Blog Archives
The Conscience of the C.O.D.
James Terminiello’s The Conscience of the C.O.D. embarks on a frantic adventure aboard the luxury cruise ship Climax of Dreams. Here, the PR director, Trip Torrent, is thrust into a day that spirals increasingly out of control. Initially faced with the news that his vessel will shelter 4,000 refugees, his challenges escalate when the ship is overtaken by O’Higgins and his crew during a high-profile fundraiser, sparking a chain of chaotic events.
Torrent’s ordeal is amplified by an approaching hurricane, a kidnapped tech entrepreneur, and a malfunctioning automated ship, among other crises. Amidst the turmoil, he interacts with a vibrant ensemble of characters—ranging from semi-nude female commandos to a dubious repairman and a charismatic robotic bartender—each rendered with a mix of sharp wit and vivid detail. Terminiello skillfully blends suspense, action, romance, and comedy to navigate the disasters befalling the C.O.D.
The protagonist, Trip Torrent, is portrayed as a grumpy yet endearing figure whose resilience garners reader support, while O’Higgins emerges as a complex antagonist who elicits unexpected empathy. The novel’s humor shines as one of its core strengths, weaving through the bizarre and intricate circumstances that conspire to complicate Torrent’s day. Terminiello’s satire is particularly effective, offering a clever critique wrapped in humor that might not suit all tastes but stands out for its incisiveness. Action sequences in the book are vivid and engaging, with Terminiello’s detailed prose ensuring that readers remain riveted. The strategic intricacies of a naval maneuver and the ethical quandaries faced by the characters are portrayed with a compelling clarity that effectively balances the narrative’s humorous and tense moments.
The Conscience of the C.O.D. offers an absorbing mix of laughter and adrenaline, making it a delightful pick for readers who enjoy a dynamic blend of humor and suspense. While Terminiello’s distinctive comedic style may vary in appeal, his sharp wit and engaging storytelling craft a thoroughly enjoyable reading experience.
Pages: 180 | ASIN : B0CZZCJPRP
Deadpan
Set in the 1970s, Richard Walter’s novel Deadpan introduces us to Dwight Bridges, a Buick salesman living in West Virginia. His life is unremarkable, marked by a casual antisemitism reflective of his environment. However, Walter swiftly upends Dwight’s world with a surreal twist: Dwight inexplicably finds himself transformed into a famous Jewish comedian. This startling metamorphosis propels the narrative, leaving readers and Dwight alike grappling with a bewildering new reality.
Walter’s storytelling echoes the bizarre identity swaps seen in Being John Malkovich, and shares Kafka’s knack for the absurd, particularly reminiscent of The Metamorphosis. As Dwight navigates his unexpected new life, he confronts his prejudices head-on, offering a candid exploration of bigotry and its personal impacts. The narrative journeys through a tapestry of settings, from Tehran to Las Vegas to Sinai, weaving a complex web where each location contributes to the overarching enigma. Walter masterfully maintains a delicate balance between confusion and coherence, ensuring that the underlying purpose of Dwight’s transformation, as cryptic as it is, gradually comes into focus.
Richard Walter’s Deadpan stands out for its unique exploration of identity and prejudice, couched within an offbeat yet compelling narrative. The novel invites readers to delve into the author’s imaginative and unconventional world, which may not resonate with everyone but is sure to captivate those with a penchant for the peculiar. In its exploration of human tribalism and the personal impact of bigotry, Deadpan offers a distinctive reading experience marked by its audacity and creative vision.
Pages: 246 | ASIN : B0CV2R29S3
Daft Mejora’s Infinite Madness (Or, How to Travel Near America with Friends)
Karl Dehmelt’s debut science fiction novel, Daft Mejora’s Infinite Madness (Or, How to Travel Near America with Friends), offers a sharply satirical take on contemporary American society. The novel artfully blends humor, absurdity, and sharp critique, making it a standout piece in the genre. The story introduces an alien leader, known as The Daft One, who lands on Earth during the COVID-19 pandemic disguised as a 14-year-old boy named Daft Mejora. Accompanied by a group of eccentric aliens, their mission to decode the human brain is humorously misguided, relying solely on the internet’s darkest nooks for research.
The plot thickens as The Daft One befriends DJ Jones, a high school student from Florida. This friendship serves as a gateway into a tumultuous world marked by political unrest, rampant conspiracy theories, and deep societal divides—mirrored in DJ’s father, a fervent conspiracy theorist and QAnon follower. Through these interactions, the novel paints a vivid portrait of the current American landscape. Narrated from The Daft One’s perspective, Dehmelt employs this outsider’s view to cleverly spotlight the absurdities of American life. His observations range from the comical resistance of anti-mask protestors to the bizarre world of online misinformation, capturing the mundane and the extraordinary with equal finesse. While Dehmelt’s narrative is unapologetically bold and may not cater to all—particularly those with conservative views or sensitivities to specific language—it is precisely this fearless approach that underscores his adeptness at satire.
