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A World of Wonders
The Death Wizard Chronicles: Volume 1 follows a warrior-king whose mystical powers strengthen each time he dies and returns to life as he stands alone against a sorcerer capable of dark magic. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
Back in high school, I was a huge fan of J.R.R. Tolkien, who inspired me to write my own epic fantasy series. I envisioned a magical world called Triken with a main character named Torg, a powerful wizard who was ruler of an army of desert warriors called Tugars. I called him a Death Wizard because of his ability to die, enrich himself with death energy, and then return to life. I ruminated over this before I fell asleep at night, while driving alone in my car, even when taking a shower. Characters developed, plot lines thickened, and settings took on new depth. I grew more and more excited about it, but I couldn’t seem to write it no matter how hard and often I tried. Life kept getting in the way. This went on for 25 years. I finally decided enough was enough and took a big risk, stepping away from the rat race for three years and living off savings. Freed from the restraints of my day job, I was able to write and revise 750,000 words in 34 months. My dream finally came true, not in high school but in middle age.
Writing about fantastical worlds isn’t easy for everyone, but for me it’s a piece of cake. My larger-than-life imagination was seared into my brain during my childhood growing up in Florida during a time when kids ran as far and wild as their imaginations would take them. All we needed was a Pop-Tart for breakfast and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich (on Wonder Bread) for lunch, and we were good to go. We’d throw on T-shirts and shorts and rush out our front doors into a world of wonders. Some of the things we did—climbing towering trees, swimming in surging seas, riding our bikes to faraway places—were downright dangerous. We didn’t care. We were the rulers of our domain.
I wouldn’t trade my childhood for anything. I wouldn’t trade my imagination, either.
In fantasy novels, it’s easy to get carried away with the magical powers characters have. How did you balance the use of supernatural powers?
This isn’t an idea unique to me, but in my series most of the magical characters derive their powers from something specific. In Torg’s case, it is death energy. In the evil sorcerer’s case, it is sunlight. Torg’s love interest, Laylah, derives her powers from moonlight. Another example is a monster called a Stone-Eater, who literally devours obsidian to obtain his powers. There are many more examples of this in the series. As for balancing the use of supernatural powers, I did this in two ways. First, I made it clear to my readers that Triken is a world ablaze with magic, so it’s not unusual to encounter a magical being. Second, my magical system has a hierarchy, as in some magical beings are far more powerful than others. This helps to create tension and unpredictability.
Do you have a favorite scene in this novel? One that was especially enjoyable to write?
My favorite scene in Volume 1 is when Torg emerges from the mouth of a cave and reaches the surface of the world after being trapped deep underground in claustrophobic conditions for more than a week. There’s a lot going on between the lines in that scene, and it is quite powerful, IMO. I cried when I wrote it, with Sade’s extraordinary song Pearls blaring in my headphones to help set the appropriate mood.
Can you give us a peek inside Volume 2 in this series? Where will it take readers?
The series is composed of three volumes, with each volume containing two books (LOTR was also set up this way). In Volume 1, Torg and Laylah are imprisoned by the evil sorcerer (in separate locations) and finally escape. Fate brings them together and they fall in love. In Volume 2, Torg and Laylah spend much of their time on the run while being hounded by the sorcerer’s monstrous minions. Meanwhile, three great wars begin to take shape that will alter the course of the world.
FYI: Volume 2 will debut in July 2025 and Volume 3 in October 2025.
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In the desert kingdom of Triken, sorcery is feared, power is brutal, and one man defies the laws of life itself. Torg, a Death Wizard, draws strength from the moment of his own death, returning again and again to protect a realm teetering on the edge of annihilation. But his greatest battle lies ahead—not just against armies and dark sorcerers, but against a monstrous evil that feeds on suffering and threatens to consume everything he loves.
As war ignites and ancient powers awaken, Torg must confront a destiny soaked in blood, bound by sacrifice, and forged in a darkness deeper than death.
Perfect for fans of The Witcher, The Malazan Book of the Fallen, and The First Law series, The Death Wizard Chronicles delivers relentless action, rich world-building, sexual tension, and a haunting exploration of power, mortality, and what it means to be truly alive.
From award-winning fantasy author Jim Melvin comes a new three-volume edition of his dark fantasy series, The Death Wizard Chronicles. Volumes 2 and 3 will debut in July and October 2025.
If you’re ready for fantasy that doesn’t hold back—this is your next obsession.
Choice, Redemption, Love and Sacrifice
Zodak: The Last Shielder follows a teenage orphan who grows up in a cruel household where he’s treated like a curse, his life is bleak and miserable, till a water sprite calls his name and beckons him toward a greater purpose.
