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Characters Breathe Life
In Provenance of Ashes, a group of students in East Berlin finds themselves deep within an international espionage plot that spans decades. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
The idea sprung from two different threads. I was fascinated when reading about the case of Cornelius Gurlitt (the son of a famous Nazi art dealer), who had a hoard of paintings stashed in his apartment and was caught in modern times on a Swiss train after selling one of the paintings. I was intrigued that paintings with such a sordid past could be hidden for decades and surreptitiously sold in the new millennium. I’ve also done lots of global travel, in the course of which I met people who worked for (or used to, I think!) Israeli intelligence and the Stasi.
Which comes more naturally to you? The plot or your characters?
The plot/broader concept, and then my characters breathe life into the story.
What part of this book was the most fun to write?
Too tough to answer! Perhaps the reminiscing of Werner, the evil former Stasi agent and bastard son of the Nazi who stole and hid art at the end of WWII.
Can we look forward to a follow-up to this novel? What are you currently working on?
Absolutely–I am working on a new novel featuring Marco and Beryl, which will fit into the theme of a Married into the Mossad Thriller but not willing to reveal more just yet!
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Realizing jet-set passions are no match for Beryl’s nobler pursuits in hunting Werner, Marco slowly yields to his wife’s batting eyes and steely determination. Love, loyalty, and a quest for restitution drag him into the Mossad’s embrace. When the couple near the truth about Werner’s real identity, they must confront a dark secret of their own buried deep in East Berlin. Will either side risk exposing past crimes to win today’s cat-and-mouse battle? Beryl and Marco plot traps spanning the Mid-East, Silicon Valley, and Holland as modern-day spies counter legendary espionage guile.
Jeff Ulin’s thriller Provenance of Ashes thrusts the weight of haunting history into a marriage grappling with higher priorities. Read it now and travel into a world of shadows where the mantra never forget motivates patriots of good and evil.
Palpable Tension
The Matriarch Messiah follows two women who come from different cultural and religious backgrounds yet find themselves bound by an ancient prophecy and mission to save humanity. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
First and foremost, the conflicts over the ages between people of both Zara’s and Rachel’s faiths and cultures inspired the story of how peace needs to be found so humanity could survive and thrive. The more recent conflicts highlight the need for peaceful solutions as violence only begets violence – which both Zara, a former Kurdish soldier, and Rachel, an Israeli Torah historian and archeologist, find out by the ending chapters of The Matriarch Messiah. Perhaps these notions are naïve, but we all must have faith that we can find peace among us all.
The legend of the cavern of the blue light stemmed from a sense of gender equality in mythology. The Matriarch Matrix is based on an ancient story passed patriarchally from grandfather to grandson. Much of ancient literature including faith text is patriarchal. The Matriarch Messiah shows a parallel but even more secretive women’s legend passed matriarchally from grandmother to granddaughter. So, even though Zara and Rachel have their initial conceptual and contextual differences, both their matriarchal ancestors ask they follow the prophecy handed down by their grandmothers. In this, they must find a solution by working together. A parable for our times.
What was your inspiration for their characters’ interactions and backstories?
In The Matriarch Messiah, the reviews so far call out the “raw and realistic” interactions between Zara and Rachel. As I credit in the book’s acknowledgments, their spats are based on years of watching my two daughters, who ultimately love each other, go at it for, as we say in French, “n’importe quoi” or whatever or nothing at all. At their core, Zara and Rachel are more similar than different motivated by the same end-game of finding the cavern of the blue light. But as in real life, the external optics of upbringing and sense of what is culturally or religiously correct trip them up.
And the love triangle that some reviewers have praised? That was inspired by Romance Writers of America craft sessions. A romance story must find the romance characters stumbling over obstacle after obstacle until they finally resolve their differences. Setting up Rachel as someone who Zara would despise, especially if Peter ends up in her bed, fueled the palpable tension felt through the back half of the book.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
In both The Matriarch Matrix and the sequel, The Matriarch Messiah, I wanted readers to confront their own prejudices and stereotyping formed by our modern world’s premium on “fast take” and “move on” social media. From the reviews, one can discern those who formed judgment very early and did not accept the later challenges to their preconceived notions. Then one can see other reviewers who embraced the “thought-provoking” nature of the reading experience. Much of the social injustice we see today, the intolerance of different cultures and faiths, comes from biases formed from misinformation and/or misunderstanding. My premise is we need to be open to understanding further before we pronounce judgement.
