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Wolfhound: The King’s Hounds Book I
Wolfhound is a gritty and heart-wrenching fantasy tale that follows Cassian, the leader of a King’s Hound team—elite enforcers of royal justice in the kingdom of Fentia. When a mission to arrest a treacherous baron goes terribly wrong, Cassian is forced into a desperate escape that leaves him with nothing but the duty to report the betrayal and the weight of lost comrades. Along the way, he crosses paths with a scrappy, abused orphan boy named Theo, and what begins as a simple act of mercy turns into a test of Cassian’s soul. The story weaves together themes of loyalty, honor, justice, and grief with an emotionally raw and action-packed narrative.
Austin Davis knows how to keep your heart pounding with intense action scenes that don’t let up, but what surprised me most was how emotionally resonant it was. Cassian isn’t some one-note hero; he’s wrecked and angry, grieving and fiercely loyal. I felt every moment of his pain and frustration. The writing strikes a balance between immersive world-building and intimate character focus. Davis doesn’t get lost in fantasy tropes. Instead, he pulls you into the dirt and grit of being a King’s Hound. I especially loved the way he handled Theo—what could’ve been a tired “rescued orphan” trope felt alive, vulnerable, and earned.
Some scenes, especially action-heavy ones, occasionally ran long. But those dips are minor compared to how invested I was. I laughed at Cassian’s sarcasm, teared up more than once (no shame), and fist-pumped when justice was served. The dialogue felt natural and snappy, with a good amount of humor even in the darkest moments. Most of all, I appreciated that this wasn’t just a fantasy adventure—it was a meditation on loss, found family, and the cost of doing the right thing when it’s hard. And the horses? Don’t even get me started. I’d follow Strider into battle, no question.
If you’re into emotionally charged fantasy with grounded characters and a dash of political intrigue, Wolfhound will be right up your alley. I’d recommend it to fans of Joe Abercrombie, Brandon Sanderson’s grittier moments, or anyone who loves loyalty tested in the fire. It’s perfect for readers who want more heart than high magic, more scars than spells. Just don’t expect to walk away without feeling something deep in your chest.
Pages: 297 | ASIN : B0F8FS1HYD
A Unique Spin
Stolen Histories follows two best friends working to sabotage corrupt institutions who find themselves in a high-stakes heist involving dragons, haunted landscapes, and the looming power of the imperialist Empire. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The first thing I ask when I’m writing something is, ‘Would I enjoy reading this?’ All the situations my characters end up in—from the heists, dragons, and hauntings—are things I love reading about. My biggest inspirations are other stories, like Six of Crows or The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi, along with looking at my characters and asking, ‘What kind of trouble can I get them into?’
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?
My inspiration for the world of Avalon came a long time ago—I thought it would be interesting to have a world where magic is the norm, and not having magic is considered the old wives’ tale. A lot has come from that single idea. I wanted to create my own magic system and world setting while also not being so confusing that no one can follow what’s going on. This is how I ended up with Singers, Scribes, and the like. Initially, I thought of doing a D&D-inspired world, or bringing in gods/creatures that already exist in stories, but ended up discarding that for a unique spin of my own. Now, I have Nightbloods, Sun Eaters, and whatnot. There’s so much worldbuilding I’ve done that the first book doesn’t even touch, so I’m excited to continue the series!
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Bigger themes like imperialism, colonialism, and rebellion were important to me since they will be explored throughout the whole series. But on a character level, themes like identity, grief, belonging, ambition, and family really bring the whole book forward. Each character has their own journey to go on, and I try to do that justice.
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?
This is the first book! Stolen Histories is the start of a six-book series, The Infinite Night Saga, and while I’m not sure when the second book will be finished, it is well on the way. I’m sure it will be done sometime next year, which is exciting for me to think about. What fans can expect is more heists, found family, and struggles against a power-hungry empire!
Author Links: GoodReads | Bluesky | Website | Amazon
A girl in over her head is after a stolen artifact, two master thieves are leading a crew to reclaim lost treasures, and their team is anything but ordinary-some of them shouldn’t even exist. With shaky loyalties, dangerous magic, and an empire tightening its grip, their plan is held together by luck and desperation. They might just pull it off… if the world-or they-don’t tear them apart first.
