Blog Archives
Patience and Endurance
Blue Dream follows a man whose dream reveals a mysterious symbol and opens the door to an entirely new reality. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
Originally, I wanted to write a fantasy novel. I kept picturing a young guy and a dwarf robot crossing a pitch-black chasm. That’s pretty much what started the book. And then I entered a miniature screenplay contest where Dom adventures through an evil tunnel. I didn’t win, but the judge said it read like the beginning to a cool Sci-fi movie. So, I took his advice, writing a novel instead.
I found Dom to be a fascinating character. What was the inspiration for his traits and dialogue?
Most readers feel a strong connection to Dom. I think it’s because anyone can relate to the inner turmoil he experiences. It’s all part of the fight of life. He struggles to find a place in the world and is happy to learn a new one is well on the way. Although, getting there isn’t easy.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
In Blue Dream, I draw on Christian themes time and time again. Especially, the encouragement found in Revelation and the rewards that come from patience and endurance.
Can readers look forward to more work from you soon? What are you currently working on?
I poured everything I could into Blue Dream. It’s all in there, really. Every part of me and everything I’ve experienced and know. Right now, I occasionally post on my substack. Other than that, starting a political campaign for State Rep has been taking up most of my free time.
Author Links: GoodReads | Substack | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Dom has been living in digital paradise for as long as he can remember. He’s lucky enough to be one of the gogglers of the Trop. However, having all that he can imagine has been less than blissful. He thinks too much, consumes too little, and it’s stressing out his manager.
Everything changes one night when a dream swims his way, and he finds a mysterious symbol. Soon he is sliding into a new reality and following a way he knows little about. His decision to go deeper brings him face to face with the scariest depths of the program. The ensuing battle will require him to wear the full armor of God.
BLUE DREAM. Find faith in the static.
Through A New Lens
Author Interview
The Intrepid Three follows three teenagers, united by fate in a war-ravaged world, who must uncover their intertwined destinies and fight against an all-consuming darkness threatening their realms. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
We created the concept of The Intrepid Three during the beginning stages of the pandemic. We, like most people, found ourselves isolated and secluded at home. Along with the seriousness of COVID-19, we observed political division and social unrest like we had never seen before. This forced us to reflect on and analyze our society in a new way.
Through this new lens, we created the three worlds of Euporia, Aurelia, and Immerxia, each dominated by three different issues. Euporia is plagued by fear due to oppression. Aurelia is driven by complacency from material abundance. And, Immerxia struggles to discern truth owing to the inundation of information (particularly through social media). This book shows an exaggerated version of some of society’s pitfalls. Ultimately, we hope the themes of this book will resonate with readers and can initiate interesting conversations for a more just world.
Dez, Walter, and Arabella are intriguing and well-developed characters. What were some driving ideals behind their character’s development?
This book is Christian allegory, so we tried to give our three protagonists qualities of Christ, albeit the characters are inherently imperfect. Particularly, each of the teens has a supernatural gift, reminiscent of Jesus’ miracles from the Bible, that they discover or have revealed throughout the book. Dez, Walter, and Arabella come from very different backgrounds and experiences, but their fantastical story arcs lead them to the same place, in front of the Author of the universe with a big decision.
We chose adolescent protagonists because we hope younger generations can see the problems of our world clearer and work to alleviate the issues with fervor. Readers will notice the main cast of characters are quite diverse, so we hope people see themselves represented and understand they are an important part of humanity.
What was the collaboration process like between the two of you?
We’ve been married over a decade, and this was the first time we attempted writing together. It took time learning each other’s writing processes (order of writing, pace of writing, etc.) and trying to integrate them. We wrote every word together, but we had to make determinations about every little practical detail, down to who typed. Once we figured out our integrated writing style, the process became smoother. The best experiences of writing this book together were the imaginative conversations that formed new worlds and unique characters.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
Our next book will be the second installment of The Intrepid Three series. We are in the process of writing this story now. We look forward to sharing what happens next with Dez, Arabella, and Walter. We hope to publish the second volume in the next couple of years.
