Blog Archives
Eternal Search for Meaning
Flight of a Prodigy follows an eight-year-old street kid in ancient Rome who, after witnessing the death of his only friend, is captured and thrown into slavery, where he is trained to become an elite warrior. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration came from my fascination with how traumatic events, particularly in our formative years, can affect the type of people we become, and how our perception of such events can either damage or expand our minds. I wanted to explore what happens when innocence refuses to yield to a predominant evil, and ancient Rome provided a platform where brutality and glory coexisted.
The death of the boy’s only friend symbolizes the loss of all he had, including his dreams and his childhood itself, while his capture into slavery reflects the harsh truth that fairness is rare. The exceptionally brutal training he is thrown into could be perceived as a punishment or a transformation, an allegory for resilience, identity, and strength through suffering. I wanted to reimagine them in a historical setting that feels both raw and epic.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
What fascinates me most about the human condition is that, first of all, we are emotional creatures driven by hereditary traits in addition to our learned traits. And when we are forced into confrontation and must defeat the challenge or fall to it, emotions can be cast aside for incredible resolve or enhanced for a potential final stance. We all experience grief and hardship, but what makes great fiction is seeing how characters rise or fall when tested. I’m drawn to resilience because only in due time can we appreciate sadness for providing happiness, or weaknesses for providing strength, or hatred for providing love. For me, fiction thrives when it explores innocence colliding with a brutal reality, weakness evolves into power, and the eternal search for meaning in a chaotic world continues.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I enjoy a good coming-of-age story, so one of the most important themes to explore in this book was the loss of innocence, how a kid is forced to confront a brutal reality and reshape his identity in a world that never allowed him to be a child. How, after his escape from servitude, he teeters on a fulcrum between good and evil as he strives to learn more about himself and how to survive in civilization.
Another key theme was poking a little fun at humanity’s futile need to understand everything. What we cannot fully wrap our minds around must be magic, the will of the gods, preordained fate, or perhaps ancient aliens. I leave it for the readers to decide.
Ultimately, I am fascinated by how transformation from grief, through struggle and survival, can propel someone into an event larger than life. Those explorations felt essential to me because they create the kind of epic, emotionally charged fiction I love to read and write.
Will this novel be the start of a series, or are you working on a different story?
Although I would never say never to a sequel, Flight of a Prodigy was written as a stand-alone story. I try to write what I want to read, no endings left open or loose ends untied, no poor editing to save time, and no short stories disguised as a book.
I am currently working on a new Historical Fiction, and I’m starting to get excited for it. It has the potential to be my best work… if I don’t screw it up.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Remy’s journey begins as a homeless eight-year-old surviving on the unforgiving streets of ancient Rome. When his situation could not possibly become worse, it of course does. Thrown in to slavery, he must undertake what would become an eight-year training regimen devised by evil people for evil purposes. Only a few hundred survive, to form an elite group of warriors. Remy not only endures but thrives, becoming its prodigy.
Remy escapes with his life, only to find freedom is full of more challenges than expected. Though merely sixteen he is a volatile and dangerous weapon, at home in a fight but lost in civilization. He gains employment to scout for a traveling wagon party in hopes of remaining unnoticed by those that may be searching for him.
His new employer and coworkers consist of three beautiful young ladies, Annabelle, Divina and Gee, along with their surviving family members and household guards. It is a slow, difficult, and humorous process of growth for Remy. Will his newfound friendships, acceptance, trust and maybe even love, allow him to overcome the evil psychological affects that manipulate his childhood traumas?
Respect for Nature
Walk With Me follows a former park ranger and his grandson who bond through hikes and camping trips, and through their adventures learn valuable lessons about passing down knowledge, love, and courage. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Walk With Me was inspired by my three grandsons, and I dedicated the book to them. As they’ve grown, I have tried to be their window to the outdoors, and it has rounded my life in amazing ways.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Important to me in my novella is the passing of valuable information – life skills – from one generation to the other. Respect for nature is a critical concept to pass on to all who will read my novel.
What experience in your life has had the most significant impact on your writing?
Influence from my parents, especially my mother, who encouraged my passion for written expression.
What story are you currently in the middle of writing?
I’ve written books in many genres, and Walk With Me is my latest. My favorite genre to write is historical fiction, and my thoughts are trending there again. Time will tell…
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Tragedy and Triumph
Final Eclipse follows a teenage boy and his emotionally distant father who must confront a global crisis sparked by a solar anomaly, blending space science, grief, and geopolitical tension into one unpredictable story. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I first thought of the premise for Final Eclipse when I was teaching upper-level physics courses at my university. I realized that combining some of the newest ideas in long-range space travel and radiation pressure with what we know about the mechanics of so-called “Lagrange orbits,” you end up with a potentially simple way to devastate Earth by casting the entire planet into permanent darkness. When I found that no other author had used this premise the way I envisioned it, I knew I had to write a story that would explore humanity’s struggle to survive such an apocalypse. And I knew that I could keep real-life science at the core of the story without resorting to highly speculative theories or pseudoscience.
