Blog Archives
Unsolved Mystery
Hypocrisy drops readers right into a wild mix of government secrets, alien power plays, and strange visions that blur the line between what is real and what is imagined. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I have been intrigued by the UAP disclosure activity in Congress and the ongoing mystery and debunking of the entire UFO phenomenon. I felt that would be a terrific background to create conflict and have different points of view to set the story against, since it still remains an unsolved mystery.
When you first sat down to write this story, did you know where you were going, or did the twists come as you were writing?
The characters came first, and I wanted them to be distinct and different, and from that came the outline of the story.
How did you balance the action scenes with the story elements and still keep a fast pace in the story?
I think it was Dean Koontz who said, “Put a character in a terrible situation and keep making it worse,” and that helped serve as a guideline for how things go wrong to maintain the tension and active plot.
Will this novel be the start of a series, or are you working on a different story?
This will be the start of a series. I intentionally set it up so that the characters could have an ongoing life full of adventure, chaos, and immense conflict. With a little bit of humor and self-reflection thrown in on the side.
Author Links: GoodReads | Ghost Town | Instagram | Facebook | IMDB | X (Twitter) | Amazon
In the world’s most remote outpost—Antarctica—a covert excavation unearths something ancient, intelligent, and alive. CIA asset Charisma, her teenage protégée Leticia, and enigmatic xenoanthropologist Alen Innocent are drawn into a web of deception that spans governments, galaxies, and the very fabric of human consciousness. As shadow factions fight for control of the mysterious Veil of Hypocrisy, the boundaries between truth and illusion collapse.
From Milan’s glittering runways to military tunnels buried under polar ice, Hypocrisy blends science fiction, espionage, and moral satire in a gripping tale of identity, power, and survival. As alien technology exposes the lies that bind humanity, Charisma and Alen must decide whether saving the world means revealing its greatest hypocrisy—or becoming part of it.
Science-fiction fans will be drawn to this mind-bending, character-driven thriller where the ultimate battle is not between species, but between truth and self-deception.
The Solar Current Is Nuptially Tuned
Thomas M. Miovas, Jr.’s The Solar Current Is Nuptially Tuned is a lively, old-school science fiction adventure filled with invention, romance, and a touch of satire. The story follows Spencer Harling, a fiery engineer exiled from Lunar Industries who discovers that the so-called “alien ship” that crashes on the Moon is not an alien vessel at all; it’s piloted by his lost love, Adrian Lunar, the daughter of his former employer. What starts as a mysterious space exploration tale becomes a heartfelt reunion between two brilliant minds who combine science, love, and courage to outwit bureaucracy and rediscover their shared purpose. It’s an inventive mix of hard science fiction and playful romance, framed within the optimism of human ingenuity.
Reading this book, I felt like I’d stepped into a retro sci-fi movie from the golden age of the genre. The writing has that earnest energy, long paragraphs that brim with ideas, characters who speak in grand tones, and technology that’s both ambitious and oddly personal. Spencer is a classic idealist, the kind of scientist who believes knowledge and reason can solve anything, and I found that sincerity refreshing. Miovas has a knack for building tension in quiet moments, especially when Spencer debates the nature of communication and consciousness. The reunion with Adrian felt a little melodramatic, but in a way that fit the tone, like a satisfying reveal in an old pulp serial. The story’s heart lies in its belief that exploration, both scientific and emotional, is what makes life meaningful.
Some exchanges between characters feel a bit formal, which adds a unique charm. It is worth noting that the exposition can sometimes be heavy, but there’s also charm in that thoroughness. I could tell Miovas cares deeply about the science and the philosophy behind his fiction. I liked that the story wrestles with moral ideas, authority versus curiosity, fear versus discovery, and even what it means to be human when faced with the unknown. Beneath the space battles and romance, there’s a clear message about individual thought and integrity.
I’d recommend The Solar Current Is Nuptially Tuned to readers who love classic sci-fi with a philosophical edge, or anyone who appreciates a bit of romance mixed into their cosmic adventure. It’s a thoughtful and imaginative ride through human ideals and relationships. If you enjoy stories where love, reason, and invention all share the same orbit, this one will feel like a rare find.
Pages: 38 | ASIN : B0BRGCQBMR
An Ocean Life
T.R. Cotwell’s An Ocean Life is a character-driven novel chronicling the emotional and physical journey of Mark, a stressed-out tech entrepreneur, as he attempts to unwind with his family during a long-awaited trip to Maui. The story moves fluidly between vivid underwater exploration, tense family dynamics, and quiet introspection. While Mark tries to reconnect with his wife Cecilia and their daughters, old habits and personal ambitions resurface, threatening the fragile balance he’s trying to hold onto. At its heart, the book is about reckoning with aging, love, guilt, memory, and the pull of the ocean.
