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Itehas
Simran Sadana’s Itehas is a vibrant retelling of Indian epics, meticulously weaving together 59 stories rooted in mythology and spiritual tradition. This book brings alive tales of gods, mortals, and the in-between, providing fresh interpretations of timeless classics. From the selfless sacrifice of Sampati in “Wingless Sampati” to the divine strength of Adi Shakti in “Goddess of Bees,” Sadana’s narratives aim to reintroduce Indian mythology to a modern audience while preserving its depth and cultural significance.
Sadana’s storytelling is vivid and engaging. “Yudishthir & Dharma,” the poignant journey of the Pandavas ascending Mount Meru is beautifully portrayed but remains somewhat predictable, sticking close to the traditional telling. The scenes of Yudishthir’s unwavering loyalty to the dog, revealed to be Dharma, are evocative, but I feel they could have been more introspective. I appreciated the fidelity to the core themes of loyalty and virtue, but a deeper dive into Yudishthir’s internal struggles might have added layers to an already poignant story.
Sadana shines when she ventures into the lesser-explored emotional depths of familiar tales. “Kubera’s Pride” offers a humorous yet humbling portrayal of the god of wealth’s fall from arrogance. Ganesha’s insatiable appetite in this story becomes a metaphor for spiritual hunger, deftly underscoring the futility of material excess. The climax, where a humble handful of rice satisfies Ganesha, felt deeply resonant. It is in these small, yet profound moments that Sadana’s imagination brings a delightful originality to these ancient stories.
Itehas is an enchanting collection that is as much a homage to Indian mythology as it is a creative endeavor to reinterpret it. Simran Sadana’s passion for her subject matter is undeniable and infectious, making it an engaging read for those who love mythological tales or wish to reconnect with India’s cultural roots. While the book may feel dense for readers unfamiliar with these epics, it remains an invaluable bridge for anyone seeking to delve into the spiritual and moral tapestry of Indian mythology. I’d recommend it to mythology enthusiasts, spiritual seekers, and fans of folklore looking for a modern yet faithful retelling of age-old stories.
Pages: 182 | ISBN : 978-9367959978
Reading Hunger
The Objective Scholar is a collection of poems exploring themes such as love and loss, growth and community, and resilience. What was the inspiration for your collection?
Yes! The poems I write are inspired by real-life experiences, day-to-day activities, and current events. I set this collection up by grouping all poems to ensure I include something for everyone from all walks of life. Reading works from other writers showed me a level of intellect, class, and thought-provoking skills. I wanted to do the same, but in my way, with my spin on it. So many times, I’ve encountered supporters who ask for more. I’ve read some collections that made me want more as well. I ensured I shared enough to satisfy their reading hunger (food for thought).
Can you share a bit about your writing process? Do you have any rituals or routines when writing poetry?
Yes! My writing vice emerges within me at the weirdest times and moments. I can be working at my job, as random thoughts come to mind. The spark can hit me when I’m in the shower, sleeping in the middle of the night, driving in my car (which is the craziest), in a conversation, and reading a book.
Currently, my favorite and most productive writing routine I have is sitting in a Starbucks with a hot cup of Chi Tea Latte. Other times I may find a quiet place in a library, beach, or local park.
How much do real-life events and personal experiences influence your writing?
I would say more than 50% of my writing is heavily influenced in that way. I respond to real-life events most times after learning of the occurrence. For the personal experiences when I’m reflecting back on it. This approach came to me reading other poets and realizing that their voice spoke as they saw it.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I don’t want to spoil the surprise but I am writing several manuscripts all untitled at the moment. I’m piecing them all together one step at a time. However, my goal is to push to have one complete and ready over the next 1, 2, or 3 years.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Written to eloquently deliver sounds, rhythm, and style that honor and bend the rules, the content is a resource for librarians, teachers, and professors to use when working with novice writers. These poems are fueled by the author’s experiences and observations as an Afro-American male within Black America, offering a solid confluence of themes and ideas relevant to the present-day.
Contemporary Situations with Paranormal Activity
Five Stories Short: A Supernatural Quintet is a collection of five unique short stories covering topics from the paranormal and ancient beings to the exploration of the unknown. What was the inspiration for this collection?
I’ve always had a fascination with the supernatural. When something happens with no logical explanation, there are a myriad of illogical reasons to explain it. Is it magic, a miracle, or imagination? Are children’s imaginary friends truly imaginary or do children see into another realm until their parents convince them they aren’t seeing what they see? Are the whispers you hear in old homes simply house noises? Could you have the feeling you’re being watched because you are?
