Blog Archives
Struth Mate!: Is This Hell? (Struth! Book 2)
Ava Forme’s Struth Mate! Is This Hell? is a mad, cosmic ride through a metaphysical reality where life, death, religion, science and philosophy collide. This isn’t your typical sci-fi or religious satire, it’s a sprawling, layered universe that takes big swings at answering life’s biggest questions: Why are we here? What happens after we die? Are we just meat machines or does something greater move us? Picking up from the model of the universe developed in the first book in this series, this volume throws us into the “scosmos,” a parallel spiritual plane, where spirits use life (and specifically the heightened abilities of human life) to try to solve some of the universe’s ultimate puzzles.
I found the writing style both wild and strangely charming. Forme’s world is complex and stuffed to the brim with ideas. It’s like reading someone’s fever dream if that dream had been outlined by a philosopher-turned-sci-fi author with a very dry sense of humor. The way new words are formed by slapping an “s” in front of them (like “slife” for spiritual life or “swalk” for spiritual walk) is weird at first, but it grew on me. It added to the surreal, alien-but-familiar tone of the book. I especially loved how Don, our narrator, walks us through Heaven like a sarcastic Airbnb host explaining self-image manipulation, spiritual politics, and bisexuality in the afterlife like it’s all totally normal. His personal discomfort, curiosity, and heartbreak over his lover Lesley’s secret identity as the reincarnated spirit of Adolf Hitler is told with emotional vulnerability and dry wit that somehow makes it all land.
That said, Struth Mate! isn’t a light beach read. It’s dense. There’s a whole metaphysical system introduced in the preamble and “Chapter 0” that includes spiritual echelons, reincarnation mechanics, and a universal information network called the sinternet that provides access to all knowledge stored in dark matter. It’s a lot. But that’s also what makes it fun, if you like a bit of brain-stretching fiction. One of the more memorable concepts was the “Kali Objective,” a mission given to gods (yes, there are many, and they retire like presidents) to stop the universe from continually cycling from Big Bang to Big Crunch by understanding and mastering cosmic forces. It’s ambitious, almost laughably so, but it hooked me. I caught myself wondering, “What if?” more than once.
Emotionally, the book lands harder than I expected. The way Forme explores spiritual longing, identity, and purpose hit close to home. Don’s inner conflict, especially when he finds out Lesley is not only God now but also carrying the spiritual echo of Hitler, is both bizarre and strangely touching. It makes you reflect on how we process trauma, identity, and destiny. The book might be dressed in cosmic technobabble and telepathic networking, but at its core, it’s about people (or spirits) trying to find meaning and connection in a chaotic universe.
If you need linear plots, clear-cut good guys and bad guys, or simple language, you’ll probably get frustrated. But if you’re the kind of reader who digs The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy mixed with The Good Place, stirred up with philosophical rambling and a healthy dose of irreverence, you’ll be in for a hell of a time. I’d recommend it to fans of speculative fiction, agnostics wrestling with cosmic meaning, or just anyone who likes their sci-fi on the strange side.
Pages: 511 | ASIN : B0F32RBYYG
Life Beyond Our Human Boundaries
The Gift chronicles your transformative journey from skeptical seeker to confident spiritual guide, uncovering intuitive gifts and ancestral wisdom through decades of metaphysical exploration. Why was this an important book for you to write?
My journey showed me that there is much more to life on earth than we discern with our five senses and I felt it was important to share this with others who are embarking on a similar path. Not only to know of this expanded view of the world but to utilize this dimension to enrich one’s life as well as elevate group consciousness.
What moment during the writing of The Gift felt the most vulnerable to put into words?
Although I believe this memoir made me more vulnerable in general because of my experiences with the beyond, I would say being contacted by extra-terrestrials was by far the most compelling and significant encounter confirming there is life beyond our human boundaries. Admitting to having contact with extra-terrestrials back in the eighties was controversial and looked upon with disbelief.
Were there any spiritual encounters you chose not to include in the book because they felt too personal or unbelievable?
Funny that you should ask that question. Yes, there are many more incredible occurrences that were left out. For instance, my psychic abilities have expanded exponentially. I have met strangers and been able to connect with their loved ones and give a meaningful message. It is not something I consciously do, but when someone who passed on knows I can relay a message they get excited and ask me to do so. I also am able to tune into the years that trauma occurred in one’s life by looking at their energy field which can facilitate healing. Now that I have established a presence, my next book will include a deeper level of exploration.
