Blog Archives
Enigma Jewels
Enigma Jewels takes readers on a breakneck chase across the Caribbean, following Julian Lafluer, the last member of a notorious criminal family, as he struggles to escape justice. After his human trafficking and drug operations are dismantled, Julian turns to laundering money and harvesting precious gems from sunken ships. The Enigma Heirs, part of the R-Group and CATS teams, are hot on his trail. From crypto deals to cartel connections, the heroes face deadly traps, twisting betrayals, and brutal choices as they work to bring down a man who always seems one step ahead. It’s a techno-thriller packed with action, danger, and some clever cyber-sleuthing, all unfolding against a backdrop of stunning island settings and gritty underworld dealings.
I really liked the fast pacing and sharp dialogue. The writing felt fresh and unpretentious. It didn’t get bogged down in technical mumbo-jumbo, even though tech plays a big part in the story. Instead, the authors kept things moving with quick scene cuts and tension that never let up for long. There were points when the banter between characters made me smile, even during life-or-death moments, which made me root for them even harder. I found myself genuinely worried for Gracie, JJ, Marian, and Brayson. These aren’t perfect action heroes. They’re messy, stubborn, smart people who make mistakes but don’t quit. That made me care about what happened to them, which is a rare feeling when you’ve read a lot of thrillers.
The story dives deep into areas like cryptocurrency tracking and harbor patrol operations, adding a rich layer of technical detail that some readers may appreciate for its authenticity. Julian’s character stays intentionally shadowy, emphasizing his role as an unpredictable and elusive threat. This approach keeps the suspense high, though it may leave some readers wanting a closer look at his personal motivations. Overall, the complexity of the plot and the constant shifts in momentum create an exciting and engaging experience.
Enigma Jewels is a thrilling ride that’s perfect for anyone who loves fast-paced, clever stories about cybercrime, loyalty, and survival. If you’re a fan of series like Mission: Impossible or NCIS, or if you enjoy books that mix technology with real-world danger, you’ll probably eat this one up. I had a blast reading it and would happily dive back into the world of the Enigma Heirs anytime. It’s gritty, smart, and just the right kind of wild.
Pages: 272 | ASIN: B0F1KS39PD
The Forsaken Planet
The Forsaken Planet is a sprawling science fiction epic that kicks off the Power of the Stars series. It tells the story of Colton Samson, an ordinary young man from suburban New England whose world is shattered when alien ships invade Earth. After the sudden destruction of his home and the death of his best friend during the attack, Colton discovers that he is connected to a larger cosmic struggle. The book unfolds across multiple planets and explores themes of vengeance, power, friendship, and identity. As Colton grapples with loss and truth, he finds himself drawn into a war that threatens not just Earth but the entire known universe.
I was hooked from the first page. Bryan Wilson knows how to build tension. The slow burn of normal life being ripped apart by cosmic forces gave me real chills. His characters, especially Colton, feel like people you could know: awkward, impulsive, loyal to a fault. The dialogue is natural and sharp, and Wilson has a real knack for blending big sci-fi concepts with relatable emotions. Spoiler alert: When TJ dies, it hurt. Not just because of the loss, but because of how raw and real that moment felt. I also loved how Wilson keeps the pacing tight, even with a lot of world-building. He doesn’t get bogged down in exposition dumps. He lets the mystery unfold at just the right pace.
One of my favorite parts was the mythology. It’s this rich, layered history of prophets, lost power, and a cosmic kingdom that once united all human-inhabited worlds—including Earth. I loved how Earth is portrayed not just as a distant, disconnected planet but as something sacred that was cut off, “forsaken,” like a fallen temple in the stars. It reminded me a lot of Star Wars with its ancient orders and mysterious forces, but also had touches of Dune and even The Silmarillion—that same sense of deep, mythic pasts shaping the present.
The writing is energetic and full of heart. Bryan Wilson has a clear love for the story he’s telling, and it shows in the vivid scenes and emotional moments. His style is easy to follow, with natural dialogue and strong pacing, though sometimes it leans a little dramatic. Still, the emotion behind the words pulls you in, and when it hits, it hits hard.
The Forsaken Planet is a heartfelt and wild ride through space and emotion. It’s for anyone who likes their science fiction with a bit of old-school flair, big stakes, and bigger feelings. If you’re into stories about underdogs becoming heroes, hidden powers, and interstellar drama, then this one’s for you.
