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Magic Compendium
Fantasy lovers, gather around—Magic Compendium: Tales of Illuminaria by David “DELTAKOSH” Catuhe is one of those books that feels like stumbling upon a hidden archive of ancient magic. This magical compendium chronicles the history, evolution, and structure of magic in the world of Illuminaria. Through detailed lore, it paints a world where the gods, through the Zodiac Legion, bestowed humanity with magic, leading to the formation of magic schools, disciplines, and ethical codes. It’s not so much a conventional novel as it is a deep dive into a fully fleshed-out universe, rich with history, mystery, and arcane secrets.
What struck me first was how real this world felt. The depth of thought put into the history of magic—how it started with the Zodiac Legion, how humans struggled to harness it, and how the first magic schools formed—gave the sense that Illuminaria had existed long before I picked up the book. The section detailing how different types of magic evolved was especially immersive. For example, the explanation of telekinesis—starting from merely nudging objects and culminating in grand telekinetic engineering feats—made me wish I could enroll in one of these schools myself. The writing here is methodical but never dry. It reads like a textbook, yet with the heart of a storyteller who genuinely loves the world he’s built.
The book also has a fascinating perspective on magical ethics, which adds an extra layer of depth. Instead of just listing spells and abilities, it explores the responsibilities that come with power. The protection magic section, for instance, emphasizes that magic is meant to serve the greater good, recounting the story of Merope of Taurus shielding an entire city from destruction. There’s also a dark side—like the restrictions on death magic, where one reckless student’s attempt to revive the dead led to a chilling punishment. These moments make magic feel dangerous and awe-inspiring, rather than just a convenient tool for heroes to wield.
The lore is rich, but it reads more like an encyclopedia than a novel with a traditional narrative. There are glimpses of personal stories—the doomed student experimenting with death magic, the knights of the Legion whose powers remain shrouded in mystery—but they feel like historical anecdotes rather than fully realized arcs. Still, for fans of the Tales of Illuminaria series, or for those who enjoy worldbuilding above all else, this is an absolute goldmine. On top of all that, nearly every page is adorned with fantastic artwork that is just as magical as the book itself. The detailed illustrations bring Illuminaria to life, making every spell, artifact, and historical moment feel tangible.
Magic Compendium: Tales of Illuminaria is a must-read for fantasy fans who love deep lore, intricate magic systems, and worldbuilding that feels as textured as real history. If you’re the kind of reader who devoured the appendices of The Lord of the Rings or spent hours flipping through RPG rulebooks, you’ll love this. This book is a testament to the power of imagination and the art of crafting a world that feels truly alive.
Pages: 76 | ASIN : B0DSTBGLGJ
Mixing Fantasy with Horror
In Valenfaar: The Children’s Song, characters wrestle their own inner demons as they prepare for battle against an ominous force known as The Children. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
It came from a few different places if I’m to be honest. A lot of workshopping and finding out what felt right for the story, while also brainstorming with a good friend of mine (who the book is dedicated). Ultimately, I came up with the image of the Children first and started to let ideas fly from there. As for the characters and how they struggle with the events around them, I’ve always enjoyed it when characters have a noticeable struggle with what they’ve been through. It always makes them more real and relatable for me. So I wanted to do that with my characters too: give them more depth and have them feel vulnerable mentally as well as physically.
There was a lot of time spent crafting the character traits in this novel. What was the most important factor for you to get right in your characters?
Personality. Who they are, what their backstory is, and how they talk and interact with one another. I always want everyone, even the side characters, to feel real in some respect. So I give them families, vocal ticks, ignorance in some fields vs experience in others. Keeping everyone varied while having something relatable is critical for me. I don’t want carbon copies of one person all over the place.
What intrigues you most about the horror and dark fantasy genres?
