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They Tried Their Best
The book follows the inner life of a woman navigating modern loneliness, love, and survival. It begins with quiet domestic scenes that show the strange mix of comfort and despair in everyday routines, then tumbles into awkward dates, toxic men, obsessive scrolling, and a world tilting into chaos. Her dog, Honey, is her anchor, and later, a new puppy joins the mix. As personal heartbreak runs alongside collapsing politics and rising paranoia, she turns toward building a bunker—half symbol of safety, half desperate project. The story blends personal confessions with dark humor, showing both the numbness of screen-soaked nights and the ache of wanting to be loved.
I found the writing raw and often uncomfortable, but that felt intentional. It reads like opening a diary, one full of shame and yearning and sharp observations. The author captures the rhythms of loneliness so well, like the endless scrolling, the forced laughs, the hollow comfort of TV and apps that pretend to connect. At times, I felt impatient with the narrator, but then I realized that was the point. She is flawed, and the honesty of those flaws is what makes her compelling. The style is jagged, almost chaotic, but that messiness mirrors the world she lives in.
Emotionally, the book hit me in waves. Sometimes I laughed at the biting asides, other times I felt a knot in my chest from the self-doubt, the grasping at crumbs of affection. There’s a scene after a disastrous date that made me want to throw the book down in anger at men like that, but then the vulnerability after, the quiet moment of self-love, pulled me back in. The bunker storyline in particular moved me. It’s absurd and practical at the same time, a metaphor for needing safety when the world feels hostile. The writing is simple, sometimes stark, yet it holds these emotional punches that sneak up on you.
I think this book would be powerful for anyone who has felt let down by people and yet still holds onto hope. It’s not for readers who want neat plots or tidy resolutions. It’s messy, alive, and sometimes exhausting, but in a way that feels real. I’d recommend it to those who like character-driven stories, people who aren’t afraid to sit with discomfort, and anyone who has ever curled up with their pet while the world outside seemed to spin out of control.
Pages: 184 | ASIN : B0FC83DT39
To Rid the World of Magic
Kimlyn Stanyon’s To Rid the World of Magic is an intense, high-stakes fantasy novel that plunges the reader into a world ravaged by war, faith, and the struggle for survival. Set in the land of Ahava, where seven magical races once lived in harmony under the presence of God, the story follows Tova Becker, a warrior caught in the relentless grip of conflict. As belief in the divine fades, so does magic, and a brutal war threatens to consume what remains of her people. Between secret powers, shifting alliances, and deeply ingrained prejudices, Tova must navigate the battlefield both physically and emotionally while discovering who she truly is.
Right from the prologue, this book had its hooks in me. Stanyon’s writing is vivid, almost cinematic, especially when describing the world’s decline into chaos. The opening scene, with the deceiver screaming that “God’s dead” as he’s bound by invisible hands, is pure chill-inducing storytelling. The way the author interweaves history, mythology, and religious themes gives the book a heavy, lived-in feel. The writing is sometimes a bit heavy-handed with its exposition, making the worldbuilding feel more like a lecture than a discovery in certain places. But when the prose finds its rhythm, particularly in action scenes or moments of personal reflection, it’s electric.
Tova is a phenomenal lead character. She’s tough, intelligent, and deeply conflicted about her role in the war. The book does a superb job of showing her internal struggles, especially when her name is finally called for military service. The moment her mother clutches onto her, unable to hold back her tears, hit me like a gut punch. There’s a rawness to the character interactions that makes them feel real, even when they exist in a fantastical world. That said, some side characters felt underdeveloped. Stephanie, for instance, has an intriguing ability to read minds, but I never felt like I got to know her beyond her powers. Velvela, the dire wolf, had a strong introduction but then faded into the background more than I would have liked.
The book also doesn’t shy away from its darker elements, and in some cases, it’s a bit overwhelming. The themes of war, torture, and oppression are explored in brutal detail. There’s a sequence with Asad Kakos, a member of the enemy faction, that is downright disturbing, especially as he oscillates between casual cruelty and reluctant guilt. These moments are effective, but they sometimes make for difficult reading. It’s not gratuitous, but it is relentless. If you’re sensitive to themes of violence, this book does not offer much reprieve.
