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Tough Questions
Of Saints and Rivers follows the McClellan family across multiple generations, told through the eyes of the youngest son, who embarks on a relentless quest for purpose and healing that sends him far from home and back again. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
A number of real-life family incidents shaped portions of the novel. My great-grandfather witnessed the killing of his family by Indians as a boy before serving as a Texas Ranger, deputy U.S. Marshal, riding the Western Cattle Trail, and homesteading on the Canadian River in western Oklahoma. A daughter was banned from the family for marrying someone from outside the church. The family land was lost during the Depression. As a young man, my grandfather served prison time for hitting and killing a pedestrian while driving when intoxicated.
For many years, I had a troubled relationship with my father, a decorated naval dive-bomber pilot, who once hit me hard in the face for arguing when I was young. My last words to him as he died were that I loved him. I seriously considered the ministry before changing my mind over troubling theological issues. War took a heavy toll on my family. As for early romantic misadventures, I’ll just say that—among my brothers, myself, and others—our family has seen its share.
While a degree of creative license was taken for the sake of story, much of Jordan’s journey was borrowed from my family’s history, and many of his personal reflections mirror my own. To paraphrase the writer, Wallace Stegner: sometimes truth is best told as fiction.
What were some of the trials that you felt were important to highlight Jordan’s development?
At the story’s core is his conflict with a celebrated father, as both men grapple with their pasts and Jordan struggles with the shadow of his older brother. Among his trials is a tragic family accident that leads to alcohol as a means of coping with guilt. Another is youthful desire that culminates in a forbidden love with a married woman—and, in its wake, more alcohol and even greater tragedy—followed by the unthinkable. The novel is, in many ways, a forty-year coming-of-age story of a gifted-but-troubled son’s ongoing struggle with guilt, moral dilemmas, religious doubt, and his search for meaning, atonement, healing, and love.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Aside from the above-mentioned parental conflict, addiction, and religious doubt, I wanted to address prejudice (both racial and gender-related), marital abuse, grief, forgiveness, the role of chance in our lives, and how love and loss so often travel together. I wanted also to ask some tough questions of God and ourselves.
What is the next book you’re working on, and when can we expect it to be available?
I consider myself to be primarily a magazine writer of historical articles. Of Saints and Rivers is my first novel. What began as a simple wish to leave behind, for my family, something of our family roots and what I felt, loved, and believed grew somehow into a book. While I have some ideas for another, at this point they’re still just ideas. I prefer to see how readers like this one before saying more. Thank you so much for your thoughtful interest.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
From the wild frontier days of the late 1800s to the post-war reckoning of the 1950s, Of Saints and Rivers follows three generations of the McClellan family through the eyes of the youngest son. Growing up in the shadow of his celebrated father and brother, Jordan is more into books than farmwork or sports. But when tragedy strikes, guilt drives him spiraling down a path with dire consequences.
His relentless search for meaning and atonement sends him far from home to places as far ranging as the Caribbean, a small Mexican village, and seminary. Yet, no matter how far he runs, the shadows follow. As Jordan grapples with his past and its impact on those he loves, he discovers a new understanding of his father and himself.
Perfect for fans of Kristin Hannah and William Kent Krueger, Of Saints and Rivers is a sweeping historical saga of faith, doubt, resilience, and the unbreakable ties of family.
With His Words I’m Not Alone
With His Words I’m Not Alone is an intimate and emotional novel that weaves a coming-of-age journey with raw vulnerability, queer identity, and the turbulence of modern relationships. Lucas Ryker introduces us to a protagonist searching for connection and healing, wrapped in layers of poetic language and introspection. The narrative takes us through chapters of discovery, trauma, affection, and longing. Along the way, we meet characters who feel real in their confusion, hope, and complicated love. The story isn’t told in a linear fashion, and its structure mirrors the chaos and beauty of memory and personal growth.