The book’s use of surreal elements, such as the quirky character of the Wise Owl, adds a unique flair to the narrative. While distinctively imaginative, these elements enrich the novel’s vibrant tapestry, underscoring its successful fulfillment of the author’s intent. Daft Mejora’s Infinite Madness is a provocative exploration of modern America, appealing to readers who appreciate a blend of satire and science fiction.
Pages: 294 | ISBN : 978-1627205009
A Warped Sensibility
In Terrestrial Passions, an unsuspecting widow finds her life transformed by the extraterrestrial who arrives in her orchard via starship. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I think that I’ve learned an important lesson writing this book. You see, it’s a satire. If you look at the reader reviews, about half of the readers are laughing their pants off, get the offbeat literary humor, and understand that all the detailed historical background is being used in the service of its outrageous, surreal humor. The other half are trying to read it in romance genre terms, and therefore thinking that it’s off-key. The lesson: committed Regency romance fans take their genre rather seriously and don’t laugh at it; science fiction fans, on the other hand, are more likely to get a kick out of it. The result: a large number of 5-star reviews from the Hitchhiker’s Guide, Life of Brian, and Black Adder crowd, plus Lit Majors who have spent many a long night with Jane Austen and feel liberated by being able to laugh…and bewildered negatives from those expecting a serious romance with a tinge of spice. Even Literary Titan’s own reviewer, who did an admirable job analysing the book’s historical accuracies, never mentioned that it’s funny – while some other reviewers, the humor is ALL they talk about.
This is on me, not on the readers. On the way the book is marketed and packaged. I’ll have to tweak the presentation so it reaches its intended audience I think.
My inspiration…yes, indeed, it comes from having read all six Jane Austen novels in school, in England. Loved them. But her early novel Northanger Abbey is a bit different…you could see her going the way of the wild, satirical fantasy adventure rather than the way she ended up being best known for. It’s this playful version of Jane that inspires this book (with a bunch of Dickens tropes thrown in). Then…
I was at Cambridge the same years as Douglas Adams. This book, in a sense, comes from a similar mental place…a warped sensibility…highly intellectual yet sardonically detached. It’s what Americans call “British humor,” I think. An odd thing since according to the Library of Congress, my works are classified as “fiction, American.” This is what you get for growing up in too many countries.
What was your approach to writing the interactions between your characters?
No matter how outlandish, as far as the characters are concerned, it’s really happening. That’s really the only to make a story this weird be believable.
Within this book, you flawlessly blend historical fiction and science fiction. It takes exceptional talent to blend the two genres. How did you go about blending the two genres without disrupting the story?
They are the two genres that have most influenced me since childhood, and I have done several quite serious stories set in the past with fantasy elements, like my multiple award-winning werewolf novel Moon Dance. When it comes to science fiction, however, I can’t seem to escape “comedy.” My Hugo-nominated Aquila series is about the Roman conquest of America, but it’s essentially a laugh-a-minute romp.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
I am finishing the third volume of my Delicatus trilogy — historical fiction which isn’t comedic at all (despite some arch dialogue at times), and starting another trilogy, the Yrth series, for new New York publisher Brazen House.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
A rollicking satire that blends the world of Jane Austen with the sci-fi universes of E.T. and The Day the Earth Stood Still by World Fantasy Award-winning author S.P. Somtow, this story has been a top faved ongoing serial in Amazon Vella.
Terrestrial Passions: A Regency Romance, with Aliens
Terrestrial Passions, by S.P. Somtow, presents a unique fusion of Regency romance and science fiction, transporting readers to the quaint English village of Little Chiswick. In this unusual narrative, the life of Mrs. Emma Dorrit, a widow residing with her brother and twin daughters at the lower echelons of society, undergoes a startling transformation when an extraterrestrial visitor’s starship unexpectedly lands in her orchard.
The novel excels in its detailed characterizations, particularly in depicting the societal nuances and aspirations within 19th-century English society. The Dorrit family, along with the enigmatic alien, Monsieur Clatoux, navigate the intricacies of social conventions and class divisions. The story explores themes of ambition, intellectual exploration, and the intricacies of both terrestrial and interstellar relationships. The juxtaposition of Arabella’s intellectual pursuits against Anna’s more emotionally driven nature provides further depth to the narrative. The novel’s rich historical details and vivid portrayal of the era are a highlight, offering a textured backdrop to the story. Its melding of historical context with science-fiction elements showcases the author’s creative ambition, presenting a refreshing twist for those eager to explore beyond conventional boundaries.
The transition from the familiar setting of an English village to scenes involving extraterrestrial elements adds an element of surprise and innovation, appealing to readers who appreciate a blend of genres. The pacing of the novel, with its mix of reflective social scenes and dynamic sci-fi segments, provides a varied reading experience that keeps the narrative engaging and multifaceted.
Terrestrial Passions stands out for its imaginative approach, skillfully intertwining different genres to create an engaging and distinctive story. It’s a thought-provoking read for those who appreciate an inventive combination of historical fiction and science fiction, marked by well-crafted characters and an original plotline. The book is a testament to the author’s boldness in challenging genre conventions, making it a noteworthy addition to the realms of both historical and science fiction literature.
