Blog Archives
Find Your “Happy Place”
Terra Firma follows twelve-year-old Sev and a one-armed scoundrel as they navigate the deadly landscape of an unforgiving planet, forging an unlikely bond while fighting to survive a perilous harvesting mission. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I wanted to play with the dynamic of an opposite sort of relationship…a man, a girl, an adult, a child, an amputee, and so on. Then I wanted to explore the dependency/partnership evolution, and how that might go. Science Fiction has always been an inspiration to me, so I decided to set it in a dystopian/otherworldly environment. The rest just sort of fell into place. It really stemmed from me wanting to explore a dynamic, then creating a world to allow that to flourish.
Sev and Phoenix have such distinct voices. Did their characters evolve as you wrote, or did you know who they were from the start?
I knew Phoenix would be worldly…educated by experiences but unrefined. Well-read, but not pretentious. An every-man. The sort of ne’er-do-well you love to root for. And Sev immediately was wise beyond her years, hardened by life, but with the molten core of childhood innocence. A yearning for stability. Sev evolved the most, I feel. She really found her voice, her confidence, and her peace. Early on in the story she has this latent anxiety. It’s subtle, but it’s there. By the end of the book, that is all but gone.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Found Family, number one, coming of age, the concept of inherent goodness and right/wrong. Universal themes of belonging…the desire to find your “happy place,” whatever that is. We all have a definition.
What sci-fi stories or authors influenced your approach to storytelling?
Ray Bradbury is my biggest influence. His language…his storytelling and descriptive nature. I read him from very early on, and just admired him so much. “All Summer in a Day,” a short story about a young girl named Margot not unlike Sev, made me want to be a writer.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook | Website
In a galaxy where stability is a luxury few can afford, young Sev dreams of a home she can call her own. Roaming the cosmos with her distant father, they drift from one perilous job to the next, barely scraping by in a universe full of danger and adventure. But when their last big job on a treacherous planet doesn’t go as planned, their lives are forever altered.
Join Sev on a thrilling journey through danger and discovery as she fights for a future—and perhaps a family—beyond her wildest dreams.
For fans of The Divergent Series and The Hunger Games… home is more than a place—it’s the people who fight for you.
Are you ready to start on an interstellar adventure like no other? Get your copy today and dare to dream beyond the stars!
Taj’s Sabbatical-Book One, Sol System Enforcer Chronicles
Taj’s Sabbatical takes readers on a high-octane journey through the Sol System, blending futuristic sci-fi elements with themes of loyalty, family, and the burdens of duty. At its core, the story follows Taj Varna, an elite Enforcer on a reluctant sabbatical, whose life takes a dramatic turn when he becomes the target of multiple assassination attempts. The plot thickens with a web of intrigue, including advanced cloning, political machinations, and deeply personal stakes as Taj’s loved ones are drawn into the crossfire.
The authors paint a vivid picture of a futuristic society where technology shapes not only transportation and warfare but also the very fabric of identity. The creative detailing of synthetic companions, like Sammy, adds a layer of realism, while the darker aspects, such as unregistered clones and private ARKs, hint at the ethical dilemmas of this advanced society. These elements ground the story, making its speculative fiction feel eerily plausible. At times, the prose is crisp and engaging, pulling you into Taj’s adrenaline-filled world. The narrative occasionally veers into over-explanation. Sammy’s frequent infodumps about cloning or tech systems, while fascinating, can disrupt the pacing. Balancing technical exposition with plot momentum would elevate the storytelling.
The relationships in the book are a delightful counterpoint to its action-heavy narrative. Taj’s bond with Sammy, his synthetic companion, is both humorous and heartfelt. Their banter—like Taj teasing Sammy about his sense of humor—brings levity and warmth. Likewise, the backstory of Taj and Taddy’s romance, orchestrated by the matchmaking Queen Madelaine II, adds emotional depth. That said, I wanted more insight into Taj’s internal conflict as he grapples with protecting his loved ones while facing threats from every corner of the Sol System. The book’s climax left me eager for more, especially with the revelations about Fencer, Taj’s enigmatic father, whose unembodied consciousness still manipulates events. The layers of mystery and power struggles introduced here promise exciting developments for future installments.
Taj’s Sabbatical is a thrilling read that combines speculative science fiction with personal drama. Fans of fast-paced action, intricate world-building, and morally complex characters will find much to enjoy. It’s perfect for readers who love blending futuristic settings with tales of loyalty and rebellion. For those who relish a blend of humor, tech-savvy adventure, and emotional stakes, this book is a solid pick. I’m looking forward to seeing where the Sol System Enforcer Chronicles takes us next.
Pages: 282 | ASIN : B0CPNYYDMT
A Look at the Future
El aullido de los Invisibles immerses readers into a desolate future where Earth has been devastated by environmental collapse and social decay. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The idea came from a post I saw on social media. It was the seed from which the world and story of Onnyriom emerged, and what was originally going to be one book became three.
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?
Unfortunately, I found inspiration in the world around us and in the way humans treat animals and the earth in general. There is also a deep criticism of the society in which we live.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Above all, social criticism and reflection on the way human beings act today.
