Blog Archives
Brazzaville – A Sequel to Casablanca
Following the cinematic triumph of Casablanca, whispers of a potential sequel titled Brazzaville buzzed through Hollywood, yet it never graced the silver screen. In a masterstroke of imagination, authors Pablo Omar Zaragoza and Susan Giffin unveil their vision of this elusive sequel in a riveting novel. Picking up immediately after Casablanca’s poignant finale, we are thrust into a world with Rick, Louis, and Ilsa, battling the encroaching shadows of Nazi terror. As Ilsa and Lazslo make their desperate escape to Lisbon, they find themselves not out of danger, but rather delving deeper into its grip. Concurrently, Rick and Louis ally with the resistance, embarking on daring missions to free innocent souls from Nazi clutches.
One of the book’s most captivating elements is its expansion on the theme of “found family.” The narrative showcases the resilience of relationships forged in adversity, emanating warmth even in the darkest of times. The unwavering affection Fletcher harbors for Amalia serves as a bittersweet backdrop amidst the tumultuous events. Rick’s assertion, “Besides, my greatest asset isn’t money; it’s family and friends, and of those, I have plenty,” captures this sentiment beautifully.
Zaragoza and Giffin’s writing style deserves commendation for its incredible realism. The palpable tension as characters hang onto every word from the radio and the meticulously detailed battle scenes make the reader feel ensconced within the narrative. Brazzaville: A Casablanca Sequel interweaves adrenaline-pumping action with heart-tugging emotion, a balance that is all too rare. The introduction of fresh faces to the narrative feels organic, enriching the plot without overshadowing established characters. For fans of the classic film, as well as enthusiasts of action tales, this novel promises an exhilarating journey.
Pages: 498 | ASIN : B07Z45XX7Y
Miami Vengeance: A Griffin Knight Conspiracy Mystery
Miami Vengeance: A Griffin Knight Conspiracy Mystery by Miguel Angel Hernandez Jr. is a gripping crime and mystery novella that takes readers on a compelling journey through the dark and intricate underbelly of Miami. Griffin Knight, a dedicated NYPD detective, sets out to unravel the truth behind his friend’s tragic demise, leading him on a relentless quest for justice in the face of a ruthless gang leader hungry for power.
The narrative unfolds with precision and purpose, seamlessly transitioning between the perspectives of various characters. This multi-dimensional approach, featuring the viewpoints of both the culprit, the victim, and our determined protagonist, adds depth and intrigue to the story. It’s a stylistic choice that keeps the reader engaged, immersing them in the intricacies of the plot.
Griffin Knight emerges as a well-crafted character, a seasoned detective who bears the scars of past cases and a steadfast commitment to uncovering the truth. As the fifth installment in the detective series, the novella allows his character to evolve, revealing layers of emotion and depth as the case takes an emotional toll on him.
The portrayal of the criminal gang’s relentless pursuit of power serves as a powerful reflection of the pervasive theme of corruption. Their willingness to employ any means necessary prompts a thought-provoking exploration of the blurred lines between good and evil. The intricate web of deception, filled with unresolved murders and falsehoods, underscores the theme of hidden truths. Griffin’s journey through this maze of lies underscores the complex interplay between appearances and reality, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
The novella delves into pertinent themes of power struggles and corruption in a hauntingly realistic manner. It leaves no loose ends, providing a satisfying conclusion to a narrative that is both thought-provoking and emotionally charged. Miami Vengeance is a compelling read that will leave fans of crime and mystery novels thoroughly satisfied and showcases the author’s skill in crafting an engaging and tightly woven narrative.
Pages: 135 | ASIN : B0CJ481Q41
No One Is All Good or Evil
INFINITY: There be Pirates follows a knight tasked with hunting down a pirate who ends up falling in love with the woman he is supposed to apprehend. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My goal was to create a pirate romance that wasn’t the typical misogynistic nonsense that authors write in this genre. If you’ve never read a pirate romance… you’re not missing much. They’re all the same. I’ll give you a brief breakdown. A naïve, adolescent, virgin girl is kidnapped against her will by a philandering brute who attacked her ship and murdered her friends and family. She warms up to this lunatic for the sake of her survival. The leading man is a violent, unrepentant, criminal with no depth and no motivation other than to get rich and get laid. Then I, the reader, am expected to applaud at the end of this Stockholm Syndrome story when this dumb girl falls in love with her oppressor. My inspiration for writing my pirate romance was how terrible they normally are. I know what you guys are thinking. “Didn’t Sarah abduct Matthew? Isn’t that the same situation?” No, and this is why. Matthew wasn’t some defenseless teenage girl. He was a deadly military operative who was hunting Sarah and her crew. The only way she could survive was to trap him first. Also, Matthew and Sarah have a complicated past. They are not strangers. He didn’t fall in love with his abductor. He remained in love with a woman he was already in love with long before she was a pirate.
