Blog Archives
Untamed, Magical Abilities
Coven of Andromeda follows a young woman whose grandmother has passed away, leaving her with more than just memories, but her family’s magical legacy, propelling her on a journey of self-discovery that leads her to another world entirely. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
A cross between the stories Practical Magic & Harry Potter. The original title for the novel was The Witch Hats and was much simpler than the story I finally wrote. It evolved around a central family and their place within a coven. The hat that a witch wore in life accumulated their knowledge, and after death, the hat was then passed onto an heir. When the heir to the hat finally placed it onto their head, the knowledge of all previous wearers would be transferred to the new witch. Although there is much similarity to the first outline that I plotted out, the new version, which I kept and used, involved a more detailed account of the history of the coven and its roots on the distant planet Eldoria and the people there.
The reader notices right away that the story starts on Eldoria in the first chapter, followed by chapter two being on earth with a mother and her two daughters returning to the town of Ballad after years away due to a death in the family. The book bounces from past to future until about halfway through the book, as aspects of Eldoria are revealed to the reader and who the main characters actually are.
Two strong-willed young people, both grappling with their own journeys of self-discovery, find their lives unexpectedly intertwined in your story. What inspired the connection between Bree and Sameril?
I’m not sure if it is inspiration, but I felt that telling the reader of the ancient past and bringing everything into the present day was a must to make the story understandable. Sameril was in love with Briella on planet Eldoria. The planet was under siege, forcing young witches and necromancers to escape. Without giving the story away, Sam was tasked with protecting the coven of witches for hundreds of years (without aging or aging slowly), sometimes nearby and sometimes from a distance. Bree is the reincarnation of Briella on Earth in the present day, but has no idea who Briella was or of her reincarnation. My intention was to show that love spans time, space, and location.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Definitely coming-of-age and destiny or fate of the character(s). Breaking out of who you think you are and becoming what you need to be. This, along with fate, causes you to be thrust into a situation where you don’t want to be, but must be in order to resolve the current situation. This is the untamed, magical abilities of Bree Tanner coming to terms with her heritage and her future.
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?
Oh, great question! To be honest, this was going to be a novel that stood on its own. I never had any intention of writing a second book. That said, everyone I know personally and others who have contacted me or in their reviews of the book at various locations have asked if there will be a follow-up book with possibly more story involving some of the side characters.
OK. Without sticking my head through a noose, I will say that I have already been brainstorming, pre-plotting, and fleshing out some ideas. Things are always subject to change, and I would hate to say too much about what I think will happen, but if things stay the way I have them started right now, it would certainly involve more story with characters within Sam’s library, along with the Fae. I wouldn’t want to say much more than that right now and be accused later for not following through. Also, I have three other stories I want to write as well. Will I write the follow-up soon? I have a tendency to write two books at once, writing one novel’s first two or three chapters and then working on the plot of another book, and then going back to where I left off. This bouncing back-and-forth gives my brain time to decompress from too much focus on one by fiddling with another. I am always thinking of the next two or three books that I want to write and extremely fidgety over which one will be first. As of this writing, I will probably start on book 5 in my Rangers of the Realm sci-fi series as well as this one.
People are free to leave me messages on my website as to their own thoughts on my books or ideas of what they would like to read. All are welcome.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
This is a book that demands to be read in a single sitting, a page-turner that balances heart-pounding action with moments of genuine emotional depth.
Deep Kindness and Sincerity
Daughter of Starlight follows a young woman aging out of foster care who finds that a hidden cave holds the secret to her true identity. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
I have always loved the concept of “ordinary people doing extraordinary things.” Magical worlds aside, I believe we all have special gifts that we can share with one another, but first, we have to recognize and embrace those gifts within ourselves. Luma’s starlight power is innate, but it’s not easy—she has to work at it. This forces her to confront parts of herself that she never had the courage to face before, and in doing so, she steps into her true identity. I think the fantasy genre has a unique way of helping people see secret magic and possibilities in the everyday, so when I decided to write a fantasy story, I knew that was where I wanted to start.
What was your favorite scene in this story?
