Blog Archives
The Admiral’s Gamble
The Admiral’s Gamble unfolds like a cinematic naval epic mixed with the intrigue of a sci-fi thriller. It follows Admiral James Harrington, a decorated officer at the end of his long career, who stumbles upon a mysterious device capable of altering time. The story begins at his retirement party and spirals into a tense, emotional journey through duty, destiny, and moral conflict. What starts as a quiet reflection on legacy turns into a race against fate, as Harrington must decide whether to sacrifice everything he knows to prevent a future catastrophe.
Reading this book felt like stepping into an old-school war movie that suddenly turns futuristic. The writing is vivid and grounded in military realism, yet it slides seamlessly into moments of eerie wonder. Author Nick Malara writes with a strong sense of rhythm; his scenes move with a cinematic flow that keeps the tension alive even in the quiet moments. A few pages linger long on scenery when the story’s emotional punch could have carried itself. But the heart of the book, the internal struggle of a man torn between heroism and self-preservation, shines bright and feels honest.
I found myself really drawn to Harrington as a character. He’s gruff, tired, and haunted by the weight of command. The dialogue feels old-school and clipped, full of restraint, like the man himself. Yet beneath that hardened shell is a depth of conscience that makes him compelling. The time-travel element, though wild, serves more as a mirror for his soul than a trick of plot. It forces him, and the reader, to ask: what’s the cost of doing the right thing when it erases the life you’ve built? There were moments that hit hard, moments that made me pause and think about sacrifice, legacy, and the strange way duty can both define and destroy a person.
I’d recommend The Admiral’s Gamble to readers who like military fiction with a twist of science fiction, or stories about aging heroes facing their past. It’s ideal for people who enjoy introspection mixed with high-stakes action. The story’s emotional weight and moral questions make it worth the ride. If you like tales that mix grit, heart, and a touch of the unknown, this one’s a good bet.
Pages: 178 | ASIN : B0FH77C97Z
Foretold in the Scriptures
The Manifestation of Evil follows a young girl whose seemingly ordinary life in Ankara slowly unravels under the weight of sinister visions, haunting figures, and a destiny tied to forces beyond her understanding. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for the setup for my story would have to be Genesis 3:15 in the Bible, where it says how God will put an enmity between you and the woman and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel, and that verse was actually prophetic because it deals with the messiah, Jesus Christ, and the spiritual war. In my fictional book, I wanted Asya, a young Turkish girl who lives a normal life, to be visited by celestial beings to herald the birth of her firstborn child, who will change the world and her status as a chosen vessel. But she will be unaware of the type of celestial beings talking to her and the implications of what is being said to her. Just like the Virgin Mary in the Bible, who comes from a religious background, I wanted Asya to come from a religious background as well. Asya has no idea that the child she will give birth to is the antichrist, which was foretold in the scriptures.
What were some of the trials that you felt were important to highlight Asya’s development?
When it came to Asya’s development in the book, Asya went through betrayal and sexual abuse from a family relative, which was an awful thing, and that shaped her life to a certain extent, where she became an overachiever. Now, in my fictional book, I wanted to explore the background of the key players and characters in my book, especially their upbringing and events that will shape their lives, like the Russian president, Igor Alexander, who is an ultra nationalist and has a very dangerous antisemitic ideology.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The purpose of this fictional series is to make people aware of the times we are living in and to think about eternity because, truth be told, we live in a messed-up world. All you have to do is turn your TV on, and you will hear of wars and rumors of wars, and earthquakes in diverse places. People are losing their minds, and there is economic instability, uncertainty, and inflation. It does not take a scholar or a genius to know something is off with this world we live in, and it is full of evil.
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?
The Birth of the Antichrist: The Manifestation of Evil, Part 1 is part of a series. The second book, His Arrival, will be out in January of 2026. This first book deals with all the events and circumstances that will lead to the birth of the antichrist, the man of sin.
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The Ruinous Curse: The Hunt for Alesta
The Hunt for Alesta kicks off Mark K. McClain’s “The Ruinous Curse” series with the story of Barrett, a prince caught between duty, prophecy, and personal longing. As his kingdom teeters on the edge of war, Barrett discovers not only that magic might live inside him, but also that he’s at the heart of a much larger destiny. Alongside loyal friends Zanora, Gaia, and Unger, he battles dark forces, navigates hidden tunnels and magic festivals, and must decide whether to wield ancient power or follow a simpler path. The book weaves friendship, fear, and growing up into a quest full of danger and mythic weight.
