Blog Archives
Ash of the Fallen Star
Ash of the Fallen Star follows Caelin, a restorationist in the ruined city of Lowen’s Fall, as she uncovers ancient glyphs, haunted memories, and a strange connection to a forgotten divine past. Her dreams are filled with wings of violet flame and a voice calling a name that isn’t hers. As mysterious symbols react only to her, and relics stir with unsettling familiarity, a long-dead guardian named Lucan awakens from his tomb, bound to her by a soul-mark and a forgotten vow. The book weaves two stories. Caelin’s cautious descent into myth and Lucan’s desperate rise from death into a tale about memory, loss, and love that spans lifetimes.
The writing is lush, sometimes lyrical, but it fits the world Novane built. It’s dense with memory and layered. I loved how the city itself felt alive, rearranging itself, holding its breath. The glyphs, the rituals, the Restoration Society, all felt real, like they existed before the story even began. Caelin is cautious, observant, and deeply lonely, and her quiet unraveling was as fascinating as it was heartbreaking. Her slow realization that something inside her remembers things she had never lived was powerful. And Lucan, oh, Lucan. His resurrection was brutal and beautiful, and watching him cling to his identity while unraveling was one of the most moving parts of the book for me.
There were moments when the prose felt a bit heavy. At times, I felt the abundance of sensory detail and metaphor made it hard for certain emotional beats to land as sharply as they could have. The dual POV added depth and intrigue, but now and then it slowed the emotional momentum just a touch. Even so, these are minor things in the grand scheme. They didn’t take away from the overall power and beauty of the story. The story had weight, and the emotional threads between Caelin and Lucan, tender, aching, restrained, left me feeling wrung out in the best way.
I’d recommend Ash of the Fallen Star to readers who love fantasy steeped in mystery and mood. If you enjoy the quiet build of The Broken Earth trilogy, the tangled timelines of The Starless Sea, or the intimate scale of The Night Circus, this book will feel like a gift. It’s for those who like their stories soaked in ruin and wonder, with characters who carry the weight of ancient promises and unspoken love. I’m still thinking about the final chapters.
Pages: 280 | ASIN : B0FHJCJ8K1
Propulsive Stories
Stolen follows a brilliant, tough, and resourceful private investigator with a powerful AI who helps a woman being stalked for her new EV battery, when it snowballs out of control into blackmail, espionage, and an underground crime ring aided by a rival AI. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
This question goes to the heart of how I write. Sometimes I start a chapter with only a vague idea of what I want to accomplish. When it’s done, more than I expected ends up on the page. For example, in Stolen, a deadly international assassin targets the protagonist and her client. Until the moment I started writing that chapter, there was no assassin, not even the concept of one. My creative process is fluid and more creative as I go. I never outline my stories or rely on pages of story notes. I start with a loose story framework, define the characters, and then let them loose. I’m sometimes surprised when a twist I hadn’t intended to write suddenly appears. If I like the twist and think it enhances the story, I leave it in and make whatever adjustments are necessary to accommodate it. For my book, Stolen, I didn’t have a distinct element of inspiration; I just had a general idea. However, as this is the third book in the series, the characters were already well-known to me. This familiarity made it easier to tell the story.
The supporting characters in this novel, I thought, were intriguing and well-developed. Who was your favorite character to write for?
Molly, with her massive AI brain, is always fun to write for. In this book, I explore why Molly is motivated to work with humans, rather than trying to wipe out humanity, as some people fear the technology may one day do.
How did you balance the action scenes with the story elements and still keep a fast pace in the story?
I intentionally write all of my books with pace in mind. My favorite line in a review is this: “…I couldn’t put the book down,” or “It kept me up late into the night.” As a reader myself, I enjoy propulsive stories. I want my readers to experience that sensation.
Can you tell us more about what’s in store for Riley Callen and the direction of the next book?
I’m taking a break from this series, but I’ll definitely return to it in the future. These great characters have many more stories to tell. When I do return to the series, the next book already has a title: Quantum. If you think AI’s potential is scary, wait until you see an AI installed on a quantum computer. It’s not hyperbole to say the tech could break the world.
