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Teneō: A Novella
Teneō is a quiet, eerie, deeply intimate novella about a formless being surviving by occupying human consciousness, always flickering between freedom and unbearable pain. The story follows this unnamed entity as it discovers a strange new possibility, hosts that offer not just temporary refuge, but full control and, most shockingly, satisfaction. What starts as survival turns into a slow, fascinated exploration of humanity: of sensation, thought, even emotion. As the entity grows, it brushes against others like itself, raising huge questions about existence, identity, and connection. It’s a short story, but it sticks in your mind long after you put it down.
Right off the bat, I loved the opening lines. “I live for the moments in-between. Those precious seconds of flight.” That intro sunk a hook right into me. Kojo Gyan’s writing has a floaty, almost dreamlike style that fits perfectly with the narrator’s formless existence. He captures feelings, loneliness, hunger, and wonder with this sparse, rhythmic voice that’s somehow both gentle and urgent. I thought the descriptions of the city from the being’s eyes, like the “storm of senses” when inhabiting the woman in heels, were especially vivid. It didn’t feel like a human looking at humans; it felt alien, sharp-edged, new. I found myself slowing down just to savor the language.
Sometimes that dreaminess made me feel a little lost. There’s this sequence when the being meets another of its kind inside a weird “recharging station,” and for a few pages, I had no clue what was happening. The being couldn’t move, it couldn’t speak, there were voices inside its mind… it was wild but disorienting. Part of me thinks that was on purpose to make the reader feel the same confusion and fear, but it was frustrating. Still, I kind of loved that frustration. It made the moments of clarity, like when the being finally learns how to “open” its boundary and absorb energy, feel like such a hard-won victory.
Emotionally, this book surprised me. I didn’t expect to feel so much for a formless consciousness! But Gyan pulled it off. The scenes with Jeanne, especially the little things like the shower scene or the pizza moment, were weirdly beautiful. They captured this innocence, this pure joy in discovering life’s tiny pleasures. I smiled a lot, especially when the being carefully cleaned Jeanne’s messy apartment just to make her smile. There was a deep, gnawing loneliness under everything. When the being looked up at the giant ones in the sky and felt how small it still was… that hit me hard. It felt so real, even though it was so fantastical.
Teneō is one of those rare books that feels bigger on the inside than it looks from the outside. It’s strange and slow and quietly powerful. It’s for readers who like wandering, who like atmosphere and emotional resonance over fast plots. Anyone who’s ever felt a little lost or a little in awe of being alive will find something here that tugs at them.
Pages: 158 | ISBN: 1069344419
The Forsaken Planet
The Forsaken Planet is a sprawling science fiction epic that kicks off the Power of the Stars series. It tells the story of Colton Samson, an ordinary young man from suburban New England whose world is shattered when alien ships invade Earth. After the sudden destruction of his home and the death of his best friend during the attack, Colton discovers that he is connected to a larger cosmic struggle. The book unfolds across multiple planets and explores themes of vengeance, power, friendship, and identity. As Colton grapples with loss and truth, he finds himself drawn into a war that threatens not just Earth but the entire known universe.
I was hooked from the first page. Bryan Wilson knows how to build tension. The slow burn of normal life being ripped apart by cosmic forces gave me real chills. His characters, especially Colton, feel like people you could know: awkward, impulsive, loyal to a fault. The dialogue is natural and sharp, and Wilson has a real knack for blending big sci-fi concepts with relatable emotions. Spoiler alert: When TJ dies, it hurt. Not just because of the loss, but because of how raw and real that moment felt. I also loved how Wilson keeps the pacing tight, even with a lot of world-building. He doesn’t get bogged down in exposition dumps. He lets the mystery unfold at just the right pace.
One of my favorite parts was the mythology. It’s this rich, layered history of prophets, lost power, and a cosmic kingdom that once united all human-inhabited worlds—including Earth. I loved how Earth is portrayed not just as a distant, disconnected planet but as something sacred that was cut off, “forsaken,” like a fallen temple in the stars. It reminded me a lot of Star Wars with its ancient orders and mysterious forces, but also had touches of Dune and even The Silmarillion—that same sense of deep, mythic pasts shaping the present.
The writing is energetic and full of heart. Bryan Wilson has a clear love for the story he’s telling, and it shows in the vivid scenes and emotional moments. His style is easy to follow, with natural dialogue and strong pacing, though sometimes it leans a little dramatic. Still, the emotion behind the words pulls you in, and when it hits, it hits hard.
The Forsaken Planet is a heartfelt and wild ride through space and emotion. It’s for anyone who likes their science fiction with a bit of old-school flair, big stakes, and bigger feelings. If you’re into stories about underdogs becoming heroes, hidden powers, and interstellar drama, then this one’s for you.
