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Wolfhound: The King’s Hounds Book I
Wolfhound is a gritty and heart-wrenching fantasy tale that follows Cassian, the leader of a King’s Hound team—elite enforcers of royal justice in the kingdom of Fentia. When a mission to arrest a treacherous baron goes terribly wrong, Cassian is forced into a desperate escape that leaves him with nothing but the duty to report the betrayal and the weight of lost comrades. Along the way, he crosses paths with a scrappy, abused orphan boy named Theo, and what begins as a simple act of mercy turns into a test of Cassian’s soul. The story weaves together themes of loyalty, honor, justice, and grief with an emotionally raw and action-packed narrative.
Austin Davis knows how to keep your heart pounding with intense action scenes that don’t let up, but what surprised me most was how emotionally resonant it was. Cassian isn’t some one-note hero; he’s wrecked and angry, grieving and fiercely loyal. I felt every moment of his pain and frustration. The writing strikes a balance between immersive world-building and intimate character focus. Davis doesn’t get lost in fantasy tropes. Instead, he pulls you into the dirt and grit of being a King’s Hound. I especially loved the way he handled Theo—what could’ve been a tired “rescued orphan” trope felt alive, vulnerable, and earned.
Some scenes, especially action-heavy ones, occasionally ran long. But those dips are minor compared to how invested I was. I laughed at Cassian’s sarcasm, teared up more than once (no shame), and fist-pumped when justice was served. The dialogue felt natural and snappy, with a good amount of humor even in the darkest moments. Most of all, I appreciated that this wasn’t just a fantasy adventure—it was a meditation on loss, found family, and the cost of doing the right thing when it’s hard. And the horses? Don’t even get me started. I’d follow Strider into battle, no question.
If you’re into emotionally charged fantasy with grounded characters and a dash of political intrigue, Wolfhound will be right up your alley. I’d recommend it to fans of Joe Abercrombie, Brandon Sanderson’s grittier moments, or anyone who loves loyalty tested in the fire. It’s perfect for readers who want more heart than high magic, more scars than spells. Just don’t expect to walk away without feeling something deep in your chest.
Pages: 297 | ASIN : B0F8FS1HYD
Entertaining and Uplifting
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The Aswan Device follows two sisters whose father creates a parallel reality disrupting their own, and they must rely on each other to save their world. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I am not really sure. Much of this story was written while I sat down at my computer with the intention of creating a sequel that would be both entertaining and uplifting for young people, and I allowed the words to flow through me and onto the page. The real work for me came in the editing and trying to make sense of what I’d typed.
That being said, I am a huge Star Wars and Marvels Universe fan, so inspiration could have been drawn from these amazing works.
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?
From my travels. . .
I first learned about the concept of inner-earth beings on a bus tour to Reno, Nevada twenty-three years ago. Our bus stopped at a park with large stone circles where they believed inner-earth beings were close to the surface. This inspired me to dig further.
The folklore of many First Nations cultures depicts their ancestors living within the earth. For example, the Hopi origin story has it that the Hopis used to live beneath the earth and emerged from the Grand Canyon. I traveled to the Grand Canyon to experience this place of wonder for myself. The Grand Canyon plunges so far below that it is easy to envision ancient people emerging from its depths.
The intra-earth city, Mu, in The Intra-Earth Chronicles;Book II:The Aswan Device, was modeled after places I’d seen on my travels to both Egypt and Peru; Mu is nestled on a mesa surrounded by mountains and jungle much like Machu Picchu in Peru and has pyramids like the great pyramids of Egypt.
The inspiration for Aswan, the luminous orange planet, came from my love of Planet Jupiter.
I am also a fan of the History Channel’s Ancient Aliens, and there is an episode about the possibility of advanced civilizations existing beneath the earth’s crust. There’s a lot of great inspiration for Sci-fi writers from that television show.
The multiple settings became more detailed and complex in this second installment of the series!
In fantasy novels, it’s easy to get carried away by the magical powers of characters. How did you balance the use of supernatural powers?
I had so many characters in so many different settings, in order to develop each character and place fully, I couldn’t spend too much time on any one character’s magical powers. I hope I succeeded in that delicate balance! 😊
I hope the series continues in other books. If so, where will the story take readers?
I haven’t begun Book III yet, but I have a feeling that Sasha, Adrianne, the two Aswan Cadets, and Desoto will travel to other planets within the galaxy to experience how they are governed and have achieved peace and co-exist within the greater system of galaxies. Their travels will also lead them back to our own planet to study many more peaceful Intra-earth Civilizations.
