Blog Archives
Shaped By Wars And Conflicts
Over the Broad Earth follows two Celestial brothers, God and Satan, who can only unleash their sibling rivalry when humans engage in combat. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
I wanted to explore a different dynamic from the traditional depiction of Satan as a fallen angel or jinn, and therefore inferior to God. Setting the two on equal footing allowed me to pursue a narrative where each side approaches a battle across the millennia with the same advantages and disadvantages. Instead of Satan being a rebel, for this story he has his own plans and claims to authority. I was inspired by Greek and Norse mythology, which contain many examples of competing gods. In those stories, such as the Iliad, gods are invested in and interfere with the outcomes of the mortal world. Much of the course of history has been shaped by wars and conflicts. For a long time humans believed their conflicts were mirrored by warring deities. I wanted the war between God’s and Satan’s armies to occur in tandem with human conflict.
Your characters are unique and have a compelling backstory. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
The characters of Over the Broad Earth live across many different ages. They experience similar situations throughout due to the similarities within warfare, regardless of the era. However, what changes in the course of the novel are the internal mental state and motivations of the characters. They continually vacillate from confidence to doubt, valor to cowardice, selflessness to selfishness, sacrifice to self-preservation, and many other emotions and outlooks. These ever-changing attitudes send the characters down an oft-chaotic and unexpected development curve.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The search for meaning and purpose in the face of an absurd and meaningless world was a central theme. I wanted to explore sources of motivation; love, lust, recognition, survival, acceptance, power, and hate, and how the pursuit and fulfillment of these motivations can provide a sense of either meaning or emptiness. The Demons and Angels of Over the Broad Earth do not age and therefore have the potential to live forever, however, they can be killed. I did this so they could be comparable to humans. Death is always there lurking and yet we try to push that reality to the back of our minds by focusing on what we want. I also tried to explore what it means to be an individual within a collective. Over the Broad Earth contains a host of characters, some the reader will meet intimately, others briefly. In the same way, the main characters are surrounded by a multitude – they form strong bonds with some – they barely interact with others. Over the course of the story, the characters will influence and be influenced by those around them and are compelled to come to grips with how they intend to fit into the kaleidoscope of which they are a member.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I am currently working on And They Marched Up, Volume III of The Saga of Fallen Leaves. In this volume, I explore the stories of some supporting characters from Over the Broad Earth and introduce some new ones. Hopefully And They Marched Up will be available in January 2023.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Website
The citizens of both Heaven and Hell endure all the emotions and circumstances of the humans they routinely inhabit, love, valor, passion, treachery, bravery, and heartache. Readers will follow the exploits of two of the greatest “eternal” warriors of the ages: Lord Zinc II (Heaven) and Schizophrenia “Schitz” Incenderos Nervosa (Hell). The rivals battle one another throughout history from the struggle between the Babylonians and Assyrians in the desert through and beyond the teeming jungles of Southeast Asia.
Along the way, these intrepid fighters interact with a host of characters (Moses, Alexander the Great, Napoleon, and more), friends, fiends, and lovers. Displaying the same traits of compassion and selfishness known to all of Creation, Schitz and Zinc lead their soldiers – and try to stay alive.
Literary Titan Book Awards May 2022
The Literary Titan Book Awards are awarded to books that have astounded and amazed us with unique writing styles, vivid worlds, complex characters, and original ideas. These books deserve extraordinary praise and we are proud to acknowledge the hard work, dedication, and writing talent of these brilliant authors.
Gold Award Winners
Poems for the End of the Age by Hanz Peter Zell
Silver Award Winners
Bible, God and Free Will by Vasile Ghiuta
On a Fallen Wave by Benjamin Anderson
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Brianna in Cymru
Brianna in Cymru, by T. N. Traynor, is a historical romance novel following Brianna, who has a powerful gift that is passed on from mother to daughter. She heals people by putting her hands on them. Yet in the year 1664 her demonstrations of faith are called witchcraft. With a witch hunter on her tail, Brianna loses her mother as she tries to find where the Nightjars sing and the man she’s destined to be with.
