Blog Archives
The Arsenal of Deceit
Donald Levin’s gripping novel, The Arsenal of Deceit, weaves an intricate narrative set in the tumultuous backdrop of Detroit in 1941. The novel is a convergence of audacious characters, each battling the rising tide of Nazi-inspired fifth-column groups determined to shake the foundations of American democracy. A pivotal character is Eva Szabó, an employee of private investigator Elizabeth Waters, whose duties extend to shedding light on anti-union activities led by Harry Bennett, Ford’s Service Department kingpin.
Police investigator Clarence Brown asserts that peace in Detroit, and by extension, the United States, hinges on delivering justice to the marginalized Black community. Though burdened by the weight of his profession, advancing age, and declining health, Brown’s quest for justice remains undeterred.
Is this the harbinger of a collapse of freedom and democracy in America?
One of the aspects that greatly appealed to me is the juxtaposition of fictitious characters within an accurately depicted historical era. The protagonists, with their diverse backgrounds, dreams, and dilemmas, are meticulously intertwined with the pivotal events and societal circumstances of 1941. For instance, Eva’s father, horrified by the persecution of Jews in Europe and the prevalent anti-Semitism in the US, completely renounces his Jewish faith and enrolls Eva in a Catholic school.
Fans of detective fiction will appreciate the nuanced portrayal of investigative proceedings and the relentless pursuit of evidence. The detectives encounter layers of deceptions and complexities, with the truth often obscured behind veils of illusion. The novel touches on an array of themes from different perspectives, including terrorism, discrimination, abuse, murder, kidnapping, racism, romance, unionism, and historical context.
One area where I think the novel could benefit from further development is in its presentation of the momentous dangers unfolding. The narrative occasionally depicts day-to-day activities such as door-knocking and report filing. While these aspects certainly lend authenticity to the investigative process, I think the balance might be adjusted to ensure that these routine tasks do not overshadow the overall sense of tension and suspense integral to the plot.
The Arsenal of Deceit is a compelling study of empathizing with characters spun from the threads of fiction. The novel’s stark portrayal of racial discrimination and the harsh treatment meted out to people of color elicited a potent response from me. Further, Levin’s historically rich narrative serves as a poignant reminder of the potential for improvement in addressing racism and prejudice within the United States. It serves as an inspiring testament: things have improved and can still improve further.
This book, rich in historical detail and brimming with themes of freedom and tolerance, is a must-read for history enthusiasts and advocates for social justice.
Pages: 533 | ASIN : B0C9P2J14W
Delicatus: From Slave to Empress in Imperial Rome
The Roman Empire stands as a repository of numerous invaluable treasures, ranging from priceless works of art to awe-inspiring feats of engineering and architecture. Rome, over the course of millennia, has indelibly carved its legacy. However, greatness is not achieved without a steep cost, and in the case of Rome, that cost was borne by the countless lives of enslaved individuals. Sporus, among the millions who enabled the grandeur of Rome, emerges as a protagonist whose narrative traces the trajectory of a young boy ensnared by slavery, transformed into a plaything for the affluent and influential. His tale epitomizes internal fortitude, adaptability, and an unwavering yearning for freedom in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.
Within the pages of Delicatus by S.P. Somtow, readers are invited to embark on a deeply personal journey, experiencing the world through the eyes of a young child ensnared and subjugated by Romans. The narrative casts a revealing light upon the lives of the opulent and influential of Nero’s era, all observed from the unique vantage point of an enslaved child who was procured and conditioned to satiate the carnal desires of his masters. This unfiltered portrayal immerses us in the complexities arising from personal and cultural disparities, as sex, politics, and personal safety intertwine, weaving a tapestry that resounds with authenticity and relevance.
Delicatus is an exceptionally well-crafted work of fiction that seamlessly transports its readers into the unrefined facets of Roman life. The author deftly incorporates nuanced themes of gender identity and human sexuality, skillfully avoiding the imposition of modern values upon the subject matter. The prose emulates the style and language of contemporary writers of that era, effectively channeling the spirit of the time. While the narrative delves into graphic and mature content, the author’s discerning approach ensures that it is rendered with consummate taste. This book comes highly recommended for discerning and mature readers who seek to truly immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and smells of authentic life within Nero’s Rome, all from the perspective of an unlikely protagonist.
