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A Maiden’s Wish: A Novella follows two sisters who are offered a glimpse of a better life from a powerful shaman. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Initially, I aimed to tell a much shorter morality tale about two friends: a vain and misguided young woman and her humbler companion who are both offered a wish-making proposition by a supernatural entity. The entity promises fame and fortune to the one but warns that this fate will be achingly empty. In contrast, to the other woman, it promises an eternally rewarding life laden with hardships and heavy burdens. “You will not see the fruits of your efforts in this lifetime,” the entity tells the humble woman who desires to use her talents for humanity’s goodwill. “But they will echo across eternity.”
This concept, set in modern times, was eventually abandoned in favor of A Maiden’s Wish, which plays to some of the same narrative beats but has a much richer journey, more ideas, and (in my opinion) a superior ending.
Bayelle and Evora experience a vast range of emotions as they come to realize the cost of the choices they make. Are there any emotions or memories from your own life that you put into your characters’ lives?
Bayelle and Evora represent the internal struggles I’ve contended with as a young woman, especially in the flippant, sometimes predatory internet sphere. Evora is the identity I chose, along my social media path, to reject: male manipulation, self-objectification, and abuse of beauty for “likes” and flattery. Conversely, Bayelle embodies my frustrations and deepest longings as a woman and, indeed, a human being: the desire to love, be loved, and impress an eternal impact upon the world through my creative skills.
Bayelle encounters opposition from worldly wickedness, oppressive opinions, and erroneous religious teachings along her journey, representative of our culture’s current divisions in the realms of feminism, “red pill” society, and the Christian church. As I have come to triumph over the flaws and failings in each of these groups, I developed the satisfaction I have been privileged to bestow upon Bayelle at the peak of her struggle.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Mankind has a warped view of what constitutes a fulfilling life, and it also holds a warped perception of women. As a race, we’re made for so much more than the glazed-eyed, hazy-minded daily grind. You can own as much “stuff” as you like; the stuff won’t fit into the hole in your heart. It can’t plug up and force away the sadness we sometimes feel or keep joy locked inside. Beauty, in its physical form, will erase its bloom from every face that weathers enough time and exposure to this world. The good news? That’s okay.
Appearances are one small and impermanent part of our intricate whole, and beauty that penetrates no deeper than one’s moisturizer cannot affect a grander purpose. A Maiden’s Wish asks our divisive culture to be realistic and seek deeper things than what is readily seen. Women are beautiful, and our femininity distinguishes us from men, but visuals don’t make or break us, just as they don’t make a book interesting beyond a fleeting glance. Women are not toys, commodities, objects (whether exploited by self or others), or beings of inferior purpose and intellect, all tailored for the same purpose—we are equals under God and accountable to none but Him.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
The power of this story, for me, is its brevity and finality; I do not anticipate a sequel or spin-off, but I’m sure it will have “spiritual successors” of a sort. The book’s themes, gentle magical varnish, and the nature of the characters within made for a wonderfully appealing writing process that might be cathartic to explore in a different, unrelated world and plot.
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The human heart harbors many desires—some fulfilled, others forgone. But young Bayelle and her sister have a guaranteed chance at a better life in the form of a powerful shaman who can grant them each one wish. When dreams and reality clash and the dust of their decisions settles, Bayelle and Evora discover what is truly worth wishing for… and the consequences of entrusting one’s future to the forces of magic.
A coming-of-age and morality tale.
The Spirits of Hyni
The Spirits of Hyni, book two of The Wolf and the Phoenix series by Trevor Bartlett, delves into the myths and legends of powerful and enigmatic creatures, navigating both external battles and inner turmoil. Bartlett’s fantastical world transports readers to exotic cities and mighty kingdoms, teeming with magical and mysterious beings. The intricate plot unveils a series of intriguing discoveries, hidden meanings, and captivating confrontations. As the journey unfolds, readers are introduced to the spirits of Hyni, each with a unique narrative. Central among them is The White Wolf, a character both revered and feared, whose distinctive qualities set him apart from even the spirits themselves. Through his perspective, we gain insights into the strengths and vulnerabilities of each character. The spirits gradually come alive, revealing the power and hidden histories that define them. Despite its fictional nature, the detailed myths and legends of the spirits feel vividly real, quickly becoming a compelling aspect of the book.
