Blog Archives
BLOOD OF YARUMAYA
Blood of Yarumaya by Kevin D. Miller follows Isabella Delgado. She’s a wealthy botany student from Malibu who travels to the Amazon rainforest for an internship. Her mentor is Dr. Dominic Quinn. He’s a brilliant but secretive scientist who appears much younger than he is. They discover a complex biological secret to anti-aging that involves rare tree resin and special bees. A corrupt politician named Julio Ortega wants this secret for his own gain. He hires mercenaries to attack the indigenous Kawirén tribe to get it. Izzy must use her newfound survival skills to save Quinn and protect the forest from destruction.
I found the character arc of Isabella surprisingly engaging. She starts the story as a somewhat entitled gymnast. She quickly transforms into a capable survivor. Her growth felt earned rather than just given to her. The romance between her and Quinn is sweet. It also carries a unique tension due to his actual age versus his appearance. I felt genuine anxiety during the raid on the village. Miller does a wonderful job of making you care about the Kawirén people. You desperately want them to survive the encroaching threats of the modern world.
The book tackles heavy themes like deforestation and corporate greed head-on. I appreciated this direct approach because it did not feel overly preachy. The science behind the longevity serum was fascinating to me. I loved the twist with the “rapid aging” weapon used against Ortega near the end. It was a satisfying bit of poetic justice.
I enjoyed this thrilling adventure. It carries a real emotional punch that stuck with me. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy fast-paced eco-thrillers. Fans of adventure stories with a strong romantic subplot will also like it. It is a perfect read for anyone who has ever dreamed of escaping civilization to find something deeper in the wild.
Pages: 310 | ASIN : B0FTMC4WGN
Brutal Disclosure
Brutal Disclosure is a gritty, emotionally raw thriller that follows Declan O’Neill, a young man from Brighton whose world collapses after the mysterious death of his brother, Sean. Fleeing the suffocating poverty, crime, and guilt of his past, Declan escapes to New York in search of reinvention. What he finds instead is a world equally unforgiving, one full of hustlers, danger, and fleeting kindnesses. The book is both a crime story and a character study, tracing Declan’s struggle to survive and make sense of loss while navigating the dark edges of human nature. Author Kevin Polin writes with cinematic detail, turning each grimy alley and smoky bar into a character of its own.
Reading it, I felt pulled into Declan’s head. His fear, his anger, and his yearning for meaning hit hard. Polin doesn’t write clean or polite sentences. His prose feels lived-in, raw, broken in places, honest to a fault. The dialogue sounds real, almost like an overheard conversation. There’s a deep sadness running through every chapter, but it’s balanced by moments of unexpected gentleness, especially in Declan’s encounters with Isabella and the people who briefly pass through his life. Polin never romanticizes suffering, and that makes the story hit even harder. The writing reminded me of early Irvine Welsh or Roddy Doyle, where every bit of grime carries weight.
It’s dark, sometimes brutal, and not every turn feels comfortable. But that’s the point. Polin’s world is painfully real, the kind of truth you don’t want to admit exists. Still, there’s something human and tender at its core. Declan’s longing to become someone better, someone whole, kept me turning the pages. I caught myself caring about him like he was a real person, stumbling through a place that doesn’t care whether he makes it or not. The pacing sometimes lags when the scenes stretch long, but Polin’s eye for detail makes even the quiet moments matter.
I’d recommend Brutal Disclosure to readers who appreciate dark, character-driven fiction, readers who liked Trainspotting or A Clockwork Orange, or anyone drawn to stories about lost souls trying to find a way out. If you want something that feels real, something that bleeds a little, this one’s worth the ride.
Pages: 280
Surviving a Hostile City
Lorna Dare and K.S. Alan’s Surviving in a Hostile City is not a leisurely read, it’s a wake-up call. The book serves as both a practical guide and a grim exploration of what happens when civilization falters and individuals must rely solely on their preparation and instincts. Through a combination of instruction and stark realism, the authors examine how to endure when systems collapse, including how to store food and water, defend one’s home, and maintain composure in the absence of order. From the very first scene, an unflinching depiction of a family facing looters, it establishes its purpose: to strip away illusions of safety and confront readers with what survival might truly require.
