Blog Archives
Drakomunda
Drakomunda by Guy Quartley takes readers on an exhilarating journey as they bear witness to the valiant struggles of three distinct characters against the forces of darkness. This captivating dark fantasy novel immerses readers in a realm teeming with multiple perspectives, heart-pounding action sequences, and enchanting sorcery, leaving an indelible mark on the mind. Right from the opening pages, the story unfolds with an elderly protagonist traversing treacherous paths and engaging in fierce battles. The arrival of Rabisha, a desperate woman seeking aid against her alleged highborn father, adds a thrilling twist to the narrative. However, the ensuing revelation that Rabisha orchestrated the very catastrophe she sought help for propels the plot into unexpected territory, intertwining the fates of our protagonist and his newfound servant. As the tale progresses, the spotlight shifts to two captivating sorceresses, Bronwyn and Phaedra, whose ardent love for each other becomes the fulcrum of their courageous battle against overwhelming adversaries. Amidst these enthralling arcs, the inclusion of intriguing short stories further enhances the tapestry of the narrative. However, it is the perspective presented in the Spider Heart that deserves special mention, as Prince Yvain, fifth in line to the throne, embarks on a perilous quest to reclaim Flengum. Facing ambushes from Kronarians and a wielder of dark magic, Yvain, and his comrades valiantly endeavor to maintain control over the city, their unwavering determination defying the encroaching forces of evil.
The writing style of this book is a remarkable feat, seamlessly transitioning between past and present tense to lend an added dimension to the diverse viewpoints. Quartley’s prose is imbued with a distinctive charm, showcased through an extensive and captivating vocabulary. However, it is worth noting that the initial exploration of the three intertwining stories can be a little disorienting, but towards the latter part of the second section, the true coherence of their fusion becomes apparent.
This story contains a remarkable blend of adventure, complex storylines, and the allure of magic, creating an immersive experience that is simultaneously enthralling and challenging. While the multitude of perspectives and subplots may, at times, feel overwhelming, the intrinsic value lies in the unique tapestry they create.
If you possess an appetite for literary adventure and are captivated by intricately woven narratives brimming with mysticism, then Drakomunda is an undeniable gem. Guy Quartley’s masterful storytelling and the vivid world he has crafted will transport you to realms where heroes and villains clash, and the very fabric of reality hangs in the balance. Prepare yourself for an unforgettable journey that will leave you yearning for more.
Pages: 703 | ASIN: B0BMZJVHW1
The Writer and the Librarian
The Writer and the Librarian by R. L. Geer-Robbins is a captivating fiction work that masterfully blends fantasy and realism elements. This book is an intriguing mystery imbued with romance, myth, and legend, making it a must-read for anyone who enjoys a well-crafted tale. The story follows Chloe Pairtree, an ordinary writer who finds herself drawn into a centuries-old secret society known as the Raven Society. The society’s mission is to safeguard a magical book called the Book of the Veiled, which has the power to rewrite history and shape the future. When the book is stolen, Chloe is recruited to help recover it, thrusting her into a world of danger and intrigue.
Although the novel has an extensive cast of characters, the author takes the time to introduce each of them, allowing readers to become fully immersed in their stories. This may make the initial stages of the book feel slow, but it pays off by giving readers a deeper understanding of the individuals and their motivations. Chloe is the exception to this, as the story follows her as she falls in love with the enigmatic Lucas. Despite this, we are only given hints of her troubled past, and the story arc that begins in this book remains unresolved at the end. However, Geer-Robbins sets the stage for future installments in the series, leaving readers eager for more. The characters are well-drawn, and the dialogue feels natural. The author uses the first-person point of view to give Chloe a witty and engaging voice, which readers are sure to appreciate.
The Writer and the Librarian is an entertaining work of Dark Fantasy and transports readers to an intriguing and imaginative world. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for an engaging mystery with a touch of magic.
Pages: 328 | ASIN : B0BRGHYHB7
The Adventures of Jimmy Crikey: Jade the Youngest Ever Witch
Jimmy Crikey is a young boy from a distant universe that finds joy in the company of his friends and adopted family in the charming town of Roombelow. This magical realm, concealed beneath the earth’s surface, houses many mystical creatures, including Jade, an aspiring witch. As she strives to pass her tests and become a full-fledged witch, Jade utilizes her magical abilities to solve the challenges that she and Jimmy encounter. With guidance from her mentor Matilda and the Guardian Witches of Earth, Jade must find the strength to use her logic, magic, and problem-solving skills to face trials on her own. As her world suddenly transforms, Jade must rise to the occasion and fully embrace her destiny.