Pages: 246 | ASIN : B0BR88V6VZ
Harvest
Harvest by Richard Scharine is an exquisite anthology of short stories that deftly explore the breadth and depth of human existence across the expanse of time and space. Each narrative within this collection, from the somber depths of “The Peacemaker” to the poignant despair in “VICKI… and the Whispering Children,” holds its own distinctive essence. Collectively, they form a vibrant mosaic of human experience, a testament to Scharine’s masterful storytelling.
Scharine’s Harvest is a complex anthology, an inviting smorgasbord of literary delights that explores the spectrum of life’s experiences: joy, sorrow, victory, and loss. Each narrative resonates with intricate themes and arresting characters, akin to a well-orchestrated symphony.
Scharine’s narrative genius shines in his adept manipulation of temporal settings. In “The Bulbeaters,” he whisks the reader away to a realm steeped in familial history and enduring customs, crafting a harmonious blend of historical fiction and cultural nuance. Conversely, “VICKI… and the Whispering Children” plunges the reader into a chilling, gothic backdrop teeming with mystery and concealed truths.
The author’s aptitude for character creation is striking. The fraught dynamics in “Submitted for Your Consideration” and the vivid portrayal of Vicki, a dancer ensnared in a supernatural quandary, all speak to Scharine’s skill in crafting authentic characters that span the gamut of human sentiment.
Harvest may not cater to readers in search of light, carefree literature. Scharine’s works dive into profound, often bleak themes and his distinctive prose—poetic, meticulously detailed, and richly metaphorical—may pose a challenge to some.
Nonetheless, these potential obstacles do not diminish the reward of reading Harvest. Each story invites contemplation on life’s essence, the gravity of choices, and the far-reaching consequences of our actions. Scharine’s narratives, firmly rooted in reality yet touched with a hint of the fantastical, resonate profoundly with readers ready to delve into the complexities of the human condition.
Harvest serves as a noteworthy display of Scharine’s literary craftsmanship, offering narratives as diverse and layered as life itself. It promises an engrossing journey for readers who value introspective and intellectually stimulating literature.
Pages: 154 | ISBN: 1639888845
The Die Game
The Die Game by Stephen A. Carter is a beautifully illustrated historical fiction novel that immerses readers in the captivating world of the American Civil War era. This gripping tale follows a group of valiant African American soldiers who fight for the Confederacy, offering a fresh perspective on a turbulent period in history. The novel also delves into the struggles faced by President Lincoln and his troops as they wage war. The profound impact of the conflict is portrayed with devastating realism, highlighting the shattered families and the resilience of mothers left to raise their children alone. The book intriguingly explores the motivations behind Americans fighting each other, as well as the loyalty of free blacks and slaves to the South.
Through The Die Game, readers can teleport themselves to the tumultuous US Civil War era. Stephen’s meticulous attention to detail shines through, from the authentic use of English in dialogues to the fascinating insights into the early stages of commercial manufacturing of aluminum and the pioneering deployment of machine guns. The book offers precise information on gun and ship design that will captivate enthusiasts. I was particularly enthralled to learn about the ingenious technique of sinking a ship by pumping water into a water-tight double hull, allowing the vessel to be lowered until the deck is barely awash. Furthermore, the book poignantly portrays the harsh realities of war through the characters’ personal struggles, including a mother’s heart-wrenching experience of seeing her two sons go to battle, facing the ever-present risk of losing them. The author weaves a rich tapestry of multiple perspectives and sophisticated strategies employed by the characters, providing readers with a mind-bending and puzzle-like narrative. However, the large cast of characters and the rapid shifts in viewpoints can be disorienting at times.
The Die Game is a compelling blend of action, history, and war strategy. Its courageous and passionate characters inspire readers and remind us of the enduring importance of the ongoing battle for justice and equality.
From Legend
In The Reeve Book I: From Legend author Ian Lewis introduces us to the compelling character of Logan Hale, a Reeve entrusted with maintaining law and order in the town of Beldenridge. Intriguingly, this narrative is set in a world that has witnessed a dramatic regression, caused by a disastrous alchemical experiment in its past. Evidence of this catastrophe persists in the form of distorted humans and animals, leaving the environment starkly different from what one would anticipate in the stated year, 2017. Hale’s navigation of this world, beset with dangers and mysteries, is guided primarily by Clara, a character with whom he shares an intricate and complex history.
