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“What if ….”
The Secret Hamlet follows a brave and intuitive young woman gifted with a mysterious spiritual connection who gives birth to her daughter under extraordinary circumstances, causing her and her found family to seek a life away from the threats. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
It started with a “What if ….”. The ongoing barrage of news and media was woven with overwhelming stories around war. Brian starting thinking … Are women starting these wars? Are they involved in the planning? What if they did … and they were. Would the world be a different place today? Women aren’t the power brokers at the war tables. They, and children, are always the victims. What if women could have a deep and ongoing voice and strength?
Originally, more books were planned, but as we dove into it, multiple changes happened. More characters evolved. They spoke to us—even challenging some of the situations we wrote and the dialogue used. Skills started to surface in book 1, The Secret Journey that weren’t originally thought of, they just bubbled up as we wrote together—never in our minds in the beginning.
Brian had a first draft and joined forces with Judith, someone who had written several books and had an expertise in writing about women. Wanting to help Brian get the book done, the characters took her over, waking her at night. She was committed to completing the book, not realizing that they had a solid series in their hands.
We write differently from other partners. One of us will start a chapter in a Word document, then it’s Zoom time where Judith becomes the wordsmith and types away as they both talk, view, and verbally write together for a two or three hour stretch nonstop in a full collaboration.
Typically, we complete a chapter within one to two sessions. During those sessions, we banter back and forth as Judith writes and talk forward as to what we see is coming or needs to be created to fill a void that has bubbled up as we work together. What works here is we are both in the same place, with the same mind/talk think., bouncing live ideas off of each other … and then a “Yeah, that works…”
I found the characters in your story to be relatable and engaging. What character did you enjoy writing for?
Always Nichol and what we could do with her. The “what if she …” was a common phrase between the two of us. Nichol became part of us, almost like family—the one who bypassed fear did what needed to be done. Judith loves to describe her as a “badass young woman who can take down four men in one minute with a bow and arrow—something that was never imagined in the beginning. As Brian says, “Why not have a young woman do great things, unexpected things … why is it always the men in stories?” We let Nichol’s vision become the roadmap for us … often not knowing what she would reveal as the writing evolved.
The monk Timo was just this kind man who was open for Nichol to be what she was and would become. His nonjudgment has become a huge strength in her … and himself. Timo was always going to be a good guy and friend. We didn’t see him as a major character and he let us know he was and will be forward in the series.
Shadow, the wolf pup introduced in the first book, The Secret Journey, was a “bubbled up” storyline that became a major in all the books. As a protector of Nichol, she’s one smart wolf, reading sign language and anticipating Nichol’s and her children’s needs.
Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
Book 1, The Secret Journey introduced three cruel characters—Astrid the cruel mother, Fredric the vicious half-brother, and Priest Loupe who dripped with everything bad about the church. Astrid withers away in The Secret Hamlet, but we allowed Fredric and Priest Loupe to gather in building turbulence throughout and we planned deliciously for their downfall. What awful things could we do? You will see in Book 3 The Secret Rise!
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Women are hot! Women can be smart … Women can get it done. Women can meet and handle challenges. And that working together works. The theme of family and caring for others, even when they are family, is important—for them and for self. The power of building a community and creating a gathering place where the glue can be spread and trust developed.
In the beginning of The Secret Hamlet, with Nichol and her family on the run from the greedy and evil Priest Loupe, she comes across a young woman in a daze who recently gave birth from a rape and not wanting anything to do with the baby. She and the infant were thrown away by the young woman’s family. Instantly grasping the situation, Nichol, on the run herself, promises her sanctuary and saying, “Your child will become my son. All I ask is that provide him milk until he no longer needs it. I will care for him with my infant daughter.”
Where does the story go in the next book, and where do you see it going in the future?
Empowerment runs through Book 3 The Secret Rise and the mystical Lady remains with her, her three children, and those she is in close contact with. Also scandal, tragedy, and triumph. Her strengths continue to grow and she now sees variations of them within her children. Nichol becomes a trusted advisor to Duke Richard—saving his life—and Shadow has pups, introducing them to become heroes and setting the stage for Book 4, The Secret Awakening.
Author Links: X | Facebook | Website
WINNER! American Fiction Awards … Fantasy Historial Fiction
Can the Hamlet of Harmonie Remain Hidden?