One of my favorite scenes in the story is when Luma decides to leave the safety of the mage’s island and help defend the elven forces at Northhelm from the attacking wizards. I really like this scene because it is the first time we see Luma truly trust herself and her abilities. Up until that point, her powerful starlight magic manifested sporadically in moments of adrenaline and fear; she had not felt confident in her magic, and it even scared her a little bit. But in that scene, she has the option to stay hidden and safe, to say “sorry, I’m not ready,” and no one would blame her for it – but she doesn’t. Whether she truly feels ready or not, she still chooses to go to the aid of her friends, trusting that she can offer them the best chance of survival, even if it means putting herself in danger. This scene marks a significant turning point in her character development, a moment where she first steps into her power and becomes ready to shoulder the mantle of leadership.
Was Luma’s backstory something you always had, or did it develop as you were writing?
When I draft, I create a rough outline for my characters to help map their goals and progress throughout the story. However, as I write, many characters grow and develop in ways I didn’t expect! Luma was definitely one of them. I originally outlined her to stay very guarded and cynical for most of the story. While she does start out that way at the beginning, it soon became clear, as I was writing, that Luma possesses a deep kindness and sincerity, even optimism, that was just waiting for the right circumstances to bring it out. Seeing this character evolution manifest itself on the page is one of my favorite aspects of writing.
I find a problem in well-written stories, in that I always want there to be another book to keep the story going. Is there a second book planned?
Yes! I am currently writing a sequel to Daughter of Starlight, and I hope to complete it by early next year. Stay tuned!
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Daughter of Starlight
Daughter of Starlight follows Luma, a fierce, guarded young woman aging out of foster care, who stumbles across a hidden cave in the Colorado mountains and ends up transported to the magical world of Edira. There, she learns she’s no ordinary girl; she’s the one marked by the stars, the key to healing the ancient Sacred Stones and stopping a dark tide of invading wizards. With a mix of gritty real-world struggles and rich fantasy adventure, Molly M. Hammond spins a story that feels both deeply personal and sweepingly epic.
Hammond’s writing made a profound impact on me from the very first chapter. She sets up Luma’s pain, the blood on her knuckles, the loneliness, the worn kindness of her social worker Frank, with such realness that I was immediately hooked. That opening scene, where Luma picks at the scars on her palms while waiting to be lectured, felt so heartbreakingly tangible. Hammond doesn’t waste words but paints her world with quick, sharp brushstrokes that sink in deep. Even later, when Luma first hears her name whispered in the mountains during the storm, I could feel the same eerie pull she did. It’s hard to find YA fantasy that captures both grounded reality and wonder so seamlessly, but this book pulls it off.
While the middle of the book took a slightly more deliberate pace, I appreciated the deeper look into Luma’s early interactions with Corr, the gruff yet oddly endearing elf guide. Their spirited exchanges added texture to their relationship and highlighted Hammond’s talent for character dynamics. Moments like Luma’s stumbles and Corr’s teasing remarks provided a playful contrast to the story’s more intense scenes. And when the raptera attack burst onto the page, chaotic, brutal, and utterly thrilling, the story’s momentum surged, and I found myself completely engrossed once again. Hammond’s prose truly shines during these breathtaking moments of magic and mystery.
The themes explored in the novel, particularly those concerning destiny, loneliness, and belonging, resonated with me more deeply than I had anticipated. Luma’s reluctance to embrace the role of a hero and her belief that she is not inherently special felt especially poignant, reflecting sentiments with which I could personally identify.That deep reluctance, that aching disbelief in her own worth, felt incredibly real. When she finally unleashes her starlight powers to save Corr from the monstrous bird (and then immediately pukes afterward, because of course she would), I found myself grinning like an idiot. Hammond doesn’t write magic as something clean or effortless; it’s messy, painful, and exhausting. That choice made Luma’s journey feel earned instead of just fated.
I came away from Daughter of Starlight deeply moved by its heart and emotional resonance. It is a beautifully crafted fantasy that offers real emotional depth, a stubborn and relatable heroine, and a story that intertwines everyday struggles with dazzling magic. It is the kind of book that keeps you reading late into the night and leaves you sitting quietly afterward, feeling both a little wrung out and a little more hopeful as you linger over the final page.
