Blog Archives
Amongst Embers and Ashes
Amongst Embers and Ashes tells the story of Scarlet, a girl raised on an isolated farm who learns she is a pyro elemental. Her quiet life collapses as secrets spill open. She is taken from the only home she has known and thrown into a kingdom where politics, power, and fear swirl around her. The book follows her as she meets the other elementals, discovers the truth behind her past, and feels the weight of a world that both wants and fears her. The tale blends magic, trauma, and coming-of-age moments into a journey that keeps tilting between warm hope and sharp dread.
I felt swept up right away. The writing has this fast pulse to it, almost like Scarlet’s own nerves buzzing under the surface. Scenes crackle with emotion. Little moments hit hard, such as Scarlet lighting her fingertips so she can see in the dark, or the tight, bitter silence that fills the farmhouse during dinner. The dialogue feels natural and messy. People talk over each other. They misunderstand each other. I found that refreshing. The story leans into the confusion of being young and scared, and the author does not tidy it up. Sometimes Scarlet’s thoughts spiral in a way that feels raw and very emotional.
I liked the theme of being labeled dangerous before you even understand who you are. Scarlet’s guilt sits like a stone in her chest, and I could feel its weight while reading. The contrast between her rough farm life and the polished castle made me think about how power works and who gets to feel safe. I also enjoyed the mix of elemental magic with political tension. It gave the world a lot of texture, even in quiet scenes. The pacing is fast, and the energy of the story pulled me along, and I found myself caring more about the characters than the neatness of the plot. That says a lot about how well the emotional core is written.
This book would be great for readers who love character-driven fantasy, especially those who enjoy stories about teens pushed into roles they never asked for. If you like magic mixed with messy feelings, or if you want a tale that hits close to the heart, then Amongst Embers and Ashes is an easy recommendation.
Pages: 362 | ASIN : B0F2ZFDN9W
An Even Greater Challenge
One True King follows the people in a kingdom teetering on the edge of chaos after their king has disappeared on a quest, leaving his companions to wonder where he is while his enemies try to take advantage of the situation. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
While The Hidden Kingdom and Shadow of the Dragon presented a number of challenging situations to navigate for Aaron and Timothy as well as their supporters, I felt that the story of One True King needed an even greater challenge that would impact every single character, whether good, bad, or on the fence, and rock the kingdom of Qiledara and the neighboring kingdoms to their core. Aaron’s disappearance created the perfect void and a very destabilizing event that would test everyone in Aaron’s close and distant circles, and his enemies. It gave me an opportunity to develop each character more in the process. I also wanted to expand on the subplot with Penelope which emerged in book 2 because when I wrote Shadow of the Dragon I had a lot more to reveal about her world, so One True King allowed me to do that and also continue to build on the Hidden Kingdom’s relationship with the rest of the world and its rulers’ ambitions.
What was the process like to create the audiobook, and what was it like working with Garan Patrick and Phillip Nathaniel Freeman?
It was so much fun for me to produce my own audiobook for One True King, to pick out all of these amazing voice actors to play specific key characters, and to work with Garan Patrick and Phillip Nathaniel Freeman who both encouraged me as an author by remarking on specific scenes they enjoyed! I was thrilled that all 20+ supporting voice actors were available to record dialogues for books 2 and 3 together so that I would have consistency across my series, and then I wove those dialogues into the main narration file for each chapter. In this chaotic new plot, there are many dramatic and intense scenes and Phil did an outstanding job bringing to life all the evil dragonkin characters as well other key players such as Theodamus, Gueric, and Otheran. After such intense scenes and dialogues, when sometimes all seems lost, Garan, as the main narrator, with his familiar, reassuring voice, brings us back to a sense of normalcy and makes us feel that, just maybe, things will turn out alright in the end. He also did a great job voicing some of the characters himself. Each voice actor contributed so much to drawing people into the story and added new layers to the story’s overall complexity. Louise Porter did an outstanding job bringing a relatively new character and strong female character, Penelope, to life and making her relatable. It was a lot of work pulling this large audiobook together but definitely worth it to hear it all together.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
I have several scenes I thought about at length and then wrote down, such as my descriptions of the lower tunnels in the ice cave and its exploration, or the escape from the tower. However, I would have to admit that my favorite scenes to write, and to listen to in the audiobook, were the interactions between Damien and the sentinel, and most of all, the dramatic exchange between the two dragonkin warriors and Damien. Robert Cassyleon did an outstanding job as the evil and narcissistic prince Damien throughout One True King with his many opportunities to interact with his co-conspirators and others. In general, I enjoy trying to throw in some twists and turns that readers/listeners do not expect.
