Chadwick Wall’s The Fertile Crescent is a novel soaked in sweat, spice, and heartache. It follows Laurent Ladnier, a talented but haunted New Orleans chef struggling to balance art, ambition, and the weight of family obligation. Set in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the book unfolds like a slow-cooked gumbo, layered, fragrant, and filled with unexpected heat. Through the kitchens and jazz bars of the Crescent City, Wall captures a man torn between loyalty and longing, between survival and the pursuit of greatness. The story is as much about the cuisine and culture as it is about identity, grief, and the ghosts that walk alongside us when we try to reinvent ourselves.
I found Wall’s writing raw and deeply felt. He paints New Orleans with love and precision, every block pulsing with music, memory, and danger. The prose hums, sometimes lush, sometimes stripped down to the bone, like a good blues riff. There’s real honesty in how Laurent’s life unravels, and the tension between his passion and exhaustion hit me hard. I could almost smell the roux burning and the whiskey sweating in his glass. At times, the pacing lingers long in description, but even then, I didn’t mind. The city feels alive, and Wall knows how to make every sensory detail work like a note in a long, mournful song.
This is an emotionally resonant novel. I felt the ache of Laurent’s ambition, that painful mix of pride and regret that comes with being both gifted and trapped. Wall doesn’t glamorize the creative life; he shows it for what it is, messy, lonely, full of stubborn hope. The dialogue between Laurent and his grandmother nearly broke me. It’s rare to find a story about food that also speaks so sharply about family wounds and self-forgiveness.
I’d recommend The Fertile Crescent to anyone who loves stories about people chasing art even when it costs them everything. Chefs, artists, dreamers, and anyone who’s ever felt stuck in the place they call home will find something true here. It’s a story that simmers slowly, but by the end, it fills you up completely.
“Gods and Guardians II” follows three friends pulled through a portal onto an Elvish starship, where Samuel is later captured on an alien world and sold into slavery, and Authur must choose to save him or free a planet from an alien race that has enslaved the native human race. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for “Gods and Guardians II” stems from the profound moral themes of doing the right thing and the enduring power of friendship and loyalty. At its core, the story explores the difficult choices one must face when loyalty to a friend conflicts with the greater good.
As Arthur grapples with the decision to save his captured friend Samuel or to take action against the alien race enslaving a planet’s native human population, the narrative highlights the strength of their bond and the sacrifices that true friendship demands. This moral dilemma not only drives the plot forward but also serves to illustrate the complexities of loyalty in the face of overwhelming adversity.
Ultimately, the story aims to resonate with readers by showcasing how friendships can inspire courage and lead individuals to confront injustice, underscoring the belief that doing the right thing, even when it’s challenging, is a powerful act that can change the course of lives and worlds.
Question: Arthur is torn between saving Samuel and helping free the enslaved human homeworld. How did you balance these competing drives?
Balancing Arthur’s competing drives to save Samuel and help free the enslaved human homeworld involved me creating a nuanced narrative that allowed him to navigate his moral dilemma while emphasizing the emotional stakes of both choices.
To achieve this balance, I focused on developing Arthur’s character deeply, showcasing his internal conflict through his thoughts, feelings, and interactions with others. By illustrating his strong bond with Samuel, readers can feel the weight of their friendship and the urgency behind his desire to rescue him. At the same time, I highlighted the plight of the enslaved humans, creating empathy for their suffering and the moral imperative to act on their behalf.
The story incorporates moments of reflection for Arthur, where he weighs the consequences of each choice, allowing readers to see his struggle unfold. Engaging secondary characters also provided different perspectives, challenging Arthur’s views and pushing him to confront his values.
Additionally, the plot presented situations where Arthur’s decisions impact both Samuel’s fate and the larger struggle for freedom, reinforcing the interconnectedness of his choices. By intertwining these narratives, the balance between saving a friend and fighting for a greater cause becomes a poignant exploration of loyalty, sacrifice, and the complexities of heroism.
This approach not only drives the story forward but also enriches the moral themes, ultimately leading to a powerful resolution that reflects the profound impact of friendship and the importance of standing up for what is right.
Question: What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Answer: In “Gods and Guardians II,” several themes were crucial to explore, each contributing to the depth and complexity of the narrative:
Friendship and Loyalty: The bond between Arthur and Samuel serves as a cornerstone of the story. Their friendship showcases how deep connections can inspire individuals to act selflessly, even in the face of daunting challenges. This theme emphasizes the idea that true loyalty often requires difficult choices and sacrifices.