This is my second visit to the boundless universe of Jimmy Crikey, and I remain captivated by the seamless integration of science fiction and fantasy in this series. The author offers enough context to refresh the reader’s memory without overwhelming them, and the narrative’s consistent pacing kept me engaged until the end. Among the colorful cast of characters, Jade, the apprentice witch, stood out as my favorite. I was delighted to read a book that intensely focused on her character development. Jade evolves into a stronger character, not only developing her individual courage but also building a solid foundation for teamwork with Jimmy. Despite encountering various obstacles, both protagonists find hope amid tragedy, leaving plenty of room for further adventures.
I thoroughly enjoyed my return journey into Jimmy Crikey’s enchanting universe, and this latest installment is nothing short of remarkable. I eagerly anticipate a resolution to Annison’s situation in a future volume of a courageous young girl spreading her wings. The Adventures of Jimmy Crikey: Jade, the Youngest Witch Ever by Wallace E. Briggs is an incredible tale of a brave young girl coming into her own. This latest addition to the Adventures of Jimmy Crikey series is a must-have for any library and perfect for those who love unique settings, tales of magic, and stories of girl power.
Pages: 261 | ASIN : B0BMGJPJBJ
A Lot Like Magic
Book of Leprechauns: The Lore Gatherers follows a father and daughter leprechaun who goes on a journey to ancient Rome after their gold is stolen by a foe. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
When my oldest son was nine years old, we went on a walk and outlined a ten-bulletpoint story based on the following framework:
Once upon a time ____. Every day _____. One day _____. Because of that ____ happened. Because of that _____ happened. Until finally _____.
Because it was March and St. Patrick’s Day was getting near, leprechauns were on his mind, so the story outlined involved leprechauns who went back to ancient Rome, which I think he had been learning about in school.
What were the driving ideals behind the characters’ development throughout the story?
I was interested in writing a world that I would be interested in living in, one where art and craft mattered more than money. The idea of a profound loss driving the behaviors of characters and their relationship was also something motivating me.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
That what is easy for one person to do may look a lot like magic to someone else. And in fact, magic is all around us every day, if we take the time to notice it.
Will this novel be the start of a series, or are you working on a different story?
I hope so! I am currently drafting another book in this world with the working title: Book of Leprechauns: The Sheep of Time.
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To save themselves, Molly and her father must come to terms with a painful past, heal old wounds, and grapple with the most powerful leprechaun magic ever known to lore gatherers. But even with the help of a poetry-writing fox and a hyper-intelligent chicken, can they save the universe?
Book of Leprechauns
Leprechauns are not only magical beings, as people often believe. In fact, they are beings who gather knowledge. For them, art reflects the essence of things, which is why they are guardians of stories. Furthermore, they have had to learn to protect everything they consider valuable, which is why they are cunning and resourceful. However, their life is not so simple because they have serious responsibilities to fulfill. Book of Leprechauns: The Lore Gatherers follows Molly, a young leprechaun who has lost the gold she was entrusted with. Alongside her father, Shaun, and her friend Dorker, they embark on a thrilling journey to ancient Rome and the realm of Caesar. Through this adventure, Molly learns more about her family, the responsibilities of being a lore gatherer, and the true magic that lies within her.
Author Jonathan Uffelman demonstrates exceptional attention to detail, crafting charismatic and engaging characters. Molly is a relatable protagonist who strives to excel while her father, Shaun, grapples with striking the right balance between guidance and independence. I loved reading about Molly’s relationship with her father and found it heartwarming. The vivid descriptions of the settings, particularly ancient Rome, are enriched with historical details, immersing the reader in the adventure. The narrative is further enhanced by including short tales discovered throughout the journey. The detailed descriptions and footnotes throughout the story add remarkable depth and richness to the narrative. The creative footnotes provide an authentic touch, effortlessly immersing the reader in the enchanting world of leprechauns.
Book of Leprechauns: The Lore Gatherers is an entertaining, thrilling, and unique middle-grade fantasy story. This novel is filled with adventure, exciting myths, and folk tales. This is a must-read for fans of sword and sorcery stories.
