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Fate vs Free Will
The Lost Dragonrider of Lamar follows a mysterious young woman with no memory of who she is or her past, who possesses a glowing pendant that turns out to be the relic at the heart of the ongoing war between dragonriders. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for setting up this story first started with a conversation I had with a close friend. We were talking about how a kingdom would look like if the economy was based on having heroes for hire and setting these heroes up with a celebrity status. From there the plot unfurled, I developed characters, added my magic system and it was off to the races.
What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
The driving ideas behind the character’s development are predominantly fate vs free will. I also play with self-discovery and try to highlight how Lark’s instinctual moral code drives her into action.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The main theme is good vs evil. That gets mottled up with loyalty and betrayal, power and responsibility, and the interplay of the character’s fate vs free will.
Can you tell us where the book goes, and where we’ll see the characters in the next book?
With the next book, I continue the adventure where I’ve left off at the end of book one. We explore more of Lark’s past, how it plays a role in her future, and the fate of the kingdom. I introduce a new major threat to the world as they know it and dive deeper into wielding magic. There are more dragons, dragonriders, and action that you won’t want to miss.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
When Lamar’s greatest dragonrider falls in battle, the kingdom’s last hope seems lost… Until a woman is found wandering the edge of the Everburning Forest with no memory of who she is, how she got there, or why she carries the very object the dragonriders have been warring over—a Hyalite.
The Hyalite, an artifact containing the power to forge a new dragonrider and tip the scales of the conflict, has been declared stolen by the enemy. Now, with the relic in her possession, Lark—an amnesiac with no clue about her connection to the war—finds herself thrust into the center of a world poised to unravel.
Humans, elves, and dwarves clash with orcs and mythical beasts as Lark uncovers truths too dangerous to ignore. Her fighting skills rival even the most seasoned warriors, but it’s the cryptic visions haunting her dreams that continue to expose her checkered past. As the stolen Hyalite’s power stirs, kingdoms send ruthless assassins to claim it, each step pulling Lark deeper into a destiny she never wanted—and cannot outrun.
The fate of the realms hangs by a thread. Will Lark embrace the storm—or be swept away by it? Start reading The Lost Dragonrider of Lamar today!
The Lost Dragonrider of Lamar
The Lost Dragonrider of Lamar kicks off with a fiery bang—literally. The prologue plunges us into a mystical war zone where divine storms split the sky and dragonriders duel for god-touched power. The story follows two central characters: Tel Roan, a battle-hardened dragonrider with a golden dragon named Ingamar, and Lark, a mysterious young woman with no memory of her past, only a glowing pendant and an unshakable pull toward a storm. A Hyalite—an orb infused with godly power—is about to change both their destinies. With war looming between the Kingdoms of Lamar and Nordraven, and ancient magic bleeding into their world, the book layers classic fantasy tropes with a fresh, fast-paced twist.
This book had me in its grip from the opening page. The prologue was cinematic. That scene where he fights a massive blue-skinned orc for the Hyalite was epic. The tension is so thick you could cut it with Stormbreaker. Walker has a knack for writing action that feels intense but never overcomplicated—no confusing jargon, just pure adrenaline and magic.
What surprised me the most, though, was how much I loved Lark’s chapters. At first, she feels like the typical “mysterious girl with a magical trinket” trope—but she grows on you. Her connection to the storm and the dragon lore is told with this eerie, poetic pacing that contrasts perfectly with the more militaristic energy of Tel’s story. I loved the moment when she’s drawn toward the Everburning Forest and starts getting those weird flashes of memory, like the image of a man holding a box that pulses in time with her pendant. There’s a soft, haunting tone to her arc that feels like a dream slowly turning into a nightmare.
Some of the world-building was heavy at times—there’s a lot of information given through conversations about realms, magical politics, and the difference between Hyalites and Yogo Sapphires. I appreciate the depth, but it occasionally slowed the story. I wanted to get back to the drama—the betrayals, the aerial dragon fights, the strange glowing creatures in the woods. Still, even the slower bits added layers to the world that made the payoff richer.
