Blog Archives
Do You Believe in Monsters? – Dark Circles
In Do You Believe in Monsters? Dark Circles book 2, Jim Melvin crafts a vivid continuation of his fantasy series, plunging readers into the lives of Charlie, Gord, Virgil, and Zola as they navigate the treacherous paths between their mundane world and the magical realm of Pacchann. The novel combines elements of fantasy and coming-of-age drama, exploring the characters’ struggles against both mythical threats and personal demons. This second installment deepens the lore and heightens the stakes, making for a gripping read.
Melvin’s writing excels in its character development. Gord’s transformation from a mean bully to someone grappling with internal conflicts is particularly compelling. The early chapters, where Gord interacts with a mysterious ring of light, effectively set the stage for his character arc. The tension between his tough exterior and the vulnerabilities he slowly reveals is handled with a deft touch. I found Gord’s moments of introspection and his complex relationship with his mother to be some of the most poignant parts of the book.
One particularly compelling scene near the end occurs when Gord confronts the devil who granted him new teeth. This moment is pivotal as it encapsulates Gord’s internal struggle and transformation throughout the novel. After enduring a life marked by hardship and neglect, Gord is offered a sinister form of salvation by the devil—a magical solution that tempts him with more than just physical repair but also a potential escape from his harsh reality. The intensity of this scene is heightened by the moral dilemma it presents. Gord, who has been a character shaped by his environment’s brutality and his own survival instincts, faces a critical choice. The devil’s offer is not just about accepting supernatural help; it’s about the price of this help and what it signifies about Gord’s own values and future path. The dialogue here is charged with urgency and reveals the depth of Gord’s desperation and his resilience.
The interplay between the real world and the fantastical land of Pacchann adds a rich layer of complexity to the narrative. This duality is a brilliant narrative device that mirrors the characters’ internal struggles. The scenes in Pacchann are full of vivid descriptions and imaginative creatures, capturing the essence of a world teetering on the brink of war. Yet, the emotional resonance of their real-world experiences, like Virgil’s strained relationship with his parents, grounds the story and makes their escapism to Pacchann feel both necessary and fraught with tension.
The book seamlessly transitions between the everyday struggles of Charlie, Gord, Virgil, and Zola and the enchanting elements of Pacchann, adding a dynamic and multifaceted layer to the story. The thrilling action sequences are particularly engaging and offer an exciting contrast to the more introspective moments. This blend of high-stakes drama and quieter, character-driven explorations creates a captivating narrative that keeps readers on their toes, making for a compelling and immersive experience.
Do You Believe in Monsters? Dark Circles book 2 is a fantastic read for teens and young adults who enjoy a mix of fantasy adventure and real-world drama. Fans of series like “Percy Jackson” or “The Chronicles of Narnia” will appreciate the blend of magical escapism and relatable character dilemmas.
Pages: 330 | ASIN : B0CL46P8JZ
Family Dynamics of a Sisterhood
The Wisdom of the Willow follows the lives of four sisters and their parents, who explore the direction of their lives and how their experiences all flow together. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The most outstanding response I received from my first book, Under the Birch Tree, a Memoir of Discovering Connections and Finding Home was that my story was relatable. I took these reader responses and used theme as a premise for writing The Wisdom of the Willow. Developing the characters using alternating first-person POVs who faced relatable life challenges was a way for the reader to take a deep dive into the characters and into the story. Family dynamics of a sisterhood may not always be positive, but there is a bond there that can be traced back to when it was made under the willow. The tree is a guiding force throughout their journeys in finding their places.
Were you able to achieve everything you wanted with the characters in the novel?
Yes! My goal was to create characters, sisters, who were different from one another, who had different goals and paths to find where they want to be. The sisters are individuals, yet their family is their center. Though Margaret initially poses as a strong, influential matriarch, later, her illness shows a vulnerability which she handles with grace and acceptance.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
As also a memoir and personal essay writer of the natural world and how we connect with it, I wanted to show themes in a simple way: using a tree as a character. The natural world poses as a character that unites the story. It was important for me to show the different paths in life we take, how to navigate them, and continue on, how linked we all are nature and to our family.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
My next book, Mercy Town, is about an accidental shooting, an unforgiven killer, and ten years later, a divided town finds mercy. It is expected to be out in the fall of 2025, also by She Writes Press.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Years after leaving the nest, now in their early forties, the Dowling women find themselves faced with changes that will define their lives. Debra, the oldest, is shattered when she is asked for a divorce. Rose, who has long hidden her true self, finally begins to evaluate her pattern of being in uncommitted relationships. Linney fears losing Magnolia, the magical shop where she works. Charlotte, the youngest, is the only one who knows their mother is terminally ill and has been charged by her with keeping it a secret. And Margaret, now faced with the greatest of challenges and struggling with whether she has done enough to help her daughters find their way in life, calls them all to the family home to reunite under the willow one last time.