Pages: 320 | ASIN : B0BLY73KV8
Erift’s Journeys: The Dark Messengers
After more than a year since their journey to the Sealed Forest, Joseph, and Eric, who were about to head off to college, were suddenly brought to another adventure. The best friends were called by Professor Ben, and during their travel from home to the Murean Islands, they were met with supernatural challenges. Unfortunately, things got even more chaotic when they arrived on the island. New enemies started emerging, bringing more conflict to the three, and a foe from the past took this time to announce their return. In this sequel to Secrets of The Sealed Forest, the boys are once again pushed to their limits and, with their friends’ help, must do everything they can to go home to live the peaceful lives they strived for.
Erift’s Journeys: The Dark Messengers by J.T. Tenera is a new compelling narrative that brings back Joseph and Eric, two memorable characters, and pulls them back into the world of fantasy and magic. We see how much the two have grown in terms of their relationship and powers, which they execute particularly in the book’s first half. As for the main character’s personal journey, the author should be applauded for making them human despite all that is happening around them. It is essential to keep in mind that Joseph and Eric are still trying to figure themselves out, have internal conflicts of their own, and are also on a path toward self-actualization. Knowing these about them had me rooting for their success even more, so they can go home and fulfill their individual dreams.
True to their characters, the funny, quick, and unnecessary banters stayed even during the fight scenes, reminding us once again that this book is humorous as it is riveting, keeping readers invested in going through the pages. The other side characters were a welcome addition to the mix, both friends and foes, giving a fresh take to the setting of the previous book.
The second book from Erift’s Journeys is a gripping coming-of-age fantasy novel that teens and young adults will love. I would recommend this for high school students, for I believe the main characters’ language and their penchant for fun despite hard times would resonate with them.
Pages: 435 | ASIN : B0BR4JZT9R
This Disturbed View Of The World
Malketh and the Undead follows three young knights on a journey who encounter a villain that wishes to reclaim the land for himself, and he brings an army. What was the inspiration for your story?
I much wanted to have a more classic bad guy (with some explanation) for this book. That way the youth would have an easy time rooting against. I wanted it to be a little tragic, like it didn’t have to be this way. So, I layered in Malketh as a person who has a filter that he put on everything that he listened to and took in. His subjectivity doesn’t allow him to take in the truth so he gets this disturbed view of the world and it affects his actions.
As a secondary part, I wanted to explore the protagonists a little more. The first book set them on a journey. So, it was more about the places they were going and who they were pursuing. Here, we get a little more insight into the three.
Did you plan the tone and direction of the novel before writing or did it come out organically as you were writing?
Since I was going with the undead, I wanted it to feel urgent and a bit scary. In that way, I had a definite tone laid out. I had a direction as well, but I never want to control this too much in my storytelling. It may crimp some great ideas.
What was your process in writing the characters interactions to develop the bond they have?
I use real people as inspirations. That way I can make my characters more consistent. Then, I make them converse quite a bit. I find that dialogue makes reading easier for youth as it gives them more natural breaks. That devise becomes the vital way on which they relate.
In this book, I gave my main characters something for which to compete. That brought out there true natures. So, I put that in the earlier chapters, to create some connection between the readers and the three.
What future adventures do you have in store for Raven Romda and Ravai?
It’s funny. I already have a third book written, but I am actually evaluating right now whether I should put it out next. So, I am in the middle of writing two more. The hesitancy comes from what I would like to address. Where magic will be allowed in the kingdom is a big question, since it had been outlawed and is making its way back in to fashion. I also have to start to do more than hinting at my multi-book story arc. In my mind that is the actually story with these books being sub-stories. The first of the three books that I am finishing is a story about a rebellious town using magic. I employ multiple villains pitted against each other so that the plot is a little unpredictable. The second book is about three former mentors of Raven, Romda and Ravia coming back and having a less than positive impact. I’m growing fonder of this one because it will have many colorful characters in it, and will give a look into the life inside kingdom. The third book has about one-third of a nearby town going mysteriously missing. This has a twist or two in the plot and helps detach somewhat from the traditional epic fantasy themes.
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Amidst the boredom, Ravai asks, “Why does no one talk about villains from the past?”
Romda reasons, “What would be the point?”
There is a point. Even though villains may be defeated, they may still be around, waiting in the background ready to resurface once again. From the rubble and debris in which he was buried, Malketh has returned. Presumed dead, he now rises with a fury. His rage is fixed on what he believes belongs to him, the entire kingdom.
Malketh was not always like this. Once known as a mage of incredible knowledge and aptitude, he had admiration and opportunity. He started to investigate ancient and intentionally abandoned magic. That investigation became his downfall. When his mechanizations went wrong, Malketh was expelled from the kingdom.
