Blog Archives
The Gifted Series
Posted by Literary Titan
When Serenity begins to suffer vivid hallucinations, she thinks that she is having a meltdown—until she begins to notice a recurring theme that hints at her destiny.
With no family to turn to, she searches everywhere for answers to no avail. Then, she meets Kendrick. Mysterious and protective, Kendrick reveals the truth: Serenity is the youngest heir of the Salem witch legacy.
With Kendrick’s help, Serenity must learn to control the dangerous power awakening inside her. As she navigates new abilities, she also develops dark connections that are drawing terrifying and strong forces closer to her.
With a story that captures the imagination, this spellbinding novel takes you on a ride of magic, romance, and relatable self-discovery as Serenity finally finds her true power.
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Posted in Book Trailers
Tags: author, book, book recommendations, book review, Book Reviews, book shelf, book trailer, bookblogger, books, books to read, booktube, booktuber, dark fantasy, ebook, fantasy, fiction, goodreads, indie author, kindle, kobo, literature, nook, novel, paranormal, read, reader, reading, romance, story, supernatural, The Gifted Series, Toni Hawkins, trailer, writer, writing, young adult
Guilt and Solitude
Posted by Literary-Titan

Where Despair Comes To Play follows a man consumed by the voices in his head who is convicted of murder and sentenced to prison, where the isolation drives him deep into paranoia, delusion, and dissociation. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for Where Despair Comes to Play came from a fascination with the fragile boundary between the mind and reality—how isolation, guilt, and fear can twist perception until the world itself becomes an echo of one’s thoughts. I wanted to explore what happens when a person is left alone with their own darkness, with no distractions, no noise—only the voices that feed on doubt and memory.
The prison setting became a metaphor for internal confinement. I wasn’t as interested in the crime itself as in what happens afterward—how a mind begins to fracture when trapped in silence and shame. Each of Malcolm’s voices—Paranoia, Delusion, and Dissociation—represents a piece of his psyche trying to survive the unbearable weight of guilt and solitude.
I always start my books with a well-refined thesis statement, similar to what I did for my doctoral dissertation. In many ways, the story was inspired by the question: If you can’t trust your own mind, where can you hide?
Malcolm is a fascinating character who draws readers into his mind and the horrors that reside within it. What scene was the most interesting to write for that character?
The most intriguing scene to write for Malcolm was the one where he finally stops resisting the voices—when Paranoia, Delusion, and Dissociation stop feeling like intruders and start feeling like his only companions. It’s the moment where his isolation becomes complete, and instead of fighting for sanity, he begins to negotiate with his madness.
Writing that scene felt like walking a tightrope between horror and heartbreak. I wanted readers to feel both fear and empathy—to see that Malcolm isn’t a monster but a man slowly breaking under the weight of his own thoughts. Capturing the moment when his inner voices start making more sense to him than reality itself.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
My key theme was the personification of mental illness—turning Paranoia, Delusion, and Dissociation into living entities. It allowed me to explore how mental struggles can feel external and invasive, like something whispering just behind your thoughts. My ultimate goal for the book was to explore what happens when the mind becomes the battleground—and whether redemption is possible when your worst enemy is yourself.
What is the next book that you are writing, and when will that be published?
My next book is actually a love story, Framed in Love, that is steeped in fantasy and explores the psychological condition of “How far will you go, and what are you willing to do to keep that love alive?” In a world where love can be bound by spell and sacrifice, a devoted lover discovers that devotion has no bottom, and is preserving love worth losing everything that makes a person human?
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
As Malcolm struggles to separate reality from nightmare, every letter etched on the wall draws him closer to a final word he may not survive. The line between guilt and madness blurs, and the only question left is chilling: is he haunted by his own mind—or by something far worse that feeds on silence itself?