Reading this book felt like peering into someone’s private journal. The language is unconventional, fragmented at times, stream-of-consciousness at others. At first, I found this style jarring. Sentences don’t always follow the rules. Words tumble together like thoughts in a storm. But then it clicked. Ryker is more interested in feelings than form. It’s messy because life is messy. The story’s most powerful moments come in hushed lines or sudden bursts of intensity, the way emotion really hits. It made me feel caught off guard, and honestly, that vulnerability resonated with me.
Some parts of the book moved a little slower, and now and then the dialogue leaned toward the dramatic. A few characters felt more like glimpses or impressions than fully fleshed-out people. That might make some readers pause. But for me, even moments of uncertainty felt intentional, like part of the emotional rhythm. I may not have always known where the story was headed, but it always felt deeply personal and true.
This book is intense. It asks you to let go of convention. But if you’ve ever felt alone, if you’ve ever wanted someone’s words to fill the silence in your chest, this book might speak to you. It’s for readers who care less about plot and more about emotional resonance. It’s for queer folks looking for something that doesn’t smooth out the rough edges. I’d recommend it to anyone who wants to feel something deep and human, even if it hurts a little.
Pages: 345
Hidden Emotions
Oceans of Thoughts: An Inspirational Walk through the Inner Self, Life and History is a soul-stirring collection of poems and reflections that journey through loss, memory, identity, and spiritual awakening. What inspired you to write this particular collection of poems?
My work in poetry is written to resonate with those who read and those who hear about Oceans of Thoughts. My writing style in poetry is thought-provoking and is focused on my life experiences, to influence you to look within your inner self and experience some self-healing and inner peace.
In Oceans of Thoughts Book One, I wrote a beautiful poetry series about my experiences with the loss of my sister Yvonne and the emotions that loss had on my life. I dedicated Book One to Yvonne.
I also wrote in another section, about the dysfunctional effects of other family relationships and family discord. There are many differences and prejudices hanging over families. Oceans of Thoughts is written to touch lives, speak about social issues and current affairs, and to draw you to the effects those psychological trends have on mankind. Also, I expressed the grace of the selfless service in everyone to be able to give in unexpected circumstances. The desirable respect for seniors in ‘I AM SENIOR’ is another very impactful piece in Book One. There are also the lighthearted joys in poetry and Caribbean History that I share and are certain to enlighten the experience with Oceans of Thoughts.
I am inspired and guided by the limitless inspiration that directs my work in poetry. Oceans of Thoughts is inspired wholesomely by my life experiences and is directed to change lives and to touch the hidden emotions of its readers.
How did you decide on the themes that run throughout your poetry book?
Oceans of Thoughts is an inspirational poetry book series. I believe that the effects and emotions of the passing of my sister Yvonne propelled the direction and selection of the poems for Book One.
Did you write these poems with a specific audience in mind, or was it a more personal endeavor?
Oceans of Thoughts is written to influence a target audience in the age range of teens, young adults, adults, and seniors. The targeted audience can most certainly benefit from my work in this book series.
How has this poetry book changed you as a writer, or what did you learn about yourself through writing it?
Oceans of Thoughts Book One is the beginning of my published inspirational poetry book series and my life as a published author. Book One embarked on a journey of self-healing and motivation that influences people to look within the self. It is the beginning of many accomplishments achieved as an author globally.
One of the most important things that I learned about myself as the author of Oceans of Thoughts is that I must stay focused on the limitless inspirational gifts and talents to direct my path in poetry.
Author Links: GoodReads | Barnes & Noble | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | LinkedIn | YouTube | Spotify | Amazon
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
Viper Island
Viper Island is a globe-spanning biotech thriller that follows former neurosurgeon-turned-covert-agent Molly Jones, now known as Amy Michaels, as she’s thrown into a high-stakes mission to protect a prominent philanthropist targeted by a shadowy assassin. The operation quickly unravels into a nightmarish hunt across Accra, Ghana, with deadly biological weapons, political intrigue, and military-level ambushes at every turn. From the glittering lights of a humanitarian gala to the gritty chaos of street markets and parking-lot shootouts, Moore delivers an adrenaline-packed story where the dangers are as invisible as they are deadly.