In many contemporary coming-of-age fiction novels, authors often add their own life experiences to the story. Are there any bits of you in this story?
This book is about relationships. While the dynamic between Zodak and his bully of a step-brother Ergis is drawn from childhood experience, thankfully, most of the horrible hardships, loss and abuse are not drawn from my story, but my life experience definitely fills gaps and let’s me juxtapose healthy relationships against unhealthy ones. My personal family is 100% the opposite of Zodak’s (again, thankfully), but the redemption in the story is drawn from truth I see and have experienced.
Also, since I was a boy, I was always enthralled with adventure.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Choice, redemption, love and sacrifice were all themes I wanted to explore in the book.
Choice was one theme. Life happens to us all, sometimes in unusual and unexpected ways, but we’re the sum of the thousands of choices we make every day. Zodak made choices (and failed to choose at times) that made the difference.
Redemption is another theme I wanted to explore here, both redemption of a seemingly worthless and insignificant life, but also redemption of broken relationships. Alana is one of the characters who experienced a life-changing about-face in her character arc.
Love – I hoped that the love found in the tuk family, in Ardon and in Daen would shine through the slog of trouble and trial Zodak faces.
Sacrifice – like the focus on choice, the emphasis on sacrifice was an important element in the book. The culmination of Book 1 sees lots of hard choices demanding sacrifice from characters, some intentionally and some not.
Can you tell us a little about where the story goes in book two and when the novel will be available?
I’m really excited about book 2. We will continue to follow Zodak’s journey, but book two weaves in the primary POV storylines of Alana and Daen. I can’t wait to share it. The expected release is in the first half of 2026.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook | Website
In the village of Laan, Zodak endures a bleak life of misery at the hands of his hateful cousins and aunt. His steadfast uncle Ardon is his only anchor. When a water sprite arrives, speaking of destiny and an epic journey that awaits, Zodak struggles to grasp how an adventure with goblins, krikkis, and dwarves could ever be his story.
But when his uncle falls in a kidnapping plot and entrusts Zodak with a mysterious medallion, Zodak flees into a vast, unknown world. Seeking answers about his past and the medallion he carries, Zodak finds himself drawn to the magnificent city Uth Becca. In his journey, he unearths a clandestine order, a corrupt Magistrate, and a sinister plot that threatens humanity’s very existence.
A great evil awakens. Dark hordes are on the march. In a world desperate for a hero, can an outcast be enough?
Get swept away in an epic fantasy adventure with an unlikely hero on the edge of manhood, world-building reminiscent of Brandon Sanderson, and a protagonist who must decide whether to fight for truth, even if it costs him everything.
The Death Wizard Chronicles: Volume 1
Jim Melvin’s The Death Wizard Chronicles: Volume 1 is a sweeping and gritty epic fantasy novel that plunges the reader into the war-torn world of Triken, where magic, violence, and fate collide. The story centers on Torg, a Death-Knower—a warrior-king who dies and resurrects repeatedly, gaining mystical powers with each return. As the leader of the desert-dwelling Tugars, he stands alone against Invictus, a rising sorcerer whose dark magic and monstrous allies threaten the very balance of existence. When Torg trades his freedom to save a peaceful race known as the Noble Ones, the tale shifts into a tense meditation on sacrifice, loyalty, and power. The plot is fast-paced and cinematic, with vivid world-building and sharp dialogue.
Reading this book was like stepping into a dream soaked in blood and moonlight. I found myself torn between awe and discomfort. Melvin’s writing is intense. Every sentence is packed with texture and movement. He doesn’t shy away from the raw stuff: pain, rage, lust, and death are all front and center. Some of it is genuinely brutal, but it fits the world he’s built. What impressed me most wasn’t the action (though it’s stellar), but the psychological depth of Torg. He’s not your average sword-swinging hero. There’s a stoic grief to him. A strange tenderness even when he’s cracking skulls. That complexity kept me emotionally hooked, even when the violence became overwhelming.
Melvin’s prose is lush and immersive, often leaning into a rich, almost poetic style that brings the world of Triken to vivid life. He isn’t afraid to slow things down with detailed exposition and bold philosophical themes, giving the story a thoughtful, almost meditative weight. The villains are unapologetically dark, embodying evil in a way that feels mythic and larger-than-life. While the lines between good and evil are stark, it adds to the high-stakes drama and classical tone of the tale. What truly stands out is Melvin’s fearless storytelling. He dives deep into spiritual allegory without losing the grit and guts that define epic fantasy.