Pages: 289 | ASIN : B0DHWBV71Q
Wearing a Different Paint Job
Kianola follows a shy teen who discovers an unexpected side of himself in a video game where he gains a newfound confidence that he takes back into the real world. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
This story was inspired by my own. Growing up, I was shy, and making friends was a skill I didn’t have. Video games have always been a big part of my life, and I found that playing online video games at an early age allowed me to interact with people without that barrier and practice being the version of myself I wanted to be.
In many contemporary coming-of-age fiction novels, authors often add their own life experiences to the story. Are there any bits of you in this story?
Absolutely. My story and the stories of people very special to me are layered throughout this one, although maybe wearing a different paint job.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The most important theme would be friendship. The best part of playing an online video game isn’t the game itself but the bonds you form with the other players. Some of those bonds are shallow, and others run so deep you carry them in some way for the rest of your life.
What is the next book that you are working on and when can your fans expect it to be out?
A rewrite of Notion, my first fantasy novel should be finished early 2025!
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
Kianola
Nole, an eighth-grader who’s quiet, shy, and often overlooked by his classmates, discovers an unexpected side of himself in the virtual world of Enix. In this realm, he evolves from an awkward boy into a courageous hero, confronting mythical beasts and diving headfirst into thrilling adventures. Each triumph in Enix sparks a newfound confidence in him—a spark that he carries back into the real world, where he faces relentless bullies, an unspoken crush, and the daunting everyday challenges of middle school. Yet, the central question remains: Can this digital bravery withstand the trials waiting for him beyond the screen?
In Kianola, Nathan Roth crafts a touching, resonant story centered around Nole’s journey of self-discovery. The narrative pulls you right into the life of this timid eighth-grader, making his brave virtual escapades feel familiar and surprisingly uplifting. Roth’s vivid descriptions of Enix’s fantastical realm draw you in, making it easy to imagine standing beside Nole as he learns that the victories he earns in a game may shape the way he faces his reality. What stands out in Kianola is Roth’s nuanced portrayal of gaming not as mere escapism but as a space where Nole unearths parts of himself he never knew existed. The blend of real and virtual worlds is seamless, creating a singular, compelling journey that mirrors many young people’s struggles: dealing with bullies, navigating first crushes, and yearning to belong. Enix isn’t just a game; it’s a crucible where Nole’s courage is tested and forged, and Roth’s heartfelt crafting of this world gives it depth and resonance. The novel doesn’t shy away from meaningful themes. It touches on identity, courage, and the quiet struggle for self-confidence that many young readers will find relatable. Roth’s approach to these themes is refreshing—he presents Nole’s challenges with honesty and a light touch, never veering into melodrama. Each of Nole’s interactions, whether with his friends, family, or himself, unfolds naturally. We see how the smallest encounters can leave a lasting impact, shaping who he becomes. Roth reminds us that courage can be found in unexpected places and that even lessons learned in fantasy worlds can hold true in real life. Roth’s writing style strikes the perfect balance: engaging, straightforward, easy to connect with, yet rich enough to make Enix come alive. He brings just the right amount of detail to keep the fantasy realm exciting while grounding the story in the genuine, relatable experiences of middle school life. The dialogue flows effortlessly, making Nole’s world feel authentic and compelling. Roth creates a fast-paced yet meaningful narrative, where readers will find themselves cheering Nole on as he learns to face his fears, whether on-screen or off.
Kianola is a must-read for middle-grade readers, young gamers, or anyone who has ever felt like they don’t quite fit in. With relatable themes, engaging storytelling, and a protagonist you can’t help but root for, this book is a wonderful recommendation. For those who have ever wondered if the courage found behind a screen can translate into real-life bravery, Kianola offers a story that might just provide an answer.
Pages: 649 | ASIN : B0DH7T3V51
A Universal Truth
Children of Madness follows five children from an outcast town who are promised a better life if they fulfill a dangerous quest from the realm’s king. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My six-year-old daughter Alex Beam. Every day she proves how much of a better person she is than me. She is positive and outgoing, dumbly brave, and non-judgmental. Down for anything and always expecting the best out of people. Loyal to a fault.
My previous sci-fi trilogy (The Station Trilogy) focused on true anti-heroes, damaged characters who did as much bad as good. It was dark and brooding and lacked hope. With Children of Madness, I wanted to write about true heroes with pure hearts. I wanted to showcase the power of children, who maintain wonderful qualities that most adults lose somewhere along the way.
