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As Long as We’re Alive, Problems Will Arise
Pandora’s Box follows a 14-year-old boy who discovers he is a demigod like his late mother. His life has become a whirlwind of magical schools, ancient mythologies, and adventure while he tries to prevent evil from taking over the world. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My son was my inspiration. When I became a mother, a new fear was unlocked: what will become of my child if I am not here tomorrow? I wanted to write something that could speak to him, nurture him, and entertain him, while leaving him with the values I hope I will have the time and support to instill in him.
The MC’s name is my child’s name: Liam. His mourning is built on my biggest fear.
The chaos the MC faces is nothing but the chaos of life. We tend to think our problems are the biggest in the world—and for us, they are. But it’s important for children to see that everyone has problems, which, to them, feel just as big. As long as we’re alive, problems will arise, and that will be true for everyone. The realization of this fact gives them a sense of belonging, helping them step out of the victim mentality and see problems for what they really are: opportunities for solutions and growth. I was careful to reflect that on each and every page.
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 comes from the books I grew up with. I’m a huge Star Wars fan, which is why you’ll see a mix of Sci-Fi and Fantasy in my work. I also love The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, and I read a lot of Agatha Christie and Sherlock Holmes as a child—this helped me develop my approach to building suspense, planting clues, and leading characters (and readers) toward discoveries.
Role-playing games have also been a major influence. I spent years as a Game Master for Vampire: The Masquerade and Dungeons & Dragons, which shaped my multi-perspective storytelling, worldbuilding, and rule-setting for magic and power. RPGs also helped me focus on character growth, much like players leveling up through campaigns.
Brazilian folklore played a big role in my childhood—it was mandatory in school and deeply woven into our culture. This sparked my curiosity about other mythologies, particularly Nordic folklore. Beyond that, I have a very poetic way of describing emotions, which comes from my younger years when I wrote poetry, competed in poetry contests, and attended poetry events as early as 12 years old.
On top of that, I love Greek mythology, Egyptian history, and the original versions of the stories that Disney adapted—many of which were quite dark in their European roots before being softened for children. That’s probably why my writing naturally leans toward darker themes.
Honestly? My writing style hasn’t changed much while writing. What has changed is my awareness of how readers perceive my published works, which influences what I choose to emphasize or tone down in future books. Since I haven’t read anything published in the last 20 years, my writing style remains uninfluenced by modern trends—it’s purely shaped by the stories I love.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Self-discovery, the concept of character (discerning good from bad), cause-and-effect (accountability for our choices), and inner power were all central themes. I wanted to show that having flaws doesn’t make you incapable of achieving great things—nor does it automatically turn you into the villain. It’s important for teenagers to develop a fair sense of self rather than viewing themselves through extremes of “good” or “bad.”
Faith in something bigger also plays a key role. Throughout the trilogy, I touch on difficult topics, even taboos like suicidal thoughts, in hopes of helping young readers recognize that the voice telling them they’re not enough doesn’t come from them—and that they can (and should) break free from it.
Can you tell us more about where the story and characters go after book one?
Without giving too much away—because surprises are half the fun—the second and third books take the characters much deeper into the prophecy hinted at in Pandora’s Box. Relationships will evolve, secrets will come to light, and the stakes will grow far beyond what they imagined. You’ll see characters like Liam, Ada, and others struggle with even more challenging situations, both magical and personal. Also, expect to see new realms, powerful antagonists, and the consequences of choices made in book one. It becomes a story not just about stopping evil, but about understanding yourself and the cost of standing for what you believe in.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook | Website | Trilogy Website
Liam Hale gets a posthumous gift from his late mother, Bree, on his 14th birthday. It’s a holographic message that turns Liam’s life upside down: According to a projection of Bree, Liam is a demigod (as Bree had been), will attend a magic school, and will take over his mom’s role as keeper of the Seven Wonders (Earth and six other dimensions).
He will have to be “initiated” before claiming the keeper’s throne within 90 days, or the resultant fight for the position will trigger an intergalactic war (“It’s too much power”). As if that weren’t enough pressure, Liam must also complete Bree’s mission of finding “the Pandora’s Box,” an artifact that will restore the balance between good and (currently rising) evil. Luckily, he’s got help: His allies include his best friend Ada, mage student Benji, and perpetually bickering witch-twins Zac and Zoe.
