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Humans And Their Own Fragility
All the Fragile Hearts follows a resilient young woman who bonds with the Kingsguard assigned to protect her and works with him to discover the source of the chaos in their land. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The seed for All the Fragile Hearts began nearly nine years ago when my oldest son was just two years old. He adored the Robin Hood movie, and we watched it constantly. One day my husband wondered what would’ve been different had Robin not wanted to marry Maid Marian. How I went from Robin Hood to All the Fragile Hearts is a creative mystery to me. A few chapters came from that moment, but it took nine years of maturing to develop into the writer who found a story to tell with those starter chapters. The chapters changed dramatically from that first moment, but that is what I consider the official start of Cecelia and Viktor’s story.
Cecelia and Viktor are not looking for love and marriage, and Viktor wants nothing to do with it but marries her anyway at the urging of the king. What was the inspiration for the relationship that developed between the characters?
I was interested in telling a story about two people who didn’t find love instantaneously. I believe love is work. It’s a choice made every day. And it’s not always easy. It’s imperfect, just like the people involved.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The title All the Fragile Hearts is inspired by the Dicentra – Bleeding Heart – plant and its fragility. I really wanted to explore the idea of humans and their own fragility. How even the strongest of us carry whispers that echo in our minds, and we’re challenged daily to overcome them or succumb to them.
Can you tell us what the second book will be about, and when it will be available for fans to purchase?
The second book really takes off with the whispers theme, thus its name: Whispers in the Dark. It occurs roughly twenty years later and follows two new POVs that appear in All the Fragile Hearts only momentarily. There is a romance subplot, but it is slow-burn and continues to play with the idea that love is a choice made daily. The main plot follows these two new characters, their differing opinions on the rebellion, and their places amidst it. Cecelia and Viktor are still present and the reader will get the opportunity to see them from a different, perhaps refreshing, lens. Preorders should begin in July 2024.
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Viktor might be King Ramiro’s favorite kingsguard, but that doesn’t mean he can’t be used as a pawn. Once satisfied with hiding in his armor, drinking, and fighting, Viktor is forced to guard the king’s revered guest. And then he’s forced to marry her. But Viktor doesn’t believe in love. Not after growing up in the hostile House of Black where his volatile father railed and his delusional mother ignored his pain. But that doesn’t explain the guilt he feels when he betrays his new wife.
As whispers of a rebellion spread and a political coup takes shape, the sudden murder of the king plunges the kingdom into chaos. Loyalties are tested and sacrifices made, but as Cecelia and Viktor navigate a perilous web of intrigue and lies, they discover how strong their fragile hearts really are.
All the Fragile Hearts
All the Fragile Hearts by M. T. Solomon is a captivating tale that whisks readers into the heart of Korith alongside the resilient Cecelia. Upon her arrival, Cecelia unexpectedly bonds with Kingsguard Viktor, her and her brother Danon’s protector. Their journey from mutual annoyance to genuine affection is a testament to the novel’s engaging “from-foes-to-friends-to-lovers” narrative.
Viktor, a man defined by honor and duty, faces a complex dilemma when the king coerces him into an arranged marriage with Cecelia. This twist adds a layer of tension as our main characters navigate the vastness of Korith separately. Amidst a looming war, their goal is to reunite.
Solomon does a commendable job alternating chapters between Cecelia and Viktor. This technique offers readers an intimate understanding of each protagonist’s inner workings and motivations. The supporting cast doesn’t fall short, either. Danon stands out as the quintessential protective brother, while Danica’s unpredictable actions keep the plot intriguing. A special nod to G’rig, though I admit, I was left wanting to uncover more layers of his character.
I particularly enjoyed the interspersed “messages” peppered between chapters, teasing what’s next while shedding light on the rich history of Solomon’s constructed world.
Despite its impressive length, I felt there were moments where more depth would have heightened the narrative. But hey, that’s just me nitpicking a bit. The storyline, on the whole, is engrossing. Kudos to M. T. Solomon for crafting such a vibrant world. I am eagerly awaiting the next installment in the duology!
Pages: 485 | ASIN : B0CDB533V8
Daggers and Daisies
Arlin Creed’s riveting novel, Daggers and Daisies, invites readers into a beguiling realm of shifter fantasy, where enigmatic creatures, potent magic, and arduous quests coalesce against the backdrop of a realm in crisis. The narrative unfurls amidst a landscape where decaying magic, natural disasters, and unprecedented mutations are threatening the very essence of life. Despite the looming devastation, the realm’s leadership is entrenched in tradition, fervently resisting the winds of change.
Central to this rich tapestry is Scarlett, a dynamic character consigned to a society that diminishes the role of women to nothing more than servitude and procreation. Nevertheless, her destiny veers off the conventional path when her father daringly appoints her as the heir and impending queen of their kingdom. The real question is, can this young dragon shifter harness this unprecedented opportunity to enact transformational change, or will her narrative prematurely conclude before it truly commences?
