Blog Archives
Zodak – The Last Shielder
Max Moyer’s Zodak: The Last Shielder, the first in the Tempest Rising series, follows a teenage orphan, Zodak, who grows up in a cruel household where he’s treated like a curse. But something stirs in the shadows of the world—a hint of destiny, magic, and ancient prophecy. When a water sprite calls his name and beckons him toward a greater purpose, Zodak’s quiet, harsh life begins to unravel. What starts as a simple, grounded coming-of-age tale soon reveals a broader mythos full of forgotten magic, ancient books, secret lineages, and the deep, thrumming power of belief and identity in a broken world.
The writing is fluid and vivid, making the world feel dirty, real, and magical at the same time. Moyer does a brilliant job of pulling readers into Zodak’s narrow, painful life, so much so that I found myself wincing at every insult and rooting for his small moments of rebellion. The prose is clean but emotionally rich, with bursts of beauty that feel earned rather than forced. What hit me hardest was the aching loneliness in Zodak’s voice—the way he yearns for love, belonging, and meaning in a world that treats him like an afterthought. It’s not just a fantasy story, it’s a story about being seen.
The book doesn’t lean too hard into tropes. There’s prophecy, yes, but also doubt. There’s magic, but it’s quiet, hidden, uncertain. The characters feel alive, especially the complex ones—like Alana, Zodak’s cousin, who starts cruel but unfolds in a way that’s strangely touching. I’ll admit, some parts were slow, especially early scenes where the abuse piled on so thick I wanted to yell at the pages. But that pain pays off later, making Zodak’s small victories feel like revolutions. And the moment he realizes his story has power? That got me.
Zodak: The Last Shielder is about truth, pain, and the quiet force of imagination when it’s all you’ve got. It’s about choosing to believe in something bigger when the world tells you not to. I’d recommend this book to fans of grounded, character-driven fantasy with a slow build and emotional punch. Especially to teens who feel like outcasts, writers who write in secret, or anyone who’s ever hoped for a better world in the silence of their room. If you’re a fan of Brandon Sanderson’s world-building, Patrick Rothfuss’s lyrical prose, or the emotional depth and quiet magic of Lois Lowry, then you’ll really enjoy Zodak: The Last Shielder.
Pages: 430 | ASIN : B0CPCNNZST
Stolen Histories
Stolen Histories is a fierce and immersive fantasy novel that follows the exploits of Amari, a magical seer and outlaw, and her best friend Taliya, a world-class thief and wardbreaker. Together, they live in a gritty, magical city named Castor, a place alive with haunted craters, floating trains, and social inequality. The story kicks off with the duo sabotaging corrupt institutions and snowballs into a high-stakes heist involving dragons, haunted landscapes, and the looming power of the imperialist Apolon Empire. At its heart, the novel blends thrilling action with deep emotional undercurrents and a strong thread of rebellion against colonial power structures.
I loved the writing. Michaels has a gift for character voice and atmosphere. The world-building is rich without being bogged down by info-dumps. The city of Castor felt lived-in and layered, like something out of Blade Runner with a magical twist. The dialogue was snappy and genuine. And the pacing—God, the pacing! It rolls like a freight train. One minute I’m chuckling at Amari’s sarcasm, and the next I’m holding my breath as she charges a dragon with nothing but grit and a well-timed incendiary. It’s chaotic in the best way. The narrative structure switches perspectives smoothly, adding depth without confusion. There’s always the sense that these characters lived whole lives before page one, and I respect that.
That said, the book isn’t just action for the sake of it. What hit me hardest was the emotional texture—Amari’s quiet grief, Taliya’s loyalty wrapped in bravado, the way their world erases voices like theirs, and how they steal those voices back with every job. The politics aren’t subtle, and that’s the point. Colonization, cultural theft, surveillance, and resistance—Michaels doesn’t pull punches. And yet, the story never loses its warmth. The queer joy, the found family, the relentless resilience—it all feels like a fist raised high. If I had a critique, it’d be that the lore occasionally verges on dense, especially the magical classification systems. But the energy of the story carries you through.
This book is fire. If you’re into heists, sharp-tongued women with secrets, or rebellion served with banter and blood magic, you need to read this. Stolen Histories is perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo, N.K. Jemisin, or anyone who ever rooted for the morally gray underdog. It’s fun, it’s furious, and it’s got heart for days.
