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Tales From Brook Meadow – The Tale of the Winter Snow
This cozy little children’s book, The Tale of the Winter Snow, is set in the idyllic Brook Meadow and follows Victor the fox and his woodland friends as they experience the first snowfall of winter. What starts as a cheerful morning filled with snowballs and laughter turns into a tender tale of compassion when the animals find a lost and weary fox named Vixen and her two squirrel companions seeking shelter. The story gently weaves themes of friendship, environmental disruption, and the kindness of community, ending with the newcomers being welcomed into the meadow for good.
I really loved how gentle and kind-hearted this kids book was. It’s sincere and warm, like a hand-knit sweater. The writing is straightforward but carries a calm rhythm that suits a bedtime read. The characters are sweet, and Victor, as the steady, big-hearted fox, feels like the kind of friend everyone would want. The illustrations by Caroline Hazell bring a lovely softness to the tale, too, adding just the right touch of charm. I found myself smiling more than once, especially when the two mice popped up from the snow and greeted everyone.
But what hit me was Vixen’s emotional backstory. The quiet, creeping sadness of losing a home to machines and noise felt very real. It didn’t lecture, but it lingered. This isn’t just about cute animals in the snow; it’s also about displacement, loss, and rebuilding trust. I appreciated that the book didn’t shy away from those feelings. It trusted its young audience—and adult readers too—to sit with those emotions for a bit. That trust makes the story stronger. There’s a quiet bravery in how it handles tough topics with such a gentle hand.
Tales from Brook Meadow is the kind of picture book I wish I had on my childhood shelf. It’s ideal for kids who love animal stories, nature lovers who want a heartfelt read, or families looking to share something thoughtful together. Honestly, it’s just a lovely book—simple, kind, and filled with heart. If you want to feel like the world still has safe, magical places where strangers become friends, this little story is your ticket there.
Pages: 35 | ISBN : 1923306073
A Unique Spin
Stolen Histories follows two best friends working to sabotage corrupt institutions who find themselves in a high-stakes heist involving dragons, haunted landscapes, and the looming power of the imperialist Empire. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The first thing I ask when I’m writing something is, ‘Would I enjoy reading this?’ All the situations my characters end up in—from the heists, dragons, and hauntings—are things I love reading about. My biggest inspirations are other stories, like Six of Crows or The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi, along with looking at my characters and asking, ‘What kind of trouble can I get them into?’
I find the world you created in this novel brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from, and how did it change as you were writing?
My inspiration for the world of Avalon came a long time ago—I thought it would be interesting to have a world where magic is the norm, and not having magic is considered the old wives’ tale. A lot has come from that single idea. I wanted to create my own magic system and world setting while also not being so confusing that no one can follow what’s going on. This is how I ended up with Singers, Scribes, and the like. Initially, I thought of doing a D&D-inspired world, or bringing in gods/creatures that already exist in stories, but ended up discarding that for a unique spin of my own. Now, I have Nightbloods, Sun Eaters, and whatnot. There’s so much worldbuilding I’ve done that the first book doesn’t even touch, so I’m excited to continue the series!
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Bigger themes like imperialism, colonialism, and rebellion were important to me since they will be explored throughout the whole series. But on a character level, themes like identity, grief, belonging, ambition, and family really bring the whole book forward. Each character has their own journey to go on, and I try to do that justice.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
This is the first book! Stolen Histories is the start of a six-book series, The Infinite Night Saga, and while I’m not sure when the second book will be finished, it is well on the way. I’m sure it will be done sometime next year, which is exciting for me to think about. What fans can expect is more heists, found family, and struggles against a power-hungry empire!
Author Links: GoodReads | Bluesky | Website | Amazon
A girl in over her head is after a stolen artifact, two master thieves are leading a crew to reclaim lost treasures, and their team is anything but ordinary-some of them shouldn’t even exist. With shaky loyalties, dangerous magic, and an empire tightening its grip, their plan is held together by luck and desperation. They might just pull it off… if the world-or they-don’t tear them apart first.
