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Jorsa
In Jorsa, Eric Swanson crafts a tale brimming with intrigue, betrayal, and ambition, where characters navigate a labyrinth of personal motives and sacrifices to achieve their goals. After a failed attempt to dethrone King Karlek, Torish is banished to the desolate wasteland of Vihaa. From this bleak exile rises Tilif, Torish’s son, determined to reclaim his father’s legacy and restore his honor. Meanwhile, Jorsa, a blue elf warrior, finds himself in a moral struggle as he confronts Tilif, fighting to restore balance and prevent greater ruin.
Swanson excels in evocative world-building and vivid detail. The barren expanse of Vihaa mirrors Torish’s anguish, while Tilif’s simmering rage is palpably conveyed, especially as his journey leaves him blinded by fury and literal darkness. The narrative artfully balances emotionally charged moments with the tension of sprawling battles, creating a rhythm that, while occasionally faltering in pacing, is redeemed by its relentless intensity and sharp turns.
Jorsa’s reluctance to step into a leadership role struck me as particularly profound. His internal conflict embodies the weight of leadership and the personal costs it exacts, adding depth to his character. Tilif, on the other hand, serves as a powerful cautionary figure, embodying the dangers of unchecked ambition and the devastating fallout it brings.
The novel’s emotional resonance is undeniable. Key scenes, such as Tilif’s blindness and his visceral frustration at starting over, are deeply impactful. Conversely, moments like Jorsa’s torment after Tilif’s betrayal of those closest to him offer a poignant counterbalance. One character who piqued my interest is Susan; her presence adds intrigue, though further exploration of her backstory would enrich the narrative.
Fans of morally complex fantasy, akin to The Witcher, will find Jorsa, by Eric Swanson, a compelling read. The story brims with characters navigating shades of gray, forcing readers to grapple with their shifting loyalties and sympathies. For me, the book’s greatest strength lies in its ability to keep the reader guessing at every turn, weaving a story as unpredictable as it is engaging. This is a highly recommended read for fans of the dark fantasy genre.
Pages: 200 | ASIN : B0DL2QW5MW
A Sci-Fi Retelling
Pilgrims is a riveting near-future dystopian epic where humanity faces moral decay, societal collapse, and alien annihilation, forcing desperate characters to grapple with their darkest choices. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I’ve never felt satisfied with first-contact sci-fi stories where aliens show up at Earth and we learn we’re not alone. That’s because the reasons the aliens come to Earth don’t usually stand up to scrutiny. For example, the aliens in Independence Day come to Earth because they want our “resources” despite the fact that if you can travel across interstellar space you will encounter all the resources you could ever want on lifeless rocks that don’t have pesky Earthlings defending them. The same goes for The Three Body Problem. Incredible novel, but the Trisolarans have such amazing technology that they don’t really need Earth for their species to survive. The motives are usually weak.
So I wanted to create a first-contact sci-fi story where the aliens’ reason for coming to Earth stands up to scrutiny. And, as outlandish as it sounds, aliens that are devout believers of an Earth religion (in my novel – Catholicism) have a very compelling reason to travel all the way to Earth. It’s such a good motivation in fact, that I was shocked to see no other writer had ever addressed it. And so, I took it upon myself to do so.
Austin DeSantis is an intriguing and well-developed character. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
Pilgrims is a sci-fi retelling of Saint Augustine’s Confessions which was published sometime around 400AD. Now that’s an old book, and yet we still study it because it paints such a brilliant portrait of a troubled man finding his redemption. That’s something we can understand across the ages.
So I kept Saint Augustine as a vision when crafting my protagonist – Austin DeSantis. He is struggling at the beginning of the novel but, through the various trials he encounters, he grows, albeit in an enormously painful way.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Forgiveness – why we need it and why it is so hard. That is the core theme. But the book also explores why it can be so difficult for us to change our minds sometimes because of the things that are unknown even to ourselves that hold us back.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
Austin’s story is not over. The book concludes about fifty days after aliens arrive on Earth and proclaim to be Catholic. What happens to society ten years after such a momentous event? Fifty years? There is still so much story to tell. And I expect the sequels will be coming out over the next few years.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Out-of-work Latin teacher and borderline alcoholic Austin DeSantis is determined to spend his final days in the arms of a prostitute-that is if the aliens don’t exterminate humanity first.