The Lost Dragonrider of Lamar delivered on everything I want in a fantasy read—gutsy characters, high-stakes magic, and dragons that feel like more than just pets with wings. It’s bold, a little bloody, and absolutely bursting with heart. I’d recommend this book to fans of Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn or those who devoured Eragon and wished it had a bit more edge. This isn’t just a setup for a series—it’s a solid first strike. If you’ve got even the slightest itch for fire-breathing beasts and mystic prophecies, give this one a shot.
Pages: 486 | ASIN : B0F468WDC4
How Myths Form
The Borealis Queen follows a resilient young woman marked by a mysterious prophecy who embarks on a perilous journey that intertwines survival, destiny, and the forging of unexpected bonds. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The setup came from wanting to tell a story that felt ancient but emotionally intimate; something that would resonate across time. I was drawn to the idea of a young girl facing the collapse of everything she knows and being forced to survive, not because she’s chosen, but because she’s clever, resourceful, and refuses to break. The prophecy element isn’t about fate in the traditional sense: it’s more about how people interpret strength, especially when it threatens the established order. (A future installment—told as a prequel—will reveal the true origin of the prophecy.)
I wanted to explore how myths form around ordinary people who do extraordinary things. Nin’s journey is perilous, yes, but at its heart, it’s about a girl learning who she is in a world that tries to define her. The bonds she forms (with animals, with her memories, even with silence) came from my belief that survival isn’t just physical. It’s also emotional. And sometimes, it’s the unexpected relationships, even with wild creatures, that save us.
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?
The inspiration for the setting of The Borealis Queen came from a mix of bedtime storytelling, my fascination with prehistory, and a desire to build a world that feels both ancient and mythic—but still grounded in nature and human emotion. I used to tell stories to my kids at night, creating episodes on the fly, and over time, these tales evolved into the foundation of this world. I wanted a setting that didn’t rely on magic or modern tropes, but still felt epic, dangerous, and full of wonder.
The Ice Age gave me that—a time when humans lived closer to the edge when survival depended on wits, instincts, and bonds with animals. The world itself became a character. As I wrote, the setting changed from a backdrop into something almost primal. The wilderness sharpened Nin’s growth, and the creatures—like the Urbaraks and Shadow—took on symbolic weight. It started as a harsh world, but over time, I began to see its beauty and subtle order, just as Nin does. That shift really deepened the emotional core of the story.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
ANSWER: I wanted to explore what happens when a person is pushed to the brink—how survival, identity, and resilience take shape in a world that feels hostile, ancient, and raw. One of the most important themes for me was the power of connection—not just between people, but between humans and nature, especially the bond between Nin and the animals she encounters. I was also interested in legacy and mythmaking: how stories about a person can become larger than life, and how that shapes not only how others see them but how they see themselves. Another key theme is agency—Nin is not waiting to be rescued or chosen. She’s crafting her path, sometimes painfully, sometimes defiantly, in a world that would rather crush her than acknowledge her power.
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?
I’m already writing the sequel. The theme is actually hinted at in the final paragraph of Chapter 24, at the end of the book:
‘Word of the tale of the girl slave adorned with beautiful marks on her skin, who rose to become a queen, spread like the fastest birds, soaring across the land and beyond. It traveled all the way to the distant Australis lands, where it caught the attention of an ambitious young king, driven by dreams of world domination…’
That final line opens the door to a larger world and deeper conflicts. It shifts the story from one girl’s survival and rises to something even more expansive—how her legend begins to echo far beyond her homeland, drawing the attention of powers she doesn’t even know exist yet. The theme of how myth and reputation can reshape history is something I’m really excited to keep exploring.
I expect to finish it by early next year. The sequel builds on everything that came before, but with a much wider lens: new lands, new rulers, and greater threats. It explores how one girl’s rise can spark fear, admiration, and ambition across distant lands. I’m enjoying the challenge of expanding the scope while staying true to the emotional core of the first book.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
For readers of Brandon Sanderson and Clan of the Cave Bear—this is not the fantasy of knights and castles, but of raw survival, ancient beasts, and a legend forged in snow and blood.
