Blog Archives
Treasure-Laden Expedition
The Lost Expedition follows a former Indian paratrooper who, while trying to enjoy a vacation in Dubrovnik, gets sucked into a web of danger involving war photographers, mystical relics, and Croatian warlords. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Being an Indian thriller novelist, I felt obliged to have an Indian protagonist in one of my thriller series. I wanted history and global locations. The series had to be educative, too, and preferably, have a link to India. And of course, the protagonist had to handle dangerous situations. Thus was born “Izak Kaurben.” Izak is a play on Isaac, and Kaurben is arguably an Indian-sounding name. Izak Kaurben is an elite paratrooper who, after a bitter experience in a mission (described in the series’ first book, RELIC) wanders the world. Croatia caught my eye as a good kick-off point for the series. So, Kaurben arrives in Croatia, hoping for a peaceful Eastern Europe backpacking experience, and instead, gets embroiled in trouble. THE LOST EXPEDITION follows closely after the events of RELIC. It is nearly a Part II because it closes plot lines opened in RELIC. However, readers have sufficient background to get into the story without reading RELIC. That being said, it’s a more enjoyable read in order.
The Malian Empire and Mansa Musa (the richest man ever) have been on my mind for years. The idea of a fabulous treasure-laden expedition across the Atlantic and the hunt for that treasure is a hook that never gets old. Linking it to Croatia and other key elements — like the ship graveyard in Nouadhibou and slave trade — was the hard part. But, if your review is any sign, I believe I’ve created a plausible and exciting scenario. 🙂
What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
If you notice, each “part” of the story begins with a Cast of Characters. I felt it a good way to ease them into the picture without overwhelming the reader. I enjoyed writing Chief Inspector Goran. In RELIC, he is a no-nonsense ‘top cop.’ Here, I had fun ripping away his ‘work ethic’ yet keeping him honorable. Writing the Senegalese characters was challenging, because of the non-linear plot structure — it switches between present-day and flashbacks often — and determining the optimal way to plug them into the events of RELIC.
I felt that the action scenes were expertly crafted. I find that this is an area that can be overdone in novels. How did you approach this subject to make sure it flowed evenly?
I avoid unnecessary action. If my characters can flee instead of engaging, they will do that. Even in an action sequence, I do not labour with distance measurements, specifications of guns and bullets, and physics and chemistry. It has to be quick, like you — the reader — is watching it. This, keeps it light and fluffy, like a good pancake. 🙂
What will the next book in that series be about and when will it be published?
I’m on a book-a-year process. The next book comes out in 2025. Without revealing too much, Izak Kaurben will come face to face with a ghost from his past. And there’s a dollop of history, too.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | The Lost Expedition-Behind the Scenes | Amazon
“I need your help,” Goran says, as he unpacks a stash of weapons… “To commit a crime.”
Before Kaurben can stop him, Goran puts his plan into action: ambush a prisoner transport van and free a Senegalese gangster.
The Senegalese can help locate an old Russian fishing vessel. Aboard this ship is evidence that Goran seeks — at any cost — to solve a case that is deeply personal to him.
From Croatia to the world’s largest ship graveyard in Mauritania, to the Archivo General de Indias — the greatest repository of the Spanish Empire’s history in the New World, to the Caribbean Islands, Izak Kaurben is in a race against time and unknown adversaries…
Because the ship has another secret — one that will rewrite history and point the way to a fabled treasure horde.
The Spy from Palestine
Steve Haberman’s The Spy from Palestine introduces readers to Miss Charly Lawrence, a distinguished journalist, and her partner and bodyguard, Mr. Shaw. Set against the backdrop of British-controlled Palestine, the duo’s mission is to interview Leah, a survivor of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, now residing in Tel Aviv. Amidst scorching heat, kidnappings, and intimidation, their inquiry uncovers a significant conspiracy implicating British interests, Jewish factions, and Nazi war criminals. As they delve deeper, Charly and Shaw find themselves entwined in a perilous tug-of-war over this explosive information, raising questions about their ability to preserve their integrity and safety.