In this story about secrets, family, and good old-fashioned heists, a ruthless empire hoards stolen history, and a daring crew is reckless enough to take it back. But in a game where power is everything and disaster is inevitable, the difference between a successful job and a fatal mistake might come down to who’s willing to risk it all.
Beast of Phe’lak
This book throws you headfirst into a world of magic, pain, and tangled emotions. Hele’ne has spent centuries trapped on an alien planet, isolated and broken, under the control of a powerful beast who both saved her life and stole her freedom. When a group of new arrivals shows up on the beach near her prison, something stirs—faint memories, a flicker of purpose, a chance at freedom. What follows is a story that twists through identity, power, and survival, where every choice carries a cost, and every shadow hides something sharp.
What I loved most was how deeply personal it all felt. Beneath the dragons and battles and cosmic stakes, this is a story about trauma, real, raw, and relentless. Hele’ne’s connection to the beast is terrifying in how familiar it feels. It’s a portrait of control disguised as care, and it chilled me. And yet, there are soft moments too, brief flickers of tenderness, humor, even love, that make the heavy parts hit even harder. Elia dives into the darker emotions, showing what it means to fight for your own mind, your own body, your own name.
The writing is lush and dreamlike. The lore runs deep, the world is massive, and if you haven’t read the other books, you’ll probably spend a few pages catching up. But there’s something wild and beautiful about that, too. It feels alive. The characters are vivid, passionate, and impossible to ignore. Some are haunted, some are healing, all are trying to hold onto something in the chaos.
In the end, Beast of Phe’lak is for readers who want their fantasy to cut deep. It’s messy and magical, yes, but it’s also full of heart. It’s for anyone who’s ever felt lost, controlled, or broken and dared to imagine something more. If you want to be shaken, moved, and maybe even changed a little, give this one a shot.
Pages: 309 | ASIN : B0F7FD49NL
Strength in Slow Growth
Gathering Storm is a lyrical and emotionally charged fantasy epic where a haunted hero and a fractured world face the rising storm of magic-infused corporate tyranny and buried personal truths. What were some new ideas you wanted to explore in this book that were different from books one and two?
I wanted to highlight something deeply personal—that there are times in life when we feel like we don’t quite belong like we’re out of place. Those moments, those seasons of disconnection, shouldn’t break us. Instead, they can shape us—if we’re willing to look closely enough or be patient enough to find the meaning behind them. In Gathering Storm, I tried to capture that quiet truth: that even pain, confusion, and displacement can serve a greater purpose if we let them.
Chris is a haunted yet determined protagonist. How did his trauma and resilience evolve through the writing process?
From the beginning, I knew that Chris’s journey would take time. Writing books one and two, I was always aware that his development needed to stretch across the entire five-book arc. His resilience had to be earned slowly, not rushed. I made a conscious choice to let his growth unfold at a more deliberate pace than some of the other characters. What I really wanted to reflect was something very human: we don’t all heal or evolve at the same speed—and that’s okay. There’s strength in slow growth. There’s truth in letting characters—and people—take their time.
The kindred tongue and its cadence added a rhythm to the dialogue. What inspired its creation, and how did you approach its development?
Tolkien has always been one of my greatest inspirations. Reading his works was probably the biggest spark behind creating the Kindred Tongue. I’m also multilingual, so I naturally gravitate toward how language shapes thought, culture, and identity. In developing the Kindred Tongue, I immersed myself in the sounds and rhythms of various languages—real and fictional—and imagined how my characters might speak if they came from that world. It became an act of fusion: drawing from linguistic influences and crafting something that felt unique to the Kindred, something that could carry weight, history, and emotion in its very cadence.
Were there any characters whose arcs surprised you as the story unfolded, diverging from your original outline or expectations?
My answer might come as a surprise, but honestly—no. Not at all. Before I even began writing the first book, I had already outlined all the major events, scenes, and character arcs from books 1 to 5. Every decision, every turning point, every emotional beat was planned and documented. There’s a very thick binder on my desk with the full roadmap, and I’m a serious planner when it comes to writing.
That said, what did surprise me wasn’t the plot—it was the emotional impact. Some scenes hit me far harder than I expected. I didn’t anticipate how deeply I’d feel the weight of certain moments until I was actually writing them. Getting teary-eyed while crafting those scenes reminded me I was truly on the right path. It made the journey feel even more meaningful.
