Blog Archives
T.V. Holiday’s Cataclysm: Legend of The Iron Warrior Vol. 2
This book takes readers on a wild ride. Think The Book of Revelation meets The Boys with a little family drama, street grit, and spiritual warfare thrown in for good measure. The world’s basically crumbling. Demons have taken over a once-utopian city called Crazy Vault, and now they’re gunning for Carnage Coast. The main players are a demon duo (Monsoon and the Crimson Queen), a no-nonsense Muay Thai fighter named Leslie, and this grizzled vigilante superhero called The Iron Warrior. It’s good vs. evil with a ton of gray in between, and everything’s got a poetic, almost prophetic edge to it.
The writing swings big. The prose is intense, dramatic, and at times kind of lyrical, like the opening poem “Crash and Burn” that sets the mood. There’s a rhythm to it that feels more spoken-word than traditional narration, and that gives it this unique vibe. I liked that. However, sometimes, it goes a step further. For instance, when Monsoon complains to Lucifer about being a benchwarmer in this whole hellish campaign, I was honestly rooting for him. He’s sitting on a literal throne of spikes, ready to unleash hell, and he’s stuck playing second string. That moment felt dramatic, but it had heart. The dialogue in those scenes is sharp too—taut and filled with seething tension. I live for power dynamics, and this book delivers on that front.
Leslie might be my favorite part. Her storyline is gritty, grounded, and totally relatable. She’s a fighter—literally and metaphorically—and her struggles with family expectations resonated with me. The whole scene where she trades her late father’s bracelet for a mysterious crown was a gut punch. And then, when that crown turns out to be cursed and she starts hearing voices, it’s like—boom, body horror, identity crisis, demonic possession. It’s a lot. But it works. Her transformation into the new Crimson Queen is creepy and tragic, and I couldn’t stop flipping pages. It felt like a Greek tragedy wrapped in a superhero origin story wrapped in a horror flick.
If you’re into dark urban fantasy with heavy spiritual stakes and characters that bleed, then you’re going to love it. It’s got elements of superhero noir, apocalyptic theology, street-level family drama, and even a twisted love story or two. It’s not light reading. It’s heavy, chaotic, and a little messy in the best way possible. If you’re looking for clean-cut heroes and clear morality, this ain’t it. But if you love your stories raw, bold, and full of fire? Cataclysm is your jam.
Pages: 336 | ASIN : B0DZ3CS927
My Feelings and Process
In the The Quasi-Crystal, a young gem cutter is launched on the journey of a lifetime after discovering an extraordinary crystal that exists simultaneously across multiple realms. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Each of my books has a theme. In this book, it was about truth and scientific inquiry. The fog that Ran-dhal has to battle represents many things. It is the fog of ignorance, it is also a fog that prevents us from seeing into the inner workings of thing. It is the fog science tries to clear when they look deep into the nature of things, be it peering into the structure of an atom or looking into the deep recesses of space. Exploring these issues was the inspiration for the book. In my reading I came across this concept in physics of a quasi-crystal, that has the properties of a rock and a crystal. I expanded the concept to have the quasi-crystal exist in two realms. In one it would look like an ordinary rock and be a magical crystal in another.
In a lot of coming-of-age fiction novels authors often add their own life experiences to the story. Are there any bits of you in this story?
In some ways there is some of me in the book. I usually identify most closely with the secondary characters in my books. So, in this book, I identify more with Theb, the gem cutter, than with the major characters. Theb is the observer, the one who asks the most questions, the one who never quite gets it. I feel he represents my feelings and process better than the other characters.
How did you manage to balance magic and its use throughout the story to keep it believable?
I deliberately tried to keep the magic to a minimum. In fact, one can question if there really is any magic in the books. The power to reach into minds and control them isn’t really magic, but a skill that can be acquired through training and practice. The fact that crystals store power isn’t really magic, although it seems like it. So, there are only a few fundamental “powers” in the books and that made it much easier to manage.
Will readers soon see a fourth installment in The Wanderer series? If so, can you give us a peek inside?
