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Elements of Life
Dominion follows a leader of the Dragon Guild, who discovers her brother is a primary target, putting him and his dragon in grave danger, and tries to protect him while preparing for battle. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The character, Gabri, inspired the adventures of her little brother, Alex. As a baby in an earlier series, Gabri had used one of her powers to save Terra from destruction. It made sense to me that her baby brother would be born with the same gifts. Alex’s intellect is far advanced for his age. Like a child, he’s headstrong and emotional. Because of his powers, he feels invincible and doesn’t believe he’s in any danger. He knows he can defeat the evil entity that is capturing and hurting dragons.
Much wiser and having learned to live without her powers, Gabri rightly fears what the Shadow will do to Alex when he discovers the boy and his abilities. She’s torn between protecting him and fighting the enemy.
Their conflict developed organically. I had no idea the story would end the way it did until I got there.
The writing in your story is very artful and creative. Was it a conscious effort to create a story in this fashion, or is this style of writing reflective of your writing style in general?
That’s a tough question. I would say it’s a combination of the two. The words flowed as the story unfolded in my mind. I became immersed in the scenes, invested in the characters, and intrigued by the emerging story.
My writing style may have developed because of the many books I’ve read and enjoyed in this genre. In short, I wrote a book I would like to read.
Friendship, love, sacrifice, and finding one’s place are virtues that are highlighted throughout the story. Why are these important to telling the story?
They’re elements of life. Both friendship and love involve some sacrifice. There is no love or friendship that doesn’t require giving up a bit of oneself. The journey is different for everyone, but it makes for some great stories.
Finding one’s place, one’s anchor, one’s tribe, has immeasurable rewards, but the process of getting there can be daunting and can make interesting reading. As an Army Brat, it took me years to realize my place, my home, was with my core family, no matter where we lived. The pain of saying goodbye to my friends as they left, or as I left them behind, was a sacrifice born of my love for them. As a parent, loving our children requires giving them up to live their own lives. No character-driven story would be complete without some such life elements.
After surviving so much, where do you see your characters after the book ends?
I don’t want to give away the ending! I will say that some of the characters might show up in other stories. They can become quite insistent, and I feel a plot or two percolating.
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As tensions rise, and Gabri, Elio, and their dragons prepare for battle, Alex and Tito embark on a daring mission to rescue Phoenix, a dragon caught in the crossfire of a sinister plot.
Treacherous challenges await the Dragon Guild as they harness their unique abilities and forge alliances to secure the safety of their loved ones and the future of their planet. Will courage and determination be enough to overcome the darkness threatening to engulf them? Will Gabri lose her little brother in their fight to regain dominion over their world?
The Power of Imagination
Luella’s Library follows a young book-lover who invites her tech-obsessed best friend to her home library, where they wind up on an unexpected journey when a book opens a magical portal to enchanted worlds. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Getting lost in a book gives kids the opportunity to connect with characters, go on wild adventures, and make choices and opinions based on the plot. So, I decided to write Luella’s Library to show kids the magic of reading a book. Children will be able to follow Luella and Lino on the many adventures their book takes them on. Lino is inspired by one of my own cousins who loves to spend time playing games on his iPad, and Luella has traits of my sister, who has a library of books in her bedroom. Together, Luella and Lino travel through many enchanted lands, all of which have been inspired by my favorite Barbie and Disney movies growing up. As a child, I fell in love with the magical settings in Barbie and Disney; they were places that I wished to visit, which is why I chose to make the settings of my story have a similar vibe. I want kids to be able to feel like they’ve been sucked into these vibrant worlds along with my main characters. My goal is to show children in a fun, interactive, and relatable way that picking up a book can be more of an exciting experience than picking up an iPad.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
In the past few years, I’ve seen a major shift in how young kids spend their free time. Rather than using their imaginations to play games, read a book, or enjoy the outdoors, I’ve noticed that their playtime is heavily spent on their iPads and phones. It’s become less reading and more tapping. If this trend continues, kids won’t know the experience of getting lost in a book anymore and expanding their imagination. Will kids even be creative if they’re always told what to believe through their iPads and never form opinions of their own? This question inspired me to write Luella’s Library. I believe kids should learn at a young age the power of imagination and creativity in this digital world we live in today.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
My favorite scene to write was the scene where Luella, Lino, and their newfound leprechaun friend ride Pegasuses into the sky in a land filled with fairies, mermaids, and mystical forests. My favorite movies growing up were always the ones that included fairies or mermaids, so I felt like I was tapping back into my childhood dreams of living in a land with magical creatures.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
As of right now, I haven’t decided if I will make this into a series. Yet, I loved writing it and bringing the world of Luella’s Library to life, so there is definitely a possibility!
