Blog Archives
Knightfall
C.L. Embry’s Knightfall grips readers with a powerful blend of ambition, identity, and shifting perspectives. Set against a backdrop of medieval intrigue, the narrative follows Axel, a knight disillusioned by tradition and consumed by his obsession with alchemy. What starts as a simple pursuit to master transmutation turns into a journey of self-realization, pushing Axel to question everything he knows about his world and himself. The lessons he learns along the way are as unexpected as they are transformative.
Action, introspection, and mysticism weave seamlessly throughout the story, keeping you invested while also making you think. Embry crafts a world so vivid and detailed, you can almost feel the tension in the kingdom’s air—especially as fear and fascination with alchemy collide. The societal and political layers are rich, making every interaction feel loaded with consequence. Axel himself is a character who doesn’t ask for your sympathy. His flaws are real, his decisions often questionable. Yet, it’s precisely this complexity that makes his eventual growth deeply satisfying, turning what could have been a straightforward quest into something much more meaningful.
Alchemy, in Knightfall, is more than a plot device. It’s a metaphor for transformation, threading through the narrative to highlight themes of change and enlightenment. Embry doesn’t spoon-feed you the story’s deeper meanings. Instead, clues and reflections are sprinkled throughout Axel’s journey, allowing you to unearth layers of insight as the story unfolds. Political intrigues and hints of larger, unseen forces add depth without overwhelming the central narrative. By the time you finish, there’s plenty to ponder, and the world lingers in your mind.
Fans of introspective fantasy will feel right at home here, especially those who crave stories driven by character development and philosophical themes. If you love tales of personal growth, redemption, or the tension between power and knowledge, Knightfall delivers. The novel strikes a fine balance between being accessible and thought-provoking, making it an excellent pick for readers who want more than just a standard adventure.
Pages: 276 | ASIN : B0DJL6GLWW
The Adamantine Jewel
The Adamantine Jewel by Jeffrey Scott Pears is a thrilling supernatural adventure that sweeps readers into a world balancing on the brink of catastrophe. When an unstoppable, flesh-eating virus threatens humanity with extinction, David Thoreau, a university professor and former U.S. Marine, races against time alongside his brave eighteen-year-old daughter, April. Their mission? To track down a mythical healing stone known as the Adamantine Jewel. The stakes are impossibly high, and the journey is nothing short of epic, involving dangerous conspiracies, mystical forces, and the wisdom of ancient cultures.
The writing in The Adamantine Jewel is a mixed bag. There are moments of taut, breathless action where the prose shines. It grabs you and doesn’t let go, mixing humor with suspense. Yet, there are times when the narrative feels overly descriptive, bogging down scenes that would otherwise fly by. David’s philosophical musings, while intellectually intriguing, sometimes pull away from the story’s tension, making me wish the author would just get back to the action. Nevertheless, these reflective pauses do add a layer of depth, even if they occasionally feel misplaced. Character dynamics are where Jeffrey Scott Pears really excels. David’s relationship with April is authentic, heartwarming, and bittersweet. You can feel the weight of their shared grief over the loss of April’s mother, making their banter and mutual support all the more touching. Some secondary characters, like Serenity Adler, felt underdeveloped despite the potential for complexity. I wanted more from her, especially given her sudden departure to India and the emotional stirrings she awakens in David. The book’s plot brims with intrigue and cinematic energy. From high-speed chases through West Hollywood to the mounting horror of a global pandemic, the stakes are palpable. Pears does a fantastic job weaving real-world fears with mystical elements. The sudden, brutal encounter with the CDC authorities at David’s home made my heart pound, while the philosophical lecture on death during his university class left me contemplative. Yet, I couldn’t help but feel that the pacing wavered in some areas. The narrative jumps from action-packed scenes to quieter moments without always maintaining momentum, leaving me both exhilarated and occasionally restless.
The Adamantine Jewel is a gripping ride that delivers on suspense, family drama, and metaphysical reflection. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy thrillers with a spiritual twist, especially those curious about ancient cultures and myths. If you’re looking for a thoughtful adventure that keeps you thinking while keeping you on edge, this book is worth the read.
