Blog Archives
Glass Flower
Glass Flower, authored by David Procaccino, is an intricate fusion of thriller, family drama, and historical fiction centered around the aftermath of the Vietnam War. The narrative begins in July 1972, introducing Jim Malory, a veteran and psychiatrist based in Philadelphia. Struggling to piece together his life post-war, Malory faces challenges both in his professional realm and within his family. His wife, Maria, pregnant and concerned, doubts his mental stability, while their daughter, Ruthie, is caught in a downward spiral of seeking connection at any cost.
The story’s core revolves around Malory’s encounter with a fellow Vietnam veteran and his patients, propelling him into a deeper exploration of his psyche. This journey of self-discovery is intertwined with his efforts to repair familial ties and confront his fragmented mind. Despite strides towards recovery, Malory is continuously haunted by his past, a reminder that the vestiges of his wartime experiences are not easily left behind.
Procaccino’s Glass Flower excels in its character-driven narrative, marked by tension and family complexities. The theme of forgiveness emerges as a central motif, offering a potential escape from the unyielding grasp of trauma. The author skillfully navigates the interplay between Malory’s past and present adversities, employing a subtle approach that enhances the story’s emotional depth.
The novel’s strengths lie in its brisk pacing, compelling dialogue, and vivid, atmospheric descriptions that draw readers into a world rich in psychological and relational dynamics. Procaccino adeptly intertwines the concept of forgiveness into the plot, illustrating its vital role in healing and moving beyond trauma. Glass Flower is a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of past wounds on individuals and those around them.
In his portrayal of complex characters and psychological undercurrents, Procaccino’s writing is both evocative and nuanced, offering readers an insightful, thought-provoking experience.
Pages: 397 | ASIN : B0CMKF7LG9
P is for Pickelhaube
Ryan Weston’s P is for Pickelhaube narratively weaves through the complexities of broken trust and unkept promises during the First World War. The protagonist, Kurt, a soldier entrenched on the Western Front, navigates not only the external brutalities of war but also internal struggles with love, hatred, addiction, and abuse. The story transforms into a stark landscape, eschewing traditional heroics, as Kurt embarks on a battle against his own humanity. The novel poignantly poses the question: in such relentless conflict, who is the real victim, already scarred even before the battle commences?
The book opens on a high note, presenting a thought-provoking query about mortality that instantly grips the reader’s attention. This engaging beginning is one of the book’s strengths. Weston’s writing style is laudable, effectively evoking the era’s atmosphere through vivid descriptions. The varied lengths of the chapters contribute to a pleasing rhythm, with shorter chapters offering a refreshing pace amidst longer ones. The book’s rich descriptive language often adds depth and texture to the narrative, though its detailed nature might cater to specific reader preferences. As an enthusiast of war literature, I found the depth of details quite engaging, even if it occasionally prompted reflective pauses. I felt that, at times, the book jumps around without a strong connection from one chapter to the next. A more streamlined structure might enhance the narrative’s flow, further captivating the reader’s interest.
The book’s conclusion is notably satisfying, leaving readers curious about future developments. It certainly makes one look forward to Weston’s future works. P is for Pickelhaube is a captivating journey into war narratives and historical fiction, with its rich storytelling holding strong appeal even amidst moments of varied pacing.
Pages: 209 | ASIN : B0CL52FVZ1
The Count
Rod Taylor’s The Count is an engaging blend of economic crime thriller and historical fiction and a nod to the classic works of Alexandre Dumas and Edgar Allan Poe. The novel follows Nicholas Cameron, a British banker, as he navigates a perilous world of espionage, theft, and cover-ups, reshaping his life in unimaginable ways.
Taylor skillfully crafts a narrative that delves into the history of the Cossack peoples, the intricacies of economic crime, and the dynamics of 1970s-80s Russia with remarkable clarity. He effectively intertwines these diverse elements, ensuring each detail contributes to the story. This synergy of elements makes The Count a captivating read. Additionally, the inclusion of references to support historical assertions adds a layer of authenticity, appealing to fans of well-researched historical fiction.
While the novel’s pacing occasionally presents challenges, with some plot developments feeling abrupt and requiring re-reading for clarity, these moments are minor when weighed against the strength of the overall story. Fans of thrillers and historical narratives will likely find these elements minor and remain absorbed by the compelling plot.
The Count offers a gripping, emotionally resonant story that keeps readers engaged and entertained. Its strong historical grounding and thrilling plot make it recommended for those who appreciate a well-crafted story rooted in historical context.