Pages: 590 | ASIN : B0F3NQGSCH
It Started With a Drawing
D.O.L: Light Running, Part 1, which has recently been renamed Light Running in Parris Island, follows a fiery, sharp-tongued woman who becomes entangled in government secrets and paramilitary organizations while battling her own haunted past. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The entire saga started from a drawing I did in art school in 2005 and a horrible experience I had during a short story class I took in 2009. When I turned in my final assignment for that class I will admit I was full of myself. I thought my final draft was God’s gift to man. My classmates were less than enthused and humbled me with their criticism:
‘I didn’t like it.’
‘Writing isn’t your thing.’
‘I thought the plot was too generic.’
This devastated me, and I didn’t touch the story for another three years. Between 2012 and 2020 I tried to rework the narrative but never got very far into the storyline. Then Covid struck and, like many, I found myself with an abundance of free time. In seven months I completed the first book. After a two-year editing process I submitted my book for review. I’m proud to say that, so far, I have not received less than a five star review.
There was a lot of time spent crafting the character traits in this novel. What was the most important factor for you to get right in your characters?
The short answer is ‘realism’. My characters are alive and real in my head. I can see them move about in the real world. Furthermore, I am able to hear the inflections in their voices and even accompany certain scenes with background music. It is my job – my purpose – to make sure that my characters live just as vibrantly in your mind.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The primary theme of the book was Lilly’s first mission as an ARMOR agent. An unknown adversary has infiltrated Parris Island, forcing Lilly to rely on someone with less experience than herself. In the previous books most of the heavy lifting had been done by side characters like Joe or Andrew. This was Lilly’s maiden voyage and I wanted to keep the reader guessing as to whether she would sink or swim.
Supporting themes include: Sisterhood in the military; reunion and loss and unexpected betrayal.
Where does the story go in the next book, and where do you see it going in the future?
The next book is already out on Amazon, and it is called D.O.L: Light Running In Afghanistan. I’ll give you three guesses where Lilly is going, but you’ll only need one.
In this installment, Lilly must embark on her second mission with little-to-no recovery time from the first. Things escalate when her transport plane is shot down behind enemy lines. Light Running In Afghanistan gives an intriguing alternative story to the book/movie ‘Lone Survivor’. However, in this version, Lilly ends up being the lone survivor and she encounters a village that houses a centuries-old secret. The story will keep you guessing and your questions will be answered but, of course, more questions will arise.
I see this entire series seamlessly spanning a multitude of literary genres. The major themes for the entire saga are already completed in my head; it’s the fine points that need further development. With that in mind, I won’t reveal too much about where things are going. After all, the entire series is one gigantic mystery. And the title: D.O.L is classified. The name of the game is escalation and fun and I intend to deliver on both.
Be Your True Self
The Alternate World follows a thoughtful and quietly bold teenager, as she transitions from junior high to a prestigious New England boarding school, who learns what it really means to follow your own path, even when it hurts.
In many 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?
Definitely! Someone asked me how I knew about teenage problems, and I told them that I was a teenager. I have also provided literacy consulting for middle schools and high schools over the past few years to understand teenage problems in 2025. The main character, Eve, has similar characteristics and traits to me (both as a teenager and present day).
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Authenticity, uniqueness, being your true self, and knowing your true self were the important themes to explore in this book.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
Interestingly enough, we wrote this book as a stand alone title; however, it’s set up to be the first book of a series as well. I’ve heard from readers that they are interested to learn even more about Gina, the keeper of the alternate world. The other piece is the fact that anyone who is true to themselves at any age can be tapped into the alternate world for a variety of reasons, so you never know what could come next.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Websiter | Instagram
Every decision is ultimately determined based on two choices-one that comes from following your heart and one that comes from following your head. So, what prevents people from achieving their own hopes, dreams, and desires?
Eve Thompson enters a New England boarding school for high school where she and her classmates are presented with an array of everyday life choices and decisions faced by teens. Will each student take the most common route or the road less traveled? There is no right or wrong answer, but only one choice leads to the path that represents your true self.
What if a world existed where people could be their authentic selves without judgement-where life choices are entirely up to you and what’s best for you. What are you going to choose to do? Welcome to The Alternate World.
An Old Soul: A Novel
An Old Soul follows Isaac André, a 25-year-old VHS store clerk and self-described “Chariot Conjurer” navigating the sticky summers of 1996 Southside Chicago. On the surface, it’s a coming-of-age story wrapped in nostalgia: payphones, VHS tapes, Walkmans, and the early days of the internet. But beneath that sepia-toned exterior is something more intricate, a meditation on time, synchronicity, personal loss, and the quiet search for meaning. The novel takes its time, steeped in the mundane beauty of everyday life, as Isaac’s path begins to twist subtly into something more surreal and philosophical.
