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The Ancient Fire
The Ancient Fire is the first in the Triple Goddess series by Ellen Read. It’s a fantasy novel rooted in rich Celtic mythology and filled with lush imagery, suspenseful action, and themes of identity, legacy, and awakening power. The story follows Bree, a young woman raised in isolation with her aunt Áine, who discovers her divine lineage as the daughter of Brigid, the Triple Goddess. When an earthquake shakes their hidden world and the sacred fire she’s sworn to protect begins to change, Bree is thrust into a dangerous journey back to her homeland of Tír na nÓg. Alongside the brash warrior god Lu, Bree must come to terms with her powers, her grief, and the peril threatening her people.
I couldn’t put this one down. Read’s writing is poetic without being too flowery, and the pacing dances between quiet introspection and bursts of action. Bree is a character I wanted to root for—clever, curious, brave, and deeply human even as her godhood awakens. The dynamic between her and Lu had me grinning. There’s tension, banter, and just enough mystery to keep things spicy. What I loved most was how the magic felt sacred and elemental—more myth than wizardry, more essence than spectacle. And the fairies were delightful. The scene where Bree uses fire to chase off trolls? I actually cheered.
The lore, while fascinating, occasionally teetered on overwhelming. There’s a lot to absorb—names, places, histories—and at times I wished for a breather or a bit more grounding. Also, Lu’s macho swagger sometimes grated. I get that he’s a warrior god and all, but maybe chill. Thankfully, Bree holds her own and then some. Her transformation from cave-bound girl to rising goddess is powerful, and her grief for a mother she never knew is heartbreakingly real. Those emotional notes hit hard, and that’s what gave the book its heart.
The Ancient Fire lit something in me. It’s more than a fantasy, it’s about becoming who you were meant to be, even when you didn’t know you had it in you. I’d recommend this to anyone who loves myth-rich world-building, fierce heroines, and the spark of magic hiding in ancient stories. This book’s for the dreamers, the rebels, and those who believe stories shape the world.
Pages: 260 | ASIN : B0DTT2YFYN
Grimmer Revisionist Fairy Tales, Fables, and Nursery Rhymes
Remember those cherished childhood moments, listening to bedtime stories filled with classic fairy tales, fables, and nursery rhymes? Perhaps you’ve even read these timeless tales to your own kids. Now imagine taking those beloved stories, throwing out the rulebook, and infusing them with modern twists, witty humor, and a dash of cheeky irreverence.
Grimmer Revisionist Fairy Tales, Fables, and Nursery Rhymes by Marissa Carter is a delightful blend of styles, presenting fairy tales and fables with a twist. The nursery rhymes might start off sweet but could suddenly veer into snarky commentary or transform into entirely different stories. Along the way, you’ll encounter clever nods to pop culture, movies, books, politics, and even a bit of quantum physics (because, why not?). It’s as if someone turned your grandma’s storybook inside out and sprinkled it with a generous dose of mischief. Get ready to laugh because this isn’t your childhood fairy tale collection—and that’s exactly what makes it so much fun. Marissa Carter has crafted a hilarious adult take on well-known nursery rhymes. This book is definitely not for children, but it’s perfect for parents looking for a good laugh. Each story is funnier than the last, and the new spin on the fable/fairy tale genre is incredibly entertaining. Carter provides unique commentary with each story, offering readers insights into how we as a society view and absorb the themes of these iconic tales. The fast-paced nature of each fable, combined with modern-day story elements like the internet and television, makes it easy to devour these stories. The imaginative use of imagery brings these tales to life on the page. From parenting techniques and anger management to higher education, the wealth of modern themes breathes fresh air into these traditional stories.
Grimmer Revisionist Fairy Tales, Fables, and Nursery Rhymes takes familiar fairy tales, fables, and nursery rhymes and puts a comedic, new-age spin on them. While it’s definitely not for children, it’s a must-read for adults who appreciate humor and wit. This brilliant collection turns well-known stories on their heads, offering twists to the morals or even the absence of them altogether. The relatability of these stories as an adult and their inappropriately funny nature make for a truly enjoyable read.
Pages: 92 | ASIN : B08KPN2SJB
Sincerity and Authenticity
The False Queen follows a young fairy who arrives on an island and is thought to be royalty due to her appearance and she does her best to give back to the islanders. Where did the idea for this fantasy story come from?
