Blog Archives
That Magic Mischief
In That Magic Mischief, by Susanna Allen, readers are treated to a delightful blend of romance, humor, and a touch of the mystical. The novel centers around Annabelle, an amateur witch grappling with the upheavals of life — a sudden breakup and joblessness. Her encounter with a mysterious witch leads her to acquire a hazelnut-turned-Pooka, a shape-shifting creature from Celtic mythology tasked with helping their human find love.
The story weaves its charm as Annabelle’s life becomes a whirlwind of new job opportunities and unintentional run-ins with a talented Irish artist, the antithesis of everything she seeks in a man. The Pooka, with its mischievous agenda, adds layers of humor and enchantment, transforming her life into an unforeseen adventure. Annabelle’s journey is not just about finding love; it’s a path of self-discovery, resilience, and openness to new experiences. This novel excels in blending the fantastical elements of Celtic mythology with contemporary life, creating an engaging world where magic seems almost plausible. Annabelle’s character is particularly commendable for her unwavering dedication to her friends and her willingness to embrace love despite past heartaches. The narrative also subtly underscores that while magic might initiate connections, it is the personal choices of the characters that truly shape their relationships.
That Magic Mischief offers an absorbing narrative. I do feel that a deeper exploration of Jamie’s perspective would have added richness to the storytelling. Nonetheless, this book is an excellent pick for those seeking a light, magical romance. Allen’s skillful writing and well-crafted characters ensure an enjoyable read for enthusiasts of paranormal romance with a humorous twist.
Pages: 306 | ASIN : B09G97RGZF
The Hook
In The Hook, set against the evocative backdrop of the 1970s, author James Pack takes readers on a thrilling journey through the unsettling murders plaguing the town of Hallowell. The novel’s distinctive feature is the mysterious presence of bullfrogs at each crime scene, lending a uniquely eerie quality to the already perplexing homicides. This detail, combined with the arrival of new residents, weaves an engaging narrative tapestry that keeps readers thoroughly absorbed.
Central to the story is Earnest, a Navy retiree seeking a peaceful life with his family. His world is upended when his wife and daughter disappear, leading him to Hallowell in a fraught search for answers. Pack’s narrative style is notable for its blend of third-person narration and excerpts from Earnest’s diary. This dual approach immerses the reader in Earnest’s internal world while offering a comprehensive view of the story’s environment and secondary characters. Pack adeptly intertwines mystery, suspense, and emotional resonance elements, creating a richly layered story. The climax skillfully ties together the novel’s various threads, resolving key mysteries but leaving some questions intriguingly unanswered. The book’s strengths include well-crafted character arcs, vivid descriptions, and a constant undercurrent of tension that captivates the reader.
The Hook is remarkable for its complex plot and innovative storytelling. Pack’s detailed prose vividly captures the story’s darker moments, making it an enticing read for those who relish a mystery rich in intricate details and atmospheric tension.
Pages: 342 | ASIN : B0BWQ1SRBC
The Dawnbreaker Gambit: Grayscale Book 1
The Dawnbreaker Gambit by Tony Merriweather weaves an intricate narrative of grief, intrigue, and the ascent to power amidst a setting laden with family tragedy and enigmatic occurrences. The novel is segmented into four distinct parts, each delineating a critical stage in the protagonist’s turbulent path.
In the opening section, we meet Damian Grayscale, a young boy deeply affected by a personal loss that precipitates the various challenges he subsequently encounters. This segment tests his physical abilities and probes his understanding of his heritage and the opaque realm he navigates. The narrative thrusts him into a vortex of internal dilemmas and external alliances, cleverly laying the groundwork for more significant conflicts ahead.
The second part, “Tears of Blood,” amplifies the intricacies of Damian’s environment. The narrative focuses on the complex political and social webs that characterize his world. The introduction of new characters, each entangled in their personal ambitions and disputes, adds layers to the story and puts existing alliances to the test. This portion skillfully interweaves character development with strategic conflicts, keeping readers engaged and eager for subsequent developments.
Part Three, “Sins of Youth,” delves into the backgrounds and motivations of the supporting characters, broadening the narrative scope and deepening the understanding of the stakes at play. Damian’s interactions with these characters unravel aspects of his own past, providing insights essential for grasping the emotional resonance of the conflicts that follow.
The concluding section, “The Gray Prince,” culminates in a confrontation with the central antagonistic forces. This part delivers gripping action and decisive moments that will significantly influence the direction of the series. While the resolution is gratifying, it smartly leaves open avenues for further exploration in potential sequels.
The DawnBreaker Gambit masterfully tackles themes of power, responsibility, and legacy, charting Damian’s development into a leader through a fusion of thrilling action and evocative dialogue. The book’s structural composition adeptly maintains a balance between emotional richness and brisk pacing, rendering it a notable contribution to the fantasy genre. Damian Grayscale transcends his role as merely a character, emerging as a beacon of the perennial battle against the shadows cast by one’s own history.
Pages: 468 | ASIN : B097LXMHBN
The Curse of Balar
The Curse of Balar by Marcel M. du Plessis is a notable addition to the horror genre. It presents a series of interconnected stories that delve into the supernatural and the human psyche. The book commences with “The Sharpest Shadows,” a tale laced with tragedy and retribution. The murder of a young woman leads to a chilling sequence of vengeful events. This story sets the tone for the book, blending the eerie and the grotesque with a poignant examination of guilt.