Second, I created the book’s ancients storyline to show a hypothesis of how the seemingly divergent customs we see in the Abrahamic faiths may have started from one source before the days humanity could codify their faith in writing. Myths and religion were passed down orally from one generation to another. Then around 3000 BCE these stories–history was encoded into durable stone and clay. Hence we see a common “flood story” across faiths. The original matriarch, Nanshe, and her descendants hypothetically formed many of the cultural traditions we see in these Western religions. My intent is to show we are more alike than different by showing both the good in what we see today and the horrible acts of war have roots all the way back beyond the first temple at Göbekli Tepe in 9600 BCE.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
Nearing first draft completion is the prequel, The Matriarch Mission. Set eighty years prior to the current two books, it takes place in post-civil war Russia. The story provides the background for Rachel’s pursuit of the truth behind Asherah and how her family became intimate with the legend of the cavern of the blue light as shown in The Matriarch Messiah prologue. The protagonist is Oksana, the mother of Rachel’s great-grandmother, Ariella.
As well, we will learn why Alexander Murometz, the ominous puppet master Russian oligarch in The Matriarch Matrix and The Matriarch Messiah, is driven to find the legendary black object at all costs. His grandfather, Zoran Murometz, plays a role in Oksana’s destiny with Asherah and the mysterious Agartthans, who were in real life sought after by Russian and French occultists.
While The Matriarch Mission goes to beta readers in April, I will outline The Matriarch Mandate while on the shores of Mallorca, which will follow the stories of the first two book’s characters eighteen years later. What is worse than fighting oppressors in deadly combat? Raising teenagers!
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The Matriarch Messiah is a thrilling science fiction adventure that will leave you breathless. This sequel to The Matriarch Matrix picks up the story six months later, plunging you deeper into a world of conspiracies, forbidden love, and the fight for humanity’s future.
Zara Khatum, a woman haunted by ancient visions, finds herself drawn deeper into the heart of a perilous quest. Guided by a mysterious voice, she seeks to fulfill an ancient prophecy and find the cavern of blue light – a sanctuary rumored to hold the key to saving humanity. But the path to salvation is fraught with danger, and Zara is torn between her destiny and her heart.
A shadowy organization, known as NiQihs, seeks to exploit the power of the legendary black object, the source of Zara’s visions, for their own sinister ends. They are not alone. The world’s superpowers, driven by greed and ambition, race to control the artifact, threatening to unleash unimaginable devastation.
Joining Zara in this dangerous pursuit is Rachel Capsali, a brilliant Israeli archaeologist driven by a personal quest to uncover evidence of Asherah, a forgotten goddess who held a pivotal place in ancient Israelite faith. Unbeknownst to them, both women are bound by a shared destiny – a prophecy foretelling the cavern of blue light and a final, heartbreaking truth: two women will fight to the death, and only one will save us all.
Adding to the complexity, a passionate triangle forms as Rachel vies for Peter Gollinger‘s affection, a man deeply entangled in the ancient mystery. Zara, torn between fulfilling her destiny and her own feelings for Peter, finds herself caught in a web of conflicting desires.
As Zara and Rachel navigate a treacherous landscape of hidden agendas, betrayal, and relentless pursuit, their rivalry for Peter’s affections intensifies. Can love survive the forces that threaten to tear them apart? Will the quest for salvation lead to a heart-wrenching sacrifice?
Dive into a world where:Ancient prophecies clash with modern technology: Discover a world where ancient legends are woven into the fabric of a technologically advanced future.
Intrigue and betrayal threaten to shatter everything: Uncover a web of conspiracies, hidden agendas, and deadly secrets.
A passionate rivalry for love unfolds: Zara and Rachel’s destinies are intertwined, leading them to a final confrontation where only one will survive, but their struggle for Peter’s love adds another layer of complexity and tension.