The answer to this question takes place at an inspiring moment. I’m just now writing a story for a fantasy anthology, which includes the same protagonist, Viola. In the book The False Queen, I didn’t reveal why Viola left her former life behind and arrived at Swing Island. My separate story goes back in time and shows the background of the escape – but it is a story of its own and may now remain a secret. My novel involves many real-life events, modified, of course. I know people who have gone through the same situations. They have failed, left the old life behind, and tried to make a fresh start elsewhere. Depending on the person, the results have been different. For some, a new beginning allows correcting past mistakes, but others become even more entangled in the same sorrows. In The False Queen, Viola is an ambitious and stubborn fairy girl. Initially, she is just looking for possibilities to benefit from others’ trust and faith and enjoys the opportunities and attention brought by misunderstandings. Even after her deception is revealed, the essential motivation in her actions is still realizing her dreams—to some degree, surviving in a difficult situation, making up for the fraud, and finding a place in this Swing Island fairy society.
What creative element about this story inspired your imagination the most?
The book’s other crucial main character, the fairy boy writing a play in the treetop hut, is close to me. I sometimes feel like a similar observer of life. It was nice to write about how he saw much more from his viewpoint than others and was then able to influence the course of events in his gentle way.
I can relate well to this quiet playwright’s passion for writing down and expressing, through art, everything he saw and experienced. He also gets to live those moments when the results of his work come out and bring joy to others. I feel happy thinking about the fairy boy’s play becoming—under the drama director Viola—an event that finally unites the entire fairy community. This play is like life itself. It can accommodate various types, and the best result is achieved if everybody flourishes in their role.
As a source of inspiration, I would like to mention the old villa at the center of the events of The False Queen. It has its counterpart in reality. In a small town on the west coast of Finland, there is a beautiful yellow villa where I’ve had my summer bookstore for the eighth summer. I’ve imagined many stories to take place in that old building and the surrounding garden. Some of them I have written as separate books or short stories in children’s magazines; some are still waiting, ready in my head.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The most essential theme in this story is sincerity and authenticity. People should learn to be honest with themselves and others. Lies and pretense do not create a sustainable result. Cooperation should be based on mutual trust. That is, it must extend to both one’s own and others’ abilities, and it must not be deceived. Patching the losses is difficult and takes a lot of time!
Many of us desire and aspire to achieve something bigger and better. Still, the goal should be more than one’s personal interests, reputation, and honor. And the means used should not be exploitative or unfair.
The False Queen is yet another story about the power of collaboration. It is valuable that we learn to function as part of different communities and to respect the contributions and goals of others. A well-functioning group needs various members. The community becomes even more vital when we learn to tolerate, understand, and appreciate differences.
In a way, this book also praises art in its various forms. It shows multiple opportunities for self-expression. Using them awakens new sides in people or brings back to the surface previous skills and abilities. The enthusiasm of former amateur actors in my story makes me happy, too!
Do you enjoy writing longer fairy tales, or do you prefer writing picture books?
I have to admit right away that I’m happy with both! The main thing is that I get to write for different target groups to whom I have something to say.
Writing longer texts allows me to express my thoughts more efficiently and in detail because the book’s scope does not set strict limits. Also, thinking about and coordinating the illustration with the story’s narration does not cause an extra headache.
On the other hand, the challenge of a short fairy tale is fascinating. It is rewarding to notice that even a small story can fit a whole world. Even a text that is short in terms of words can convey essential and significant questions for the reader to think about. I often talk about the space between the words and the lines. That is truly important because it carries tremendous emotion and energy – messages that travel directly between the hearts of the writer and the reader.
Cooperation with my network of international illustrators has also given me a lot of joy. I appreciate the work of skilled visual artists. The enthusiasm and effort of young and novice illustrators are refreshing. More experienced artists bring their expertise and, sometimes, more independent interpretations. I recognize when the illustrators are involved with their hearts. Such cooperation creates incendiary moments both for the book’s author and later for the readers.
I write stories with motifs from many countries or cultures, or they are set worldwide. I also like to work with artists from various countries to illustrate my stories. I trust that we all have much in common, wherever we come from.
A new way of combining authors and illustrators from different cultures also stimulates fresh thoughts in the readership. Building cultural bridges is essential in children’s literature, and a certain amount of open-mindedness is an asset. Both the longer stories for children and lovely picture books can equally cherish and develop our lives worldwide!
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Stealing Glass
Stealing Glass, by Liv Strom, is the enchanting introduction to the Tales of Bones and Roses series, weaving elements of magic, royalty, and survival into a richly textured narrative. The story opens with Vanya, a character determined to secure freedom for herself and her sisters from the clutches of Kirill. Their plan relies on executing one final heist, leading them into a maze of ever more complex schemes.