What stood out most to me was how deeply human Barrett felt. He’s not some perfect hero. He hesitates, he doubts, and he fumbles through his feelings for Zanora like any teenager would. That made his story so much more relatable. The magic and world-building had a classic fantasy feel, but the dialogue kept it fresh. There’s a bit of whimsy here, like talking doors, cheeky magical creatures, and floating gossip orbs, but it’s grounded by the looming threat of war and the emotional weight of loss. McClain isn’t afraid to slow down for a tender moment or dive into darker territory.
The setup took a while, and while I enjoyed the time with the characters, I found myself itching for the real stakes to kick in. Still, once the action started, especially with the chase through Ashton and the reveal of Barrett’s power, I was hooked. There’s also a lot of prophecy talk, which can get a little heavy-handed, but it didn’t stop me from caring about the choices Barrett had to make. McClain manages to keep the story from veering into cliché by injecting heart into every turn, even when the tropes feel familiar.
The Hunt for Alesta is a heartfelt and imaginative coming-of-age story wrapped in the trappings of high fantasy. I’d recommend it to younger readers who loved the early Percy Jackson books or fans of coming-of-age tales in magical worlds like Eragon or the Earthsea Cycle. It’s for those who want magic with emotion, action with meaning, and friendships that feel real. It spins a tale worth following, and I’m excited to see where Barrett’s story goes next.
Pages: 301 | ASIN : B0B4V5BMLG
Whispers Through Time
Whispers Through Time follows Sierra Masters, a successful historical fiction writer whose life is upended when a former lover, Hunter Davenport, reappears with a stack of photographs and a secret about her origins. What begins as a deeply personal reunion quickly spins into a tale of political resistance, cultural identity, and a decades-old mystery involving the American Indian Movement, the 1973 Occupation of Wounded Knee, and Sierra’s true parentage. As Sierra navigates her family’s past and her own shattered sense of self, the novel shifts seamlessly between romance, mystery, and historical fiction, creating a rich and emotionally charged story.
What struck me most was the emotional honesty in Hoessli’s writing. Her prose is straightforward and often stark, but that works in her favor. There’s just raw, heartfelt truth. Sierra’s breakdowns, her self-doubt, her fury, and her quiet moments of awe are painted vividly. I felt like I was sitting in that dusty adobe house in Big Bend, Texas. The pacing can feel slow at times, especially when the backstory expands into historical context, but the emotional payoff is worth every beat. The dream sequences and flashes of past trauma are especially affecting.
Sometimes characters drop into exposition mode and sound more like history teachers than people talking. But even then, the ideas they’re exploring, identity, betrayal, legacy, are weighty enough to hold my attention. The relationships, especially between Sierra and her mother, are what really gave the book its weight. Also, Hunter. He’s a classic storm-you-can’t-look-away-from kind of guy. I didn’t always like him, but I couldn’t stop watching him.
Whispers Through Time is a powerful blend of historical fiction, romantic suspense, and contemporary drama. A story about finding the truth, even when it hurts. It’s perfect for readers who crave novels full of long-buried family secrets, emotionally raw relationships, and a deep dive into forgotten corners of American history.
Pages: 276 | ASIN : B098278M38
Wishes in a Bottle
Wishes in a Bottle, by Allie McCormack, is a romantic fantasy that weaves together ancient magic, eternal longing, and the power of selfless love. Julian DiConti, a mage from plague-ridden Italy, becomes bound to a mystical bottle after a spell goes wrong, cursed to grant wishes until three truly selfless ones are made. In modern-day New York, his fate collides with Alessandra Taylor, a hospice worker with a compassionate soul, offering him the first glimmer of hope he’s had in centuries. Their story unfolds against the backdrop of pain, healing, and a magical bond neither of them expected.
What struck me most about the book was how real Julian felt despite the genie-in-a-bottle premise. He’s six hundred years old, yes, but his pain is fresh, raw even. The opening scene, in which a selfish woman squanders her final wish on a necklace rather than saving a dying child, was deeply unsettling and emotionally jarring. You can feel Julian’s frustration. I loved that the author didn’t sugarcoat his weariness. He endured centuries of witnessing individuals squander extraordinary opportunities, all while being powerless to intervene. The emotional depth of that experience was profoundly affecting.
Then there’s Alessandra. I adored her. She’s fierce in a quiet, grounded way. Her love for her nephew Bobby and her simmering resentment toward her emotionally absent brother-in-law felt so authentic. There’s a scene where she storms into the hospital after hearing about Bobby’s worsening condition, angry, grieving, full of fire, and yet the moment she sees her sister, she softens immediately. That complexity made her so relatable. When Alessandra meets Julian, there is an immediate sense of connection, marked not only by chemistry but also by trust, skepticism, and genuine curiosity. Their relationship develops gradually, avoiding the trope of instant infatuation, which makes the unfolding of their bond all the more compelling and rewarding.