The narrative explores the theme of resilience, highlighting humanity’s remarkable capacity to adapt, evolve, and overcome adversity. Characters like Hans Peters, who relentlessly pursues freedom; Rivka, who faces daunting challenges with perseverance; and Charly, who is committed to shedding light on the Jews’ plight, exemplify resilience. Through these characters, the novel vividly portrays the myriad ways individuals confront and surmount obstacles, emerging stronger.
While I feel The Spy from Palestine may not boast extraordinary highs or lows, it presents a well-crafted story that captivates and educates. The plot progresses fluidly, with well-developed characters and a consistent pace that ensures a more-than-gratifying read. The novel bridges historical events with contemporary relevance, offering fresh insights into past incidents and their ongoing impact today. I recommend Steve Haberman’s The Spy from Palestine for fans of historical fiction and those seeking a compelling narrative that educates as it entertains.
Pages: 249 | ASIN : B0D1GJ41KJ
This Crazy Thing Called Life
In Trials and Tribulations: A Collection of Flash Fiction Stories from Volumes I and II readers explore the full range of human emotions within stories that range from folklore to action and adventure tales. What was the inspiration behind this collection?
Being in my middle fifties and having traveled worldwide, I pull from some of my experiences or know how a story could be emotional and exciting for the reader. Some of the stories may have started from some nightmares I had. I hope the reader can feel the emotions in the story.
Do you have a favorite among these tales? One that resonates with you?
All the stories are meaningful to me, but picking one would be “The Girl of Stone River.” This was the first story I wrote, letting me feel like I had something I could share with others—reaching people’s emotions in just a short amount of time and giving hope in the end.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore within your stories?
We all go through hard times through this crazy thing called life. We talk about the people who made the trek West and, in doing so, being so vulnerable. We can all relate to some loss and how that changes us. Writing about what life was like in the 1800s and how some of their fears are still our fears today, like losing a child. I try to end my stories with something positive so we are not left with the loss.
Can fans of your work look forward to a third volume of flash fiction stories? What are you currently working on?
I’m working on my next book, but I’m unsure when it will be published. I thought about doing a few volumes as dark thrillers like Hitchhiker, but I think I’ll stick with what I have been writing.
One of the stories I’m working on is “Don’t Cross the Road.” A young lady in her early twenties escaping her abusive parents finds freedom living on a houseboat in the channels of England, constantly on the move, but a creepy old house across the road from her is too inviting to pass up.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Amazon
A collection of stories of people confronted with life’s misfortunes and how the events change them. From the folklore of the East Coast to the early West adventures and some lasting wartime effects. Brian also explores the dark side of people in our society. Each story is an emotional ride as you get to know the people in the stories.
Trials and Tribulations: A Collection of Flash Fiction Stories Volume II.
Trials and Tribulations: Volume II by author Brian Keith Higgins is a rich tapestry of flash fiction, each crafted to explore the intricate nuances of human experience. Set predominantly in rural America, these tales traverse the spectrum of emotions, from love and loss to fear and fortitude.
The writing style is both evocative and accessible, drawing readers into each narrative with ease. The author excels at creating vivid, relatable characters, plunging them into situations that test their mettle. For instance, “I Miss You” poignantly captures the bittersweet dynamics of a family grappling with Alzheimer’s. Similarly, “Attacks on Livestock” provides a compelling glimpse into the hardships of 19th-century farming life. Each story, though brief, is packed with emotional depth, making the collection a testament to the power of flash fiction.
The book is a medley of survival, resilience, and the unforeseen paths of life. Stories like “Thy Neighbor” and “Mountain Lion” highlight not only nature’s unpredictability but also the strength of community and family bonds. In contrast, “Hitchhiker” and “One Foggy Night” delve into darker territories, exploring sinister and supernatural elements. This thematic diversity adds layers to the collection, ensuring that each reader finds stories that resonate with them.
The collection shines in its ability to weave complex themes into concise narratives. Whether it’s tackling the trauma of a shark attack in “Swimming in The Channel” or the emotional turmoil in “The Path Taken,” the stories manage to be both thought-provoking and deeply human. This balance is the collection’s greatest strength, making it a compelling read for anyone who appreciates the breadth and depth of human experiences.