The stakes are higher than ever before: With the world teetering on the brink of nuclear war, Zara and Rachel must find the cavern of blue light, uncover the truth behind the black object, and face the ultimate sacrifice to save humanity.
The Matriarch Messiah is a must-read for fans of science fiction thrillers with a touch of romance and a dash of the mystical. Prepare to be swept away by a journey where ancient secrets, forbidden love, and the fate of humanity hang in the balance.
Inspired By a Dream
A Fine Line: The Beginning follows a dying Union soldier rescued by a supernatural healer, sending him into a life where the veil between the living and the otherworldly grows thin. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Believe it or not, this story was inspired by a dream I had. I have other books that were inspired the same way. So, now I have a notebook and pen by my bed.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
The human condition is a fascinating topic. In my view, humans are the most intriguing creatures on Earth. The human condition encompasses the shared experiences, emotions, and challenges common to everyone. It also includes the essential characteristics and significant events of human life, such as birth, death, and morality. Exploring these traits and events can bring realism to a story. Manipulating these elements and transforming them into something more powerful captures the essence of what many of us aspire to be or the abilities we wish we had. I particularly enjoy tapping into these emotions to create compelling fictional narratives.
In fantasy novels, it’s easy to get carried away by the magical powers of characters. How did you balance the use of supernatural powers?
I explore the interplay between superpowers and real-life situations, such as love, loss, birth, death, and the internal and external conflicts of morality. My emphasis is more focused on personal dilemmas rather than societal disputes or global crises. Personal moral conflicts usually stem from individual choices, making them relatable to everyone.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out and what can your fans expect in the next story?
Readers of A Fine Line Series will not have to wait long. A Fine Line: The Awakening is currently on pre-order and will be released on the 26th of March.
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Not by chance, but by design…
The Crew was formed, and their fate was sealed.
From multi-award-winning author J.C. Brennan comes a new edition of the A Fine Line series, starting with Book 1: The Beginning—a dark fantasy epic where history bleeds into myth, and survival demands a descent into the abyss.
May 1864
The Battle of Pickett’s Mill
__________________________________
Union soldier William T. Healthaway should have died in the mud, his body lost among the thousands littering Georgia’s blood-soaked earth. But fate… or something far darker… intervenes.
Rescued by a healer with uncanny gifts and his clairvoyant wife, William is thrust into a world where the veil between the living and the otherworldly grows thin.
In the war’s aftermath, he becomes the catalyst that binds an unlikely Crew—each drawn by unseen forces toward a fateful destiny, their paths shaped by whispers from powers unknown, guiding them toward a purpose they cannot yet understand.
The shadows stir.
The hour is late.
What secrets lie buried in their past?
What awaits them in the gathering dark?
And what price must they pay for a destiny they can’t escape?
Meet William and the Crew.
Your journey into the unknown begins now.
Blending the visceral grit of historical fiction with the creeping dread of gothic horror, J.C. Brennan’s A Fine Line Series is a masterclass in dark fantasy. For fans of The Terror and Between Two Fires, this epic saga weaves brotherhood, fate, and eldritch horror into a story as enduring as it is unforgettable.
Get your copy!
An Unexpected Voyage
Crossing Borders and Generations follows an immigrant navigating life in America as he travels through time, uncovering his family’s past. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My 1st book sequel genre is historical fiction, emigrant memoirs, time traveling, OBE, Out of Body Experience, Afterlife, Inspirational, Faith-based, storytelling from Eastern Europe, Ukraine, Greece & Bulgaria.
Crossing Borders and Generations and Afterlife Stories My Grandpa Told Me narrates an unexpected voyage bridging Heaven and Earth, unveiling our lost family history.
The narratives traverse our physical and spiritual borders, spanning generations, cultures, and ideologies, interweaving tales of emigration and international exploration.
Crossing Borders and Generations is a historical fiction memoir in which names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. A Testimony of Faithfulness to God, this memoir chronicles the family history spanning four generations across the Old and New World. It’s dedicated to the memory of Captain Georgiy Kakhovskiy, the author’s great-grandfather, who migrated from Kakhovka, Ukraine, in the Russian Empire to Ljubimetz, Bulgaria, in the Balkans in 1878. Following his ancestor’s footsteps, George embarked on his journey to America in 1952, precisely 460 years after discovering the New World.