The possibilities. When mixing fantasy with horror, there are so many cool and terrifying ideas people can come up with. When I wrote The Children’s Song, I never intended for it to have a horror element. It just kind of evolved on its own. But, I take in a lot of fantasy and the pure breadth of horror possibilities is great. From zombies to vampires and werewolves, we could have undead dragons, liches, ghouls, and an amalgamation of them all. With fantasy, the sky isn’t the limit, it goes beyond that. You can make the coolest scariest stuff that can be unique compared to more traditional horror.
Can you give us a peek inside Book 3 of this series? Where will it take readers?
Absolutely! Book 3 is already out (I hope to be sending it your way soon) and readers will see the events of Crimson Plains and Children’s Song collide into one big book. Both casts of characters will be present and crossing paths frequently while they try to deal with the Thregs and the Children at the same time. Of course, we’ll also see underlying plots, such as what Varen has going on, progress even further. The side characters come fully into step with who they really are and everyone takes on a more prominent role in the events of the books. Everyone becomes more important, and EVERYONE will be there to deal with everything all at once. It’s a wild ride.
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The events of Valenfaar: The Children’s Song are largely isolated from the events of the Crimson Plains and take place, simultaneously, on the opposite side of the country. If you are new to the Fall of Valenfaar series, you can read the Children’s Song without having read the Crimson Plains first.
Duty, Self-Preservation, and Desire
Stormvalor follows a woman and a man competing in a prestigious tournament, one to prove himself, the other to save her kingdom, who feel a spark for each other and end up in the cross hairs of a ruthless assassin. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I’ve always been fascinated with gladiators, and I wanted that to play some kind of role in the series. It seemed perfect to incorporate this tournament to a lost god that would utilize the gladiator concept, while also bringing those three main characters together. Using that stage to set up the book, it also allowed me to express the impact the loss of the seven gods has had on the world and their culture. What was once considered honorable and right has become a hazy gray area for people to climb the social ladder, regardless of the cost. This also plays into the theme of hope and faith in humanity, something I think a lot of people are struggling with these days.
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 knew I needed at least two kingdoms with a rich history, as well as elven kingdoms, but as I plotted the arc of the series, those two kingdoms spread into five, each with a different identity and different goals. I think I drew inspiration from a lot of different sources: the epic and rich customs of Wheel of Time’s countries, the ice cap that’s a lot like the Wall in Game of Thrones (but it doesn’t hold back whitewalkers); the tenuous unity of ACOTAR; the concept of a Lord Ruler from the Mistborn trilogy. But I pulled a bit from our own world cultures as well. Elpisio is a bit like Mecca meets Vatican City. The Surak are loosely based on the nomadic tribes of Mongolia but with their own cultural intricacies. The islands of Pal Ka’iko are inspired by my trips to the Hawaiian islands. Each kingdom has roots that connect with something from our own world, even the elves.
I really tried to pull inspiration from all the books and cultures that have always inspired me, and turned them into a rich, diverse world. As I wrote the first book, each kingdom evolved a little more to give it even more depth. The history of the world and the war grew darker, with greater implications for our main characters as the books progress. Everything in this world slowly evolves as I write, but the roots remain firmly in place.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Duty and self preservation versus desire is a big one in Stormvalor. Aethan thought he had his life figured out, but his duty to his family, country, and the five kingdoms is challenged, forcing him to accept hard truths and make difficult choices. Aslyn’s entire purpose in the book is to fulfill her duty to her kingdom to preserve it for the future, but what she wants gets in the way. Blackblade is all about self preservation, but Aslyn cracks his defenses and challenges everything he built his identity around.
I also wanted to explore the concept of a world without its gods, and how that might affect the people as well as the land. Crops quickly whither and die, livestock is often emaciated or diseased, fish can cause illness, storms come and go suddenly and without predictability, stars have vanished, shadows are deadly, knowledge has twisted, and no one has truly seen a blue sky for centuries. Things aren’t looking good and if something isn’t done soon, it will become catastrophic.
