Blog Archives
Stolen Histories
Stolen Histories is a fierce and immersive fantasy novel that follows the exploits of Amari, a magical seer and outlaw, and her best friend Taliya, a world-class thief and wardbreaker. Together, they live in a gritty, magical city named Castor, a place alive with haunted craters, floating trains, and social inequality. The story kicks off with the duo sabotaging corrupt institutions and snowballs into a high-stakes heist involving dragons, haunted landscapes, and the looming power of the imperialist Apolon Empire. At its heart, the novel blends thrilling action with deep emotional undercurrents and a strong thread of rebellion against colonial power structures.
I loved the writing. Michaels has a gift for character voice and atmosphere. The world-building is rich without being bogged down by info-dumps. The city of Castor felt lived-in and layered, like something out of Blade Runner with a magical twist. The dialogue was snappy and genuine. And the pacing—God, the pacing! It rolls like a freight train. One minute I’m chuckling at Amari’s sarcasm, and the next I’m holding my breath as she charges a dragon with nothing but grit and a well-timed incendiary. It’s chaotic in the best way. The narrative structure switches perspectives smoothly, adding depth without confusion. There’s always the sense that these characters lived whole lives before page one, and I respect that.
That said, the book isn’t just action for the sake of it. What hit me hardest was the emotional texture—Amari’s quiet grief, Taliya’s loyalty wrapped in bravado, the way their world erases voices like theirs, and how they steal those voices back with every job. The politics aren’t subtle, and that’s the point. Colonization, cultural theft, surveillance, and resistance—Michaels doesn’t pull punches. And yet, the story never loses its warmth. The queer joy, the found family, the relentless resilience—it all feels like a fist raised high. If I had a critique, it’d be that the lore occasionally verges on dense, especially the magical classification systems. But the energy of the story carries you through.
This book is fire. If you’re into heists, sharp-tongued women with secrets, or rebellion served with banter and blood magic, you need to read this. Stolen Histories is perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo, N.K. Jemisin, or anyone who ever rooted for the morally gray underdog. It’s fun, it’s furious, and it’s got heart for days.
Pages: 590 | ASIN : B0F3NQGSCH
Eastlanders’ Fall
Eastlanders’ Fall, the first book in the A Drying World series, is a sprawling epic that plunges readers into the richly imagined continent of Ananthia. It’s a tale of ancient evil rising again, powerful cults seeking domination, and unlikely heroes trying to stop the world from crumbling—literally. The story kicks off with a chilling prologue featuring a cultist ceremony that goes sideways in a burst of divine justice and continues across time and space with mages, paladins, and political intrigue all grappling with the fallout. Brandon weaves together threads of high fantasy, horror, and philosophical musings about power and knowledge in a setting where the land itself is dying.
What I really loved about this epic fantasy novel was how unapologetically ambitious it is. The prologue alone is cinematic—seriously, the cult scene in “The Black Mass” is intense, grisly, and gripping. The way Brandon sets up Darvis Talsdrum as this menacing, dark priest of undeath is fantastic. I couldn’t stop thinking about that moment when the undead plunges a dagger into the elven girl’s chest just as paladins storm the room. It was horrifying and heartbreaking, but also incredibly effective storytelling. It’s rare to find a villain introduced with that much weight so early. I was hooked.
Some characters, like Milendil—the rogue wizard dabbling in necromancy—really worked for me. He’s a blend of tragic, arrogant, and brilliant, and I couldn’t help but root for him even as he spiraled. His quiet descent and eventual disgrace (and bitter sarcasm during sentencing) felt both earned and kind of sad. I genuinely felt for him, especially during his scenes with Villiena. That tension—knowing he’s doing something wrong, but for reasons that almost make sense—kept me glued. But not every character felt as rich. Maybe because there’s just so much going on that they don’t get as much time to breathe.
Brandon clearly has a massive world in his head, and while that can be a strength (the lore, the politics, the factions—it’s all super cool), it can be a lot to take in. There were chapters where I felt like I was swimming through exposition or trying to decode dwarven history. But then, just when I was about to put the book down, he’d hit me with something awesome—like the mage tower drama, or the way the desert literally eats cities. Those moments made the slower parts worth it. The writing style itself is vivid, sometimes poetic, and definitely leans dark fantasy, which I like.
