Blog Archives
Out of Embers and Shadows
Shelby Oval’s Out of Embers and Shadows, the inaugural book in the Shadowfire series, is an electrifying dive into a world ravaged by war, shadowy intrigue, and deeply human struggles. It follows Lora, a tough, sarcastic, and resourceful heroine, as she navigates a treacherous landscape filled with dragons, shadow armies, and uneasy alliances. The story’s gripping opening plunges readers into chaos, setting the stage for a journey that is as much about survival and loyalty as it is about uncovering the truth of Lora’s past.
One of the things I liked most about this book is its biting dialogue and unflinching narration. Lora’s internal monologue brims with wit and a kind of hard-edged vulnerability that makes her instantly relatable. Early scenes, like her survival atop a dragon she initially sees as an enemy, are charged with tension and dark humor. Her complex dynamic with Garrison and the dragon Emir adds layers of intrigue, blending mistrust, dependence, and reluctant camaraderie. Oval balances world-building with action, but at times, the pacing in these moments felt slightly rushed, leaving some character motivations a bit hazy.
The world-building is where Oval truly shines. The eerie descriptions of villages turned to ash are haunting and atmospheric. The author draws readers into a richly detailed setting where dragons, shadow armies, and magical powers are not just elements of fantasy but deeply integrated into the fabric of the story. Certain moments, such as Lora’s mysterious transformations or the glowing silver fire connected to her spark intrigue, but I think it would benefit from a bit more detail.
What stuck with me most was the emotional weight behind Lora’s quest. She’s driven by a desperate need to rescue her friend Kacey, whose fate looms like a shadow over the story. Oval has crafted scenes that fairly pulse with emotion. These moments make the stakes feel real and personal, even as the plot escalates into broader political and magical conflicts.
Out of Embers and Shadows is an enthralling start to a series that promises epic battles, deep betrayals, and a heroine who refuses to back down, no matter how stacked the odds. Fans of dark fantasy, morally complex characters, and dragons (especially snarky ones) will find much to enjoy here. While it leaves some questions unanswered, this book sets up its sequel with a tantalizing sense of anticipation. I’d recommend it to readers who love the grit of The Priory of the Orange Tree and the emotional stakes of Sarah J. Maas’s works.
Pages: 560 | ASIN : B0D29F1Q99
A Most Unusual Quest! The Misadventures of Ka-Ron the Knight – Book One
Allison Church’s A Most Unusual Quest is a whirlwind of adventure, humor, and heartfelt exploration. Brimming with fantasy elements like elves, dwarves, wizards, and vampires—not to mention far deadlier creatures—the novel blends satirical humor with profound themes of love, loss, and gender identity. Church weaves a chaotic yet captivating tale that keeps readers on their toes from start to finish. The story follows Ka-Ron, a legendary knight renowned for defending the kingdom from the formidable Xow. Feared and respected, Ka-Ron’s reputation is unshakable—until an encounter with the vengeful Wicca master Kai changes everything. After dismissing Kai’s daughter, inadvertently leading to her death, Ka-Ron becomes the target of a cruel curse. Transformed into the most beautiful woman alive, she must set off with her loyal squire, Jatel, on a quest to find Kai and restore her true self.
Their journey is far from simple. As Ka-Ron and Jatel face perilous obstacles and forge unlikely alliances, their relationship deepens in unexpected ways. Feelings emerge, complicating their mission and adding emotional depth to their adventure. Church masterfully balances this personal growth with the novel’s fantastical chaos, creating a narrative that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The humor throughout is sharp and engaging, making even the most outrageous moments relatable. Beneath the satire lies a skillful examination of real-world issues, deftly approached through the lens of fantasy. The story’s twists and turns defy predictability, ensuring that readers are consistently hooked, eager to uncover what lies on the next page.
A Most Unusual Quest is a standout in the fantasy genre. Fans of action-packed adventures with a satirical edge will find this novel irresistible. As the first book in a series, it sets a high bar, delivering an experience as unique as it is thrilling. Adult readers especially will appreciate the blend of humor, depth, and boundless imagination that Church brings to the table. This is a tale that refuses to let you put it down—a truly remarkable read.