Author T N Traynor helps the reader fully immerse themselves in this epic fantasy story with sharp writing and eloquent prose. By providing the reader with some of Brianna’s thoughts and feelings the reader is able to easily put themselves in her shoes. I could understand what she was going through and I think readers will truly be able to feel what she feels as all the emotions are so vividly painted throughout the story.
Brianna’s faith is important to her, and the story, and passages from the Bible are quite often referred to, ensuring that the importance of faith in this novel is never forgotten. Brianna’s character feels real and there is enough conflict to keep the story and the momentum going among the plethora of Bible references.
I was expecting to find an emotional romance plotline weaved into the story, similar to what one would read in a Julia Quinn novel. While this Christian fantasy story does contain a romantic aspect between Brianna and Arwen, we never dwell on it, which keeps the focus on Brianna and her adventure.
There were a lot of interesting characters that are introduced throughout the story that I thought were well developed. But despite that, I would have liked to have explored Brianna, Arwen, and Benedict’s characters more, as I thought they were fascinating, and I would not have minded seeing their characters more often on the page.
Brianna in Cymru is an exhilarating and thought-provoking historical fiction novel that will surprise readers with a subtle but creative use of magical realism. Emotionally stirring and brimming with a cast of interesting characters, this is an adventure story that I heartily enjoyed.
Pages: 283 | ASIN: B09VCSX2W7
Rand McLester Author Interview
Fifteen Billion Years I Alpha and Omega follow two men that are drawn in to the creation of the next universe without being aware of it. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
Writing has been a hobby since I was a teen-ager. The Book of Revelation, time travel, and the Bermuda Triangle [among other things] have always interested me. Why not write a book using them. Although, I didn’t intend to write more than one book until I finished Alpha and Omega [a long time ago] and realized “the story” was a lot longer, and more involved than I thought it would be, to complete the story.
What were some of the emotional and moral guidelines you followed when developing your characters?
Our world has “good” people and some really “bad” people. It has always been that way. The characters are either good [honesty, integrity, don’t lie or steal, etc.] or bad [real scumbags]. When I was a kid, our mom and dad made us go to church [until I was 16]. I hated it then, but sure appreciated it later in life. They were the best parents a kid could ever have asked for. I kinda modeled Reed [in the books] after myself. And some of his “life” is based on my own life. When Jessica told me her last name is Reed, I figured ok, that might be a “sign”. May sound dumb, but that’s what did it. I figured if Infused Media can make the trilogy affordable for regular people, I’ll republish it. That’s part of why I trust Jessica.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The primary theme is good vs. evil. The good is God, the evil is satan, but satan and his adherents are “disguised” early in the storyline and not actually revealed until book two, after the millennium.
Sub-theme: creation vs. evolution. We know there were dinosaurs and cavemen a long time ago; so, there are dinosaurs and giant Troglodytes in the story [book one], basically following the Earth’s timeline from beginning to end [Armageddon].
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
Right now, I don’t have time to do another book.
I was going to write a fourth book [a series] but decided the trilogy has a conclusion of its own, so I decided not to do it. I believe every good adventure story needs a cool battle for its climax and to be honest, one of the main reasons I didn’t write the fourth book is because the battle in the end of book three is between God’s angels [called Mystics in the books] and satan and his lost souls [called Dark Forces]. The battle is about 90 pages long and keeps changing as it progresses to the climax; so far, I haven’t been able to come up with a better battle for a fourth book [unless maybe it would take place in hell, and that would be difficult to describe].
Author Links: Amazon | GoodReads
Revelation 16: 16 (RSV) Holy Bible
In the not too distant future…
A blend of Indiana Jones and Lord of the Rings, the Fifteen Billion Years Trilogy is an epic adventure loosely
based on the Book of Revelation in the Bible. With the end and beginning of mankind, the characters
must overcome impossible odds in the unending conflict of good versus evil… with hope for a future.
