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Adapt and Persevere
The King’s Ascent follows the rightful ruler of a kingdom that has been taken over by an insane man craving power and control, who, with his loyal friends, must find a way to regain his throne. What was your inspiration for the setup of the story, and how did that help you create the ending?
I believe people are drawn to the timeless clash of good versus evil. While it is a familiar trope, its enduring appeal lies in its reflection of real life—where both good and bad exist. The battle between Barrett and his friends against evil mirrors the struggles we face in the world today.
As for the ending, I wanted to convey that life is never a straight path. Like Barrett and his friends, we are often guided by unpredictable twists and turns, many of which are beyond our control. Yet, to survive, we must adapt and persevere. While this lesson is difficult and sometimes painful to learn, Barrett’s journey reflects the challenges we all face in life.
Your characters go on a deeply emotional and transformative journey in your novel. Do you think this is intentional or incidental to the story you want to tell?
The theme of transformation is intentional. Every moment, we are changing—shifting in ways both big and small. We are never the same person we were yesterday, last week, or even last month. Barrett and his friends undergo a similar evolution, growing before our eyes. They make countless mistakes, but it’s through these trials and tribulations that they ultimately become stronger and better equipped to reach their goal
What is your background and experience in writing and how did it help you write The Ruinous Curse series?
I have been writing since I was a child, creating short pieces of fiction as early as nine years old. Over the years, I have honed my craft as an outdoor columnist, taken writing courses, and learned the art of editing and storytelling. I have never looked back. My time in the military, where I had the opportunity to travel the world, deepened my understanding of diverse cultures and people. I strive to weave those experiences—the sights, beliefs, and emotions—into my writing, enriching my stories with a global perspective.
Where do you see your characters after the book ends?
That’s a great question, and honestly, I’m not sure there’s a clear answer just yet. I’ve been toying with the idea of extending the series into another trilogy, featuring a more mature and wiser cast of characters. However, I haven’t taken that step yet, as I’m currently immersed in a new project titled The Library Between Worlds. Stay tuned, there’s much more to come.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone who has read and reviewed my work. I truly appreciate each one of you.
Author Links: Website | LinkedIn
To save their home, the friends must remove the tyrants. But the task will be harder than imagined as their plans fail at every attempt. Making things worse, the wizard Elimar is nowhere to be found and the sorceress, Trishar, is confined to her house under the watchful eyes of Bureau Agents.
Now, Barrett must use all his cunning and powers to free Westmore from the vile grasp of the Bureau, regain his throne, and rebuild the city. Standing in his way are an evil wizard, armies of hired killers, Mystical Affairs, and Grimes himself, who has more secrets than anyone could have guessed.
Leftwich Blues/Elfwitch Rules
Leftwich Blues/Elfwitch Rules is a sweeping fantasy tale woven into the struggles of a fractured family. It starts in myth, with vows made under the moon and curses that shake kingdoms. Then it jolts into the present, landing in the Ozarks with two twins caught in the fallout of their parents’ broken marriage. From there, the story keeps folding back and forth between a mystical Realm of hunters, owls, and ancient metals, and the harsher modern reality of courtrooms, social workers, and family strife. The twin narratives eventually bleed together, blurring what is real, what is allegory, and what is memory.
The writing bounces between old-world fantasy language and down-to-earth small-town chatter. That clash can be jarring, but it also gives the book a unique energy. One minute I was caught up in quicksilver necklaces glowing under a full moon, the next I was listening to kids argue about video games and crackheads. Sometimes I found myself laughing at the dialogue, other times I felt weighed down by how bleak it could get. The swings were sharp, but they kept me reading.
What hit me hardest wasn’t the magic or the battles. It was the raw mess of family life. The fights between Mom and Dad felt too familiar, too close to real arguments I’ve overheard in my own life. The kids’ tug-of-war over which parent to trust felt honest, painful, and sad. The fantasy parts worked like a mirror, twisting those personal struggles into epic stakes. When the twins lost their footing in the “real” world, it was like the Realm itself was cracking apart. That connection between worlds gave the story its punch.