In writing Five Stories Short, my intention was to create contemporary situations with paranormal activity that isn’t so completely farfetched that it’s unbelievable, although I realize some of the happenings in my stories are a stretch. I hope readers find the stories entertaining but also thought-provoking.
Do you have a favorite among these tales? One that was particularly fun to imagine and write?
Because of the tiny characters in “Laughing Hills,” it was the most fun to create. The original plan was to write it as an introduction to my Unmistakenly Mystical series. But the story took on a life of its own.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in your stories?
Good vs. evil is a primary theme in each of the stories, though in some it is more pronounced than others.
Can fans look forward to more short stories from you soon? What are you currently working on?
More short stories are no doubt on the horizon, but I’m not sure how soon. I’m currently wrapping up Dancing Valley, a novel, which will be released in March of 2025.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Are spirits hovering around us? Do ghosts watch over us? Are your pets communicating telepathically? Can card readers predict the future? Is it possible to see the little people? Do artifacts or fetishes have power? In this collection, the answer to all those questions is yes. But the real question is whether the stories are pure fiction or based on fact.
The Legacy: Lydia is a psychic. When her grandson becomes the catalyst for a spirit’s plot to kill his mother, she joins forces with a natural witch to defeat the entity. As a battle rages, Lydia learns she has more power than she’d realized.
Laughing Hills: The little people of Laughing Hills call on centuries of magic to stay safely hidden after their guardian is killed and their entire community is placed in jeopardy.
Mommy, Look: With her husband in a coma, finances tight, and a toddler to raise, Bianca needs help. But when it comes, it’s in disguise and is provided by someone she didn’t believe existed.
The Ancient Ones: After Brian and Tammy visit an antique shop, their lives are changed by a lion and a raven.
The Last Act: While renovating an old theatre, Carolyn is befriended by Jolene, an actress who haunts the building and who takes their friendship quite seriously.
The Intricacies of Life
The Edges is a collection of poems spanning the human experience, addressing topics such as growth, loss, and wonder. What inspired you to write this particular collection of poems?
I found inspiration for The Edges in our lives’ delicate balance of light and shadow. I tried to grasp the universal truths common to everyone, regardless of their origins or situations.
This collection draws heavily from my personal experiences. Composing these poems turned into a voyage of self-exploration, a method to navigate my emotions and present them to encourage others to contemplate their own experiences—those instances of change, sorrow, and happiness that shape our lives.
At its core, The Edges is an homage to the complexities of life and what we all share.
Did you write these poems with a specific audience in mind, or was it a more personal endeavor?
Writing The Edges was a personal endeavor rooted in my reflections and experiences. Initially, the poems served as a means for me to process my thoughts and emotions, allowing me to explore the intricacies of life from a deeply personal perspective. I found solace in writing, using it as a tool to make sense of moments that felt chaotic or overwhelming.
However, as the collection began to take shape, I became increasingly aware of the potential audience. I started to envision readers who might resonate with the themes of growth, loss, and wonder—individuals navigating their edges. This awareness guided me to balance personal narrative and universal experience. I wanted the poems to feel relatable, inviting readers to see themselves within the lines and reflect on their journeys.
Ultimately, while the collection began as an intimate exploration of my feelings, it evolved into a shared conversation with readers. I hoped to create a space where others could find comfort, connection, and understanding, allowing them to reflect on their own experiences while feeling less alone in their struggles and triumphs. In this way, the poems bridge my journey and the collective human experience.
What was the biggest challenge you faced in putting together this poetry collection?
My biggest challenge in assembling The Edges was navigating the delicate balance between vulnerability and authenticity. I grappled with the fear of revealing too much and of making myself too vulnerable on the page while also understanding that a genuine connection with readers comes from that very honesty.
Additionally, organizing the poems to create a seamless flow was challenging. I wanted each piece to stand alone while contributing to the larger tapestry of human experience. It was a process of trial and error, moving poems around, listening to their voices, and ultimately finding an organic structure.
Can we expect to see more poetry from you soon? What are you currently working on?
Yes, you can expect more poetry from me shortly! I am currently immersed in a new collection of 33 poems titled Immigrant Dreams, which will be published on January 17. This project is particularly close to my heart, as it explores the complex tapestry of experiences surrounding immigration—capturing the hopes, struggles, and dreams of those who leave their homelands in search of a better life.
In Immigrant Dreams, I delve into the myriad emotions of this journey: the longing for home, the challenges of adaptation, and the resilience that emerges in the face of adversity. Each poem seeks to honor the stories of individuals who have navigated the often tumultuous waters of migration, reflecting both the beauty and the hardships inherent in their experiences.
In this collection, I found inspiration from personal narratives, interviews, and historical accounts, weaving them into poetic forms that resonate with the shared human experience. I hope this work amplifies marginalized voices and fosters empathy and understanding among readers.