What stands out most in the writing is its clarity and conviction. The prose is urgent yet disciplined, relying on direct language rather than embellishment. The authors write as if time is running out, and that urgency drives the message home. When they state that “the whole city is six meals away from disaster,” the warning feels less hypothetical and more like a countdown. Their insistence on secrecy, particularly the repeated caution against telling anyone about one’s food storage, reveals a profound understanding of human desperation. The tone is not alarmist but sober, and it’s difficult to read these sections without reflecting on how fragile normal life actually is.
The book’s greatest strength lies in its ethical tension. In Chapter Four, which discusses whether one should survive alone or in a group, the text forces readers to grapple with uncomfortable questions: Whom would you save? Whom would you refuse? These reflections are not theoretical; they are presented as choices that demand forethought. Likewise, the chapter on scavenging acknowledges the illegality and moral ambiguity of such actions, leaving the reader to confront the boundaries between survival and conscience. The authors neither condemn nor endorse; rather, they present the realities of collapse and leave judgment to the individual.
Still, there are moments when the tone can feel unrelenting, even moralizing. The critique of modern comfort, references to “snowmobiles and golf lessons” as symbols of misplaced priorities, can verge on didactic. The book’s pragmatic approach sometimes overshadows compassion; it speaks of survival in terms of efficiency and secrecy more than community or empathy. Yet that detachment may be part of its purpose. It refuses to indulge sentiment, and in doing so, it reflects the harsh conditions it describes.
Surviving in a Hostile City is both a manual and a mirror. It reveals not only how to prepare for catastrophe but also how easily one’s sense of morality might bend under pressure. I would recommend it to readers who wish to think seriously about resilience and self-reliance, as well as those drawn to the psychological dimensions of crisis. It is not an easy book to digest, but it is one that lingers, challenging the reader long after the final page.
Pages: 78 | ISBN : 1965390552
The Tribune
The Tribune by Paul E. Roberts is an ambitious and vividly detailed historical adventure that straddles the line between modern mystery and ancient warfare. The novel begins in the present day, following David Thompson, a struggling American PhD candidate in Roman history, who is whisked away to Romania by a mysterious phone call from an old friend. This call triggers a journey into the Carpathian wilderness in search of a long-lost Roman eagle standard—an artifact tied to one of history’s forgotten battles. The narrative then plunges into the past, weaving in the gripping tale of Septimus Flavius Patrionus, a young Roman tribune caught in the chaos of a doomed military campaign. What unfolds is a tense and haunting exploration of war, identity, ambition, and historical truth.
I admired the realism and the research, and how Roberts doesn’t pull punches when it comes to the grit and grime of soldiering, ancient or modern. The Roman scenes are brutal, rich, and immersive. I found myself far more emotionally invested than I expected, especially in Septimus’s transformation from uncertain young officer to man grappling with the brutal reality of leadership. The writing walks a fine line between clarity and rawness—straightforward and punchy one moment, introspective the next. The pacing isn’t perfect, it meanders at times, but I didn’t mind. It gave me space to breathe and soak in the mood.
Where the book really gripped me was in the blend of timelines and the emotional weight that ties the characters together across centuries. David’s desperation, his doubts, and his academic hunger mirror Septimus’s fears and hopes in a surprisingly touching way. The discovery of the eagle becomes more than just a plot device, it’s a symbol of lost causes, pride, and the weight of legacy. I love that the book isn’t afraid to be dark, mysterious, or even a little weird. The dialogue is modern and clean, and the humor feels lived-in, not forced, but rising naturally from the characters’ bond and exhaustion.
The Tribune hit me harder than I expected. It’s not just about history, it’s about how history lives in us, haunts us, and sometimes gives us purpose. This is a book for anyone who loves historical fiction with grit, academic thrillers with heart, or stories that make you question where fact ends and myth begins. If you’re drawn to the dark corners of the past or have ever stood in front of an ancient ruin and felt the weight of time press on your chest, then this one’s for you.
