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Hidden Behind a Screen
In DON’T MESS WITH ANNA, an online troll meets his match after leaving a one-star review and antagonizing an author. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
About ten years ago, I had actually found a 1-star rating for one of my books on a reader site and there was no written review to explain why this person thought it was so bad. For a new author, it was gut-wrenching. Out of curiosity, I clicked on the person’s page and was astonished to see they had given close to a hundred 1 stars with no written explanation to a bunch of high-profile authors all within a matter of minutes and all on the same day. I could only laugh and say, “Wow! Mad at the world or something?” What’s an author to do but shrug and move on. I comforted myself by being included with these illustrious authors. Late last year, a newly minted author friend of mine received a 1-star with no explanation and gave him a little comfort over my own experience. In an instant I had this image of this irritating author troll down in his mom’s basement cackling like a loon while wreaking havoc in his anonymity. Then I laughingly wondered what my characters would think of someone so carelessly bashing their very existence. Milton was born that day. I let my characters have at him.
I found Milton Smith to be such an interesting character. What was the inspiration for his traits and dialogue?
Instead of presenting Milton as a comic book villain, I knew full well that the person who started this journey for me was just a simple human and probably had some sort of character flaw where he was only happy when trashing someone else’s day. What power they must have felt for causing me to hope for a boatload of 5 stars to offset what he’d done to the book in one click. It took me years for that 1-star to slowly get swallowed up by those who actually enjoyed the story. I envisioned Milton as very intelligent, yet socially ignorant. Something had to have caused him to lash out at the world in the only way he knew how. He had to have a way to explain himself out of the mess he caused. He had to have enough brains to finally catch on that you cannot stay hidden behind a screen forever. Karma always comes knocking at some point.
What was your favorite scene in this story?
Without giving too much away, it has to be Godric and Milton by the ‘wall of weirdness.’ I believe this is where the reader will fully understand the emotional pain Milton caused to others he’s never met. It’s chaos theory’s butterfly effect in a nutshell.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I have a sequel to Don’t Mess with Anna in mind, but that might be a while before I can get it out. I want to adapt this first one into a screenplay. I did that with Visiting Darkness, my mystery thriller, and it made it to the semi-finals in the Hollywood Blue Cat screenplay contest. I basically freaked myself out when realizing I had gone up against close to 3,000 entries from seasoned veterans and placed in the top 3%. Even making it to quarter finals had been a shot in the dark, so going further was mind blowing. Just my luck, Hollywood went on strike shortly after and things in the works died on the vine. I’ve now gotten Visiting Darkness’s sequel screenplay in a lot of contests this year and fingers crossed. I’m also in the middle of completing book 16 of my romance series. My fans there are asking where the heck did I go and when’s the next one, so I surely don’t want to disappoint. Love my readers!
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Anna DeMarco’s creative world shatters when a remorseless stranger tears it apart—no blood spilled, just her spirit broken. He thinks he’s won. He’s wrong.
Dragged into a realm where karma wields a jagged edge and magic fuels vengeance, Milton Smith faces a brutal reckoning. How dare he make her cry.
This modern-day critic obsessed with medieval lore crossed the wrong writer—and finds himself hurled into a brutal world of his own making. In a land where curses sting sharper than steel and shadowed by magic he can’t comprehend, his arrogance becomes his chains.
Hard labor, spilled blood, and the wrath of those he wronged awaits. But in the end, even the damned might find redemption—if they survive the reckoning.
‘Don’t mess with Anna’ isn’t a warning—it’s his fate.
DON’T MESS WITH ANNA: A RECKONING IN BLOOD AND INK
Celeste Prater’s Don’t Mess With Anna is a wild, genre-melting ride that throws a petty online feud into a fantastical medieval meat grinder. When relentless troll Milton Smith takes one jab too many at author Anna DeMarco, karma doesn’t just knock—it drags him kicking and screaming into a brutal otherworld where knights don’t wear shining armor and dungeons are disturbingly real. Packed with vengeful magic, dark humor, and a strange sense of justice, the book follows Milton as he pays, painfully and hilariously, for every snarky comment he’s ever typed from the comfort of his mom’s basement.
