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Aching Hope
Losing Austin follows a teen boy with a reputation for being a hothead whose nonverbal older brother mysteriously vanishes during a rainstorm, and he spends years searching for an answer. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I was a high school teacher for many years and so often I’d hear one kid say something nasty or hateful to someone I knew to be his/her friend. I also recall many times kids would shout or scream at their parents or siblings. If they were students I knew well, I’d suggest they make it right with their friend or parent because we never know if we’ll have the opportunity. The unexpected always intervenes in life. This thinking was the seed that begat Losing Austin, and it’s the essential premise of the book. I also worked with nonverbal students and always wondered what they were thinking and what they would say if they could, which provided me with inspiration for the character of Austin.
I found Colton to be an intriguing character. What was your inspiration for this character?
I worked with many kids over the years labeled special education and some required a lot of extra attention on the part of parents and teachers. I also came to know the siblings of these kids and sometimes there was resentment that their brother got all the attention. They knew he needed the attention—even from them—but resented not getting what they needed themselves. These experiences begat Colton, a boy who is forced to be independent from a young age and feels he’s been cheated out of nurturing that should have come to him because his brother is “different” and takes up the lion’s share of his parents’ time. From resentment comes anger, and anger becomes all Colton is in the eyes of teachers, his parents, and other kids. That’s his label and once kids have been labeled, it’s difficult to shed that label.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Losing Austin is about grief; about the way loss fractures a family, leaving jagged edges that don’t quite fit together anymore. It’s about guilt and redemption and desperate, aching hope, the hope Colton feels that Austin is alive and will be found. It’s also about regret, the regret Colton feels for his anger towards Austin and his frantic need for forgiveness. It’s about letting go, about accepting that some people aren’t ours, no matter how much we love them. It’s about redemption and the ability to overcome one’s past. And it’s about the need for parents to love their children equally—no matter that one child might need more of their time—because all children need to be nurtured.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I have completed my first foray into middle grade territory and that book should be out by April of 2026. I’m also writing the two sequels to my award-winning Forever Boy that will complete the trilogy, and I’ve mapped out a cozy mystery to tackle after those are finished, so I’ll be busy.
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Riddled with guilt, Colton spends every waking moment trying to find Austin. Searching online for similar missing kids, he meets Keilani, a girl from Hawaii whose younger brother vanished the same day as Austin. Internet explorations reveal other kids who also disappeared, always on rainy days. Since none of these kids have been heard from since, alien abduction seems the most likely answer.
Colton endures years of frustrating dead ends and high school graduation beckons. Then something so shocking occurs that the world descends on the Bowman home in the form of media, law enforcement, even Homeland Security, and Colton’s life will never be the same.
Togetherness
Lucina in Humbra Land a young girl opens a mysterious birthday gift, a ruby necklace, she is suddenly transported into a magical world filled with enchanted creatures and perilous journeys. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Originally I wanted to write about girls having a tea party with their grandma because I grew up loving tea parties. I came up with the idea for the ruby necklace because both a ring and shoes had been used in other famous tales. Ruby is my birthstone and has always been my favorite stone. I wanted Lucina to travel to a fantasy land because that is what children dream about. The characters in the forest mirrored the characters from the grandparents’ farm. The grammy’s art studio is like my art studio.
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?
The farm in my story is my sister’s farm. I chose the 50s as the time period because I think that would have been one of the best times to grow up. Tea parties happened in the 50s; we need children to spend time having a tea party with their grandparents. I love to take walks in the forest, enjoying the colors, creatures, and fresh air. The setting morphed from being fun to mysterious to creepy to loving.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The main theme of my book that I want to promote is the theme of family togetherness. It’s very important to spend time with your family. I use Lucina as an example of someone who has courage and strives to do the right thing, not just for herself, but for others. I encourage the theme of working together, and I promote the Celtic or Irish theme because it is my heritage.
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
There is a sequel coming to my Lucina in Humbra Land Book. The story is not complete yet, but I’m hopeful that fans will be equally enchanted with the next book.
