Blog Archives
Wishes in a Bottle
Wishes in a Bottle, by Allie McCormack, is a romantic fantasy that weaves together ancient magic, eternal longing, and the power of selfless love. Julian DiConti, a mage from plague-ridden Italy, becomes bound to a mystical bottle after a spell goes wrong, cursed to grant wishes until three truly selfless ones are made. In modern-day New York, his fate collides with Alessandra Taylor, a hospice worker with a compassionate soul, offering him the first glimmer of hope he’s had in centuries. Their story unfolds against the backdrop of pain, healing, and a magical bond neither of them expected.
What struck me most about the book was how real Julian felt despite the genie-in-a-bottle premise. He’s six hundred years old, yes, but his pain is fresh, raw even. The opening scene, in which a selfish woman squanders her final wish on a necklace rather than saving a dying child, was deeply unsettling and emotionally jarring. You can feel Julian’s frustration. I loved that the author didn’t sugarcoat his weariness. He endured centuries of witnessing individuals squander extraordinary opportunities, all while being powerless to intervene. The emotional depth of that experience was profoundly affecting.
Then there’s Alessandra. I adored her. She’s fierce in a quiet, grounded way. Her love for her nephew Bobby and her simmering resentment toward her emotionally absent brother-in-law felt so authentic. There’s a scene where she storms into the hospital after hearing about Bobby’s worsening condition, angry, grieving, full of fire, and yet the moment she sees her sister, she softens immediately. That complexity made her so relatable. When Alessandra meets Julian, there is an immediate sense of connection, marked not only by chemistry but also by trust, skepticism, and genuine curiosity. Their relationship develops gradually, avoiding the trope of instant infatuation, which makes the unfolding of their bond all the more compelling and rewarding.
The magic system is subtle but beautifully handled. It’s not flashy spells and fight scenes, it is ancient rules, quiet consequences, and emotional toll. I especially liked how Julian is punished by pain for bending the rules, like when he visits Bobby without a wish being made. That added meaningful weight to the magical framework, grounding it in emotional consequence. While the middle section leans heavily on dialogue and introspection, it enriches the characters and their relationships. The warmth and underlying tension between them kept the narrative engaging and made it difficult to put down.
Allie McCormack’s Wishes in a Bottle surprised me. It’s not just a love story. It’s about redemption, choice, and the agony of wanting to do good when the world keeps getting in the way. I’d recommend it to fans of character-driven romance with a supernatural twist. If you liked The Time Traveler’s Wife or works by Nora Roberts with a magical edge, you will enjoy this unique romantic adventure.
Pages: 376 | ASIN : B07KXYJM3Q
Between the Living and the Dead
Between the Living and the Dead is a haunting, heartwarming, and genre-defying novella that follows Cavilla, a teenage girl straddling two worlds—the realm of the living and a shadowy, spiritual in-between. After a tragic summer that claimed the lives of her closest friends and beloved cat, Cavilla discovers she can interact with the dead and navigate otherworldly dimensions shaped by Peruvian mythology. With ghosts for companions and an inquisitive mind sharpened by Agatha Christie mysteries, Cavilla becomes an unwitting detective and guardian between realms. Her journey is not only about uncovering truths behind ghostly unrest but also confronting her own fractured identity, cultural roots, and hidden family secrets.
From the first page, I was hooked. Sophie Jupillat Posey’s writing is vivid, lyrical, and brimming with emotion. She captures Cavilla’s inner world with poetic detail while keeping the pace sharp and unpredictable. What stood out most was the voice—raw, funny, intelligent, and very real. Cavilla isn’t some tropey “chosen one”; she’s awkward, stubborn, observant, and relatable. Her relationships, especially with her friends Niko and Angelica, are full of warmth and wit, while her dynamic with Tia Luz Marina is tense, layered, and heartbreaking. The blending of supernatural mystery and Latin American folklore felt seamless, adding richness without ever turning preachy or heavy-handed.
The novella doesn’t hand anything to the reader. The metaphysical elements—different realms, time loops, ancient gods—are murky by design. It can be a little disorienting, especially in the middle chapters where time and space stretch like taffy and you’re not sure what’s real. But that confusion mirrors Cavilla’s own experience, and it made me lean in more. This book doesn’t play by the usual rules, and I appreciated that. The story makes space for grief, healing, and cultural rediscovery without trying to tie everything up neatly. It left me with more questions than answers, in the best way.
I’d recommend Between the Living and the Dead to readers who crave more than just thrills in their supernatural fiction. If you like your ghost stories tangled with myth, memory, and mystery—and told by a smart, fiercely curious teen girl who talks back to gods and ghosts alike—this book’s for you. Perfect for fans of Nina LaCour, Isabel Allende, or early Neil Gaiman. It’s weird, wild, and wonderful.
