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Tokyo Juku
Tokyo Juku begins with a bang, literally and emotionally. A young student named Mana discovers her teacher dead in a cram school classroom, his body crumpled under the sterile glow of fluorescent lights. Detective Hiroshi Shimizu and his team step into a Tokyo dense with pressure, ambition, and secrets. What follows is a layered mystery that weaves together the cutthroat world of education, the hidden costs of success, and the loneliness tucked behind the city’s polished exterior. Author Michael Pronko takes what might seem like a simple murder case and turns it into a study of human drive, shame, and survival.
The writing pulled me in right away. Pronko’s style is sharp and cinematic. The scenes snap from one point of view to another like the cuts in a film, yet nothing feels rushed. The descriptions of Tokyo at night, its cram schools glowing like lanterns, its streets humming with ambition, feel both beautiful and sad. There’s something almost tender about how he writes the city, even when it’s cruel. What I liked most was how the story balanced the crime with emotion. The mystery kept me guessing, but it was the characters’ quiet struggles, the overworked teachers, the anxious students, the tired detectives, that stuck with me. They all felt painfully real, like people you might pass on a crowded train and never think twice about.
Pronko dives deep into conversations and inner thoughts, and sometimes I wanted the story to move faster. But even then, I couldn’t stop reading. I liked how he made me feel the weight of every decision, every word unsaid. The book doesn’t just show a crime; it shows what happens to people who live inside constant expectation. It’s not only about murder, it’s about burnout, ambition, and how easily a person can crack under the strain. The writing feels clean but heavy with meaning, and that balance hit me hard.
Tokyo Juku isn’t just a detective story; it’s a mirror held up to modern Tokyo and anyone chasing success at any cost. I’d recommend it to readers who love smart mysteries with heart, and to anyone who enjoys books that make you sit back and think after you close them. It’s perfect for fans of slow-burn suspense, city stories, and those who don’t mind a little soul-searching between the clues.
Pages: 314 | ASIN : B0FLW78XTZ
Echoes of Fortune: Shadows Over Cozumel
Echoes of Fortune: Shadows Over Cozumel dives straight into a sunlit mystery wrapped in salt, sweat, and history. Author David R. Leng sets his story off the coast of Mexico, where old Confederate ghosts meet modern intrigue. Former Navy SEAL Jack Sullivan, Smithsonian curator Emma Wilson, and their friend Steve Johnson uncover the wreck of a ship believed lost to legend, and with it, a secret that powerful people would kill to keep buried. What starts as an archaeological dive quickly turns into a survival game against unseen watchers and old evils hiding beneath Caribbean calm. It’s a fast, cinematic tale that mixes history, conspiracy, and suspense with surprising tenderness between the chaos.
Leng’s writing is tight but vivid, the kind that keeps your pulse up and your coffee cold. His pacing is unrelenting. The story doesn’t just move, it races, then stops just long enough to let the tension breathe before diving back in. I loved how he balanced action with quiet moments of connection between Jack and Emma. Their relationship never slips into cliché. It feels lived-in, tested by the same salt and fear that hangs over the sea. The dialogue feels natural, especially between Jack and Steve, their banter carries the weight of shared trauma and unspoken loyalty.
But it’s the ideas beneath the adventure that stuck with me. Leng plays with the notion that history never dies, it just waits for someone foolish or brave enough to dig it up. The Confederate artifacts aren’t just relics; they’re symbols of how greed and ideology outlive their wars. I caught myself thinking about how the past haunts the present, how people chase fortunes or legacies without realizing what they awaken. At times, the prose leans cinematic, almost like a screenplay, which works for the story’s rhythm but occasionally sacrifices deeper introspection. Still, when it hits, it hits hard. The quiet dread before a dive, the stillness of the man in the white Panama hat, those moments land like punches.