The narrative is imbued with a spiritual and mystical aura, particularly highlighted by Strom’s vivid settings—like the haunting image of trees adorned with bones, a tribute to the departed, which, rather than macabre, is portrayed as a serene and sacrosanct space. This backdrop serves as a poignant reflection on themes of loss and remembrance, resonating deeply with readers. Vanya’s internal conflict about communicating with her deceased mother adds a personal layer to her quest, enhancing reader empathy and engagement.
Strom skillfully balances the elements of action, desire, and the fantastical, making Stealing Glass a captivating journey. This novel will particularly appeal to enthusiasts of fantasy and romance, offering a fresh and spirited take on the genre that is currently capturing the imaginations of many.
Pages: 401 | ASIN : B0CHVYH5Q2
An Immersive Fantasy World
The Land of Sweets is in danger from the Mouse King, and Prince Klaus must enlist the help of Clara, now an adult, to help save his kingdom. What was the idea, or spark, that first set off the need to write Return of the Nutcracker Prince?
Growing up, every year my family watched a movie version of the ballet where Clara and the Prince magically turn into adults in the Land of Sweets. In the finale, they rise up into the sky and then are ripped apart, and Clara wakes up in her bed. It took years before I realized that wasn’t normally how the story went.
After reading Aidy Award’s Claimed by the Winter Realm two years ago, I watched that old movie again. During the finale that plays up the star-crossed lovers aspect, I thought to myself, “What if the prince grew up and went back for Clara?” And I hopped on my computer and wrote until one in the morning.
Prince Klaus and Clara are well-known characters with rich histories. What was your writing process to ensure you captured the essence of the characters?
My first step was to research The Nutcracker Ballet and look at photos of various productions and how it’s changed through the years. Then I read The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, by Alexandre Dumas, which the ballet was based on.
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
Overall, I wanted an immersive fantasy world. I hadn’t written a fantasy romance before this and there wasn’t really anything else like it I could find. Additionally, I wanted to pay homage to the original work while giving the story my own spin. As a student of both history and the German language, I challenged myself to keep the historical aspects as accurate as possible. I also changed the names of some characters because I wanted more German names for them.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
For my next book, I’m returning to contemporary romance. It will be a spin-off from my contemporary romance series, The Geek Girl Squad, coming this spring. It doesn’t have a title yet. Then, in the fall, I plan to release my first romantic suspense novel, Thief’s Bodyguard.
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The Nutcracker Prince is on a mission — to save the Land of Sweets from the power-hungry Mouse King. But when Prince Klaus turns to Clara, the mage from the Realm of Waking, he finds more than just a savior for his kingdom. He finds the girl from his past, all grown up — but she thinks that long-ago battle was all a dream.
Clara has been promised to a man she hates and can’t see a way out. When she comes face to face with the boy from her dreams, her world turns upside down. He’s all grown up now, and he needs her help. She takes a leap of faith and joins Klaus in a daring adventure across the Realms. As they battle the Mouse King and his army, Klaus and Clara rekindle their connection and discover a love that might save them all.
Return to the Land of Sweets and Toys in this imaginative sequel to the Nutcracker Ballet!
Intersection of the Things I Love
Beauty & the Alchemist follows a pragmatic alchemist who is drawn into a web of intrigue involving a jailbreak, a mysterious murder, and an ancient curse, alongside a witty dog familiar and a diverse cast of magical beings. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I think my answer to this question changes each time someone asks! At its core, Beauty and the Alchemist is an intersection of the things I love: puzzles, fantasy, adventures in old castles, big fluffy dogs, and of course, books. I wrote it at a time when I needed someone like pragmatic Red in my life to help me find a new path. So if I’m being truthful, my inspiration was quite simply my own desire for a story to get lost in–a story that would be both magical and comfortable, where seeing characters overcome their challenges could inspire me in my own life.
Red is an intriguing and well-developed character. What were some driving ideals behind her character development?
First of all, thank you! Red is near and dear to my heart. She is a perennial outsider, someone who bridges the gap between dualities–science and magic, skepticism and belief, honoring a past home and making a new one. One of the big ideals that Red will come to terms with (she gets a taste of it in Beauty and the Alchemist, but she still has some growing to do in future books!) is balance. Her work as an alchemist means that she knows a lot about balance in the natural world, but she’s going to have to learn to balance her need for facts with trust in her own intuition–not to mention balancing her identity as an outsider with trusting in her friends’ love and support. In a similar vein, one of Red’s personal ideals is a strong sense of justice, which certainly fuels her investigations!
