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Dragon Riders of the 12th Battalion
Dragon Riders of the 12th Battalion is a war novel like no other. It mixes the familiar grit of military life with a surreal, almost poetic fantasy about dragons integrated into a World War II-style campaign. The story follows Captain Jack Hanlon, a thoughtful but rigid officer, as he commands a squadron of dragon riders stationed at Pendragon Keep. These dragons aren’t just beasts of war, they are sentient, elemental, and emotionally resonant partners in a conflict that is both external and internal. As Hanlon tries to lead his team, he’s forced to confront not just enemy threats, but also the deeper rhythms of trust, instinct, and the unknown that define dragonkind and, eventually, himself.
The writing is vivid, lyrical, and strangely intimate. It has the grit of trench warfare, but also the quiet weight of a held breath. I loved how the dragons weren’t just weapons, they were characters with presence, agency, and weight. The author never over-explains their nature, which adds mystery, but he also doesn’t fall into fantasy tropes. Instead, everything feels grounded, as if dragons were a long-forgotten part of real military history. The prose, especially during the flight scenes, pulses like a living thing. It’s emotional without being sappy, epic without losing its sense of place.
That said, this isn’t an easy or conventional read. There’s very little exposition. The narrative drops you right into the fog of war and expects you to feel your way through it, like the characters do. Sometimes, I found myself rereading sections to track who was speaking or what exactly was happening. But even in confusion, the mood carried me. The emotional arc of Hanlon, his shift from rule-bound captain to instinct-led leader, was powerful, slow-burning, and deeply satisfying. His final decisions feel earned because they come from silence, not speeches. I also appreciated how the book didn’t tie everything up neatly. It left room for questions and for wonder.
I’d recommend Dragon Riders of the 12th Battalion to readers who like their fantasy mature, moody, and mixed with real human stakes. It’s perfect for fans of military fiction who aren’t afraid of a little metaphysics, or for fantasy readers who want dragons with more depth than fire and fury.
Pages: 358 | ASIN : B0F899C67P
Paragons of the New Moon (Book 2 of The Last Battlefield for Light and Darkness)
Paragons of the New Moon is a sweeping cosmic fantasy filled with layered lore, celestial politics, and introspective heroes fighting not only monsters but the haunting echoes of their own pasts. This second book in The Last Battlefield for Light and Darkness saga follows Rayeen Beeta—a man brought back from the dead by otherworldly magic—as he’s sent on a mission by the enigmatic Overseer Shamooga to track down a mysterious boy named Kosinki, whose powers may very well rewrite the universe. What unfolds is a bold journey that dances between metaphysical philosophy, epic-scale action, and raw emotion, stretching from the dusty violet dunes of Amethyst Sands to the heart of cosmic archives and long-buried grief.
The opening chapters hooked me right away with their weird, wonderful energy. You get this totally surreal setting—Shamooga in a tower beyond physics, manipulating reality like origami. And then Rayeen’s dropped into a vision quest-style battle with his inner demons and literal monsters. His body is dead, his soul’s in his pocket, and he’s trying to hold onto his humanity through sheer force of will. North knows how to blend high-concept magic with gut-punch emotion, and that combo really shines here.
In the middle of the book, the pace kicks up a notch with Rayeen tracking Kosinki, clashing with pirates, and getting absolutely wrecked by the Black Lake and its Corrupted beasts. The fight scenes are wild—like, anime-level intense—but what I appreciated more was Rayeen’s frustration. He’s powerful, nearly godlike, but he’s constantly told “not yet,” “you’re not ready,” and you can feel his resentment simmer. It’s not just about power—it’s about emotional readiness, and man, that hits harder than any boss battle.
We finally learn about Shamooga’s own past—how he survived an apocalypse, got offered godhood, and became an Overseer almost against his will. These late chapters are steeped in lore, with cool reveals about the higher powers pulling the strings, and even a secret archive Shamooga keeps to remember people the universe has erased. The vibe gets almost melancholic toward the end. By the time Rayeen returns, frustrated and desperate to go home, there’s this shared, quiet pain between the two of them.
If you’re into Final Fantasy, Fullmetal Alchemist, or anything that blends big cosmic ideas with messy, soulful characters—you’ll dig this book. It’s poetic, intense, a little chaotic, and full of heart. There’s some deep stuff in here, and it helps to read slowly to catch all the meaning. But it’s worth it. North doesn’t spoon-feed. He lets you feel lost, like the characters. And that makes the victories—no matter how small—feel earned.