The story is rich with creative and fantastical elements. While the characters and plot become engaging over time, the initial pages are laden with descriptive passages that can slow the narrative’s progression. These detailed descriptions, while immersive, occasionally detract from the story, adding little to the context or beauty of the narrative style. However, as the plot develops, it becomes increasingly absorbing. The central characters, with their strange powers, grow more intriguing, especially as a looming war adds tension. Their powers and responsibilities create a blend of admiration and fear, highlighting their internal struggles and the darkness they must confront. Bartlett thoughtfully explores themes of destiny and duty. The main characters, bound by their powers and history, bear significant responsibilities as providers and protectors within their societies. They must balance these roles while maintaining their true selves, resisting the spirits’ overwhelming influence.
The Spirits of Hyni is a thought-provoking exploration of justice, choice, and legend. Themes of rebuilding and striving for a better future resonate as the characters’ determination and insecurities unfold. As they rediscover themselves, old questions are resolved, and new mysteries emerge, leaving much to ponder.
Pages: 443 | ASIN : B0CVBG16CF
Certain But Unpredictable
Thaddeus and the Master follows three Brother Apprentices who have arrived at the College of Sorcerers only to face new challenges and tribulations set upon them by both the senior students and the Faculty. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Back in the 70s, I used to drive to Chicago from Milwaukee for certain post-graduate studies I was attending in the Windy City. On those drives, I began to entertain the fantasy of what it would be like to attend a Sorcerer’s school – what sort of trouble would the students get into, what sort of pranks would they attempt, and what measures would the faculty – with centuries of this sort of behavioral experience under their belts – employ.
The concept gradually evolved over time to more of a full-fledged story and the details filled themselves in.
In a lot of 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?
Yes, especially in several of the characters who I ‘borrowed’ from various high school friends. I found it easier to take a person I already knew about in a way and modify them to fit the story as opposed to inventing an entire personality on the spot. Just being lazy, I suppose.
In fantasy novels, it’s easy to get carried away by the magical powers of characters. How did you balance the use of supernatural powers?
In this series, our Sorcerers are limited by the fact that each and every time they use their powers – even in the learning process – their life spans are reduced by a random, variable, and unknowable amount. One could cause a teacup to appear on Monday and lose 13 minutes of life span. On Tuesday of the same week, the same act could cost a Sorcerer 2 years of life span. The fact that it is certain but unpredictable causes a great deal of parsimony in the use of Sorcery in this world.
Can you tell us more about what’s in store for Thaddeus and the direction of the third book?
In Thaddeus and the Daemon, the evil plot of the corrupted Master Sorcerer and his Daemon accomplice is at last uncovered. Our Hero then goes to confront the pair knowing that he, a first-year only student, is sadly out-classed in power in facing the twain. Grasping at straws he begins to entertain the counter-intuitive idea that if he surrenders all of his Sorcerous powers he will, somehow, achieve the advantage over his antagonists. The results of this desperate move are eye-opening.
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The three Brother Apprentices have arrived at the College of Sorcerers only to face new challenges and tribulations set upon them by both the senior students and the Faculty.
Hindering their advancement at College are a collection of obstacles including a half-mad Centaur, a Green Goblin, the last living Father of Man, drug-seeking Sprites, sentient warrior statues, the Guardian of the Temple of Time, murderous attacks by Excelsior-Class brigands, Graecolian Slavers, the uncloaked evil of a twisted Master Sorcerer and the Pale Horse of Death.
. Can Thaddeus truly trust the mysterious Prince from far-distant Mauretesia?
. Can Thaddeus and his three friends solve the riddle of what lies behind the mirrors?
. Can Rolland prove how the College’s cook can claim to have fathered the leader of Fountaindale’s Thieve’s Guild?
. Can the Daemon’s challenge to Thaddeus be answered by his brother Apprentices?
. Can the ancient Lay of Man unravel the fate of the Father of Man?
. Can the four friends alter the dread fate prophesied by the Pale Horse?