With mythological creatures, a magic school, and dimension-hopping adventures, Liam and his friends must uncover the secrets of The Pandora’s Box before darkness takes over.
Heroes of Another Age: A Guardian Prequel (The Guardian)
Heroes of Another Age is a fantasy coming-of-age tale that follows twin brothers Aaron and Aton, two young werewolves living a secluded life with their mother on a remote mountain peak. What starts as a quiet pastoral existence quickly unravels into a tale of magic, identity, and legacy when Aaron discovers he has mysterious healing powers and Aton’s supernatural abilities begin to surface. Their world, previously defined by sheep herding and cinnamon bread, begins to crack open with danger, secrets, and signs of a larger destiny.
This book completely surprised me. It starts off with such a calm, even cozy vibe. The early chapters, especially when Aaron talks to sheep who don’t fear him and worries about feeling ordinary despite being a werewolf, are honestly kind of adorable. There’s warmth in the writing, especially in the family dynamic. Their mother is tough but nurturing, and her presence anchors the story beautifully. When Aton climbs the peak to get their mom a flower, only to get badly hurt, I felt that mix of horror and love. The magical healing moment had me wide-eyed and flipping pages.
I really appreciated how this book handles magical discovery, not with flashy spells and big showdowns, but with quiet awe and genuine confusion. Aaron’s realization that he has healing magic comes not with cheers but with a panic attack and a desperate attempt to save his brother. And that scene where he wakes up and sees his mom casually cradling glowing green light in the kitchen? It’s magical but also intimate. That’s what this book does well; it makes the fantasy feel close to home. There’s a wonderful sense of scale: this isn’t a story about kings and kingdoms but about a little boy trying to understand who he is and how he fits into a world that might fear him.
It’s not all sweet family vibes and glowy hands. There’s darkness creeping in. The book doesn’t shy away from fear, especially fear of being different. When Aaron’s mom explains that people might kill casters just for using magic, it’s a terrifying thought. And Aton’s growing distance, his determination to protect his brother, and the way he starts carving a wooden sword, it all points to something bigger on the horizon. The tension grows slowly, but it’s there like storm clouds building behind a sunny sky. I genuinely loved how much emotional weight was packed into the little moments. Even small things, like the way the brothers bicker, felt so real. The writing doesn’t try to be clever; it’s honest and vivid, with a lot of heart.
Heroes of Another Age feels like the start of something special. It’s a small story, but it hints at big things. If you’re into slow-burn fantasy that puts relationships first, this book is for you. It’s perfect for readers who liked The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe but wanted more time in the wardrobe. Or for anyone who enjoys quiet magic, complicated families, and characters, you just want to wrap in a blanket. It’s a book that made me feel warm, then worried, then hopeful, all in a couple hundred pages.
Pages: 378 | ASIN : B0F395WJSQ
Safe Space
Eastlanders’ Fall is a tale of ancient evil rising again, powerful cults seeking domination, and unlikely heroes trying to stop the world from crumbling—literally. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I drew inspiration from the real world and used my fantasy setting as a safe space for an unbiased reflection on current issues.
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?
In the 90s, I served in the Brazilian military. When cartel violence spiraled out of control, Rio’s governor requested federal troops, and my unit was one of those deployed to assist.
For several months, in between missions, to avoid dwelling in the violence and bleakness, my mind took off. Fantasy books and role-playing games came to the rescue, and the continent of Ananthia was born.
To be in a place where evil and injustice could be fought and defeated—unlike in the real world—was like a drug, so I never left. All the mind space I could spare went into world-building, and seventeen years later, with no plan or ambition, I began laying it down.
The RPG campaign setting I wrote had such an elaborate backstory that I was entreated to tell it all. Eastlanders’ Fall began taking form, and a decade—and eight countries—later, A Drying World trilogy was completed.
Ananthia was so deeply developed in my head that it needed no change to accommodate the story – it was the story.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Bias, hubris, and blind ambition—and how to beat them.
Where does the story go in the next book, and where do you see it going in the future?
Eastlanders’ Fall is the first book of a trilogy. In book 2 (Two Storms), the children of the protagonists, born at the end of the book, take the lead, assisting their whistleblower uncle who’s on to Darvis Talsdrums second phase plans but struggles for decades to prove it. In book 3, the heroes take the fight to the lich.