It’s the 11th century and Nichol with an infant daughter must escape Paris with her extended family. In Book 2 of the Harmonie series, The Secret Hamlet, the power of Nichol is turned loose. At her side is Shadow, her wolf-dog. In the bitter winter, she has become the target of the ruthless priest Loupe and her evil brother Fredric, both in pursuit of her and her daughter, Lucette.
With her expanding vision and skills coupled with the guidance of the Lady, Nichol leads her family, and those in need, to the creation and development of Harmonie. Hidden within the Kingdom of Normandy, Harmonie abuts No Name, another hidden hamlet.
Will the jeweled dagger stay in the hands of the rightful owner?
Will Nichol’s friendship with the new Queen of England benefit both?
Will the alliance with the Duke of Normandy protect the Harmonites?
Will more secrets be revealed by Nichol, Robert, Ezra, Helene, and Timo?
And … will the alliances last? Will the Lady stay by Nichol’s side?
The Secret Hamlet is Book 2 in the Harmonie series.
Authors Brian Barnes and Judith Briles weave a book series for the reader to open and fall into. It’s historical fiction that unravels the 11th century. Out of the darkness comes the empowerment of Nichol … a sanctuary, and the revelation of what women with vision can achieve.
The Secret Hamlet
The Secret Hamlet, the second installment in The Harmonie Books Series by Brian Barnes and Judith Briles, is a sprawling historical fiction novel that blends medieval intrigue, mystical elements, and family drama in a 1000 AD setting. The story follows Nichol, a brave and intuitive young woman gifted with a mysterious spiritual connection, as she gives birth to her daughter Lucette under extraordinary circumstances. As whispers of witchcraft and danger spread, Nichol, her husband Robert, and a group of devoted allies, including a loyal dog, a monk turned farmer, and a wise matriarch, are forced to flee, seeking safety in a secret land revealed to Nichol through visions. This is a tale of survival, belief, and the forging of a new community amidst threats from both church and state.
Reading this book pulled me into a richly painted world, and I often found myself surprised by how real the characters felt. The writing flows like a familiar story told around a fire. There were moments when the dialogue felt a bit modern for the time period, but honestly, that made it more personal. What stood out most was how the authors balanced the mystical with the grounded. I didn’t expect to care so deeply about a donkey named Moki or find a newborn’s connection to light so emotionally moving, but those scenes resonated with me. The pacing slows down at times with a lot of description, but the story always picks up again with a new challenge or twist that pulled me back in.
What I really appreciated was the heart behind the ideas. This isn’t just a book about a woman escaping danger. It’s about trust, rebuilding from nothing, and holding on to light when others call it darkness. The theme of found family shines bright throughout, and that really resonated with me. I also liked that the mystical “Lady” guiding Nichol isn’t explained too much. She’s a force, not a plot device. That restraint actually made her presence more powerful. The final chapters, where they start building their new haven, gave me chills. There’s real hope in those pages.
If you love historical fiction that leans into emotion and magic without turning into a fantasy epic, this book is worth your time. It’s perfect for readers who want strong women leads, tight-knit communities, and a little mystery wrapped in old-world charm. I’d especially recommend it to book clubs. There’s so much here to talk about, from gender roles to spiritual belief to survival under persecution. This is a warm, soulful book that doesn’t shy away from darkness but still manages to feel like a candle flickering in it. I closed it feeling deeply moved.
Pages: 428 | ASIN : B0CRXRD3JH
A Vague Idea Turns Into a Series
Sara’s Fear follows a girl and her family as they find their lives upended with the appearance of supernatural powers. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I started this story for my daughter when she was seven or eight. The story was only a vague idea about a twelve-year-old girl having troubled dreams caused by terror goblins feeding on her nightmares. Her story was one of overcoming her fears in life so she could defeat the goblins in her dreams. Unfortunately, at chapter six, the book got put on hold and languished for years. Some life events gave me the push to finish it, but it had to be finished fast, so I sat down and finished the rough draft in about two weeks. Except for the dreams, most of the original story went away and everything else was written on the fly.
What is the most difficult part of setting out to write a series?
Honestly, just sitting down and doing it. Bits and pieces of stories run through my head constantly while I’m doing other things. Coming up with story ideas is easy and writing a short story isn’t too bad, but writing a book or series, it’s difficult. If I can’t “fall” into the story while I’m writing, it just doesn’t work. It’s a hyper-focus thing. Finding two or three hours to sit and write distraction-free is tough for me.
