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Literary Titan Silver Book Award September 2024
Celebrating the brilliance of outstanding authors who have captivated us with their skillful prose, engaging narratives, and compelling real and imagined characters. We recognize books that stand out for their innovative storytelling and insightful exploration of truth and fiction. Join us in honoring the dedication and skill of these remarkable authors as we celebrate the diverse and rich worlds they’ve brought to life, whether through the realm of imagination or the lens of reality.
Award Recipients
A Drunk in the Midnight Choir by Jim Jensen
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
JimiJix Special Brew
JimiJix Special Brew is a gripping crime thriller that follows the unraveling life of Killian Doyle, a man shattered by the tragic loss of his wife and daughter. As he struggles to navigate his grief, Killian’s once-thriving career in advertising begins to crumble. His relationships deteriorate, culminating in a shocking act of violence that sets off a chain of events plunging him into a dark world of crime and revenge. The novel’s fast-paced narrative is infused with tension and unexpected twists, making it a compelling read from start to finish.
What struck me first about this book was how deeply it explores the psyche of a man broken by tragedy. Killian’s transformation from a vibrant, passionate professional to a hollow shell of his former self is palpable. Doherty does an excellent job of portraying the subtle and not-so-subtle changes in Killian’s character. The shift in Killian’s personality is a powerful commentary on how loss can fundamentally change a person, sometimes in ways that even they don’t recognize. The writing style is straightforward and punchy, which suits the gritty tone of the story. There are moments where the dialogue feels a bit too on-the-nose, almost like the characters are spelling out their thoughts for the reader. While this can be jarring, it doesn’t detract too much from the overall experience. The interactions between Killian and his mentor, Ted, are particularly vivid. Ted’s brutal honesty about the advertising industry paints a stark picture of the world Killian inhabits. This no-holds-barred attitude contrasts sharply with Killian’s growing sense of disillusionment, adding layers to his internal conflict. Doherty clearly has a deep understanding of the industry’s inner workings, and he uses this knowledge to create a backdrop that feels both authentic and suffocating. The cutthroat nature of the business is reflected in the novel’s tense atmosphere, where every decision feels like it could be the one that brings everything crashing down.
JimiJix Special Brew is a dark, intense thriller that delves deep into the human condition. It’s a story about grief, revenge, and the lengths to which people will go when pushed to their limits. While the writing can be a bit heavy-handed at times, the story’s emotional depth and the relentless pacing more than make up for it. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys crime thrillers with complex characters and a psychological edge. It’s particularly suited for readers who appreciate stories that explore the darker sides of both human nature and professional life.
Pages: 286 | ASIN : B0D3FNXMR5
The Twin Sister (Raven Ledger Duet: Book 2)
A high school shooting. An unforgiving community. Someone has to pay.
Raven Ledger is running from people who blame her for her brother’s crime. The city is grappling with the murders of twenty-one people at Allegheny High School. The news of the shooting is on every television station. The nation is talking about what happened . . . They’re also talking about the shooter’s twin sister who has disappeared.
Raven is being hunted by a gang that lost members in the massacre. Her nemesis, Blanco, the girl Raven saved at school that day, leads the chase. Blanco and the other gang members are out for blood and won’t give up until they get revenge.
Raven’s only priority is to find a safe place to live and move on with her life. She agrees to go to a secret shelter for women, but the women who live there are no strangers to violence. One woman in particular won’t rest until Raven pays the price of admittance.
Raven flees the shelter and finds herself alone again. Desperate, she takes a chance and calls an old acquaintance who sends her to see someone in South Philadelphia. With no friends and too many enemies, Raven bravely steps into the close-knit neighborhood that doesn’t welcome outsiders.
But no matter where she goes, cruel people cross Raven’s path, wanting her to be punished. Raven’s torment worsens until she is embraced by a man who is so powerful and deadly, that no one dares to cross him . . . except for one person.
Breaking Silence
In Breaking Silence, by Alan Brenham, sisters Claire and Megan Deveraux initially dismiss a mysterious message from “AMZ” as a scam. However, as evidence suggesting the existence of a forgotten sibling mounts, Claire begins to question their skepticism. Their pursuit of the truth leads them into a dangerous chase involving a relentless blackmailer and a secretive victim determined to protect his hidden past. Spanning from the charm of Paris to the tranquility of a Texas suburb, this intense thriller uncovers a decades-old enigma with global ramifications.
This book is a riveting thriller that expertly blends intrigue with deep, character-driven storytelling. One of its most compelling aspects is the authenticity of its characters, particularly Claire and Megan Deveraux. Brenham depicts these sisters with remarkable nuance and depth, making them feel like real individuals ensnared in a gripping mystery. Their vividly portrayed personalities and emotionally resonant interactions make their journey both captivating and relatable, enhancing overall engagement with the story.
Brenham’s writing style further elevates the narrative. His prose is sharp and evocative, skillfully capturing the tension and urgency of the plot while also providing lush, detailed descriptions that bring the settings to life. The contrast between the glamorous, bustling streets of Paris and the tranquil, subdued Texan suburbia is vividly rendered, adding layers of atmosphere to the story. This dichotomy enhances the reader’s immersion in both the high-stakes action and the quieter, more intimate moments. The plot is intricately woven, with each twist and turn contributing to a larger, suspenseful puzzle. Brenham’s methodical revelation of information keeps readers on the edge of their seats, making the stakes feel incredibly high. The suspense builds effectively, maintaining a strong sense of momentum throughout. I do feel there are moments where the pacing slows slightly. These sections, while rich in character development and plot detail, seem to lack the brisk rhythm of the rest of the narrative–a pace that keeps readers on their toes.