In another gripping narrative, “The Beast of Scaffold Hill,” du Plessis crafts a vivid depiction of the decaying town of Balar, a setting that becomes a character in its own right. The story’s protagonists, Cutter and Scratch, are grave robbers whose grisly profession leads them into a spiral of supernatural encounters. The tension escalates as Cutter, haunted by memories of his abusive father, confronts both the literal and metaphorical ghosts of his past. du Plessis excels in creating an atmosphere that is both foreboding and immersive. The book’s setting, with its dark woods, ominous church, and ruined castle, plays a crucial role in heightening the sense of dread. The stories, while rooted in the supernatural, offer a profound exploration of themes like the consequences of one’s actions, guilt, and supernatural justice. Through characters like Cutter, du Plessis explores the complex interplay of past trauma and present horrors. While the book’s supernatural elements are compelling, it is the human element – the exploration of characters’ moral dilemmas and their struggles with guilt and punishment – that resonates most deeply.
The Curse of Balar is a spine-tingling horror recommendation that is sure to send shivers down your spine. This captivating tale not only scares but also delves into the depths of the human psyche, exploring the darker aspects of the human condition. With its thought-provoking narrative and expertly crafted plot, this collection of short stories is a must-read for any fan of horror.
Pages: 349 | ASIN : B0C99HBPTY
Ambiguous Motivations
In The Ember Reach, a young woman encounters an angel while trying to navigate an eerie world inhabited by the undead. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Prior to writing the first book, I had the overarching four-part series planned, start to finish. The angel in question already existed in the lore as a being who aids the “lost,” a broad and important term in this world. I had no direct inspiration for that scene, but Biblical tales I heard as a kid of angels mysteriously helping people, like with Lot’s family, probably factored in subconsciously. Any mythological celestial intervention intrigues me, especially when there are ambiguous motivations involved.
I find the world you created in this novel brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from, and how did it change as you were writing?
I originally conceived the setting around 2012 while dabbling in creative writing. I’ve always enjoyed brainstorming ideas for worlds and fictional histories. My editor proposed a basic hierarchy for the primary church featured in the series, which I later named the Matrian Church. Real ancient and modern cultures broadly inspire the setting; secluded tribes, Greece, Rome, China, Japan, the Middle East, wherever. I think grounding worldbuilding in actual history helps everything fit together in a reasonable way.
To avoid inconsistencies and retcons while writing, things I worry about, I created a guide for the Planar Lost world. As I add new material, like my recent expansion on the origin of elves, I update the guide. After a few years of work, the document’s a couple hundred pages long and has become an invaluable resource.
Do you have one character you especially enjoy writing for?
I most enjoy writing chaotic characters like Aitrix and Fausta, reported reader favorites. Their unpredictability lets me take them to darker places than might be appropriate for most of the characters. Fausta was a unanimous favorite in book two among my beta readers and features prominently in book three. Aitrix is the central character of the prequel I’m working on as well.
Can readers look forward to a third installment in the Planar Lost series? Where will it take your characters?
I’m nearly finished with book three, The Faceless Man, and the prequel I mentioned, Kravae: Betrayal of a Mage. I hope to release both of those sometime in 2024, a month or so apart. Book four, The Vile God, will conclude the main series.
The Faceless Man brings back a major character and introduces new villains, with leading and side characters assuming new roles and encountering greater hardships. A beta reader loved book three and said it “never lets you get bored,” which is terrific to hear. It’s got more action and magic and a lot of character development that I hope people who enjoyed the first two books will appreciate.
I have many more stories left to tell in the setting, but for now, I’m pushing to complete what I’ve already begun!
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Amazon
In a city overrun by the ravenous undead, Karis, a troubled investigator, endures a terrifying struggle for survival.
Hundreds of miles north, Sister Amun faces a grand conspiracy that plunges the capital into chaos.
To expose the truth behind the undead plague, Karis must contend with sinister and strange entities. Meanwhile, Amun navigates political turmoil, dark magic, and betrayal that threatens to destroy everything she knows.
The Ember Reach (Planar Lost: Book Two)
In The Ember Reach: The Planar Lost: Book Two, author J. Gibson continues to immerse readers in a world shrouded by the eerie presence of the undead. Central to this narrative is Karis Valjyre, who finds herself perilously navigating this world, with her journey taking an unexpected turn following a serendipitous encounter with a mysterious angel. Gibson masterfully interweaves her story with that of Sister Amun Halleck, a returning character faced with a convoluted trail of politics and illusions. Amun’s quest for justice in the wake of Father Garron Latimer’s demise adds a compelling layer of intrigue to the plot.
Gibson’s narrative seamlessly ties together loose ends from the first book while intriguingly setting the stage for the next installment. This skillful progression is marked by a cliffhanger that promises to keep readers eagerly anticipating the series’ continuation. The book’s pacing is dynamic, with each chapter adding to an ever-expanding tapestry of adventure and action. This rhythmic storytelling is punctuated by unexpected plot twists that leave a lasting impression on the reader.
Character development is a strong suit of Gibson’s writing, particularly evident in the portrayal of Sister Amun Halleck. Her evolution from the first book to this sequel is noteworthy, reflecting a deepening complexity and strength. Similarly, the introduction of Karis Valjyre adds a fresh perspective to the series. Her unique background as an ‘impossible child’ offers an intriguing subplot that enriches the overall story. Gibson demonstrates a remarkable ability to revisit seemingly forgotten elements from earlier in the narrative, weaving them back into the plot in a way that feels both surprising and satisfying. This attention to detail underscores his skill in crafting a well-rounded and immersive fantasy world.
The Ember Reach: The Planar Lost: Book Two stands out as a compelling continuation of J. Gibson’s fantasy series, combining strong character development, brisk pacing, and a well-constructed plot to create a thoroughly engaging reading experience.
Pages: 534 | ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0B3HCY32C
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
Frode Ridna and the Rumbling by M. Singh
Rendezvous with Evil by Deirdre Oliver
Wiser Now by Gayle G. Curtin
The Goose Waltzer by Samantha Leigh Miller
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Literary Titan Silver Book Award April 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.
LITERARY TITAN 