This isn’t casual fantasy fare. It’s a deep dive into the violent, mystic, and strangely poetic mind of a world at war with itself. If you’re someone who loves dark fantasy with spiritual weight, who doesn’t flinch from graphic content, and who wants more from their fantasy than just dragons and quests, this one’s for you. I wouldn’t hand it to a casual reader, but for the seasoned fantasy fan craving something fierce and different, it hits like thunder.
Pages: 502 | ASIN : B0F3MVZWWD
Stone Warrior
Stone Warrior is a sweeping fantasy tale that follows Thurgan, a grizzled, no-nonsense mercenary with a hidden nobility, as he’s drawn into a web of political scheming, war, and unexpected companionship. The story begins with a deadly power struggle for the throne of Surigard and unfolds through battles, alliances, betrayals, and a quiet yearning for purpose and peace. Along the way, Thurgan finds himself aligned with Lady Erina Pannek, a ruler fighting against imperial injustice, and Aelensha Woods, a sharp-tongued Rodoan girl escaping her past. Together, they march across a world plagued by ambition, bloodshed, and the faint promise of hope.
The writing is gritty, vivid, and often brutal in its honesty. I loved how Christy doesn’t waste time with fluff. The dialogue has real weight, and the pacing keeps the reader on edge without sacrificing worldbuilding. Thurgan especially shines, and not as your typical fantasy hero. He’s rough, sarcastic, and painfully grounded. There’s a kind of stubborn tenderness to him that’s hard not to root for. The emotional core of the story, his reluctant sense of duty and reluctant acceptance of his own goodness, hits surprisingly deep. The battle scenes are raw, fast, and heavy. But it’s the quiet moments—like a cold night in a tent or a shared meal after a bloody fight—that really resonates emotionally.
The book’s depth comes in waves. It’s a long read, and while I enjoyed the prose, some chapters did wander a bit, particularly when the politics got too thick or new names flew at me faster than I could track. What really kept me reading was the way the novel balanced raw masculinity with introspection. It’s a war story, sure, but it’s also about being lost and found, about what it means to fight for something beyond survival. Christy doesn’t moralize, but you can tell there’s heart behind every brutal swing of Thurgan’s axe.
I’d recommend Stone Warrior to fans of grounded epic fantasy who crave more grit than glitter. If you like your heroes scarred, your villains complex, and your battles to feel like they matter, this one’s for you. Especially good for readers who enjoyed The First Law trilogy or The Black Company.
Pages: 252 | ASIN : B0CK7M7PFS
Zodak – The Last Shielder
Max Moyer’s Zodak: The Last Shielder, the first in the Tempest Rising series, follows a teenage orphan, Zodak, who grows up in a cruel household where he’s treated like a curse. But something stirs in the shadows of the world—a hint of destiny, magic, and ancient prophecy. When a water sprite calls his name and beckons him toward a greater purpose, Zodak’s quiet, harsh life begins to unravel. What starts as a simple, grounded coming-of-age tale soon reveals a broader mythos full of forgotten magic, ancient books, secret lineages, and the deep, thrumming power of belief and identity in a broken world.
The writing is fluid and vivid, making the world feel dirty, real, and magical at the same time. Moyer does a brilliant job of pulling readers into Zodak’s narrow, painful life, so much so that I found myself wincing at every insult and rooting for his small moments of rebellion. The prose is clean but emotionally rich, with bursts of beauty that feel earned rather than forced. What hit me hardest was the aching loneliness in Zodak’s voice—the way he yearns for love, belonging, and meaning in a world that treats him like an afterthought. It’s not just a fantasy story, it’s a story about being seen.
The book doesn’t lean too hard into tropes. There’s prophecy, yes, but also doubt. There’s magic, but it’s quiet, hidden, uncertain. The characters feel alive, especially the complex ones—like Alana, Zodak’s cousin, who starts cruel but unfolds in a way that’s strangely touching. I’ll admit, some parts were slow, especially early scenes where the abuse piled on so thick I wanted to yell at the pages. But that pain pays off later, making Zodak’s small victories feel like revolutions. And the moment he realizes his story has power? That got me.
Zodak: The Last Shielder is about truth, pain, and the quiet force of imagination when it’s all you’ve got. It’s about choosing to believe in something bigger when the world tells you not to. I’d recommend this book to fans of grounded, character-driven fantasy with a slow build and emotional punch. Especially to teens who feel like outcasts, writers who write in secret, or anyone who’s ever hoped for a better world in the silence of their room. If you’re a fan of Brandon Sanderson’s world-building, Patrick Rothfuss’s lyrical prose, or the emotional depth and quiet magic of Lois Lowry, then you’ll really enjoy Zodak: The Last Shielder.