Crossing Borders and Generations marks an astounding, stunning, and awe-inspiring narrative…” Angel Kolev, the President of the Bulgarian Writers League in America, commends the work for its profound exploration of heritage and migration.
“For the dreamers and do-gooders. For the weirdos, outsiders. For the curious ones who have the guts to be different and adventurous_ This historical fiction story of an immigrant is for you.” – Kiril Kristoff
Who are you? For Bulgarians, you are an American, yet for the Americans, you are an immigrant with Bulgarian roots. Sometimes, you linger as the passenger aboard the original flight from Paris to New York, from the old airport 70 years ago. Yes, the outset was daunting. George encountered numerous closed doors in Sofia but stood resolute, recognizing that yielding to fear and retreating home would equate to defeat.
He couldn’t come back. He committed treason. If he wanted to succeed, he had to burn the bridges to his past to escape.
He had to believe in the future.
Today, we read tales of talented Bulgarian writers. For the immigrant’s reality, the battle for survival is “pearls in the mud.” Real and miserable!
George always believed that to craft something beautiful, something authentic, he needed to use the ink of blood from his wounds. He had to sit in front of his computer and sense that he was metaphorically bleeding. Only when the final word had passed, and pain and anguish had become a shared experience in his life, could his writing be a genuine success. America was an “enigma” to our generation, a life mystery we couldn’t quite explain but had to navigate in our unique ways. After the fall of 1989 and the collapse of the wall, many Bulgarians resembled hungry sharks, confined in the Communist-Controlled aquarium, suddenly set loose into the treacherous and untamed ocean. Each person had to find their own way of coping. In my personal experience, unless you had someone to guide you from the start, life as an immigrant was a tragedy. You were thrust into one ordeal after another. Overall, one had to endure several painful phases of adaptation:
The emotional pain from being separated from your parents, your siblings, and close friends, and your country.
The uncertainty is due to starting a life abroad, literally from scratch.
The painful sorrow is because of missing everything you knew before and being rejected for everything you tried before you were finally adopted.
This book represents the life of six generations, highlighting family members who are steadfast in identifying themselves as good ‘Bulgarians,’ particularly Ukrainians. George hails from a Russian noble family rooted in Kakhovka, Ukraine.
Within this historical narrative of two brothers, Georgiy Kakhovskiy emerges as a figure determined to uphold family traditions while remaining loyal to the Russian czar, symbolizing the grand empire that influenced a nation as small as Bulgaria and defeated the triumphed over the fading Ottoman Empire in the Balkans.
Remarkably, Captain Georgiy, the protector of his Christian brethren, settled his family in the shadow of the two mightiest empires, straddling the borders between Bulgaria, Greece, and Turkey. This decision starkly contrasted with his brother, Vasiliy Kakhovskiy, who harbored revolutionary fervor, actively engaging in the tumultuous events of the October Russian Revolution in 1917. Vasiliy emerged as a staunch Bolshevik leader and Stalin’s red commissar in the USSR, playing a pivotal role in shaping Socialism in
Bulgaria following the conclusion of World War II in September of 1944. The family name was altered to Kakhovskiy to embrace their new identity, reflecting a desire to assimilate more seamlessly into Bulgarian culture.
However, Georgiy Kakhovskiy was among the “lost generation,” forced to emigrate from Bulgaria during the communist regime’s grip. He ultimately sought refuge in America in 1948, where he adopted George Kakhovskiy. Like a boomerang, the next generations in his grandson will return to Socialism, a value he always tried to escape. One day, he returned to his birth country after the fall of the Berlin Wall, where he unearthed the missing fragments of his ancestors’ generational history. These revelations he shares with his grandson, Alex, against the backdrop of peculiar changes sweeping through America following its 2020 US Elections.
I firmly believe that my story is a compelling narrative, chronicling the unique struggles that I’ve overcome in pursuit of a brighter future. It is a testament to the true essence of bravery, sacrifice, perseverance, determination, and, perhaps most importantly, love. For many, this tale will offer newfound perspectives as I guide them beyond their comfort zones. For others, it may guide them to steer their lives and personal paths toward improvement.
