers—founders of the continent itself. Others point their fingers at the enigmatic King of Garden City, whose true motives are as shrouded in mystery as his identity.
In a world teetering on the edge of chaos, one unlikely orphaned street teen holds the spark of hope. But what can a single boy—alone, and underestimated—possibly do?
He may not be who you think he is. And neither is the King.
A thrilling tale of magic, mystery, and unexpected heroes.
“Chronicles of Narnia meets Jack Ryan!”
Luciana’s Finest Hour
Luciana’s Finest Hour is a whimsical and heartwarming tale set in the medieval land of Knowhere, where a clever young girl named Luciana teams up with her sneezy pet dragon, Diego, to rescue her wrongly imprisoned father. The story blends fantasy, humor, and an empowering message about courage and resilience. As Luciana enters a dragon derby disguised as a boy, she defies expectations, faces down bullies, and ultimately wins the race and her father’s freedom, proving that true grit isn’t bound by age or gender.
What immediately stood out to me was the book’s tone; it maintains a sense of playfulness without veering into excessive silliness, which is a difficult balance to achieve in children’s literature. I found myself chuckling when Bottlemy, Luciana’s dad, starts belching uncontrollably every time he tries to blow glass due to Balthazar’s ridiculous cabbage spell. That kind of humor is silly, yes, but it’s also smart. Kids will laugh, and adults will appreciate how it ties directly into the plot’s larger theme of time gone haywire. The imagery is fun and vivid. I could practically hear the burps and see the bulging, broken hourglasses falling apart.
Luciana herself is a wonderfully drawn character; she is determined, brave, and real. I loved that she wasn’t perfect. When Luciana crashes into the snow following yet another underhanded tactic by Conrad and his companions, she momentarily loses hope and says, “I give up.” The moment resonated deeply because it captures a universal feeling of defeat that many readers, regardless of age, can relate to. But then Diego nudges her, and she finds her resolve again. That moment felt honest and powerful without being heavy-handed. I was cheering when Diego finally sneezed fire and melted the snow blockade. It was an epic moment that gave me goosebumps.
The final act was genuinely touching. When Luciana wins the race and her father is freed, it’s a payoff that feels earned. Even Balthazar’s apology and the king’s choice to make both him and Bottlemy “co-timekeepers” wrapped things up in a way that emphasized forgiveness and working together. I liked that it didn’t make the villain cartoonishly evil. He made a mistake, admitted it, and got a second chance. That’s a great lesson for kids (and adults, too). And Luciana’s line at the end, “Papa, it’s our time,” was the perfect close.
This book would be a hit for kids around 7 to 11, especially girls who love dragons, clever inventions, or stories with heart and humor. It’s also a great read-aloud choice for parents who want something that’s fun but not fluff. There’s action, a strong female lead, and a healthy dose of quirky charm. Luciana’s Finest Hour definitely lives up to its name. I had a blast reading it, and I think a lot of other readers will too.
Pages: 38 | ASIN : B0F1GZNS29
Riddle Quest The Golden Book of Wonders
Riddle Quest is like jumping into a big bowl of magic soup full of fairy tales, sparkles, riddles, and feelings you didn’t know you needed to feel. It kicks off with two kids, Ellie and Max, who are both feeling kind of invisible at home. Their parents are busy, distracted, and totally missing the fact that these kids are kinda struggling. So they go to the library and they find a glowing book that sucks them into this epic riddle adventure through classic storybook worlds like Neverland, Wonderland, Oz, and more. Each world holds a riddle to solve and a life lesson to learn, and it’s not just about finding treasure, it’s about finding themselves.
I loved this book way more than I expected. The writing has that perfect mix of cozy and exciting. You feel safe with Ellie and Max, but also super curious, like what’s gonna happen next?! That scene where they get pulled into the glowing book was straight-up movie magic. And the way they figure out the Peter Pan riddle with the pirate ship and crocodile was adorable and smart. But what really got me was the emotional undercurrent. Like when Max says maybe his mom hasn’t even noticed he’s gone. You feel for these kids, and their growth feels so real. Plus, the rhyming riddles sprinkled throughout are clever.