I had a blast reading this. Moore’s writing is fast and sharp, like a cinematic pulse running under every scene. The pacing is relentless, but it never feels exhausting. It just pulls you in deeper. The action scenes are slick and visceral, with an energy that made me grip the pages. There’s also real thought put into the science behind the threat. The DNA-targeting bioweapon isn’t just a sci-fi gimmick; it feels alarmingly plausible. But what really landed for me was Molly. She’s not some bulletproof superhero. She doubts. She hesitates. But she keeps moving, keeps protecting. That made her feel real, and someone I could root for.
The book walks a razor-thin line between thrilling and overwhelming. There were moments when the sheer amount of action and military chatter had me longing for a bit of quiet, just a second to breathe or reflect. And while the story is tight, I wanted more time with the team before chaos tore them apart. Still, those are small bumps in a ride that’s otherwise turbocharged. Moore isn’t just throwing grenades for the sake of noise—there’s real tension, clever plotting, and genuine emotion underneath all the shootouts and spy gear.
Viper Island is for readers who crave high-octane storytelling with just enough smarts to keep you thinking between heart-pounding moments. If you like James Rollins, Gregg Hurwitz, or early Vince Flynn, you’ll feel right at home here. It’s a wild, breathless run through the dark alleys of science, politics, and personal redemption. I’d recommend it to action lovers, thriller junkies, or anyone who wants to feel like they’re strapped to the side of a missile.
Pages: 400 | ASIN: B0FCLN3H8L
An Old Soul: A Novel
An Old Soul follows Isaac André, a 25-year-old VHS store clerk and self-described “Chariot Conjurer” navigating the sticky summers of 1996 Southside Chicago. On the surface, it’s a coming-of-age story wrapped in nostalgia: payphones, VHS tapes, Walkmans, and the early days of the internet. But beneath that sepia-toned exterior is something more intricate, a meditation on time, synchronicity, personal loss, and the quiet search for meaning. The novel takes its time, steeped in the mundane beauty of everyday life, as Isaac’s path begins to twist subtly into something more surreal and philosophical.
What struck me most at the outset was the remarkable vividness of the world Hayden constructs. He doesn’t merely depict Chicago—he inhabits it on the page with remarkable sensory detail. The oppressive summer heat seems to radiate from the text, the sharp, familiar rhythm of barbershop banter resonates clearly, and the scent of Grandma’s buttery, oven-baked rolls practically rises from the pages. A particularly poignant scene early in the novel illustrates this immersive quality: Isaac, having just given away his last ten dollars to a desperate man named Oscar, watches his bus pull away. Briefly frustrated, he is soon met with the improbable arrival of a second bus, just in time. It’s a moment that encapsulates the novel’s deeper theme: that life moves in patterns, and meaning often emerges from small, unexpected alignments. Hayden scatters these moments with a natural ease, never feeling contrived or overly orchestrated.
What lingered with me most was the profound sense of loneliness that permeates Isaac’s character. He is not overtly depressed, but he exists slightly out of step with the world around him, a jazz enthusiast and Philip K. Dick devotee whose sensibilities rarely align with those of his peers. His coworker, Sharika, openly derides his interests, and while he outwardly dismisses her comments, the emotional impact is evident. There is a quiet, persistent yearning that runs beneath his interactions, visible in the way he observes a woman on the bus reading a strange, futuristic magazine, or in his reflections on his inability to dream. It is a subtle, aching melancholy. When he eventually forms a connection with someone online, an enigmatic user named BirdGurl9, the moment carries an immediate, almost electric emotional charge.