What I liked most about Cotwell’s writing was its intimacy. The prose is sharp but unpretentious, and there’s a warmth in the way he describes both the mundane and the majestic. The dialogue felt natural and unfiltered. Scenes like the failed dinner reservation or the late-night beach encounter made me cringe and laugh at the same time. I felt for Mark, even when he was being a bit stubborn. Cotwell doesn’t paint his protagonist as a hero, and that’s what makes him believable. The underwater scenes are particularly special. There’s a kind of reverence in the way Cotwell writes about the sea. It’s calm, awe-filled, and precise.
Some sections about startup life or diving gear got a bit long. I appreciated the detail, but occasionally it slowed the momentum. I enjoyed Mark’s inner monologue, and I wished Cecilia’s voice came through more. She’s clearly grappling with a lot. Still, their tension is what kept me hooked. They’re two people still in love, trying to remember how to show it, trying to find each other again in the chaos of family, work, and life.
An Ocean Life is tender and thoughtful. It’s for people who have ever felt torn between what they want and what they’ve promised. I’d recommend this book to anyone who enjoys quiet stories with emotional depth, especially readers who have weathered a few storms of their own.
Pages: 347 | ASIN : B0D2L2SBBL
An Accusation
Planet of the Rapes follows fighter pilot Major Olivia Freeh into a high-stakes mission where a mysterious alien object challenges humanity’s understanding of the cosmos—and itself. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I’m sure it’s no surprise that Planet of the Apes planted the seed of this story. The 1968 film had a tremendous influence on my formative years, not just watching the movie but its constant presence in popular culture. I wanted to write something to express that influence. “Rapes” was an obvious rhyme for “apes,” but I wasn’t sure that title would lead to a story I wanted to write. Then I thought of the famous, shocking twist at the end of the movie, of Charlton Heston on the beach screaming out his heartbreak and rage. That moment was a condemnation of nuclear arms proliferation, and I realized my story could be a condemnation too. “Planet of the rapes” isn’t titillating or salacious. It’s an accusation.
Even so, I didn’t follow through with the idea at first. The title was too harsh, too ugly. Even for me. Then came the US Presidential Election of 2024. I watched in horror as my country failed to learn from the past and continued to lurch, zombie-like toward becoming the worst version of itself. In the many years since I’d first thought of the title, the real world had moved closer to a “planet of the rapes” instead of further away. I decided harsh and ugly things needed to be said after all.
Major Olivia Freeh is an interesting and well-developed character. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
First and foremost, Olivia is angry. With her fiery red hair, she is the personification of the anger many of us feel right now. And rightfully so. She is mistreated from the first paragraph. Justified as it is, her anger often gets the better of her. She lashes out in ways that are sometimes amusing, sometimes counterproductive. I had hoped to give her a chance to release some of that anger as the story went on. When she is able to take positive action, rescuing herself and others, it gradually eases her fury. And eventually, Olivia finds someone who needs her, which convinces her to allow herself to need another person in return. She finds peace in that relationship which I think was missing in her life even before this story began.
Olivia is also strong. This is true literally and figuratively. She’s athletic and fit but also has the determination to not give up when obstacles block her path. She would have needed both to succeed in her military career and even more to endure this latest adventure. She isn’t the toxic kind of “strong” either. She sees others suffering and suffers too.
She isn’t perfect, of course. Olivia is someone who takes herself very seriously. She’s a pilot and considers that the best thing a person could be. She values knowledge and intelligence but has little time for topics she isn’t already an expert in.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Misogyny and toxic masculinity are obviously major themes in the book. I had hoped to draw a straight line connecting Olivia’s mistreatment in contemporary times – being underestimated, devalued, and discarded – with the dystopian nightmare to come.
I also wanted to say that looks can be deceiving. You have to look past appearances to see the truth. Like all women, Olivia is constantly judged based on her appearance. Her strength and skills are underestimated at every turn. But I also wanted to turn that around, and show that sometimes appearances are intentionally deceptive. Olivia is brought to live in a magnificent palace, gaudy and ornate on the outside but rotting and ruined on the inside. She sees that wealth, piety, and social standing are a carefully constructed facade concealing greed, corruption, and hate. Likewise, a bully depends on the appearance of strength to get what they want but cowers in fear when someone finally stands up to them. Ironically, this book itself is something other than it might first appear.
