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An Even Greater Challenge
One True King follows the people in a kingdom teetering on the edge of chaos after their king has disappeared on a quest, leaving his companions to wonder where he is while his enemies try to take advantage of the situation. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
While The Hidden Kingdom and Shadow of the Dragon presented a number of challenging situations to navigate for Aaron and Timothy as well as their supporters, I felt that the story of One True King needed an even greater challenge that would impact every single character, whether good, bad, or on the fence, and rock the kingdom of Qiledara and the neighboring kingdoms to their core. Aaron’s disappearance created the perfect void and a very destabilizing event that would test everyone in Aaron’s close and distant circles, and his enemies. It gave me an opportunity to develop each character more in the process. I also wanted to expand on the subplot with Penelope which emerged in book 2 because when I wrote Shadow of the Dragon I had a lot more to reveal about her world, so One True King allowed me to do that and also continue to build on the Hidden Kingdom’s relationship with the rest of the world and its rulers’ ambitions.
What was the process like to create the audiobook, and what was it like working with Garan Patrick and Phillip Nathaniel Freeman?
It was so much fun for me to produce my own audiobook for One True King, to pick out all of these amazing voice actors to play specific key characters, and to work with Garan Patrick and Phillip Nathaniel Freeman who both encouraged me as an author by remarking on specific scenes they enjoyed! I was thrilled that all 20+ supporting voice actors were available to record dialogues for books 2 and 3 together so that I would have consistency across my series, and then I wove those dialogues into the main narration file for each chapter. In this chaotic new plot, there are many dramatic and intense scenes and Phil did an outstanding job bringing to life all the evil dragonkin characters as well other key players such as Theodamus, Gueric, and Otheran. After such intense scenes and dialogues, when sometimes all seems lost, Garan, as the main narrator, with his familiar, reassuring voice, brings us back to a sense of normalcy and makes us feel that, just maybe, things will turn out alright in the end. He also did a great job voicing some of the characters himself. Each voice actor contributed so much to drawing people into the story and added new layers to the story’s overall complexity. Louise Porter did an outstanding job bringing a relatively new character and strong female character, Penelope, to life and making her relatable. It was a lot of work pulling this large audiobook together but definitely worth it to hear it all together.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
I have several scenes I thought about at length and then wrote down, such as my descriptions of the lower tunnels in the ice cave and its exploration, or the escape from the tower. However, I would have to admit that my favorite scenes to write, and to listen to in the audiobook, were the interactions between Damien and the sentinel, and most of all, the dramatic exchange between the two dragonkin warriors and Damien. Robert Cassyleon did an outstanding job as the evil and narcissistic prince Damien throughout One True King with his many opportunities to interact with his co-conspirators and others. In general, I enjoy trying to throw in some twists and turns that readers/listeners do not expect.
Where does the next book in the series take the characters?
I hope to release book 4 in 2026 while the audiobook version of The Hidden Kingdom, Book 1, is about to be released on Audible. There are a few loose ends from One True King that remain to be resolved, such as an unsolved murder, and I also want to work on continuing to develop some of the love interests between certain couples. This fourth book in the series will serve as an opportunity to explain more about the way characters learn to wield their magic and provide some backstories that I’ve hinted at in the past but not yet explained. Book 4 will have a few major surprises in it that I do not want to spoil here. Thank you for listening to the audiobooks!
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
The absence of Aaron since he left on his quest troubles his companions. With his whereabouts unknown, the heroes of Qiledara are tested in ways they never could have imagined, and they face an ever-growing threat from beyond the Amber River. Meanwhile, Aaron’s enemies seek to take advantage of his absence for their own gain. Who will remain loyal and steadfast during these dark days, and who will bring the evildoers to justice?
The Cursed Prince
The Cursed Prince is a steamy fantasy romance that follows Natalia Baptisia, a humble handmaiden who finds herself tangled in elven politics, dangerous magic, and forbidden love. What begins as a simple servant’s journey alongside a vain princess turns into a dark, passionate tale of curses, temptation, and destiny. The book blends sensuality, mystery, and fantasy into a story that feels alive and raw. It’s a world filled with beauty and danger, where every spell, kiss, and betrayal carries a heavy price.
From the first chapter, I was drawn to Natalia’s voice. She’s quick-witted, stubborn, and delightfully human. I liked how she wasn’t some perfect heroine chosen by fate, but instead a regular woman tossed into an extraordinary situation. Veronica Rose writes with a kind of reckless honesty. The dialogue feels natural, the emotions sharp, and the tension between Natalia and Prince Ryker hums with energy. The writing moves fast, and even when it slows for a moment of quiet or reflection, the air still feels thick with danger and longing. The way Rose describes Elwood and its haunting beauty is seductive. The book pulls you in, and you don’t really come up for air.
Some scenes are wildly intense, both emotionally and physically, and sometimes the romance teeters on chaos. I caught myself wanting Natalia to stop running toward danger for once. But maybe that’s what makes her feel so real. She makes mistakes. She feels deeply. She loves in a way that’s messy and reckless and painfully sincere. The prose itself has a rhythm to it, almost like music, one moment gentle, then suddenly wild and burning. It’s not a book that holds your hand. It drags you through its emotions and leaves you a little breathless at the end.
