Blog Archives
Death or Volentus: Macabre Masquerade
Death or Volentus: Macabre Masquerade, by David V. Mammina, is a dark fantasy tale filled with necromancers, undead armies, and high-stakes political intrigue. The story follows Volentus, a powerful necromancer ruling over a bleak land called Edengard, and his interactions with other factions in a world filled with rivalries, magic, and deep secrets. Volentus is at the heart of a macabre game, facing threats from kingdoms and individuals alike. The novel sets the stage with battles, betrayals, and an eerie atmosphere that constantly hovers over the storyline. The key tension lies between Volentus and various factions, especially as he faces a pending summit where political and magical powers will collide.
The writing is heavy on detail, immersing readers into a world that feels vividly crafted, but at times, it can be dense. Mammina’s strength lies in his ability to evoke haunting imagery. Whether it’s a necromancer’s undead army or the ruins of Edengard, the setting is always atmospheric. The prose is rich with long passages of descriptive text that I feel sometimes slow down the narrative’s momentum. However, these passages contribute to great world-building within a fascinating narrative.
One thing that really stands out is how the novel delves into the psychological and emotional turmoil of its characters. Volentus isn’t just a power-hungry necromancer; he’s haunted by past decisions and relationships, particularly his complex history with Malkira, a priestess and former lover. The moments where Volentus grapples with his isolation and the consequences of his actions bring a depth that grounds the otherwise fantastical elements. I appreciated how the novel explored his internal conflict and didn’t just paint him as a stereotypical villain. A scene where he sits in front of the fire, reflecting on his power and the fear he instills, felt particularly poignant. The dynamics between different factions, like the Koralins and the Apparatum, are intriguing, but I believe they can occasionally impact the clarity of the narrative. While fascinating and well-developed, side stories centered around characters like Dragan and Alicent are engaging but sometimes distract from the book’s central point.
Death or Volentus: Macabre Masquerade is perfect for those who love dark fantasy with intricate political intrigue. Fans of necromancy, morally complex characters, and rich world-building will enjoy this novel. It’s a book that requires patience and attention to detail, but the payoff is a richly woven, eerie tale that lingers long after you’ve turned the last page.
Pages: 281 | ASIN : B0D9SXRWVY
Different Biases at Different Stages
The Genesis of Change follows two alchemists on missions that test the foundations of their craft and humanity who begin to unravel secrets that have the power to change the direction of their world. What was the inspiration that created the fantastic journey these characters go on?
My main inspiration was the ability of speculative fiction to, redundant as it sounds, speculate over specific themes. Let me elaborate.
I’m quite attracted to using fantasy to tell stories from the point-of-views of non-human characters—and, in particular, characters whose ethics, morals, and mindset vastly differ from a human-like perspective. This ties up with the concept behind alchemists’ origins, which is what gave me the idea for a training montage of sorts. I won’t spoil anything from Genesis here, but alchemists are not born; they are “thoughts embodied” and held together by the core set of beliefs, thought patterns, and feelings of the being that became the “source” for the alchemist. Therefore, their training (to call it somehow) implies finding that core set, fostering a thorough and in-depth understanding, and stripping everything else… which is why alchemists are timeless. They are not “alive” they “exist”… which is something discussed very lightly in Genesis. Because the alchemists are divided into four Orders, each with affinity to different elements, I chose to focus on the Soul Transmuters—which are the alchemists that manipulate thought patterns, emotions, and consciousness.
Since The Genesis of Change is a prequel novella, I wanted to use the storyline to introduce the magic system—that philosophy-based alchemy, the three elements (alive, half-alive, and non-alive), and the four Orders. I also wanted to showcase some of the other concepts, such as The Towers, where the alchemists live, and their extreme grey morality caused by that non-human mindset, and that incredible power some hold. Verve has quite a scene towards the end, and if I must be honest, that’s just a shard of their true power. Likewise, another goal was to showcase how alchemists perceive humans and tease at how humans see alchemists.
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?
Philosophy is definitely one of my main inspirations. In particular, the alchemy of The Orders is loosely based on Kant’s transcendental idealism, but also on some elements of psychology. For example, transcendental idealism argues that space and time are features of our perception, and there is an entire scene in which Elan argues emotions are atemporal. Likewise, some of the Soul Transmuters abilities (this is a magic system after all), are loosely based on the interpretation that objects exist because we exist–hence, why through will and knowledge, some alchemists can create specific elements. Other ideas are based on Stoic philosophy; in particular, the dichotomy of control—which is why some characters argue that “to live is to struggle”.
