Blog Archives
“even gods have flaws”
The Shape of Angels follows an immortal man haunted by a curse who must travel back in time and across dimensions to confront his former self to prevent the universe’s destruction. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My inspiration came from the desire to create something that did not exist. Imagination was strongly encouraged in my household while growing up, as both my mother and my father were very creative. Mom once worked for Sysco Foods as a graphic designer and designed their penguin mascot, Sysco Sydney. Dad was a storyteller, a so-called professional liar. He ‘made up things’ for a living, which is what we do as writers. Imagination came easily to me, and I aimed to create a series that did not resemble others. There are many time-travel books out there, but not many, if any, that feature multidimensional time travel. As per my theory of ‘Dimensional Distinction’, the past, present, and future co-exist at the same time. This allows me to shift readers between timelines by using dimensions to explain a Napoleonic Europe with advanced technology—an entirely new concept and theory with much to explore.
I find the world you created in this novel brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting and the supernatural elements come from, and how did it change as you were writing?
The supernatural elements of my story were inspired by real mythology, and I had always admired Napoleon Bonaparte, who was superstitious himself. To reference mythology, we can examine Napoleon’s imperial eagle, which closely resembles Caesar’s Aquila, including the lightning bolts in its talons—the sacred emblem of Jupiter (and Zeus). I conducted extensive research the six inventors, incorporating the elements and cultures of the real people they represent. Throughout my trilogy, I will introduce and delve into the roles of each inventor, as all six dimensions matter.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The Shape of Angels explores a primary theme of “even gods have flaws”, and those flaws can either destroy or empower, depending on the individual. It is a story that examines limits, but also shows how life can be molded beyond what is possible. Identity is another theme TSOA explores, including what it may look like in the eyes of others.
What will your next novel be about and what will the whole series encompass?
The next novel in my series will be titled The Probability Machine. In TPM, we will learn more about Adreian’s past and how he came to bear Sil’nei’s heart. TPM will lean more on hard science fiction and the coalition wars. Let’s say there might be a shift in protagonists…
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The universe is crumbling. Its fate depends on a child (Adreian Bayne) with a magical heart and a broken body—whose very existence threatens the balance of its six dimensions, time and space.
As the organ propelling Adreian’s blood bears a terrible hex—devised by its original host—and, mighty demigod, Sil’nei.
Tasked with preventing the universe’s destruction, Sil’nei must shed his guise as Physics Professor Giovanni Romano—and confront Adreian in the past (1804) to silence his (own) beating heart. Thus, destroying himself.
Giovanni realizes the complexity of his assignment after undergoing inter-dimensional time-travel. Upon arriving in the third dimension, he meets a grand opportunity—tempting Giovanni to cement his former empire—and mentor his former incarnation, Napoleon Bonaparte, while exploiting Adreian.
As expected, Giovanni receives opposition from his fellow ‘Inventors’, who seek to arrest his conquests—waging a war between gods and mortal men, with Adreian at the epicenter.
Prism
Prism is a science fiction novel that follows Vernon Vining, an investigator with an unusual sensitivity to the natural world, as he’s sent to a distant planet called Prism to solve a life-or-death mystery. The planet is a technicolor ecosystem where everything shifts through endless shades. The local life communicates by flashing patterns of light instead of sound, and the human settlers, who initially thrived, now face a frightening problem after a worker dies from a catastrophic and inexplicable internal breakdown. Vernon and his longtime partner Sam are sent across light-years to figure out what Prism is trying to say and how to stop the danger before the entire colony must be evacuated.
Vernon’s voice is warm and wandering in a way that makes even technical explanations feel personal. He reflects on childhood, on breezes and falling leaves, and somehow those memories fold into his ability to understand alien worlds. I liked that. It made the story feel grounded even while describing shimmering forests and oceans that blink like jewels. The author leans into color as a living force, almost a language, and that choice gives the book a dreamy undercurrent. The pacing sometimes slows, but the wandering feels intentional, as if we’re supposed to drift a little so Prism’s strangeness can seep in. I didn’t always know where the story was taking me, but I didn’t mind being led.
