Blog Archives
Bathed in Ink and Blood
Bathed in Ink and Blood opens as a dark, magic-laced fantasy that follows two threads: Noddum’s brutal clash with Brist, the infamous Butcher of Greenlake, and the quieter, more intimate story of twins Dacre and Esmee as they undergo the Test that reveals their signamantic abilities. Right away, the book establishes itself as epic fantasy with grimdark edges, mixing the political tension of a kingdom cracking at the seams with the personal stakes of people trying to survive systems that see them as tools or threats.
Reading it felt like slipping into a world that’s heavy with history. The magic system built around ink, brands, and carved symbols is vivid and tactile. I found myself leaning in during sections, partly because the author writes pain and power in a way that’s blunt but also strangely tender. The early chapters around Dacre and Esmee hit me hardest. Their innocence, their hope, and then the slow realization that their mother may have just sold them made my stomach drop. Author Robert Laymon doesn’t rush those moments. He lets them sit, lets them ache. It works.
On the other side of the story, Brist’s chapters are sharp and unsettling. He’s haunted, vengeful, messy, and written in a way that made me feel both wary of him and weirdly sympathetic. His scenes drip with tension. Even when he’s still, the writing hums. I appreciated how the author doesn’t treat violence like spectacle. It’s brutal, sure, but it’s also shaped by emotion, regret, and purpose. The dynamic between Brist and the people around him feels lived-in, like a group stitched together by survival rather than trust. It adds weight to the plot and makes his arc more interesting than a simple revenge story.
Raya is an interesting character because she starts out feeling overlooked in a family obsessed with power, but she slowly shows how strong and capable she is. We see flashes of her compassion, like when she notices how her father mistreats the servants, and those moments make it clear she’s nothing like the rest of the Adans. I think Raya is a standout character whose quiet resilience, empathy, and determination make her compelling.
By the time the two storylines start bending toward each other, the world feels wide and dangerous. The writing style helps with that. It’s clear but atmospheric, not bogged down by jargon, and the pacing keeps you moving. Some chapters are quiet and reflective. Others are teeth-clenching. The mix makes the book feel grounded, even when the magic flares bright.
If you like fantasy that leans dark but stays character-driven, with a magic system that feels both fresh and gritty, this will likely hit the spot. Fans of grimdark, epic fantasy, and stories that explore power, loyalty, and the price of survival will probably enjoy Bathed in Ink and Blood the most.
Pages: 439 | ASIN : B0FLRP6TYX
Rewind to Us
Rewind to Us follows Big, a burned-out K-pop idol desperate to escape a suffocating industry, and Kelly, an ordinary young woman who finds herself pulled into his world by chance and fate. Their connection grows into something real amid chaos, danger, and the strange appearance of supernatural “dealers” who trade in human desires. The story builds from a tense escape narrative into a romance, then finally into grief as Big’s life is cut short and Kelly must navigate the aftermath with those who loved him most. It is a blend of real-world pressure, fantasy elements, and emotional fallout, tied together by a central yearning for freedom and belonging.
I found myself swept up in Big’s restlessness. His unhappiness sits right under the surface, and the writing shows it in a simple, raw way that hit me harder than I expected. I could feel his exhaustion and the tiny sparks of hope that appear whenever Kelly enters his thoughts. I loved how the book lets their relationship grow slowly, almost shyly, in the middle of everything falling apart around them. At times, the dialogue feels blunt, which works because it mirrors how trapped Big is and how unsure Kelly is about her own life. The supernatural dealer concept surprised me. It comes in quietly, then starts echoing through the whole story until it becomes a major force. That little creature showing up at the end made me stop and think about the whole journey in a new light. It added a strange, eerie charm to the book.
There were points where the pacing jumped fast, especially when the story shifted locations or introduced new conflicts. Yet there is an honesty in the writing that kept me reading. Characters say exactly what they feel. Sometimes it is messy. Sometimes it is harsh. Sometimes it is sweet. I liked that because it gave the story a heartbeat.
Rewind to Us is a heartfelt story for readers who enjoy character-driven romance with a twist of the surreal. It is especially suited for fans of K-pop fiction, soft fantasy, and emotional journeys that do not shy away from pain or complicated endings. If you like stories about people trying to rewrite their lives and finding love in unexpected places, you’ll enjoy reading this book.
Pages: 230 | ASIN : B0FTDTGBGW
Major Transformations
The Cycle of Completion follows a young man with physical challenges in a sealed-off section of utopia who is thrust into leadership by the city residents who believe he can lead them out of these dark times. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Great question- The actual story was a dream that I had, but it was just the ending. When they are giving the scepter to David, thinking he is going to be the next king, but it really ends up being Elijah. Everything else ends up being good ideas that I blended into the story.
David’s transformation from a hesitant leader to a symbol of hope in your story was inspiring as he leaned on his faith to guide him. Were you able to achieve everything you wanted with the characters in the novel?
Yes, but it just wasn’t David’s alteration; Elijah, Abdul, and Abaddon all had major transformations as well. Is that not reality, one event can change so many people. Think about 9/11.
Was it important for you to deliver a moral to readers, or was it circumstantial to deliver an effective novel?