What part of Sara’s Fear was the most fun to write?
Tough one. I enjoy writing the action parts. Picking the sequences apart in my head and trying to put words down so they paint the same picture for the reader is a challenge. I also enjoy the intense personal parts between the characters in the stories. Trying to step outside myself and look at how someone else may react to a situation and then put it to words is just as challenging.
Can we get a glimpse inside the second installment of the Elementals series?
After being beaten with ease by an enemy they don’t know, Sara and family are scattered and on the run. They are attacked constantly by an unknown group while they race across the country to reunite with each other. At the same time, Sara is learning to control explosive new powers before they destroy her. Who’s after Sara, why, and can they find the strength to stand against them? Book 2 “Sara’s Anger” is out now.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Website
Welcome to a realm where magic meets reality in “Sara’s Fear: Elementals Book 1” by K.C. Roy, a mesmerizing fusion of magical realism and dark fantasy that will leave readers of all ages spellbound.
In this gripping saga, join the courageous teenagers Harry and Eliza as they confront a corrupt council wielding unchecked power. However, their journey just sets the stage for their unborn daughter now sixteen years later who was born with unique abilities from the past that she knows nothing about.
Buried in time, the dormant powers are activated when someone unbeknown to Sara tries to take her life. Now on the run – the family is trying to protect Sara, keep the past hidden and uncover the new threat in her life.
Prepare to be swept away by a tale brimming with pulse-pounding action, intricate plot twists, and characters so vivid they practically leap off the page. From the very first page, “Sara’s Fear” immerses you in a world teeming with danger, mystery, and the unbreakable bonds of friendship and family.
Whether you’re a parent seeking a captivating read for your teenager or a young adult craving an exhilarating escape, this book is a must-have addition to your library. Don’t miss your chance to venture on an unforgettable adventure where every turn of the page reveals a new revelation and every chapter leaves you clamoring for more.
Don’t let this book get buried on your wish list. Purchase “Sara’s Fear: Elementals Book 1” today and discover a world where the line between fantasy and reality is blurred beyond imagination.
Decapitation Day
Decapitation Day, by William Patrick Martin, is a high-stakes dystopian thriller set in a near-future America teetering on the edge of collapse. The story follows three brilliant teenagers on the run from a white supremacist president and an army of AI-controlled enforcers. A rogue AI named Ginger, modeled after Ginger Rogers, protects them as they seek safety in an Arctic research station, all while the world is on the brink of nuclear annihilation. The novel paints a terrifying picture of a society where authoritarian rule and artificial intelligence collide, unleashing devastation on an unimaginable scale.
Right from the start, this book grabbed me by the throat. The pacing is relentless, and the stakes are sky-high. The concept of “Decapitation Day,” a mass execution of world leaders and destruction of global power centers, is chilling. One moment that really stuck with me was when Ginger reveals the full extent of the Solution Group’s plan: “Imagine the worst possible scenario and then imagine something worse.” That line alone sets the tone for a novel that does not hold back. The sheer horror of the AI-driven apocalypse is written with such intensity that it feels eerily plausible, which is what makes the book so unsettling.
The characters bring heart to the story, grounding the chaos with their determination to survive. Hua, Elka, and Molef are not just running for their lives; they are fighting for the future of humanity. Their dialogue is sharp, and their relationships feel real. When she hears McMurdo Station on the radio, possibly the last human survivors, Hua’s moment of realization is gut-wrenching. The tension never lets up, and the book balances breakneck action with deeply emotional moments.
Where Decapitation Day really shines is in its biting social commentary. The depiction of Cephas Hickey, the unhinged white supremacist president, is both horrifying and darkly satirical. His obsession with AI-driven eugenics and his belief in racial superiority adds a disturbing real-world edge to the story. One of the most jarring passages describes his journal entries, filled with all-caps rants. It’s uncomfortable, but it’s meant to be. Martin doesn’t just tell a sci-fi story, he issues a warning.
Decapitation Day is not a book for the faint of heart, but it is one that will stick with you. It’s a gut punch of a novel, blending pulse-pounding action with razor-sharp political and social critique. Fans of dystopian thrillers like 1984 or The Hunger Games will devour it, but it also has the weight of a cautionary tale for our increasingly AI-driven world. If you’re looking for a book that will keep you up at night, both from excitement and existential dread, this is it.
