Blog Archives
Respecting Water
The Tralls of Mundi follows a group of tralls headed to the Coming Together celebration who, along the way, discover a dark and dangerous adventure that threatens the tralls’ future. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Illegal damming of water sources is becoming an issue in Australia, especially in areas that have a lot of agriculture and limited water resources.
There are many reasons for this, some quite understandable, and in a vast country like Australia the situation is hard to monitor.
Unfortunately, however, Illegal dams can have a negatively impact on the environment and ecosystems.
They can lead to habitat destruction, degrade water quality, negatively impact aquatic life and cause health risks for humans through contaminated water.
I wanted to make my young readers aware of these issues and hopefully encourage them to be respectful water users in the future.
Were there any characters that you especially enjoyed writing for?
Each book in The Tall Series is dedicated to two of my grandchildren. The two represented in “The Tralls of Mundi” are often complimented on their leadership, persistence, courage and resourcefulness so I was keen to highlight these traits in the main characters, Jete and Jak.
What was the inspiration for the culture of your characters? Is it modeled after any particular society?
There are two memories that are very special to me. The first was when I lived with my grandparents in Tasmania. We spent a lot of time traipsing through the bush and marvelling at the beautiful flora and fauna during the daytime and then at night, we’d read and re-enact the classics. Those memories are very dear to me and I tried to share them with my family and my readers through this series.
The second very precious memory is of the time we spent living on Badu Island in the Torres Strait.
The laid-back, happy, communal life-style of the islanders and the friendly way they included us in their lives had a strong impact on us and Badu and the friends we made there still mean the world to us.
My hope is that by threading that happy, peaceful ambience through my stories , I could impart the same feeling to others.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from The Tralls of Mundi?
I hope “The Tralls of Mundi” engenders a deep respect in my readers for the environment and a desire to protect it. I also hope they learn the importance of all water resources and treat them with consideration and care.
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When the terrified tralls discover that the village of Mundi and all its inhabitants have disappeared they are convinced the Chameleons have returned, and when they find that the mighty River Maire is now only a dried-up mudflat, those fears are strengthened.
Jete and Jak are determined to save their friends but what they find when they enter the Sacred Caves of Mundi leaves them so confused and horrified, they are no longer sure they can save the tralls of Mundi or even their own kinships.
The Tralls of Mundi is the second book in The Trall Series; a collection of environmentally based portal fantasies set in the Australian bush. It is recommended for readers 9 years to 13 years.
The Tralls of Mundi
The Tralls of Mundi continues the imaginative world Gayle Torrens first opened in The Tralls of Nindarry. Set in a vividly Australian-inspired fantasy land, it follows Jete and his kin as they journey to the long-awaited “Coming Together” of the tralldoms. What begins as a joyful reunion quickly twists into an adventure full of danger, mystery, and courage. Torrens builds a realm both whimsical and meaningful, where talking creatures, magical plants, and mythical beings shape a tale about loyalty, bravery, and the strength of community. It’s a story for children and young teens but layered enough to keep adults engaged, too.
Reading this book felt like wandering through a sunlit dream in a forest filled with mythical creatures. The author’s writing has warmth and rhythm. It’s easy to hear the voice of a teacher who knows how to hold a young listener’s attention. Sometimes the descriptions stretch a little long, but the detail also makes the world feel alive and real. I found myself caring about Jete and his friends. Their courage felt honest and their fears familiar. The villains are satisfyingly nasty, yet the story avoids becoming too dark. The tone stays hopeful, grounded in the belief that good hearts and brave choices matter most.
What I loved most was how Australian it felt without being heavy-handed. You can almost smell the bushland and hear the kookaburras. The dialogue has a simplicity that works. It makes the story easy to follow and keeps the fantasy believable. There are moments where I wished the pacing moved faster. Still, the heart of the story, the lessons about friendship, resilience, and doing what’s right even when you’re scared, rings true. It made me think about how small acts of courage can ripple through generations.