The magic system is subtle but beautifully handled. It’s not flashy spells and fight scenes, it is ancient rules, quiet consequences, and emotional toll. I especially liked how Julian is punished by pain for bending the rules, like when he visits Bobby without a wish being made. That added meaningful weight to the magical framework, grounding it in emotional consequence. While the middle section leans heavily on dialogue and introspection, it enriches the characters and their relationships. The warmth and underlying tension between them kept the narrative engaging and made it difficult to put down.
Allie McCormack’s Wishes in a Bottle surprised me. It’s not just a love story. It’s about redemption, choice, and the agony of wanting to do good when the world keeps getting in the way. I’d recommend it to fans of character-driven romance with a supernatural twist. If you liked The Time Traveler’s Wife or works by Nora Roberts with a magical edge, you will enjoy this unique romantic adventure.
Pages: 376 | ASIN : B07KXYJM3Q
Rage (The Lit Series Book 3)
Rage is a relentless, mind-bending thriller drenched in supernatural horror. The third book in The Lit Series, it drops us into the chaos of Sam Morris, a man shackled by both his past and the terrifying entities clawing at his mind. The story grips from page one as Sam, bloodstained and half-conscious, sits in police custody, interrogated for a crime steeped in mystery. What follows is a disturbing descent into an eerie world where reality and nightmare bleed together. As Sam’s fragile grip on sanity crumbles, the novel introduces Ellie and Josh—two figures tangled in the same supernatural horror—desperately navigating an existence where monstrous forces lurk in the shadows, waiting to strike.
Mark Anthony’s writing style is an experience in itself. It’s raw, visceral, and utterly immersive. The way he captures Sam’s unraveling psyche in the opening scene is haunting. Sam isn’t just confused or traumatized he’s drowning in a thick fog of something unexplainable. The story thrives in these moments, where reality feels slippery, and every shadow threatens to come alive. Anthony’s prose flickers between poetic and grotesque, making the horror feel as much psychological as it is physical. It’s messy, unpredictable, and wildly effective.
What truly sets Rage apart is its unsettling atmosphere. From the interrogation room to the rain-drenched streets, everything feels oppressively claustrophobic. The scene where Ellie and Josh, exhausted and terrified, realize they are being stalked by a presence they cannot see is particularly chilling. The horror isn’t just in the grotesque creatures that lurk in the dark; it’s in the dread that builds before they strike. The tension never lets up, and Anthony’s knack for drawing out suspense leaves the reader in a constant state of unease.
Rage doesn’t shy away from violence, and when things go bad, they go bad fast. The moment the Dark Child enters the police station, reality collapses into chaos. One officer, blindly grappling with an incomprehensible horror, has his face torn apart before he can even scream. The scene is savage and cinematic, a blood-soaked spectacle of terror. But Anthony balances brutality with a sense of sorrow, this isn’t just horror for horror’s sake. The violence means something, and the characters are acutely aware that every drop of blood spilled has consequences.
By the time the dust settles, Rage leaves a mark. It’s intense, deeply unsettling, and lingers long after the last page. This is a book for readers who crave horror that gets under their skin. If you like your thrillers laced with paranoia, supernatural terror, and gut-wrenching suspense, Rage is for you.
Pages: 545 | ASIN : B0DRKP5GMT
What It Means To Be Family
Among the Wolves of Nottely Lake follows a teen living with his wolf-hunter father, who never knew his mother, who discovers he is part wolf after taking a DNA test. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My stories usually happen when two ideas collide. For this book, I wanted to write a story about someone searching for family, as that is a personal interest of mine, but it’s not much of a story idea. Then I had the idea about someone taking a DNA test that comes back with wolf DNA, and the book was there. I also wanted to honor my favorite author, Wylly Folk St. John, so I located the story in the Blue Ridge Mountains on Lake Nottely.
Rob Giroux is a fascinating character who has to work through a complicated situation. What scene was the most interesting to write for that character?
I loved writing the scene when Rob’s sisters find him at the bowling alley. He is surprised by so many unusual circumstances at that point, and I hope the reader is surprised as well. That moment, early in the novel, is exciting to me and so full of possibilities. I also loved writing the end!
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I wanted to explore family bonds, and what it even means to be ‘family.’ It was also important to me to show character(s) who are fierce and resourceful, yet also reliant on loved ones. I wanted to explore trust and loyalty coupled with fear and uncertainty.
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?