Sasha and Adrianne will learn more about the Prophecy and will have to choose whether to accept or deny their destiny of becoming Lords of the Twelve Worlds.
My intent is that this will be an exciting and uplifting adventure filled with humor. 🙂
Author Links: GoodReads | Website
During his escape from the intra-earth, Tartarus disrupts Mu’s spinning magnetic power source, causing explosive bursts of energy to erupt onto the surface. This disruption tears the fabric of time and creates a doorway into a parallel reality. In this new reality, Tartarus reinstates the nuclear machine and positions himself as Earth’s savior in place of the sisters. With unlimited power and resources at his disposal, will Sasha and Adrianne ever be able to stop him?
In The Aswan Device by Kara Jacobson, we experience a fast-paced fantasy adventure where love and friendship prove to be the strongest weapons of all.
TWO CROWNS, THREE BLADES
In the wake of Madam Dunn’s death, Sibil declares her intent to join the army, openly vowing to strike against The Guild. Whispers of a young woman wielding a dagger adorned with a red-jeweled bone handle, slaying giants, tangle with rumors of the Wisperal’s return. Are these two tales connected? The narrative unfolds as an unlikely duo—a determined girl and an aging man—embarks on a perilous journey through a tumultuous world. Together, they navigate dangers and surprises, pursuing separate but intertwined goals.
Two Crowns, Three Blades, which is book two in The Legends of Baelon by Robert A. Walker, delivers a sprawling and intricate plot, anchored by engaging characters and formidable challenges. From a deadly pact to eliminate two kings to the intricacies of battle strategies, the novel seizes readers’ attention with its high-stakes missions and life-or-death gambits. The war strategies stand out as a highlight, evoking the grandeur of Tolkien’s beloved fantasy epics like The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Discussions of medieval tactics—from bracing for volleys of arrows to weighing the risks of cavalry against spiked barriers—are rich with detail and lend authenticity to the book’s action sequences.
Walker’s prose vividly captures the world through his characters’ eyes, immersing readers in the unfolding drama. His ability to bring even minor characters to life is evident through meticulous descriptions, such as the “small curved nose, taut cheeks, and thin lips” of a striking female figure. These details ground the fantastical setting in a sense of realism. The Wisperal herself is a standout element, shrouded in an aura of awe and menace. Rumors paint her as a giant slayer, a figure who hunts the wicked and delivers them “to Baelon below.” Her mythic presence elevates the stakes and deepens the intrigue, making her one of the story’s most compelling elements.
The abundance of characters—kings, enemies, and allies—woven into an intricate web of missions and alliances will appeal to readers who seek a rich, character-driven saga. Walker crafts a tale brimming with twists, suspense, and engaging fantasy elements. Fans of intricate political intrigue, thrilling action, and clever strategic planning will find much to enjoy. Two Crowns, Three Blades offers a captivating blend of epic adventure and imaginative storytelling.
Pages: 393 | ASIN : B0DRFF2V9D
The Intra-Earth Chronicles; Book II: The Aswan Device
Deep within the Earth’s core lies a world of astonishing beauty and relentless strife, where two sisters, Adrianne and Sasha, bear the burden of a fractured kingdom and a legacy marred by betrayal. Their father, Tartarus, deposed yet dangerous, shatters their fragile peace by stealing a device designed to heal their fractured world. Forced into a perilous quest, Adrianne and Sasha confront not only external threats but also the unspoken tensions that threaten to divide them. Adrianne, impulsive and eager to prove herself, wrestles with her fiery temper and desire to escape Sasha’s shadow. Meanwhile, Sasha, steady and wise, strives to hold their tenuous alliance together. As they traverse dangerous landscapes and a parallel Earth where Tartarus has claimed dominion, their resilience shines. Yet the question looms: can their bond withstand the trials ahead, or will their differences tear them apart at the moment they need each other most?
The Aswan Device by Kara Jacobson is an extraordinary fusion of mythology, science fiction, and family drama, weaving a story that is both thrilling and deeply emotional. Set in an intricately crafted subterranean world, the novel follows royal sisters Adrianne and Sasha as they grapple with their father’s dark legacy while navigating the crumbling societies above and below ground. Their mission to recover the stolen nuclear device, a symbol of hope and survival, tests their love, rivalry, and endurance.