In this story about secrets, family, and good old-fashioned heists, a ruthless empire hoards stolen history, and a daring crew is reckless enough to take it back. But in a game where power is everything and disaster is inevitable, the difference between a successful job and a fatal mistake might come down to who’s willing to risk it all.
A World of Wonders
The Death Wizard Chronicles: Volume 1 follows a warrior-king whose mystical powers strengthen each time he dies and returns to life as he stands alone against a sorcerer capable of dark magic. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
Back in high school, I was a huge fan of J.R.R. Tolkien, who inspired me to write my own epic fantasy series. I envisioned a magical world called Triken with a main character named Torg, a powerful wizard who was ruler of an army of desert warriors called Tugars. I called him a Death Wizard because of his ability to die, enrich himself with death energy, and then return to life. I ruminated over this before I fell asleep at night, while driving alone in my car, even when taking a shower. Characters developed, plot lines thickened, and settings took on new depth. I grew more and more excited about it, but I couldn’t seem to write it no matter how hard and often I tried. Life kept getting in the way. This went on for 25 years. I finally decided enough was enough and took a big risk, stepping away from the rat race for three years and living off savings. Freed from the restraints of my day job, I was able to write and revise 750,000 words in 34 months. My dream finally came true, not in high school but in middle age.
Writing about fantastical worlds isn’t easy for everyone, but for me it’s a piece of cake. My larger-than-life imagination was seared into my brain during my childhood growing up in Florida during a time when kids ran as far and wild as their imaginations would take them. All we needed was a Pop-Tart for breakfast and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich (on Wonder Bread) for lunch, and we were good to go. We’d throw on T-shirts and shorts and rush out our front doors into a world of wonders. Some of the things we did—climbing towering trees, swimming in surging seas, riding our bikes to faraway places—were downright dangerous. We didn’t care. We were the rulers of our domain.
I wouldn’t trade my childhood for anything. I wouldn’t trade my imagination, either.
In fantasy novels, it’s easy to get carried away with the magical powers characters have. How did you balance the use of supernatural powers?
This isn’t an idea unique to me, but in my series most of the magical characters derive their powers from something specific. In Torg’s case, it is death energy. In the evil sorcerer’s case, it is sunlight. Torg’s love interest, Laylah, derives her powers from moonlight. Another example is a monster called a Stone-Eater, who literally devours obsidian to obtain his powers. There are many more examples of this in the series. As for balancing the use of supernatural powers, I did this in two ways. First, I made it clear to my readers that Triken is a world ablaze with magic, so it’s not unusual to encounter a magical being. Second, my magical system has a hierarchy, as in some magical beings are far more powerful than others. This helps to create tension and unpredictability.
Do you have a favorite scene in this novel? One that was especially enjoyable to write?
My favorite scene in Volume 1 is when Torg emerges from the mouth of a cave and reaches the surface of the world after being trapped deep underground in claustrophobic conditions for more than a week. There’s a lot going on between the lines in that scene, and it is quite powerful, IMO. I cried when I wrote it, with Sade’s extraordinary song Pearls blaring in my headphones to help set the appropriate mood.
Can you give us a peek inside Volume 2 in this series? Where will it take readers?
The series is composed of three volumes, with each volume containing two books (LOTR was also set up this way). In Volume 1, Torg and Laylah are imprisoned by the evil sorcerer (in separate locations) and finally escape. Fate brings them together and they fall in love. In Volume 2, Torg and Laylah spend much of their time on the run while being hounded by the sorcerer’s monstrous minions. Meanwhile, three great wars begin to take shape that will alter the course of the world.
FYI: Volume 2 will debut in July 2025 and Volume 3 in October 2025.