The sudden shifts might throw some readers. But for people who like fantasy mixed with real grit, who don’t mind faith and scripture tucked into the corners, and who can handle a story that cuts close to the bone about family, it’s worth the ride. I’d recommend it to readers who like their myths messy, their heroes flawed, and their stories willing to sit in both wonder and heartbreak.
Pages: 435 | ASIN : B09CD1D958
The Ruinous Curse: The King’s Ascent
The King’s Ascent is the third book in The Ruinous Curse series and brings Barrett’s long and bruising journey to its peak. With his friends by his side, he faces the final push against Apadora’s curse, the treachery of those he once loved, and the crushing weight of decisions that could end or save entire worlds. The story picks up where the last book left off and wastes no time plunging the companions into the Outerworld, where trust splinters, love is tested, and the line between sacrifice and survival grows thin.
What struck me most while reading was how much darker and heavier this installment felt. The writing carried more bite, more despair, and yet more raw urgency than before. Sometimes that worked brilliantly, especially when Barrett’s doubts mirrored my own unease. I loved how the story kept its momentum, never letting up for long, and the constant clashes and arguments gave the book an energy that pulled me through without pause. I was hooked by the constant turmoil between the characters, particularly the fraught tension with Zanora. Those confrontations sparked with real venom, and I found myself torn between pity and fury every time she opened her mouth.
At the same time, there were moments of beauty that kept me grounded. Gaia’s voice of calm and her warmth gave the book its balance, and the loyalty between the companions, frayed as it was, always pulled me back into caring. I can’t deny the sheer emotion McClain poured into this tale. I caught myself smiling in places and even shaking my head in frustration when Barrett stumbled into old mistakes. That mix of reactions is what made the book feel alive.
The King’s Ascent is a grim, emotional, and fitting conclusion to the saga. It’s a book for readers who crave fantasy that doesn’t shy away from sorrow, who enjoy characters wrestling with their worst selves as much as their enemies, and who want the messy, tangled finish to a story about love, loyalty, and the high cost of leadership. If you’ve made it this far in the series, you’ll be more than pleased with this third entry in the coming-of-age fantasy series.
Pages: 351 | ASIN : B0FC6YKL3C
My Secret Hideaway
A Goblin’s Mind the bizarre, the enchanted, and the profoundly unwell—with tea, therapy, and an ironclad refusal to get emotionally involved. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Long short story short, I entered a 3 day novel writing contest, and being a psychology major and fantasy lover, I began to string together some ideas. It was truly my love for the “didn’t see it coming” books and movies that seeded the arc for this one.
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?
I have a world where all my fantasy stories exist: The Corwyn Chronicles. It’s been my secret hideaway since I was a teenager. With many short stories, novelettes, and the upcoming first book of a four book series coming out this year, the world (and my writing) has grown exponentially.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
Everything about the human condition makes for great fiction. Ideas can come from anything. The well I tapped for this book runs deep: human flaws and our need to label them. Dr. Harlow can, at times, represent the judge, forgetting that even therapists have their flaws. No one is “better” than the next person; we all just have floating opinions we treat as fact.
What is the next book that you’re working on, and when can your fans expect it out?
A Prologue of Deception is book 1 of 4 in the Talisman Series, set in the same universe as A Goblin’s Mind. It’s scheduled for release by Golden Storyline Books before the end of 2025.
Two stand-alone books are in submissions: a YA paranormal story set in the real world and a hybrid poetry/fantasy collection containing many of my award-winning and published works. Another full-length Corwyn Chronicles novel is being written, expanding the world even further.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook | Website | Newletter
Doctor Harlow is methodical. Composed. A trusted mind in a kingdom full of unstable ones. On a remote island far from the crown, Harlow treats the bizarre, the enchanted, and the profoundly unwell—with tea, therapy, and an ironclad refusal to get emotionally involved.
But when a quiet goblin arrives—haunted by invisible friends and stories that don’t quite add up—something begins to crack.
At first, the sessions seem harmless. Eccentric, even amusing. Then people begin to vanish. Details shift. Memories blur. And the threads that hold reality together begin to fray like cheap spell work.