I anticipate and hope my readers will be from all walks of life. Regardless of one’s origin or purpose, I am sure this story can tell—or contribute to—a universal truth. More than anything, I hope this book makes readers think more critically about their freedom, specifically. I know that at least one reader will understand that, though they, as humans, are entitled to freedom, it is still a great privilege they’ve been given to live under it and that such a thing is— in no way— free.
Were you able to achieve everything you wanted with the characters in the novel?
My first book sequel, Crossing Borders and Generations, is memoirs, spanning historical fiction, time travel, afterlife exploration, and the immigrant experience, which are woven from the fabric of his own memories. The book delves into the intricate tale of the Kakhovskiy family, focusing on their trials and triumphs as immigrants in Brighton Beach, New York, and the City of Chicago. This narrative is a timeless tale of an immigrant grandfather finding his place in Brighton Beach, New York. While it may appear short and straightforward, its significance extends far beyond that moment. Delving into the journey of George’s family to America, the story explores the sacrifices and challenges they faced, ultimately shaping the trajectory of their family history—for better or for worse.
The story begins with George and his unwavering faith in his grandfather, Georgiy, and the revered military icon of Saint George. George shares with his grandson the profound significance of the icon and its storied history just before embarking on an otherworldly journey triggered by a harrowing car accident.
As they battle for survival in a coma, both George and Alex are granted a unique opportunity to journey through their family’s history, as well as George’s own. Throughout this extraordinary experience, George guides Alex, unraveling the significance of each moment and its profound implications. Alex gains insight into the challenges, conflicts, and triumphs that shaped George and his lineage, paving the way for Alex’s present existence. From a younger, newly immigrated George, Alex learns the true meaning of perseverance and diligence with an open heart.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
My book Crossing Borders and Generations is a masterfully crafted fictional memoir that chronicles the lives of multiple generations of the Kakhovskiy family. At its heart is George Kakhovskiy, a Bulgarian native who, at just sixteen, escapes the oppressive grip of communism and emigrates to America. In this new world, he fights to survive, driven by the dream of a better future. However, through a surreal twist of fate following a car accident, George and his teenage grandson embark on an extraordinary, otherworldly journey—one that allows them to relive George’s past and trace the profound impact of immigration on their family’s history.
Using innovative narrative techniques elevates the storytelling, making George’s life unfold in an immersive and deeply emotional way. The supernatural journey shared by George and his grandson, Alex, serves as a compelling literary device, allowing readers to experience George’s struggles, triumphs, and sacrifices firsthand. More than a mere retelling, it becomes a deeply introspective exploration of generational resilience and the enduring consequences of leaving one’s homeland.
Themes of displacement, perseverance, and the pursuit of the American dream permeate the novel. As Alex observes his grandfather’s past, he gains an appreciation for the hardships George endured. The novel effectively captures this realization, and moments like these bridge the generational gap, transforming historical struggles into personal revelations.
One of the novel’s most striking elements is its ability to convey emotion through memory. The re-experiencing of George’s past does more than recount events, it immerses the reader in his emotional reality. The skill in translating raw emotion into words, allowing the reader to step into the mind of a man who has lived through exile, hardship, and ultimate resilience, is unmatched.
Beyond George’s personal journey, Crossing Borders and Generations skillfully examines how immigration shapes an entire lineage. The novel portrays the pain of separation, the struggle to adapt, and the complex emotional landscape that immigrants and their descendants navigate. George’s mental health, his son’s feelings of alienation, and the often-complicated father-son dynamic all intertwine to form a rich, multi-layered narrative. Yet, amid the adversity, the novel celebrates the enduring strength of the human spirit and the invaluable privilege of freedom—something often taken for granted by those born into it.
This novel is a captivating and inventive take on the memoir genre, skillfully blending fiction with personal history. Through its unique structure and poignant storytelling, Crossing Borders and Generations offers a compelling glimpse into Bulgaria’s past and the lived realities of those who sought a better future beyond its borders. Thought-provoking, deeply moving, and beautifully executed, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in immigration narratives, family sagas, and the timeless quest for belonging.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
His 1st book sequel, “ Crossing Borders and Generation,” received INCREDIBLE RECOGNITION, “Literary Titan – Book Award.” He is so grateful beyond words for the recognition bestowed upon his book with this fantastic award!