Moral Dilemmas: The conflict between personal loyalty and the greater good is central to the plot. Arthur’s struggle to choose between saving his friend and liberating an oppressed planet highlights the complexities of morality and the weight of our decisions. This theme invites readers to reflect on their own values and the implications of their choices.
Courage and Sacrifice: The characters are faced with situations that require bravery, not just in battle but in standing up for what is right. The willingness to sacrifice personal desires for the sake of others reinforces the notion that true heroism often lies in the courage to fight against injustice.
Freedom and Oppression: The theme of freedom is explored through the plight of the enslaved human population. The story examines the consequences of oppression and the importance of fighting for one’s rights and dignity, allowing for a broader commentary on societal issues.
Identity and Growth: As Arthur navigates his journey, he undergoes significant character development. The challenges he faces force him to confront his beliefs, values, and sense of self. This theme of personal growth illustrates how experiences shape individuals and lead to greater understanding and empathy.
These themes intertwine to create a rich narrative that resonates with readers, encouraging them to consider the complexities of friendship, morality, and the fight for justice.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
Yes, there will indeed be a follow-up novel to “Gods and Guardians II: Escape from Durgurrum,” titled “Gods and Guardians III,” set for release in 2026. This next installment will continue to delve into Arthur’s journey as he strives to fulfill his destiny.
In “Gods and Guardians III,” the story will focus on several key aspects:
Training on the Elvish Homeworld: Arthur, Samuel, and Jared will undergo rigorous training on the Elvish homeworld, where they’ll learn not only combat skills but also the rich history and culture of the Elvish people. This training will challenge them physically and mentally, deepening their understanding of their roles in the larger conflict and preparing them for the trials ahead.
Exploring Magical Powers: A significant focus of their training will be uncovering their own magical powers. As they delve into their abilities, they will learn about the unique gifts each of them possesses and how these powers can be harnessed in their fight against oppression. This exploration will also introduce them to the **Fellowship of the Trinity**, an ancient alliance that embodies the balance of magic, strength, and wisdom, guiding them in their journey.
Arthur’s Family Plight: The narrative will also follow Arthur’s mother and sister as they navigate their journey to the Emerald Lake. Their storyline will highlight themes of survival, resilience, and the bonds of family, as they face their own set of challenges in a dangerous world. This parallel plotline will create tension and emotional stakes, connecting Arthur’s journey with that of his family.
Confronting New Threats: As Arthur and his friends gain strength and knowledge, they will encounter new adversaries and obstacles that test their resolve. The emergence of these threats will heighten the urgency of their mission and force them to confront the darker forces at play in their universe.
Exploration of Identity and Destiny: The book will delve deeper into Arthur’s character development, exploring his struggle with his identity and the weight of his destiny. As he trains and faces new challenges, he will grapple with what it truly means to be a hero and how his choices impact those he cares about.
Themes of Sacrifice and Choice: Continuing from the previous book, the themes of sacrifice and moral choice will be further examined as characters make pivotal decisions that will affect their futures and the fate of their world.
Overall, “Gods and Guardians III” promises to expand the rich universe established in the earlier books while exploring new dimensions of character growth, magical discovery, family dynamics, and the complexities of heroism.
Gods and Guardians II: Escape from Durgurrum,” from the award-winning author of “Gods and Guardians: Journey to the Plains of Amar,” invites you to join Arthur on a journey that will leave you holding your breath—an adventure that will keep you riveted. As Arthur travels through the stargate to meet the elves aboard the Elvish starship Haldir, their quest to reach the Elvish homeworld becomes perilous when the Haldir is attacked and forced into uncharted space. When Arthur’s friend Samuel is captured and sold into slavery, he faces a heart-wrenching choice: rescue his friend or risk their lives to free a planet from an alien race.
The Tralls of Nindarry follows two ordinary children who, while visiting their grandparents, discover a hidden realm of magical beings called the Tralls and wind up on an epic quest. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Fantasy is a wonderful genre that exercises our brains and encourages us to think outside the box.
Young people today are often presented with a world facing shattering crises and heroes that save it by blowing up the invaders or performing dangerous and unbelievable stunts.
I wanted to introduce my readers to the beauty of nature and the dangers it faced. I also wanted them to realize they could be the heroes who save it for future generations to enjoy – not by engaging in incredible feats of daring or strength but by making small changes that could have a great impact.
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 tralldoms were modelled on Badu Island, where we once lived and where we were very happy.
