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DimWitts: The Big Stupid
David J. Hamilton’s DimWitts is a biting, wild ride through a world that feels both satirical and uncomfortably real. It jumps between the collapsing life of David Enders, a leftist late-night comedian silenced by a newly authoritarian president, and the twisted family drama of Charlie Witt, a bitter man stuck in his brother’s strange, almost supernatural shadow. The novel paints a grim but oddly playful picture of politics, power, and small-town despair, blending sharp political commentary with intimate stories of resentment, failure, and strange gifts that alter the people around them. From the halls of the White House to a grocery store in rural British Columbia, the narrative builds a chaotic tapestry of media, corruption, and human frailty.
This book was both exhilarating and frustrating, in the best way. The writing has a manic energy to it, full of sharp edges and vivid scenes. Sometimes the prose cracked me up, other times it made me wince, and there were moments where I had to put the book down because it hit too close to home. The dialogue is alive with personality, though it occasionally veers into caricature. That said, the caricature works because the world it describes already feels absurd. I admired Hamilton’s ability to juggle satire and genuine tragedy without losing the thread. Though at times I felt almost overwhelmed by how much was packed into a single chapter, but it mirrors the mess of the world it’s trying to capture.
What really stayed with me was the mix of rage and humor that runs under everything. I found myself genuinely angry at the injustices described, but then laughing a page later at the ridiculousness of a character’s remark. I don’t think the book wants you to feel comfortable. It wants you off balance, amused, unsettled, and maybe even a little guilty about how much you enjoy the spectacle of disaster.
I’d recommend DimWitts to readers who like their fiction bold, political, and unafraid of being abrasive. If you enjoy sharp satire mixed with messy human drama, this is for you. Reading DimWitts felt a bit like if Kurt Vonnegut wrote a season of Succession after binge-watching The Daily Show. It’s darkly funny, biting, and just absurd enough to sting with truth.
Pages: 340 | ASIN : B0FM6D79GS
A Hero to Admire and Inspire
The Eye of Ebon follows a young girl who is brutalized and left to die in the snow, who is delivered a mysterious sword that has the power to change the course of her world, if she can survive. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
First of all, thank you for having me, and for your interest in my story, The Eye of Ebon. I greatly appreciate this opportunity to talk about my work, and to be showcased on the Literary Titan website. It is an honor.
The inspiration for the Eye of Ebon came from things I was witnessing in our culture and in the entertainment world around me. I saw strong trends towards glorifying villains, and bad things, and a falling away from valuing heroes in our daily lives. Gone was Adam West’s Batman, and Shatner’s Kirk, and here was Darth Vader and Prince Zuko. The conversation changed. People were more interested in villains, and heroes were cast aside as dull, or boring, or too ‘good’ to be interesting. The questions that floated around in the writer’s circles were no longer about the virtues of heroes, but instead about the complexity of villains, and many times it was just, ‘Is my villain cool enough?’ I wanted a story that brought the focus back to heroes, and one in which the villains were reacting to them. I wanted heroes that were admired and were inspiring to people, and I wanted villains that had no redeeming or likable qualities.
But there was more. I am a believer that for light to shine brightest, it must be pitted against the greatest dark. Samiare is in a dark world, and suffers a terrible ordeal. I knew from the beginning that I wanted to write a female character. I wanted the greater difficulty that comes with that territory. I wanted the female aspects of her character to matter, to not have her just be a man in female trappings, hitting things with her sword in a male, swashbuckling way. I wanted her to have terrible things to overcome. Samiare wrestles with anger and hate and pain through much of the story. She is physically and spiritually damaged, and has a lot to contend with. The opening scene and the ordeals she suffers carry with her throughout all the books, but are strongest in the Eye of Ebon.
