Blog Archives
Omega I – The Creation
Omega I: The Creation, by David J. Story, is a gritty, emotionally charged vigilante thriller that throws readers headfirst into the horrors of child trafficking and the failures of the justice system. It follows a group of ordinary citizens, survivors, the broken, and the angry, as they unite to form “Omega,” a clandestine team that takes justice into their own hands when the courts fail. Beginning with a mistrial that lets a known pedophile walk free, the story quickly escalates into street-level retribution, covert operations, and deeply personal reckonings, all woven together with high-octane drama and moral ambiguity.
David J. Story does not hold back. From the opening chapter, the emotional weight is immediate and intense. The section titled The Macon Trial is especially powerful, an unflinching depiction of courtroom failure that had me tense with frustration. The dismissal of crucial evidence on a technicality, allowing a known predator to go free, felt disturbingly plausible. That sense of injustice is palpable, and it’s clear the author intended to provoke exactly that response. Story captures the deep, familiar outrage that comes when the system fails the vulnerable. The prose is blunt and unpolished at times, yet that roughness complements the story’s urgency. Even when the writing strays into uneven territory, the emotion behind it remains unmistakably authentic.
The characters, particularly Jack and Shay, are compelling not because they embody heroism but because they feel authentically human. Shay’s trauma and Jack’s own concealed past unfold gradually, revealed through moments of vulnerability and stark, difficult conversations. One especially powerful scene takes place when Jack and Shay sit in a diner reflecting on their experiences with abuse and vengeance. The moment is emotionally jarring. The writing may not be refined or lyrical, but its honesty is undeniable. It strikes with blunt force. Jack’s revelation about his past is both unexpected and deeply affecting. This is a novel that holds profound pain at its core, yet there is a persistent, somber sense of justice that lingers long after the scene ends.
What truly carried the story was its heart. This isn’t a book about flawless prose; it’s about people reaching their breaking point and choosing to act when no one else will. When the Omega team commits fully to their brand of vigilante justice, I couldn’t help but root for them, even when it made me question my own sense of right and wrong. That’s the power of this story: it doesn’t offer easy answers. It wrestles with justice and vengeance, law and healing, and it does so with an honesty that’s raw and compelling.
If you prefer stories with clean resolutions and neatly tied endings, this may not be the book for you. But for those who have ever felt a surge of frustration at injustice, whether watching the news or sitting helplessly in a courtroom, Omega I resonates deeply. It speaks to the angered, the grieving, and those who still hold onto the conviction that action matters, even when the system fails. Unflinching and emotionally charged, this novel is both powerful and provocative.
Pages: 297 | ASIN : B0C2L9KH94
Choice of Evils
Choice of Evils, by Morley Swingle, is a sharp, twist-filled legal thriller that follows Wyatt Blake, a former district attorney turned defense lawyer, defending a millionaire accused of murdering his best friend during a rock-climbing trip. Set in the snow-draped peaks of Colorado, the story weaves courtroom drama, moral gray areas, and emotional backstories into a compelling tale of justice, loss, and the fine line between right and wrong.
What really pulled me in wasn’t just the whodunit mystery; it was Wyatt himself. He’s a flawed, smart, funny, sad guy who’s trying to stitch his life back together after losing his wife in a freak skiing accident. His inner thoughts are dry and biting, like when he watches a potential client chew his nails and thinks he hasn’t “encountered scissors in months.” That kind of dark humor is sprinkled throughout the book and made me both laugh and wince. I felt his grief when he hides the photo of his daughter before meeting the accused murderer, Ryker Brando. Swingle writes pain without melodrama.
Ryker Brando is a chilling character; detached, calculating, and unnervingly composed. He openly admits to cutting the rope that led to his best friend’s death, yet displays no visible remorse or emotional turmoil. Instead, he presents his actions with stark, matter-of-fact reasoning. This emotional flatness makes him difficult to read, let alone sympathize with, yet it’s precisely this ambiguity that gives his character such power. Swingle resists the urge to paint Ryker as a clear-cut villain; instead, he challenges the reader to grapple with the unsettling logic behind Ryker’s choice. “Two people die, or just one,” Ryker says, and you’re left genuinely unsure of what you might have done in his place. The novel’s treatment of the “choice of evils” defense is not only compelling but also intellectually provocative, presenting legal nuance in a way that’s accessible without ever oversimplifying.