As the island slips further out of sync, Harlow must confront a terrifying possibility: the patients aren’t the ones unravelling.
A Goblin’s Mind
A Goblin’s Mind follows Doctor Harlow, a sharp-witted therapist living in a secluded forest who treats the most peculiar of clients. Through his sessions with a compulsive half-unicorn hoarder, an arrogant wizard, a lonely young goblin, and even royalty, Harlow navigates strange personalities, tangled problems, and his own isolation. Each chapter plays out like a self-contained therapy vignette, yet threads of mystery and personal reflection run underneath, hinting at Harlow’s own unfinished business and the curious island he inhabits. The tone swings between deadpan humor, gentle empathy, and surreal fantasy, making the reader feel both entertained and unsettled.
I enjoyed the way the writing marries dry wit with moments of quiet melancholy. Dresner has a gift for making absurd scenarios feel grounded. A unicorn discussing her belt-buckle attachment issues becomes, in his hands, both hilarious and strangely poignant. The banter between characters is crisp and revealing, with dialogue that often says as much in what is left unsaid as in what is spoken. At times, I laughed at Harlow’s sardonic observations. Other moments caught me off guard with their tenderness. There’s a rhythm to the prose that makes the conversations feel alive, and yet the pacing never lingers too long in one mood before shifting to another.
I also found myself appreciating the undercurrent of loneliness that runs through the book. Harlow may be the one guiding others, but Dresner never lets us forget he is just as mortal as his patients, grappling with uncertainty and longing. The island itself feels like a character, its stillness and strange boundaries adding to the sense that everyone here is a little trapped, including the good doctor. Some of the surreal touches, like the recurring dream imagery and the letter that keeps reappearing, worked beautifully to keep me curious, though a few left me wishing for more payoff. The blend of slice-of-life pacing with the quirks of high fantasy felt fresh.
I’d recommend A Goblin’s Mind to readers who enjoy character-driven fantasy with a strong conversational voice. If you like your worlds a bit odd, your humor a bit dry, and your moments of heart snuck in between the jokes, this is worth picking up. For anyone who enjoys the idea of a therapist’s couch deep in an enchanted forest, Dresner delivers something charming, sly, and quietly moving.
Pages: 176 | ISBN : 1989482082
The Eye of Ebon
The Eye of Ebon is a dark and sweeping fantasy tale that pulls you into a world of bitter winters, brutal enemies, and an undercurrent of ancient legend. At its heart is the harrowing survival of Samiare, a young girl torn from her family and brutalized by the monstrous Groll, only to be delivered a mysterious, almost divine sword that grants her both vengeance and solace. Parallel to her journey is Ruegette, a seasoned warrior from Tierinor, whose sense of duty and stubborn compassion push her to uncover the deeper plot behind the Groll’s presence in the frozen wastes of Norvaine. As the story winds through raids, rescues, and ruin-haunted mountain passes, the narrative threads begin to knot around an ancient key, the Eye of Ebon, and the shadowy forces moving to claim it.
The writing balances vivid brutality with strange beauty, and I felt the weight of every snow-laden step and every wound described. The prose has a rhythm that shifts between crisp action and almost lyrical inner monologue. There are moments of raw violence that left me tense, and others of quiet humanity that kept me thinking about them throughout the day. I found myself caring for Samiare in a way that made me want to step into the page and shield her from the world. Ruegette’s arc resonated differently, more as an exploration of loyalty and the uncomfortable truth that sometimes doing the right thing means walking straight into danger.
There are sections where the descriptions stretch on and slow the urgency, and times when dialogue feels formal. But then the story delivers these sudden jolts, like discoveries in ruined halls, treacherous turns in battle, confessions under the shadow of firelight, that pull you right back in. The mix of political intrigue, mythic history, and personal survival works because it keeps the stakes layered. It’s never just about the fight in front of you, it’s about the web it’s tangled in.
The Eye of Ebon left me with that rare mix of satisfaction and unease. It closes enough loops to feel whole, yet you can sense the larger saga looming beyond the final page. I’d recommend this to readers who like their fantasy sharp-edged and emotionally charged, and for readers who want not just the clash of swords, but the ache of the people wielding them.