Pages: 558 | ASIN : B0DJ25TH2H
The Fate of the World
The Devil’s Wrath follows four reluctant heroes chosen by their gods to embark on a perilous quest to kill Satan, the God of Devils. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The idea always stuck with me whenever I read books or played video games: What if the villain wins? What if Voldemort had defeated Harry Potter, or if the heroes in the games I played actually lost? That ‘what if’ is the foundation of The Devil’s Wrath—a story where the fate of the world hangs in the balance, and the outcome isn’t guaranteed.
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?
It actually changed quite a bit along the way. Initially, I had only planned for three realms. But when Shadow of the Erdtree came out, it sparked a wave of new ideas and inspirations. As I wrote, the world kept evolving—I found myself adding layers and expanding on what I had originally envisioned. It became something much larger and more complex than I first imagined.
Maling, Ular, Tuli, and Panah are reluctantly put together on this quest. What was your inspiration for the characters and their relationship?
Final Fantasy was the first RPG I played as a kid, and its recurring theme of four chosen heroes saving the world really stuck with me. That’s where the idea of my four heroes comes from. As for their inspiration? It actually comes straight from their names. They’re in Bahasa Indonesia, and if you translate them, you’ll find the key to their original inspirations.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
This is a standalone book and my debut novel in English. I’ve never been particularly drawn to writing a series, even in my native language. However, my next book is going to be a series, and I’m excited to share more about it soon!
Author Links: Goodreads | Website | Amazon
In a universe teetering on the brink of annihilation, four heroes rise to confront the ultimate evil. Maling, Ular, Tuli, and Panah are chosen by their twin gods to embark on a perilous quest: to kill Setan, the God of Devils, and restore balance to the realms.
Bound by fate and driven by a shared purpose, the heroes navigate treacherous landscapes, battle formidable foes, and overcome their own inner fear. Each step brings them closer to Setan’s throne, where the final confrontation awaits.
But what if they are too late? What if, for the first time, the villain wins?
Inspired by the intricate lore of Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous and Elden Ring, and the gripping narratives of Jujutsu Kaisen and Chainsaw Man, this dark fantasy novel explores the blurred lines between good and evil. Follow Maling, Ular, Tuli, and Panah as they journey through a universe filled with chaos, hope, and despair.
Life Is an Unknown Journey
A Prophecy Awakened follows a young woman who, on her eighteenth birthday, is given an old diary and sent through the veil on an unknown journey. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Before I outlined A Prophecy Awakened, I knew I wanted a main character who lived in a world with challenges and obstacles. I wanted her to have to fight for what she wanted and for what she didn’t. I wanted her to fail and I wanted her to succeed because most importantly I wanted her to show tremendous growth from her first to her last chapter. Life is an unknown journey. We all have stories and experiences that have forced us to get back up and that’s what I wanted for Charlotte. My desire for her was to experience “life” and for her readers to run alongside and cheer her on!
When creating Charlotte did you have a plan for development and character traits or did it grow organically as you were writing the story?
I think a little of both. I knew magically that Charlotte would have a special touch with nature and that overall her personality would be gentle. At times during my writing I found that if I veered away from her peacefulness it pulled away from the story and made my writing awkward, so I would delete and get back on track. It’s interesting how characters can let the author know when something just isn’t right for them.
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?
My desire was not to create a world that was completely fictitious, but rather one that was partially grounded with settings and opportunities that were both tangible and relatable to the reader. Gifted people walk beside us every day, so I imagined a realm where the supernatural played a role in human society, allowing some of their previous human qualities to emerge while they maintained their hidden talents.
I hope the series continues in other books. If so, where will the story take readers?
YES! There will be a third book, the final in the Immortal Wounds series. It is titled, Ravenglass, and it is where the prophecy will unveil. Ravenglass is in the early stages of writing but I am anticipating a publishing date late 2025.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Bookbub | Amazon
Family. Destiny. Magic. Lore.
Forced to leave behind her only known family, on the night of her eighteenth birthday Charlotte Delgado flees through the invisible veil that has granted her safety since birth, with only an age-old diary to guide her. Given less than a day to read the four-hundred year-old tales scripted amongst its pages, she barely understands the predetermined path her ancestor writes of, let alone believes it.
However, despite the dangers the journal warns of—supernatural creatures that will hunt her along her journey—it’s the ominous twist of fate that surrounds the last bloodline witch in her family that fills Charlotte with the most fear.