Eastlanders’ Fall is a wild, sometimes brutal, always thought-provoking ride. If you like your fantasy epic, dark, and packed with morally gray characters, this is for you. Fans of Brandon Sanderson, Joe Abercrombie, or even older D&D-style storytelling will find something to love here. It’s not an easy read, but it’s a rewarding one—and I’m absolutely curious to see where the story goes next.
Pages: 413 | ASIN : B0DNG6RY4Q
The Hound (The Phoenix Chronicles Book 1)
Joseph G Topp’s The Hound (The Phoenix Chronicles Book 1) immerses readers into Maltoer, a vibrant new world brimming with unique creatures and a distinct hierarchy. From the very first page, the land’s complexity and richness are palpable, setting the stage for an epic fantasy adventure unlike any other. At the heart of the story is Tynarr, an eighteen-year-old who has known only the chains of slavery. Haunted by the loss of close friends, he embarks on a perilous journey to uncover his true powers and delve into his family’s mysterious past in a magic-filled realm. Trust does not come easily to him, yet he must learn to rely on others. Along his path, we meet characters like Verja, Tynarr’s former lesser master, who becomes an unexpected ally in the fight against the Speaker, an evil immortal determined to engulf Maltoer in darkness and chaos.
Topp excels in world-building, meticulously crafting Maltoer’s complex history and societal structures. Detailed descriptions of characters, cities, and creatures enrich the narrative, ensuring readers are never lost in this expansive universe. This level of detail demonstrates the author’s dedication to creating a believable and immersive world, a feat not always achieved in fantasy literature. While Tynarr’s journey is the primary focus, the narrative occasionally shifts to other characters, providing a broader perspective of the world and its inhabitants. This technique adds depth to the story; however, a deeper exploration of these characters would enhance the reader’s connection to them. The rapid pacing, brimming with action and significant events, sometimes leads to a disconnect between the intense fighting scenes and their emotional repercussions on the characters. Yet, for those who relish thrilling combat sequences, the book offers plenty of adrenaline-pumping moments.
The Hound (The Phoenix Chronicles Book 1) holds immense potential to become a formidable presence in the fantasy genre. Topp’s ability to weave a complex world with engaging narratives is promising. I eagerly await the next installment to discover where Tynarr’s journey leads, as this is merely the beginning of an epic saga.
Pages: 413 | ASIN : B0D8YQ73KD
Betrayal and Fidelity
Raven’s Bane: A Dark Fantasy Adventure follows a seventeen-year-old skin-changer whose village is attacked by poachers, and he sets out to rescue his family from the enemy. What was the inspiration for the relationship that develops between the characters?
The inspiration for the evolving relationship between the Caelen and Leira stemmed from a desire to explore the nuanced dynamics of connection and the transformative power of empathy and understanding. By exploring the intricate web of human emotions and relationships, the story uncovers the profound connections that can be forged between individuals of diverse backgrounds, as they push each other to reconsider their beliefs and ultimately grow together. This exploration is underpinned by the belief that at the heart of every profound relationship lies the potential for personal growth, healing, and the breaking down of barriers. The characters’ journey together is a testament to the idea that love, friendship, and loyalty can emerge from the most unexpected circumstances, serving as a bridge between divided worlds and as a catalyst for change and unity.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
In this novella, the union between Caelen and Leira, with Leira hailing from a faction traditionally viewed as antagonistic, serves to explore deeply the notions of betrayal and fidelity. This exploration is twofold, encompassing both the personal allegiance between Caelen and Leira and their loyalty to their respective clans.
The burgeoning affection between Caelen and Leira, amidst the tumult of their clashing clans, evokes the timeless theme of forbidden love. While the narrative does not primarily center around their romance, it subtly weaves this element into the broader context of the story.
Additionally, the imperative for individuals of disparate origins to collaborate highlights the theme of surmounting prejudice and fostering understanding. This theme is pivotal, as it not only drives the plot forward but also underlines the potential for unity in diversity, offering a reflective mirror to the readers about the power of empathy and cooperation.
Where does the story go in the next book, and where do you see it going in the future?