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The story unfolds as Lucina, guided by the wise and sturdy Noak, attempts to unite the inhabitants of Humbra Land, including the ethereal Cinda, the mischievous Nutty, and the formidable vine monsters led by Crag. The fate of this enchanting realm rests on their shoulders, and Lucina becomes the linchpin in their efforts to avert disaster.
The urgency to save Humbra Land is intensified by torrential rains, thunderous storms, and a relentless flood that threatens to erase the magical realm. With determination and courage, Lucina faces the challenge of convincing the vine monsters, lost in a misunderstanding, to join forces with the other inhabitants.
As Lucina and her newfound friends embark on a mission to transport a gigantic granite boulder up the Shannon River, they encounter numerous obstacles and confrontations. The story weaves themes of cooperation, empathy, and friendship, emphasizing the transformative power of unity in the face of adversity.
Lucina’s journey is not merely a quest to save Humbra Land; it becomes a personal odyssey of growth, resilience, and self-discovery. Alongside the fantastical elements, the narrative explores family bonds, as Lucina’s commitment to saving her Grammy’s farm becomes a driving force for her.
Amidst the adventure, suspense, and remarkable encounters, Lucina’s character evolves, demonstrating the strength that emerges from facing challenges head-on. The book captures the essence of courage, friendship, and the enduring spirit of resilience.
“Lucina in Humbra Land” offers a captivating blend of fantasy and adventure, suitable for middle-grade and young adult readers. With its richly developed world, relatable characters, and heartfelt themes, this enchanting tale promises to captivate readers and leave a lasting impression.
The Vessel
The Vessel is an enthralling supernatural thriller that takes readers on a twisted journey into a world where ritualistic surgeries, ancient ceremonies, and dark forces collide. The story revolves around the mysterious “Vessel,” a sacred object tied to the resurrection of a powerful preacher. As characters grapple with betrayal, bloodshed, and unholy pacts, they find themselves caught in a web of destiny and madness, where the line between salvation and damnation is often too thin to discern.
The Vessel dives headfirst into its grim world, setting up a dark and mysterious atmosphere that holds your attention. The narrative unfurls through a mix of intense action and philosophical musings on faith, power, and the human soul. While the premise feels familiar, MacArthur breathes new life into the genre by blending medical procedures with arcane rituals, making the stakes feel terrifyingly real. The novel keeps you hooked with its unpredictable turns and high-stakes tension.
What struck me most about The Vessel was its exploration of complex moral dilemmas. The antagonist, the Surgeon, plays a pivotal role in the ritualistic resurrection of the Preacher, and his actions blur the line between sacred duty and personal ambition. At one point, when the Surgeon prepares for the final procedure, the language used to describe the grotesque rituals is haunting yet fascinating. “The Vessel was safe — for another brief moment of time,” the Surgeon reflects, and this fleeting moment captures the fragile, almost tragic nature of the Vessel’s existence. It’s not just a physical object—it’s a symbol of human frailty, both in the ritual and in the characters themselves.
MacArthur’s ability to evoke vivid imagery is another highlight. When the “sacramental surgery” is described, it’s not just a medical procedure; it’s a grotesque spectacle, a macabre blend of science and religion. The sheer intensity of the scenes, especially those involving the transformation of the Carrier, left me feeling both disturbed and captivated. The ritualistic atmosphere is thick with tension, enhanced by the author’s attention to detail. The process of “implanting the Sacred Vessel” is described with an eerie reverence, as if the characters are part of something far greater than themselves, whether they believe it or not.
The characters themselves are deeply flawed and intriguing. Take Tessa, for example. She is tough and determined, yet her vulnerability shines through, especially in moments of personal reflection. Her internal struggle, like when she wrestles with her feelings for Jack, adds an emotional layer to the otherwise cold, ritualistic world. Her interactions with Jack are particularly compelling as they navigate their roles in this twisted saga. Sometimes the dialogue teeters into melodrama, but it’s clear that MacArthur has a knack for writing characters that feel real, even in such an outlandish setting.
