Blog Archives
An Exercise in Self-exploration
The Ivory Obelisk follows a man haunted by his past on a redemptive journey to transform a symbol of regret into one of hope, renewal, and reconciliation. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I can’t remember how the idea came to me, but I wanted to tell a story that explored the psychological side of a character and took place in a manor or mansion as a metaphor for the brain/mind. Growing up, I loved watching Clue (1985) for its comedic value and alternate endings, but I was also drawn to: the dramatic plot of Forever Young (1992) and the notion that none of us can escape aging and the end of life; the psychological thriller Identity (2003) for the suspenseful plot development; and Inception (2010) for its complex and layered storytelling. In addition to some aspects that naturally developed as I wrote and revised the story, elements of all these stories (even though they take film form and not book form) intertwined together to provide inspiration for The Ivory Obelisk.
Fabian Loxely’s journey is deeply personal and emotional. Did you draw on any personal experiences or influences to shape his character?
I have lost a number of family members over the years, with my father being the most recent and impactful experience. I’m still processing and sorting things out in my heart and mind, but I would say this life event has played the most immediate role. However, the protagonist is not necessarily supposed to be me. I also tried to tap into my emotional self beyond feelings relating to my father as something of an exercise in self-exploration.
The narrative intricately weaves Fabian’s encounters with his past. How did you approach balancing these moments to maintain emotional resonance without overwhelming the reader?
I knew early on that the flashbacks (the historical fiction piece to Obelisk) would have to be self-contained and addressed simply a chapter at a time. Additionally, I developed the plot in a way such that each of those chapters occur within the same time in the story; I set up the reader with the emotional hook and motivations, then explore the deeper aspects of that emotion through the flashbacks, with each one building on the last to bring the reader out on the other side with a piecemeal understanding of the protagonist.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I have been chipping away at a project that I’ve had on my mental shelf since 2005, so I want to focus on that as my next creative project. As of right now, I’d like to think I’ll release the first book (of a potential trilogy) sometime in the next 5 years. But since writing isn’t my full-time job, I can’t say for certain when it’ll be ready. As for the project itself, I’m trying to find a way to write something between historical fiction and science fiction without attempting to recreate Star Wars or have it otherwise be futuristic and fantastical. I want to create a world that can be recycled over time, much like what has been done with Ian Fleming’s James Bond character/world over the years.
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The Ivory Obelisk
Eli Kale’s The Ivory Obelisk delves into the life of Fabian Loxely, a man weighed down by a lifetime of regrets. When a near-death experience forces him to confront both his mortality and the haunting echoes of his past, Fabian embarks on a journey of redemption. Determined to heal himself and mend broken relationships, he transforms the titular ivory obelisk from a symbol of regret into one of hope, renewal, and reconciliation.
What sets The Ivory Obelisk apart is its exceptional narrative depth. The story intricately weaves Fabian’s encounters with figures from his past, each rendered with vivid detail and emotional resonance. This meticulous craftsmanship breathes life into every character and moment, creating a story as layered as it is poignant.
The novel’s emotional arc is profound. It offers a richly textured exploration of grief, regret, and forgiveness. It is far from a simple tale. Instead, it takes readers on a journey through complex emotions that are both heart-wrenching and uplifting. The author expertly captures these sentiments, creating a story that leaves a lasting impression. Few books manage to balance such raw, heartfelt moments with the delicate promise of healing, making this one an unforgettable experience.
While the pacing begins as a deliberate slow burn, it gradually builds into a gripping narrative that refuses to let go. Admittedly, the opening can feel a bit disorienting, but as the layers of the story unfold, everything comes together seamlessly in a satisfying and impactful conclusion.
There’s little to critique in this remarkable work, a testament to Kale’s skill as a storyteller. The Ivory Obelisk is a deeply moving tale that lingers in the mind and heart, and it’s left me eager to explore more of the author’s creations.
Pages: 293 | ASIN: B0DM9X6VW5
Sweet Sorrow- Book 3 in The Jungle War series
Set during the final years of the Vietnam War, Sweet Sorrow: Book III in the Jungle War Series by Kregg PJ Jorgenson captures the complex emotions of American soldiers facing a bitter reality. As the conflict nears its end, with support at home dwindling, the men on the ground in Southeast Asia grapple with the prospect of leaving without victory. Some cling fiercely to the hope of a military win, while others grow disillusioned, their attitudes now reflecting the war-weary sentiment back home. It’s a raw, poignant portrayal of a war that left deep scars on those who fought it.