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Luella loves to read books, but her best friend, Lino, doesn’t.
What Lino soon discovers is that the books in Luella’s library are magical! When one of her books transports them to an enchanted land, they have to face unexpected obstacles and help new friends.
Will Luella and Lino complete their journeys along the way? Will they be able to help their new friend find his way back home? Or will Lino choose his phone over the adventures Luella’s library has in store?
The Tralls of Maruchus
After reading The Tralls of Maruchus, I found myself swept up in a world that’s tender, rich, and surprisingly grounded despite all the magic. The book, third in the Trall series, follows Maya, a spirited young trall, as she faces devastating fire, looming danger, and mysterious encounters that test her courage and shake her world. Set in a fantastical version of Australia, the story braids together environmental themes, tribal lore, and coming-of-age elements through Maya’s eyes. There’s action, but it’s deeply emotional too, with family bonds, old legends, and new friendships all playing their part.
I really liked Torrens’ voice throughout the novel. It’s gentle, like someone sitting cross-legged and telling a story by the fire. At times, the descriptions lingered, but I found that endearing more than distracting. It gave me time to breathe and soak up the world. There’s something powerful about a book that doesn’t rush to its next battle or twist. What I liked most was how seriously the book takes emotions like fear, grief, guilt, and wonder, especially for a younger audience. Maya’s guilt over Ellie and her deep respect for her elders felt incredibly real. This is a story where consequences matter, and that hit me in the heart more than once.
There were moments when the pacing slowed, especially as the action started to build. At times, Maya’s reflections and the revisiting of earlier events felt a bit familiar, and I found myself eager to move forward. I wanted to see more dialogue and dynamic scenes rather than internal reflection. Still, I appreciated the emotional honesty. The way the natural world was treated, fire, water, and wildlife, made me ache. It’s rare to see ecological themes so woven into fantasy without feeling preachy.
I think The Tralls of Maruchus would be a lovely read for kids around ten and up, especially those who like nature, fantasy, or heartfelt adventure. It’s got an old-fashioned charm to it. Not flashy, not fast, but quietly magical. If you’re someone who remembers what it feels like to climb trees, get grass-stained knees, and dream of creatures in the river, then this one’s for you.
Pages: 306 | ISBN : 1797446037
Maddy & Apollo’s Magical Garden Adventures
Maddy is a spirited young girl with strong feelings, and not the warm and fuzzy kind, about fruits and vegetables. She’d prefer a world without them altogether. But with her loyal dog, Apollo, by her side, she’s about to discover just how essential these colorful bites can be. In a whimsical twist, Maddy stumbles upon a magical garden powered entirely by the very foods she despises. To unlock its wonders, though, she must be brave enough to taste them. If she wants the extraordinary abilities the garden promises, she’ll need to step outside her comfort zone and maybe even admit that fruits and veggies aren’t so bad after all.
Maddy and Apollo’s Magical Garden Adventures, written by Ali Josselet, is a charming illustrated children’s book aimed at preschoolers through early tweens. In the tradition of timeless classics like the Berenstain Bears, Josselet delivers a tale with a gentle moral wrapped in a vivid, engaging narrative.