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YET WAR DOES NOT CARE FOR SYMBOLS, NOR DOES IT OFFER THE LUXURY OF GRIEVING LOST FUTURES. A NEW CHRONICLER OF WAR RISES, AND UNLIKELY ALLIANCES WITH OLD ENEMIES MAKE THE CAPITALS BELIEVE THEY FINALLY HOLD THE ADVANTAGE. BUT THE TRUTH UNRAVELS—HAVET’S PLANS WERE NEVER TRULY THWARTED, ONLY DELAYED. EVERY BATTLE, EVERY REVELATION, EVERY MOMENT OF PERCEIVED VICTORY HAS ONLY DRAWN THEM DEEPER INTO HIS DESIGN. AND AS THE TIDES SHIFT, ALLIANCES CRUMBLE INTO BETRAYALS, PROVING THAT ALTHOUGH LOYALTY MAY BE THE CURRENCY OF WAR, IT IS BOTH THE CHAIN THAT BINDS—AND THE BLADE THAT CUTS DEEPEST.
Stolen Histories
Stolen Histories is a fierce and immersive fantasy novel that follows the exploits of Amari, a magical seer and outlaw, and her best friend Taliya, a world-class thief and wardbreaker. Together, they live in a gritty, magical city named Castor, a place alive with haunted craters, floating trains, and social inequality. The story kicks off with the duo sabotaging corrupt institutions and snowballs into a high-stakes heist involving dragons, haunted landscapes, and the looming power of the imperialist Apolon Empire. At its heart, the novel blends thrilling action with deep emotional undercurrents and a strong thread of rebellion against colonial power structures.
I loved the writing. Michaels has a gift for character voice and atmosphere. The world-building is rich without being bogged down by info-dumps. The city of Castor felt lived-in and layered, like something out of Blade Runner with a magical twist. The dialogue was snappy and genuine. And the pacing—God, the pacing! It rolls like a freight train. One minute I’m chuckling at Amari’s sarcasm, and the next I’m holding my breath as she charges a dragon with nothing but grit and a well-timed incendiary. It’s chaotic in the best way. The narrative structure switches perspectives smoothly, adding depth without confusion. There’s always the sense that these characters lived whole lives before page one, and I respect that.
That said, the book isn’t just action for the sake of it. What hit me hardest was the emotional texture—Amari’s quiet grief, Taliya’s loyalty wrapped in bravado, the way their world erases voices like theirs, and how they steal those voices back with every job. The politics aren’t subtle, and that’s the point. Colonization, cultural theft, surveillance, and resistance—Michaels doesn’t pull punches. And yet, the story never loses its warmth. The queer joy, the found family, the relentless resilience—it all feels like a fist raised high. If I had a critique, it’d be that the lore occasionally verges on dense, especially the magical classification systems. But the energy of the story carries you through.
This book is fire. If you’re into heists, sharp-tongued women with secrets, or rebellion served with banter and blood magic, you need to read this. Stolen Histories is perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo, N.K. Jemisin, or anyone who ever rooted for the morally gray underdog. It’s fun, it’s furious, and it’s got heart for days.
Pages: 590 | ASIN : B0F3NQGSCH
Creating My Own Fantasy World
The Tydareus Kingdom, Alliance of Nations follows twin princes in a tale of epic proportions as they navigate the wreckage of a long lineage of family secrets and power struggles. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The Inspiration for the story was the ending of the Game of Thrones TV Series. I have always loved the fantasy world of Kings and Queens and decided to create my own fantasy world. As I sat down to write the Alliance of Nations, the plot seemed to drive itself from one kingdom to the next.
What intrigues you about this time period enough to write such a thrilling period piece?
As I stated, I love the fantasy world of royalty with Kings and Queens and wizardry. From King Author and Sir Lancelot to Game of Thrones and the many different kings portrayed in the books, I think the fantasy worlds offer a break from reality with dragons, stonemen, etc. Although, I chose not to add mythical creatures and other type animalistic avatars, I do find them interesting. However, I sometimes have a more difficult time relating to books with such characters, which is why I chose to maintain humanlike characters with emotional conflicts on a more personal level relatable to common people. Also, I’m not such a big fan of The House of Dragon Prequel. I haven’t read the books, but I think the series feels rushed and lacks the time development of the plot and characters. That is why I took the time to create realistic plots and focus on character development so that readers could relate to the characters on a more personal level and connect with their personalities whether good, bad or indifferent. It was important to maintain in-depth situations that followed each character’s persona. Of course that made for a much longer read, but I hope that the intrigue and thrill of both plot and characters made the book feel less cumbersome in length.