Pages: 112 | ASIN : B0DRYZJFK9
Guardians of the Cosmic Clocks: The Emerald Tablets
Jabril Yousef Faraj’s Guardians of the Cosmic Clocks kicks off a wild, genre-blending ride through time, space, and soul-searching adolescence. It follows Zya, a spunky, sharp twelve-year-old girl with big dreams and an even bigger heart, and her quieter best friend Elijah, a kid with a mind for circuits and logic. When they stumble upon a mysterious portal in the forest behind their neighborhood, they’re launched into a futuristic yet ancient interstellar conflict. There are aliens, time travel, cosmic watches, and high-stakes missions to recover the enigmatic Emerald Tablets—artifacts of immense power tied to humanity’s fate. All of it is steeped in Afro-futurist themes, social commentary, and enough banter to keep it all feeling grounded.
I honestly fell in love with the way Zya is written. She’s the kind of kid you root for immediately—complicated, headstrong, sweet, and full of fire. Her thoughts about wanting to be free, wanting to be seen and heard, absolutely resonated with me. It’s not just character-building; it’s emotionally real. Her world feels alive even before aliens and spaceships show up. When the science fiction finally kicks in—like when Zya and Elijah first lay eyes on the glowing portal in the forest and jump through it without hesitation—I was hooked. The pacing is snappy, but not rushed. The way Faraj builds out the Lumerian race, particularly through the elegant and mysterious Maroun and the guide Kelven, is slick and satisfying. The Nimrod (their spaceship) is described in such a cool, cinematic way it’s easy to imagine it.
But what surprised me most was how layered the story is. Faraj isn’t afraid to get deep. The Archons—power-hungry lizard-like overlords—aren’t just sci-fi baddies; they’re stand-ins for systemic oppression. The idea that they’ve used Earth’s pyramid structures to send out mind-controlling frequencies is wild, sure, but also kind of genius. It reimagines colonialism and spiritual suppression through a futuristic lens. The Emerald Tablets themselves are introduced with mythic reverence, and their purpose remains just cryptic enough to keep you curious. That said, I think some of the explanations got a little too exposition-heavy—especially in the scenes where Maroun lays out the backstory. It wasn’t bad, just a bit dense for younger readers. Still, the dialogue often balances it out with humor and warmth. Zya and Eli’s dynamic never feels forced. They’re just two kids, caught up in something huge, doing the best they can with sass and heart.
Guardians of the Cosmic Clocks: The Emerald Tablets is a blast. It’s heartfelt and hopeful. It manages to feel epic and intimate all at once. If you love sci-fi with strong characters, real-world metaphors, and a touch of magic, this is for you. Teachers and parents looking for a smart, diverse, adventurous read for middle schoolers—grab this.
Pages: 140 | ASIN : B0DNR18FLZ
Moonset on Desert Sands
Moonset on Desert Sands by Sherri L. Dodd is an enchanting dive into a world where magic, mystery, and human complexities intertwine. The story orbits Bethie Spiritbrite and her circle of coven sisters, weaving their spiritual practices with a gripping mystery involving a stolen athame and its sinister connections. Set against the vivid backdrops of Sedona and the redwood-covered Boulder Creek, the book melds magickal lore with suspense in a way that feels both grounded and otherworldly.
What I loved most about the book was its evocative imagery and atmosphere. Dodd paints Sedona and its mystical allure beautifully. For instance, Arista’s shop, Cosmic Prisms, felt like a real haven filled with the scent of candles and the shimmer of crystals, contrasting with the bustling, sometimes judgmental tourist crowd outside. The way Dodd writes about Sedona’s sunsets, with their scattered blues and magentas, made me want to pack a bag and explore it myself. These serene moments are pierced by tension-filled scenes, such as the cliffside car crash that opens the story, which had me gripping the book tighter. The characters, however, are the heart of the novel. I found Arista particularly compelling as she wrestles with her past trauma while trying to navigate a new life. Her journey into aura reading and her curiosity about Trini’s layered aura provided a sense of warmth and growth. Fergus and Fallon, with their dark ambitions and manipulative schemes, added a sinister depth. The tension between light and shadow, the nurturing bond of Bethie’s coven versus Fergus’s malevolent rituals, kept me hooked. I especially enjoyed how Dodd wove moral dilemmas into the story, like Dustin’s theft of the athame. It made me question loyalty, power, and consequence.
Moonset on Desert Sands delivers a satisfying blend of mystery, magic, and heartfelt relationships. It’s perfect for readers who love a bit of witchcraft with their whodunit or enjoy character-driven stories with supernatural undertones. Whether you’re a believer in magick or simply someone who loves an atmospheric mystery, this book offers plenty of spells to capture your imagination.