Pages: 430 | ASIN : B0CPCNNZST
How Myths Form
The Borealis Queen follows a resilient young woman marked by a mysterious prophecy who embarks on a perilous journey that intertwines survival, destiny, and the forging of unexpected bonds. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The setup came from wanting to tell a story that felt ancient but emotionally intimate; something that would resonate across time. I was drawn to the idea of a young girl facing the collapse of everything she knows and being forced to survive, not because she’s chosen, but because she’s clever, resourceful, and refuses to break. The prophecy element isn’t about fate in the traditional sense: it’s more about how people interpret strength, especially when it threatens the established order. (A future installment—told as a prequel—will reveal the true origin of the prophecy.)
I wanted to explore how myths form around ordinary people who do extraordinary things. Nin’s journey is perilous, yes, but at its heart, it’s about a girl learning who she is in a world that tries to define her. The bonds she forms (with animals, with her memories, even with silence) came from my belief that survival isn’t just physical. It’s also emotional. And sometimes, it’s the unexpected relationships, even with wild creatures, that save us.
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?
The inspiration for the setting of The Borealis Queen came from a mix of bedtime storytelling, my fascination with prehistory, and a desire to build a world that feels both ancient and mythic—but still grounded in nature and human emotion. I used to tell stories to my kids at night, creating episodes on the fly, and over time, these tales evolved into the foundation of this world. I wanted a setting that didn’t rely on magic or modern tropes, but still felt epic, dangerous, and full of wonder.
The Ice Age gave me that—a time when humans lived closer to the edge when survival depended on wits, instincts, and bonds with animals. The world itself became a character. As I wrote, the setting changed from a backdrop into something almost primal. The wilderness sharpened Nin’s growth, and the creatures—like the Urbaraks and Shadow—took on symbolic weight. It started as a harsh world, but over time, I began to see its beauty and subtle order, just as Nin does. That shift really deepened the emotional core of the story.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
ANSWER: I wanted to explore what happens when a person is pushed to the brink—how survival, identity, and resilience take shape in a world that feels hostile, ancient, and raw. One of the most important themes for me was the power of connection—not just between people, but between humans and nature, especially the bond between Nin and the animals she encounters. I was also interested in legacy and mythmaking: how stories about a person can become larger than life, and how that shapes not only how others see them but how they see themselves. Another key theme is agency—Nin is not waiting to be rescued or chosen. She’s crafting her path, sometimes painfully, sometimes defiantly, in a world that would rather crush her than acknowledge her power.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
I’m already writing the sequel. The theme is actually hinted at in the final paragraph of Chapter 24, at the end of the book:
‘Word of the tale of the girl slave adorned with beautiful marks on her skin, who rose to become a queen, spread like the fastest birds, soaring across the land and beyond. It traveled all the way to the distant Australis lands, where it caught the attention of an ambitious young king, driven by dreams of world domination…’
That final line opens the door to a larger world and deeper conflicts. It shifts the story from one girl’s survival and rises to something even more expansive—how her legend begins to echo far beyond her homeland, drawing the attention of powers she doesn’t even know exist yet. The theme of how myth and reputation can reshape history is something I’m really excited to keep exploring.
I expect to finish it by early next year. The sequel builds on everything that came before, but with a much wider lens: new lands, new rulers, and greater threats. It explores how one girl’s rise can spark fear, admiration, and ambition across distant lands. I’m enjoying the challenge of expanding the scope while staying true to the emotional core of the first book.
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For readers of Brandon Sanderson and Clan of the Cave Bear—this is not the fantasy of knights and castles, but of raw survival, ancient beasts, and a legend forged in snow and blood.
She was never meant to survive. Nin is the last of her people—captured, scarred, and dragged across the frozen wilds by brutal enemies. But in a land where beasts are dreaded and winter never forgives, she discovers that survival is more than endurance—it’s transformation.
With nothing but a sling, her instincts, and the loyalty of a mysterious saber-toothed Smilodon, Nin must carve a path through ice, blood, and betrayal. As legends rise and clans clash, she becomes more than a girl on the run—she becomes the storm they cannot contain.
The Borealis Queen is a sweeping Ice Age survival fantasy about resilience, instinct, and the powerful bonds between humans and the wild. Perfect for fans of character-driven epics, elemental worldbuilding, and heroines who don’t just fight—but endure.
If you’re seeking a bold, action-packed epic fantasy with emotional depth and cinematic storytelling, this is the adventure you’ve been waiting for.
