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A Unique Spin
Stolen Histories follows two best friends working to sabotage corrupt institutions who find themselves in a high-stakes heist involving dragons, haunted landscapes, and the looming power of the imperialist Empire. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The first thing I ask when I’m writing something is, ‘Would I enjoy reading this?’ All the situations my characters end up in—from the heists, dragons, and hauntings—are things I love reading about. My biggest inspirations are other stories, like Six of Crows or The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi, along with looking at my characters and asking, ‘What kind of trouble can I get them into?’
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?
My inspiration for the world of Avalon came a long time ago—I thought it would be interesting to have a world where magic is the norm, and not having magic is considered the old wives’ tale. A lot has come from that single idea. I wanted to create my own magic system and world setting while also not being so confusing that no one can follow what’s going on. This is how I ended up with Singers, Scribes, and the like. Initially, I thought of doing a D&D-inspired world, or bringing in gods/creatures that already exist in stories, but ended up discarding that for a unique spin of my own. Now, I have Nightbloods, Sun Eaters, and whatnot. There’s so much worldbuilding I’ve done that the first book doesn’t even touch, so I’m excited to continue the series!
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Bigger themes like imperialism, colonialism, and rebellion were important to me since they will be explored throughout the whole series. But on a character level, themes like identity, grief, belonging, ambition, and family really bring the whole book forward. Each character has their own journey to go on, and I try to do that justice.
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?
This is the first book! Stolen Histories is the start of a six-book series, The Infinite Night Saga, and while I’m not sure when the second book will be finished, it is well on the way. I’m sure it will be done sometime next year, which is exciting for me to think about. What fans can expect is more heists, found family, and struggles against a power-hungry empire!
Author Links: GoodReads | Bluesky | Website | Amazon
A girl in over her head is after a stolen artifact, two master thieves are leading a crew to reclaim lost treasures, and their team is anything but ordinary-some of them shouldn’t even exist. With shaky loyalties, dangerous magic, and an empire tightening its grip, their plan is held together by luck and desperation. They might just pull it off… if the world-or they-don’t tear them apart first.
In this story about secrets, family, and good old-fashioned heists, a ruthless empire hoards stolen history, and a daring crew is reckless enough to take it back. But in a game where power is everything and disaster is inevitable, the difference between a successful job and a fatal mistake might come down to who’s willing to risk it all.
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.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Newsletter | Amazon
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.
The Love of a Dog
Sixty Seconds with My Dog is a moving middle-grade novel about a grieving twelve-year-old who gets a magical chance to talk to her dog for sixty seconds, forcing her to confront what truly matters. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Like many Americans, our family got a dog during the 2020 Covid pandemic. I was not working at the time so training largely fell to me. I was not very good at it and I would often look into the big brown benevolent eyes of our dog and think to myself how great it would be if we could talk to each other. From there it evolved into thinking that it’d be an interesting book idea if you constrained the time period to just one minute.
Dudley is a fantastic character. Were there any real-life dog inspirations or specific Goldendoodle traits that you drew upon to create him?
The inspiration was largely my Havapoo Phoebe, but also from other dogs such as the Bernese Mountain Dog I grew up with, who very much reminded me of the Saint Bernard used in Beethoven. The goldens I’ve known have always been big, friendly, and loving dogs which is why I selected the breed for the story.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I really wanted to focus on the importance of “needs” vs “wants.” I believe that this is a struggle people deal with their entire lives and never fully master. Generally, adults are better than children at recognizing the importance of focusing on getting what they need over what they want but it’s a lesson worth repeating. Ultimately there is no greater need in life than the love of family and friends and I wanted to show that when times are tough and everything is seemingly going against you, you can always turn to your family and friends for support to see you through.
I also wanted to get people thinking about their loved ones and what they might say to them if they had just one more minute to speak with them.
What message or feeling do you most hope readers take away from Sixty Seconds with My Dog?
I want them to root for Phoebe and her redemption. To remember that family will always be there for you. And of course, to remember that there’s little better than the love of a dog.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Sixty Seconds with My Dog tells the story of young Phoebe, who is struggling with the loss of her father and the trappings of teenage life. When her wish comes true, she wrestles with how to spend those sixty seconds with Dudley. Does she spend the time telling Dudley how much he means to her? Does she use it to let Dudley ask her questions? Ultimately, she decides to use that minute to teach Dudley a trick that can be used to generate her own fame.
