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Mosswood Apothecary
Mosswood Apothecary is a cozy fantasy novel that follows Rowan Mosswood, a gentle, anxious botanical alchemist who accidentally grows invasive fungi during exams and packs dirt in his suitcase because it helps him think. After barely securing his graduation, he’s sent north to Frostfern Valley to study the region’s dwindling magic. What he finds there isn’t just a research assignment. It’s a quiet mountain town with withering crops, a long-abandoned greenhouse, a warm carpenter named Jimson, and a community that slowly becomes his home. The book blends slice-of-life pacing, soft magic, queer romance, and small-town healing, ending with Rowan opening his own apothecary and saying yes to a wooden ring carved from the oldest tree in the forest. It’s all very tender and very intentional.
The writing is simple in the best way: unhurried, a little vulnerable, and often funny without trying too hard. The worldbuilding leans more cozy than epic, even though the setting includes universities, automatons, and intricate alchemical sigils. What grounded me most were the sensory details that weren’t flashy: dirt under Rowan’s nails, windows iced in delicate patterns, the smell of elderflower tea hanging from the rafters.
I also loved how the story lets Rowan be soft. In so much fantasy, magic is about power or destiny, but here it feels like craft, patience, and care. Rowan’s magic grows wilder and more unpredictable the farther north he goes, and instead of turning that into a high-stakes threat, the author uses it to show how Rowan is changing, too. The romance builds the same way. Jimson isn’t swoony in a scripted sense; he’s solid, warm, and fully part of the town’s rhythm. Their relationship grows like something planted, slow at first, then steady, then suddenly blooming so clearly that by the time the Winter Festival proposal arrives, it just feels right. Even the townsfolk, with their worn-down farms and quiet pride, become part of Rowan’s chosen family, which gives the whole book the emotional softness of queer cozy fantasy at its best.
Mosswood Apothecary feels like TJ Klune’s The House in the Cerulean Sea crossed with the gentle, craft-centered magic of Travis Baldree’s Legends & Lattes, delivering a story that’s just as warm, queer, and quietly transformative. If you enjoy cozy fantasy, queer romance, or stories where magic supports character growth rather than overshadowing it, this book will be completely your vibe. It’s especially lovely if you like narratives about chosen family, rural communities, and soft magic that feels more herbal than explosive.
Pages: 392 | ASIN : B0FH5L8X2F
The Brothers of Dane
D.B. Havoc’s The Brothers of Dane begins as a tale of mischief and theft, but it quickly expands into something much grander. On the surface, the novel follows Balran, Mak, and Dag, three notorious outlaws whose exploits make them both feared and strangely admired. What starts as a high-society robbery soon spirals into a quest tied to ancient artifacts, the legendary city of Dhravendor, and the fabled Udin Stone. Beneath the adventurous exterior lies a narrative about loyalty, betrayal, and the often-fractured bonds that hold families, chosen or otherwise, together.
The opening scene at Counselor Imara Enas’s estate establishes this duality immediately. The cultivated elegance of an elven dinner party collides with the chaos of the Brothers’ sudden intrusion, led by Balran’s dryly menacing declaration: “This is a robbery.” The episode is both dramatic and darkly humorous, and it illustrates Havoc’s ability to balance tones with confidence. The moment also introduces Maeve, whose tense but charged interaction with Mak provides an early glimpse of the interpersonal conflicts that run beneath the novel’s more visible plot.
The novel’s strongest element is the interplay between the brothers themselves. Their dialogue is sharp, unpolished, and filled with an authenticity that makes their quarrels and camaraderie equally compelling. Dag, for instance, provides a mix of cynicism and biting humor, as when he mocks Mak’s affection for Maeve through his song “Sweet Maeveriene”. Balran assumes the role of pragmatic leader, while Mak wrestles with the tensions of his half-elven identity. Together, they form a partnership that feels volatile but indispensable, and it is this sense of lived-in brotherhood that makes the narrative resonate beyond its adventurous trappings.