If you could offer one piece of advice to readers who are just beginning to notice intuitive experiences in their lives, what would it be?
First, be open to the potential that there is much more to the world than what we can see. Secondly, meditate to calm the body and mind to allow a deep level of relaxation that prepares one for hearing their subconscious thoughts as well as connecting to the collective unconscious. These practices can lead to synchronicities and open the gate to the unseen world.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | YouTube | Amazon
A Watcher of People
So I’ve Been Thinking is a series of short, real-life stories pulled from your own experiences that reflect on something we all wrestle with: family dynamics, personal growth, fear, nostalgia, bravery, and, yes, dessert. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I have been a watcher of people. What I have come to realize is that we are much more alike than we are different. By sharing these stories, I am hoping people find commonality and in that, see our neighbors, friends, and people we have yet to meet as friends.
What was the most challenging part of writing this book, and what was the most rewarding?
The hardest part was putting the stories together in a way that makes sense to the reader. The most rewarding part was rereading the stories from a reader’s perspective.
What is one piece of advice someone gave you that changed your life?
My mom taught me about self-love at a very young age. She said, “You can’t take care of others if you don’t fill your well and take care of yourself first.”
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your book?
I hope the reader laughs, cries, smiles, and feels joy. I hope they continue to talk about the book long after they finish the last page.
Author Links: Facebook | Instagram | Website
Washing The Inside Of The Cup
Cheryl Lynn’s Washing the Inside of the Cup is a heartfelt, faith-driven memoir chronicling her spiritual transformation from a life scarred by emotional and spiritual abuse to one rooted in unshakeable peace through total surrender to God. Through deeply personal stories, scripture, and divine encounters, Lynn walks readers through the trials she endured, the grace she embraced, and the vision she ultimately received. Her central message is clear: a life wholly committed to the Lord—mind, body, and spirit—can be one of supernatural peace, clarity, and divine intimacy.
What struck me most about this book was its raw honesty. The account of her abusive marriage is especially poignant. Her decision to surrender her whole heart to God—not merely attend church or read the Bible, but to give herself completely—marks a powerful turning point in the book.
But the most unforgettable part, by far, was her vision of Jesus. She describes being surrounded by blessings and then hearing the Lord speak behind her: “Remember, your eyes belong to me, not on the blessings.” That moment was so vivid. Her description of falling to her knees in awe—unable to even look at Him—transcends the page.
While I enjoyed the memoir, the writing can feel repetitive at times, and the pace occasionally drifts, especially when recounting numerous personal miracles. But these are easy to overlook in light of Lynn’s sincerity. Her voice is clear and kind. She’s not preaching at you—she’s talking to you, like a big sister who’s been through fire and came out glowing with grace.
I would recommend Washing the Inside of the Cup to anyone walking through pain, especially Christian women facing spiritual exhaustion or abuse. It’s also a beautiful guide for anyone curious about what it means to truly “walk in the Spirit.” If you’ve ever asked, “Can God really speak to me?”—this book says yes. Loud and clear. And with love.
Pages: 79 | ASIN : B0D8S1KZ7G
So I’ve Been Thinking
Imagine sitting on a porch swing with a wise, funny friend who hands you a glass of wine and says, “Okay, listen to this…” That’s what reading So I’ve Been Thinking feels like. Judy Marano doesn’t lecture. She shares. She wonders. She pokes at life with a curious stick and invites you to do the same.
This book isn’t a self-help manual. It doesn’t come with five-point plans or bolded advice boxes. Instead, it’s a series of short, real-life stories pulled from Judy’s own experiences and written with an honest voice that’s both sharp and warm. Each essay reflects on something we all wrestle with: family dynamics, personal growth, fear, nostalgia, bravery, and, yes, dessert.
The stories start small, a paddleboard ride, a dance across campus, a Thanksgiving dinner flip-flopped in reverse. But somehow, each one blooms into something bigger. It’s less about what happened and more about what it all means. Judy has a way of turning everyday events into little wisdom bombs. Like the time she went to her first opera and walked out changed, not because of the music, but because she finally stopped letting fear run the show.
What made this book resonate with me is how normal everything is. You recognize these moments. They’re universal. The quiet ache of an empty holiday. The sweet chaos of raising kids. That quiet voice that says, “I don’t belong here,” and the louder one that finally replies, “Actually, I do.” The writing is conversational but thoughtful. No fluff. No filler. Just well-told moments that make you think without trying too hard. One minute you’re laughing, the next you’re staring out the window thinking, “Yeah… I’ve felt that too.”