I’m excited to share this journey with you and look forward to unveiling Immigrant Dreams in the coming weeks. Thank you for your continued support, and I hope my upcoming work resonates with you just as deeply!
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
Love & War: A celebration of love in all its forms and complexities and an exploration of human suffering in the raw and brutal realities of war.
Nature & Cosmos: A journey through the untamed wilderness and boundless expanse of the universe, where the mysteries of existence unravel in whispers of wind and starlight.
Time & Memories: Threads of reminiscence woven into time’s fabric, where nostalgia and reflection entwine.
Seasons & Liminal Spaces: Capturing time’s ebb and flow in seasons and liminal spaces, between what was, what is, and what will be.
Observations & Views: Perspectives painted with the strokes of keen observation and introspection, offering glimpses into the diverse landscapes of the human mind.
Wounds & Contemplations: A canvas of healing and introspection, where individuals wear scars as badges of resilience and contemplations resound in the chambers of the soul.
Together, these sections create a multifaceted exploration of the human experience, inviting readers to engage deeply with the themes of love, nature, time, and the complexities of existence.
On the Verge
Marie Rickmyer’s On the Verge is a delicate, unflinching collection of poems exploring life, trauma, and family. Each piece drips with nostalgia, capturing the quiet fragility of memory—like a glass pane trembling under the weight of lived experience. Rickmyer invites readers into intimate spaces: kitchens brimming with warmth and chaos, childhoods that linger like faint scars, and moments suspended between joy and sorrow. Here, nostalgia and trauma are not at odds but intertwined, stitched together by subtle, aching beauty—a weight of sunlight, the quiet despair of witnessing your mother as both parent and person.
Reading these poems feels like overhearing deeply personal conversations—tender, raw, and unfiltered. Rickmyer’s words evoke the weariness of her mother, the emptiness left by absence, and the heavy silence of unspoken longings. It is not a collection concerned with life’s grandeur but with its endurance: the sacred moments hidden within the mundane.
From the start, On the Verge captivated me with its thematic focus on memory, trauma, and fractured families. Admittedly, I hesitated at first—the poem structure and style felt unconventional—but the writing quickly grew on me. Each piece unfolded like a film, vivid and visceral, with no pretense or grandiosity. Rickmyer’s simplicity is piercing. Her lines feel less like crafted poetry and more like confessions, whispered truths, or rants from someone intimately familiar. For a moment, you are there—in her mother’s kitchen, at the edge of her grief, alongside flowers bathed in memory—transported not just into her life but, uncannily, into your own. The poems “Pantoum on Mother” and “Elegy for My Brother” are especially powerful, confronting the quiet burdens we carry and the losses we never fully release. Rickmyer captures what we inherit and what we endure, often at the same time. Her language is so personal, her imagery so immediate, that the connection feels inevitable. It resonates deeply, like a shared ache you never realized existed.
Marie Rickmyer’s On the Verge holds a quiet power, subtle yet relentless, like a stream carving its path through stone. By the final poem, I felt as though I had lived through a lifetime of someone else’s struggles and small victories. It is a book I will return to—a companion for moments when I need to be reminded of the quiet beauty of endurance. On the Verge is intensely personal yet strangely familiar, as though Rickmyer isn’t just telling her story but yours, too. It is a testament to the weight of memory and the tenderness of survival—an unforgettable offering of truth, nostalgia, and fragile beauty.
Pages: 74 | ASIN : B0DFMVG9DD
The Objective Scholar: Poetic Wordplay
Troy R. Legette’s The Objective Scholar is a poetic tapestry that explores themes of self-discovery, resilience, and universal connection. The book is structured into thematic sections, each serving as a lens into life’s complexities. From grappling with love and loss to celebrating moments of growth and community, Legette’s poetic wordplay is accessible and thought-provoking. His poems invite readers to reflect on their inner worlds while offering insights into external realities.
What stood out most to me was Legette’s ability to blend simplicity with depth. Poems like “Marriage is No Fairy Tale” deliver truths wrapped in vivid imagery. The lines “White picket fence is gray aluminum / Morning breakfast ends after a few months” resonate with the disillusionment many face in romantic ideals. This piece, like many others, balances raw honesty with a touch of empathy. It felt like sitting down with a friend who’s unafraid to tell it like it is but cares deeply for your understanding.
Legette’s playful and experimental approach to form adds charm to the collection. For instance, in “Lil Boy Elroy,” the rhythmic repetition underscores the poignant journey of a boy navigating life’s harsh realities. The poem oscillates between despair and redemption, making its resolution both satisfying and heartfelt. Similarly, “The Coiffeur” charmed me with its intricate depiction of a barber’s craft. It captured the poetry in everyday work, reminding me that art can be found in the most unexpected places.