In Louis Sauvain’s epic fantasy Book One, Thaddeus of Beewicke, the tortuous and danger-laden journey to the Sorcerer’s school is at last completed. In Book Two, Thaddeus and the Master, the young Apprentices at the College of Sorcerers learn first-hand the life-threatening risks of spell-casting, hand-to-hand combat and confrontation with hostile upperclassmen, disdainful Faculty and the deadly presence of the school’s Daemon.
Sauvain’s strength prevails creating a page-turner of strong and vigorous cast of characters.
Thaddeus and the Master
In the mystical realm where sorcery holds sway, Thaddeus and his fellow Brother Apprentices embark on a perilous odyssey to master the enigmatic Sorcerous Arts. Their passage through the hallowed halls of the College of Sorcerers is fraught with formidable challenges—ranging from antagonistic upperclassmen to the insidious machinations of a twisted Master Sorcerer, all while confronting the looming specter of the Pale Horse of Death. As Thaddeus grapples with matters of trust, deciphers intricate riddles, and confronts the weight of prophetic destinies, he becomes acutely aware of the multifaceted forces at play, including the formidable obstacles posed by his own inner conflicts.
Thaddeus and the Master, penned by Louis Sauvain, emerges as an epic fantasy masterpiece that unfurls into a mesmerizing narrative of magic, camaraderie, and imminent peril. Sauvain’s latest literary offering intricately builds upon the foundation of his prior works, delving deeper into the trials and triumphs of Thaddeus and his companions on their arcane journey. The narrative casts a spell of enchantment, immersing readers in a world teeming with magic and peril, vividly depicted against a backdrop of vibrant landscapes and immersive locales.
One of Sauvain’s notable achievements lies in the creation of characters that strike a delicate balance between the familiar and the fantastical, each imbued with human flaws that serve to enrich the narrative tapestry. This infusion of relatable complexity adds layers of depth and intrigue to the story, fostering an emotional connection between the reader and the characters. Thaddeus’s personal odyssey of growth and self-discovery serves as a poignant focal point, as he grapples with challenges that test not only his sorcerous prowess but also the bonds of friendship and loyalty. The meticulous world-building evident in this installment is a testament to Sauvain’s narrative finesse, as he deftly conjures a tapestry of sights, sounds, tastes, and aromas that evoke a myriad of emotions and sensations. From the bustling corridors of the College of Sorcerers to the enigmatic realms that lie beyond, readers are seamlessly transported to a realm where adventure and magic await at every turn. The inclusion of memorable characters such as Asullus, with his sage wisdom and wry humor, serves to further enrich the narrative, offering both levity and profound insights.
Thaddeus and the Master stands as a testament to Sauvain’s narrative prowess, offering readers an enthralling sojourn into a realm of sorcery, danger, and profound personal growth. Highly recommended for aficionados of high fantasy literature such as Game of Thrones and The Lord of the Rings, this captivating tale of magic and mystery is certain to captivate and enthrall.
Pages: 444 | ASIN : B0BMGGN3MN
Finding a Family and Love
Searching for Zen follows a young boy from Earth who is given a divine destiny and the chance to impact civilization if he confronts humanity’s dark side and discovers the meaning of love. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
A long time ago, I lost someone and decided to drive across Canada alone. I felt like my life was all but over. I felt like I had wasted all my potential and listened to Beck’s Sea Change for the first 20 hours. After a while, I needed to change my mindset, so I decided to tell myself a story to help change my mindset. I needed to remind myself what I felt was most important. The story, of course, has changed a lot in the past 20 years.
Zen goes through many changes and challenges, shaping who he becomes. A lot of time was spent crafting the character traits in this novel. What was the most important factor for you to get right in your characters?
I was hoping you feel him being lost. So all his powers and potential are not what is really important, but finding a family and love was what was most important. Maybe just me, but I think it’s finding those connections that really matter in life.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I feel like the current situation of our world is darker than it has been since I’ve been alive, and many feel lost. I just wanted to be a small voice to remind people what is important.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
I have 6 other stories or books, but I do have a plan for 2 more books for Zen. The next might be Zen headed to the spiritual realm and look into that. I don’t see my story as a spiritual one really, but I do think faith is important. I like leaving that open to interpretation, but I was trying to blend a more modern take on fantasy religion or faith.
