Blog Archives
The Wonder of Archaeological Digs
Finders follows a group of university students on an archaeological dig in Cornwall who uncover an ornate, gem-encrusted Celtic relic filled with ancient mystery. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I’ve often felt there’s something magical hiding just out of reach in the British landscape. I like walking to hillforts, standing stones, burial mounds, and the like. And I’m interested in reading about archaeological discoveries, watching videos about digs, and listening to history podcasts. All that came together in the opening of Finders.
Capturing the personalities of college students while keeping the story focused and moving forward can be a challenging task. What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
I especially enjoyed writing as Ozzie, mostly because of his wry sense of humour about the world and himself. I got stuck some way through the first draft when my bare, vague plot plan didn’t work, but Ozzie kept making me want to discover what happened next.
It was hard to express the main antagonist’s narcissistic megalomania and at the same-time make him seem like a real person rather than a moustache-twirling, melodramatic villain.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The fascination of exploration and discovery, particularly the discovery of what lies beyond the material realm; and, tied in with that, shifts in awareness. At least I think those are themes. To be honest, I never thought about the book’s themes until my developmental editor asked me what the central theme was . . .
Where does the story go in the next book, and where do you see it going in the future?
Mercie, Ozzie and Petroc journey through what Petroc calls “a more subtle level” of existence, where the relationship between mind and matter is different, as is the relationship between one mind and another. After confronting two of their enemies there, the three return to the dig. Now seeing the “normal” world in a new light, they confront the third of their enemies in a way they did not anticipate.
Author Links: Website | Instagram | Substack
Finders
Robert J. Collins’ Finders kicks off a sprawling story rooted in ancient mystery and young discovery. The novel follows a group of university students on an archaeological dig in Cornwall, where what starts as a search for pottery shards and Roman tiles quickly transforms into something much more extraordinary. At the center is Ozzie, a dry-witted archaeology student who stumbles into a buried enigma, an ornate stone with gem-encrusted carvings and hints of long-lost rituals. As the dig deepens, tensions rise among the team, strange local figures emerge, and what lies beneath the surface, both literal and emotional, begins to shift their reality.
Reading Finders felt like being caught between a campus comedy and a mythic awakening. I absolutely loved the banter between the students. It’s quick, playful, and often funny. Ozzie is a wonderfully grounded narrator, the kind who doesn’t take himself too seriously but still brings a lot of heart to his observations. Collins has a real ear for dialogue. It’s chaotic, clever, and completely believable. But what surprised me most was how seamlessly that humor folded into something deeper. The archaeological details are rich but not overwhelming, and the slow burn of supernatural or symbolic significance unfolding in the knotwork stone was addictive. I didn’t expect a book about digging to keep me turning pages this fast.
The writing isn’t afraid to take its time. Collins lingers in conversations and small moments, and sometimes that gives it a slower pace than I wanted. But by the end, I appreciated the buildup. The characters felt real, not in a polished, archetypal way, but in the clumsy, lovable, kind-of-annoying way real people do. I was drawn to Mercie and her mystical side, to Carl’s playful chaos, and even to the mysterious Petroc, who might be charming or dangerous or both. The book flirts with fantasy, but it keeps one muddy boot firmly planted in the real world. That mix makes it special. It reminded me of Susan Cooper or early Neil Gaiman, only with more beer and sunburns.
Finders is for readers who like their magic grounded and their characters messy. If you enjoy smart young adult fiction with ancient puzzles, witty dialogue, and the tension of something just-about-to-happen, this book is worth your time. It’s not flashy. It’s not fast. But it leaves you curious, unsettled, and thrilled. I can’t wait to see where the story goes next.
Pages: 260 | ASIN : B0FBXCM5BW
Wielders of Woe: Inferno
Jeffery A. Roarke Jr.’s Wielders of Woe: Inferno delivers an engrossing blend of science fiction and fantasy as it explores the trials and tribulations of Prince Halcion Skyborn from the Athos Empire. This sweeping narrative unveils an intricate conspiracy to dethrone the royalty, with the hapless prince accused of treason by the power-hungry High Minister Varim and the ruling council.
Stripped of his Fire Wielding capabilities and banished to the desolate Ashlands, the initially arrogant Prince Hal embarks on a transformative journey. A realization dawns upon him: knowledge can serve as a potent form of power. With newfound allies and a fierce determination, he takes on formidable celestial entities to regain his Wielding prowess and confronts his own sister in a bid to rescue his people.
Wielders of Woe: Inferno is such a captivating read that it certainly warrants a second perusal. Prince Hal, with his profound character development and heroic quest, has the potential to enthrall readers and keep them thoroughly engaged.
Roarke’s finesse in worldbuilding is also commendable. The universe he crafts feels tangible and interconnected, achieved without resorting to excessive exposition or unnecessary information. Roarke cleverly employs Hal’s own learning journey as a narrative device, thereby allowing readers to grasp the complexities of the Wielding abilities simultaneously with the protagonist.
An element of intrigue lies in the mystery surrounding the Primordials. The anticipation of uncovering more about these enigmatic beings in the future installments, along with the resolution of Hal’s sister’s fate and the outcome of Varim’s machinations, will undoubtedly keep readers hooked.
Roarke’s skillful storytelling breathes life into this brand-new universe and its compelling characters. The narrative brims with conflict and moves at a pace that culminates in a satisfying conclusion while leaving ample room for the continuation of Hal’s journey. As such, Wielders of Woe: Inferno is an immersive read that skillfully melds science fiction and fantasy elements into an unforgettable tale of courage, transformation, and resilience.
Pages: 431 | ASIN : B0C6QTDY9H
LITERARY TITAN 