Jacobson balances adventure with emotional depth, creating a narrative that resonates with readers. The reimagining of Tartarus, blending ancient mythology with futuristic elements, immediately captivates, and the seamless integration of these themes into a high-stakes narrative is nothing short of brilliant. The juxtaposition of mythological resonance with cutting-edge technology crafts a storyscape that is both unique and compelling.
The protagonists, Adrianne and Sasha, stand out as vivid, multidimensional characters. Adrianne’s fiery determination and Sasha’s empathetic wisdom create a sibling dynamic that is as relatable as it is engaging. Their interactions capture the essence of siblinghood, brimming with frustration, humor, and unwavering loyalty. Tartarus, as the antagonist, is a commanding presence—a complex figure whose ambition and moral decay echo timeless themes of power and corruption. The supporting cast further enriches the narrative, offering moments of levity and depth, while the interplay among characters ensures readers are emotionally invested in their journeys. Jacobson’s technical expertise shines through her lush world-building and evocative prose.
For fans of Rick Riordan and the Percy Jackson series, The Aswan Device is an absolute must-read. With its fast-paced adventure, rich character development, and thematic complexity, it stands as a standout entry in the genre. Perfect for young adult and middle-grade readers, this book’s blend of science fiction, fantasy, and mythology ensures an unforgettable experience. Whether drawn to epic quests, futuristic worlds, or the intricate dynamics of sibling relationships, readers will find The Aswan Device to be an engaging and deeply satisfying journey.
Pages: 185 | ASIN : B0DK26ZY5S
The Chimera Snare: Fragments
Rayshell’s senior year was supposed to be a season of fleeting moments, a quiet goodbye to high school life. Instead, her reality fractures when her dreams are infiltrated by a shadowy presence, delivering cryptic warnings. With her fiercely loyal best friend Trish by her side, Rayshell uncovers an extraordinary truth: they are living vessels for exiled Celestine guardians—ancient protectors trapped in limbo. As forgotten powers awaken within them, the two are drawn into a cosmic struggle where existence itself hangs by a thread. In this apocalyptic upheaval, Rayshell and Trish must confront their entangled destinies and grapple with a question: can they restore what’s been lost, or will their enemy’s fractured reality become their own?
The Chimera Snare: Fragments by S&E Black fuses the quiet rhythms of everyday life with the vast drama of celestial warfare. At its heart, this is a story of balance—ordinary people grappling with the enormity of an otherworldly battle. Rayshell and Trish’s journey, both intimate and epic, captures themes of self-discovery, courage, and sacrifice. Rayshell’s internal struggle to reconcile her shattered identity with an unchosen destiny is both relatable and powerful. Meanwhile, Trish’s unyielding bravery and steadfast support offer an anchor amidst chaos. Their bond is a heartfelt exploration of love, loyalty, and the blurred spaces between loss and renewal, drawing readers into their deeply emotional odyssey.
The novel’s true brilliance lies in its world-building and prose. Celestine and Daeva, the realms central to the conflict, are intricately detailed, bursting with life, mystery, and tension. The authors paint vivid landscapes, from the grandeur of Celestine’s sacred beauty to the shadowy depths of Daeva’s treacherous expanse. Magic systems feel rich and lived-in, while political and cultural nuances create a tapestry of wonder and intrigue. Emotional resonance shines through every layer of this vast world. Von’s desperate mission to save Navaryn is both heartbreaking and compelling, while Rayshell’s reluctant embrace of her connection to both Celestine guardians adds a deeply personal stake. The interplay of the personal and the cosmic makes the narrative immersive, balancing grandeur with raw human emotion.
The Chimera Snare: Fragments excels as a blend of imaginative storytelling and emotional depth. This is a tale of immense scope, grounded by its characters’ humanity. For fans of intricate world-building and compelling character arcs, this novel is an unforgettable journey.
Pages: 524 | ASIN: B0D5BWX7GF
Dungeonmasters Like Me
The Seal of Thomerion follows a veteran dwarf on a quest to save his friend, who is suffering from a deadly and mysterious curse. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I drew inspiration for this and other books from my experiences with Dungeons & Dragons; specifically with running campaigns for them. I created many quests and obstacles for my players to overcome, and one of them who entered the group late (as a dwarven warrior) needed a personal-investment hook, so I made it so that he was seeking the cure to a mysterious disease/curse. For those who don’t know, Dungeons & Dragons is a highly imagination-based tabletop roleplaying game with a core set of rules, which Dungeonmasters like me build around using our own ideas (homebrew.)