Where does the next book in the series take the characters?
I hope to release book 4 in 2026 while the audiobook version of The Hidden Kingdom, Book 1, is about to be released on Audible. There are a few loose ends from One True King that remain to be resolved, such as an unsolved murder, and I also want to work on continuing to develop some of the love interests between certain couples. This fourth book in the series will serve as an opportunity to explain more about the way characters learn to wield their magic and provide some backstories that I’ve hinted at in the past but not yet explained. Book 4 will have a few major surprises in it that I do not want to spoil here. Thank you for listening to the audiobooks!
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
The absence of Aaron since he left on his quest troubles his companions. With his whereabouts unknown, the heroes of Qiledara are tested in ways they never could have imagined, and they face an ever-growing threat from beyond the Amber River. Meanwhile, Aaron’s enemies seek to take advantage of his absence for their own gain. Who will remain loyal and steadfast during these dark days, and who will bring the evildoers to justice?
One True King (Audiobook)
Amy Daniels’ One True King is the third installment of the fantasy series Legends from Qiledara. This addition thrusts readers into a kingdom teetering on the edge of chaos. After Aaron, the young king of Qiledara, disappears, the void he leaves behind becomes the heartbeat of the story. An absence that forces those who remain to confront their loyalties, identities, and biggest fears.
The narrative skillfully intertwines its many storylines, keeping the attention of readers as they uncover the hidden dangers in this fantastical landscape. What makes this story so captivating is Daniels’s ability to portray relatable characters who persist in the face of adversity. Each character’s internal struggle mirrors the kingdom’s external turmoil, blurring the line between personal and political conflict. Leadership is portrayed as a burden of sacrifice, responsibility, and painful growth.
I found that the descriptive world-building shines in the depiction of Penelope’s family home, allowing the readers to understand why she longs for its cozy, vibrant warmth. Daniels also vividly emphasizes the incredible power of the magical weapons used during battles, making sure the readers know that this is a force that can turn the tide of battle in an instant. The combination of her rich, detailed settings and the palpable energy of magic makes every scene immersive and thrilling.
The audiobook adaptation only adds to the magic of this fantasy. With multiple voice actors embodying the characters, the production feels like a full-scale performance rather than a simple narration. Each unique narration provides a new level of depth to the story and creates a more intimate type of storytelling that makes you feel as if you are right there alongside the characters, experiencing the thrill of every high and meeting each challenge head-on.
For fans of fantasy sagas, One True King is a fantastic addition to the genre and an already compelling series. Daniels blends intricate world-building and moral complexity into a story that feels both epic and relatable. Whether you’re drawn to personal journeys of characters shaped by love and loss or the political conspiracies of kingdoms in turmoil, Amy Daniels delivers a tale that satisfies every reader.
Listening Length: 16 hours and 44 minutes | ASIN : B0FL3HC2LY
Inspired By the Void
Rise of the Phantom follows two divine feline protectors who, while visiting the mortal world, discover a supernatural force wreaking havoc on the towns and causing mass destruction. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The idea first came from bedtime stories my dad used to tell me. I loved the idea of a world filled with magical creatures and guardians who protect it. As an avid reader, I also wanted to read books like the stories I had been told, but I couldn’t find any like them. Inspired by the void, I decided to create the world I wanted to visit. My mother was a huge part of helping me brainstorm this world and its depth over the last three years.
Rise of the Phantom features some very interesting characters who have their flaws but are still likable. How do you go about creating characters for your story?
