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Literary Titan Book Award – Dec 2023
With innovative themes and a knack for turning words into elegant prose, these stunning books effortlessly elevate the art of storytelling. Here’s to the brilliant authors who’ve turned fresh ideas and heartfelt narratives into beautifully written journeys. Your remarkable talent deserves every bit of this recognition.
Award Recipients
FastFlight 540: In Search of Xander by M.M. Mesldorf
Thrive: Ghosts in the Glades by Staci Andrea
The Miracle that made us a United Nation by Betty Lou Rogers
Power by Chuck Fair
The Wood Sprite by James Dobie
Soar a Burning Sky: Echoes of EonThera: Book One
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Literary Titan Book Awards – Dec 2023
Honoring the talent of brilliant authors who captivated us with unique writing styles, vivid worlds, and compelling characters. Delve into a universe of original ideas, celebrating books that stand out with their innovative concepts and extraordinary narratives. Join us in applauding the dedication and hard work of these exemplary authors as we spotlight and praise the magnificent realms they’ve brought to life.
Award Recipients
Shipwreck in Paradise by Konstantinos Gustad C
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Utopia Falling: A Darkness Rises
Utopia Falling: A Darkness Rises, by R. C. Vielee, offers a riveting journey through a dystopian fantasy world, intricately woven with themes of resilience, the eternal struggle between light and darkness, and the immense sacrifices necessary for the survival of entire worlds. Set in the aftermath of Earth’s Great Destruction, the novel introduces us to Tartica, a society that has emerged as a beacon of free love and harmony with nature. However, beneath its utopian veneer, Tartica grapples with the corrupting influence of power and the erosion of its once-cherished values.
At the heart of the narrative is Reyne, a humble farmer whose yearning for a simple life with Mithany is shattered by the looming threat of assassins from the menacing realm of Evidar. Reyne’s character is masterfully crafted, embodying the journey from naivety to a pivotal force within Tartica. His internal struggles and unexpected responsibilities resonate deeply, offering a compelling portrait of a relatable hero thrust into extraordinary circumstances. The novel explores the dichotomy between Reyne’s longing for simplicity and the complex destiny awaiting him, enriched by the depiction of Tartica’s leaders. Once virtuous, these figures succumb to dark desires, illustrating the fragile nature of goodness when confronted with deceit and ambition. This theme of moral decay is counterbalanced by the narrative arc of the Devil’s Blacksmith in Evidar, a character shrouded in mystery and manipulation. His relentless quest for power, even at the cost of others’ well-being, paints a morally ambiguous picture of an antagonist driven by a distorted vision of salvation.
Utopia Falling: A Darkness Rises is a mesmerizing tale that skillfully intertwines love, betrayal, and the exploration of alternate realms. The novel’s pace and world-building are both accessible and engaging, making it a standout addition to the dystopian fantasy genre. With its richly developed characters and intricate plot, R. C. Vielee’s creation is not just a story of a clash between utopia and darkness; it is an examination of the limits of freedom and the enduring power of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming odds.
Pages: 414 | ASIN : B0CBNKCGG2
A Horrifying Experience
The Molossus of Old Man Moyer follows an ex-con hearse driver who encounters a mythical dog, the Molossus, one night, taking him on a thrilling journey into the darkness. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The Molossus of Old Man Moyer is a story I started developing about 20 years ago. I wanted to make a story that could use a common event and turn it into a horrifying experience. That’s when I started to wonder, how can I make walking a dog that horrific event? That’s when I came upon the idea of a dog that looks old but is much older than what is possible. It first started as 200 year old dog, then while I was at it, I changed it to a dog that’s over 2,000 years old. As a bonus, I added magical powers, that the dog would grant the owner a life of luxury but in trade for the promise of a violent death. That setup a kind of Sword of Damocles situation that I found interesting. Then I discovered a list of instinct dog breeds where I found that one great dog breed was called the Molossus that went extinct in 1815 after first being discovered by none other than Alexander the Great. The last little touch was how to frame the story. So, I picked a profession that I first heard on a radio blog about a body transport and the sights, sounds, and smells of such a challenging and high-turnover job. This put the Molossus in the path of a hearse on a country road. That is when all the elements came together, and after that, the writing of the story came together pretty quickly with all the pieces in place.
What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
Old Man Moyer was the most fun. Most of his appearance is practically all dialogue as he pontificates about his life and history. I had a fun time with the Old Man. I didn’t really have a challenge with any of the characters as they came to me pretty fluid, and they all found their voice pretty easy.
