Blog Archives
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
The Wolves of Orkerion (The Lightning Child Book 1)
Quinn Lamothe’s The Wolves of Orkerion is a riveting journey set in a dynamic, fantasy world. Centered around the young princess Lunaria Druutha, the narrative unfolds in the enchanting realm of Orkerion. Born to a god-king and a troll queen, Lunaria is a character of great determination, poised to carve a distinct path in the legacy of the nine realms. The story gains momentum as Lunaria’s mother, the esteemed High Queen Ithagmir Druutha, faces a formidable uprising, propelling Lunaria into a vortex of conflict and self-discovery. As the continent is engulfed in civil unrest, she encounters the legendary Wolf-Ones and her own kin, the trolls, in a series of conflicts that test her mettle and shape her identity as a warrior.
The novel excels in its harmonious blend of brisk action and imaginative storytelling. Lamothe’s prowess in constructing the world of Orkerion is noteworthy, crafting a landscape rich in cultural and mystical nuances. The well-developed characters add depth to the story’s complex tapestry. Particularly captivating is the juxtaposition of the enigmatic Wolf-Ones with the formidable trolls, a combination that infuses the tale with intrigue and surprise. Lamothe’s narrative style is compelling, drawing readers into the heart of Orkerion’s struggles and triumphs. The author’s attention to detail in world-building is remarkable, with each aspect of Orkerion intricately designed to immerse readers in its vibrant and mystical atmosphere. From the vast landscapes to the societal structures, every element contributes to an expansive and immersive reading experience.
The Wolves of Orkerion is a testament to Lamothe’s skill in blending action and fantasy. It offers an engaging and thoroughly enjoyable story. This vivid and imaginative foray into the fantasy genre is sure to captivate and entertain readers.
Pages: 386 | ASIN : B0CV8P4ZQC
Sister Bevenlee and Mother of Pox
Charles Brass’s Sister Bevenlee and Mother of Pox, the third installment in The Tower of Sephalon series, immerses readers in a vibrant fantasy realm replete with mythical creatures and intricate challenges. In this tale, Sister Bevenlee faces the daunting task of confronting a menacing prophecy within the ancient walls of Sephalon. Her journey is fraught with internal struggles and external threats, including the sinister Mother of Pox and her deadly pandemic plot.
Brass skillfully weaves a narrative where Bevenlee’s quest for allies and self-discovery becomes crucial for Sephalon’s survival. The story offers a rich tapestry of dangerous dungeons, ancient ruins, and captivating characters, inviting readers to join Sister Bevenlee in her formidable quest against darkness while clinging to hope. The book’s substantial chapter count and dynamic plot shifts add to its richness, presenting an engaging challenge for readers. These elements, while occasionally demanding a bit more focus, ultimately contribute to the depth and enjoyment of the narrative. The protagonists’ struggles, discoveries, and conflicts are engaging, adding layers to the plot. The novel particularly excels in portraying epic battles, keeping readers invested and anticipating each new development in Sephalon’s saga.
Sister Bevenlee and Mother of Pox presents a richly woven tale of bravery set in a mesmerizing fantasy world. Its ability to balance complex characters and an engaging storyline makes it a commendable addition for those who appreciate the intricacies of fantasy literature.
Pages: 425 | ASIN : B0CQ83PRYF
A Very Healing Outlet
The Tower: Legend of the Heartstone follows a sixteen-year-old girl who, on her birthday, enters the mysterious tower in her town and enters a realm filled with magic. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for my story came from two places. Therapy and a dream. My therapist, Lisa (who the book is dedicated to), suggested I find something that made/could make me happy by looking back on my childhood. As a pre-teen I loved to write stories, mostly horror and mystery. I gave up writing the older I became because I felt I would be made fun of for it. (Yay for social anxiety!) So, I was playing around with the idea of what kind of story I should write, when one night I had a dream. I was standing outside of a tall, mysterious Tower and I wanted to go inside. My mother was there too, and I begged her to go inside the Tower with me. She refused, saying she was perfectly happy with how her life was. I remember choosing to enter the Tower in the dream, sad my mother wasn’t joining me, but excited for the possibilities beyond its door. I woke up and started creating the story from there. I really liked the idea of a YA fantasy story that involved a child and a parent, where both have their individual journey, as well as one together. (More of that happening in book 2!)
