Blog Archives
Tidal Fates: Calling
Tidal Fates: Calling, the first in a new fantasy series by Thomas Usle, follows a richly imagined world where politics, prophecy, and personal legacies collide. At its core, it’s the story of Ira and his sister Esther, two outcasts journeying through a land filled with ancient secrets, divine mysteries, and brewing revolutions. Their quiet life with dwarven kin is disrupted by the rising tide of rebellion against an aging empire. From forest hunts to sea-bound voyages, and imperial courts to hidden temples, Usle weaves together high-stakes adventure and intimate struggles in a world where loyalty is tested and destinies are called.
What struck me most about this fantasy novel was its earnestness. The prose is lush, often poetic, full of rich description and a genuine reverence for its own mythology. At times, I found myself pausing to reread sentences, not for clarity, but to savor them. But it’s also wordy. Scenes that could be tight linger in their own ambience. I appreciated the care and attention to world-building—cities, rituals, languages, even fashion are all deeply thought out—but it did slow the pace early on. Still, I cared about Ira and Esther. Their pain felt real. Their bond felt lived-in. And their quiet dignity in the face of judgment made them easy to root for.
Usle isn’t afraid to tackle empire, identity, exile, and redemption all at once. He paints power with nuance—never wholly evil, never blindly good. I loved the tension between those loyal to tradition and those aching for change. The court politics were rich and layered, pulling me deep into the complexities of shifting alliances and long-standing tensions. There’s a lot to track, but it makes the world feel full and alive, like I was uncovering pieces of a larger puzzle. The villains stood out with their intense convictions, and while I had inklings of where some arcs were heading, that sense of anticipation added to the enjoyment. Watching it all unfold made the payoffs feel satisfying and earned.
Tidal Fates: Calling is a sweeping and soulful epic that blends high fantasy with an emotional core. It’s not a breezy read, but it’s a rewarding one. If you love the grand world-building of Tolkien, the political drama of Sanderson, or the emotional pull of Le Guin, there’s a good chance you’ll be drawn in here. I’d recommend it to readers who want to live inside a world, not just visit it.
Pages: 309 | ASIN : B0F36NHNVQ
Cauldron of Dagda: The Witch’s Rebirth Part II
Michaela Riley’s Cauldron of Dagda: The Witch’s Rebirth Part II is a sweeping tale of magic, rebirth, and epic destiny, rooted in a richly imagined version of early medieval Europe. Set against the backdrop of 6th-century Francia and the Byzantine Empire, the story follows Merona, a reborn witch, who is thrust once more into a fractured world on the brink of ruin. Guided by visions, ancient gods, and her loyal companions, she must wield the legendary Cauldron of Dagda to restore balance and ward off an encroaching darkness. The novel seamlessly intertwines elements of pagan mysticism with the turbulence of political upheaval, all set within a richly mythological framework.
From the outset, the atmosphere in the story is deeply evocative. The prologue resonates with a potent blend of tension and lyrical beauty, particularly in lines such as, “In the depths of this chaos, hidden within the labyrinth of shadows, the Witch lay ensconced in her own despair.” That moment is haunting in its imagery and sets the tone for the entire narrative. Michaela Riley’s prose is often poetic, even lush, and this quality serves as a notable strength. The rich detail, especially in the vivid depictions of Samhain rituals, flickering torchlight, and whispered invocations, creates an immersive reading experience.
Character-wise, Merona really grabbed my heart. Her struggle with power and doubt felt honest and human, even when she’s literally summoning ancient gods or wielding divine relics. One standout moment comes when she reunites with Murdach in the forest, sobbing, “I have been lost in the endless shadows of the labyrinth once more.” That vulnerability made her feel grounded despite the mythic stakes. Her relationship with her mother, Mairead, was another emotional anchor. Their reunion in the sacred grove was profoundly moving, evoking a powerful emotional response. Riley demonstrates a remarkable ability to craft poignant moments with authenticity and restraint, allowing the emotional weight to resonate without ever feeling contrived.