Were you able to achieve everything you wanted with the characters in the novel?
Yes, as each character came to life, so to speak, each person’s persona felt natural and unforced. From Stavros and his twin to the different kings, it was important that their persona was relatable and realistic. Although I didn’t particularly like each character’s persona, I think it made for a more intriguing plot with relatable twists and emotional conflict. It was important that readers form an emotional attachment to the characters as the story progressed, whether perceived as an antagonistic protagonist, a villain, or a heartfelt protagonist that drives the story forward while overcoming challenges.
Can we look forward to seeing the follow-up to this novel? What are you currently working on?
Yes, the follow-up sequel is The Tydareus Kingdom, A Nation of Slaves which delves more into the lives of the slaves as these 3 kingdoms continue on the path to war. The final book is entitled The Tydareus Kingdom, A War of Three Nations, which of course will follow the lives of the kings as they progress through the war. I’m currently working on the sequel to The Women’s Meeting entitled, Saga of My Scars, The Aftermath of Life’s Wounds which follows Dr. Angela Morrison through her quest for answers to her life as presented by the 3 different personalities. The Women’s Meeting revealed her Renee Lindsey personality to Dr. Morrison forcing her to confront the truths of her childhood, adoption, abuse, etc. Unknown by Dr. Morrison, she finds herself entangled in conflict with a newly emerging personality, Erin Philips. Unlike Renee, Erin has her own ideas about taking over Dr. Angela Morrison’s life—determined to eliminate all other personas and assert herself entirely. Erin is determined to avenge the people responsible for the abuse and degradation of Angela, Renee and herself even if that means destroying Angela in the process.
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The imminent invasion by Kadir, the brother exiled to the Western Island, forces Arius and Acuitius to seek an alliance with the Eastern Shore Kings—Matteo, Obasi, and Basili—to safeguard their western borders and train their soldiers in an Army that has not experienced combat in centuries. However, these three Eastern Shore Kings, notorious tyrants of their lands, harbor their own ambitions and agenda. They aim to overthrow the Tydareus Kingdom, destroy the brothers, and seize control, regardless of the cost.
Ultimately, this may escalate into a war between the three nations. “Alliance of Nations” delves into the lives of these six kings as they navigate the complexities of forming alliances through marriages and conflicts that threaten to derail their strategies for a successful union.
Recognizing the Strengths Within Ourselves
Heroes of Another Age follows twin shifter brothers who realize their destiny lies in stopping a catastrophic event, and they must leave their home to battle a sinister force that may prove fatal. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I’ve spent my life writing and reading about characters with magical powers and incredible abilities—but one day, a question struck me: What would it feel like to suddenly discover that you had powers of your own? That you weren’t “normal” anymore? How would that reshape your sense of self and your place in the world? And what if those powers demanded something of you—something that you didn’t want to give?
That’s how Aton and Aaron were born: two brothers, one thrilled by the discovery, the other unsure and reluctant to take up the call.
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?
I’ve been fortunate to travel across six continents, experiencing a wide range of cultures, cuisines, and landscapes—and that inspiration weaves itself into my writing. As I followed Aaron and Aton on their journey, I found myself revisiting places from my own memory: their hometown, Vidar, has the feel of an old European village; the mountains they cross are echoes of the Alps; and the City of Sky Fire carries distinct influences from my time in Asia. Each real-world place helped shape the mood, texture, and wonder of every new step on their path.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Some of the core themes that guided me while writing were the reluctant hero, the strength of family bonds, and—most importantly—self-validation. It’s so easy to compare ourselves to others: someone who writes better, runs faster, or seems so much smarter. But it’s much harder to recognize the strengths within ourselves. That’s what I wanted to explore in this story—the quiet courage it takes to believe in your own worth.
Where does the story go in the next book, and where do you see it going in the future?