I had general personality ideas for each character, but I quickly discovered that at some point, they begin to write their own story. They take on a life of their own, and as an author, you merely reflect how those characters react and go about their world more than creating it yourself. Some characters, such as Birch, suddenly come into the story and don’t leave like you thought they would.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Humor as armor, friendship, courage, and forgiveness were all really important to me. The story has serious moments, but I wanted to show that laughter and kindness can still exist even in dark times. The characters use humor and connection to get through pain, which I think makes them stronger and more human (even though most of them aren’t technically human). Tierra’s character really developed the humor as armor trope, and I feel it’s an aspect that isn’t always explored for its depth as much as it could be. I’ve found that there’s equal depth for characters who use this trope as an emotional safeguard as characters who are blatantly unhappy and miserable, or quiet and keep to themselves.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
Yes, this is book one in a series of six books. Book 2, titled Guardians of Felina: The Lost Lair, is set to launch in December 2026, with each new book coming out every December. The Lost Lair goes deeper into the Guardians’ world and shows how the Phantom’s influence is spreading. Readers can expect bigger adventures, new characters, and more discoveries about the Guardians’ pasts—and how they’ll have to work together to face what’s coming next. And yes – readers are finally introduced to the Phantom.
Author Links: Facebook | Website
Before they can deliver their warning, the fire encircles the village, and glitching Beasts emerge, wreaking havoc. The Beasts vanish as mysteriously as they appeared, leaving behind injuries and a cryptic message: “You are now under the command of the Phantom.” Determined to act, Alada and Tierra set off to warn other villages, accompanied by Birch, an unassuming mortal unaware of their divine nature.
The journey takes them through the perilous Lost Labyrinth, where Birch becomes separated and must confront illusions and deceptive voices. With the help of an unlikely ally, and the bitter tree Gnarla, Birch learns the labyrinth’s secret: stop wishing and find strength within. Reunited with Alada and Tierra, they press on to Birch’s hometown, Stone Creek. There, Birch reveals the village’s tragic secret-its residents, including his family, are spirits in denial of their deaths. Despite the eerie setting, Birch reconnects with his father, rekindling lost bonds.
Next, the trio hurries to TierraTown, a village devoted entirely to celebrating Tierra. While Tierra revels in the attention, Alada uncovers a brewing rebellion among the villagers. Chaos erupts as traitors unleash a trap and glitching Beasts attack once more, setting the forest ablaze. Alada saves the town in her full goddess form, but the experience leaves Tierra shaken. Tierra resolves to stay and help rebuild, renaming the village to symbolize her newfound sense of responsibility.
Alada and Birch continue to the Pyrite Peaks, using Levi Lifts to traverse the mountainous terrain. In her domain’s technologically advanced Nya Network, Alada meets with the Nya council to discuss the growing threat of the Phantom. Tierra arrives to support the urgency of their warnings. After rallying the Nyas, the trio sets off again, this time toward Lotus Bay, home of Guardian Coral.
Passing over the Moto Desert, they encounter a group of fleeing Aras, Guardian Ember’s subjects, who reveal that he has abandoned them. Beasts now roam the desert unchecked. The Aras seek refuge in Coral’s domain while the trio head off to find Coral herself. Upon arrival at the bay, the trio finds it eerily deserted-until a mysterious voice calls out, “Don’t ask her, ask me!”
Birch stands out as a fervent advocate for justice, initially a mere citizen who refuses to accept divine complacency. His persistent moral outrage and readiness to act lend the story immediacy; readers will cheer as he challenges immortals to live up to their titles.
Alada’s journey is more contemplative-an immortal Guardian who realizes that omniscience is not the same as omnipresence. She grapples with the limits of her power and influence, growing humbler and more accessible as she dares to admit that she needs allies and cannot save everyone alone.
Tierra’s arc may be the most poignant: from a carefree lover of festivals to a guilt-stricken protector desperate to atone for past negligence, her transformation is a testament to how catastrophic events and honest self-reflection can stir even the most self-indulgent soul into greater purpose.