The setting of this story is my beloved Mt Ninderry. A beautiful mountain, shaped like a resting lion, and filled with an abundance of Australia’s amazing flora and fauna.
Of course, I needed to change some facets of the setting to accommodate the plot as it developed.
What is your background and experience in writing, and how did it help you write The Tralls of Nindarry?
I was a classroom teacher for many years, and I took classes as well in Drama, Digital Storytelling, and Creative Writing.
I also enjoyed entertaining my classes with stories of the brave tralls fighting to save their ancestral lands, but I was always careful not to impinge on the myths and legends of the traditional residents.
When I retired, I became The Storyteller and entertained children with my themed stories both locally and internationally, and I realised that even in this digital age, children love to be told stories.
When I had my own grandchildren, I wanted to leave them a legacy, so I combined some of my stories into a book and based the main characters, Bella and Gemayn, on them.
What story are you currently in the middle of writing?
My stories are complete. There are five published books in the Trall Series:
The Tralls of Nindarry
The Tralls of Mundi
The Tralls of Maruchus
The Tralls of Colum
The Tralls of Nosa
Each one covers an environmental problem impacting our natural world.
I hope these books will make young people more aware of the beauty and importance of our precious flora and fauna, and encourage them to become real heroes by taking care of their own natural environment.
Gemayn thought he was following his grandmother along an ordinary walking track up to the summit of Mt. Ninderry but he soon discovered this particular track was anything but ordinary. It was a portal into the amazingly beautiful but incredibly dangerous Tralldom of Nindarry. When Gemayn meets the tralls who live there, he is surprised to learn that his sister, Bella is a regular visitor to the village.
Suddenly, the tralls are forced to go to war to save their ancestral lands from the evil Mr. Handley and Gemayn and his grandmother are trapped in the tralldom. During their enforced stay, Gemayn uncovers a long-held secret that links his family to the tralls. Could it shatter the emerging friendship between Gemayn, Bella, and the tralls, or will it destroy the bonds of trust that have always existed between them and their beloved grandparents?
The Tralls of Nindarry, written by emerging author Gayle Torrens, is the first book in The Trall Series; a collection of five portal fantasies set in Australia. It explores the concepts of intergenerational relationships, trust, loyalty, self-confidence, and environmental issues.
In 2024, The Tralls of Nindarry was awarded a Golden Wizard Book Prize for a fantasy book written for eight to twelve-year-old readers.
The Visitors follow two shapeshifting aliens observing Earth, who are horrified by what they see and travel back in time to try and intervene and save humanity. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I wanted to write a story about my pet Dax. Aa the story evolved and I added Ptoni the Pteranodon my brain wandered off on a tangent and I decided to follow the anti-religion direction.
Your characters are diverse: two alien shapeshifters, a Maine Coon, an Adelie penguin, a cow, and even a Pteranodon, all working together. What was your approach to writing the interactions between characters?
It was an all in brawl. Each scene is written fly on the wall and the characters pretty much write themselves.
Is there any moral or idea that you hope readers take away from the story?
As Ptoni says in the closing chapters “Religion Your time is up.”
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
Clearing my desk of two new books. (Adult Fiction – very adult concepts) and then I’ll enjoy the fun of ” The Visitors Book 2. It will take a critical look at religion, but it will be from a different angle.
In 2052, Bjorn and Zorn, extraterrestrials from Planet Aeon, sense the imminent destruction of Earth. With urgency, they launch an audacious mission to rescue humanity from the Religious Wars. As they join forces with human allies, they encounter captivating characters and reveal profound secrets. The narrative traverses present times to 2052, spanning celestial voyages to Enceladus, Aeon, Caprice, and worldly odysseys in New York, Paris, Australia, and the Middle East. Religion stands at the heart of turmoil, igniting fierce conflicts as religious and political leaders obstruct progress. Amidst their mission, they uncover Dorian, an Aeonite traitor colluding with the US President. Facing perilous challenges, comedic relief, and dramatic tensions, Bjorn and Zorn’s journey culminates in a climactic confrontation. Will they succeed in saving Earth, or will their wits and courage be outmatched?
