Blog Archives
Literary Titan Gold Book Award: Fiction
The Literary Titan Book Award honors books that exhibit exceptional storytelling and creativity. This award celebrates novelists who craft compelling narratives, create memorable characters, and weave stories that captivate readers. The recipients are writers who excel in their ability to blend imagination with literary skill, creating worlds that enchant and narratives that linger long after the final page is turned.
Award Recipients
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Literary Titan Silver Book Award November 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 Stanton Falls Mysteries – Undercurrents of Betrayal by Susan Reed-Flores
Ravenswwod by Anthony James
Justified Homicide by Kelly Marshall
HARD ROAD TO FREEDOM by Stephen Carter
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
A Celtic Yuletide Carol
A Celtic Yuletide Carol beautifully weaves together the story of Ulla, the daughter of a Viking chieftain who has lost her voice following the tragic deaths of her husband and son, and Cardin, a former knight struggling with grief after losing his wife and estranging himself from his son, Lukaz. Cardin’s reluctant return home, driven by his mother’s dying wish, brings him into Ulla’s life, and as their worlds intertwine, they begin to heal from their shared pain.
Set in 13th-century medieval France, author Jennifer Ivy Walker crafts a captivating love story filled with heartache, healing, and the magic of the holiday season. Both Ulla and Cardin are richly developed characters who have endured years of emotional suffering, and their journey of overcoming trauma and finding love feels authentic and deeply moving. The historical backdrop enhances the story, while the festive atmosphere adds an extra layer of warmth.
Walker’s writing shines throughout the novel. She has a remarkable ability to draw readers into the world she creates, making them feel deeply connected to the characters. The bond between Cardin and Ulla is both tender and powerful and left me convinced that these two souls were destined to find each other. Their relationship unfolds with grace as they help one another overcome their past wounds and form a connection that feels both unique and timeless. Adding a touch of humor, Cardin’s mother brings lightheartedness to the story with her determined efforts to reunite her family. Her antics are both amusing and endearing, capturing the essence of a loving, scheming mother who will stop at nothing to bring her son home.
A Celtic Yuletide Carol is an enchanting and cozy holiday read, perfect for curling up with during the festive season. Walker’s storytelling leaves readers with a heartwarming sense of joy and renewal, making it an ideal pick for those looking for a feel-good tale filled with love, healing, and the spirit of the season.
Pages: 212 | ISBN : 1509257446
Seven Hills One Light
Hazel Dains’ debut novel, Seven Hills One Light, is a captivating work of historical fiction that weaves together themes of love, faith, and resilience, all set against the turbulent backdrop of ancient Rome. The novel is emotionally charged, vividly detailed, and brimming with unexpected twists that make it impossible to put down. Readers will be drawn in by the interplay of unconditional love, heart-wrenching betrayals, and passionate dreams, all of which form the foundation of this beautifully written story.
The plot centers on two sisters, Tryphosa and Tryphena, who find themselves swept up in the storm of religious persecution during Nero’s reign. Tryphosa, or Phosa, the novel’s protagonist, is an ambitious young woman with grand aspirations for her future. Yet, their faith as Christians puts them in grave danger, forcing them to flee their home, believing they are being led toward their deaths. The dynamic between the sisters is one of the most compelling elements of the story, as they endure crisis after crisis with their faith as the unbreakable thread that holds them together. Phosa’s journey also leads her to discover love in Simon, though this, too, comes at a cost.
At its heart, the story explores the strength of faith in the face of adversity and the transformative power of love. Dains’ deep passion for history is evident throughout the novel. The historical setting of Rome in 59 AD is meticulously crafted, bringing to life its societal structures, religious tensions, and vibrant atmosphere. The immersive writing transports readers into the world of ancient Rome with rich descriptions and deeply felt emotions, making it easy to become fully engrossed in the story. The book is packed with suspense that all builds toward a thrilling conclusion that leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next installment, Seven Hills One Exodus.
Seven Hills One Light is a gripping and emotionally resonant tale that will captivate fans of historical fiction and thrillers alike. With its powerful themes and unexpected twists, it promises a reading experience full of excitement and depth. Once you finish this novel, you’ll be eagerly awaiting the rest of the series.