What surprised me most was how gently the book handles first contact without making it sentimental. The native creatures don’t speak. They glow. They flash warnings or greetings that humans barely know how to read. When Vernon and Sam try to interpret those signals, the book plays with the idea that meaning might hide in anything. A ripple in water. A field shifting from green to gold. Even a sudden, planet-wide burst of color that feels like a greeting from the world itself. I found myself wondering, along with the characters, whether we’d notice such messages on Earth, or whether we’ve forgotten how. The mystery at the heart of the plot gives the story momentum, but it never overshadows the quieter reflections about perception, patience, and what it takes to truly listen.
By the end, I felt like I’d spent time in a place that was oddly soothing despite the danger. The book is science fiction, but it carries the tone of a field journal mixed with a travel diary. I’d recommend Prism to readers who enjoy reflective sci-fi, worldbuilding built around sensory detail, and stories where the “alien problem” is really a communication problem at heart. If you like stories that move with curiosity and a steady, thoughtful rhythm, you’ll probably enjoy settling into Prism for a while.
Pages: 227 | ASIN: B0CHL7WRTG
Even Villains Have a Personality
The Arkencrest Chronicles: Battle for Crossroads follows an eighteen-year-old young man carrying the weight of his parents’ mysterious deaths, who joins a caravan, setting him on a path to discover his destiny. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I grew up in a home without parents and I know many other kids do as well. I was lucky enough to have a grandmother to take me in, so I feel I connect with the main character, Bourdain, on a personal level. He is basically a fantasy version of past me.
I find the world you created in this novel brimming with possibilities, breaking away from some traditional fantasy tropes and giving it a fresh feel. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from, and how did it change as you were writing?
I am a huge ttrpg player and Dungeon and Dragons fan. This original started as a custom setting for my roleplaying group to play our games in. I fell in love with the characters and the world so much that I felt it needed to become more. While writing it, I was running a ttrpg game set in the future and having that live feedback really help me lock in what happened and where I want the story to go, as well as help flesh out the characters.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Hope when there is none.
Everyone can make a difference, even from humble beginnings.
Light vs Dark.
Even villains have a personality.
Where does the story go in the next book, and where do you see it going in the future?
I see this being a full series 3-7 books depending how it flows. I tend to write on the go and don’t plot out all the details, so I guess we all will have to see where the writing takes the story.
Author Links: Amazon | GoodReads
When swordsman Bourdain leaves home, he expects to find his true path, but never the weight of prophecy. Whispers spread of a darkness older than the gods, poised to shatter the foundations of existence. Joined by Devra, the Scoutmaster’s daughter; Braggo, a goblin airship captain; Batso, a wily smuggler; and many others. Together, they must stand against the forces of primal fury that threaten not only the kingdom, but the world at large.
Will light endure?
Or will the Devourer rise to claim the world once more.
The Meaning Behind All Human Suffering
The Shattered Ones follows a group of individuals living on a sunless Earth, thanks to pollution, who have been given the coordinates of a mysterious relic that will save the world if they can avoid capture. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I wrote this novel during a time when climate change seemed to be everywhere. It was on the news, the talk shows, and online. So, I started thinking about worst case scenarios. Also, it was important to the story that this be a man-made disaster. It wasn’t something that was done to humans. It was something that humans did to themselves.
Was it important for you to deliver a moral to readers, or was it circumstantial to deliver an effective novel?
It was important to me to say all of the things I needed to say with this novel. As an artist, I can’t bring myself to do anything without a compelling reason. Besides, the novel wouldn’t have been effective otherwise. If you can give your readers something more than just what’s on the surface, you’ve done your job as a writer and an artist.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The meaning behind all human suffering was an important theme for the book. After all, if you can find meaning in that, you can find meaning in anything. Sacrifice, redemption, and hope were also present throughout. Hope was the most important one to me. I believe in the absence of hope, everything else is rendered meaningless.
