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Literary Titan Silver Book Award September 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
A Drunk in the Midnight Choir by Jim Jensen
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
The Genesis of Change
In The Genesis of Change, Livia J. Elliot presents a dark, philosophical fantasy where two alchemists, Élan and Verve, face missions that test the very foundations of their craft and humanity. Élan, renowned as a chaos-tamer and record-breaker, is entrusted with the daunting task of stripping away their mentee’s humanity, transforming her into an alchemist. Concurrently, Verve, whose influence has shaped the rise and fall of countless civilizations, is challenged to define the undefinable within a revered healer. As their paths unfold, they begin to unravel secrets that could revolutionize alchemy itself. Every step brings them closer to understanding the elusive goals of their leader, The Rector, while they grapple with a profound dilemma: should they cling to their unchanged selves or embrace the power of learning and adaptation? The genesis of change looms near, threatening to alter the very fabric of their world.
Elliot’s novella stands out as a turning point in the fantasy genre, defying conventional storytelling with its deep dive into the complexities of human nature and the mysterious art of alchemy. The narrative skillfully explores themes of transformation, power, and the heavy cost of knowledge, all woven together with elegant prose that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant. The characters, especially Élan and Verve, are meticulously crafted, embodying the tension between order and chaos, tradition and innovation. Their journeys are not merely physical or magical; they are deeply philosophical, inviting readers to introspect on their own beliefs about change and the essence of humanity. The Genesis of Change is more than just a story—it’s an experience. This novella challenges readers to think, question, and look beyond the surface, offering an experimental narrative that pushes the boundaries of dark fantasy. Elliot’s work is a powerful testament to the strength and vulnerability of the human spirit, all set within a richly imagined fantasy world where the divine brushes against the imperfect, revealing their true nature.
For readers seeking a narrative that breaks away from the ordinary and delves into the mind-bending possibilities of dark fantasy, The Genesis of Change is a must-read. It captures the struggles and triumphs of humanity through a story that is as thought-provoking as it is captivating.
Pages: 149 | ASIN : B0CTHQ99G2
The Cycle of Eden: Shadows of Reality
Seth Varkees, the Young God, embarks on a journey long foretold, a destiny steeped in ancient prophecy. On the enigmatic Dark Continent, he hunts the sinister beings known as the Hands of Sin, entities that have sown chaos and corruption throughout the world. His task is far from simple. These enemies have woven alternate realities, casting Eden into deep shadow. As Seth navigates this treacherous path, the Neo God watches from the periphery, their fates seemingly intertwined. A final showdown looms on the horizon. Will Seth resist the dark temptations crafted by the Neo God and the Hands of Sin, or will evil prevail?
The Cycle of Eden: Shadows of Reality, by Daniel Varona, continues the expansive narrative of the Cycle of Eden series. This fantasy tale is likely to resonate with YA audiences, though it certainly holds appeal for older readers as well. The story centers on Seth, a protagonist born to embody goodness, destined to clash with the malevolent forces represented by Cain and the Hands of Sin. This prophecy is not merely symbolic; it is Seth’s reality. He carries the immense weight of this burden, knowing he is literally the savior Eden has awaited. Despite his godlike nature, Seth grapples with the fears and flaws of a mortal man, adding layers to his character. Seth’s complexity makes him compelling and relatable to readers. His vulnerability draws readers in, making his struggle against formidable adversaries even more engaging. The conflict between Seth and his enemies feels grand in scope, filled with twists that keep the reader on edge. Varona crafts an intriguing world with rich detail, and a strong cast of supporting characters—Ria, Valentina, and Chase—breathes life into Eden. The interplay among these characters adds depth and texture to the narrative.
Shadows of Reality delivers a captivating fantasy experience. The story’s unique premise, combined with its well-drawn characters and unexpected moments, makes it a compelling read. It’s a novel that both young adult readers and seasoned fantasy enthusiasts can enjoy, offering a journey through a vividly imagined world where light and dark forces collide.
Pages: 483 | ASIN : B0D8JSBMWB
Invoking Fear in the Reader
The Crimson Triangle follows four scientists on a mission to study the Puerto Rican Trench and the mysteries of the Bermuda Triangle, who encounter a powerful hidden entity living in the sea protected by strange creatures. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I’ve always been intrigued by the ocean and have also had a fearful respect for it, especially its vastness, mysteries, and uncharted areas beneath it. With all the things that can eat you in the ocean, I wanted to add one more. I’ve also been fascinated with the mysteries of the Bermuda Triangle and all of the strange disappearances. I felt the Bermuda Triangle would be the perfect place to insert my vampires and tie them to the strange disappearances. In the first chapter of my book, I mention the USS Cyclops, which is a real boat that left Rio De Janeiro in 1918 on its way to Baltimore but never arrived and was never found. Most believed that the ship was lost in the Bermuda Triangle, so I used that real-life scenario to introduce my antagonists. The Puerto Rican trench offers a dark nesting area for my vampires and creates the need for my main characters.
What intrigues you about the horror and paranormal genres that led you to write this book?