My next book is titled A Glimmer of Hope, and it marks the beginning of The Guardian Series—with Heroes of Another Age serving as its prequel. This story follows a young human sorceress named Resara, her encounter with the Five Gods of Eris, and a mysterious plague threatening to wipe out life across the world. In this first installment, readers will meet Garron, her werewolf guardian, along with a vibrant cast of characters from all walks of life—and species.
The series is planned as 8.5 books: four novels in the first arc, a fun interlude novella, and four more in the second arc. Along the way, readers will explore more of the world of Eris, encounter strange and wonderful creatures, and maybe even run into Aaron and Aton again.
I hope you’ll join me for the journey ahead.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Website
Aaron loves the life he’s got. It’s just him, his twin brother Aton, and their mother living atop a picturesque mountaintop, herding sheep, and hiding the fact that they’re all werewolves. The humans down below don’t care much for shifters, and they’d like Aaron even less if they knew he also had magical powers. But as long as they stay hidden, they’re safe.
After a tragic accident, Aaron and Aton learn of a looming catastrophe in the east—and that it’s their destiny to stop it. Aton is eager to embrace the call to adventure. He’s always been the stronger, braver brother. But Aaron isn’t so sure.
Trekking through snow-covered mountains and shadowy forests filled with vicious, unrelenting demons, Aaron begins to question if he’ll even survive the journey—let alone face the sinister force that awaits.
Can Aaron’s fledgling magic and Aton’s warrior strength stand against the darkness? Or will they be swallowed by it? Fate may have chosen them—but when dragons and gods enter the fray, how can two brothers hope to defy destiny?
If you enjoy His Dark Materials, you won’t want to miss Heroes of Another Age by B.L. Mostyn—an epic fantasy full of magic, monsters, and myth.
Will Aaron rise to meet his destiny—or be devoured before he gets the chance?
Click BUY NOW and begin the adventure.
Paragons of the New Moon (Book 2 of The Last Battlefield for Light and Darkness)
Paragons of the New Moon is a sweeping cosmic fantasy filled with layered lore, celestial politics, and introspective heroes fighting not only monsters but the haunting echoes of their own pasts. This second book in The Last Battlefield for Light and Darkness saga follows Rayeen Beeta—a man brought back from the dead by otherworldly magic—as he’s sent on a mission by the enigmatic Overseer Shamooga to track down a mysterious boy named Kosinki, whose powers may very well rewrite the universe. What unfolds is a bold journey that dances between metaphysical philosophy, epic-scale action, and raw emotion, stretching from the dusty violet dunes of Amethyst Sands to the heart of cosmic archives and long-buried grief.
The opening chapters hooked me right away with their weird, wonderful energy. You get this totally surreal setting—Shamooga in a tower beyond physics, manipulating reality like origami. And then Rayeen’s dropped into a vision quest-style battle with his inner demons and literal monsters. His body is dead, his soul’s in his pocket, and he’s trying to hold onto his humanity through sheer force of will. North knows how to blend high-concept magic with gut-punch emotion, and that combo really shines here.
In the middle of the book, the pace kicks up a notch with Rayeen tracking Kosinki, clashing with pirates, and getting absolutely wrecked by the Black Lake and its Corrupted beasts. The fight scenes are wild—like, anime-level intense—but what I appreciated more was Rayeen’s frustration. He’s powerful, nearly godlike, but he’s constantly told “not yet,” “you’re not ready,” and you can feel his resentment simmer. It’s not just about power—it’s about emotional readiness, and man, that hits harder than any boss battle.
We finally learn about Shamooga’s own past—how he survived an apocalypse, got offered godhood, and became an Overseer almost against his will. These late chapters are steeped in lore, with cool reveals about the higher powers pulling the strings, and even a secret archive Shamooga keeps to remember people the universe has erased. The vibe gets almost melancholic toward the end. By the time Rayeen returns, frustrated and desperate to go home, there’s this shared, quiet pain between the two of them.
If you’re into Final Fantasy, Fullmetal Alchemist, or anything that blends big cosmic ideas with messy, soulful characters—you’ll dig this book. It’s poetic, intense, a little chaotic, and full of heart. There’s some deep stuff in here, and it helps to read slowly to catch all the meaning. But it’s worth it. North doesn’t spoon-feed. He lets you feel lost, like the characters. And that makes the victories—no matter how small—feel earned.
Pages: 299 | ASIN : B0F2SD32FK
LITERARY TITAN 