Beneath the Scarlet Frost follows a princess living in a magical kingdom who has to grow up quickly and come to terms with reality when wielders of wicked magic invade their lands. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The world of this story, Alse Hanya, was actually one I created back in 2011 when I was fourteen years old. I had wanted to write a book about warring magical clans at the time but never got too far into it. In 2014, I started a book about a war of magic vs non-magic, inspired by the Grimm story, “Sweetheart Roland.” I wrote and re-wrote the first ten chapters countless times, but it was never “right.” Then, in 2019, I read a book by Helen Rappaport, The Race to Save the Romanovs, and as the family had always interested me, the more I learned the more I was inspired by those real historical events. I ended up combining the world-building from my fourteen-year-old self, the characters I’d started in the retelling, and the influences of WWI and the Imperial family of Russia at the time. That, and I knew without a doubt that I wanted to write a heroine who showed different strengths than we normally see in modern books. I wanted to show how the quiet, dutiful, compassionate character that usually hangs back could be the strong protagonist, and how those strengths have such an impact.
A lot of time was spent crafting the character traits in this novel. What was the most important factor for you to get right in your characters?
The most important factor for me was making sure the characters all interacted authentically. I wanted the sibling dynamics to really feel like siblings, each with their differing personalities but unquestionable love for one another. I also wanted to show a different kind of “strength” to each character. No matter which character you look at in this novel, main, secondary, or minor, each one has a certain underlying strength to them, traditional or less commonly seen. Of course, they all have flaws and weaknesses too, as is human nature, but the personal impact and emotional depth through the characters were extremely important to me. Additionally, I modeled the Zdraevit family with some character traits from the real Romanov family, and I did a lot of research to get to know the family as much as possible, including reading their personal journals. I definitely wanted to hide those little easter egg details in there.
I find the world you created in this novel brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from and how did it change as you were writing?
As I mentioned above, the world came from a story I wanted to write about warring clans when I was fourteen. I wrote lore and histories etc., and created a rough magic system surrounding thirteen “types” of magic, for which their country was named. When I started the retelling in 2014, the world setting was very flat, it was also set against more of a 1940s London backdrop. It wasn’t until I decided to use the Romanovs as inspiration that the pieces clicked together, and I knew I wanted there to be nods to real-world countries and histories woven throughout the narrative, which of course then influenced the setting at large. Eisa for example, started out as a land of endless winter but then was dialed back to a climate and environment more realistically akin to Russia.
What will the next book in that series be about, and when will it be published?
Following the significant event that takes place at the end of Beneath the Scarlet Frost, book two, Within Forsaken Shadows, will focus on exploring more of the world and coming to terms with grief, duty, fear, and moving forward. It is a story of survival and healing, growing war, courtly politics, and culture shocks, and it is a story of new beginnings and understanding. Some of the naivete displayed in book one, won’t really fly in the sequel. The world the characters are entering into is dangerous and often very unforgiving, with little room for innocence or stagnance. Within Forsaken Shadows is set to release on February 18th, 2025.
Shadows scream, whispers torment, and wishes curse.
The empire of Eisa once stood as a symbol of hope for purging the wicked magic that had plagued its lands. But, when Wielders are spotted within those borders, the sanctity that once acted as an unshakable foundation crumbles beneath Sorrel Zdraevit’s feet.
With the resurgence of Wielders on Eisan soil, protests are increasing in the streets, citizens are suffering, and everywhere she turns tragedy fractures the facade of peace that had sheltered her.
As the second eldest princess in Eisa’s imperial family, when war is brought to the kingdom’s door, Sorrel is forced to step into a new role, leading her deeper and deeper into the world she fears most. Desperate to protect her country against dark and twisted magic, and heal those around her, she must decide what it is she stands for when the world as she knows is rendered senseless.
Unsure of whom to condemn, and whom to put her faith in, Sorrel is faced with tainted realities that threaten to destroy everything she’s ever held dear. All that matters is keeping her kingdom and family safe against the monsters infiltrating her country. Secrets and lies drag her into the depths of her worst nightmare, where fighting through the calamities is the only way she will have any hope of making it out alive- If she can hold on to her own will to live.