This book reminds me of films like Platoon and Apocalypse Now, but Jorgenson adds his own unique voice. The prologue sets the stage by explaining the significance of MAC-V, the nerve center for U.S. military operations in 1971. From there, we dive into the lives of the young soldiers of Company R, each dealing with the looming end of the war in their own way. Some are desperate to achieve a final victory to justify their sacrifices. Others, however, can no longer ignore the futility of the fight. These conflicting perspectives create much of the story’s tension alongside the brutal and unpredictable firefights. The clashes between soldiers, driven by their shifting beliefs, feel as gut-wrenching as the combat itself.
Jorgenson doesn’t hold back from showing the emotional toll of the war, as soldiers confront their enemies as well as each other and their own disillusionment. The realization that they’re fighting a losing battle slowly dawns on them, and I think it’s this internal conflict that adds depth to the action. The novel’s greatest strength lies in its exploration of these psychological battles, which often prove more devastating than any physical wound.
What was particularly striking to me was the youth of the characters. Many are barely more than teenagers. Jorgenson captures their transformation from wide-eyed boys eager to prove themselves into weary men, drained by the grind of war. Their lost innocence is heartbreaking, and the author’s vivid writing makes their anguish palpable. The novel doesn’t offer easy answers but instead shows the haunting aftermath of a war that offered none.
While the themes of war and loss have been explored before, Jorgenson’s portrayal feels fresh and powerful. The story’s emotional weight, combined with its gritty realism, makes Sweet Sorrow a must-read for anyone interested in military fiction.
Of Ashes and Dust
Of Ashes and Dust, by Ron Roman, is an enthralling exploration of survival, intrigue, and the human condition. Set in a small New Hampshire town at the turn of the Millennium, the novel follows Professor Will Watson, a haunted Vietnam War veteran and activist. Watson’s tumultuous past and his pursuit by the State Police and FBI form the crux of this gripping narrative. The story delves into Watson’s complex relationship with his Japanese student assistant, Kimiko, and the sinister truth about his friend Mark Mercotti, who deceives him with a covert implant. This tale of personal betrayal unfolds against a backdrop of impending Armageddon, government conspiracies, and profound emotional turmoil.
Roman masterfully weaves together multiple subplots, creating a tapestry of suspense and emotional depth. The layers of the story, from intimate relationships to broader themes of betrayal and existential dread, set this book apart in its genre. The narrative’s complexity and richness elevate it to a work of significant literary merit. I do feel that the main character’s frequent use of crude language seems inconsistent with his portrayal. I think this use of explicit language can be somewhat distracting and detracts from the character’s depth. However, this does not in any way overshadow the novel’s many strengths.
Of Ashes and Dust is a truly compelling read. The novel’s intricate plot, vivid characterizations, and intense emotional undercurrents make it a must-read. Ron Roman’s ability to interlace various elements into a cohesive and engaging narrative is truly remarkable.
For those seeking an action-packed book that also offers emotional depth and thought-provoking themes, Of Ashes and Dust is highly recommended. This masterfully interwoven novel is a feast for the senses and a testament to Roman’s storytelling prowess.
Pages: 261 | ASIN : B0B351MR6Q
A Compartmentalized Life
The Reversible Mask follows an ambitious man deeply devoted to the Catholic church who becomes a spy for the church before changing his mind and becoming a double agent serving patriotism and religion. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I was fascinated by the notion of a compartmentalized life, an inner conflict that could not be reconciled. Most of us deal with pulls in opposite directions. As an insurance agent I occasionally felt torn between the need of the institution and the needs of my clients. Today, most work and personal conflicts are resolvable. I sold my practice and now write.
But my spy, Edward Latham, couldn’t achieve resolution. He’s loosely based on a double agent of the time, Sir Anthony Standen. His was a pure lifetime experience of compartmentalization. Crawling around in his psyche was irresistibile, then I put Latham at the center of the iconic struggles of the turbulent Elizabethan era. My take on Standen from his letters is that he spied out of a principle of wanting the opposing sides to moderate their violence. Which drew me into an absorbing exploration of moral choices. Being a spy requires some level of betrayal; becoming a double agent doubles it. So how does an idealistic spy construct an individual moral code with individual red lines. Latham achieves this through his adventures.
I was helped in this framing by an interview I saw with a modern spy. In the video The Green Prince, the son of a Hamas leader who spied for Israel for 10 years talks about his new red lines.
What kind of research did you do for this novel to ensure you captured the essence of the story’s theme?
