Blog Archives
Inspired by a Dream
Harbinger follows a princess whose prophetic nightmares lead her to make a forbidden connection with an imperial rook. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
It all started with a dream I had when I was 17. I knew that I didn’t have the writing experience or life experience to do the story justice, so I sat on the idea until I was 25. When I did sit down to write, I thought that, since this was inspired by a dream, having my MFC’s conflict start in dreams seemed appropriate. Sadly, her dreams were not as enjoyable as mine.
Were you able to relate to your characters while writing them?
I did! We have all had moments of fear that we have to overcome, and I personally believe all fear is a benchmark. Something to tell us what we need to overcome. Be it to improve a skill or recover from a trauma that we experienced, that is stopping us from moving forward. Keira doesn’t have the tools to combat her fears, but she has the determination to find them. I also resonated with the imperial family; they reminded me of how my own family rallies around each other when we are in need. Their love for one another is a mirror of the love I have for my family. Then there is Cyrus’s commitment to finding the truth, which made me determined that he would get his answers because I needed them too!
How did you come up with the idea for the antagonist in this story, and how did it change as you wrote?
In the beginning, I had several possible villain choices, but it wasn’t until I wrote the Club Deviant scene that V appeared. As I wrote him, I was appalled by how callous and depraved he was but had to admit he was the perfect villain. His evolution from cunning strategist to obsessed deviate is a direct response to how many blood bonds he has had. With each bond, his need to have sex grows, and his obsession with Keira becomes twisted, as do his goals.
Can you give us a glimpse inside Book 2 of this series? Where will it take readers?
Lines will be crossed. Revelations will blow up preconceived notions of facts. And my 4 little female moiohs (children) will be hard at work influencing everyone. A little more will be revealed about the enemies from the stars, and everything will be decided by a desperate gamble. There will be some answers, but not all. The real revelations happen in book 3 (yes, it’s written).
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
The return of a particular imperial rook changes the tone of her dreams, providing her with much needed relief. But this too is perplexing, for he is a rook and she an elite. The law strictly forbids a union between the two.
Yet four little female moiohs scheme to bring them together, providing the path to secure their future, a future threatened by traitors who would use the princess as a way to steal her father’s throne.
Harbinger
Harbinger is the first installment in the Praetoria Chronicles by Niah Bach, a richly imagined fantasy tale set in a world ruled by a complex caste system. The story centers on Princess Keira, the only imperial daughter in an empire where the elite possess no special powers, yet rule above the magically gifted rooks and mystics. As Keira begins experiencing prophetic nightmares of a coming doom, she is drawn toward a forbidden connection with a powerful imperial rook. As political intrigue and supernatural forces threaten the empire, a deeper mystery unfolds, one that could upend not just Keira’s life but the future of Praetoria itself.
Bach’s world-building is nothing short of stunning. Praetoria is layered, vibrant, and detailed with care. The glossary and cultural backdrops are immense, and clearly the product of years of thought. The long descriptions and layered exposition occasionally slowed the pace. There’s a ton of lore, which is great for readers who want to be immersed in a world. When the plot did kick into gear, especially during the journal segments from Master Mage Cyrus, the writing became haunting, poignant, and strangely beautiful. The slow-burn mystery behind the empire’s fragile peace and the foreshadowing of darkness made me feel genuinely uneasy, in the best way.
What really resonated with me emotionally was Keira’s isolation. Her fear, her helplessness, her quiet resilience, they all rang painfully true. I cared about her. But I often wished her voice was stronger against the heavy world around her. Some characters, like Cyrus, leaped off the page with urgency and sorrow. The ambition of this novel is hard not to admire. It’s bold, long, and deeply invested in its own mythology.
Harbinger is for readers who want to lose themselves in a fantasy realm. If you love epic sagas with political drama, ancient magic, and a touch of forbidden romance, this might be your kind of book. It asks for your full attention, but it rewards that commitment with moments of real beauty and meaning.