Malketh has returned to the kingdom … different. He is back with an entire army … an entire army of undead soldiers!
Raven, Romda and Ravai are thinking, maybe hoping, that their hardest task is behind them. However, they will be blindsided by this coming force for which they won’t be ready. Their banter will soon be replaced by a call to action. And, action will come a-plenty.
How do you defeat an army with three people? Raven, Romda and Ravai will have to face this new challenge, and rise up like Malketh and the Undead.
A great story for the fantasy loving youth, this adventure will appeal to those who like action and humor in an easy reading environment. Following their adventures in The Dark Beast, this second book in the Raven, Romda and Ravai series raises the stakes in a continuing journey of the three.
A Huge, Epic Tale About Hawaii
Islanders: The Pacific Chronicles (Book 1) follows a brother and sister who, while on a hike, develop magical abilities and make new friends. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My brother and I knew we wanted to capture what it was like to explore the tropical forests, grassy hills, beaches and lava fields of the Hawaiian Islands so that was the core and heart of the story. Quickly we realized that so much of what we discovered as adventure when we were kids was a combination of our imaginations and the education about Hawaii we had received. My wife and daughter are very much Kilikina — a fascinating combination of both reserved and natural leaders. People are drawn to them and frequently they both wonder why, but the rest of us around them know. Kaimana is a combination of both my boys: more outgoing, impulsive and energetic. And finally, my brother and I had always longed for a huge, epic tale about Hawaii that involved the rich history, mythology and lore that we thought was so amazing, but we never could find it. So as adults, we decided to write it.
What were some of the emotional and moral guidelines you followed when developing your characters?
We wanted to capture the age, perspective and experiences as a pre-teen and teenager would. The book is intentionally less descriptive and detailed in its world-building and more observational and theatrical because that’s how most kids that age see the world. They’re engaging with it, not necessarily taking in every aspect of their surroundings to remember and describe it later as adults most likely would. Also I have ADHD so it was morally important to me that this is not a boring series. We are committed to being sincere and authentic with our portrayal of our home State while also taking many creative and exciting liberties that keep kids (and adults) with a wide array of attention spans fully engaged all the way through. We promise if you or your children read these books they will learn far more about Hawaii than you would expect, and have a blast the whole time.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The biggest theme in this book is a positive association with what it means to defend what is right and good. We believe if kids are entertained, made to laugh, emotionally connect with and understand the value of respecting and protecting indigenous plants, animals, ecosystems, history and mythology/legends, they will naturally do what all kids do when they love something: defend it. To abruptly shift gears, many people don’t realize Hawaii has an unique and powerful culture that values quick banter and jokes even in many of the most formal or serious settings. The Menehune, animals and sea creatures all have that local-style sense of humor and reflect Hawaii’s real-life culture. We want kids to come away having experienced some of what makes Hawaii so special. And lastly, a major theme throughout every book is that we promise you won’t know what is coming next almost the whole time. Try us. If we’re wrong, let us know and we will absolutely give you a refund.
Can you tell us what the second book will be about and when it will be available for fans to purchase?
This is the first time this information will have been made public. Book 2, Kaimana (the older brother) steps into a critically supportive role and we will be first surprised then fascinated as an 11 year-old girl executes an incredible wartime leadership role defined by her compassion and command of a complicated large-scale military defense. It’s been wild to capture but I absolutely believe that is what would happen if my daughter was put in the same position. The bad guys are very bad, the good guys are good, but nothing comes easily and there are loads of surprises alongside many, many laughs. We’ve incorporated the native Hawaiian language, food, authentic historical armor and weapons (scaled down for animals) and military tactics. Several ancient Hawaiian myths are retold and integrated in a way that builds into a huge, epic, never-before-seen original tale. I’m also crushed to say: a character we met in book 1 won’t survive to the end of book 2. One thing to note: as a father of four with a fifth on the way, we will keep this and the subsequent books appropriate for all ages. If you enjoy Islanders and submit your email on our website, we’ll send you the first few chapters of Book 2 shortly!
Mākaha: The Pacific Chronicles (Book 2) will be made available on digital and softcover on May 15th, 2023 and is available for digital pre-order now at this link. Mahalo Literary Titan for your thorough and gracious review and excellent interview questions!
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Guided by a quirky and silly duo from a mythical race of tiny people, the siblings soon learn they have been chosen to help protect their island and way of life from a great evil. Are they up to the challenge?
LITERARY TITAN 