Blog Archives
Solitude Of Light
In Solitude of Light’s not-too-distant future, Tomás Estéban Chen-Diaz engages in a heartfelt attempt to save his brother’s soul by joining him on a remote island. Believing himself to be following God’s will, Tomás spends years training at a facility for Christians hoping to travel to Mars before being ordained. He faces challenges to his faith along the way but none more difficult than his brother Francisco’s strict and aggressive adherence to atheism and his disdain for religious practices of any kind. Francisco’s attitude makes attempted reconciliations for past wrongs difficult, and if Tomás is to succeed, he must prove faithful to what he believes is right and just.
S. Kirk Pierzchala’s Solitude of Light takes place in a creative near-future setting with much to recognize from our own time and with the added fictional elements complimenting our own technology rather than appearing too far advanced to be realistic. Because of this, the fictional future seems plausible, perhaps distressingly so given some of its darker elements, as scientific advancements continue along the same trends they follow today.
With the narrative split into two parts, the first often seems slightly removed to the extent that it appears to be a lengthy prologue to the second part, which is where the real heart of the narrative resides. Despite this, part one is essential for the context, which gives part two much of its emotional weight.
With only two characters alone on an isolated island, there is potential for the story to become repetitive or drawn out. Still, Pierzchala manages it admirably with an excellent and often emotional portrayal of two diametrically opposed brothers engaging in a battle of wills. Interspersed between these moments are excellent scenic descriptions which lend their backdrop to this narrative of fraternal compassion, arrogance, and self-superiority.
Solitude of Light is a thought-provoking dystopian novel that takes readers deep into the emotional battle between two brothers. The suspense builds as the brothers battle for moral ground and examines their complicated relationship.
Pages: 474 | ASIN : B09WG4VY3N
Acts of the Women
After Jesus’ crucifixion, the women in author Patrick W. Andersen’s cast of characters take center stage, influencing the plot and world history through their teaching, diplomacy, and public relations abilities. As a result, Acts of the Women is a different take on the Bible. As the author himself states, “In the decades after the crucifixion, men gave speeches and wrote history books about their own noble deeds. But women did most of the work.”
The book additionally begins with a “cast of characters” page that is very helpful for those with limited knowledge of the Bible. Those familiar with the Bible will recognize many of the characters and events. Still, Andersen’s well-developed plot and exciting spin on the material will keep even those religiously inclined engaged. I personally benefited from having this list of characters easily accessible to keep me oriented while reading.
The story opens with the crucifixion of Jesus and the aftermath from the perspective of the women who helped him. The disciples are also in disarray, having scattered after Jesus’ arrest. However, they soon reunite and begin to regroup. The women in the story, including Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Rachel, and Susanna, are instrumental in this process. The women themselves know this, often giving men the “Stare” and even stating, “The men did most of the talkin’, but the women did all of the work.” Andersen weaves together biblical events with his own flair and imagination, making the stories come alive. He has an effortless, fluid writing style that makes the book a quick read. The characters are well-developed and likable, making it more interesting to see how their faith sustains them through their hardships.
Andersen does an excellent job of making the material accessible and engaging. He brings new life to familiar characters and events. His writing style is clear and concise, with short chapters and an easy-to-follow plot.
Acts of the Women is an intriguing work of fiction based on historical events and biblical accounts. It provides a new perspective on Christianity and its origins. This well-written and enjoyable book is ideal for anyone interested in the Bible or history.
Pages: 264 | ASIN : B09PGRGKKP
Interviewing a Regular Joe
Interviewing a Regular Joe is a conversation between two people; Gabrielle and a character named David. Gabrielle asks an array of questions while David gives his authentic responses. I enjoyed reading through the questions and answers as the interviewer posed questions on different subjects. The two talk about religion, politics, the environment, work, music, death, education, friendships, family, and many others. At first, readers have no idea where the interviewer is going with the questions, but we soon get in the flow after a couple pages. Gabrielle is a fantastic interviewer and it shows through the questions that are asked of David. The interviewer is able to then provide follow-up questions to ask to keep the conversation running smoothly.