Pages: 247 | ASIN : B0DB1F14HD
Tavern
Tavern follows Xelnath, or Xel, an orc priest who also happens to be a tavern owner, a healer, and the mastermind behind a covert mercenary guild called the Blackwind Company. Tavern is a character-driven fantasy adventure wrapped in rich worldbuilding and filled with witty dialogue, deep friendships, and a good bit of magical ass-kicking. From shady alleys to political schemes, the story flows through layers of intrigue, touching on themes like found family, trauma, identity, and self-worth.
I didn’t expect to fall so hard for the characters, especially Xel. He isn’t your typical fantasy protagonist. He’s overweight, scarred, introspective, and surprisingly gentle for a guy who can summon magical tree roots and crush bones with a staff. I loved the emotional layers the author gave him. His self-doubt, his craving to protect his found family, and the way he hides his pain behind sarcasm and kindness. Munden’s writing feels warm and lived-in, especially when characters are just talking. There’s a weight to their pasts that makes the small moments between them hit harder than the action scenes. The action is no slouch either. It’s visceral, fast, and packed with tension. Some chapters, especially the early fight scenes and Xel’s quiet, vulnerable monologues, really stuck with me.
The story doesn’t follow a typical structure, which I actually liked, but it might throw off readers who want a clear-cut hero’s journey. The book feels more like a slice-of-life with high stakes than a straight fantasy epic. I found that refreshing, especially with all the time spent on tavern life and casual conversations. Those slower parts often carried the emotional weight. The prose itself has a unique rhythm. Sometimes poetic, sometimes conversational, sometimes just plain weird in a good way.
Tavern is perfect for readers who care more about character depth and emotional payoff than nonstop action. It’s for folks who love a messy, flawed hero, and for those who don’t mind their fantasy with more heart than fireballs. If you’re into found-family stories, secret guilds, or cozy settings with dark undertones, you’ll find a lot to love here. I walked away from this book feeling like I knew these characters. And honestly? I miss them already.
Pages: 435 | ASIN : B07PWTR89Q
The Ruinous Curse: The Hunt for Alesta
The Hunt for Alesta kicks off Mark K. McClain’s “The Ruinous Curse” series with the story of Barrett, a prince caught between duty, prophecy, and personal longing. As his kingdom teeters on the edge of war, Barrett discovers not only that magic might live inside him, but also that he’s at the heart of a much larger destiny. Alongside loyal friends Zanora, Gaia, and Unger, he battles dark forces, navigates hidden tunnels and magic festivals, and must decide whether to wield ancient power or follow a simpler path. The book weaves friendship, fear, and growing up into a quest full of danger and mythic weight.
What stood out most to me was how deeply human Barrett felt. He’s not some perfect hero. He hesitates, he doubts, and he fumbles through his feelings for Zanora like any teenager would. That made his story so much more relatable. The magic and world-building had a classic fantasy feel, but the dialogue kept it fresh. There’s a bit of whimsy here, like talking doors, cheeky magical creatures, and floating gossip orbs, but it’s grounded by the looming threat of war and the emotional weight of loss. McClain isn’t afraid to slow down for a tender moment or dive into darker territory.
The setup took a while, and while I enjoyed the time with the characters, I found myself itching for the real stakes to kick in. Still, once the action started, especially with the chase through Ashton and the reveal of Barrett’s power, I was hooked. There’s also a lot of prophecy talk, which can get a little heavy-handed, but it didn’t stop me from caring about the choices Barrett had to make. McClain manages to keep the story from veering into cliché by injecting heart into every turn, even when the tropes feel familiar.
The Hunt for Alesta is a heartfelt and imaginative coming-of-age story wrapped in the trappings of high fantasy. I’d recommend it to younger readers who loved the early Percy Jackson books or fans of coming-of-age tales in magical worlds like Eragon or the Earthsea Cycle. It’s for those who want magic with emotion, action with meaning, and friendships that feel real. It spins a tale worth following, and I’m excited to see where Barrett’s story goes next.
Pages: 301 | ASIN : B0B4V5BMLG
LITERARY TITAN 