The Wonderland part was maybe my favorite, bright colors, talking tea sets, and total chaos with a Cheshire Cat who vanishes mid-sentence. The writing in those chapters is playful and weird in the best way. And then it turns around and gets all heartwarming when Ellie says she could try asking more questions at home instead of just being mad. That’s the kind of life tip I wish I had when I was 10. Also, the illustrations are wonderful. Each page pops with color and feels alive, especially the dreamlike scene of them flying with Peter Pan.
This picture book is a total gem. It’s perfect for kids around 7–11 who love adventure, fairy tales, or just need a little magic to feel seen. Grown-ups should read it too, especially the ones who sometimes forget how much their kids need them. This children’s chapter book is like a hug with a flashlight, it warms you up and lights the way.
Pages: 67 | ISBN : 9798992825008
Lucina in Humbra Land
Lucina in Humbra Land starts off with a sweet, cozy birthday story—Lucina is turning ten and heading to her Grammy and Grandpa’s farm with her three sisters. Then we find out the farm is in danger of being taken away. And just when you think it’s a heartfelt family tale, Lucina opens a mysterious birthday gift, a ruby necklace, and suddenly she’s transported into a magical world called Humbra Land. It’s like The Wizard of Oz meets Alice in Wonderland, but with Irish folklore vibes, talking animals, and a bee queen. I wasn’t expecting to fall so hard for this little story.
The writing has this warm, nostalgic energy that made me feel like I was back in my own childhood. The scene where Lucina and her sisters have tea with Grammy using whimsical teapots—including one that sings Danny Boy—had me smiling ear to ear. And Grammy’s storytelling was wonderful. But what really got me was when Lucina overhears that Grandpa is about to lose the farm. The way she throws herself onto Grammy’s futon and cries was raw. And it sets up the emotional core of the book.
The whole middle chunk of the book is wild in the best way. Lucina meets Nutty the squirrel, gets chased by a terrifying sand octopus thing, gets flown by a majestic bluebird named Lofty, and ends up having to make a moral decision about freeing creepy vine monsters in order to save an entire magical land from a flood. The stakes get high, but it’s all still grounded by Lucina’s big heart. I loved how she never goes full hero mode—she’s scared, confused, unsure—but she keeps pushing forward.
I didn’t expect to cry while reading a book about a girl riding a squirrel through a magical forest, but here we are. Lucina is such a wholesome mix of family, imagination, and doing the right thing even when it’s hard. The ending made me all misty-eyed. I think this book would be perfect for kids around 8-12, especially dreamy, book-loving ones. If you’re a nostalgic adult who grew up on fairy tales and still believes in magic tucked between the pages—this one’s for you too.
Pages: 91 | ASIN : B0DP68NC75
Mica Powers and the Legend of the Superstitions
Mica Powers and the Legend of the Superstitions is a young adult fantasy adventure wrapped in mystery, myth, and self-discovery. The story kicks off with a tragic prologue, Mica’s family torn apart by something dark and unknown, then leaps ahead to present-day Mica, a smart, brave, and often sarcastic boy caught between reality and something more magical. From the Thunder Cycle to ghost encounters, ancient feathers, and secret portals, the book spins a fast-paced and emotionally charged journey through the Arizona desert and into realms unknown.
Right away, I was pulled into the story by the way M.S.V. Walker mixes vivid desert landscapes with a strange, almost dreamlike tension. The first chapter, “Be Brave My Little Mica,” hits hard. The writing is cryptic and frantic, almost like reading a memory on fire. You can feel Mica’s confusion and pain as his father tries to save her, and that emotional punch stays with you. Honestly, the disjointed text at the start threw me off at first; it felt chaotic, but once I realized it mirrored the trauma Mica was going through, it clicked. That rawness became part of the charm.
What I really loved was the world-building. Places like the “Thirst No More Oasis” and “Imperia 101” were just fun to imagine. Walker has a knack for names that sound both ridiculous and mysterious, like “The Channel of Light” or “Wakinyan.” And the characters! Estee Bradford, with her fierce loyalty and cutting wit, is probably my favorite. She and Mica have this banter that feels real and unforced. There’s this scene in “The Banquet Part Two” where they crack jokes while dodging literal chaos; it’s wild but also kind of hilarious. Walker manages to keep things emotionally grounded, even in the middle of fantasy madness.