Will this novel be the start of a series or are you working on a different story?
I just finished a different story. It allowed me to spend time in a different world with a different cast of characters, which was good. It made me miss Ace. I always envisioned The Shattered Ones as a trilogy, and I have now begun working on the second book.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Instagram | Facebook | Website
Broken Revelations: When Heaven Sundered
When Heaven Sundered tells the story of Heaven before the fall, framed as a recovered record of what really happened when angels, demons, and gods collided. It follows Helel, later known as Lucifer, and his twin Michael as they grow from devoted sons into leaders on opposite sides of a divine civil war. Through shifting viewpoints, the story explores creation, rebellion, exile, and the slow breaking of a family that was never as loving as it claimed to be.
What struck me first was the ambition. The author swings big and does not flinch. The mythology blends biblical names with fresh lore, and it feels confident in doing so. I liked how personal the conflicts felt. These were not distant gods throwing lightning for fun. They were siblings arguing, hurting, loving, and resenting each other. That made the fall feel tragic instead of flashy. I felt sympathy for Lucifer even when I disagreed with him. I also felt frustration with the father figure, who came across as cold and stubborn. That emotional push and pull kept me invested even when the cast grew large.
The writing itself is earnest, and I mean that in a good way. Some scenes move fast and hit hard, especially moments of betrayal and loss. Others linger longer than needed. Still, there is heart on every page. The dialogue often feels raw and blunt, which fits the story. It sometimes reads like people speaking instead of characters performing. I appreciated that. The ideas about freedom, obedience, and love felt sincere. I found myself annoyed, sad, and even a little angry at times. That reaction mattered to me more than polish.
This book reminded me of Paradise Lost, but with less poetic distance and far more emotional immediacy. Where Milton feels grand and formal, Broken Revelations feels raw and personal, like you are standing inside the family fight instead of watching it from afar. It also echoes Good Omens in how it humanizes angels, though it trades humor for anger and heartbreak.
I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy myth retellings, angel lore, and morally gray characters. It is a good fit for anyone who likes big ideas wrapped in family drama. If you want something messy, emotional, and bold, this book is worth your time.
Pages: 174 | ASIN: B0GBTJJHT7
The Marvelous Adventures of Lucas Bard
In a world where the lines between reality and fantasy blur, an imaginative boy named Lucas faces more than the usual middle school dilemmas. His life takes a wild turn when he inherits his late grandfather’s enchanted monocle. The lens is capable of opening gateways to a fantastical realm. Thrust into a bizarre dimension with enigmatic automatons, Lucas discovers all kinds of mysterious happenings. Dive into a tale of adventure, friendship, and self-discovery, where every moment is a step into the unknown, and each moment a test of courage and wit.
Mari-chan and Roboto Bunny
Mari-chan and Roboto Bunny by Jon Kaczka centers on Mari-chan, a fearless six-year-old whose life shifts dramatically after her adventurous father vanishes during a climb in Antarctica. Guided by her magical companion, Roboto Bunny, Mari-chan discovers a hidden passage inside her closet. It leads to a vibrant Underworld packed with playful obstacles and mysterious doors. Progress comes at a surprising cost. To move forward, Mari-chan must transform into a baby, reinforcing a powerful idea: bravery has nothing to do with size.
The story’s greatest strength lies in its boundless imagination. Every challenge feels intentional. Animal encounters bring warmth and humor. Whimsical trials unfold through clever riddles rather than danger. Kaczka layers the narrative with lighthearted song parodies and charming jokes, easing tension and maintaining a joyful tone. Even stressful moments feel safe. The scenes where constellations spring to life stand out most, adding a surreal, dreamlike quality that lingers.
Chapter-opening illustrations elevate the reading experience. Each image offers a visual pause, inviting readers further into the Underworld. These snapshots support the narrative without overwhelming it. Younger readers gain clarity. The world feels tangible, cozy, and inviting.
