Blog Archives
Vampire Assassin
The Awakening features a wolf-vampire hybrid on a journey to save his mate and who is accompanied in his quest by both allies and enemies. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
The idea for Nathan comes from my Longing Mates series, which relates the love of a werewolf and a vampire and their efforts to bring peace between their two races. At the end of this series, the characters have a child, and thus Nathan was born. I immediately knew that he needed his own series. Obviously, the world has changed over the past centuries from when his parents lived. In addition to saving his mate, Nathan has so much more to do. One of his goals is also to claim back his throne and remove the current Queen, who chased him out of his kingdom. The Awakening is the second book of the Blood and Kisses series, which will have five books.
What draws you to the supernatural genre?
When I read a book or write, I want to get away from everyday life and stress. I need a book that will sweep me away to a world where people are more busy preventing a dark prophecy from happening and finding love at the same time than worrying about what to cook for supper and the chores that need to be done.
Do you have a favorite among your unique cast of characters? One that was especially fun to craft?
Nathan is my favorite character just because he cares about the woman he loves and is strong despite all his challenges. But Caleb, the vampire assassin, was especially fun to write. He is such a dark and morally grey character. He pushes the boundaries of what is acceptable and what is not.
What can readers expect in Book 3 of the Blood and Kisses series? Where will it take readers?
Book 3 of the Blood and Kisses series is called Dragons’ Rebirth. So obviously, you can expect dragons. It will take readers on a wild ride where the dragons, which were extinct, return. Nathan is on a quest to retrieve his mate, who was abducted. And Caleb is fleeing the furies of a Goddess.
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The woman Nathan loves has been taken from him, and now his wolf is restless. The half-vampire hybrid will tear the world apart to find her. But what he discovers is more than what he bargained for. Hurt and betrayed, he will face his legacy.
Caleb awakens as the goddess’s son and the instrument of her vengeance. How will he react when he meets a woman he can’t kill? The vampire assassin is soon faced with a choice for which nothing could have prepared him.
After discovering the truth about the birth of the elven race, Elaine must find a way to save their magic, even if it means bringing dragons back to life. But her path is strewn with pitfalls, and the king has been tainted by darkness.
In this tale of passion, lust, betrayal, and death, enemies ally as they share a common goal: to restore the draconic race.
The Awakening
Danielle Paquette-Harvey’s The Awakening is an epic blend of dark fantasy and supernatural romance, weaving a tale of fate, power struggles, and forbidden love. It follows multiple characters, werewolves, vampires, elves, and other mythical beings each navigating their destinies in a world teetering between chaos and order. At its heart, the story is about Nathan, a hybrid caught in an identity crisis, struggling with his dual nature as he embarks on a dangerous quest to save his fated mate, Emerald. Alongside him are allies and enemies, each with their own agendas, creating a rich and layered narrative filled with intrigue, action, and heartache.
The book hooked me right away with its intensity. The prologue, where Samantha watches the destruction of her city by a dragon, is breathtaking. The scene is painted with fire and blood, capturing a sense of loss and helplessness that sets the tone for the entire novel. The way Samantha feels disgusted by the looters but still finds herself entangled in the beast’s fate was one of my favorite moments. This is not a story where characters neatly fit into hero or villain roles; they are deeply flawed, sometimes selfish, sometimes noble, but always compelling. I appreciated how the author allowed them to make mistakes and struggle with their decisions rather than handing them easy victories.
Nathan, the brooding and tormented protagonist, is both frustrating and fascinating. His internal battle between his vampire and werewolf halves adds depth to his character, making him more than just another supernatural hero. His relentless search for Emerald is emotional, and his despair when he thinks he’s lost her is palpable. But what really got me was the contrast between his ferocity in battle and his vulnerability in his quiet moments, especially when he dreams of Emerald and wakes up aching for her. The romance doesn’t feel forced or overly sentimental, it’s raw, messy, and full of longing.
One of the standout aspects of The Awakening is its world-building. The different supernatural factions, the history behind their conflicts, and the magic system are all well thought out. I particularly liked the Shadow Weavers and their eerie presence throughout the book. The idea of secret cults and forbidden knowledge always pulls me in, and Paquette-Harvey handles it masterfully. There were moments when the exposition felt a little heavy-handed. I do feel that some sections, particularly those explaining spells and rituals, somewhat slowed the pacing. That said, the action scenes more than made up for it, fast, brutal, and cinematic, they kept me flipping pages late into the night.