Ruegette also has many things to overcome as well, there is a great sadness and regret in her, and her devotion to duty has cost her much, and may cost her more again. She is more mature than Samiare, but her journey is equally as real. My first concept of her was that she needed to be a role model that could make Samiare confident that she could follow in the ways of warriors as well. She needed to be a friend and mentor. In a world where women do not play the role of warrior, one who was living that life, and being highly successful at it, might give the spark that others could do it too. Ruegette is highly competent, and knows when to take risks. And she is just as driven as any to achieve her aims. But to make the choice that has set her on this path has come with a great cost. While it is not as front and center as Samiare and her issues, there is still much pain in Ruegette, and there is no way for her to set it right. She too takes risks of life and limb and does her duty for Tierinor, but is it what she truly wants? Or does it just end in more heartache? There is no going back for her. There is only braving the way ahead.
What were the driving ideals behind Samiare and Ruegette’s character development throughout the story?
For Samiare, I wanted her to wrestle with her feelings of anger and hate, both at her ordeal, but also at the monstrous Groll who did it. Samiare has to come to terms with a lot of change right away. And she is wielding the White Sword. It connects her to powers above—powers unlike those following the Seven Gods have ever known. Her faith and her belief carry a lot of importance, and few in the story share it with her. Samiare is asked to trust, but given little as to why she should. Yet she cannot just ignore the powers that work through her. She does believe, but can she bear it when she hates so much?
With Ruegette, I wanted to pit her devotion to duty, against that of finding love. The daring Captain Darimus travels with her, and she must work with him even though he is an agent from a foreign power—one that is supposed to be an ally to Tierinor, but is seemingly working with the Groll instead. Ruegette cannot wholly trust him, and yet…in their quest together, their feelings for each other grow. It isn’t all just foolish banter, there is something genuine behind it as well.
Ruegette is a Tagore, duty before all else is in her blood. How can she walk the line of duty to her own nation while contenting with her growing feelings towards the Marish captain? Can she survive if she must deny love to keep the Eye of Ebon safe? And what is the cost of duty when the stakes are so high?
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
There are many themes explored in the book, and in the series.
In the Eye of Ebon we see strong themes of duty and faith, as well as many others, such as overcoming, persevering, loyalty, trust, love, honor, and sacrifice. And many more themes as well. But for me, personally, I wanted the story to reflect that faith matters, and that trust in things greater than oneself is something that even the most faithful wrestle with. Samiare has a lot of faith. Some of it is just hard wired into who she is, and much more of it comes from the act to save her, and her connection to the One Who Watches Over. But she wrestles with that connection throughout the story, growing in faith and questioning trust. This is a theme the spans all five books and lives with the character for the entirety of the tale. Samiare gains somewhat of the warrior ethos over the span of the five books and that too plays a role in who she is.
Ruegette has duty first on her heart. It was bred into her by the importance of being a Tagore, and plays out over the many books as well, as she tries to come to terms with her father’s love, and his effort to do his duties as well. It shapes who she is. Ruegette wants to overcome the grip that duty has on her, but knows the gravity of events means she cannot just put it aside. She must find her own way, and make her own amends. Ruegette has great loyalty to her house and to her nation, but the lone act of rejecting her father’s plans has had a cost on both herself, and on others she loves. It cannot be so easily forgotten or forgiven. Ruegette must find some way to make peace with her demons as well.
When will book two be available? Can you give us an idea of where that book will take readers?
Book 2, The Promise of Eternity, is delayed in becoming available. I am currently working with an editor to help me provide a high quality work, and fix some of the problems it may have. And I am also waiting on the cover artist to make some changes I had asked for in the cover design. Teresa Jenellen is a wonderful artist, and I love her work. She is worth waiting for.
I am looking to have these out early in 2026, if not earlier.
Books 1-4 are all written, and book 5 is in progress. When Book 2 is released, and the rough for book 5 is written, I will be putting all my energy into getting book 3 released. Unfortunately, I have been wrestling with cancer for the last year, and I now feel it is more important to get the whole story written than to meet release date deadlines. It is important to me to complete the tale whether my cancer is cured or not. Hopefully, I can meet a schedule of one a year, or one every 18 months. The editing does take a lot of effort, and the latter books have much higher word counts.
