Blog Archives
Search for the Summer Stone
Reba Birmingham’s Search for the Summer Stone takes readers on another wild ride in the Hercynian Forest Series, blending fantasy, adventure, and social commentary into one entertaining package. This time, Panda Fowler and her crew set off on a mission to Africa in search of the fabled Summer Stone, a powerful magical artifact. Along the way, they deal with old enemies, ancient prophecies, and their own evolving abilities. At the same time, trouble is brewing back home in Merryville, where political tensions mirror the global fight against the oppressive forces of Lupus Imperium. The book weaves magic and reality together in a way that feels both fantastical and eerily relevant.
Right from the prologue, the book plunges readers into high-stakes action. The opening scene in the Namib Desert sets the tone, immediately painting a brutal and desperate situation. I loved how Birmingham doesn’t waste time with long-winded exposition—she throws us into the deep end and lets us figure it out along the way. Panda’s narration, laced with dry humor and self-doubt, makes the journey feel personal. She’s not some fearless warrior; she’s a tax preparer who just happens to have a destiny, and that’s what makes her so relatable. Her struggle to harness her “Raven magic” is a running theme, and I found it fascinating how she doubts herself even as everyone else places their hopes on her.
One of the most unexpected joys of the book was the blend of humor and tension. The airport chase scene with Mitzi and Lulu had me laughing, especially Mitzi’s inner monologue about driving Panda’s car. It’s a testament to Birmingham’s skill that she can make moments of genuine danger feel fun without undercutting the stakes. The social conflicts in Merryville, like the protests over Virginia Merry’s statue and the “Native California Patriots” group, add another layer of depth. It’s fantasy, sure, but it also holds a mirror up to real-world issues, making the world feel grounded despite all the magic.
The emotional weight of the story resonated with me in the scenes at the Ute Reservation. Panda’s struggles with self-worth and responsibility come to a head when she trains with Ahanu, an elder who refuses to coddle her. Their interactions are some of the most powerful in the book, and it’s here that we really see Panda start to grow. The lesson about balance, how fighting evil isn’t about total destruction but about restoring harmony, felt deep. It gave the fantasy elements a deeper purpose, something more than just a battle between good and evil. I also appreciated how Valerie’s Native American heritage was explored with respect and authenticity, adding another layer of richness to the world-building.
Search for the Summer Stone is a must-read for fans of character-driven fantasy. If you enjoy witty protagonists, high-stakes magic, and stories that weave social issues into adventure, this book is for you. Longtime readers of the Hercynian Forest series will love how past characters circle back, but even newcomers will find plenty to enjoy. It’s fast-paced, thought-provoking, and just plain fun.
Pages: 235 | ASIN : B0DWLYJFYX
Chasing Headlines
J. Rose Black’s Chasing Headlines is a lively, heartfelt, and deeply engaging sports romance that follows Olivia Milline, a headstrong and ambitious college journalist with an undeniable love for baseball. Olivia’s story is one of rebellion, passion, and determination as she fights against the limits imposed by her overprotective father while pursuing her dream of working in the world of professional baseball. With sharp writing, layered characters, and a swoon-worthy romance, Chasing Headlines hits all the right beats.
What immediately struck me about the book was Olivia’s voice. She’s witty, stubborn, and refreshingly real. Her internal monologue is peppered with humor and frustration, making her struggles feel personal and relatable. The prologue, which recounts her childhood love affair with baseball and the strict “No Baseball for Olivia” rule imposed by her father, is both heartbreaking and compelling. You can’t help but root for her as she maneuvers around roadblocks—both professional and personal—to get to where she belongs. The author does a fantastic job of making you feel Olivia’s determination and passion.
One of my favorite aspects of the novel is how well it blends romance with career ambition. Unlike many sports romances that lean heavily into the love story, Chasing Headlines gives equal weight to Olivia’s professional journey. Her interactions with baseball players, particularly the enigmatic Breslin Cooper, are electric. Their chemistry is palpable from the moment they meet, but what’s even more satisfying is how the romance builds over time. Breslin is more than just a love interest. His struggles, particularly with his past and the pressure of expectations, add depth to the story. His first POV chapter, set in a courthouse, hooked me with its raw emotion and vulnerability.