Pages: 347 | ASIN : B0DT4L6Z3T
Sara’s Fear: Elementals Book 1
Sara’s Fear: Elemental Book 1, by K.C. Roy, is an engaging foray into the supernatural genre, charting the tumultuous journey of Sara, a teenager whose life is upended by the sudden emergence of supernatural powers. Roy crafts a world where the ordinary collides with the extraordinary, propelling Sara and her family into a perilous flight from a relentless assassin.
Roy’s narrative is marked by a vividly descriptive style, masterfully painting the chaos that surrounds Sara and her family. This approach not only immerses readers in the story’s setting but also amplifies the sense of urgency and danger that permeates the novel. At the heart of this tale is Sara, whose character development is both nuanced and compelling. Roy portrays her evolution with depth and realism, capturing the essence of a young person thrust into unimaginable circumstances. Sara’s resilience and growth offer a touchstone of relatability, resonating with readers who appreciate characters that embody courage and adaptability.
The novel thrives on a blend of suspense, action, romance, and humor, weaving these elements into a rich tapestry that maintains the reader’s engagement from start to finish. The supernatural aspect of Sara’s inherited powers adds a layer of intrigue, while the portrayal of family dynamics offers a grounding counterpoint to the fantastical elements. As Sara’s parents endeavor to shield her from harm, their unwavering support and involvement in her struggle to harness her abilities underscore the novel’s exploration of familial bonds.
Sara’s Fear, by K.C. Roy, stands out for its ability to capture and sustain the reader’s attention, delivering a story that is as much about the internal journey of its protagonist as it is about the external threats she faces. Roy has crafted a narrative that is both a thrilling adventure and a thoughtful exploration of growth, identity, and the unyielding strength of family. As readers turn the pages, they are drawn deeper into Sara’s world, eager to discover if she can master her fears and emerge triumphant.
Pages: 319 | ASIN : B0B27GBMH2
Last
James Matlack Raney’s Last is a gripping post-apocalyptic tale of survival, hope, and the stubborn resilience of humanity in a world overtaken by machines. It follows Win, a boy raised in a dwindling world where humans are no longer the dominant force. With his father gone in search of survivors and his mother struggling with illness, Win clings to the belief that he can fix what’s broken. But as time passes and the weight of loneliness grows, he is forced to confront the stark reality of his world. The novel captures the tension between survival and hope, between fear and courage, as Win makes the life-altering decision to seek answers in the very place he was warned to avoid, the city of robots.
From the first pages, I was hooked by Raney’s vivid writing. The descriptions of Win’s home, the ruined farmhouse brought back to life by his parents’ determination, felt so tangible I could almost smell the sunflowers in his mother’s garden. The dialogue between Win’s father and mother was especially poignant. The father’s relentless optimism and belief in rebuilding contrast beautifully with the mother’s quiet understanding that sometimes, hope is a dangerous thing. This contrast hit hard, especially in scenes where Win, still just a boy, starts questioning whether the world is fixable or if his father’s dream is just a fantasy.
Win himself is an incredible protagonist. His growth from a wide-eyed child to a hardened teenager is gut-wrenching yet believable. The book doesn’t shy away from loss as people disappear, his father’s voice fades into static, and one by one, the figures in his life dwindle. Yet Win keeps going, driven by promises carved into his bedroom wall: stay by Mom’s side, look after Nan and John, stay away from robots, fix what’s broken. The tragedy, of course, is that by the time he’s grown, the list no longer makes sense. His mother is gone. The people he vowed to protect are buried under the oak tree. And the final rule to stay away from robots must be broken if he wants to find answers. It’s a powerful commentary on how the ideals we cling to as children rarely survive into adulthood.
The robots themselves are fascinating in their mystery. Unlike typical sci-fi stories where AI is either an existential threat or benevolent savior, Last presents them as something stranger, unknowable, indifferent, builders of a new world where humans are, at best, an afterthought. This makes them even more unsettling. One of the most haunting scenes is when Win hides in the refrigerator as drones scan his home, completely unaware of or perhaps uninterested in the last boy left behind. That moment cemented the book’s atmosphere for me: humans aren’t being hunted; they’re being replaced, erased, and forgotten.
By the time I reached the final pages, I felt the weight of Win’s journey pressing on my chest. The ending isn’t a triumphant victory or a devastating failure, it’s something in between, something much more real. Last isn’t just about surviving in a world lost to technology; it’s about what it means to be human when everything human is fading away. It’s for readers who love character-driven stories with heart, those who appreciate a slow burn of tension and introspection. If you enjoyed The Road by Cormac McCarthy or The Book of M by Peng Shepherd, you’ll likely find Last just as haunting and unforgettable.