The Tralls of Mundi is a heartfelt and imaginative read that blends adventure with a gentle sense of wisdom. It’s perfect for young readers who love fantasy with moral depth, or for parents and teachers who enjoy reading aloud stories that spark discussion about values and bravery. It’s not just a tale of magic and tralls, it’s a celebration of storytelling itself, and it left me smiling long after I turned the last page.
Pages: 306 | ISBN : 1543198619
Chronicles Of A Timebound Warrior
From the very first duel between Anwen and her uncle, this story had me locked in. The book is a sweeping fantasy that mixes Elven honor, dragon lore, portal magic, and tangled relationships across kingdoms. At its heart, it’s the tale of a strong and stubborn warrior who refuses to be controlled by tradition, politics, or even fate. Anwen’s path winds through battles, betrayals, romance, and strange new worlds, and the book never really slows down. It’s packed with sword fights, forbidden magic, and emotional struggles that all feel larger than life.
I enjoyed the writing style. It’s vivid and unashamedly dramatic. There are moments where the descriptions sing, like when the forest feels alive with secrets or when Anwen’s rage burns brighter than her flaming sword. There are moments when the book blends grit and romance in a unique way. The contrast adds to its distinctive energy. I enjoyed that mix.
The ideas in the book are bold. There’s a constant clash between freedom and control, love and duty, magic and mortality. Anwen isn’t always easy to root for. She’s proud, headstrong, and at times reckless, but that’s what made her real to me. I loved the sense that she was always one step away from falling apart, yet still refused to give in. The world-building is layered with elves, dragons, secret councils, and rival houses, and while not every piece is fully explained, I never stopped wanting to turn the page.
I’d recommend Chronicles of a Timebound Warrior to readers who like their fantasy loud, passionate, and unpredictable. If you enjoy a story that leaps headfirst into danger, desire, and destiny, this epic sword and sorcery novel will keep you hooked. It’s for fans who want to feel every battle in their bones and every stolen kiss in their chest.
Pages: 225 | ASIN : B0DXS2SF4Q
My Secret Hideaway
A Goblin’s Mind the bizarre, the enchanted, and the profoundly unwell—with tea, therapy, and an ironclad refusal to get emotionally involved. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Long short story short, I entered a 3 day novel writing contest, and being a psychology major and fantasy lover, I began to string together some ideas. It was truly my love for the “didn’t see it coming” books and movies that seeded the arc for this one.
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 have a world where all my fantasy stories exist: The Corwyn Chronicles. It’s been my secret hideaway since I was a teenager. With many short stories, novelettes, and the upcoming first book of a four book series coming out this year, the world (and my writing) has grown exponentially.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
Everything about the human condition makes for great fiction. Ideas can come from anything. The well I tapped for this book runs deep: human flaws and our need to label them. Dr. Harlow can, at times, represent the judge, forgetting that even therapists have their flaws. No one is “better” than the next person; we all just have floating opinions we treat as fact.
What is the next book that you’re working on, and when can your fans expect it out?
A Prologue of Deception is book 1 of 4 in the Talisman Series, set in the same universe as A Goblin’s Mind. It’s scheduled for release by Golden Storyline Books before the end of 2025.
Two stand-alone books are in submissions: a YA paranormal story set in the real world and a hybrid poetry/fantasy collection containing many of my award-winning and published works. Another full-length Corwyn Chronicles novel is being written, expanding the world even further.
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Doctor Harlow is methodical. Composed. A trusted mind in a kingdom full of unstable ones. On a remote island far from the crown, Harlow treats the bizarre, the enchanted, and the profoundly unwell—with tea, therapy, and an ironclad refusal to get emotionally involved.
But when a quiet goblin arrives—haunted by invisible friends and stories that don’t quite add up—something begins to crack.
At first, the sessions seem harmless. Eccentric, even amusing. Then people begin to vanish. Details shift. Memories blur. And the threads that hold reality together begin to fray like cheap spell work.
As the island slips further out of sync, Harlow must confront a terrifying possibility: the patients aren’t the ones unravelling.
