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Liar Queen
M.T. Solomon’s Liar Queen delivers an epic fantasy brimming with heart-pounding adventure, slow-burning romance, and intricate family dynamics. At its heart lies a brutal tradition—a fight to the death between sisters to determine the Queen of the Sacred Sword. Mara, having defeated her sister, Iris, now rules the Jeweled Realm. Her reign faces turmoil when news arrives of a witch in the wasteland claiming to be Iris, demanding an audience. The encounter threatens to unravel Mara’s hard-won throne. Boden, a prince from another realm and a devout follower of Saint Kalda pledges unwavering loyalty to the rightful queen. His devotion fuels his resolve to follow Mara on her perilous journey. But as the dangers mount, Boden must confront the ultimate question: is his queen’s cause worth the price of his life?
The novel balances action, emotion, and a richly imagined world. Solomon crafts a tale that keeps readers hooked, with a narrative pace that urges, “just one more chapter.” Beneath the thrilling plot lies a deeper exploration of sibling relationships and the painful process of breaking toxic family cycles. These themes are intricately woven into vivid imagery, painting a landscape as dynamic as the story itself. The characters are unforgettable.
Mara’s strength and vulnerability create a compelling protagonist, while Boden’s steadfastness adds depth to their partnership. The inclusion of a map enriches the experience, allowing readers to journey alongside the characters through forests, deserts, and islands. Each realm introduces distinct cultures, religions, and traditions, offering a fascinating exploration of diversity. The story underscores the possibilities of peace, emphasizing the value of embracing differences.
Liar Queen captivated me from start to finish. Its immersive world, multi-dimensional characters, and resonant themes left me longing for more. If you seek an adventurous fantasy with meaningful undertones and a touch of romance, Liar Queen is an essential addition to your reading list.
Pages: 372 | ASIN : B0DKTVVZXL
Humans And Their Own Fragility
All the Fragile Hearts follows a resilient young woman who bonds with the Kingsguard assigned to protect her and works with him to discover the source of the chaos in their land. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The seed for All the Fragile Hearts began nearly nine years ago when my oldest son was just two years old. He adored the Robin Hood movie, and we watched it constantly. One day my husband wondered what would’ve been different had Robin not wanted to marry Maid Marian. How I went from Robin Hood to All the Fragile Hearts is a creative mystery to me. A few chapters came from that moment, but it took nine years of maturing to develop into the writer who found a story to tell with those starter chapters. The chapters changed dramatically from that first moment, but that is what I consider the official start of Cecelia and Viktor’s story.
Cecelia and Viktor are not looking for love and marriage, and Viktor wants nothing to do with it but marries her anyway at the urging of the king. What was the inspiration for the relationship that developed between the characters?
I was interested in telling a story about two people who didn’t find love instantaneously. I believe love is work. It’s a choice made every day. And it’s not always easy. It’s imperfect, just like the people involved.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The title All the Fragile Hearts is inspired by the Dicentra – Bleeding Heart – plant and its fragility. I really wanted to explore the idea of humans and their own fragility. How even the strongest of us carry whispers that echo in our minds, and we’re challenged daily to overcome them or succumb to them.
Can you tell us what the second book will be about, and when it will be available for fans to purchase?
The second book really takes off with the whispers theme, thus its name: Whispers in the Dark. It occurs roughly twenty years later and follows two new POVs that appear in All the Fragile Hearts only momentarily. There is a romance subplot, but it is slow-burn and continues to play with the idea that love is a choice made daily. The main plot follows these two new characters, their differing opinions on the rebellion, and their places amidst it. Cecelia and Viktor are still present and the reader will get the opportunity to see them from a different, perhaps refreshing, lens. Preorders should begin in July 2024.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
Viktor might be King Ramiro’s favorite kingsguard, but that doesn’t mean he can’t be used as a pawn. Once satisfied with hiding in his armor, drinking, and fighting, Viktor is forced to guard the king’s revered guest. And then he’s forced to marry her. But Viktor doesn’t believe in love. Not after growing up in the hostile House of Black where his volatile father railed and his delusional mother ignored his pain. But that doesn’t explain the guilt he feels when he betrays his new wife.
As whispers of a rebellion spread and a political coup takes shape, the sudden murder of the king plunges the kingdom into chaos. Loyalties are tested and sacrifices made, but as Cecelia and Viktor navigate a perilous web of intrigue and lies, they discover how strong their fragile hearts really are.
All the Fragile Hearts
All the Fragile Hearts by M. T. Solomon is a captivating tale that whisks readers into the heart of Korith alongside the resilient Cecelia. Upon her arrival, Cecelia unexpectedly bonds with Kingsguard Viktor, her and her brother Danon’s protector. Their journey from mutual annoyance to genuine affection is a testament to the novel’s engaging “from-foes-to-friends-to-lovers” narrative.
Viktor, a man defined by honor and duty, faces a complex dilemma when the king coerces him into an arranged marriage with Cecelia. This twist adds a layer of tension as our main characters navigate the vastness of Korith separately. Amidst a looming war, their goal is to reunite.
Solomon does a commendable job alternating chapters between Cecelia and Viktor. This technique offers readers an intimate understanding of each protagonist’s inner workings and motivations. The supporting cast doesn’t fall short, either. Danon stands out as the quintessential protective brother, while Danica’s unpredictable actions keep the plot intriguing. A special nod to G’rig, though I admit, I was left wanting to uncover more layers of his character.
I particularly enjoyed the interspersed “messages” peppered between chapters, teasing what’s next while shedding light on the rich history of Solomon’s constructed world.
Despite its impressive length, I felt there were moments where more depth would have heightened the narrative. But hey, that’s just me nitpicking a bit. The storyline, on the whole, is engrossing. Kudos to M. T. Solomon for crafting such a vibrant world. I am eagerly awaiting the next installment in the duology!
Pages: 485 | ASIN : B0CDB533V8
LITERARY TITAN 