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Courageous Attitudes
The Tralls of Nosa follows a young girl who brings a strange and beautiful plant home as a gift for her mother, only to discover it is destructive, spreading and destroying everything its roots touch. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I live in rural Australia, and I am constantly battling outbreaks of lantana. It was introduced to Australia as an ornamental plant, but as is often the case with introduced species, it ran amok.
Lantana is a beautiful plant, but unfortunately, it’s an invasive weed that spreads easily, destroys native plants, is destructive for biodiversity, and is difficult to control. It’s also toxic for livestock, and it increases the intensity of our ever-present bushfires.
In The Tralls of Nosa, I wanted to draw attention to the problems that are caused for native flora and fauna when foreign species are introduced.
The characters in this novel were intriguing and well-developed. Who was your favorite character to write for?
Mia was modelled on my youngest granddaughter, who demonstrates compassion, trust, reliability, and integrity, and I wanted to use those positive traits to create a character that would appeal to my young readers.
Asha, Shea, Cooper, Vail. and Addie were modelled on young friends who constantly impress me with their feisty, faithful, determined, and courageous attitudes.
What was the most challenging part of writing The Trall Series, and what was the most rewarding?
The Tralls of Nosa is the final book in The Trall Series, and I had to work hard to make sure it was fresh and impactful and not a rehash of the messages or events in previous books.
The most enjoyable part of writing this book was finally solving the underlying mysteries that were threaded throughout the series.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from your series?
My aim was for The Trall Series to engender an interest in the natural environment and to make my readers more aware of the many problems it faces.
I hope that the strong, determined young characters in the series will demonstrate that you don’t have to wear a cape and do amazing stunts to be an environmental hero. Everyone can help to preserve their native flora and fauna by making small, impactful improvements in their activities.
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After destroying the village, the insidious plant forced its way into the forests and everglades, where it quickly killed all the native flora and forced the fauna to leave in a desperate search for food. As a result, the kinships of Nosa were faced with the prospect of starvation for the first time in their long history.
Now, some mysterious incomers have arrived and when it appears that they’ve cast a spell over Asha, the fief’s granddaughter leaving her in a lifeless trance, the kinships are convinced they’re the dreaded Chameleons who tried to force them out of their tralldom centuries ago.
Did they also send the plant to wreak havoc on Nosa and bring its tralls to their knees so they could finally achieve their plan to take over the tralldom?
Could these shattering events herald the end of life as she knows it or can Mia and her friends defeat the plant and the Chameleons, and save Asha?
The Tralls of Nosa is the fifth and final book in the Trall Series; an action-packed collection of portal fantasies set in the Australian bush.
It is suitable for competent readers from nine to thirteen years of age.
The Passage of Time
The Admiral’s Gamble follows a decorated officer at the end of his long career, who stumbles upon a mysterious device capable of altering time and leaving him to decide how the future will play out, and at what cost. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration came from my fascination with the idea of fate versus free will, how a single decision can ripple through time and alter everything that follows. I’ve always loved sci-fi movies and have a deep respect for the military, so I wanted to see if I could combine the two in a meaningful way while keeping traditional values and storytelling at the heart of it.
I found Admiral James Harrington to be a well-written, in-depth character. What inspired him, and what drove his emotional turmoil throughout the story?
Admiral Harrington is a blend of strength, regret, and redemption. He’s inspired by real-world veterans and leaders who carry the weight of their choices long after the battles end. His turmoil comes from the struggle between doing what’s right and doing what’s necessary.
I think everyone, at some point, wonders “what if” — what if we could change a single moment or decision from our past? That’s something everyone can relate to, and it’s what makes Harrington such a human character. He represents that quiet part in all of us that looks back and wonders how life might have turned out differently.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The main themes are sacrifice, morality, and the passage of time. I wanted readers to think about the price of second chances, that even with the power to change the past, you might lose something far more valuable in the process. The story also touches on legacy, how we’re remembered, and whether it’s worth altering fate to protect that legacy.
What is the next book that you’re working on, and when can your fans expect it out?
My next project, Return What Was Taken, was released not long ago. It’s a psychological thriller that explores what happens when the mind begins to fracture, dealing with mental health struggles and the battle between reality and perception. I think that’s something many people in today’s world can relate to on a personal level.
I’m also working on a new full-length novel that combines elements of sci-fi, fantasy, and thriller. It’s a bold story with deep characters and moral questions, similar in tone to The Admiral’s Gamble. My goal is to have it completed sometime next year.
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Admiral James Harrington thought his final mission was behind him. After decades of service, he’s preparing for retirement until a top-secret assignment throws him into a war not bound by space or time. A temporal breach has unleashed chaos, rewriting history and threatening global collapse. Now, Harrington must lead a mission through shifting realities and fractured timelines, where every choice could erase the people he loves or doom millions. As old enemies resurface and long-buried regrets return, the Admiral must confront not only the mission but himself. This explosive sci-fi thriller blends military strategy, time travel, and deeply human stakes, perfect for fans of Jack Campbell and The Expanse. The Admiral’s Gamble is a story about courage, consequence, and the impossible decisions leaders must make when the future is on the line.