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. There are pieces of me in every part of this story. Not necessarily in the events, but in the emotions of all the characters. The feelings they feel, happy and sad, pain and sorrow, that’s where I poured out feelings I have kept inside me for years. It was a very healing outlet, and I believe it helped the characters be more relatable to my readers.
How did you handle the magic in this story, and how did it evolve as you were writing?
I had a secret weapon when it came to creating the magic system for my story. My husband, Jordan (who also drew the cover and chapter art). I came up with the core of the magic system in my story, the Heartstone, and my husband kept asking me SO many questions about the history of it, how it worked, how people used it, etc. I will admit, there wasn’t going to be much to the way magic worked in Azendor (fantasy world), but my husband was so curious and wanted more and more, that together we came up with the ins and outs of how magic worked in the world I created. I even remember one day we were out hiking with our toddler and baby, and he was asking about spell creation and how the common person could use magic in Azendor, not just the students at Refudawn Academy. I had NO idea whatsoever how to answer his question. So, I looked around at the forest we were hiking through and was inspired by nature. Realizing that with the shattering of the Heartstone, some of the magical energy had to be expelled out into the realm. Why not have it jump into nearby plants and animals? Then people could collect those things to obtain magical properties. I won’t go into much more on that, but that’s where the magic system for my story really jumped off from. The magic evolved as I wrote, because my characters kept using it more and more, which meant my husband would question/catch more loopholes to how the magic worked. He was reading each chapter after I finished its first draft, and he really helped in creating the way magic works in this story.
When will book 2 be available? Can you give us an idea of where that book will take readers?
I am hoping book 2 will be available mid to late March of this year (2024). Book 1 takes place in Ena’s hometown, and the main town of Azendor, Refudawn. Book 2, The Quest, will take readers throughout the realm of Azendor. There will be more interactions with the magic of the world, and the people who live there. The kingdom of the sky dwarves, the elven forest, the ocean-side settlement of the Kiri (skin changers), and meeting the realm’s remaining dragon, Rahu. I really enjoyed writing book 2 and am so excited for people to learn even more about Ena’s mother’s past, why the dark lord is after Ena, and who her father is. AND which boy has the best chance of being her love interest (no spice – just sweet young love, it is YA after all).
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As her sixteenth birthday and the cusp of adulthood approaches, Ena faces a life trapped either by the ambitions of her vain and overbearing mother or the unrequited affections of her best friend.
Encouraged by a mysterious stranger, Ena enters the Tower in a desperate bid for freedom and finds herself in a dream come true, learning magic alongside elves, fauns, centaurs, and more in the realm of Azendor. All is not well in this fairytale haven, however, and Ena soon faces treachery among those she trusts, dangerous dark creatures, and an enemy with his sights set not only on Azendor but on Ena herself.
Ena will find that, in Azendor, she is anything but ordinary. Believing in magic is just the beginning.
Betrayal and Fidelity
Raven’s Bane: A Dark Fantasy Adventure follows a seventeen-year-old skin-changer whose village is attacked by poachers, and he sets out to rescue his family from the enemy. What was the inspiration for the relationship that develops between the characters?
The inspiration for the evolving relationship between the Caelen and Leira stemmed from a desire to explore the nuanced dynamics of connection and the transformative power of empathy and understanding. By exploring the intricate web of human emotions and relationships, the story uncovers the profound connections that can be forged between individuals of diverse backgrounds, as they push each other to reconsider their beliefs and ultimately grow together. This exploration is underpinned by the belief that at the heart of every profound relationship lies the potential for personal growth, healing, and the breaking down of barriers. The characters’ journey together is a testament to the idea that love, friendship, and loyalty can emerge from the most unexpected circumstances, serving as a bridge between divided worlds and as a catalyst for change and unity.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
In this novella, the union between Caelen and Leira, with Leira hailing from a faction traditionally viewed as antagonistic, serves to explore deeply the notions of betrayal and fidelity. This exploration is twofold, encompassing both the personal allegiance between Caelen and Leira and their loyalty to their respective clans.