Light shines brightest amidst darkness, so I needed to place this group of child friends in a world of war, sickness, greed, and perversion. But unlike adults, who would fold under such evil pressures, the children would persevere, powered by duty, loyalty, love, and friendship.
Finally, I wanted to show that, despite best intentions, well-laid plans, and strong support systems, bad things happen… horrible things. The world can be ugly, but there is always beauty to be found. Unfortunately, oftentimes only young eyes can see it.
All of your characters are well-developed and bring the story to life, drawing readers into their lives. What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
Potty-mouthed Fincher Bugg was great fun to write for. I’d like to say that I based him on myself, but this would be a lie. Fincher was who I wanted to be—brash, outspoken, and confident which is why I really connected with the Ditto character. Ditto was quiet, fiercely loyal, and unsure of himself. Take away Ditto’s size, strength, and maturity, and you probably come close to me as a kid.
None of the characters were particularly challenging, but Ash changed quite a bit from my initial plans. Ash was going to be the fearless one, the first to throw a punch or leap into danger. However, given her past trauma and great physical loss, it made more sense that she would be the careful, practical member of the group. We all think we’re immortal until we glimpse death, and that permanently changes how we view the world and our fragile place within it. Ash Bugg was no different.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Above all, friendship, loyalty, and duty, particularly regarding those that you choose to call family. I also wanted to touch on elements of oppression and discrimination, believing that many of the most wondrous individuals are products of such environmental factors—pressure creates diamonds, you know. Finally, I wanted to tell a story that showcased a universal truth that we all are guilty of forgetting or discounting—adults can learn more from children than they can from us.
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?
Coming on the heels of a trilogy that took a lot out of me (and tired of all the series that flood the fantasy market), I was determined to write a standalone novel. In my opinion, the story has been completed… at least for now. But I admittedly love these characters. If the perfect continuation or prequel idea came to me (well down the road), I would be open to revisiting the world. I mean, who doesn’t want to see old friends again?
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
FOR A WORLD GONE CRAZY, ONLY THOSE RAISED AMONG MADNESS CAN HELPThe Imperator of Quaan restlessly awaits the centennial arrival of the Snail-Gods to cure the Gloomtide, a shadow of melancholy blanketing the Titian Empire. But when the Supreme Helices finally make landfall, they do so just out of reach of the distressed monarch, beyond a poisonous grove that separates man from messiah.
Fincher Bugg leads the Sour Flower Gang, the preeminent child harvesters of the Stenches, a town of outcasts condemned to diminished lives toiling away in toxic conditions. As Fincher and his four friends endure external abuse from outsiders, internally they also suffer, watching as their parents slowly succumb to the Maddening. Despite the solace of unbreakable friendship, life is unrelenting.
When a desperate king makes a seemingly magnanimous offer to a hopeless population, the Sour Flower Gang sets out on a harrowing expedition to find God for the very people who cast them aside.
During a journey in which the children encounter the unimaginable—both beautiful and nightmarish—a terrifying question takes shape. Are the Snail-Gods here to once more save mankind, or is the Gloomtide that has enveloped Quaan a precursor to humanity’s deserved end?
Vivid Memories
Out of Body follows a teenage girl experiencing weird dreams who discovers they are not dreams but out-of-body experiences. What inspired the setup of your story?
Sometimes I dream that I’m flying, and after one particularly vivid dream, I wondered, “What if these aren’t dreams? What if my spirit actually leaves my body while I’m sleeping and goes flitting around town?” My next thought was, “What a great premise for a novel!” The idea marinated in my brain for a couple of years before I finally got around to turning it into a novel.
In many contemporary coming-of-age fiction novels, authors often add their own life experiences to the story. Are there any bits of you in this story?
Absolutely. I have vivid memories of my angsty teenage years. Unrequited love, shifting friendships, school drama—I lived it all, so it was easy for me to incorporate those elements into my story. For instance, in Out of Body, Abby has brilliant imaginary conversations with the boy she likes, but when she encounters him in person, she morphs into a tongue-tied idiot. Yep—been there, done that!
This sets up the novel to deliver some very entertaining scenes. What scene was the most fun to write?