The narrative structure is richly layered, weaving together ritual, prophecy, memory, and vision to create a story that feels both mythic and immersive. Each chapter unfolds with a dreamlike intensity, blending past and present in a way that evokes the timeless nature of the tale. This interlacing of timelines enhances the sense of destiny at work, heightening the emotional and thematic resonance of Merona’s journey. As the narrative builds toward the expedition to Constantinople, the momentum becomes increasingly gripping. The Morrigan’s haunting transformations and the looming menace of Varis inject a thrilling urgency into the plot, amplifying the sense of peril and the high stakes that define the story’s arc.
Cauldron of Dagda: The Witch’s Rebirth Part II is an evocative, mystical epic that pulses with feminine power, ancient magic, and emotional truth. It’s best suited for readers who love deeply mythic stories with a poetic writing style and a strong, complex heroine. I’d recommend it to fantasy lovers who enjoy spiritual themes, Celtic lore, and high-stakes drama wrapped in gorgeous prose.
Pages: 434 | ASIN : B0DWVRBM2F
Labyrinth of Shadows: The Witch’s Rebirth
The Witch’s Rebirth by Michaela Riley is a gripping historical fantasy novel that weaves magic, destiny, and resistance into a dark and immersive tale. Set against the backdrop of 5th-century Gaul and later 16th-century Denmark, the novel follows Anna, a midwife accused of witchcraft and a lineage steeped in mystical power. The novel explores the rise and fall of rulers, ancient prophecies, and the enduring struggle between fate and free will. Through detailed storytelling, Riley transports readers into a world where history and myth blur, crafting an evocative journey of transformation and resilience.
From the very first pages, I was captivated by Riley’s ability to create atmosphere. The opening scene in which Anna is dragged through the streets of Copenhagen is harrowing and filled with raw fear and injustice. The sensory details—the cutting cobblestones, the jeering crowd, the smoke curling from the waiting pyre—make it impossible not to feel Anna’s dread. The historical weight of these events is palpable, and Anna’s silent suffering, followed by an unexpected, supernatural twist, sets the stage for an unforgettable transformation.
Beyond the immediate horror, what struck me most was how the novel balances its historical roots with elements of myth and magic. The story of the Merovingians, rumored to have fey blood and arcane abilities, adds a fascinating layer. The way Riley intertwines their supernatural legacy with real historical upheaval gives the book a sense of depth and authenticity. The legend of the Deep Ones, the whispers of ancient powers, and the role of the gods create an eerie and mystical undertone that lingers throughout the story. Clovis, the young Merovingian prince, emerges as a compelling counterpart to Anna’s journey, bound by destiny yet desperate to carve his own path. His curiosity about his origins mirrors Anna’s struggle against the fate others have forced upon her, making both storylines equally engrossing.
The writing itself is fluid and evocative and, at times, leans heavily into dramatic descriptions. The book thrives in its character-driven moments. One of my favorite aspects was Mairead, the priestess who guides the people of Gaul through prophecy and fear. Her presence grounds the novel, providing both wisdom and a sense of inevitability to the story. The villagers’ uncertainty and the looming dread of the supernatural made her chapters some of the strongest. Meanwhile, the antagonist, Armaeus, a daemon with his own dark ambitions, adds a layer of thrilling menace that keeps the stakes high.
Labyrinth of Shadows: The Witch’s Rebirth is a layered tale that will appeal to fans of historical fiction, dark fantasy, and stories of witches reclaiming their power. If you love novels like The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova or The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow, this book is worth diving into. Riley delivers an intricate and haunting tale filled with mystery, magic, and the resilience of those history sought to erase.
Pages: 532 | ASIN : B0DTBLDNCX
Mathsmagica: Tapestry of Shadows
From the first page, Mathsmagica: Tapestry of Shadows pulls you into a world where magic isn’t just a tool; it’s a language, a science, and a force that binds the very fabric of reality. The novel introduces us to a divided world where Luminari’s light clashes with Nocturna’s darkness and where power is both a gift and a curse. We follow Sova and Nilah, siblings with a deep connection to Black Magic, as they navigate the complex and often dangerous city of Mathsmagica, a place where magic and mathematics merge in spectacular ways. As they struggle to survive in an academy that both fears and needs them, their fates become tangled with political intrigue, ancient legacies, and a battle between forces far greater than themselves.