My gift is to entertain, crafting a story that can not only keep your interest, but also make these compelling characters, is my destiny. However, to bring the message of God to the masses, to scream out Jesus saves to the readers. That, my friend, is priceless!
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I am currently working on a book called Marcus Douglas Presents the Bruising of the Victor. It is a Spiritual Action Mystery, both highly entertaining and dually emotional.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Amazon
With the city foundering, critical systems grinding to a halt, and food stores dwindling, they find hope in young David Shakir, whose grandfather founded this great haven. But will that burden crush the young boy whose spent his life thought sickly and weak, confined to his wheelchair?
The city looks to David and his closeness to God for leadership and his armor bearer, Elijah Ruiz. Can they be able to lead them out of these dark times, or will the looming threat within the sealed off Locality Seven consume them all?
The Concept of a Living World
Claw & Ember follows a young rider bound to her saber-tooth black panther companion as she navigates treacherous politics, tangled loyalties, and a power simmering under her skin that could remake the world. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Fantasy has always been a genre that appealed to me. As I grew older – and some, not many, would say wiser – I also noticed that a lot of it was quite naive, typically written for a very child-like audience, with very morally black and white characters and situations that are not very “sticky.” I decided that I wanted to tell this story in a Romantasy genre, where you still get the elements from fantasy, but scaled up for adults. That was the first part. The second part flowed from there. I could’ve written a whole series on Nyra’s time at the Academy and have it as a Harry Potter quasi-clone, but I was more interested in discovering and exploring the world, not has a teen in a school setup, but rather as a young adult discovering that the world is not simple and that outside of the walls of the Academy there are situations and people that are not as clean cut as one might think.
Nyra is an intriguing and well-developed character. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
I wanted a strong female. That was important. Someone who takes no bullshit from anyone. She’s her own person. I also wanted someone who had a very strict – but good – upbringing; someone who knew that hard work and sweat were important, even though the easy path is sometimes easier. I also wanted someone who was not ashamed of herself or her thoughts. Someone who would process them and not necessarily assign a ‘good’ or ‘bad’ epithet to them, but rather “these thoughts are me; they are part of me, let’s see where they go.”
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Uniqueness. Friendship. Desire. Politics. Sexuality. Each by itself and intertwined with the others (especially in the subsequent books). There’s also the concept of a living world. Not everything that’s important happens to – or when – Nyra is there. Some events that change the story happen in the background, even though they have a major impact on Nyra.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
Flame & Veil. It is currently on pre-order on Amazon and will launch November 28th, 2025. Then in 2026, we will have Ash & Oath and Crown & Covenant. There are many strings that will lead us to many more stories in this world in the future. We’ve seen this world through the eyes of Nyra from the Felinar Empire which is centered around big cats, but there’s The Voruun around canines, the Glyptan Kingdom around bears and armored Glyptodons, the Keshari Dominion with its woolly mammoths and woolly rhinos, and the Skyborne on their birds, there are other segments as well, mages, nobles, etc. Expect many more stories.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Amazon
Riders are made to obey. To patrol the line. To bleed without question.
Nyra’s done her part, bonded to her panther, trained to serve, and hardened to survive.
But when a strange heat stirs beneath her collarbone, it isn’t duty calling. It’s desire, and it answers to Kaedric, the silver-eyed Voruun rider with a voice like a blade and a dire wolf at his side.
One glance, and something ancient wakes.
Forbidden magic. Dangerous hunger. Power that shouldn’t exist in her blood.
If the Towers find out, she’ll be caged… or worse, claimed.
And with war looming, secrets won’t stay buried for long.
For fans of slow-burn tension, shadow-bound magic, and fierce heroines who refuse to kneel. Perfect for readers of Rebecca Yarros, Sarah J. Maas, and Carissa Broadbent. This is your next obsession.
Literary Titan Book Award: Fiction
The Literary Titan Book Award honors books that exhibit exceptional storytelling and creativity. This award celebrates novelists who craft compelling narratives, create memorable characters, and weave stories that captivate readers. The recipients are writers who excel in their ability to blend imagination with literary skill, creating worlds that enchant and narratives that linger long after the final page is turned.
Award Recipients
Talthybius by Jessie Holder Tourtellotte and Nathaniel Howard
Golem Mine by Donald Schwartz
A Trail in the Woods by Mallory O’Connor
Messenger of the Reaper Part 2 by Jimmy Straley
Missing in Lincoln Park by Staci Andrea
Medusa: Or, Men Entombed in Winter by Kyle Farnworth
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Literary Titan Silver Book Award
Celebrating the brilliance of outstanding authors who have captivated us with their skillful prose, engaging narratives, and compelling real and imagined characters. We recognize books that stand out for their innovative storytelling and insightful exploration of truth and fiction. Join us in honoring the dedication and skill of these remarkable authors as we celebrate the diverse and rich worlds they’ve brought to life, whether through the realm of imagination or the lens of reality.
