Blog Archives
No, You’re Crazy
No, You’re Crazy by Jeff Beamish offers an enigmatic narrative centered around the teenage protagonist, Ashlee Sutton. Raised amidst a family plagued by addiction and substance abuse, Ashlee possesses an uncanny clairvoyance or luck that has benefited her father’s gambling pursuits yet also led her on a collision course with mortality. Despite being diagnosed with Cotard’s Syndrome, a condition that society deems as madness, Ashlee’s interactions and communication throughout the novel leave her grandfather and ex-war journalist Mike Baker questioning the authenticity of her illness and even the possibility of it being something more profound. Ashlee’s desperate flight, not only from external forces but from herself, her family, and her unwavering conviction that she inhabits a higher plane of consciousness, forms the core of this introspective tale. Meanwhile, Mike finds himself sifting through the repercussions of his past choices, seeking answers that have led him to his current circumstances.
This fascinating book delves into the depths of reality and existence and leaves the reader questioning both. The novel skillfully navigates psychological intricacies, exploring mental illness, serendipity, clairvoyance, and perhaps even the hand of destiny. From its captivating opening chapters that immediately engage the reader to the constant allure of the unfolding narrative, I found myself enthralled, eagerly anticipating each subsequent twist and turn. The story maintains a swift, effortlessly comprehensible pace while still addressing sensitive subjects such as suicide, pregnancy, insemination, substance abuse, death, and deeply held beliefs. The novel’s writing style artfully invites readers to perceive the world through Ashlee’s unique lens, fostering a deep sense of empathy and emotional connection with the character’s life and innermost emotions. As a result, it is both an enlightening and emotionally rich experience. In addition, the plot, replete with thrills and interactive elements, kept me engaged.
No, You’re Crazy is a gratifying work of psychological fiction with a coming-of-age element that I would readily recommend. However, suppose you are inclined to novels that explore the neurological aspects of life and faith or stories that offer a profound emotional connection. In that case, this exceptional work is undoubtedly tailored to your literary interests.
Pages: 385 | ASIN : B0C1TMD1DP
The Palms
In The Palms, a profoundly evocative novel, we delve into the life of Ronnie Wells, a man sentenced for murder in 1979 and subsequently granted parole after enduring 36 years in confinement. Striving to lead a tranquil, repentant existence, he settles in the quaint, somewhat neglected hamlet of Paradise Palms Villas.
Upon meeting Clara, his enigmatic neighbor, Ronnie’s world undergoes a dramatic transformation. Clara, a hardened woman living under the shadow of prostitution, substance abuse, and an abusive partner who doubles as her pimp and drug supplier, shares her life with her innocent young daughter, Mary.
Their initial interaction is fraught with tension, but with the passage of time, a sense of affinity develops between Clara, Mary, and Ronnie. Embracing his role as their protector, Ronnie aids Clara in her desperate quest for escape from the sinister Joe and supports her in the struggle against the formidable chains of addiction. Despite these efforts, Clara’s dependency proves challenging to overcome, culminating in a shocking turn of events when Mary is abducted. The narrative then shifts to Ronnie’s determined endeavor to retrieve Mary.
This narrative stands out as a captivating masterpiece of literary fiction, exquisitely crafted with a riveting story. Undoubtedly, The Palms is an extraordinary feat deserving of the highest accolades. The author, Clay Anderson, masterfully employs poetic imagery to portray the vivid landscapes and intriguing characters, drawing readers into a heart-rending tale of redemption amidst a world spiraling toward chaos.
The Palms presents a compelling narrative worthy of any reader’s attention. This fascinating book leans on the side of creative imagery, resulting in a slower unfolding of the narrative. Nevertheless, readers will find themselves immersed in the intricately detailed world and its occupants. The Palms is a testament to literary artistry that will continue to engage and provoke thought among its readers.