The burgeoning affection between Caelen and Leira, amidst the tumult of their clashing clans, evokes the timeless theme of forbidden love. While the narrative does not primarily center around their romance, it subtly weaves this element into the broader context of the story.
Additionally, the imperative for individuals of disparate origins to collaborate highlights the theme of surmounting prejudice and fostering understanding. This theme is pivotal, as it not only drives the plot forward but also underlines the potential for unity in diversity, offering a reflective mirror to the readers about the power of empathy and cooperation.
Where does the story go in the next book, and where do you see it going in the future?
When I wrote this story, my vision did not extend to advancing the saga through the lens of the primary characters. Nonetheless, it constitutes a crucial segment of the grand narrative that is Arghost’s lore. Volthar’s ascent to prominence within Arghost’s annals is a riveting chapter, rich with intrigue and significance. The series, titled “The Tales of The Sundering Twilight,” to which this novella belongs, comprises discrete narratives that, piece by piece, elaborate on Volthar’s climactic rise. These individual tales are intricately designed to contribute to the overarching chronicle of Arghost, providing depth and context to its expansive history.
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When humans threaten to destroy everything he holds dear, Caelen, a raven skin-changer, finds his life thrown into chaos as they hunt his clan one by one to seize the rare and valuable magical materials they possess. Cornered by fate, he is compelled to tread the treacherous path into human lands forbidden to his kind, braving insurmountable odds and forging an unexpected alliance with Leira, the daughter of one of the poachers. But as they work together to save the village, a darker force looms, threatening to destroy everything they hold dear.
The quest that Caelen and Leira have embarked upon transcends a mere battle for survival—it is a crusade to uphold the hallowed essence of the Raven clan, now preyed upon by adversaries craving their mystical energy and vitality. Their alliance, defying age-old rifts that have riven their kind, harbors the potential to carve out a novel destiny for their peoples.
Yet, failure casts its long shadow across their path. Should Caelen and Leira’s courage waver, the realm of the raven clan will fall prey to the relentless greed of their foes, shattering the hallowed bonds of kinship amidst the ensuing tumult. With the relentless drumbeats of conflict resounding through the woodland, the fate of two souls—and the continuance of their worlds—dangles precariously on the fragile filament of their determination.
When your savior is your enemy’s daughter, every step towards redemption could be a step into the jaws of betrayal.
Fans of fast-paced high fantasy such as The Lies of Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo, The Cruel Prince by Holly Black, and The Queen of Blood by Sarah Beth Durst, will enjoy the forbidden romance, high stakes, and intricate world-building of Raven’s Bane.
Raven’s Bane is the first installment in the Tales of The Sundering Twilight Series. Designed to be read in any order, these books share common themes and cumulatively build toward a grander overarching adventure.
If you enjoy coming-of-age fantasy, you will be swept away by this romantic and action-packed tale of friendship, betrayal, and selfless love. Embark on this thrilling adventure and discover if Caelen can escape fate itself – grab your copy today!
Raven’s Bane
In Raven’s Bane, author Derren Parsons introduces us to a captivating fantasy world, starting with the harrowing plight of Amara and Jonah, two Arvi (beings with the ability to transform into ravens) who face the grim reality of being hunted. The book opens on a tense note with Jonah’s sacrifice to save Amara, setting a tone of danger and suspense that pervades the story.
Parsons skillfully crafts a narrative that delves into themes of identity and conflict. The protagonist, Caelen, upon learning of his friend’s demise, embarks on a quest to uncover the reasons behind the Arvi’s persecution. His journey to a human village, disguised and seeking answers, unfolds layers of complexity in human-Arvi relations, hinting at a larger, more intricate conspiracy.
