Blog Archives
A Flash of Light
Jerrimiah Stonecastle, the Next Name in Horror, has brought forth a gripping new novel called A Flash of Light. This work of fiction is an intense blend of horror and survival genres set in post-nuclear America. The story begins with a clever twist as we follow Josh Austin, a CIA data analyst, who is privy to the impending attack on America. However, just as we start to get to know Josh, he and a good portion of the country’s military command are obliterated by a nuclear strike.
The rest of the novel delves into the harrowing journey of Heather, Josh’s wife, and a skilled mechanical engineer who must use her wits to get her two children to safety amidst the chaos of the nuclear fallout. Armed only with an armored car fitted with a regenerative fuel cell, she races across the country through panic-stricken streets to reach the Catskill mountains. Meanwhile, we also witness the new President’s efforts to lead America in the face of a North Korean-led nuclear attack, and as events escalate, Stonecastle expertly keeps us guessing as to what will happen next.
Unlike other books in this genre that focus on the aftermath of a nuclear attack, A Flash of Light is a refreshing take on the events leading up to the catastrophe. As is common in this type of story, the biggest danger is not the invading foreign power or the bombs themselves but rather the people who have lost their minds in the wake of the disaster. The swift and base nature of human behavior in times of crisis is both startling and terrifying.
Despite the gripping action, what truly sets this book apart is its protagonist, Heather. She is a likable and relatable character who is given depth through the loss of her husband. Watching her navigate the apocalypse while still trying to be a good mother is one of the book’s most poignant moments.
A Flash of Light is a riveting post-apocalyptic book that will keep you on the edge of your seat with its fast-paced action and unique take on the genre.
Pages: 255 | ASIN : B0B8KVYLLG
Coyote
Coyote by Ashley Brandt explores the centuries-old Navajo legend of Ma’ii. Raven Thatcher is an 18-year-old shapeshifter coyote in Maine who assumes a new position as the pack’s warrior. During her first night of duty, she is attacked by her feral boyfriend, Jonathan, and unexpectedly reduced by a stranger, with whom she immediately becomes infatuated.
Raven finds herself faced with the choice of either becoming the pack’s warrior or living as a passive housewife. She must make difficult choices, which leads to leading her pack toward justice while becoming entangled in a web of murder, intrigue, revenge, and deception. The author does an exceptional job of weaving suspense and mystery into a story that centers around elements of the Ma’ii and the power of perseverance. Raven becomes the only female graduate of the beta pack while learning to embrace a new phase of life.
I found the story riveting, including Raven’s journey and personal development. The book is a definite page-turner and captures the reader’s attention with vivid description and character development. Brandt expertly brings subtle elements of eroticism and fantasy fiction that are ideal for fans of adult fiction and fantasy themes. The story is set in the 2000s in Maine, with solid visual descriptions of villagers and communities. Raven must challenge her potential as a typical housewife and embrace a liberating path in leadership.
Coyote by Ashley Brandt is a fantastic story about a strong-willed woman and a fierce warrior. It’s a fast-paced, light read that’s perfect for anyone who enjoys a thrilling dark fantasy novel with a strong female protagonist.
ASIN B0BK9T7T21 | Pages: 183
Thaddeus and the Master
Louis Sauvain’s Thaddeus and the Master is an enthralling continuation of the College of Sorcerers Trilogy, promising an exciting adventure for readers. The novel follows Thaddeus and his two brothers, Rolland and Anders, as they face new challenges and obstacles at the College of Sorcerers. The looming threat of expulsion adds a sense of urgency to their training, forcing them to trust each other and rely on their bond as brothers to survive.
Sauvain has crafted a rich and vivid world filled with magical spells and fantastical creatures that will captivate readers. The story is expertly woven together, with each character adding depth and complexity to the overall narrative without overshadowing the central storyline. Thaddeus is a compelling protagonist, and readers will be invested in his journey from beginning to end. The supporting cast is equally intriguing, adding layers of depth and nuance to the story. Despite Master Silvestrus being less prominent than anticipated, Sauvain provides enough detail to keep readers engaged. Unfortunately, the Prophecy is only partially revealed, leaving readers anticipating the next book in the series.
Thaddeus and the Master is an engaging and immersive novel, drawing readers into the world of the College of Sorcerers and keeping them hooked until the very end. With each twist and turn in the plot, readers will be on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating what comes next. Sauvain has created a captivating and entertaining fantasy series that readers will enjoy.
Pages: 444 | ASIN : B0BMGGN3MN
Literary Titan Gold Book Award – Mar 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
Rethink Your Financial Health AJ Uitvlugt
Off Kilter by M. Lee Musgrave
A Guide for Aging Heroes: Owning the Second Half of Life in 30 Days by Randolph Harrison
A Murder in Ashwood by Robert Brighton
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Literary Titan Silver Book Award – Mar 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
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
More Than He Bargains For
Route 666: Highway to Hell follows an aspiring author as his research takes him into battle with supernatural forces and an age-old war of good vs evil. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The initial inspiration for the book was the existence of a real Route 666 which is on the outskirts of Culpeper, Virginia. For the nearly 30 years I have lived in Northern Virginia, I have passed by this road several times, wondering why state authorities would ever have a Route 666 given the evil connotations of this number. Coming back from a weekend getaway with my wife, I passed by the road again and the idea of a man wanting to write a book and getting more than he bargains for was born.
Is there anything about Jack that came from yourself or your life experiences?