When I closed the book, I sat for a long time thinking about it. The Cursed Prince isn’t just about love or lust or curses. It’s about choice, and how love can break you even as it saves you. I’d recommend this to readers who love romantic fantasy that doesn’t play it safe. If you liked A Court of Thorns and Roses or From Blood and Ash, you’ll probably fall hard for this one. It’s dark, it’s passionate, and it’s not afraid to make you emotional.
Pages: 239 | ASIN: B0FTQZS2CW
Bonds of Love and Magic
Bonds of Love and Magic is a spellbinding blend of contemporary fantasy and slow-burn romance that drops an unsuspecting young woman into a world of hidden magic and dangerous power. When Mariah Dawson accidentally shatters her apartment, and half a city block, after a nightmare, she discovers that she’s a witch and is whisked away to the prestigious Blackwood University for Arcane Arts. There, she faces both the allure and peril of newfound power, mysterious professors, and magnetic classmates who blur the line between ally and threat. What begins as a story of survival becomes an exploration of self-discovery, trust, and love in a world ruled by secrets and magic.
Reading this book felt like stepping into a storm of emotion and wonder. The writing has a cinematic quality, fast-paced, visual, and loaded with vivid sensory detail. Author Veronica Rose captures that wide-eyed awe of entering a world that shouldn’t exist but somehow feels real. I loved how she didn’t rush the magic system. It unfolded naturally through Mariah’s confusion and awe, making me feel like I was discovering it too. The dialogue, snappy and often funny, keeps the tone grounded amid all the grandeur. Still, there were moments where the intensity tipped into melodrama. But somehow, that worked. It made the characters feel more relatable.
What stuck with me most was the emotional core. Mariah’s journey is messy, painful, and empowering all at once. Her relationships, with the guarded Dean Blackwood, the charming empath Elias, and the enigmatic Dante, are charged with tension and longing. Sometimes the romance scenes were full of heat and danger. Beneath the fantasy and flirtation is a story about control, learning when to hold power close and when to let others in. I found myself caring more about Mariah’s growth than the magical battles, which says a lot about Rose’s ability to build empathy through chaos.
Bonds of Love and Magic left me feeling both enchanted and wrung out. It’s for readers who crave emotion as much as adventure, who like their fantasy laced with passion and heartache. If you loved the fierce energy of A Discovery of Witches or the tangled relationships of The Atlas Six, this book will hit that sweet spot. It’s alive, vibrant, and full of heart. I’d recommend it to anyone who wants a story that makes magic feel dangerous and love feel real.
Pages: 275 | ASIN: B0FTQZR2F7
Stories About Demon Hunters
Son of Asmodeus follows a former monk turned demon hunter who learns that his bloodline ties him to both Heaven and Hell. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I have always loved stories about demon hunters, demons and angels. I love anything supernatural but always wondered if there would ever be a story about a demon hunter who is actually the son of a demon and an archangel. Just this thought alone inspired me to create the Heaven and Hell series.
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 tend to write about the places I’ve been to and love visiting. LA was always a big interest of mine to visit and explore the depths of humanity in. It became the perfect setting to bring demons and angels alive in the human world.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I didn’t want to focus on religion but mostly the concepts of good vs evil. All of my books consist of this theme. Where there is good, there is always evil and one can’t survive without the other. I also wanted to explore the concept of humanity against a supernatural world.
Where does the story go in the next book, and where do you see it going in the future?
Sully continues his journey to discover his true birthright and purpose. Hell Hounds is the second book in which not only Hell Hounds are released on earth, but he learns the possibility of a Second War between Heaven and Hell is inevitable.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
A lone demon hunter, his true birthright unknown, roams the streets of Los Angeles while killing demons to prevent atrocities against the world. As the son of Asmodeus, Sully is a hunter feared by both demons and angels. His world was not the same once he walked into a bar and offered to help Mick, a gothic bartender.
Mick worried about her missing friend until the day she met Sully. The minute he walked into her bar and offered his help, her world changed. Secrets of her destiny unlocked, and he was at her side everywhere she turned. Friend. Protector.
Can they live with the secrets that are revealed to them? Will they survive the chase for the truth between Heaven and Hell?
Fragments of Light
Fragments of Light is a sweeping and atmospheric dive into a fractured world where humanity rebuilds in the shimmer of auroras and forgotten machines. The story follows Keela, a young Archivist in the crystalline city of Lumik, as she unearths relics from a past civilization while strange awakenings stir beneath the ice. The novel blends science fiction and myth with elegant precision. From flooded towns to radiant cities, author Arlen Voss crafts a landscape that feels both alien and deeply human. The world pulses with mystery, every shard of glass or whisper in the frost hinting at something larger, something old and waiting.