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
So, Beauty and the Alchemist is a fractured retelling of Beauty and the Beast . . . and let’s be honest, fairy tales often deal with themes of abuse. Two of the characters in Beauty have faced chronic gaslighting and undermining of their personal worth, and they react in very different ways. However, with the help of their friends, both characters ultimately take steps forward. This, to me, is the promise of “cozy” literature: there will be some adversity, but together, we will make things right. Additionally, Beauty and the Beast–again, like many fairy tales–deals heavily with appearance, and how appearances can either be deceptive or reflective of an inner truth. That’s a theme that lends itself very well to mystery, where a murderer could be hiding in plain sight. I admit I had some fun with that one!
And naturally, because Beauty and the Beast is a romance, there is a theme of love in this book too–not only romantic love but the love between friends as well. But certain relationships will unfold over the course of the series, so we only take baby steps in book one!
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
By a happy coincidence, today (December 8th, as I write to you) is the release day for book six in the Alchemical Tales series! Beauty and the Alchemist is book one, of course, and from there each new book in the series sees Red and her friends tackle a new–and murderous–fairy tale. The newest book, out now, finds Pinocchio mixed up in politics–and even a suspicious cult. (A bit on the nose, perhaps, as Officer Thorn might say!) It is titled Death Pulls the Strings. But again, that’s book six in the series; if you want the immediate follow-up to Beauty and the Alchemist, book two is called Cold as Snow. I truly enjoyed and learned from writing each book in The Alchemical Tales, and we still have more stories to go!
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In this magical mix-up of fairy tales and murder, Little Red Riding Hood solves the mystery at the heart of Beauty and the Beast . . .
What does it take to overcome a curse?
Traveling alchemist Red settles into life as a shopkeeper in rural Belville and expects to focus on her potions. But crime stops for no woman. Neither does Red’s friend, police officer Thorn! When a beastly criminal escapes to a nearby abandoned castle and is found murdered, Thorn immediately suspects Luca, a meek-mannered bookseller–not to mention Red’s best friend.
Red knows that there’s more to the castle–and the murder–than meets the eye. But as she rushes to prove Luca’s innocence, she’s beset by a not-dead-yet ghost, a beautiful and ill-tempered suspect, and a horde of mysterious mist creatures that terrify the town. Oh, and then there’s the series of lost books that hold the key to the castle’s curse! If Red and her friends can’t find the books and solve the mystery, Luca might not be the only one in trouble. But in idyllic Belville, appearances can be deceiving. Red will need all of her alchemical prowess and all the help she can get in order to uncover the truth behind this twisted tale.
Return of the Nutcracker Prince
Return of the Nutcracker Prince by Jasmine C. Caldwell presents a captivating continuation of the classic Nutcracker Ballet tale. Set a decade later, the narrative follows a grown-up Clara Stahlbaum as she grapples with her parents’ plans for an arranged marriage to a disagreeable suitor. Her childhood memories of a magical Christmas Eve begin to blur with reality when she reunites with Prince Klaus, now confined to the form of a wooden nutcracker soldier. Together, they embark on a mission to save his realm, the Land of Sweets and Toys, from the menacing Mouse King.
Caldwell’s novel stands as a testament to the enduring allure of holiday magic and fantasy. Readers need not be familiar with the original ballet to become immersed in this imaginative extension, making it an accessible read for those new to the story. The book skillfully weaves a tale of romance and enchantment between Clara and Klaus, set against a whimsically detailed Land of Sweets backdrop. The author’s vivid descriptions of this fantastical world – complete with chocolate mines, cinnamon trees, a river of lemonade, and gingerbread houses – are particularly noteworthy, inviting readers to step into Clara’s shoes and explore a world of wonder.
The narrative’s exploration of fantasy is coupled with a well-crafted romance, appealing to adult readers with a penchant for magical holiday tales. Caldwell skillfully tailors the story to adult readers, imbuing it with a depth and complexity that resonates with a more mature audience. The nuanced interactions between Clara and Klaus add layers of sophistication. This mature approach offers a fresh perspective compared to the original ballet, which has a broader, family-friendly appeal. The narrative’s pace, including detailed accounts of Clara’s time in the Sugar Plum Palace, allows for a thorough exploration of Caldwell’s enchanting world, inviting readers to savor every aspect of this magical realm.
Return of the Nutcracker Prince revives the spirit of a beloved classic through a modern lens, balancing the nostalgia of the original ballet with fresh, creative elements. Caldwell’s narrative is an invitation to revisit a cherished fairy tale, offering a new perspective on the enchanting world of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince.
Pages: 265 | ASIN : B0CMGSJSXW
LITERARY TITAN 