There is a fourth installment in the Wanderer series called The Golden Tree. This book concentrates on The Wanderer. I felt her story was incomplete and I wanted to get back to her. She has already been to the Silver Forest and found the Golden Pulcher, so what comes next for the person who has obtained enlightenment? The book should be out middle 2025.
I have also outlined a fifth book in the series that will take us back to Remer and his family and I’m looking to possibly do another three book series that gets more detailed on what happens inside the silver forest. So stay tuned!
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Bracat has changed since the Moment—the collective joining of minds—opened up new possibilities of peace for its people. Even the rogue wizard Malzus is seeking forgiveness for his past sins. But this new feeling of unity is tentative, and the future is never certain . . .
In the midst of this change, gem cutter Theb discovers something curious: It looks like an ordinary stone, but he knows it is something extraordinary. A crystal that exists in two realms at once, but only Theb can see its uniqueness.
Then Theb begins to have dreams of a woman, calling for help from a deserted island far away from Bracat. An impenetrable fog is threatening the island, and the strange crystal seems to be the only answer.
There are others who hear the woman’s call. To find the source, Theb joins with a reformed wizard, a former thief, and an old enemy. Together, they vow to find the voice, braving the turbulent ocean to discover what is hidden behind the fog.
The Quasi-Crystal is a literary fantasy adventure with themes of magic, morality, and self-determination. It is the third book in The Wanderer series, which uses the structure of the fantasy genre to explore social justice issues.
The Quasi-Crystal
The Quasi-Crystal, by J.D. Rasch, the third installment in The Wanderer Series, is a masterful blend of literary fantasy, science, and adventure. At its core is Theb, a young gem cutter who unwittingly discovers a seemingly ordinary stone—a crystal that exists simultaneously across multiple realms. What begins as a simple find becomes the heart of an extraordinary journey. Set in the intricate and vividly rendered world of Bracat, the story unfolds in the aftermath of The Moment, a transformative societal shift that reshaped reality and united minds. Where such upheaval might have sown discord, Rasch crafts a narrative of unlikely alliances: a gem cutter, a former thief, and a former wizard come together in pursuit of answers. Their shared quest leads them to unravel the mysteries behind the fog that shrouds Ran-dahl’s island, where a solitary scholar remains imprisoned—not by chains, but by an impenetrable mist.
The novel explores themes of knowledge, power, connection, and personal growth. Rasch uses the fog as a powerful metaphor, symbolizing barriers to understanding and the effort required to bridge divides. This multilayered storytelling adds depth to an already rich narrative. Rasch’s world-building is exceptional, crafting Bracat as a realm both imaginative and grounded. The world feels alive and tangible, blending fantastical elements with realistic details that make even the quasi-crystal’s otherworldly properties seem plausible.
The Quasi-Crystal’s seamless integration of scientific ideas, such as quantum mechanics, with the mysticism of the quasi-crystal stands as one of its greatest strengths. The crystal itself serves as a philosophical and narrative cornerstone, challenging characters to confront contrasting perspectives while encapsulating the story’s central themes.
Though The Quasi-Crystal functions well as a standalone, readers will gain a deeper appreciation by starting with earlier books in The Wanderer Series. The intricate plot, richly layered characters, and elegant fusion of science and magic ensure a captivating experience for any reader. Rasch has crafted a thought-provoking and immersive tale, making this novel a must-read for fans of intelligent, boundary-pushing fantasy.
Pages: 289 | ASIN : B0DMXY5DLV
The “Character Cake”
Journey of Seven Circles follows a soul warden who has devoted his life to the wellbeing of others who, in a desperate bid to save lives he uses magic, causing the course of his life to be altered. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
There were several notions which came together when planning Journey of Seven Circles. If the fantasy genre has a superpower, it’s the ability to examine complicated subjects through a layer of abstraction.
Travel to, say, Dune or Middle-earth, and we can discuss how easy it is for the mighty to fall prey to their own greatness or examine the corruptive nature of power in the form of a magic ring. By taking one step away from the real world, we enjoy a new perspective and perhaps learn something important about ourselves along the way.
In Journey of Seven Circles, I wanted to create a genuinely good-hearted character then hurl him into a complicated world and force him to make some gut-wrenching decisions. While Kryn never loses his sense of moral purpose, he has to navigate some murky waters and pay full price for the choices he makes.
