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14 Hours of Saturn
14 Hours of Saturn is a slice-of-life story told through the eyes of Saturn O Syres, a 24-year-old woman spending what seems like an ordinary Saturday that slowly becomes anything but. The book unfolds in real time, each chapter named after the hour, moving from morning to evening as Saturn’s day reveals her past, her regrets, her humor, and her heart. She speaks straight to the reader like an old friend over coffee, weaving stories about family, faith, and self-discovery while the rain taps outside her apartment window. It’s a quiet, thoughtful narrative about being alone but not lonely, about making peace with who you’ve been and who you still want to become.
Kizman’s writing is plainspoken and unpretentious, which makes Saturn feel real. She rambles sometimes, circles back, drifts into childhood memories, then lands hard on a feeling that hits home. I liked that her voice wasn’t polished or filtered. It’s messy, but that’s how real people sound when they’re figuring themselves out. The pacing surprised me. Nothing explodes or catches fire, yet I couldn’t stop turning the pages. The small moments like a dream, a broken yolk, or a memory of a sister, pile up into something relatable. The humor sneaks in when you least expect it, softening the heavier reflections about family and faith.
Kizman writes like someone who isn’t afraid of detail. A scene about breakfast can stretch into pages, but then I’d catch myself smiling at a line or nodding at a truth tucked inside all that talk. There’s a rhythm to it, like spending a rainy day indoors when you’ve got nowhere else to be. The emotional honesty makes up for the slower pace. It’s warm, a bit awkward, and completely sincere. You can tell the author loves his characters, flaws and all.
By the end, I felt like I’d spent those fourteen hours with Saturn myself. The story leaves you calm but thoughtful, the way a good talk with a friend can. I’d recommend 14 Hours of Saturn to readers who appreciate character-driven stories more than action-packed ones. If you like books that make you feel seen in small, ordinary ways, and honest writing that sounds like conversation, this one’s for you. It’s gentle, a little quirky, and full of heart.
Pages: 332 | ASIN : B0FRB8589W
Winning is Not Always Winning
MATE takes a unique look at marriage through the lens of a chess match in which each phase of the relationship is examined with play-by-play commentary. Why was this an important book for you to write?
This was my first and, probably will be, my only, relationship book. The challenges were many. I had to restrain myself from judging the couple’s actions. Since “the game” happens on a subconscious level, I didn’t want their behaviors to be extreme. The book revels in making the everyday, seemingly insignificant things said and done to be monumental and epochal. Only they don’t know it. Hence, the use of the commentator, who may get a tad overwrought in the interpretation and importance of their actions. Also, I had to purge myself of caring who was the winner in “the game”. The commentator addresses this early on. Winning may be not be really winning. Winning a game may actually be detrimental, but the players will never see why.
How did your idea to use the chess metaphor evolve as you planned and wrote this book?
I started with the Chess scheme. It had been on my mind for many years. The chess/marriage idea seemed natural. “War” might be extreme. You could call it battles. The conflict and friction that I dwell on was probably influenced my reading the work of R. D. Laing in the 1970s. His book Sanity, Madness, and The Family had an impact on me.
What do you find is the most difficult aspect of writing about relationships?
The most difficult part was trying not to forget to include the many aspects and perspectives on their relationship. Each other, the kids, the friends, parents, the in-laws, not mention the other innumerable sources of conflict. Ultimately, it took a long time to write the book because of the nature of the narrative. There were few opportunities to elaborate on the details of their conflicts except for the times the commentator rhapsodized about certain episodes and the games that were summarized and did not advance move by move.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from MATE?
Because MATE took a long time to write, causing me to think too much about different ways to engage the reader. Two examples: One, leave some blank pages after a chapter and have the reader rewrite how he or she would have the chapter on the children or the living arrangements would go. Second, at the end of the novel, leave eight to ten pages and have the readers write the “game” of their own marriage – it would be interesting to compare the woman’s to the man’s version.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Facebook | Amazon
MATE: a novel in twenty games
MATE: a novel in twenty games, by Robert Castle, is unlike any book I’ve read. It dissects a marriage by mapping each moment of intimacy, conflict, and compromise onto the framework of a chess match. The story of Pillsbury and Larkin unfolds over twenty “games,” each representing phases of their relationship like courtship, childbirth, relocation, and eventual separation. Every chapter reads like a brutal play-by-play commentary of a high-stakes match where each line of dialogue is a calculated move. The result is raw, honest, and often uncomfortably accurate in its portrayal of the delicate, ongoing war that can exist beneath the surface of domestic life.