I am publishing my 2nd book sequel:” Finding Your Roots”; ‘One Man’s Journey to Discover His Ukrainian, Greek, and Bulgarian Roots’ and working on my website creation. My book will be available on Amazon very soon.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook
Meet George, a courageous immigrant who leaves behind the familiarity of his Bulgarian homeland to seek a better future in America. Experience his trials and triumphs as he navigates the complexities of life, love, and the pursuit of happiness in a new country, from the upheavals of war to the challenges of assimilation.
From working at the bottom rung of a car repair shop to building his own business, George’s journey embodies the struggle and perseverance of immigrants striving for success. As he grows old and becomes Grandpa George, his story intertwines with that of his grandson Alex, bridging the gap between traditional upbringing and modern American life.
Their relationship takes a transformative turn when a tragic accident leaves them both in a coma, guided by the spiritual presence of their Patron Saint Georgie and Grandpa Captain Georgiy. Together, they navigate the teachings of the saints while confronting Vasiliy the demon and George’s Bolshevik grand granduncle, who seeks to unravel their family’s legacy.
Based on true-life events, “Crossing Borders and Generations” offers a poignant commentary on the immigrant experience, the American dream, and the resilience of the human spirit. Through meticulous storytelling, author Kiril Kristoff weaves a captivating narrative that transcends time, leaving readers with a profound appreciation for the sacrifices of those who came before us. Prepare to be transported through history and inspired by the extraordinary tale of love, resilience, and the enduring power of heritage.
The Matriarch Messiah
Maxime Trencavel’s The Matriarch Messiah is a complex and deeply layered novel that blends historical fiction, spiritual exploration, and high-stakes adventure. The book follows two women, Zara and Rachel, who come from different cultural and religious backgrounds yet find themselves bound by an ancient prophecy. Their journey to uncover the mysteries of the blue light forces them to confront personal fears, generational trauma, and the weight of centuries-old traditions. Through parallel storylines, one set in a futuristic geopolitical landscape and another reaching back to pre-Neolithic times, Trencavel crafts a sweeping narrative about faith, destiny, and the power of unity.
The writing is ambitious, sometimes almost overwhelmingly so. The book constantly shifts between timelines, perspectives, and mythologies. At times, this makes for a thrilling, immersive experience, like when Nikolas, a young Austrian in 1944, stumbles upon the forbidden cavern of the blue light. The eerie atmosphere, the ominous skeletons of ancient giants, and the whispered prophecies created a sense of wonder and dread that pulled me in. Yet, there were also moments where the sheer density of historical and cultural references felt heavy as if the author was determined to pack in every possible layer of meaning. The philosophical musings, while insightful, sometimes interrupted the narrative momentum.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its characters. Zara, a devout Kurdish woman, and Rachel, an Israeli Torah historian, are beautifully fleshed out. Their personal struggles, Zara’s internal battle with her past as a fighter and Rachel’s pressure to honor her lineage felt genuine and compelling. Their differences should have divided them, yet their shared quest forces them into an uneasy alliance. This tension is captured in moments like Zara’s quiet reflections on faith compared to Rachel’s analytical approach to history. These interactions felt raw and real. The dialogue often provides rich insights into theological concepts, offering readers a deeper understanding of the characters’ beliefs and cultural backgrounds. While these moments are informative, they occasionally take on a more detailed, explanatory style that adds to the novel’s intellectual depth.
The novel’s antagonist, Alexander Murometz, is a fascinatingly despicable figure. He manipulates global politics with chilling efficiency, and his twisted sense of destiny makes him a force to be reckoned with. The scene where he casually orders the nuclear destruction of Zara’s hometown just to force her compliance is a gut-punching moment of sheer villainy. But even he is not a simple caricature; his obsession with power is interwoven with a desperate quest for his own version of salvation. This moral complexity elevates him beyond a typical evil mastermind.