Author Links: Website | Facebook | GoodReads
In a day’s time, their lives are turned upside down when they meet Author, the writer of the universe, and discover they have gifts to heal the past, alter the present, and foresee the future. Author implores the three teens to restore their broken worlds. Complicating the kids’ decision are supernatural forces working to end humanity and free a dark army from their prison known as Animus.
Can Dez, Arabella, and Walter save their worlds? Jump into The Intrepid Three: Animus Revealed to find out.
Praesidium
By the end of her college years, Kathryn Bek had led a relatively normal and uneventful life. She had certainly never spent much time considering things like notorious crime families, supernatural abilities, or the existence of angel-like beings on Earth- at least not until her recruitment into the HGS. Presented as a global agency that exists essentially “for the greater good of humanity,” Kathryn decides to throw caution to the wind and join the team. In doing so, she learns that not only are there many things in this world she was ignorant of, but many of those things were much closer to her and her personal life than she could ever have imagined.
From the first, fast-paced opening lines of Praesidium by McKinley Aspen, it’s clear that this gripping book will take readers on an adventure. Hints of the supernatural are revealed early, then carefully fleshed out at a pace that keeps the reader hooked without showing all the cards too early. Kathryn’s character is written well, showing depth, and bolstered by a supporting group that perfectly balances her personality traits. The HGS- Hope and Global Support- shines as an enigma that almost functions as a character in itself, driving the plot with its mysteries. Aspen builds an exciting tale that checks every box when it comes to keeping things moving and fun. Tonally, the book’s first half differs drastically from the second, but the transition happens in an organic way that absolutely makes sense within the story’s context.
As Kathryn learns more about herself, her family ties, and the new abilities she needs to accept, the story escalates from stopping crime on a small scale, local level, to the reveal of a global threat that she and her teammates are tasked with derailing, despite only the vaguest of directions. Of course, no unique supernatural story exists without a compelling villain; again, this one delivers. Jacquelyn is rarely the main focus of a scene, but she steals it when she is. Kathryn’s background and her relationship with Jacquelyn could be their own book. I would have loved it if more attention had been given to Jacquelyn, either in her backstory or her time in the spotlight, because what was shown was interesting, and I wanted more.
Praesidium is an action-packed science fiction and fantasy novel that stirs readers’ imagination and paranoia. I had difficulty putting this captivating book down, especially once I reached the second half and the action showed no signs of slowing. However, I look forward to learning more about this story, as the ending certainly left things open in a way that a sequel seems expected.
Pages: 242 | ASIN : B0B5W5HNKN
Eve of Awakening: The Onoma Series
Author Alisa Hope Wagner’s Eve of Awakening is set within a dystopian world, but there is a beacon of hope that shines throughout this Christian fiction novel. The author takes readers on a journey to a vivid futuristic world, where humans are strictly divided into two classes – Efficientists and Colonialists. It’s a world where everything is controlled by machines, high performance and high productivity is encouraged, while faith and religion have taken a backseat. The protagonist, Eve, is one of the champion performers of this world – a top-order Efficientist.
Her outlook on life changes after having a near-death experience. She returns to the life of devotion that she has shunned to prioritize productivity. Readers will follow Eve’s profound journey of awakening to the power of God and learn how he can restore peace and happiness in one’s heart.
Eve of Awakening is anything but a typical Christian fiction novel. The author has vividly illustrated an ultra-tech-savvy futuristic world while subtly hinting toward the gloomy future humanity is headed towards. Readers will recognize current institutions and technology that parallel the world that the author has created. Covering everything from communications, remote working, shopping, and how we socialize, there is an eerie feeling that our society could be headed in a similar direction as those in the novel.
The author uses easy to understand language to tell her captivating story. It’s easy to get swept away with the story within the first few pages because of how simple language that allows you to lose yourself within the story. The character of Eve is developed with care and attention, giving a detailed back story and showing her growth as she discovers a past she had forgotten. Eve’s internal conflict is relatable to those who have struggled with their spirituality and worked to find their way back to God.
Eve of Awakening is a captivating Christian science fiction novel with a compelling plot and a captivating protagonist. Everything from the characters to the storyline has a sense of intrigue that seems baked into it, which is something that kept me coming back to this novel again and again.
Pages: 291 | ASIN : B00RS1HLLU
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 