Is she that witch or merely a pawn moving the prophecy forward?
The Battle Against Corruption
The Sturm Awakens follows a woman with a dangerous job, a corruption hunter, who speaks to eradicate her world of the sinister animal abominations that are taking over her world. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I wanted to do a story about the Sturm and the light and darkness in my universe for some time. Back when I storyboarded the idea, all of the characters had a part in it; Inos, Rayeen, Kosinki, Shamooga, etc, but none of them were at the forefront. I wanted to give Inos that focus because I felt like her adventures were interesting and relatable, and I love her development and struggles with her own corruption.
Inos Sevrence is a woman with strength. What do you think makes her a valuable and worthy heroine?
I listed some of these in the prior answer, but one thing that stands out to me about Inos is her empathy and compassion, even for beasts and creatures. Despite being this brutal corruption hunter, she does not leap to violence in every situation. She would sooner opt for a civil solution, even if her hired job at the time is to fell a troublesome beast. Her fight is with corruption, and to her, everyone else—beast and man, are simply caught in it.
The creatures in this book were very intriguing. How did you go about creating them for this book?
I take a lot of inspiration from video games I enjoyed as a kid. Castlevania is one that resonates with me to this day; the gothic designs and fearsome beasts you encounter stuck with me! I tried to come up with creatures I considered “realistic” for a fantasy world, ones with fur to protect them or ones that might live under water. Figuring out how the corruption might affect and alter them was another story, though.
What will the next book in that series be about and when will it be published?
The next book in the series is in the process currently. It’s titled: Paragon’s of the New Moon, and begins immediately after the ending of The Sturm Awakens. Now that Rayeen is ready for action, Shamooga tasks him with finding Kosinki and bringing him to safety. We will get deeper backstories for both Rayeen and Shamooga as we see them both develop. While Rayeen scours Anotrris for clues, Kosinki continues his journey to Shaddoir to confront the Elementalists and uncover the truth behind their plan. Along the way, there will be plenty of trials, new faces, and epic battles! Kosinki will have to become a master of the magic inside him if he’s to overcome it. I’m excited for readers to take on this journey, slated for March 2025. I will likely do a Kickstarter for it in Jan/Feb 2025, similar to what I did for The Sturm Awakens.
Author Links: Goodreads | X | Facebook | Website | Newletter
Inos Sevrence is a Corruption Hunter who aims to eradicate the Light and Dark-afflicted beasts from her world. But she has a dark secret to her success: she too is Corrupted, empowered by the Darkness she fights against. Though the Darkness within her seems benign, many within Antorris treat her as a monster.
When she happens upon an amnesiac boy possessing unusual magic powers, the two outcasts unite to fight against Corruption. While the threat of war between nations lingers on the ground, something more sinister is brewing in the cosmos.
The fate of Antorris lies with a Corrupted Hunter, a dead man, a god, and a boy with the power to change the world.
Will Inos be able to save the world and unite it against the Lords of the Sturm?
The Sturm Awakens (The Last Battlefield for Light and Darkness)
In The Sturm Awakens, Marvin North transports us to the captivating world of Antorris, a realm besieged by a sinister phenomenon known as the Corruption. This blight transforms wildlife into monstrous abominations, and at the heart of the battle against it is Inos Severance, a Corruption Hunter. Inos harbors a secret that gives her an edge against her prey but also poses a grave danger to her. During a hunt, she encounters Kosinki, a boy with amnesia and unprecedented magical abilities, who saves her using powers he doesn’t understand. Together, they must harness their unique gifts to combat a worsening and evolving threat that stems from a much larger issue.
From the outset, North plunges readers into the action, opening with a gripping battle against a corrupted creature. The story’s immediate intensity and unexpected twists make for an exhilarating start to an enthralling adventure. The world of Antorris is richly detailed, featuring a blend of magic and machinery across diverse locations and societies. The myriad races, each with their own distinct appearances, beliefs, and histories, reflect real-world issues of racism and prejudice, adding depth to the narrative. North’s meticulous world-building is evident in the unique flora and fauna, enriching the story with every detail. The inclusion of drawings, character write-ups, quotes, and snippets of knowledge scattered throughout the book enhances the reading experience, offering a guidebook-like glimpse into the vast lore and mythology of Antorris. Despite the engaging epic battles, the frequency of these action sequences can feel overwhelming at times. Longer intervals between fights would have allowed for more development of the non-combative elements of the story. While the detailed character information is appreciated, placing it at the end of the book could have prevented potential spoilers and maintained the element of surprise.