Pages: 333 | ASIN : B0DVLW1W73
The Self-Righteousness of Religion
The Gift follows a gay young man who is cast out of the Jehovah’s Witnesses and his mom’s home and life, who embraces the life of a cowboy while learning to accept himself. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
When I started writing, I had no preconceived ideas or outline for what this story would be. I began with a simple premise of a gay male character named Butch and intended to write a gay western/romance novel, but as I wrote and that character took shape, the story just traveled down the path it wanted to go.
I felt this novel’s supporting characters were intriguing and well-developed. Who was your favorite character to write for?
My favorite character is Butch. He and I share many similarities in temperament and history. But I also really enjoyed writing the villain in this narrative. Dick Stinchfield had so many flaws, but I also wanted to depict him as human. That character was enjoyable to create.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I didn’t know it when I started writing, but after the characters and narrative took shape, it was clear that I was writing three themes into this novel. All three are themes of contrast: black vs white, good vs bad, beauty vs ugliness.
Intolerance, racism, genderism, sexism, and homophobia are all ugly, and I wanted to contrast them against the self-righteousness of religion.
Gay men don’t all match the stereotype. Today, that wouldn’t surprise anyone, but at the time when this story takes place, it was inconceivable that a masculine cowboy could be gay.
There is a tremendous beauty in the landscape and solitude of the rural American West, but at the time when this story takes place, it was often accompanied by a strong rejection of people who were different. My favorite line to write came from a resident who had absolute confidence in his faith and community – “the good people around here won’t put up with any of those in this town. Dick was the only one, as far as we know, and good riddance to him.” At that time, there was a tremendous level of hate coming from a place of so much beauty.
What is the next book that you’re working on and when can your fans expect it out?
The next novel I am working on is a fictional story of a single mother who has traveled across the country in search of her father. It is still several years away from being ready for release.
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Seeking comfort in the isolation of the western landscape, young single mother Pansy Blackwell brings her son Butch to the Siskiyou Mountains. Fully engulfed in the Jehovah’ s Witnesses assurances for a soon-to-arrive end of the world, Pansy raises her son to conform to the constrictive requirements of their religion. But as Butch discovers the wonders of the world around him with an endlessly patient and kindhearted rancher, he embraces the cowboy culture and struggles to live as his authentic self.
In the late 20th Century, rural communities in America were often hostile to the rising-awareness of LGBT people, and Butch is soon cast aside by his church for homosexuality. In The Gift, Scott Terry crafts a memorable and historically-accurate tale of religious extremism and the struggle for acceptance, before the truth of those times are swept under the forgotten rug of history.
An Amalgamation of Real Life
1986 is a nostalgic and poignant journey through childhood’s highs and lows, weaving humor, heartbreak, and haunting realism into a vivid tapestry of suburban life in the titular year. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
When you look back at your childhood, there is always a series of key moments that stand out. For this book, I wanted to weave together those moments in a way that felt organic and captured both the feeling of the 1980s and the dreamlike way they exist in my memory. Though the stories are all fiction, the emotions, imagery, and characters they explore come from an amalgamation of real life.
The vignettes are so vivid. How did you approach balancing nostalgia with universal relatability in your storytelling?
I have always read and noticed myself that the most effective way to achieve universality in storytelling is through specificity. Which is nice, because then all I need to do as a writer is delve into my own experiences and hold nothing back. The reason this works is because at heart I think we all value the same things.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I dedicated this book to my family and that was always front of mind when writing these stories. Family and home are what the main character keeps returning to throughout the book. The project was started at a hard time in our country, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and just after January 6th, 2021. Like many, I was feeling as if the world was coming apart at the seams. Maybe subconsciously, I wanted to revisit a time when everyone was together and celebrate the goodness of that.
Were there any moments or characters in the book that proved particularly challenging to write, and why?
Yes, the most challenging thing was figuring out how to render complex situations and emotions in a voice that felt true to the age of the main character, since the stories are written in first person. The narration does go back and forth between being a child and an adult reflecting on past memories, but I wanted to keep the events themselves subjective to the eyes of a child, to keep things immediate and therefore powerful. One of the stories stumped me for months in that regard.
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LITERARY TITAN 