Author Links: Amazon
However, when a Chinese conglomerate purchases the company, Lena learns there will be no payday. The new owner is not liable for the contract she’d negotiated with the old management. Frustrated but determined to change her luck, she revises her original design and substantially extends the battery’s range. She intends to sell the new design to a competing company, which will render her old design obsolete. But it soon becomes clear that the Chinese company that acquired her battery design has become aware of her plan and is surveilling her wherever she goes. Fearful for her safety, Lena contacts Riley Callen and asks for help. Riley and her AI associate Molly quickly intercede, diffuse the situation, and get Lena the money she’s owed.
Thinking the case is resolved, Riley returns to assisting the FBI with capturing a highly organized crew of kidnappers. The Feds had made no progress on the case until Riley and Molly started working on it. Molly quickly discovers the kidnappers have an AI of their own coordinating the logistics of the kidnappings. This allows those in charge to get rich while simultaneously distancing themselves from their crimes and the criminals they employ to do the dirty work.
While embroiled in her work with the FBI, Molly reports that the man running the corrupt Chinese company, Mr. Shi, has contracted an international assassin named The Black Dragon to kill Riley and her client, Lena Alton. Not wanting to stop chasing the kidnappers, who are promising violence against future hostages if the FBI continues to interfere with their crimes, Riley brings in her Special Ops friends, Carnivore and Vegas, to help her dispatch the assassin before he can do any harm.
The clock is ticking on both cases, and Riley will have to work faster than ever to stop these bad guys.
Striking the Right Balance
Flush Royale follows a Greek-Norwegian marine investigator who is pulled into a quest to investigate the Hirondelle, where he uncovers a secret that could change history. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The idea for the story hit me during my first trip to Switzerland in 2022, while I was writing my debut novel. I was hanging out in a terraced vineyard in Lavaux, watching those Belle Époque steamships cruise across Lac Léman. Right then and there, I knew I wanted to set my next book in Switzerland. After that, I started exploring the lake’s maritime history and how I could connect it to Greece, which felt like a cool premise to build the plot around.
Nick Diamantis is a fascinating character. What scene was the most interesting to write for that character?
It’s hard to single out just one scene, but I find myself really drawn to writing the quieter and more introspective moments with Nick. That’s where his personality comes alive on the page, not always through action or dialogue but through subtle observations and reactions. Those moments reveal who he is beneath the surface, and I think that’s when readers are most likely to connect with him on a personal level.
I felt that the action scenes were expertly crafted. I find that this is an area that can be overdone in novels. How did you approach this subject to make sure it flowed evenly?
I think I’ve taken a lot from my own experience reading adventure novels, and I’ve always tried to keep that in mind when writing my own scenes. For me, it’s about striking the right balance. I want the scenes to be engaging and enjoyable to read, while still being clear enough for the reader to visualize without confusion.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
The next book I’m working on is the third novel in the Nick Diamantis series. It will feature all the classic elements people came to love in the first two. I can’t say too much about the plot or a release date, but this time, Nick’s next assignment will take him to Panama and South America.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Ritual, Horror, and Grief
In the Mountain’s Shadow follows an old woman who ventures into the unforgiving wilderness, where she navigates starvation, isolation, trauma, and violence, encountering both animalistic kindness in a wolf and horrifying brutality in other humans. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for In the Mountain’s Shadow came from many places. I was influenced by Japanese tales of ubasute, in which the elderly were allegedly left to die in the mountains; a haunting mythos that speaks to how societies often discard those they no longer find useful.
Most importantly, though, Park’s story is rooted, for me, in the image of the old witch in the woods – not as a villain, but as someone forged by abandonment, survival, and memory.
This blend of ritual, horror, and grief felt like something that needed to be written.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
Humans are endlessly fascinating…because of our capacity for reason, belief, and perseverance; because of how often those things contradict each other. We can convince ourselves of almost anything, sometimes to survive, sometimes to justify, sometimes just because we need meaning.