Pages: 371 | ASIN : B0DF33L1YW
Finishing the Job
Moonset on Desert Sands follows a woman hiding from her ruthless uncle as she concentrates on mastering the spells that may help her vanquish him once and for all. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I believe that Arista needed a sabbatical after almost being killed – ha! Getting away became important for her healing, and since Auntie had ties in Sedona it naturally flowed. Picking up where Murder Under Redwood Moon ended, I wanted Auntie to search for her parents and, with the possibility of the family reuniting, I thought it could lead to the uncle’s vengeance for Arista’s father maiming him, or the final deadly blow from Arista’s father upon Fergus … finishing the job he started for the initial familial betrayal.
How did you balance magic and its use throughout the story to keep it believable?
When I first thought of writing the Murder, Tea, & Crystals Trilogy, I had recently met with a modern-day witch. She shared her lifestyle with me—rituals, crystals, tarot, etc.. It was during this time I found that she experienced and made magick a part of her everyday life. And so, for my MCs, Arista and Bethie, their magick is no different than a Catholic’s prayer while lighting a candle in the church for a loved one or a Buddhist’s session of sitting for calm and healing. They work with crystals and intention in the same manner. So, making it a given of the characters’ personas, the story can progress without focus on the magick aspect.
What was your favorite scene in this story?
I enjoyed writing the horseback riding scenes. The first one, set in the desert, was my experiment on suspense without the murder involved. The second horseback scene, the children’s costume contest, is based on a true story! When my oldest was around six years old, he was the little Count circling the arena and wowing the crowd. And yes, he brought home the ribbons! On another note, I enjoyed injecting the East-meets-West element into the latter part of the book.
What can readers expect to see in the third book in this trilogy? When will it be released?
The final book of the Murder, Tea, & Crystals Trilogy is complete! It will be released Fall 2025 and picks up where book two completed. This final installment has a different pace. It starts with a look back … way, way back to when Arista’s great-great-grandfather first used the Ouija table. Then, it peeks at the action at Arista’s house while she is in Sedona for book two. Finally, it comes present, and we see the story to its grand finale.
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But a series of new fainting spells has her worried, and when Auntie witnesses one, they decide the answer lies in her home of Boulder Creek. However, returning means not only dealing with her breakup and its heartache but also the possibility of drawing her bloodthirsty Uncle Fergus to her once safe haven in the redwoods. And this time he has recruited an even more dangerous alliance.
Arista’s closest bonds will be strengthened, but the mounting tension of a death in the desert, a stalker on the streets, and the relentless pursuit of Fergus puts her in dangerous territory, and escaping sorrow proves impossible.
Contemporary Situations with Paranormal Activity
Five Stories Short: A Supernatural Quintet is a collection of five unique short stories covering topics from the paranormal and ancient beings to the exploration of the unknown. What was the inspiration for this collection?
I’ve always had a fascination with the supernatural. When something happens with no logical explanation, there are a myriad of illogical reasons to explain it. Is it magic, a miracle, or imagination? Are children’s imaginary friends truly imaginary or do children see into another realm until their parents convince them they aren’t seeing what they see? Are the whispers you hear in old homes simply house noises? Could you have the feeling you’re being watched because you are?
In writing Five Stories Short, my intention was to create contemporary situations with paranormal activity that isn’t so completely farfetched that it’s unbelievable, although I realize some of the happenings in my stories are a stretch. I hope readers find the stories entertaining but also thought-provoking.
Do you have a favorite among these tales? One that was particularly fun to imagine and write?
Because of the tiny characters in “Laughing Hills,” it was the most fun to create. The original plan was to write it as an introduction to my Unmistakenly Mystical series. But the story took on a life of its own.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in your stories?
Good vs. evil is a primary theme in each of the stories, though in some it is more pronounced than others.
Can fans look forward to more short stories from you soon? What are you currently working on?
More short stories are no doubt on the horizon, but I’m not sure how soon. I’m currently wrapping up Dancing Valley, a novel, which will be released in March of 2025.
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Are spirits hovering around us? Do ghosts watch over us? Are your pets communicating telepathically? Can card readers predict the future? Is it possible to see the little people? Do artifacts or fetishes have power? In this collection, the answer to all those questions is yes. But the real question is whether the stories are pure fiction or based on fact.
The Legacy: Lydia is a psychic. When her grandson becomes the catalyst for a spirit’s plot to kill his mother, she joins forces with a natural witch to defeat the entity. As a battle rages, Lydia learns she has more power than she’d realized.
Laughing Hills: The little people of Laughing Hills call on centuries of magic to stay safely hidden after their guardian is killed and their entire community is placed in jeopardy.
Mommy, Look: With her husband in a coma, finances tight, and a toddler to raise, Bianca needs help. But when it comes, it’s in disguise and is provided by someone she didn’t believe existed.
The Ancient Ones: After Brian and Tammy visit an antique shop, their lives are changed by a lion and a raven.