Pages: 299 | ASIN : B0F2SD32FK
Funny Contradictions: Medusa as a Hairdresser
Cryptid Bits follows the residents living in the Fairy District, a unique place where creatures of myth and legend live side by side, and humans want to be a part of it all. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The whole collection was actually spawned by a single flash story I wrote from a prompt. The prompt was to write a story where an unexpected character is in a mundane or well-known setting. I wrote a little piece about bigfoot going to the movies and it was such a fun exercise I wrote a couple more. Once I had a half dozen or so little micros I started to see some potential threads and arcs that could connect them and realized I was writing a collection. I’ve always enjoyed books that take a collage approach to storytelling or use a “found document” conceit, so once I knew I was working on a chapbook I made a point of trying out some different storytelling formats. That’s how things like the listicles and Yowl! reviews ended up coming to be. What’s kind of funny is that the original bigfoot at the movies story didn’t end up making it into the finished book, although the spirit of it is still there in the piece “Pros and Cons of Going to the Movies with a Bigfoot”.
The creatures in this book were very intriguing. How did you go about creating them for this book?
All of the creatures in the book come from some kind of folklore or mythology, so it was less about creating them than it was choosing which ones to feature, and which version of the creature archetype to use. I went about that in different ways depending on the piece. A few of them started from the “punchline”—Banshee and the Siouxies was one of those, and so was the vampire at the blood drive. For a lot of the others, I started with the creature I wanted to play with and brainstormed either real-world situations they’d be suited for (brownies working in hospitality) or things I felt would be a funny contradiction (Medusa as a hairdresser).
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
To be honest, I rarely intentionally explore themes in my work. When I was writing Cryptid Bits I was more focused on exploring the world and following the characters who lived there. I do think that some themes naturally emerged when I was writing just because this setting is so close to the modern real world, but I can’t really take credit for putting those in there, and honestly didn’t even really think about themes until after the collection was done.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
I definitely plan to come back to this universe, because it’s a very fun sandbox to play in! I’ve been working on other projects recently and haven’t decided yet which creatures the next book will feature or what the overarching plot will be. I do think the next one will probably be at least novella-length and will likely include some longer short stories rather than just micros. I’m also brainstorming some different types of “found document” forms to include, because I think the collage aspect is something I want to continue in some way.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Website | Book Review
This is the story of cryptids and humans living in the same world, one where it’s not as obvious as you might think to figure out who around you is a monster.
Cryptid Bits
In Crypted Bits, readers are invited into a neighborhood unlike any other. It’s a fantastical realm where creatures of myth and legend live side by side. Here, beings of different species coexist in a fragile harmony, often clashing but mostly managing to get along. That balance, however, begins to shift when humans start moving in. The gentrification of the Fairy District is underway, and with it comes an inevitable upheaval. What was once a peculiar but peaceful community is now facing change that will ripple through its very core. Opening the pages of this novel is like stepping into an enchanted world populated by unforgettable characters, each with their own unique story. The narrative feels like a rich mosaic where reality and fantasy intertwine, creating something fresh, strange, and delightful. Jess Simms draws the reader into a world that is both familiar and otherworldly, reminiscent of Neil Gaiman’s urban fantasy or the whimsical mischief of Eoin Colfer’s Artemis Fowl series.
Rather than following a linear plot, Crypted Bits unfolds as a series of vignettes or episodic misadventures, each offering glimpses into the lives of the district’s residents. The narrative has a tendency to fragment and drift off in unexpected directions, which can be disorienting, but I found it captivating overall.
Simms deftly employs an array of literary techniques to build the Fairy District into a fully realized setting. Advertisements, listicles, social media posts, and news articles all serve as windows into this world, giving the reader a multifaceted view of a community where cryptids (mythical creatures from every corner of folklore) struggle to coexist both with each other and with the encroaching human population. Conflict arises, of course, but it’s handled with wit and charm rather than violence. The struggles of the district’s inhabitants, while real, never feel too heavy. Instead, they are infused with a whimsical energy that makes even the challenges feel endearing. There’s a certain magic to the way life in the Fairy District unfolds, and Simms invites the reader to experience it in all its quirky glory.
I think Crypted Bits isn’t meant to be a straightforward story. Instead, it’s an immersive experience, one that allows readers to wander through its dreamlike landscape, discovering new surprises at every turn. Jess Simms has crafted a world that is a joy to explore, and while the novel may be brief, the spell it casts lingers long after the final page is turned.
