Blog Archives
Knightfall
C.L. Embry’s Knightfall grips readers with a powerful blend of ambition, identity, and shifting perspectives. Set against a backdrop of medieval intrigue, the narrative follows Axel, a knight disillusioned by tradition and consumed by his obsession with alchemy. What starts as a simple pursuit to master transmutation turns into a journey of self-realization, pushing Axel to question everything he knows about his world and himself. The lessons he learns along the way are as unexpected as they are transformative.
Action, introspection, and mysticism weave seamlessly throughout the story, keeping you invested while also making you think. Embry crafts a world so vivid and detailed, you can almost feel the tension in the kingdom’s air—especially as fear and fascination with alchemy collide. The societal and political layers are rich, making every interaction feel loaded with consequence. Axel himself is a character who doesn’t ask for your sympathy. His flaws are real, his decisions often questionable. Yet, it’s precisely this complexity that makes his eventual growth deeply satisfying, turning what could have been a straightforward quest into something much more meaningful.
Alchemy, in Knightfall, is more than a plot device. It’s a metaphor for transformation, threading through the narrative to highlight themes of change and enlightenment. Embry doesn’t spoon-feed you the story’s deeper meanings. Instead, clues and reflections are sprinkled throughout Axel’s journey, allowing you to unearth layers of insight as the story unfolds. Political intrigues and hints of larger, unseen forces add depth without overwhelming the central narrative. By the time you finish, there’s plenty to ponder, and the world lingers in your mind.
Fans of introspective fantasy will feel right at home here, especially those who crave stories driven by character development and philosophical themes. If you love tales of personal growth, redemption, or the tension between power and knowledge, Knightfall delivers. The novel strikes a fine balance between being accessible and thought-provoking, making it an excellent pick for readers who want more than just a standard adventure.
Pages: 276 | ASIN : B0DJL6GLWW
Silence
Silence, by Che De Leon, is a gripping dystopian novel set in a world where society is starkly divided into the Complete and the Incomplete. The chasm between these two groups has never been wider, with desperation and greed ruling the day. The black market thrives, as the wealthy treat body parts like fashion accessories, swapping them at will. Amidst this chaotic world, we meet Lily—the girl with no tongue. In this brutal reality, De Leon explores the fragility of humanity. Can a world built on violence, theft, and survival possibly change? Is there room to dream of something better, or is hope a luxury no one can afford? These questions are at the heart of Lily’s journey, as she navigates a life torn between the past and the present.
The novel alternates between two timelines, reflecting Lily’s dual existence. In one, she recalls her seemingly idyllic childhood in a quiet seaside village, where she still had her tongue and a sense of belonging. In the other, we see her in the bustling, cutthroat City, where survival means becoming Complete again—no matter the cost. Lured by a mysterious girl in an ugly sweater who offers promises of fulfillment, Lily embarks on a dangerous quest, learning how to navigate a society that treats her as inferior. Along the way, she meets others like her, who teach her the skills needed to survive in the cruel and unforgiving City. She also faces tormentors, individuals who challenge her dignity and pride, testing her will to continue. As Lily struggles to come to terms with all that she has lost—her body, her identity, and perhaps her hope—De Leon’s storytelling shines.
The author weaves a complex narrative that is as emotionally resonant as it is darkly imaginative. Lily’s internal battle mirrors the external conflict in this fractured world, making her story both deeply personal and universally relatable. De Leon’s voice is both distinct and powerful, offering readers an unflinching look at themes of survival, identity, and resilience.
The lessons embedded in Lily’s journey transcend the dystopian setting, speaking to readers of all backgrounds, regardless of race, gender, or age. While set in an alternate reality, the novel strikes an eerie chord, suggesting that this world may not be as far from our own as we would like to believe.
Silence is not just a tale of a girl trying to reclaim what was taken from her. It is a reflection on human nature and the lengths to which individuals will go to feel whole again. De Leon’s masterful storytelling and richly drawn world make this a novel that lingers long after the final page, challenging readers to think about what it means to be complete in a world that feels so broken.
Pages: 225 | ASIN : B0D88K98TR
A Universal Truth
Children of Madness follows five children from an outcast town who are promised a better life if they fulfill a dangerous quest from the realm’s king. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My six-year-old daughter Alex Beam. Every day she proves how much of a better person she is than me. She is positive and outgoing, dumbly brave, and non-judgmental. Down for anything and always expecting the best out of people. Loyal to a fault.