The scope of the story broadens dramatically with the introduction of Emperor Elric Veshlor, the so-called Sun Eagle. The confrontation in the Tower of Tiriel, particularly the battle with a shadowed figure whose blows are revealed to fall from a wooden blade, is a pivotal moment. Elric’s eventual appearance transforms the narrative from one of petty thefts into an epic struggle intertwined with exile, history, and the hope of redemption. The Brothers’ shifting responses, debating whether to assist, betray, or outwit the emperor, add moral complexity and highlight Havoc’s interest in the gray spaces between honor and survival.
By its conclusion, The Brothers of Dane reveals itself as more than an adventure tale. Havoc blends action with myth, allowing the reader to move seamlessly from tavern brawls to weighty reflections on power, freedom, and legacy. At times, the exposition particularly in the sections concerning the Treaty of Maltran Heights and the dwarven astrolabe leans heavily on lore. Yet even these passages contribute to the sense that the Brothers are entangled in a world where their small-scale ambitions intersect with forces far greater than themselves.
The Brothers of Dane is recommended for readers who appreciate fantasy that is bold, atmospheric, and character-driven. It will appeal especially to those who enjoyed the grit of Scott Lynch’s The Lies of Locke Lamora or Christopher Buehlman’s The Blacktongue Thief. Havoc has crafted a story that captures both the recklessness of outlaw life and the enduring weight of myth, producing a work that is as much about the bonds of brotherhood as it is about treasure and survival.
Pages: 302 | ASIN : B0DPR7YM66
Steampunk and Victorian Vibes
The Roses of Port Townsend follows a mother and her two sons as their fresh start in a seaport town turns into a ghostly adventure. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I traveled with my two sons, Ian and Ryan, from Olympia, Washington, to Port Townsend when they were younger. We stayed at Manresa Castle over Easter and had a wonderful time. During our visit, we took several photos and captured images that featured orbs. In one photo, there was an orb above each of our heads, which was quite spooky. Manresa Castle is reportedly haunted and has been featured on the television show “Ghost Adventures.”
The Victorian architecture, combined with both Steampunk and Victorian vibes, makes Port Townsend a fascinating destination. The history of the town, as well as that of Fort Worden and Fort Flagler, is all intriguing and significant. As I was writing the novel, my husband and I lived on the coast, either on Camano Island or in Ferndale, Washington, overlooking the Salish Sea. We visited Port Townsend regularly, and during those visits, ideas for my novel began to develop. I would write between jobs or in the evenings after coming home from work. Once I was able to retire, I started writing regularly, and the ideas flowed freely.
How do you balance story development with shocking plot twists? Or can they be the same thing?
I tell a good story, and plot twists are a necessity. I have always hated knowing how a story would end, and about eighty percent of the time, I can guess at even a “trick” ending and get it right. However, plot twists need to make sense and must enhance the storyline. I found that plot twists added depth to my story and made it more engaging. Everything just fell into place. I also challenged myself to revive my imagination, which had been buried in dry government documents, statistics, program requirements, rules, laws, and administrative procedures. To be truly creative, you must find the child’s voice within and ask yourself what’s truly fun, scary, exciting, whimsical, or even absurd. That’s the voice I try to tap into. I do utilize some of my knowledge about government to create an image of “them bilge-rat government types,” as the untrusting pirate, Ben Pease, would likely say. Still, mostly I rely on my imagination, the history of the area, and the joy of finding and fighting monsters. We all have to defend ourselves against monsters at some point in our lives. These days, they are less likely to be vampires and more likely to be found in the hallowed halls of our political institutions.
Do you find you are able to relate to your characters while writing?
My characters have become very real to me; they feel like members of my family now, so I have a good understanding of what they will and won’t do. I can relate to every character in my novel because they remind me of my sons or because I’ve encountered similar characters in the past. Most of my characters are a blend of people I know, historical figures I’ve discovered through reading, characters from movies or books, and aspects of my own personality.
Can we look forward to more mysteries from you soon? What are you currently working on?
I want to share that the Gumshoes are preparing for another exciting adventure. I am starting to work on “The Portal Protectors,” the next book in the “Roses of Port Townsend” series. I hope to complete my first draft by the summer of 2026.