Many years. A lot of primary sources and secondary sources, Standen’s letters and dispatches to his handlers. There’s still no biography of Standen to the best of my knowledge. There are several academic articles and the authors have diverging views of him, some as a near traitor, self-deluded opportunist, others as one of Elizabeth’s most enterprising and courageous spies abroad. Again, irresistible to get my fix on a fictionalized spy inspired by him.
What is it about the Elizabethan era that makes it a great setting for your spy story?
To me it’s a time that resonates today. Upending of the Catholic Church’s dominance, the discovery of the New World, the beginning of science, traditional alliances between states and between mercantile organizations like the Hanseatic League and the emerging nation states, and the beginning of the idea of the companionate marriage that went beyond property acquisition. Excitement, anxiety, backlashes of violence and superstition. What’s NOT relevant? How can anyone not love the Elizabethan era?
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
Thank you for that question. A totally different adventure. I’m just back from a long trip to Papua New Guinea and Australia. My novel (just retitled) Beyond the Bukubuk Tree: A World War II Novel of Love and Loss is due for release in June also by MadeGlobal Publishing. The protagonist is an Australian Jewish doctor who volunteers to join the Army and is posted to Rabaul, the capital of Australia’s Mandated Territory of New Guinea, in 1941. He’s part of Lark Force, the lone and under-resourced battalion defending the town and its strategic environs. They face the full Japanese invasion. It’s a tale of love, betrayal, redemption and heroism. Lots of battle scenes, tropical medicine and polio treatment, two forbidden love stories, and diverse characters drawn from the complex society that was Rabaul in 1941. It won an International Firebird Book Award for War Fiction in July 2023.
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Summer 1566. A glittering royal progress approaches Oxford. A golden age of prosperity, scientific advances, exploration and artistic magnificence. Elizabeth I’s Protestant government has much to celebrate.
But one young Catholic courtier isn’t cheering.
Conflicting passions–patriotism and religion–wage war in his heart. On this day, religion wins. Sir Edward Latham throws away his title, kin, and country to serve Catholic monarchs abroad.
But his wandering doesn’t quiet his soul, and when Europe’s religious wars threaten his beloved England and his family, patriotism prevails. Latham switches sides and becomes a double agent for Queen Elizabeth. Life turns complicated and dangerous as he balances protecting country and queen, while entreating both sides for peace.
Intrigue, lust, and war combine in this thrilling debut historical novel from Loretta Goldberg.
The Reversible Mask: An Elizabethan Spy Novel
Loretta Goldberg’s The Reversible Mask invites readers into the turbulent era of 16th-century Europe through the eyes of Sir Edward Latham, a Catholic courtier grappling with his role in Queen Elizabeth’s Protestant England. Feeling a sense of disconnection, Edward’s life takes a dramatic turn upon accepting an invitation from his friend Darnley, the husband of Queen Mary of Scotland. His allegiance shifts to the Catholic Queen Mary, only to find himself adrift once more when she is dethroned. Edward’s journey leads him into the complex web of espionage, ultimately working for the Spanish government amidst the heightening religious tensions that threaten war in England. This precarious situation forces Edward to reevaluate his loyalties, turning him into a double agent for Queen Elizabeth.
Goldberg’s narrative delves deeply into the themes of power and the human cost of ambition, weaving a tale that illuminates the intricate events that forged alliances and rivalries, shaping historical trajectories. Central to the story is Edward’s inner conflict as he wrestles with questions of integrity and personal ethics in a world where loyalty is a commodity. His decisions carry the weight of potential consequences that extend far beyond himself, impacting the fragile balance of power in Europe and international relations for generations. This book stands out for its rich portrayal of espionage during a time of monarchies and shifting allegiances. Goldberg’s thorough research and compelling storytelling bring this historical period to vivid life, offering readers an engaging and insightful exploration of the era. The narrative is bolstered by historically accurate details, nuanced characters, and an intricate plot that seamlessly melds religion, politics, and the human condition.
While this novel adeptly captures a world where faith, power, and personal beliefs intersect, it also addresses mature themes, making it more suitable for an adult audience. Fans of espionage and historical fiction will find The Reversible Mask a mesmerizing read that holds their attention to the last page.
Pages: 448 | ASIN : B07J5W4Z85
A Life-Changing Experience
In Sovereignty: He Lied For Your Sins, a banker finds himself collaborating with Jesus Christ when he sets out to make a name for himself in the financial world. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My inspiration stems from my own experiences. I grew up in churches and, eventually, found myself attached to a congregation which was more intense than the others. After two years, the leaders found their calling in a movement pioneered by a self-proclaimed ‘prophet’ of an international organisation. This is where radical behaviour and ideas were cultivated.