It is my great hope that readers will enjoy them all, and stick with my tale through its darkness and grit to see its beauty as a whole.
My story has been described as, ‘What if Joan of Arc had used her sword and not her banner?’ Well, Sami is not quite Joan, but I’d like to think Joan would have admired her.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
Pulled into a conflict greater than nations and Gods, both Ruegette, and the girl she rescues, try to survive in a land full of threats against brutal foes that will show them no mercy. Can Samiare find the strength to overcome her torments, and can the White Sword be enough to push back the dark? –Or will a sinister creature reclaim its prize…
The Shadow is rising…
…It seeks back its eye…
…It won’t be stopped.
Witches and Pumpkins, Fur and Fangs
The book is a collection of eerie short stories that all orbit around Halloween, monsters, and the uncanny. From haunted pumpkins to mischievous goblins, from restless spirits to twisted killers, each tale drops the reader into a familiar world that quickly spirals into the unsettling. What makes the book stand out is how it taps into both folklore and modern horror, shifting easily between campfire-style legends and grittier contemporary scares. Every story feels like it belongs to the same haunted neighborhood, and that gives the collection a strong, cohesive flavor.
This is a very entertaining collection. I was caught up in the thrill of the scares, the build-up of tension, and the shocking payoffs. I found myself grinning at the way the author played with tropes I thought I knew inside out. Some of the stories reminded me of watching late-night horror movies as a kid, the kind where you want to cover your eyes but never actually do. The writing doesn’t waste time. It dives headfirst into dread, yet still leaves room for atmosphere, the kind that makes you glance at the shadows in your own room.
Some stories hit harder than others. A few felt predictable, but even then, I didn’t mind, because the fun was in the ride, not just the destination. When the author’s imagination really kicked in, though, the stories burned bright. “Jack of the Lantern” and “Hob Gob” stuck with me the most. They had this creeping inevitability that made me uneasy in the best way. I also liked how the collection never tried to be highbrow. It doesn’t put on airs or dress itself up. It just tells spooky stories the way they’re meant to be told, direct, raw, and with a wicked grin.
I’d say this book is perfect for readers who want to get lost in Halloween vibes any time of the year. If you like scary stories that mix folklore with fresh, gory twists, this is for you. If you want a jolt, a chill, or that delicious sense of dread before bed, you’ll enjoy this ride. I’d recommend it to horror fans, casual readers looking for a scare, and anyone who still feels that spark of excitement when the October moon rises.
Pages: 189 | ASIN : B0FM335L3H
Thank You for the Kiss
Beth Jordan’s Thank You for the Kiss is a memoir that traces her journeys to Cuba, woven with heartbreak, longing, and the allure of escape. The book opens with vivid portraits of Havana’s plazas and rhythms, then slowly moves inward, unraveling her grief after a broken marriage and her mother’s death. The narrative swings between travel writing and raw confession, filled with moments of recklessness, desire, and attempts at healing through adventure and connection.
Jordan’s writing sings with detail. Her Havana is alive with colors, smells, and sounds, and the way she describes cars, streets, and people almost made me feel the heat on my own skin. Yet at times, her honesty about loneliness and her hunger for love hit harder than the travelogue parts. It was messy, even uncomfortable, but that’s also what made it gripping. I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was sitting beside her in those plazas, watching her chase something that might not have existed.
At the same time, I caught myself admiring and questioning her choices. I admired the courage to lay bare such vulnerability, to admit vanity and mistakes, to talk openly about being fooled by charm and youth. I felt she often judged herself so harshly, and it hurt to watch. Still, I think that sharp self-awareness is what gives the book its bite. Without it, the book might have been just another glossy travel diary. Instead, it’s something rawer and more relatable.