Author John Rose wrote this book for readers who enjoy one-on-one conversations and meaningful discussions. David’s answers show readers that each of us has an individual preference and view on life. David’s mind is fascinating, to say the least. How he answered questions, the words he used, and how he thinks is admirable. You do not have to subscribe to some of his beliefs, but you can admire his logic when challenged with life’s situations.
Interviewing a Regular Joe would be a good reference book for young readers that have ambitions in the mass communication career path. Gabrielle’s approach as an interviewer is fascinating. He shows how to ask questions that are hard while not crossing boundaries, and how to guide the discussions even with viewpoints that the interviewer may not agree with. This is an important skill to have in communications.
This interesting book’s style is conversational. It is just an easy-flowing and easy-to-follow conversation. The author does not give in-depth background information at the start of the book, but that does not make the characters less interesting. On the contrary, you learn more about them as you read on, which is exciting as it gives one the impression of solving a mystery.
Interviewing a Regular Joe is a religious and spiritual novel told through an intriguing interview with an anonymous man. Filled with religious and historical facts, this novel will entertain readers of historical or religious fiction.
Pages: 131 | ASIN : B0915LSMSY
Could This Be Real?
The Satan Gene follows two people that are searching for the code that will rewrite human DNA before those that want to use it for evil get it first. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
Initially, my story outline was crafted to connect as many conspiracy theories together as I could, coupled with a foundational story behind the New World Order and their ultimate goal of controlling the world. Surprisingly (and scarily enough), I was able to connect many of the conspiracies together into what I would call a master New World Order conspiracy.
The heavy religious overtones came into play along the way as many of the conspiracy theories I studied touched on them directly or indirectly. From there came the idea of basing the story around the Book of Revelation, the Second Coming of Christ, and those who sought to bring it about in order to become supreme rulers.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The core essence of the book is founded on the mission of exposing the secret plans of those who seek to attain control over humanity whether by consent or conquest. It’s, of course, fiction, but it applies to real world events we are living today.
What research did you do for this novel to get it right?
The research portion of the creation of The SATAN Gene was incredibly exhaustive because I wanted to be as authentic as possible, forcing the reader to ask the question at the end: could this be real? It took a better part of three years to get it all together, and then approximately two years to tie everything up neatly into a linear and coherent story that flowed well. I love doing research, especially anything pertaining to religion, history, and archaeology, so the process was not really labour-intensive for me. In fact, it was probably the most enjoyable part of the process as I touched on countless historical subjects and modern technology. It was definitely a wonderful learning experience. In the end, it allowed me to write the type of novel that I love to read.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I have two more planned that will be Gareth Blackwell adventures! Seeing as the research is quite daunting for both, it may take some time before the next one hits the shelves. At the earliest, I suspect the second one will be published in two years, although I am not a big fan of rushing to produce a book. I firmly believe that each story needs to be high quality, and I don’t think that fast-tracking a story just to capitalize on popularity is the way to go. I want to deliver a polished product. What can the reader expect? More codes, secret societies, diabolical villains, church mysteries, double-crosses, and surprising twists!
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
A modern-day deep state European group with mysterious historical roots dating back before the time of Jesus Christ is urgently bent on implementing a diabolical crime against humanity in order to fulfill a two thousand year old biblical prophecy giving them the power to become the divinely chosen monarchs, ruled by a supreme god-man king on earth.
Tracked by the group’s merciless killer who believes himself to be a direct descendent of the leader of an ancient group of assassins that existed two thousand years ago, quantum biology doctoral student Abriana Stratton and former priest Gareth Blackwell join forces in a perilous race against the clock to find and decipher a trail of codes left by a brutally murdered government scientist.
Within his cryptic texts are the clues to the secret hiding places of the components from a stolen military application that could stop the apocalyptic events of an ancient prophecy.
Or bring them about.