Castle’s writing is sharp, biting, and at times hilariously cruel. His chess metaphor isn’t just a clever gimmick; it’s an ingenious device that illuminates the absurdity and tragedy of two people trying (and failing) to love each other properly. The characters aren’t likable in a traditional sense. In fact, they’re often selfish, petty, or clueless. But that’s the point. Marriage, as Castle paints it, is not about romance or even companionship; it’s about control, defense, sacrifice, and sometimes resignation. It was refreshing, even when it hurt to read.
I do feel the relentless move-countermove commentary, while brilliant, could feel overwhelming to some readers. The structure, while unique, can become a bit too clever, making some of the emotional beats feel like intellectual puzzles rather than lived moments. Still, I can’t deny that Castle has created something utterly original. He lets the characters tear each other apart, and we’re left to pick through the wreckage.
MATE is not a book for romantics. But if you’ve ever been in a long relationship, especially one that has frayed over time, Castle’s work will speak to you. It’s for readers who want their fiction uncomfortable, honest, and unflinching. It would resonate with couples therapists, chess fans, failed lovers, and those quietly questioning their own relationships. It’s both cynical and relatable, and it left me thinking about it long after I put it down.
Pages: 176 | ISBN : 978-1963908497
A Fantasy Memoir
The Dreamtidings of a Disgruntled Starbeing follows a spirited 13-year-old girl who lives with her dysfunctional family: a narcissistic mother, a psychopathic brother, and a distant father, leading her to find solace in her celestial daydreams and embark on a journey of self-discovery. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
To be honest, if there was a genre called Fantasy Memoir, I’d say this story would fall into that as, even though the story is fictitious, it holds many truths from my childhood. Growing up, I needed to find my own supportnet and, like Klara, I used my mind and my perspective to change my experience. In fact, it took me close to fifteen years to finish this novel as I was determined not to share it until I had found a way to portray the story with warmth and humor, while also showing a way forward for when we deal with challenging relationships. (Which I suspect most of us seek to do.)
That said, Klara’s story is also different from mine in many ways. Rani, for instance, is someone I wish I had met as a child, as is her uncle. The three belief systems–Quakerism, Hinduism, and Q’ero Shamanism–I came across later in life, however, I decided to include them as they are belief systems that don’t tell us what to believe, but how to find our own inner truth, which appeals to me.
What were some of the emotional and moral guidelines you followed when developing your characters?
That’s an interesting question. I’d say I wanted to portray the characters without judgment, however, as the story needed an antagonist, and as Klara was to have emotional growth, this may not become clear until the very end.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Oneness, that’s the first thing that comes to mind. Oneness, not only in the way we are all connected as people, but the way we are connected to nature and to the Earth and Cosmos as well.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
As much as I’ve enjoyed my connection with all the people who’ve connected with Klara, my present focus is to reach out to children. Besides writing I’ve had extensive experience with art and illustration and a long dream of mine has been to write and illustrate children’s books. Now, retired, I’m grateful to finally have the time and the space to pursue this dream. To follow my progress, please visit my Instagram account.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Facebook | Website
Precocious 13-year-old Klara Tippins lives in a refurbished convent in upstate New York with her unwholesome family; a narcissistic mother, a psychopathic brother, and a distant father.
It sounds dire, yes, but this is Klara, a starbeing from a distant star, and she has friends in high places; her starfamily none the less, who give her guidance in her dreams. At least that’s what she likes to think, though, if she’s to be honest, she doesn’t remember much when she wakes up.
As the story moves, three belief systems are brought into Klara’s path: Quakerism, which leads to other people, Q’ero Shamanism which connects her with nature, and Hinduism which provides an understanding of the world and her place in it.
A heartfelt novel about the resilience and determination needed to retain a sense of self when it’s being undermined from the very start. For Klara, it was a matter of reaching beyond her circumstances so that, ultimately, she could reach within herself.
