Blog Archives
Loss and Change
Shanghaied follows a printer from New England in the 1800s who wakes up in a ship’s hold after being drugged and kidnapped, now forced to work aboard the Atalanta. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I wrote the first chapter of Shanghaied as an exercise for a writing class in 2004. That chapter sat in a drawer for a long time. I picked it up again after my wife died; after I sold my home and bought my boat and literally sailed away. It became important to me when I realized I was writing about a man stolen from his life when my life felt stolen from me. I didn’t know how either of us was going to make it back from “out there,” from horizons of grief.
Eamon’s story starts out with a terrifying abduction and turns into a journey of acceptance and self-discovery while holding on to his determination to return home. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
We all face loss and change. And finding your way “back” can be a hero or heroine’s journey for anyone. If we are to live our journey, if we are to not-die, it is incumbent upon us to pay attention. And even if we do return, we and the place we have returned to will have (and should have) changed. Time and life go on. And we must learn to be okay with that, with change.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
That the perspective the sea teaches is humility. That we are part of something much larger than ourselves. That beauty is essential. That we can persevere. That love is a quality, not a quantity. That to be anything, living must include everything.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
Shanghaied is my first book. While it is a fiction, many of its scenes come from my actual lived experiences. Hopefully, by spinning those experiences into this tale and these characters, the story is about all of us more than about me. If a reader feels “lost at sea,” I hope Eamon’s story will help him/her/them. There are a few characters who have sailed over the horizon beyond Eamon’s story, and I could explore their adventures. Or maybe my experiences could come back to my memoir. But before any of those possibilities, I need to see if I can launch Shanghaied into some success and a future of its own.
Author Links: Goodreads | Website | Amazon
Eamon’s bitterness nearly consumes him, until he finds the beauty of this planet undeniable and essential and joins the brotherhood of the sea. Profoundly changed by a journey filled with perseverance, discovery, and love, what will he find if he makes it home again?
Shanghaied
Shanghaied by Jon Howe presents a riveting tale set in the 1800s, focusing on Eamon, a local printer who unexpectedly finds himself at sea aboard the commercial ship Atalanta. The novel begins with a startling premise: Eamon, along with two other men from his town, is drugged, abducted, and forced into service as part of the ship’s crew. What follows is Eamon’s journey of adaptation, acceptance, and an unwavering determination to return home.
Throughout his voyages on the Atalanta, Eamon encounters a series of harrowing experiences, including a brutal beating, the kindness of strangers, a shipwreck, and the loss of comrades. Each moment offers a fresh lens through which Eamon views the world and himself, painting a vivid portrait of resilience and personal growth. The concept of resilience – the ability to recover from difficulties – is a central theme eloquently explored in the narrative. The author skillfully contrasts characters who succumb to their circumstances against the backdrop of Eamon’s steadfast perseverance, highlighting the transformative power of resilience. Jon Howe’s writing is notable for its meticulous attention to detail, particularly in the realms of historical and nautical knowledge. The narrative is rich with comprehensive descriptions and fluid dialogue, immersing readers in the intricate world of 19th-century merchant vessels. The vivid portrayal of life at sea is balanced with the stark realities of the era’s hardships and challenges. While the book excels in its authentic and contextually appropriate descriptive language, it is worth noting that readers unfamiliar with nautical terminology may find certain sections challenging. However, the author does include an extensive glossary of nautical terms at the back of the book.
Shanghaied stands out for its compelling storytelling and well-crafted characters. It’s a novel that will particularly resonate with enthusiasts of historical fiction and maritime adventures, offering a journey not only across the oceans but through the resilience of the human spirit.
Pages: 277 | ASIN : B0CGHY92J8
The Latitude
The Latitude by Pete Clements is a mesmerizing mystery thriller set amidst the alluring landscapes of Florida. With an adrenaline-fueled premise, the story follows the remarkable journey of Bill Burton, an experienced skydiver who defies the odds after a parachute failure during a heart-stopping freefall. Seeking both recovery and a connection to his family’s legacy, Bill’s path leads him to the sun-soaked fields of Florida, where he delves into the captivating world of citrus farming and inherits the responsibility of the family business. However, the plot takes an exhilarating turn when Bill discovers compelling evidence suggesting his parachute malfunction was no accident, plunging him into a labyrinth of suspense that extends far beyond the realm of citrus cultivation.