Pages: 233 | ASIN : B0F5GM6QQJ
Skyboy
Skyboy is a fast-paced and emotionally rich young adult sci-fi adventure set in a gritty post-pandemic future. It follows Konstant, a smart and scrappy teenager marked by the stigma of being a carrier of the deadly MX-13 virus. He’s bullied, misunderstood, and stuck on the fringes of society, yet he dreams of something greater. When a chance to compete in a global invention contest—the Piano Prize—lands in his lap, Konstant is hurled into a whirlwind of scientific ambition, corporate spectacle, and personal redemption. Aresty builds a world that teeters between collapse and innovation, where wonder and despair exist side by side.
Konstant isn’t your average sci-fi hero. He’s awkward, bitter, and incredibly real. His grief for his mother and the raw unfairness of his situation was emotionally resonant. Aresty doesn’t hold back from showing how cruel the world can be to those who are different. But even more powerful is how he weaves hope into all that darkness—through Konstant’s resilience, his wild imagination, and his refusal to stay down no matter how often he’s knocked flat. The writing can be vivid and punchy one moment, then pull back to let a quiet emotional truth sneak in and catch you off guard. That’s rare. It feels lived in.
The book moves fast. Some supporting characters are fun and quirky, but I was left wanting to learn more about them. I found myself wanting to spend more time with certain ideas, like the ethics of innovation or the deeper cracks in the society Aresty hints at. Still, the action is tight, the stakes are always rising, and the tech is just plain cool without getting bogged down in sci-fi babble. And the worldbuilding is bonkers in the best way. Kind of like Willy Wonka got dumped into Ready Player One with a dose of The Hunger Games grit.
If you’re a fan of high-concept sci-fi with a lot of heart, Skyboy is absolutely worth your time. It’s perfect for teen readers who love stories about underdogs and dreamers, and for adults who still remember what it’s like to feel like the world’s stacked against you. This one’s for the kids who’ve been counted out and still want to build something amazing anyway.
Pages: 321 | ASIN : B0F7FZ8SY8
Forever, Cedar Key
Forever, Cedar Key is a post-apocalyptic tale grounded in the small coastal town of Cedar Key, Florida, after a catastrophic nuclear event. It picks up after the events of Bobbitt’s earlier novel, Godspeed, Cedar Key, following a close-knit community that clings to survival and tradition in a crumbling world. The story centers on the return of the Colonel, an aging Marine pilot who has flown a dangerous mission to scout what remains of the outside world. His crash landing stirs up the fragile peace of a town rebuilt on hope, shrimp boils, and stubbornness. The book weaves together themes of love, loyalty, and what it means to fight for something that matters, all told through the lives of the residents who refuse to let their home slip into history.
The writing is raw, earnest, and deeply human. Bobbitt doesn’t pretty things up. He writes like someone who has felt loss in his bones and joy in the quiet moments between chaos. There’s something magnetic in the way he captures the rhythm of life on a broken island—tides still rising and falling, people still falling in love. The prose dances between lyrical and plainspoken. It’s a book that doesn’t try to impress with big vocabulary or flashy metaphors. Instead, it punches you in the gut with a well-placed line or a tender silence. I found myself slowing down to savor certain passages, then speeding up in anxious anticipation when tension crept in like a thunderstorm.
The ideas in the book are as weighty as they are timely. Bobbitt has something to say about leadership, community, and what we’re left with when the world we know falls apart. What struck me most was how the town of Cedar Key, while fictionalized, felt so real—like a place I could drive to, where I might meet someone like Luke or Kinsey or the Colonel at the pier. It’s clear Bobbitt loves this town and its people. And that love is infectious. The story also made me think about how fragile our comfort really is, and how grit and grace often rise up in the ruins.
Forever, Cedar Key is for readers who want more than action or spectacle in their end-of-the-world stories. This one’s for folks who care about characters, who enjoy sitting with hard questions, and who understand that healing is just as important as surviving. I’d recommend it to anyone who has ever felt rooted to a place, or who needs a reminder that even after the smoke clears, life has a way of blooming again.