There’s a lot of love in these pages, love for curiosity, for change, for letting go, for holding on. Judy doesn’t claim to have the answers, and that’s probably why the book works. She just asks the right questions. And she does it with grace, humor, and a touch of sass.
So I’ve Been Thinking is for anyone who’s trying to make sense of life’s messiness and magic without getting too serious about it. Read a chapter before bed, on a train, in between errands. It’s that kind of book, light enough to carry, rich enough to stay with you. Highly recommended if you like Anne Lamott, Nora Ephron, or just good old-fashioned real talk.
Pages: 143 | ASIN : B0DJMGB4RG
Guidance and Knowledge
Using Your Superpower follows a woman thrust into the office of Secretary of State struggling with her own self-doubt and who finds that empathy is a mighty weapon in even the most challenging circumstances. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I’m not too sure of my actual inspiration for creating this literary life of Amelia Castro. I have been inspired by the fact that Madeline Albright, Condoleeza Rice, and Hillary Clinton all were placed in that role, and in my opinion, each did an excellent job. Adding that factor to my conviction that the Secretary of State is perhaps the most important political post with the most difficult responsibility of all Cabinet positions.
Amelia Castro is an incredibly relatable character. What was your process for creating her traits and dialogue?
I wanted her to be successful in this role and therefore, just like the President selecting her, would have to select the most qualified person to do the job. However, the most important safeguard for Amelia was to have a support team and therefore I created the Fearless Five who would advise and protect her to the utmost degree.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
First, what was to be the Superpower, and I selected Empathy as the most important power that would guide my characters and the government agencies they led. Next, who were to be the other characters that guided Amelia and where did they all receive the Guidance and knowledge to provide the advice they imparted.
Can we look forward to more fiction from you soon? What are you currently working on?
Yes! I am currently near finishing a very ambitious Vision Quest fiction novel that follows a middle-aged man who decides to trek by foot throughout the country of Belize. He was inspired by the actions of Shirley McClaine when she performed the trek though the Camino de Santiago de Compostela in Spain. There is no specific connection between my character’s journey and that of Shirley McClaine except for each person’s need to accomplish a trek that would satisfy a spiritual lack in each person that needed to be internally resolved. My character is more aggressive in attempting to reach a certain spiritual advancement, but both have that in mind for their trek.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
These three were Madeleine Albright (1997-2001), Condoleeza Rice (2005-2009),and Hillary Clinton (2009-2013).
This fictional story does not explicitly relate to those world leaders but acknowledgesm the legacy of the many strong women like them who can change the world through their actions.
From the author
Dan Ford
Using Your Superpower is a truly unique fictional novel. Its narrative beats with thelife and triumphs of Amelia Castro, a woman of exceptional strength and resilience, making it a compelling read for those who seek something different. In a story as enthralling as it is unique, we are drawn into Amelia Castro’s life as she struggles with her fears and the weighty responsibilities that come with her role as Secretary of State of the United States.
Amelia’s emotional odysseys, brimming with mystery, drama, and thrilling spiritual and physical escapades, will undoubtedly captivate readers. The novel uniquely
celebrates themes of non-religious spirituality, friendship, and unity, taking readers on a rollercoaster of adventure, emotions, and actions and inviting them to explore a different perspective of life.
Amelia’s closest friends, known along with her as the Fearless Five, are not just characters in a journey through life. They are integral, inspiring figures who strive for human supremacy as Spiritual Warriors who solve problems while promoting the power of Empathy. Their resilience in the face of severe opposition is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and inspires readers to consider concepts quite
different from the norm.
Using Your Superpower
Dan Ford’s Using Your Superpower is a wild ride through politics, spirituality, and human resilience. It follows Amelia Castro, an accomplished woman who is suddenly thrust into a new reality as the U.S. Secretary of State. What starts as a personal struggle with self-doubt quickly turns into an action-packed adventure, complete with abductions, political intrigue, and a deeper journey into the nature of empathy as a “superpower.” Alongside her trusted team, dubbed the Fearless Five, Amelia navigates a world where diplomacy is just as dangerous as battlefields, and where empathy, not force, might be the greatest weapon of all.
One of the most engaging aspects of the book is how it portrays Amelia’s growth. At first, she’s unsure if she can handle the job. She’s a powerful businesswoman, sure, but politics? That’s a different beast. Her initial doubts manifest in some self-destructive behavior. It’s a low moment, but also a relatable one. Who hasn’t felt overwhelmed by the weight of expectation? Ford does a great job of making Amelia feel human, rather than some untouchable, hyper-competent protagonist.