Okay, first off—this book is bonkers in the best way. Prater doesn’t tiptoe around the setup. She throws us straight into Anna’s emotional breakdown over a brutal one-star review and it just spirals gloriously from there. But it’s when Milton starts feeling “icy tendrils” in his gut and faceplants into a keyboard that I knew I was in for something completely different. Prater doesn’t hold back. Her writing swings between hilarious and visceral, and the pacing is relentless. You’re either on this ride or you’re roadkill.
The fantasy world Milton lands in is where the story really flexes its muscles. It’s rich, weirdly believable, and mean as hell. These knights are not your noble, gallant types. More like angry executioners with perfect hair and better comebacks. Godric, Damon, and Jasper have big “don’t test me” energy, and watching Milton—a troll through and through—get absolutely wrecked by their world was satisfying in a primal, slightly guilty way. Milton’s journey through humiliation, fear, and growth, is uncomfortable but compelling. He’s kind of awful, but he’s also kind of us at our worst. That’s smart writing.
Now, don’t expect a subtle tale of redemption. This is more medieval-flavored revenge fantasy with a keyboard warrior at the center, and I loved that about it. But it’s not all snark and swords. Prater weaves in some really clever commentary on internet toxicity, cancel culture, and the emotional labor of creators. The queen and king’s fury over Anna’s mistreatment feels both over-the-top and totally justified. It’s like watching an entire fantasy kingdom rage-quit the internet on her behalf.
Don’t Mess With Anna is for anyone who’s ever read a one-star review and thought, “Wow, who hurt you?” It’s for writers, for readers, for anyone who’s been on either side of online drama and lived to tell the tale. It’s messy, chaotic, wildly entertaining, and unexpectedly sharp. If you’ve got a thing for dark fantasy, poetic justice, or just want to see a professional troll get medievaled, this book is for you.
Pages: 322 | ASIN : B0F22X4FVD
The Royal Order of the Last Coin
In Royal Order of the Last Coin, Joyce Burton Crawford embarks on a captivating journey through her family’s past, unearthing a hidden chapter that reaches back to the 13th century. This compelling narrative blends themes of service, courage, faith, romance, and moral conviction, all centered around the birth of the De Burton legacy. Crawford masterfully intertwines history and storytelling, crafting a narrative that feels alive with emotion and depth.
Rather than a straightforward recounting of historical facts, Crawford reimagines events through a unique blend of fact and fiction. Her writing defies the conventions of traditional historical works, transforming what could have been a dry retelling into an engaging and emotionally resonant story. She doesn’t simply list events; instead, she adds touches of humor and moments of romance that draw readers in, making history feel fresh and relatable. Narrated from the perspective of her ancestors, the book unfolds in third person, giving each character their own voice and allowing their stories to develop with nuance. This narrative choice brings the past to life, giving readers an intimate view of the lives, struggles, and convictions of those who shaped the De Burton legacy. Despite the centuries between them, these ancestors feel vivid and immediate, their experiences unfolding naturally through Crawford’s careful and concise prose. Joyce’s writing is clear and accessible, ensuring readers can easily follow along as she guides them through her family’s rich history. She sets the stage from the outset, explaining her purpose and providing context for what is to come. Every scene and event is described in meticulous detail, making the story not only easy to follow but deeply immersive. The reader is transported into the world of her ancestors, experiencing the weight of their decisions and the significance of their faith. While the pace occasionally slows during more detailed sections, these moments offer readers time to reflect on the deeper themes at play—faith, legacy, and personal duty. Crawford isn’t merely recounting her ancestry; she’s capturing the essence of the values that shaped her family, particularly their unwavering devotion to God.
Royal Order of the Last Coin is more than a historical account. It is a deeply personal exploration of legacy and faith, a heartfelt story that will resonate with readers interested in family history or tales of moral conviction and strength. Crawford’s work is a testament to the power of storytelling to bring the past to life, making it an enriching and memorable read.