The worldbuilding is, without a doubt, the novel’s greatest strength. Georgiev has crafted an intricate setting that blends arcane magic with a sense of scholarly depth. The city of Mathsmagica pulses with life, from its floating lantern-lit streets to the ominous corridors of The Academy. The details of magic, how it’s cast, and how it interacts with the laws of nature feel well thought out and almost scientific. The book captures the thrill of learning and discovery, much like Harry Potter but with a darker, more methodical edge. The scene where Sova and Nilah are running through the rooftops, dodging disapproving glares, makes the world feel dynamic and alive.
Sova is an engaging protagonist, brooding, brilliant, and always on the verge of losing himself to the magic he wields. His relationship with Nilah feels authentic, full of sibling banter, but also tinged with a mutual understanding that they are outsiders in this world. Evie, a noble and a student of Illumination Magic, provides an interesting contrast to them, challenging the rigid divisions between light and dark. One of the most emotionally gripping moments is when Sova unleashes Level Four Black Magic to save Arthus, a moment that not only showcases his power but also the consequences of wielding forbidden sorcery. That said, Arthus himself, along with some of the antagonists, could have used more complexity. He starts off as a typical arrogant noble, but his deeper motivations are only hinted at, rather than fully explored.
There are moments of sheer beauty, such as the description of the festival, where dragons of fire and ice dance across the sky, turning magic into an art form. But then there are moments where the narrative gets bogged down in too much detail, especially when discussing magic theory. The book is strongest when it lets the action unfold naturally, such as the tense confrontation between Sova and the Revenant, rather than explaining too much about how the magic functions. The dialogue is generally strong, with Nilah’s liveliness balancing Sova’s intensity, but occasionally, characters deliver lines that feel more like exposition dumps than natural conversation.
Mathsmagica: Tapestry of Shadows is a fascinating blend of dark fantasy and academic magic, perfect for readers who enjoy deeply constructed worlds and morally complex characters. If you’re a fan of The Name of the Wind or Mistborn, you’ll likely appreciate the depth of the magic system and the intellectual intrigue. If you prefer fast-paced storytelling with minimal exposition, you might find certain sections a bit slow. Regardless, it’s an ambitious and compelling read that leaves you eager to see what happens next in Sova’s journey.
Pages: 318 | ASIN : B0DBSN8RC4
Friendships, Companionship, and Rivalries
The Conclave is a fantasy novel in the world of Arvelas and begins with a worry amidst the protectors of the realm who have recently chased away a threat to their city. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
Arvelas is a place I’ve been traveling to since my early teenage years. I created this world after a good friend introduced me to the Advanced Dungeons and Dragons role-playing game, where you have one host presenting the adventure and several players acting out the characters.
We initially played using adventure sets, which provided all the information about the characters and events of the game, as well as the locations where everything took place, often with maps. I quickly decided to create my own world, called it Arvelas and started hosting gaming sessions. With a world of my own, I was suddenly not limited to the content that was provided. I could create an infinite number of original adventures.
Over the years, Arvelas changed based on my preferences as well as those of the players. I continuously updated the rules, and added new villages and cities, mysterious and magical places, or new characters, all based on our favorite books, movies, or video games. These changes molded Arvelas into the universe it is today.
I believe it is one of the players who suggested I write stories to expand on the game. After all, as the host of most of our games over the years, I was doing exactly that: creating stories. Because I know the world so well and because I love it so much, it was an easy transition.
The first story I published was a short story titled ‘Zanathu‘. It is available for free download on my website. ‘The Conclave’ came next.
Your characters are intriguing and well developed. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
One of the biggest challenges I encountered while writing ‘The Conclave’ was its large cast of characters. The story is fairly short and I was worried that readers wouldn’t be able to tell them apart. For that reason, I spent a significant amount of time debating which characters to include and how best to introduce them.
In the end, I decided to keep most of the initial characters, because the story required it. The idea of bringing them to the secret meeting one by one was inspired by the first part of the book ‘Hyperion’ by Dan Simmons. Simmons’s introduction is much more lengthy and he only has three characters, but I enjoyed meeting his protagonists one at a time and thought it could work for ‘The Conclave’.