Pages: 294 | ASIN : B0BYK8NYXS
Of the Noble and Great Ones
In Of the Noble and Great Ones, we accompany the protagonist, Juke—an individual living with autism—through his trials and tribulations. He navigates the ebbs and flows of life, coping with violent tantrums and facing unpalatable maltreatment, all while grappling with pressing existential questions. Juke’s reality teeters on the brink of upheaval as he desperately seeks answers, primarily to his recurrent traumatic experiences. Yet, amidst this chaos, there lurks a glimmer of hope for our protagonist.
The narrative breaks the bounds of reality, immersing Juke—and subsequently, the readers—in the realm of lucid dreams. In this dreamland, Juke finds himself unwittingly involved in an epic battle between good and evil, which gradually starts to weave answers to his life’s perplexing questions. As the tale unfolds, we are left wondering—will these dreamland experiences bring clarity to Juke’s life? How will he evolve through this tumultuous journey?
Of the Noble and Great Ones artfully interweaves elements of reality with the supernatural, presenting an intricate tale of a teenager that allows readers to delve deep into his psyche, insights, and experiences. When I first embarked on this literary journey, I must confess, I was unsure of what lay ahead. However, as the narrative unfurled, I realized I was privy to the inner workings of a unique, special-needs mind, which brought a sense of coherence to the initial ambiguity. This striking perspective is one of the book’s many compelling attributes—it invites you to see the world through the lens of the protagonist, fostering a profound sense of empathy and understanding.
The author’s word choice provides a captivating contrast with Juke’s identity. Sophisticated expressions interlace the narrative, underscoring the complexity of the human mind and illustrating how external personas may mask the myriad layers within. This is a poignant reminder of the vast cognitive capabilities that we all possess.
Throughout the novel, a universal truth resonates—our fundamental needs as humans remain the same, regardless of our mental states. We all yearn for acknowledgment, for our voices to be heard, and for love. Recognizing this allows us to recalibrate our approach toward others, especially those with special needs. The initial wave of confusion eventually lands you on a shore of introspection, a testament to the book’s impact.
Of the Noble and Great Ones is a deeply emotional and compelling read. If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary, a narrative that challenges perceptions and invites reflection, this book is worth exploring.
Pages: 380 | ISBN : 979-8-9878271-0-9
How Do You Identify Danger If You Are Never Scared?
Fearless follows a woman with the unique ability to not feel fear, who finds herself being wanted by China’s MSS to be turned into a weapon for their world domination. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Fearless is the second book in my Trident Force thriller series and is the continuation of the story of a covert taskforce called Trident, established to thwart threats to America from emerging technologies. The inspiration for the series came from my former day job, where I worked at a major scientific research organization which, in part, explored ways to commercialize emerging technologies.
I worked in risk management, which required an understanding of the risks posed by these emerging technologies. And there were many risks! My time there inspired the idea of a team created to combat these risks and led to the first book in the series, Dark Cure. The setup of Fearless was inspired by transcripts I came across while conducting research for the series, of an interview with a woman known only as “Y”. She is afflicted with the same condition as Molly Jones, a protagonist in Fearless. Only 400 people in recorded history are known to have had this condition, so the story of the challenges she has faced throughout her life and how she had to find ways to compensate for her lack of fear, was enthralling to me. “Y”’s identity has been kept secret because of how attractive she would be to medical researchers and entities who want to exploit her condition. The idea of how irresistible she would also be to Trident and other, more insidious entities, inspired Fearless.
Molly is an intriguing character that has to balance her lack of fear with her moral compass. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
I was captivated by the real-life story of “Y”, and how her rare brain condition has impacted her life. Her lack of fear is a curse, not a blessing as some might think. Being unable to feel fear means her body does not have the normal fight or flight response, which has placed her in considerable danger many times. I really explored this with Molly. How would someone survive with no physiological fear response? How would they identify danger if they were never scared? How would they compensate for this lack of fear in order to get though life unscathed? I investigated these questions in detail as I developed Molly’s character which took me in some surprising directions as I wrote Fearless!