A Goblin’s Mind
A Goblin’s Mind follows Doctor Harlow, a sharp-witted therapist living in a secluded forest who treats the most peculiar of clients. Through his sessions with a compulsive half-unicorn hoarder, an arrogant wizard, a lonely young goblin, and even royalty, Harlow navigates strange personalities, tangled problems, and his own isolation. Each chapter plays out like a self-contained therapy vignette, yet threads of mystery and personal reflection run underneath, hinting at Harlow’s own unfinished business and the curious island he inhabits. The tone swings between deadpan humor, gentle empathy, and surreal fantasy, making the reader feel both entertained and unsettled.
I enjoyed the way the writing marries dry wit with moments of quiet melancholy. Dresner has a gift for making absurd scenarios feel grounded. A unicorn discussing her belt-buckle attachment issues becomes, in his hands, both hilarious and strangely poignant. The banter between characters is crisp and revealing, with dialogue that often says as much in what is left unsaid as in what is spoken. At times, I laughed at Harlow’s sardonic observations. Other moments caught me off guard with their tenderness. There’s a rhythm to the prose that makes the conversations feel alive, and yet the pacing never lingers too long in one mood before shifting to another.
I also found myself appreciating the undercurrent of loneliness that runs through the book. Harlow may be the one guiding others, but Dresner never lets us forget he is just as mortal as his patients, grappling with uncertainty and longing. The island itself feels like a character, its stillness and strange boundaries adding to the sense that everyone here is a little trapped, including the good doctor. Some of the surreal touches, like the recurring dream imagery and the letter that keeps reappearing, worked beautifully to keep me curious, though a few left me wishing for more payoff. The blend of slice-of-life pacing with the quirks of high fantasy felt fresh.
I’d recommend A Goblin’s Mind to readers who enjoy character-driven fantasy with a strong conversational voice. If you like your worlds a bit odd, your humor a bit dry, and your moments of heart snuck in between the jokes, this is worth picking up. For anyone who enjoys the idea of a therapist’s couch deep in an enchanted forest, Dresner delivers something charming, sly, and quietly moving.
Pages: 176 | ISBN : 1989482082
Tavern
Tavern follows Xelnath, or Xel, an orc priest who also happens to be a tavern owner, a healer, and the mastermind behind a covert mercenary guild called the Blackwind Company. Tavern is a character-driven fantasy adventure wrapped in rich worldbuilding and filled with witty dialogue, deep friendships, and a good bit of magical ass-kicking. From shady alleys to political schemes, the story flows through layers of intrigue, touching on themes like found family, trauma, identity, and self-worth.
I didn’t expect to fall so hard for the characters, especially Xel. He isn’t your typical fantasy protagonist. He’s overweight, scarred, introspective, and surprisingly gentle for a guy who can summon magical tree roots and crush bones with a staff. I loved the emotional layers the author gave him. His self-doubt, his craving to protect his found family, and the way he hides his pain behind sarcasm and kindness. Munden’s writing feels warm and lived-in, especially when characters are just talking. There’s a weight to their pasts that makes the small moments between them hit harder than the action scenes. The action is no slouch either. It’s visceral, fast, and packed with tension. Some chapters, especially the early fight scenes and Xel’s quiet, vulnerable monologues, really stuck with me.
The story doesn’t follow a typical structure, which I actually liked, but it might throw off readers who want a clear-cut hero’s journey. The book feels more like a slice-of-life with high stakes than a straight fantasy epic. I found that refreshing, especially with all the time spent on tavern life and casual conversations. Those slower parts often carried the emotional weight. The prose itself has a unique rhythm. Sometimes poetic, sometimes conversational, sometimes just plain weird in a good way.
Tavern is perfect for readers who care more about character depth and emotional payoff than nonstop action. It’s for folks who love a messy, flawed hero, and for those who don’t mind their fantasy with more heart than fireballs. If you’re into found-family stories, secret guilds, or cozy settings with dark undertones, you’ll find a lot to love here. I walked away from this book feeling like I knew these characters. And honestly? I miss them already.