Alpha and Omega is the first installment of an engrossing adventure bound with unfailing friendship,
uncommon faith and undying perseverance.
Alpha and Omega:
An open-pit copper mine, the world’s largest superfund site now refilled and reclaimed. Disguised as a
scientific research center, but in reality, the planet’s most imposing military stronghold controlled by
the world’s most evil general.
Two men who know the secret… and a time machine.
The leap to a faraway and distant future through a horizon threshold on the edge of the universe… and
callow people in a new but primitive world beyond the Black Hole.
Then returning to an oppressive Federation controlling a world in tribulation… and a wiry little old man
with scraggly gray hair and bristling beard.
The entire planet on a collision course toward the ultimate conflict.
…Armageddon.
Acts of the Women
After Jesus’ crucifixion, the women in author Patrick W. Andersen’s cast of characters take center stage, influencing the plot and world history through their teaching, diplomacy, and public relations abilities. As a result, Acts of the Women is a different take on the Bible. As the author himself states, “In the decades after the crucifixion, men gave speeches and wrote history books about their own noble deeds. But women did most of the work.”
The book additionally begins with a “cast of characters” page that is very helpful for those with limited knowledge of the Bible. Those familiar with the Bible will recognize many of the characters and events. Still, Andersen’s well-developed plot and exciting spin on the material will keep even those religiously inclined engaged. I personally benefited from having this list of characters easily accessible to keep me oriented while reading.
The story opens with the crucifixion of Jesus and the aftermath from the perspective of the women who helped him. The disciples are also in disarray, having scattered after Jesus’ arrest. However, they soon reunite and begin to regroup. The women in the story, including Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Rachel, and Susanna, are instrumental in this process. The women themselves know this, often giving men the “Stare” and even stating, “The men did most of the talkin’, but the women did all of the work.” Andersen weaves together biblical events with his own flair and imagination, making the stories come alive. He has an effortless, fluid writing style that makes the book a quick read. The characters are well-developed and likable, making it more interesting to see how their faith sustains them through their hardships.
Andersen does an excellent job of making the material accessible and engaging. He brings new life to familiar characters and events. His writing style is clear and concise, with short chapters and an easy-to-follow plot.
Acts of the Women is an intriguing work of fiction based on historical events and biblical accounts. It provides a new perspective on Christianity and its origins. This well-written and enjoyable book is ideal for anyone interested in the Bible or history.
Pages: 264 | ASIN : B09PGRGKKP
The Adventures of Super Obi: Nothing to Fear
When Obi’s mom forgets to turn on his nightlight at bedtime, he becomes afraid, thinking there is a monster in his closet. Then there is a monster downstairs! Finally, the monster comes upstairs and is standing at Obi’s door. Can he hide from this monster? What will happen to Obi?
The Adventures of Super Obi: Nothing to Fear by author Dominique Okonkwo and illustrated by Mariana Hnatenko tells the story of a little boy that is afraid of the dark but realizes, with his dad at his side, that there is nothing to be scared of and how to be brave. At the beginning of the story, Obi is afraid of the shadows in the dark, but his dad helps him see things as they really are and helps him find his courage. This allows him to overcome his fears.
This heartwarming picture book examines the concept of fear, courage, being brave, and family relationships, and it does all of this while also touching on faith and trust in God. This educational kids book is told from a perspective that preschoolers and kindergarten children will be able to comprehend.
The fantastic artwork is a mix of bold colors, comic style accents, and expressive character designs. You can really see the emotions on the father’s face as he listens to his son’s fears. The idea of being afraid of the dark is something many children can relate to, so this is the perfect book to use to teach the lesson of God’s love and that you can always bring your fears to God.
The Adventures of Super Obi: Nothing to Fear is a beautifully written picture book that will captivate young children and teach them that fear is normal and that you can overcome your fears through prayer and trust in God. The charismatic character of Obi will spark children’s imaginations and encourage them to face their fears.
