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The Old Corsair
In The Old Corsair, Michael DeStefano introduces readers to Terrie Murphy, a naval intelligence officer embarking on her first assignment. Tasked with overseeing an excavation site, Terrie’s role is initially to safeguard any unearthed artifacts. However, the secretive nature of the discoveries quickly captures her interest, propelling her into a self-initiated investigation. As the narrative unfolds, Terrie uncovers a broader conspiracy involving the enigmatic Captain Tunney and the ship, Neptune’s Trident. This discovery takes on a personal dimension as it appears linked to the mysterious death of her sister a decade prior.
DeStefano’s narrative compels the reader to ponder the multifaceted nature of justice. Through Terrie’s journey, the story delves into the realms of moral ambiguity, legal intricacies, and the pursuit of retribution, underscoring justice’s imperfections and elusiveness. The protagonist’s determination to unearth the truth and seek accountability for her sister’s demise is a testament to her resilience and dedication.
The Old Corsair is marked by meticulous research and eloquent writing. DeStefano’s expertise in historical matters, coupled with his narrative prowess, results in a captivating and immersive experience. His attention to detail brings each scene to life with vivid descriptions and well-crafted settings. Particularly noteworthy is Terrie’s character development, which is portrayed with authenticity and depth. Her initial wariness towards new acquaintances, evolving into trust and ultimately, flourishing friendships, adds a relatable and humanizing aspect to her character.
The Old Corsair is a compelling blend of mystery and historical fiction. It engages the reader’s curiosity from start to finish, making it an excellent read for enthusiasts of these genres. This book is an exploration of the complexities of justice and human relationships, woven into a suspenseful and intriguing narrative.
Pages: 460 | ASIN : B0C8VQKDCY
Literary Titan Gold Book Award March 2024
The Literary Titan Book Award celebrates books with creative ideas and honors authors skilled in transforming words into exquisite prose. These remarkable books elevate the craft of storytelling. Here’s to the talented authors who’ve turned original concepts into wonderfully crafted books. Your extraordinary skill merits every ounce of this acknowledgment.
Award Recipients
Black Coffee by Verity Grey
ZAINAB! by Tajudeen Bioku
I DECIDED by Wahiba C.Rekkab
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Literary Titan Silver Book Award March 2024
Celebrating the brilliance of outstanding authors who have captivated us with their skillful prose, engaging narratives, and compelling real and imagined characters. We recognize books that stand out for their innovative storytelling and insightful exploration of truth and fiction. Join us in honoring the dedication and skill of these remarkable authors as we celebrate the diverse and rich worlds they’ve brought to life, whether through the realm of imagination or the lens of reality.
Award Recipients
The Maidservant in Cabin Number One by Chrysteen Braun
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Katharine’s Remarkable Road Trip
Gail Ward Olmsted’s historical fiction, Katherine’s Remarkable Road Trip, takes readers on a captivating journey through early 20th-century America. Inspired by the life of Katherine Prescott Wormeley, a historical figure of English origin, the novel ingeniously blends fact and fiction.
Set against the backdrop of Katherine’s bold relocation to New Hampshire, the narrative unfolds through a series of encounters during her road trip. These interactions not only paint a vivid portrait of Katherine’s professional and romantic life but also immerse the reader in the era’s societal norms. Olmsted’s skillful storytelling shines as she brings to life the pioneering spirit of her protagonist. Despite her sister’s reservations, Katherine undertakes her journey alone, a daring move for a woman of her time. The novel excels in its detailed depiction of the period, offering a lens into the societal expectations and conventions of early 20th-century America. The story remains grounded in reality, focusing more on the character’s personal evolution than on dramatic events. This choice mirrors the real-life inspiration behind Katherine, emphasizing her journey and her role as an inspirational, independent figure.
Katharine’s Remarkable Road Trip is a captivating read that is infused with the essence of biographical historical fiction. It offers a deep and nuanced exploration of the life and times of a truly remarkable woman and is sure to resonate deeply with readers who appreciate such stories. The book is filled with compelling moments that will keep you engaged from start to finish and is a testament to the power of human resilience and the human spirit.
Pages: 237 | ASIN : B0CV2VD98H
In the Shadow of the Sun
Poli Flores JR’s In The Shadow Of The Sun is an insightful exploration of the human condition, delving deep into the complexities of war, grief, love, and familial bonds. The narrative unfolds through the eyes of Samuel Medoza, the youngest member of his family, artfully capturing the Medoza family’s journey as they navigate the aftermath of Curt, Samuel’s brother, returning from Vietnam with enduring mental and physical wounds.