It’s interesting to note that two of the main characters, Onthar and Argon, were in essence created by players during a campaign we played more than twenty years ago. It was important to me to stay true to their depiction of both characters and to respect the relationships they had built during the gaming sessions.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I didn’t set out with a theme in mind, but due to the format of the book—many characters sparing back and forth—relationships quickly came to the forefront. The book explores a wide variety of friendships, companionship, and rivalries, touching on the themes of loyalty, honesty, and trust, as well as the significance of love and forgiveness. Come to think of it, relationships and their intricacies are explored in my other books as well.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I’m currently finalizing the first installment in a massive epic fantasy series called The Lost Tyronian Archives. The first book is titled ‘The Stranger of Ul Darak’, and it’ll be available later this fall. The novella ‘The Burden of the Protector,’ which I published in 2016, is a prequel to the series.
I’m also in the preliminary phases of a project where readers will be able to directly participate and influence the development of a dark fantasy series. My goal is to involve them in early versions of each story, gather their feedback and adapt the final version based on the comments I collect. I call this initiative the Baneseeker Project (the series is titled ‘The Baneseeker Chronicles’) and I’m planning on kicking it off early in 2023.
Finally, I just completed a short story for an upcoming anthology around the theme of Winter. The story takes place in Arvelas and tells us about Zebu, one of its most powerful and renowned wizards. The anthology is titled ‘Winter Paths’ and will be available in the Fall.
The details of each of my stories or projects can be found on my website www.SCEston.com.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
The Conclave
The Conclave by S. C. Eston is a fantasy book based in the world of Arvelas. The book begins with a worry amidst the protectors of the realm who have recently chased away a considerable threat to their city. The city is rebuilding, and people think the worst is behind them. The Seeker, however, is not so sure about that. The air is chilling, and a feeling of dread continues to seep within his heart. Onthar, the Seeker, calls a meeting of all the Vanguards and important people in a secret place. The meeting is to plan the further course as well as to find out about the traitor amidst them.
Eston’s writing style is engaging and flows smoothly. The interest spikes as we get deeper into the story making it hard to put the book down. The flashbacks and episodic introductions are used to explain the city’s current situation. Most of the actions and events are discussed in retrospect. The oscillation between past and present is visible and keeps the reader’s interest.
Even while being vague, the author can arise the sense of dread and fear that plagues the characters. However, the description of characters is effective and prevents them from merging in the shadows. Each character has its own story, which is reflected in the book.
I enjoyed reading this book with a fast-paced narrative with multiple characters and viewpoints. The shift in narratives is clear and makes the reading experience enriching. The book ends on an ambiguous note with a promising sequel to this story. However, the threat hasn’t been obliterated even though the story comes to an end. It will be amusing to read more about the world of Arvelas and the realm of Tilia.
The Conclave is a captivating epic fantasy novel. Young adult and teen readers who want a fast-paced, action-filled adventure with powerful characters will find this novel hard to put down.
Pages: 233 | ASIN : B07JMM42TR
Open To The Anguish Of Mortals
Origins: The Blue Dragon Society follows a shape-shifting boy who has to decide if he will fulfill his destiny or let his hate exile him. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
I studied international human rights throughout my collegiate career and had several opportunities to see children and teens from countries and ethnic groups that did not get along. And from a very young age they were taught to hate each other, but there was one moment I saw, which will stay with me for the rest of my days. I was working and living in the single building Manhattan Campus of St. John’s University; it was late night and I was working on reports and I kept hearing children laughing and screaming on the floors below me. There were summer programs happening where students from various countries, countries that did not get along, were learning English. Initially, I thought the students were bullying each other, so I looked over the railing of the terrace where I was working and I was just about to get after at them, when I realized what they were doing – they were playing hide and seek. Hardly any of them could openly communicate with each other because they didn’t share languages, but they were laughing and playing together. They ranged in ages from eight to fourteen and they were just having the time of their lives. It’s been ten years since that happened and I’m getting emotional typing about it now because of how powerful that was to see. With Owen, I wanted to write something that showed if you just take a moment to get to know someone from another culture or ethnic group, you’ll see that we have far more in common than not. Those children bonded over playtime and as Owen grows, he will see that there are far more reasons for us to work together than against one another. This theme will continue into the sequel as well.