In the future trilogy, I take the reader to Central Ananthia – the region where the desertification started, now under the sand. It will be told in two parallel timelines: the present, featuring the surviving protagonists, and the past, telling the story of how it all began.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
The land of Ananthia is dying. Its once-prosperous heart has turned to sand, swallowing Empires and burying faiths. But a darker shadow looms—Darvis Talsdrum, a warlock whose cunning strengthens his demon lord’s grip on the continent.
Talented as he is reckless, veteran wizard Milendil’s mistakes could seal the fate of Ananthia, when bitterness bids him to tip the scales for tragedy.
Air ranger Solostamir never asked to be a hero. Burdened by a family rift and torn between two powerful women—Keera, the elven noblewoman who shares his past, and Lilyanna, a prodigy human archer whose fire reignites his hope—he walks a razor’s edge between love and duty.
When war drives them apart, Lilyanna’s fate becomes entwined with Soraya’s, a battle-hardened warrior whose growing bond defies expectation.
As ancient magic stirs and loyalties splinter, these fractured heroes must unite what’s left of Ananthia before darkness consumes it all. But love is as dangerous as war—and not every heart will survive the fire.
Eastlanders’ Fall is a sweeping epic of sacrifice, redemption, and love tested at the brink of ruin—perfect for fans of high fantasy with heart, grit, and consequences.
Sorcerer Seed
From the very first dusty, confused breath in a strange crater, Sorcerer of Almora Sorcerer Seed dives headfirst into a fantasy tale rooted in mystery, survival, and identity. We follow Maylore, Jendrin, and Airalee—three strangers who wake up in an alien world with no memory of who they are or how they got there. Their journey begins with danger, then spirals into deeper questions about who erased their pasts, why, and what purpose they now serve in the vivid world of Almora. As they traverse lava tubes, confront creepy glowing-eyed creatures, and navigate tense social structures in a mysterious village, they must rely on each other to survive and find their place.
This book hooked me hard from Chapter 1. Maylore blinking away dust while trying to figure out if he’d murdered someone is compelling character work. The tension is real and tight from the beginning. Then it just layers mystery on top of amnesia on top of survival horror. I appreciated how author Curt Sylvester didn’t throw everything at us all at once but slowly unwrapped the world through dialogue and small, believable discoveries. I mean, who doesn’t love a cave escape, shadowy politics, and wolves the size of a small car?
Sylvester keeps the writing tight and conversational. It feels natural, especially in the banter between Maylore and Jendrin. They’ve got this reluctant buddy energy—one’s calm and analytical, the other all “I-don’t-trust-nobody”—that just works. Airalee brings a refreshing edge. Her mistrust, her inner monologue, her rock-clutching paranoia—it made her relatable. And she’s fierce. But the real gem was the pacing. From wolves chasing them to navigating dark tunnels with burning fur and finding human bones in an abandoned camp, the story moves in waves. It builds, breathes, and then slams the door shut with tension again.
Some of the dialogue veers into on-the-nose territory, especially when characters recap things for each other that we just saw. And while the amnesia trope is cool at first, by the middle of the book, I was itching for more forward movement. But the mystery of why these people were wiped clean and dumped in this world is fascinating, and Sylvester doesn’t drag it out without payoff.
Sorcerer of Almora is a solid and immersive fantasy read with a great blend of mystery, survival drama, and slow-burn worldbuilding. If you’re into books that drop you in the middle of nowhere with no map and make you claw your way toward meaning—this is your book. It’s perfect for fans of classic fantasy with a modern vibe, especially if you enjoy character-driven stories with a hint of danger and a lot of heart.
Pages: 787 | ASIN : B0DR67TS4P
The Tydareus Kingdom, Alliance of Nations
J.E. London’s The Tydareus Kingdom is an ambitious epic that plunges the reader into a richly woven tapestry of royal intrigue, betrayal, and political ambition across a sprawling, multi-regional empire. The story traces the legacy of the Tydareus lineage, beginning with the wreckage and rise of Quintus Tydareus and evolving into the tangled fates of his descendants—particularly the twin princes Stavros and Kratos. The narrative winds through a maze of kingdoms, love affairs, family secrets, and brutal power struggles, culminating in a saga that is both grand in scale and intimate in its emotional complexity.
I enjoyed the intensity of the prose. London doesn’t ease you in; she drops you into a storm of evocative language and raw human drama. The writing is rich, even poetic at times, and while that style can be beautiful, it occasionally teeters on excess. Still, there’s no denying its power. There’s a sense of fatalism baked into the world, and London’s vivid imagery makes you feel every betrayal, every oath, every secret.