Creating My Own Fantasy World
In Sorcery & Sin in the Second World: A Tale of Two, a couple who enter a mysterious portal are ripped apart, one imprisoned and one forced to marry an evil sorcerer, must face perilous quests in order to reunite. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
Some of the idea came from reading classical novels by Edgar Rice Burroughs like the Princess of Mars and Tarzan series, but also from all of the sword and sandal movies in the 1980s like Conan the Barbarian and Red Sonja just to name a few. I’ve always wanted to create my own sword and fantasy world.
Do you have a favorite character in this novel? One that was especially enjoyable to write?
It’s hard to pick a favorite character because there are aspects of each one that I like such as Rena’s resilience, Kana’s toughness, or Pal’s ability to deal with all of the B. S. whether it be in the first or second world. My favorite character to write is probably Garneth because although he’s wise like Yoda or Gandalf, he’s also a grumpy old man with a potty mouth and flaws. It makes it more fun to me that he’s not pefect.
What was your hardest scene to write?
The sex scenes can be difficult because I want to entice the reader with a bit of eroticism but at the same time convey the characters’ thoughts and emotions during them to give it some heart.
Can we look forward to a third installment in this series soon? Where will it take readers?
I’m aiming to have the third installment done by the end of this year/beginning of next. I’m thinking of Rena and Pal having more time together rather than apart but also show Rena and Kana dealing with each other because of their closeness to Pal.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram
Tossed into a magical prison tower after reuniting briefly with his wife Rena, Pal must figure a way out to be with her once again. In prison he meets Kana, a neighbor from back home now living in the second world for twenty-three years, not quite a day in the first world. With her help he’s determined to break out, learn about his sorcerer powers, and find Rena once again.
While her husband Pal is locked away, Rena contends with being forced into a marriage with the duplicitous Sorcerer King Sego and battling multiple sorcerer enemies. All the while, Rena keeps a secret that could change the course of not only her life, but Pal’s too.
Rena and Pal discover what they are made of, but is it enough in this second world of sorcery, sex, love, and adventure?
Unravel the mysteries of the Second Word, where a moment is a lifetime, and every lifetime is a tale of magic.
Join Rena and Pal as they navigate a land brimming with magic, ancient enmities, and timeless love. Get your copy of Sorcery & Sin in the Second World: A Tale of Two today and unravel the magic, mysteries, and monumental adventures waiting on the other side of reality.
Sorcery & Sin in the Second World: A Tale of Two
R.S. d’Arcy’s Sorcery & Sin in the Second World: A Tale of Two continues the captivating saga of Pal and Rena, a married couple navigating a magical realm far removed from their everyday life. Picking up where the first installment left off, the story plunges readers back into the Second World—a place Pal and Rena entered through a mysterious portal in their backyard. This sequel begins with Pal imprisoned in the inescapable tower, while Rena is bound to the sinister sorcerer Sego, forced into a role as his wife and queen. Though separated, their shared goal of reunion drives their individual quests, which are fraught with peril, tests of loyalty, and personal transformation.
Adventure, humor, and intrigue fill every chapter, making this story an absolute page-turner. The Second World’s unique blend of medieval and modern elements is brilliantly realized, with d’Arcy’s masterful world-building serving as a standout feature. From enchanted kingdoms ruled by powerful sorcerers to rich magical lore, every detail feels intentional and immersive. Readers are transported effortlessly into this vibrant and dangerous realm, where magic and human ambition collide.
The novel doesn’t just shine through its fantasy elements; it also explores profound themes. The treatment of women, for example, is a recurring motif that adds depth and resonance. Rena and Kana, another prisoner within the tower, exemplify the unyielding strength of women. Despite physical and emotional trials, their resilience remains a central force, particularly in harrowing encounters with the dwarves and Sego. Their perseverance and dedication to those they care for offer a powerful reminder of the indomitable spirit of women, even in the darkest moments.
Emotional themes of love, loyalty, and betrayal pulse through the narrative. Pal’s unwavering devotion to Rena propels much of the story, whether he’s battling to escape the tower or grappling with his own evolving powers. Similarly, Rena faces agonizing choices that test her endurance and commitment. Both characters are forced to weigh their survival against their love for one another, creating a gripping tension that asks the timeless question: can true love conquer all?
For fantasy lovers, Sorcery & Sin in the Second World: A Tale of Two is a must-read. It blends intricate world-building and serious emotional themes with doses of humor and fiery romantic tension. Fans of Lord of the Rings and Throne of Glass will find much to savor in this series’ unique take on fantasy. Step through the portal and embark on an unforgettable journey filled with magic, danger, and heart.
Pages: 399 | ASIN : B0DPJC8KHG
LITERARY TITAN 