There are also many other inspirations, but I can’t share some of them so as not to spoil elements of the wider universe. However, something I can share is that The Towers structure is partly inspired by two drawings from M.C. Escher: Relativity and Waterfall; trying to describe that in words was both baffling and curious. Likewise, Borges’ famous short story “The Library of Babel” did influence one particular room within The Towers, though—the Library!
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
In The Genesis of Change, one of the main themes I wanted to explore was bias, and the fact that no matter how old, intelligent (factually or emotionally), or keen we are… we are still biased. Bias is not something we can control; it is more of a constant through someone’s life. We may have different biases at different stages, but there is always going to be some degree of it.
Likewise, another important theme to touch on was the fact that all knowledge is, by definition, incomplete; knowledge is never static because it changes and evolves as a society does, effectively expanding or reducing. Related to this, and perhaps more related to the broader universe, was to enable a discussion on the consequences of an unrestricted pursuit of knowledge; doing anything for knowledge—which is what the alchemists do–may outright cause more damage than intended. After all, humanity has incurred (and continues to incur) in quite a few calamities just for the sake of knowledge (medical history can be quite enlightening in this regard).
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?
Records of the Orders is actually a universe and will be composed of standalones and series. An interesting bit is that this universe is composed of books and books-with-choices—also known as interactive fiction. The books-with-choices will always be standalones and optional, but they’ll be part of the universe as well.
In particular, The Genesis of Change is a prequel novella, so book 0.5, and it focuses on introducing the magic system (alchemy and The Orders), as well as key characters—The Rector, Verve, and Elan. You can get the ebook for free by subscribing to my newsletter!
A standalone book-with-choices titled Mien is also available! It is free to read through the app Unearthed Stories (available for Android and iPhone/iPads); this is a full-sized standalone which happens 5 years after the events in The Genesis of Change. Several of the characters in Genesis make an appearance here, but the protagonist (as the title indicates) is Mien. Although it’s still quite philosophical, this one leans more towards a political fantasy (not ideological, though; it leans more towards political philosophy).
Now, the first trilogy (I won’t reveal the name yet) within Records of the Orders is estimated to arrive in September-October of 2025. Why the delay? Oh well, I’m plotting all three books to write them back to back; my goal is to release each book quite close to each other. There may be a surprise release before that, and the best way to get news before everyone else is my newsletter 👀
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Instagram | Threads | Website | Amazon
Élan; the chaos-tamer, the record-breaker. Verve; the one behind the rise and fall of thousands of civilisations. Two alchemists, each sent on a mission by the leader of The Orders—The Rector.
Élan must shatter their mentee’s humanity to train her as an alchemist, while Verve must define the unexplainable existing within a respected healer. When their missions reveal clues that could reformulate alchemy, they’ll edge closer to fathom The Rector’s goal while facing an endless conundrum—to remain as is, or to learn and adapt.
The genesis of change is near.
ShadowBane
ShadowBane, by Cal Logan, is an enthralling journey set in the backdrop of feudal Japan, melding the essence of historical authenticity with the allure of fantasy. The narrative follows the lives of Shura and Jin, twins bound not only by blood but by their role as formidable demon hunters in the realm of Tankikoku. Tasked by King Migataro, they confront the chilling threats of creatures like the chunari and kimengani, weaving a tale of courage and perseverance.
Logan’s portrayal of Shura, enhanced by her symbiotic relationship with her white tiger, Feng, adds a unique dimension to the storyline. The novel adeptly intertwines the duo’s relentless battles against demonic forces with their personal struggles, painting a vivid picture of warriors caught between duty and desire for peace. Employing a third-person narrative, the story oscillates between the perspectives of Shura and Jin, offering insights into their hardened exteriors shaped by their daunting experiences. This perspective shift deepens the reader’s understanding of their internal conflicts, enhancing the narrative’s complexity.
ShadowBane skillfully integrates elements of political intrigue into its core theme of demon hunting, presenting a rich tapestry of tension and conflict. The rivalry between King Oda and King Migataro adds a layer of political complexity, further entangling the twins in a web of diplomacy and war. As the story progresses towards its climax, the inevitability of a clash between the kings becomes apparent, placing Shura and Jin in a precarious position within a kingdom teetering on the brink of war.