The writing is crisp and dynamic, with a rhythm that keeps the story moving. The dialogue is snappy, the internal reflections are sharp, and the descriptions are vivid without being overdone. The humor woven throughout the novel is another highlight. Olivia’s banter, especially with her brother Curt, had me laughing more than once. And yet, themes such as family expectations, grief, and the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated field are all explored with sincerity and depth.
I’d highly recommend Chasing Headlines to fans of sports romances, strong heroines, and anyone who enjoys a story where career ambition and love intertwine in a meaningful way. If you like books with witty dialogue, complex relationships, and a heroine who refuses to take no for an answer, this one’s for you.
Pages: 524 | ASIN: B0D1FLDHFC
Dancing Valley
Karen Black opens the door to a spellbinding realm in her sequel, Dancing Valley. This fantasy novel brims with magical creatures of all kinds—fae, pixies, goblins, and even a dogman. For readers craving a story steeped in enchantment, this book delivers in spades. At its heart, the narrative centers on two remarkable women whose lives intertwine in the midst of extraordinary events. The first protagonist, Carolyn, serves as the guardian of the fae, devoting her centuries-long life to protecting the magical inhabitants of Dancing Valley. Her counterpart, Anita, has a far different path. Orphaned at birth and later losing her adoptive parents, Anita seeks solace in nature. During a fateful hiking trip, she loses her way and stumbles into the mystical Dancing Valley. There, she meets Carolyn and discovers that the magical beings she once thought imaginary are not only real but deeply connected to her. A biologist with a passion for cultivating rare plants, Anita becomes a target of Bagrim, a malevolent goblin intent on exploiting her skills. Together, Carolyn and Anita must rally their magical allies and newfound friends to defend their home. But will their combined efforts be enough to thwart evil?
One of the novel’s strengths lies in its rich cast of characters. From the many mystical beings to the two leads, each one is carefully crafted with a distinct personality. Despite the abundance of characters, Karen Black manages to give them depth, making them easy to remember and relate to. The background provided for each adds dimension, creating an immersive world full of life and variety. The book’s short chapters contribute to its readability. The pacing keeps the story engaging, pulling readers into a steady rhythm. It’s one of those books where you find yourself saying, “Just one more chapter,” until suddenly, it’s finished.
I feel the writing style may divide readers. Magical chants are frequent in the narrative, and while they attempt to rhyme and evoke a sense of wonder, they often come across as ordinary monologues. This detracted somewhat from the immersive quality of the magic. The story delves into every character’s thoughts, giving insight into their motivations but sometimes at the expense of pacing. While this approach makes the plot easy to follow, it can feel dense, with details that are easy to forget or skim over due to the volume.
Dancing Valley is a vibrant and imaginative fantasy tale. Its compelling world-building and memorable characters make it a must-read for fans of magical adventures. Though the writing style may appeal to a specific group of readers, the story’s charm and creativity shine through, making it a worthy addition to any fantasy lover’s collection.
Pages: 239 | ASIN : B0DPLKBN9S
A Literary Hero
Dracula: Finding of a Shadow is a bold reimagining of Bram Stoker’s gothic masterpiece, presenting it as a stage play that mingles dark comedy, high drama, and an intriguing exploration of vampiric lore. What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Dracula – is one of the most successful heroes of mass culture, who came to us from the pages of the famous gothic novel by Bram Stoker “Dracula”, written over 125 years ago. This book (“Dracula: Finding of a Shadow”) is dedicated to the image and character of Dracula: how it was formed, how it has transformed over the years, its future, and further development in the world of literature, film, and theatre.
Did you find anything in your research of this book that surprised you?