The SATAN Gene
The Satan Gene is a historical fiction novel by author D. W. Eamer. It combines mystery and thriller elements in which the protagonist of the story, Gareth Blackwell, searches all over Italy for clues and specific USB devices. The information combined within those USB devices is going to wreck the whole world. They contain the coordinates of The SATAN Gene program launch codes. It is a program that modifies the human DNA and can activate certain biological phenomena by sending specific frequencies. The instruction and information for all the processes are contained in those USB drives. The dying professor Ashcroft hands over the clues and one piece of the device to Abriana Stratton, who later meets Gareth Blackwell to commence on this quest of solving the clues and retrieving the complete program.
It is a fast-paced mystery and escapes a thriller with a killer constantly behind them. They are later on joined by the DARPA chief and other officials, but as they begin to unravel the clues, more secrets tumble out.
The writing style of this book is interesting and fact-filled. The author has talked about symbols, motifs, and religious allusions throughout the book. The clues were also based on the symbols and motifs related to religion and several religious sects and cults. The protagonist Gareth Blackwell is well-versed in bringing out the historical and symbolical importance of a particular symbol or action. It is interesting to read about all these symbols while staying on a continuous chase that might destroy the world if gone wrong.
There are a lot of characters who remain in focus throughout the book. The special attention remains on Blackwell, shared by Abriana Stratton for a large part of the book. The DARPA chief also gets his fair share of attention in the plot along with the assassin Sicarius. How the author has interlinked the past information and the story’s parallels are brilliant. The story moves smoothly and is fast-paced while pausing to explain the religious and pagan symbols in great detail. The book reminds me of the writings of Dan Brown, except the intervention of local police or security remains minimal in this book.
The twists and turns in the story keep the readers on edge. The sudden revelations and the chase through Rome and Italy lend an insight into the beauty and religious relevance of the city. The symbols and clues solved by Gareth Blackwell provided deep insight into the overall religious history of Christianity. This book does contain some gruesome details about violence and murders that occur, with no lack of visual details. It might be upsetting to some readers.
The Satan Gene is a riveting novel that fans of thriller and religious mystery will enjoy. The action and adventure of the chase, the mystery of solving the clues, and the thrill of evading the killer will have readers on edge and looking for the next clue.
Pages: 411 | ASIN : B09NCC5R9N
Á Deux
At one time or another, we have all questioned our purpose. The story of Job is one of the first recorded instances of humans posing these same questions. In addition, it is likely the most well-known account of an exchange between friends that goes far beyond the standard existential crisis. Job and his friends tried their best to understand the ways of God as they questioned why humans are allowed to suffer. The story of Job contains everything from sarcasm and rhetorical questions to innuendo and what amounts to a battle between God and Satan.
A Deux, by author Alexey L. Kovalev, is a new and fresh take on the biblical story of Job. The dialogue between Job and his friends and God takes on a whole different look in Kovalev’s work. Prefaced by a thorough prologue, this book exists as an exchange between Job and God as it would happen today–quite a modern spin on the age-old tale.
I was blown away by the beauty of Kovalev’s style of writing. What looks on paper like a straightforward narrative is actually a dialogue that reads like the most intricate of poetry. The flow of the text is phenomenally stunning, peppered with modern references and deep, philosophical discussions that read more like an exchange between two strangers seated on a bench waiting on a long-departed bus.
There is almost a comical banter at times between the two main characters. Expecting a more serious tone, I was pleasantly surprised at their familiarity. What could easily have been made into a very difficult read has been shaped into a much easier and more pleasurable read.
I was expecting a much different read when I picked up this book and ventured into the text. Instead, I was truly overwhelmed and surprised at the unique take on Job’s story. This book, written primarily as a dialogue, will capture readers’ attention and keep them enthralled from cover to cover. In addition to creating a conversational tone, Kovalev has also given readers a trip through history. It’s a truly fantastic read from beginning to end.
A Deux will entertain anyone who enjoys reimaginings of Bible stories. In addition, this modern telling will make the traditional story more accessible to younger readers and more relatable to a modern audience.
Pages: 110 | ASIN : B09MPKZDFK
Totally Unexpected
Harry James Fox Author Interview
The False Prophet is set in a post apocalyptic America and follows Donald of Fisher, our unlikely hero, as he must confront an army raised to conquer the land. What was the inspiration for the setup to this exciting novel?