Trials and Tribulations: Volume II is recommended for readers who enjoy flash fiction with rich character development and a blend of realistic and fantastical elements. It’s perfect for those who appreciate flash fiction’s beauty and ability to convey powerful stories in a condensed form.
Pages: 43 | ASIN : B0CW1GC7F3
The Desire to Rewrite Our Narratives
The Girl in the Rain: The Epic Forgotten follows a widow struggling with the loss of her husband who finds his journal, setting her on her own journey surrounding the mysterious girl in the rain. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
It’s difficult to discuss the setup of the beginning of the story without revealing too much about the rest of the story (subsequent novels). I can tell you that the overarching theme that we see in this book (and those which follow) is the desire to rewrite our narratives the way we would like them instead of the alternative, often difficult stories we’re “stuck with.” For Gwenn, it’s her need to find a “fitting ending” for her husband’s story so that she can find closure. It’s important to her that her husband didn’t simply descend into madness, but that he was, indeed, attempting to unravel some deep conspiracy. Though he’s already gone when we begin the story and she can do little to change that, what she can change is how John Chapel is remembered.
This is also central not only to John’s story but the means by which he attempts to cure himself of his malady – narrative therapy. Campbell, his old mentor, believes that he suffers from things left unresolved and that he needs to face these unfinished chapters in his life and find a way to close them in a suitable way. Quite often, we have these things unfinished in our own lives that we never get the opportunity to resolve – whether a lost love, a relationship we wish had gone differently, or even saying something to someone we regret – and it’s important to reconcile these in a way that brings us some peace. For John, Gwenn, and other characters in the story, it’s about finding a way to create a different point of view or a different story. The inspiration for this, I guess you could say, comes from narratives I needed to correct in my own life.
I felt that there were a lot of great twists and turns throughout the novel. Did you plan this before writing the novel, or did the twists develop organically writing?
The Epic Forgotten was always intended to be this grand, sweeping story, covering a multitude of characters, story arcs, and layer upon layer of subtext and nuanced themes. However, in putting pen to paper, there are always some surprises even for the author occasionally. Things happen organically more times than not, and the characters take over the story quite easily, once they’ve been given life and personalities of their own. Some of the best pieces of the story, where we see a stark change, have come from inspiration “on the fly” if you will. This story, as a whole, still remains true to its original drafts but is a far different story in many ways also.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
This book and the follow-up novels take a deep dive into the human condition and consciousness, touching on some of our worst traits as human animals. There’s fear, pride, lust – (do I need to go into the rest of the “seven”?) all of those elements that drive a story through emotional highs and lows, of course. But there’s also love, and its love that serves as almost a character of its own throughout the story. It’s really the “blueprint” of the story that holds all of the moving pieces and characters together, and the one thing I want people to take away from the story after reading it. Whether it’s selfishly-driven, completely selfless, or somewhere in between – that’s what this is all about. It’s a constant across many cultures and languages, and often changes little generation after generation in our human story, and I want people to feel that no matter what character we’re following or whether we’re immersed in the 12th century or in the modern day with them.
When will book two be available? Can you give us an idea of where that book will take readers?
Book two is already available. Through a Watery Veil was published in 2013, with the special edition launching in 2022. The story continues with Gwenn, Campbell, and the other characters the reader (hopefully) had grown to love, as they begin peeling back more layers of John’s story. There’s a pretty big cliffhanger at the end of Girl that leaves us doubting everything we’ve just been told by Campbell, and we see a new side of the story told from the perspective of his old nemesis, Henry Marshall. The first book really told us a coming-of-age story about John, Gwenn, Melinda, and their friends. This book brings us forward almost twenty years to tell the reader more about the events leading up to John’s fate, what became of Melinda Malowski, and what happened after that big finale in South Florida with Frank Kovacs and the mysterious antagonist in the last book. The third book, Across Lakes of Sorrow, was just launched in 2020, and the final chapter is being penned as we speak. The title is a surprise, so stay tuned.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Amazon
This is the final, cryptic entry scrawled in the journal belonging to the late John Chapel – a journal that detailed his obsession with finding a woman who didn’t exist. Hers was just one of several faces that he insisted he saw there in the rain, and one of the many voices that called to him every night, drawing him further into madness. Despite his wife’s unwavering faith and tireless determination, she could only watch helplessly as the man she loved slowly faded away, like a fingerprint on a window being washed away by the rain.