But what I find most remarkable is our need to tell stories. Sometimes we do it to connect, sometimes to escape, and sometimes for no real reason at all…the endlessly complex impulse to create. That instinct, that emotional transmission through narrative, is what makes fiction so powerful. The written word allows us to explore what it means to be alive in a way that’s both intimate and limitless.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I was drawn to the absence of older women as central figures in fiction—especially as active agents of violence, resilience, or transformation. I wanted to explore the idea of the “female monster” and how societal neglect often shapes that archetype.
What is the next story that you’re writing, and when will it be published?
I’ve got two in the works right now, and I’m hoping to publish sometime next year. One is a story about invading aliens and the way we experience otherness—how we react to what doesn’t belong, and what that says about us. The other is a story that explores the dangers of falling in love when identity, memory, and desire are unstable.
I tend to write more than one at a time, it helps give me a much-needed break from some of the darker material I tend to gravitate toward; it also allows me the freedom to break through genre and write whatever I feel like, whether that’s sci-fi, horror, or something quieter.
My other two published works include Razorblade, a dystopian western about the consequences of taking what doesn’t belong to you, and Fragmentations, a short story collection that plays with form and iterates on the puzzle of the human condition.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
Based on True Events
Scam at Higgins Canyon follows a computer forensic data analyst who agrees to manage a group of construction contractors; however, he had not counted on finding a hidden room full of literal skeletons and unanswered questions. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My stories are based on true events. I have worked in the construction industry in South Africa and Dubai. When tearing down old buildings or doing renovations, it is not uncommon to find things hidden in the wall and under the floor.
How did you come up with the idea for the antagonist in this story, and how did it change as you wrote?
The antagonist is based on someone I knew. As I wrote, the antagonist took on his own persona. All I was doing was writing the words.
Authors sometimes ask themselves questions and let their characters answer them. Do you think this is true for your characters?
Absolutely. This is especially true for the antagonist as he morphed as I wrote more and more.
What do you have in store for Jack Rhodes next, and when can your fans expect his next thrilling adventure to be out?
The draft for Book 5 in the Scam series is with beta readers. It should be published in the next two months. Here is what will be on the back cover: “In the aftermath of police officer Ted Clark’s heroic death, his wife Marie grapples with grief and guilt. As she becomes a target for an insurance scam, Ted’s colleague Jack Rhodes steps in to protect her. The investigation into Ted’s death and the murder of Danny Carlton uncovers a web of familial and criminal entanglements. Freya Ragnall, who runs a chop shop, restores Ted’s Mustang, symbolizing his legacy and revealing more about her criminal activities. Meanwhile, the Lund brothers face their estranged father, Frank, amidst betrayal and ambition. Jack’s lover, Stella West, supports him as he uncovers suspicious financial activities linked to Victor Thornfield’s advanced technology. This culminates in a violent showdown at Vortex. This gripping narrative explores the ethical dilemmas posed by technological advancements and the fragile nature of human connections. A story of loss, justice, and the pursuit of closure.”
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Personal Growth
Aerie is a continuation of the Dragon Guild saga, where Gabri and her dragon Makani seek peace in a mountaintop refuge, only to be swept into a cross-realm rescue mission that tests the bonds of love, loyalty, and identity. What were some new ideas you wanted to explore in book two?
Thank you for your interest in Arie and in me.
At the end of SANCTUM, Gabri was a 16-year-old who had lost all her enhanced abilities when she’d been abducted. Her family on Terra was doing all they could to find her and bring her home. She had bonded with her dragon, Makani, and her Aracai, Ting.
After chapter 1 of AERIE, Gabri’s story continues at age 18. While people flee to Sanctum in droves to escape the evil ruler of Umbra, Gabri and Elio join with other dragons and riders to protect their home and everyone on the planet. This book explores Gabri’s relationships with Elio, who is in love with her, and with Donny, the one she was sure she would build a life with. Donny is still searching for her. New challenges, far more complex than before, test her and the ones she loves. Will Gabri survive and overcome them? Who will she choose to be her life partner?