The idea was to create a hard story with a message, but one that would engage the reader. The truth is that it is having a very good reception.
Will this novel be the start of a series or are you working on a different story?
´´El aullido de los invisibles´´is the first part of the trilogy Onnyriom. I published the second part (´´Conciencia de hiel´´) in August, and the third part (´´El presagio de la desoñación´´) will be released in December of this year.
Author Links: GoodReads | Book Review
En el despiadado mundo de Onnyriom, un planeta donde las apariencias engañan y el karma se cobra sus deudas con intereses, la realidad es oscura y desgarradora.
Sin embargo, no todo está perdido. Del corazón temerario de unos pocos valientes nacerá el valor para arriesgar su vidapor salvar a los humanos de su inexorable destino.
————————————————————————————————————————————–
En un mundo post apocalíptico, la humanidad se convierte en la materia prima de una nueva raza que ha conquistado el planeta: los onnyrianos. Los humanos, considerados inferiores, se cultivan bajo escalofriantes condiciones y son comercializados de pies a cabeza por la gigantesca empresa Gova.
Alysa, una onnyriana que se verá obligada a seguir el legado familiar e incorporarse a trabajar en Gova, tendrá la oportunidad de cambiar su destino al crear una alianza con uno de los pocos grupos resistentes y embarcarse en la misión más peligrosa de su vida.
The Oncoming Storm – Elemental Book 3
Liane Mahugh’s The Oncoming Storm, the gripping third installment in her Elemental YA series, launches readers into a whirlwind of danger and discovery. We follow Raya Salian, a young astronomer passionate about charting the stars. Her dream shatters when a routine mission to a nebula transforms into a nightmare. She returns from her exploration to a scene of destruction: her ship obliterated, her friends gone or dead. Grief and rage fuel Raya’s quest for justice, and she’s unrelenting. But in her pursuit, she lands deep in enemy territory and finds herself captured by the terrorists she’s hunting. As the reality of their cataclysmic plan unfolds, her mission shifts from revenge to a desperate fight for survival. Raya must escape, rally her allies, and find a way to stop the looming disaster before it wipes out everything she loves.
Mahugh crafts a tale that is as intricate as it is emotionally rich. Raya’s odyssey is more than a battle against cosmic threats; it’s a journey of growth and resilience. From the start, Raya’s character shines with a love of peace and a passion for the stars, contrasted with the turmoil and loss she faces. Her relationships give the story its emotional depth, particularly the complex dynamic with Dev, her love interest. Mahugh captures the duality of their bond—Dev’s protectiveness clashing with Raya’s fierce independence. Scenes brimming with tension highlight how Dev questions her readiness for the dangers ahead, even as he admires her tenacity. This love, marked by doubt and loyalty, adds layers to the narrative. The stakes are sky-high. Mahugh immerses readers in a world teetering on the edge of ruin, making every confrontation pulse with urgency. Entire civilizations hang in the balance, and there’s no guarantee of survival, even for Raya. Yet the book doesn’t rely solely on action. It weaves in moments of quiet introspection that lend weight to the chaos. Raya’s struggle to escape her captors is relentless, but the narrative never loses sight of her vulnerability and reflection. This blend of high-stakes drama and heartfelt emotion makes The Oncoming Storm compelling read.
Mahugh’s writing is at its finest when portraying Raya’s courage and ingenuity. Her trials are brutal, from enduring rigorous training in uncharted cosmic regions to enduring nerve-racking encounters with her enemies. Yet, she emerges as both a strategist and a fighter, embodying intelligence and bravery.
Themes of love, sacrifice, and friendship pulse throughout the novel. Raya’s allies—like her steadfast co-pilot Quinn and the ever-complex Dev—are richly developed, bringing warmth and humanity to a story set against a vast, often hostile universe. Each character adds depth, reminding us that even in the darkest reaches of space, loyalty, and compassion are the greatest strengths.
For fans of young adult sci-fi craving fierce female protagonists and adventures that pair cosmic stakes with emotional resonance, The Oncoming Storm delivers a powerful and unforgettable conclusion to the Elemental series. Mahugh wraps up her tale with an ending that satisfies yet lingers, leaving readers with a lasting reminder: true courage isn’t just about facing the unknown but having the strength to believe in yourself when it matters most.
Pages: 207 | ASIN: B0DDJWQCN4
Starlight Empires: Death is Collapsing
Hans Trevor Wilms, PhD’s Starlight Empires: Death is Collapsing, kicks off a thrilling space opera saga that explores humanity’s future among the stars. The story centers around Alex Fjord, the charismatic and wealthy CEO of CEC, who drops the bombshell news of humanity’s first contact with an alien race. But just as the excitement starts to build, we’re hit with a sinister twist: Fjord is haunted by a godlike entity called Death, a presence that makes him question everything, including the survival of the human race. Meanwhile, Simon Martinez, an engineer on a far-flung space station, finds his routine life thrown into chaos. He’s caught between personal heartbreak, a crumbling relationship, and the discovery of something much bigger than he ever imagined.
