Blog Archives
Labyrinth of Memory
Spear of Lugh follows a powerful and timeless witch reborn across centuries, as she confronts an ancient evil and embraces her destiny as the Keeper of Balance. What were some themes that you felt were important to highlight in this story?
As I delved into the captivating narrative of Spear of Lugh, following Merona, a powerful and timeless witch reborn across centuries, I found myself drawn to several profound themes crucial to her journey. Her epic quest to confront an ancient evil and embrace her destiny as the Keeper of Balance provided a rich foundation, but it was the nuanced exploration of destiny, immense power, and universal equilibrium that truly resonated with me. I aimed to highlight not only her external battles but also her deeply personal struggle through a symbolic labyrinth of memory, ultimately showing that true strength lies in understanding darkness both within oneself and the world.
What was the initial idea behind The Witch’s Rebirth series, and how did that transform as you were writing the series?
Where does the true magic begin? For me, The Witch’s Rebirth series wasn’t with potion-making or incantations, but with the chaotic, exhilarating magic of creation itself. A journey that transformed a simple idea into a thrilling saga far larger and more intricate than my initial scribbled notes ever hinted at. What began as a deceptively straightforward concept, envisioning a witch protagonist facing the harsh trials of historical witch hunts in 1590 Scotland, quickly proved to be just the initial spark for an unpredictable genesis. My restless creative mind, clearly unburdened by sensible notions, soon realized this tale demanded more than mere historical accuracy. It rapidly blossomed into a vibrant blend of fantasy, ancient lore, and profound Celtic mythology. Through numerous revisions, unexpected bursts of inspiration like stumbling upon a real labyrinth, and a deep dive into the very essence of ancient deities, the series evolved. Which gave its primary witch, Merona, a far more ancient lineage, making her a destined embodiment of the land’s primal powers. This enchanting and deeply personal process truly embodies the magic of evolution, a testament to how humble beginnings can lead to an epic, multi-layered narrative that is still unfolding.
Were you able to achieve everything you wanted with the characters in the novel?
Reflecting on my work, the question of whether I fully realized every aspiration for my characters is a nuanced one, landing somewhere between a resounding ‘yes’ and a quiet ‘no’. It’s an immense challenge to condense centuries of intricate past lives and epic battles into a mere three-book series. While I wanted to delve deeper into Murdach’s past conflicts and his individual journey, his narrative threads were so intrinsically woven with Merona’s that extracting them proved incredibly difficult without disrupting the core story. This experience has certainly shaped my approach for the upcoming trilogy, where I aim to not only further develop the main protagonist but also dedicate significant attention to exploring the depths of other key characters.
Now that you have concluded this series, what is the next book that you are working on?
Having just concluded this series, I, too, am wondering: what’s next? Well, the cauldron’s already bubbling again, which probably means more unexpected twists, demanding deities, and quite possibly, a new variety of fictional trouble with my favorite witch. Wish me luck; I’m absolutely going to need it.
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The final battle for humanity looms. Will Merona rise to meet her destiny, or be consumed by the encroaching darkness?
Return to the shadowed world of 544 AD Septimania, a long-lost town in ancient Gaul, where the echoes of a devastating plague still linger. A fragile hope has bloomed amongst the untamed bonfires and lingering sorrow, but it is about to be extinguished. Samhain approaches, and with it, the veil between worlds thins, allowing an ancient darkness, thought to be defeated, to rise once more.
Destiny calls to Merona, the reborn witch who emerged from the labyrinth’s maw with unwavering resolve. Empowered by the divine strength of the Gods and wielding the legendary Cauldron of Dagda and the Spear of Lugh, she stands as humanity’s last line of defense against the encroaching evil.
But even as she prepares to unleash their power, Merona is burdened by a chilling truth: she is a harbinger, poised to extinguish even her last flicker of hope. The quest to save humanity may demand the ultimate sacrifice, forcing her to choose between her own well-being and the fate of the world.
Prepare to be captivated by a dark fantasy steeped in Celtic mythology, historical grounding, and a high-stakes narrative where magic clashes with ancient evil. Spear of Lugh: The Witch’s Rebirth Part III explores the profound themes of destiny, sacrifice, and the eternal struggle between light and darkness, promising a thrilling and unforgettable conclusion to the Witch’s Rebirth trilogy.
In this final chapter, ask yourself:Can Merona harness the power of the Gods to vanquish the ancient darkness once and for all?
What sacrifices will she have to make to fulfill her destiny?
Will hope prevail, or will the world succumb to the shadows that threaten to engulf it?
Dive into Spear of Lugh: The Witch’s Rebirth Part III and witness the epic climax of Merona’s journey!