The Last Act: While renovating an old theatre, Carolyn is befriended by Jolene, an actress who haunts the building and who takes their friendship quite seriously.
Five Stories Short: A Supernatural Quintet
Five Stories Short: A Supernatural Quintet is a spellbinding collection of five short stories that transports readers into the realm of the extraordinary. Karen Black masterfully crafts narratives where the boundary between reality and the supernatural dissolves, taking you on journeys that are both mesmerizing and thought-provoking. From psychic abilities to whimsical pixies, ghostly apparitions, and the enigma of ancient beings, each story offers its own unique exploration of the unknown.
The collection stands out for its diverse themes and imaginative storytelling. Black invites readers to suspend disbelief, immerse themselves in eerie atmospheres, and embrace the unexpected twists that unfold. Her writing captivates with a mix of whimsy, tension, and subtle emotional depth that makes the supernatural feel tantalizingly real. The first story immediately pulls you in, offering a fascinating exploration of clairvoyance and psychic gifts. The premise is compelling, though certain plot points, particularly the protagonist’s imprisonment, felt a little far-fetched. The circumstances surrounding it—intended to heighten conflict—seemed at odds with the story’s self-defense logic. In contrast, the second story shines with emotional resonance and well-developed characters. It leaves a lasting impression, its themes deeply affecting and beautifully executed.
The third entry maintains the collection’s eerie tone and solid pacing, offering enough intrigue to keep readers engaged. The fourth story emerges as the standout of the quintet. Black’s storytelling excels here, building expectations only to shatter them with a twist that’s both brilliant and unexpected. This narrative alone elevates the collection, showcasing her ability to surprise and delight readers in equal measure. The fifth and final story wraps up the anthology with the essence of a classic ghost tale—timeless yet enhanced with an extra layer of intrigue. It serves as a fitting conclusion, maintaining the supernatural allure that runs through the collection.
Five Stories Short: A Supernatural Quintet proved to be a delightful surprise. It rekindled my appreciation for supernatural fiction. Karen Black’s engaging prose and imaginative plots kept me racing through each story, eagerly anticipating what would come next. The collection’s brevity makes it an easy yet satisfying read, perfect for anyone seeking an escape into the mysterious and the otherworldly. For fans of supernatural fiction or those new to the genre, this book delivers a blend of charm, suspense, and clever twists. Karen Black has curated a quintet that showcases her storytelling prowess, leaving readers both satisfied and yearning for more otherworldly adventures.
Pages: 251 | ASIN : B0DLQK6GJL
Moonset on Desert Sands
After a narrow escape from death, Arista retreats from Boulder Creek to the desert lands of Sedona, seeking sanctuary with her great-aunt Berthie and the Coven. Together, they build a quiet life away from the shadows of her past. Yet, even after a year, the threat of her ruthless Uncle Fergus looms large. His relentless ambition drives him to hunt Arista down, forcing her to prepare for an inevitable confrontation. Determined not to be a victim again, Arista dives into mastering spells, decoding auras, and honing the powers she is destined to wield. When visions, eerie signs, and an unexpected reunion trigger a carefully laid trap, it becomes alarmingly clear that Fergus is closer than ever. His greed knows no bounds, and with danger closing in, Arista must summon every ounce of strength for the battle of her life. The stakes couldn’t be higher—will she vanquish Fergus once and for all, or will his insatiable ambition dismantle everything she holds dear?
Sherri L. Dodd’s Moonset on Desert Sands grips readers with its relentless suspense, intricate plot twists, and dazzling display of magical mayhem. Each chapter brims with chaos and surprises, making it nearly impossible to put the book down. The characters are compellingly drawn, with Fergus stealing the show as the villain. Unlike the first installment, in which he remains in the shadows, Fergus dominates this book, his schemes driving the narrative forward. His villainy is so vivid and theatrical that he’s almost charming—an antagonist you can’t help but admire, even as you root for his downfall.
Meanwhile, Arista’s characterization is more complex. At times, her decisions feel justified and strategic; at others, they seem erratic, which adds an intriguing, if occasionally frustrating, layer to her journey. Stevie, on the other hand, is a delightful wildcard. His humor and recklessness provide levity, making him a standout. This sequel amplifies the magic. Every page bursts with spells, aura readings, and mystical rituals, immersing readers in a world of non-stop witchcraft. While the book is lengthy, its rich plot, dynamic characters, and constant action ensure the pacing rarely falters.
Fans of magic, witchcraft, and light thrillers will find Moonset on Desert Sands an enchanting escape. Though it’s the second book in the Murder, Tea, and Crystals series, it stands alone beautifully, offering newcomers an unforgettable journey into its spellbinding world.
Pages: 371 | ASIN : B0DF33L1YW
LITERARY TITAN 