Many children wrestle with picky eating, but Maddy takes it a step further, launching a full-on rebellion against two major food groups. Her disdain is intense, and Josselet uses this strong aversion to build a clever metaphor: magical powers as a stand-in for the benefits of proper nutrition. Instead of preaching, the story invites readers into a world where curiosity, imagination, and a little culinary bravery are rewarded.
Rather than relying on logic or lectures, which rarely work on young kids, the book draws them in with mystery, fun, and a touch of magic. The inclusion of Apollo, a sweet and supportive canine companion, adds emotional depth and approachability. The illustrations are lively and bold, enhancing the story’s playful tone and making the lesson all the more memorable.
Maddy & Apollo’s Magical Garden Adventures is a delightful picture book that blends heart, humor, and health in a way that entertains while it educates. Light in tone but rich in purpose, it’s a joyful adventure through a garden where the true magic lies in open minds and open mouths.
Pages: 40 | ASIN : B0FG1Q4RCC
Untamed, Magical Abilities
Coven of Andromeda follows a young woman whose grandmother has passed away, leaving her with more than just memories, but her family’s magical legacy, propelling her on a journey of self-discovery that leads her to another world entirely. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
A cross between the stories Practical Magic & Harry Potter. The original title for the novel was The Witch Hats and was much simpler than the story I finally wrote. It evolved around a central family and their place within a coven. The hat that a witch wore in life accumulated their knowledge, and after death, the hat was then passed onto an heir. When the heir to the hat finally placed it onto their head, the knowledge of all previous wearers would be transferred to the new witch. Although there is much similarity to the first outline that I plotted out, the new version, which I kept and used, involved a more detailed account of the history of the coven and its roots on the distant planet Eldoria and the people there.
The reader notices right away that the story starts on Eldoria in the first chapter, followed by chapter two being on earth with a mother and her two daughters returning to the town of Ballad after years away due to a death in the family. The book bounces from past to future until about halfway through the book, as aspects of Eldoria are revealed to the reader and who the main characters actually are.
Two strong-willed young people, both grappling with their own journeys of self-discovery, find their lives unexpectedly intertwined in your story. What inspired the connection between Bree and Sameril?
I’m not sure if it is inspiration, but I felt that telling the reader of the ancient past and bringing everything into the present day was a must to make the story understandable. Sameril was in love with Briella on planet Eldoria. The planet was under siege, forcing young witches and necromancers to escape. Without giving the story away, Sam was tasked with protecting the coven of witches for hundreds of years (without aging or aging slowly), sometimes nearby and sometimes from a distance. Bree is the reincarnation of Briella on Earth in the present day, but has no idea who Briella was or of her reincarnation. My intention was to show that love spans time, space, and location.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Definitely coming-of-age and destiny or fate of the character(s). Breaking out of who you think you are and becoming what you need to be. This, along with fate, causes you to be thrust into a situation where you don’t want to be, but must be in order to resolve the current situation. This is the untamed, magical abilities of Bree Tanner coming to terms with her heritage and her future.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
Oh, great question! To be honest, this was going to be a novel that stood on its own. I never had any intention of writing a second book. That said, everyone I know personally and others who have contacted me or in their reviews of the book at various locations have asked if there will be a follow-up book with possibly more story involving some of the side characters.
OK. Without sticking my head through a noose, I will say that I have already been brainstorming, pre-plotting, and fleshing out some ideas. Things are always subject to change, and I would hate to say too much about what I think will happen, but if things stay the way I have them started right now, it would certainly involve more story with characters within Sam’s library, along with the Fae. I wouldn’t want to say much more than that right now and be accused later for not following through. Also, I have three other stories I want to write as well. Will I write the follow-up soon? I have a tendency to write two books at once, writing one novel’s first two or three chapters and then working on the plot of another book, and then going back to where I left off. This bouncing back-and-forth gives my brain time to decompress from too much focus on one by fiddling with another. I am always thinking of the next two or three books that I want to write and extremely fidgety over which one will be first. As of this writing, I will probably start on book 5 in my Rangers of the Realm sci-fi series as well as this one.