The Hunger of the Dragon
The Hunger of the Dragon is a brutal and immersive plunge into a grim world of Norse myth reborn in shadow. The story follows Märren, a haunted warrior mother carrying her daughter’s skull through rain-soaked mountains, hunted by trolls and later captured by the Sea Serpent clan. Her desperate quest to find the Dragon people, to claim a god’s scale, intertwines with Caëtin, a Raven berserker navigating shifting alliances and divine magic. It’s a saga thick with loss, myth, and raw survival, where every battle feels like it was written in blood and mud. The book draws from the bones of Norse legend but rebuilds the myth into something darker, stranger, and heartbreakingly human.
Author R.M. Schultz writes with a grim beauty that’s almost hypnotic. The language is visceral, heavy with texture and sound. It’s not a kind story. There’s no bright hero or warm victory, only people scraping meaning from ruin. Still, the characters burned themselves into me. Märren especially. She’s hard, bitter, tender in private moments. Caëtin feels carved from ice and fire, both ruthless and weary. I found myself pulled between them, torn by their choices.
By the time I finished, I felt wrung out. The book leaves you raw, sitting in silence for a while after closing it. Schultz doesn’t flinch from horror or grief. There’s love here, too, but it’s buried deep, found in loyalty and defiance more than tenderness. I liked that honesty. The pacing runs hot and cold, slow scenes steeped in myth and madness, then sudden violence that makes you jump. It’s harsh, yet beautiful. The kind of writing that crawls under your skin and stays there. I didn’t love every choice, sometimes the lore weighed down the emotion, but the ambition is staggering. The world feels ancient and endless, as if Schultz unearthed it rather than invented it.
I’d recommend The Hunger of the Dragon to readers who want their fantasy rough and full of heartache. If you like sagas that smell of smoke and iron, if you want women who fight and bleed and curse the gods, this is for you.
Pages: 574 | ASIN : B0FSYM7GK3
Astral Seeds- Eternal Reign Edition
Jhani Mills’s Astral Seeds opens like a symphony of chaos, blending cosmic prophecy with the fragile humanity of its characters. The story follows Aric Draconis, a dragon rider tangled in a universe on the brink of rebirth. As celestial rifts tear open the sky and ancient Guardians stir from slumber, he becomes unwilling witness and participant in a struggle between creation and destruction. Kings crave godhood, dragons debate destiny, and stars themselves become instruments in a war of balance. Mills builds a world that feels both mythic and immediate, filled with lyrical dread and aching wonder.
The prose is lush, almost hypnotic, and sometimes it feels alive, like the words hum beneath the surface. The dialogue between Aric and Ignarion, his dragon, carries real warmth. Their bond has weight, not the kind of flat loyalty you find in typical fantasy tales. But the beauty of the writing cuts both ways. At times, the rich, layered descriptions slow the rhythm a bit, letting the poetry take center stage over the story’s momentum. The language feels deliberate, like Mills wants you to taste every syllable before moving on. But, when it hits, it hits like thunder. There’s power in the way small human acts like kneading dough, watching the sun, and listening to the river, mirror the collapse of galaxies.
What really stayed with me was the sense of longing that runs through everything. The book isn’t just about power or prophecy. It’s about connection, about what it costs to keep faith when the sky itself turns against you. Mills writes with this quiet conviction that even in ruin, there’s something worth saving. The characters aren’t perfect heroes, they’re scared, sometimes arrogant, sometimes heartbreakingly kind, and that makes them real. There were scenes that gave me chills, others that felt heavy in the chest. I could feel the loneliness in Aric’s choices, the hunger in Vaelion’s ambition, the melancholy in Zephyr’s song. The story asks questions most fantasy avoids: Can destruction be sacred? Can love survive apocalypse? It doesn’t hand out clean answers, and that uncertainty is what makes it linger.
If you like your fantasy poetic, unpredictable, and soaked in cosmic mystery, Astral Seeds is for you. It’s not a light read. It’s a storm you walk through, slow and unsteady, until you find something glowing on the other side. I’d recommend it to readers who love the mythic scope of Brandon Sanderson but crave the lyrical weight of Erin Morgenstern.