A metaphorically rich and reflective tale of sisterhood and strength, The Wisdom of the Willow is a story of hope and healing, of the choices that shape our lives, and the challenges we all face as we seek to find our places in the world.
The Wisdom of the Willow
In The Wisdom of the Willow, Nancy Chadwick weaves a poignant narrative centered around the lives of Margaret and Joe and their four daughters. The novel begins with a symbolic gesture as Joe plants a willow tree in their yard to celebrate their burgeoning family and new home, setting a tone of rootedness and growth that resonates throughout the story.
The plot unfolds through the perspectives of the four sisters, each distinct in their aspirations and struggles. Charlotte, the youngest, grapples with her future in business administration, while Debra, formerly a magazine worker with a penchant for travel, faces a personal and professional crossroads. Linney finds contentment managing a beloved shop in Chicago, contrasting with Rose, an aspiring actress whose ambition drives her narrative.
Central to their journeys is their mother, Margaret, whose terminal illness is a closely guarded secret known only to Charlotte. Margaret’s role as advisor and confidante, with many pivotal scenes unfolding under the willow tree, adds depth to the family dynamics. The tree itself becomes a silent witness to the sisters’ trials and triumphs, embodying the novel’s themes of familial bonds and personal growth. Chadwick excels in creating well-rounded characters, from Linney’s nurturing nature to Debra’s authoritative demeanor, often attributed to her role as the eldest sibling. The narrative’s shift between each sister’s point of view allows a comprehensive exploration of their individual and collective challenges. The novel resonates particularly with those who have experienced the complexities of sustaining long-term friendships and the simplicity of life in a close-knit community.
The Wisdom of the Willow is a thoughtful exploration of family, identity, and belonging, recommended for readers who enjoy contemporary fiction that delves deeply into the nuances of sisterhood and personal development.
Pages: 304 | ASIN : B0C9HJWKTZ
My Dream Guy
In My Dream Guy, author Vilincia G. Patrick crafts a vivid tapestry of dreams and reality, weaving the complexities of relationships, self-discovery, and emotional upheaval into the colorful life of protagonist Amana Fitzgerald. The novel follows Amana as she navigates her tumultuous youth filled with vibrant dreams that blur into her reality, which is equally chaotic and filled with vibrant characters that shape her journey.
The story is a whirlwind of emotions and settings that captured my imagination with its intense imagery and compelling dialogue. The author has a unique ability to infuse her scenes with a mix of humor and drama that keeps the pages turning. The prose is densely packed with metaphors and similes, enriching the text but, at times, potentially obscuring the clarity of events. Similarly, the dialogue is authentic to the setting and characters, yet its frequent colloquialisms may pose challenges for readers unacquainted with the specific language used.
I found the book’s exploration of dreams as a window to one’s desires and fears particularly intriguing. Patrick delves deep into the psychology of her protagonist, presenting dreams as a parallel universe where Amana confronts her inner demons and desires. This narrative choice is compelling and offers a fresh and thought-provoking perspective on the function of dreams within literary narratives. The transition between dreams and reality in the narrative is often abrupt, which may be an intentional stylistic choice but can interrupt the narrative flow. The book’s strength lies in its character development, particularly Amana, who is portrayed with a rich complexity that invites readers to empathize with her struggles and growth.
My Dream Guy is an imaginative romance novel that offers a deep dive into the protagonist’s emotional landscape. Readers who enjoy psychological dramas and Coming of Age stories that blend reality with the surreal will find this a compelling book. The novel will particularly appeal to those who appreciate explorations into the subconscious and are intrigued by the interplay between dreams and life’s realities.