Do You Believe in Miracles? follows a once shy teenage boy who discovers a hidden realm where he is a powerful wizard and now must decide to remain in that world or return to his mortal life.What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Two things stand out. My previous epic fantasy saga is titled The Death Wizard Chronicles, and it contains adult content that makes it appropriate for 18 and older. But I have five daughters, and the youngest one — who is a voracious reader — couldn’t bring herself to read DW. The ol’ you can’t picture one of your parents even thinking such things. So she asked me if I could write something appropriate for the 13+ age group. Hence, my teen fantasy adventure series Dark Circles was born. Do You Believe in Miracles? is book 3. The second thing that stands out is that the setting for Dark Circles is based on a small town in rural Upstate South Carolina that is near to where I currently live.
Were you able to achieve everything you wanted with the characters in the novel?
The short answer is yes. The long answer would go on forever. So I’ll give you the middle-length answer. 😀 I went to great effort to give each of my major characters real and recognizable traits such as their physical appearances, emotional responses, personality quirks, and their values, beliefs, and morals. For example, Charlie’s growth from a timid teen to a powerful wizard built slowly throughout the narrative. If you read carefully, you’ll be able to see this growth step by step, almost like walking up a long set of stairs.
What was the initial idea behind the Dark Circles Trilogy, and how did that transform as you were writing the series?
The initial idea came from the title. The trilogy is called Dark Circles for a specific reason. When teens from the real world enter the fantasy world, they are unable to sleep because an evil being haunts their dreams and is intent on killing them. Therefore, when they return to the real world, they have dark circles beneath their eyes from lack of sleep. I carried this theme throughout the series, though it became less important as the story picked up speed.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I’m working on two books: a novel and a memoir. The novel is titled Bhayatupa the Great: The Dragon Wars and is a prequel to my six-book adult epic fantasy titled The Death Wizard Chronicles. It should be available by June 2025. The memoir is titled The Adventures of a Florida boy and it chronicles what it was like to grow up in the 1960s on the west coast of Florida, a time when kids roamed wild and free. I’ll be shopping this to publishers and agents soon, so I’m at their mercy as to when it will be available.
Dark Circles is the winner of ten prestigious international awards. From the author of The Death Wizard Chronicles comes an award-winning adventure suitable for teens and adults.Do You Believe in Miracles? is book 3 of Dark Circles, a fantasy trilogy for readers 13 and older. This is a fascinating coming of age series for fans of J.K. Rowling, Neil Gaiman, and Brandon Sanderson.
Book 1: Do You Believe in Magic? (May 25, 2023) Book 2: Do You Believe in Monsters? (Oct. 23, 2023) Book 3: Do You Believe in Miracles? (April 21, 2024)
Synopsis: When Charlie Magus enters a fantastical world hidden deep in the forest, his life is turned upside down. The timid 13-year-old transforms into a powerful wizard wielding formidable magic. In the real world, life goes on as usual. But in the fantasy world, a war is brewing that will dwarf all others. Charlie’s newfound powers stand between victory and defeat. But in which world does he truly belong? Dark Circles is an adventure of epic scope. Only those with a hero’s heart will dare to stand at Charlie’s side as he battles an army of monsters led by an evil being of immense power.
Mordon finds himself a captive in enemy territory, his world shattered as he confronts the moral complexities of his situation. Faced with an opportunity for redemption and power, Mordon must make a pivotal decision that will shape his destiny. Meanwhile, Coralie, the rightful queen, grapples with the immense challenges of leadership. Her kingdom is besieged by external threats and internal dissent, reeling from a recent attack by the Dark Lord Prolus. With the looming threat of the Tariqin army, Coralie is under immense pressure to protect her people and preserve their honor, even if it means forging alliances with unlikely allies. As the narrative unfolds, the fates of Mordon and Coralie become increasingly intertwined, leading to a compelling convergence of their storylines.
Heroes of the Empire Book 2: The General by Israh Azizi deftly explores themes of betrayal, power struggles, survival, love, and family relationships. The inclusion of strong female characters like Natassa and Coralie, who take the lead and fight in battles when necessary, is particularly noteworthy. Despite being perceived as weaker by their male counterparts, these women rise to the occasion, demonstrating resilience and strength. The world-building is impressive, with characters that have unique names, vivid descriptions of kingdoms, and creative language that paints a clear picture in the reader’s mind. The dialogue is engaging and unpredictable, adding depth to the characters and keeping the reader on their toes. The romance elements, such as Velamir’s attraction to Kasdeya and the budding relationship between Jax and Krea, add a pleasing layer of complexity to the story. The author’s creativity shines throughout the novel, with vivid descriptions that fully immerse the reader in every scene. To fully enjoy this series, it is recommended that you read the previous installments, though the character guide at the beginning of the book is particularly helpful in understanding the intricate web of relationships and backstories.