Final Notes
Final Notes is a deeply introspective and brutally honest reflection on dying, memory, and meaning. Written from the imagined deathbed musings of a 107-year-old man, the book unfolds like a last conversation with a thoughtful, witty, occasionally cranky elder who has made peace with his fate. Muhlenfeld blends philosophy, science, personal anecdotes, and black humor to explore what it means to matter, if we matter at all, when we’re all destined for obscurity. It’s a farewell letter to existence, scribbled with elegance, sarcasm, and startling clarity.
Reading this book was a bit like sitting beside someone who’s holding nothing back. I laughed. I got choked up. I put it down more than once to think about my own life. The writing is smooth. It’s raw in the right places, poetic in others. There’s a rhythm to Muhlenfeld’s voice that kept me nodding along, even when I disagreed. The author never pretends to have all the answers, but he asks the right questions. The mix of stoicism and warmth, the gallows humor, the sudden emotional gut punches, they all land. He doesn’t flinch from the messiness of death, and that kind of honesty is rare. Refreshing, even.
At times, it circles back to familiar points, and there’s a stretch where the musings feel slightly indulgent. Still, I didn’t mind much. It felt earned. The digressions on legacy, digital immortality, AI death doulas, and even death row last meals aren’t just filler. They add texture. The real surprise is how comforting it all is. Muhlenfeld seems to have accepted the darkness without bitterness. Somehow, he makes it feel okay to disappear.
Compared to Oliver Sacks and Christopher Hitchens, Final Notes finds a middle ground between gentle reflection and sharp-edged wit. Like Sacks in Gratitude, Muhlenfeld writes with a calm acceptance of death, holding onto wonder even as the light dims. But there’s also a streak of Hitchens’ blunt irreverence. He’s not afraid to mock the euphemisms, the false hope, or even himself. In the end, I think Final Notes isn’t about death. It’s about living with eyes open. I’d recommend it to anyone wrestling with grief, aging, or just the big unspoken question of what any of this means.
Pages: 137 | ASIN : B0FDJDYQKP
The Dark District Primer: Duology on the Lore and Lure of the Dark District
C.J. Edmunds’ Dark District Primer is a strange, soulful, and genre-bending exploration of myth, memory, and magic rooted in the Philippines. It combines two novellas, Sojourn and Take Me Now, weaving personal identity with fantasy, Filipino folklore with urban life, and spiritual questions with surreal encounters. The main narrator, David Lansing, acts as our curious guide, relaying his disorienting journey through magical encounters, visions of cultural archetypes, and confrontations with hidden truths. These experiences are framed through a personal, at times confessional, lens as he is summoned by a supernatural Council to explain his strange awakening in the Dark District.
Reading this felt like peeling through layers of memory, myth, and grief. The writing style is introspective and poetic at times, with bursts of long, flowing paragraphs that spill over with emotion and insight. Edmunds has a real knack for setting scenes that feel alive. The haunting streets of Manila, the hidden halls of the Council, even the surreal blankness of the otherworldly realms. At its heart, though, what struck me most was how much Dark District Primer is about identity, especially queer identity, cultural identity, and spiritual reckoning. I could feel the author writing through pain and purpose, and while some parts meandered or repeated themselves, the raw honesty kept me hooked. The lore is fascinating, especially the blending of Filipino myths like the Tikbalang and Manananggal with modern, urban queer life.
The ending of Take Me Now leaves just enough unanswered that I found myself eager to dive into the next chapter of the story. That brings me to Take My Hand, the upcoming installment teased at the end of the book. The preview promises bigger stakes and deeper dives into the lore. Take My Hand promises to have more world-building and capitalize on the lore in the introspective tone that I enjoyed.
There were times when whole pages spiraled into inner monologue, and the pacing slowed in the second half of Sojourn, where narrative momentum gave way to philosophical reflection. Edmunds isn’t just telling a story, he’s sharing something personal and vulnerable. You can feel the care and love he has for the lore, the community, and the craft.
I’d recommend this book to readers who want something different. If you like urban fantasy with depth, or if you’re curious about queer stories grounded in Southeast Asian myth, this will hit home. It’s not a quick read, but it rewards with a haunting and heartfelt experience. Especially for queer readers, Filipino readers, or anyone feeling caught between two worlds.
Pages: 298 | ASIN : B0FDGS86JT
The Conscious Virus
The Conscious Virus, by Miki Mitayn, defies easy categorization. Part sci-fi, part medical drama, it blends elements from different genres into a compelling narrative that challenges, yet deeply engages, the reader. At its core lies the unique relationship between Nerida and Mari, two women traveling through the desolate Australian outback, tasked with confronting a conscious virus—a threat unlike anything humanity has ever seen.