There are chapters where the plot moves at a thrilling pace, sweeping you along so quickly that it’s easy to get caught up in the momentum. “Invasion” and “The Weapon” are especially fast-paced and packed with action. Mica’s voice is witty, sharp, and deeply heartfelt. He’s flawed, afraid, and constantly questioning, but he never stops moving forward. And I was with him every step of the way, through the dust, the danger, and the magic.
Mica Powers and the Legend of the Superstitions is a heartfelt, sometimes messy, but deeply imaginative ride. It’s perfect for teens and adults who love fantasy with a beating heart and don’t mind getting a little weird. If you liked Percy Jackson but wished it had more ghosts, mystery, and desert heat, this one’s for you.
Pages: 260 | ISBN : 9798992339109
Face the World with Compassion
The Alpine Dragon Legends is a collection of stories that unveils fantastic dragons with unique lessons on empathy, kindness, friendship, compassion, respect, self-esteem & self-expression. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
As a lifelong lover of fantasy and storytelling, the inspiration to write a book for children about dragons came from a deep desire to weave timeless values into captivating tales. Growing up, I was enchanted by the mythical creatures that roamed the pages of my favorite books, yet I often wished for stories that not only thrilled but portrayed the dragon in a positive light, rather than the typical evil creature in need of slaying.
What were some themes that were important for me to explore in this book:
Dragons, with their rich symbolism and varied portrayals, offer a perfect canvas to explore themes of kindness, empathy, respect, and compassion. These magnificent creatures can represent both fear and friendship, allowing young readers to engage with complex emotions in a safe and imaginative way. I wanted to create a world where dragons are not just fearsome beasts but also wise mentors and loyal friends, guiding children through their own journeys of understanding and connection.
In a time when empathy seems more crucial than ever, I felt compelled to craft narratives that encourage young readers to embrace these values. Through the adventures of brave protagonists who encounter dragons, I aim to show that kindness can conquer fear and that respect for others—whether human or dragon—leads to deeper friendships and understanding.
What was my favorite scene in this story, narrative or illustration:
This is a tough question! When spending such a very long time on a book as both illustrator and author one becomes attached to each character portrayed. I must say, however, that I love the illustration of the Sylvan Cathedral drawn as stained glass, and the portrait of Rhygar the best. The lessons learned in each story are an extremely important part of this book; my goal and passion is to inspire a new generation to face the world with compassion and an open heart, using the enchanting backdrop of dragons to spark their imaginations and nurture their moral growth.
What is the next book I will be offering:
My next book is the second in the series THAT CAT, to be published April 7th, and titled I Am NOT That Cat. The series boasts full-page artwork accompanied by humorous rhyming poems. I am also working on another title called Dragon Encounters. This book will not be published until the end of the year. The 3rd book in the THAT CAT series will become available in 2026.
Author Links: X | Facebook | Website
Included in The Alpine Dragon Legends are restored dragon portraits from the eighteenth century by explorer, dragon enthusiast and artist, Vincent Laurent.
The Alpine Dragon Legends invites readers to believe in the magic of the past, proving that sometimes legends are mere echoes of truths that refuse to fade away. Each legend unveils an extraordinary dragon, each deeply connected to the natural world and with a unique lesson to share: Empathy, kindness, the value of friendship, compassion, respect, self-esteem and self-expression are all celebrated in this title.
The Alpine Dragon Legends ignites the imagination and inspires a sense of wonder. With vibrant illustrations and heartwarming narratives, these stories will enchant young readers, nurturing their belief in the boundless possibilities of the world around them.
The Alpine Dragon Legends
Over two centuries ago, dragons ruled the skies and lurked in the deepest caverns of the Alpine Mountains. These legendary beasts, steeped in mystery, carried ancient wisdom from forgotten ages. Now, for the first time in generations, they are forced to cross paths with humankind once again. Can these vastly different creatures find a way to coexist, or will power and fear spark an unstoppable clash?
The Alpine Dragon Legends by August E. Allen contains three enchanting tales that unfold like timeless legends, each feeling like a story whispered by firelight on a crisp spring night. The writing is rich, weaving mystery and grandeur into every word. The setting alone had me hooked, and the stunning illustrations, detailed dragons, intricate maps, and more bring the world to life in breathtaking fashion.