I find the world you created in this novel brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from, how did it change as you were writing, and how did you keep track of all the different paths readers can take?
The setting became a conglomeration of different adventure climates, terrains and scenarios, some of which I had read in other fantasy books with complicated maps and deeply-thought-out cityscapes. In comparison, I decided to keep my world a little simpler than many, which just a handful of major cities and geographical landmarks, all of which have played important roles in the stories. The paths I send my readers down changed primarily as I came up with choice junctures, and I’ve used Microsoft Word and a carefully organized linking system to keep track of the “tree” shape the pathways form.
The Seal of Thomerion begins in a traditional way but then takes a turn that defies traditional fantasy storytelling, putting readers in charge of where the story goes next. What made you decide to write your novel in this format?
I am a huge fan of board games and of creating well-rounded experiences for consumers. Interactive fiction fits that bill because, as a consumer myself of the Choose Your Own Adventure series as a child, I became deeply engaged in each decision. Memorably, I could always turn back to where I kept my thumb in place, should the ending turn out to be less than ideal. So, there’s a bit of nostalgia behind my compositions, even as I upgrade the CYOA format for a more adult audience.
I hope the series continues in other books. If so, where will the story take readers?
There are two more books in the series also available, entitled The Gate to Thomerion and the Wrath of Thomerion. In GtT, the cleric who serves as the primary ally in The Seal of Thomerion, Bartleby, takes a turn as the protagonist (even though in all cases, the books are written in second-person “you”-centric perspective). Bartleby struggles to keep a secret relationship from coming to light within his church, just as he is also questing to stop Thomerion, the god of destruction, from entering the human realm via a mysterious portal. In the Wrath of Thomerion, Titania Vermouth, the leader of the coastal town of Sungaze, spearheads a quest to rid Bartleby’s body of demonic possession. All sorts of new friends are met along the way, including a teetotaling orcblood, a loyal fortune-teller and Christof, Bartleby’s superior within the church of the sun.
What do you do?
As a dwarven army veteran thrown back into action, you, the reader make the decisions. Will you recruit a religious zealot to your cause, or instead a lunatic tinkerer? Do you save a damsel, or go where the money is? Might you cower in the face of danger, or instead face it head-on? It’s up to you, but be warned: The fate of a nation hangs in the balance.
The Devil’s Wrath
The Devil’s Wrath by Rico Liemanto presents a gripping dark fantasy tale where twin gods, Kota and Gurita, watch over the world with constant vigilance. However, their greatest fear is about to unfold: Setan, the God of Devils, is on the verge of returning. Two centuries ago, Setan’s brief but catastrophic appearance left millions dead and countless others corrupted. Now, with Setan’s resurgence imminent, the gods must once again rally heroes to stand against him. Panah, Ular, Maling, and Tuli—four unlikely champions—are chosen to embark on a dangerous quest to vanquish this fearsome enemy.
Liemanto’s The Devil’s Wrath channels the energy of a fast-paced video game, transforming it into a vivid literary experience. Drawing inspiration from games like Elden Ring and Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous, the novel echoes the dynamic storytelling of movies like Mortal Kombat or Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves. It offers a refreshing twist on the classic narrative of reluctant heroes embarking on a perilous journey at the command of higher powers. The reluctant quartet—each with unique abilities and personalities—initially struggles under the weight of their divine mandate. They have little in common, and their newfound roles as the gods’ acolytes are far from voluntary. Yet, as their mission becomes clearer, they are united by the immense threat they face. The development of their characters, particularly their clashing yet complementary dynamics, adds depth and enjoyment to the story. Much like a superhero team-up, the joy lies in watching these disparate individuals come together to confront a shared enemy. Setan and his minions provide formidable antagonists for the group, setting the stage for several pulse-pounding battle sequences. But the book doesn’t rely solely on action—Liemanto masterfully weaves in an intricate mythology, slowly unraveling the mysteries of this richly imagined world. This blend of thrilling combat and deep world-building ensures that the novel strikes a satisfying balance for fans of both fast-paced action and complex, immersive storytelling.
The Devil’s Wrath is a gripping dark fantasy with a slow-burning adventure that delivers explosive battles alongside layers of mythology. With its compelling characters, high stakes, and richly crafted universe, it promises to engage readers who love both intense action and thoughtful world-building.
Pages: 245 | ASIN : B0DBFV8D5Y
LITERARY TITAN 