Pages: 266 | ASIN : B0DHPMNXBR
Caretaker (The Goodpasture Chronicles)
Caretaker, the first installment in The Goodpasture Chronicles by R.J. Halbert, is an intriguing blend of historical mystery, family drama, and supernatural elements. The story follows Ian and Lyana Keane, a couple who move with their children to a mysterious old house in a small town, hoping for a fresh start after a series of personal losses. As they settle into their new home, they begin to uncover the secrets of the house and its connection to the enigmatic Goodpasture family, leading them on a journey that intertwines the past with their present.
What immediately stands out in Caretaker is Halbert’s ability to create a sense of place. The descriptions of the Goodpasture house and the small town of Littleton are vivid, almost cinematic, making it easy to imagine the sprawling gardens, the eerie, fog-laden driveway, and the antique-filled rooms of the old mansion. The house itself is practically a character in the story, with its creaking floors, hidden rooms, and a mysterious caretaker who seems to know more than he lets on. Halbert does an excellent job of building an atmosphere that is both inviting and unsettling, pulling the reader deeper into the mystery. The character development in the book is another strong point. Lyana, in particular, is a well-drawn character whose struggles with her past and hopes for her family’s future make her relatable and compelling. Her journey from skepticism to belief, as she encounters the house’s strange phenomena, is handled with subtlety and care. The dynamic between the Keane family members, especially between Lyana and her children, adds depth to the story and grounds the supernatural elements in a very human experience. The flashbacks to Lyana’s childhood, although sometimes jarring, effectively build her backstory and explain her motivations. The story thoughtfully takes its time in the beginning, richly establishing the setting and characters, which allows readers to fully immerse themselves in the world before diving into the central mystery. As the plot progresses, the pace accelerates, drawing you deeper into the unfolding events. The buildup of tension is masterfully handled, leading to satisfying revelations that keep readers engaged while also leaving just enough unanswered questions to create anticipation for future installments.
Caretaker is a captivating read that blends elements of mystery, history, and the supernatural into a story about family, loss, and the search for new beginnings. R.J. Halbert’s skillful storytelling and rich descriptions make it an enjoyable journey, particularly for readers who appreciate a slow-burn mystery with emotional depth. I would recommend this book to fans of gothic fiction, haunted house stories, and those who enjoy a well-crafted family drama with a touch of the supernatural.
Pages: 232 | ASIN : B0D15KJXBR
The Persistence of Love
Dreams of Drowning follows a woman living illegally in Toronto who is seeking to escape the scandal surrounding her twin sister’s death, where she makes unexpected discoveries. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The book began with old memories of living in Toronto as an expat involved with Greek students fighting to free their country from a military junta. However, the story soon became entangled with the grief I experienced following my sister’s death, and the yearning for a magical resolution that would provide comfort and closure. Welcome to the world of my dreams translated onto the pages of my novel.
Each character has a moment that changes their life and leads them to where they are. Do you think there’s a single moment in everyone’s life, maybe not as traumatic, that is life-changing?
I started to say that while fictional characters generally have dramatic, life-changing experiences, most real lives are shaped by the gradual accumulation of small tragedies and triumphs over time. However, I’ve now reconsidered. On second thought, most of us experience an extraordinary moment that alters the trajectory of our lives. We accept or reject love, lose a loved one, survive a serious illness, leave a city, a marriage, or a job. Maybe we read novels to learn how fictional characters find their way through such treacherous times and overcome the obstacles we all face.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The book’s overriding theme is the persistence of love. Death doesn’t diminish Amy’s love for her sister or Jacob’s love for his wife. Their lives go on despite their losses. They change and grow, but their love remains constant. Other themes include the fragility of democracy and the need for citizens to remain vigilant in its defense, and maybe there is something mysterious and magical just beneath the surface of the world we know, something we can sense but can’t explain.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I’ve just started work on a novel that takes place in Cleveland during the run-up to World War II. It’s partly a family drama, partly a love story, partly an investigation of the American-Jewish community’s response to antisemitism in Europe – and there’s a ghost. That’s all I’m saying for the moment. Sadly, I don’t expect the book to be available until late in 2026.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
It’s 1973 and Amy, an American ex-pat, is living as an illegal immigrant in Toronto where she’s fled to escape the scandal surrounding her twin sister’s death by drowning. Joanie’s been gone two years, but Amy still hears her cries for help. Romance would jeopardize the secrets Amy has to keep, but when she meets Arcus, a graduate student working to restore democracy in Greece, she falls hard. Arcus doesn’t know about Amy’s past, and she doesn’t know Arcus has secrets of his own, including the shady history of an ancient relic he uses as a paperweight.