Kevin’s voice feels incredibly authentic. Did you draw from any real-life experiences or teens you know to shape his character?
Some of Kevin’s character comes from memories of my own childhood, though there are distinct differences. Much of his character is an attempted departure from the cliché of the “reluctant hero” used in so many stories, or the “chosen one” with special gifts or powers who just wants to be normal, but is the only one who can save the day for some reason.
Kevin, on the other hand, is a smart kid, but otherwise, pretty normal. His story is of one who is determined do something anyway, trying to push in to the center of the action, wanting to be more special and heroic than he realistically can be, and struggling to believe that despite his limitations and the devastating odds against him, that he can still make a difference and that there is still hope for humanity.
The book shifts from intimate drama to global stakes seamlessly. How did you balance pacing and tone without losing the reader?
Any character-driven story needs to connect with the reader on an intimate, personal level. One of the best ways to do this is through family and friends. I start there in my story and then work outward to bigger and more global events, always circling back to the main characters. I have them travel to several countries and intersect with people of various backgrounds and cultures to give depth to the story. For me, it is more important to follow a handful of central characters, even if they are not always at the center of every important event around the globe. Any story like this has to bring a balance of complexity and simple life, despair and hope, mystery and discovery, tragedy and triumph.
Do you see Final Eclipse as a standalone story, or is there more to come?
Final Eclipse is the first book in the Shadow of Winter trilogy. The second book in the series, Leviathan Rises, will be released in the spring of 2026.
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NASA research satellites suddenly go silent as a mysterious dark “spot” appears in front of the sun. A young Kevin Mycroft discovers that the spot is steadily growing in size, threatening to throw the entire earth into permanent darkness. When senior NASA scientists, including Kevin’s father, begin intentionally hiding the truth, Kevin convinces his friends to take action on their own. But is there anything they can do to fight the grim fate that awaits the planet?
The origin of the eclipse soon reveals that cold and darkness are not the only enemies lurking in the shadows. And as each fight for survival seems to backfire, Kevin’s hopes fade while he questions whether he, or anyone else, can be the hero that the world so desperately needs.
The Ascenditure
The Ascenditure is one of those books that grabs you and doesn’t let go. Set in a gritty, rain-soaked world where climbing mountains isn’t just sport—it’s survival—this story follows Klarke Ascher, a determined young woman fighting tooth and nail for a spot on the kingdom’s elite climbing team. But climbing, as it turns out, is the least of her battles. The real summit is freedom—from a system that sees women as nothing more than property, from a king who silences dissent with gallows, and from a future that promises marriage to a stranger if she fails. There’s rebellion, resilience, and a whole lot of heart.
I couldn’t put this one down. The writing is so visceral. From the opening chapter where Klarke scales a cliff in a soaking rainstorm—mud on her boots, blood on her fingers—you feel everything. “The only place I truly feel free is pressed against granite,” she says. The climb isn’t just physical; it’s symbolic, and Robyn Dabney writes those moments with so much tension and grace.
What hit me hardest, though, wasn’t just the injustice Klarke faces—it was how real it all felt. The sexism, the corruption, the constant need to prove herself twice as capable just to be considered. There’s this scene after she crushes the climbing trial, and yet she still gets passed over for a spot on the team. The moment Russet Kamber is named instead, you can feel her heartbreak, and it’s not just personal—it’s political. The city erupts in protest. People die. And Klarke doesn’t crumble. She runs straight into the chaos. That moment when the crowd starts chanting her name gave me chills.
Klarke’s relationship with Kiel is layered. When he proposes to her—not out of romance but out of desperation to keep her from being married off—you feel how trapped they both are. And when she tells him she’s going to flee to Kobo, where women are free, I wanted to jump into the book and help her pack. But then the city rises, the people rally behind her, and Klarke changes course—not to run, but to fight. That shift is powerful.
I’d recommend The Ascenditure to fans of The Hunger Games, The Handmaid’s Tale, or anything with strong feminist vibes and high-stakes rebellion. It’s perfect for readers who love flawed but fierce female leads, rich world-building, and stories that blend action with soul.
Pages: 358 | ASIN : B0CD9J6NNZ
History and Heritage
The Word of Y’Neshu: Heart of the Ijeya follows the journeys of J’Kana, a steadfast Kanawe, and his son Kamari as they navigate the complexities of familial bonds, spiritual trials, and ancient traditions. I think this original idea is intriguing. How did you come up with this idea and develop it into a story?