In the recently discovered Bram Stoker’s diaries and notes, published by the great-grand-nephew of the famous author – Dacre Stoker, I have found for myself a number of answers to questions about how this literary hero was born, why the author awarded him particular characteristics and qualities. I’ve also discovered information about Bram’s attitude towards theatre in general and the staging of his novel in particular. You can read all about it in the Foreword, written by Dacre Stoker himself, and also in the exclusive interview with Dacre included in the book.
In my original play “Dracula: Finding of a Shadow” the character of Count Dracula is presented as a collective image, based not only on the original novel by Bram Stoker, but also the prequel and the sequel, co-authored by Dacre Stoker, who used Bram’s notes and diaries to create them.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
My next book – “Teach Me How to Die. A Novella and Other Stories” – is currently being published. It is my first prosaic experience. The novella “Teach Me How to Die” is dedicated to a very important issue of our time – suicide and its prevention. I believe the book will be released this summer.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Instagram
as the 175th anniversary of its author, Bram Stoker. In the foreword, written by the great-
grandnephew of the writer, Dacre Stoker, we discover that Bram Stoker worked in theater, loved
theater, and was inspired by the dramatic art. Dacre’s exclusive interview introduces the results
of his detective-research of various documents and Bram’s personal journals and notes — all of
the many discoveries led to the creation of the prequel, Dracul, and the sequel, Dracula the Un-
Dead.
Lisa Monde’s play Dracula: Finding of a Shadow was inspired by the original novel by
Bram Stoker, as well as both – the sequel and the prequel. The play had several Off-Broadway
productions. This current edition also includes an original play by the guest-playwright Thomas
R. Gordon – Dracula: Bloodlines. Both plays premiered at the Gene Frankel Theater in New
York City.
Over ten years ago, Lisa published her first scientific article on the evolution of the image
of Dracula in literature and art. Besides the plays, two essays by Lisa Monde are also included in
this book, both shedding light on the mystery of the birth of the stellar literary character and the
evolution of the image of Dracula.
In the Epilogue, Lisa summarizes the stages of the path traversed by Dracula in literature
and other types of art, as well as shares her ideas on Dracula’s future.
I Enjoyed Writing All Of It
Queen of the Mountain follows a sad older woman who arrives in a tiny village where she meets a young farm girl who relates to her feelings of loss and befriends her. What was the inspiration for your story?
My inspiration for this story began with a hike through Switzerland. I hiked through some of the areas where the Countess of Kent (Queen Victoria) visited in Switzerland. She put them on the tourist map for early English travellers. Furthermore, as a child, it was the kindness of my elders who helped me to overcome and deal with some painful losses in my own life.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
The main idea for this book was to encourage and foster empathy in children. Also to show that friendships can form organically across generations and backgrounds with kindness and openness.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
This is a difficult question to answer because I enjoyed writing all of it. However if I had to choose, I would say the part that show’s Vicky, the young farmer girl, following the Countess of Kent and discovering that despite her age and otherness, she likes and appreciates the same thing that Vicky does in nature and that they have both experienced loss.
What is the next book that you are working on and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I am currently working on three projects: submitting a chapbook for publication, my first novel and a collection of envirnonmental poems.
Realistically I think the chapbook will be available next fall, given I find a new publisher for it soon.
Author Links: Instagram | Facebook | X
In this gentle and loving story, a carefree farm girl strikes up an unusual friendship with an interesting foreigner.
Soon they both realise they have a lot in common, even though they have very different lives.
Redeye
Syntell Smith’s Redeye is a fast-paced, character-driven novel that pulls you into the complex world of Nate Durant, a man juggling multiple gigs, past regrets, and present uncertainties in the bustling backdrop of New York City. The story follows Nate as he navigates his relentless hustle of writing, podcasting, photography, and even stand-up comedy all while dealing with his marriage, personal demons, and an unexpected blast from the past. The novel seamlessly blends humor, drama, and emotional depth, making for an engaging read.
One of the standout elements of Redeye is how real the characters feel. Nate is not your typical protagonist, he’s flawed, sometimes selfish, yet undeniably likable. His relentless work ethic comes off as both admirable and exhausting. Smith does an excellent job making you feel his fatigue, whether it’s through his chaotic schedule or the moments he crashes at home only to be greeted by responsibilities he barely has time for. A particularly powerful scene is when he confronts his wife, Cynthia, about his need to stay busy, revealing his deep-seated fear of ever returning to the version of himself that felt trapped in his own body. It’s raw and honest, making you root for him even when he’s being stubborn.