People are free to leave me messages on my website as to their own thoughts on my books or ideas of what they would like to read. All are welcome.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
This is a book that demands to be read in a single sitting, a page-turner that balances heart-pounding action with moments of genuine emotional depth.
The Keeper’s Code
Barb DeLong’s The Keeper’s Code, the second book in her Keepers of Magic series, is a romantic urban fantasy that mixes danger, desire, and a secret magical world just beneath the surface of Manhattan. It follows Skye Parker, a determined journalist with a haunted past, and Ash Hunter, a reluctant magical enforcer tasked with protecting the secrecy of the mage society. When their paths collide after a strange street incident and Skye begins investigating her mother’s suspicious death, they become entangled in a web of secrets, surveillance, magical politics, and unexpected feelings. The story builds on DeLong’s rich world of modern magic, complete with familiars, portals, memory wipes, and a hidden society trying to stay off the grid in a world of nosy journalists and viral videos.
I really enjoyed the character work here. Skye is fierce, smart, and emotionally raw. Her skepticism, fire, and relentless need for truth make her so easy to root for. I liked how DeLong let her flaws stand alongside her strengths. Ash, on the other hand, is this brooding, conflicted mix of noble and guarded. The dynamic between them felt fun, a little sexy, and believable. They get under each other’s skin in all the best ways. The writing is snappy with flashes of humor, especially in the dialogue, and I found myself smiling often. Soot the cat was a quiet standout for me, witty, magical, and the emotional glue in a lot of scenes. The pacing moved fast, sometimes almost too fast, but never dull. The romance had that slow-burn, “we definitely shouldn’t but we definitely will” vibe that I love.
The magical world-building can get a little heavy with exposition. There were a lot of terms, secret bureaus, memory wipes, shadow organizations, and portal jargon that could overwhelm readers not familiar with the first book. The story doesn’t shy away from pain and moral gray zones, either. Ash’s internal battle over saving lives versus staying hidden hit hard, and Skye’s grief is raw and real. DeLong didn’t just write a love story; she wrote a story about choosing what matters most when the stakes are personal and magical.
The Keeper’s Code is a great read for anyone who enjoys magical realism, romantic tension, and stories with hidden societies and ethical dilemmas. I’d recommend it especially to fans of Leigh Bardugo, Deborah Harkness, or early Buffy vibes with more grown-up edge. If you love snarky banter, a healthy dose of longing, a bit of mystery, and magic that crackles just beneath the surface of reality, then this book is for you. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for book three.
Pages: 318 | ASIN : B0DZ6X6FJ1
Riddle Quest The Golden Book of Wonders
Riddle Quest is like jumping into a big bowl of magic soup full of fairy tales, sparkles, riddles, and feelings you didn’t know you needed to feel. It kicks off with two kids, Ellie and Max, who are both feeling kind of invisible at home. Their parents are busy, distracted, and totally missing the fact that these kids are kinda struggling. So they go to the library and they find a glowing book that sucks them into this epic riddle adventure through classic storybook worlds like Neverland, Wonderland, Oz, and more. Each world holds a riddle to solve and a life lesson to learn, and it’s not just about finding treasure, it’s about finding themselves.
I loved this book way more than I expected. The writing has that perfect mix of cozy and exciting. You feel safe with Ellie and Max, but also super curious, like what’s gonna happen next?! That scene where they get pulled into the glowing book was straight-up movie magic. And the way they figure out the Peter Pan riddle with the pirate ship and crocodile was adorable and smart. But what really got me was the emotional undercurrent. Like when Max says maybe his mom hasn’t even noticed he’s gone. You feel for these kids, and their growth feels so real. Plus, the rhyming riddles sprinkled throughout are clever.