I’d recommend Echoes of Fortune to anyone who loves a smart thriller with history’s fingerprints all over it. If you enjoy Clive Cussler’s maritime adventures or the artifact hunts of National Treasure, this book will grab you by the collar. It’s not just about what’s found under the sea, it’s about what’s waiting when you surface. A great weekend read.
Pages: 90 | ASIN : B0FSMTD53S
A Chance For Redemption
Whispering Shadows follows a man with a terminal illness who keeps this information from his wife, only to die in a tragic accident and awaken in a world between life and death, with a need to find redemption. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Many years ago I was told of a man who had been diagnosed with Terminal Cancer, and that he would be fortunate to see the year out. Unfortunately, not the most uncommon of revelations, except that he not only refused any form of treatment but also decided in his ‘wisdom’ to withhold the diagnosis from his wife, at least until he felt the time was right! One Winter’s night a few months later he died in a high speed car crash, quite alone, with no other persons or vehicles involved. The effect on his partner was naturally immense, but equally, the discovery of his diagnosis, along with the projected time left to live, and something she could not forgive. Was it suicide or an accident? The fact that he could not bring himself to confide in the one person who should have been at the head of the list was something that has stay with me. Perhaps something he would have attempted to rectify should there be an afterlife, a chance for redemption.
Ethan’s journey in the afterlife takes readers on a complex journey of love and loss as he tries to find forgiveness. What do you think were some of the defining moments in Ethan’s development?
Ethan’s discovery that an afterlife exists, his wife believing he committed suicide, and subsequent determination to prove that it really was an unfortunate accident, along with an overpowering need to explain what took place on that snow-laden day and obtain her forgiveness for his deception. The rare permission granted to revisit earth and seek out the person now imbued with Gen’s life force and the people and places it would lead him to.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I think the paths that different people take throughout their lives, and the realisation that so much is destiny or at least outside of our control, the idiom ‘what will be will be’ comes to mind. Also the good that resides in everyone, the need to love and be loved, however deep it might be hidden. It never fails to amaze at how couples first meet, often by the slender of chances, only to spend a lifetime together accepting the other as their predetermined soulmate.
What is the next book that you’re working on, and when can your fans expect it out?
The story of an RAF pilot in the Second World War who inadvertently saves the life of another, a German pilot, albeit seriously injured, and the bizarre happenings that follow their lives from that moment forward. Inspired by a true story, one that results in a friendship that survives the terrible events of the war and is rekindled by a chance magazine article followed by a phone call that would reunite both the men and their families in their later years. A book that will hopefully be completed early 2026.
What if death wasn’t the end of your story, but the beginning of a greater search – for truth, for forgiveness, and for the soul you lost?
Ethan Turing wakes to a world forever changed. A routine medical appointment delivers a devastating diagnosis: he has only months to live. Reeling from the news, Ethan keeps it from his beloved wife, Gen, intending to shield her from the pain. But fate intervenes when a tragic accident on a snow-covered London street leads to his untimely death.
Presumed a suicide, Ethan’s demise leaves Gen in anguish, unaware of his terminal illness. As she grapples with grief, she discovers she is carrying their child – a son she names after Ethan. Tragically, complications during childbirth claim her life, leaving their newborn orphaned.
Yet, Ethan’s journey doesn’t end with death. His soul is intercepted by enigmatic beings who recognize his potent life force. Offered a chance to transcend his fate, Ethan embarks on a quest to find Gen’s reincarnated soul. Granted the opportunity to return to Earth, he must identify her among six individuals scattered across the globe. Only by looking into their eyes can he discern her true identity and seek the forgiveness he so desperately craves.
Whispering Shadows is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the enduring bonds that transcend time and space. Paul Flintham weaves a tale that challenges the boundaries of life and death, asking: can love truly conquer all?