Pages: 232 | ASIN : B0CLDBHTRJ
Baja Silver
In the annals of maritime history, Captain Frances Drake stands as a towering figure famed for his seizure of the Cacafuego in 1579. His knack for plundering treasures from rival vessels sets the tone for a narrative woven centuries later in modern-day California in Timothy A. Brown’s Baja Silver.
Enter Dani, a tenacious sex worker navigating a world fraught with challenges. Facing constant threats from her overbearing pimp, she discovers an ally in TommyLynn, an androgynous colleague with a deeply scarred past, marred by abuse and prejudice.
In a parallel narrative, the author introduces us to Sam White, the altruistic director of St. Frances Village, a beacon of hope for the downtrodden. As TommyLynn champions the cause of the LGBTQ community, especially those ostracized by their families, their paths inevitably cross with Sam’s. However, danger lurks in the shadows. Trixie’s relentless pursuit of control over Dani takes a dark turn, ensnaring them in a sinister world of human trafficking and crime syndicates. As fate would have it, Sam and TommyLynn find themselves embroiled in a quest, not only to rescue victims but also to unearth a buried treasure and dismantle the trafficking network.
What sets this novel apart is its character development. Sam emerges as the embodiment of selflessness, a pillar of strength for the vulnerable, balanced beautifully by his unwavering commitment as a husband. Dani, characterized by her indomitable spirit, is accentuated by TommyLynn’s loyalty and camaraderie. The narrative delves into the grim realities of prostitution and trafficking, painting a vivid picture of a world where the vulnerable are often exploited by the remorseless.
The narrative occasionally veers into profanity I feel is rather excessive, and I think some emotional depictions come across as somewhat overwrought. However, the essence of Timothy A. Brown’s Baja Silver retains its magnetic pull. It is a recommended read for readers of contemporary fiction that delves into the intricate layers of human sexuality and resilience.
Pages: 232 | ASIN : B09Q3MKQNJ
The Kiev Confession
Kathleen Hart’s novel, The Kiev Confession, stands as an unparalleled masterpiece, showcasing a brilliant display of literary prowess. Set against the backdrop of the Soviet Union’s collapse, Hart offers readers an insider’s perspective on the Chernobyl explosion, revealing the secrets, courage, and unbreakable bonds of love entwined within this catastrophic event. The narrative unfolds in Kiev, Ukraine, on the fateful day of the infamous nuclear power plant accident, coinciding with the townspeople’s jubilant celebration of the annual May Day Parade. As a plague of ionizing radiation blankets the continent, the devastating toll of the catastrophe begins to take hold. Fast forward four years and survivor Dmitry Marchenko finds himself thrust into the spotlight as an American journalist embarks on a mission to expose the cover-ups orchestrated by scientists and governments. This unlikely duo joins forces, embarking on a quest that yields more answers than they had ever sought, unraveling the complexities of the Cold War while facing the daunting challenge of delivering justice to those deserving it.
From the very first page, it becomes abundantly clear that Hart’s meticulous research and vivid creativity serve as the driving forces behind this extraordinary book. The story immediately captivated my attention, skillfully blending historical context with personal narratives, igniting my curiosity. Hart’s ability to effortlessly transport readers to the chaos and devastation of the Chernobyl disaster is nothing short of remarkable.
Hart’s masterful character development of Dmitry and Vickie Evans spring to life from the page with an authenticity and depth that fosters an immediate connection. Their anguish, determination, and unwavering quest for truth permeate the very essence of the narrative. Beyond its captivating characters, The Kiev Confession delves into profound themes that will resonate deeply with readers from all walks of life. It skillfully explores the intricate complexities of the Cold War, shedding light on hidden truths and covert operations that shaped an entire era.
The Kiev Confession is an essential read for anyone in search of an unforgettable literary experience that will resonate long after the final page has been turned.
Pages: 322 | ASIN : B0C6V5XSR5
Never Give Up On Yourself
Soul Scepter: Time Marauders follows two friends from Idaho who are transported through time to medieval England and have to stop history from being changed. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I grew up in Idaho near the area where the book begins and toured the Idaho National Laboratory when studying physics in college. I’ve always loved all things medieval and have been to all of the historical locations in England referenced in the book. The book is the product of a series of daydreams and the desire to provide young adults with inspirational fiction to help foster confidence and emotional resilience.
Did you plan the tone and direction of the novel before writing or did it come out organically as you were writing?
The tone evolved since the first draft. Some of the combat scenes started out as too mature for a younger audience and some of the teen interactions were probably too juvenile for an adult audience. I was fortunate to have many adult and teen beta readers which helped in striking a maturity balance that satisfied me and readers across an age spectrum.