What I truly enjoyed was the relationship between the twin princes. Stavros and Kratos are magnetic in their contrast. Stavros is a tyrant-in-the-making, all ego and rage, while Kratos is introspective and torn by duty. Their first scene together in the vineyard set the tone—raw, physical, tense with unspoken history. I found myself siding with Kratos often, especially as Stavros descended further into cruelty. The tension between them is Shakespearean, and that dynamic carries much of the novel’s emotional weight. There were moments when the dialogue veered into melodrama, and the frequent physical and verbal brutality was almost too much. But maybe that’s the point—this kingdom is built on blood and silence.
Then there’s the character of Avana, the queen. Her story gutted me. She’s caught between the title of royalty and the reality of being stripped of agency in a patriarchal, violent court. Her scenes with King Arius are some of the most difficult to read, especially when he asserts dominance not just politically but physically. The abuse and the gaslighting is brutal. I felt genuine anger, and sadness, and helplessness for her. London doesn’t shy away from depicting the consequences of power in the hands of those who abuse it, and while it’s hard to stomach, it’s also honest. She’s trying to survive in a world that constantly tells her she’s expendable.
The Tydareus Kingdom is a harrowing and layered portrait of human ambition and moral collapse. It’s not for the faint of heart. If you’re looking for a fairy tale, this isn’t it. But if you’re drawn to political drama, moral gray zones, and character-driven epics where no one is safe and every choice has weight, then this book delivers. I’d recommend it to fans of Game of Thrones or The Witcher—people who don’t mind getting dirty in the trenches of family legacy, loyalty, and betrayal.
Pages: 825 | ASIN : B0DXWKC4JQ
Other Realms
Whispers from the Grave follows a black witch/half-demon and her partner, a homicide detective/necromancer, who are working to navigate otherworldly threats while also trying to raise a child. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
When I was writing this book, my niece Aria had just been born (this is where I got the name) and I had already decided by the end of book 3 – Eternity, that Victor and Olivia were going to have a child. Having followed Molly through the whole saga to date, she was always going to continue (and will continue as long as I write in this Saga) As Whispers from the Grave is book 4 in this Saga, the characters have grown within each other. So to answer the question I would have to go back to Sekhet, the 1st in the Saga.
Born and reared in Ireland, I grew up within the folklore of ghosts, witches, entities from other realms, and yes heaven and hell. My inspiration came from my want to create a world within our own, which to some is a real thing. I wanted to delve into a world of supernatural beings while navigating through it in a way I believe it would be. My fear of hell from a young age allowed me to really imagine what it is to be there, those holy crap moments that test your resolve.
Whispers from the Grave allowed me to concentrate on some of my favourite characters, and branch out beyond what they have already brought to the table.
What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
My favourite character to write is Joe, since the beginning he has been the one to lighten the mood. The hardest in Whispers from the Grave was actually Olivia. As a human caught up in Victor’s world, trying to bring her into his supernatural life was in some ways tricky. I wanted her to keep her human side, the side that refused to accept anything out of the ordinary, especially the knowledge that Victor not only seen ghosts but could speak with them. Something as a human and not of his world leaves her terrified for her daughter.
In fantasy novels, it’s easy to get carried away by the magical powers of characters. How did you balance the use of supernatural powers?
Balancing was easy. The idea that a supernatural is simply just a powerful being is just that – an idea. Werewolves, witches, necromancers, seers, and vampires all have a human side. It is keeping that side of them alive within their characters and that in itself is not difficult.
Where do you see your characters after the book ends?
I see them in book 5 🙂
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website
In a world of supernatural beings where boundaries are pushed beyond the realms, Victor (a homicide detective and necromancer) and Olivia grapple with the revelation that their newborn daughter is not without reach. With the aid of his childhood friend Molly, a black witch with demon bloodlines, Victor has no choice but to allow and support her taking control in a bid to fight off Lilith and a black witch from the land of Fairies. The Glaistig, an ambivalent figure both malicious and benign in nature, sees Molly tapping into her powers, although fearful for Aria’s safety, is always excited to delve into ancient spells and rituals.
News of a teenage witch’s demise at the hands of a vampire, leaves tension and mistrust the Coven feel in their connections, within the supernatural world.