This book stands out with its captivating and authentic storytelling style, effectively capturing the essence of the American spirit. The characters engage in conversations that resonate with real-life dynamics, effortlessly integrating natural details into their interactions as if reconnecting after an extended absence in the comforting atmosphere of a local bar. While this approach may present a slight challenge in following the intricate narrative at times, it ultimately enhances the immersive experience, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the gripping tale.
Clement’s ability to captivate readers offers an engrossing narrative that keeps them on the edge of their seats. While the portrayal of female characters may have room for improvement, as certain instances succumb to the influence of the Male Gaze, the novel’s strengths overshadow these occasional missteps.
The Latitude by Pete Clements is a riveting mystery thriller that transports readers to the captivating state of Florida. With its unique storytelling approach and authentic dialogue, the novel exudes an undeniable charm that resonates with fans of the genre. Clements skillfully combines a heart-pounding plot with a rich depiction of citrus farming, creating a truly immersive reading experience. For those seeking an exhilarating and evocative literary journey, this is a book that will leave readers eagerly turning the pages, craving more of Clements’ storytelling.
Pages: 181 | ASIN : B081S9PXNG
Rilloön
Rilloön: Dark Passage by Justin Grimmett is a seafaring sci-fi epic that is sure to leave readers on the edge of their seats. The story follows Rilloön, a young echniodyne living on the island of Chloelle on a diamond-shaped planet called Karoquil. The echniodyne are a scaly humanoid race living under the despotic rule of the cruel lect’veneel after being abandoned by their gods eons ago. After a vision calls into question everything the echniodyne know, Rilloön must make a dangerous journey into forbidden waters in hopes of finding a better life for her people. Along the way, she’ll face up against the deadly leviathans that inhabit her world’s oceans and the secrets and history that have been hidden from the echniodyne for generations.
Though science fiction on its surface, the worldbuilding appears to draw heavily from the fantasy and dystopian genres as well, coming together to form a setting with a little bit of something for everyone. Whether you want a tale of rediscovered lost technology or an action-packed adventure on the high seas, this book will not disappoint. It also features a strong female protagonist, something that can be a bit of a rarity in the genre. The author does a good job of avoiding some of the more negative tropes associated with female characters- while Rilloön is unquestionably competent and fierce, she’s also allowed to be vulnerable and, for lack of a better term, human, in a way that many a “strong female character” is sadly lacking.
While the worldbuilding is incredibly in-depth, I found some of the word choices odd. For example, as it takes place on an alien planet completely disconnected from our own, slang terms like “heebie-jeebies” felt a bit out of place. Other than that, the writing is incredible and readers are able to immerse themselves fully into the world created by Grimmett.
Rilloön: Dark Passage is a gripping sea story adventure novel that science fiction and fantasy novel readers will be able to enjoy as elements from both are present. The unique world the author has created is truly fascinating, and I look forward to spending more time there in future installments.
Pages: 460 | ASIN : B096ZK86JX
Raptor’s Revenge
Jamey Fallon has lived a sheltered life on his family’s farm until he returns home one day to find his family brutally murdered. Jamey’s journey takes him to meet a young Count’s daughter, who somehow gets him kidnapped and dumped on a ship. Proving himself to be a capable seaman, Jamey earns his own vessel and begins his hunt for revenge. Raptor’s Revenge by Jim Malloy is a classic adventure novel about a young boy looking to avenge the death of his family.
This book reminds me of many old adventure novels like Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson and Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne. Stories that appear like fantastical adventures for young children but with adult themes to appeal to an older audience. This novel has many graphic descriptions and mature content, making it excellent for older young adults and adult readers.
The way the author chose to write this book is something akin to Shakespearean dialogue but blended with bits and pieces of modern English to make it more understandable, immersing the reader into the story.
The story begins with a murder which immediately captivates and shocks the reader. I was instantly intrigued and couldn’t put the book down. The author provides smooth transitions and gives plenty of backstories for the reader to fully understand each character’s motives. However, I was left wondering if the hurt, the hate, and the destruction would continue into the next book. If there is a sequel, I am looking forward to reading it to have my questions answered.