Pages: 76 | ASIN : B0CRGK4NJR
PILLYWIGGIN – Lost Shadow Boys
In the perilous world of Mantelrealm, survival is a formidable challenge, particularly for Jayce, who leads a group of young boys captured by a malevolent witch during a massive battle. Despite possessing fairy magic, their escape from the blistering prison is not an option through flight. Instead, they are forced to craft makeshift tools to mine fairy dust under the vigilant eyes of mercenary dragons and enigmatic creatures known as Oddizens. Their only hope for freedom lies in a boy who managed to escape and smuggled in supplies. However, with past escape attempts having failed and time running out, they anxiously await the fulfillment of a prophecy that foretells the arrival of a girl destined to save them. But will she arrive in time?
Pillywiggin: The Lost Shadow Boys by Debbie Bishop strikes a perfect balance between the fantastical and the relatable, making it both enjoyable and profoundly meaningful. The young protagonists, despite their age, bear the weighty responsibilities and challenges typically associated with adulthood. This stark contrast between their youth and the burdens they carry evokes a deep sense of empathy. Their struggles with loss, responsibility, and survival in an unforgiving world mirror the real-life challenges many young people face today, who are forced to mature too quickly. This unexpected depth adds a compelling layer to the story, transforming it into more than just a fantastical escape. The language used in the book is highly accessible, broadening its appeal to readers as young as twelve. Though firmly within the fantasy genre, the plot remains easy to follow. This accessibility is particularly evident in how Bishop introduces and develops the story’s prophecy. Complex themes are distilled into simple, captivating explanations that younger readers can easily grasp. This simplicity does not diminish the story’s richness; rather, it ensures that even profound ideas are conveyed in an engaging and thought-provoking manner, fostering a deeper connection with the narrative. The book’s ending left me eagerly anticipating the next installment. With just a single sentence, Bishop masterfully sets up a cliffhanger that raises numerous questions about the characters’ futures and the unfolding plot. This clever narrative choice keeps readers hooked and invested, reflecting the unpredictability and open-ended nature of our own stories.
Pillywiggin: The Lost Shadow Boys excels in blending relatable, real-world experiences with its fantasy elements, making it a compelling read. Themes of youthful burdens, accessible yet profound storytelling, and cliffhangers that resonate with real-life uncertainties ensure that the narrative remains grounded in reality while offering an escape into a richly imagined world. I highly recommend this book to tween readers who enjoy high fantasy, such as The Lord of the Rings, as it serves as an excellent introduction to more complex reads. Its accessible language and relatable characters make it the perfect gateway to the high fantasy genre, preparing young readers for more challenging books in the future.
Pages: 260 | ASIN : B0DBJRNMDK
The Battle Against Corruption
The Sturm Awakens follows a woman with a dangerous job, a corruption hunter, who speaks to eradicate her world of the sinister animal abominations that are taking over her world. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I wanted to do a story about the Sturm and the light and darkness in my universe for some time. Back when I storyboarded the idea, all of the characters had a part in it; Inos, Rayeen, Kosinki, Shamooga, etc, but none of them were at the forefront. I wanted to give Inos that focus because I felt like her adventures were interesting and relatable, and I love her development and struggles with her own corruption.
Inos Sevrence is a woman with strength. What do you think makes her a valuable and worthy heroine?
I listed some of these in the prior answer, but one thing that stands out to me about Inos is her empathy and compassion, even for beasts and creatures. Despite being this brutal corruption hunter, she does not leap to violence in every situation. She would sooner opt for a civil solution, even if her hired job at the time is to fell a troublesome beast. Her fight is with corruption, and to her, everyone else—beast and man, are simply caught in it.
The creatures in this book were very intriguing. How did you go about creating them for this book?
I take a lot of inspiration from video games I enjoyed as a kid. Castlevania is one that resonates with me to this day; the gothic designs and fearsome beasts you encounter stuck with me! I tried to come up with creatures I considered “realistic” for a fantasy world, ones with fur to protect them or ones that might live under water. Figuring out how the corruption might affect and alter them was another story, though.
What will the next book in that series be about and when will it be published?
The next book in the series is in the process currently. It’s titled: Paragon’s of the New Moon, and begins immediately after the ending of The Sturm Awakens. Now that Rayeen is ready for action, Shamooga tasks him with finding Kosinki and bringing him to safety. We will get deeper backstories for both Rayeen and Shamooga as we see them both develop. While Rayeen scours Anotrris for clues, Kosinki continues his journey to Shaddoir to confront the Elementalists and uncover the truth behind their plan. Along the way, there will be plenty of trials, new faces, and epic battles! Kosinki will have to become a master of the magic inside him if he’s to overcome it. I’m excited for readers to take on this journey, slated for March 2025. I will likely do a Kickstarter for it in Jan/Feb 2025, similar to what I did for The Sturm Awakens.