Only after nearly losing her best friend Dudley does she come to realize what truly matters in life. This story of friendship and family will appeal to kids and parents alike, as well as to anyone who’s ever thought about how great it would be to be able to speak with their dog.
Strength and Fortitude
Tapestry blends historical fiction with memoir, wrapping readers in vivid, often haunting vignettes of women’s lives shaped by hardship, resilience, and a relentless fight for identity and survival. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration was from learning my suspicions of my DNA were true, it was the answer I needed to research. As I child, I heard many whispers of my ancestors, it has stayed with me for all of my adult life, however, once the proof of my inquiries was confirmed, I felt it was time to write about the strength and fortitude that my female ancestors lived with.
Did you find anything in your research of this story that surprised you?
Yes, I had no idea that my Aunt Marg was treated with such disdain by the women in my family and that the ‘nasty operation’ I was informed about, would now be termed as medical abuse. I was also surprised at how the Patriarchal legal system termed it as a necessary determent to solve a psychological illness.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The themes came naturally. Each century I wrote about lived very differently from the world we know today. So each century was explored for the differences in the ways women were accepted into society.
I find a problem in well-written books; in that I always want there to be another book to continue the story. Is there a second book planned?
Most definitely the next one is called The Weavers. A story about how we as women keep our tribal stories together. A more modern-day look at the telling of stories in all genres.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
The journey begins with a mystical exorcism, where soft candlelight dances with shadows, illuminating the ghosts of the past. The narrator calls upon the whispers of her maternal ancestry, inviting them to “come sit with me.” Through this intimate connection, she delves into the lives of the women who came before her-women who stood against the injustices of their time.
These brave souls challenged societal norms, battling the rigid confines of religion, the cruelty of bullying, and the pervasive sexism that marked their world. Many were wrongfully accused of witchcraft, faced the sting of racism, and suffered under the harsh grip of patriarchal oppression. But their struggles did not end there-they also confronted the condescending snobbery and judgment of a matriarchal society that refused to understand their defiance.
Tapestry is a profound exploration of the fortitude and strength of these women, who fought battles on every front yet never lost their spirit. Their stories, once whispered through generations, are now immortalized in this book-a testament to their enduring courage, wisdom, and resilience. Rich in historical detail and deeply personal in its reflections, Tapestry invites readers to connect with the powerful legacies of women who defied the odds and carved their place in history.
Weaving together the past and present, this book is a celebration of female strength, a poignant reminder of the injustice they faced, and an inspiring tribute to their unyielding will. Tapestry: The Book of Lost Worlds will leave readers moved, inspired, and empowered by the incredible stories of women who dared to challenge the world around them.
Pistol Jake
David C. Hoke’s Pistol Jake is a gritty, character-driven Western that follows the tumultuous life of Jacob Roy, a legendary bounty hunter with a complicated past and a reputation that precedes him. Set against the dust-blown backdrop of Praytell, Texas, the story pits Jake against hardened criminals, corrupt deacons, and his own haunted choices, all while weaving in subplots of family, redemption, and vengeance. With a colorful supporting cast including the no-nonsense ranch widow Jessie North and the razor-wielding, scripture-quoting outlaw Deacon, this tale dives deep into themes of morality, justice, and the toll a life of violence takes on the soul.
Reading this book was like riding shotgun on a runaway stagecoach. The writing is raw, immersive, and brimming with energy. Hoke doesn’t pull punches. There’s blood, grit, and language that match the lawless world he’s created. I appreciated the balance between action and introspection. Jake is more than a sharp-shooting cowboy, he’s a man weighed down by loss, regret, and an ever-present sense of duty. The dialogue is sharp and often darkly humorous, which brings the characters to life with authenticity and charm. Deacon, in particular, is terrifying in that he believes his cruelty might actually be divine justice.
