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Ultimum Judicium The Last Judgment
David Navarria’s novel, Ultimum Judicium: The Last Judgment, is a gripping narrative that reimagines the end times as a brutal reality. The book stands apart from typical sci-fi or doomsday stories by grounding it in a world spiraling toward Armageddon. The author meticulously builds this world over a span of more than two centuries, detailing how society collapsed due to humanity’s moral transgressions fueled by media, corruption, and the worship of evil.
The story begins over two hundred years after civilization has fallen, with no remnants left behind. In this lawless and chaotic world, a prophet chosen by God, Mochè, rises as the leader or “Manhig”. His mission is to guide God’s remaining followers on an odyssey to a place of redemption. The journey is a constant struggle against a world now dominated by savage, nonhuman beings and evil humans.
Mochè is the heart of the story. He’s portrayed as a formidable warrior and a priest who leads his people with a deep sense of love and devotion. The book delves into his inner turmoil, particularly the temptation he faces in his love for Zipporah, an intelligent and captivating woman he rescues from a life of slavery. Zipporah is depicted as a strong and influential partner to Mochè, helping to build their new society.
The novel is rich with a diverse cast of well-developed characters. The story shines in its depiction of the subtle and not-so-subtle romances that develop, with the love stories of Zipporah and Mochè, Eliza and Matthew, and Gabriela and Benjamin forming a strong emotional core. These relationships provide moments of tenderness and hope amid the pervasive brutality of their world. The book also introduces other key figures, such as Goliath, a kind-hearted giant who serves God, and Nikanyiso, a formidable Zulu warrior.
The author excels at creating a constantly changing and suspenseful storyline. The narrative features intense and exciting battles that showcase Mochè’s strategic brilliance. The writing style is both clear and eloquent, effectively conveying the horrors of this fallen world while also capturing moments of profound beauty and spiritual reflection. The subtle yet powerful ways in which characters are introduced, alongside the detailed and vivid battle descriptions, contribute to a truly immersive reading experience.
Ultimum Judicium is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that subverts typical genre expectations. It is a story of love, faith, and resilience that navigates the complex and often brutal realities of a world on the brink of its final judgment.
Pages: 348 | ASIN : B0FL4K6K6M
Surf n’ Turf
Surf ‘n Turf, by Jo-Anne Duffett, presents the intricate journey of Sarah, a character grappling with the complexities of self-discovery and emotional exploration. Following an unexpected proposal, Sarah embarks on a voyage from Cape Town, using a worn map and a locket to trace her heritage. Her journey, both physical and metaphorical, is laden with challenges, leading her to cross paths with Luan, a sheep farmer burdened by his own enigmatic past.
Duffett’s narrative is a blend of personal growth and subtle romance, crafted through a compelling writing style. The novel escorts readers through varied landscapes, from the bustling streets of Cape Town to the serene expanses of the Karoo. Duffett’s vivid descriptions of these settings are a testament to her meticulous attention to detail and deep appreciation of nature. These richly painted backdrops serve as a constant amidst the evolving narrative.
The story itself is a tapestry of emotional depth and complexity. Sarah’s unwavering pursuit of her heritage, underscored by her resilience against adversity, is not only commendable but deeply inspiring. The character of Luan, with his kindness and hidden sorrows, adds a layer of intrigue to the story. Their relationship, evolving amidst the central quest, is portrayed with a delicate balance of tenderness and realism. Duffett’s skill in weaving emotional elements into the narrative fabric is notable. The symbolic significance of the map, locket, and phrases that Sarah cherishes adds depth to her character and her journey.
Surf ‘n Turf is a narrative that celebrates the human spirit’s capacity for growth, resilience, and connection. I recommend Jo-Anne Duffett’s novel to any reader looking for a romance tale that moves far beyond the surface and explores the characters’ emotions in a touching and realistic fashion.
Pages: 217: ASIN : B0CPT7XPC9
Never Give Up On Yourself
Soul Scepter: Time Marauders follows two friends from Idaho who are transported through time to medieval England and have to stop history from being changed. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I grew up in Idaho near the area where the book begins and toured the Idaho National Laboratory when studying physics in college. I’ve always loved all things medieval and have been to all of the historical locations in England referenced in the book. The book is the product of a series of daydreams and the desire to provide young adults with inspirational fiction to help foster confidence and emotional resilience.
Did you plan the tone and direction of the novel before writing or did it come out organically as you were writing?
The tone evolved since the first draft. Some of the combat scenes started out as too mature for a younger audience and some of the teen interactions were probably too juvenile for an adult audience. I was fortunate to have many adult and teen beta readers which helped in striking a maturity balance that satisfied me and readers across an age spectrum.
The middle of the book changed from draft to draft, while the beginning and ending stayed consistent. An aspect that didn’t change was the importance of never giving up on yourself or the people you care about.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I sought to incorporate elements of characters digging deep to pull through desperate circumstances and sprinkle in nuggets of ways to find hope and resist self-harm. Some reasons this is important to me is that I’m an Air Force veteran, and a veteran commits suicide in the US every 65 minutes. Someone commits suicide in the US every 11 minutes, and a study estimated that there is a suicide attempt every 31 seconds. I wanted to be a part of the solution as much as I could. Most individuals taking their lives probably weren’t reading dry textbooks on techniques for overcoming suicidal ideations—but many people do turn to fictional entertainment when they want to escape.
Can you tell us where the book goes and where we’ll see the characters in the next book?
In the next book, the characters need to time travel to the future to find the solution to the havoc that the Dreizack has unleashed on the world. When they arrive in the future, they discover a Dreizack-ruled dystopian world where they struggle to survive as they search for answers.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
A militant organization attacks Will’s friends, sending him, a girl named Celeste, and their assailants time-traveling to medieval England. As a cunning modern-military commander plots a global conquest to rewrite history, Will and Celeste struggle to navigate the perils of 1345 while being hunted by the modern men.
With every heartbeat, the stakes grow higher as Will races against time to avert disaster—a challenge made more complicated by his growing feelings for Celeste and his uncanny link to the Soul Scepter.
Soul Scepter
Eric Westergard’s Soul Scepter: Time Marauders transports readers on a thrilling adventure that seamlessly blends history and fantasy. The story follows Will Donovan and his friend, who find themselves in the midst of a battle for a powerful scepter while playing paintball in Idaho. After being chased by a militant organization, they suddenly find themselves transported to medieval England. In this new world, they must navigate through history without altering the course of events.
The book is a captivating page-turner, with action-packed scenes around every corner. The author’s ability to set the scene and develop the characters will leave readers in awe from the opening chapters. From the first page, readers will be drawn into the non-stop action, adventure, and plot twists that keep going throughout the entire novel.
Westergard’s writing style and attention to historical accuracy are admirable, making it feel as though the reader is transported back in time. I could vividly imagine the battle scenes, smell the stench of England, and picture the grandeur of The Tower of London. The more I read, the more invested I became in the characters’ emotions and experiences. The author’s inclusion of themes surrounding depression and mental health is commendable and adds another layer of depth to the story. This is a story of self-discovery as much as a quest to stop evil from altering history. Will’s journey is one that teens will be able to relate to while rooting for him.
Overall, Soul Scepter: Time Marauders is a gripping action and adventure novel through time and medieval England. This excellent book is a must-read for teens and young adults with a passion for fantasy and history. I look forward to reading the next installment in this series and continuing the adventure with Will and his friends.
Pages: 390 | ASIN : B0C2GBTLRH
LITERARY TITAN 