Pages: 223 | ASIN : B0DB6JLCLD
Danethrall
Danethrall by Gwendoline SK Terry is a captivating historical romance that follows the tumultuous life of Aveline, a woman whose fate takes unexpected twists. Set in Denmark between the winter of 870 and the spring of 880, the novel begins when Aveline’s homeland, the “Kingdom of East Angles,” falls to a Danish invasion. Among the captured, she escapes a life of slavery due to her uncanny resemblance to the deceased daughter of Birger, a Danish warrior. Instead of becoming a thrall, Aveline is adopted by Birger and raised as a Danish woman, with Birger fiercely advocating for her acceptance in their society. As Aveline grows into womanhood, she falls in love with a high-ranking Dane in Roskilde, and to her delight, the love is reciprocated. Yet, the promise of happiness is tragically short-lived. When Roskilde is attacked and her beloved is away, Aveline is married off as a peace offering to the very man responsible for the raid. This unexpected turn sets the stage for a story of survival, adaptation, and the sacrifices demanded by a life caught in the crossfire of love and war.
While Danethrall primarily falls within the romance genre, it’s much more than a love story. Terry crafts a vivid tale about survival through adaptability. The characters are defined by their ability to adjust to the harsh realities they face rather than fighting against them. Aveline exemplifies this as she navigates her new life, first accepting her adoption by Birger and later adapting to the brutality of her marriage to Jarl Erhardt. By becoming more agreeable and finding ways to survive the violence she endures, she demonstrates resilience in the face of overwhelming odds.
Similarly, the novel touches on how other characters survive through patience and strategy. For example, Vidar, the man Aveline was initially betrothed to, is devastated when she is married off to another. Though his anger and jealousy are palpable, he restrains himself from acting impulsively, knowing that rash actions would lead to his and his loved ones’ deaths. Instead, Vidar bides his time, preparing for the right moment to strike, and ultimately, his patience pays off in victory.
Terry expertly weaves unexpected plot twists and dramatic developments that keep readers hooked. The changing dynamics within Aveline’s love triangle, particularly the introduction of new players, add complexity and intrigue to the story, making each chapter a page-turner. The vivid descriptions bring the setting to life, immersing readers in the world of ninth-century Denmark.
Danethrall is a gripping tale of love, resilience, and survival in a world where adaptability is key. Gwendoline SK Terry delivers an engrossing narrative with twists that will keep readers engaged, while her vivid writing transports them back to a time of warriors, survival, and tragic love.
Pages: 356 | ASIN : B07BLLW7LK
Literary Titan Gold Book Award: Fiction
The Literary Titan Book Award honors books that exhibit exceptional storytelling and creativity. This award celebrates novelists who craft compelling narratives, create memorable characters, and weave stories that captivate readers. The recipients are writers who excel in their ability to blend imagination with literary skill, creating worlds that enchant and narratives that linger long after the final page is turned.
Award Recipients
The Toe Killer by Mike Slavin
When Canaries Die
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Literary Titan Silver Book Award October 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
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
The Pulse of My Heart (Taken Series #3)
The Pulse of My Heart by E.C. Roderick is a captivating sequel in the Taken series, blending historical fantasy, romance, and time travel. The story follows Sylvie, who has returned to modern-day Los Angeles after being trapped in Colonial Era New England. Although she has reunited with her twin children, Leif and Leila, her heart remains tethered to the past, where she left behind the love of her life, Leif, who is also the father of her children. As she tries to move on, destiny pulls her back when a visitor from the past reignites the possibility of a future with Leif.
Roderick sets the stage for an emotional and engaging narrative as Leif unexpectedly follows Sylvie into the present. The novel explores their efforts to rekindle their romance, despite the time that has passed and the challenges of integrating their lives. Now a mother of two, Sylvie must navigate the complexities of introducing her children to a father they have never known, while Leif faces the disorienting task of adapting to life in the modern world. Much of the story revolves around family dynamics and Leif’s bewilderment as he acclimates to a future far removed from his own time. The chemistry between Sylvie and Leif remains electric, with their intimate moments becoming even more intense than in the previous book, Taken. Roderick shines in crafting the evolving dynamics between these characters, allowing readers to dive deeper into their relationship and their role as parents. The relatively low-stakes plot lets the focus rest on the emotional connections, which brings depth to both the romance and the family storyline. A few minor proofreading errors are noticeable, and at times the dialogue feels overly formal, making certain scenes, especially the more intimate ones, feel stilted or overly technical. Additionally, Roderick’s use of Scottish words and phrases, while adding authenticity to the characters, may leave some readers confused, and a pronunciation or meaning guide could be beneficial.
The Pulse of My Heart is an enjoyable and heartfelt sequel. Roderick’s writing shines in the emotional depth she brings to Sylvie and Leif’s relationship, making this book a treat for fans of romance and historical fantasy. Readers will find themselves fully immersed in this story of love, family, and second chances.
Pages: 480 | ASIN : B0CTPSBZKW
LITERARY TITAN 