I’d say Thank You for the Kiss is best suited for readers who enjoy memoirs about loss, travel, and the messy ways we search for healing. If you’ve ever made a questionable choice in the name of love or tried to outrun your own grief, this book will strike a chord. It’s not a light read, but it’s one that you will remember.
Pages: 350 | ASIN : B0BTXCTG86
The Last Ghost
The Last Ghost tells the story of Joshua Stewart, a boy who loses his parents in a tragic fire in Thailand and is raised by his aging grandparents in Toronto. What begins as a quiet, tender domestic story about loss and love evolves into a moving reflection on family, morality, and the strange intersection between faith and logic. It’s a coming-of-age story shaped by grief, education, and a world that seems to change faster than anyone can understand. The book carries Joshua from childhood through adolescence, from the safety of his grandfather’s theological certainty to the uncertainty of global chaos and financial collapse. In the background are ghosts, literal and figurative, the memories and moral lessons that cling to life long after the living are gone.
The prose is elegant but warm, never showy. Author D.E. Ring writes dialogue that feels alive, filled with pauses and silences that say more than the words themselves. The pacing is slow in the best way. I found myself caring deeply for Caleb and Marianne, those kind, weary grandparents trying to raise a boy while the modern world races past them. Joshua’s curiosity, his moral sense, and his grief are rendered so gently that when emotion hits, it hits hard. I caught myself tearing up more than once. The way Ring balances tragedy with moments of simple beauty, a walk by the lake, a child’s question about God, is fantastic. It’s literary without being pretentious, and it touches something primal about family and forgiveness.
That said, this isn’t a light read. The novel asks you to think. Some chapters stretch with patient detail about conversation or setting. The story builds a world that feels lived in. So much so that when the supernatural edges in, it feels believable. Ring doesn’t write jump-scares or gothic gloom. His ghosts come through in memory, regret, and the quiet ways people haunt one another. I loved that restraint. It’s the kind of ghost story that leaves you thinking rather than trembling. Still, I found myself haunted anyway, not by spirits, but by love, loss, and how time slips away no matter how much we hold on.
I’d recommend The Last Ghost to readers who love literary fiction with heart, people who appreciate family sagas, subtle hauntings, and moral reflection. It’s for those who like their ghost stories human, not horrific. I’d hand it to anyone who believes that real hauntings come from memory, conscience, and the ache of unfinished love.
Pages: 291 | ASIN : B0FS1W4T5Q
The Right Time: Back to the 80s
The Right Time is a time-slip romance that follows Andie, a woman trying to escape an abusive marriage by starting over in an unexpected way, nearly fifty years earlier, in the 1980s. She finds herself grappling with heartbreak, survival, and the strange blessing of a second chance. The book weaves together themes of self-discovery, nostalgia, and the longing for safety and love, all wrapped in a blend of magical realism and women’s fiction.
The writing pulled me in right away. Gibson writes with a straightforward style that’s easy to sink into, yet she layers in emotion without ever making it feel heavy-handed. I found myself rooting for Andie almost instantly. Her struggles felt raw, sometimes painfully so, but that’s what made the story stick. There were moments that made me angry at the unfairness of her situation, then others that made me smile with relief when she carved out a sliver of peace for herself. The details of the 80s setting added charm, but they never overshadowed the deeper story, which is what really mattered.
I felt the pacing meandered, lingering on small domestic details, but oddly enough, I didn’t mind. Those slower scenes gave the book a lived-in feel, almost like watching someone rebuild their life one messy, ordinary moment at a time. The romance element had a soft touch. It wasn’t all swoon and sparks, but more about the ache of possibility, of whether Andie could trust herself again. That restraint worked for me. It felt authentic, not like a fairy tale.
By the end, I closed the book with a sense of satisfaction. It’s not flashy or grand, but it’s heartfelt. I’d recommend The Right Time to readers who enjoy character-driven stories, especially fans of women’s fiction with a hint of magic. If you’ve ever wondered about do-overs or if you simply love a slow-burn story rooted in courage and hope, this book will speak to you.