The novel is rich in detail, and while much of it contributes meaningfully to the atmosphere, certain scenes, such as the extended mall purchase and the somewhat tedious exchange with the salesman, might have benefited from a more concise approach. The deliberate pacing appears to be intentional. Isaac is not in a hurry; he moves through the world attentively, absorbing his surroundings as he seeks to understand both himself and the strange phenomena that continue to shape his reality, recurring coincidences, sensations of déjà vu, and city buses that seem to arrive precisely on cue. These elements do not overtly declare themselves as science fiction, but rather suggest something more subtle and unsettling. The quiet undercurrent of the uncanny is what makes them so compelling.
If you appreciate narratives that forgo conventional plot-driven momentum in favor of quiet introspection and emotional resonance, An Old Soul is well worth your time. Readers drawn to the contemplative pacing of Richard Linklater’s films, enthusiasts of classic science fiction, and those who have ever felt slightly out of step with the time or place they inhabit will likely find a deep connection here. I would particularly recommend this novel to those who favor richly developed characters, meaningful coincidences, and slow-burning explorations of existence and identity.
Pages: 233 | ASIN : B0F453QXNG
The Rise : Book 3 In The Wall Trilogy
The Rise is a gritty, heart-wrenching, and wildly immersive dystopian saga that grabs you by the throat and drags you through blood-soaked arenas, haunted bunkers, and psychological minefields. The story follows Asher, a gladiator trapped in a collapsing society ruled by the tyrannical Renatus, as he battles enemies, inner demons, and a regime built on resurrection and control. Interwoven are the narratives of Cephas, Sarai, and Kenan, each fighting their own battles in a world where memory, identity, and survival are fragile and fleeting. What starts as a sci-fi gladiator tale quickly blossoms into a dark, emotional exploration of trauma, resistance, and sacrifice.
From the very beginning, the writing delivers an immediate and powerful impact. The opening scene with Asher squaring off against Apex in the arena, only to be unexpectedly spared by an earthquake, establishes a tone that is both cinematic and intense. One line in particular, “Small dust clouds emanated from the arena as if demons were casually puffing on cigars,” exemplifies the book’s vivid and lyrical prose. The language is unflinching and evocative, blending brutality with a strange kind of beauty. This isn’t a story that’s merely read, it’s experienced with all the senses: the dust, the roar of the crowd, the sharp crack of broken bones.
What kept me hooked wasn’t just the action or dystopian drama it was the emotion, the broken relationships, and the aching humanity buried under all that chaos. There’s a scene where Asher kills a man in the arena who pleads for his life, and Asher mutters “Sorry,” before driving the spear into his chest. That moment wrecked me. It said so much in so little. Later, Sarai reflects on seeing her husband kill for sport, wondering if he’s still the man she fell in love with. These moments are quiet but devastating, and they made me care deeply. Even Cephas, a grizzled war dog, has scenes of real vulnerability, like whispering apologies to his dead friend Jude or drunkenly mourning what Eden should have been. The book’s moral compass is messy, but intentionally so because it’s a world where even the “good guys” aren’t clean.
The most unsettling character in the narrative is not Apex or any elite combatant; it is Renatus. His psychological unraveling is profoundly disturbing. In one particularly harrowing chapter, he is depicted hallucinating while fishing, speaking to a photograph of his deceased son as though it were alive. The scene is haunting, pitiable, and deeply tragic. His chilling assertion, “All good things require a sacrifice,” leaves a lasting impression. What makes Renatus so compelling and horrifying is not gratuitous malice, but his unwavering belief in the righteousness of his actions. Most disturbing of all is his consistency. The system in which he operates enables him to function simultaneously as both deity and monster. This is where the novel excels: it constructs a world in which power does not merely corrupt, it gradually strips away everything that is human.
The Rise left a lasting impact on me. The characters feel deeply authentic, and the stakes are both personal and profound. For readers drawn to darker narratives, flawed protagonists, and antagonists who are disturbingly human, this book is a compelling choice. This is not light or escapist fare, it is a somber, emotionally charged, and battle-worn epic that leaves a mark. And truthfully, that’s precisely what makes it unforgettable.
LITERARY TITAN 