Blog Archives
Rise to Power
The False Princess follows a young princess preparing for her future role as queen as she becomes the target of a calculated assault. Where did the idea for this storyline in this fifth and final installment of your series come from?
It is an unfortunate reality that many people do not respect young women with power. And the whole series has really been leading up to Sitnalta’s rise to power and the fight she has had to wage to come into her own and take what is rightfully hers. So, it would make sense from a storytelling perspective that there would be those who oppose her and who don’t want to be ruled by her. As such, people like the Duke Sparrow would use any tool in their toolbox to take Sitnalta’s power from her and undermine her in any way possible.
Which character in The Sitnalta Series have you most enjoyed writing for?
I obviously love Sitnalta. She was the catalyst for the whole series, and her arc and the changes she goes through have been very fulfilling to write. However, the character of Ipsinki really grew on me. His shifting from the almost cowardly soldier to the leader he ends up as was a lot of fun to write.
How do you approach writing highly emotional scenes?
I approach them with honesty. What is the purpose of the scene? What feelings do I want to convey? And what emotional journey do I want to take the readers on? For me, a good story makes you feel things, and that’s what I aim to do. I feel that if I’ve accomplished that, I’ve succeeded as a writer.
What comes next for you? Are you currently working on a new series?
Right now, I’m in the midst of a middle-grade novel set in the real world. But what I’m excited to let you know is that I’m not done with Sitnalta and her family. Not just yet. The sequel series, The Children of Colonodona, will be coming out fairly shortly. I’m working with the same cover artist, and I have the four manuscripts ready and waiting.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Desperate for revenge over the death of his evil friend, the Duke Sparrow finds himself in the possession of some information that will rock the foundation of Colonodona’s monarchy. As the Princess Sitnalta comes of age, Sparrow unleashes his plan for chaos, throwing everyone Sitnalta loves into danger, as he questions whether or not she is fit to rule. Seeing the mistrust and mutiny in her subjects, Sitnalta questions everything she thinks she knows about herself and her past as she makes some hard choices and sacrifices to keep her family safe, and to secure the future of her kingdom.
THE TITANIC TEST: A LOVE STORY
In a world that exalts free will, Charlie Landers feels anything but free. Born into a family of time travelers, her path feels predetermined—every moment shaped by the doctrine of mastering time. Yet, Charlie longs for simplicity, a chance to live in the present, unburdened by the shadows of the past or the uncertainties of the future. Her Junior Year Test, however, forces her into action. This high-stakes mission demands she travel back to April 15, 1912, and rescue an invaluable book from the doomed RMS Titanic. As the icy waters close in and her own purpose comes into focus, Charlie faces a profound question: is her mission to save history, or to rewrite her own destiny?
The Titanic Test: A Love Story, by Ann K. Simpson, is a compact yet deeply resonant novel, rich with themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. Within its pages, fictional characters intertwine with echoes of real lives, reminding us of those who once walked this earth. Simpson skillfully bridges two timelines—the familiarity of modern-day high school and the haunting reality of the early 20th century—as we accompany Charlie and her companion Quinn into history. The result is a story that challenges readers to reflect on what history can teach us, but also on what we must unlearn in our present lives.
Charlie Landers, the novel’s protagonist, is relatable and well-drawn. She embodies the frustrations and dreams of a teenager trying to balance extraordinary responsibility with a yearning for normalcy. Neither an overachiever nor an outsider, she feels like someone we know. This sense of familiarity makes her journey all the more compelling. Her companion Quinn, evolving from friend to love interest, is equally well-developed. Their dynamic—grounded, understated, and genuine—adds richness to the narrative without overwhelming the plot. The romance enhances, rather than distracts from, the story’s emotional core, and their fleeting moments together carry a quiet poignancy that resonates.
Simpson’s attention to historical detail elevates the novel. From the language and mannerisms of the early 20th century to the precise unfolding of events aboard the RMS Titanic, her commitment to accuracy is commendable. Readers will appreciate the way historical events—especially the tragedy of April 14-15, 1912—are treated with respect. The “one pebble” theory woven throughout the narrative reinforces the novel’s central tension: the weight of small decisions and their rippling consequences. This blend of action, introspection, and historical immersion keeps the pacing tight and the pages turning. Simpson reminds us that the Titanic was more than an engineering marvel; it was a vessel of dreams, carrying thousands of souls whose stories were abruptly silenced. Through Charlie and Quinn, readers are given a chance to reconnect with those lives—to feel their hope, despair, and humanity in ways that transcend time. Simpson’s storytelling captures the fragility of life, yet it also celebrates the enduring power of human connection.
This novel is more than historical fiction; it is a reflection on destiny, choice, and the lessons we inherit from the past. The seamless narrative, well-rounded characters, and meticulous respect for history combine to make The Titanic Test unforgettable. For history enthusiasts and lovers of immersive storytelling, this book is a treasure—a beautifully crafted tale that bridges time, offering fresh perspective and emotional depth in equal measure. Simpson delivers a story that lingers, reminding us of both life’s fragility and the enduring threads that connect us all.
Pages: 368 | ASIN : B0DK85P2VH
AQUA (The Arydian Chronicles Book 1) Aqua
In AQUA by Katherine Walters, readers are plunged into an exhilarating adventure, artfully blending elements of mystery, romance, and science fiction. The story follows Marin, a young woman undertaking a summer internship at COAST, a marine research center closely linked to her childhood. After a near-fatal accident at COAST, Marin’s repressed childhood memories resurface, revealing a profound connection to water and a hidden, underwater civilization.
Walters skillfully weaves a narrative where the revelation of Marin’s origins is gradual yet compelling. The story progresses with Marin grappling to understand her newfound knowledge while consistently encountering fresh information that adds depth to the plot. The novel introduces a secret race of Atlantean-like beings, a concept familiar yet refreshing in its execution. Walters plays with well-known tropes — the ordinary character with an extraordinary heritage, a corrupt global organization, and the classic dichotomy of choosing between two distinct lives. These themes, while recurrent in literature, are presented with a unique flair in the story.
The romantic subplot in the book adds an intriguing layer to the narrative, with Marin navigating relationships between two potential love interests. This dynamic interestingly symbolizes her inner conflict between life on land and in the ocean. While these relationships primarily serve to advance the plot, they contribute to the broader theme of Marin’s personal journey and the choices she faces. At the heart of AQUA is the theme of family — both by blood and by choice. Marin’s decisions are heavily influenced by her loyalty and affection for those in both her terrestrial and aquatic worlds. Aside from the conventional portrayal of corporate greed, the motivations of the characters are largely familial, adding a layer of emotional depth to the narrative.
The novel’s rich content is delivered with brisk pacing, creating an eagerness for more in-depth exploration of its characters and plot. This could be an intentional setup for potential sequels, which may further explore these aspects. AQUA is an engaging read, and it leaves one curious about the future directions this underwater world may take.
Pages: 268 | ASIN : B00N591782