Pages: 435 | ASIN : B07PWTR89Q
The Floating Lake of Dressa Moore
The Floating Lake of Dressa Moore is a sweeping fantasy adventure packed with humor, magic, and a healthy dose of emotional complexity. The novel follows two university professors, Jonathan Braxton, a pompous yet oddly endearing magilurgist, and William Watts Worthwaddle, a linguist with more curiosity than caution, as they embark on a scientific expedition to the mysterious floating lake of Dressa Moore. What begins as an academic quest quickly morphs into a chaotic journey involving pirates, cursed crew members, ancient magical sources, and an empire that doesn’t like being questioned. Told in a lively, almost whimsical tone, the book shifts between perspectives, including a pirate captain with a heart buried deep under layers of steel, and a military commodore hell-bent on revenge. All creating a vibrant mosaic of motives, secrets, and world-shaking consequences.
Miller’s writing balances snappy banter with heartache, which I loved. I found myself laughing one moment and stunned the next, especially when the story shifted into darker territory with flesh-eating townsfolk and twisted magical consequences. The magic system is chaotic but layered in intrigue, and the way Miller uses magic to explore themes of control, love, and regret really caught me off guard. The romantic tension between Jonathan and William is subtle and surprisingly tender, especially given how often they’re bickering or rolling their eyes at each other. That human element made the world feel more grounded, even when lakes were floating in the sky.
Occasionally, I wanted less talking and more doing. The commodore’s vendetta, while fascinating, bordered on melodramatic at times. And Marta, the pirate captain, almost stole the entire book, but I wished her inner turmoil had more time to breathe. Still, these are small things in a story that kept me turning pages like a fiend. The prose doesn’t try to be lofty, and that works in its favor. It’s clever, conversational, and full of personality. It reads like someone telling you a fantastic story over a pint with animated hands, raised eyebrows, the whole bit.
I’d recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fantasy that doesn’t take itself too seriously, but still hits you emotionally when you least expect it. If you’re into world-building with some weird magic, flawed characters trying to do the right thing (or at least not the worst thing), and dialogue that crackles with wit, The Floating Lake of Dressa Moore is for you. It’s a madcap ride through floating lakes, shattered love, and magical chaos, and I had a blast.
Pages: 394 | ASIN : B0F4XRK9Q3
Duty and Honor
Culgan follows a young woman on the verge of discovering her destiny as a direwolf shifter, and a seasoned warrior and heir to the Freki clan who find themselves bound by fate, ancient prophecy, and a rising evil that threatens the balance of their realm. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
A previous series, The Titanian Chronicles, inspired me to see and write about the Freki World. In fact, some characters in Culgan appear in The Titanian Chronicles.
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?
The secrecy imposed by universal decree on supernatural creatures was a critical aspect of the story. This helped me place and run their existence parallel to humans. Side by side, but the two shall never cross over.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The themes of duty and honor tied to power and abilities were part of the exploration. The gryphon comes into play, as the creatures symbolize purity, loyalty, and trustworthiness. They can’t accept an undeserving wolf. To ride a wolf must be worthy.
Where does the story go in the next book, and where do you see it going in the future?
The next book is in the editing process. This story delves deeper into the consequences of sin, greed, and amorality. How far up will someone go, breaking all the rules before the fall?
I have two more stories planned. But I haven’t seen the road yet.
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Long dreaming of becoming a gryphon rider and training to defend her clan, Roisin Hati is impatient for her sleeping inner wolf to awaken. She never expected a choking cloud of evil magic to do just that. When she finally opens her eyes, a huge black direwolf with stunning cobalt eyes is standing over her—Culgan, son of her beloved godparents.
Culgan freezes when he hears the first snarl of Roisin’s rising wolf in his mind, feels her fear in his bones. As a warrior defending the hidden Freki stronghold, bonding has never been a high priority. But something about the white-haired, dark-eyed Roisin rouses an irresistible drive to: Claim. Mate. Possess.
As Roisin navigates battle training, Culgan is at her side, guiding every step. The pull between them grows stronger until it ignites in a glorious mating union. But dark forces are gathering in the desert. A daemon hungry for revenge bargains with a goddess for the power to destroy the Freki. And the gryphon riders may have to make the ultimate sacrifice to save the kingdom.
LITERARY TITAN 