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Our story begins on Earth, but an Earth with a past steeped in fantasy, myths, and legends. From humble beginnings, a boy is given a divine destiny, a chance to make his mark on human civilization, but he must embark upon a life-changing journey. Our hero struggles to understand what he has been given and what to do with it, losing himself in doubt and loneliness as he confronts the dark side of humanity.
Coming of age, Zen finds strength in himself, builds a family from a motley collection of strangers, and discovers love. His newfound friends help him open up, learn to trust others, and eventually understand his reason for fighting. The trials he faces throughout his quest amplify as his power increases, and he even sparks the ire of those in the spirit realm, who doubt any human can wield such power successfully.
As Zen grapples with the weight of his purpose and the sacrifices it demands, he learns that the true power lies not in his abilities alone, but in the bonds of love, friendship, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Making Complicated Choices
The Wolves of Orkerion follows a young princess born from the union of a god-king and a troll king who wants to prove her worth as a warrior and carve out her own destiny. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration came from me wanting to start Lunaria off as a young character who is changed by combat. With the Wolf-Ones, I wanted them to feel desperate and that rebelling was their only option.
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?
I used Norse mythology as a base for my world. The trolls being a large people with strength much greater than any human, I wanted their world to show that. I would say most thing stayed the same during the writing process.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The themes I wanted to explore are many, but the main one is choice. I find it interesting when characters are forced to make complicated choices. Choosing to go to war isn’t on easy choice to make, neither is killing those who are just following their leaders out of loyalty or other reasons. Another theme is growing up. We all have to do it eventually. The third theme is parenting. Ithagmir is not a good parent, but she does try to love Lunaria.
Can you tell us more about where the story and characters go after book one?
I do plan on expanding the story. After the first book, Lunaria will be a changed woman. She’ll be more accepting of violence and may commit savage acts. Due to her heritage, Lunaria will also be an important political figure, but not all will be so welcoming of her. Lunaria will meet her father and get some much-needed answers. Her extended family will also be a focus for the next installments.
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Sense of Exclusion
Sister Bevenlee and Mother of Pox follows an eight-year-old peasant girl who is discovered to have the ability to see auras and is sent to the Tower to learn the skills of the Sisters. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
This story came as a result of two short stories about Mothers at the Tower (“Mother of Song” and “Mother of Grub,” both included in the second book of the series, Mothers of the Tower). I meant it to be a novella, to give the perspective of the Sisters forced to live and work at the Tower, but as the story took shape, I realized it needed a lot more information to be complete. Thus. it became the longest manuscript I’d written to that point.
The world you created in this novel is brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from, and how did it change as you wrote?
The original short story, “The Arch of Peresephalon,” was a simple one-off, an exercise to see if I could pen such a twisted tale. I never named the central character. (As this was in first-person POV, I got away with it.) Though I moved on to my next project, I kept circling back to the ideas in this one. “Mother of Grub” took shape soon after. Sister Bevenlee followed. That novel included another Mother (Mother of Draglins) with such a crazy tale, she deserved her own story. After I wrote “Mother of Draglins,” three more stories bloomed to life in my head, based on Mothers in the other stories. “Mother of Succor,” “Mother of Boots,” and “Mother of Stomp” joined “Mother of Song” and “Mother of Grub” as the stories collected in Mothers of the Tower. As I crafted each, I included elements of other stories, tying the series together across the many decades they take place. A short story, “Pulled” (available for free at the end of Sister Bevenlee if you sign up to receive my newsletter), carries the setting of Sephalon five centuries into the future.
I have thoughts of writing about the start of it all, with Mothers of Builder and Fetcher as the central characters, but no firm idea has taken shape yet.
Bevenlee struggles to fit in with the Sisters and find her identity after discovering her skills. What themes were important to explore in this book?
All Sisters end up at the Tower against their will, being pulled by the gods when they turn eight. It is a traumatic time, and some don’t survive the journey. As a military brat, I experienced that sense of uprooting and dislocation several times. When people ask where I grew up or where I’m from, I don’t really have an answer. (Bevenlee starts out not knowing the name of her home kingdom.)