Daggers and Daisies ingeniously explores a reality populated by dragon shifters, incessantly entangled in internal strife and territorial disputes with neighboring realms under diverse creature governance. The storyline artfully unifies these disparate elements through the common thread of magic, a powerful force accessible only to a privileged few, with women facing an absolute prohibition. Combining the allure of romance, the intrigue of mystery, and the thrill of action, this narrative has the potential to enthrall fans of “Dungeons and Dragons,” promising a magical journey of escapism.
Creed astutely sets the stage with a cautionary note regarding potential violence and explicit content. However, the novel defies these expectations, offering a more subdued depiction of these elements. The resultant narrative is, therefore, well suited for older teens and young adults in search of a more tempered fantasy experience. Although Daggers and Daisies serves as the initiation of a series, its denouement is somewhat precipitous, igniting an insatiable desire in readers for the narrative to continue. Despite this abrupt conclusion, Daggers and Daisies demonstrates significant potential as a compelling series.
Pages: 236 | ASIN : B0B9M3P9XY
Titanian Warrior
Titanium Warrior is the final book in the Titanium chronicles by Victoria Saccenti. Hagen, the novel’s hero must find his eternal Phoenix mate or risk going rogue with blood lust and getting eliminated. The heroine, Faiza, and her sister are sold off by their parents to Master O, a strange wizard who Faiza suspects is not genuine with them. The protagonists’ destinies intertwine when Faiza’s vision of an injured man accompanying master O. is fulfilled. As Faiza figures out Master O’s diabolical plan, she must get them out of his clutches. Will Faiza be able to accept the destiny that connects her and Hagen?
Titanium Warrior by Victoria Saccenti is a story of eternal love, fated lovers, and everything in between. It is filled with adventures and action. Readers are quickly immersed in an exotic world which, although materially similar to the human world, is wildly different. This is a befitting recommendation for lovers of fantasy and paranormal romance, including readers who enjoy heart-warming tales.
The romance between our protagonists is passionate and believable. Although it might seem like an advanced reading with complex characters, it is engaging. The supporting characters are also well-developed, adding depth to the story. The use of suspense moves the story’s plot, and the pacing of the story is well-balanced. The novel explores several themes, including love, trust, betrayal, and redemption.
Titanium Warrior by Victoria Saccenti is a riveting, well-written, and blends romance, action, and fantasy seamlessly. It features an exciting display of supernatural forces and power in the modern world. A world with cars, computers, and technology that doubles as a world filled with Titanians, vampires, wizards, and different supernatural creatures that walk amongst humans. There’s also a unique, constant reference to supernaturals using technology to fight evil.
Pages: 284 | ASIN : B0BNZFHM28
Season of the Dragon
Season of the Dragon by Natalie Wright, Book 1 of the fantasy series Dragos Primeri, follows Quen, a young woman plagued by a curse that makes her a pariah in her homeland and the world of Menauld. After a mysterious woman visits Quen’s small desert town claiming Quen to be part of a dark cult, Quen’s life is forever changed. In hopes of discovering the origin and meaning of her curse, Quen joins a vigilante group of warriors to travel throughout the country, searching for answers. While on her journey Quen is faced with those who fear her, those who wish to control her fate, and those who might just know the origin of her powers.
A book for fantasy lovers! With dragons, magical creatures, magic, corrupt kingdoms, and forbidden love, Natalie Wright has created an enthralling world. The reader journeys with Quen as she searches for answers to a dark secret she holds inside herself – her second soul. Quen, unsure of the meaning of her second soul, seeks to understand its origin for fear that she might belong to the shadow of Vay’Nada rather than the calming waters of Val’Enara.
Wright spends much of the book world-building and familiarizing the reader with the world of Menauld, and there is much to learn. Despite this, Wright successfully educates the reader without overwhelming them as she continues the introduction of the world throughout the entire book. Wright excels in immersive world-building, while her second act moves at a slower pace as readers follow along on Quen’s journey.
Quen is an amazing female protagonist. She is bold and strong yet kind, loving, and intuitive. What may seem to be naivete in some situations shows her earnestness and comes off as genuine and relatable. The secondary characters are also well-written. I recommend Season of the Dragon by Natalie Wright to fantasy readers who enjoy a gripping coming-of-age story that takes them on an exciting adventure. I am already looking forward to the sequels.
Pages: 444 | ASIN : B0BRNW6715
Undercover Mage
It has not rained for many seasons in the peaceful village of Riverfall. As a result, the people desperately need water for their crops and population to survive. As a result, the people of Riverfall hold a festival of dragon boat races with other neighboring provinces to honor the river dragon responsible for bringing the rain. However, it seems that someone is intent on sabotaging these events.