It was also really important to me that all characters, big and small, evolve and learn that doing the right thing, while rarely easy, could be what is best for everyone. It’s a concept that I feel people really need to see play out to restore hope and faith in humanity. Goodness and kindness can persevere even in the worst circumstances.
Can you tell us a little about where the story goes in book two and when the novel will be available?
Stormvalor releases June 9, 2025. Book two is coming later in the year or early 2026. I don’t really have a firm date for that one yet. I don’t really want to spoil any of the fun by saying too much about the next book, but I will say this. Aslyn and Blackblade explore the imperial city and the imperial palace searching for information about the emperor’s plans, and some of those truths shatter everything they thought they knew about the history of the realm and their own fates. Meanwhile, Aethan seeks to make good on the promise he made Aslyn in the first book, but his path leads to treason and deadly secrets. From book two, everything really begins to ramp up for the remainder of the series. And yes… there will be dragons!
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Aethan Starkling, a lord with dreams as vast as the realm itself, has long yearned to prove himself in the prestigious Stormvalor Tournament.
Aslyn Kiernan, destined to ascend the throne of Novavito, faces her own dangerous trials. An ambitious suitor from the Emperor’s court schemes to force her into a marriage that would jeopardize her kingdom’s future. Confronted with treachery, Aslyn must navigate the perils of the tournament to secure her destiny—or risk losing everything she holds dear.
As the tournament unfolds, Aethan & Aslyn’s path intersect—pushed together by parents who seek a strong marriage match, and drawn together by the threads of fate. Together, they discover that strength and honor alone are not enough to secure victory. The price of winning is far higher than they ever imagined.
Bast Blackblade, a hardened assassin, lives by the edge of his lethal blades, dismissing the notions of gods and friendship. But when his final payment for a completed job vanishes, Bast embarks on a treacherous journey that leads him to the heart of Stormvalor, where he seeks to disrupt the budding romance between Aethan and Aslyn for his own purposes.
As alliances shift and secrets unravel, Aethan, Aslyn, and Bast must confront the truth of their own beliefs and the price they are willing to pay for victory… and for love.
Stormvalor
Aethan Starkling has always dreamed of carving his name into legend by competing in the brutal Stormvalor Tournament. Meanwhile, Aslyn Kiernan, the destined ruler of Novavito, faces a different kind of battle, one where politics and power play threaten to strip her of agency. A suitor from the Emperor’s court is determined to force her into a marriage she wants no part of. As fate weaves their paths together, Aethan and Aslyn discover an undeniable spark. However, their budding connection has drawn the attention of a ruthless assassin, Bast Backblade. With both of them in his sights, he is more than willing to extinguish their romance before it ever has a chance to bloom. Will love triumph, or will destiny take a darker turn?
Stormvalor, the first novel in Starr Z. Davies’ new fantasy series, delivers an exhilarating blend of high-stakes competition, courtly intrigue, and thrilling action. Fans of sprawling fantasy sagas like Game of Thrones and classic epics such as the Dragonlance series will find much to admire in Davies’ intricate world-building and layered storytelling.
Aethan and Aslyn emerge as compelling leads, each facing dangers that test their limits. Aethan is in the punishing trials of the tournament, and Aslyn is in the treacherous dance of political maneuvering. Their individual struggles are as captivating as their growing connection, making their journey all the more engaging. Davies skillfully balances intense, visceral combat with sharp, strategic dialogue, proving her prowess in both action-driven and character-driven narratives. The ebb and flow between fast-paced sequences and quieter, more introspective moments allow the story’s emotional weight to fully resonate.
The novel’s world-building is another of its greatest strengths. Novavito feels rich with history and tradition, immersing readers in a land shaped by both honor and deception. Meanwhile, Bast Backblade stands as a formidable antagonist, cunning, ruthless, and layered enough to elevate the stakes beyond simple villainy. His presence injects a relentless tension into the story, ensuring that danger lurks around every corner.