Raptor’s Revenge by Jim Malloy is an exciting action and adventure novel with historical elements that will captivate readers. I highly recommend this suspenseful book to readers looking for a good sea adventure that will take them on a journey of vengeance, romance, and betrayal.
Pages: 576 | ASIN : B09M8FFQGB
A Genuine Curiosity
Robert Stava Author Interview
The Nightmare From World’s End is a science fiction thriller that begins when various people go missing along a river and a mythical squid may be to blame. What was the inspiration behind the idea for this book and how did that change as you were writing?
It was two things, actually. The first was an offhand comment by my wife one day while we were having lunch along the Hudson River. It was something out in the water that I took a grainy photo (zoom lens) and it came out looking like the classic ‘Loch Ness’ hoax photo. She looked at it and said: “Oh, that’s Ossie!”. “Indeed it is,” I replied, and so it started. The second was a massive crate I discovered along the shore of the Hudson after a big storm. It looked like it had been underwater for some time. That’s how it usually works – something I saw here, a comment there.
Along with that was a genuine curiosity about the American Indians that once populated this area, which go back at least 8,000 years. For me it’s a fluid process of researching and letting it inform the story as it develops. For example, I’d had the concept of the ‘Crazy Jack’ character for years, but dismissed the name as a product of me watching too many movies or TV shows. So, I initially wrote a scene where the American Indian anthropologist – Sarah Ramhorne – is saying as much. Then I discovered (to my shock) that in Munsee/Lenape mythology, there really is an enigmatic trickster named ‘Crazy Jack’. The joke was on me.
Native American folklore around the Hudson River area is a relevant theme within the book. What was the inspiration to infuse such rich culture in this novel?
So little is written about it yet aside from local names – Wappinger, Kitchawank, Weckuaesgeek, Sint Sinck – almost nothing remains of it here. It’s like a ghost hiding in plain sight. Many of the local tribes here were wiped out completely within a couple decades of first contact – we don’t even really know what they looked like. That naturally piqued my interest.
Is there anything that readers connect with in your story that surprises you?
People seem to really be into the characters in this one. That and the American Indian history. A frequent comment I get is: “Is all that stuff true?”. As far as I know, yes.
Your story makes mention of the ancient alien theory. Why did you include this in your novel?
Mainly it was by accident. I was at a local Indian pow-wow researching the story when I ran into an American Indian vendor who in a confidential tone started going off about ‘lost technology’, Atlantis and how the Indians ‘really’ got here in spaceships and had forgotten it. I immediately thought “This is too rich, I have to work this into the novel!” Then it became a running joke through the story: what if some real phenomena was going on to one side while everyone in the story is focused on the hoax phenomena happening on the other?
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be published?
Currently writing another novel for Severed Press titled The Lost World of Kharamu. It’s an updated take on Michael Crichton and Arthur Conan Doyle themes. It’s due out later this year – stay tuned.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
In the aftermath of a major hurricane, a massive antique crate washes up on the shore of Raadsel Point. It’s smuggled cargo from the wreck of the Edmund Wood, an unregistered transport returning from a very unusual expedition. . . a ship that went down in the deepest and most dangerous part of the Hudson known as ‘The World’s End’. The nightmare creature it contains is about to unleash havoc on the citizens of the sleepy river village of Wyvern Falls and inadvertently draw to it a predator thought extinct a millennia ago. It will come down to two people to figure out what both these creatures are and how to stop them: expat CID Detective John Easton and American Indian anthropologist Sarah Ramhorne. The two of them will have to unravel local Indian myths, outmaneuver a corrupt mayor, a failing Ancient Astronaut Theorist TV show and an overzealous Green Folk Festival if they are to stand any chance of saving the day.
Nightmare From World’s End
The Nightmare From World’s End, a science fiction thriller by Robert J. Stava, takes place in Wyvern Falls located along the Hudson River. The action begins when various people begin to go missing along the river. Members of the community are confused about the disappearances until it’s discovered that a giant squid-like creature is wreaking havoc, leaving carnage and even more questions in its wake. That’s not all to the story, however. There isn’t just one creature, there’s two!