Now, months after his death, new information has surfaced that sheds new light on her husband’s bizarre case and renews Gwenn Chapel’s search for the truth. Her only allies in this crusade are her husband’s old mentor and eccentric history professor, Dr. Campbell, and his former best friend (and her old flame), Jeremy Connelly. As she uncovers her husband’s dark past, however, she begins to question their motivations behind helping her and suspects that one of them is hiding a dark secret of his own. Can she trust either of them to help her discover the truth or will it only be found in the cryptic pages of that journal John left behind?
Only Gwenn Chapel can decide where the truth lies as she embarks on a journey that will challenge her faith, the limits of her sanity, and even her love for her husband. Will she be able to put all of those pieces together that her husband left for her to unlock the mystery behind the “girl in the rain”, or be pushed over the edge and dragged down into that abyss with him?
This is the first in The Epic Forgotten series, which is a gigantically-proportioned tale about the three kinds of love we seek out in our lifetimes, the depths of loss, suffering, friendship, and faith told through the eyes of a widow, a history professor, and the cryptic words of a long-dead crusader.
So, take your seat beside Dr. Campbell’s fire, have a glass of Calvados, and enjoy the tale of John Chapel and his twenty-six ghosts.
Heinous Events of the Crime
Louis Mie and the Trial of Hautefaye follows a lawyer in 1870 France who is tasked with defending an accused murderer in a high-profile political show trial. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
As with many extraordinary events in history, true life can be stranger than fiction. I
stumbled upon the story of the mob murder in Hautefaye as I was doing other research on the same area of France. As I delved further, I came across Louis Mie, the real-life lawyer who defended multiple accused, though I chose to focus on only one of his clients, Leonard Piarrouty. It was in researching Louis Mie and reading some of his own writings that the inspiration took hold to not only cover the tragic and drastic event itself but to focus the story on this intriguing real person. I wanted the trial to anchor the progression of the main plot, but I knew readers would need more to fill in the context of the characters and the events. After all, the Franco-Prussian war and Napoleon III aren’t frequent topics in historical fiction. As the readers deepened their knowledge about the heinous events of the crime, I wanted them to deepen their emotional understanding of Louis and his world in parallel. I, therefore, decided to intersperse flashbacks from multiple points of view to fill in the world and its colors around him.
Louis struggles with a rocky marriage and advancing his career while navigating a case where the truth could be deadly. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
What struck me initially about Louis was his idealism that he retained despite his many years of practicing law, the nearly two decades under Emperor Napoleon III’s government that he was opposed to, and his personal hardships. His writings were so passionately devoted to the principles of a republic, to equality and social justice, even when he could have become more tempered, complacent, or even cynical. I knew I needed to make sure his character retained that fire and commitment to his ideals, but I also spent a lot of time reflecting on how one can go through life so unbent and uncompromising in one’s views. Does it mean that he must have had blinders on in other areas? How difficult must it have been to live in a world of gray turmoil when he saw things so black and white? These qualities may have been both a strength and a flaw and I leaned into that as I put together the facts of what happened as well as what I conjectured he might have been like.
What kind of research did you do for this novel to ensure you captured the essence of the story’s theme?
I love the research part, so I could go on about this for a while. Once I understood the broad strokes of the event and time period, I tried to immerse myself in primary and secondary sources. My most important primary sources were the newspapers covering the trial at that time, as well as Louis Mie’s own writings and his family-related documents that the Departmental Archives in Dordogne were so helpful in providing for my research. Georges Marbeck is also a preeminent source on this event and put together a book of primary source examples from the event, in addition to his excellent book on the topic. I was even able to use a copy of the original crime scene map as my guide when I visited Hautefaye in person and traced the steps of the event. Visiting the locations was also key for me. I had many other secondary sources about the Third Republic, Napoleon III, and even the Périgord region under the Second Empire, but it would take up way too much space to talk about all of these great resources as well.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
The next book will pick up where Louis Mie and the Trial of Hautefaye leaves off, but this time with Vincent as the protagonist as he navigates the dangerous and devastating events of the Paris Commune, covering February to May 1871. Louis Mie will also be making appearances in this next book. In addition, I’ve started working on a book that will focus on Louis’ wife, Anne Mie, and her transition from her youth in India where she was orphaned, and eventual move to France and meeting Louis Mie. Chronologically, it would be more of a prequel, though I see all of these as interconnected standalones. As I’ve been working on both, I’m hoping to release one later in 2024 and the other fairly soon after that.