The Dreamtidings of a Disgruntled Starbeing: Life with a psychopathic brother
Embark upon a bewitching journey with The Dreamtidings of a Disgruntled Starbeing: Life with a psychopathic brother as it entices you into the rich, imaginative world of Klara Tippins, a spirited 13-year-old whose boundless imagination provides a gateway to ethereal adventures intertwined mysteriously with reality. Nestled in the quaint town of Pennington, New York, Klara navigates through life alongside her parents and brother, Drake, while often grappling with the sensation of being the peculiar member of her family. Her celestial daydreams, which seamlessly blend with the enigmatic realms, offer her not just solace but an unexpected tether to new dimensions.
Klara’s existence is a tapestry of enchanting dreams and intricate family dynamics that spirals into a newfound adventure with the arrival of an enigmatic neighbor, Rani. This mystical lady not only becomes Klara’s cherished confidante but also lights a spark, instigating a transformative journey that reshapes Klara’s perspectives and beliefs.
Author Linn Aspen weaves a lustrous fabric of engaging dialogues, strikingly endearing interactions with Klara’s beloved pet, and multifaceted relationships, particularly spotlighting the complex yet deeply affectionate bond with her brother. Amidst a milieu of vividly crafted characters, Rani emerges as an effulgent beacon, echoing through the pages with her nurturing aura, sensible wisdom, and daring spirit. As conduits to Klara’s evolution from an occasionally abrasive teenager to a being radiating kindness and compassion, Rani’s insights and friendship prove pivotal, reflecting a metamorphosis shaped by deep lessons of personal development.
This book gracefully intertwines young adult fiction with alluring elements of fantasy, spirituality, and celestial beings, concocting a riveting narrative that appeals significantly to those intrigued by these thematic dimensions. While Aspen’s occasional dalliance with esoteric language and the multifaceted plotline may pose a challenge to some readers, it undeniably proffers a singular, contemplative reading experience that lingers, prompting reflections and considerations well beyond its pages.
Intricate, evocative, and laced with a gentle mystery, The Dreamtidings of a Disgruntled Starbeing invites you on a thought-provoking expedition of imagination and profound growth, constituting an immersive read that is undeniably worthy of delving into. Join Klara on a path that transcends mere fiction, interweaving heart, spirit, and an echo of the cosmos within a delicately spun tale of self-discovery and friendship.
Pages: 346 | ASIN : B0BV16FMFT
Pairs: This Dating Site Will Be the Death of You
Cristina Matta’s Pairs: This Dating Site Will Be the Death of You is a fast-paced, offbeat murder mystery wrapped in biting satire and stuffed with eccentricity. Set in the humid chaos of Tampa, Florida, the book follows Detective Ned Jenkins as he investigates the bizarre death of Susan LaFont—a woman who apparently invited seven peculiar men from a friendship-dating app called Pairs to the local aquarium, only to end up murdered. What unfolds is a series of sharply written vignettes of these suspects, each more absurd and hilarious than the last. There’s a man wearing Batman stickers on his face, another eating endless pizza, one with a monkey, and even a guy whose profile picture is Barbie and Ken mid-coitus. Matta doesn’t just describe characters, she roasts them alive and lets them squirm in their own weirdness.
Matta’s writing is clever and self-aware. She leans hard into absurdity without tipping over into chaos, and that’s no easy feat. Her voice is confident, wickedly observant, and full of snark. The structure is tight—each chapter feels like a miniature sketch comedy piece, but it all ties back to the central mystery. Detective Ned is gruff and jaded but utterly relatable, especially as he navigates an increasingly ridiculous sea of suspects and reconsiders his own past missteps. I found myself both enjoying the mystery and savoring the wry commentary on modern dating, loneliness, and how deeply strange people can be when left to their own devices.
The story’s comedy can sometimes swallow its stakes. There were moments when I wanted more depth, more emotion, something raw. The victim, Susan, remains a bit of a mystery herself, not just in the whodunit sense but emotionally. And while I adored the wild suspects, a few felt more like clever caricatures than real people. Still, maybe that’s the point. The book is unapologetically satirical. It’s not here to hold your hand through a touching drama, it’s here to slap your face with a fish and then dare you not to laugh.
Pairs: This Dating Site Will Be the Death of You is sharp, funny, and refreshingly weird. It’s a great read for fans of Carl Hiaasen, readers who enjoy a twist on classic detective stories, or anyone who’s ever been baffled by online dating profiles. If you like your mysteries with more laughs than laments, and your characters with quirks dialed up to eleven, this book’s for you.