Gabri’s emotional journey is so raw and personal. Was there a specific experience or inspiration that shaped her arc in Aerie?
Personally, I grew up as an Army brat, moving from one environment to another, sometimes with little warning. Leaving friends behind, or seeing them leave, broke my heart. Changing schools was daunting, especially when we moved during the school year, which often happened. More so, moving from one country to another, from a familiar culture and language to one completely different, left me feeling temporarily powerless. Personal growth occurred as I learned to overcome every obstacle (such as learning another language) and as my broken heart mended after each move. In many ways, I identify with Gabri.
As for Gabri’s character arc, two experiences come to mind. One happens when Gabri is captured by Ozul and discovers he is not the one who abducted her from Terra. She encounters Katzir, the being behind her abduction and the one controlling the planet. She shows great courage, despite being separated from her bondmates and Elio. Before she can reunite with Makani and Elio, Ozul wipes her memory.
The second occurs as she slowly recovers her memories. Donny re-enters her life, and she must make a decision. Elio or Donny? Aerie or Terra?
The dragons feel uniquely alive and soulful. How did you develop Makani’s personality and her bond with Gabri?
Although intertwined with Gabri’s thoughts and emotions through their bond, Makani is very much herself, a being with reason and opinions all her own. She’s highly intelligent, strongly emotive, and, in some ways, a bit clingy. She loves to play during flight but can be serious and intuitive when necessary. Her relationship with Gabri developed as I wrote. It became organic, and I knew how she would interact in any given circumstance. Makani is the dragon I wish I had.
Time shifts and interdimensional travel play a big role. How did you keep the pacing balanced between high action and emotional depth?
It wasn’t easy. As I wrote, I used a spreadsheet, with Terran time in one column and the corresponding Aerie time in another. The spreadsheet kept me sane. After the first draft, I separated the chapters into Terra and Aerie, then wove them together in a way that made sense according to the parallel timelines. The pacing balance seemed natural to me. The story needed to breathe. Picture the high action as an inhale and emotional depth as the exhale. One wouldn’t work without the other. As life ebbs and flows through our seasons, a story should do the same.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
A young warrior in the Dragon Guild, Gabri and her beloved dragon, Makani, fly patrol through the inner world of Sanctum with Elio and his golden dragon, Kealohi. While investigating an abandoned enemy outpost, Gabri is captured and isolated from Makani and everyone she loves. Imprisoned and implanted with a mind control device, can Gabri break free, unite with Makani, and reclaim her lost memories?
Together with Elio and his dragon, Gabri and Makani embark on a quest to reclaim their world from a sinister enemy. As they face formidable foes and uncover hidden truths, their bonds of friendship and courage will be tested like never before. Will they succeed in their mission?
With themes of courage, friendship, and the power of love, Aerie invites readers into an enchanting adventure filled with danger, hope, and the unbreakable bonds between humans and dragons.
Steampunk and Victorian Vibes
The Roses of Port Townsend follows a mother and her two sons as their fresh start in a seaport town turns into a ghostly adventure. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I traveled with my two sons, Ian and Ryan, from Olympia, Washington, to Port Townsend when they were younger. We stayed at Manresa Castle over Easter and had a wonderful time. During our visit, we took several photos and captured images that featured orbs. In one photo, there was an orb above each of our heads, which was quite spooky. Manresa Castle is reportedly haunted and has been featured on the television show “Ghost Adventures.”
The Victorian architecture, combined with both Steampunk and Victorian vibes, makes Port Townsend a fascinating destination. The history of the town, as well as that of Fort Worden and Fort Flagler, is all intriguing and significant. As I was writing the novel, my husband and I lived on the coast, either on Camano Island or in Ferndale, Washington, overlooking the Salish Sea. We visited Port Townsend regularly, and during those visits, ideas for my novel began to develop. I would write between jobs or in the evenings after coming home from work. Once I was able to retire, I started writing regularly, and the ideas flowed freely.