I asked myself, what would such a life look like? What sacrifices would Kryn need to make? How would he change through his journey? Those questions guided me through the course of the book.
What was your writing process to ensure you captured the essence of the characters?
Over time I’ve developed a personal method I call the “character cake.” There are several layers to the cake, including the candles, frosting, sprinkles, and the fundamental “cake” layer.
For the cake layer, I define the character’s three (give or take) deepest motivations or goals. For Kryn these were compassion, loyalty to the teachings of his church, and love for his family, most notably for the plot, his brother, Adro.
Whenever a character makes an important decision, I always return to that character’s cake traits. I ask myself, which of the character’s traits are in jeopardy? How would these traits influence the character’s decision? Can the character act in such a way that all the cake traits are satisfied?
Of course, the most interesting decisions take place when the answer is “no.” When characters are forced to choose between two cherished desires, that’s when we see who they are in truth, or, who they are becoming.
In fantasy novels, it’s easy to get carried away by the magical powers characters have. How did you balance the use of supernatural powers?
That answer is likely different depending on the novel in question. For Journey of Seven Circles, I made the deliberate decision not to share more of the magic system than was strictly necessary to explain the plot. Because of that, we never go into great detail regarding the exact mechanics of Kryn’s magic or how he casts his spells.
However, we do focus a great deal on the cost of Kryn’s magic. As we learn through the story, his power does not come for free. By making sure the costs of Kryn’s power service the overarching plot, the story avoids becoming lost in the supernatural forest.
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?
Journey of Seven Circles is a stand-alone fantasy novel, and so Kryn’s story is completed. If I ever revisit this world again, it will be through another character’s eyes.
However, I do have more novels planned. My next book, Dreams of the Old Explorer, is in final draft form and is currently being proofread. I plan to publish it early in 2025.
The story follows two old tricksters engaging in their final battle of wits. We begin with Mikhail the Horizon Seeker, a man famed for his far-ranging travels and nigh legendary cleverness. However, for years Mikhail has felt as though a piece of his soul is missing. His old moniker of “Horizon Seeker” may as well have belonged to another man.
Afflicted with a deadly illness, Mikhail knows his days are drawing to an end. He wishes only to leave behind a legacy of good to those he cared about, and perhaps, to fill the hole in his heart, to become the Horizon Seeker once again.
Then he hears word of an ancient artifact resurfacing, one greater than any treasure he has ever known. It holds the potential to fulfill all his dying wishes if only he can lay hold of it. Of course, he isn’t the only man to have noticed the prize in play. Mikhail’s old rival, a man he’s never beaten, is also on the trail.
When Mikhail learns that the life of his dear friend’s son hangs in the balance, there’s no turning back. And for all his cleverness, even Mikhail has no idea how he is supposed to win.
For anyone interested, head over to the blog on my website: russellpikebooks.com. Information regarding the upcoming release will be posted there.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Instagram | Amazon
In a world chained by ancient lies, one man holds the key to its salvation — at the cost of his own life.
Kryn Darien, a wizard of unparalleled ability, stands poised to unleash a spell of unimaginable magnitude, a desperate gambit to reshape the very fabric of existence. Centuries of preparation have honed his skills and forged tools of devastating arcane might. Yet, as the moment approaches, doubt gnaws at him.
Will his sacrifices, his relentless pursuit of power, prove futile in the face of such overwhelming odds?
Once a humble priest, Kryn never sought such profound responsibility. His aspirations were simple — to serve and protect those he held dear. But fate thrusts him into a maelstrom of war, treachery, and ancient mysteries that challenge his resolve. Every step forward demands a toll more exorbitant than he ever imagined.
Across treacherous battlefields and against foes wielding deadly magic, Kryn’s journey unveils a conspiracy older than memory itself.
Amidst adversaries wielding godlike powers, he must navigate a labyrinth of impossible choices.
Yet, his unwavering commitment to aid the helpless propels him ever forward, even as the cost escalates to encompass all he holds dear.