She was never meant to survive. Nin is the last of her people—captured, scarred, and dragged across the frozen wilds by brutal enemies. But in a land where beasts are dreaded and winter never forgives, she discovers that survival is more than endurance—it’s transformation.
With nothing but a sling, her instincts, and the loyalty of a mysterious saber-toothed Smilodon, Nin must carve a path through ice, blood, and betrayal. As legends rise and clans clash, she becomes more than a girl on the run—she becomes the storm they cannot contain.
The Borealis Queen is a sweeping Ice Age survival fantasy about resilience, instinct, and the powerful bonds between humans and the wild. Perfect for fans of character-driven epics, elemental worldbuilding, and heroines who don’t just fight—but endure.
If you’re seeking a bold, action-packed epic fantasy with emotional depth and cinematic storytelling, this is the adventure you’ve been waiting for.
A Death at Christmas And Other Wondrous Events
This book is part heartfelt memoir, part magical realism, and all wrapped up in holiday grief, hope, and healing. A Death at Christmas follows a teenage boy named Peter as he navigates the emotional turmoil of losing his father just before Christmas. But here’s the twist—his father doesn’t leave entirely. Instead, his young, ghostlike presence returns to help Peter process the loss. The story unfolds over a series of vignettes, covering everything from family secrets to choir concerts, bank mishaps, and deeply moving moments of connection—both supernatural and human.
What struck me most was how honest and unfiltered the writing felt. Smith doesn’t sugarcoat the pain of losing a parent, especially as a teenager. The scene where Peter finds a Christmas card from his father after he dies wrecked me. It’s the kind of detail that sneaks up on you. The writing style is simple, direct, sometimes even a bit raw. It makes it feel like you’re sitting across from someone telling you the story over coffee. There’s this great moment at the choir concert where Peter, grieving and uncertain, belts out a deliberately off-key solo. It’s funny and heartbreaking all at once, and that’s kind of the vibe of the whole book.
But I also loved the quiet yet strange wisdom that shows up in unexpected places. Like the chapter about the mysterious second wife. It reads like a family mystery unfolding in real time. Or when Peter’s dad, in his ghostly form, starts explaining the “universal organization” and his role as a sort of “transition therapist.” It sounds weird, and it is, but it somehow works. It doesn’t feel like sci-fi or fantasy, it feels personal and comforting, like a spiritual wink rather than a religious hammer. There’s a scene where Peter’s friend Patrick unexpectedly shows up to spend time with him, and I found myself grinning. It’s that mix of small gestures and cosmic questions that keeps the story grounded but still wondrous, just like the title promises.
If you’ve ever lost someone, then this book will resonate with you. But it’s not just a sad story. It’s about healing, memory, awkward family dynamics, and learning how to carry on when everything changes. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy heartfelt memoirs, coming-of-age stories with a magical twist, or just something that feels real and raw and weird in the best way.
Pages: 154 | ASIN : B0CLX4RMRH
The Fullness of Time
Do you have a favorite book or story that you read repeatedly until you know it by heart, making the characters feel real? Have you ever wished you could dive into a book and become part of the adventure, perhaps even change a few things and leave your mark on the storyline? This is exactly what happens to a twelve-year-old boy named Finn. He spends most of his time with his nose in a book, shutting out the outside world. His reading companion is his grandmother, who currently lives in a nursing home and is thought to be rapidly declining. However, what no one knows is that she holds a secret—one that Finn literally falls into. They are Storytellers: individuals who can enter books, participate in the stories, and even alter the plotlines, sometimes permanently.
Aurora Hatchel’s novel, The Fullness of Time, is the first book in her series titled The Storytellers. In this story, Finn finds himself transported into his favorite Arthurian novel, where he befriends a young Arthur and Lancelot, before Arthur pulls Excalibur from the stone. While there are many books about the legend of Excalibur, Hatchel’s novel stands out due to its human portrayal of Arthur and Lancelot as teenagers, living their lives without any knowledge of their future destinies. In contrast, Finn believes he already knows how the story will end.