My previous sci-fi trilogy (The Station Trilogy) focused on true anti-heroes, damaged characters who did as much bad as good. It was dark and brooding and lacked hope. With Children of Madness, I wanted to write about true heroes with pure hearts. I wanted to showcase the power of children, who maintain wonderful qualities that most adults lose somewhere along the way.
Light shines brightest amidst darkness, so I needed to place this group of child friends in a world of war, sickness, greed, and perversion. But unlike adults, who would fold under such evil pressures, the children would persevere, powered by duty, loyalty, love, and friendship.
Finally, I wanted to show that, despite best intentions, well-laid plans, and strong support systems, bad things happen… horrible things. The world can be ugly, but there is always beauty to be found. Unfortunately, oftentimes only young eyes can see it.
All of your characters are well-developed and bring the story to life, drawing readers into their lives. What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
Potty-mouthed Fincher Bugg was great fun to write for. I’d like to say that I based him on myself, but this would be a lie. Fincher was who I wanted to be—brash, outspoken, and confident which is why I really connected with the Ditto character. Ditto was quiet, fiercely loyal, and unsure of himself. Take away Ditto’s size, strength, and maturity, and you probably come close to me as a kid.
None of the characters were particularly challenging, but Ash changed quite a bit from my initial plans. Ash was going to be the fearless one, the first to throw a punch or leap into danger. However, given her past trauma and great physical loss, it made more sense that she would be the careful, practical member of the group. We all think we’re immortal until we glimpse death, and that permanently changes how we view the world and our fragile place within it. Ash Bugg was no different.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Above all, friendship, loyalty, and duty, particularly regarding those that you choose to call family. I also wanted to touch on elements of oppression and discrimination, believing that many of the most wondrous individuals are products of such environmental factors—pressure creates diamonds, you know. Finally, I wanted to tell a story that showcased a universal truth that we all are guilty of forgetting or discounting—adults can learn more from children than they can from us.
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?
Coming on the heels of a trilogy that took a lot out of me (and tired of all the series that flood the fantasy market), I was determined to write a standalone novel. In my opinion, the story has been completed… at least for now. But I admittedly love these characters. If the perfect continuation or prequel idea came to me (well down the road), I would be open to revisiting the world. I mean, who doesn’t want to see old friends again?
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
FOR A WORLD GONE CRAZY, ONLY THOSE RAISED AMONG MADNESS CAN HELPThe Imperator of Quaan restlessly awaits the centennial arrival of the Snail-Gods to cure the Gloomtide, a shadow of melancholy blanketing the Titian Empire. But when the Supreme Helices finally make landfall, they do so just out of reach of the distressed monarch, beyond a poisonous grove that separates man from messiah.
Fincher Bugg leads the Sour Flower Gang, the preeminent child harvesters of the Stenches, a town of outcasts condemned to diminished lives toiling away in toxic conditions. As Fincher and his four friends endure external abuse from outsiders, internally they also suffer, watching as their parents slowly succumb to the Maddening. Despite the solace of unbreakable friendship, life is unrelenting.
When a desperate king makes a seemingly magnanimous offer to a hopeless population, the Sour Flower Gang sets out on a harrowing expedition to find God for the very people who cast them aside.
During a journey in which the children encounter the unimaginable—both beautiful and nightmarish—a terrifying question takes shape. Are the Snail-Gods here to once more save mankind, or is the Gloomtide that has enveloped Quaan a precursor to humanity’s deserved end?
An Exciting Journey
Stonechild follows a teenage girl living in London who is determined to discover how and why the city’s statues are coming to life. What inspired the setup of your story?
As a mountain guide, I was already involved in the climate crisis and sharing the word on what needs to be done. This particular day, I was working in London on some corporate training. It was a hot day, we had walked a lot and my clients were taking a long time in solving a clue, which was based around the Royal Tank Regiment Memorial statue in Whitehall. I pictured the statue coming to life with the answer to the clue, and the idea grew from there. I sometimes joke that, as in the story, the statues share a telepathy, and so perhaps they gave me the idea!
Molly has lived her life traveling and exploring, giving her a unique perspective on the mystery but still allowing her to grow and learn from the experiences. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
Molly is a combination of my own experiences and those around me. My own son travelled extensively from a young age, and I have friends who home-educated their children. Being curious has opened many doors for me during my life. I used to work in youth development and so I wanted to briefly touch on the subjects that affect us as teenagers, and in doing so, Molly’s character developed further. It was also interesting to explore Molly’s relationship with her brother and how that was changing when he had a girlfriend.
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?