The Awakening is perfect for readers who love dark fantasies with a strong romantic undercurrent, deep character conflicts, and an immersive world. This book thrives in the morally gray, and that’s what makes it so engaging. I’ll definitely be looking out for the next installment.
Pages: 442 | ASIN : B0D2WG6MX2
Through the Elements
Fire Pearl follows a woman who must face her utmost fears on the path to rekindling a lost love. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
It is the fourth installment of a series that arrived like the others at night, in that liminal space when you’re neither awake nor asleep yet both, and that we call, for short, dreaming. Having travelled with/as Kate through the elements of earth, air, and water now it is time to test her with fire. The other drive/parable/ inspiration was an African tale that I recorded many years ago in Sierra Leone.
Do you have a favorite scene in Fire Pearl? One that was especially enjoyable to craft?
I can’t remember “crafting” it, it was just there, but the first scene that comes to mind is when she/I am on a solid strong wooden boat, knowing that it’s a sure firm steadfast way to get away on the sea from the fire, forever reliable, and then I begin to feel the solid wood of the boat below me warm and I realise that that, too, is the fire (a parable for sure of one aspect of our lives)
Was there anything from your own life that you put into the characters in your novel?
YES – the agonising regret while still chained ( not unhappily) to where I was, the realisation that I was other than I had had always thought I was, and then the failure to recognise him when I had found him.
Can fans look forward to a fifth installment in this series? Where will it take readers?
YES, the next volume in the Kate-Pearl epic series: always the same story / myth of Kate rejecting her offered love and realising her mistake, searching for him through all the elements of the universe; next, having gone through fire for him she faces the fifth element (in Chinese philosophy), wood – in Kate’s experience it is trees (“Pearl in the deep wood”) – I’ll leave you to find the scintillating swaying swerving details.
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Mathsmagica: Tapestry of Shadows
From the first page, Mathsmagica: Tapestry of Shadows pulls you into a world where magic isn’t just a tool; it’s a language, a science, and a force that binds the very fabric of reality. The novel introduces us to a divided world where Luminari’s light clashes with Nocturna’s darkness and where power is both a gift and a curse. We follow Sova and Nilah, siblings with a deep connection to Black Magic, as they navigate the complex and often dangerous city of Mathsmagica, a place where magic and mathematics merge in spectacular ways. As they struggle to survive in an academy that both fears and needs them, their fates become tangled with political intrigue, ancient legacies, and a battle between forces far greater than themselves.
The worldbuilding is, without a doubt, the novel’s greatest strength. Georgiev has crafted an intricate setting that blends arcane magic with a sense of scholarly depth. The city of Mathsmagica pulses with life, from its floating lantern-lit streets to the ominous corridors of The Academy. The details of magic, how it’s cast, and how it interacts with the laws of nature feel well thought out and almost scientific. The book captures the thrill of learning and discovery, much like Harry Potter but with a darker, more methodical edge. The scene where Sova and Nilah are running through the rooftops, dodging disapproving glares, makes the world feel dynamic and alive.
Sova is an engaging protagonist, brooding, brilliant, and always on the verge of losing himself to the magic he wields. His relationship with Nilah feels authentic, full of sibling banter, but also tinged with a mutual understanding that they are outsiders in this world. Evie, a noble and a student of Illumination Magic, provides an interesting contrast to them, challenging the rigid divisions between light and dark. One of the most emotionally gripping moments is when Sova unleashes Level Four Black Magic to save Arthus, a moment that not only showcases his power but also the consequences of wielding forbidden sorcery. That said, Arthus himself, along with some of the antagonists, could have used more complexity. He starts off as a typical arrogant noble, but his deeper motivations are only hinted at, rather than fully explored.
There are moments of sheer beauty, such as the description of the festival, where dragons of fire and ice dance across the sky, turning magic into an art form. But then there are moments where the narrative gets bogged down in too much detail, especially when discussing magic theory. The book is strongest when it lets the action unfold naturally, such as the tense confrontation between Sova and the Revenant, rather than explaining too much about how the magic functions. The dialogue is generally strong, with Nilah’s liveliness balancing Sova’s intensity, but occasionally, characters deliver lines that feel more like exposition dumps than natural conversation.