Through no fault of her own, Bevenlee never experiences the pull, her fate as a Sister coming to light at the same time Sisters from the Tower arrive to fetch Princess Ukee, pregnant with a god (that pregnancy creates the aura Bevenlee sees at the start of the story). She rides in Fetcher’s carriage with Princess/Mother Ukee. For pledging to be Ukee’s friend, she receives a blue belt (and later a blue eyepatch) matching the color of Ukee’s clothing, both gifted to them by a god on their first night en route to the Tower. So from the start, Bevenlee’s set apart from the other Sisters at the Tower. Growing up as I did, I had no long-term friends and thought that sense of exclusion fit the story well.
As she’s stubborn, Bevenlee keeps on with herself and triumphs in the end. I feel I did well for myself despite my childhood experiences, and felt Bevenlee deserved a similarly bright future.
Will there be a follow-up novel for this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
With the way this story ends, it’s appropriately positioned as the final book in the series. As mentioned, I do offer a short story set five centuries after Sister Bevenlee, called “Pulled.” Readers familiar with the series will understand the meaning of that title. I may try a prequel focused on the first Mother, but that’s many projects away if it ever comes to fruition.
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Eight-year-old peasant girl Bevenlee sees an aura around fourteen-year-old Princess Ukee and within hours they’re en route to the Tower, where for five centuries one hundred Sisters have attended the precious Mothers who give birth to the gods that walk the land.…and eternally unforgiving.
As a Sister, Bevenlee learns new skills and makes new and loyal friends, but suffers torment and terrible injuries from Sisters and gods alike. When the birth of her child leaves Mother Ukee in a debilitating unresponsiveness, tensions within the Tower intensify.
For a terrifying pestilence threatens the Scattered Kingdoms at the same time the Horde—a relentless enemy army—invades with the intent to destroy the Tower and all in their path.
With growing suspicions that her dear friend’s mysterious child might be the cause of the deadly pox, young Bevenlee, her very sanity in question, must find a way to save herself, Mother Ukee, and all they know and love, or be condemned to everlasting damnation.
Return to The Tower of Sephalon for the final chapter of Charles Brass’s thrilling fantasy series! Each book is a stand-alone story set in the land of the Scattered Kingdoms, where Sisters devote their lives to the Mothers that birth the gods that walk the earth.
Searching For Zen: A Tale of Divine Destiny
Searching for Zen by Albert T. Franklin presents a compelling narrative centered around Zen, a character destined to become the Zendarian, a beacon of hope and leadership. Zen’s journey, marked by isolation due to his unique abilities, unfolds as he grapples with the burden of his powers and the quest for self-identity.
The novel opens with a captivating premise: a child, chosen by a divine force and bestowed with formidable powers, becomes an outcast in his own village. This intriguing start sets the stage for a richly constructed world. However, it sometimes leaves the reader pondering whether its inspiration is derived from ancient Earth or an entirely fictional realm. The diversity of characters, including various mythical entities, adds depth and color to this universe. The assortment of powers and skills each character possesses enhances the narrative and plays a crucial role in the unfolding of events. The brisk pacing of the story speaks to its engaging nature, keeping readers constantly intrigued and eager for further development in its rich setting and multifaceted themes. Zen’s ability to swiftly overcome obstacles highlights his exceptional skills and the strength of his character, providing an optimistic view of his journey and the challenges he faces. The book ventures into the realm of romance, presenting opportunities for even more nuanced development in future installments. Zen’s dialogue, predominantly marked by wisdom and maturity, intriguingly explores different facets of his character in more personal contexts, adding layers to his persona and keeping the reader engaged in his growth and evolution.
For those drawn to self-discovery stories, Searching for Zen offers a journey through a vividly imagined world filled with intriguing characters and fantastical creatures. The theme of finding one’s chosen family resonates throughout the narrative, making it appealing to enthusiasts of epic adventures and explorations of personal identity.
Pages: 201 | ASIN : B0CNHX1WFD
LITERARY TITAN 