Right from the opening scene, I felt pulled in. Fjord’s announcement about alien contact had all the suspense and showmanship you’d expect from a space-age business mogul. But then Death shows up, and the dread sets in. Wilms knows how to build tension. The way Death speaks—cold and unwavering—makes you uneasy, and Fjord’s powerlessness is chilling. Sometimes, I wanted the conversations to cut deeper or the prose to trim some of the fat. But even with that, the eerie vibe sticks with you.
Simon’s story, on the other hand, is way more relatable and down-to-earth, which I loved. He’s this hardworking guy, crawling through ducts on a lonely space station, trying to patch up broken tech while his girlfriend, Cara, sends him an avalanche of frustrated texts from Earth. We’ve all felt that kind of helplessness in relationships, and it’s captured perfectly here. One of my favorite parts was when Simon, despite everything, finds joy in his engineering work, even customizing his prosthetic arm with a 3D printer. The descriptions of his fixes are vivid and detailed.
What really struck me were the bigger ideas floating around this book. Humanity’s future, the ethics of corporate domination—Wilms goes there, and it’s uncomfortable in the best way. The CEC’s chokehold on society is unsettling and feels all too real. At one point, Simon reflects on how CEC quietly buys up entire countries, and it’s a gut punch. Wilms does an incredible job weaving these themes into a character-driven story. Simon’s quiet moments, like playing his banjo to clear his mind, bring a touch of humanity that balances the cosmic dread.
In the end, Starlight Empires: Death is Collapsing is a complex, ambitious adventure. If you’re a fan of science fiction that digs into the human condition and explores our place in the universe, this book will get you thinking. It’s not a quick, action-packed ride but a slow burn that’s rich with atmosphere and philosophical musings. If you’ve got the patience for a story that’s equal parts existential and personal, you’ll be rewarded. Just buckle up—it’s a wild ride worth taking.
Pages: 334 | ASIN : B0DJGBMGHG
El Aullido De Los Invisibles
El Aullido De Los Invisibles nos sumerge en un futuro desolador donde la Tierra ha sido devastada por el colapso ambiental y la decadencia social. Es el año 2150, y la humanidad apenas se sostiene, atrapada en las ruinas de una sociedad que una vez se creyó invencible. González retrata un mundo distópico donde la supervivencia ha vuelto a sus formas más básicas y brutales, y los humanos viven bajo la constante sombra de conquistadores alienígenas que explotan la Tierra para obtener recursos y usan a los humanos como meros productos. Esta sombría narrativa no solo explora el colapso ambiental y político, sino que añade capas de perspectivas íntimas y profundamente humanas, haciendo la historia tanto inquietante como relatable.
La escritura de González es sombría, pero bellamente descriptiva. Al inicio del libro, el contraste entre una Tierra vibrante y saludable y el páramo en que se ha convertido se capta con una claridad escalofriante. Las imágenes persisten, evocando tanto tristeza como una sensación de traición. Me encontré reflexionando sobre lo familiar, aunque aterrador, que se sentía el mundo de González; es un espejo hacia nuestro posible futuro, haciendo que la devastación ambiental se sienta personal. La destreza descriptiva en estas escenas me provocó escalofríos y una conciencia inevitable de nuestra frágil conexión con la naturaleza. Las dinámicas sociales que González explora, especialmente a través de la protagonista Alysa, son crudas e impactantes. El viaje de Alysa—una joven atrapada bajo la opresión de su padre y de las normas sociales asfixiantes—actúa como una potente metáfora de la rebelión contra los sistemas de poder. Su monólogo interno revela su desesperación y esperanza, destacadas en escenas con Mussa, una niña humana tratada como una mascota. González también usa a Onnyriom, la civilización alienígena invasora, como un espejo para criticar temas reales, como el consumismo y la desigualdad. Los onnyrianos se complacen en productos humanos, tratando la Tierra y sus habitantes como meros activos a consumir, mientras que los poderosos manipulan cada faceta de la vida para mantener su dominio. La representación de la sociedad onnyriana, que ve a los humanos como materia prima para productos médicos y de vanidad, me pareció una interpretación inquietantemente literal de los excesos capitalistas actuales. Estos elementos temáticos son directos pero efectivos, haciendo claras las intenciones de González y obligando a los lectores a cuestionar las estructuras en nuestro mundo que priorizan el lucro sobre la compasión.
El Aullido De Los Invisibles es una lectura potente para cualquiera que aprecie los relatos distópicos con propósito. Es ideal para los amantes de la ciencia ficción socialmente consciente, así como para aquellos interesados en historias que desafían el statu quo. La narrativa de González es oscura pero necesaria, haciendo imposible ignorar la advertencia subyacente: si no cambiamos, esto podría ser algo más que ficción. Este libro me dejó una sensación inquietante, reflexiva y, de manera curiosa, esperanzada. Lo recomendaría a cualquiera en busca de un viaje estimulante y emocionalmente resonante.
Pages: 373 | ASIN : B0D34K5JGT
LITERARY TITAN 