Pages: 599 | ASIN : B0C3RVGK9R
Retribution: Chronicles of Reaper Book II
Retribution kicks off in a richly imagined world where God’s warriors, the Reapers, battle the forces of Lucifer and his fallen angels. The story follows Burt, a seasoned Reaper, as he tracks the demon Midos into a mysterious cave, only to find himself facing something far more powerful: a Fallen Angel. From there, the narrative spirals into a tense, emotional saga blending brutal combat, fierce loyalty, and unwavering faith. Alongside a vivid cast of characters like Jaml and Shay, the story expands into political intrigue and a dangerous mission to save a kidnapped prince, all while the threat of an unholy alliance grows ever stronger.
Reading this book was a ride I wasn’t expecting. The writing style is refreshingly straightforward—no stuffy prose, no pretentious rambling. It’s punchy and raw. I found the fight scenes especially gripping. They’re fast, messy, and unflinchingly brutal, just the way real combat should feel. Sometimes the dialogue felt a little heavy-handed—people don’t always speak in sermons—but honestly, the heart behind it made up for any stiffness. I could tell the author genuinely cared about these characters and the world they were defending.
The ideas in this story resonated more than I thought they would. It’s not just about swinging swords and crushing demons (though there’s a lot of that, and it’s awesome); it’s about faith, sacrifice, and sticking to your values even when the odds are stacked sky-high against you. The portrayal of evil isn’t cartoonish either. The Fallen Angels aren’t just “bad guys”—they’re chillingly charismatic, smart, and seductive. I actually felt the fear and the temptation, and that made the battles feel so much more real. At times, the story wrestles with huge questions about loyalty, destiny, and human weakness, and it never talks down to the reader while doing it.
While I enjoyed the story, I felt that a little more show, and a little less tell, would’ve punched the tension even higher. But when the action did kick in, it roared to life. The world-building was another bright spot for me. Temples, golden dragons, ancient swords—the setting was vivid without being overwhelming. It never felt like the story was buried under its own lore, which is a rare in fantasy.
Retribution is a book for readers who love their fantasy gritty, their battles high-stakes, and their heroes bloodied but unbroken. I’d especially recommend it to fans of The Witcher or Demon Slayer—anyone who likes their good-vs-evil stories a little darker and a lot more real. This isn’t some pretty fairytale. It’s a bloody prayer carved into stone—and it’s worth the journey.
Pages: 464 | ASIN : B0F5NLJL1D
Hermosa, A Novel
Hermosa is a wild, fast-paced novel that starts with a bang. James, a real estate developer with a strong moral compass, witnesses an attempted kidnapping and doesn’t hesitate to intervene, smashing his beloved truck into the kidnappers’ van. That single act ties his fate to Lauren, a sharp-witted neuroscience resident, and launches the two into a tense, oddly heartwarming adventure across Los Angeles. Along the way, they uncover shady characters, dangerous secrets, and an unexpected bond between two people who never knew they needed each other. Slavin wraps all this action in a rich setting full of nostalgic Southern California vibes, sharp humor, and slow-burn romance.
What I really loved about this book is how immediately real the characters felt. From the moment James spots Lauren by the freeway (“it was like watching moving art,” James muses), I was hooked. Their chemistry isn’t forced, it bubbles up in little moments, like Lauren making fun of James’ “pocket protector” comment after the accident. It’s funny without trying too hard, and that effortless humor makes their relationship feel genuine. The way Lauren and James joke about “jocular” versus “jovial” is a perfect example. The dialogue throughout the book just clicks in that way where you forget you’re reading fiction.
Not everything is sunshine and good vibes. Slavin doesn’t shy away from creating truly nasty villains, and he goes deep into their twisted mindsets. Some sections about Chance and Billy, especially when they rant about women (like the disturbing “Harvey Weinstein wasn’t that bad” drunk conversation), made my skin crawl. But that’s the point. Slavin doesn’t glamorize their evil; he shows how deeply messed up and entitled they are. It’s heavy, but necessary. I appreciate that he didn’t flinch away from the darker side of human nature, even if I sometimes wished I could speed-read past those parts because they made me so angry.
One thing that completely charmed me is how Pete Slavin paints Los Angeles. He captures LA’s weird contrasts, which are gritty yet beautiful, fake but somehow authentic underneath, with such a sharp eye. James’ quiet beach house in Hermosa Beach (not huge, but cozy and thoughtful, like everything about him) feels like a character itself. When Lauren looks out over the Valley from the fixer-upper house, it’s not just a pretty view; it’s a glimpse into hope, rebuilding, and starting over. Those small moments, a sunset, a shared Diet Coke, a quiet joke about being a “weirdo,” brought a surprising sense of warmth and tenderness to the story. I did not anticipate feeling so genuinely moved while reading an action-thriller-romance, yet that is exactly what happened.