The Wonderland part was maybe my favorite, bright colors, talking tea sets, and total chaos with a Cheshire Cat who vanishes mid-sentence. The writing in those chapters is playful and weird in the best way. And then it turns around and gets all heartwarming when Ellie says she could try asking more questions at home instead of just being mad. That’s the kind of life tip I wish I had when I was 10. Also, the illustrations are wonderful. Each page pops with color and feels alive, especially the dreamlike scene of them flying with Peter Pan.
This picture book is a total gem. It’s perfect for kids around 7–11 who love adventure, fairy tales, or just need a little magic to feel seen. Grown-ups should read it too, especially the ones who sometimes forget how much their kids need them. This children’s chapter book is like a hug with a flashlight, it warms you up and lights the way.
Pages: 67 | ISBN : 9798992825008
Togetherness
Lucina in Humbra Land a young girl opens a mysterious birthday gift, a ruby necklace, she is suddenly transported into a magical world filled with enchanted creatures and perilous journeys. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Originally I wanted to write about girls having a tea party with their grandma because I grew up loving tea parties. I came up with the idea for the ruby necklace because both a ring and shoes had been used in other famous tales. Ruby is my birthstone and has always been my favorite stone. I wanted Lucina to travel to a fantasy land because that is what children dream about. The characters in the forest mirrored the characters from the grandparents’ farm. The grammy’s art studio is like my art studio.
I find the world you created in this novel brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from and how did it change as you were writing?
The farm in my story is my sister’s farm. I chose the 50s as the time period because I think that would have been one of the best times to grow up. Tea parties happened in the 50s; we need children to spend time having a tea party with their grandparents. I love to take walks in the forest, enjoying the colors, creatures, and fresh air. The setting morphed from being fun to mysterious to creepy to loving.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The main theme of my book that I want to promote is the theme of family togetherness. It’s very important to spend time with your family. I use Lucina as an example of someone who has courage and strives to do the right thing, not just for herself, but for others. I encourage the theme of working together, and I promote the Celtic or Irish theme because it is my heritage.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story
There is a sequel coming to my Lucina in Humbra Land Book. The story is not complete yet, but I’m hopeful that fans will be equally enchanted with the next book.
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The story unfolds as Lucina, guided by the wise and sturdy Noak, attempts to unite the inhabitants of Humbra Land, including the ethereal Cinda, the mischievous Nutty, and the formidable vine monsters led by Crag. The fate of this enchanting realm rests on their shoulders, and Lucina becomes the linchpin in their efforts to avert disaster.
The urgency to save Humbra Land is intensified by torrential rains, thunderous storms, and a relentless flood that threatens to erase the magical realm. With determination and courage, Lucina faces the challenge of convincing the vine monsters, lost in a misunderstanding, to join forces with the other inhabitants.
As Lucina and her newfound friends embark on a mission to transport a gigantic granite boulder up the Shannon River, they encounter numerous obstacles and confrontations. The story weaves themes of cooperation, empathy, and friendship, emphasizing the transformative power of unity in the face of adversity.
Lucina’s journey is not merely a quest to save Humbra Land; it becomes a personal odyssey of growth, resilience, and self-discovery. Alongside the fantastical elements, the narrative explores family bonds, as Lucina’s commitment to saving her Grammy’s farm becomes a driving force for her.
Amidst the adventure, suspense, and remarkable encounters, Lucina’s character evolves, demonstrating the strength that emerges from facing challenges head-on. The book captures the essence of courage, friendship, and the enduring spirit of resilience.
“Lucina in Humbra Land” offers a captivating blend of fantasy and adventure, suitable for middle-grade and young adult readers. With its richly developed world, relatable characters, and heartfelt themes, this enchanting tale promises to captivate readers and leave a lasting impression.
LITERARY TITAN 