At one point in the story, Abby’s astral travels take her to a very bizarre place, so I had to do some serious world-building. Those scenes were fun to write because I could let my imagination run wild. Since this was a made-up fantasy world, I didn’t have to worry about adhering to the laws of physics or biology. I just had to make sure everything seemed plausible in the context of the story. Constructing that world from scratch made me feel a little bit like a demigod: powerful, omnipotent, creative.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
Astral projection is a fascinating subject, one with infinite plot possibilities, so there could very well be additional books. Since finishing Out of Body I’ve been working on an unrelated project, but I do have a solid idea for a sequel. In Out of Body, Abby sets out to save her cousin after he gets lost on the astral plane. Without giving too much away, I can say that in the sequel, Abby will be the one in trouble, but it will be a different sort of trouble. Her world will be turned upside down, and she will have to go on the run as she figures out how to save herself.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Instagram | Website | Amazon
Our Intricate Whole
A Maiden’s Wish: A Novella follows two sisters who are offered a glimpse of a better life from a powerful shaman. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Initially, I aimed to tell a much shorter morality tale about two friends: a vain and misguided young woman and her humbler companion who are both offered a wish-making proposition by a supernatural entity. The entity promises fame and fortune to the one but warns that this fate will be achingly empty. In contrast, to the other woman, it promises an eternally rewarding life laden with hardships and heavy burdens. “You will not see the fruits of your efforts in this lifetime,” the entity tells the humble woman who desires to use her talents for humanity’s goodwill. “But they will echo across eternity.”
This concept, set in modern times, was eventually abandoned in favor of A Maiden’s Wish, which plays to some of the same narrative beats but has a much richer journey, more ideas, and (in my opinion) a superior ending.
Bayelle and Evora experience a vast range of emotions as they come to realize the cost of the choices they make. Are there any emotions or memories from your own life that you put into your characters’ lives?
Bayelle and Evora represent the internal struggles I’ve contended with as a young woman, especially in the flippant, sometimes predatory internet sphere. Evora is the identity I chose, along my social media path, to reject: male manipulation, self-objectification, and abuse of beauty for “likes” and flattery. Conversely, Bayelle embodies my frustrations and deepest longings as a woman and, indeed, a human being: the desire to love, be loved, and impress an eternal impact upon the world through my creative skills.
Bayelle encounters opposition from worldly wickedness, oppressive opinions, and erroneous religious teachings along her journey, representative of our culture’s current divisions in the realms of feminism, “red pill” society, and the Christian church. As I have come to triumph over the flaws and failings in each of these groups, I developed the satisfaction I have been privileged to bestow upon Bayelle at the peak of her struggle.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Mankind has a warped view of what constitutes a fulfilling life, and it also holds a warped perception of women. As a race, we’re made for so much more than the glazed-eyed, hazy-minded daily grind. You can own as much “stuff” as you like; the stuff won’t fit into the hole in your heart. It can’t plug up and force away the sadness we sometimes feel or keep joy locked inside. Beauty, in its physical form, will erase its bloom from every face that weathers enough time and exposure to this world. The good news? That’s okay.
Appearances are one small and impermanent part of our intricate whole, and beauty that penetrates no deeper than one’s moisturizer cannot affect a grander purpose. A Maiden’s Wish asks our divisive culture to be realistic and seek deeper things than what is readily seen. Women are beautiful, and our femininity distinguishes us from men, but visuals don’t make or break us, just as they don’t make a book interesting beyond a fleeting glance. Women are not toys, commodities, objects (whether exploited by self or others), or beings of inferior purpose and intellect, all tailored for the same purpose—we are equals under God and accountable to none but Him.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
The power of this story, for me, is its brevity and finality; I do not anticipate a sequel or spin-off, but I’m sure it will have “spiritual successors” of a sort. The book’s themes, gentle magical varnish, and the nature of the characters within made for a wonderfully appealing writing process that might be cathartic to explore in a different, unrelated world and plot.
Author Links: Goodreads | Website | Amazon
The human heart harbors many desires—some fulfilled, others forgone. But young Bayelle and her sister have a guaranteed chance at a better life in the form of a powerful shaman who can grant them each one wish. When dreams and reality clash and the dust of their decisions settles, Bayelle and Evora discover what is truly worth wishing for… and the consequences of entrusting one’s future to the forces of magic.
A coming-of-age and morality tale.