Mathsmagica: Tapestry of Shadows is a fascinating blend of dark fantasy and academic magic, perfect for readers who enjoy deeply constructed worlds and morally complex characters. If you’re a fan of The Name of the Wind or Mistborn, you’ll likely appreciate the depth of the magic system and the intellectual intrigue. If you prefer fast-paced storytelling with minimal exposition, you might find certain sections a bit slow. Regardless, it’s an ambitious and compelling read that leaves you eager to see what happens next in Sova’s journey.
Pages: 318 | ASIN : B0DBSN8RC4
Fire Pearl
The Fire Pearl: Tale of the Burning Way is a fever dream of myth, fire, and longing. Ruth Finnegan crafts a poetic journey in the fourth installment of the Kate-Pearl epic-romance series, where the titular character, Kate, confronts a blazing, symbolic world to rekindle a lost love. Drawing from classical myths, African storytelling, and literary echoes of Shakespeare, Homer, and Rumi, the story blurs the line between dream and reality. This is not a conventional narrative. It’s a burning exploration of love, identity, and the courage to face oneself in a world aflame with metaphorical meaning.
Finnegan leans heavily on a lyrical, stream-of-consciousness style that mirrors the mythic grandeur of ancient epics. At times, I found myself awestruck by the sheer musicality of the prose—phrases like “the flames frisked and flickered and flared” or Kate’s encounters with the dragon-like “pterodactyl flames” are breathtaking. Moments of clarity are sometimes buried beneath layers of riddling, dreamlike language. For instance, Kate’s journey through the forest of flames sometimes feels less like a narrative and more like an abstract meditation on fire as a symbol for love, passion, and destruction.
The ideas behind the book are fascinating. Finnegan doesn’t just tell a story; she interrogates myths and our human relationship with the elements. Fire, as explored here, isn’t just an element but a force of creation, destruction, and transformation. Through Kate’s trials, from enduring firestorms to her symbolic rebirth, we see reflections of Prometheus, Shakespeare’s “muse of fire,” and even Blake’s “Tyger.” One standout section involves Kate’s dialogue with the Flames themselves, who challenge her with riddles about fire’s dual nature. These moments shine, even as they require patience to untangle their meaning.
What I appreciated most about The Fire Pearl was its unrelenting emotional core. Kate’s struggle to face her fears of fire and of love resonated with me. Her moments of doubt and courage felt authentic, even amidst the surreal landscape she traverses. The scene where she saves a bird trapped in flames, despite her own terror, was particularly moving.
For readers who thrive on poetry, myth, and deeply layered storytelling, The Fire Pearl is a challenging yet rewarding journey. It’s a book that requires you to surrender to its flames, just as Kate does. And who knows? You might emerge from its pages changed, illuminated by the fire within.
Pages: 172 | ISBN : 978-1365739439
Musings of a Romance Addict
Musings of a Romance Addict, by Camille Dunhill, is a fictionalized diary of Stacey Donleigh’s search for love and her personal revelations along the way. Stacey’s narrative is candid and witty, starting with her cautious entry into online dating after the death of her long-term partner. Through a blend of humor and heartbreak, she shares her encounters, her vulnerability to romance scams, and her evolution as she reclaims her confidence in love.
Stacey’s account of being swept away by Christopher Logan was achingly relatable. Her initial excitement, the red flags she brushes off, and the eventual heartbreak are laid out with a rawness that tugs at your empathy. The sections detailing her awakening after realizing she was scammed were particularly impactful. She transitions from embarrassment and anger to a sense of empowerment, determined to use her diary as a tool for self-reflection and growth.
The writing style is engaging and incredibly sentimental. Stacey’s declarations of romantic ideals occasionally felt repetitive. It is worth noting that the detailed exchanges with Christopher added depth to their relationship. While I believe these could have been trimmed for better pacing, they effectively captured the intoxicating whirlwind of emotions she experienced. I found myself chuckling at her witty observations about online dating tropes, like the “too good to be true” profiles, yet simultaneously cringing at how easily trust can be exploited.
The book’s strongest moments were in its introspective passages. Stacey’s musings on what love means to her, shaped by loss and loneliness, resonated deeply. Her character grows from someone who feels adrift to a woman who reclaims her agency and refuses to settle. I particularly admired how the story shifted in tone, reflecting her transformation—moving from a dreamy, romantic haze to a grounded determination to find joy on her terms.
Musings of a Romance Addict is an enjoyable and heartfelt read that will resonate with anyone who has loved, lost, or ventured into the often-absurd world of online dating. It’s a testament to resilience, self-discovery, and the ability to laugh at oneself, even in the face of heartbreak. I’d recommend it to readers who enjoy romance novels with a twist of humor and introspection or to anyone navigating the modern dating landscape.