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In the desert kingdom of Triken, sorcery is feared, power is brutal, and one man defies the laws of life itself. Torg, a Death Wizard, draws strength from the moment of his own death, returning again and again to protect a realm teetering on the edge of annihilation. But his greatest battle lies ahead—not just against armies and dark sorcerers, but against a monstrous evil that feeds on suffering and threatens to consume everything he loves.
As war ignites and ancient powers awaken, Torg must confront a destiny soaked in blood, bound by sacrifice, and forged in a darkness deeper than death.
Perfect for fans of The Witcher, The Malazan Book of the Fallen, and The First Law series, The Death Wizard Chronicles delivers relentless action, rich world-building, sexual tension, and a haunting exploration of power, mortality, and what it means to be truly alive.
From award-winning fantasy author Jim Melvin comes a new three-volume edition of his dark fantasy series, The Death Wizard Chronicles. Volumes 2 and 3 will debut in July and October 2025.
If you’re ready for fantasy that doesn’t hold back—this is your next obsession.
Strength and Fortitude
Tapestry blends historical fiction with memoir, wrapping readers in vivid, often haunting vignettes of women’s lives shaped by hardship, resilience, and a relentless fight for identity and survival. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration was from learning my suspicions of my DNA were true, it was the answer I needed to research. As I child, I heard many whispers of my ancestors, it has stayed with me for all of my adult life, however, once the proof of my inquiries was confirmed, I felt it was time to write about the strength and fortitude that my female ancestors lived with.
Did you find anything in your research of this story that surprised you?
Yes, I had no idea that my Aunt Marg was treated with such disdain by the women in my family and that the ‘nasty operation’ I was informed about, would now be termed as medical abuse. I was also surprised at how the Patriarchal legal system termed it as a necessary determent to solve a psychological illness.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The themes came naturally. Each century I wrote about lived very differently from the world we know today. So each century was explored for the differences in the ways women were accepted into society.
I find a problem in well-written books; in that I always want there to be another book to continue the story. Is there a second book planned?
Most definitely the next one is called The Weavers. A story about how we as women keep our tribal stories together. A more modern-day look at the telling of stories in all genres.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
The journey begins with a mystical exorcism, where soft candlelight dances with shadows, illuminating the ghosts of the past. The narrator calls upon the whispers of her maternal ancestry, inviting them to “come sit with me.” Through this intimate connection, she delves into the lives of the women who came before her-women who stood against the injustices of their time.
These brave souls challenged societal norms, battling the rigid confines of religion, the cruelty of bullying, and the pervasive sexism that marked their world. Many were wrongfully accused of witchcraft, faced the sting of racism, and suffered under the harsh grip of patriarchal oppression. But their struggles did not end there-they also confronted the condescending snobbery and judgment of a matriarchal society that refused to understand their defiance.
Tapestry is a profound exploration of the fortitude and strength of these women, who fought battles on every front yet never lost their spirit. Their stories, once whispered through generations, are now immortalized in this book-a testament to their enduring courage, wisdom, and resilience. Rich in historical detail and deeply personal in its reflections, Tapestry invites readers to connect with the powerful legacies of women who defied the odds and carved their place in history.
Weaving together the past and present, this book is a celebration of female strength, a poignant reminder of the injustice they faced, and an inspiring tribute to their unyielding will. Tapestry: The Book of Lost Worlds will leave readers moved, inspired, and empowered by the incredible stories of women who dared to challenge the world around them.
Messy, Human, and Chaotic
Hers to Tempt follows a brooding archangel who sees a rebellious and street-smart hacker entangled in a black-market underworld, whom he is instantly attracted to and defies ancient rules to pursue her. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Honestly, the heart of Hers to Tempt came from this idea that even the strongest of us can fall. That strength isn’t always about dominance or power, it’s often about surrender. I was fascinated by the concept of an archangel, this divine being bound by duty and ancient laws, coming face-to-face with something messy, human, and chaotic, and choosing that instead. Choosing love. Lust. Chaos. Even failure.