The book isn’t afraid to get messy, emotionally and morally. Sometimes the transitions felt jarring, and I feel that a few scenes edged into the grotesque or uncomfortable, but never without purpose. The violence is earned, not gratuitous. Hoke does a fine job of showing how power, faith, and desperation can twist people in different directions. There’s something relatable about all of it. You root for Jake even when he doesn’t root for himself.
Pistol Jake is perfect for readers who love a brutal, heartfelt Western with complex characters and no guarantees. If you’re the kind of person who likes your stories weathered, your heroes imperfect, and your endings earned, saddle up. This book isn’t just another shoot-’em-up—it’s a darn good tale with a whole lot of soul.
Pages: 325 | ASIN : B0DDHRQHW1
Revived
Barbara Avon’s Revived is a haunting and deeply emotional psychological horror novel that explores love, trauma, and the supernatural through the eyes of a tormented couple, Cassie and Steven. Set initially in a gloomy, century-old house with a chilling past, the story quickly spirals into something far darker when Steven dies in a tragic accident, only to be revived. What follows is a slow, dread-soaked descent into psychological chaos as Steven’s return blurs the lines between life and death, love and obsession, memory and madness. Through atmospheric prose and shifting perspectives, Avon crafts a tale where the scariest monsters might just be the ones we carry inside.
To be honest, this book shook me. The writing is sharp and poetic. Avon doesn’t flinch from digging deep into the murky waters of mental illness, trauma, and grief. Her characters feel painfully real, especially Cassie, who’s written with a rawness that made my chest tighten. At times, the prose borders on lyrical, and that contrast—beauty laid over horror—makes it all the more unsettling. I appreciated that this wasn’t a traditional horror story with jump scares. Instead, it’s a slow burn, a psychological unraveling that lingers in your head long after the last page. Avon’s portrayal of intimacy, both emotional and physical, walks a razor’s edge between sensuality and vulnerability, adding a deeply human layer to the supernatural tension.
But here’s the thing: this book isn’t easy. It’s uncomfortable. Disturbing. It’s full of trauma that’s never neatly resolved. The ambiguity can be frustrating—what’s real, what’s hallucination, what’s supernatural—but I think that’s the point. You’re meant to feel off-balance. Still, I had moments where I felt emotionally wrung out and had to step away. That said, I kept coming back. The pacing could be a little uneven at times, and there’s a surreal quality that might not work for every reader. But if you give it your trust, it pays off with a visceral, deeply affecting experience.
Revived is not for the faint of heart. It’s for readers who want more than a thrill—they want to be unsettled, to feel something. I’d recommend it to fans of psychological horror who aren’t afraid of stories that peel back skin to reveal the mess underneath. If you like Shirley Jackson, early Stephen King, or Gillian Flynn’s darker narratives, this book might just crawl under your skin in the best ways.
Pages: 141 | ASIN : B09WZDDPVM
Wise Decisions
The Millionaire Janitor follows a humble and hardworking janitor from South Chicago who navigates the harsh realities of life with grit, old-fashioned values, and a relentless focus on wise financial decisions on his journey from poverty to financial stability. 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 Horatio’s story?
There’s definitely an element of personal experience. Because I grew up poor in money (but rich in many other areas of life), Horatio does somewhat reflect my life experience. I know what it means to be a janitor! The last chapter accurately reflects where my wife and I are now … able to spend winters in a lovely part of the US (where the photo on the book was taken). So, yes, the “element” is there, but the rest is pure fiction.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
The “Seven Pillars” were the important ideas I really wanted to emphasize for young people / young couples. Family, career, wisdom, values, community, health, and, of course, finance. Too many (including myself in my 20s) think that life will go on forever … I want youth to know life goes quickly and they need to make wise decisions (financial and otherwise) in their teens and early 20s.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
Interesting that you ask. Just this afternoon, I was continuing my work on Diamond Nine. It starts out as a baseball story but focuses on life decisions made by the players. I’m hoping to have it out by the end of the year.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
From poverty’s grip to unshakable resilience, Horatio Jefferson will redefine success.
On the unforgiving streets of South Chicago, Horatio Alger Jefferson was born into a world of struggle and survival. Raised by his fiercely determined mother, Emily, Horatio learned the values of hard work, faith, and perseverance. With a name inspired by tales of rags-to-riches, Horatio’s own journey mirrors the dreams his mother envisioned despite every hurdle life threw their way.