Pages: 404 | ASIN : B0DHYJGYKT
Out of Embers and Shadows
Shelby Oval’s Out of Embers and Shadows, the inaugural book in the Shadowfire series, is an electrifying dive into a world ravaged by war, shadowy intrigue, and deeply human struggles. It follows Lora, a tough, sarcastic, and resourceful heroine, as she navigates a treacherous landscape filled with dragons, shadow armies, and uneasy alliances. The story’s gripping opening plunges readers into chaos, setting the stage for a journey that is as much about survival and loyalty as it is about uncovering the truth of Lora’s past.
One of the things I liked most about this book is its biting dialogue and unflinching narration. Lora’s internal monologue brims with wit and a kind of hard-edged vulnerability that makes her instantly relatable. Early scenes, like her survival atop a dragon she initially sees as an enemy, are charged with tension and dark humor. Her complex dynamic with Garrison and the dragon Emir adds layers of intrigue, blending mistrust, dependence, and reluctant camaraderie. Oval balances world-building with action, but at times, the pacing in these moments felt slightly rushed, leaving some character motivations a bit hazy.
The world-building is where Oval truly shines. The eerie descriptions of villages turned to ash are haunting and atmospheric. The author draws readers into a richly detailed setting where dragons, shadow armies, and magical powers are not just elements of fantasy but deeply integrated into the fabric of the story. Certain moments, such as Lora’s mysterious transformations or the glowing silver fire connected to her spark intrigue, but I think it would benefit from a bit more detail.
What stuck with me most was the emotional weight behind Lora’s quest. She’s driven by a desperate need to rescue her friend Kacey, whose fate looms like a shadow over the story. Oval has crafted scenes that fairly pulse with emotion. These moments make the stakes feel real and personal, even as the plot escalates into broader political and magical conflicts.
Out of Embers and Shadows is an enthralling start to a series that promises epic battles, deep betrayals, and a heroine who refuses to back down, no matter how stacked the odds. Fans of dark fantasy, morally complex characters, and dragons (especially snarky ones) will find much to enjoy here. While it leaves some questions unanswered, this book sets up its sequel with a tantalizing sense of anticipation. I’d recommend it to readers who love the grit of The Priory of the Orange Tree and the emotional stakes of Sarah J. Maas’s works.
Pages: 560 | ASIN : B0D29F1Q99
The Bedfordshire Warlock
Patrick R. Field’s The Bedfordshire Warlock delivers a captivating mix of history, witchcraft, science, and the supernatural, spiced with just enough romance to keep things balanced. The story revolves around Dorian Leeves, a warlock who doesn’t practice magic but knows he possesses extraordinary abilities. When he moves with his mother to a colonial-era house in Bedfordshire, strange events intensify, and his latent powers grow stronger. As he uncovers the home’s grim past, linked to Elias Doever—a man once tried for witchcraft—Dorian becomes obsessed with the town’s dark secrets and wonders if fate has marked him to take on the same title.
Narrated by Dorian himself, the story plunges into his meticulous and descriptive perspective. At times, I feel the narration leans more toward “telling” than “showing.” Yet, in a unique way, this approach works. Dorian’s scientific and analytical personality shines through, giving readers a clear sense of his methodical nature. Field manages to weave an intriguing plot that unfolds with surprising fluidity. The novel’s mysteries pile up, strange visions and supernatural events intertwining until the truth behind Bedfordshire’s history finally reveals itself.
Field excels in crafting the setting of Bedfordshire. The small-town life comes alive with a vivid, almost nostalgic charm. He perfectly captures the essence of a New England autumn, where falling leaves, crisp air, and centuries-old buildings cloak the town in a thick aura of history. This rich backdrop gives the book a layer of calm, a stark yet appealing contrast to the eerie supernatural elements.
The mystery is the heartbeat of The Bedfordshire Warlock, pulsing stronger with each twist and turn. Following Dorian as he connects the dots is thrilling, and I was genuinely invested in his quest. The finale, though, felt a bit over-the-top, and I believe the romance seemed to exist mostly to heighten the emotional stakes at the climax. Still, these minor notes didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment. This is a gripping, immersive ride, and sometimes, that’s exactly the type of escape readers need.
Pages: 300 | ISBN : 978-1509255320
LITERARY TITAN 