Pages: 599 | ASIN : B0C3RVGK9R
Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches from Outer Space! (A Twenty-First-Century Fairy Tale)
Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches from Outer Space! is part zany sci-fi adventure, part heartfelt coming-of-age story, and part sharp commentary on youth, education, and social change. It follows Violet—a strong-willed, smart, and slightly overburdened teen—who just wants to start a school newspaper and save the world from ignorance. Instead, she ends up hiking through the forest with her best friend, two chaotic little brothers, and eventually discovering what appears to be a literal alien spaceship with a sandwich in it. You can’t make this stuff up—except, of course, I.S. Noah did, and did it with charm, sass, and a lot of insight tucked under the goofiness.
I adored Violet. She’s the kind of teen I wish I had the guts to be when I was that age—smart, mad as hell about the world’s problems, and totally driven to do something about it. Her internal monologue had me nodding and laughing in equal measure. Like in Chapter 1, when she vents about classmates calling facts “fake news” and quoting Asimov? Chef’s kiss. Relatable, sharp, and kind of heartbreaking. Also, the banter between the kids feels so real. Brad, her pain-in-the-neck brother, is hilarious in that “I want to throttle you but you’re also kind of brilliant” way.
What surprised me most, though, was how layered this book is under all the humor. Sure, there are fart jokes and banana slugs and a glowing alien disc, but there’s also real commentary on truth, science, journalism, and what it means to grow up in a world flooded with noise and nonsense. Violet’s drive to bring back the school newspaper is more than just a school project—it’s her way of fighting for reason in a world full of opinions. And then you get a twist like the sandwich from space—I won’t spoil it, but let’s just say it’s both hilarious and bizarrely thought-provoking. Who knew intergalactic peanut butter could stir up so many questions?
If you’re into stories that mash up teenage drama, sci-fi nonsense, heartfelt moments, and a healthy dose of “what the heck just happened?”—this book is for you. Teachers, nerdy teens, exasperated older siblings, and anyone who’s ever rolled their eyes at misinformation or dreamed of aliens—y’all will love this. It’s smart. It’s weird. It’s got heart. And somehow, it makes space sandwiches feel profound.
Pages: 256 | ISBN : 9798887316918
Raq
Some books pull you into their world gradually. Raq grabs you by the collar and throws you straight into the heat. Set in an alien society where belief, honor, and duty shape every action, it follows Lieutenant Raq, a soldier of the Hlad race, as he faces the impossible, a crashed alien ship, a survivor who isn’t like anything his people have ever seen, and a truth that could shatter everything he believes. What starts as a mission to protect his world turns into an unsettling journey of discovery, where Raq and the human survivor, David, are forced to bridge their differences to uncover something bigger than both of them.
One thing that stood out immediately was the visceral world-building. Toppin doesn’t just describe the Hlad; she immerses you in their culture. From the Fire King’s brutal rule to the structured hierarchy of warriors and scholars, every piece of their world feels lived-in. Raq, in particular, is a character torn between deep-seated faith and an uncomfortable new reality. His reaction to the humans is intense disgust, superiority, then creeping doubt. You can feel his internal struggle as he hesitates before killing a human, as he wrestles with the possibility that everything he’s been taught is a lie. There’s a moment early on when he watches the alien leader, “the Tall One,” fall back protectively in front of his injured companion. That brief hesitation, that flicker of recognition, sets the stage for his slow unraveling. It’s masterfully done.
The novel also does something many sci-fi books struggle with: making the aliens alien but still relatable. The Hlad aren’t just humans in lizard suits; they have different physical structures, customs, and ways of processing emotions. And yet, they still feel incredibly real. Their biology is fascinating, with spikes that bristle in response to emotion, mandibles that twitch when angry, a rigid class system that dictates their entire lives. The moment when Raq realizes that David, the human, is just as confused and afraid as he is, is a pivotal shift. The way language is used as a barrier between them is handled well at first, all Raq hears are strange, clipped sounds, but then David keeps repeating “I am human” until Raq starts to understand. It’s a slow, believable progression, not a convenient sci-fi instant-translation moment.