The courtroom scenes are particularly well-executed. Unlike many legal thrillers that get bogged down in tedious procedural detail, Swingle’s narrative moves with precision and energy. His legal expertise is evident, but what stands out even more is his ability to translate that knowledge into sharp, engaging drama. The pacing is brisk, the dialogue crisp, and the legal sparring, especially between Wyatt Blake and his successor, Chad Coburn, is both intense and layered. Coburn, a former NFL linebacker turned district attorney, brings an aggressive, politically charged edge to the proceedings, making their confrontations not just legal battles, but deeply personal and ideological clashes.
The supporting characters are also given room to shine. Nikki, Wyatt’s resourceful and sharp-tongued secretary, adds both levity and depth, underscoring Swingle’s talent for creating memorable, multidimensional personalities. By the final chapters, I found myself fully invested, not just in the outcome of the case, but in the broader questions the book raises. The narrative explores themes of guilt, justice, and moral ambiguity with both intelligence and emotional resonance. Whether or not Ryker is truly guilty almost becomes secondary to the exploration of what guilt really means. Swingle delivers this with wit, emotional insight, and a firm grasp of human complexity.
Choice of Evils will appeal to readers who appreciate legal thrillers that delve into moral ambiguity and psychological depth. With its layered characters, ethically charged dilemmas, and compelling courtroom drama, the novel offers both intellectual engagement and emotional impact. For those who enjoy thoughtful, well-paced narratives grounded in legal realism, this is a standout choice.
Pages: 731 | ASIN : B0F6M1YJHL
The Departure Point
Good for the Soul follows a former prime minister forced out of seclusion and back into the spotlight and a troubled priest facing off against a criminal overlord. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My first novel – Paths Not Yet Taken – was written as a standalone story, but the overwhelmingly positive response from my readers invariably included requests (and occasionally demands!) to learn more about the future of the main characters. Having decided to turn one book into a series, it made sense to develop the established plot and themes and to pick up on world events that has occurred in the intervening period.
No matter how much madness dominates our news channels and affects our daily lives, I am always hopeful that humanity’s ability to respond and to overcome trials and tribulations will eventually prevail. Good For The Soul gave me the opportunity to visualise how that might look, whilst having a laugh at the expense of politicians and the oligarchy at the same time.
Did you plan the tone and direction of the novel before writing, or did it come out organically as you were writing?
I had a very good idea of the tone of the novel. Life is a mix of the heart-rending, the heartwarming, tragedy, and humour and I hope I’ve reflected that throughout the book. In terms of direction? Well, I knew the departure point and where I wanted to arrive. Let’s just say the journey was as much an adventure for me as it is for the reader – and I loved every second of it!
What were some of the emotional and moral guidelines you followed when developing your characters?
Community and family are very important to many people. I remember vividly how the townsfolk of Warrington came together after the bombing in March 1993, which killed two young boys and injured 56 others who were just out shopping. People in other parts of the UK and Ireland no doubt had similar experiences and felt the same kind of togetherness in that period of violence. I wanted to show how divisive acts can bring people closer together. I also wanted to explore how far people would go in order to protect those they love; what they would sacrifice and what lines they would cross in order to achieve their goal.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
The next book should be published towards the end of this year. It covers the growth and development of the Path Finder movement, which starts to find its feet in Good For The Soul, and the threat it poses to the current world order. As with the first two books, there will be a significant amount of satirical humour, but this time it will be accompanied by illegal border crossings, half-crazy presidents, and the occasional tornado.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Threads | Amazon
Six months after assisting the UK’s missing prime minister and avoiding two assassination attempts on the same day, Simon Pope is on holiday with friends, trying to cheer up a man who finds retirement depressing. But Pope also has a secret mission, which requires him to remain unobtrusive. He must assess whether specific individuals in the small Irish town of Clonbrinny are in mortal danger from a criminal overlord.
Failing miserably to maintain the desired low profile, Pope and his group become embroiled in events outside their control and discover all is not as it seems.
Perceptions dissolve, revealing a far more dangerous reality.
Meanwhile, former prime minister Andrew Blackwell’s self-imposed media silence has made him more popular than ever. His Path Finder philosophy generates global intrigue and excitement, despite nobody knowing what it is – including him.