The Molossus of Old Man Moyer delivers the drama so well that it flirts with the grimdark genre. Was it your intention to give the story a darker tone?
Absolutely, the story was always meant to be dark, as dark as I could get it. Beyond just what is spoken and the actions of the characters, I did load it up with dark elements: a hearse called the Deathmobile, psychics, dead bodies, paranormal, ghosts. And all of this fell into place in all formats, including the audiobook, in time for a Halloween release, which was perfect.
What is the next book you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I am currently working on the sequel to The Molossus of Old Man Moyer, which is really a prequel and will be one of two sequel/prequels anticipated within the next year.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Pushing the Boundaries and Raising the Stakes
Death or Volentus follows a vampire and necromancer who are nemesis who join forces to rescue a woman from the hands of a malevolent queen. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I was always intrigued by the idea of a supernatural detective who could raise the dead to obtain the answers to various crimes, whether they be from the deceased victim or the criminal. However, the danger of such a figure turning rogue and raising the dead to enact his/her designs would always be a concern, such as we saw here with Volentus. My overarching thought was: Wouldn’t it be interesting to read a story where the villain must rescue the hero this time – and that hero being the person who put that villain in check? Each character involved would be somewhat conflicted, making for an exciting drama. Adding in the vampire who must rely on Volentus to save the heroine he loves creates that perfect formula.
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?
First, I needed to think of a place brimming with peril to set the stage for the crux of the plot. The only reason our forces would ever consider employing the aid of the hero’s nemesis would be to navigate a realm too dangerous for anyone else except for a villainous figure, in this case, Volentus, who had expertise in all things dead and undead. Establishing a steampunk-like city where the governing body is somewhat corrupt in its own way proved to be a jarring contrast to the dreaded Land of Wilted Roses. A gilded dystopian city parallel to a dark, forbidden land of doom. It just reads great.
What intrigues you about the horror and paranormal genres that led you to write this book?
I’ve always enjoyed pushing the boundaries and raising the stakes of what dark fantasy and horror could be for readers who have read and experienced so much of it already. Making these elements feel real, yet magical, pulls us into the world before we even know we’ve become invested. I want my readers to feel like they’re in the story, that they’re a part of the action. The haunting themes make for a great setting for characters who have relatable motivations. Every reader wants to escape in fiction. So, I endeavor to provide them with an escape they won’t soon forget.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
What a fortunate question. I have already begun planning the sequel and have settled on a great new setting for our characters where the previous tale left off. Be on the lookout for Death or Volentus: Macabre Masquerade before the Summer arrives! Intrigue abounds when a king invites Volentus and other powerful figures to a summit for peace disguised as a masquerade ball where everyone involved suspects a trap.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
A perfect read for fans of gothic horror, steampunk, and dark fantasy, Death or Volentus tells the story of a villainous figure who is convinced to embark on a perilous mission to rescue his nemesis from a wicked cult. Volentus is a necromancer able to raise corpses and command them to do his bidding, even leading vast undead armies. While he often plays by his own rules, Volentus finds himself partnering with a skilled vampire who would do anything to save the woman he loves, including slicing off Volentus’s head at the slightest hint of betrayal. However, as the formidable pair quickly discover, their assignment will be anything but what they expected.
Written by the award-winning author of The Angels of Resistance, The Redeem the Knight Trilogy, and Torn Asunder.
Death or Volentus
In Death or Volentus, readers are plunged into a thrilling narrative where Dragan Cellis, a psychic vampire, and Volentus, a necromancer, forge an unlikely alliance. Set against the backdrop of the Land of Wilted Roses, this dark fantasy tale unfolds with Dragan needing Volentus’ expertise to rescue his beloved, Alicent Vale, from the clutches of the malevolent Queen Malkira of Tenebris. The queen’s ambition to amass an army of ‘brands’ – individuals with unique powers – by converting them through torture and manipulation forms the crux of the story.
The dynamic between the characters is compelling. Dragan, initially driven by love, must confront the physical dangers of their mission and the ethical implications of their actions. Volentus, on the other hand, undergoes a transformation. His initial desire for revenge, stemming from a past encounter with Alicent that led to his imprisonment, evolves as he begins to see her in a new light. The narrative deftly illustrates how exposure to Alicent’s suffering alters his perspective, shifting his motivations from vengeance to protection. The plot thickens when it’s revealed what Malkira’s true intentions are. This development elevates the stakes, introducing a sense of urgency and danger as the characters find themselves trapped and facing an overwhelming threat.