The plot thickens when Hale embarks on an investigation into a mysterious death, opening the door to a perilous journey that underscores the eerie nature of his world. The Reeve Book I: From Legend echoes the stylistic choices of classic Gothic horror, drawing parallels to the works of Algernon Blackwood and Clark Ashton Smith. Lewis’s writing thrives on creating an atmospheric tension that simultaneously captivates and disconcerts readers. The world Hale occupies is oppressively off-balance, and Lewis’s narrative skillfully highlights this aspect.
Punctuating the looming darkness are sequences of action, providing a refreshing break from periods of exposition, though their frequency is perhaps inevitable given this is the opening act of a series. Lewis’s narrative employs a mix of third and first-person perspectives, oscillating between the present and reminiscences of earlier times. This may require some adjustment for readers used to a single narrative voice, yet this is a minor point in an otherwise gripping tale.
Overall, The Reeve Book I: From Legend offers an engaging read, with its protagonist, Hale, being a richly developed character. However, it ends on a suspenseful note, leaving readers inquisitive about his true intentions. This sense of anticipation certainly sparks interest in the forthcoming sequels, promising to unravel more of this intriguing, albeit bleak, world.
Pages: 270 | ASIN: B07PGSDVC9
Loving Beth
Upon landing in the serene town of Rosewood, nestled within the bosom of West Virginia, Jacob’s tranquil existence is abruptly upended by an urgent call to Baltimore, to be at the side of his sickly mother. Jacob is called away, and he can’t stop thinking about Beth, but he promised his late wife that he’d never love another.
Beth, the female protagonist, is sparingly described physically, yet her luminous spirit resonates throughout the narrative. Her innate warmth and approachability towards all those she meets, even in the wake of unsettling egg theft, make her character immediately likeable. It is through this thread of events that her intricate involvement with a couple unsavory characters wishing her harm and finding two abandoned children, begins to unravel.
The author’s narrative progresses with an almost effortless flow, maturing into a sophisticated and engrossing tale as the plot thickens. With skillful brushstrokes, the author paints a vibrant tableau of the breathtaking landscape, drawing readers into the very soul of the scenery while simultaneously endearing them to an ensemble of captivating characters, whose charisma and essence linger in the readers’ memories long after the final page. “Loving Beth” stands out for its subtlety in spiritual elements, which is woven into the narrative primarily through moments of prayer, enriching the storyline without dominating it. The villains of the piece, while not excessively sinister, add a necessary dash of conflict, without resorting to graphic violence or distasteful acts. This delicate balance perhaps underscores its alignment with the Christian genre.
“Loving Beth” serves as an entrancing entry into the mesmerizing world of the ‘Daughters of Appalachia Series’, deftly sculpted by Bonnie Rose Ward. Its harmonious blend of romance and adventure, against the backdrop of awe-inspiring natural beauty, makes it a truly compelling read.
Pages: 314 | ISBN: 0999698737
Literary Titan Gold Book Award July 2023
The Literary Titan Book Awards are awarded to books that have astounded and amazed us with unique writing styles, vivid worlds, complex characters, and original ideas. These books deserve extraordinary praise, and we are proud to acknowledge the hard work, dedication, and writing talent of these brilliant authors.
Award Recipients
They Were All Loyal by Melissa Burrowes
Under His Divine Gaze: A Spiritual Memoir by Monique Pilon-Fraschetti
Buried Aces by Staci Andrea
Literary Titan Book Award July 2023
The Literary Titan Book Awards are awarded to books that have astounded and amazed us with unique writing styles, vivid worlds, complex characters, and original ideas. These books deserve extraordinary praise, and we are proud to acknowledge the hard work, dedication, and writing talent of these brilliant authors.
Award Recipients
A Collection of Tears by Houa Lor
Desiderata: Ultra-Violent by Norville Parchment
The Road to Nowhere by LaRae L Ivy
Lake Laps by Staci Andrea
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
LITERARY TITAN 