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Literary Titan Book Award September 2023
The Literary Titan Book Awards are awarded to books that have amazed us with unique writing styles, vivid worlds, complex characters, and original ideas. These books deserve extraordinary praise, and we are proud to acknowledge these brilliant authors’ hard work, dedication, and writing talent.
Award Recipients
The Spectre of Psyche by Blair Wylie
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Steve the Zombie
In Steve the Zombie, readers are introduced to Steve, a detective at the pinnacle of his promising career. This engaging tale pivots sharply when a mysterious illness descends upon his community. While investigating what appears to be the onset of a Zombie apocalypse, Steve makes a terrifying discovery: he has become infected. The fear of becoming a monster, once only a distant nightmare, is suddenly a chilling reality. Yet, even as the infection ravages his body, transforming his appearance and sapping his strength, Steve’s humanity endures.
The narrative then takes us on a thrilling journey as Steve wrestles with his metamorphosis and the urgent need to save his partner, Sarah, from the virus that is consuming him. Will he succeed?
One of the standout qualities of Stephen Wayne’s writing is his ability to craft a palpable emotional connection between the reader and the protagonist. Wayne’s portrayal of Steve’s thoughts and emotions is nothing short of masterful. Readers are privy to Steve’s mind, gaining intimate insight into his decisions, feelings, and the relentless pursuit of a cure. Steve’s selflessness and discipline remain awe-inspiring, even as he confronts his transformation into a zombie.
The novel presents a focused cast of characters that keeps the reader’s attention firmly on the main storyline. For those who appreciate the depth, the narrative’s emphasis on Steve’s experience allows an immersive understanding of his situation. The story’s pacing, filled with action and complex thoughts, provides an energetic and engaging experience for those who enjoy a more intricate read. Even for readers unfamiliar with the genre, the novel’s complexity may present an exciting challenge and a refreshing departure from conventional storytelling.
Steve the Zombie offers a rewarding deviation from the norm, even for those who do not typically venture into dystopian literature. Wayne’s literary prowess is genuinely impressive, bringing a fresh twist to the familiar zombie narrative by using a zombie’s perspective.
Steve the Zombie is a compelling read that will likely appeal to fans of fast-paced dystopian novels. If you have an appetite for a unique take on zombie lore, exploring resilience and humanity’s struggle against the monstrous, this book will not disappoint.
Pages: 146 | ASIN : B0C8692JP2
Twisted Tales from the Darkside – The Devil’s Playground
This is a collection of riveting short stories nestled within the horror genre. A fascinating array of characters emerges within its pages, each with distinct quirks and personalities. As they embark on their journeys, they navigate the delicate boundary between the mundane and the supernatural, delving headfirst into the enigmatic realms of the spiritual unknown.
In a remarkable blend of modernity and the supernatural, our everyday heroes grapple with the challenges of contemporary life, unexpectedly finding themselves entwined with malevolent demons and even the Devil himself. Readers will find themselves teetering on the edge of anticipation, eagerly awaiting the resolution of each character’s harrowing encounter. The tales are easily digestible and provide a delightful fusion of darkness and amusement, intertwined with ingeniously crafted plot twists that keep you guessing. One can’t help but appreciate the infusion of dark humor that adds an unexpected layer of enjoyment to the narrative.
L.T. James, the mastermind behind these tales, demonstrates an uncanny knack for building suspense, weaving together a tapestry of relatable lives that resonate with our struggles in today’s complex world. The portrayal of demons and devils within these stories carries a certain familiarity drawn from popular culture, replete with the iconic horns and fiery gazes that have long sent shivers down our spines in films and books. It’s a delightful dance between the known and the unknown, as the author’s imagination paints vivid images that are both impressive and wonderfully peculiar. Comparable to timeless classics like Roald Dahl’s Tales of the Unexpected, this collection holds a special place for aficionados of the genre. While some stories might lean a tad towards the whimsical for personal tastes, it’s worth noting that the artistry in crafting the spiritual worlds cannot be denied. The tapestry of familiar elements from the darker side of fiction is undeniably present, yet the opportunity for even greater originality beckons.
