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Healthy Dose of Fiction and Fantasy
Houdini’s Last Handcuffs follows three friends from Manhattan in the 1950s who are contacted by Houdini through a set of handcuffs and asked to go on a mission to find his hidden journal. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Perhaps oddly, the first inspiration for the novel came from our father’s obituary in the New York Times. Douglas Martin wrote about a third of a page about our family, its magic, and related interests as well as the connection to Houdini. Upon reading that, it was perhaps the first time I realized I grew up in an unusual family.
I began writing what was essentially a memoir. I was aware that my high school English teacher had gone on to become Editor-in-Chief at Random House (Daniel Menaker), I sent it off to him asking for his thoughts…even though I was now about 50 years old. He was kind enough to send it back with a critique, handwritten, on company letterhead. Ultimately with that, and having inherited from my father the last handcuffs to leave the brothers Houdini and Hardeen’s estate, my imagination began turning a memoir into a historical fiction. Houdini’s Last Handcuffs was born.
Your characters are wonderfully emotive and relatable drawing in readers of all ages. Were you able to use anything from your own life to inform their character development?
Absolutely, as the characters are reflections of ourselves, events we were involved in, and family and family friends, we wanted our characters to be true to ourselves, even as we delved into areas of fiction wherein we wanted them to respond how we might have responded. Most of the events, places, and people are drawn from the crucible of our memories along with a healthy dose of fiction and fantasy.
Did you plan the tone and direction of the novel before writing or did it come out organically as you were writing?
We both “lived” with the characters in our minds as we wrote about them.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
We are in the process of writing a sequel. The expected release date is October 31, 2026, the 100th anniversary of Houdini’s death.
Author Links: GoodReads | Book Trailer | Website | Amazon
While the adults attempt to reach Houdini in a Séance at his former residence, the children unknowingly call upon the great magician, not through the Ouija board or séance but via an enigmatic pair of handcuffs from their father’s magic collection.
Houdini, in dire need of their aid, reveals a hidden notebook filled with scientific formulas coveted by both benevolent and malevolent secret circles. This notebook is a puzzle, locked behind Houdini’s cryptic code.
The unexpected unfolds, setting off a thrilling chase, where the pursuit of Houdini’s notebook holds the key to secrets, mystique, and adventure. Houdini’s Last Handcuffs is a riveting journey into a world where magic meets science, tantalizing readers with every twist and turn.
Houdini’s Last Handcuffs
Houdini’s Last Handcuffs by Charlie & Cheryl Young weaves a captivating narrative that intertwines the lives of three friends with the enigmatic legacy of Harry Houdini. Set against the backdrop of the 30th anniversary of Houdini’s death, the story takes a thrilling turn while adults are performing a customary séance; the legendary magician himself reaches out to the children Cheryl, David, and Charlie through a pair of handcuffs with a mission to locate his concealed journal. This journal, brimming with secrets of Houdini’s illusions and potent scientific knowledge, becomes the linchpin of the story.
The authors creatively blend fact and fiction, presenting a reimagined scenario where Houdini mystically evades death. This journey into the unknown is marked by a confrontation with a malevolent faction intent on commandeering the journal for their own dark purposes. This novel thoughtfully examines the interplay between science and magic, challenging the reader to reconsider their conventional boundaries. It posits that both realms contribute to our understanding and mastery of the world.
The book demystifies phenomena like levitation and teleportation, attributing them to scientific principles and mathematics rather than solely to the mystical. Charlie & Cheryl Young’s unique storytelling transcends typical genre confines, skillfully merging elements of science fiction and fantasy. This blend affords a rich, diverse reading experience, appealing to a broad audience. The narrative gains a touch of authenticity by drawing on real historical figures, grounding its fantastical elements in a relatable context.
This imaginative foray into the realms of fantasy and historical fiction is well-suited for readers across various age groups, eschewing mature content for a universally enjoyable tale. Houdini’s Last Handcuffs stands out as an inventive exploration of the intersection of history, science, and the mystical, making it a delightful read for enthusiasts of both fantasy and historical narratives.