The Borealis Queen
The Borealis Queen by Henry Guard is an imaginative adventure set in a speculative Ice Age world, centered around Nin, a resilient young woman marked by a mysterious prophecy. Struggling against oppressive foes and navigating harsh landscapes, Nin embarks on a perilous journey that intertwines survival, destiny, and the forging of unexpected bonds.
I found myself captivated by Guard’s storytelling. His vivid descriptions, especially of Nin’s harrowing encounters with Gore, are so intense and emotional they kept me flipping pages, heart in throat. The opening scene in Chapter 1, where Nin is dragged through the snow by her hair, is brutal but powerfully written. It immediately connects readers with Nin’s defiant spirit despite her desperate circumstances.
One thing that stood out to me was the portrayal of relationships and unexpected alliances. Nin’s bond with Shadow, the fearsome Dagger Mouth Demon, genuinely moved me. The nuanced depiction of their connection—beginning with Nin’s compassionate rescue of Shadow as a pup and later reciprocated through his fierce loyalty—highlighted themes of empathy and interdependence. The moment Shadow saves Nin from Ursang was both thrilling and heartwarming, encapsulating the book’s underlying message about the power of kindness even amid brutality.
While I admired the strong character development, some sub-stories, like the detailed recounting of tribal rituals or backstory expositions, momentarily pulled me away from the main plot. Still, these slower sections offered rich cultural insights, and Guard’s enthusiasm for his created world shone through clearly.
The Borealis Queen is a compelling read with memorable characters and gripping emotional intensity. Guard does a fantastic job creating a world that’s both fantastical and believably harsh, making the stakes feel real and the victories genuinely rewarding. I’d recommend this book to readers who enjoy immersive fantasy with a gritty edge—particularly those who appreciate strong, complex heroines and intricate relationships set against vivid, unforgiving landscapes.
Pages: 395 | ASIN : B0DXH5MT1B
Eastlanders’ Fall
Eastlanders’ Fall, the first book in the A Drying World series, is a sprawling epic that plunges readers into the richly imagined continent of Ananthia. It’s a tale of ancient evil rising again, powerful cults seeking domination, and unlikely heroes trying to stop the world from crumbling—literally. The story kicks off with a chilling prologue featuring a cultist ceremony that goes sideways in a burst of divine justice and continues across time and space with mages, paladins, and political intrigue all grappling with the fallout. Brandon weaves together threads of high fantasy, horror, and philosophical musings about power and knowledge in a setting where the land itself is dying.
What I really loved about this epic fantasy novel was how unapologetically ambitious it is. The prologue alone is cinematic—seriously, the cult scene in “The Black Mass” is intense, grisly, and gripping. The way Brandon sets up Darvis Talsdrum as this menacing, dark priest of undeath is fantastic. I couldn’t stop thinking about that moment when the undead plunges a dagger into the elven girl’s chest just as paladins storm the room. It was horrifying and heartbreaking, but also incredibly effective storytelling. It’s rare to find a villain introduced with that much weight so early. I was hooked.
Some characters, like Milendil—the rogue wizard dabbling in necromancy—really worked for me. He’s a blend of tragic, arrogant, and brilliant, and I couldn’t help but root for him even as he spiraled. His quiet descent and eventual disgrace (and bitter sarcasm during sentencing) felt both earned and kind of sad. I genuinely felt for him, especially during his scenes with Villiena. That tension—knowing he’s doing something wrong, but for reasons that almost make sense—kept me glued. But not every character felt as rich. Maybe because there’s just so much going on that they don’t get as much time to breathe.
Brandon clearly has a massive world in his head, and while that can be a strength (the lore, the politics, the factions—it’s all super cool), it can be a lot to take in. There were chapters where I felt like I was swimming through exposition or trying to decode dwarven history. But then, just when I was about to put the book down, he’d hit me with something awesome—like the mage tower drama, or the way the desert literally eats cities. Those moments made the slower parts worth it. The writing style itself is vivid, sometimes poetic, and definitely leans dark fantasy, which I like.
Eastlanders’ Fall is a wild, sometimes brutal, always thought-provoking ride. If you like your fantasy epic, dark, and packed with morally gray characters, this is for you. Fans of Brandon Sanderson, Joe Abercrombie, or even older D&D-style storytelling will find something to love here. It’s not an easy read, but it’s a rewarding one—and I’m absolutely curious to see where the story goes next.
Pages: 413 | ASIN : B0DNG6RY4Q
LITERARY TITAN 