With its gripping plot, dynamic characters, and expertly crafted setting, Stormvalor is a fantasy adventure that leaves a lasting impression. Davies has laid a strong foundation for what promises to be an enthralling series, and a return to this world cannot come soon enough.
Pages: 533 | ASIN : B0DG624JG6
Valenfaar: The Children’s Song
James McLean’s Valenfaar: The Children’s Song is a dark, gripping fantasy novel that plunges readers into a world on the brink of collapse. Set in the same timeline as The Crimson Plains but on the opposite side of the country, this second installment in The Fall of Valenfaar series follows the desperate struggle against the ominous force known as the Children. As war looms, characters battle not only external foes but also the demons within their own minds. From the ominous first scene of a burning orphanage to the eerie climax where the Children’s influence takes full hold, the book weaves a chilling tale of survival, duty, and moral decay.
The writing is vivid, sometimes brutally so, and McLean doesn’t shy away from the horrors of war. Scenes like the feast before battle, where soldiers drink and joke as if trying to drown out the inevitable, feel painfully real. When Garridan wrestles with his past and loses himself to nightmares, his turmoil is so raw that I found myself genuinely unsettled. The eerie song of the Children whispered throughout the novel, adds an ever-present layer of tension. Every time it was mentioned, I braced for something awful.
What really struck me was the way McLean builds his world, not just the physical setting but also the deep-seated beliefs and corrupt politics that shape Valenfaar. The moment when Jo-een realizes the king and queen are oblivious to the country’s true state is a masterful piece of storytelling. It highlights a terrifying reality: those in power often live in ignorance while the people suffer. And then there’s Varen, the High Priest, whose chilling, calculated nature makes him one of the most compelling figures in the book. His confrontation with Fenrich, where he casually explains his complete control, is both fascinating and terrifying.
If there’s one thing that didn’t completely land for me, it’s some of the side characters. While figures like Garridan and Jo-een are deeply developed, others, like Roth, sometimes feel more like placeholders for comic relief than essential parts of the narrative. That said, even the lighter moments often serve a greater purpose, like the scene where Merl sings around the campfire, giving a fleeting glimpse of innocence before chaos erupts. The book thrives in its contrasts, making its darker turns even more gut-wrenching.
Valenfaar: The Children’s Song is a heavy, emotionally intense read that will appeal to fans of dark fantasy and military epics. If you enjoy books like The Black Company or The First Law trilogy, you’ll feel right at home here. It’s not a lighthearted adventure, but if you’re looking for a story that grabs you by the throat and refuses to let go, this is it. Just be warned: once you hear the Children’s song, you won’t forget it.
Pages: 279 | ASIN : B0BV7KM279
Aldewin Hadn’t Slit a Throat in Two Days
Spring Dragon follows a former assassin seeking redemption who goes on a quest that challenges his identity when his path collides with a dragon carrying the soul of his lost beloved. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Though the events of book one (somewhat) dictated the direction book two would take, several options remained.
Delving into the “minds” of the significant characters after the events of book one, Aldewin emerged as a character whose story was begging to be told.
The first line of the book, “Aldewin hadn’t slit a throat in two days,” just came to me. It hooked me and I wanted to know why Aldewin was killing people again!
To prepare for writing a novel, I “interview” the significant characters. Through this process, I learned that Aldewin was a man of faith.
As a youth, pledged to an assassins and spy league known as Fen Menir, Aldewin was raised to worship a goddess known as Sicara, the “Dread Sister,” reaper of souls. He had been devout—until circumstances severed his relationship with Fen Menir.
Then, finding his way to Val’Enara Pillar, he pledged himself to Val’Enara and its Archon. At Val’Enara, Aldewin lived a monastic life studying the “Way of Water.”
But the events of book one shattered Aldewin’s faith in the Pillar.