Pages: 354 | ASIN : B0DL3QYLF5
Mutually Beneficial
Mutually Beneficial by David G. Williamsson introduces readers to a gripping narrative as the retirement of esteemed Democratic senator Robert Jameson sets off a chain of unsettling events. Determined to clear his late daughter’s name from allegations of suicide, Jameson uncovers a murder intricately tied to a web of political scandals threatening to topple careers. Amidst this tumultuous backdrop, the ambitious Ambassador Susan McClarren grapples with her own demons. Her compromising addiction and a damning piece of evidence could derail her vice-presidential aspirations, prompting her to seek the assistance of the resourceful Chique.
Chique, alongside her partner Raymond, navigates a complex world of client obligations and personal vendettas, all while maintaining the delicate balance of their own relationship. The addition of Jameson into their lives only intensifies their challenges as they delve deeper into the murky waters of political intrigue and personal revenge. Their quest is further complicated by the elusive individual possessing the incriminating film of McClarren, adding layers of difficulty to their already perilous mission. The novel is replete with action, suspense, and an abundance of sexual content, painting a vivid picture of the characters’ intertwined lives. While the romance between Raymond and Chique offers a tumultuous narrative thread, McClarren’s exploits provide an additional dimension of complexity. The use of profanity, while abundant, may detract from the narrative’s potential for some readers, yet it contributes to the raw and unfiltered portrayal of the book’s thematic elements.
Chique, as the protagonist, stands out as a formidable and resolute figure. Her boldness and determination in the face of adversity highlight her as a noteworthy character within the genre. The plot, rich with concurrent storylines, showcases the author’s dedication to detailed characterization, providing readers with a multifaceted look at the characters’ motivations and struggles and enhancing the narrative’s depth and complexity.
For those drawn to novels brimming with action, political intrigue, and intricate personal relationships, Mutually Beneficial presents a rich tapestry of conflict and resolution. The story contains a complex plot and an engaging exploration of power, ambition, and survival.
Pages: 229 | ASIN : B0CLJ3XG9W
Lessons on Seduction
Lessons on Seduction by Estelle Pettersen is a passionate, erotic romance novel that will fully satisfy the appetites of the fans of this genre. Julian Carpenter Richland is a university professor focused on studying and researching archaeology. He’s extremely committed to his job and area of study but lives a second-secret lifestyle filled with dangerous affairs and lustful encounters. On the other side of the spectrum is Sapphire Blake, a conservative woman and a people-pleaser yearning to feel much more than her religion allows. When these two personalities clash, a new world of romance and passion will be discovered. Still, past mistakes may taint and endanger what initially seemed to be an exciting, daring, and loving relationship.
The story is told from two perspectives: Julian’s and Sapphire’s. This choice allowed the author to present a complete picture of their romantic relationship and how their connection slowly developed and, with time, turned into so much more than they could expect or wish. As a result, the narration is immersive, and the reader can thoroughly blend into the story and understand the perspectives of each character. Julian and Sapphire’s relationship begins as a playful thing that unexpectedly evolves into something more; their chemistry overflows each page and lets the reader get excited to see where everything leads. There’s romance, love, passion, and lust. Still, there’s also an unexpected layer of destructive and unkind realms that gives the story a level of tension that takes its complexity to another level.
One quickly flies through this book; it’s simply one of those you want to finish in one sitting to fully capture its essence, allowing you to get the best experience possible. The storyline is well-developed, and it covers many areas of the relationship that is portrayed. There are also a few time jumps, a successful strategy that feels believable and lets the reader get a fuller timeline of said relationship. Julian is described from the beginning as an expert on seduction. As a professor, he makes it his challenge to instruct his newest interest, Sapphire, on everything one can learn about what can go behind closed doors between two people who find each other irresistible. Soon the romance develops, making their relationship more captivating.
Lessons on Seduction by Estelle Pettersen is an adventurous and unpredictable romance that will explore many avenues, and the opposing personalities of the characters, matched with their unusual attraction, will turn this into an exciting and passionate story that you’ll want to devour from beginning to end.
Pages: 198 | ASIN : B08BKRPF63
LITERARY TITAN 