From a humble janitor to a man destined for greatness, Horatio’s story is one of love, sacrifice, and unyielding ambition. Guided by his steadfast relationship with Melody, the woman who captures his heart, and bolstered by the values instilled by his community, Horatio learns that wealth isn’t just a matter of dollars—it’s also measured out in love, community, and purpose.
Perfect for readers who crave inspiring tales of personal growth and unwavering determination, Millionaire Janitor will leave you reflecting on life’s true riches.
Grab your copy today and discover how Horatio turns dreams into reality!
His website is
lornbergstresser.com
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lorn.bergstresser
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorn-bergstresser-338b26/
Messy, Human, and Chaotic
Hers to Tempt follows a brooding archangel who sees a rebellious and street-smart hacker entangled in a black-market underworld, whom he is instantly attracted to and defies ancient rules to pursue her. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Honestly, the heart of Hers to Tempt came from this idea that even the strongest of us can fall. That strength isn’t always about dominance or power, it’s often about surrender. I was fascinated by the concept of an archangel, this divine being bound by duty and ancient laws, coming face-to-face with something messy, human, and chaotic, and choosing that instead. Choosing love. Lust. Chaos. Even failure.
The setup came from wanting to explore what happens when someone who’s meant to be untouchable, created for order, starts questioning everything because of one person. A person who is flawed in more ways than one, their complete opposite, but for whatever reason, is impossible to ignore.
There was a lot of time spent crafting the character traits in this novel. What was the most important factor for you to get right in your characters?
Realism. I needed them to feel human, even Michael. I didn’t want anyone reading this thinking they were watching perfect beings from a distance. I wanted them to see the trauma, the fear, the need. Especially for Lee. Her progression arc was really important to me. She’s sharp and guarded, but you can feel her learning how to trust, and how to want something deeper.
And with Michael, it was about showing how love doesn’t weaken powerful men. It undoes them in the best way. Watching him resist that pull and slowly break? That was the whole point. That kind of emotional vulnerability is where the magic happens.
I thought this story had a unique setup and an interesting premise. What were some sources that informed this novel’s development?
So, this novella is a spin-off from my debut trilogy, and it takes place right after Book One, LIORA Lost In Heaven’s Touch. I was working with a world that already existed: 2100 London, where the future is thriving, tech-forward, and full of second chances. Michael is on Earth because he chose to help Liora (the FMC from book one, who used to be an angel) adjust to human life, and that decision is what led him to Lee.
In terms of sources, I read a lot of Christian lore and angel mythology, especially on the concept of fallen angels and divine order. But I wanted to flip some of that. Michael’s fall wasn’t about sin or temptation, even if it felt like that to him. It was destined.
In my version of the lore, Lee was meant for him. She was hidden on purpose because her connection to Michael would make him the strongest archangel, and some forces did not want that to happen. So yeah, between the existing trilogy world, angelic lore, and that idea of hidden strength through love… that’s what shaped this story’s foundation.
I hope the series continues in other books. If so, where will the story take readers?
Even though this specific story came to an end, I left the door cracked open, especially when it comes to Gabriel and Lucifer. There’s a hint of hope there… a sense that maybe soulmates aren’t just for Michael.
I don’t want to talk too soon because I’ve got other projects lined up, but yeah… there’s a real possibility I’ll explore their stories one day. Nothing in my books is coincidental. If the timing’s right, and the characters won’t leave me alone, it’ll happen 🙂
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
He wasn’t supposed to feel anything for anyone. He wasn’t supposed to intervene with human affairs. But when he saw her, something ancient stirred.
Now, their worlds collide in a whirlwind of secrets, temptation, and divine defiance.
She’s a thief with a past that refuses to stay buried.
He’s an angel torn between duty and desire.
Hers to Tempt: A Heavenly Sin is a steamy, emotionally charged paranormal romance filled with forbidden desire, slow-burning tension, and a love that defies the heavens. Perfect for fans of morally conflicted angels, sharp-mouthed heroines, and stories where fate has other plans.
LITERARY TITAN 