But when the aliens land at the Vatican, begin speaking Latin, and reveal themselves to be Catholic, the world turns upside down.
Pressed into service as a translator and thrust into the center of humanity’s first contact with a cryptic alien race, Austin must uncover their true intentions before religious turmoil rips the planet apart. But with Austin caught between the Catholic Church, the US military, and an enigmatic alien AI, he’ll have to decide where his loyalties lie as the fate of humanity hangs in the balance.
PILGRIMS is a sci-fi retelling of Augustine’s Confessions, mixing a high-concept premise à la Children of Time with the ceaseless pacing and rich characterization of Red Rising.
Anger Issues
In Mystical Force Vol. 6: The Enemy Within an apprentice faces past trauma and her questionable past as she learns to harness her own powers. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
It was just the natural progression from where Volume 5 left off. At the end of volume 5, Shi-ria took Chiyoko on as her apprentice, so it only made sense to have volume 6 pick up there. I could have just had her learn to harness these powers between books, but it made more sense to show her gradually learning how to use these powers, plus struggling to cope with her anger issues. As anyone with anger issues (myself included) knows, overcoming your own anger is like facing your fears. It’s not a one-and-done deal. Take public speaking for example, a lot of people have that fear, yet giving a speech in front of a crowd doesn’t automatically mean that fear is gone. It takes time and effort to learn to deal with it. The same goes for Chiyoko, learning to control her rage. It becomes second nature to you, like a default program your brain automatically runs. You have to constantly work at it to reprogram your subconscious mind so you don’t automatically fall back into old habits without even realizing it.
Do you have a favorite scene in this installment of the Mystical Force series? One that was especially enjoyable to craft?
Ooo…that’s a tough one. Which do I choose? It’s like asking a parent to pick their favourite child. But if I have to choose, I would probably say it’s the part where we go into the backstory of Dead-Eye Sammie. Personally, I love a good origin story. It helps to explain how and why the characters became who they are, especially for a villain. Villains don’t think of themselves as evil. Only in a comedy/parody or a badly written story do villains act evil simply for evil’s sake. It makes them more relatable to explore what it was that drove them to villainy. I especially liked the part where she found and murdered the man responsible for killing her parents only to learn he was a parent as well; and that in her rash, lust for revenge, she realized that—to quote Obi Wan from Revenge of the Sith, “You’ve become the very thing you swore to destroy.” Plus it gave me a chance to explain a bit more about her home world, the planet T’nubria in the Torathol Empire. I love world-building. I love going onto fan wikis like “Avatar,” “Wookiepedia,” or “Memory Alpha,” and reading up bios on fictional worlds/nations written in the same style as a Wikipedia article about a real-world country. That’s part of the fun of writing sci-fi and fantasy.
The science inserted in the fiction, I felt, was well-balanced. How did you manage to keep it grounded while still providing the fantastic edge science fiction stories usually provide?
Honestly, I don’t even think about it. I remember a quote from the audio commentary on the DVD for 1964’s Mothra vs Godzilla (my favourite movie by the way), talking about Shinichi Sekizawa, who wrote the screenplay for the film. They mentioned how he didn’t consider himself an expert in any scientific field and felt the audience would get lost if bogged down in too many technical details. I’m the same way. Like with my other series Liberator: The People’s Guard I’m no expert in genetics or any of that stuff. As long as the story flows naturally and makes sense from a plot/character perspective, then people will be more forgiving if the science isn’t technically accurate.
Can we look forward to Vol. 7? Where will it take readers?