For fans of heroic tales filled with epic fight scenes set in a vividly imagined world, The Sturm Awakens is a must-read. North has crafted an extraordinary realm with high stakes and continuous revelations. I eagerly anticipate the next installment in this remarkable series.
Pages: 355 | ASIN : B0CLJ6GSMY
Elven Blood: A Fantasy Realms Novel (Volume 1 of the Vellhor Saga): A Fantasy Realms Novel
Elven Blood, the inaugural novel in The Vellhor Saga by Mark Stanley, unfolds a captivating tale where dragons have mysteriously vanished, plunging the nations of Vellhor into war. Amidst the ensuing darkness and chaos, the dwarven heir Gunnar and the exiled Elf Anwyn are drawn together in a forbidden love that sets them on a perilous journey. Themes of courage, love, and sacrifice interweave to lay the foundation of this epic narrative.
Stanley crafts a narrative that is deeply engaging, with characters as distinct and multifaceted as the cultures they hail from. Familiar fantasy races are presented with unique twists, such as Elves who do not wield bows, offering a refreshing take on traditional archetypes. One of the standout elements of Elven Blood is its innovative magic system, seamlessly integrated into the world of Vellhor. The differences in magic among the various races add depth and coherence to the setting, enhancing the reader’s immersion. The world-building is robust and richly detailed, rewarding readers with a deeply immersive experience. The initial chapters thoughtfully introduce the intricate world and its inhabitants, laying a solid foundation for the story. While the narrative style occasionally leans towards telling rather than showing, it provides clear insights into the characters’ inner experiences, setting the stage for a compelling and engaging journey. The story remains compelling, drawing readers into its depths. Anwyn’s journey, in particular, is a highlight, showcasing her growth and struggles in a way that is both relatable and inspiring. Mark Stanley’s world-building prowess shines in this book, where each culture is meticulously crafted to offer a richly immersive reading experience. The complexity of relationships and connections among characters adds depth to the story, rewarding readers with a fascinating and engaging journey as they delve into this intricately woven world.
Elven Blood by Mark Stanley is a masterfully crafted beginning to The Vellhor Saga. With its unique twists on familiar fantasy elements, richly detailed worldbuilding, and compelling character journeys, this novel promises an epic adventure that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment.
Pages: 384 | ASIN : B0D6M516PW
Elven Blood: Volume 1 of the Vellhor Saga
Elven Blood, the first volume in Mark Stanley’s Vellhor Saga, is an enthralling tale of forbidden love and epic fantasy. In a world fraught with ancient enmities, chaos erupts when Gunnar, the dwarven throne’s heir, falls in love with Anwyn, an elven exile. As external forces threaten the realm, Anwyn and Gunnar navigate a web of hostile alliances and betrayal, striving to avert war, destruction, and sorcery while pursuing their illicit love.
Mark Stanley demonstrates remarkable storytelling and world-building skills, crafting a vivid and immersive fictional universe. His descriptive writing style effortlessly brings to life the diverse and intricate settings, making it easy for readers to visualize each scene. Stanley’s use of figurative language enhances the narrative, painting chaotic scenes and complex environments with precision and depth. The plot explores several compelling themes, including forbidden love, longstanding enmities, and emotional turmoil. The romance between Gunnar and Anwyn is central to the story, adding a layer of intensity and passion that drives the narrative forward. The characters are well-developed and unique, each contributing to the story’s richness. The protagonists’ journey together showcases impressive character development, while the supporting cast adds depth and quality to the tale. One of the standout features of Elven Blood is the inclusion of a glossary and a map at the beginning of the book. These additions provide valuable context and enhance the reader’s understanding of the world Stanley has created, making the experience more engaging and enjoyable.
Elven Blood by Mark Stanley is a captivating start to the Vellhor Saga, offering a blend of romance, fantasy, and adventure. Stanley’s exceptional world-building and character development make this book a must-read for fans of epic fantasy and intricate love stories. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an immersive and thrilling read.
Pages: 250 | ASIN : B0D73WRBP7
LITERARY TITAN 