Raq is an ambitious book that takes its time unfolding its layers. The first half is gripping, packed with tension, mystery, and high-stakes conflict. Then, the pace shifts, allowing room for deeper reflection. David’s journal entries bring a rich perspective, immersing us in Earth’s forgotten history and the mission that led them to Hlad. While these sections slow the immediate action, they add depth and context, making the story feel expansive. The balance between action and introspection leans heavily toward world-building at times, but for readers who enjoy a thoughtful, layered narrative, this shift offers a rewarding look into the bigger picture.
Raq is an engrossing read for anyone who loves deep world-building and character-driven sci-fi. If you enjoy stories where different cultures clash and characters have to earn their understanding of each other rather than just getting along right away, this one’s for you. Fans of The Forever War or The Sparrow will appreciate the moral dilemmas and the slow unraveling of certainty. It’s not a light read, but it’s a rewarding one, and by the time you turn the last page, you’ll be left with that eerie, lingering question, what if we’re not as alone as we think?
Pages: 237 | ASIN: B0B913PTBG
The End: Alpha
The End: Alpha throws you headfirst into a brutal, faith-fueled fight for survival. Set in the not-so-distant future of 2113, the book follows Sage, a young survivor on the run from a totalitarian government led by the monstrous Emperor Nero. Once known as Constantine Goodfellow, this tech-obsessed dictator has declared Christianity a crime, branding believers and hunting them down like animals. The world is bleak, with AI-driven enforcers called Guardians tracking down “undesirables” and a sinister cleansing underway. The resistance is small but determined, clinging to their faith as they fight for survival in a world that has declared war on them.
Ryan pulls you into the fear and tension with sharp, first-person storytelling that doesn’t waste time explaining every little thing. You get dumped straight into Sage’s world, where paranoia and grief drip from every page. And, man, does the book make you feel the weight of it. That opening chapter where Sage recalls the government “census” that secretly branded Christians was chilling.
One thing I love about post-apocalyptic fiction is when the villains feel real. Emperor Nero is absolutely terrifying. He’s not just evil for the sake of being evil, he believes in his own twisted righteousness. The scenes from his perspective (especially when he’s basking in his god complex while surrounded by concubines and sycophants) feel straight out of some nightmare version of 1984 meets The Hunger Games. The way his followers worship him, the way his High Vassal Maximillian fawns over him like a cult leader, is disturbing.
While the book excels in world-building and tension, the pacing has its slower moments. Some sections dive deep into inner monologue, and the religious themes are woven heavily throughout. Faith is a major part of the story, though, at times, certain conversations feel more like statements of belief rather than natural dialogue. That said, the action more than makes up for it. The chase sequences and the near-miss encounters with the Guardians are absolutely gripping. And the characters, especially Swifty, the no-nonsense leader of the resistance, bring so much energy that even the quieter moments feel meaningful.
If you like your dystopian stories dark, where the stakes feel real, then you’ll love this book. Fans of The Road, A Handmaid’s Tale, or Left Behind will eat this up. It’s brutal, bleak, and sometimes hits a little too close to home.
ASIN: B0DY8R2Z1H
Terra Firma
Jessahme Wren’s Terra Firma is a riveting blend of spacefaring adventure and poignant human struggle. It follows Sev, a resilient twelve-year-old, and Phoenix, a one-armed scoundrel, as their fates intertwine on a perilous calcet harvesting mission on the deadly planet Terra Firma. Both characters, bound by desperation and circumstance, embark on a gritty journey that explores survival, morality, and unlikely companionship in the unforgiving expanse of the Outer Reaches.
Wren’s writing stands out for its rich detail and emotional depth. The opening chapter drew me in immediately, painting Sev’s worn-down existence with vivid, raw strokes, her hunger, her strained relationship with her father, and her longing for a life beyond survival. I was particularly moved by Sev’s moments of reflection, such as when she daydreams about her late mother while chewing on stale ration bars. Wren balances these tender moments with the harshness of Sev’s reality, creating a striking contrast that lingers.
Phoenix, too, is an intriguing character. His introduction, a high-stakes gambling cheat that costs him an arm sets the tone for his roguish, stubborn personality. I found myself torn between rooting for him and cringing at his reckless decisions. Yet, his humanity shines through in his interactions with Sev, especially when he risks his life to save her on Terra Firma. Their uneasy alliance blossoms into a partnership, which feels both inevitable and heartwarming. The dialogue between them sparkles with subtle humor and emotional weight, particularly during their stay in the miner’s tent.