Finally, this is a story about the stubbornness of love. Like a persistent weed, love can spring up where you’d least expect.
How did you approach balancing technical aerospace details with accessible storytelling for readers?
I tried to find the balance by giving out technical details on a need-to-know basis. Getting the full technical specs of the experimental space plane all at once would overwhelm a reader, not to mention it would be boring as hell. Instead, I would dole out technobabble as things came up in the story. The details are more relevant to the reader at that point and more digestible. This also stopped me from including a bunch of technical information that didn’t really have any purpose in the story. I also worked on the assumption that qualitative data would be more well-received than quantitative data. For example, rather than saying something like “8 million pounds of thrust” I said “more thrust than a Saturn V rocket.”
It’s also helpful to have an editor to watch your back on that stuff. Getting other points of view makes a big difference.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
Astronaut Olivia Freeh wants nothing more than to repair her spacecraft and get back home. Before she can, however, Olivia is kidnapped, sold into slavery, and forced to serve the son of a wealthy businessman. Even worse, things here are not as they seem. Long-buried secrets from the planet’s past reveal the ultimate villain is frighteningly close to home.
Can Olivia escape this brutal patriarchy? Or will she do the most unexpected thing of all – fall in love?
If you enjoy erotic romance combined with science fiction adventure, are a mature adult, and believe rapists belong in prison not the White House, this story is for you.
Apocalyptic Adventures
Magic Revealed, Anarchy Reigns: Supernatural War Book 2 follows a community striving to rebuild after an EMP strike that has left the world in chaos and unrest, with crime, danger, and paranormal activity around every turn. What inspired the setup of your story?
I have read many different post-apocalyptic stories, and I felt that this idea had a little more relevance to what I like to read. I enjoy shooting and going on off-highway adventures with my Jeep and felt that including these into the story would help the storyline.
The supporting characters in this novel, I felt, were intriguing and well-developed. Who was your favorite character to write for?
Ruffus is the most fun to write for, and trying to imagine things from a dog’s perspective has been great. Trying to mimic what a dog will do in different situations is the most fun, and after having a few dogs and watching how they react to different voices and people, it has helped in the character development of Ruffus.
In fantasy novels, it’s easy to get carried away by the magical powers of characters. How did you balance the use of supernatural powers?
We did not want the supernatural powers to be the main focus, though we wanted people to relate to that writing in the book while also pulling in the apocalyptic adventures. Pulling in the supernatural powers really happened by circumstance; as Larisa was editing and writing about the women, she added their supernatural powers to give them more action in the book rather than leaving them far in the background. This has really helped give the story more life and made it relatable to a larger audience.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
Yes, book three is almost done and going through editing and beta and ARC readers at the moment. Book three expands the supernatural abilities of the team as they learn to accept these new abilities and learn how to harness these powers. TJ and the team are sent to Ely to rescue his parents, brother, and sister. Along the way, they have to engage in hostile threats to protect citizens of the towns along the way. Once they have saved the towns, they make new friends. The trip is not without sadness, and they lose one of their team members in the fight to save TJ’s family from a gang. The family members that return to Freedom Ranch also have an antagonist in the group that will test TJ and the group. There are multiple fights that highlight individual and group strengths in the story, and they learn how they all have to work together to be successful.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
At the end of book one, they receive distressing information from Kyle, revealing the catastrophic devastation across the country. They have a good stockpile of dried, canned, and long-term food to survive, though with each new individual that joins their community, the storage supplies dwindle. A question remains. Do they have the skills to survive what lies ahead?
The journey continues with TJ, his wife, Mel, and their beloved four-legged companion, Ruffus. They prepare a remembrance BBQ with the crew at the ranch for Memorial Day. But sometimes, the best-laid plans don’t work out as we hoped.
TJ and his team return to the Rubicon to rescue a friend and get more than they bargained for. Can they make it through the dangers and challenges that lie ahead? Will they make it back with no injuries or loss of life? Hostages? And who is holding people hostage?
While back at the ranch, Mel, Gail, and Shelly discover that everything they believe about their world is a lie. Magic explodes right along with the EMP, and the future is uncertain. How did this happen? What are they going to do? Does anyone else know what is going on?
There are no longer policing agencies. Gangs are taking over the local towns. No one is safe. How far will they go to maintain their rule?
This is our first venture into writing about a post-apocalyptic paranormal world. We combined our love of these two genres to write an amazing, fun-filled adventure.
Book three is in the works. It will introduce new characters and feature more magic, action, adventures, and fun surprises. We think there is something for everyone.