Set in Allen County, once a barren dust-filled expanse transformed into prosperous farmland, the story introduces a rich tapestry of characters, ranging from Samuel’s childhood friends to Big Bob, the county’s unscrupulous sheriff. The author skillfully intertwines various story arcs, crafting a dynamic and suspenseful narrative. The plot is replete with unexpected twists and intense moments, maintaining a gripping tension that ensures the reader’s engagement from start to finish.
Flores JR’s writing is both compelling and authentic, confronting the harsh realities of life without reservation. The novel poignantly captures the depth of human emotions and the far-reaching impact of war across generations. The author’s narrative style is immersive, characterized by vivid, well-crafted descriptions that transport the reader into the heart of the story. The novel is particularly notable for its use of diverse narrative forms, including radio broadcast transcripts, poems, and even letters to a higher power, which add layers of depth and perspective to the storytelling. The book’s strength lies in its ability to evoke a sense of history and loss, particularly in the context of young lives cut short. The concluding epilogue effectively ties up the narrative, leaving the reader with a sense of closure.
In The Shadow Of The Sun is a compelling read, marked by its rich storytelling and emotional depth. It’s a book that not only entertains but also invites reflection on the enduring effects of war and the resilience of the human spirit.
Pages: 352 | ASIN : B0BXZRJ68T
The Meaning of Coincidence and Fate
In Anna’s Shadow, a surgeon finds herself caught in the middle of a man’s search for a woman from his past after leaving Doctors Without Borders to care for her aunt. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for Anna’s Shadow stems from a true love story and an article in The Oprah Magazine.
In the early years of World War II, a young German officer was billeted with a German family. A portrait of their daughter hung in the family’s living room. The officer was so smitten by the young woman―she was not in the house at the time of his stay―he vowed that if he survived the war, he would return and ask for her hand in marriage. When I met the officer many years later here in Ottawa, he was already in his senior years and has since died. For many years, I stored this anecdote in the back of my mind, intending to one day work it into a novel. However, I was at a loss about how to build it into a full-length novel until I saw an article about the Juliet Club in Verona, Italy, in The Oprah Magazine. It was Oprah’s article about a group of volunteers at the Club who answer letters from broken-hearted men and women which fired my imagination and which was instrumental in helping me create my story.
What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
I enjoyed creating every character, including the unpleasant ones. There were no challenges. However, I would like to add that readers of my post-WWII childhood memoir, I Stood Among The Ruins And Cried, will know that I had an unhappy relationship with my father. In Anna’s Shadow my female protagonist, Sofia, has an enviable, close relationship with her dad. With that relationship, I created the kind of bond between father and daughter that I never enjoyed and which I would have liked to have experienced. I found healing in developing the loving father-daughter kinship as the story unfolded. As an aside, just like Sofia’s father, my father was a detective in the police force as well.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Several themes run through the story. Sofia, a traumatized orthopedic surgeon on leave from Doctors Without Borders, often ponders the meaning of coincidence and fate; the long-lasting power of memories; the tense relationship with her mother, and the question of whether a person can fall in love again after the shocking loss of a loved one. However, the most important theme is an illustration and a reminder of the cruelty and destruction caused by a war, in this case, WWII. The devastation leaves soldiers, and civilians marred by deep wounds, visible and invisible, that take decades to heal. It’s for this very reason that I label Anna’s Shadow my anti-war novel.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
I’m, at the moment, working on the second volume of a new series, a combination of women’s commercial fiction and cozy murder mystery, working title: The Orla Griffin Buddy Series. Novels of friendship, food, and love. And murder. I’m holding back with the release of book one in the series until next year as I do not wish to compete with the recent release of Anna’s Shadow. However, if readers wish to delve into another love and mystery novel of mine, I recommend V for Vanished, a novel full of passion, heartbreak, and suspense.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
“Memories have huge staying power,” Sofia writes in answer to Luke Miller’s letter. “Without them, life would lack colour and vibrancy.”
When Luke Miller, a man in his late seventies, unexpectedly arrives in Verona accompanied by his son to take matters in his own hands, Sofia, who is recovering from a traumatic experience during her past assignment in the Congo Republic, finds herself suddenly drawn into an adventure that affects not only her own life but also the lives of the people who begin to cross her path.
Inspired by true events, Anna’s Shadow is a dramatic, yet uplifting story: a search for a missing woman that will take the reader from present day Verona to Verona in 1945 under German occupation, to post-war Switzerland, Germany and Canada, and explores the question of coincidence, destiny and fate.