The conversations among the three young men, as well as with Zoe and Merlin, are particularly engaging. The personal connections that bridge the worlds of the book and Finn’s real life highlight the universality of themes such as fear and self-doubt. Additionally, the world-building is more complex than one might initially expect. The sky shifts in colors of black and red, serving as a physical representation of Finn’s realization that the story is in flux and that the “Heart of the story” is i jeopardy. This changing sky mirrors Finn’s own emotions and uncertainty about how to navigate the unfolding situation around him
The Fullness of Time offers a fresh perspective on the teen and young adult Fantasy genres by taking a classic story and giving it a unique twist that appeals to readers of all ages. Who wouldn’t want to be there when Arthur discovers his destiny and pulls Excalibur from the stone? This book is perfect for anyone who sees reading as an escape and hopes to leave their mark on a story. I can’t wait to see what adventures Aurora Hatchel will create in this series; it will undoubtedly be an experience readers won’t soon forget.
Pages: 233 | ASIN : B0CV4MRJKV
A Death at Christmas and Other Wondrous Events
Christmas is drawing near when Pete’s father suffers a debilitating stroke, an event that sets the tone for this heartfelt novel. Aware that his time with his father is running out, Pete finds himself on the receiving end of some last-minute life lessons, lessons his father is determined to share, even if it means returning as a ghost to do so. With his guidance, Pete must navigate the complexities of life, strengthen the bonds with those he loves, and learn to embrace the joy of living. Time is slipping away, but Pete is resolved to soak up every precious moment with his father.
A Death at Christmas and Other Wondrous Events by Artell Smith, is a deeply emotional novel that dives into themes of family, love, and personal growth. The story follows Pete as he grapples with the weight of his father’s declining health and the impact it has on his family. The narrative revolves around the relationships between the characters, with particular emphasis on the unique bond between Pete and his father. The novel captures the essence of a coming-of-age story, as Pete matures and learns to navigate life in a brief but transformative period under his father’s watchful eye.
Watching Pete confront life’s challenges while discovering his own identity felt both authentic and moving. The character development is nuanced, and the relationships, especially between Pete and his father, resonate with genuine emotion. The story’s exploration of family dynamics and personal growth will strike a chord with readers who appreciate heartfelt narratives. That said, I feel that the writing occasionally has moments where the prose seems a bit less polished. Even so, the characters and their journey shine through, making the story compelling and memorable.
Artell Smith’s A Death at Christmas and Other Wondrous Events is a touching narrative that leaves you reflecting on the importance of family and the lessons we carry forward. I recommend this book to anyone who values stories about genuine relationships and personal growth. It’s a promising debut, and I look forward to seeing what Smith delivers next.
Pages: 154 | ASIN : B0CLX4RMRH
My Feelings and Process
In the The Quasi-Crystal, a young gem cutter is launched on the journey of a lifetime after discovering an extraordinary crystal that exists simultaneously across multiple realms. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Each of my books has a theme. In this book, it was about truth and scientific inquiry. The fog that Ran-dhal has to battle represents many things. It is the fog of ignorance, it is also a fog that prevents us from seeing into the inner workings of thing. It is the fog science tries to clear when they look deep into the nature of things, be it peering into the structure of an atom or looking into the deep recesses of space. Exploring these issues was the inspiration for the book. In my reading I came across this concept in physics of a quasi-crystal, that has the properties of a rock and a crystal. I expanded the concept to have the quasi-crystal exist in two realms. In one it would look like an ordinary rock and be a magical crystal in another.
In a lot of coming-of-age fiction novels authors often add their own life experiences to the story. Are there any bits of you in this story?
In some ways there is some of me in the book. I usually identify most closely with the secondary characters in my books. So, in this book, I identify more with Theb, the gem cutter, than with the major characters. Theb is the observer, the one who asks the most questions, the one who never quite gets it. I feel he represents my feelings and process better than the other characters.