The book’s spiritual angle is both thought-provoking and I felt, at times, a little heavy-handed. The idea that empathy is a “superpower” is compelling, Amelia and her team tackle conflicts not through brute force, but through understanding. This isn’t just feel-good rhetoric; it’s an active strategy. The novel weaves this idea into global politics, showing how traditional diplomacy often fails because it lacks real human connection. However, there are moments where the message overshadows the plot somewhat, making the dialogue feel more like a philosophical lecture than an organic conversation. That said, when it works, it works well. The discussions between Amelia and her team, especially with David Stanford, are some of the best moments in the book.
The action and suspense keep the story moving at a brisk pace. From assassination attempts to covert missions, Using Your Superpower doesn’t lack excitement. There’s even an element of science fiction and metaphysics, with characters experiencing time travel-like events and spiritual awakenings. This blend of genres is ambitious and successful, though at times it stretches believability. If you’re someone who likes their political thrillers grounded in realism, this might not be your cup of tea. But if you enjoy stories that push the boundaries of reality, you’ll be hooked.
Using Your Superpower is a fascinating blend of political thriller, self-discovery, and philosophical exploration. It’s a book for readers who enjoy high-stakes diplomacy, strong female leads, and a touch of the mystical. If you liked The West Wing but wished it had a bit more metaphysical depth, this book is for you. The core message, empathy as a powerful force for change is one worth exploring. Would I recommend it? Absolutely, especially for readers who enjoy a mix of action, reflection, and a touch of the extraordinary.
Pages: 317 | ASIN : B0DWZ695Z3
Severed Sacredness: The Miraculous Journey of Jessie Boone
Some books touch your heart. Others grip it so tightly you feel like you’re living inside their pages. Severed Sacredness is the second kind. This is Lisa Boone’s raw, heart-wrenching, and faith-driven account of her daughter Jessie’s near-fatal skiing accident and the long, grueling journey through survival and recovery. Told through the lens of a mother’s unshakable love and relentless determination, the book walks us through Jessie’s trauma, the desperate prayers, the countless medical interventions, and the hope that stubbornly refused to die. Lisa lays bare the terror, the grief, the anger, and the tiny glimmers of grace that kept her moving forward. It’s not just a medical journey; it’s a spiritual one, an emotional one, and a testament to the power of faith and community.
Lisa’s writing is something special. It’s not polished in a way that feels distant—it’s raw, honest, and deeply personal. As a mom myself, I felt her pain in my bones. The moment she gets that phone call—“Mom, there’s been an accident. It’s Jessie. She’s hurt. She’s hurt real bad.”—it’s every mother’s nightmare coming to life. The way she describes the chaotic rush to get to her daughter, the helplessness of watching Jessie’s broken body in the ICU, and the sheer will it took to keep breathing through it all—it’s gut-wrenching. Lisa lets us sit in the darkest moments with her, but she also leads us toward the light, reminding us that even in the worst pain, there is hope.
One of the most powerful themes in the book is Lisa’s unwavering advocacy for Jessie. There’s a moment when a young neurosurgeon insists on an emergency craniectomy, and Lisa and her husband are forced to make a life-or-death decision within minutes. The older doctor had dismissed the nurse’s concerns, but this new doctor listened, pushed forward, and ultimately saved Jessie’s life. Lisa shows what it means to be a mother in the trenches, fighting for her child when no one else seems to see the full picture. It made me think about how important it is to trust our instincts when it comes to our kids.
Another part of the book that really stayed with me was the recurring imagery of trees. Lisa ties Jessie’s accident to the tree she hit, then expands on that symbolism throughout the book. Each tree marking a stage in Jessie’s recovery and Lisa’s own transformation. I loved this thread of nature woven into the story, the idea that life, even when it’s cut down to a stump, can grow back in unexpected ways. It reminded me that healing isn’t always linear. Sometimes it looks like a broken branch growing in a new direction, and that’s okay.
Severed Sacredness is a book about hope, faith, and resilience. It’s for any parent who has ever prayed over their child’s hospital bed, for anyone who has walked through trauma and wondered if they’d ever come out on the other side. It’s a heavy read, no doubt. There were parts that made me cry, parts that made me angry, and parts that filled me with gratitude for the strength of a mother’s love. If you’ve ever faced an impossible situation and needed a reminder that miracles do happen, this book is for you.
Pages:492 | ASIN : B0D41LWLGG
LITERARY TITAN 