The dialogue is another strong point. It’s natural, snappy, and full of life. Conversations between Nate and his wife, Cynthia, feel authentic, especially when they butt heads over his work-life balance. The banter in the podcast scenes, particularly the heated debate over Ben Affleck playing Batman, is hilarious and captures the chaotic energy of pop culture discourse. Smith’s ability to write casual conversations that still push the narrative forward is impressive, making the novel feel immersive and dynamic.
The pacing feels erratic, bouncing between Nate’s gigs, personal conflicts, and unexpected discoveries like stumbling upon an old acquaintance in a compromising online photo. While this frenetic energy adds to the book’s charm, it can also feel overwhelming. Some subplots could have used a bit more breathing room to develop fully, particularly Nate’s backstory with Stephanie. Her presence lingers in the novel, but the resolution to that thread felt somewhat rushed compared to the time spent on other aspects of Nate’s life.
Redeye is an energetic, character-rich novel that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt the grind of modern life pressing down on them. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy fast dialogue, real-world struggles, and a protagonist who is far from perfect but easy to root for. If you like books that capture the pulse of a city and the people trying to make it within it, this is worth picking up.
Pages: 286 | ASIN : B0D9YPZTXW
There is No “Perfect Mother”
In Shaken, an exhausted and overwhelmed young mother gives in to the frustrations of raising a toddler and makes a regrettable decision that could change the course of her life. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
The idea came to me about 17 years ago when I saw a poster that said, “NEVER SHAKE A BABY” at the doctor’s office. At the time, I hadn’t heard of the Shaken Baby Syndrome (SSB) and found myself wondering, “Who would shake a baby?” But then I realized there had to be people out there who did, otherwise there wouldn’t be a whole campaign about it. I couldn’t help but think how horrible that would be — to lose control and hurt your baby like that. Later that afternoon, I wrote a scene where a young mother snaps and loses control, shaking her baby without realizing what she was doing. I didn’t know what to do with that character and scene at that point in time, so I shoved it aside to work on other things. When I needed something to present to my writing group in the summer of 2019, I dug out that chapter, read it to the group, and watched as everyone at the table exploded with extreme emotions: horror, shock, disgust, confusion, sympathy, and so on. I realized that if I could evoke such a wide range of reactions, this was a novel worth bringing into the world.
What was the inspiration for Sally’s traits and dialogue?
After I had my own kids, I went to various playgroups and parent-baby classes. There, I observed the put-together moms, the hot-mess moms, and everything in between. As hard as we moms all tried to do the best we could, I soon realized there’s no such thing as the “perfect mother” — you might have it under control one minute, then be a sobbing mess the next. I wanted to take the overwhelm that my mom friends (and myself) had felt during those early years and to amplify it to the extreme, showing how everything could change in one awful moment. Although nobody in my social circle ever abused their baby, plenty of moms expressed their frustrations and how close they got to “going over the edge.”
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think makes for great fiction?
I’m intrigued by those intense, dark moments in life where one bad thing happens, someone reacts to it and makes a bad decision, then another one, and before you know it, their whole life has come undone. Like in the movies when someone finds a bag full of millions of dollars hidden in the woods and they think they can get away with just keeping it, but it’s never that easy. And yet, you can’t help but wonder, “What would I do?” Would I go to the cops? Or keep the money?