Slaying Paradise: Legend of The Iron Warrior Vol. 1
What if God had a superhero tasked with battling Lucifer’s forces on Earth? You might expect that hero to be Jesus, but in Slaying Paradise: Legend of the Iron Warrior by T.V. Holiday, the role falls to someone entirely unexpected. Enter Travis Holiday, a recently deceased cop who finds himself resurrected and thrust into a divine mission. In this first installment of the series, Travis is plucked from the wreckage of his car and transported to another plane of existence by a man with a fluffy white beard. What follows is a journey through the bizarre world of Carnage Coast, where Travis must embrace his new identity as The Iron Warrior.
This book is steeped in superhero motifs, presenting a protagonist who is literally brought back from the dead and equipped with an arsenal of gadgets and powers to save humanity from the depths of Hell. Travis’s new life as The Iron Warrior includes a superhero bunker packed with high-tech gear, powers like Divine Eyes, and a formidable adversary in Luc, a villain determined to thwart his every move. The narrative reads like a blend of Christian allegory and a campy 80’s superhero movie, where themes of Faith, Love, and Justice are at the forefront. While Slaying Paradise may feel like a teenage fantasy brought to life, its campy tone adds a layer of entertainment that keeps the pages turning. The battles are engaging, the characters intriguing, and the concept of a heavenly battle for humanity offers a fresh take on traditional Christian themes. Though the characters might lack depth and the prose is straightforward, the story itself is captivating enough to provide an enjoyable escape.
If you’re looking for a unique spin on a world where the savior of humanity isn’t Jesus but a superhero-like figure known as The Iron Warrior, Slaying Paradise: Legend of the Iron Warrior is a great choice. Follow the resurrected cop Travis Holiday as he takes up the mantle of a divine warrior and confronts Luc in a battle to save humanity from the clutches of Hell. It’s a fun, campy, and thought-provoking take on what it means to be a warrior of God.
Pages: 280 | ASIN : B0D3ZNZNZD
Echi Eterni
When Command Sergeant Major Elan Durant stumbled upon a two-decade-old parcel in the basement of his childhood home, he never imagined that his post-retirement days as a Marine would be marked by a dangerous quest. The name ‘Kaira Mazza’ haunts his visions, driving him to uncover the mystery of her disappearance. Elan, a seasoned Marine accustomed to facing danger head-on, finds himself on a whole new battlefield—one fueled by ancient magic and a struggle between light and darkness. His determination to find Kaira Mazza is driven by a deeply ingrained sense of duty and justice, transforming his journey into a personal crusade fraught with peril and discovery. Throughout his perilous quest, Elan finds strength in unexpected companions, each grappling with their own past secrets and histories. Together, they navigate treacherous terrains and confront supernatural forces, forging unbreakable bonds of friendship and loyalty along the way.
Echi Eterni by Erhrole Navarro is a fantasy novel that captivates readers with the remarkable journey of a retired Marine. Set in a world teeming with ancient magic and hidden truths, Navarro’s storytelling grips the reader from the very first page with vivid imagery and a compelling narrative. While the initial chapters may seem overly descriptive, the rich narration soon unfolds into an enthralling adventure. Echi Eterni is more than just a battle against evil; it’s a story about finding strength in unexpected places. It explores the unbreakable bond of family, the camaraderie forged in battle, and the power of love that transcends time. This novel reminds us that even the most ordinary among us can be called upon for something extraordinary and that facing the darkness within ourselves can be the key to unlocking the light that saves the world.
Echi Eterni is a riveting fantasy novel that combines the grit and determination of a retired Marine with the enchantment of a world filled with ancient magic. Erhrole Navarro’s skillful storytelling and richly detailed narrative create a compelling journey that is both heart-pounding and emotionally resonant. This book is perfect for readers who enjoy a mix of action, mystery, and fantasy, with characters who exhibit profound growth and resilience.
