Blog Archives
Be Your True Self
The Alternate World follows a thoughtful and quietly bold teenager, as she transitions from junior high to a prestigious New England boarding school, who learns what it really means to follow your own path, even when it hurts.
In many contemporary coming-of-age fiction novels, authors often add their own life experiences to the story. Are there any bits of you in this story?
Definitely! Someone asked me how I knew about teenage problems, and I told them that I was a teenager. I have also provided literacy consulting for middle schools and high schools over the past few years to understand teenage problems in 2025. The main character, Eve, has similar characteristics and traits to me (both as a teenager and present day).
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Authenticity, uniqueness, being your true self, and knowing your true self were the important themes to explore in this book.
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?
Interestingly enough, we wrote this book as a stand alone title; however, it’s set up to be the first book of a series as well. I’ve heard from readers that they are interested to learn even more about Gina, the keeper of the alternate world. The other piece is the fact that anyone who is true to themselves at any age can be tapped into the alternate world for a variety of reasons, so you never know what could come next.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Websiter | Instagram
Every decision is ultimately determined based on two choices-one that comes from following your heart and one that comes from following your head. So, what prevents people from achieving their own hopes, dreams, and desires?
Eve Thompson enters a New England boarding school for high school where she and her classmates are presented with an array of everyday life choices and decisions faced by teens. Will each student take the most common route or the road less traveled? There is no right or wrong answer, but only one choice leads to the path that represents your true self.
What if a world existed where people could be their authentic selves without judgement-where life choices are entirely up to you and what’s best for you. What are you going to choose to do? Welcome to The Alternate World.
God’s Superheroes
Retribution follows a seasoned Reaper who tracks the demon Midos into a mysterious cave, only to find himself facing something far more powerful: a Fallen Angel. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration was I didn’t want a repeat from “Reaper”. So I wanted to go in a different direction but keep the same conflicts. In the first installment, I use a combination of Christian, mythology, and recent monsters throughout the story. The use of Midos is another way I use mythology along with religious and modern monsters. The idea of everything Midos touches turns to gold just screamed bad guy to me.
What were some of the trials that you felt were important to highlight the character’s development?
The end battle was very important. Absolutely essential in the development of Jaml. The loss of his friend drives Jaml to become human once more. Without giving the ending away, let’s just say another side of Jaml is seen. Another scene that was instrumental in his development was finding the room full of gold statues. More importantly who he finds inside the room.
When you first sat down to write this story, did you know where you were going, or did the twists come as you were writing?
The big twists were planned from the beginning but as I began shaping the story, many small twists and deaths just flowed onto the page. I never plan on how characters die in the book (there are a lot of them!). As I reach a pinnacle inside the story, the death of the character just seems natural.
Where does the story go in the next book and where do you see it going in the future?
In the next book, Jaml will once again battle new monsters, and new fallens. This book tackles the concept of the seven deadly sins becoming manifested into real life. The third installment will bring another twist of our society to life. In the future, I hope to expand my brand and foster a following as I continue to share the adventures of God’s Superheroes.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook | Website
Caught in the chaos, Jaml faces a horrifying revelation- a new kind of monster has risen, and it is one he has sworn to protect: mankind itself. As morality blurs, he must grapple with an impossible choice: to protect humanity at all costs or to follow his divine directives and eliminate evil. Every step brings him closer to his greatest fear and most lethal foe- the Dark Reaper.
Set in the infancy of Christianity, this gripping saga unfolds as Lucifer’s minions wage war on mankind, with the Reapers- God’s superhuman warriors, protectors, and avengers- at the forefront of the battle between good and evil, while demons and lycans thrive on fear and flesh, and humans begin their climb in the cosmic conflict between heavenly brothers on different sides of the divine spectrum.
Follow Jaml, the killer of the fallen and wielder of the Sword of Darkness, as he forges his destiny and leaves an indelible mark on history in this epic tale of faith, war, and redemption.
The Alternate World
The Alternate World is a coming-of-age story that follows Eve, a thoughtful and quietly bold teenager, as she transitions from junior high to a prestigious New England boarding school. What begins as a classic high school journey soon spirals into something much more surreal: Eve is recruited into a mystical realm called the “alternate world,” a place reserved for people who have stayed true to themselves despite societal pressures. Through friendships, first love, personal boundaries, and identity, the book delves into what it really means to follow your own path, even when it hurts.
I didn’t expect this book to get under my skin the way it did. The writing is deceptively simple. It reads like a diary, a direct, honest voice that made me feel like I was sitting across from Eve at a coffee shop, hearing everything firsthand. The author nails the teen voice without making it whiny or dramatic. The opening chapter that describes the ninth-grade dance was spot on. The little details, like the boutonnieres, the whispered gossip, and that tense moment when Rachel ends up ditching the afterparty plan to hang out with the wrong guy, those parts felt painfully real. Starke has a gift for showing how a single night can change everything for a teenager.