What struck me most at the outset was the remarkable vividness of the world Hayden constructs. He doesn’t merely depict Chicago—he inhabits it on the page with remarkable sensory detail. The oppressive summer heat seems to radiate from the text, the sharp, familiar rhythm of barbershop banter resonates clearly, and the scent of Grandma’s buttery, oven-baked rolls practically rises from the pages. A particularly poignant scene early in the novel illustrates this immersive quality: Isaac, having just given away his last ten dollars to a desperate man named Oscar, watches his bus pull away. Briefly frustrated, he is soon met with the improbable arrival of a second bus, just in time. It’s a moment that encapsulates the novel’s deeper theme: that life moves in patterns, and meaning often emerges from small, unexpected alignments. Hayden scatters these moments with a natural ease, never feeling contrived or overly orchestrated.
What lingered with me most was the profound sense of loneliness that permeates Isaac’s character. He is not overtly depressed, but he exists slightly out of step with the world around him, a jazz enthusiast and Philip K. Dick devotee whose sensibilities rarely align with those of his peers. His coworker, Sharika, openly derides his interests, and while he outwardly dismisses her comments, the emotional impact is evident. There is a quiet, persistent yearning that runs beneath his interactions, visible in the way he observes a woman on the bus reading a strange, futuristic magazine, or in his reflections on his inability to dream. It is a subtle, aching melancholy. When he eventually forms a connection with someone online, an enigmatic user named BirdGurl9, the moment carries an immediate, almost electric emotional charge.
The novel is rich in detail, and while much of it contributes meaningfully to the atmosphere, certain scenes, such as the extended mall purchase and the somewhat tedious exchange with the salesman, might have benefited from a more concise approach. The deliberate pacing appears to be intentional. Isaac is not in a hurry; he moves through the world attentively, absorbing his surroundings as he seeks to understand both himself and the strange phenomena that continue to shape his reality, recurring coincidences, sensations of déjà vu, and city buses that seem to arrive precisely on cue. These elements do not overtly declare themselves as science fiction, but rather suggest something more subtle and unsettling. The quiet undercurrent of the uncanny is what makes them so compelling.
If you appreciate narratives that forgo conventional plot-driven momentum in favor of quiet introspection and emotional resonance, An Old Soul is well worth your time. Readers drawn to the contemplative pacing of Richard Linklater’s films, enthusiasts of classic science fiction, and those who have ever felt slightly out of step with the time or place they inhabit will likely find a deep connection here. I would particularly recommend this novel to those who favor richly developed characters, meaningful coincidences, and slow-burning explorations of existence and identity.
Pages: 233 | ASIN : B0F453QXNG
D.O.L Light Running Part 1
D.O.L: Light Running, Part 1 plunges the reader into a high-octane, emotionally-charged dystopian military drama that follows Lilly Lamberton—a fiery, sharp-tongued heroine entangled in government secrets, paramilitary organizations, and her own haunted past. The narrative starts in explosive fashion and rarely lets up, blending raw action with psychological depth. From secret missions and violent ambushes to quiet reflections on loss and identity, this book is both a survival story and a deeply personal coming-of-age saga, set in a world cracking at the seams.
Jason Logan Maxwell writes like he’s trying to outpace a storm—fast, punchy, and relentless. The dialogue is witty, often hilarious, and refreshingly grounded. Characters feel alive because they’re flawed, they fight dirty, and they bleed. The pacing is intense, almost breathless at times, and while that energy keeps the story charging forward, it does leave some emotional moments a bit rushed. Still, when the book slows down, it doesn’t lose power—it hits harder. The flashbacks, the trauma, the tenderness buried under tough exteriors—they all ring painfully true. There’s something raw and human beneath the sci-fi military veneer, and it pulled me in more than I expected.
The book doesn’t shy away from the gritty or the grotesque. Some of the backstory, especially the POW sequences, are harrowing, borderline horrific. But it wasn’t gore for gore’s sake. It served a purpose. It gave weight to the trauma these characters carry. And Lilly—god, Lilly. She’s tough, smart, impulsive, and deeply broken. Watching her navigate betrayals, boot camp, and blackmail was riveting. She’s someone I rooted for fiercely, even when she messed up. She doesn’t ask for your sympathy—she earns it. The book also isn’t afraid to call out military systems, toxic leadership, and blind patriotism. It’s bold in the best way.
Light Running isn’t just an action novel, it’s a gut-punch of a character study dressed in tactical gear. It’s perfect for readers who like their stories gritty, their characters layered, and their themes heavy. If you enjoy works like The Hunger Games or Codename Villanelle but crave a sharper edge and darker truths, this book is for you. Be warned: it’s a wild ride with sharp turns. But if you can hang on, it’s worth every second.