I also looked at other ways in which “Y”’s personality has been affected by her condition, as I developed Molly’s character. One unique side effect that particularly drove Molly’s character was recklessness. In Molly’s case, this character trait had some tragic outcomes that influenced her outlook on life and where she fits in the world. It also defines her interactions in Fearless with Karl Shepherd, a former U.S. Army Ranger in charge of the Trident team. The dynamic between this volatile duo and how their relationship evolves, became one of the most enjoyable things about writing Fearless!
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The dangers posed by emerging technologies–in the wrong hands–is one of the key themes I am exploring with my Trident Force series. Major advances in biotechnology in particular have significant benefits to society–but can also be weaponized. In Fearless, the mapping of the human genome is harnessed to create a most unique biological weapon.
Espionage is another key theme I explore in Fearless. Emerging technology is big business and the new arms race of the twenty-first century. The lengths to which certain individuals, entities and superpowers will go to get their hands on valuable, paradigm-shifting technologies, is a driving theme in Fearless and in my Trident Force series.
What is the next book in the Trident Force series that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I am currently working on the third book in the Trident Force series. It involves the Trident team racing to stop a unique assassin harnessing futuristic technology against the U.S President’s inner circle. In doing so, they uncover a conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of U.S political power and has global implications.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Facebook
After saving his daughter’s life by making a breakthrough medical discovery, Dr. Karl Shepherd works for Trident, a covert organization that counters threats to America from emergent technologies.
He encounters Molly Jones, a unique woman who is incapable of feeling fear. But, her “gift” leads to excessive risk-taking, which costs her career as a neurosurgeon. Little does she know that her rare ability is desired by the MSS, China’s Ministry of State Security. The MSS has built capabilities to transform someone into a bioweapon that can annihilate towns and assassinate political leaders.
In a race against time, Shepherd and Molly must risk everything to thwart China’s plans. But, can Shepherd trust Molly? Her lack of fear can be manipulated by the very evil that wants to destroy them.
If they fail, the entire world will be overcome by terror.
Shepherd must face the ultimate choice…trust his instincts to avoid getting killed or risk his life to follow a woman who knows no fear.
Fearless
Fearless is a gripping thriller that masterfully combines elements of science, espionage, and the human psyche. The book’s premise, centered around Dr. Karl Shepherd and Molly Jones, immediately captures the reader’s attention as it dives into the world of covert operations and the thin line between heroism and recklessness.
The author crafts a captivating narrative that takes readers on a roller-coaster ride, exploring the depths of human emotions. The character of Molly Jones, with her ability to feel no fear, is both fascinating and frightening. Her character development is handled deftly, allowing readers to understand and empathize with her as she grapples with her unique gift.
Dr. Karl Shepherd, a dedicated scientist and father is also a well-crafted character. As he and Molly join forces, their dynamic challenges the reader to consider the balance between trust and self-preservation. The antagonist in the novel, China’s Ministry of State Security (MSS), serves as a formidable and sinister opponent. The MSS’s plan to weaponize Molly’s unique ability is terrifying and provides ample suspense throughout the book. The author’s portrayal of geopolitics and emerging technologies lends an air of authenticity to the overall story and was something I really enjoyed.
Fearless is a fast-paced and action-packed thriller that does not shy away from exploring moral dilemmas and the consequences of one’s actions. The author’s writing style is engaging, and the twists and turns in the plot keep the reader on the edge of their seat until the very end. Fearless is a must-read for fans of espionage thrillers and intellectually-stimulating stories that delve into the complexities of human nature. With its gripping narrative, well-developed characters, and exploration of emergent technologies, this novel is sure to leave a lasting impression on its readers.