It all began with J’Karo. I spent 2023 researching a plethora of African cultures and languages to develop the concept of Y’Neshu, and even discovered my own Mandinka, Fulani, Kpelle, and Mende heritage in the process. From there, it was about creating a language using linguistic commonalities from across the African continent and building in historical occupations and concepts from tribes in my own heritage and others. I figured that the best way to accomplish the learning of the culture and the language was through a story all about a Master and Apprentice, so I wanted to tell the story in two parts. The Past, which shows J’Kana’s training under Kanawe Y’Sawe, and the Present, where we find that J’Kana is teaching his son Kamari about the history of their family (more on that later). I wanted to write something that could be appreciated by everyone, but also bring to light the beauty of African cultures that are oftentimes ignored in the stream of 21st-century literature. I also realized along the way that there are other people like me at the start, who were Black and wanting to reconnect with their heritage in a way that they previously couldn’t have. So this is as much a gift to the Black community as it is to those who just love a good fantasy.
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?
Y’Neshu is actually a J’Karo word that means “Divine Crown,” and I pulled from a number of different geographical fixtures in the African continent. Deserts, plains, shorelines, grasslands, mountains, volcanoes, and forests that span the entirety of the continent were important so that it could truly feel as realistic as it was fantastic. As I went through the story, though, it forced me to think about the finer details and how Y’Neshu itself fits into the grander scheme of the War of the Ancients, the training of the ijeya, and the cultures that blossom all across the Four Empires.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Identity is a huge focus for this story. When J’Kana and his Father, Y’Sawe (Spoiler Alert but I guess not really) are first introduced in the Prelude, they’re nameless characters with a lot of personality. You see the love between a father and son, you feel the heartache when Shifi burns, and even though J’Kana turns into J’Foja on the streets of Memifi, something in him remains joyful and playful despite it all. The exploration of the Kanawe, the struggle over the J’Karo and Batabari languages, and the backstories of other characters like Nihani, Chishashi. and J’Chera all play into that theme of identity.
Through Mahute the Dagger and the Kanawe, there also comes a thematic focus on Education vs. Tradition that brings up the questions of 1) Should we accept tradition at the expense of heritage, 2) Is educating ourselves on our history and heritage worth it if it costs us who we have become, and finally, 3) Who can be trusted to teach the history of groups whose heritage has been denied them?
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 the first book in the series, and the second book is almost done! The next book continues J’Kana’s story, with more J’Karo lessons, more exploration of Y’Neshu, and a deeper connection to the ike overall! Also, it should be noted that J’Kana’s story is only one of the trilogies that I have planned in Y’Neshu! Every protagonist has already been revealed, so definitely stay tuned.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Threads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Banewind
Banewind, by M.B. Chapman, is a captivating exploration of self-discovery and hidden legacies, following the journey of an ordinary individual who must confront extraordinary challenges to uncover her true potential. The protagonist, Genevieve DeWinter, is an 18-year-old high school senior whose life takes a dramatic turn when she discovers her connection to the Formulists, mystical beings tied to her ancestry. Set in the quiet town of Parma, Ohio, Genevieve’s world is upended as mages invade, revealing that she is a Holy Guardian, part of a lineage sworn to protect against dark forces. With the malevolent Voidweavers targeting her to resurrect their fallen leader, Genevieve must navigate a perilous path of adventure and hidden truths to prevent a new era of darkness.
One of the most striking elements of Banewind is its vivid imagery. Chapman’s masterful descriptions bring to life the enchanting world of Banewind and the ominous realms of the Voidweavers with stunning clarity. The settings, from the familiar streets of Parma to the mystical landscapes of the Formulists, are depicted in such rich detail that they draw the reader fully into Genevieve’s extraordinary journey. These descriptions not only stimulate the imagination but also evoke strong emotional responses, deepening the reader’s connection to the story and its underlying sense of wonder and danger.
Genevieve DeWinter, as the protagonist, is another standout aspect of this novel. Her character is compelling and relatable, offering a fresh take on the classic coming-of-age narrative. As an 18-year-old on the brink of adulthood, Genevieve is portrayed with depth and authenticity. Her evolution from an ordinary high school student to a central figure in an ancient magical conflict is both thrilling and poignant. The novel handles her inner conflicts, resilience, and growth with great sensitivity, making Genevieve a character readers can deeply connect with and root for throughout the story.
The combination of rich imagery and a well-crafted protagonist creates a dynamic and engaging reading experience. Chapman skillfully blends Genevieve’s personal evolution with the broader, fantastical elements of the plot, resulting in a story that is both thought-provoking and immersive. Through Genevieve’s eyes, readers embark on a journey of self-discovery and bravery, set against a backdrop of spellbinding adventure and looming darkness. Banewind is a mesmerizing tale that will captivate anyone who enjoys a blend of fantasy, adventure, and deep character development.