The prose is lyrical and deliberate, yet grounded enough to keep the story alive with movement. Voss’s worldbuilding shines brightest, the mix of Arctic folklore and speculative technology is mesmerizing. But it’s the emotional undercurrent that struck me most. Keela’s curiosity feels contagious, her fears achingly real. The author paints her world with a quiet sadness, a kind of beauty that only exists in loss. At times, the pacing slows, but I didn’t mind. The stillness gives the reader space to breathe, to feel the hum of a place where even silence has memory.
I loved how Voss lets themes of memory and connection rise slowly. There’s wonder here, but also unease. The machines waking up, the whispers of the past bleeding into the present, it all feels eerily relevant. The dialogue, especially between Keela and her mentor Naaja, carries warmth and wisdom without feeling heavy. I appreciated the subtlety in the emotional moments, the quiet restraint that lets the story breathe. Rather than pushing too hard, it invites the reader to lean in and feel the emotions between the lines. That control gives the book a quiet strength, reflecting a world learning to remember with care instead of pain.
I’d recommend Fragments of Light to readers who like their science fiction poetic, patient, and full of heart. It’s for those who savor atmosphere over action and find joy in slow discovery. Fans of Le Guin, Chambers, or Ishiguro’s quiet dystopias will feel right at home.
Pages: 397 | ASIN: B0F3D7WDHG
The Kingdom Thief
The Kingdom Thief kicks off in a fantasy world. Princess Sitnalta is happy with her adopted parents, King Gerald and Queen Aud. She has a blossoming friendship, maybe more, with Prince Navor. But then a thief named Wilhelm gets his hands on a magical wish-granting coin. He rewrites reality itself. Suddenly, Wilhelm is king, Sitnalta’s parents are traitors in a dungeon, and she’s a fugitive. The catch is, Sitnalta is the only one who remembers the “real” world. She has to figure out how to fix a history that nobody else knows is broken.
I found this central idea really compelling. It’s a fantastic hook. The “gaslighting-by-magic” concept, where the hero’s entire reality is upended, creates immediate, high-stakes tension. I was completely on board. The writing itself gets the job done. It is clear, and it is direct. It moves the plot forward at a really fast clip. Sometimes, I will admit, it moved almost too fast. I felt the story leaped from one major plot point to the next. It was a whirlwind of a ball, a boat trip, and a new reality all in just a few chapters.
When Sitnalta discovers her world is a lie, I was devastated for her. The connection between Navor and Najort (the troll he is a reincarnation of) was a genuine surprise. I thought that was a brilliant twist. It added a new layer of tragedy and sacrifice to the story. I just wish I’d had more time to explore what that felt like for both him and Sitnalta. Their romance, which I was rooting for, was a really bright spot in the story, and it made total sense that their connection would grow so strong given the magical problems they had to solve together.
I really enjoyed the book’s finale. This book is a lot of fun. It is packed with creative ideas, big twists, and a classic good-versus-evil fight. I would absolutely recommend this for a younger YA reader, or really, for anyone looking for a quick, imaginative fantasy adventure. It’s the kind of book you can read in a weekend and just have a good time with.
Pages: 227 | ASIN: B0G1VTB3C3
One True King (Audiobook)
Amy Daniels’ One True King is the third installment of the fantasy series Legends from Qiledara. This addition thrusts readers into a kingdom teetering on the edge of chaos. After Aaron, the young king of Qiledara, disappears, the void he leaves behind becomes the heartbeat of the story. An absence that forces those who remain to confront their loyalties, identities, and biggest fears.
The narrative skillfully intertwines its many storylines, keeping the attention of readers as they uncover the hidden dangers in this fantastical landscape. What makes this story so captivating is Daniels’s ability to portray relatable characters who persist in the face of adversity. Each character’s internal struggle mirrors the kingdom’s external turmoil, blurring the line between personal and political conflict. Leadership is portrayed as a burden of sacrifice, responsibility, and painful growth.
I found that the descriptive world-building shines in the depiction of Penelope’s family home, allowing the readers to understand why she longs for its cozy, vibrant warmth. Daniels also vividly emphasizes the incredible power of the magical weapons used during battles, making sure the readers know that this is a force that can turn the tide of battle in an instant. The combination of her rich, detailed settings and the palpable energy of magic makes every scene immersive and thrilling.
The audiobook adaptation only adds to the magic of this fantasy. With multiple voice actors embodying the characters, the production feels like a full-scale performance rather than a simple narration. Each unique narration provides a new level of depth to the story and creates a more intimate type of storytelling that makes you feel as if you are right there alongside the characters, experiencing the thrill of every high and meeting each challenge head-on.
For fans of fantasy sagas, One True King is a fantastic addition to the genre and an already compelling series. Daniels blends intricate world-building and moral complexity into a story that feels both epic and relatable. Whether you’re drawn to personal journeys of characters shaped by love and loss or the political conspiracies of kingdoms in turmoil, Amy Daniels delivers a tale that satisfies every reader.
Listening Length: 16 hours and 44 minutes | ASIN : B0FL3HC2LY
LITERARY TITAN 