I planned for this to be a standalone novel, but the feedback I’ve received has been pushing me toward a second book. I would personally like a prequel story – I’d like to see the relationship between Rob’s parents unfold. It would be interesting, to me, to see how we arrive at page one of Among the Wolves.
As for my next book, it’s on the way – hopefully 2025. It’s a middle grades adventure story that again focuses on family ties.
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High school senior Rob Giroux has always wondered about his mother. Who is she? Why did she leave? Is she even still alive? At the urging of his girlfriend, Candace, Rob takes a DNA test that comes back with shocking results: Rob has the DNA of Canis lupus. Wolf. What Rob doesn’t know is that his father is a leader in a ruthless group of werewolf hunters, and now, Rob is the very thing his father wants to destroy.
When Candace disappears, Rob’s long-lost werewolf sisters arrive, offering Rob the chance to find the family for which he has always longed. Rob journeys with them to their ancestral home in North Georgia. There, in the swirling snows of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Rob must make a choice: reconcile with his human father and become a powerful werewolf Hunter, or accept his supernatural heritage, join his sisters, and embrace the one true love who has always been by his side.
Apocalyptic Adventures
Magic Revealed, Anarchy Reigns: Supernatural War Book 2 follows a community striving to rebuild after an EMP strike that has left the world in chaos and unrest, with crime, danger, and paranormal activity around every turn. What inspired the setup of your story?
I have read many different post-apocalyptic stories, and I felt that this idea had a little more relevance to what I like to read. I enjoy shooting and going on off-highway adventures with my Jeep and felt that including these into the story would help the storyline.
The supporting characters in this novel, I felt, were intriguing and well-developed. Who was your favorite character to write for?
Ruffus is the most fun to write for, and trying to imagine things from a dog’s perspective has been great. Trying to mimic what a dog will do in different situations is the most fun, and after having a few dogs and watching how they react to different voices and people, it has helped in the character development of Ruffus.
In fantasy novels, it’s easy to get carried away by the magical powers of characters. How did you balance the use of supernatural powers?
We did not want the supernatural powers to be the main focus, though we wanted people to relate to that writing in the book while also pulling in the apocalyptic adventures. Pulling in the supernatural powers really happened by circumstance; as Larisa was editing and writing about the women, she added their supernatural powers to give them more action in the book rather than leaving them far in the background. This has really helped give the story more life and made it relatable to a larger audience.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
Yes, book three is almost done and going through editing and beta and ARC readers at the moment. Book three expands the supernatural abilities of the team as they learn to accept these new abilities and learn how to harness these powers. TJ and the team are sent to Ely to rescue his parents, brother, and sister. Along the way, they have to engage in hostile threats to protect citizens of the towns along the way. Once they have saved the towns, they make new friends. The trip is not without sadness, and they lose one of their team members in the fight to save TJ’s family from a gang. The family members that return to Freedom Ranch also have an antagonist in the group that will test TJ and the group. There are multiple fights that highlight individual and group strengths in the story, and they learn how they all have to work together to be successful.
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At the end of book one, they receive distressing information from Kyle, revealing the catastrophic devastation across the country. They have a good stockpile of dried, canned, and long-term food to survive, though with each new individual that joins their community, the storage supplies dwindle. A question remains. Do they have the skills to survive what lies ahead?
The journey continues with TJ, his wife, Mel, and their beloved four-legged companion, Ruffus. They prepare a remembrance BBQ with the crew at the ranch for Memorial Day. But sometimes, the best-laid plans don’t work out as we hoped.
TJ and his team return to the Rubicon to rescue a friend and get more than they bargained for. Can they make it through the dangers and challenges that lie ahead? Will they make it back with no injuries or loss of life? Hostages? And who is holding people hostage?
While back at the ranch, Mel, Gail, and Shelly discover that everything they believe about their world is a lie. Magic explodes right along with the EMP, and the future is uncertain. How did this happen? What are they going to do? Does anyone else know what is going on?
There are no longer policing agencies. Gangs are taking over the local towns. No one is safe. How far will they go to maintain their rule?
This is our first venture into writing about a post-apocalyptic paranormal world. We combined our love of these two genres to write an amazing, fun-filled adventure.
Book three is in the works. It will introduce new characters and feature more magic, action, adventures, and fun surprises. We think there is something for everyone.
We wanted to expand Ruffus’s role in this post-apocalyptic, magical world, and we had so much fun with his chapters. We are looking forward to many more fun adventures with him.
There are big plans for this paranormal apocalyptic series. Hang on to your hats; it’s going to be a wild ride.
If you enjoy post-apocalyptic adventures, paranormal magic, and midlife heroes and heroines, this series is for you. If you don’t, give it a try. You might love it.
LITERARY TITAN 