This was a really interesting and at times, an exciting journey for me. I had ideas of why the statues would come to life and how. Climate was to be the reason behind the plot. The rest just grew as I wrote. I did a lot of research and ideas often sprung from that research. Sometimes, I would wake up at four in the morning with an idea, and would just have to get up and write. I was a police officer in the UK, so quite methodical in what I do. My writing place had files on each character and a map of London on the wall placing where the statues are and Molly’s adventures.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
Stonechild finishes with the opening to the sequel, which I am currently researching. We will have moved on by about five years, and as readers might guess, we still haven’t done much to stop climate change. The story won’t be a repeat of what happens in Stonechild, I have something different in mind and it won’t be in London. As with Stonechild, I want a really good story that also makes us reflect on what we should be doing with this beautiful planet and how we live our lives.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Elven Blood: A Fantasy Realms Novel (Volume 1 of the Vellhor Saga): A Fantasy Realms Novel
Elven Blood, the inaugural novel in The Vellhor Saga by Mark Stanley, unfolds a captivating tale where dragons have mysteriously vanished, plunging the nations of Vellhor into war. Amidst the ensuing darkness and chaos, the dwarven heir Gunnar and the exiled Elf Anwyn are drawn together in a forbidden love that sets them on a perilous journey. Themes of courage, love, and sacrifice interweave to lay the foundation of this epic narrative.
Stanley crafts a narrative that is deeply engaging, with characters as distinct and multifaceted as the cultures they hail from. Familiar fantasy races are presented with unique twists, such as Elves who do not wield bows, offering a refreshing take on traditional archetypes. One of the standout elements of Elven Blood is its innovative magic system, seamlessly integrated into the world of Vellhor. The differences in magic among the various races add depth and coherence to the setting, enhancing the reader’s immersion. The world-building is robust and richly detailed, rewarding readers with a deeply immersive experience. The initial chapters thoughtfully introduce the intricate world and its inhabitants, laying a solid foundation for the story. While the narrative style occasionally leans towards telling rather than showing, it provides clear insights into the characters’ inner experiences, setting the stage for a compelling and engaging journey. The story remains compelling, drawing readers into its depths. Anwyn’s journey, in particular, is a highlight, showcasing her growth and struggles in a way that is both relatable and inspiring. Mark Stanley’s world-building prowess shines in this book, where each culture is meticulously crafted to offer a richly immersive reading experience. The complexity of relationships and connections among characters adds depth to the story, rewarding readers with a fascinating and engaging journey as they delve into this intricately woven world.
Elven Blood by Mark Stanley is a masterfully crafted beginning to The Vellhor Saga. With its unique twists on familiar fantasy elements, richly detailed worldbuilding, and compelling character journeys, this novel promises an epic adventure that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment.
Pages: 384 | ASIN : B0D6M516PW
Always a Way to Survive
Ironborn follows an orphan living on the street, surviving off his wits, who has a deal go sour and winds up on the open sea as part of a naval crew fighting an oppressive tyrant. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I’ve always loved stories of people who start out with nothing and overcome overwhelming odds in real life and in fiction. Crutch starts as low as you can get, literally, surviving on rats and cockroaches in the sewers of Ironbay. He has no friends and the people he has contact with, like the gangs or the city guard, steal from him or try to kill him. Crutch is also crippled in one leg.
On the surface of it, there is no way someone like Crutch could succeed or even survive. But somehow he finds a way. That’s a story I love telling. Trodden down people society has written off finding some way to succeed when everything looks impossible.
Crutch is not as strong as other members of the crew, but what he lacks in physical strength he makes up for with intelligence and sharp wit. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
At the beginning of Ironborn Crutch is not just physically weaker than everyone around him, he’s also friendless. He has never really had a close friend in his life. One he had for a short time was hanged and another was eaten.
I wanted readers to see Crutch’s journey learning how he could use his intelligence to win over opponents stronger than him. But even more importantly, I wanted readers to see Crutch grow emotionally, learning to be part of a team, to trust people around him, and to find real friendship and comradeship.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
That there are thousands of solutions to every problem and you just have to find one that works for you. That the most powerful and important thing in life is the people around you, the friendships you make, and the people you stand with and stand by when challenges come and your back’s against the wall.
Most important of all, that no matter how bad things look there’s always a way to survive and push through.
Can you tell us what the second book will be about and when it will be available for fans to purchase?
There are already five books in the Ironborn Saga available on Amazon with more to come (the sixth is almost finished as I write this). In the second novel, Our Blood Our Land, mutiny is afoot and the pirate captain Wyld Dog takes back the Auld Faithful. Wyld Dog uses Crutch as a pawn to pillage merchant ships.