The book engages readers from the outset with its action-oriented opening, quickly establishing the central conflict and the unique world it inhabits. The interplay between Alicent, Dragan, and Volentus adds depth to the narrative, ensuring that readers remain invested in their fates. The story’s pacing is well-managed, balancing action with character development and leading to a series of twists that keep the reader eagerly turning the pages.
This novel is a compelling read for fans of dark fantasy and supernatural thrillers. Its blend of action, character dynamics, and a richly imagined world makes it a standout in the genre. The concise nature of the story ensures a fast-paced and eventful experience, making it an excellent choice for those looking for an engaging and immersive narrative.
Pages: 203 | ASIN : B0CK15XBLW
The Molossus of Old Man Moyer: An Original Horror Novel
In The Molossus of Old Man Moyer, Joe Lyon, a U.S. Army veteran, crafts an engaging narrative that seamlessly weaves elements of horror, mystery, and suspense. The story opens with the intriguing premise of Deacon Tibbs, a psychic with remarkable abilities whose earthly journey ends, bringing his body back to Batesville, Ohio. This sets the stage for a series of supernatural events that challenge and enthrall the reader.
The protagonist, Jimmy Myer, a morgue worker with a complicated past, finds himself at the heart of these eerie occurrences. His encounter with the ghost of Deacon Tibbs is just the beginning of a journey filled with unexpected turns. The peculiar incident involving Belky, a Molossus dog with an ancient lineage, further adds to the intricate plot.
The novel’s strength lies in its character development. From Jimmy’s complex persona to the enigmatic Vera Kay, each character is thoughtfully portrayed, adding depth to the story. The plot is a tapestry of interconnected stories and surprising twists, maintaining a gripping pace throughout.
Lyon’s talent for storytelling shines in his dialogue, which is sharp and engaging, keeping the reader completely absorbed. The novel not only delves into paranormal activities and ancient mysteries but also touches on the grimmer aspects of life, such as abuse and suffering, making it a well-rounded and captivating read.
The audiobook version of The Molossus of Old Man Moyer stands out for its excellent narration, which significantly elevates the story’s suspense and mystery. The narrator’s adept voice modulation and pacing vividly bring the characters to life. Their ability to capture the mood of each scene keeps the audience captivated. This rendition is ideal for those who appreciate the depth and atmosphere of storytelling, providing an immersive and enjoyable listening experience.
The Molossus of Old Man Moyer is a must-read for those who love a good thrill. This horror story takes readers into the supernatural realm, where darkness is only the beginning of its suspenseful journey. It’s an absorbing tale that promises to keep you on the edge of your seat.
7 hours and 58 min | ASIN : B0CKFM5Y7C
Bullet’s Adventure: Chasing Sobekneferu
Victoria Ray’s Bullet’s Adventure: Chasing Sobekneferu weaves an unconventional narrative, blending elements of mystery and fantasy with an eccentric cast of characters. The story follows Bullet Harmless, a man whose mundane life is upended when he is unexpectedly employed as a private investigator by a prominent figure in his city. Tasked with unraveling the mystery behind a murdered rare insect and missing diamonds, Bullet finds himself entangled in a web of chaos and danger involving a vast criminal network.
The novel begins with limited context, focusing initially on Bullet’s everyday life, hinting at a conventional plotline. However, Ray rapidly diverges from this path, introducing a surreal world inhabited by uniquely named characters, anthropomorphic insects, and references to Egyptian mythology. The settings and events change rapidly, challenging the reader to keep pace with the evolving narrative.
Ray’s writing style is vibrant and imaginative, though at times, the plot’s complexity and the multitude of characters introduced can feel overwhelming. The central theme of Bullet seeking his ideal companion is a consistent thread, but the continual introduction of new characters and subplots adds layers of complexity to the story. This richness of ideas is ambitious and requires a reader’s full attention.
The book’s distinct style is a departure from conventional storytelling, offering a unique experience. It’s a crime fiction novel that will resonate with readers looking for something out of the ordinary. Ray’s novel has the potential to captivate those who appreciate unconventional and imaginative storytelling.
Pages: 193 | ASIN: B0CJP8BL9H
LITERARY TITAN 