This story blends fantasy and historical fiction in an alluring and creative way. What books do you think most influenced your work and the creation of this series?
I love classic books and I get inspiration from them:
Treasure Island
Peter Pan
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
Sinbad the Voyager
King Arthur and the Knights of Camelot
Robinhood
Pirate stories are filled with action and adventure on the high seas making for an entertaining and engaging novel. What was your favorite scene in this story to write?
My favorite scene in this adventure book was not adventurous at all. It was the scene where Matthew is taken back to the pirate stronghold on the Isle of Maroons and he enters this whole new world. Pirates are outlaws. As a British knight and a navy captain, it’s his duty to apprehend and execute them. Yet he empathizes with them to some extent. Matthew knows there are circumstances that would cause him to commit the same crimes. I enjoyed this scene because it’s the part of the story where he humanizes his rivals. He realizes that no one is all good, and no one is all evil. People are a complicated mixture of both.
What future plans do you have for Matthew and Sarah, and when can your fans expect the next book?
The next book will be INFINITY: Love & Treasure which is the swashbuckling conclusion to the buccaneer trilogy. Pirate books require a lot of time and research so it probably won’t be released until the fall of 2024. I know that’s a long time from now but I want to make sure I am writing a book that is worthy of my readers. I’m also in the process of making video editions of my books on YouTube. I appreciate all the Infinity fans. Thanks so much for your support. https://youtu.be/6XafzpfUonY
Author Links: Website | YouTube
Includes 30 illustrations.
A Kinship With the Earth
Moonshine Mesa is the story of the intriguing connection between a lawyer, a moonshiner, and a deputy, all of whom are embroiled in a gripping environmental mystery. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
This growing technology – carbon sequestration – often reveals conflicting values and reactions and, at the moment, massive amounts of federal and other funding. Each character has a different approach to the project based on their own objectives. When those clash together, things get really interesting.
What was your favorite character to write for and why? Was there a scene you felt captured the character’s essence?
I guess my favorite is “Relic.” One scene is when he essentially says to the aspiring lawyer: “no, we are not humans in search of a spiritual experience…we are spirits having a human experience.” That encapsulates his approach to the other characters, the majestic canyons he wanders, and the bad guys who threaten both.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Moonshine Mesa?
That we are all in a deep kinship with the earth.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
Hard to say for sure. I would like a follow-up to see if Deputy Dawson and Relic ever get to team up to solve a crime….
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
Criminal clients, a pollution mitigation scam, and a million-dollar double-cross make Moonshine Mesa a dangerous place for an aspiring lawyer, an intrepid deputy, and a moonshining hermit.
Something is killing bees, crows, and humans at Moonshine Mesa. When Parker finds suspicious readings at a remote pump station, clients of a prestigious law firm prepare to toss him off a cliff. A gin-brewing recluse named Relic saves him and together they must solve the mysterious deaths, outmaneuver armed drug runners, and rescue an intrepid deputy dedicated to solving the crimes. And all is not what it seems between the partners in these lethal schemes…
Can they unravel these baffling deaths and stem the environmental carnage?
INFINITY: There be Pirates
Pirate hunter Sir Matthew Galahad is about to embark on a mission to find and stop the reign of terror being perpetrated by the crew of The Wraith. The Wraith is rumored to be manned by ghosts and led by a female captain whose wickedness is head and shoulders above all others. Matthew sees everything he wants lying just out of reach–a marriage to the esteemed Amelia Gray and a position in the King’s court as a duke. Matthew must find it within himself to complete the task and win the battle ahead–and the war raging within.
There Be Pirates is part of Catalina DuBois’s INFINITY series, which follows a pair of ill-fated lovers across continents and through time. This particular installment features Matthew as a young man who sees his future wavering before him as he takes on a pirate ship under the direction of Sarah Nightingale. Theirs is a history like no other.
This is not the first of DuBois’s INFINITY books I have read. I admire the creativity it requires to place Matthew and Sarah into new and challenging circumstances and settings while keeping their relationship’s integrity and relatability. This particular book is my favorite so far. The glimpse into Matthew and Sarah’s life together before their encounter on The Wraith shows Sarah’s strength and resilience in no uncertain terms. She is a stellar character and is one that can span genres. While the fiery romance and tension between Sarah and Matthew is one definite draw of Dubois’s work, Sarah’s unmatched passion and drive are undeniably appealing.