So here sits a guy in a bar, trying to drink away the sorrow of having lost someone he cared about deeply, and also having lost anything to believe in. He feels like a dog turd of a person. He not only broke his vows, but couldn’t prevent the terrible events at the end of book one. AND he has a lifetime of guilt for causing so much death.
And I wondered: What will get this guy to put the mug of ale down and get up off that stool?!
So I guess you could say that the inspiration is the curiosity of trying to understand this character and seeing what will happen next!
I felt that there were a lot of great twists and turns throughout the novel. Did you plan this before writing the novel, or did the twists develop organically writing?
I do not plan my twists and turns before writing. They happen organically.
My pre-writing planning revolves mainly around character development and creating powerful character arcs. I see where I want the character to “land,” but I don’t know how they’ll get there.
I had spent six months researching and developing the lore, etc. for the city-state of Partha. I had expected Aldewin to go there at the beginning of book two.
But, within the first day of writing, the story showed me that it was NOT going to take place in Partha! So, six months of world building out the door!
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
I probably had the best time writing The Spring Dragon than any prior novel I’ve written (and it’s my eighth). Overall, I relaxed into this one more than most, and allowed the story to flow without as much judgement about it as I have in the past.
The last Aldewin chapter in the book is one that stands out as particularly enjoyable to write. At least it was after I got into the flow.
It’s the culminating scene, and very important to not only wrap up the arc for this book, but to set the stage for the next book as well.
And I didn’t want to f*** it up! It had rise to the occasion.
It took me about two days of working at it to finally get in the zone. Once I got into the zone, this scene flowed like the whisky I was sipping at the time! And in revision I barely changed a thing. I think it’s one of the best scenes I’ve ever penned.
What will the next book in that series be about, and when will it be published?
The next book in the series will be titled The Summer Dragon. You may see a pattern emerging…
The Spring Dragon, The Summer Dragon…
In The Spring Dragon, the element is Wood, and the themes revolve around redemption and rebirth/regeneration.
Book three, The Summer Dragon, will involve the Fire element. When we consider the fire element, we think of heat and conflict. The dual themes of conflict and passion will predominate.
In books one and two, I’ve set the stage for readers to understand that there are larger geo-political conflicts looming in this world. And readers now see that dragons and humans have a longstanding beef with each other.
The Summer Dragon will delve more directly into the conflicts among the powerful city-states of Bardivia, Partha, and Qülla, as well as conflict within the dragon culture, AND the uptick in confrontations between humans and dragons.
Phew! It’s going to be a tense one!
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His youth was a tapestry of vows and oaths to gods he no longer believes in. But in Quen, Aldewin found once again someone in which to place his faith.
But then, a dragon took her soul and flew off to gods know where. Bested and feeling broken, the only thing that keeps Aldewin from giving up is his last promise—to protect Nivi, the snow tiger Quen befriended.
When old friends arrive with fresh news, Aldewin’s mandate becomes clear: To restore the love he lost, Aldewin must find the legendary Heart of Menaris.
And, Aldewin must secure its power before the Dynasty, or he’ll lose all hope of ever seeing his lover again.
The Prometheus Engine
Mark Piggott’s The Prometheus Engine is an epic fantasy filled with magic, war, and alchemical mystery, all wrapped in Arthurian legend. The novel is set in Avalon, where Mordred, the immortal son of King Arthur, rules with an iron fist. At the heart of the story is the Prometheus Engine, a legendary machine capable of harnessing magical elements to create an all-powerful substance called Promethium. The rebellion against Mordred is led by the children of the late Gil-Gamesh, Lord Bryan MoonDrake, as they struggle to prevent the tyrant from using the engine’s destructive power. With high-stakes action, deep lore, and a blend of myth and steampunk-esque technology, the novel spins a fast-paced and immersive tale.