Heroes of the Empire Book 2: The General is a captivating blend of action, intrigue, and rich character development. With its strong themes of power, betrayal, and resilience, it offers an immersive reading experience that keeps you engaged from start to finish. The vivid world-building and unpredictable plot twists make it a compelling addition to any fantasy lover’s bookshelf, with Coralie’s courageous leadership leaving a lasting impression. Whether you’re new to the series or a returning reader, this book delivers a satisfying and thrilling journey.
Magical realms in literature captivate the imagination by offering boundless possibilities, and Charlie Magus is the hero who brings this novel to life. Do You Believe in Miracles? by Jim Melvin is the third book of the Dark Circles trilogy. It follows 13-year-old Charlie Magus, who stumbles into a hidden realm within the forest, changing his world forever. Once a shy boy, Charlie becomes a mighty wizard with extraordinary abilities. While life continues normally in his everyday world, the fantasy realm is on the brink of a colossal war. Charlie’s magic could decide the outcome, but he faces a tough choice: remain in the world of mortals or reside forever in his newly discovered world.
Melvin’s talent for creating vivid, immersive descriptions pulls you into the magical world he’s crafted. Each scene is rich with detail, making the fantastical elements feel real and immediate. From the intricate spell work to the majestic landscapes, the book’s visual splendor is truly impressive. The way Melvin paints these images with words makes the fantasy realm come alive. You can almost see the shimmering magic and feel the atmosphere of each setting. This ability to create such a vivid world adds a layer of depth to the story, enhancing both the action and emotional moments. The book is a visual feast that keeps the reader engaged and invested in the adventure. Melvin’s writing style ensures that the fantastical elements are not just decorative but essential to the story. The detailed imagery helps to build a rich, immersive experience that draws you into every aspect of the narrative. The magic and settings are described with such clarity that they become an integral part of the story, making each moment feel both epic and personal.
Do You Believe in Miracles? captured my heart with its exceptional visual and narrative artistry, making it a must-read for fans of the genre.
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.
The Lords of Light and Darkness are feuding over who will rule the universe, and the world of Antorris is caught in their game. Fifty years ago, Darkness fell upon Antorris, unleashing monsters unlike any the world had seen. When the Light came, it offered no assuage, burning and consuming everyone.Thatwas when the world became Corrupted.
Inos Sevrence is a Corruption Hunter who aims to eradicate the Light and Dark-afflictedbeasts 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?
Spirit Light: Volume 1 follows two sisters with great magical abilities who are being hunted by a dark Empire set on taking over their world. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
One day about five years ago, I was daydreaming about how fantasy authors come up with such creative magic systems. I tell myself stories when I’m waiting to sleep, so that night, I decided to give it a try and come up with my own magic system. The only thing I remembered the next morning was the idea that, when they were young, the magically adept caused pain in others. I wanted to know what their life was like.
For some reason I’ll never be able to explain, I found myself writing in a coffee shop that cold, snowy morning. I hadn’t written a word of fiction since ninth grade. All I had was that question, two characters and a situation. Three hours later I had a pivotal scene in my first novel, Spirit Sight. It was awful. I couldn’t get the words to reflect what I saw in my head. But I loved it. When I walked out of that coffee shop, I knew I was going to be a writer.
I continued to write disconnected scenes while I tried to come up with a story. I’ll never forget racing home to tell my partner, Deb, one of my ideas. When I was done, she said, deadpan, “That’s the hunger games.” It was nearly a mortal blow.
It wasn’t until I went back to what started the whole thing, the magic system, that I finally got the basic pieces of the story. The people at the center of the story are called the Alle’oss. It’s a Norwegian phrase that means ‘all of us.’ So, I read a lot about Norse mythology and shamanism. That was what I needed. Once I had the magic system, the main character and a setting, the rest just started falling into place.
The Spirit Song Saga is a sprawling story in a world as complex as in The Game of Thrones. Eventually, there will be six books in the main series and six prequels. But I’m as passionate about it as I was that morning in the coffee shop five years ago.
What were the driving ideals behind the characters’ development throughout the story?
At the heart of the overarching story is the contrast between the peaceful, collectivist Alle’oss and the authoritarian, hierarchical Empire. The importance of family and community is reflected in many aspects of the Alle’oss’s culture and language. For example, as I mentioned above, the name means ‘all of us’. They call their mountains na’lios which means our home.
My main character is Minna Hunter. Despite being persecuted as a child, she grew up with the values her people hold dear. It’s why she can remain grounded when her people require her to step onto history’s grand stage.