Meanwhile, Estovia, ruled by the power-hungry tyrant, Emperor Solokov, invades Papageenar, the agricultural heartland of the Ironborn territories. The Ironborn have to find a way to stop his army from cutting off Ironbay’s supply of food and starving them into submission.
Wyld Vengeance is a fun, fast-paced romp of a prequel revealing how the mild-mannered noble William Wyld became the ruthless king of the pirates Wyld Dog. You can get the novella Wyld Vengeance free at my website: http://andrewcavanagh.com.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
The island kingdom of Ironbay is under siege from Estovia’s warships. Can a street urchin and a tiny band of royal marines break the siege and free Ironbay, or will Estovia’s oppressive, power hungry tyrant, Emperor Solokov, crush their Ironborn home?
Ironborn is fast paced, epic fantasy with heart. You’ll laugh out loud, you’ll cry, and you’ll be on the edge of your seat.
Echi Eterni
When Command Sergeant Major Elan Durant stumbled upon a two-decade-old parcel in the basement of his childhood home, he never imagined that his post-retirement days as a Marine would be marked by a dangerous quest. The name ‘Kaira Mazza’ haunts his visions, driving him to uncover the mystery of her disappearance. Elan, a seasoned Marine accustomed to facing danger head-on, finds himself on a whole new battlefield—one fueled by ancient magic and a struggle between light and darkness. His determination to find Kaira Mazza is driven by a deeply ingrained sense of duty and justice, transforming his journey into a personal crusade fraught with peril and discovery. Throughout his perilous quest, Elan finds strength in unexpected companions, each grappling with their own past secrets and histories. Together, they navigate treacherous terrains and confront supernatural forces, forging unbreakable bonds of friendship and loyalty along the way.
Echi Eterni by Erhrole Navarro is a fantasy novel that captivates readers with the remarkable journey of a retired Marine. Set in a world teeming with ancient magic and hidden truths, Navarro’s storytelling grips the reader from the very first page with vivid imagery and a compelling narrative. While the initial chapters may seem overly descriptive, the rich narration soon unfolds into an enthralling adventure. Echi Eterni is more than just a battle against evil; it’s a story about finding strength in unexpected places. It explores the unbreakable bond of family, the camaraderie forged in battle, and the power of love that transcends time. This novel reminds us that even the most ordinary among us can be called upon for something extraordinary and that facing the darkness within ourselves can be the key to unlocking the light that saves the world.
Echi Eterni is a riveting fantasy novel that combines the grit and determination of a retired Marine with the enchantment of a world filled with ancient magic. Erhrole Navarro’s skillful storytelling and richly detailed narrative create a compelling journey that is both heart-pounding and emotionally resonant. This book is perfect for readers who enjoy a mix of action, mystery, and fantasy, with characters who exhibit profound growth and resilience.
Pages: 352 | ASIN : B0D1N8Q8JB
Elven Blood: Volume 1 of the Vellhor Saga
Elven Blood, the first volume in Mark Stanley’s Vellhor Saga, is an enthralling tale of forbidden love and epic fantasy. In a world fraught with ancient enmities, chaos erupts when Gunnar, the dwarven throne’s heir, falls in love with Anwyn, an elven exile. As external forces threaten the realm, Anwyn and Gunnar navigate a web of hostile alliances and betrayal, striving to avert war, destruction, and sorcery while pursuing their illicit love.
Mark Stanley demonstrates remarkable storytelling and world-building skills, crafting a vivid and immersive fictional universe. His descriptive writing style effortlessly brings to life the diverse and intricate settings, making it easy for readers to visualize each scene. Stanley’s use of figurative language enhances the narrative, painting chaotic scenes and complex environments with precision and depth. The plot explores several compelling themes, including forbidden love, longstanding enmities, and emotional turmoil. The romance between Gunnar and Anwyn is central to the story, adding a layer of intensity and passion that drives the narrative forward. The characters are well-developed and unique, each contributing to the story’s richness. The protagonists’ journey together showcases impressive character development, while the supporting cast adds depth and quality to the tale. One of the standout features of Elven Blood is the inclusion of a glossary and a map at the beginning of the book. These additions provide valuable context and enhance the reader’s understanding of the world Stanley has created, making the experience more engaging and enjoyable.
Elven Blood by Mark Stanley is a captivating start to the Vellhor Saga, offering a blend of romance, fantasy, and adventure. Stanley’s exceptional world-building and character development make this book a must-read for fans of epic fantasy and intricate love stories. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an immersive and thrilling read.
Pages: 250 | ASIN : B0D73WRBP7
LITERARY TITAN 