Pages: 214 | ASIN : B0B3JW932M
The Secret Hamlet
In The Secret Hamlet, authors Judith Briles and Brian Barnes continue the narrative of Nichol, their resilient protagonist from The Secret Journey. This second installment of the Harmonie Series transports readers back to medieval France, where Nichol, having fled from peril, seeks to establish a sanctuary for herself and others in danger. Surrounded by a blend of old friends and new, including her supportive husband Robert and parental figures Helene and Ezra, Nichol faces the lingering threat posed by her revenge-seeking mother and brother, allied with the corrupt priest, Loupe.
The novel shines with its richly depicted medieval setting and seamless integration of new characters who enhance the stakes of Nichol’s plight. The Secret Hamlet adopts a more reflective narrative pace compared to its predecessor, focusing on character development through dialogue and discussion. This approach allows for a deeper exploration of character motivations and relationships. The sequel also employs frequent shifts in point of view, offering a variety of perspectives that add layers to the unfolding events. These narrative techniques invite readers to engage more thoughtfully with the story, providing a rich tapestry of interactions that highlight the complexities of its characters and their medieval setting. Nichol remains a compelling central figure, particularly in her role as a mother. Yet, the enigmatic figure of The Lady who guides her remains underexplored. Clarifying whether The Lady is a religious icon or a mystical entity and detailing her motivations could lend greater depth to Nichol’s reliance on her visions, which are critical given her role as the linchpin in her community’s safety.
Crafted with evident care, The Secret Hamlet builds upon the strengths of The Secret Journey, deepening its exploration of resilience and community within a vividly rendered historical setting. While it adopts a different tone, focusing more on introspection and the strategic elements of building a safe haven, the narrative offers a compelling look at Nichol’s journey. The enriched insights into the characters’ personal motivations and their intricate relationships add depth to the unfolding story, reinforcing the series’ thematic focus on perseverance and unity.
Pages: 414 | ASIN : B0CRXRD3JH
The Secret Journey
The Secret Journey, co-authored by Brian Barnes and Judith Briles, delves into the tumultuous life of Lisa, the sole daughter of a port commander in Marseilles, France. This young adult historical fiction paints a vivid picture of Lisa’s complex familial dynamics, highlighting her estrangement from her mother and brother in contrast to the adoration of her father, Alexander. Alexander, recognizing Lisa’s acute understanding of human intentions, is a pillar of support in her life. However, the narrative takes a dark turn with his untimely death, attributed to poisoning by Lisa’s mother. In the wake of this tragedy, Lisa’s life undergoes a drastic transformation. She flees her opulent life, taking on the disguise of a teenage boy named Nichol, and sets out for Paris, pursued by unseen threats. This journey is a flight for survival and a quest for a greater purpose, shadowed by the need to address past injustices.
The narrative captivates from the start, with a rhythm that dynamically shifts to reflect the varying phases of Lisa’s journey. This variance in pacing adds a unique flavor to the story, especially in the rapid development of Lisa’s romance with Robert. This brisk unfolding introduces an element of surprise and spontaneity, which can be particularly appealing to readers who enjoy unexpected turns in a storyline. The dialogue and narrative structure are skillfully crafted, laying a solid foundation for the story. There’s an exciting opportunity here to deepen this already engaging narrative. By exploring the characters’ emotions and motivations in more detail, the authors have the potential to enrich the reader’s experience, making it even more immersive. This enhancement in character development promises to strengthen the reader’s connection with the characters, adding an extra layer of intimacy and engagement to an already captivating tale.
The Secret Journey is a commendable choice for those interested in a story featuring a strong female lead overcoming familial strife in a medieval setting. The novel’s exploration of resilience and self-discovery, set against a historical backdrop, makes it a noteworthy addition to the young adult historical fiction genre.
Pages: 478 | ASIN : B0BMM14LYK