When Eve meets Gina, a mysterious woman in a pastel pink dress who basically ushers her into a parallel life, it hit me hard. There’s something powerful about being seen and celebrated not for what you’ve achieved, but for the quiet moments when you choose yourself. The scene where Eve tells her boyfriend Matt she’s not ready to sleep with him, and then gets initiated into this hidden society for staying true to her boundaries, gave me goosebumps. It’s not a preachy moment. Instead, it’s empowering. This book doesn’t shame teenage choices, but it celebrates agency in a way that feels fresh and affirming.
One of the things I found interesting was how the story kept a quick pace, even with significant events like Jennifer’s unexpected pregnancy. The plot didn’t linger too long, which gave the book a snappy, forward-moving rhythm that kept me turning pages. Even in the more dramatic moments, the focus stayed on Eve’s journey and growth, which I really liked. And while some conversations, especially between Matt and the girls, had a slightly polished feel, they still helped move the story along and kept the tone consistent with the book’s style. That said, the central friend group, Erin, Ellie, Maggie, and Annie, was portrayed with a striking sense of realism. Their dynamic captured the emotional complexity of adolescence, complete with the bittersweet drift that often accompanies growing up. The winter break dinner scene especially stood out; beneath the laughter and familiar exchanges, there was an unmistakable undercurrent of change.
By the end, I didn’t want to leave either of Eve’s worlds. I wanted more of Gina, more of the portraits in the mansion, more glimpses of what’s possible when we live our purpose. If you’re someone who’s ever felt torn between who you are and who people want you to be, The Alternate World is for you. Teen readers will relate. Adults will remember. And anyone who’s ever made a hard choice and wondered if it was worth it, this story gently says, yes. Yes, it is.
Pages: 240 | ASIN : B0DL8D41ZS
I Was Called by God
When Jesus Calls follows a woman experiencing heartbreak while looking for love in all the wrong places. Mary goes on an emotional and spiritual journey seeking healing, purpose, and a deeper connection with Jesus. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I was called by God to write my life’s journey of trusting God above all else. He gave me the Bible scripture to lean on in John 11:40, Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”
What were some challenges you felt were important to defining your characters in this story?
The only challenges I felt were having to relive parts of my life that caused me a lot of pain. However, God used these times in my writings to heal my heart, and He has set me free of that pain.
What experience in your life has had the biggest impact on your writing?
I never believed I would be an award-winning author. However, being obedient to God’s will has blessed me beyond imagination.
This has been a profound journey. I am humbled and grateful! Always Believe and Never give up! John 11:40
What is the next book that you’re working on, and when can your fans expect it out?
I am currently writing the 3rd book in my When Jesus Calls series. It should be available in the Fall of 2026.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
Striving to bury the anguish of her past, Mary dedicates herself to her career as a sales and marketing director at a popular resort and even becomes a best-selling author. Amidst the challenges, she longs to follow Jesus. As she experiences His continuous forgiveness, healing, and strength, Mary’s life takes a significant turn; she becomes a single mom. Despite the trials that test her faith, Mary realizes the power of forgiveness and her need for Jesus. She is determined to use her story to prevent others from enduring similar pain. Will her unwavering faith and trust in Jesus Christ be enough to resist the external forces that seek to alter her decisions in following His plan for her life?
When Jesus Calls is a story of undeniable faith. Mary realizes she has not protected her heart well, as God’s word says in Proverbs 4:23, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Repenting of her sins, Mary finds peace and comes to know her Savior, Jesus Christ, in a more personal way. She realizes He will never fail her, and all things work together for His Glory.
Do not believe the lie; all are worthy because of Jesus! He loves you!
Retribution: Chronicles of Reaper Book II
Retribution kicks off in a richly imagined world where God’s warriors, the Reapers, battle the forces of Lucifer and his fallen angels. The story follows Burt, a seasoned Reaper, as he tracks the demon Midos into a mysterious cave, only to find himself facing something far more powerful: a Fallen Angel. From there, the narrative spirals into a tense, emotional saga blending brutal combat, fierce loyalty, and unwavering faith. Alongside a vivid cast of characters like Jaml and Shay, the story expands into political intrigue and a dangerous mission to save a kidnapped prince, all while the threat of an unholy alliance grows ever stronger.