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Posted in Interviews
Tags: author, book, book recommendations, book review, Book Reviews, book shelf, book trailer, bookblogger, books, books to read, booktube, booktuber, Clifton Wilcox, dark fantasy, ebook, fiction, goodreads, indie author, kindle, kobo, literature, nook, novel, Psychological Thrillers, read, reader, reading, story, supsense, thriller, trailer, Where Despair Comes To Play, writer, writing
Literary Titan Gold Book Award: Fiction
Posted by Literary Titan
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
The Cauldron: A Struggle for Survival by Joe Clark
A Jericho’s Cobble Miscellany by Tom Shachtman
Childhood’s Hour: The Lost Desert by E.E. Glass
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
🏆The Literary Titan Book Award🏆
— Literary Titan (@LiteraryTitan) October 3, 2025
We celebrate #books with captivating stories crafted by #writers who expertly blend imagination with #writing talent. Join us in congratulating these amazing #authors and their outstanding #novels. #WritingCommunity https://t.co/LFXGuQUthF pic.twitter.com/ffQGZJQwBG
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Posted in Literary Titan Book Award
Tags: author, author award, author recognition, biography, book award, childrens books, christian fiction, crime fiction, crime thriller, dark fantasy, fantasy, fiction, historical fiction, historical romance, horror, indie author, kids books, Literary Titan Book Award, memoir, mystery, nonfiction, paranormal, picture books, romance, science fiction, self help, supernatural, suspense, thriller, western, womens fiction, writing, young adult
Literary Titan Silver Book Award
Posted by Literary Titan
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
Witness in the Dust by Lorrie Reed
The Glass Pyramid by Vesela Patton
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
🏅 Literary Titan Book Awards🏅
— Literary Titan (@LiteraryTitan) October 3, 2025
Celebrating the brilliance of #authors who captivated us with their prose and engaging narratives. We recognize #books that stand out for their storytelling and insightful exploration of truth and #fiction.#WritingCommunityhttps://t.co/esrs0bvQO4 pic.twitter.com/IgTJalFL3L
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Posted in Literary Titan Book Award
Tags: author, author award, author recognition, biography, book award, childrens books, christian fiction, crime fiction, crime thriller, dark fantasy, fantasy, fiction, historical fiction, historical romance, horror, indie author, kids books, Literary Titan Book Award, memoir, mystery, nonfiction, paranormal, picture books, romance, science fiction, self help, supernatural, suspense, thriller, western, womens fiction, writing, young adult
I, Monster
Posted by Literary Titan

I, Monster tells the story of Hans, a boy born into poverty, abuse, and neglect who grows into a man consumed by cruelty. What begins as childhood bullying and violence slowly shapes him into a predator, then into a soldier, and eventually into a commander of a concentration camp. Through Hans, the book explores how systematic brutality and dehumanization can turn an ordinary person into an architect of horror. It is not a story of redemption but of descent, a chilling portrait of the way cruelty feeds on itself until nothing remains but emptiness and power.
The writing is sharp, relentless, and full of imagery that sticks in the mind long after you finish the book. The brutality is not sensationalized but presented with a stark clarity that made me feel both horrified and transfixed. At times, I wanted to look away. At other times, I found myself compelled to keep reading, almost against my own comfort. The author’s ability to take me into Hans’s mind disturbed me, because I caught myself understanding the logic of cruelty, even while despising it. That balance between revulsion and reluctant empathy is what made the book so powerful for me.
The prose can be heavy, almost poetic in its repetitions and its grim rhythm. It worked in creating atmosphere, yet sometimes I felt like I was drowning in it. Still, that might have been the point. The book doesn’t want to let the reader breathe too easily. It forces us to live in the same suffocating darkness as its main character. I appreciated that. It’s not an easy read, but it left me thinking hard about the banality of evil and how ordinary pain can harden into extraordinary cruelty.
I, Monster reminded me of Ordinary Men by Christopher Browning, since both confront the terrifying truth that cruelty often grows not from monsters at birth but from ordinary people shaped by their times and choices. I would recommend I, Monster to readers who are willing to confront the darkest corners of human nature. If you want a raw, unsettling exploration of how monsters are made, this will stay with you long after the last page.
Pages: 216 | ASIN : B0FN6T64YQ
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Posted in Book Reviews, Five Stars
Tags: action, adventure, author, book, book recommendations, book review, Book Reviews, book shelf, bookblogger, books, books to read, Clifton Wilcox, dark fantasy, ebook, fiction, goodreads, Holocaust fiction, horror, I Monster, indie author, kindle, kobo, literature, mystery, nook, novel, read, reader, reading, story, suspense, terrorism thriller, thriller, writer, writing, WWII Historical Fiction
The Manifestation of Evil: Part One – The Birth of the Antichrist
Posted by Literary Titan

The Manifestation of Evil tells the story of Asya, a young girl whose seemingly ordinary life in Ankara slowly unravels under the weight of sinister visions, haunting figures, and a destiny tied to forces beyond her understanding. Her journey is both spiritual and terrifying as she faces abuse, betrayal, and visions of the Morning Star, who claims her as the bearer of a prophecy that could reshape the world. Intertwined with her narrative is the rise of Igor Alexander, a ruthless Russian leader whose political ambitions escalate into a global confrontation, setting the stage for a sweeping clash of faith, power, and prophecy. Together, these threads create a sprawling tale of innocence and corruption, of individuals caught in the machinery of evil and destiny.
The writing is vivid, richly descriptive, and often cinematic. At times, though, the descriptions lingered long in certain places, which slowed the pace when I was eager to know what would happen next. I admired how the author captured the small details of ordinary life and then shattered them with sudden dread. That contrast made the moments of fear hit even harder. Some passages carried a touch of melodrama, and at times I felt steered toward a reaction.
The ideas in the book are bold, unsettling, and often heavy. The blending of prophecy, political intrigue, and personal trauma was thought-provoking. The narrative dares to tackle immense themes like the nature of evil, the vulnerability of children, and the dangerous ambitions of nations. At times, the larger themes took center stage, giving the characters a more symbolic presence within the story. There were moments, especially when Asya confided in Imam Ali, when her courage shone and reminded me why I cared. Those were the passages that stayed with me even after I finished the book.
I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy apocalyptic fiction rooted in faith, political thrillers with spiritual overtones, or stories that wrestle with the darkest corners of belief and power. It often challenged me to reflect on how fear and hope can coexist. If you are drawn to intense, layered stories that blur the line between the spiritual and the political, you’ll enjoy this book.