Author Links: Website | Reader’s Favorite
In the heart of the book, The Roses of Port Townsend, you will meet Mandy Rose, a resilient schoolteacher, whose husband is missing under mysterious circumstances. Forced to leave her home in Olympia due to her school’s closure, she ventures on a daring journey with sons Max and Oscar to Port Townsend, a quaint Victorian era seaport city. Despite warnings of its eerie aura and alleged hauntings from her brother, Leo, Mandy follows the path that fate has laid down for her. The Rose family’s strength is truly tested as they confront the chilling mysteries of this Victorian city.
Mandy, Max and Oscar, and their loyal dogs, Josie and Bone, delve into a world that transcends the realm of the ordinary. The city’s scenic tranquility belies the dangers that lurk within, as the family stumbles upon supernatural beings. The Rose family is welcomed by new friends in Port Townsend; Max and Oscar develop budding romances; family members come to the rescue; and together they all become amateur detectives in the most important missing persons case they will ever face.
Not all is as it seems in this city, where an unusual tomato garden holds lethal surprises, and a pirate’s secret could be the key to their survival. As Mandy and her family navigate through the labyrinth of Port Townsend, they uncover truths that could shatter their reality. What started as a quest for employment soon turns into a race against time as they struggle to find Mandy’s husband, and to discover the secrets of their new home, Victorian cottage, “Little Red.”
The Roses of Port Townsend is a thrill-ride of whimsy, suspense, mystery, and danger. The book weaves an enchanting tapestry of suspense, magical realism, and the strength of a mother’s love. As Mandy battles the unknown, the question remains-will the Rose family bloom again in Port Townsend, or will they wilt under its haunting spell? Dive into the pages of this riveting tale to find out!
The Roses of Port Townsend
The Roses of Port Townsend is a genre-blending story set in the misty coastal town of Port Townsend, Washington, where mystery, fantasy, science fiction, and family drama intertwine. The novel follows Mandy Rose and her two sons, Max and Oscar, as they relocate to this Victorian seaport after the mysterious disappearance of Mandy’s husband, Rick. The family’s attempt at a fresh start quickly veers into strange territory, with ghostly figures, cryptic messages, unsettling townspeople, and supernatural occurrences. Many of them are tied to the town’s haunting history and a bizarre obsession with tomatoes. As secrets unravel, the Rose family must confront both literal and figurative monsters while clinging to love and hope.
Ethel Steinmetz Marmont writes with obvious affection for the Pacific Northwest, and her descriptive passages made me want to visit Port Townsend. The real heart of the story, though, is the relationship between the characters. I found Mandy’s weariness and perseverance achingly real. The banter between Max and Oscar made me laugh more than once, especially Oscar, who’s half spooky child, half comedy relief. That said, the book zigzags tonally. Sometimes it’s a whimsical ghost story, other times it’s a tech thriller or a family sitcom. It’s not a clean cut, and I loved the creativity.
The writing is imaginative and often charming. Marmont occasionally indulges in monologues or eccentric character introductions that make you pause and think. That unpredictability also gives the book its charm. I didn’t always know where the plot was headed, and I liked that. The character of Benny P., for example, feels like he walked out of a Halloween parade and straight into a ghost tour. Is he a ghost? A pirate? A time traveler? I’m still not totally sure, but I enjoyed every second he was on the page. And the tomatoes became such a strangely meaningful element of the story that I might actually never look at them the same again.
The Roses of Port Townsend was a delightful read. It’s best suited for readers who enjoy quirky tales that mix magical realism with heartfelt family drama. If you liked A Series of Unfortunate Events, Coraline, or Practical Magic, this might hit the sweet spot. It’s especially good for parents reading alongside tweens or teens. It has just enough spooky spice to intrigue younger readers while still offering emotional weight for adults. It’s a little weird, a little heartfelt, and very much its own thing. For me, that’s enough to recommend it.
Pages : 390 | ASIN : B0F277WYCR
Phantom of StainedSteam
Phantom of StainedSteam is a thrilling dive into a London veiled by fog and filled with magic, secrets, and danger. At its heart, the story follows William Blackwood, a suave investigator with a knack for solving supernatural mysteries, as he confronts a dangerous cult, the Black Thorns. Alongside his eccentric companions, William races against time to unravel a plot that threatens to rip apart the fabric of reality itself. With vivid imagery and rich character dynamics, Sparr weaves a story that’s as enchanting as it is darkly mysterious.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its atmosphere. From the foggy streets of London to the eerie glow of Highgate Cemetery, Sparr creates a world you can almost smell and touch. The opening chapter immediately sets the tone with Lilly Ravenwood navigating a mist-laden street, her sharp eyes catching glimpses of a magical underworld hidden in plain sight. The sense of wonder and menace is palpable. Sparr’s descriptions, like William’s brush with reanimated corpses on a frozen bridge, are so visceral.
