Blog Archives
Literary Titan Gold Book Award: Fiction
The Literary Titan Book Award honors books that exhibit exceptional storytelling and creativity. This award celebrates novelists who craft compelling narratives, create memorable characters, and weave stories that captivate readers. The recipients are writers who excel in their ability to blend imagination with literary skill, creating worlds that enchant and narratives that linger long after the final page is turned.
Award Recipients
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Literary Titan Book Award: Nonfiction
The Literary Titan Book Award recognizes outstanding nonfiction books that demonstrate exceptional quality in writing, research, and presentation. This award is dedicated to authors who excel in creating informative, enlightening, and engaging works that offer valuable insights. Recipients of this award are commended for their ability to transform complex topics into accessible and compelling narratives that captivate readers and enhance our understanding.
Award Recipients
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Literary Titan Gold Book Award – Poetry
The Literary Titan Book Award recognizes poets who demonstrate exceptional artistry and proficiency and push the boundaries of language and expression. The recipients are poets who excel in their technical skills and evoke deep emotional responses, challenge thoughts, and illuminate new perspectives through their work. The award honors those who contribute to the literary landscape with their unique voices and powerful words.
Award Recipients
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Literary Titan Silver Book Award June 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
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Underlying Historical Aspects
In My Brother’s Keeper, two brothers are among the survivors of a plane crash in the Dutch Indies facing personal challenges as they fight for survival. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
My goal was to provide a significant psychological thriller that would keep the readers’ interest and emotional engagement peaked throughout. The challenge was to provide a compelling story backdrop that was both believable and focused enough to enable the narrative to develop quickly and naturally. In this case, the underlying historical aspects are correct.
Why the WW2 setting? It is fraught with violent conflict, not unlike the life and death struggle between the two protagonists in this story.
Why confine the majority of story to the island and the resulting survival challenge? It allowed me to keep the complex relation between Anders and Simon tightly focused while allowing the reader to feel what they felt, to experience the stress they experienced. I wanted to pull the reader in.
I am always interested in the origins of characters in fiction novels. Was there anything from your own life that you put into the characters in your novel?
Each of my characters have some aspects that generate from my life experiences. It is one of the benefits having a diverse background. Recently, I had the opportunity to interface with individuals who both treated or personally experienced struggles dealing with both substance abuse and mental illness. In either case the experiences were profound and deeply troublesome.
What was your favorite scene in this story?
There are several scenes that I loved writing. I won’t go into them too much so as not to spoil them for the reader but let me share two with you. The first is early in the book where Anders is coming to grips with being stranded on the island. The tranquility provides a significant contrast to the battle against the storm responsible the previous evening and the life and death struggle to come. The second scene is extremely simple and intentionally subtle and yet provides a significant clue as to the true nature of the relation between Anders and Simon. I won’t go any further so as not to spoil it for the those of you reading the book.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
Thank you for asking. There are several in the queue. Up next is a sequel to Nails, a book you reviewed this past year. It is called The Bent Nail. It is currently in the editing process so, hopefully, it will be available in time to be a great Christmas present for those who love dark stories. It’s a thriller, based on the same troubling characters to whom you were introduced last year. It provides a plot and twist that will intrigue readers. I have no doubt those who loved Nails are going to love The Bent Nail even more.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Award-winning author, M.D. Nuth, brings us another thrilling page turner with his My Brother’s Keeper, a story of violence, struggle, and psychological misdirection. World war provides a catalyst and backdrop for the conflict between two brothers vying for power, leadership, recognition, and a woman’s affection. On the surface the story provides us a raw look at the impulsive, self-absorbed Anders Cartwright, charged with the care of his socially withdrawn brother, Simon. His devotion to his brother is challenged when they flee Singapore prior to the Japanese Imperial Army invasion at the beginning of World War II.
Anders Cartwright makes a fateful decision to rescue his lover, Shelley Samuels (Ess), along with his brother, Simon, by escaping to Australia aboard a Douglas DC-3 fitted out more for cargo than passengers. The fateful flight ends when it crashes in the Dutch Indies. Anders, Simon, and Ess find themselves stranded along with three other survivors and a valuable, but dangerous cargo load.
Marooned on a previously uninhabited, tiny island in the Java Sea, the struggle for survival forces the brothers into a life and death struggle leading to personal challenge and discovery as it becomes less clear who might be the “keeper” and the true relation between Anders and Simon. The story engages the reader in a war of wills as Simon vies for the leadership of this group, pitting him against his brother in a moral dilemma and with a surprising and significant and dark story twist.
My Brother’s Keeper
My Brother’s Keeper, by M.D. Nuth, thrusts readers into a vividly portrayed plane crash, experienced through the eyes of the protagonist, Anders, known as Andy. This intense opening to the novel sets the stage for a tale that is both a survival story and a deep dive into complex familial relationships against the backdrop of the Japanese invasion during World War II.