Pages: 269 | ASIN : B0F5BQTMVX
Ghost-A Story of Survival
Ghost – A Story of Survival by Lea Tonin is a gripping and haunting tale of trauma, resilience, and the sheer power of the human spirit. The protagonist, alongside her siblings, is cast into a harsh and unforgiving world from a young age, where an abusive home life defines their early experiences. Confronting neglect, violence, and emotional abandonment, the protagonist’s journey unfolds under the ever-present shadow of fear. The story begins with visceral memories at the age of three, capturing the profound isolation and mistreatment she faces, which only intensifies as her mother’s abusive partners enter their lives. Through raw, unflinching storytelling, Tonin provides an intimate glimpse into a child’s mind, one that battles both internal and external demons.
Despite the relentless hardships, the protagonist clings to an instinct for survival, fueled by a faint hope for love and acceptance in a world where trust is rare and protection fleeting. This book is not a book for the faint of heart, but it is undoubtedly a crucial one. It pulls readers into the life of a young girl whose strength is tested at every turn. Tonin’s writing is at once intimate and brutal, deftly capturing the fragile innocence of childhood set against the brutal backdrop of abuse. The vivid and often excruciating depictions of her experiences, from being left alone in a cold, dark basement to suffering the beatings from her mother’s partners, are hard to digest, but they shine an unflinching light on the endurance of the human spirit. Tonin avoids sensationalizing trauma, instead peeling back the layers of the protagonist’s pain with care, allowing the reader to pause and reflect before plunging deeper into the emotional depths of the narrative. One of the novel’s most striking elements is its portrayal of the contrast between innocence and cruelty, a theme that runs throughout the story and keeps you turning the pages, even as your heart breaks for the young girl. Tonin’s ability to infuse emotional depth into every chapter ensures that the story lingers long after the final page. Each scene feels almost cinematic, her words conjuring vivid images in the reader’s mind as the protagonist transitions from a shattered child to a survivor. There’s a poignant beauty in the way she recounts her trauma, not as a cry for sympathy but as a testament to her strength and will to survive.
Ghost- A Story of Survival serves as a powerful reminder that even in the darkest corners of life, there is always a flicker of hope, a reason to keep fighting. If you are searching for a story that will challenge your perceptions and stay with you long after you’ve finished reading, this book is worth every moment. It is both heart-wrenching and cathartic, offering a profound exploration of survival against seemingly insurmountable odds.
Pages: 356 | ASIN : B0DCBYR9YL
ZIP LINE AFTERMATH
Zipline: Aftermath by P. Anthony Michael follows the gripping journey of Neal, a rookie cop on the cusp of fatherhood. Neal is making a name for himself in the force, but beneath the surface, something unsettling lingers. His dreams—strange, vivid, and unnerving—blur the line between fantasy and reality. Is Neal losing his grip, or is something far more sinister at play? Ever since he and his friends emerged from those dark, mysterious woods, Neal’s life has taken an unusual turn. But is this change for better or worse? With a killer on the loose, Neal and those closest to him might be the next targets.
The characters in this novel are beautifully crafted, breathing life into the narrative with originality and depth. Neal, in particular, stands out as a complex protagonist, while the villain exudes mystery and menace, heightening the suspense. The tone is gritty, filled with a simmering tension that grips you from start to finish. The pacing is excellent, with no lulls in the action, and every scene propels the story forward. The vividly depicted setting further immerses the reader in Neal’s world, making the story as compelling as it is addictive. Moments of warmth, such as Neal’s tender interactions with his children, provide balance to the intense drama and action. The brutal and well-described action scenes jump off the page, while Neal’s love story with Gail adds a beautiful emotional layer to the plot. The strong character development and immersive world-building make this a standout second book in the series.
Zipline: Aftermath delivers a captivating blend of suspense, drama, and heartwarming moments, all wrapped in a well-crafted narrative. While it may not carry the same level of constant danger as its predecessor, the rich character development, gripping action, and immersive world-building more than make up for it. P. Anthony Michael has crafted a thrilling sequel that will keep readers hooked, eagerly awaiting what comes next for Neal and his companions. Fans of the series will undoubtedly enjoy this next chapter in Neal’s journey.
Pages: 177 | ASIN : B0D9HKLFFX
LITERARY TITAN 