Owen faces many moral challenges and experiences of growth in this novel. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
When I initially wrote this story, I knew I wanted a troubled teen as the main character as I wanted to introduce my readers to this world, which will very much continue to grow, through the lenses of someone narrow minded. That way, as his perspective grew through his experiences, my readers would be able to grow into the world with him. I knew I wanted him to be in mourning, but when I initially wrote the first draft, it was his father who had passed, not his mother. Then I had a conversation with fantasy author David Green who mentioned how in fantasy stories, so many characters have a daddy complex in our genre. So I flipped the table; I wanted a young man who was closer with his mother and who lost her. I lost my grandmother who raised me when I was sixteen, and while I genuinely don’t remember much of the year that followed, what I do remember was anguish – feeling lost and feeling angry. The feeling of having my world ripped away from me, so I wanted to put those emotions in Owen and then put him in situations where he’d have to create his own conclusions and make his own choices based on his loss at an early age. While the Blue Dragons are noble in their missions, they are blinded by their intent to pursue the greater good which Owen realizes may lead to more trouble than good. Even though he initially hated humans, through his recent loss Owen’s eyes are far more open to the anguish of mortals than his fellow dragons.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I didn’t want a “simple” good vs evil story. I’ve studied enough international conflicts to know it’s not usually that simple, which is why the story starts with the antagonist. There is no doubt that Anton is the “bad guy,” and while his parents are neglectful and abusive, he is given a choice and his choice has many affects, some of which we haven’t even seen yet.
At its simplest, Origins is a coming of age story where young individuals are finding their place in a world that is bigger than them and deciding if they want to serve others or themselves. This theme of choice will continue into the next installments of the Blue Dragon Society as well.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I have a couple of books in the pipeline right now; my business partner and I have a guide for authors entitled, How to Become A Successful Author and Not Loose Your Mind, which is launching mid to late July of 2022. The sequel to Origins, The Road to Dova, will be launching in October of 2022. And I’m currently publishing two episodes a week of an urban fantasy entitled Blood Lords via Kindle’s Vella, which is about a young woman who is being hunted by a corrupted vampire lord.
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The shape-shifting members of the Blue Dragon Kingdom have long intervened when chaos befalls mortals. While he knows this tradition is an integral part of his community, Owen hates humans for killing his mother. But the only way to take his place in his dragon society is to help mortals against a new threat; vampires. If Owen refuses the mission, he will be exiled.
In this dark fantasy tale, will Owen overcome his hatred to help the humans fight vampires, or will he choose exile and the destruction of all humankind?
Origins
Dragons are creatures of magic and might, and they have long been charged with protecting mortals. As part of their birthright that goes back thousands of years, dragons intervene when mortals are in danger and often use their powers to keep the peace.
In Origins: The Blue Dragon Society, Owen is on his first mission (a rite of passage) with his brother, Lann, as his mentor. They are dragons who are sent to investigate strange occurrences in the mortal world and determine if the mortals involved are being attacked by the plague or something more nefarious.
With the help of their new friends, Helen and Riva, Origins offers an enchanting and action-packed story that will leave readers racing to find out what happens next. The world is in a state of chaos with the outbreak of the plague. Demons and vampires have taken advantage of the situation, breaking into homes and abducting humans for their dark rituals. This has left humankind vulnerable and fearful for their lives. Owen and Lann are determined to restore order to the world and protect those who cannot defend themselves. Though they face many challenges, the dragons are determined to succeed in their mission.
Author S. Faxon’s writing hooks you from the first page, where you meet Anton. Someone I thought might be the protagonist in this story but turns out to be quite the opposite. The characters were highly engaging, and I enjoyed the characters’ growth, notably Owen, who I was not so much a fan of at first. He’s strong and determined but also grieving and vulnerable. I thought the author did a great job exploring his character, and I was surprised at how much I connected with his character. With the vivid imagery, the reader feels like they are on an epic journey alongside Owen, seeing what he sees. Just under 200 pages, this is a fast-paced and action-packed story that will have your imagination running wild.
Origins: The Blue Dragon Society is a riveting coming-of-age fantasy novel filled with personal growth and struggles, both internal and external. Those who enjoy reading about fantasy creatures such as dragons, vampires, demons, and lovable (and sometimes not-so-lovable) characters will find this exciting dark fantasy novel hard to put down.
Pages: 158 | ASIN : B09T8YBFRD
LITERARY TITAN 