Undercover Mage by Kaaren Sutcliffe follows the journey of the brave mage Everand, who is sent to Riverfall under cover of an innocent traveler. During his journey, he is tasked with uncovering the mystery of the strange events taking place in the village and ensuring the safe running of the festival. However, when he arrives, he is soon endeared by the welcoming and hardworking people of Riverfall, as well as an alluring boatwoman called Lamiya.
Sutcliffe creates an immersive fantasy world that keeps the reader wanting to discover more. The plot is compelling and suspenseful, with many twists and turns along the way. There is a powerful romance starting to build, and readers will be wondering how this will impact the storyline. Skillfully, the author can weave together peaceful scenes of life in Riverfall with vivid and action-packed events, such as the impressive dragon boat races. The best part of the novel is the characters, which are fully fleshed out and easy to empathize with. Throughout the journey, the reader roots for these heroes all the way.
Undercover Mage by Kaaren Sutcliffe is a gripping fantasy novel that takes readers on a thrilling adventure and gives them a captivating romance to follow. The author captures the reader’s attention throughout with well-written prose and an enthralling story. I would highly recommend Undercover Mage to readers who enjoy fantasy adventure novels full of magic, both in the literal and metaphorical sense, and a dynamic romance that fits into the story without overwhelming it.
Pages: 420 | ISBN : 1922792519
Raise the Dead
A doctor who happens to also be a necromancer named Emilio finds himself in the presence of his queen, but she is no longer alive. Queen Marisol has been murdered. Her spirit finds its way to Emilio, so she can finally be at peace. First, however, the truth must come out to those nearest to her as someone, or something, is impersonating her.
Raise the Dead by Tony Fuentes and C. S. Kading takes readers on an adventure that Emilio is unsure of, but he is willing to do anything to help his queen. The pair encounter skeptics of his work, shades, and other undead creatures as they search for a way to help Queen Marisol uncover the truth and share it with those nearest to her. However, during this time, unexpected feelings are growing between Emilio and Marisol.
The authors have created a unique, riveting dark fantasy novel with a slow-burn romance. The chemistry between the two main characters is subtle and sets readers up for a more extended storyline beyond this one novel. I found myself anxious to get to the moment when they would finally be together. The slow pace works with the story, as there is more at stake than love. The narrative and plotline flow smoothly, giving readers a complete picture of what is happening. Bringing the truth into the light comes off as the story’s focus and romance complement it perfectly.
Raise the Dead is a gripping dark fantasy and paranormal romance novel that takes readers into the world of necromancers. With richly developed characters, magic and adventure, there is something for readers of all fantasy to enjoy. This novel has a lot of potentials to be a fantastic series. I look forward to seeing how Tony Fuentes and C. S. Kading develop this budding romance.
Pages: 243 | ASIN : B0BKJP16PX
Embracing the Darkness
Jasce’s sister is missing, and the very people who can help most do not see her return as a priority. The kingdom has seemingly more important things with which to contend, and Jasce is expected to do his part, forcing him to make a choice between family and the Kingdom. Jasce, as it turns out, possesses a power highly desired by those who know him. As infamous as he is, however, he is unable to overturn the command he has been given to stand down and stop his frantic search for his sister, Jaida.
Embracing the Darkness, by Cassie Sanchez, is a rousing fantasy tale centered around siblings Jasce and Jaida, both of whom possess powers that set them apart in more ways than one. Jaida is considered a fugitive, and Jasce’s number one concern, despite the orders he has been assigned by the Queen, is finding his sister and gaining her forgiveness. Jasce’s inner turmoil and fiery temper make him a standout character in Sanchez’s beautifully detailed novel.
The author provides great backstories in the book’s introduction. Readers are given a full breakdown of the trauma and abuse that dominated the siblings’ childhoods. The gripping introduction and the interactions with their loving and fiercely protective mother set the stage for the intensity of emotion later in their lives when Jasce becomes the one with his sights set on mending fences and recovering his sister.
Cassie Sanchez is a master at balancing a complicated and multi-faceted plot with detailed imagery and incredible visuals for readers. Jasce and Jaida’s story is fast-paced, and the variety of settings and relatable dialogue all combine to make Sanchez’s story a must-read in the fantasy series.
When an author manages to make a plot come full-circle, I am always impressed and satisfied as a reader. I absolutely loved the idea that the stories Jasce’s mother told him as a child came to light in adulthood and served him as he fights to obey the Queen and recover his sister. Sanchez pulls this technique together and gives readers a specific type of closure to their reading–a truly masterful technique.
I am giving Embracing the Darkness, by Cassie Sanchez, a solid 5 out of 5 stars. With strong main characters, tastefully done romantic scenes, and an engaging plot, Sanchez’s fantasy delivers it all from cover to cover. I highly recommend Sanchez’s novel to any fantasy fan looking for a fabulous new cast of characters to cherish.
Pages: 151 | ASIN : B0B33RFRP8
LITERARY TITAN 