Pages: 372 | ASIN: B0C43H6CGJ
Homespun
It is a time of significant change in South Carolina. The time between the First and Second World Wars is filled with progress in industry and social structures. Women are taking a more active role in the world, and things like automobiles, electricity, running water, and radios are becoming more commonplace in homes. But, for the Bell and Caddell families, their long-standing feud continues, and it is on the younger generation to try and mend fences. When Ginny and Jack fall in love, it is a forbidden romance full of strife and struggle. Family ties are stretched to their limits, and the question of “Is love enough” hangs in the air.
As the third and final installment of Sophia Alexander’s ‘Silk Trilogy,’ readers return to the small towns of Greeleyville and Kingstree in Homespun. Jessie’s personality is as hateful and disagreeable as ever, but her villainous deeds are overshadowed by the introduction of Zingle. A character that feels no remorse has no morals and no saving grace. While misguided, Jessie’s character stands behind her family values and morals; Zingle offers no redeeming qualities and gives readers someone new to hate and despise. He is the perfect villain for this final novel.
What stands out about ‘Silk Trilogy’ is the focus on ordinary people and their struggles during this time of rapid change in America. Between the war, industrial revelation, and women taking on roles outside the home and showcasing they have more to offer than just raising babies, this series shed light on how the average citizens faced these changes. From the country families to the small-town residents, everyone is shown fighting to find a place. Vivian’s character is inspirational and has been from the start. Homespun allows her to shine through and gives her character, as well as women from this time, a voice. Ginny reminded me of someone stuck between two generations, trying to bridge the gap and find herself. Many women will relate to her coming-of-age story in this novel, even in modern times. The struggle to balance family and breaking off to follow their own path is still relevant today.
Homespun is a gripping and captivating conclusion to the historical fiction ‘Silk Trilogy.’ Readers will be drawn into the drama and transported back in time to the South Carolina countryside and experience the winds of change that were blowing through the Lowcountry South. Some of the best fictional stories have roots in the truth, and the world that Sophia Alexander has created here is one that stays with readers long after they finish the story.
Pages: 377 | ASIN : B09VSYQZL9
On the Waterfront
Danny Novak’s upbringing was far from idyllic, having been raised in an unhappy home with a struggling single mother and facing constant bullying from his schoolmates. Seeking a positive change, he secures a job as a staff member at Camp Baker for his 14th summer, only to realize that the coming months will be more eventful than he ever imagined.
On the Waterfront by Mike McCoy is a moving coming-of-age story that delves into Danny’s experiences at Camp Baker. Young readers will undoubtedly relate to Danny’s quest for a summer free from his troubled life and a chance to earn some extra money. However, fitting in with the other boys on staff proves challenging, and Danny faces setbacks with his swimming skills while drawing the attention of the camp’s most fearsome figure. Despite this, Danny perseveres, finding joy in his surroundings, forming unexpected friendships, and experiencing the typical rites of passage that teenage boys encounter. However, a singular event will forever change the summer that Danny had hoped would be his best.
While reading On the Waterfront, I was genuinely moved by Danny’s struggles and felt deeply invested in his journey. The author’s vivid descriptions immerse the reader into this emotionally riveting journey that Danny embarks on. McCoy’s storytelling is both imaginative and compelling, making for a heart-wrenching read. The author adeptly captures the essence of adolescence, bringing Danny’s character to life as he confronts the many challenges he faces. The tragedy that Danny endures is shocking and heartrending, but it is also the turning point in which the reader sees Danny’s character evolve. Themes of friendship, loyalty, self-discovery, and embracing one’s true self are explored throughout the story. Furthermore, the author includes a chilling short story that perfectly adds to the camp ambiance.
On the Waterfront by Mike McCoy is a must-read coming-of-age book that perfectly showcases the author’s creative storytelling abilities, making it an engaging read for readers of all ages. In addition, it is the perfect choice for young readers seeking a feel-good adventure with its share of ups and downs, making it a journey that is undoubtedly worth taking.
Pages: 198 | ASIN : B0BKR5BVYD
LITERARY TITAN 