Nerida, a doctor and scientist, is driven by her desire to help the scattered communities she encounters. Yet her approach to saving lives is far from conventional. Mari, her partner, claims to communicate with disembodied spirits, something Nerida can’t rationalize but is forced to accept after undeniable proof. Their love is undeniable, yet their dynamic is fraught with tension—Nerida’s logical mind often clashes with Mari’s shamanistic beliefs. Together, they form an uneasy partnership, one that might hold the key to stopping a virus that’s not only intelligent but also seemingly conscious.
Mitayn crafts a narrative that explores not just the physical threat posed by this virus but also deeper, more complex themes—queer relationships, spirituality, and humanity’s capacity for self-destruction. The novel demands focus, especially when it delves into its pseudo-metaphysical moments, but the emotional anchor of Nerida and Mari’s relationship keeps readers grounded. Nerida, who sees herself as a savior of the communities she visits, struggles with Mari’s unconventional methods, yet their bond grows as the reality of their situation becomes undeniable.
The virus they face is terrifying, not just because it threatens humanity, but because it forces the women to confront the deeper question of whether humanity is even worth saving. Mitayn excels at creating a world that feels both familiar and unsettling. The stakes are high—not just for the survival of the human race but for Nerida and Mari’s relationship. The conscious virus looms as an insidious presence, but in many ways, it serves as a metaphor for any existential threat that could tear apart an unconventional love. Amid a hostile world, sometimes the only thing that sustains us is our connection to the people we care about most.
The Conscious Virus is an intricate, thought-provoking read. Its blend of genres creates a tapestry of ideas that can be challenging, but the depth of emotion and humanity at its heart make it an eminently rewarding experience. For readers who enjoy stories that push boundaries while exploring the raw, often painful nature of love and survival, this novel is not to be missed.
Pages: 478 | ASIN : B098X1SXZ4
Side Quest: Stories
Jalyn Renae Fiske’s Side Quest is a spellbinding short story collection that threads together the fantastical, the bizarre, the sorrowful, and the hopeful into a vivid tapestry of speculative fiction. Each tale feels like its own little world, yet they all orbit the same sun. Stories about transformation, identity, and the human ache to find meaning in magic, or at least something just beyond reach. From haunted boxes that hold hearts to candy that can bend reality, Fiske’s writing thrives in liminal spaces where myth rubs up against memory and childhood wonder is soaked through with grown-up grief.
Fiske writes like she’s pulling you by the hand into each scene, whispering truths you’re not sure you’re supposed to know. The imagery is lush and often strange in the best way. Raw, dreamlike, sometimes grotesque, but always beautiful. Her story “Soul Candy” was one of my favorites. It dances between sci-fi satire and horror with a slow burn that leaves a pit in your stomach. It’s not just about mood-altering sweets; it’s about how easy it is to surrender yourself to illusion when reality offers so little warmth. And then there are stories like “Heart Box” that broke me open quietly, like a poem with a knife tucked between the lines. Fiske writes grief with a tenderness that hurts. She captures children in these moments of impossible emotion and makes them feel completely real. And she never talks down to her characters or her readers.
A couple of the stories leaned into allegory or felt like exercises in style rather than fully lived-in worlds. But even then, the writing kept me in it. Fiske knows her craft. She’s playful, she’s weird, and she’s sharp. I also loved the way she framed the whole collection as her “side quests,” which made me think differently about short stories, not as detours but as power-ups, each one leveling up the voice of a writer who’s still growing and pushing herself.
I’d recommend Side Quest to anyone who loves speculative fiction with a soft heart and a sharp edge. Fans of Kelly Link or Carmen Maria Machado stories will feel right at home here. If you’ve ever wanted to disappear into a story that feels like it a dream, this collection is a must.
Pages: 227 | ASIN : B0DKCYY7LG
Everyone! In the Dream! Is You!
Adam Dove’s Everyone! In the Dream! Is You! is a sharp and intimate collection of interconnected short stories that grapple with identity, masculinity, memory, and the messiness of love. Told in a poetic yet plainly honest style, the book moves between dreamlike surrealism and raw psychological insight. From sculptors binding lovers in clay to children descending into the earth searching for their lost fathers, Dove’s stories weave together fragile characters trying to anchor themselves in shifting emotional terrain. The title story is both a literal and metaphorical encapsulation of the collection; everyone, in every dream, might be a projection of the self.
What struck me most about Dove’s writing is how intimately he writes about emotional discomfort. The dialogue has the cadence of real relationships, awkward, evasive, and occasionally brutal. The prose feels lived-in, worn at the edges like a favorite coat, which makes the moments of beauty hit even harder. There’s an undercurrent of melancholy in every story, but it’s not melodramatic. It’s quiet. It creeps in during a pause between conversations or in the way a character stops mid-sentence. I found myself rereading passages just to sit in the strange sadness of them.