After many more years of manipulation and threats, I decided to leave after witnessing the leader of my church assault a child for wearing a shirt with a skull on it. Something they believed was a mark of the devil.
This was a life-changing experience. In many ways, writing Sovereignty was as much about reconciling my past as it was about creating something engaging and, hopefully, relatable.
What were some of the trials that you felt were important to highlight in Amphion’s character development?
In many ways, Amphion’s trials and character development mirrors my own. Grappling with the promise of eternal life and the terror of damnation are powerful motivators and were not forgotten easily. I saw a lot of people my age leave the church and lose themselves in drugs and crime because, in leaving, they abandoned the only ethical structure in their lives.
It was important for me to highlight Amphion’s immorality as an avaricious business tycoon and the perpetrator of manipulation as this represents the leaders of the church. But to also show his own self-deception and fear which forces him to believe his own lie which represents the followers—at one time, myself.
Is there any moral or idea that you hope readers take away from the story?
Sovereignty is as much a criticism of capitalism as it is of Christianity. Businesses can operate ethically, however, they will manipulate any market to increase profits, and, where no market exists, they are willing to leverage people’s emotions, fear, and faith to create one. Churches can be wholesome, community-oriented organisations, however, the temptation for leaders to exploit their followers for money and power is often too great to resist.
I feel that modern businesses and conventional churches are similar in many ways, as businesses have become increasingly dogmatic, and churches lean into their potential to manipulate for profit.
Can you tell us a little about the next book you are working on? When can readers expect to see it released?
I’m going back to my roots. As someone who’s always loved a gritty mystery, I’m writing a detective thriller with a focus on deep characters and building unique relationships between them. My next novel will centre on a reformed addict as he tracks an international contract killer who is extracting their victim’s bones. The broader mystery is why anyone would pay such extravagant amounts for such a pointless exercise.
It’s hard to say much without giving the twists away, but I’m having fun with it and it should be ready late 2024.
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It soon becomes clear that faith is profitable if only he can find a man to spearhead his campaign and revive the churches. His idea comes to fruition when he meets a respected local wise man—Jesus Christ.
Everyone Struggles
Glass Flower follows a Vietnam veteran and psychiatrist in Philadelphia who struggles to put his life back together and save his marriage and relationship with his daughter. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I’ve worked with many veterans and been struck by the family dysfunction that often follows military service experiences. Soldiers suffer horrors and then, if they even survive, return to families that can never understand the shit sandwiches that their loved ones have been forced to eat. During the Vietnam Era, veterans received no assistance with re-entry. They were simply expected to resume their civilian lives, as if the war never happened, and they weren’t forever changed. But they were.
Malory tries to hide from his past and focus on the future, only to discover that without dealing with trauma from his past, he has no future worth having. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
Many of the veterans I’ve known came to the military with significant unresolved psychological issues from their families of origin. Remember that Malory wasn’t drafted and, with the intercession of his father-in-law, could have served in the Coast Guard on the Philadelphia waterfront. But he wants to prove something and goes halfway around the world to do it. He has to prove that he’s worth more than those scattered leaves in the Lehighton band shell, but with his lack of self-knowledge, goes about it in exactly the wrong way until the very end of the novel when, finally, he understands.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I wanted to write an entertaining thriller that zips along but also, artfully, doubles as a series of psychiatric vignettes. Everyone struggles, and I want the reader to understand the psychological crises that transpire silently while no one is listening. Despite his torment of Malory, Quinton gives the psychiatrist the opportunity to change and finally transcend his trauma, but Quinton suffers greatly in doing so. I think of that as the most tragic part of the novel, but not everything has a happy ending. Just look at the Vietnam War.
What is the next book that you are working on and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I’ve written a Gothic, supernatural thriller and its sequel both set in the 19th Century and, like Glass Flower, thoroughly of Pennsylvania. With notes of Wilkie Collins and M.R. James, the books will make the perfect companions for a damp, windy, and haunted October night. It’s all about distillation now, as I work toward a final draught filled with both memories of the light and nightmares of the dark.
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But with each step towards transcendence, he’s pulled further back—his terrible past becoming intertwined and finally indistinguishable from the tragedy of his present. He may have survived the war, but the smoldering ashes of Malory’s trauma threaten to consume him and everyone he touches in an insatiable fire.
A character-driven, psychological thriller taut with family dysfunction, Glass Flower comes to a startling conclusion: Without forgiveness, trauma lasts forever.
LITERARY TITAN 