Poems like “Honestly” and “Follow Your Heart” echo similar themes of personal accountability and intuition. While their messages are important, I feel the reiteration occasionally slows the pacing. However, this did not significantly detract from the overall impact of the book, which remains cohesive and engaging.
The Objective Scholar is a poetry collection I’d recommend to anyone seeking inspiration or introspection. I think it’s especially suited for readers who enjoy reflective poetry and those who appreciate seeing resilience and growth through art.
Pages: 190 | ASIN : B0CYLV4QCM
Five Stories Short: A Supernatural Quintet
Five Stories Short: A Supernatural Quintet is a spellbinding collection of five short stories that transports readers into the realm of the extraordinary. Karen Black masterfully crafts narratives where the boundary between reality and the supernatural dissolves, taking you on journeys that are both mesmerizing and thought-provoking. From psychic abilities to whimsical pixies, ghostly apparitions, and the enigma of ancient beings, each story offers its own unique exploration of the unknown.
The collection stands out for its diverse themes and imaginative storytelling. Black invites readers to suspend disbelief, immerse themselves in eerie atmospheres, and embrace the unexpected twists that unfold. Her writing captivates with a mix of whimsy, tension, and subtle emotional depth that makes the supernatural feel tantalizingly real. The first story immediately pulls you in, offering a fascinating exploration of clairvoyance and psychic gifts. The premise is compelling, though certain plot points, particularly the protagonist’s imprisonment, felt a little far-fetched. The circumstances surrounding it—intended to heighten conflict—seemed at odds with the story’s self-defense logic. In contrast, the second story shines with emotional resonance and well-developed characters. It leaves a lasting impression, its themes deeply affecting and beautifully executed.
The third entry maintains the collection’s eerie tone and solid pacing, offering enough intrigue to keep readers engaged. The fourth story emerges as the standout of the quintet. Black’s storytelling excels here, building expectations only to shatter them with a twist that’s both brilliant and unexpected. This narrative alone elevates the collection, showcasing her ability to surprise and delight readers in equal measure. The fifth and final story wraps up the anthology with the essence of a classic ghost tale—timeless yet enhanced with an extra layer of intrigue. It serves as a fitting conclusion, maintaining the supernatural allure that runs through the collection.
Five Stories Short: A Supernatural Quintet proved to be a delightful surprise. It rekindled my appreciation for supernatural fiction. Karen Black’s engaging prose and imaginative plots kept me racing through each story, eagerly anticipating what would come next. The collection’s brevity makes it an easy yet satisfying read, perfect for anyone seeking an escape into the mysterious and the otherworldly. For fans of supernatural fiction or those new to the genre, this book delivers a blend of charm, suspense, and clever twists. Karen Black has curated a quintet that showcases her storytelling prowess, leaving readers both satisfied and yearning for more otherworldly adventures.
Pages: 251 | ASIN : B0DLQK6GJL
The Shackles of Time
Jesse Rosenbaum has an extraordinary knack for storytelling that feels electric and fresh. The Shackles of Time is a wild ride through a kaleidoscope of twisted realities, blending horror, sci-fi, and suspense. But it’s not just the genres that make this collection shine. It’s the way Rosenbaum pulls you into the scenes. Every moment unfolds vividly, almost like you’re watching a gripping movie play out in your mind.
The stories grip you with their intensity and originality. In “Eighty-Six,” Carmen grapples with her haunting past inside a desolate diner where the relentless rain seems alive with secrets. Then there’s “Downtime,” where time freezes mid-chaos, leaving you questioning what you’d do in such an unthinkable moment.
Rosenbaum doesn’t just tell tales; he throws you curveballs that leave your mind racing and your heart pounding. What truly sets this book apart is the characters. They feel raw and real. Carmen battles guilt and trauma, while Jankowski wrestles with a boss’s arrogance in a haunted theater basement. Their flaws make them human, their fears make them relatable, and their resilience makes them unforgettable. These are people you feel like you know.
The book’s atmosphere is an artful blend of retro and modern. It channels the eerie charm of The Twilight Zone but wraps it in today’s relatable complexities. Rosenbaum’s pacing is also excellent. He builds tension like a DJ holding the beat just before the drop, keeping you hooked until the final, unexpected twist.
If you love stories that challenge your mind and stir your emotions, The Shackles of Time is a must-read. Jesse Rosenbaum creates immersive experiences that linger with you long after the last page.
Pages: 306 | ISBN : 978-1304544285
LITERARY TITAN 