That said, the characters are what truly made this book shine for me. William is charming yet layered, with his calm, sarcastic exterior masking a fierce determination. His dynamic with Jaxon Westwood, the scholarly sidekick, is a highlight. Their banter, especially in the scene where Jaxon warns William about the dangers of meddling in the supernatural, adds levity without undercutting the tension. Lilly, with her icy demeanor and fierce independence, is another standout. Her bravery during the docks confrontation, despite her injuries, shows her depth. The supporting characters, from winged cat Midnight to the gruff constable Theo, each leave their mark without feeling like filler.
While I adored the worldbuilding and characters, the pacing occasionally felt uneven. Some chapters, like the extended exposition on the origins of the Black Thorns, slowed the narrative’s momentum somewhat. I found myself wanting to jump back into the action. Additionally, while the villains are suitably menacing, I feel their motivations sometimes veer into cliché territory—power for power’s sake felt underwhelming compared to the rich complexity of the protagonists.
Phantom of StainedSteam is an absolute delight. It’s perfect for readers who love steampunk fantasy, Sherlockian mysteries, or stories steeped in magic and danger. Sparr’s London is a place I didn’t want to leave, and his characters feel like old friends by the end. If you’re looking for a tale of high stakes, rich worlds, and unrelenting adventure, you won’t regret stepping into this fog-laden gaslamp fantasy.
Pages: 738 | ASIN : B0CW1GCX1N
Death or Volentus: Macabre Masquerade
Death or Volentus: Macabre Masquerade, by David V. Mammina, is a dark fantasy tale filled with necromancers, undead armies, and high-stakes political intrigue. The story follows Volentus, a powerful necromancer ruling over a bleak land called Edengard, and his interactions with other factions in a world filled with rivalries, magic, and deep secrets. Volentus is at the heart of a macabre game, facing threats from kingdoms and individuals alike. The novel sets the stage with battles, betrayals, and an eerie atmosphere that constantly hovers over the storyline. The key tension lies between Volentus and various factions, especially as he faces a pending summit where political and magical powers will collide.
The writing is heavy on detail, immersing readers into a world that feels vividly crafted, but at times, it can be dense. Mammina’s strength lies in his ability to evoke haunting imagery. Whether it’s a necromancer’s undead army or the ruins of Edengard, the setting is always atmospheric. The prose is rich with long passages of descriptive text that I feel sometimes slow down the narrative’s momentum. However, these passages contribute to great world-building within a fascinating narrative.
One thing that really stands out is how the novel delves into the psychological and emotional turmoil of its characters. Volentus isn’t just a power-hungry necromancer; he’s haunted by past decisions and relationships, particularly his complex history with Malkira, a priestess and former lover. The moments where Volentus grapples with his isolation and the consequences of his actions bring a depth that grounds the otherwise fantastical elements. I appreciated how the novel explored his internal conflict and didn’t just paint him as a stereotypical villain. A scene where he sits in front of the fire, reflecting on his power and the fear he instills, felt particularly poignant. The dynamics between different factions, like the Koralins and the Apparatum, are intriguing, but I believe they can occasionally impact the clarity of the narrative. While fascinating and well-developed, side stories centered around characters like Dragan and Alicent are engaging but sometimes distract from the book’s central point.
Death or Volentus: Macabre Masquerade is perfect for those who love dark fantasy with intricate political intrigue. Fans of necromancy, morally complex characters, and rich world-building will enjoy this novel. It’s a book that requires patience and attention to detail, but the payoff is a richly woven, eerie tale that lingers long after you’ve turned the last page.