The worldbuilding is another highlight. Terra Firma itself is practically a character, with its toxic spores, undulating calcet pits, and lethal unpredictability. Wren crafts an environment that is as menacing as it is mesmerizing. I could feel the weight of the air and hear the hiss of Sev’s overworked filter. Similarly, Dobani, with its sunlit beaches and bustling markets, feels like a breath of fresh air—a sharp contrast to the grim chaos of space and Terra Firma.
Terra Firma is a story for readers who enjoy character-driven sci-fi with a strong emotional core. Jessahme Wren delivers a tale that’s both gritty and hopeful, full of heartbreak and healing. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a story about survival, found family, and the tenacity it takes to find beauty in an unforgiving world.
Pages: 237 | ASIN: B0DR61PCFR
Power and Purpose
Restart: Dawn of Shadows – Book 2 thrusts readers into a battle for humanity’s future as a group of survivors fight against a ruthless queen from space to the streets of a post-apocalyptic Earth. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
As the story developed, I realized the fantasy side of it naturally flowed from the science fiction developments in book 1. As far as inspiration for the setup of the story, I’ve always been drawn to post-apocalyptic stories. For a lot of us, it’s a well that never runs dry. Yet I wanted to portray characters that resemble, not the future, but those who look to the past for their power and purpose.
Queen Eve is a compelling antagonist. What inspired her character, and did she evolve differently than you first envisioned?
Queen Eve has evolved, or regressed, into something much darker and sinister than had originally been seen when we first met her. This surprises even her own family. The rest of her part in the story developed naturally from that point on as she is virtually elemental.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Restart explores themes of survival, loyalty, and the consequences of unchecked technological power. The story delves into the blurred lines between humanity and technology, as the characters grapple with the moral complexities of a world redefined by a catastrophic event.
Survival and Humanity: The characters navigate a world where survival tests their humanity, pushing them to make difficult choices.
Betrayal and Trust: The group grapples with internal and external threats, questioning who can be trusted in a world where alliances are fragile.
Power and Consequences: The misuse of technological power leads to catastrophic consequences, exploring the potential dangers of unchecked advancements, such as AI and the military-industrial complex.
Family Ties: The dynamics of family relationships, both blood-related and chosen, play a significant role in shaping the characters’ motivations and actions.
The world-building is so immersive. What research or influences helped shape these settings?
First and foremost, I love books! I also love movies. As I write, I see it all come to life on the big screen. For me, science fiction is best when it comes a little closer to science than it does fiction. For that reason, my historical and theoretical research is quite thorough to ensure plausibility throughout the story. Perhaps it hasn’t happened yet, but it could happen at a later time. As for fiction, it’s certainly necessary as it entertains and intrigues the reader while serving to enrich the plot. In the end, science fiction must be timely.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
In a world teetering on the brink of total subjugation, our heroes—Uly and his friends Xavier, Max, and Arden Ray—find themselves once again thrust into a high-stakes battle for humanity’s future. As Queen Eve’s nefarious new world order threatens to engulf what remains of human civilization, our young protagonists must navigate a treacherous landscape of advanced technology, evolved enemies, and moral quandaries.
As new beginnings take flight aboard a space station orbiting Earth—a temporary haven from the chaos below—an unexpected attack shatters their fragile sense of security. Now, Uly and his friends are forced to return to a transformed New York City, amidst the ruins of a once-great metropolis, to confront Queen Eve’s forces and thwart her terrifying plans for a nightmare world. Together, the group must outsmart and outmaneuver Queen Eve’s roving bands of “the changed”—evolved and sinister versions of their former foes.
As the fight to protect the remnants of humanity from a fate worse than death wanes on, Uly, driven by hope and determination, searches for his missing mother and his loyal Irish Wolfhound, Finn McCool. And with the fate of humanity hanging in the balance, Uly and his friends face impossible odds. If they fail, the surviving humans will be reduced to serving Queen Eve’s twisted vision, with advanced technology wielded by a dangerous few against a helpless populace.
As they fight this ruthless enemy, our heroes must also wrestle with fundamental questions: Can they defeat evil without losing their humanity? Is a normal life ever possible again after facing such extraordinary challenges?
In this gripping sequel about loyalty, perseverance, and the indomitable human spirit, Uly must find the strength to resist tyranny, protect his loved ones, and perhaps—against all odds—forge a path to a brighter future for all humanity.
LITERARY TITAN 