When I wrote this story, my vision did not extend to advancing the saga through the lens of the primary characters. Nonetheless, it constitutes a crucial segment of the grand narrative that is Arghost’s lore. Volthar’s ascent to prominence within Arghost’s annals is a riveting chapter, rich with intrigue and significance. The series, titled “The Tales of The Sundering Twilight,” to which this novella belongs, comprises discrete narratives that, piece by piece, elaborate on Volthar’s climactic rise. These individual tales are intricately designed to contribute to the overarching chronicle of Arghost, providing depth and context to its expansive history.
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When humans threaten to destroy everything he holds dear, Caelen, a raven skin-changer, finds his life thrown into chaos as they hunt his clan one by one to seize the rare and valuable magical materials they possess. Cornered by fate, he is compelled to tread the treacherous path into human lands forbidden to his kind, braving insurmountable odds and forging an unexpected alliance with Leira, the daughter of one of the poachers. But as they work together to save the village, a darker force looms, threatening to destroy everything they hold dear.
The quest that Caelen and Leira have embarked upon transcends a mere battle for survival—it is a crusade to uphold the hallowed essence of the Raven clan, now preyed upon by adversaries craving their mystical energy and vitality. Their alliance, defying age-old rifts that have riven their kind, harbors the potential to carve out a novel destiny for their peoples.
Yet, failure casts its long shadow across their path. Should Caelen and Leira’s courage waver, the realm of the raven clan will fall prey to the relentless greed of their foes, shattering the hallowed bonds of kinship amidst the ensuing tumult. With the relentless drumbeats of conflict resounding through the woodland, the fate of two souls—and the continuance of their worlds—dangles precariously on the fragile filament of their determination.
When your savior is your enemy’s daughter, every step towards redemption could be a step into the jaws of betrayal.
Fans of fast-paced high fantasy such as The Lies of Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo, The Cruel Prince by Holly Black, and The Queen of Blood by Sarah Beth Durst, will enjoy the forbidden romance, high stakes, and intricate world-building of Raven’s Bane.
Raven’s Bane is the first installment in the Tales of The Sundering Twilight Series. Designed to be read in any order, these books share common themes and cumulatively build toward a grander overarching adventure.
If you enjoy coming-of-age fantasy, you will be swept away by this romantic and action-packed tale of friendship, betrayal, and selfless love. Embark on this thrilling adventure and discover if Caelen can escape fate itself – grab your copy today!
Raven’s Bane
In Raven’s Bane, author Derren Parsons introduces us to a captivating fantasy world, starting with the harrowing plight of Amara and Jonah, two Arvi (beings with the ability to transform into ravens) who face the grim reality of being hunted. The book opens on a tense note with Jonah’s sacrifice to save Amara, setting a tone of danger and suspense that pervades the story.
Parsons skillfully crafts a narrative that delves into themes of identity and conflict. The protagonist, Caelen, upon learning of his friend’s demise, embarks on a quest to uncover the reasons behind the Arvi’s persecution. His journey to a human village, disguised and seeking answers, unfolds layers of complexity in human-Arvi relations, hinting at a larger, more intricate conspiracy.
One of the book’s notable features is a detailed map at the beginning, reminiscent of the classic fantasy style seen in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings. This addition enriches the reader’s experience, providing a visual representation of Parsons’ intricate world. The author’s use of descriptive language, evident from the opening line, instantly immerses the reader in the fantasy genre. Phrases like “Like a fallen star, an ethereal blue burst cleaved the darkness,” are not only visually evocative but also signal the story’s genre effectively. The narrative seamlessly integrates elements of romance and conflict, showcasing Parsons’ skill in weaving diverse plot threads. The vivid imagery, such as “The taste of her own fear was bitter” or “blended into the forest’s velvety blackness,” allows readers to vividly imagine the setting and empathize with the characters’ experiences.
Given the current popularity of the fantasy genre, Raven’s Bane stands out as a well-crafted addition. Parsons’ ability to create a gripping narrative, filled with rich imagery, makes this book a recommended read for those who enjoy immersive storytelling. The anticipation for future works from Parsons is certainly warranted based on the strength of this novel.
Pages: 135 | ASIN : B0CBQ96S2Z
LITERARY TITAN 