Dove doesn’t shy away from power imbalances, codependency, or emotional manipulation, especially between men and women. At times, I questioned whether the intimacy bordered on claustrophobia. But that discomfort seems intentional. Dove isn’t trying to offer easy takeaways or comforting conclusions; he’s holding up a mirror, and not everything in it is pretty. And that honesty, to me, is what makes the book worth reading.
I’d recommend Everyone! In the Dream! Is You! to readers who appreciate literary fiction that takes emotional risks. It’s perfect for fans of Raymond Carver or Carmen Maria Machado. If you’ve ever loved someone too hard or felt yourself coming undone trying to be who someone else needed, these stories will resonate. They left me feeling unsettled and weirdly grateful. And that, I think, is the mark of something good.
Pages: 208 | ASIN : B0DY69TB2M
Alphamind: The Collective Consciousness
Alphamind is a science fiction novel that follows the journey of Adrian Silva, a driven neuroscientist who joins the prestigious Crestwood Research Institute. There, he becomes part of an elite team pushing the boundaries of neuroscience and artificial intelligence, aiming to revolutionize neurorehabilitation. The narrative weaves together cutting-edge technology, human emotion, and ethical quandaries as the team grapples with the consequences of their breakthrough: an AI system that adapts in real-time to brain feedback, potentially becoming more than just a tool. The story is deeply personal at times, with emotional flashbacks and evolving relationships, all while exploring the gray areas of ambition and responsibility.
Reading Alphamind was a rollercoaster. The writing was vivid and often poetic, especially in its quieter moments. I appreciated how the author gave each character their own distinct voice and emotional depth, especially Adrian, whose childhood memories and personal struggles made him relatable and grounded. I found the blend of hard science and human emotion to be surprisingly fluid. Some parts had me glued to the page, like when the AI began adapting on its own. That twist gave me chills. But there were moments when the pacing slowed with technical explanations. Still, the heart of the story—the ethical tension and the drive to help others—shone through.
I enjoyed how the book questioned the nature of progress. Is innovation still noble if it ignores its consequences? The characters’ moral debates felt real. Vanessa, in particular, was a thorny presence, but she made the team—and the reader—think harder about safety, control, and accountability. The writing reminds me of Michael Crichton for its blend of scientific intrigue and ethical tension, with a touch of Blake Crouch’s emotional depth and fast-paced, tech-driven storytelling.
I’d recommend Alphamind to readers who enjoy science fiction with a beating heart. The book speaks to the dreamers and the skeptics—the kind of people who believe that science can change the world but wonder if it should. For me, it was a thoughtful and sometimes thrilling dive into the future, with just enough humanity to keep it grounded.
Pages: 397 | ASIN : B0D2WVG3SN
Heightened: Project Evolve
Kevin E. Morris’s Heightened is a fast-paced, emotionally layered YA science fiction novel centered around Kai, a teen orphan struggling with trauma, mysterious memories, and unexplainable auditory visions. When Kai starts hearing events from miles away, he’s pulled into a world of genetically enhanced people known as the Heightened. The narrative follows his journey from the confines of Hope Street orphanage to a secret underground society, revealing long-buried truths about his family, abilities, and the sinister government agency that wants him dead. What starts as a quiet mystery spirals into a full-blown adventure involving betrayal, secret powers, found family, and the growing pains of discovering who you really are.
I genuinely enjoyed the writing. Morris has a gift for voice—Kai’s inner thoughts are sharp, sarcastic, and often painfully vulnerable. The bursts of humor are well-placed and don’t undercut the gravity of what’s happening. His dialogue is natural, making even the exposition-heavy moments feel conversational. Structurally, the pacing is solid. Short chapters keep the action moving, and the moments of quiet—Kai lying on the roof, dreaming of a different life—are haunting in their stillness. The world-building doesn’t try to do too much at once. Instead, it layers slowly, revealing only what Kai learns, which makes the reader feel like they’re discovering things right alongside him.
What hit me most was the emotional undercurrent of the story. This is a book about abandonment, but also about resilience. Kai’s grief, anger, confusion, and hope are all tangible. Some scenes, like his first realization that his nightmares are real, or the moment he discovers his parents were murdered and not just absent, genuinely made my chest tighten. At times, I wanted to shake Flint (his mysterious protector) for being too vague, too secretive, too late. But that’s the point—Morris doesn’t write flawless saviors or heroes. He writes about damaged people doing their best in a broken world. And that makes the story feel real, even when the powers get borderline supernatural.
Heightened is ideal for readers who crave emotional connection in their sci-fi, who don’t need nonstop battles to be hooked, and who love underdog protagonists with grit and heart. If you liked The Maze Runner or Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, you’ll probably fall for this one too. Teens and adults alike will find something to hold on to here.
Pages: 214 | ASIN : B0F27J2Z5J
LITERARY TITAN 