Pages: 281 | ASIN : B0CDQHNNJ9
Insecticide: A Republican Romance
Insecticide: A Republican Romance is a fantastic blend of historical fiction and supernatural intrigue. Set in an alternate timeline where Texas is a republic independent of the United States, the novel follows the Bush family dynasty, focusing on figures like Prescott Bush, his son “Poppy” (George H. W. Bush), and grandson “Dubya” (George W. Bush). Robinson skillfully intertwines the political narrative with elements of the mystical and bizarre, creating a world where conventional history and the supernatural coexist in startling harmony.
Robinson’s writing style is both audacious and engaging. He demonstrates a keen eye for detail and a remarkable ability to weave complex narratives that captivate the reader. His alternate history is convincing and filled with rich, vivid descriptions that bring this strange world to life. While some readers might find the blend of factual history with fantastical elements a bit jarring, I enjoyed the mix.
One thing I enjoyed the most about this book is the imaginative storytelling and deep political insights. Robinson daringly explores themes of power, destiny, and family legacy against a backdrop of bizarre phenomena, such as Lincoln’s sightings and encounters with mystical creatures. These elements, while peculiar, are emblematic of the novel’s originality and Robinson’s willingness to push the boundaries of conventional historical fiction. Blending the real with the surreal in this narrative offers a unique and engaging storytelling experience. The intriguing blend of reality and surreal elements in this story, though it may sometimes overshadow character development, creates a captivating and unique narrative that really brings the plot to life in a refreshing way.
Insecticide is an ambitious and thought-provoking read that successfully merges historical context with fantasy and political satire elements. Robinson’s narrative challenges and entertains, making readers question the nature of history and power. This book is highly recommended for fans of alternate history and political thrillers and those who appreciate a touch of the supernatural in their reading. It’s particularly suited for readers who enjoy dense, layered narratives that offer more than just a straightforward plot but rather a complex tapestry of ideas and imagination.
Pages: 398 | ASIN : B0CWDQN962
So You Want To Be An Oligarch: A Go-Getting Guidebook For The Purposeful Plutocrat
In So You Want To Be An Oligarch, author C. T. Jackson offers a simultaneously sarcastic and enlightening perspective on the mechanisms of wealth and power among the world’s elite. The book thoroughly explores oligarchy, tracing its roots from the early principles of capitalism to the exploits of historical figures such as Roman general Marcus Crassus and Chinese Empress Wu Zetian. Jackson adeptly combines historical narrative with modern examples, including insightful case studies of major corporations like Apple and The Shell Corporation.
Jackson’s distinctive voice shines throughout the book, employing a unique approach that blends direct address with a humorous tone. This narrative style effectively conveys a range of thought-provoking truths backed by meticulous research. The book is as much an academic endeavor as it is a creative one, inviting readers to ponder complex economic, philosophical, and political themes. This work delves into various relevant topics, from the ethics of greed and exploitation to practical discussions of lobbying, offshore banking, and tax avoidance. It includes compelling examples of corporate behavior, such as Nestle’s water usage and Shell’s resource exploitation in Nigeria, framing them within a broader critique of materialistic and exploitative ideals.
So You Want To Be An Oligarch is a captivating blend of in-depth essays, evocative language, thoughtfully selected images, sharp wit, and pertinent quotations. Whether the reader’s interest lies in critiquing the realities of oligarchy and capitalism or in understanding the tactics employed by the wealthiest to maintain their status, this book offers a comprehensive and engaging experience. It invites readers to peek behind the curtain of the world’s wealthiest, providing insights into the ever-growing wealth disparity gap. This book promises not only to inform and entertain but also to stimulate thoughtful consideration and discussion.
Pages: 235 | ASIN : B0CPJKR5XN
The Gods Who Want To Die
In The Gods Who Want To Die, the protagonist, Shelly, a seemingly ordinary mother of three, grapples with a harrowing dilemma: her unwavering devotion to a cult-like group versus the well-being of her family. The narrative delves deep into the psyche of a woman torn between her beliefs and her familial responsibilities, further complicated by a tragic incident that sees her prioritize the cult’s demands over her own children and husband.
The author, Luke McCamley, skillfully weaves a tale that explores the intricate dynamics within a family and offers a poignant commentary on the impact of cults on individual morals and choices. Readers are initially challenged by the story’s complexity, a testament to McCamley’s layered and detailed writing style. However, this initial complexity soon gives way to clarity, enhancing the reader’s engagement with the narrative. The novel’s portrayal of cult influence is both insightful and unsettling, highlighting how individuals can be swayed by extreme ideologies, even at the expense of their most cherished relationships. The detailed depiction of characters, themes, and settings enriches the narrative, creating a vivid and immersive experience for the reader.
The Gods Who Want To Die is a compelling read for those intrigued by psychological thrillers and the dark, often unexplored, corners of human psychology. Its unique writing style and intricate plot make it a standout choice for readers interested in exploring the depths of human conviction and the consequences of extreme belief systems.
Pages 386 | ASIN : B0CFC452CS
LITERARY TITAN 