While the horror factor might not induce bone-chilling terror for everyone, it’s a testament to the author’s skill that there’s an undeniable appeal to the narrative. Twisted Tales from the Darkside – The Devil’s Playground is a fantastic collection for readers who relish a fantasy escapade without the burden of excessive analysis. If you’re ready to plunge into a world where the line between the ordinary and the supernatural blurs, this book promises an enticing journey that’s well worth the read.
Pages: 146 | ASIN : B0CBHZFZ6F
Ascent
Ascent is the riveting second installment in Mark Anthony’s trilogy. This dark fantasy novel plunges readers into an enigmatic world teeming with otherworldly creatures. This tale of courage and resilience is brought to life by the intertwined journeys of three central figures: Ellie, Josh, and Sam.
From the onset, Anthony catapults readers into the heart of the action. Building on the foundational lore laid out in the first book, “Ascent” takes no detours, drawing readers immediately into the thick of a world under siege. As Ellie, Josh, and Sam navigate the encroaching perils, Anthony’s evocative prose ensnares the reader, engendering a palpable sense of the terror that envelops this trio.
One of the book’s strengths lies in its ability to weave character development seamlessly with fast-paced action. As we delve further into the story, we not only witness the external chaos but are privy to the internal battles each character faces. Their responses to these nightmarish events afford us an intimate understanding of their complexities and fortitude.
Anthony crafts scenes that leap off the page. His vivid portrayals of the monstrous entities are particularly striking, invoking images so lucid they will linger in one’s mind long after the book is set down. This clarity of vision amplifies the suspense.
Ascent possesses a harmonious blend of character progression, atmospheric world-building, and high-octane action. The meticulous attention to detail, coupled with a hauntingly intriguing premise, solidifies this installment as a tour de force in its genre.
Pages: 432 | ASIN: B0BTT7PJ6G
The Horror Film Killer
The Horror Film Killer marks the second installment in Michael J. Bowler’s enthralling A Film Milieu Thriller series, featuring a fresh set of characters distinct from Book One. Centered around Cassie Stewart, a senior at Performance Arts Academy High School in Southern California’s San Fernando Valley, the narrative follows her collaborative endeavor with best friend Donovan Quinn. Together, they embark on co-writing and co-directing a feature film for their senior project in film class, with aspirations of entering their creation into the prestigious local Shriek Festival, renowned as one of the nation’s oldest and grandest horror film festivals. However, their aspirations are derailed when a sinister figure begins replicating the murders depicted in their script, compelling Cassie and her police officer father to join forces in a race against time to apprehend the killer before more lives are claimed.
I found myself engrossed in this tale, particularly relishing the illuminating glimpses into the behind-the-scenes aspects of film production. The story initially unfolds at a measured pace, acquainting the reader with an ordinary school day and the diverse cast of characters. However, the narrative takes a thrilling turn by the end of the first chapter, captivating readers as the first chilling murder transpires. Despite the sizable ensemble of characters introduced in the early stages, the author skillfully furnishes detailed descriptions for each, enabling readers to seamlessly distinguish and connect with them. An impressive feat of suspense-building ensues, notably evident during Marjory Quinn’s tense night rounds at the hospital. The author adeptly conveys the suspenseful ambiance, deftly surmounting the challenge of conveying tension through the written word without the aid of audio or visual cues present in film. The climactic unmasking of the killer occurs towards the story’s conclusion, followed by a final chapter that offers a glimpse into the characters’ lives as they endeavor to move forward after the tragic events. This additional insight into the students of the film class adds a gratifying dimension to the narrative. It’s worth mentioning that while the story maintains its allure, some readers, including myself, found the choice of third-person present tense a bit unsettling. At times, this stylistic approach may lead to a sense of disconnection and distraction from the unfolding events, pulling one momentarily away from the immersive experience. Looking ahead, They Know When the Killer Will Strike, the third book in the series, promises an exciting convergence of characters from both Book One and Book Two, interweaving their storylines. A preview of this next installment serves as a tantalizing teaser, piquing readers’ curiosity and anticipation for what lies ahead.