The Vessel is a gripping tale of dark rituals, moral ambiguity, and the consequences of playing with powers far beyond human understanding. It’s a book that will appeal to fans of dark fantasy and supernatural thrillers who enjoy complex characters and intricate plot twists. While it can be quite intense and unsettling, it’s definitely worth the read for anyone looking to explore a chilling, thought-provoking narrative. If you’re into stories that mix suspense, horror, and metaphysical questions about life and death, The Vessel is a must-read.
Pages: 276 | ISBN: 978-1-64456-813-2
The Gypsy King: A Christmas Story
The Gypsy King: A Christmas Story is a deeply emotional coming-of-age tale wrapped in the quiet stillness of 19th-century America. The story follows 15-year-old Daniel McDavid, whose life unravels in the opening pages with the death of his parents and the separation from his little sisters. Orphaned and alone, Daniel is forced to reckon with grief, survival, and an uncertain future. What unfolds is a powerful journey through hardship, found family, and unexpected friendship, especially with a grieving German immigrant named Christian Kline, who becomes both mentor and anchor in Daniel’s drifting world.
The writing doesn’t pull punches, especially in the first chapter. There’s this raw, quiet moment at the funeral home where Daniel sits in silence, watching his whole world get signed away on paper. The way the authors described the grandfather clock ticking and the stillness in the room, I could practically feel the dust and grief hanging in the air. And when Aunt Charlotte explains she cannot take him in, Daniel quietly responds, “It’s okay. I can make do.” That line struck me deeply. It’s a simple statement, yet it speaks volumes about his resilience and the stark reality of the world he now faces. I had to pause reading just to absorb the weight of it.
What really carried the heart of the story for me was the relationship between Daniel and Mr. Kline. Their connection builds slowly, organically, through shared grief and quiet generosity. There’s a moment where Christian helps Daniel break his five-dollar bill into smaller change just to keep him safe. He does it gently and respectfully like a father would. Later, when Christian offers Daniel a ride and eventually a place to stay and a shot at apprenticing with a blacksmith, I honestly teared up. These weren’t grand acts of heroism, they were small, deeply human choices, and they mattered so much more because of it. It’s not often a story lets two people, from totally different worlds, find healing in each other like this.
Stylistically, the book is folksy and rich, with a soft kind of poetry laced through the everyday grit. I loved how the characters spoke; their voices felt true to the time and place without ever becoming stiff or forced. The Irish lilt in Daniel’s dialogue, especially when he talks about his grandda or says things like “I canny imagine,” adds charm and warmth to the heavy themes. One of my favorite scenes is when he wakes up in a barn after a vivid dream of the “Gypsy King” saving him from wolves, a dream that becomes a beautiful metaphor for his inner strength and his need for protection. That moment hit like a folk tale, mythic and intimate all at once.
By the end, I didn’t want to leave Daniel. His pain is real, but so is his resilience. I finished the last chapter with a lump in my throat and this sense of quiet hope. This story doesn’t pretend that everything is okay; it shows you how people can help each other carry the weight of things, even when the load doesn’t get any lighter.
I’d recommend The Gypsy King: A Christmas Story to anyone who loves historical fiction with soul, especially readers who appreciate stories about chosen family, loss, and the slow rebuilding of a life. It’s perfect for fans of Little Britches, Sarah, Plain, and Tall, or even Anne of Green Gables, but with a grittier edge. This isn’t a holiday story full of tinsel and cheer, but it is one filled with grace, faith, and the kind of quiet miracles that come with kindness. It’s a gift of a book and I’m glad I opened it.
Pages: 214 | ASIN : B0DY3SNRGK
A Writting Journey
Lycan: Solomon’s Odyssey, Chapter 1 follows a young man with a devil-may-care attitude who finds himself placed into a position of leadership in his community. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The writing of the story itself actually went on quite a journey. This was the first book or comic that I have ever written. The original version of the script was like a sort of mix between a regular book and a comic script. I had given that out to friends and family for feedback in order to help shape the story itself. Eventually one of my friends put me in touch with an editor – Onrie Kompan, who took me under his wing and showed me how to write a comic script. He also gave me other graphic novels to read to get a better idea of how to write, such as A Contract With God by Will Eisner.