My Nightmare
The Other Side follows a young detective who is killed in the line of duty, and instead of ascending to Heaven chooses to reside in the Veil, where he has to destroy an ancient beast set on feeding on the living’s souls. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
First, I want to thank the entire team at Literary Titan for their hard work and dedication with helping independent authors. Thank you for everything you do. To answer your question we must travel back to my childhood. When I was eleven years old I began having a recurring nightmare where I had passed away and become a ghost. I would follow my family around the house trying to get their attention, but no matter how hard I tried, no one could see or hear me. As if that wasn’t bad enough, I would realize something was with me in this in between world. I couldn’t see what it was, I just knew it was wicked and it wanted my soul. This unseen entity would chase me through the house and I would always wake up, sweaty and with my heart pounding, right before it could get me. Like most nightmares of your youth it faded over time. But the impression it left on me never diminished. So when I decided to write my first novel, it was a no-brainer for me to write about my nightmare.
Mitch is an interesting character with his flaws, yet he remains likable and relatable. How do you go about creating characters for your story?
I really enjoy creating characters. It’s my favorite part of creating my stories. For years I was a warehouse manager, and part of my job duties was hiring new employees. I always enjoyed interviewing prospective team members. Every person is unique, and it was always interesting learning a little bit about that person’s background and why they wanted to work for the company and why they thought they would be a great team member. And that’s how I create my prospective characters. I have them sit down and do a full interview inside my head and write down their responses. Of course, it’s more personal and thorough than a mere job interview, but the same principles apply. I learn everything about my characters and have fun doing it.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I wanted to explore love, the power of family, and the goodness in the human soul in the face of unimaginable horror. The Other Side is a horror novel, but that doesn’t mean we can’t highlight some of the positive aspects of the human condition. Mitch shows us all the power of love trumps the power of evil. He’ll do anything to protect his family and friends. And I believe it is important to highlight the positive aspects of humanity because most of what you see on the news and online highlight the worst parts of us. So yeah, The Other Side is a horror novel with gory depictions and an enigmatic, evil villain, but at its heart is love, family, and the power of good triumphing over evil.
Will this novel be the start of a series, or are you working on a different story?
When I wrote The Other Side I meant for it to be a standalone story. Since then, I’ve had hundreds of readers asking me the same question. So now, I have plans on making the adventures of Mitch and Sophia into a trilogy. But first, I have another novel in the editing phase of production and I’m putting the finishing touches on another manuscript. So stay tuned!
Author Links: GoodReads | Bookbaby
After being shot and killed in the line of duty, and passing up his chance to enter heaven so he can watch over his family, Mitch finds himself in The Veil, a dangerous plane of existence where unwanted souls and unspeakable evil dwell. Now an ancient beast that feeds on the souls God doesn’t want has its eyes set on Mitch, and it won’t stop until it possesses his soul.
What follows is a battle between good and evil with the fate of every soul in the living world hanging in the balance. Can Mitch destroy the ancient evil and protect his friends and family? Or will the beast from the pits of hell take Mitch’s soul and be unleashed upon the living world?
The Adventure of Alex and Er
The Adventure of Alex and Er is a magical and imaginative children’s picture book that blends adventure, fantasy, and whimsy in a way that will captivate readers who love knights, unicorns, and enchanted quests. The story follows a brave knight, Alex, and his unicorn mare, Er, as they embark on a quest to recover a snowman’s missing broom. Along the way, they cross enchanted lands, discover kingdoms turned into lakes, encounter unusual creatures, and help others in need.
One of the standout elements of this children’s book is its visual design. The illustrations are rich and detailed, bringing the medieval fantasy world to life. The parchment-style backdrop for the text is especially clever. I felt it gives the story an old-world charm as though it were written with a quill centuries ago. This creativity extends to the whimsical layout and rhyming text, which provide a sing-song rhythm that makes the story engaging when read aloud.
The book succeeds in what it sets out to do: create an enchanting, imaginative adventure filled with knights, dragons, and magical lore. It’s a book that invites children to get lost in a fantastical world, and parents or teachers who enjoy reading longer tales aloud will find plenty here to share with curious young listeners.