Breaking Silence, by Alan Brenham, is a compelling thriller that masterfully combines intricate plotting with rich, character-driven storytelling. Despite occasional pacing issues, its authentic characters, evocative writing, and high-stakes suspense make it a memorable and engaging read. Fans of intense, well-crafted mysteries will find much to appreciate in this gripping novel.
Pages: 301 | ASIN : B0D8G3T6YD
Miranda Fights
Miranda Fights follows the gripping journey of Miranda Quinn, a determined attorney and former talk show host, who delves into a tangled web of human trafficking and corruption. Set in the quiet town of New London, Miranda’s mission begins with her legal aid work and quickly escalates as she uncovers a series of disturbing disappearances. As Miranda juggles her demanding career, personal life, and a deeply troubling case, she must navigate dangerous waters to seek justice for the vulnerable girls caught in the crossfire.
From the start, I was hooked by the novel’s engaging premise and well-paced narrative. Gail Ward Olmsted perfectly balances the thriller elements with heartfelt moments, creating a story that’s both suspenseful and emotionally resonant. The character development is particularly strong, especially Miranda, who is portrayed as a complex and relatable protagonist. Her interactions with colleagues, clients, and family members add depth to her character and make her struggles and triumphs feel personal and impactful.
One thing I really liked about this book was Olmsted’s ability to weave in social issues without coming across as preachy. The book tackles the grim realities of human trafficking with sensitivity and realism, highlighting the importance of advocacy and legal intervention. Specific scenes, such as Miranda’s support group sessions and her conversations with Detective Dennis Reynaldo, bring the issue to the forefront in a way that’s informative and gripping.
Miranda Fights is a compelling thriller that combines legal drama with a strong social message. Olmsted’s writing is engaging, and her characters are well-crafted, making it easy to become invested in their journey. This book is perfect for fans of legal thrillers, crime dramas, and anyone interested in stories that shine a light on important social issues.
Pages: 260 | ASIN : B0DBJ3DN4N
Literary Titan Gold Book Award: Fiction
The Literary Titan Book Award honors books that exhibit exceptional storytelling and creativity. This award celebrates novelists who craft compelling narratives, create memorable characters, and weave stories that captivate readers. The recipients are writers who excel in their ability to blend imagination with literary skill, creating worlds that enchant and narratives that linger long after the final page is turned.
Award Recipients
Abbey’s Road by Danna Schweitzer
eMortal by Steve Schafer
The Third Estate Secrets of the Manor by D. R. Berlin
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Literary TItan Silver Book Award August 2024
Celebrating the brilliance of outstanding authors who have captivated us with their skillful prose, engaging narratives, and compelling real and imagined characters. We recognize books that stand out for their innovative storytelling and insightful exploration of truth and fiction. Join us in honoring the dedication and skill of these remarkable authors as we celebrate the diverse and rich worlds they’ve brought to life, whether through the realm of imagination or the lens of reality.
Award Recipients
Sunscreen Shower by JP Rieger
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Tree Pose: Yoga Mat Mysteries Series (Audiobook)
Tasmania is the setting for the third installment of Susan Rogers and John Roosen’s Yoga Mat Mysteries. Tree Pose is the gripping follow-up to Rogers and Roosen’s Cobra Pose. Readers are reintroduced to Ric and Elaina and reminded of their budding romance and the perpetual drama threatening their union. What should be an enjoyable getaway and a chance to cement their relationship thrusts the couple into the precarious position of dodging the repercussions of Ric’s past. When Ric receives a mysterious text on a phone line known only to close associates, he quickly realizes their trip may take a deadly turn.
The audiobook version of Tree Pose, narrated by Rupert Degas, is not to be missed. Throughout the audiobook, the narration varies with a pleasing change of inflection from character to character, making each one equally memorable. Degas adds dramatic pauses and a sense of urgency to the action scenes, building apprehension and creating a fantastic feeling of fear and trepidation throughout the novel. Degas is equally adept at adding a softness to the tender moments Rogers and Roosen have created for main characters Ric and Elaina.
Rogers and Roosen have once more crafted a truly memorable cast of characters embroiled in a thrilling plot. Even though this is the third book and relates directly to events from the previous installments, readers will have no problem following the storyline as the authors have done a wonderful job of building the element of mystery for new readers and keeping fans of the series actively engaged.
I find the authors’ ability to intertwine multiple conflicts throughout the narrative especially appealing. Without leaving the primary conflict behind, they effortlessly manage to keep readers on their toes, following the threat on Elaina’s life as they blend in the desperate search to end a human trafficking conspiracy. There is no lack of action in Book 3, and the perfect assimilation of romance, humor, and mystery for fans of all three genres.
This audiobook captivates readers’ imaginations and draws them into the fascinating mystery behind Ric’s past and the anticipation of a lasting romance with Elaina. Rogers and Roosen never fail to pull readers into the plot and keep them guessing from chapter to chapter. The addition of Rupert Degas’ fantastic skills in audiobook narration makes this a highly recommended audiobook for mystery fans and those seeking a binge-worthy series.
Duration: 10hrs 19min | ASIN: B0D27B231B
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