Mari-chan and Roboto Bunny deliver a warm, uplifting adventure rooted in perseverance and love. It blends fantasy with emotional sincerity. The message resonates without feeling heavy. This book comes highly recommended for families and young readers drawn to imaginative journeys, gentle humor, and stories that celebrate courage in even the smallest heroes.
Pages: 82 | ASIN : B0FWZ82XWF
Identity and Purpose
Take My Hand follows a guidance counselor grappling with her own identity and desires while navigating the dangers of a magical realm. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
Initially, I wanted to write a sapphic paranormal romance involving the girl briefly introduced at the end of Take Me Now. However, as I began writing, I realized I wasn’t ready to do the character justice—I felt I needed to read more sapphic fiction to ensure the voice felt authentic and true.
So, I started from scratch and went back to my roots as a coach in my corporate career. From there, Trina took shape. As the story developed, I also felt compelled to write the novel from two points of view, which meant giving Robert a substantial and credible voice—one that could mirror and challenge Trina’s doubts, guilt, and struggles with identity and purpose.
How did you handle the magic in this story, and how did it evolve as you were writing?
For this second book, I wanted to focus on another type of magically gifted individuals I introduced, known as Cloakers. Without giving too much away, they are called this because of their ability to conceal their truest selves and adopt different personas.
Interestingly, before Trina became a guidance counselor, she was originally conceived as a female hitwoman who simply found herself in the wrong place at the wrong time. I’m glad I changed that direction. It allowed me to concentrate more deeply on expanding the world of the Dark District that I introduced in my earlier novellas, Sojourn and Take Me Now, both of which are compiled in the Silver Book Award–winning duology, Dark District Primer.
The female hitwoman may still appear in future stories. Never say never, I say.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The themes of self-discovery and identity became central as Trina’s backstory evolved. Initially, I was drawn to how compelling her power was, but it soon felt necessary to impose a cost for her repeated use of it. Her struggles with self-identity and self-esteem became the most logical place for that toll to manifest.
I tried to inhabit Trina’s inner world as honestly as possible, ensuring that the experiences she goes through would meaningfully change her by the end of the novel. At the same time, I wanted the story to remind readers that vulnerability—especially when we share our true selves with others—always comes with risk.
Ultimately, I hope the book encourages compassion, both toward others and ourselves. I dedicate it to those still searching for who they are, and to those brave enough to cherish the people who walk that journey with them.
Can you give readers a glimpse inside Book 3 of the Dark District series? When can we look forward to seeing it released?
While each book in the Dark District series stands on its own, I enjoy letting characters make brief appearances across the novels to reinforce the sense of a shared universe. These cameos are designed to enhance cohesion without requiring readers to have read the previous books, allowing the series to be enjoyed either as standalone stories or chronologically.
Book 3 will focus on Trina’s best friend, Andrew De Silva, who moonlights as a finder of magical objects while maintaining his day job as a history professor at the country’s oldest pontifical university. He has a loud, chatty personality, but like many in the Dark District, he carries secrets and unresolved issues of his own.
The story will also introduce Robert’s side of the family, expanding the world further with a new lineage and a new branch of magically gifted individuals. I’m currently working on the book and targeting a 2027 release.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Mostly, she has the perfect job of sowing the seeds of empathy & understanding by being a guidance counselor at the Forrester Arts College in the magically cloaked community known in Manila called the Dark District. She is beloved by students and has a killer body to die for and to covet.
She had everything figured out until she met Robert Samaniego, the new English professor joining them this term.
With a new semester, a new batch of students to mentor, a new distraction on campus, on top of maintaining a lifelong secret that can unravel at any moment if she doesn’t watch herself, can Trina hold it all together?
Or perhaps the Universe heard her prayers and sent someone to give direction and focus to the life that she thought she was living perfectly.
Someone to hold and protect her.
Someone to share and accept her secret and her past.
Someone to be there for her and take…her…hand.
LITERARY TITAN 