The middle of the book changed from draft to draft, while the beginning and ending stayed consistent. An aspect that didn’t change was the importance of never giving up on yourself or the people you care about.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I sought to incorporate elements of characters digging deep to pull through desperate circumstances and sprinkle in nuggets of ways to find hope and resist self-harm. Some reasons this is important to me is that I’m an Air Force veteran, and a veteran commits suicide in the US every 65 minutes. Someone commits suicide in the US every 11 minutes, and a study estimated that there is a suicide attempt every 31 seconds. I wanted to be a part of the solution as much as I could. Most individuals taking their lives probably weren’t reading dry textbooks on techniques for overcoming suicidal ideations—but many people do turn to fictional entertainment when they want to escape.
Can you tell us where the book goes and where we’ll see the characters in the next book?
In the next book, the characters need to time travel to the future to find the solution to the havoc that the Dreizack has unleashed on the world. When they arrive in the future, they discover a Dreizack-ruled dystopian world where they struggle to survive as they search for answers.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
A militant organization attacks Will’s friends, sending him, a girl named Celeste, and their assailants time-traveling to medieval England. As a cunning modern-military commander plots a global conquest to rewrite history, Will and Celeste struggle to navigate the perils of 1345 while being hunted by the modern men.
With every heartbeat, the stakes grow higher as Will races against time to avert disaster—a challenge made more complicated by his growing feelings for Celeste and his uncanny link to the Soul Scepter.
A Measure of Rhyme
Rhyme Carter’s life has been turned upside down as she finds herself married to the Antichrist and watching the man she loves, Emery Merrick, fall into despair. As Rhyme struggles to navigate the dangerous world, she’s found herself in, the Antichrist’s plans to fulfill an ancient prophecy and destroy the world are well underway.
But in Lloyd Jeffries’ A Measure of Rhyme, the second book in the Ages of Malice series, Rhyme emerges as an unlikely hero, determined to take on the dark forces threatening to destroy everything she holds dear. This intense and entertaining supernatural thriller is expertly woven with themes of secret societies, biblical elements, and an impending apocalypse, making for a gripping read from start to finish.
What’s particularly impressive about Jeffries’ writing is his ability to seamlessly incorporate a range of literary themes, from the paranormal to the complexities of love, betrayal, and heartbreak. Each adds its own unique flavor to the story, creating a rich and satisfying cocktail of literary goodness. One of the most striking things about Jeffries’ writing is the strength of his characters. They’re vividly drawn and stay with you long after you’ve finished reading. His writing is precise and packed with intrigue, making it impossible to look away. Despite the dark themes, Jeffries’ writing is also infused with humor, adding a refreshing light to the story. This ability to balance darkness and humor is a testament to his skill as a writer and makes for a truly enjoyable reading experience.
While it may take a little while to get into the heart of the story, the payoff is well worth the wait. A Measure of Rhyme is a must-read for fans of supernatural thrillers and anyone looking for a book that will keep them on the edge of their seat.
Pages: 327 | ASIN : B0C1CV1T1Q
Soul Scepter
Eric Westergard’s Soul Scepter: Time Marauders transports readers on a thrilling adventure that seamlessly blends history and fantasy. The story follows Will Donovan and his friend, who find themselves in the midst of a battle for a powerful scepter while playing paintball in Idaho. After being chased by a militant organization, they suddenly find themselves transported to medieval England. In this new world, they must navigate through history without altering the course of events.
The book is a captivating page-turner, with action-packed scenes around every corner. The author’s ability to set the scene and develop the characters will leave readers in awe from the opening chapters. From the first page, readers will be drawn into the non-stop action, adventure, and plot twists that keep going throughout the entire novel.
Westergard’s writing style and attention to historical accuracy are admirable, making it feel as though the reader is transported back in time. I could vividly imagine the battle scenes, smell the stench of England, and picture the grandeur of The Tower of London. The more I read, the more invested I became in the characters’ emotions and experiences. The author’s inclusion of themes surrounding depression and mental health is commendable and adds another layer of depth to the story. This is a story of self-discovery as much as a quest to stop evil from altering history. Will’s journey is one that teens will be able to relate to while rooting for him.
Overall, Soul Scepter: Time Marauders is a gripping action and adventure novel through time and medieval England. This excellent book is a must-read for teens and young adults with a passion for fantasy and history. I look forward to reading the next installment in this series and continuing the adventure with Will and his friends.
Pages: 390 | ASIN : B0C2GBTLRH
LITERARY TITAN 