With Shaken, I wanted people to really think about what would happen if they actually snapped and lost control — because, deep down, we all have the ability to lose control. Would you try to cover it up? Come forward and share the truth? Run away? What if Sally was your wife, sister, next door neighbor? What would YOU do? Although we tell ourselves we would make better choices if we found ourselves in the same exact situation, there’s no way to know for sure until it’s really happening to you.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I’m currently revising a young adult mystery about a teen girl, Olivia, who believes her parents didn’t die in an accident but were in fact murdered. As her twin sister fights for her life in the hospital, Olivia rallies the help of two new friends to uncover the truth, but the more secrets they discover, the more Olivia begins to realize her own life might be in danger. This book has been through one round of beta reading with great feedback, so I’m working on fixing remaining plot holes and tightening things up. I hope it’ll be available sometime in 2026.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook | Website
Enter Alyssa, the teenage babysitter, who is left in charge the night after the incident. As Morgan’s condition deteriorates, Sally’s partner, Charles, grows increasingly concerned. A series of alarming doctors’ visits spiral into a nightmare when authorities are alerted and fingers start pointing at Alyssa. Will Sally come forward and risk losing everything, or will she try to maintain the illusion of being a perfect mother—even if it means someone else takes the blame?
Shaken explores the intense, often unspoken, struggles of new motherhood and the complexities of human fallibility, raising an unsettling question: Does one irreversible mistake define you forever?
Perfect for fans of Jodi Picoult, Lisa Jewell, and Freida McFadden.
The Legacy Of The Dreamer
Nathan Ash’s The Legacy Of The Dreamer is a dark, gripping fantasy that follows Renealt, a man whose life takes an unexpected and unsettling turn after a violent encounter with mages. What starts as a simple mercenary job quickly spirals into an eerie mystery, forcing him to question everything he knows about magic, power, and even the fate of his late wife. The story unfolds in a world where magic is outlawed, and the Natural Coalition ruthlessly eradicates anything that threatens their control. As Renealt digs deeper both figuratively and literally, his obsession leads him down a dangerous path of exile, loss, and self-discovery.
From the very first chapter, the writing pulls you in. Ash doesn’t waste time with flowery descriptions or unnecessary exposition. Instead, the prose is direct, intense, and full of sensory details that make every scene vivid. The opening moment of Renealt waking up, drenched in blood that isn’t his, sets the tone perfectly. That kind of immediate, visceral engagement continues throughout the book. It’s easy to feel Renealt’s confusion, fear, and growing obsession. The pacing is sharp, with just enough mystery unraveling to keep you hooked. There’s no excessive worldbuilding dump; you learn about the Natural Coalition, the mages, and the societal conflict naturally, through Renealt’s experiences and conversations.
Renealt is a fascinating protagonist. He starts as a simple man trying to make ends meet but quickly finds himself in over his head. His descent into obsession feels raw and real. One of the strongest parts of the book is how it portrays grief, especially in how Renealt clings to the memory of his wife, Renay. His fixation on the possibility of seeing her again is heartbreaking. The moment he digs up her grave, expecting answers but finding only her decayed remains, is gut-wrenching. It’s a rare thing to read a fantasy novel that handles emotion so well while still delivering action and suspense. The side characters, like Chrok, the gruff but caring dwarf, and the skeptical yet loyal friends he leaves behind, add layers of depth to the story. Their reactions to Renealt’s increasing desperation make the world feel grounded and real.
The book’s greatest strength is also its biggest frustration: ambiguity. Ash refuses to spoon-feed the reader answers. The mystery surrounding the mages, the strange key Renealt finds, and the symbol he can’t shake from his memory are all compelling, but they also leave you feeling just as lost as the protagonist. While this works for the tone of the book, I found myself wanting just a little more clarity by the end. Some readers will love the unresolved tension, while others might feel like they’ve been left dangling off a cliff. The themes of control, loss, and the dangerous allure of forbidden knowledge are beautifully handled, but they don’t offer easy resolutions. If you’re the kind of reader who needs everything wrapped up neatly, this book might test your patience.
If you love dark fantasy, morally complex protagonists, and a slow descent into madness, The Legacy Of The Dreamer will grip you from start to finish. However, if you prefer lighter fantasy or need clear-cut answers by the final page, you might find it frustrating. That said, this book lingers in your mind long after you’ve finished reading, and that’s the mark of a great story.
Pages: 305 | ASIN : B0DR6197H3
LITERARY TITAN 