In 1993 Toronto, Jacob Kanter, a retired archaeologist, is mourning his dear wife and grappling with his son’s plans to move him to a nursing home. Despite double vision, tremors, and cognitive impairment, he remembers sailing as a youth and sets out toward the lake where he boards a ferry boat embarking on its maiden voyage. He expects a short harbor cruise, but the Aqua Meridian is larger than it looks, and time is slippery on the water. When he hears a drowning woman call for help his story merges with Amy’s, and they discover they have unexpected gifts for one another.
Dreams of Drowning
In Dreams of Drowning, Patricia Averbach masterfully weaves a tale of emotional depth and complexity set against the backdrop of personal crisis and historical intrigue. The novel introduces us to Amy, a woman grappling with the haunting memories of her twin sister’s tragic demise. Relocating from America to Toronto, Amy’s attempt to maintain a low profile is complicated by the lingering scandal of her sister Joanie’s death. As Amy confronts her inner turmoil, she encounters Arcas, an ambitious graduate student deeply engaged in political movements and the preservation of democracy in Greece. Despite the budding romance that develops between them, Arcas’s mysterious past and abrupt departure add layers of intrigue to the narrative.
Parallel to Amy’s story is that of Dr. Jacob Kanter, who is navigating the challenging waters of memory loss and vision impairment following the death of his wife. His fear of being placed in a nursing home by his concerned son is poignantly portrayed, with reflections on his youthful days of sailing offering a glimpse into his character’s depth. The element of water serves as a symbolic link, drawing Amy and Jacob’s lives together in an unexpected intertwining of paths. The novel excels in its depiction of characters facing parallel realities. Amy’s struggles as an undocumented immigrant, dealing with family complexities and a convoluted romantic life, are skillfully portrayed. Similarly, Jacob’s journey through grief and the challenges of aging is handled with sensitivity and realism. This narrative is a rich exploration of themes such as love, loss, hope, and friendship, resonating deeply with the reader.
Dreams of Drowning delves into the impact of crises on ordinary lives, eloquently capturing the disorientation and loss of normalcy faced by individuals. Averbach balances suspense and action adeptly, providing a refreshing journey through history with her compelling storytelling. The book is a standout choice for readers who appreciate a blend of mystery and emotionally resonant fiction.
Pages: 311 | ASIN : B0CRJ17DTD
Beauty That Lies in Simplicity
Grasslands follows a young college student as he attends a birthday event, encounters otherworldly entities, and starts the search for his own dream. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Four years ago, I was invited to a birthday party much like in Grasslands. However, the events of that night were nothing like the book (we never even left the house). At some point, I got possessed by the idea of writing a book even though I had never really thought about it before, and I started taking notes on my phone. I was quick to dismiss a lot of my early ideas, but I always knew how important Grasslands was to me, and I could never stop thinking about it. I kept building upon the story in my head but never changed the original setup.
Did you plan the tone and direction of the novel before writing, or did it come out organically as you were writing?
Initially, I was planning to write a dark comedy, but I scrapped my earlier scattered writings and started the first chapter in the summer of 2020. By the end of the year, I had written five chapters and had the entire story figured out. Although my ideas kept evolving through time, I did a lot of planning before writing most of the book.
What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
I love the character of the witch and everything that she represents. Not only do her scenes tie the plot together but they are also central to the main themes of the book. She was one of the earliest characters I came up with.
While the hardest character to write for was easily Aleko, there were a lot of story elements that needed to fit in perfectly, but figuring it all out was very satisfying in the end.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
I have two full-length projects in the works right now, and both are quite a departure from Grasslands. I am a huge fan of Natsume Sōseki and how he deploys a very simple style of writing to express intense emotion. With my next work, I hope to showcase my appreciation for the beauty that lies in simplicity. It is something I did my best to capture in Grasslands as well, but with a plot like that it can be hard to grasp the importance of the simpler moments.
My second project is a lot more ambitious and will surely scratch that itch people will have after reading Grasslands, but it will take time and I cannot divulge further details right now. I have no release dates planned for either of these projects.
Readers can also look forward to a short story collection which will be released late 2024.
Author Links: Goodreads | Twitter | Instagram | Website | Amazon
A Love Beyond Choice
Eva: A riveting romantic suspense follows a young woman who prefers animals to people and discovers she has a unique ability to help animals heal. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I practiced as a homeopath and nutritionist for some years and fantasized regularly about really being able to heal people. Just with my touch. I also have longed to “meet” a dolphin my whole life… So, I put the two ideas together. A healer who gained her gift from a dolphin? Or does she give the healing power to the dolphin? Bottom line: My compassion for people who are ill or injured made me dream of the power of healing.