The setup came from wanting to explore what happens when someone who’s meant to be untouchable, created for order, starts questioning everything because of one person. A person who is flawed in more ways than one, their complete opposite, but for whatever reason, is impossible to ignore.
There was a lot of time spent crafting the character traits in this novel. What was the most important factor for you to get right in your characters?
Realism. I needed them to feel human, even Michael. I didn’t want anyone reading this thinking they were watching perfect beings from a distance. I wanted them to see the trauma, the fear, the need. Especially for Lee. Her progression arc was really important to me. She’s sharp and guarded, but you can feel her learning how to trust, and how to want something deeper.
And with Michael, it was about showing how love doesn’t weaken powerful men. It undoes them in the best way. Watching him resist that pull and slowly break? That was the whole point. That kind of emotional vulnerability is where the magic happens.
I thought this story had a unique setup and an interesting premise. What were some sources that informed this novel’s development?
So, this novella is a spin-off from my debut trilogy, and it takes place right after Book One, LIORA Lost In Heaven’s Touch. I was working with a world that already existed: 2100 London, where the future is thriving, tech-forward, and full of second chances. Michael is on Earth because he chose to help Liora (the FMC from book one, who used to be an angel) adjust to human life, and that decision is what led him to Lee.
In terms of sources, I read a lot of Christian lore and angel mythology, especially on the concept of fallen angels and divine order. But I wanted to flip some of that. Michael’s fall wasn’t about sin or temptation, even if it felt like that to him. It was destined.
In my version of the lore, Lee was meant for him. She was hidden on purpose because her connection to Michael would make him the strongest archangel, and some forces did not want that to happen. So yeah, between the existing trilogy world, angelic lore, and that idea of hidden strength through love… that’s what shaped this story’s foundation.
I hope the series continues in other books. If so, where will the story take readers?
Even though this specific story came to an end, I left the door cracked open, especially when it comes to Gabriel and Lucifer. There’s a hint of hope there… a sense that maybe soulmates aren’t just for Michael.
I don’t want to talk too soon because I’ve got other projects lined up, but yeah… there’s a real possibility I’ll explore their stories one day. Nothing in my books is coincidental. If the timing’s right, and the characters won’t leave me alone, it’ll happen 🙂
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
He wasn’t supposed to feel anything for anyone. He wasn’t supposed to intervene with human affairs. But when he saw her, something ancient stirred.
Now, their worlds collide in a whirlwind of secrets, temptation, and divine defiance.
She’s a thief with a past that refuses to stay buried.
He’s an angel torn between duty and desire.
Hers to Tempt: A Heavenly Sin is a steamy, emotionally charged paranormal romance filled with forbidden desire, slow-burning tension, and a love that defies the heavens. Perfect for fans of morally conflicted angels, sharp-mouthed heroines, and stories where fate has other plans.
Impulsive and Reckless
Switch follows a former CIA operative turned private investigator, who’s recovering from a hit-and-run attack that lands her in the middle of an investigation laced with mystery, betrayal, and emotional landmines. How did you balance the action scenes with the story elements and still keep a fast pace in the story?
I wrote it like a reader – expecting the peril and drama to flow and ebb in a certain rhythm. For a main character who’s often impulsive and reckless, sometimes the adrenaline feels nonstop and I think that’s something she struggles with in the story and also in this series.
What was one of the most complex parts of Switch for you to write?
The quantum computing details were very tricky because the technology is constantly and rapidly evolving. This is an area of technology I’ve been following for some time so I had some frame of reference, but I needed to help my characters understand it so their conversations about it would feel authentic.
When can readers expect to see Switch available to purchase?
September 30, 2025 it will be available on Amazon, B&N, and from all book retailers.