The novel’s meticulously crafted battle scenes, coupled with an undercurrent of suspense, underscore its literary merit. Character development is another of Logan’s strong suits, with each persona evolving meaningfully throughout the narrative. This aspect, combined with the novel’s rich setting and blend of historical and fantastical elements, makes ShadowBane a compelling read for fans of epic fantasy and Japanese history alike. Its intricate plot and well-developed characters are sure to engage readers, offering a captivating escape into a world where legends come to life.
Pages: 609 | ASIN : B0CZ95T51R
Making Choices
The Righteous Place In Light and Shadow is a collection of short stories rooted in both science fiction and horror. Where did the idea for this collection come from, and how did it develop over time?
As an introvert, confrontations are especially hard for me. So, this book is about my struggle to get out of difficult situations. I mostly write about trauma and express myself with fantastic metaphors of what happened to me and some people that I know. I am from Brazil, and it took me a couple of years to translate to English and to revise my writing until I was satisfied with the result.
Is there one story that stands out to you? One that was particularly enjoyable to write?
I enjoy sci-fi a lot, but after Asimov, the virtual bar is incredibly high. So, my favorite story is “This handwriting is not mine,” as I am awfully forgetful, which causes me a lot of trouble, especially in school and work. I’m terrified of Alzheimer’s and tiny Greys that walk funny and don’t need a spacesuit.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore throughout your stories?
Being a man means being pushed to your limits every day. If you are not in pain (either physical or emotional), you are not evolving. These stories are mostly for boys and about becoming men; that’s why there is the label “Big Boys” on the book cover. “Jacobs Games” is an example of making choices and facing their terrible consequences while surviving a terrible situation presented to you (growing up means controlling your inner beast). Most of the time, we cannot avoid the horror of losing someone or moving on to “dangerous places” to solve an impossible problem.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
I will take a break and reflect, but I intend to release another three books in this exact format — the next one is The odd place next to Coincidence and Fate, (about 20% complete) which will continue to be a mix of sci-fi and Horror. I hope my readers saw this, but some stories are interconnected, and the lore of this universe will be expanded. I also don’t want to write completely solo anymore, and for the next book, I will hire a pro editor to help me out in the dark corners of my mind with a better flashlight.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
THE RIGHTEOUS PLACE IN LIGHT AND SHADOW is the first release in a trilogy of short stories that explores the theme of confrontations and close, deadly encounters. Those dangerous places are in for power and dominance — and the reader’s mind is the battlefield where all those forces will collide and see which one gains the upper hand.
Event [1]
In the aftermath of an unprecedented nuclear event that wipes out several blocks of the city, the following story shows the perspectives of many individuals caught in the mysterious and unexplained event. THE LOST ARE ALWAYS BURNING presents horror, violence, mystery, and spirituality through an intricate story told from different points of view.
Event [2]
After receiving a book order in the mail that Mark Wenbley does not remember, the biology professor sees his own hand coming to life and making a different signature. This odd incident triggers Mark to pay more attention to what is happening.
THIS HANDWRITING IS NOT MINE is an accelerationism science fiction story about the collapse of the frail human society, with the ongoing silent war in everyone’s heads as the cities are slowly becoming deserted without anyone even aware of it.
Event [3]
After a small plane crashes into the dark waters of Greenwood Lake, a strange metal box is retrieved and stored in the Finn family Lakehouse. In this story, we will follow the family drama of the Jersey Fire brigade officers Joel Finn and his father. THE UNDEAD OF GREENWOOD is a dark fantasy and horror story about addiction and the bad decisions people make instead of confronting the real terrors inside their minds: the absolute fear of change and facing the consequences of their choices.
Event [4]
We will follow the life of Chris Miller, a survivor of WWII who finds himself inside a string of crimes that unfortunately hide a more sinister and out-of-this-world hidden truth.As the head of security for an elite industrial group, Miller gets involved directly with the inexplicable death of one young son from a privileged family. After being fired and accused of failing miserably, this event pushes Chris to the edge in search of answers, including his own inexplicable past in rural Louisiana.
THE JENNTU ARTIFACT is a science fiction story with elements of horror, mystery, alien technology, and shadow government.
Event [5]
n the pioneering years of electronic games, graphics were not the cutting edge of technology.
Back in the eighties, when tech resources were scarce, the first light in interactivity was creating an entire virtual world by combining text and the player’s imagination.