Originally the story was told from two different time periods, starting off in the future, or at least the end of the series and then jumping back and forth as a sort of “life flashing before his eyes” kind of situation. However, as Onrie and I laid out the book I decided to remove that storytelling device and focus solely on telling the story from Solomon’s point of view as it was happening. In terms of picking the setting, I had two goals. One was setting the story far enough back that I avoid any currently held ideas of the world’s first werewolf, such as King Lycaon of Greek mythology. But, I also wanted to be able to use the mythology of the world as a sort of sandbox to have this character exist in, traveling along the same path of history as our own, but told as though magic and monsters exist in hushed whispers and operating in the shadows.
This first book sets up the series so certain things need to happen in order to launch the character onto this path. I wanted to show this aloof character be forced into an unfamiliar situation, and while his intentions are pure, making hasty decisions out of desperation, lead to certain consequences that impact him and shape him for the remainder of his journey.
A lot of time was spent crafting the character traits in this novel. What was the most important factor for you to get right in your characters?
For me, the goal was to have characters that are both enjoyable to read about, but also are believable. The interactions between Solomon and his brother, or his friends, is similar to interactions I might have with my brothers or friends. I also wanted to make the reader care about these characters. I love eliciting emotions from people through my work. The interactions between characters are meant to make people feel a bit of that camaraderie or familial spirit, and any losses are meant to make the reader feel a similar level of sadness that Solomon feels. If I can make the audience feel a certain way throughout the books, then I feel I’ve done my job as a writer in properly entertaining them. Even if sometimes what I write might be tragic.
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?
The thing I like about werewolves, or magical creatures in general, is that they can be incredibly powerful, fear inducing, and awe inspiring, and yet they always have rules. While it does not appear in the book, werewolves, as well as many other monsters, have an aversion to silver. A werewolf, typically, can’t transform unless under the light of the full moon. And with that, the human part of the equation usually loses all control of their own body. It is almost as though it is an entirely different entity behind the wheel at that point. In the story, as Solomon is given this curse, even in a human form he is much stronger, faster, and has enhanced senses and a healing ability. Against normal unprepared humans, it’s not much of a fight. Against another supernatural creature, it is a much tougher fight. He is not completely invulnerable. For the other supernatural character in the book, he seems almost infinitely powerful in comparison to even Solomon, but one thing I always like to think about, is that there is ALWAYS a bigger fish out there. There’s always something more powerful.
Where does the story go in the next book, and where do you see it going in the future?
The next book in the series takes place immediately following the first book. It really delves into Solomon trying to deal with the aftermath of the first book, focusing on guilt and PTSD. The second book also introduces other supernatural elements such as magic and other mythological creatures. The idea with each book is that with each installment, it opens the world up a little more and a little more. The first book was the origin story, it sets everything in motion. Every book in the series after that, while still following Solomon, explores other regional mythologies, folklore, monsters, and gods. The second book delves into ancient Arabic mythology. The third book is best described as HP Lovecraft meets Gilgamesh. And so on. I have the entire series planned out all the way to the last page of the final book. Right now I am planning on a 15 book run, with 3 arcs each being 5 chapters. This will let me really play around with some fun mythology from around the world!
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The first book in this series is the origin story of Solomon, a man with a devil-may-care attitude who is thrust into a position of responsibility. Desperate circumstances lead to desperate decisions, which could affect the world in unforeseen ways for millenia to come. What would someone be willing to sacrifice to save those they care about most?
The Dog Roses: Resolution
The Dog Roses: Resolution is a bold, blood-soaked dive into a myth-soaked world of ancient Ériu, dripping with power struggles, family betrayals, and queens who rule with both sword and seduction. It’s the second book in Millar’s Dog Roses series, and it doesn’t pull any punches. At the heart of it are two sisters, Brighid and Danu, daughters of legendary rulers who were meant to lead with wisdom but fell into tyranny and chaos. When their father sends their brothers to clean up the mess, all hell breaks loose. You’ve got ancient gods, cunning assassins, ruthless politics, and enough battle scenes to make a Roman general blush.