The Never Witch follows a woman stripped of magic who encounters a dying warlock and finds herself caught in a dangerous web of secrets. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
The supernatural aspect of witches has fascinated me from an early age. Their stories have populated my reading list for years, and I’ve always loved that there are as many interpretations of magic as there are authors. In writing The Never Witch, I wanted to put my own stamp on magic. Something new and fresh. I knew I’d found it when I imagined a world where witches and warlocks were separate societies, who drew their power from different, but interconnected, sources. The interdependence of their magical power was the inspiration for the conflict between these two magical societies. But that was just the start. Their political structures, teachings, and prejudices are additional fodder for conflict. And underlying all of it are very human emotions and the messiness of families, poor choices, failure, betrayal, and forgiveness.
As for the main character, I wanted her to have lived through some of life’s challenges so that her resilience and wounds are earned. She’s thirty-something, physically and mentally strong, but still vulnerable. She has the strength to carry the story, while remaining relatable.
How did you handle the magic in this story, and how did it evolve as you were writing?
I wanted to create magic that was as individual as the witch or warlock who wielded it, but also unique to their magical society. So even though witches and warlocks share some magical abilities, like compelling people or conjuring objects, a witch’s magic is tied to the elements of fire, earth, water, and air, whereas a warlock’s magic is tied to runes. Each individual witch or warlock’s ability to use the magic, and the strength of that magic, depends on their bloodlines, the training they undertake, and their innate talent. The magical evolution as I wrote the story was born from my research into runes. When I started, I had in mind Odin’s 24 original runes. But as the story unfolded, I imagined the complex magic that might be achievable if those initial runes were stacked, and not just straight up, but upside down, sideways, and angular. The combinations would be endless, as would the magical possibilities.
What was your favorite scene in this story?
Though I’m sure my answer to this question would differ depending on my mood, today I’d say my favourite scene is the one where the main character, a witch named Adeline Thorne, returns home with Luke, her warlock bodyguard, to find her warlock ex-husband, Warrick, has moved in. I love the tension in the scene and how the two warlocks struggle to establish themselves as the more important person in Adeline’s life.
Can you give us a glimpse inside Book 2 of the Thorne Witch series? Where will it take readers?
The next book explores the depths to which witches and warlocks will go to stop Adeline Thorne from wielding warlock power, and why Adeline’s power is such a threat to them.
In a world of witches and warlocks, the deadliest magic might be the kind never meant to exist. Adeline Thorne was a witch in name only. She never inherited the magic that should have been her birthright. But she’s learned to accept it. She’s built a quiet life on the west coast as a talented portrait painter, a big sister, loving aunt, and ex-wife. And that was enough. It had to be.
Until a convicted warlock, in an act of desperation, dumped his magic into her. To him, she was only a vessel. He didn’t care that warlock magic was incompatible with her witch’s DNA. He didn’t care that his attack would jeopardize the fragile peace between witches and warlocks. And he didn’t care that his power would tear Adeline’s world apart.
The Never Witch now had magic, an irresistible drug. The only problem? The warlock wants it back.
If you can’t get enough of Rachel Griffin, V.E. Schwab, and Alix E. Harrow, then you’ll love The Never Witch
Once Upon a Time in the Big Easy follows a former hitman down to New Orleans as he tracks a kidnapped girl trapped in the underworld of human trafficking. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I wanted him to have a challenge of being a hero and not only saving a young woman but taking down a disgusting scoundrel.
Was there a reason why you chose this location as the backdrop for your story?
New Orleans is such a mysterious city, historically with voodoo and the bayou in its landscape. Made me think of intrigue for the readers.
Can you tell us more about what’s in store for Chubby Pone and the direction of the next book?
Consequences is the next adventure for Pone as he races against time to save his handler, who was poisoned by a bullet and is in a deep coma. He tries to find the culprit and a cure.
Synopsis: Chubby heads to the big easy, but no Mardi Gras. Instead, a catch and retreat assignment.
For a young girl kidnapped by her father. The task gives him more than he bargain for as Theiler Lebeau throws him into a world of gambling, contraband, prostitution, and incest. The Troubleshooter puts his life on the line again to help those who can’t help themselves.
Ending Theiler’s bayou fabulous life of disgust is top priority, along with rescuing a young girl and others, while crumbling an evil empire.
Autobiography: Winner of the International Writers Inspiring Change: Most Inspiring Author Award in 2017 for the horror/thriller “Things That Go Bump in the Night: Here There Be Monsters,” “Crabbe H. Appleton: At your service” with Mercury Slim short stories and song lyrics.
This Time follows a Marine pilot and a recent divorcee who rekindle old sparks at their ten-year high school reunion. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
I built the structure of the novel around my own life experiences … and the fictional story from an active imagination. I grew up in a small-town community much like Tartan Springs, and I served in the military as a Navy pilot.