Characters that Come to Life
of Paint and Pancakes follows the lives of several people who are brought together by a child’s brain injury and together learn what truely matters in life. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I am a neurosurgeon who has cared for many such patients.
Were you able to achieve everything you wanted with the characters in the novel?
I leave that up to the readers to decide. I am particularly gratified after reading a wonderful review, such as yours. It lets me know that the characters came to life in someone else’s heart.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I tried to fill of Paint and Pancakes with big themes: Topics such as right to life, end of life, wealth and class, social mobility, sexual and emotional intimacy.
What is the next book that you’re working on and when can your fans expect it out?
I’m working on a series of short stories tied together with a theme of being paranormal medical murder mysteries. The main character is a neurosurgeon, Felix Hoenniker, next installment, Muñeca, should be out in a few months.
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Erin Gustino, the youngest daughter of a wealthy and influential family, suffers an awful brain injury. Mike saves her life. But healing from her physical wound is a walk in the park compared to recovering from her psychological trauma. Erin’s desperate parents turn to Jane, the child’s favorite teacher, for help.
Jane McCorvey, twenty-something and full of life, takes Erin under her wing. She’d been told that she’d never have kids of her own. Jane’s world comes crashing down, when, after a seizure, Mike diagnoses her with brain cancer. At the same time, she discovers she is three months pregnant. Mike insists her best chance for long-term survival is to terminate the pregnancy.In addition to being an author, Dr. Arginteanu is a Clinical Associate Professor of Neurosurgery at Mount Sinai in New York City and an Adjunct Professor of Psychology (Neuroscience) at Florida International University
of Paint and Pancakes
Marc Arginteanu’s of Paint and Pancakes presents a complex tapestry of lives intersecting in the wake of tragedy and ambition. At its core is Mike Silvers, a neurosurgeon whose dedication to his profession borders on the obsessive, often eclipsing all other aspects of his life. The Gustinos, a family whose immense wealth is surpassed only by their philanthropic ventures, are patrons of Mike’s hospital and pillars in the community. Jane McCorvey is the quintessential underdog, a young teacher with aspirations that stretch beyond her means. Their lives converge when the Gustinos’ youngest daughter, Erin, suffers a bicycle accident, thrusting them into an unconventional familial bond.
This novel is a poignant exploration of the fragile nature of life and the profound lessons gleaned from facing mortality. While the initial connection between Mike, the Gustinos, and Jane is through Erin’s accident, it’s Jane’s personal tribulations that draw them into an unexpected closeness. Arginteanu deftly portrays the characters with a realism that makes them relatable yet challenging; Mike and the Gustinos, Paul and Kelly, are exceptionally well-crafted, embodying traits that make them both unlikable and authentically human. Erin represents an innocence untainted by the complexities of adulthood, while Jane emerges as the moral compass and the heart of the narrative.
The novel delves deep into themes far beyond the superficial notion that money cannot solve all problems. It’s a profound meditation on the essence of what truly matters in life. As Mike and the Gustinos gradually shift their values from material wealth to human connection, Jane’s journey culminates in a poignant decision, reflecting the novel’s exploration of sacrifice, love, and the paths we choose. Each character is portrayed with striking realism, particularly within the medical world, showcasing Arginteanu’s insightful writing and adding depth and authenticity to the narrative.
of Paint and Pancakes reflects life’s unpredictable journey and the unexpected ways people can become integral to our stories. The novel is a compelling read, drawing readers in with the desire to uncover the fate of each character. Despite its moments of darkness, the story concludes on a note of hope, offering a satisfying resolution to a journey marked by both profound loss and heartfelt discovery. This thoughtfully crafted tale resonates with truth and emotion, a testament to the intricate and often surprising nature of human connections.
Pages: 272 | ASIN : B0CLH12SPY
Dear Dad, A Novel
Dear Dad, by John Hazen, is a wonderful but harrowing read. John Foster is the son of a decorated World War II vet who grew up in small-town New England during the build-up to the Vietnam War. Eager to do his part, Foster is drawn into small disagreements with his peers and family as he battles his own misgivings about the conflict. Once in Vietnam, his resentment toward the army brass, his enemies, and his fellow soldiers grows as he’s routinely faced with the horrors of war. When he’s wounded during an attack, he awakens to find himself in 1862, where he finds a nobler purpose.
John Hazen crafts a compelling story. Foster’s background and character are fleshed out extremely well through flashbacks to his upbringing in Fairbrook, Massachusetts. We learn of his camaraderie with his childhood friend group, and there’s a touching passage about how he brings his father back from the edge after his mother’s death. These strong family bonds clash harshly with the impersonal nature he learns to adopt in the military.
Once he’s transported to the Civil War era, he is confronted with more horrors of the battlefield, but now he feels as if he is part of something worth fighting for. I really enjoyed Dear Dad, A Novel. I found Hazen’s writing remarkably easy-going and entertaining.
Each chapter was prefaced with a letter that gave a little more insight into the story. Foster’s experiences on the battlefield are truly horrific. Hazen has a sharp critique of military bureaucracy, including the incompetence of some officers, while still admirably praising men who earned their way through merit. I think anyone who likes historical fiction from the Vietnam War or the Civil War would greatly enjoy this book.
Pages 303 | ASIN B007SXID7E
LITERARY TITAN 