Hermosa is a perfect read for anyone who loves fast plots, believable love stories, and characters who actually feel like people you could meet in real life. If you like books with action, humor, and heart (and don’t mind some very dark villains), you’ll absolutely get caught up in this one. Slavin skillfully strikes a balance between high-stakes action and tender, everyday moments, creating a story that is both thrilling and unexpectedly heartfelt.
Pages: 274 | ASIN: B0F2SMYQK2
Life and Love on Mouse Island
Life and Love on Mouse Island is a heartwarming tale about Isabel Flynn, a sixty-something New Yorker who inherits a dilapidated house on a remote island off the coast of Maine. Looking to start over after a long career in the city, Isabel arrives on Mouse Island only to be immediately challenged by everything from the rough sea journey to a crumbling front step and, eventually, a three-legged rescue dog. What unfolds is a story of rediscovery, connection, and the often messy but beautiful process of building a new life from the ground up.
Jannette’s writing is clear and inviting, with a warm tone that wraps around you like a knitted scarf on a cold morning. Isabel isn’t some glamorous heroine; she’s real. She’s insecure, unsure of herself, stubborn, messy. And yet, that’s what makes her so relatable. There were moments that made me laugh—especially her battle with an ancient toaster oven—and others that genuinely moved me. Watching Isabel slowly open up, face her fears, and grow into someone more courageous and whole was a journey that felt both authentic and uplifting. I found myself rooting for her the whole way.
But what really hit me hard was the quiet beauty of the relationships. They sneak up on you. A helpful handyman with unexpected depth. A mysterious artist with green eyes and a past. And of course, Sadie, the injured puppy who becomes the heart of the story. These characters aren’t flashy or overly dramatic, they’re gentle, flawed, and kind. And that’s exactly why it works. It feels like real life. Honest, complicated, and occasionally magical.
If you’re someone who’s ever thought about starting over or needed a nudge to believe you could, Life and Love on Mouse Island will speak to you. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy cozy, character-driven fiction with a touch of humor and heart. I’d especially recommend it to fans of Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine or The Shell Seekers. It’s a reminder that it’s never too late to make a new beginning, fall in love, or rescue a dog, or maybe even yourself.
Pages: 312 | ASIN : B0F6T924SK
A Wedding To Remember
A Wedding to Remember is a delightful blend of romance, mystery, and a touch of the supernatural. Set in the picturesque town of Blue Cove, the story follows Jessie, a bookstore owner with the unusual ability to communicate with spirits, as she navigates the complexities of planning her wedding to the love of her life, Matt, while also facing mysterious threats that put their future in jeopardy. With a host of colorful characters, both living and spectral, the novel is as much about love as it is about overcoming the unexpected.
Blue Cove feels alive with its blustery autumn winds, charming shops, and a cemetery that holds more than a few secrets. I loved how the town became a character in itself, and the opening chapter beautifully set the tone with Jessie watching a red leaf dancing in the wind—a small moment that echoes the balance between tranquility and turbulence in her life. Morrison’s prose is warm and inviting, though at times, I felt the descriptions leaned a bit heavily on exposition.
Jessie is a relatable and endearing protagonist. Her relationship with Matt, however, is the emotional anchor of the story. Their chemistry is tender and believable, whether they’re sharing quiet moments or weathering chaos together. A standout scene for me was when Jessie intercepted a threatening phone call at her bookstore. The mix of humor, dread, and resolve captured her duality—someone both ordinary and extraordinary, just trying to make it to her wedding day without catastrophe.
One aspect I found both fascinating was the integration of the supernatural elements. Jessie’s interactions with ghosts and fairy-like guardians added an intriguing layer, but some moments felt overly whimsical and disrupted the mystery’s tension. That said, Gina’s spectral presence, as the first ghost Jessie encountered, provided a heartfelt throughline about how the past shapes the present.
Morrison also shines when exploring themes of community and purpose. Jessie’s reflections on using her “gift” to help others—whether solving murders or giving voice to the voiceless—are thought-provoking. The chapter where she dreams of meeting the spirits she’s helped over the years was particularly moving for me. It’s a poignant reminder of how small acts can ripple outward, affecting lives in unexpected ways.
A Wedding to Remember is a cozy and heartfelt read with a unique blend of romance, mystery, and magic. It’s a story with a lot of heart. I’d recommend this book to fans of small-town mysteries, light paranormal romances, and anyone who enjoys tales with a whimsical twist.