The Matriarch Messiah is a richly rewarding read, offering a deeply immersive experience for those who love thought-provoking fiction. It invites readers to engage with its intricate storytelling, blending history, mythology, and spiritual exploration in a way that feels both epic and intimate. Fans of historical thrillers, speculative fiction, and philosophical narratives will find plenty to appreciate, from its compelling characters to its grand, multi-layered themes. This is the kind of book that invites you to slow down, savor its complexities, and lose yourself in its profound and imaginative world.
Pages: 644 | ASIN : B0DZ334PM7
A Fine Line: The Beginning
A Fine Line: The Beginning is a gripping dark fantasy novel set against the brutal backdrop of the American Civil War. It follows William T. Healthaway II, a Union soldier thrown into the chaos of war, grappling with both the physical and emotional toll of battle. As he endures the horrors of combat, William’s fate intertwines with supernatural forces, making him question reality itself. Themes of destiny, brotherhood, and survival drive the narrative, making it an unforgettable journey through a world where history and the unknown collide.
One of the strongest aspects of Brennan’s writing is the visceral intensity of war. The battlefield is not romanticized. Instead, it’s a suffocating nightmare of gunfire, blood, and loss. The chapter Shattered Will hit me the hardest. When William and his best friend Buckner charge into battle, the carnage is unbearable, and the moment Buckner falls is gut-wrenching. Author J.C. Brennan doesn’t hold back—she forces the reader to sit with the weight of war, to feel the mud, the fear, and the unbearable grief of losing someone in an instant. The way she describes William’s descent into a mindless killing machine, fueled by rage and despair is some of the most hauntingly real war writing I’ve read.
Another standout aspect is the supernatural element woven into the story. The introduction hints at forces beyond human comprehension, and as the novel progresses, these eerie occurrences become impossible to ignore. Caroline, William’s wife, possesses the gift of foresight, which adds an intriguing layer to the story. Her ability to see into the future isn’t just a plot device—it deepens the emotional connection between her and William. When she writes to him, believing in his survival, it’s as if fate itself is guiding him. And then there’s Tyrone and Cecil, two runaway slaves who save William’s life. Their presence isn’t just historical—it’s mystical. The way Tyrone’s touch seems to ease William’s pain and how Cecil’s chants carry an air of the otherworldly suggest that fate, or something beyond it, is at play.
William is a man torn between duty and desperation, constantly longing for home but bound by the reality of war. His relationship with Buckner is a highlight—their banter, their loyalty, and the tragedy that unfolds between them make their bond one of the most compelling parts of the book. Tyrone’s backstory, detailing the horrific scars of slavery, is told with such raw honesty that it made my stomach turn. And Caroline, though physically distant for most of the novel, is a presence that looms over every decision William makes. Brennan has created a cast of characters that feel like real people, each carrying their own burdens, yet still holding onto hope.
I would absolutely recommend A Fine Line: The Beginning to anyone who enjoys dark fantasy and historical fiction with a twist. If you’re a fan of gritty war stories that don’t shy away from brutality, this is for you. If you love characters that feel real, with relationships that make you ache, you’ll find them here. Brennan delivers a powerful, immersive read that lingers long after the final page.
Page: 103 | ASIN : B0DTT9CJP3
Where Eagles Fly Free
David A. Jacinto’s Where Eagles Fly Free is an immersive historical novel that whisks readers back to 1868, following Tom Wright and his family as they embark on a grueling transatlantic journey from England to America. Their story is one of resilience, hope, and unyielding determination as they flee the oppression of the British aristocracy in pursuit of a dream to live freely on their own land. Throughout, the narrative teems with vivid imagery, from the breathtaking Irish Sea to the cramped, unsanitary ship conditions, and highlights the toll of physical and emotional hardships faced by immigrants.
Jacinto’s writing made me feel present in every scene. His descriptions of the Colorado ship, the swaying wooden masts, the pungent smell of mildew, and the ever-present threat of the Atlantic’s fury were so vivid I felt seasick myself. One standout moment was when the ship endured a violent cyclone, complete with cracking masts and desperate sailors. It was heart-pounding and terrifying, yet it highlighted Tom’s courage under pressure. At the same time, the book’s pacing allowed for reflective moments, particularly during the extended inner monologues about America’s promise, which offered a hopeful and idyllic vision of the future that added depth to Tom’s dreams.