Pages: 194 | ASIN : B0DN85DM2K
Mysterious Stranger
Inescapable follows a 17-year-old boy dreaming of escaping his small-town life, whose life takes a strange turn when a vampire and a witch move into town, and bodies start mysteriously piling up. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I find small towns intriguing because everyone knows everyone – and everyone talks about everyone. It’s like a soap opera. It can be great because there usually is a sense of community, but if you don’t fit in it can also be very lonely. When I was Dylan’s age – and I think it’s the same for most teenagers – I always felt like an outsider in my small town and I desperately wanted to leave. I loved stories about teenagers befriending the mysterious stranger who had just moved to town and turns out to be a vampire or a witch. But it got me thinking… What if – unlike in most YA vampire stories – the newcomer isn’t the good guy?
In many 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?
As I said I’m from a small town. It is not as remote as Berlin, New Hampshire in Inescapable but everyone knows everyone there as well. I’m also really lucky to have an amazing mom – just like Dylan. We don’t have the same dynamic as Susan and Dylan, but I drew from my relationship with my mom to paint a convincing picture of Dylan’s.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I wanted to explore the concept of the vampire as an outsider – someone on the fringes of society who lives by their own rules – and what happens when they meet a human outsider. The concept of “monster” in general is something that I dive into in the book as well. What makes a monster? Who is the good guy, who’s the bad guy?
Friendship and family are an important topic, too. Who are we without the people who love us? And can we choose our own family?
Where does the story go in the next book, and where do you see it going in the future?
The next book will dive deeper into the vampire lore of the Immortal-Blood-Gift-universe. You’ll meet new characters and Dylan will face new challenges. I can’t really say much more without spoiling Inescapable. So go ahead and read it!
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Website | Amazon
As bodies start piling up, each one more gruesome than the last, the town suspects a wild animal is to blame. But Dylan’s world is turned upside down when he learns that Marie is a vampire and Molly, the daughter of his mother’s new boyfriend, is a witch who believes Marie is responsible for the murders.
As Dylan finds himself drawn deeper into the supernatural world, he must make a choice: embrace the darkness within or fight for his humanity. But with a bloodthirsty monster on the loose and no way to return to his old life, Dylan’s decision may already be made for him.
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Set against the backdrop of 1980s horror, “Inescapable” is a chilling coming-of-age tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. If you enjoyed “Stranger Things,” you’ll love this thrilling tale of magic, monsters, and self-discovery.
Don’t miss out on this gripping read.
Sitting Bull Run
Sitting Bull Run is a gritty and heartfelt novel about a group of high school boys on a Long Island cross-country team during the turbulent 1970s. It follows Dennis Hurley and his teammates at St. Theresa High School as they chase a state title under the guidance of their eccentric and tough-as-nails coach Jack Hogan. Set against the backdrop of small-town politics, Catholic school life, and the lingering shadow of Vietnam, the story weaves coming-of-age struggles with the unforgiving discipline of long-distance running. But beneath the sweat and stopwatch splits lies something darker—a haunting incident in the parish woods, affecting their season and their lives.
What struck me first, and stuck with me long after, was the voice. The writing is punchy, fast, and unfiltered. Daly doesn’t dress things up. He lets the story breathe in its own rawness, its own weird charm. The characters aren’t perfect, and they don’t try to be. They screw up. They say the wrong things. They carry guilt like a second backpack. But they feel real. Dennis, especially, is a character I felt for deeply—a quiet resilience runs through him. And Coach Jack? A wild, profane, occasionally brilliant force of nature. I couldn’t decide if I wanted to hug him or slap him.
The ideas in the book are heavy. It’s not just about racing. It’s about fear. About the weight of secrets. About broken adults who hide behind collars and titles, and teenagers trying to make sense of it all. Daly pulls no punches when it comes to the Church. Some parts made my stomach churn—the anger is earned, and it bleeds through the pages. And yet, there’s joy too. A real love for running. For those impossible moments when pain turns into grace. The race scenes alone are worth the read—they’re electric. But what I loved most was how the book never let me settle. It pushed and pulled, quiet one moment, feral the next.
I’d recommend Sitting Bull Run to anyone who’s ever laced up a pair of shoes to outrun something—grief, shame, the past. It’s perfect for readers who love sports stories but want more than just wins and losses. If you grew up Catholic, it’ll hit like a freight train. If you didn’t, it’ll show you why some folks never go back to church. This book’s got guts. It’s tough, tender, angry, and honest. And it reminds us that sometimes, just making it to the starting line is a victory in itself.
Pages: 371 | ISBN: 0996045392
LITERARY TITAN 