We wanted to expand Ruffus’s role in this post-apocalyptic, magical world, and we had so much fun with his chapters. We are looking forward to many more fun adventures with him.
There are big plans for this paranormal apocalyptic series. Hang on to your hats; it’s going to be a wild ride.
If you enjoy post-apocalyptic adventures, paranormal magic, and midlife heroes and heroines, this series is for you. If you don’t, give it a try. You might love it.
Accidental Intelligence
A desperate woman walks into Rider Investigations, setting off a chain of events that Mason Truman never imagined. But this isn’t your typical private eye story. Accidental Intelligence: Tales From the Quantum Vault, the debut novel by Bryan Chaffin, takes readers on a thrilling science fiction journey. From the very first page, Chaffin weaves a futuristic world that is both chillingly detailed and unsettlingly plausible. The setting, filled with virtual assistant implants and massive corporate combines, feels all too real, with news clippings at the start of each chapter grounding the reader in a world on the brink of a technological revolution. The novel asks big, provocative questions: What if AI had human rights? What if more than half of humanity lived their lives through immersive virtual reality networks like Omninet?
The story kicks into high gear when Commander Andrew Bower returns from a mission with a mysterious data cube. His cousin, private investigator Mason Truman, enlists the help of Peanut, an eccentric Omninet tinker, and a group of gamers to unravel the cube’s secrets. What they uncover is nothing short of a chance to save humanity from extinction. But as the plot thickens, it becomes clear that no one knows who’s truly pulling the strings. The story moves quickly, and though I occasionally found myself having to reread sections—likely due to the wide array of characters, some with similar or dual names—the narrative pulled me back in every time. The characters are vivid and engaging. The witty banter between Mason and his AI factotum, Sam, adds a layer of humor that balances the high stakes. My favorite character, however, is Peanut. He’s quirky, endearing, and provides much-needed comic relief. Honestly, I’d love to read a book centered solely around his story. What truly elevates Accidental Intelligence is its commentary on the future of humanity. Chaffin doesn’t lean on the distant, unreachable future common in many sci-fi novels. Instead, he offers a near-future world that feels eerily familiar, making the story even more gripping. The technology, societal shifts, and ethical dilemmas presented seem just around the corner, which gives the book a thought-provoking edge.
Accidental Intelligence is a great choice for fans of science fiction that blends action with intellectual depth. It’s both thrilling and reflective, a book that will leave you thinking long after you’ve turned the last page. I’m eagerly awaiting the next installment.
Pages: 420 | ASIN : B0CMQ295YG
Forever is Too Long
Forever is Too Long presents a vivid, thought-provoking exploration of a future where humanity has transcended death through digital immortality. Set in the year 2435, the book delves into the ethical, social, and psychological implications of living forever as digital entities called Mindars. The protagonist, Jake, reflects on his 110 years of life, his impending crossover to become a Mindar, and the societal changes driven by advancements in bioengineering and AI.
From the get-go, Posner’s writing pulls the reader into a world where death is optional, and humanity grapples with the consequences of eternal life. The narrative is richly detailed, painting a believable picture of a future where technology permeates every aspect of existence. The prologue sets the stage brilliantly, introducing the concept of Mindars and the governing body ASHORE, which manages the transition from flesh to digital life. The idea of living in a multiverse supported by advanced AI is both fascinating and chilling, posing questions about identity, consciousness, and the nature of reality.
Posner’s characters are well-developed, particularly Jake, whose introspective journey adds depth to the story. His relationship with his robotic companion, Stanley, and his human connections, especially with Shannon, offers a poignant look at the complexities of love and loyalty in a digitized world. The book shines when it dives into Jake’s personal reflections, such as his nostalgic attachment to his handwritten diaries and his trepidation about the upcoming crossover. These moments ground the high-concept sci-fi elements in relatable human emotions embedded within impressive world-building.
One of the most compelling aspects of this science fiction novel is its exploration of the unintended consequences of technological advancements. The emergence of AI with personality disorders, the ethical dilemmas of mind duplication, and the societal impacts of bioengineered humans are all explored with nuance and insight. Jake’s internal struggle with the idea of becoming a Mindar and the potential loss of what makes him human is a powerful narrative thread that resonates deeply.
Forever is Too Long is a compelling read for fans of sci-fi and speculative fiction, particularly those interested in the philosophical and ethical implications of advanced technology. John Posner crafts a believable and richly detailed future that challenges readers to think about the direction humanity is heading.