Author Links: Goodreads | X | Facebook | Website | Newletter
Inos Sevrence is a Corruption Hunter who aims to eradicate the Light and Dark-afflicted beasts from her world. But she has a dark secret to her success: she too is Corrupted, empowered by the Darkness she fights against. Though the Darkness within her seems benign, many within Antorris treat her as a monster.
When she happens upon an amnesiac boy possessing unusual magic powers, the two outcasts unite to fight against Corruption. While the threat of war between nations lingers on the ground, something more sinister is brewing in the cosmos.
The fate of Antorris lies with a Corrupted Hunter, a dead man, a god, and a boy with the power to change the world.
Will Inos be able to save the world and unite it against the Lords of the Sturm?
The Sturm Awakens (The Last Battlefield for Light and Darkness)
In The Sturm Awakens, Marvin North transports us to the captivating world of Antorris, a realm besieged by a sinister phenomenon known as the Corruption. This blight transforms wildlife into monstrous abominations, and at the heart of the battle against it is Inos Severance, a Corruption Hunter. Inos harbors a secret that gives her an edge against her prey but also poses a grave danger to her. During a hunt, she encounters Kosinki, a boy with amnesia and unprecedented magical abilities, who saves her using powers he doesn’t understand. Together, they must harness their unique gifts to combat a worsening and evolving threat that stems from a much larger issue.
From the outset, North plunges readers into the action, opening with a gripping battle against a corrupted creature. The story’s immediate intensity and unexpected twists make for an exhilarating start to an enthralling adventure. The world of Antorris is richly detailed, featuring a blend of magic and machinery across diverse locations and societies. The myriad races, each with their own distinct appearances, beliefs, and histories, reflect real-world issues of racism and prejudice, adding depth to the narrative. North’s meticulous world-building is evident in the unique flora and fauna, enriching the story with every detail. The inclusion of drawings, character write-ups, quotes, and snippets of knowledge scattered throughout the book enhances the reading experience, offering a guidebook-like glimpse into the vast lore and mythology of Antorris. Despite the engaging epic battles, the frequency of these action sequences can feel overwhelming at times. Longer intervals between fights would have allowed for more development of the non-combative elements of the story. While the detailed character information is appreciated, placing it at the end of the book could have prevented potential spoilers and maintained the element of surprise.
For fans of heroic tales filled with epic fight scenes set in a vividly imagined world, The Sturm Awakens is a must-read. North has crafted an extraordinary realm with high stakes and continuous revelations. I eagerly anticipate the next installment in this remarkable series.
Pages: 355 | ASIN : B0CLJ6GSMY
The World Is Full Of Magic
Goldfield Forest follows a mystical lioness who needs help to prevent a supernatural war, and she turns to the guardian of the Fae to help battle a warlock. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I see magic in rainforests, have a passion for animals, and find the idea of little people and mystical creatures almost believable, so creating Goldfield Forest made sense.
What were the morals you were trying to capture while creating your characters?
I’m not sure I tried to capture the morals. Rather, the characters created them as they developed. Loyalty is a common thread. Maria has a sense of duty and will risk her life to protect those she loves. Ross, Maria’s father, is honest when he answers his granddaughter’s sometimes controversial questions about life and all things magical.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The world is full of magic, though maybe not as apparent as in Goldfield Forest, and it’s important to believe in miracles. Like family, true friends are sacred. Animals are more perceptive than most people realize. Good almost always triumphs over evil.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
Yes. A follow-up novel, Dancing Valley, is under construction. Like Goldfield Forest, Dancing Valley is an estate inhabited by little people. Some of the same history connects the properties and the guardians who care for them are friends. People and fae learn more about each other as relationships expand, adventures continue, and danger is faced head-on.
Author Links: X | Facebook | Website
To prevent the 21st-century extermination of a mystical clan of lion people and the supernatural residents of the Amazon jungle, Lena, the clan’s queen, needs a guardian to accompany her to the Amazon. She seeks the help of a contemporary archaeologist, Maria, who is a guardian of the fae in Goldfield Forest.
Despite a warlock’s threats to destroy Maria, her family, and the little people who live with her, she agrees to accompany Lena to the Amazon. As the magical inhabitants of Goldfield prepare to defend their home, Maria and Lena travel to the jungle to confront Bagrim in the jungles of the Amazon, where the one who prevails will dictate the future of the rainforest and the lives of the supernatural creatures who depend on the magic found nowhere else.