Pages: 281 | ASIN : B0D9SXRWVY
A Bad Price to Pay for Love
In the third installment of The Bad Series, A Bad Price to Pay for Love, by Jerry F. Westinger, readers are drawn into a captivating blend of fantasy and mystery. Nella Dormanni eagerly reunites with her colleague, Lieutenant Mainu, only to discover that he is in New Montres not for leisure but to investigate the disappearance of a wealthy socialite. Nella’s expertise becomes invaluable as they uncover layers of deception and intrigue far beyond their expectations. Meanwhile, Thessa faces a challenging murder case at the esteemed Garden of Lilies, questioning the city guard’s conclusions. With her loyal friend Corlis by her side, Thessa embarks on a quest for justice, unearthing secrets that could shake the city to its core.
This novel skillfully encompasses themes of collaboration, crime-solving, and resilience. Nella Dormanni is a well-rounded character, displaying admirable traits such as a strong sense of duty and dedication. Her tendency to internalize criticism and doubt herself adds depth to her character, making her more relatable and engaging. This vulnerability enhances readers’ investment in her story. The close relationship between Nella and Mainu, including their intimate moments, enriches the narrative without overshadowing the plot or compromising their mission. It serves as a portrayal of their vulnerability and loyalty to each other, adding a layer of emotional depth to the story. Thessa, despite her vulnerabilities and moments of self-doubt, emerges as a likable character due to her humanity and eagerness to connect with others. Her journey resonates as she grapples with an identity crisis and searches for a sense of belonging amidst uncertainty. Her determination and growth throughout the novel are compelling and inspiring. The fictional world of New Montres is vividly brought to life, with its stark contrast between high society and the slums highlighting themes of social disparity. This setting strongly mirrors real-world issues, making the story both fantastical and relevant.
A Bad Price to Pay for Love, by Jerry F. Westinger, is a highly engaging read that offers a rich tapestry of characters, intricate plotlines, and thought-provoking themes. It is a must-read for fans of fantasy and mystery, promising a journey filled with suspense, emotion, and insightful commentary on society.
Pages: 315 | ASIN : B0D58H91D8
Healthy Dose of Fiction and Fantasy
Houdini’s Last Handcuffs follows three friends from Manhattan in the 1950s who are contacted by Houdini through a set of handcuffs and asked to go on a mission to find his hidden journal. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Perhaps oddly, the first inspiration for the novel came from our father’s obituary in the New York Times. Douglas Martin wrote about a third of a page about our family, its magic, and related interests as well as the connection to Houdini. Upon reading that, it was perhaps the first time I realized I grew up in an unusual family.
I began writing what was essentially a memoir. I was aware that my high school English teacher had gone on to become Editor-in-Chief at Random House (Daniel Menaker), I sent it off to him asking for his thoughts…even though I was now about 50 years old. He was kind enough to send it back with a critique, handwritten, on company letterhead. Ultimately with that, and having inherited from my father the last handcuffs to leave the brothers Houdini and Hardeen’s estate, my imagination began turning a memoir into a historical fiction. Houdini’s Last Handcuffs was born.
Your characters are wonderfully emotive and relatable drawing in readers of all ages. Were you able to use anything from your own life to inform their character development?
Absolutely, as the characters are reflections of ourselves, events we were involved in, and family and family friends, we wanted our characters to be true to ourselves, even as we delved into areas of fiction wherein we wanted them to respond how we might have responded. Most of the events, places, and people are drawn from the crucible of our memories along with a healthy dose of fiction and fantasy.
Did you plan the tone and direction of the novel before writing or did it come out organically as you were writing?
We both “lived” with the characters in our minds as we wrote about them.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
We are in the process of writing a sequel. The expected release date is October 31, 2026, the 100th anniversary of Houdini’s death.
Author Links: GoodReads | Book Trailer | Website | Amazon
While the adults attempt to reach Houdini in a Séance at his former residence, the children unknowingly call upon the great magician, not through the Ouija board or séance but via an enigmatic pair of handcuffs from their father’s magic collection.
Houdini, in dire need of their aid, reveals a hidden notebook filled with scientific formulas coveted by both benevolent and malevolent secret circles. This notebook is a puzzle, locked behind Houdini’s cryptic code.
The unexpected unfolds, setting off a thrilling chase, where the pursuit of Houdini’s notebook holds the key to secrets, mystique, and adventure. Houdini’s Last Handcuffs is a riveting journey into a world where magic meets science, tantalizing readers with every twist and turn.
LITERARY TITAN 