A major player in the chaos is John Easton, a private detective, begins to unravel the history around the two creatures. Alongside him is Sarah Ramhorne, a strong-headed Native American archeologist who seems to hold some of the answers. Together they, along with others, try to unravel the story that surrounds these two mysterious creatures and put a stop to the death that has been taking place along the Hudson River.
This book is definitely a thriller that will have readers flipping through the pages wondering what will happen next. The author holds nothing back when he describes each vicious attack committed by the giant squid. Also, the tie-in with Native American culture within the book was handled well. It’s obvious that Robert J. Stava did his research on the tribes in the Hudson Valley area, and while the main purpose of his book was to thrill his readers with the tale of giant, murderous, perhaps ancient sea creatures, a secondary purpose was to provide them with a history of the area and enlighten the reader on Native American history.
Adding to this point, Native American folklore is very present and relevant within the piece. The leading lady, Sarah makes it a point to educate those that she encounters about the injustice done to the tribes within the area. The author doesn’t just place Sarah’s dialogue as disconnected rants within the piece; it all leads up to the climax the unfolds towards the end of the story. This is evident through the actions of Crazy Jack, a homeless Native American (and real folklore character), that contributes to the climax of the story by waking up the second creature that lives on the other end of the river from where the squid is attacking. Throughout the story, Crazy Jack is guided by the voices of his ancestors, telling him what must be done in order to bring an end to the death and carnage unfolding.
This book has a lot going on it in; sea creatures, Native American history and folklore, a private detective with a tragic past, ancient aliens, mind-reading, and even ghosts. You name it, and it’s probably in this book. At times, it was a bit too much, and a little disconnected for the reader. Especially, the bit on ancient aliens. It’s hard to see how Guillamo Del Tesler and his fanatical theories about the river monster being an ancient alien come into play. He’s brought to the area after Jennie Roderick, a half-witted archaeologist student, mails him some doctored petroglyphs that indicate an alien existence within the area. While this part of the plot is an entertaining aside to the major drama going on in the story, it was difficult to discern how it actually contributed to the overall plot, if at all.
Overall, the author tells a good story. The entwinement of sci-fi thriller with Native American folklore is unique and provides a sturdy foundation upon which to base the plot of the entire story. Regardless of a couple smaller story lines falling out of place within the book, it was an entertaining read.
Pages: 249 | ASIN: B01MQLLNM3
Sicania Rising
Sicania Rising by Daniel Buckley is a work of fiction set in the ancient times of sea trade routes and praises to gods for their help in all matters of life. The story features several characters and a depth of detail sure to please any lover of historical fiction, especially of the Mediterranean variety.
One of the great rulers, Seidon, seeks to make headway on the islands of Sicania to further strengthen his hold on the trade routes of the Mediterranean. Meanwhile, his sons are hoping to be elected as the new rulers of the land but seem to have differing views on how to govern. Several other characters have roles to play as the power vacuum of the Mediterranean attracts all interested and worthy seafarers, creating a dynamic and intriguing story for the reader.
Particularly, I enjoyed the descriptions of adventuring and sea warfare. It was interesting to see how wars on the water would have taken place back then, and the author does a good job of putting the reader right in the middle of the battles to soak in all of the details he provides. Language issues do limit some of this, but the strength of the story still shines through the errors, leaving the reader with a solid understanding of what happened in each situation.
It’s unfortunate that the author doesn’t spend more time developing the characters, because they are interesting and beg to be fleshed out. The story has a tendency to jump into a bit of character development and dialogue, only to quickly fast forward through time with more exposition, leaving the reader’s investment in the characters lacking. Otherwise the historical accuracy of this book is the true gem of the story. If you are a fan of historical fiction you will enjoy the depth of detail delivered in this novel.
Sometimes the writing is difficult to follow as it often lacks structure and has inconsistent grammar. It’s a shame because there are glimpses of a great narrative hiding under all of the mistakes.
Overall, Mr. Buckley does a fantastic job of establishing a fictional conflict in a well-documented historical setting. However, his focus on historical facts and neglect of meaningful character development might leave fans of fiction wanting more. For those that enjoy nonfiction, historical sea battles and Mediterranean politics, this story is worth your time.
Pages: 235 | ASIN: B01M3X3YDG
LITERARY TITAN 