How did you manage to balance magic and its use throughout the story to keep it believable?
I deliberately tried to keep the magic to a minimum. In fact, one can question if there really is any magic in the books. The power to reach into minds and control them isn’t really magic, but a skill that can be acquired through training and practice. The fact that crystals store power isn’t really magic, although it seems like it. So, there are only a few fundamental “powers” in the books and that made it much easier to manage.
Will readers soon see a fourth installment in The Wanderer series? If so, can you give us a peek inside?
There is a fourth installment in the Wanderer series called The Golden Tree. This book concentrates on The Wanderer. I felt her story was incomplete and I wanted to get back to her. She has already been to the Silver Forest and found the Golden Pulcher, so what comes next for the person who has obtained enlightenment? The book should be out middle 2025.
I have also outlined a fifth book in the series that will take us back to Remer and his family and I’m looking to possibly do another three book series that gets more detailed on what happens inside the silver forest. So stay tuned!
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Bracat has changed since the Moment—the collective joining of minds—opened up new possibilities of peace for its people. Even the rogue wizard Malzus is seeking forgiveness for his past sins. But this new feeling of unity is tentative, and the future is never certain . . .
In the midst of this change, gem cutter Theb discovers something curious: It looks like an ordinary stone, but he knows it is something extraordinary. A crystal that exists in two realms at once, but only Theb can see its uniqueness.
Then Theb begins to have dreams of a woman, calling for help from a deserted island far away from Bracat. An impenetrable fog is threatening the island, and the strange crystal seems to be the only answer.
There are others who hear the woman’s call. To find the source, Theb joins with a reformed wizard, a former thief, and an old enemy. Together, they vow to find the voice, braving the turbulent ocean to discover what is hidden behind the fog.
The Quasi-Crystal is a literary fantasy adventure with themes of magic, morality, and self-determination. It is the third book in The Wanderer series, which uses the structure of the fantasy genre to explore social justice issues.
The Quasi-Crystal
The Quasi-Crystal, by J.D. Rasch, the third installment in The Wanderer Series, is a masterful blend of literary fantasy, science, and adventure. At its core is Theb, a young gem cutter who unwittingly discovers a seemingly ordinary stone—a crystal that exists simultaneously across multiple realms. What begins as a simple find becomes the heart of an extraordinary journey. Set in the intricate and vividly rendered world of Bracat, the story unfolds in the aftermath of The Moment, a transformative societal shift that reshaped reality and united minds. Where such upheaval might have sown discord, Rasch crafts a narrative of unlikely alliances: a gem cutter, a former thief, and a former wizard come together in pursuit of answers. Their shared quest leads them to unravel the mysteries behind the fog that shrouds Ran-dahl’s island, where a solitary scholar remains imprisoned—not by chains, but by an impenetrable mist.
The novel explores themes of knowledge, power, connection, and personal growth. Rasch uses the fog as a powerful metaphor, symbolizing barriers to understanding and the effort required to bridge divides. This multilayered storytelling adds depth to an already rich narrative. Rasch’s world-building is exceptional, crafting Bracat as a realm both imaginative and grounded. The world feels alive and tangible, blending fantastical elements with realistic details that make even the quasi-crystal’s otherworldly properties seem plausible.
The Quasi-Crystal’s seamless integration of scientific ideas, such as quantum mechanics, with the mysticism of the quasi-crystal stands as one of its greatest strengths. The crystal itself serves as a philosophical and narrative cornerstone, challenging characters to confront contrasting perspectives while encapsulating the story’s central themes.
Though The Quasi-Crystal functions well as a standalone, readers will gain a deeper appreciation by starting with earlier books in The Wanderer Series. The intricate plot, richly layered characters, and elegant fusion of science and magic ensure a captivating experience for any reader. Rasch has crafted a thought-provoking and immersive tale, making this novel a must-read for fans of intelligent, boundary-pushing fantasy.
Pages: 289 | ASIN : B0DMXY5DLV
LITERARY TITAN 