Minna is the best sort of fantasy hero. I originally wanted to base her on Vin from Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn series or Nona Grey from Mark Lawrence’s Book of the Ancestors series. But she refused to fit the mold of a young, powerful girl made angry and defensive by a cruel world. She’s humble, open and unwaveringly kind. She isn’t always sure what she’s supposed to do, but she has a bedrock belief in herself. She never draws attention to herself, but she never fails to rise to the occasion when required.
What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
I love all my characters, even the ‘evil’ ones. Everyone has a story, and everyone’s story can be interesting. Of course, my favorite character is my main character, Minna. I know her so well now, writing her scenes are second nature.
But the character that’s the easiest for me to write is Nara Flynn. She’s a powerful witch. The self-professed ‘best storyteller in the Empire,’ she’s ‘flamboyant, impertinent, disrespectful, sassy. Some, mostly Imperial officers, would call her obnoxious. But she is loyal to a fault to those she deems worthy, and, despite her love of the spotlight, she’s never the hero in her own stories.’ I can write her scenes almost as fast as I can type them. It took me a while to understand why, but when I figured it out, it was obvious. She’s my partner, Deb.
Can you tell us about the next book and when it will be available for fans to purchase?
The third book in the main series, Spirit Light Volume 1, comes out August 1 and the second book in the prequel series, Desulti, comes out November 1.
After their thrilling adventures in Spirit Sight, the Empire knows what Minna and Alyn Hunter are capable of and won’t rest until they are dead. Tales of the powerful saa’myns’ exploits spread like wildfire throughout the Empire, igniting their people’s hopes for freedom. As the daughters of the greatest seer who ever lived, they know their mother saw a path to defeating the Empire. But Ragan was struck down before telling anyone her plan, leaving them to find the way forward alone. And they are in more danger than they know. Witches more powerful than the one who killed Ragan are tracking them. Can the Alle’oss withstand the might of the Empire while Minna and Alyn divine their mother’s plan? Or is it already too late?
The Mantle of the Past follows the inhabitants of a vast kingdom where their king has died, who now face an uncertain future as different factions battle for control. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I studied history at university and the ancient mediterranean has always fascinated me. Tales from the history of Greece and Rome as well as kingdoms such as Egypt and the Achaemenid empire are where I get most of my inspiration and so often in their stories it is when the strong ruler falls that their history changes. I wanted to explore that situation myself.
I find the world you created in this novel brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from and how did it change as you were writing?
Kolgennon is largely inspired by the ancient mediterranean in the classical and hellenistic periods as I have always enjoyed the history, but also the literature that we have from that period. I wanted to create a world that felt familiar, but also somehow alien to a modern reader, with a hint of the classical epic in the stories I told there. As I wrote I found more and more of my inspiration coming from different cultures of the ancient world, it started as very heavily inspired by the Greeks, but I increasingly found myself drawn to Egypt, Persia and many other places and cultures for ideas and concepts. I think I also found myself delving into myths and legends more than just history as I developed my ideas further as well.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I wanted to explore power and the pull of duty and loyalty, but the major theme was to look at the absence of those. Tekolger, the all conquering king, is deliberately presented as almost the main protagonist in the story, but has died before the book begins. So there is a void where the hero should be, I found that a fascinating idea to study, what happens when the hero is gone and others have to pick up the pieces? Is his legacy a good thing, or has he just created problems for the world?
When will book two be available? Can you give us an idea of where that book will take readers?
I am working on book two right now, but i think it will be a while before I am finished yet. Maybe in a year or so. It will take readers deeper into the heart of the empire of the Doldun, but also further explore some of the more metaphysical elements of Kolgennon and perhaps answer some of the questions that are implied in the fringes of the first book.
The King of Kings has fallen. His vast domain teeters on the brink of civil war as his generals squabble over his legacy, conquered peoples plot rebellion and old foes seek to reassert themselves.
The dust has only just begun to settle on the conquests of Tekolger, King of the Doldun, who exploded out of the east to forge an empire not seen since before the ancient cataclysm known as the Dusk. His body has not yet been brought home, his armies have not yet returned from his final campaign, but already plots have begun, factions are forming, and rivalries ancient and new are starting to stir.
All the while old powers thought long passed into memory, or simply fictions of fevered imaginations, are once again troubling the minds of men and showing themselves on the fringes of civilisation.
Will the rise of the Doldun prove to be a false dawn? Or will the conquests of the King usher in a new age of peace and prosperity for Kolgennon.
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.
LITERARY TITAN 