I enjoyed the romantic relationship between Ty and Siena. How did their relationship develop while you were writing it? Did you have an idea of where you wanted to take it, or was it organic?
I maintained my original concept for Seeney’s and Ty’s relationship … a strong female in the lead consistently pushing her less aggressive male partner along.
What is the most challenging aspect of writing a romance novel?
I’m not really sure, because I don’t usually write in this genre. I found keeping the dialogue “real” a challenge, as well as keeping the growing romance from interfering with the serious nature of the other conflicts occurring in the novel
Can we look forward to more work from you soon? What are you currently working on?
I hope to follow up my popular crime-thriller novel, Pedaling West with a sequel entitled, Pedaling East.
Ten years ago, Tyrell Harrell and Siena Tyson walked away from a quiet spark that lit up their high school days—each chasing dreams that led them to distances far from each other. Now, at their ten-year reunions, fate hands them a second chance. Ty is a decorated Marine Corps combat pilot, carrying the weight of duty and distance. Siena has stayed close to home, where memories linger and reputations stick. As their paths cross once more, the chemistry is undeniable—but so are the obstacles. Can love survive the turbulence of Ty’s deployments and the shadow of Siena’s past? Or will the road they travel together prove too steep…this time?
A heartfelt story of reconnection, resilience, and the kind of love that dares to try again.
The Dragon Moonstone follows a young man who discovers he’s inherited wizard blood and must learn to control his unstable magic before it consumes him. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I write primarily to inspire my grandsons to discover the joy of reading. We’re all flawed—that’s what makes us human—and I wanted them to see Noah, a young man who discovers his inherited wizard blood, grappling with unstable magic just like any beginner. Even the greatest wizards start somewhere, and I hope Noah’s journey shows them that mastering your gifts is a process worth celebrating.
I find the world you created in this novel brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from, and how did it change as you were writing?
My stories tend to unfold organically as I write—I never start with a rigid plan, and it often feels like Noah himself is in the driver’s seat, steering the adventure. The inspiration for the brimming world of The Dragon Moonstone came from my love of classic fantasy realms, blended with everyday wonders I share with my grandsons.
Courage, perseverance, and the drive to make things right were essential themes I wanted to weave throughout The Dragon Moonstone. These aren’t just plot devices—they’re the story’s true heartbeat, lessons I hope to impart to my young readers. Noah embodies this when life hurls challenges his way: unstable magic, self-doubt, and unexpected losses. Through it all, he learns to step up, push through, and emerge stronger, reminding us that true power comes from facing our flaws head-on.
Can you tell us more about what’s in store for Noah and the direction of the next book?
Grief has threaded through Noah’s journey so far, and the next book dives deeper into it as he learns to process his sadness and confront his challenges head-on. Along the way, he’ll discover that kindness isn’t a weakness—it’s a quiet strength—and that being the underdog comes with its own fierce advantages. Above all, Noah will embrace the power of paying it forward, turning his losses into legacies that inspire those around him. Expect more magic, more heart, and even higher stakes when you dive into The Griffin Moonstone.
The Dragon Moonstone: Book Two of The Moonstone Legacy Series
Noah never asked to be a wizard—too bad magic doesn’t take requests. Patience? Not exactly his strong suit. With messy, unpredictable powers that have a mind of their own, Noah puts his friends at risk. So, his great-aunt Shirley pulls some strings and sends him and his friends to Castle Dragon, where they’re in for a bumpy ride convincing the legendary sorcerer to come out of retirement and train them.
As Noah’s emotions tangle with his chaotic magic, a seemingly harmless shortcut spirals into disaster. To fix his blunder, he must find rare dragonroot, the only cure for his magical mishap. But fate throws him another curveball: the Dragon Moonstone has gone missing, and the realm’s balance hangs by a thread. Without it, chaos could reign, endangering everyone he cares about.
With a vengeful witch, a devious bounty hunter, and nearly every Fae in the Otherlands pursuing their own agendas, Noah knows he can’t do this alone. His quirky and brave friends offer their support, but in a world rife with deception and treachery, trust is a dangerous gamble.
When tragedy strikes, Noah confronts a haunting question: does the reluctant hero have what it takes to save the realm, or is he destined to be the guy who always ruins everything?
Join Noah and his friends on a fast-paced fantasy adventure filled with magic, humor, and action. Tailored for teens and adults who enjoy action-packed contemporary fantasy with a mystery to solve.
LITERARY TITAN 