Pages: 39 | ASIN : B09MNLPVHR
An Interpretive Warning
Operation: Jade Helmet is the story about good vs evil and the impact of social media on humanity. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
During the first few months of 2020, the idea formed while taking daily walks with my best friend, Christine. As believers in Jesus Christ and the Biblical references regarding the end times, we watched in stunned horror as our world changed so quickly, sickened by how fast violence broke out. Watching the news became too painful to view. Panicked people littered social media sites, ripping into each other over differing opinions. Digital chaos ensued. I wanted to write about what was happening yet steer clear of anything virus related (for obvious reasons) so I picked a massive, global heatwave. There is a line in the story that sums up the inspiration: “An angry individual is rather easy to manage. Unfortunately, when grouped together in large numbers, even virtually, they become a pack of rabid hyenas, attacking anything near them, including each other.”
Was it difficult to integrate Christian beliefs into a fantasy and science fiction novel and still keep the integrity of all genres?
This is a tough question! Yes, the story is fiction in some elements, yet I did not write a science fiction or fantasy novel. I wrote an interpretive warning of Revelation 13.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your book?
I pray it encourages a reader to contemplate the existence of God and Jesus Christ, and what the Bible says about the end times. Eph. 6:12: For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
Reclamation is my latest release. It is available now.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
After an oppressive, unrelenting worldwide heatwave hits, daily life grinds to a halt around the globe. People retreat to their homes, afraid to go out as violence and chaos erupt in the streets. The game temporarily shuts down as the world grapples with the fallout of civil unrest and critical infrastructure breakdowns, forever altering society.
When governments take over control and infrastructures are replaced and back online, the top players of the previous version receive a mysterious box marked, Operation Jade Helmet. The new version is the first-ever total immersion VR experience and inside each box is a free headset and personal code to play a week before release to the general public. The lucky winners don their newest obsession and impatiently wait for the game to begin. Unfortunately, they are about to discover Operation Jade Helmet is unlike any other game, and when the game begins, everything changes.
Operation Jade Helmet
The world is falling apart–literally. Martial law has been declared, communication has been cut off, and citizens are being instructed to shelter in place. As the entire country struggles to make sense of what is happening around them, Skylar’s son is worried about one thing and one thing only–his video game. When his ties are severed, he is forced to see the grave reality of their situation. In a world where social media has become a way of life, chaos ensues when every platform collapses and the world is left to pick up the pieces of the destruction that follows.
Operation: Jade Helmet, by Ashely Fontainne, sets a scene of total panic and mayhem all based on the power of social media. When an unnatural heatwave occurs and citizens become increasingly confused, defensive, and violent, it becomes clear that the world is about to undergo a change–and not one for the better. No one is safe, especially gamers. At the top of the list? Those who excel at Operation: Jade Helmet. Skylar’s son, Brandon, is one of them.
Fontainne has managed to meld several different genres and literary elements successfully into one novel. What begins as a straightforward science fiction read soon takes on elements of faith-based work alongside choice bits of fantasy. There is an incredible amount of history woven into the plot, and this is what makes the author’s work as terrifying as it is entertaining. Fontainne has handed readers a book that is a testament to everything that is wrong with our world as we know it, and it makes for quite the ride.
I was blown away by the cast of characters in Operation: Jade Helmet. From those who set the stage in the first few chapters to the main players, Fontainne has done a remarkable job of developing a well-rounded and highly relatable cast to bring the pages to life. I was especially taken with Tyler; he is strong, loving, and full of surprises. He is the perfect addition to this book of mixed genres.
Operation: Jade Helmet is a riveting Christian-based science fiction and fantasy novel. Filled with suspense readers will be on edge following the mystery set out by the author. This thrilling novel will have readers thinking twice about the state of the world today and how social media impacts all of us. Kudos to Fontainne on an absolutely stunning piece!
Pages: 316 | ASIN : B08X1MHHDN
LITERARY TITAN 