The question applies to the first novel, The Stonegate Sword as well as The False Prophet although it is not necessary to have read the first book in order to understand the second. The initial idea was to create a character with a world view similar to present-day America and place him in a society with very different values, such as Medieval Europe. I considered a time-travel approach, but then hit on the idea that in the future the world could enter a second Dark Age. So the main character, Donald of Fisher is a lore-man, steeped in the study of the past from an early age. Then circumstances forces him to take up a sword and take on the role of a warrior. The conflict between the evil figure in the west owes a bit to Tolkien and a bit to the prophecies of the last days in Biblical prophecy. I made no attempt to create the details associated with the Antichrist, except that if the imagery in Scriptures is taken literally, it sounds as if the final battles will be fought with antique weapons. I realize that this could be figurative language, but I decided to take it literally, and that implies, again, that a dark age lies in the future.
The story follows two characters, The False Prophet and Donald of Fisher, which I felt were two contrasting characters. What themes did you want to capture while creating your characters?
The story follows the archetypal “hero’s quest.” Don is the hero and must face adversity. The False Prophet is the anti-hero and he does not actually appear in the first novel, being only a rumor, a malignant force driving the forces of evil. In the second novel, he is revealed to be a ruthless despot of the kind with whom we are all familiar. The Prophet’s armies are the driving force behind much of the conflict that Don must face and overcome, though human frailties (his own and those of his companions) are other obstacles in his path.
There were many biblical undertones throughout the novel. Where do you feel you paralleled the Bible and where did you blaze your own path? And how did that help you create an engaging story?
The story of the novel does have some similarities to the Bible in that the Israelites were often raided by their enemies and the kind of weapons were similar. The military tactics I describe are probably not similar to those used in Bible days, although some of the principles are timeless. The use of walled cities reminds one of the Bible and also Medieval Europe. The political situation in the free cities east of the mountains reminds me of Israel during the time of the Judges, when there was no king, and “everyone did what was right in their own eyes.” The apostasy or falling away from the faith is prophesied in the Bible. The rediscovery of lost technology, for example, cannons, is a new path. The idea of a man of sin arising in the last days is found in the Bible.
The False Prophet is the second book in the Stonegate series. Where does book three take readers?
Book three will take place a generation later. The False Prophet was not destroyed, and the evil in the West rises again. It is up to the children of Don, Rachel, Carla and Howard to bring the saga to its final conclusion. Donald, now a middle-aged man, past his prime, attempts to mount an invasion of the West to overthrow the Prophet, but his attempts are met with disunity among his friends and overwhelming might of his foes. As to be expected, the victory depends on help from a totally unexpected quarter.
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This is the sequel to the award-winning Christian fantasy novel, The Stonegate Sword. All the major characters return, Donald, Rachel, Carla, and Philip.
Stonegate remains the key, and Donald returns to that great walled city and his beloved Rachel just as the hosts of enemy are also closing in. Part adventure, part love story, this epic saga covers the vast panorama of New Mexico deserts and Colorado Rockies in a possible future that looks very much like the medieval past. But duty, love, courage, and honor remain and are even more important than ever.
The Most Fascinating People In History
James W. George Author Interview
My Father’s Kingdom is a historical fiction novel centered around the religious strife during the American settlement at Plymoth in the late 1600’s. Why did you want to write a novel about this event and time?
I’m a big fan of historical fiction and I wanted to choose a topic the casual reader was not familiar with. King Philip’s War was one of the most tragic and devastating conflicts in American history, and too many of us have never even heard of it.
We have plenty of novelists focusing on topics like the Viking invasions of England, the Tudors, and the American Civil War…and that’s wonderful. These are almost always fantastic works. In my opinion, however, there are approximately 150 years of colonial American history (1620-1770) that are woefully neglected in fiction. There are certainly some great novels about this era, mostly about Salem, but I think the era as a whole deserves a lot more attention.