Pages: 193 | ASIN : B0F8VVHSW7
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Posted in Book Reviews, Four Stars
Tags: author, book, book recommendations, book review, Book Reviews, book shelf, bookblogger, books, books to read, dark fantasy, Dave Pinero, ebook, epic fantasy, fiction, goodreads, horror, indie author, kindle, kobo, literature, metaphysical, nook, novel, occultism, read, reader, reading, story, supernatural, The Birth of the Antichrist, The Manifestation of Evil, witch and wizard thrillers, writer, writing
Fast-Paced Storytelling
Posted by Literary-Titan
Lord of the Crimson Dawn follows a hitman on assignment in Mexico who winds up being turned into a vampire, but not like others; he can walk in the sunlight and has unmatched powers that have never been seen before. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I had a lot of inspiration. Growing up, I had my favorite vampires, like Christopher Lee, Frank Langella, and Gary Oldman. But I was heavily inspired by a mixture of Underworld and The Blade movies and comics. I enjoyed writing this genre. I’ve always loved the fast-paced storytelling, like Indiana Jones movies. I just added the blood and gore to the mix.
Jack is a fascinating character. What scene was the most interesting to write for that character?
Jack is one of my favorite characters I created. There were a few scenes I enjoyed, but what I really enjoyed writing was the scenes where he wasn’t sure what was a dream and what was reality, and then he discovers that it was all real while he was being transformed into a vampire.
What intrigues you about the horror and paranormal genres that led you to write this book?
Growing up, I enjoyed all types of horror films, from the old-time monsters to slasher films. I also enjoyed reading vampire novels along with other monster and demon novels.
Will this novel be the start of a series, or are you working on a different story?
Yes, this will be the start of a new series, and yes, I am working on a new story as well as a new story for my Demon Hunter series.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
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Posted in Interviews
Tags: author, book, book recommendations, book review, Book Reviews, book shelf, bookblogger, books, books to read, dark fantasy, dark fantasy horror, ebook, fantasy, fiction, goodreads, Henry Regnault, indie author, kindle, kobo, literature, Lord of the Crimson Dawn, nook, novel, read, reader, reading, story, Vampire Mysteries, writer, writing
Heir of Flame and Shadow
Posted by Literary Titan

Heir of Flame and Shadow picks up where Daughter of Light and Dark left off, continuing Mina’s journey through a world steeped in shadow, betrayal, and dangerous magic. At its heart, this story is about survival and self-discovery in the face of unbearable odds. Mina struggles with her cursed gift, torn between the burden it places on her and the hope it brings to others. Alongside her, a cast of allies and enemies twist the path forward, pulling her into battles that are both physical and deeply emotional. Themes of identity, family, sacrifice, and the fragile line between love and pain shape the arc of this sequel, while the backdrop of supernatural powers and dark kingdoms raises the stakes to life-or-death levels.
I enjoyed how raw the writing felt. The prose is not polished to perfection, but that roughness gave the book a pulse, like the words were breathing with Mina. The imagery is often harsh, almost jagged, and it fits the tone of the story. I found myself swept along by the energy, even when the pacing slowed. The dialogue carried weight, sometimes heavy with pain, sometimes sharp with betrayal, and occasionally softened by fleeting moments of tenderness. At times, I wanted more quiet space to sink into the characters’ hearts, but the relentless drive of the narrative made sure I was never allowed to get too comfortable. I liked that. It kept me unsettled, the way Mina herself was.
The exploration of trauma and control felt unflinching, and it stirred up emotions that weren’t easy to brush aside. There were moments when I had to pause, not because the writing faltered, but because the weight of what was happening pressed too close. That’s a rare thing for me, to feel almost winded by a book. At the same time, the bond between characters, even when fractured, reminded me of how messy and stubborn love can be. It isn’t always gentle or safe. Sometimes it’s sharp enough to draw blood. And that messy truth gave the fantasy world a raw humanity that made it believable.
I’d recommend Heir of Flame and Shadow to readers who aren’t afraid of dark themes and emotional turbulence. If you like your fantasy with teeth, if you want magic tangled with pain, and if you enjoy characters who are complicated and scarred, this book will speak to you. It’s not for someone looking for a lighthearted escape. It’s for readers who want to be rattled a little, who want to sit with shadows and still see the flicker of flame inside them.
Pages: 262 | ASIN : B0FKZJDW49
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Posted in Book Reviews, Four Stars
Tags: Ahlam Faris, Asian fiction, author, book, book recommendations, book review, Book Reviews, book shelf, bookblogger, books, books to read, dark fantasy, ebook, fantasy, fiction, goodreads, Heir of Flame and Shadow, indie author, kindle, kobo, literature, myths, nook, novel, read, reader, reading, sci fi, story, teen, writer, writing, young adult

















































































