Author Links: Goodreads | Amazon
France, 1870. A frenzied mob brutally murders a man they believe to be a Prussian spy and a threat to the cult of Emperor Napoleon III. Louis Mie, a republican lawyer, finds himself entangled in a web of political intrigue and moral dilemmas when he is tasked with defending one of the murderers: a political show trial that could send his career to new heights.
But as Louis delves deeper into the high-profile case, he quickly realizes that defending the enigmatic Leonard Piarrouty is far more complex than he ever imagined. And now his entire life is about to fall apart as his obsession with his work takes his strained marriage to the brink of collapse.
In a gripping race against time, Louis must confront the blurred lines between justice, loyalty, and the pursuit of power, risking everything to unearth the truth: secrets that ruthless men will kill to protect.
Will Louis be able to save his client… or his own family?
This evocative historical novel, based on true events, holds the answers…
How Oathbreaker Was Born
Oathbreaker follows a hero wracked with guilt on a quest for revenge who seeks to uncover the mystery behind the many mysterious shipwrecks and their connection to his father. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
There are two major ingredients behind my inspiration for my book, Oathbreaker. The first one is an article I read about archaeological excavations close to St Louis’ castle in Sidon, Lebanon. It has revealed two mass grave deposits containing partially articulated and disarticulated human skeletal remains.
No less than 25 male individuals have been recovered, with no females or young children. Radiocarbon dating of the human remains, a crusader coin, and the design of Frankish belt buckles found on the site strongly indicate that they belong to a single event in the mid-13th century. The skeletal remains show a high prevalence of unhealed sharp force, penetrating force, and blunt force trauma, consistent with medieval weaponry.
What happened back there? What If they had a chance? Why? Who is responsible?
I tried to investigate and tell that story through Peter’s eyes. His fate isn’t ordinary, as he is part of the Crusaders and a blood-brother of the sultan.
The other ingredient, well, I’m a simple man and a father. I try every single day to be interesting for my children, telling them exciting stories. One summer, I visited the Viking Ship Museum in Oslo, Norway, and it fascinated me. But the Galata Maritime Museum in Genoa is the biggest and the best Maritime Museum in Europe. I was impressed. There is a real replica of a 13th-century ship. After that with my son checked Barcelona’s maritime museum, a smaller one, and then we spent a whole day discovering Admiral Nelson’s ship HMS Victory in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. Wow, it was a fantastic rainy day! So, yes, I like ships. My children, because of me, like ships, too. So together, we added a ship. To be precise, two ships in the story.
One day with my son, we organized a crime investigation table and created a mind map like in the movies. We showed it to his sister, and she wanted a princess to be involved. They really liked how the story developed.
There is a moment when you realize that the more your children grow, these precious moments we spend together and we laugh, discuss and talk become even more rare.
So I decided to ‘publish’ this moment in a book. That’s how Oathbreaker was born.
Peter encounters many interesting and unique people on his journey. What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
Thank you, it’s a hard question. I tried to view things through the eyes of the characters. Yet the world was so different back there, in 1272. I enjoyed writing the most about the character of Lord Broca. With the captivating Lady Helen and her poetry, they stood out and together they provided Peter with an exhilarating experience.
But I can say the character of Princess Abal, the sultan’s daughter, was a real challenge. According to the official sources, the Legendary Sultan Baibars had three sons and many daughters (at least seven). Still, he managed to fulfill his role as a ruler and a father.
Did you find anything in your research of this story that surprised you?
I found a lot of surprising things. The Atlit Crusader cemetery, in the north of Israel, is the largest and best-preserved cemetery.