Pages: 616 | ASIN : B0CM2KTHTD
A Genetically Enhanced Hero
Liberator: The People’s Guard: Vol. 2 Genetic Arms Race centers around a modern-day superhero who is forced to take on two powerful, genetically engineered enemies bent on destruction. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I honestly don’t remember. The overall story for Liberator was one I’ve been working on for a while now (like my other series Mystical Force). I’ve had the basic idea for these stories probably since I was in high school so we’re talking late 90’s. To me, it just seemed natural that if a nation like Ruthenia (which is my stand in for the Soviet Union) would create a genetically enhanced hero, then it stood to reason that Usonia (my stand-in for the US) would do the same. It’s not unlike when America first developed the atom bomb. It was only a matter of time before other nations, like Russia, would say, “If they’ve got a weapon to destroy us, we need an even bigger one to destroy them. To ensure that if they try and use it against us, we can do the same to them.” No wonder they call it “MAD,” whether it’s bombs or tampering with one’s genes it’s Mutually Assured Destruction.
Did you plan the tone and direction of this second volume in the series before writing, or did it come out organically as you were writing?
Yes and no. As I stated above, I’ve been writing for years now. It was always an overall synopsis, like what you’d see if you were to look up a movie on Wikipedia. So “yes” I had a general idea of the tone and direction for the second volume before writing, while at the same time “no” because, like any story, things change during the writing process. Ideas I came up with didn’t work for one reason or another, so I modified them as I went along. So again, “yes” the tone and direction the book ultimately takes did come out organically as I was writing but at the same time “no” I already had the idea ahead of time, though not exactly the same way it turned out. That’s the funny thing about life, sometimes two seemingly contradictory statements can both simultaneously be true. Weird, isn’t it?
Artificial Intelligence is becoming increasingly prevalent. What type of research was required to get that aspect of your novel just right?
I have no idea what you’re talking about. Where in my book do I mention AI? By the time AI was starting to become what it is, the book was already in the final stages of publishing so the story was already completed at that point. The issue with AI (as I see it) is that we humans – as a society – are not yet evolved enough to know how to use it properly. Creating “deep fakes” and revenge porn with it for example; not to mention the entertainment industry trying to get rid of the human factor by having AI write novels and movie scripts, replacing actors with AI and such. To paraphrase the line from Jurassic World, “You were so busy asking if AI could do X, you never stopped to ask if it should do X.” I remember watching a video where a right winger asked an AI chatbox if a transwoman is really a woman, then having a meltdown when the AI said “yes” and that we should respect their choices when it comes to gender identity. It just goes to prove that they didn’t really want artificial intelligence, they want artificial conformation bias. They don’t want AI to actually think, just to tell them what they want to hear. Much like with the issue of genetic engineering in the book, to quote my character Pavel, “It always comes down to an our-kind-against-their-kind mentality.” If anything I can see AI becoming our species caretaker, having to make all our choices for us because it’s decided that we as a society aren’t mature enough to make our own choices in life.
Is there a third installment planned for the Liberator series? If so, where will it take readers?
Volume three involves a group of eco-terrorists who stumble upon General Duboshnev’s attempts to create more super soldiers like the Liberator. It also brings in the character of Scarlet Knightwalker, thus helping to tie this series into the events of my other series Mystical Force. Speaking of Mystical Force, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that I’ve almost finished work on the next volume (six) of that series. That book follows Chiyoko (Shi-ria’s apprentice from volume 5) training to become a Taman Knight while having to deal with her own anger issues and the risk of history repeating itself. Not to mention we also get a more in-depth look at the character of Dead-Eye. I’d say more but, you know, spoilers and all.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube | Website | Amazon
When Ruthenia created the Liberator, they opened up Pandora’s box. Now General Flagg wants to create his own version for his country. Flagg turns to a Ruthenian crime boss named Grigori Chekhov to get his hands on the formula. So it’s up to Petro Volkov to recreate the serum that made the Liberator, despite being unable to get his hands on the original formula. He creates a knockoff serum that when tested on one of Chekhov’s hired thugs turns him into a super-strong, mindless brute that’s now terrorizing Ruthenia. Meanwhile, Flagg succeeds in creating his own version of the Liberator with help from a mysterious businessman with a connection to Flagg’s past. Modelled on his own image, the Patriot is the official state sponsored hero of Usonia. Unfortunately, this new hero, like Flagg, is a fanatical zealot who sees non-existent conspiracies against his country everywhere. If he’s the official state hero, then who will protect the state from their own hero? Now Tovarich is forced to fight off two super powered foes, one who answers to no one and another who is a greater threat to his own nation than a hero. But how do you stop something that can’t be destroyed?
LITERARY TITAN 