I’ve always enjoyed a good horror story that can literally invoke fear in the reader. I’ve also always been fascinated with vampire lore and noticed that over the last 150 years, vampires have been placed in many different environments in stories and movies, but they have never been placed in the ocean, adding a unique spin to my story.
Your characters are interesting and well-developed. What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
I really enjoyed developing and writing for the main character, Eliana, in the book. Eliana is a strong Hispanic woman with a hard past, and putting her in the leader role was a treat for me. Another character, Dennis, was harder to write for as I created Dennis to be a withdrawn, cranky individual, and when it was time to draw emotion from Dennis, it proved to be challenging.
What is the next book that you’re working on, and when can your fans expect it?
I’d like to write a sequel to “The Crimson Triangle” that takes place in the Pacific around the Mariana Trench. The book delves deeper into the underwater vampire story exposing more about the creatures and their origin. I’m also drafting ideas on a couple more horror novels.
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The Righteous Place In Light and Shadow
The Righteous Place in Light and Shadow, by R. Groff, is an outstanding short story collection that delves deep into the realms of horror and sci-fi, delivering a series of imaginative and unsettling short stories. Within these pages, readers will encounter a variety of close encounters with the unexplained, the unknown, and the unknowable. In one gripping tale, a World War II survivor finds himself inexplicably linked to a string of bizarre crimes while another story presents the collapse of society in a manner that defies all expectations. Elsewhere, an alien artifact holds the key to cosmic horrors, and in the violence-torn streets of 1990s Compton, a computer game unleashes a demonic entity that threatens to drive a young boy to madness. As you navigate through this collection, be prepared to enter a realm where fantasy and reality blur, and cosmic terror lurks at every turn.
Groff’s collection echoes the eerie atmospheres found in Ray Bradbury’s The October Country and Stephen King’s Nightmares and Dreamscapes. Some of these stories delve into pure horror, while others venture into the speculative territories of science fiction. What ties them all together is the recurring theme of unsuspecting protagonists who stumble into situations where the very fabric of their reality is shattered, revealing a world far more sinister than they could have imagined.
A unifying thread throughout this collection is the idea that humans are most vulnerable when they believe their world is easily defined and categorized. The stories remind us that unspeakable evil and insidious threats often lurk closest when life appears most mundane. Standout stories include The Undead of Greenwood, which poignantly explores the hopelessness of addiction, and Jacob’s Game, which draws inspiration from the Tron movie series to craft a tale of technological horror.
The Righteous Place in Light and Shadow is a must-read for fans of both horror and sci-fi. Groff’s ability to craft tales of genuine nastiness and cosmic dread will undoubtedly resonate with aficionados of the genre, evoking the mastery of storytellers like Clive Barker and Robert Bloch. This collection is a treasure trove of short fiction that will both unsettle and captivate, making it an essential addition to any horror or sci-fi enthusiast’s library.
Pages: 688 | ASIN : B0D61BJC4Z
NAVIGATING DARKNESS
Navigating Darkness, by Eric Greene, is a captivating psychological thriller that immerses readers in the tumultuous mind of sixteen-year-old Lucas Mofit. Seeking an escape from his daily pressures, Lucas’s night of indulgence takes a terrifying turn when he encounters a dog chasing its tail in a ring of smoke—a sinister omen that marks the beginning of his descent into a world of supernatural horrors. Lucas is bombarded with relentless visions, voices, and nightmares that test his sanity. Despite his friends’ efforts to console him, he feels increasingly isolated, yet he is never truly alone. A malevolent presence stalks him, pushing him to the brink of madness. In his desperation, Lucas cries out to God, finding a brief respite before the darkness returns with renewed vengeance. His struggle between lust and salvation, reality and delusion, forms the crux of this chilling narrative.
Navigating Darkness masterfully blends psychological horror and the elements of a supernatural thriller, capturing the harrowing journey of a young boy tormented by inner demons and external malevolent forces. Greene deftly explores the fragile boundary between reality and insanity, urging readers to question what is real and what is imagined. Lucas Mofit is a compelling protagonist whose struggles with fear and isolation are deeply relatable. His supernatural encounters are vividly described, drawing readers into his nightmarish experiences. The recurring motif of the dog chasing its tail serves as a haunting reminder of Lucas’s inescapable dread.
The narrative is enriched by Greene’s introspective style, which delves into Lucas’s psyche, revealing his innermost fears and desires. The supporting characters, particularly Lucas’s friends, add depth to the story, highlighting themes of friendship, loyalty, and helplessness in the face of overwhelming darkness. The pacing is relentless, with each chapter building suspense and intensifying the reader’s sense of unease. Greene’s ability to maintain this tension throughout the novel is commendable, making this book a page-turner from start to finish. Lucas’s cries to God and subsequent moments of peace offer a stark contrast to his experiences of terror, providing a nuanced portrayal of the struggle between good and evil, light and darkness.
Navigating Darkness is a deeply engaging and thought-provoking read that will linger in the minds of readers long after they have turned the last page. It is a testament to Greene’s skill in crafting a story that is as emotionally resonant as it is terrifying. Highly recommended for fans of psychological thrillers and supernatural horror.
Pages: 106 | ASIN : B0D4N1L33G
LITERARY TITAN 