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Escape
Escape (Haven Series, Book One), by Tracy Myhre, is a post-apocalyptic romantic thriller set in the not-too-distant future, in 2027. The story unfolds across Washington State and Idaho, where Beth, a diner dishwasher in Spokane, meets Ryker Kensington, a recently discharged Marine looking for work. There’s an immediate connection between them, but before they can explore their relationship, a series of coordinated missile strikes devastate the nation, thrusting them into a chaotic new world. As Beth embarks on a perilous journey to reach her uncle’s doomsday prepper compound, Haven, in Idaho, Ryker must navigate the dangerous landscape to find her in a society on the verge of collapse.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The plot was engaging and maintained my interest from beginning to end. The way Myhre starts the story in the midst of Beth’s ordinary life, from working at the diner to spending time with friends, adds a strong foundation before the chaos hits. The transition from everyday normality to the life-threatening aftermath of the missile strikes felt natural and intense, heightening the stakes as Beth and her friends make a desperate escape from Spokane. I appreciated that the narrative didn’t simply drop readers into a post-apocalyptic world; instead, we experience the dramatic shift alongside the characters. The contrast between Beth’s life before and her fight to survive in the violent new reality was well-executed, and it gave depth to her character. Beth’s mix of strength and vulnerability made her relatable, and watching her adapt to this grim situation kept me invested throughout. One of my favorite aspects of the book is how the tension builds. There’s an urgency in the way the world unravels around Beth, yet the pacing allows space for character development. Her journey from Spokane to Haven isn’t just a race for survival but a gradual transformation as she faces increasingly dangerous situations.
Myhre strikes a good balance between the action and Beth’s emotional growth, making the story compelling beyond just its plot twists. The early chapters introduce a large number of characters, and I felt that keeping track of who was who became difficult at times. The complex web of relationships, especially in a fast-paced survival scenario, was occasionally overwhelming. I feel it would have been helpful if the family trees, which provide clarity on the character connections, had been placed at the beginning of the book rather than at the end. I feel might have made understanding the character dynamics smoother from the start.
Escape is a thrilling and emotional ride through a post-apocalyptic world that feels all too real. If you enjoy fast-paced, high-stakes survival stories with a mix of romance and suspense, this book is for you. The combination of relatable characters, a gripping plot, and the looming threat of a shattered society makes this a strong start to the Haven series. I’m already looking forward to diving into Flee (Haven Series, Book Two), which focuses on two of Beth’s friends, Sadie and Liam, as they navigate their own struggles in this fractured world.
Pages: 432 | ASIN : B0CW19QR5H
Patience and Endurance
Blue Dream follows a man whose dream reveals a mysterious symbol and opens the door to an entirely new reality. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
Originally, I wanted to write a fantasy novel. I kept picturing a young guy and a dwarf robot crossing a pitch-black chasm. That’s pretty much what started the book. And then I entered a miniature screenplay contest where Dom adventures through an evil tunnel. I didn’t win, but the judge said it read like the beginning to a cool Sci-fi movie. So, I took his advice, writing a novel instead.
I found Dom to be a fascinating character. What was the inspiration for his traits and dialogue?
Most readers feel a strong connection to Dom. I think it’s because anyone can relate to the inner turmoil he experiences. It’s all part of the fight of life. He struggles to find a place in the world and is happy to learn a new one is well on the way. Although, getting there isn’t easy.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
In Blue Dream, I draw on Christian themes time and time again. Especially, the encouragement found in Revelation and the rewards that come from patience and endurance.
Can readers look forward to more work from you soon? What are you currently working on?
I poured everything I could into Blue Dream. It’s all in there, really. Every part of me and everything I’ve experienced and know. Right now, I occasionally post on my substack. Other than that, starting a political campaign for State Rep has been taking up most of my free time.
Author Links: GoodReads | Substack | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Dom has been living in digital paradise for as long as he can remember. He’s lucky enough to be one of the gogglers of the Trop. However, having all that he can imagine has been less than blissful. He thinks too much, consumes too little, and it’s stressing out his manager.