One of the writing rules I developed for myself when I started was “write about what you know.” Honestly, much of what has happened to Jack and his family is true and based on my own experiences. Writing this book was very much my way of wrestling with my owner “personal demons” and hopefully brings an authenticity to the story. Finally, there also was a real Jack Aitken. My Grandfather passed away when I was far too young to get to know him well. Naming the main character for him is my way of honoring his memory.
How much research did you undertake for this book and how much time did it take to put it all together?
Writing the book from the beginning to the day it was first published took about eighteen months. The historical research in particular, helped to fulfill another of my writing rules which is to “blur the lines between fact and fiction.” I have had a number of readers who have commented that one of the things that made the story enjoyable for them was the realization that many of the historical references and places are true.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
Sins of the Fathers is the next installment in the Highway to Hell series and was self-published last fall. It picks up where Route 666 ended and leads Jack and his family deeper into the dystopian nightmare that was set in motion in the first novel. I am currently working on the third installment in the series which is tentatively titled The Gathering Storm.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
It is human nature to dream and plan for an idyllic future. But random twists of fate have caused Jack Aitken’s dreams to be altered, postponed, or abandoned. He’s played by the rules all his life, but living years on the knife’s edge has drained him mentally and spiritually. Now, he has a plan to change the trajectory of his life.
Chasing his dream of becoming an author, Jack completely throws himself into researching Route 666, a road closed by the government due to an unusual number of deadly accidents. Ignoring the warning signs and the pleas of his wife, Amanda, Jack uses an ancient map provided by a suspicious museum curator to search for a previously unknown Native American burial mound.
Instead, he interrupts a satanic ritual and ignites a chain reaction of events that leave him in a life and death struggle with a malevolent being whose power rivals the devil himself.
Route 666 is a wild ride that will leave you breathless as Jack Aitken fights to save his family, his soul, and humanity itself from the essence of pure evil.
About the novel’s thrilling conclusion, editor Emily Marquart stated, “I loved the twists and turns, and I honestly had no idea how it would pan out!”
Get ready to travel Route 666, the Highway to Hell!
The 13th Hour, Again
Private investigator James Hurts, who prides himself on not being bested by any other man, is happy when his former partner Tom Taylor decides to work with him again. Tom’s mother, Amanda, and the vampire Mr. Williams are a happy family, except Hurts does not like Mr. Williams much. Together, after dealing with leprechauns who love nothing more than gold and repairing shoes, they embark on the adventure of saving The Chosen One from vampire children who want to increase their power after sacrificing her on her birthday, Halloween. However, it is the start of coming events that involve vampires, leprechauns, and Satan himself. Can they stop Satan from impregnating a child, or is he too powerful for them?
The 13th Hour, Again, by Alan Zacher is a chilling story that combines mystery, suspense, occult fantasy, and an eerie plot. The author’s writing is smooth, and the dark suspense kept me on edge. From the intelligent and headstrong Amanda to the lonely but goodhearted Hurts, the characters are well-written. Zacher provided great detail so that I was able to clearly imagine what was going on. I thoroughly enjoyed the character of Mr. Williams and would have loved for him to have a bigger presence in the book.
Zacher takes readers on a roller coaster ride with the battles and fights. Just when you think there is no hope, something will happen that changes the course of things in the blink of an eye. These characters are survivors and will not go down without a fight.
The 13th Hour, Again, is a gripping fantasy horror novel that young adults and adults interested in mystery and detective genres would find interesting. The writing style, character development, and the air of mystery maintained throughout the book will keep readers hooked.
Pages: 191 | ASIN : B088JNVKBY
Route 666
Jack Aitken could have never imagined that the seemingly innocuous idea of penning a book would instead open the door to a nightmare of biblical proportions. Adrift in life and wondering what had happened to all the dreams he once held, Jack found vigor and purpose in his plan to write, throwing himself into research regarding Native American legends, reported odd occurrences, and anything else he could find regarding route 666 in rural Virginia. He soon found that legends often have a basis in truth and that route 666 was indeed on the path to Hell. With the literal balance of good and evil at stake, Jack has to rely on the aid of an old friend, a strength he never knew existed, and faith in a God he had long felt removed from to save life as he knew it.
Route 666: Highway to Hell by J.D. Toepher is an incredible thriller with twists and turns that continue up to the last page. Combining various elements and themes that cover a broad spectrum, Toepher risks overloading his book with too much information and plot lines. However, at no point does the book venture into that territory; each new character and story melds perfectly into the action already in play. Meticulous research was done in the process of writing this book (mirroring Jack’s own journey, but hopefully with better results!) as Toepher places everyone in context, down to the religious rituals and history.
Hopelessness, redemption, the ideas of good and evil, and doing the wrong things for the right reasons are the themes that keep the narrative rolling in this book. Jack is written as a complex character and supplied with enough backstory to truly be a complete and well-rounded character, easy to feel sorry for as he travels his unfortunate path. However, as each layer unravels and every new twist is revealed, it soon becomes obvious that there’s no way to predict what will happen next.
Route 666: Highway to Hell is a suspenseful horror that gives readers bits of historical information, occult and supernatural, all combined into a thrilling read. It is extremely well written, and the ending will leave readers shocked. In addition, the background and history in the book are interesting enough to encourage you to look further into those aspects of it. I hope to see more from Toepher in the future because this was a fantastic thriller!
Pages: 382 | ASIN : B09FS54PV6
LITERARY TITAN 