DuBois is tops when it comes to dialogue. It can be challenging to find a book of the romance genre that doesn’t veer primarily toward the vulgar side. However, DuBois knows precisely how to appeal to her readers and keep them interested in the romance between Sarah and Matthew and the ever-present tension of their strained history. Their exchanges are charged with an energy that makes the reader anxious for their next interaction.
There Be Pirates is a masterful blend of romance, adventure, and drama with the perfect amount of humor thrown in. DuBois has done it again with this Matthew and Sarah saga installment. Romance fans looking for a new author providing a fresh take on historical romance will appreciate Catalina DuBois.
Pages: 368 | ASIN : B0CCQPB4QM
Moonshine Mesa
Moonshine Mesa by A.W. Baldwin follows the intertwining stories of an aspiring lawyer named Parker, a moonshining hermit named Relic, and an intrepid deputy, all connected by the mysterious happenings on Moonshine Mesa. The Mesa is plagued by a series of inexplicable deaths affecting bees, crows, and even humans. As Parker stumbles upon suspicious data from a remote pump station, he becomes the target of his criminal clients, who are involved in a $55 million eco-scam. Just when things seem dire, Relic, a secluded individual known for brewing gin, comes to Parker’s rescue. Together, Parker and Relic embark on a quest to uncover the truth behind the deaths and the pollution mitigation scam. As they delve deeper, they realize the situation is more complex and dangerous than anticipated. They must navigate armed drug runners, intricate schemes, and shifting alliances. Additionally, an intrepid deputy is determined to solve the crimes and bring the perpetrators to justice. As the partners unravel the layers of deception, they discover that the stakes are higher than they thought.
Moonshine Mesa offers readers a gripping tale of mystery, intrigue, and environmental peril. The characters are multi-dimensional and engaging, each with unique quirks and motivations that drive the narrative forward. Parker’s journey from an ambitious lawyer to a reluctant hero is compelling, while Relic’s enigmatic persona adds an air of mystery to the story. The intrepid deputy’s determination to solve the crimes brings an additional layer of suspense to the plot.
The plot itself is intricately woven, blending elements of environmental disaster, corporate greed, and criminal intrigue. The gradual unveiling of the various threads keeps readers hooked and eager to uncover the truth alongside the characters. The author creates a sense of tension and urgency, particularly as the protagonists face imminent danger from both criminal adversaries and the environmental crisis at hand.
The themes explored in the novel, including the impact of human actions on the environment and the consequences of unchecked corporate ambition, add depth to the story. The intricate web of alliances and double-crosses keeps readers guessing and invested until the end. While I enjoyed the story, I felt that, at times, the complexity of the plot and the numerous characters were challenging to follow. However, Moonshine Mesa offers a satisfying and thought-provoking read for those who enjoy intricate mysteries with well-developed characters and high-stakes scenarios.
Moonshine Mesa delivers a captivating narrative filled with suspense, mystery, and unexpected twists. With a cast of compelling characters and a plot that keeps you guessing, this novel is a must-read for thrillers and environmental intrigue fans. The author’s skillful storytelling and ability to tackle relevant themes make for an engaging and thought-provoking novel.
ASIN : B0CDZHZWMC
Bitter Reality
Night Princess is a gripping exploration of a fourteen-year-old girl’s entrapment in the world of prostitution, unveiling the dark and often unspoken reality of human trafficking. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
About eight or ten years ago I started learning about sex trafficking in other countries. Next, I learned that it happened in the U.S. Finally, I learned that it was happening very close to where I live in Minneapolis. Disturbed, I wanted to spread awareness about this bitter reality. At first, I wanted to make a documentary, but I have a job and a family, and a project like that would be difficult to manage with my schedule. Then I remembered (duh) that I’ve been writing my whole life, and resolved to write a non-fiction book about sex trafficking. After a year of doing research, I pivoted again, choosing to tell the story of a fictional character going through the realities I was learning about. I thought following a character through a real-time Hell would pack more emotional punch than non-fiction. When it came time to create a plot, it was easy – I just looked at patterns of things that happen and decided how I could tell a compelling story within the framework of realistic situations. The world I wrote about is full of drama.
On a personal level, I also went through an awful relationship when I was younger, and I drew on that emotional experience when I wrote about Persephone’s encounters with 8. People have told me that their relationship is believable, and that’s because there is some real-life experience undergirding the fiction.