JACOBS GAMES is set in a very dangerous Compton of 1993, following a young boy passionate about his text adventures found on a computer sold by a friendly VCR repairman. Spending his nights immersed in other realities, Jacob enjoys intricate puzzles and fantasy narratives to escape his private hell of school violence and a runaway mother.
Unfortunately for the young boy, he enters a real game of survival when he meets a demonic entity called Lucius — a vicious and treacherous adversary. To survive, Jacob must win the challenge from the “simulacrum” created by the game master from the mighty Umbra, the dark legion of hell.
Honoring My Best Friend
Infinity Tales follows a seemingly ordinary cat who, after a series of mysterious events, ends up on a journey to help alleviate sadness in humans. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
What inspired Leo in The Dark series and inspired me to write his stand-alone story was my real-life cat Tiggie. Tiggie came into my life during an uncertain time and helped me through it by just being there. He also had a rough life. He was more to me than just a pet, he was my best friend. When I had to make the difficult decision to ease his pain and let him cross the rainbow bridge, it hit me hard. The best way I could honor him was to write parts of his personality into Leo. Not only did I want to honor Tiggie, but I also wanted to honor all felines as I’ve been around cats my whole life. It was difficult to write, but I’m glad I didn’t give up.
In fantasy novels it’s easy to get carried away with the magical powers characters have. How did you balance the use of supernatural powers?
Although Leo becomes supernatural that helps drive the story-line, my focus remained on the fact that he’s a cat and thinks differently than humans, even if he has some human qualities. Even though he may not be a normal cat, he still stays true to his self, taking the time to learn and understand the world around him along with his purpose.
What were some ideas that were important for you to personify in your characters?
The most important personification of Leo was to think like a cat. To write the story through a feline’s perspective. Cats are often misunderstood for their independent personalities and odd behaviors. My hope is readers are able to view cats through a different lens and be able to understand them a little better as they all have unique personalities just like us humans.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I’m working on editing the last book in The Dark series as well as a memoir of my journey as an author. I’m hoping they will be both available by the end of 2024 if not then early 2025.
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Infinity Tales
Infinity Tales, by M.C. Ryder, offers a captivating and unique narrative, presenting the world through the eyes of Leo, a seemingly ordinary cat. Leo spends his days in leisurely pursuits, primarily focused on food and his human companion. However, his tranquil life is upended by a series of mysterious events, thrusting him into a journey filled with love, loss, and adventure. Leo must transcend his ordinary existence to protect those he cares about, becoming far more than just a regular cat.
M.C. Ryder skillfully portrays human experiences and struggles from Leo’s feline perspective, creating a constantly evolving story that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Leo’s viewpoint is a bold and intriguing choice for narration, providing a fresh angle on The Dark Series. His limited understanding of human complexities enrich the narrative with a distinctive and engaging charm. The thematic exploration of love, loss, and family is beautifully woven throughout the tale, making it a heartwarming and thought-provoking read. Ryder’s ability to breathe new life into a familiar story through an unconventional narrator is commendable. Leo’s feline perspective and his perception of the world add a fascinating layer to the storytelling.
Infinity Tales is a delightful read for fans of The Dark Series, fantasy enthusiasts, and cat lovers alike. M.C. Ryder’s innovative approach and willingness to think outside the box result in a truly memorable story. This novel not only captivates but also challenges readers to see the world from a different angle. I eagerly anticipate more works from authors like Ryder, who dare to push the boundaries of traditional storytelling.
Pages: 198 | ASIN : B0D1J2BVMT
Underlying Historical Aspects
In My Brother’s Keeper, two brothers are among the survivors of a plane crash in the Dutch Indies facing personal challenges as they fight for survival. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
My goal was to provide a significant psychological thriller that would keep the readers’ interest and emotional engagement peaked throughout. The challenge was to provide a compelling story backdrop that was both believable and focused enough to enable the narrative to develop quickly and naturally. In this case, the underlying historical aspects are correct.
Why the WW2 setting? It is fraught with violent conflict, not unlike the life and death struggle between the two protagonists in this story.
Why confine the majority of story to the island and the resulting survival challenge? It allowed me to keep the complex relation between Anders and Simon tightly focused while allowing the reader to feel what they felt, to experience the stress they experienced. I wanted to pull the reader in.
I am always interested in the origins of characters in fiction novels. Was there anything from your own life that you put into the characters in your novel?