How do you balance story development with shocking plot twists? Or can they be the same thing?
I tell a good story, and plot twists are a necessity. I have always hated knowing how a story would end, and about eighty percent of the time, I can guess at even a “trick” ending and get it right. However, plot twists need to make sense and must enhance the storyline. I found that plot twists added depth to my story and made it more engaging. Everything just fell into place. I also challenged myself to revive my imagination, which had been buried in dry government documents, statistics, program requirements, rules, laws, and administrative procedures. To be truly creative, you must find the child’s voice within and ask yourself what’s truly fun, scary, exciting, whimsical, or even absurd. That’s the voice I try to tap into. I do utilize some of my knowledge about government to create an image of “them bilge-rat government types,” as the untrusting pirate, Ben Pease, would likely say. Still, mostly I rely on my imagination, the history of the area, and the joy of finding and fighting monsters. We all have to defend ourselves against monsters at some point in our lives. These days, they are less likely to be vampires and more likely to be found in the hallowed halls of our political institutions.
Do you find you are able to relate to your characters while writing?
My characters have become very real to me; they feel like members of my family now, so I have a good understanding of what they will and won’t do. I can relate to every character in my novel because they remind me of my sons or because I’ve encountered similar characters in the past. Most of my characters are a blend of people I know, historical figures I’ve discovered through reading, characters from movies or books, and aspects of my own personality.
Can we look forward to more mysteries from you soon? What are you currently working on?
I want to share that the Gumshoes are preparing for another exciting adventure. I am starting to work on “The Portal Protectors,” the next book in the “Roses of Port Townsend” series. I hope to complete my first draft by the summer of 2026.
Author Links: Website | Reader’s Favorite
In the heart of the book, The Roses of Port Townsend, you will meet Mandy Rose, a resilient schoolteacher, whose husband is missing under mysterious circumstances. Forced to leave her home in Olympia due to her school’s closure, she ventures on a daring journey with sons Max and Oscar to Port Townsend, a quaint Victorian era seaport city. Despite warnings of its eerie aura and alleged hauntings from her brother, Leo, Mandy follows the path that fate has laid down for her. The Rose family’s strength is truly tested as they confront the chilling mysteries of this Victorian city.
Mandy, Max and Oscar, and their loyal dogs, Josie and Bone, delve into a world that transcends the realm of the ordinary. The city’s scenic tranquility belies the dangers that lurk within, as the family stumbles upon supernatural beings. The Rose family is welcomed by new friends in Port Townsend; Max and Oscar develop budding romances; family members come to the rescue; and together they all become amateur detectives in the most important missing persons case they will ever face.
Not all is as it seems in this city, where an unusual tomato garden holds lethal surprises, and a pirate’s secret could be the key to their survival. As Mandy and her family navigate through the labyrinth of Port Townsend, they uncover truths that could shatter their reality. What started as a quest for employment soon turns into a race against time as they struggle to find Mandy’s husband, and to discover the secrets of their new home, Victorian cottage, “Little Red.”
The Roses of Port Townsend is a thrill-ride of whimsy, suspense, mystery, and danger. The book weaves an enchanting tapestry of suspense, magical realism, and the strength of a mother’s love. As Mandy battles the unknown, the question remains-will the Rose family bloom again in Port Townsend, or will they wilt under its haunting spell? Dive into the pages of this riveting tale to find out!
Once Upon a Christmas Kiss
This Christmas, hatred burns hotter than love…
She’s built walls around her heart at Thunder Basin Ranch.
Then Mason Thompson storms in—charming, reckless, and completely wrong for her.
One blizzard. One night. One kiss that changes everything.
When Christmas Eve traps them together, enemies become lovers in the most explosive way.
But when her past threatens their future, can a jokester prove he’s the man she’s always needed?
Some Christmas miracles come wrapped in danger.
Once Upon a Christmas Kiss.
Where enemies-to-lovers meets holiday heat.
LITERARY TITAN 