Persephone Wolf is an intriguing and well-developed character. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
The fact that Persephone is fourteen is no accident because the average age of entry into prostitution is 12-14 years. Another source for Persephone was a group of “at risk” foster kids I used to work with. It was amazing to learn how vulnerable they are in spite of the tough veneers. In addition, I wanted Persephone to have a few “superpowers.” It was fun to give her the superpowers of escaping and figuring out how to get other people in trouble. Aren’t middle children good at that?
A final thing I wanted for Persephone was for her to be a survivor and not just a victim. In the first few drafts, she was too passive, and I really fought to give her agency in the rewrites. I was contacted by a reader who had experienced sexual assault and she actually found my novel healing because Persephone was so strong. The reader told me that Persephone’s story made her feel safe for the first time in years. That was immensely gratifying feedback.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
One theme is what love really is. I tried to set up a contrast between Persephone and 8’s relationship and Bruce and Adenike’s. Persephone and 8’s relationship is based on lies, delusion, desperation, greed, and lust. On the other hand, Bruce is attracted to Adenike, but he’s a better, more noble person because of her, whereas Persephone is much worse because of 8.
There are also the themes of vulnerability, strength, and courage, as well as freedom and bondage.
It was also important to have Persephone revisit her relationship with her mom at the end of the novel because her mom, in some ways, was the cause of Persephone’s suffering. The mother/daughter relationship is another theme.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I’d love to pop out another book next month, but I’m sort of like an elephant in that I have a very long gestation period. All I know about my next book is that it might include chases in underground passages and a monster. Beyond that, I know nothing.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | TikTok | Website | Amazon
Author Lily B. White spent six years writing and researching this book, and it is based on the combined and imagined experiences of thousands of American sex trafficking victims who live largely invisible lives. This book was written to make the invisible visible.
Mapping A New World for Women
The Map Colorist follows the life of a talented young woman born into a 17th-century Amsterdam family of mapmakers, as she grapples with deceit and societal norms, seeking to map the unexplored African continent. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Since my first novel was set in the seventeenth century, I wanted to stay in that timeframe. I had decided that I wanted to have my main character do something unusual for a woman, and I hit upon the idea of cartography. My research showed me that Amsterdam was the map-printing capital at that time, and I discovered the work of map colorists who were paid to color maps for collectors. When I found out about four maps of Africa that were unattributed in the Atlas Maior, the largest publication of the century, I knew that I had found the map that my character would create.
How did you research the historical context and mapmaking processes of 17th-century Amsterdam to bring authenticity to your narrative?
I was able to find books about cartography in general, and even a book that talked about women involved in the business in Amsterdam in my century, though none of them were creators. I first learned about colorists in reading the notes to an abridged version of the Atlas Maior. Reading a book about the printer, Joan Blaeu, I discovered that some of the maps were unattributed. I emailed the editor of the Atlas Maior edition to confirm that the map I was considering was still unattributed. He confirmed that it was, and he called my attention to an exploratory trip to Africa, which seems to be reflected in the map I use in the novel.
Scholarly articles on the cartographic publishers of Amsterdam in the seventeenth century informed the picture of how the business was run. I was also able to find books and articles about everyday life at the time. An online museum exhibit by the Rijksmuseum also gave me added information. I located an original online account from a bit later than my period on how to color maps using watercolors. So, as is so often the case with historical fiction authors, my research involved books, online articles, primary sources, museum exhibits, etc.
Your depiction of the characters’ emotions is incredibly profound. How did you manage to evoke such strong emotional connections between the readers and your characters?
It’s difficult to explain how one does this. I suppose that I put myself into the situation of each character, and wondered how I would react. Of course, this falls far from my own personal experience, but some emotions seem to transcend time and place. In addition, I have been reading novels for decades, and analyzing them with my book club. As Neil Gaman has said, “And fiction gives us empathy: it puts us inside the minds of other people, gives us the gift of seeing the world through their eyes. Fiction is a lie that tells us true things, over and over.”
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
My next book will be a mystery, also set in seventeenth-century Amsterdam, this time in the book-printing world. I am still researching it, so I don’t know when it will come out.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
Anneke hopes to convince the charismatic de Groot to use his influence to persuade Blaeu to include her map in the Atlas Maior, which will be the largest and most expensive publication of the century. But family secrets, infidelity, and murder endanger her dream. Will her map withstand these threats, or will it be forever lost?
LITERARY TITAN 