The novel shines brightest in its portrayal of human relationships. Annie, Tom’s pregnant wife, was a standout character for me. Her compassion and sheer grit stole the spotlight repeatedly. I found myself rooting for her during the scene where she faced off with the ship’s detestable cook, Mr. Bunnings, over the rotten food being served to sick passengers. Her determination to improve conditions for everyone, even as she battled her own exhaustion, was inspiring. Tom’s interactions with his wife left me conflicted. While his dreams for America were noble, his occasional dismissiveness of Annie’s struggles added a layer of tension that felt unresolved.
The bonds of family and the pain of loss are central themes. Tom and Annie’s shared grief over their son Henry’s death added a poignant layer to their relationship. Scenes like Annie comforting her ill nephew or witnessing a mother and child being buried at sea were gut-wrenching. These moments grounded the story in raw emotion and reminded me of the immense sacrifices immigrants made for the hope of a better life.
Where Eagles Fly Free is a deeply evocative tale of perseverance, filled with memorable characters and stirring imagery. While it occasionally leans into idealism, the novel’s focus on family, faith, and the pursuit of freedom will appeal to readers who enjoy richly detailed historical fiction. I’d recommend it to anyone with a taste for emotionally charged narratives, particularly fans of stories about immigration or survival against the odds.
Pages: 400 | ASIN : B0DZY69F2J
CROSSING BORDERS AND GENERATIONS: One Man’s Journey To Search For His Ukrainian, Greek, And Bulgarian Roots
Kiril Kristoff’s Crossing Borders and Generations follows an epic journey of family, history, and identity. Blending memoir, historical fiction, and a touch of the spiritual, the book follows George, a Bulgarian immigrant, as he navigates life in America while uncovering his family’s past, spanning Ukraine, Greece, and Bulgaria. The story unfolds with surprising twists, including a near-death experience that enables George and his grandson Alex to travel through time, witnessing the hardships and victories of their ancestors—many of whom they had barely known existed. At its core, this is a book about survival, faith, and the sacrifices made by those who seek a better life—not just for themselves, but for the generations to come.
Kristoff’s writing shines when he details the harrowing realities of immigration and the emotional weight of exile. The depiction of George’s struggles in both communist Bulgaria and capitalist America is striking. One particularly moving passage describes his time in a Soviet-controlled Bulgaria, where food was scarce and hope even scarcer. His determination to escape, despite the risks, is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Kristoff skillfully captures the isolation of an immigrant trapped between two worlds—too unfamiliar for his new home yet too transformed to return to his old one—compelled to forge a new identity in uncharted territory.
The novel’s structure is bold and unconventional. The blend of historical narrative, spiritual exploration, and generational storytelling creates a layered reading experience. The time-traveling, near-death elements feel jarring at times. While the afterlife journey adds a unique touch, it occasionally disrupts the story’s emotional momentum. For instance, the moment George and Alex find themselves in 1948 Bulgaria, reliving George’s youth, is gripping, but it sometimes overshadows the real-world immigrant experience, which is the book’s strongest element.
Kristoff’s prose is passionate and personal. His descriptions of family traditions, the immigrant experience, and the weight of history feel deeply authentic. The dialogue can sometimes be heavy-handed, particularly when characters serve as mouthpieces for historical exposition. At times, the book leans into overly sentimental moments, but given its themes of faith and family, this is forgivable. The storytelling is at its best when it lets the characters’ struggles speak for themselves, such as George’s heartbreaking survivor’s guilt over the friends he left behind in Bulgaria.
Crossing Borders and Generations is a deeply personal and ambitious novel that will resonate with those who appreciate stories of immigration, resilience, and family legacy. It’s a book for history lovers, for anyone who has ever felt caught between cultures, and for readers who enjoy narratives that mix reality with the metaphysical. Kristoff delivers a compelling story about the price of freedom and the power of remembering where we come from.
Pages: 399 | ASIN : B0CZJ5Q376
LITERARY TITAN 