Author Links: GoodReads | Linktree | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Spiritual and Biblical Freedom
The End: Omicron follows a young Christian on a mission who joins the Emperor’s youth organization with the intent of making his way into the inner circle so he can kill the Emperor and bring vengeance and justice to Christians. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Well, it’s continuing the story of Sage et al from The End: Alpha, trying to navigate a world with a tyrannical lunatic despot at its head – at least mostly in the United States – in 2113, and they’re all having to carefully thread their way through that. The message I was trying to convey in Omicron is exactly what’s on its front cover: Defiance can be deadly; almost as deadly as obedience.” We see what happens when Sage thinks he’s “doing God’s will” and yet he may have been wrong all along. We see what happens to you when you draw closer and closer to Emperor Nero and the chilling and dangerous effect that has on anyone who does so. On the flip side, however, we see clearly what happens when someone exits that circle and begins to experience the life-changing freedom, grace, and change that Jesus offers us. What happens in Omicron is absolutely chilling in both respects because it’s new and unfamiliar on both sides, and it isn’t just the turn of a dime; both main characters have to learn ’the new way of living’ and have to figure out their new lives. There’s also a bystander in Colonel Thomas Drexler who is somewhat helpless on the sidelines, trying to counter Nero’s every autocratically terrifying move with checks and balances, and he is on his own emotional journey as well through that, given their previous proximity to one another. If Alpha was a story of what happens when one exits Nero’s circle, Omicron is a story of what happens when one enters.
How did you balance the action scenes with the story elements and still keep a fast pace in the story?
I love action scenes, and my only regret is that they’re over too quickly; otherwise, you can err on gratuitous or overlong sequences that tend to serve as a kind of self-aggrandizement. “Oh, look at what I know, look at all the research I’ve done to make this believable!” And so on and so forth. I try to keep the action scenes crisp, engaging, tense, and somewhat brief. The real story is the real story. The action is not the centerpiece; it’s meant to be a crescendo or peak of the tension mounting, and then….we now return you to your scheduled program already in progress.
What experience in your life has had the biggest impact on your writing?
My faith in Christ. I memorized a lot of Scripture as a young adult. The Bible says that the Word of God does not return void, but it accomplishes the purpose for which it was sent out. Many of the verses that I’ve held dear over decades have found their way into Alpha, Omicron, and, as you’ll see, Omega. It’s been truly impacting to write something with such spiritual and Biblical freedom, imparting these words of comfort and sharing them with my readers through the eyes, words, and thoughts of my protagonists and tertiary characters.
Can you tell us where the book goes and where we’ll see the characters in the next book?
Eeeek! I’d have to be really careful about that of course. Suffice it to say that there is redemption, conflict, poetic justice and so much more coming in Omega. A powerful conflict is drawing near, and in fact more than one. Characters will return, twists will unfold, and a lot of incredible love will be on display as Sage, Drexler, and Darius continue to thread their way through the mayhem of 2113. I’m VERY proud of how Omega turned out and it’s going to be the fitting and powerful conclusion to this wonderful saga God has given me. I’m truly grateful to be the custodian of “The End.” Cheers!
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
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Maximillian has defected. The god-king Nero has bled. And now, the High Vassal has stolen an AirGuard and sought shelter among Earth’s last surviving military stronghold: The United Kingdom. But in an unthinkable twist, Colonel Thomas Drexler’s son, Sage, has also switched sides, joining up with the youth organization Friends of Nero. What the Colonel doesn’t know is that Sage desires to infiltrate Nero’s inner circle and kill him, bringing vengeance and justice for all the Christians who have paid the ultimate price. Confident he is carrying out the will of God, Sage has placed himself on a dangerous quest in drawing nearer to the Emperor.
Unbeknownst to any of them, however, Sage has company. He will need it…because The Test is coming.