Eva grew up without a father and lost her mother early in life, only to then lose her Aunt. The only constant in her life is her dog Cookie. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
Abandonment, whether intentional or from death, is traumatic and people can tend to build up walls to protect themselves from connecting in the future, to prevent further pain. I wanted to write from the perspective of a young woman who was in this situation and allow her to fulfill her arc to self-development. She must battle new challenges galore, in this story, both external and internal, in order to embrace her power, both as a normal healthy woman and as a supernatural healer!
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
There were several important themes I was melding into this story: the love of soulmates, of “a love beyond choice;” the connections between people, between spirits, and between people and animals; and the theme of the walls we often build that separate us from others. Also, there is the theme of power, both real and magical. And not least was investigating the theme of fame, notoriety, and how the media tends to beat down, pummel, and invade those who dare to cross its path.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
I am strongly considering writing a follow-up to this book. I love Eva, and I don’t want to leave her! I’m seriously considering exploring the life of her daughter… she would, of course, be the next generation of power from a source undefined.
Since the elements of character arc and personal development are so important to me, I will have to explore certain themes for Eva and for her daughter: how to deal with power and the responsibility that comes with it. For now, my ideas are to do with the melting tundra, which may release untold ancient viruses humanity has never encountered. And what they may do to us as a species. Being healers, the pressure on Eva and her daughter would be huge.
On the other hand, I might just stay with Eva and have the mighty challenge be hers. But I like the idea of a daughter who is even more powerful than Eva.
It remains to be seen! Right now, my husband and I are in the middle of writing a time-travel mystery, with a romance in it. It’s called Dream Traveler and it will be out next year. So, the sequel to Eva might just have to wait!
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Never having known her father and losing her mother when she was young, Eva believes she’s better off alone. Volunteering at the local rescue center in her small New England town, she connects deeply with the animals. They are her first love. But another great love is on the horizon, along with more life-changing discoveries. A father she didn’t know she had, a new family she doesn’t trust, and Michael, who is unlike anyone she’s ever known.
When the world learns of her gift, she’s forced into the limelight she’s avoided all her life. The internet lights up with wonder… and accusation.
Facing challenges at every turn, including her own inner demons, she must fight to protect, even embrace, her newfound ability. And learn to trust enough to open her heart.
Eva: a riveting romantic suspense with a supernatural twist
In the enthralling pages of this novel, we are introduced to Eva McGrath, a passionate 26-year-old with a unique aspiration: to delve deeply into the realm of animal care as a veterinary technician. To Eva, animals offer steadfast companionship in a life marked by unpredictable trials, most notably the profound losses of her mother and, later, her cherished aunt. Her refuge throughout these trials is her loyal dog, Cookie.
The novel beautifully captures Eva’s deep connection with animals, especially those on the brink of health crises. There’s a captivating essence to the moments she shares with them at the shelter and the veterinary hospital. Remarkably, animals teetering on the edge of life exhibit inexplicable recoveries after her visits. This pattern doesn’t go unnoticed by Dr. Michael Lowery of the Wood Lane Animal Hospital, leading to intriguing speculations: might Eva harbor an undiscovered healing gift?
The depth and intricacy of character development is a highlight. Eva, both grounded and emotionally delicate, is portrayed with finesse. Her hesitations to establish relationships, shaped by her history of loss, resonate deeply. The evolving relationship between Eva and the astute, empathetic Dr. Michael Lowery adds layers to the narrative. Their dynamic beautifully contrasts Eva’s instinctual guard over her emotions and Michael’s earnest quest to unravel the mystery of her possible gift.
A standout feature of this book is its expert weaving of romance, suspense, and a touch of the supernatural. Through the story, readers are prompted to reflect on themes of self-belief and the enigmatic. The author’s excellent storytelling ensures the book concludes satisfyingly yet leaves readers eagerly anticipating more. It hints at the onset of a riveting series that charts Eva’s explorations with her emergent talents.
This novel is a must-read treasure for those seeking a narrative enriched with emotion, intrigue, and a sprinkle of the otherworldly.
Pages: 347 | ASIN : B0C8PGY1NS
LITERARY TITAN 