When a secret conference on Ireland’s west coast goes badly wrong, Blackwell must evade a media manhunt and return to London, relying on old friends and new acquaintances for help.
Subsequent events and a meeting of minds raise the tantalising prospect of an unlikely collaboration, creating the foundation of a movement that could transform the world.
Good For The Soul is the second book in the Path Finder series and follows on from the award-winning Paths Not Yet Taken.
Emerge Stronger
The Rise follows a gladiator trapped in a collapsing society ruled by tyrants who has to battle enemies, inner demons, and a regime built on resurrection and control. What was the initial idea behind this story, and how did that transform as you wrote the novel?
The initial idea was I wanted to explore what would happen if man was able to wield a small portion of God’s power and what they would do that. How would they respond? Would they use for good or for selfish reasons? It became obvious to me as I finished book one (The Wall)… That I would need two more books to complete the story to satisfaction.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
I think that the human condition seems to gravitate towards either love and goodness or power and evil. And that we need to actively hold our thoughts and actions captive.
The Rise begins in a traditional way but then takes a turn that defies traditional sci-fi storytelling, turning into a dark, emotional exploration of trauma, resistance, and sacrifice. What was your approach to writing the story?
The Rise is book 3 in The Wall Trilogy. It is an accumulation of all the trials, sacrifice, heartaches, and battles of good against evil from the first two books. I wanted to put the characters through trial after trial so they could finally emerge stronger at the end and learn what really matters.
Where do you see your characters after the book ends?
I see our main characters Asher and Sarai finally be able to live in peace with their son. For the first time, they don’t have the threat of war or outside forces trying to separate them. And although they still have the struggles from their past, they can finally move forward with love.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
A True Redemption
Affliction is a harrowing dark fantasy that follows a captive prince grappling with trauma, identity, and survival under the rule of a ruthless Alpha in a world where magic is a weapon of oppression. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The story was inspired by the desire to write something different, where people of all walks of life could feel represented. I felt like there wasn’t much for options as far as a queer romantasy, and as cliche as it sounds, the story sort of wrote itself. I wanted a story that wasn’t a coming-out story, I wanted to write something where the characters just happened to have different preferences beyond the mainstream.
What inspired you to create such an emotionally raw and psychologically intense character in Nicolas?
Nicolas represents a lot of friends I had growing up who struggled with not only their sexuality but also their worth. Women and men can both struggle with feeling as though their worth ends with what they have to offer; some of them like the power their bodies hold, while some of them become slaves to it, and I wanted to shed light on that. I wanted Nicolas to have a true redemption, and I wanted to touch on the trauma that someone in a situation like this might have actually gone through. It’s not always pretty, and I hope people can enjoy him for what he is. A human.
How did you approach balancing the brutality of the world with moments of introspection and humanity?
I really wanted to try and add dark humor to break up the intensity. My own sense of humor can be dark, and I think when a topic like this comes up, it suited the story to keep up with the theme of, ‘these guys are having a really hard time, but they’re doing it together, even if they don’t want to.’ The villain isn’t always the villain in everyone’s story, and sometimes the good guy is the villain.
Affliction is book one of the Alpha Series. What can readers expect in book two?
The series has 9 books, with 8 finished and the 9th in the works. Book Two is sort of the ‘coming of age’ part of the story. It’s a bit more serious, a lot more magic, and a whole lot more drama.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Movies and Anime
Always Bet on Death: The Griffin Knight Rises follows a sharp new detective transferred from Chicago to Long Island, who is thrown into a tangled web of casino politics, shady business deals, and buried secrets. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I wanted Griffin Knight to investigate a case in a different location. While I was inspired to create a book in a casino after having been in one myself multiple times, Casino Royale was another motivator to create this book. Rather than use Texas Hold ‘Em, I chose blackjack.
What were some of the emotional and moral guidelines you followed when developing Griffin Knight?
Griffin Knight is a morally good person. As a detective, he plays by the book and wants justice to be served. He’s not emotionally perfect, but he improves and adapts as he progresses in his career.
What were some of your inspirations as a writer?
A lot of movies and anime inspired me (old and new), such as Dirty Harry, Sherlock Holmes, Ace Attorney, and Solo Leveling.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
Tangled Fates: An Ellie Graves Arcane Mystery will be released May 31st, 2025.