Pages: 295 | ASIN : B0DYF72Z1Y
A Catastrophic Future
Renegade follows a space captain who discovers his father is the target of an assassination attempt, leading him to defy orders and go rogue to hunt down the assassin. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
First, I think it was only a matter of time before Nick’s father (Van Childs) and the leader of the Consortium would be the subject of an assassination. Second, I wanted to put Nick back on Earth after years of absence. And finally, I wanted a story that centered more around Nick and not the Argos team as a whole. Doing these things required a story backdrop that would carry Nick forward in a compelling tale with some complexity that people would want to follow.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
As the book suggests, humans are becoming more and more reliant on automation of one kind or another, especially with the addition of AI. As a result, and as each generation passes, we lose the fundamental skills and sense of initiative that earlier generations had. In Renegade, I suggest what society might be like after the major threats to humans have been eliminated and governments can divert money from military preparations to social causes. The need and even willingness to work fades when everything is taken care of by the government. One of the most significant issues that exists even today is the lack of skilled labor. Who will take care of plumbing issues years from now? Who will fix your cars and other modes of transportation? All these skilled positions are fading as the older generation passes. Given the scenario in Renegade, that could be catastrophic. When writing about the future, I think it is important to project current events and capabilities and guess what impact society would have in the not-so-distant future.
When you first sat down to write this story, did you know where you were going, or did the twists come as you were writing?
Initially, I had an idea that I might normally have run with, but this time, I mapped out the outline of the book from beginning to end. That’s not to say that I didn’t make changes along the way; there were many. With as many characters as the book contains, filling their backstories was a significant challenge. I constantly had to refer back to things that I wrote early on. One of the hardest parts was choreographing the battle scenes in space. I had over thirty sheets of paper with each stage of the battles to ensure consistency in locations, attacks, damage, etc. Twists and turns presented themselves along the way.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
The next book will be called Defiance. In it, the Argos team will return to the planet Brintal at the request of the world government. Something strange is happening there, and they need the help of Captain Nick Hall and his crew to solve the mystery. As one might suspect, there are complications, including the existence of a new species that can threaten Brintal and all of the worlds of the Consortium: the home of the Argos. It should be a page-turner!
Author Website
Captain Nick Hall has always followed orders—until now.
When an assassination attempt targets his father, he defies Guardian Force and the Consortium, embarking on a rogue mission to hunt down the assassin. What he discovers is far worse than he imagined.
Earth, once a dominant force, has fallen into complacency after the Arkon war. Advanced technology has made life easy, and global defenses have crumbled. Two powerful factions see this weakness as their chance to seize control, using covert sabotage and open warfare to reshape the planet’s future.
With limited resources, minimal support, and enemies closing in from all sides, the Argos crew is facing their most dangerous fight yet.
Packed with high-stakes action, political intrigue, assassinations, and space warfare, Renegade is an explosive chapter in the Records of the Argos series.
If you love intense battles, deep strategy, and heroes willing to break the rules to win – Join the fight for Earth’s survival.
Trust on Trial
In Trust on Trial, G.S. Gerry delivers a genre-defying courtroom drama that puts the very concept of trust in the defendant’s chair. Through a bold and imaginative framework, Gerry explores the complexity of human faith, betrayal, and redemption by staging a trial where “Earnest Trust” is accused of fraud and breach of contract. The book moves through opening arguments, witness testimonies, and mounting evidence, both secular and sacred, asking the reader to consider the fragility and power of trust in their own lives. As jurors, readers are dragged into the emotional and philosophical firestorm surrounding every broken promise, every heartfelt risk, and every soul-deep disappointment.
Reading this book felt like watching a courtroom thriller crash headfirst into a TED Talk with a pastor and a stand-up comic on the bench. And somehow, it works. The writing style is punchy, dramatic, and often hilarious, with a rhythm that sways between poetic intensity and playful banter. Gerry plays with metaphor and theatrical tension in a way that makes each chapter feel like a scene in a well-directed play. His characters, Earnest Trust, the peacock-like prosecutor Curtis Reed, and the soulful defender Harvey Shield, are vivid, layered, and unforgettable. But underneath the flair and snappy dialogue is a serious meditation on pain, vulnerability, and where we choose to place our trust, people, institutions, or God.
The book leans on allegory and symbolism. At times, I craved more room to sit with the ideas rather than be handed metaphors. And yet, even in those moments, I couldn’t look away. This book struck nerves I didn’t know were still raw. It reminded me of past betrayals, yes, but also of why I continue to trust, despite it all.
If you’ve ever questioned your faith in people, in systems, in God or if you’ve been burned and are afraid to try again, this book is for you. It’s for the skeptical, the hopeful, and the broken-hearted. Trust on Trial isn’t light reading, but it’s real. It’s funny, aching, bold, and brutally honest. It got under my skin and made me think harder about something I too often take for granted.
Pages: 182 | ASIN: B0FBXDVGYZ
LITERARY TITAN 