The way the coroner today can find out what happened to a human skeleton is not so different in the 13th century. Yes, today we use modern technology, but the steps, the techniques are quite the same. I even discovered an English translation of a diary written by a Chinese coroner from the 13th century, revealing his techniques. His methods are still relevant in contemporary police work. I tried to use that in the Ivar’s notebook.
Another surprising one for me is the speech and the way the people wrote letters in 1272. The language and vocabulary used back then were much richer than what we have today. We just text something short via different mobile apps.
But the most interesting thing I realize is that sometimes I catch myself thinking we, the people, will never change. There are always fights and struggles for power, for richness, and for love. There are always battles, betrayals, and belongings. Even thousands of years ago. Today, only technologies are different, and the language is simple, but people are the same with their passions, desires, and sins. Is there a hope for a better world in a thousand years after us? I hope so.
Can you tell us a little about where the story goes in book three and when the novel will be available?
Peter, Red Herring, and his followers will go rogue. That’s all I can say for now. I am almost finished with the first draft, and I need a two-week break from it. Then I’ll have to check for inconsistencies or issues from book one and two. Then, as usual, I’ll rewrite it again, some self-editing and editing. I hope the 3rd book will be ready for release before the end of the year.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Oathbreaker continues the thrilling historical fiction series which began with Award Winning Author Dimitar Gyopsaliev’ debut novel Longsword: Edward and the Assassin.
★★★★★
“Oathbreaker is more than a historical novel; it’s a tapestry of battle, betrayal, and belonging. It invites both seasoned enthusiasts and new readers into its vividly rendered past. While it stands strong, delving into the first book might enrich the experience. Overall, it’s a compelling blend of meticulous research, dynamic characters, and a story that resonates long after the last page.” — Literary Titan
“A man is only as good as his sword”
Experience the thrilling historical fiction novel Oathbreaker, set in the aftermath of the Second Battle of Ayn Jalut during the Crusades. Follow the gripping journey of Peter Longsword, a hero wracked with guilt after his friend’s death and on a quest for revenge. Struggling to find his place in a tumultuous world, Peter must confront both external threats and internal demons as he navigates through political intrigue and historical conflicts between Christians and Mamluks. Along the way, he develops relationships with Lady Eleanor, Princess Shajar al-Durr, Lord Broca, and Ivar as he seeks to uncover the secrets behind mysterious shipwrecks and his father’s legacy of honor versus betrayal. With powerful emotions and a strong conflict at every turn, will Peter be able to protect those he loves and find the truth before it is too late? If you enjoyed books such as Ken Follet’s Pillars of the Earth, then you’ll love Oathbreaker. Buy now before the price changes!
Sovereignty: He Lied For Your Sins
In Sovereignty: He Lied For Your Sins, by Rhys Hagan, readers are transported into the life of Amphion, an ambitious Roman banker whose thirst for recognition and fame leads him down an unconventional path. In his quest for renown, Amphion conceives a plan that intertwines the resurgence of the city’s religion with his financial aspirations. His search for a collaborator leads him to an unexpected partnership with Jesus Christ, setting the stage for a narrative that blends historical intrigue with thought-provoking dilemmas.
As a piece of historical fiction, I feel Sovereignty offers a captivating premise that may provoke contemplation among readers with deeply held beliefs. Narrated from the perspective of the avaricious Amphion, Hagan crafts a narrative that is both accessible and fluid, inviting readers to ponder the delicate balance between morality and ambition. The novel challenges readers to reassess their perceptions of right and wrong, advocating for introspection over blind adherence to established norms. Hagan’s storytelling is marked by its neutrality, allowing readers to engage with the tale and its characters without feeling coerced. The author’s boldness shines through in his willingness to juxtapose fictional elements with real-world implications, encapsulated in the provocative assertion: “Luke if there’s one thing to take away from Christianity, it’s that faith is profitable.”
Sovereignty: He Lied For Your Sins boldly navigates a subject fraught with complexities, handling the theme of religion with the subtlety and respect it demands. Hagan’s prose is immersive, managing to be both unpretentious and direct. The characters are vividly drawn, each contributing to the rich tapestry of the narrative. Rhys Hagan’s novel is a compelling and articulate novel that deftly explores a contentious topic with skill and sensitivity.
Pages: 306 | ISBN : 978-1642049589
LITERARY TITAN 