Author Links: GoodReads | BookFunnel | LinkTree | Instagram | Facebook | Website
After a woman is killed at the controversial Golden Avian Casino & Hotel, Griffin is pulled into a world of glitz, glamor, lust, and lies. The veneer of money and success hides the fact that behind-the-scenes, there are secrets, cover-ups, and illegal actions at every turn. Luckily, he’s not working this case alone. At his side, helping him navigate through the treacherous waters is Detective Trenton Barnes. During the course of the investigation, Trenton steps into the role of Griffin’s mentor, initiating a friendship that will last a lifetime.
If they can’t solve this case soon, there will be even more victims left in the killer’s bloody wake.
Spirituality Behind True Love
Shilpa’s Blue Crayon follows a down-to-earth African American woman in her thirties who, while devoted to her art and deeply committed to those she holds dear, longs for the love of a husband and children she has never known. What inspired the setup of your story?
I wanted to write a love story that displayed lots of mystery and suspense that would include a surprise ending. Most love stories are extremely predictable and not always true to real life. I wanted to show the insecurities that many women have about their looks, careers, love life, etc. But I also wanted to show when it comes to those you love, most women would do whatever it takes to protect their family and friends with or without a man. That protecting those you care about comes first, even when your safety is at risk. Shilpa embodies many women that I know personally who are strong and successful even when they don’t realize it. And, I truly wanted the reader to take this roller coaster ride with Shilpa until she found love and family even when she wasn’t looking for it. Of course, I’m an African American woman myself, retired, and I’m able to provide the Black perspective of life’s challenges.
The supporting characters in this novel, I felt, were intriguing and well-developed. Who was your favorite character to write for?
My favorite characters are Jacob (Shilpa’s husband); and Winnie/Vida (Shilpa’s best friends) because they display their love, loyalty, and commitment even when hard truths have to be discussed. Jacob is in an interracial marriage with Shilpa and I wanted to show his love for his wife that transcends boundaries, cultures, and societies. How he truly loved his wife without condition, and how they were on the same page with raising their children. Jacob understood Shilpa’s insecurities and provided patience to help her work through them. He helped her find her strength. Winnie and Vida (from both worlds) are what best friends embody (loyalty, truth, compassion, kindness, trustworthiness, and honesty). I have life-long best friends like this so it was very easy to write about Winnie and Vida. The best way to do all this is for Shilpa to be trapped in two worlds until she found the truth about her life.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
What love should be between a man and woman and the spirituality behind true love; love of friendship; the beauty of this world with explanations of the color blue and its importance in our lives; racism, diversity, and multiculturalism; passing for white and what that means; money is not important unless you can use it to serve others; and gaining your power and strength when you need it most.
What is the next novel that you are working on and when will that be available?
My first book, published in March 2024, is called “Kevin and KatheRINe in the Next Lifetime.” I believe it to be a beautiful love story. Personal and professional reviews are amazing. This book displays CC Lane’s brand demonstrating the color blue, love and its spirituality, interracial relationships (black woman/white man), and all that comes with it. And of course, that surprise ending. However, the two books are very different.
I’m currently working on my third book called, Munyori and Johannas, in 72 hours. This book also keeps with the brand of interracial love, the color blue, and lots of surprises that keep your heart pounding. I’m hopeful this book will be published by the end of the year. No writer’s block – the storyline keeps coming. Just have to find the time to finish it.
I would also like to note that Kevin Costner, the actor, is mentioned briefly in all my books. My female friends and I absolutely love him – we are all about the same age as Costner. I’ve used the personality of many of the characters he plays in movies for the love interests. My friends noticed it as well.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Instagram | Amazon
New novel delivers a thrilling romance that explores courage, love and multicultural themes
CHICAGO – From the author of “Kevin and KatheRINe in the Next Lifetime” comes another stirring romance novel that will take readers on a journey that transcends boundaries, races and cultures. In “Shilpa’s Blue Crayon” (published by Archway Publishing), author Crystal Charlotte (CC) Lane invites readers to follow the life of Shilpa, a gifted African American artist whose unusual ocean-blue eyes set her apart in ways that both inspire and isolate her.
Shilpa’s story unfolds within two worlds — reality and the vivid world of make-believe. The novel masterfully intertwines romance, suspense, passion, and societal commentary as Shilpa navigates the complexities of her identity, the expectations placed on her, and the danger that threatens her loved ones. As readers turn each page, they will witness Shilpa’s transformation from a shy, self-conscious young woman into a resilient force of nature determined to protect those she loves. The book’s unexpected twists will keep them engage until the very end.