Pages: 422 | ASIN : B0FTGP8M9N
The Coolest Warrior Ever
The Call of Thunder centers around a young woman struggling with identity and duty, living a hidden existence in a mountain village where she must resist the urge to reveal her own extraordinary powers. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I give a lot of credit to The Legend of Zelda video games, also Marvel (costume was inspired by Black Widow), and movies like The Avengers, Black Panther being my favorite. Being able to create your own world and literally do whatever you want with it got me really excited about this. I spent years trying to create the storyline and figuring out what powers she would have. I truly wanted her to be the coolest warrior ever!
What were some of the emotional and moral guidelines you followed when developing your characters?
There were times in my life that I wanted to stop being so reserved, stop caring what other people thought of every single thing I said and did. I recall in my younger years how frustrating yet amazing it can be to first experience romantic feelings. I wanted to bring that to light in Havanna as somewhat of a reflection of myself.
What was your favorite scene in this story?
Probably when Havanna arrives in Sabbia and fights the Backers trap that was set up for her there. I loved writing about Queen Calista and their relationship, and how freaking awesome she is. It was a way to give Havanna some hope after so much loss.
Can you give us a glimpse inside Book 2 of the Hidden Heroes series? Where will it take readers?
It picks up right where book 1 leaves off, with Quill and Havanna going to find the next Descendant. There are tests along the way to find the other Descendants, such as fighting enormous monsters and one particularly cold, brutal personality. Slow-burn romance is for certain as the characters get to know each other and learn to work together for the same purpose. The ending, in particular, will leave readers shocked, just the way I like it.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
In the kingdom of Petros, twenty-year-old Havanna wants nothing more than to be free, to find herself, and to use her powers without reserve. But using her lightning abilities could expose her to the Backers—who do the Dormant King’s dirty work in hunting down her kind—and the bloodthirsty, fatal Dormants.
Besides, not even Havanna’s best friend knows her secret.
When her own impatience, isolation, and a bully create the perfect storm, Havanna’s desperation snaps her self-control. But she triggers the wrath of the Dormant King and a deadly raid that leaves her more alone than ever.
Determined to make things right, Havanna breaks out of hiding to take revenge. While searching for the Dormant King, testing her powers, and exploring the kingdom she begged to see her whole life, she finds that this quest is more difficult than expected.
Maybe that’s because this quest was never Havanna’s alone…
The Call of Thunder is a YA fantasy with an epic quest, adrenaline-spiking action, and a heroine learning the full scope of her power.
Foretold in the Scriptures
The Manifestation of Evil follows 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. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for the setup for my story would have to be Genesis 3:15 in the Bible, where it says how God will put an enmity between you and the woman and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel, and that verse was actually prophetic because it deals with the messiah, Jesus Christ, and the spiritual war. In my fictional book, I wanted Asya, a young Turkish girl who lives a normal life, to be visited by celestial beings to herald the birth of her firstborn child, who will change the world and her status as a chosen vessel. But she will be unaware of the type of celestial beings talking to her and the implications of what is being said to her. Just like the Virgin Mary in the Bible, who comes from a religious background, I wanted Asya to come from a religious background as well. Asya has no idea that the child she will give birth to is the antichrist, which was foretold in the scriptures.
What were some of the trials that you felt were important to highlight Asya’s development?
When it came to Asya’s development in the book, Asya went through betrayal and sexual abuse from a family relative, which was an awful thing, and that shaped her life to a certain extent, where she became an overachiever. Now, in my fictional book, I wanted to explore the background of the key players and characters in my book, especially their upbringing and events that will shape their lives, like the Russian president, Igor Alexander, who is an ultra nationalist and has a very dangerous antisemitic ideology.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The purpose of this fictional series is to make people aware of the times we are living in and to think about eternity because, truth be told, we live in a messed-up world. All you have to do is turn your TV on, and you will hear of wars and rumors of wars, and earthquakes in diverse places. People are losing their minds, and there is economic instability, uncertainty, and inflation. It does not take a scholar or a genius to know something is off with this world we live in, and it is full of evil.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
The Birth of the Antichrist: The Manifestation of Evil, Part 1 is part of a series. The second book, His Arrival, will be out in January of 2026. This first book deals with all the events and circumstances that will lead to the birth of the antichrist, the man of sin.
Author Links: GoodReads | LinkedIn | X (Twitter) | Instagram | Amazon
LITERARY TITAN 