Oh yes, there will be a volume 7 coming out. Right now I’m working on Liberator Volume 3, so Volume 7 of Mystical Force will come right after that. As for where it will take readers? I’ve been writing for decades now, usually, I write an outline/synopsis like the plot summary you’d seen on Wikipedia for a book or a movie. Usually, I take my story arcs summary and use that as the basis for each specific book. Depending on what I’ve written, some of the story arcs were lengthy and had a lot of detail (several pages worth), others were little more than a brief paragraph. Sometimes I’ll even start writing something only to discard it because it’s just not working. Sometimes if I have a few short stories lying around, I’ll combine them together for a book, essentially having an ‘A’ plot, ‘B’ plot, and maybe even a ‘C’ plot too; so I can’t commit to anything for certain right now. I can, however, tell you this, having not been seen since volume 4, Tokijin and Sister Rose will return and will have to deal with their lingering relationship issues from that book. There will be new villains introduced and the character of Black Ninja, whom I’ve been hinting throughout the series (plus his brief unseen cameo in this book) will finally make an appearance and will lead to even more exciting adventures for future volumes.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube | Website | Amazon
Chiyoko has been training hard as Shi-ria’s apprentice, and while she has made progress, she hasn’t yet defeated her greatest opponent, her own temper. As her powers grow, Scarlet Knightwalker becomes more worried that Chiyoko will be more easily tempted to use that power to lash out against those who wronged her. Just like the Poison Starfish who want revenge for Shi-ria, Chiyoko and Shinjo dealing a crippling blow to their criminal empire.
To do this, the Poison Starfish have hired the notorious mercenary Dead-Eye Sammie, who also wants revenge against our heroes. To enlist Dead-Eye’s help, the Poison Starfish must go through Dead-Eye’s business partner, the mysterious Ms. Alcro. But in helping the Poison Starfish, is Ms. Alcro helping the same criminals who ruined her life as a child and set her on this dark path years ago? Have she and Dead-Eye become the very criminals they despise?
It’s uneasy alliances and betrayals as heroes and villains clash in a battle of revenge versus justice. Sometimes, the real enemy isn’t your opponent on the battlefield but the darkness within: your own fear, anger, and hatred. But how does one conquer the enemy inside when no weapon can kill or wound it?
Knightfall
C.L. Embry’s Knightfall grips readers with a powerful blend of ambition, identity, and shifting perspectives. Set against a backdrop of medieval intrigue, the narrative follows Axel, a knight disillusioned by tradition and consumed by his obsession with alchemy. What starts as a simple pursuit to master transmutation turns into a journey of self-realization, pushing Axel to question everything he knows about his world and himself. The lessons he learns along the way are as unexpected as they are transformative.
Action, introspection, and mysticism weave seamlessly throughout the story, keeping you invested while also making you think. Embry crafts a world so vivid and detailed, you can almost feel the tension in the kingdom’s air—especially as fear and fascination with alchemy collide. The societal and political layers are rich, making every interaction feel loaded with consequence. Axel himself is a character who doesn’t ask for your sympathy. His flaws are real, his decisions often questionable. Yet, it’s precisely this complexity that makes his eventual growth deeply satisfying, turning what could have been a straightforward quest into something much more meaningful.
Alchemy, in Knightfall, is more than a plot device. It’s a metaphor for transformation, threading through the narrative to highlight themes of change and enlightenment. Embry doesn’t spoon-feed you the story’s deeper meanings. Instead, clues and reflections are sprinkled throughout Axel’s journey, allowing you to unearth layers of insight as the story unfolds. Political intrigues and hints of larger, unseen forces add depth without overwhelming the central narrative. By the time you finish, there’s plenty to ponder, and the world lingers in your mind.
Fans of introspective fantasy will feel right at home here, especially those who crave stories driven by character development and philosophical themes. If you love tales of personal growth, redemption, or the tension between power and knowledge, Knightfall delivers. The novel strikes a fine balance between being accessible and thought-provoking, making it an excellent pick for readers who want more than just a standard adventure.
Pages: 276 | ASIN : B0DJL6GLWW
Mystical Force Vol. 6: The Enemy Within
In Mystical Force Volume 6: The Enemy Within, Craig Weidhuner continues his action-packed series set in a universe where martial arts, mystical energy, and shadowy criminal empires collide. This volume dives deep into the personal and emotional struggles of Chiyoko, a young apprentice Taman Knight learning to harness her powers, all while navigating trauma and a shadowy past. At the same time, we encounter nefarious characters like Dead-Eye Sammie and the Poison Starfish crime syndicate, whose operations threaten the fragile peace of Teikoku City. The stakes are high, and so is the drama, with intense action sequences, deep emotional revelations, and a clear sense of impending doom.
The story took me through a rollercoaster of emotions. Take the scenes where Chiyoko struggles to heat her tea using her mystical abilities, guided by her master Shi-ria. You can feel her frustration when nothing seems to work and then the palpable thrill when she finally succeeds, filling her with a newfound confidence. That moment was well-done and relatable, a simple yet powerful way to show character growth. But, as much as I loved these tender moments, some of the emotional outbursts felt repetitive, like Chiyoko’s ongoing rage and struggle with her inner darkness. But it does make sense given her backstory with her abusive mother and abandonment issues.