I find the Puritans and Separatists to be some of the most fascinating people in history. Their piety, courage and diligence were truly remarkable, but history is well aware of how they treated anyone alien to their political and religious worldview. The history of New England is also the history of incredible Native American nations like the Wampanoag and Narragansett, and their stories need to be told.
The narrative of this story is told from the perspective of native Americans and the pilgrims. Each offers a different opinion and set of beliefs on the alliance between the people. What kind of research did you do to ensure the story was as accurate as possible?
I’m not a historian but fortunately there is a wealth of historical research about this era, much of which I mention in my Author’s Notes. “Mayflower” by Nathaniel Philbrick is probably the first thing that comes to mind regarding this era. Sarah Vowell’s “Wordy Shipmates” is a fantastic read. Jay Moore and the Charles River Editors wrote “King Philip’s War: The History and Legacy” and it is a treasure of information. The online “Plymouth Colony Archive Project” by Patricia Scott Deetz, Christopher Fennell and J. Eric Deetz is an incredible resource for understanding how 17th Century New Englanders lived and worked.
Obviously, it was also critical to understand the Native American perspective of these events. Nativeamericannetroots.com was a valuable asset in that regard, among other sources.
As you can imagine, much of the history is crystal clear, but much is very murky. For example, we seem to have a very good idea what Metacomet told Deputy Governor John Easton when Easton tried to mediate the conflict. Conversely, there are numerous conflicting accounts of Wamsutta’s final days.
I felt that a consistent theme in the story was the importance of peace. What were some themes you felt were important to develop the story?
I’d say in addition to peace, some themes are the paradox of Puritan values and how they lived their Christian faith. The corollary theme would be how awesome yet baffling the English Christians must have seemed to the natives in 17th Century New England. A third theme would be no matter which community the characters hailed from (Puritan or Quaker, English or Wampanoag), they all looked to the divine, spiritual world to help guide them through what must have been astoundingly fearful times.
I found the characters to be very well developed and in depth. What were your inspirations for the characters?
Thank you for the compliment. I’d say one inspiration for Israel Brewster is the Chaplain Corps in the Armed Forces. Although I am certainly not a chaplain, during a recent deployment I had the opportunity to help review and grade annual award packages for the chaplains. It really helped to bring home the remarkable dedication and service they provide to the men and women they serve with. Sometimes I think we as a society are too quick to glom onto the scandals and shortcomings of the clergy, and are far too oblivious to the impact they are making in the lives of others.
Israel Brewster in 1671 is a model of certainty, whereas Linto represents all that is uncertain. He is a young man trying to find the meaning of his life in a world of sickness, hatred, and turmoil.
What is the next book you are working on and when will it be published?
Certainly, there will be a book two for “My Father’s Kingdom” and I hope it will ultimately be a trilogy. I’d like to publish book two this year. I’m also mapping out a novel about professional sports, because as much as I love my current topic, it will also be nice to write something light-hearted.
Author Links: GoodReads
![My Father's Kingdom: A Novel of Puritan New England by [George, James W.]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51jYlqd-IfL.jpg)
“In 1620 more than one hundred devout men and women crossed the treacherous Atlantic Ocean and established a colony in the New World where they could build a righteous and Godly society. Without the fortuitous friendship of the Wampanoag people and their charismatic leader Massasoit, however, it is doubtful the holy experiment would have survived.
Fifty years later Plimoth Colony has not only survived, it has prospered, and more and more Englishmen are immigrating to New England. The blessed alliance with the Wampanoag, however, is in severe jeopardy. Massasoit has passed away along with most of the original settlers of Plimoth Colony, and their children and grandchildren have very different ideas about their historic friendship.
Thrust into the center of events is Reverend Israel Brewster, an idealistic young minister with a famous grandfather and a tragic past. Meanwhile, Massasoit’s son, known as “King Philip” by the English, is tormented by both the present and the past. He is watching the resources and culture of the Wampanoag nation fade away at the hands of the English and desperately wishes to restore hope and security to his people.
In a world of religious fervor, devastating sickness, and incessant greed, can the alliance of their forefathers survive? Or will New England feel the wrath of tragic, bloody war?”
LITERARY TITAN 