Pages: 348 | ASIN: B0FQWHNG2S
Tequila
Tequila follows generations of the Ramirez family, from Sotero’s gamble on aging tequila in the 1950s Jaliscan Highlands to the modern corporate empire known as RAM Industries. What begins as a tale of sweat, soil, and ambition slowly becomes a saga of family betrayal, violence, and power. Across decades, we watch tequila move from rustic distilleries into the bloodstream of global trade, all while the Ramirez family wrestles with love, greed, and blood feuds that never seem to fade. It is a story that swings between passion and brutality, family devotion and ruthless ambition.
I admired the way author Tim Reuben captures place, especially the Mexican highlands where Sotero’s first plants take root. Those early chapters breathe with heat and dust, the struggle of a farmer dreaming big. Then, almost suddenly, the narrative shifts to boardrooms and courtrooms, and it struck me how ambition hardens with each generation. I found myself both hooked and unsettled. The violence was raw, sometimes shocking, yet it felt earned, a natural extension of the world Reuben built.
The writing itself is quick, sharp, and often cinematic. The dialogue snaps, the scenes cut hard, and there is little handholding. I enjoyed that rhythm because it gave the book urgency. But I also caught myself wishing for pauses, more room to breathe, especially when the story moved into modern-day plots with kidnappings, corporate lawyers, and family infighting. Still, I admired the boldness. Reuben doesn’t play it safe. He tells a story that spills over with energy, grit, and heat.
I’d recommend Tequila to readers who enjoy family sagas laced with crime, corporate drama, and old-world passion. Tequila felt like a mix of The Godfather’s family drama, the cutthroat energy of Succession, and the grit of Narcos, all poured together into one fiery shot of a story.
Pages: 407 | ASIN : B0FDH5FYHM
A Dangerous Friendship
Robin Merle’s A Dangerous Friendship tells the story of Tina, a woman navigating heartbreak, loneliness, and the lure of risk, who is drawn into a powerful and consuming relationship with Spike, a magnetic yet volatile woman whose energy feels both liberating and destructive. The book unfolds as a mix of confession, memory, and cautionary tale, with Tina’s voice pulling readers through the strange encounters, reckless adventures, and raw emotions that define her search for meaning and connection. At its heart, the novel explores how desire, loss, and self-deception intertwine when we reach for love in places that might destroy us.
The writing is sharp, sometimes even intoxicating, as if the sentences themselves were alive with the same restless energy that fuels Spike. There were moments I felt swept along by the chaos, unable to look away even when the scenes grew uncomfortable or unnerving. The style often felt conversational, almost like overhearing someone at a bar late at night telling you the truth they hadn’t meant to say out loud. That rawness worked for me. It made me trust the voice even when I knew the choices being described were dangerous or misguided. Still, there were times when the sheer intensity wore me down. I caught myself needing a pause, needing to breathe, because the book doesn’t really let you step away from the emotional heat. That relentlessness is its strength, though.
I kept coming back to the theme of how easily people mistake chaos for passion, or instability for depth. Spike is fascinating because she’s equal parts irresistible and terrifying. I understood Tina’s attraction to her. Who doesn’t want to be pulled into someone’s orbit when they seem larger than life, when they make you feel braver than you are? Yet I also felt a knot in my stomach, knowing where such relationships might lead. The book never pretends that this friendship is healthy, and I liked that honesty. It made me think about the kinds of people we let in when we’re at our most fragile, and how often the need to feel alive can push us right to the edge of destruction.
A Dangerous Friendship left me unsettled in the best way. It’s not a comforting read, but it is a truthful one. I’d recommend it to readers who enjoy stories about flawed characters, messy emotions, and the dangerous beauty of being swept up in someone else’s storm. If you’re drawn to novels that explore obsession, betrayal, and the thin line between love and ruin, this one will keep you turning pages.
Pages: 311 | ASIN : B0DWYJWSBF
LITERARY TITAN 