Award Recipients
The Moments Between Choices by Harris Kamal
Secretos De Familia by Diego Uribe
Once Upon A Time In The Big Easy: Down On The Bayou by Wilson Jackson
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
The Breaking of Time: Chronicles of the Arvynth
The Breaking of Time drops you straight into a life coming apart at the seams. Daniel Ward looks like any middle-aged dad, but he’s actually a centuries-old sorcerer who has been hiding from a ruthless order known as the Arvynth. When he freezes time to save his son from being hit by a truck, he exposes the truth he has buried for twenty years. His wife sees everything. His children sense something they should never sense. The Arvynth find him again. The quiet suburban world he built starts to crack, and those cracks spread fast. The book follows Daniel as he struggles to protect his family while the old world he fled pushes its way back into his life. It blends magic, danger, family drama, and a growing sense that every choice Daniel makes costs him something huge.
I kept rooting for Daniel even when I wanted to shake him. His voice feels worn, tired, and trying so hard to pass for normal that when he breaks, it hurts. I liked how raw the family moments felt. His wife’s shock lands hard. His son’s confusion hits even harder. The scenes where Daniel feels the Arvynth closing in gave me this tight pressure in my chest, like the danger was creeping into the room with me. The writing is clean, quick, and vivid. The magic feels physical. I could almost hear the world stop when he speaks the old words. I found myself flipping pages just to see if he could hold his family together for one more chapter.
Daniel’s past stretches back centuries, and the book keeps teasing details without giving everything away too early. I loved that slow reveal. It made me feel off balance, like the story was letting me overhear secrets not meant for me. And the Arvynth are terrifying in a quiet way, which I really enjoyed. They barely appear at first, yet their presence fills every page. I also liked how the writing shifts between intimate family tension and sweeping magic that feels ancient and dangerous. The mix kept the pace unpredictable in a way that felt alive.
I think this book would land especially well with readers who enjoy fantasy woven into ordinary life, stories about families under impossible pressure, and characters who carry heavy pasts that finally catch up to them. If you like magic that feels tactile and real, or if you enjoy emotional stakes wrapped inside supernatural danger, this book will hit the spot.
Pages: 354 | ASIN : B0G3YH6638
The Universe’s Playground
Talisman: Subterfuge follows a shattered war hero who becomes a secret superpowered vigilante after a cosmic force offers to resurrect his wife, if he can save one thousand lives before his darker self destroys him. What inspired the moral dilemma at the heart of Liam’s deal with the Aeterium Axis?
My first thought was that there’s something or someone that just won’t leave Planet Earth alone. Either we’re the universe’s playground, or we just haven’t learned from previous lessons, and now we must do so again. Liam “Foxy” Mayfield happens to get caught up in this conundrum, just as Jet and others were in the “Dissonance” saga. I thought, wouldn’t it be interesting if there were someone sentient out there, far more galactically nefarious than the gorgons, who come with a seemingly innocent demand of restoring the balance?
The Zorander is terrifying. How did you approach crafting a villain who is essentially the hero’s twisted reflection?
There’s always a backstory. It’s a bit of “been there, done that.” The Zorander used to be, for all intents and purposes, the Iskander / Talisman. But he was betrayed, and you’re beginning to learn that the Aeterium Axis might not in fact be all that they claim to be; they certainly didn’t do the Zorander any favors, and that’s why he has become bitter and hardened.
Liam’s grief feels incredibly real on the page. Did you draw from any personal experiences or research when writing his emotional arc?
Anyone who has been bereaved can relate to Liam. However, beyond that there is the earnest hope that he can essentially become UN-bereaved, and, taxing though his charge may be, he follows through on it and delivers the goods, pursuing that hope to its end. I’ve been there…kind of a sunk-cost fallacy mindset: he’s too far in now to reverse course. He’s too committed and has come too far now to abandon hope, even though on paper it seems that this pursuit is nothing more than a vain one. Hope always pushes us on. The question now is, is this hope tangible? Trustworthy? Or…even likely?
Are there hints about the larger universe or future installments hidden in the reporter’s storyline or the nature of the Aeterium Axis?
Perhaps? 😊 That’s all I’ll say for now. I will say that Liam Mayfield is a direct pull from the ‘Dissonanceverse,’ as Rosie Campion is – she has appeared in several of my other novels. Liam seemed a natural fit for this spinoff series, but I’m not convinced there is another storyline for him or Onyx beyond this. I’m a pantser, an organic writer, so I have to write it and see how it all plays out before I commit to anything additional beyond the end of this trilogy.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook | Website
Fail, and another soul he cherishes will be lost forever.
Armed with supernatural abilities and a relentless drive, The Talisman operates in the shadows, leaving only golden talismans as proof of his existence. But as a determined journalist closes in on his secrets and a vengeful former talisman hunts him across worlds, The Talisman’s quest for redemption becomes a desperate race against time—and fate.
Talisman: Subterfuge is a pulse-pounding blend of sci-fi intrigue and raw human emotion, where every rescue comes at a devastating cost and every choice could tip the balance between hope and oblivion. Will The Talisman’s sacrifice be enough to save those he loves, or will the darkness claim him first? For fans of high-stakes thrillers and cosmic mysteries, Talisman: Subterfuge is an unforgettable journey into the heart of loss, loyalty, and the price of second chances.
LITERARY TITAN 