Unlike the usual dragon tales filled with endless battles and destruction, these stories take a different path. They’re about courage, empathy, and the power of understanding. Instead of swords clashing, the focus is on choices that shape not just individuals but entire worlds. I loved the message of caring for the planet and finding strength in compassion rather than conquest.
I was completely captivated and found myself wishing for more. The stories move at an exhilarating pace, making them easy to devour in one sitting, but I would have loved the chance to linger longer in those moments of connection between humans and dragons. Vincent’s journey to free Rhygar from his curse was mesmerizing. I could have followed it for many more pages. Saphyrax’s struggle between protection and understanding was deeply compelling, and I wanted to explore even more of his choices. The world feels vast and rich, leaving just enough mystery to spark the imagination, and I can only hope there are more stories waiting to be told.
With an unforgettable setting and lyrical storytelling, The Alpine Dragon Legends is perfect for readers aged 8-12 who adore fairy tales, myths, and, of course, dragons. Whether devoured in one sitting or revisited time and again, this is a book meant to be shared, remembered, and carried along on your adventures.
Pages: 123 | ASIN : B0DVGX4NT1
Entertaining and Uplifting
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The Aswan Device follows two sisters whose father creates a parallel reality disrupting their own, and they must rely on each other to save their world. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I am not really sure. Much of this story was written while I sat down at my computer with the intention of creating a sequel that would be both entertaining and uplifting for young people, and I allowed the words to flow through me and onto the page. The real work for me came in the editing and trying to make sense of what I’d typed.
That being said, I am a huge Star Wars and Marvels Universe fan, so inspiration could have been drawn from these amazing works.
I find the world you created in this novel brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from, and how did it change as you were writing?
From my travels. . .
I first learned about the concept of inner-earth beings on a bus tour to Reno, Nevada twenty-three years ago. Our bus stopped at a park with large stone circles where they believed inner-earth beings were close to the surface. This inspired me to dig further.
The folklore of many First Nations cultures depicts their ancestors living within the earth. For example, the Hopi origin story has it that the Hopis used to live beneath the earth and emerged from the Grand Canyon. I traveled to the Grand Canyon to experience this place of wonder for myself. The Grand Canyon plunges so far below that it is easy to envision ancient people emerging from its depths.
The intra-earth city, Mu, in The Intra-Earth Chronicles;Book II:The Aswan Device, was modeled after places I’d seen on my travels to both Egypt and Peru; Mu is nestled on a mesa surrounded by mountains and jungle much like Machu Picchu in Peru and has pyramids like the great pyramids of Egypt.
The inspiration for Aswan, the luminous orange planet, came from my love of Planet Jupiter.
I am also a fan of the History Channel’s Ancient Aliens, and there is an episode about the possibility of advanced civilizations existing beneath the earth’s crust. There’s a lot of great inspiration for Sci-fi writers from that television show.
The multiple settings became more detailed and complex in this second installment of the series!
In fantasy novels, it’s easy to get carried away by the magical powers of characters. How did you balance the use of supernatural powers?
I had so many characters in so many different settings, in order to develop each character and place fully, I couldn’t spend too much time on any one character’s magical powers. I hope I succeeded in that delicate balance! 😊
I hope the series continues in other books. If so, where will the story take readers?
I haven’t begun Book III yet, but I have a feeling that Sasha, Adrianne, the two Aswan Cadets, and Desoto will travel to other planets within the galaxy to experience how they are governed and have achieved peace and co-exist within the greater system of galaxies. Their travels will also lead them back to our own planet to study many more peaceful Intra-earth Civilizations.
Sasha and Adrianne will learn more about the Prophecy and will have to choose whether to accept or deny their destiny of becoming Lords of the Twelve Worlds.
My intent is that this will be an exciting and uplifting adventure filled with humor. 🙂
Author Links: GoodReads | Website
During his escape from the intra-earth, Tartarus disrupts Mu’s spinning magnetic power source, causing explosive bursts of energy to erupt onto the surface. This disruption tears the fabric of time and creates a doorway into a parallel reality. In this new reality, Tartarus reinstates the nuclear machine and positions himself as Earth’s savior in place of the sisters. With unlimited power and resources at his disposal, will Sasha and Adrianne ever be able to stop him?
In The Aswan Device by Kara Jacobson, we experience a fast-paced fantasy adventure where love and friendship prove to be the strongest weapons of all.
LITERARY TITAN 