Pages: 382 | ASIN : B0BW4Y59MF
The Secret Hamlet
In The Secret Hamlet, authors Judith Briles and Brian Barnes continue the narrative of Nichol, their resilient protagonist from The Secret Journey. This second installment of the Harmonie Series transports readers back to medieval France, where Nichol, having fled from peril, seeks to establish a sanctuary for herself and others in danger. Surrounded by a blend of old friends and new, including her supportive husband Robert and parental figures Helene and Ezra, Nichol faces the lingering threat posed by her revenge-seeking mother and brother, allied with the corrupt priest, Loupe.
The novel shines with its richly depicted medieval setting and seamless integration of new characters who enhance the stakes of Nichol’s plight. The Secret Hamlet adopts a more reflective narrative pace compared to its predecessor, focusing on character development through dialogue and discussion. This approach allows for a deeper exploration of character motivations and relationships. The sequel also employs frequent shifts in point of view, offering a variety of perspectives that add layers to the unfolding events. These narrative techniques invite readers to engage more thoughtfully with the story, providing a rich tapestry of interactions that highlight the complexities of its characters and their medieval setting. Nichol remains a compelling central figure, particularly in her role as a mother. Yet, the enigmatic figure of The Lady who guides her remains underexplored. Clarifying whether The Lady is a religious icon or a mystical entity and detailing her motivations could lend greater depth to Nichol’s reliance on her visions, which are critical given her role as the linchpin in her community’s safety.
Crafted with evident care, The Secret Hamlet builds upon the strengths of The Secret Journey, deepening its exploration of resilience and community within a vividly rendered historical setting. While it adopts a different tone, focusing more on introspection and the strategic elements of building a safe haven, the narrative offers a compelling look at Nichol’s journey. The enriched insights into the characters’ personal motivations and their intricate relationships add depth to the unfolding story, reinforcing the series’ thematic focus on perseverance and unity.
Pages: 414 | ASIN : B0CRXRD3JH
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.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Website
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
Ups and Downs of Life
Many Mansions follows twin brothers living in New York who wind up in dramatically different lives after a fight that ends their relationship. What was the inspiration for the setup for your story?
Many Mansions was inspired due to my love of luxurious real estate in magazines, on TV, on social media, and in real-time. Just like, my main characters Moses and Isaac who had an interest in affluent homes. At the same time, when I was seventeen, I almost got my real estate license, but I changed my mind because I wanted to become a writer instead. I know it might sound crazy, but that was me. The biblical quote “Many Mansions” made me think of God’s home with an abundance of homes in the sky for people who did good in the world.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
The things that I find interesting about the human condition are when the characters go through ups and downs. They may have bad intentions but turn them around and do good in the end. When a character has fallen on luck and has given up on life like my character Isaac who couldn’t take the outside world looking down on him. Even his parents and then the one who was supposed to be there for him which was his brother, Moses. And any situation, a person may experience that will cause them to take drastic measures or something good.
What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write?
I love writing about Moses because he strived to make his real estate company a reality. I love writing about Isaac as well, even though he became homeless. I enjoyed writing about both Moses and Isaac as you know they are brothers but took different paths in life. I usually write characters who are opposites and both main characters. I had no problem writing the other characters in Many Mansions.
What is the next book that you’re working on and when can fans expect it out?
I’m working on a dark romance about an abduction. And I can’t make any promises when this dark love story will be available. I’ll keep everyone posted.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook
Moses moved on, graduated from college, and started his real estate business. He networked with real investors, contractors, and realtors in the field. He became a lucrative businessman selling luxurious homes for the rich and famous. Over the next decade, Moses thought of his brother, Isaac. He was so caught up in himself that he forgot about the brother who was out in the world somewhere. He didn’t know if Isaac was dead or alive.
While shopping at the supermarket with his girlfriend, Moses stood in line waiting to purchase his items. He noticed a filthy, unkempt gentleman who couldn’t afford his purchases, and offered to help him out. Moses noticed it was Isaac. The twins reunion wasn’t heartwarming. Instead, it was filled with jealousy, envy, and hate from the past. Moses and Isaac reconciled their differences. They realized who caused their broken bond. It was their stepfather who came into their lives, turning everything upside down. Finally, Moses and Isaac got rid of this man with the help of their mother who also suffered from this man’s lies, abuse, and cheating. Now, the brothers made their dreams became a reality. They sold luxury properties and also provided homes for the homeless.
LITERARY TITAN 