One of the book’s notable features is a detailed map at the beginning, reminiscent of the classic fantasy style seen in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings. This addition enriches the reader’s experience, providing a visual representation of Parsons’ intricate world. The author’s use of descriptive language, evident from the opening line, instantly immerses the reader in the fantasy genre. Phrases like “Like a fallen star, an ethereal blue burst cleaved the darkness,” are not only visually evocative but also signal the story’s genre effectively. The narrative seamlessly integrates elements of romance and conflict, showcasing Parsons’ skill in weaving diverse plot threads. The vivid imagery, such as “The taste of her own fear was bitter” or “blended into the forest’s velvety blackness,” allows readers to vividly imagine the setting and empathize with the characters’ experiences.
Given the current popularity of the fantasy genre, Raven’s Bane stands out as a well-crafted addition. Parsons’ ability to create a gripping narrative, filled with rich imagery, makes this book a recommended read for those who enjoy immersive storytelling. The anticipation for future works from Parsons is certainly warranted based on the strength of this novel.
Pages: 135 | ASIN : B0CBQ96S2Z
A Tale of Good vs. Evil
Six Moons, Seven Gods follows a guild of skilled thieves who plot to overthrow the kingdoms of Baelon but, after hitting a roadblock reach out to the League of Assassins for help. What was your inspiration for the wild journey you take readers on in this novel?
I wanted to do something that reflected the complexities of life; i.e., “nothing’s as simple as it seems,” “few things are black and white,” etc. Because real life is often complicated and messy, and despite outward appearances, few things stand alone.
What was the inspiration for the relationship that develops between the characters?
That is a difficult question to answer, given that there are so many different relationships in Six Moons, Seven Gods. I wanted to show how relationships can endure despite the passage of time and separation by long distance (e.g., the two kings), how strong bonds are not restricted to “the good guys”, and the lengths to which people will go to assist those with whom they have bonded.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
This is very much a tale of good vs. evil, and right vs. wrong, but the book also explores how vague those concepts are, and how differently we all define them.
When will book two be available? Can you give us an idea of where that book will take readers?
A rough outline of book two is complete and firmly rooted in my head. I have just begun to put paper to pen, however. It will likely be another year or two in the making, depending on how much time I devote to marketing book one.
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The long fingers of the Guild reach everywhere, and one overly ambitious thief is all it takes to spark a chain of events that will haunt the world of Baelon for many years to come.
Six Moons, Seven Gods is book one in The Legends of Baelon.
Ruled by Fate
In Ruled by Fate, by Sam Withrow and Amelia Pinkis, readers delve into the tumultuous life of Brie. A harrowing car crash five years prior claimed her mother’s life and left her narrowly escaping death. The scars of that traumatic event, intensified by a haunting supernatural experience, have made Brie’s journey to healing an intricate maze. As she grapples with these memories, two anchors emerge: the comforting presence of her confidante, Sherry, and a cherished pendant, a maternal legacy symbolizing protection and a potential connection to the enigmatic guardian angel, Cameron, who once saved her.
Taking a leap of faith, Brie embarks on a fresh chapter, embracing the challenges of an ER nurse at the esteemed Daya Memorial Hospital. However, the supernatural isn’t entirely done with her. As she finds herself ensnared in a web of malevolent forces, the protective shadow of Cameron returns, reminding her that the road to normalcy might be more elusive than she thought.
The narrative fabric of Ruled by Fate masterfully intertwines biblical characters and rich mythology, offering readers a front-row seat to Brie’s trials, her evolving bond with Cameron, and her crusade against otherworldly adversaries. The chemistry between Brie and Cameron, sprinkled with lighthearted banter, infuses warmth into the story, ensuring the gravity of their mission is always in sharp focus. As much as readers are drawn into this captivating tale, a lingering enigma remains—Brie’s unique role in the supernatural saga and the profound significance of her pendant. Although hints suggest a sequel might illuminate these mysteries, I think a revelation in this installment could have heightened the intrigue further.
Ruled by Fate is a brilliantly crafted debut to the “Forbidden Tears” series. Withrow and Pinkis weave a narrative that promises suspense, romance, and a tantalizing supernatural allure. Readers will be eager for the next chapter in Brie and Cameron’s mesmerizing journey.
Pages: 277 | ASIN : B0CFPXRRZ3
LITERARY TITAN 