To Rid the World of Magic is an ambitious and emotionally charged novel that delivers gripping action, layered themes, and a protagonist you can root for. It’s a story about faith in the face of suffering, identity in the midst of war, and the impossible choices people are forced to make. I’d recommend this book to readers who love high fantasy with deep worldbuilding, morally complex characters, and aren’t afraid of a story that delves into some heavy, sometimes unsettling themes. If you enjoyed books like Children of Blood and Bone or The Poppy War, this one will be right up your alley. Just be ready for an emotional rollercoaster.
Pages: 280 | ASIN : B0DVMM81MT
Content in the Present
Eithanjewel follows a celestial being on a quest for self-discovery who, along with his soulmate, visits Earth to uncover the answers he is looking for. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for this story was to create a self-help book that wouldn’t be an instruction manual with specific steps on how to live one’s life but rather show one how to identify one’s life lessons and appreciate the steps or missteps one has to make to learn them.
This book is a genre-crossing with elements of Fantasy, philosophy, and imaginative fiction as well. Did you start writing with this in mind, or did this happen organically as you were writing?
I did intend for the genre-bending nature of the book as I wanted to showcase the polarity of the incarnations and deal with multiple topics and themes.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The biggest theme that I wanted to explore in this work was acceptance. This was important to me because it is a necessary theme in everyone’s life. To accept yourself, the people around you, and your circumstances is the first step towards living your most fulfilled life. Acceptance does not mean that you cannot strive for more but it allows you to be content in the present moment.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
I have not decided if I will write a sequel. However, a sequel has been requested by most of the beta readers. I am currently working on a YA series. The first book looks like it may be published towards the end of the year or beginning of 2025.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Eithanjewel is a celestial being who wakes up at the moment of creation. Unlike his siblings and soulmate, Eithanjewel cannot find contentment within his existence without fully understanding the meaning of his life and universe. He relentlessly follows around his creator nagging him with questions until God offers him an opportunity to go to Earth and search for his own answers.
Eithanjewel is a story of self-discovery, love, invention and magic. It is a collection of universal truths hidden within fiction. It is a great companion for those who seek out old magicks.
Eithanjewel
In Eithanjewel, author Kimlyn Stanyon crafts a captivating tale that seamlessly blends fantasy, philosophy, and the quest for self-discovery. Set in a celestial realm where energy, creation, and existence converge under the guidance of a mysterious creator, known as the Perfect One, the narrative invites readers into a world of profound wonder. Central to this cosmic story is Eithanjewel, a celestial being who awakens at the dawn of creation. Unlike his contented siblings, Eithanjewel is driven by an insatiable curiosity and a profound desire to understand the meaning of his existence and the universe. His relentless quest for answers propels him to challenge the Perfect One, who ultimately grants him a singular opportunity: a journey to Earth to seek his own truths. Accompanied by his devoted soulmate, Niaomi, Eithanjewel embarks on this uncharted adventure, with both eager to uncover the answers they seek. Yet, even the Perfect One cannot predict the long and winding path they will traverse on Earth to fulfill their destiny.
Stanyon’s Eithanjewel transcends the boundaries of a typical fantasy novel. It is a deep exploration of universal truths and the human condition, cleverly woven into a fictional framework. The narrative is rich with philosophical and existential themes, posing profound questions about purpose, existence, and the nature of reality. “We all have free will so the outcomes presented by the cards are only potentials. It is still your decisions that create your reality.” Stanyon’s prose is both lyrical and evocative, painting vivid images of cosmic landscapes and the protagonist’s internal struggles. As Eithanjewel and Niaomi navigate their journey on Earth, the book delves into the complexities of love, identity, and the pursuit of knowledge. While drawing some parallels with biblical creation and annunciation stories, Eithanjewel stands out with its unique narrative and distinct perspective. It is a thought-provoking and enchanting novel that will appeal to readers who enjoy speculative fiction with a philosophical twist.
Kimlyn Stanyon has crafted a story that not only entertains but also invites readers to ponder the mysteries of life and the universe. Whether you’re a fan of philosophical musings or simply appreciate beautifully written, imaginative fiction, Eithanjewel is a book worth exploring.
Pages: 450 | ASIN : B0D8CJ7QN9
LITERARY TITAN 