Reading this book was a ride I wasn’t expecting. The writing style is refreshingly straightforward—no stuffy prose, no pretentious rambling. It’s punchy and raw. I found the fight scenes especially gripping. They’re fast, messy, and unflinchingly brutal, just the way real combat should feel. Sometimes the dialogue felt a little heavy-handed—people don’t always speak in sermons—but honestly, the heart behind it made up for any stiffness. I could tell the author genuinely cared about these characters and the world they were defending.
The ideas in this story resonated more than I thought they would. It’s not just about swinging swords and crushing demons (though there’s a lot of that, and it’s awesome); it’s about faith, sacrifice, and sticking to your values even when the odds are stacked sky-high against you. The portrayal of evil isn’t cartoonish either. The Fallen Angels aren’t just “bad guys”—they’re chillingly charismatic, smart, and seductive. I actually felt the fear and the temptation, and that made the battles feel so much more real. At times, the story wrestles with huge questions about loyalty, destiny, and human weakness, and it never talks down to the reader while doing it.
While I enjoyed the story, I felt that a little more show, and a little less tell, would’ve punched the tension even higher. But when the action did kick in, it roared to life. The world-building was another bright spot for me. Temples, golden dragons, ancient swords—the setting was vivid without being overwhelming. It never felt like the story was buried under its own lore, which is a rare in fantasy.
Retribution is a book for readers who love their fantasy gritty, their battles high-stakes, and their heroes bloodied but unbroken. I’d especially recommend it to fans of The Witcher or Demon Slayer—anyone who likes their good-vs-evil stories a little darker and a lot more real. This isn’t some pretty fairytale. It’s a bloody prayer carved into stone—and it’s worth the journey.
Pages: 464 | ASIN : B0F5NLJL1D
Literary Titan Gold Book Award: Fiction
The Literary Titan Book Award honors books that exhibit exceptional storytelling and creativity. This award celebrates novelists who craft compelling narratives, create memorable characters, and weave stories that captivate readers. The recipients are writers who excel in their ability to blend imagination with literary skill, creating worlds that enchant and narratives that linger long after the final page is turned.
Award Recipients
Survive an Ancient Sorrow by Michael Greenwald
Native Arcana by C.J. Caughman
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Literary Titan Silver Book Award
Celebrating the brilliance of outstanding authors who have captivated us with their skillful prose, engaging narratives, and compelling real and imagined characters. We recognize books that stand out for their innovative storytelling and insightful exploration of truth and fiction. Join us in honoring the dedication and skill of these remarkable authors as we celebrate the diverse and rich worlds they’ve brought to life, whether through the realm of imagination or the lens of reality.
Award Recipients
THE MYTHOLOGIES OF THE AMERICAS – A BOOK TRILOGY by Roberto Jimenez
Fleeting Moments, Eternal Memories by Manmohan Sadana
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
When Jesus Calls
Martha Gayle’s When Jesus Calls is a heartfelt Christian fiction novel that follows the emotional and spiritual journey of Mary, a woman seeking healing, purpose, and a deeper connection with Jesus after a string of personal heartbreaks. The story unfolds through Mary’s inner reflections, her work at a charming inn, her close friendships, and her life-changing decisions, like buying a cottage by the sea and choosing forgiveness over bitterness. Along the way, Mary grapples with past wounds, discovers the redemptive power of faith, and learns how to let Jesus guide her life.
I found myself emotionally invested in Mary’s story from the very first chapter. Gayle’s writing isn’t flashy, but it’s deeply sincere. She writes with a raw honesty that makes you feel like you’re sitting with a friend who’s laying their heart bare. Her style is intimate, plainspoken, and brimming with warmth. There’s no pretense, just a genuine voice telling a story grounded in love, loss, and the quiet call of God. I admired how Mary’s spiritual insights came through lived experiences, not sermons. It didn’t feel like I was being preached at. Instead, I was invited to reflect right alongside her, which made the story more powerful and real for me.
What stood out most was the emotional depth and vulnerability. I felt Mary’s loneliness. I understood her ache for love, her longing for peace, and her deep need for meaning. Gayle doesn’t gloss over the hard stuff—betrayal, temptation, self-doubt—but instead shows how grace meets us in the middle of the mess. I loved the supporting characters. Mr. Henry, the inn’s general manager, especially touched me. His quiet faith journey and the kindness he showed others brought tears to my eyes more than once. The book reminded me how much we all need community and how God can speak through the people around us.
When Jesus Calls is a quiet reminder that healing is possible, faith is alive, and we’re never too far gone to be called back home. I’d recommend this book to anyone who’s been through heartbreak, who’s questioning their faith, or who just needs a gentle story that breathes hope.
Pages: 174 | ASIN : B0DHSXZCP6
LITERARY TITAN 