Each of my characters have some aspects that generate from my life experiences. It is one of the benefits having a diverse background. Recently, I had the opportunity to interface with individuals who both treated or personally experienced struggles dealing with both substance abuse and mental illness. In either case the experiences were profound and deeply troublesome.
What was your favorite scene in this story?
There are several scenes that I loved writing. I won’t go into them too much so as not to spoil them for the reader but let me share two with you. The first is early in the book where Anders is coming to grips with being stranded on the island. The tranquility provides a significant contrast to the battle against the storm responsible the previous evening and the life and death struggle to come. The second scene is extremely simple and intentionally subtle and yet provides a significant clue as to the true nature of the relation between Anders and Simon. I won’t go any further so as not to spoil it for the those of you reading the book.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
Thank you for asking. There are several in the queue. Up next is a sequel to Nails, a book you reviewed this past year. It is called The Bent Nail. It is currently in the editing process so, hopefully, it will be available in time to be a great Christmas present for those who love dark stories. It’s a thriller, based on the same troubling characters to whom you were introduced last year. It provides a plot and twist that will intrigue readers. I have no doubt those who loved Nails are going to love The Bent Nail even more.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Award-winning author, M.D. Nuth, brings us another thrilling page turner with his My Brother’s Keeper, a story of violence, struggle, and psychological misdirection. World war provides a catalyst and backdrop for the conflict between two brothers vying for power, leadership, recognition, and a woman’s affection. On the surface the story provides us a raw look at the impulsive, self-absorbed Anders Cartwright, charged with the care of his socially withdrawn brother, Simon. His devotion to his brother is challenged when they flee Singapore prior to the Japanese Imperial Army invasion at the beginning of World War II.
Anders Cartwright makes a fateful decision to rescue his lover, Shelley Samuels (Ess), along with his brother, Simon, by escaping to Australia aboard a Douglas DC-3 fitted out more for cargo than passengers. The fateful flight ends when it crashes in the Dutch Indies. Anders, Simon, and Ess find themselves stranded along with three other survivors and a valuable, but dangerous cargo load.
Marooned on a previously uninhabited, tiny island in the Java Sea, the struggle for survival forces the brothers into a life and death struggle leading to personal challenge and discovery as it becomes less clear who might be the “keeper” and the true relation between Anders and Simon. The story engages the reader in a war of wills as Simon vies for the leadership of this group, pitting him against his brother in a moral dilemma and with a surprising and significant and dark story twist.
The Spirits of Hyni
The Spirits of Hyni, book two of The Wolf and the Phoenix series by Trevor Bartlett, delves into the myths and legends of powerful and enigmatic creatures, navigating both external battles and inner turmoil. Bartlett’s fantastical world transports readers to exotic cities and mighty kingdoms, teeming with magical and mysterious beings. The intricate plot unveils a series of intriguing discoveries, hidden meanings, and captivating confrontations. As the journey unfolds, readers are introduced to the spirits of Hyni, each with a unique narrative. Central among them is The White Wolf, a character both revered and feared, whose distinctive qualities set him apart from even the spirits themselves. Through his perspective, we gain insights into the strengths and vulnerabilities of each character. The spirits gradually come alive, revealing the power and hidden histories that define them. Despite its fictional nature, the detailed myths and legends of the spirits feel vividly real, quickly becoming a compelling aspect of the book.
The story is rich with creative and fantastical elements. While the characters and plot become engaging over time, the initial pages are laden with descriptive passages that can slow the narrative’s progression. These detailed descriptions, while immersive, occasionally detract from the story, adding little to the context or beauty of the narrative style. However, as the plot develops, it becomes increasingly absorbing. The central characters, with their strange powers, grow more intriguing, especially as a looming war adds tension. Their powers and responsibilities create a blend of admiration and fear, highlighting their internal struggles and the darkness they must confront. Bartlett thoughtfully explores themes of destiny and duty. The main characters, bound by their powers and history, bear significant responsibilities as providers and protectors within their societies. They must balance these roles while maintaining their true selves, resisting the spirits’ overwhelming influence.
The Spirits of Hyni is a thought-provoking exploration of justice, choice, and legend. Themes of rebuilding and striving for a better future resonate as the characters’ determination and insecurities unfold. As they rediscover themselves, old questions are resolved, and new mysteries emerge, leaving much to ponder.
Pages: 443 | ASIN : B0CVBG16CF
LITERARY TITAN 