Will Christian brothers and sisters be able to accept Maximillian into their midst? Will he prove an asset to the Defiance…or a liability? As for Colonel Drexler: will he be able to successfully and publicly unmask Nero’s lies and prove to the world, once and for all, who the Emperor really is? And as for Sage, he is in great danger. Will he emerge from the Friends of Nero training camp scarred for life, or will he succeed in killing the totalitarian ruler hellbent on exterminating Christians?
Indeed, in a world of mandated obedience, defiance can be deadly.
Strength in Slow Growth
Gathering Storm is a lyrical and emotionally charged fantasy epic where a haunted hero and a fractured world face the rising storm of magic-infused corporate tyranny and buried personal truths. What were some new ideas you wanted to explore in this book that were different from books one and two?
I wanted to highlight something deeply personal—that there are times in life when we feel like we don’t quite belong like we’re out of place. Those moments, those seasons of disconnection, shouldn’t break us. Instead, they can shape us—if we’re willing to look closely enough or be patient enough to find the meaning behind them. In Gathering Storm, I tried to capture that quiet truth: that even pain, confusion, and displacement can serve a greater purpose if we let them.
Chris is a haunted yet determined protagonist. How did his trauma and resilience evolve through the writing process?
From the beginning, I knew that Chris’s journey would take time. Writing books one and two, I was always aware that his development needed to stretch across the entire five-book arc. His resilience had to be earned slowly, not rushed. I made a conscious choice to let his growth unfold at a more deliberate pace than some of the other characters. What I really wanted to reflect was something very human: we don’t all heal or evolve at the same speed—and that’s okay. There’s strength in slow growth. There’s truth in letting characters—and people—take their time.
The kindred tongue and its cadence added a rhythm to the dialogue. What inspired its creation, and how did you approach its development?
Tolkien has always been one of my greatest inspirations. Reading his works was probably the biggest spark behind creating the Kindred Tongue. I’m also multilingual, so I naturally gravitate toward how language shapes thought, culture, and identity. In developing the Kindred Tongue, I immersed myself in the sounds and rhythms of various languages—real and fictional—and imagined how my characters might speak if they came from that world. It became an act of fusion: drawing from linguistic influences and crafting something that felt unique to the Kindred, something that could carry weight, history, and emotion in its very cadence.
Were there any characters whose arcs surprised you as the story unfolded, diverging from your original outline or expectations?
My answer might come as a surprise, but honestly—no. Not at all. Before I even began writing the first book, I had already outlined all the major events, scenes, and character arcs from books 1 to 5. Every decision, every turning point, every emotional beat was planned and documented. There’s a very thick binder on my desk with the full roadmap, and I’m a serious planner when it comes to writing.
That said, what did surprise me wasn’t the plot—it was the emotional impact. Some scenes hit me far harder than I expected. I didn’t anticipate how deeply I’d feel the weight of certain moments until I was actually writing them. Getting teary-eyed while crafting those scenes reminded me I was truly on the right path. It made the journey feel even more meaningful.
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YET WAR DOES NOT CARE FOR SYMBOLS, NOR DOES IT OFFER THE LUXURY OF GRIEVING LOST FUTURES. A NEW CHRONICLER OF WAR RISES, AND UNLIKELY ALLIANCES WITH OLD ENEMIES MAKE THE CAPITALS BELIEVE THEY FINALLY HOLD THE ADVANTAGE. BUT THE TRUTH UNRAVELS—HAVET’S PLANS WERE NEVER TRULY THWARTED, ONLY DELAYED. EVERY BATTLE, EVERY REVELATION, EVERY MOMENT OF PERCEIVED VICTORY HAS ONLY DRAWN THEM DEEPER INTO HIS DESIGN. AND AS THE TIDES SHIFT, ALLIANCES CRUMBLE INTO BETRAYALS, PROVING THAT ALTHOUGH LOYALTY MAY BE THE CURRENCY OF WAR, IT IS BOTH THE CHAIN THAT BINDS—AND THE BLADE THAT CUTS DEEPEST.
LITERARY TITAN 