Everything changes one night when a dream swims his way, and he finds a mysterious symbol. Soon he is sliding into a new reality and following a way he knows little about. His decision to go deeper brings him face to face with the scariest depths of the program. The ensuing battle will require him to wear the full armor of God.
BLUE DREAM. Find faith in the static.
Family Bonds
Wilder Fire: Thomas Berenford Chronicles follows a man claiming to own a pest removal business who takes on the role of trying to save this community from the danger that threatens it. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The core character inspiration was my father, Richard Schwartz. On his best day, he was Thomas Berenford. Charming, competent, and conflicted. In terms of genre, inspiration came from swords and sorcery fantasy from my youth mashed with the noir detective novels and movies.
Thomas acts out of a need to protect and rectify the wrongs in the world. What were the morals you were trying to capture while creating your characters?
Courage: Something in short supply today.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Family bonds and the enduring devotion of the dog.
Where does the story go in the next book, and where do you see it going in the future?
So glad you asked! Coming soon, Berenford will appear in a prequel called Blood Daggers, inspired in part by the likes of The Godfather and The Sopranos. Afterwards, look for another Berenford exploit set in the Wild West. No, he will not don a cowboy hat, but he will ride a horse.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Nothing comes easy for me. No matter where I wander, whenever I hang my sign, the inevitable femme fatale crosses my threshold and hires my services for the day.
I’m Thomas Berenford. Today, I’ll be on the hunt to rescue a wayward kid banging around with a band of were-dogs. Sort of man’s worst friend. Difficult, to say the least, and hardly worth the gold.
Why bother? To right a few wrongs, that’s why. To expose the pernicious forces behind the Gray Ruin, a fatal disease striking down the best denizens of my latest home. To untangle a web of corruption between violent thugs, greedy crime lords, malevolent mages, and a twisted old witch bearing a hot grudge.
Fear not, for I’ve got a skin of hooch, a few cigars, and Wilma — my tumultuous broadsword and collaborator. I should be fine. Just fine.
All in a day’s fun for an entrepreneur in the business of Pest Control.
Wilder Fire: Thomas Berenford Chronicles
In Wilder Fire: Thomas Berenford Chronicles, by Joseph Schwartz, readers are introduced to Thomas Berenford, an intriguing character with a knack for wielding a broadsword and a sharp sense of humor. Set in the fictional community of Blackstone Springs, Berenford’s arrival marks the beginning of his journey as he sets up a pest control business, only to find himself entangled in a web of danger. The narrative suggests a connection between these perilous events and the enigmatic characters of the Wilders and Kilgore. As the plot thickens, it becomes apparent that Blackstone Springs faces a grave threat, and Berenford might just be the key to averting it.
Schwartz’s fantasy adventure novel is rich with vivid battle scenes and mythical creatures, aligning well with the shifter or werewolf genres. Readers familiar with Andrzej Sapkowski’s “The Witcher” series may find similarities in theme and style. Berenford, as a protagonist, melds the roles of warrior and detective, navigating the story’s challenges with both physical prowess and keen insight. The novel’s first-person narration enhances the storytelling, with Berenford’s acerbic wit and world-weary demeanor bringing a unique perspective to the magical and mystical elements of the plot. Despite his experience in facing formidable challenges, Berenford finds the situation in Blackstone Springs particularly daunting. The injustice perpetrated by Kilgore and the Wilders strikes a chord with him, compelling him to take action. Berenford’s motivations evolve from self-interest to a genuine desire to do good, revealing his underlying heroism. His character, reminiscent of Han Solo from the Star Wars saga, is driven by a deep-seated need to confront and rectify the wrongs he witnesses. This transformation from a mercenary to a champion of justice adds depth to his character, making him an engaging and relatable figure for readers.
Schwartz skillfully weaves a tale of adventure, mystery, and moral complexity, presenting a protagonist whose journey is as much about internal discovery as it is about external conflict.
Pages: 124 | ASIN : B0CNG7R5CP
LITERARY TITAN 