The Horror Film Killer delivers an engaging and suspenseful narrative adorned with invaluable insights into the intricate world of film production. While the third-person present tense may prove slightly disconcerting for some readers, the tale compensates with its compelling plot and well-developed cast of characters. Fans of this series will undoubtedly relish the upcoming installment, which promises to reunite familiar faces from previous books and elevate the thrills to new heights.
Pages: 187 | ASIN : B09B1F1FFF
The Peruvian Book of the Dead
In Roger J. Florschutz’s debut novel, The Peruvian Book of the Dead, readers are invited into a compelling mystery centered around the sudden and enigmatic disappearance of museum curator John Brisdon Noxon. The tale unfolds from four diverse perspectives, initiating with his wife Imogen’s discovery of a journal addressed to Brisdon’s sister, a character entwined with her own mysterious disappearance during childhood. Florschutz guides the reader toward a poignant and tragic conclusion through delicate and deliberate pacing.
What sets The Peruvian Book of the Dead apart is Florschutz’s deft use of literary devices, specifically the incorporation of a journal and multiple overlapping narratives. The utilization of the “journal” approach lends authenticity to the story, making it resonate as a first-hand account rather than a conventional fictional narrative. Florschutz’s mastery of weaving together multiple storylines and viewpoints adds depth and nuance, allowing readers not only to connect with each central character but also to see recurring characters and events through varied lenses. This layered storytelling technique never panders to the reader but challenges them to engage fully with the text, offering rich rewards for those who do.
Florschutz exhibits an acute understanding of human psychology, crafting vivid characters in their motivations, actions, and speech patterns. The novel does venture into dark thematic territory, so readers seeking lighter fare might need to look elsewhere. But for those prepared to embark on this intricate and thought-provoking journey, The Peruvian Book of the Dead stands as an exceptionally well-crafted and highly recommendable novel that showcases the emergence of a talented new voice in literary fiction.
Pages: 392 | ASIN : B0C77SK3C2
Armageddon: An Apache Story
Armageddon: An Apache Story, an enthralling novel written by the dynamic duo Pablo Omar Zaragoza and Susan Giffin, delves into the cataclysmic and bone-chilling clash between an infernal prince and God’s earthbound warriors. The narrative is centered around Prince Bal’am, a sinister associate of Satan, who embarks on a mission to redeem his fallen angels and seize control of heaven. His audacious plan entails finding a mortal vessel for his own essence and begetting a child who would serve as the medium for his redemptive journey back to the celestial realms.
Luis, innocently involved with the Apache Medicine Society through his lover Cecilia, falls prey to Bal’am’s possession. Bal’am proceeds to craft a formidable army of demons, enlisting members of the Mexican Mafia and masquerading as a televangelist; he subtly enables demonic possession of his unsuspecting followers. The narrative leaves us on edge: will the demonic forces overpower the alliance of Christians and Apache spiritualists?
Armageddon: An Apache Story is a decidedly adult novel, graphically exploring themes of death, sexuality, and torment. Despite its dark contents, I found myself captivated, propelled to the end by an absorbing tale of good versus evil. The atmosphere reminded me of other spellbinding horror narratives such as Bird Box and Ash vs Evil Dead.
The novel’s storyline is a labyrinth of shocking twists and revelations that keep you on edge, eager to decipher the fates of its characters. The book intricately weaves in elements of culture and religion, enhancing its plot’s thematic richness. The narrative subtly promotes the ideology that “all religions lead to Him,” extending its spiritual scope beyond a single religious perspective. Consequently, one can find excerpts from the Christian Bible, as well as profound insights from Apache’s spiritual principles. The experience has left me with profound curiosity, questioning if the animals I encounter might be spirit guides in physical form.
I invite you to plunge into the unnerving yet exhilarating world of Armageddon: An Apache Story. Reading it at night, I was completely engrossed, left feeling jumpy at the slightest noise. Such is the power of its hauntingly evocative prose. If your literary tastes lean toward horror novels with electrifying twists, this book is a must-read. I extend my gratitude to Pablo and Susan for crafting a pulse-pounding, captivating, and culturally rich reading experience.
Pages: 502 | ASIN : B07Z42FL9Y
Literary Titan Book Award August 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
Rito de iniciación by Diego Uribe
A Time To Grow by Lowell Duane Pabst
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
LITERARY TITAN 