“Shilpa’s Blue Crayon” weaves rich, multicultural themes with gripping narratives. It is a story about strength, self-discovery, and the courage to embrace one’s unique qualities. A hallmark of Lane’s storytelling is her portrayal of true beauty that goes beyond physical appearance. “When considering a person’s value in this world, ‘looks’ should not be the most important factor,” the author explains. “Qualities like personality, character, intelligence, kindness, and integrity are far more significant in building meaningful relationships and determining someone’s worth as an individual. It is one’s values that are important.”
The novel also features a special foreword written by four-time Grammy winner Deniece Williams, whose insight adds a layer of depth and meaning to the narrative.
When asked what she wants readers to take away from “Shilpa’s Blue Crayon,” Lane says, “It’s true that strong Black women can be stereotyped and characterized by strength, self-reliance, and caretaking; and strong Black women are often depicted as women who are able to withstand difficult circumstances and provide for others without regard to their own needs. To a point, this is true, but like any woman, Black women want love, joy, and respect in their lives as well; and some want families with a loving husband. And to fight for that is ok too.”
“Shilpa’s Blue Crayon” is available now at Archway Publishing and other major online retailers.
“Shilpa’s Blue Crayon”
By Crystal Charlotte (CC) Lane
Hardcover | 6 x 9in | 276 pages | ISBN 9781665766340
Softcover | 6 x 9in | 276 pages | ISBN 9781665766326
E-Book | 276 pages | ISBN 9781665766333
Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble
Wishes in a Bottle
Wishes in a Bottle, by Allie McCormack, is a romantic fantasy that weaves together ancient magic, eternal longing, and the power of selfless love. Julian DiConti, a mage from plague-ridden Italy, becomes bound to a mystical bottle after a spell goes wrong, cursed to grant wishes until three truly selfless ones are made. In modern-day New York, his fate collides with Alessandra Taylor, a hospice worker with a compassionate soul, offering him the first glimmer of hope he’s had in centuries. Their story unfolds against the backdrop of pain, healing, and a magical bond neither of them expected.
What struck me most about the book was how real Julian felt despite the genie-in-a-bottle premise. He’s six hundred years old, yes, but his pain is fresh, raw even. The opening scene, in which a selfish woman squanders her final wish on a necklace rather than saving a dying child, was deeply unsettling and emotionally jarring. You can feel Julian’s frustration. I loved that the author didn’t sugarcoat his weariness. He endured centuries of witnessing individuals squander extraordinary opportunities, all while being powerless to intervene. The emotional depth of that experience was profoundly affecting.
Then there’s Alessandra. I adored her. She’s fierce in a quiet, grounded way. Her love for her nephew Bobby and her simmering resentment toward her emotionally absent brother-in-law felt so authentic. There’s a scene where she storms into the hospital after hearing about Bobby’s worsening condition, angry, grieving, full of fire, and yet the moment she sees her sister, she softens immediately. That complexity made her so relatable. When Alessandra meets Julian, there is an immediate sense of connection, marked not only by chemistry but also by trust, skepticism, and genuine curiosity. Their relationship develops gradually, avoiding the trope of instant infatuation, which makes the unfolding of their bond all the more compelling and rewarding.
The magic system is subtle but beautifully handled. It’s not flashy spells and fight scenes, it is ancient rules, quiet consequences, and emotional toll. I especially liked how Julian is punished by pain for bending the rules, like when he visits Bobby without a wish being made. That added meaningful weight to the magical framework, grounding it in emotional consequence. While the middle section leans heavily on dialogue and introspection, it enriches the characters and their relationships. The warmth and underlying tension between them kept the narrative engaging and made it difficult to put down.
Allie McCormack’s Wishes in a Bottle surprised me. It’s not just a love story. It’s about redemption, choice, and the agony of wanting to do good when the world keeps getting in the way. I’d recommend it to fans of character-driven romance with a supernatural twist. If you liked The Time Traveler’s Wife or works by Nora Roberts with a magical edge, you will enjoy this unique romantic adventure.
Pages: 376 | ASIN : B07KXYJM3Q
LITERARY TITAN 