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Inspired by a Dream
Harbinger follows a princess whose prophetic nightmares lead her to make a forbidden connection with an imperial rook. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
It all started with a dream I had when I was 17. I knew that I didn’t have the writing experience or life experience to do the story justice, so I sat on the idea until I was 25. When I did sit down to write, I thought that, since this was inspired by a dream, having my MFC’s conflict start in dreams seemed appropriate. Sadly, her dreams were not as enjoyable as mine.
Were you able to relate to your characters while writing them?
I did! We have all had moments of fear that we have to overcome, and I personally believe all fear is a benchmark. Something to tell us what we need to overcome. Be it to improve a skill or recover from a trauma that we experienced, that is stopping us from moving forward. Keira doesn’t have the tools to combat her fears, but she has the determination to find them. I also resonated with the imperial family; they reminded me of how my own family rallies around each other when we are in need. Their love for one another is a mirror of the love I have for my family. Then there is Cyrus’s commitment to finding the truth, which made me determined that he would get his answers because I needed them too!
How did you come up with the idea for the antagonist in this story, and how did it change as you wrote?
In the beginning, I had several possible villain choices, but it wasn’t until I wrote the Club Deviant scene that V appeared. As I wrote him, I was appalled by how callous and depraved he was but had to admit he was the perfect villain. His evolution from cunning strategist to obsessed deviate is a direct response to how many blood bonds he has had. With each bond, his need to have sex grows, and his obsession with Keira becomes twisted, as do his goals.
Can you give us a glimpse inside Book 2 of this series? Where will it take readers?
Lines will be crossed. Revelations will blow up preconceived notions of facts. And my 4 little female moiohs (children) will be hard at work influencing everyone. A little more will be revealed about the enemies from the stars, and everything will be decided by a desperate gamble. There will be some answers, but not all. The real revelations happen in book 3 (yes, it’s written).
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The return of a particular imperial rook changes the tone of her dreams, providing her with much needed relief. But this too is perplexing, for he is a rook and she an elite. The law strictly forbids a union between the two.
Yet four little female moiohs scheme to bring them together, providing the path to secure their future, a future threatened by traitors who would use the princess as a way to steal her father’s throne.
Harbinger
Harbinger is the first installment in the Praetoria Chronicles by Niah Bach, a richly imagined fantasy tale set in a world ruled by a complex caste system. The story centers on Princess Keira, the only imperial daughter in an empire where the elite possess no special powers, yet rule above the magically gifted rooks and mystics. As Keira begins experiencing prophetic nightmares of a coming doom, she is drawn toward a forbidden connection with a powerful imperial rook. As political intrigue and supernatural forces threaten the empire, a deeper mystery unfolds, one that could upend not just Keira’s life but the future of Praetoria itself.
Bach’s world-building is nothing short of stunning. Praetoria is layered, vibrant, and detailed with care. The glossary and cultural backdrops are immense, and clearly the product of years of thought. The long descriptions and layered exposition occasionally slowed the pace. There’s a ton of lore, which is great for readers who want to be immersed in a world. When the plot did kick into gear, especially during the journal segments from Master Mage Cyrus, the writing became haunting, poignant, and strangely beautiful. The slow-burn mystery behind the empire’s fragile peace and the foreshadowing of darkness made me feel genuinely uneasy, in the best way.
What really resonated with me emotionally was Keira’s isolation. Her fear, her helplessness, her quiet resilience, they all rang painfully true. I cared about her. But I often wished her voice was stronger against the heavy world around her. Some characters, like Cyrus, leaped off the page with urgency and sorrow. The ambition of this novel is hard not to admire. It’s bold, long, and deeply invested in its own mythology.
Harbinger is for readers who want to lose themselves in a fantasy realm. If you love epic sagas with political drama, ancient magic, and a touch of forbidden romance, this might be your kind of book. It asks for your full attention, but it rewards that commitment with moments of real beauty and meaning.
Pages: 354 | ASIN : B0DL3QYLF5
Uncertainty and Revelation
A House of Cranes follows an eleven-year-old orphan who embarks on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth after going to live with a well-off family in Connecticut. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I always wanted to write a coming-of-age story. I think back to my childhood and all the discoveries that come with being a boy, a teenager, and a young man. It’s a time filled with uncertainty and revelation.
The characters of Lucius and the Crane family are intricately woven, with a multitude of layers that make them unique and intriguing. What was the most important factor for you to get right in your characters?
My goal is to always give my characters as much depth as possible. If they’re not interesting to me, I can’t expect them to be interesting to my readers. It’s also important for each character to have some opposing qualities I can use to pit them against one another.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Love and acceptance, and at the very least, to be seen by those we hold in high esteem, are the underlying themes in the novel. Above that is coming to terms with want versus need and understanding the difference between love and obsession.
What is the next book that you’re working on, and when can your fans expect it?
The current novel I’m writing is about a retired CEO, twice divorced, childless, alone, and has been diagnosed with a terminal illness. She hires a male escort who she has seen in the past to spend a month with her at her vacation home on a small island off the coast of Australia. My planned publication date is in the fall of this year.
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A House of Cranes
Set in 1963 in Hartford, Connecticut, A House of Cranes by James Walter Lee delves into the life of Lucius Cook, an eleven-year-old orphan who finds solace in the Crane household. This historical fiction portrays Lucius’ complex relationship with the Crane family, particularly the enigmatic Eleanor Crane, sparking a journey filled with self-discovery amidst the family’s hidden struggles.
Lee masterfully crafts a narrative that delves into themes of identity, familial bonds, and the intricate nature of love. As Lucius transitions from a reserved boy to a young man contending with burgeoning desires, the reader is drawn into a richly described world of emotional complexity. The author’s prose, characterized by its immersive quality, offers a deep dive into Lucius’s psychological landscape, marking key moments of realization and growth. The portrayal of the Crane family serves as a poignant reflection on the dichotomy between appearances and reality, especially in the context of Eleanor and Kenneth Crane’s strained marriage. This dynamic adds layers to the narrative as each character navigates their intricate web of relationships amid emotional upheaval. Lee’s handling of sensuality and desire within the novel is noteworthy, blending tenderness with a sense of provocative exploration. Central to the narrative, this aspect delves into complex and provocative themes, offering a rich and thought-provoking experience for those who engage with its depth. It contributes significantly to the novel’s examination of intimacy and personal growth.
A House of Cranes is a compelling blend of historical setting and profound character study. James Walter Lee’s adept storytelling and rich characterizations make this work a significant contribution to the literary fiction genre. Its introspective exploration of human emotions and relationships will likely engage readers who appreciate nuanced, character-driven narratives.
Pages: 386 | ASIN : B0CTD39W3K
LITERARY TITAN 