One of the strongest aspects of The Prometheus Engine is its world-building. Piggott paints a rich, layered Avalon filled with history, political intrigue, and magic-infused technology. The descriptions of places like New Camelot and Alfheimer evoke a grand, war-torn kingdom, and the concept of Promethium as a magical element adds an interesting twist to the traditional fantasy setting. The attention to detail in the engineering of the Prometheus Engine itself is fascinating, it’s not just a MacGuffin but an actual machine with lore tied to ancient alchemists and the fall of Atlantis. That depth makes the stakes feel real, not just another cliché “magical artifact” plot device.
The book masterfully weaves together battle sequences, political intrigue, and moments of introspection, creating a dynamic and multifaceted narrative. The final act, when the Prometheus Engine reaches critical mass, is absolutely gripping, delivering an intense and satisfying payoff. Along the way, the story takes time to explore various subplots, enriching the world and adding depth to the lore. The character development shines brightest with figures like Mordred and the rebellion’s leaders, who bring complexity and emotional weight to the tale. Meanwhile, the supporting characters serve as vital threads in the grand tapestry, helping to drive the action forward and keep the momentum strong.
Piggott’s writing style is cinematic and energetic, pulling readers into a world of high-stakes drama and adventure. Mordred embodies the ultimate classic villain arrogant, ruthless, and larger than life bringing a commanding presence to every scene he’s in. Meanwhile, characters like Hunter MoonDrake and Eileanora add a layer of emotional depth, balancing the grand spectacle with genuine, heartfelt moments. The descriptions of battle and magic are vivid and immersive, making the action sequences some of the book’s most exhilarating highlights.
The Prometheus Engine is a thrilling fantasy read that blends mythology, alchemy, and steampunk elements into an exciting tale of war and rebellion. Fans of Arthurian retellings, intricate worldbuilding, and high-action fantasy will find a lot to love here. If you enjoy immersive fantasy worlds with a mix of history and magic, this one is worth picking up.
Pages: 313 | ASIN : B0DP85RNK2
Spring Dragon
Spring Dragon delivers a tale of magic, politics, and transformation, where the destinies of humans and dragons entwine in a world on the precipice of upheaval. At its heart is Aldewin, a former assassin seeking redemption and love, drawn into an extraordinary quest that challenges his very identity. His path collides with Ishna, a dragon carrying the soul of Quen, his lost beloved. As Aldewin struggles to restore Quen, Ishna navigates the turmoil of her kind, battling external threats while Quen’s human spirit fights for dominance within her.
Wright’s prose is both immersive and evocative, conjuring vivid landscapes and nuanced characters. Aldewin’s evolution from a harbinger of death to a seeker of life is particularly compelling. His confrontation with the shadows of his past in the Dreaming, as well as the haunting memories of his childhood at Fen Menir, add rich layers to his character. These moments ground the fantastical elements in raw emotion, making his journey all the more gripping.
Themes of identity, transformation, and the tension between nature and ambition resonate throughout the novel. Quen’s fragmented existence within Ishna poses questions about humanity, free will, and the blending of souls. As Quen’s memories seep into Ishna’s consciousness, their duality takes center stage, challenging the boundaries between dragon and human, self and other.
Emotionally, Spring Dragon is as devastating as it is exhilarating. The scene in which Aldewin briefly reunites with Quen in the Dreaming, only to lose her again, is heartbreakingly poignant, a testament to Wright’s ability to craft moments of profound loss and enduring love. Ishna and Quen’s evolving dynamic adds further depth, creating a narrative rich with empathy and tension. The climax, a ritual of restoration fraught with uncertainty, leaves a lasting impact. As one journey concludes, another begins, with Pelagia’s ominous influence casting a long shadow over Ishna’s fate.
A mesmerizing fusion of fantasy and psychological depth, Spring Dragon offers a captivating exploration of morality, power, and the fluidity of identity. Fans of epic fantasy, particularly those who appreciate intricate world-building and moral complexity, will find much to admire here.
Pages: 401 | ASIN : B0DR472JL7
LITERARY TITAN 