Pages: 67 | ASIN : B0F4SRWMB3
Right Can Be Wrong
Right Can Be Wrong is an unconventional collection of musings, observations, and aphorisms that span a wide range of topics, parenting, race, religion, relationships, politics, and human nature. Rather than following a traditional narrative structure, the book offers a series of thought-provoking statements, often contradictory, that encourage readers to question the status quo. It reads like a stream of consciousness manifesto, challenging societal norms while pointing out the paradoxes of everyday life.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its raw honesty. The author does not shy away from controversial topics, tackling issues of race and inequality with a bluntness that is both refreshing and, at times, unsettling. Statements like “America’s FOUNDING FATHERS fled OPPRESSION in EUROPE, to come to THE NEW WORLD, to OPPRESS BLACK AFRICANS” hit hard, exposing the contradictions in American history. The book does not offer easy answers but instead forces readers to sit with uncomfortable truths. It’s the kind of book that makes you nod in agreement one minute and shake your head the next, which speaks to its power to provoke deep thought.
That said, the writing style can be somewhat polarizing. The heavy use of capitalization, fragmented thoughts, and lack of a traditional coherent narrative might frustrate some readers. While the format creates a sense of urgency, it can also feel disjointed, making it difficult to engage with the text in a sustained way. At times, I found myself wishing the author had expanded on certain ideas instead of simply presenting them as standalone statements. For example, “We cannot see THE DARKNESS of POP CULTURE, because it is COVERED WITH GLITTER” is a brilliant insight, but I wanted more exploration into why pop culture operates this way.
Another striking feature is the book’s balance of cynicism and wisdom. There’s a sense of world-weariness in statements like “Some people who ARE THE PROBLEM believe they are THE SOLUTION.” Yet, amidst the critique, there is also hope, an encouragement for self-awareness and change. Lines like “The BETTER WAY to EDUCATE our CHILDREN is to BETTER EDUCATE OURSELVES” highlight the book’s core message: personal responsibility and growth are the first steps toward a better world.
Right Can Be Wrong is best suited for readers who enjoy philosophical musings and social commentary without the constraints of traditional storytelling. It’s a book that sparks conversation, challenges assumptions, and refuses to be neatly categorized. If you appreciate authors like James Baldwin and George Carlin, or even the fragmented wisdom of Twitter threads, you’ll find value in this book. But if you prefer a structured argument or a clear narrative arc, this might not be the right fit. I highly recommend Hendrix’s unique collection of one-liners to any reader seeking a work of satirical fiction designed to challenge their thinking on everyday topics.
Pages: 204 | ASIN : B0CV48MSZB
Unsettled States
Unsettled States, by Tom Casey, delves into a gripping narrative set against the backdrop of a quaint Connecticut coastal town, where a sequence of tragic events unfolds into a complex tale of murder and infidelity. The novel intricately weaves together the lives of its characters—a physiotherapist, a detective, and a priest—as they are driven by guilt and suspicion in their quest to unravel the truth behind the seemingly unrelated incidents.
Casey excels in merging mystery with deeper themes of carnal desire and self-identity, elevating the novel beyond conventional genre boundaries. His prose is both engaging and provocative, introducing intellectual debates that challenge the reader while maintaining a steady pace of suspense and action. The setting of American suburban life provides a vivid backdrop for the narrative, enhancing the story’s appeal with its detailed portrayal and dynamic scenes. The author’s use of humor and light-hearted commentary interspersed with analytical insights adds a unique texture to the story, setting it apart from typical mystery novels.
Psychological nuances are explored with a touch of humor, enriching the character development and the overall reading experience. Character interactions are particularly well-crafted, with a cast that includes contrasting personalities such as a dapper priest and an atheist detective, adding depth and diversity to the dialogue and dynamics within the group. The plot itself is intricately structured, with each element of murder, suspicion, and spiritual corruption woven into a compelling narrative tapestry.
Tom Casey’s Unsettled States is not only a testament to his capability as a mystery writer but also a standout novel that offers both entertainment and intellectual stimulation, making it a recommended read for those who enjoy a thoughtfully constructed mystery.
Pages: 279 | ASIN : B0D6BN5TRK
LITERARY TITAN 