Millar’s writing punches hard right out of the gate. Chapter 1 left a powerful impression. Aoife storms into the Great Hall, a spear in hand with a child’s severed head mounted on its tip, demanding accountability. It’s a harrowing and unforgettable entrance, one that immediately grips the reader and sets the tone for the intensity that follows. It was brutal, but there was a righteous fury there, too. Aoife doesn’t come off as just a warrior; she’s grief incarnate. Millar writes these women not just as strong, but deeply human. They rage, they love, they crumble. Even when I didn’t agree with what they were doing, I understood why.
Then there’s the slow unraveling of power between Brighid and Danu. That sibling dynamic is pure gold. It’s petty, painful, political, and believable. Their kingdom starts off strong, but the infighting is like a slow poison. When Brighid retreats to Caher Conri and Danu digs in at Ráth Na Conall, you know the gods are rolling their eyes. But still, there’s a vulnerability there. Danu breaking down in front of her children reminded me that even tyrants can be broken mothers. And Brighid’s slow descent, especially when Báine pulls away, is just tragic. She’s not evil, she’s just… lost. And Millar gives her that space to unravel.
This book is loaded with action and not just sword fights. The tension hums constantly. Whether it’s Tisiphone gliding through a hall like a ghost with knives in her hair or Lonán calling kings cowards to their faces with that glorious, gruff “I’m too old for this” attitude, there’s never a dull moment. Daráine shaving her head and quietly outwitting men twice her age was one of my favorite low-key power moves. Every scene at the council table crackled with unspoken threats and old grudges. It felt like reading Game of Thrones but set in mythic Ireland, and it worked.
This book is not for the faint of heart. It’s violent, earthy, and unrelenting. But if you’re into Celtic fantasy that doesn’t tiptoe around darkness, The Dog Roses: Resolution will grip you and not let go. I’d recommend it to fans of Bernard Cornwell, lovers of Irish mythology, or anyone craving epic family drama with bite.
Pages: 422 | ASIN : B0D1WCM2NH
The Adventurers and the Enigma of the Lagoon
This book is a delightful mix of mystery, history, and good old-fashioned adventure. It follows four kids, Bea, Chris, Tony, and Daniel, plus Jack, a talkative, mischief-loving crow, as they head to Óbidos Lagoon in Portugal for a camping trip. What begins as a fun getaway quickly morphs into a suspenseful journey involving odd nighttime conversations, historical legends, sneaky strangers, and a whole lot of curiosity. With its blend of real locations, local folklore, and fast-paced action, The Adventurers and the Enigma of the Lagoon feels both grounded and fantastical.
What really pulled me in was the charm of the characters, especially Jack the crow. His goofy lines like “Shoo, pests! Shoo!” and “Well, whaddya know?” gave the story so much life. The dynamic between the kids was warm and familiar, with snarky sibling comments, inside jokes, and all the awkward chaos of real friendships. One of my favorite early moments is when Jack mimics the train whistle and causes such a ruckus that passengers switch train cars. That’s the kind of energy this book carries, playful and slightly unhinged in the best way.
I also appreciated how rooted the story is in the setting. The descriptions of Óbidos are just beautiful, like when Bea exclaims, “I’ll come and live here one day! I’m in love!” I shared the same sentiment. The castle, the winding streets, the lagoon, it all feels vivid and alive. Plus, the historical facts sprinkled throughout (like the tale of Afonso Henriques and the Traitor’s Gate) are fascinating without ever being dry. It’s clear the author knows and loves this place deeply. That passion is contagious.
The mystery itself, while not wildly complex, is satisfying. There are shady adults, missing items, whispers in the night, and even a bit of environmental commentary on lagoon pollution. I wouldn’t say it had me on the edge of my seat, but I was definitely eager to find out what the deal was with Margarido and the weird noises at night. It’s a mystery more about atmosphere and tension than plot twists, which works for a younger or middle-grade audience.
The Adventurers and the Enigma of the Lagoon is fun and wholesome without being boring, adventurous without being reckless, and smart without being preachy. If you like The Famous Five or Nancy Drew, but with a European twist and a slightly more magical bird, this is right up your alley. I’d recommend it to kids around 9–13, families reading together, or anyone who enjoys lighthearted adventures in charming places.
Pages: 181 | ISBN : 1962185478
LITERARY TITAN 