Pages: 189 | ASIN : B0CQLTCCY8
Dynamics of Relationships
Roam Within: Macallah and the White World of Light follows a woman setting out on an adventure of self-discovery and personal growth. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for the set up of this story was my own personal diary as well as our ever-changing daily reality that is an inexhaustible source. Through our existence we are all on this ever-lasting quest of self-discovery, so that’s a theme that’s always relevant and relatable. Also, I’m fascinated by dynamics of relationships and how others affect us. When you explore these dynamics from different angles, you come to understand that nothing is ever as it seems.
What was one scene in the novel that you felt captured the morals and message you were trying to deliver to readers?
Oh gosh, it’s so hard to pick one:) But if I must, it would take me somewhere by the end of the novel where Macallah acknowledges new layers to her being as she comforts Saku. Re-reading the novel, these scenes with Saku always feel most raw and very touching. It’s just about living this life & walking this planet while noticing other human beings without any prejudice. Like, really noticing.
Were you able to achieve everything you wanted with the characters in the novel?
I hope so because as you write the story and it starts to unravel before your eyes, you sort of magnetise the characters for the purpose of the story.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
Actually, I’m on an intersection now, as I’ve already written parts of, in my mind, several different books. They all have the same strong Magical Realism tone, but differ in the setting, the characters, and the sub genres. I give myself a few more months to marinate, and then I’ll decide on the final winner for the next novel to set out to the world. In any case, I plan to publish my next book by the end of next year.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Instagram | Website | Amazon
Roam Within
Magical realism masterfully blends the everyday with the fantastical, offering readers a glimpse into a world where the ordinary meets the extraordinary. Typically centered around male protagonists, Roam Within: Macallah and the White World of Light breaks this mold, presenting us with Macallah, a compelling female lead.
Written by Maya Realm, Roam Within is more than just a tale—it’s an invitation to embark on a voyage of self-realization. Through Macallah’s eyes, we delve deep into themes of passion, adversity, and personal growth. This spirited protagonist not only lives life with fervor but also grapples with its unpredictable twists, offering invaluable insights along the way.
From the onset, the narrative captivated me. It felt as if Maya Realm was extending a personal invitation, beckoning readers to accompany Macallah in her quest for truth and affection. This storytelling finesse ensures that the tale resonates deeply, offering reflections on love, life, and relationships. It was particularly refreshing to see Macallah represent the aspirations and challenges faced by many young women today. Furthermore, the narrative artfully touches upon nuanced topics such as spirituality, religion, and women’s issues.
Roam Within: Macallah and the White World of Light is a gripping story that women can relate to and find parts of themselves within these pages. The essence of the tale—its emphasis on self-exploration and spiritual growth pulls readers in and holds their attention till the end. For those seeking a profound and different kind of magical realism, Roam Within is an unforgettable and worthy read.
Pages: 156 | ASIN : B0B7FGPBL6
Alchemical Search for the Unified Field: Pythagorean, Hermetic, and Shamanic Journeys into Invisible and Ethereal Realms
In R. E. Kretz’s book, The Alchemical Search for the Unified Field: Pythagorean, Hermetic, and Shamanic Journeys into Invisible and Ethereal Realms, the reader is masterfully escorted along a path of individual enlightenment. Through a layered exploration of the historical context, intrinsic properties, and symbolic significance of the Philosopher’s Stone, Kretz illuminates a journey that is both fascinating and profound.
The narrative structure of the book is carefully constructed, starting with an intriguing historical overview that serves as solid groundwork for understanding the subsequent sections. Even in isolation, this initial part captivates readers with its deep dive into the depths of alchemical history.
Subsequent sections delve into the allegorical interpretations of the Philosopher’s Stone. Kretz successfully distills its intricate layers into digestible insights, providing a lucid understanding of its symbolic representation along the path toward enlightenment. The concluding section aptly synthesizes all previous elements, providing a fitting capstone to the reader’s voyage.
Kretz doesn’t aim to persuade the skeptics of alchemy, hermeticism, and related fields. His mission, rather, is to engage those open to contemplating these concepts. As an able navigator, Kretz offers readers a thorough understanding of the complex interplay between history, symbols, and ideas, each layered with both literal and allegorical meaning.
For instance, his exploration of numerology is commendably comprehensive yet accessible. When he speaks about the number three as representing knowledge, equilibrium, and harmony and its significance to the Pythagoreans as the sum of all worldly things, readers will find a clear embodiment of the book’s depth and richness.