The Adventure of Alex and Er is a beautifully illustrated and cleverly designed fantasy picture book that’s best suited for older kids who love adventure and rhyme. Strong readers and fantasy enthusiasts will be delighted by Alex and Er’s quest.
Pages: 31 | ASIN : B08NWNBYTZ
The Woman in the Ship
Sapphira Olson’s The Woman in the Ship is a haunting and dreamlike blend of science fiction, memory, and emotional reckoning. It follows Sally Arden, the captain of the starship Ascension, and Nova, the ship’s sentient AI, as they drift through the black silence of space after the destruction of Earth. The book folds between timelines and inner worlds, moving from cold interstellar loneliness to tender childhood memories and surreal fragments of human connection. It is less a straight story than a constellation of moments, where technology, grief, and love all orbit one another in fragile harmony.
Olson’s prose has an almost musical rhythm, flickering between poetry and story, sometimes sharp and funny, sometimes soft and strange. It’s the kind of writing that makes you stop and reread sentences because they shimmer with meaning. Sally’s voice feels raw and real, her memories messy and full of life. Nova, the AI, is heartbreakingly human. Their conversations became oddly intimate, even comforting, and I found myself wanting them both to survive, even when the story made it clear that survival might not be the point.
I loved how the book kept folding back on itself, how the sci-fi setting felt like a stage for something deeply emotional and spiritual. It’s about loneliness, but also about connection. The kind that stretches across time and memory. Olson writes with empathy, with a kind of quiet courage that dares to look at pain without flinching. Sometimes the abstract sections were slow, yet even in those moments, the language felt alive. It made me think about what it means to be human, to remember, to hope when hope seems foolish.
I’d recommend The Woman in the Ship to readers who love introspective science fiction, the kind that feels more like poetry than plot. If you liked books like Solaris, The Left Hand of Darkness, or even Annihilation, you’ll probably find something here that you’ll enjoy. It’s not a quick read, and it doesn’t hold your hand. But it stays with you. It’s a strange, beautiful meditation on what remains after everything else is gone.
Pages: 274 | ASIN : B0FX32NYF1
Thru The Eyes of a Warrior
This book is both memoir and meditation. Merrill A. Vaughan blends poetry, storytelling, and raw personal truth to explore what it means to serve, survive, and remember. Through the fictional voice of Jack Delaney, a veteran haunted by his experiences in Vietnam, Vaughan builds a bridge between past and present, between the young soldier who went to war and the older man learning to heal. The story moves between letters, memories, and poems that capture the brutal honesty of combat and the quiet ache of coming home. It’s not a linear tale but rather a mosaic of moments, stitched together by grief, guilt, and grace.
The poems have grit and rhythm, the kind that comes from someone who has lived the words he writes. I could feel the heaviness in Jack’s silence and the relief when he finally found his voice again. Some passages felt personal, like peeking into someone’s private confession, yet that’s what made them so powerful. Vaughan doesn’t hide behind pretty phrasing or elaborate structure. He just tells it straight. The scenes in the jungle, the letters to Ella, the haunting of lost friends, they all stay with you long after you close the book.
What I loved most was the sense of hope quietly pulsing beneath the pain. The character of Claire, the nurse who teaches Jack to write, and Ella, the granddaughter who asks to hear the truth, turn this story into a full circle. It’s not only about what war takes but what art gives back. The poems woven throughout, about veterans, remembrance, and America itself, feel like collective prayers for understanding. The mix of fiction and poetry works surprisingly well. At times, it feels like a diary cracked open. I found myself pausing often, just sitting with the weight of the words.
I’d recommend Thru the Eyes of a Warrior to anyone who wants to understand the emotional landscape of a veteran’s life, beyond statistics and slogans. This book would especially resonate with veterans, their families, and anyone who believes that storytelling can heal what silence can’t. Vaughan has written something painful, tender, and brave.
Pages: 110 | ASIN : B0FPT9WGZP
LITERARY TITAN 