Pages: 270 | ASIN : B08MQTPMYF
Exploring the Unbeaten Path
Sour Apples follows a young boy from a small town who navigates childhood and explores all that this time in his life has to offer. What was the inspiration for your story?
A simple structured tree fort growing up fuels my memories of a simpler time, that era and way of life when children bonded friendships and dealt with heartaches over exploring and wonderment. Those times are mere memories for those who grew up back then. Children barely glimpse that type of life anymore. It is a lost civilization. Those memories evoke a very powerful emotion, nostalgia.
Jimmy is a character many readers will relate to. Are there any emotions or memories from your own life that you put into your character’s life?
This is a wonderfully appropriate question. Jimmy and his friends each take with them a characteristic from me and they develop on their own from those attributes. Jimmy is eager, determined, and vulnerable. Dave is cool and confident, a leader. Kevin is enthusiastic but not the brightest, and Chad aloof and chilled. They really are just one person developed on their own from the main elements they hailed from. I also grew up with a tree fort, watched my brother and his friend dissect a snake, and was terrified of the twin girls in my neighborhood. The baseball scenes were all fictitious and based only on my imagination but I grew up in a wonderful baseball environment where I learned to love the sport. Those scenes were merely based on my love of the game.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Friendships, new and old, and how they develop. Trust, Jimmy had a wonderful sense of who and what to trust. He was most proud that he knew to trust his instincts. Exploring the unbeaten path, which was every child’s desire. Hating to read, the story opens up on this theme and carries itself along quite well. Jimmy often thought, “You can’t make this up in a book” even though he was made up himself. I truly hate to read, and poked fun of it all but my goal is to change the mindset of many who feel the same way. And let’s not forget girls. At that age, it was a precarious situation. It only took one instant to flip a boy’s mind.
Will this novel be the start of a series, or are you working on a different story?
A series is absolutely in the works. I was writing book two, Just A Bitter Taste, as I prepared for the launch of Sour Apples. It has been completed. It will go through a series of edits and then be submitted to my publisher. Book three in this series leaps forward several years and needs a heavy rewrite. It was the first to be written. Having developed my skills since then it will be rewritten. If an idea for a story comes to light, I have no problem making this a four-book series. The characters will appreciate that, knowing they won’t be dying off anytime soon.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Adding to the mix of that imagination and his antics to win back his fort, the prettiest girl his age, a baseball diamond, a groundhog, a snapping turtle, and the town vagrant and Jimmy soon finds his summer adventure is more than he bargained for.
Sour Apples is a humorous young adult adventure of a very clever young boy who thinks he can outwit the best of them. His antics are riveting and could one day make Jimmy a legend. Paul Jantzen has masterfully written his debut novel, a tale of mischief and antics that will grab the reader from the very first page.
Continue what you just started, and join Jimmy Hamilton in navigating his summer of adventure.
BOTHERATION: PART ONE: THE MISSING LINK
Botheration: Part One: The Missing Link, penned by Vito DiBarone, is an evocative young adult novel that delves into the complex world of Matthew, a character grappling with the aftermath of a traumatic car accident that claims the lives of his parents. Diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, Matthew’s journey begins with a heart-wrenching shift from his familiar surroundings to living with his grandmother, marking a significant turning point in his life. This change cultivates an introverted disposition in him, setting the stage for his unexpected integration into a popular group amidst a backdrop of chaotic events.
The narrative, set in the vibrant locale of Southern California, is vividly brought to life through DiBarone’s adept use of language. His ability to convey profound themes through accessible language is noteworthy, creating an engaging experience for the reader. The story is not only a gripping tale of personal growth and resilience but also serves as a mirror reflecting real-world issues. The depiction of PTSD in Botheration is handled with a nuanced sensitivity, offering a resonant experience for readers who may find parallels in their own lives.
DiBarone’s characters, from the introspective Matthew to the dynamically portrayed side characters like Gabriel and Samantha, are well-fleshed out, each contributing to the rich tapestry of the story. Their backstories and development add layers of depth, making the narrative more immersive.
While the novel is a compelling read, characterized by its well-constructed plot and unexpected twists, I think it does present some challenges in readability. At times, I felt the narrative flow was hindered somewhat by sentence structures, which, while stylistically representative of the protagonist’s mindset, can occasionally obscure the clarity of scenes and settings.
Botheration is a fantastic contribution to young adult literature, offering a thoughtful exploration of trauma and recovery. It is a testament to DiBarone’s skill in creating a narrative that is both educational and emotionally engaging, making it a recommended read for young adults and beyond.
Pages: 374 | ASIN : B09VK6Z5P7
LITERARY TITAN 