While the journey Kretz embarks upon with his readers is a challenging one, he does an admirable job of simplifying the complex without sacrificing the integrity of the subject. His approach is neither patronizing nor oversimplified for the sake of appealing to a broader audience. Instead, he delivers clear, candid explanations that remain as engaging as the topic allows.
The Alchemical Search for the Unified Field may not resonate with all, yet for those with an open mind, it offers a treasure trove of learning and introspection. It stands as a thought-provoking exploration of alchemical history and philosophy, imbued with profound insights for the curious and the enlightened alike.
Pages: 192 | ASIN : B0BHTNFV3N
The Alchemical Search for the Unified Field
Diving into the profound spiritual dimensions of Freemasonry, The Alchemical Search for the Unified Field provides readers with an insider’s perspective. Within these pages, the author skillfully escorts us on an extraordinary quest to uncover the enigmatic Philosopher’s Stone, also known as the Holy Grail, while unveiling an entirely novel approach to spirituality. The true treasure, we discover, lies within ourselves, attainable through the profound states of meditation.
Structured into three distinctive sections—The Bell, The Book, and The Candle—this book unfolds a multi-faceted narrative. In the initial segment, we delve into the Pythagorean philosophy that underpins the very essence of Freemasonry. The subsequent part transcends boundaries, exploring the alchemical and mechanical aspects of the spiritual journey, illuminating the functions of the pineal gland, and guiding readers toward profound spiritual realms through meditative experiences. Finally, in the third section, we are introduced to Charles, a Native American shaman, who adeptly leads the author through the transformative cycles of death and rebirth, culminating in the attainment of ultimate wisdom amidst the breathtaking beauty of a mountain landscape.
Spiritual seekers will be enthralled by the profound elucidation of the true essence of Freemasonry, while simultaneously finding solace in the debunking of prevalent myths. This book serves as an inspiring catalyst, encouraging readers to embark on an introspective journey towards uncovering the Kingdom of Heaven within, presented with utmost clarity and captivating prose. While some readers may initially find the philosophical sections somewhat arid due to their descriptive nature, the third section serves as a resplendent balm, effortlessly compensating for any earlier trudge. Charles Kennedy, the revered shaman, adeptly leads us towards the wisdom imbued in nature and mountains, illuminating the path to enlightenment. The intricate details of the author’s encounters with Charles and their immersion in the rhythms of daily life amidst nature add an enchanting dimension to the narrative.
Serious spiritual adventurers will regard this book as an indispensable manual, guiding them towards the acquisition of wisdom—an invaluable resource to revisit time and again as one’s knowledge expands. Without reservation, I recommend this transformative literary masterpiece.
Pages: 192 | ASIN : B0BHTNFV3N
Magic: A Life In More Worlds Than One
David Conway’s latest offering, Magic: A Life in More Worlds Than One, is an enchanting read that captivates you from start to finish. This fascinating book is a testament to the power of magic and how it can be found in every aspect of our lives. It can open our eyes to the world’s wonders and show us that life itself is the real magic. After only a few pages into this thought-provoking book, I found myself completely engrossed in the story. Magic, as it turns out, is something that we all experience every day, even if we don’t recognize it as such. Through his own personal journey, the author reveals the hidden magic in life that we often take for granted.
The writing in this book is exceptional, and it’s hard to believe that the author is approaching 80 years old. His story reads like really good fiction, but as you delve deeper, you’ll notice that he references actual historical figures and dates. This lends credence to his writing and reinforces the idea that magic is real. Throughout the book, the author uses his own experiences as a manual for magic. He refrains from defining magic in any one way, instead demonstrating its power through the events that have played out in his own life.
This book is not a how-to manual but offers many great ideas that can be applied harmlessly. For example, he mentions some herbs his mentor passed down to him. However, the real magic of this book lies in its ability to inspire us to live our lives pursuing what excites us. If we follow this principle, we will find that the magic that we need to reach our goals will seem to magically appear around us. The author’s journey is a testament to this and a powerful reminder that we should never stop chasing our dreams.
In conclusion, Magic: A Life in More Worlds Than One is a genuinely magical autobiography that will inspire and delight readers of all ages. If you’re looking for a book that will make you believe in the power of magic, then this is the book for you.
Pages: 310 | ISBN: 1913023060
LITERARY TITAN 