The narrative introduces us to a cast of characters whose personalities and backstories are intricately woven into the fabric of the story. Andy’s strained relationship with his analytical and seemingly cold-hearted brother, Simon, forms a central thread. The tension between the brothers is further complicated by the presence of Shelly, or Ess, who is unaware of Andy’s romantic feelings toward her. These personal dynamics unfold alongside the larger survival drama as the characters must navigate not only their interpersonal issues but also the immediate threats to their safety.
The author skillfully uses detailed descriptions and dialogue-driven storytelling to enhance the emotional depth of the novel. Readers are given a front-row seat to the survivors’ challenges in finding water and dealing with the harsh realities of their environment. The character of Toothless Joe, with his practical survival skills and emerging leadership, brings a crucial element of hope and direction to the group’s dire situation. Nuth’s writing excels in its exploration of human psychology under duress. It delves into the theme of brotherhood not just as a familial bond but as a complex, sometimes contentious dynamic that impacts each character’s decisions and survival strategies. The historical context of the story not only adds depth but also raises the stakes, making the narrative even more compelling.
My Brother’s Keeper is the perfect read for fans of historical dramas and survival narratives. M.D. Nuth offers a dramatic and engaging experience and promises an intense exploration of its characters’ psyches, driven by a plot that expertly balances personal conflict with historical events. The novel is a testament to the human capacity for resilience and adaptability, even in the most extreme conditions.
Pages: 293 | ASIN : B0CXJF1V35
The Spirits of Hyni
The Spirits of Hyni, book two of The Wolf and the Phoenix series by Trevor Bartlett, delves into the myths and legends of powerful and enigmatic creatures, navigating both external battles and inner turmoil. Bartlett’s fantastical world transports readers to exotic cities and mighty kingdoms, teeming with magical and mysterious beings. The intricate plot unveils a series of intriguing discoveries, hidden meanings, and captivating confrontations. As the journey unfolds, readers are introduced to the spirits of Hyni, each with a unique narrative. Central among them is The White Wolf, a character both revered and feared, whose distinctive qualities set him apart from even the spirits themselves. Through his perspective, we gain insights into the strengths and vulnerabilities of each character. The spirits gradually come alive, revealing the power and hidden histories that define them. Despite its fictional nature, the detailed myths and legends of the spirits feel vividly real, quickly becoming a compelling aspect of the book.
The story is rich with creative and fantastical elements. While the characters and plot become engaging over time, the initial pages are laden with descriptive passages that can slow the narrative’s progression. These detailed descriptions, while immersive, occasionally detract from the story, adding little to the context or beauty of the narrative style. However, as the plot develops, it becomes increasingly absorbing. The central characters, with their strange powers, grow more intriguing, especially as a looming war adds tension. Their powers and responsibilities create a blend of admiration and fear, highlighting their internal struggles and the darkness they must confront. Bartlett thoughtfully explores themes of destiny and duty. The main characters, bound by their powers and history, bear significant responsibilities as providers and protectors within their societies. They must balance these roles while maintaining their true selves, resisting the spirits’ overwhelming influence.
The Spirits of Hyni is a thought-provoking exploration of justice, choice, and legend. Themes of rebuilding and striving for a better future resonate as the characters’ determination and insecurities unfold. As they rediscover themselves, old questions are resolved, and new mysteries emerge, leaving much to ponder.
Pages: 443 | ASIN : B0CVBG16CF
Interview with Death, Tales from the Afterworld Book 1
In Interview with Death by V. K. Pasanen, readers are introduced to Nathan Miller, a man whose personal tragedies have inadvertently set him on a path of eerie inspiration, guided by Death itself. As a successful war correspondent and writer, Nathan seems to lead a charmed life, shielded by a perceived invincibility linked to his supernatural muse. Yet beneath his professional triumphs, he grapples with overpowering guilt that spirals into addiction.
This supernatural fantasy novel, tinged with magical realism, delves into a rich tapestry of themes, including politics, addiction, love, fate, and the omnipresence of death. The narrative strength lies in the intricate character development and exploring deep existential themes. Nathan’s authentic portrayal of internal conflicts and moral quandaries not only enhances the realism of his character but also pulls the reader into the depths of his tumultuous life. Death is personified in a complex yet intriguing manner, reminiscent of the whimsical yet profound portrayal found in Terry Pratchett’s works. This character adds a layer of suspense and philosophical musing to the plot, enriching the narrative. The presence of Kaisa, another pivotal character, introduces necessary emotional layers and acts as a mirror reflecting Nathan’s inner turmoil and growth. The novel does not shy away from the grim realities of historical atrocities such as ethnic cleansing, embedding these within its fabric to challenge the reader further. Despite these strengths, the novel occasionally stumbles in pacing and development. Certain plot points, particularly those detailing Nathan’s descent into addiction and his consequential decisions influenced by Death, seem hurried and underexplored.
Interview with Death is a compelling exploration of the darker sides of human nature and supernatural intervention. Its rich thematic base and complex characters offer an in-depth, if occasionally dense, narrative experience.
Pages: 316 | ASIN : B0CXXP6B53
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