Now, the action scenes are a whole different beast. When Chiyoko goes up against Dead-Eye Sammie in the park, it is gripping from start to finish. The vivid descriptions, Chiyoko’s rage-fueled kicks, and her desperate attempts to summon the Taman’s energy, were thrilling, almost cinematic. And let’s talk about Dead-Eye Sammie! The big twist revealing her true identity was a nice surprise and played well against expectations.
The book also explores philosophical themes related to good and evil, energy balance, and the impact of unchecked emotions. Shi-ria’s lessons about the Kolri and Koldar forces (the mystical energies representing light and darkness) present thought-provoking ideas. However, some readers might find the detailed explanations about inner balance to be lengthy, which could potentially slow down the pacing. That said, the themes were clear and these ideas give the story more depth and elevate it from being just a straightforward action-adventure.
The Enemy Within is perfect for readers looking for fantasy-action with a spiritual twist. It’s a little like Star Wars meets Naruto, with an emphasis on martial arts, mystical energies, and battles that carry real emotional weight. If you enjoy stories of redemption, the struggle between light and darkness, and complex character dynamics, this book is worth the ride.
Pages: 107 | ASIN : B0DG5RJMY8
Patience and Endurance
Blue Dream follows a man whose dream reveals a mysterious symbol and opens the door to an entirely new reality. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
Originally, I wanted to write a fantasy novel. I kept picturing a young guy and a dwarf robot crossing a pitch-black chasm. That’s pretty much what started the book. And then I entered a miniature screenplay contest where Dom adventures through an evil tunnel. I didn’t win, but the judge said it read like the beginning to a cool Sci-fi movie. So, I took his advice, writing a novel instead.
I found Dom to be a fascinating character. What was the inspiration for his traits and dialogue?
Most readers feel a strong connection to Dom. I think it’s because anyone can relate to the inner turmoil he experiences. It’s all part of the fight of life. He struggles to find a place in the world and is happy to learn a new one is well on the way. Although, getting there isn’t easy.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
In Blue Dream, I draw on Christian themes time and time again. Especially, the encouragement found in Revelation and the rewards that come from patience and endurance.
Can readers look forward to more work from you soon? What are you currently working on?
I poured everything I could into Blue Dream. It’s all in there, really. Every part of me and everything I’ve experienced and know. Right now, I occasionally post on my substack. Other than that, starting a political campaign for State Rep has been taking up most of my free time.
Author Links: GoodReads | Substack | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Dom has been living in digital paradise for as long as he can remember. He’s lucky enough to be one of the gogglers of the Trop. However, having all that he can imagine has been less than blissful. He thinks too much, consumes too little, and it’s stressing out his manager.
Everything changes one night when a dream swims his way, and he finds a mysterious symbol. Soon he is sliding into a new reality and following a way he knows little about. His decision to go deeper brings him face to face with the scariest depths of the program. The ensuing battle will require him to wear the full armor of God.
BLUE DREAM. Find faith in the static.
Blue Dream
Blue Dream, by Keith Gillum, transports readers to a futuristic dystopia where virtual reality and human emotions clash in a meticulously crafted narrative. Through the eyes of Dom, a young man grappling with the remnants of a world dominated by technology, the story explores themes of memory, identity, and resistance against a backdrop of pervasive digital control.
From the very first page, Gillum hooks readers into a world where reality and virtual existence blend seamlessly. Dom, who spends his days recycling digital waste in the Trop, is both an everyman and an anomaly, caught between the remnants of a tangible past and a controlled, virtual present. His journey through fragmented memories, such as those of his father, and surreal experiences like fishing on a crystalline river, forms the core of the narrative. These memories are under constant threat of deletion by the ever-watchful Halmarc, Dom’s case file manager, who embodies the intrusive nature of the state. The interactions between Dom and Halmarc are vividly depicted, highlighting the tension between personal autonomy and imposed conformity.