Pages: 352 | ASIN : B0D1N8Q8JB
The Spirits of Hyni
The Spirits of Hyni, book two of The Wolf and the Phoenix series by Trevor Bartlett, delves into the myths and legends of powerful and enigmatic creatures, navigating both external battles and inner turmoil. Bartlett’s fantastical world transports readers to exotic cities and mighty kingdoms, teeming with magical and mysterious beings. The intricate plot unveils a series of intriguing discoveries, hidden meanings, and captivating confrontations. As the journey unfolds, readers are introduced to the spirits of Hyni, each with a unique narrative. Central among them is The White Wolf, a character both revered and feared, whose distinctive qualities set him apart from even the spirits themselves. Through his perspective, we gain insights into the strengths and vulnerabilities of each character. The spirits gradually come alive, revealing the power and hidden histories that define them. Despite its fictional nature, the detailed myths and legends of the spirits feel vividly real, quickly becoming a compelling aspect of the book.
The story is rich with creative and fantastical elements. While the characters and plot become engaging over time, the initial pages are laden with descriptive passages that can slow the narrative’s progression. These detailed descriptions, while immersive, occasionally detract from the story, adding little to the context or beauty of the narrative style. However, as the plot develops, it becomes increasingly absorbing. The central characters, with their strange powers, grow more intriguing, especially as a looming war adds tension. Their powers and responsibilities create a blend of admiration and fear, highlighting their internal struggles and the darkness they must confront. Bartlett thoughtfully explores themes of destiny and duty. The main characters, bound by their powers and history, bear significant responsibilities as providers and protectors within their societies. They must balance these roles while maintaining their true selves, resisting the spirits’ overwhelming influence.
The Spirits of Hyni is a thought-provoking exploration of justice, choice, and legend. Themes of rebuilding and striving for a better future resonate as the characters’ determination and insecurities unfold. As they rediscover themselves, old questions are resolved, and new mysteries emerge, leaving much to ponder.
Pages: 443 | ASIN : B0CVBG16CF
An Alternative Power
The Power of the Ascendant follows a man with supernatural abilities who struggles to understand them and what this means for his purpose in life and within the world. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The world in which we live today is hungry for power. The main way to get power is through money. Unfortunately, this tool aka money has become an obsession and as a result the measure for everything in life. All the old values have been forgotten and in the race for money, people are sacrificing their health, family, and happiness. Most people are not aware that there is an alternative power that doesn’t require such sacrifices.
This is the Power of the subconscious mind. It is real and it works. Every human being possesses that power but it is latent. In order to use that power one has to communicate with his subconscious mind.
For some years now, people like scientists Greg Braden, Dr. Bruce Lipton, and Joe Dispenza have been trying to spread awareness of this power, offering information, methods, and instructions on how to activate it. But still, only a small fraction of people are aware and are trying to actively use it.
This inspired me to take a different approach. Instead of writing a handbook with instructions, in order to spread awareness about the power of the subconscious mind, I decided to write a science fiction book while offering entertainment and showing the possible use of that power.
What were some of the emotional and moral guidelines you followed when developing your characters?
I followed mainly emotional wellbeing guidelines, like communicating and giving to others, and also emotional intelligence, like empathy. For moral guidelines, it was compassion, loyalty, and responsibility.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The main theme in my book is Power and its use. The other themes are love, loyalty, death, and religion. Actually, the whole fourth part of the book is devoted to the theme of Religion. Certain teachings about religion sound dissonant to me, so I gave my own interpretation of Paradise, Hell, Purgatory, and the Soul.
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?
This book has been written as a stand-alone but I’ve left space for possible two sequels which will be about the Honeymoon of The Ascendants aka The Souls of Philip and Jessica exploring God’s creations. However, for now, it’s just an idea and at present, I am enjoying my well-deserved rest.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
While held prisoner at the Research Institute for Paranormal Power Activity in the Rocky Mountains of Montana, Philip develops an ability for telekinesis, teleportation, and other paranormal powers. As a result, he becomes an Ascendant.
When Philip escapes from the Institute, he meets and befriends Steve, a ranger and war veteran with bitter memories of his service in Afghanistan. Together, the two of them face off against forces that want to control Phillip’s powers.
Philip’s biggest challenge is that he doesn’t want to kill or hurt anybody.
Will Philip’s abilities and knowledge be enough to keep him free or will those seeking to recapture him use his abilities and plunge the world into war?
LITERARY TITAN 