Elodia’s KnifeElodia’s Knife: Book One of the Visigoth SagaElodia’s Knife
Elodia’s Knife, a novel by Robert S. Phillips, immerses readers in the tumultuous era of the Gothic-Roman conflicts. At its heart is the story of a young Gothic woman, Elodia, who, after a dramatic escape from her abusive marriage, finds shelter under the wing of a Roman Limitanei. Despite the cruel treatment from Military Tribune Bitorix, Elodia discovers love and a semblance of peace. The narrative takes a turn as the Roman emperor allows the Tervingi Goths to cross the Danube. This leads to a series of events where Elodia is claimed by Bitorix, bought by Military Count Lupicinus, and ultimately given to Lord Fritgern. Remarkably, Elodia transitions from a slave to a leader, marking her journey with resilience and determination.
Set against the backdrop of the Gothic War, Elodia’s Knife blends historical facts with fiction. While characters like Elodia and Caius are products of Phillips’ creativity, figures such as Emperor Valens and the Battle of Adrianople anchor the story in historical reality. The novel explores themes of greed and its consequences, particularly through Military Count Lupicinus’ actions, which escalate tensions and crush any hopes of peace. Additionally, it depicts the hardships faced by the Goths, exacerbated by Roman exploitation.
One of the book’s strengths is its portrayal of Elodia’s character arc. From her initial struggles to her ascent as a leader, Elodia’s journey is a testament to her resilience and refusal to be defined by her circumstances. Her story underscores the importance of skills and inner strength over fleeting beauty, as these qualities ultimately contribute to her survival and success. While the novel primarily focuses on Elodia’s remarkable journey, the character of Caius is intriguingly presented. Phillips introduces him in a way that piques readers’ interest. Although his presence is less prominent throughout the story, his reappearance towards the novel’s conclusion effectively rekindles the reader’s curiosity about his character and his relationship with Elodia. This approach adds an element of anticipation and leaves one looking forward to learning more about him.
Elodia’s Knife is a compelling blend of history and fiction, offering an insightful look into a turbulent historical period through the lens of a powerful female protagonist. Phillips skillfully navigates the complexities of war, survival, and personal growth, leaving readers with a resonant and thought-provoking narrative.
Pages: 384 | ASIN : B0CMC58LJM
Wolf of the Aegean: Book One of the Seafourthe Saga
A Sailing Saga was to begin, marking the opening of Wolf of the Aegean by Daniel McKenzie, a vivid tale set on the high seas, replete with pirates, treasure, and the intertwining themes of love and loss. This historical adventure novel introduces us to Theron of Troy, a perceptive and articulate personal scribe to a dauntless Captain. Through Theron’s eyes, we journey through the Captain’s life – from his humble origins and the tragic loss of his parents to his pursuit of vengeance.
Daniel McKenzie skillfully employs a rich and varied dialect in his narrative, significantly enhancing the reader’s experience. The authentic pirate vernacular, as exemplified in lines like ‘Heave-to, we slide slow into Sidon, boys!’, is juxtaposed with Theron’s refined language, including phrases like ‘Thus’ and ‘I likened unto Julius Caesar’s.’ This contrast enriches the narrative and anchors the story firmly in its historical setting. Additionally, the introduction of words from other dialects, such as ‘Smoking the Argelih, called Hookah,’ underscores the story’s geographic setting and adds depth to the cultural backdrop of the tale.
The novel deftly explores themes central to human experience: the rites of passage into adulthood, the complexities of revenge, coping with loss, and resilience under challenging circumstances. These themes are woven into the fabric of the narrative, offering numerous points of connection for the reader to engage deeply with the characters and their journey. The book’s core narrative is engaging, drawing readers in to explore the depth of the characters’ lives, especially the Captain’s. The story’s richness is further enhanced by the intriguing complexity of the Captain’s character, exemplified by his multiple names. Although this aspect, along with the introduction of ‘Lucien’ without prior context, adds layers to the narrative, it also presents an opportunity for readers to engage more actively with the plot as they piece together these intriguing elements.
Wolf of the Aegean is a richly woven tapestry of adventure and human emotion. It’s a novel that not only beckons the reader to the edge of their seat but also ignites a desire to explore beyond the confines of the pages – a testament to the allure of a well-told tale. This book is recommended for those who are drawn to historical adventures and narratives that vividly capture the spirit of their time.
Pages: 456 | ASIN : B0CSDTYNPW
LITERARY TITAN 