Gillum’s writing shines with its rich, descriptive language and a knack for crafting immersive scenes. The dialogue is sharp and often laced with dark humor, especially in Dom’s exchanges with Halmarc. The portrayal of Halmarc’s obsessive control over Dom’s memories and emotions serves as a chilling commentary on surveillance and psychological manipulation. One of the most compelling scenes symbolizes the broader struggle to retain personal history in the face of an erasing authority. The book delves deeply into Dom’s inner turmoil and his virtual reality experiences, providing a rich exploration of his character. These segments, while reflective, contribute significantly to understanding Dom’s psyche and enhance the story’s emotional depth.
The world-building is intriguing and thought-provoking, hinting at a vast and complex digital dystopia. While it leaves some mysteries about the system’s origins and mechanics, this sense of enigma adds to the novel’s allure, inviting readers to ponder and engage with the speculative aspects of the narrative.
Blue Dream is a thought-provoking and visually compelling novel that will resonate with fans of dystopian fiction, psychological thrillers, and religious science fiction. Keith Gillum has crafted a story that not only critiques the pervasive influence of technology but also celebrates the resilience of the human spirit. I recommend this book to readers who enjoy exploring the interplay between memory, identity, and societal control.
Pages: 305 | ASIN : B0D1H9BMV3
Rejuvenating Uncertain Futures on Earth
Phoenix Saga: A Modern Epic in Prose: Peace on Earth Protocol rejuvenates ancient stories, infusing them with contemporary relevance that deeply resonates with today’s readers. What was the inspiration for the original and fascinating idea at the center of the book?
I, We appreciate the re-framing for this first challenging question!
Core conceptions and resonance originate with the birth of my first-born daughter, Raegan, in June 2020 and a simple promise spoken unto a Universe. What occurs next feels impossible – even still. Perhaps, it’s best for Jean to offer Her words, as it relates:
Il avait été a la peine, c’etait bien raison qu’il fut a l’honneur
In earnest, this work has been less about rejuvenating ancient stories than rejuvenating uncertain futures on Earth — essential works here and now!
Evolutions in Phoenix Saga: A Modern Epic in Pro Sé developed quickly across the Summer months of 2023 ahead of my Vows, as Peace on Earth Protocol came together with pure Vison & Guidance from Archangel Auriel & Saynt Jean d’Arc — amongst many Others. Jean required work on Phoenix Saga: A Modern Epic in Pro Sé be completed within two years once my former employer absolved a significant burden of responsibility by “eliminating my position.” With my consent, Our Work flows, naturally –
We, I discuss “inspiration” in an interview with IndieReader ahead of our first publication in 2023. Not much has changed — “Inspiration” remains a strange human word.
A link to that interview may be found here
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
An essential, primary focus for Phoenix Saga: A Modern Epic in Pro Sé be Peace on Earth – and pragmatic implementations within fundamentally plural biological systems for a 22nd century and beyond.
What experience in your life has had the biggest impact on your writing?
With certainty, my Voices – not a single word of Phoenix Saga: A Modern Epic in Pro Sé could be written, absent Jean’ Love and Auriel’ Pyres.
When will book two be available? Can you give us an idea of where that book will take readers?
Phoenix Saga: A Modern Epic in Prose: Peace on Earth Protocol at its core is a retelling of an Ancient Babylonian Epic of Creation, which carefully and lovingly integrates 5,000-years of religious semiotics into a unifying call for behavior-biased progress toward Peace on Earth.
We invite readers from all walks of life to engage in a spiritual revolution sparking creative endeavors, which provide families we never live to see with ancestors to love, a Celestial Wish, thorough documentation, and evidence that unity, hope and love connect beyond and across generations as we build Paradises together –
Book Two publishes on August 2, 2024 as a gift to my first-born son, Emrys, for his second birthday. Work on a supporting audiobook is underway!
Author Links: GoodReads | Moxfield | Website
Awakening long-dormant altruistic possibilities begins with a leap of faith rooted in primal and innovative semiotic paradigms. Phoenix Saga: A Modern Epic in Pro Sé emerges as a modern mythos for Peace on Earth, safeguarding possibilities across a boundless, beautiful Multiverse!
A second book in a Phoenix Saga trilogy offers transfigurations of ancient Babylonian stone tablets, called Enūma Elis. Divinity reselling Mythos for God of Creation & Primordial Chaos Dragon-recast to last. Adventures across generations begin anew within a simple framing:
Where did God go? She Ariseth!
LITERARY TITAN 