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Refuge for Human Civilization
Fragments of Light follows a young Archivist named Keela as she uncovers relics of a forgotten civilization while ancient machines awaken beneath the ice. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Winter. It all started with that. I live where winter is a VERY present concept, and as much of an avid reader as I am, rarely did I ever find a compelling SciFi story that took place in winter or somewhere where winter was the norm. So I figured that starting everything there would be something that could generate a different type of texture to the narrative. And one of those threads is the impact – or I should probably say “impacts” – of climate change. As harsh an environment as the Arctic is, climate change has a disproportionate effect on it; everything seems magnified. So to me, that area would likely be a natural refuge for human civilization should the World go to Hell in a handbasket…
Keela’s emotional journey feels incredibly intimate. Was her character shaped by any personal experiences or themes you wanted to explore?
No personal experience per se. However, being a parent, I see that many young people – and having been one myself – are unsure of the potential in them; of the strength that inhabits them. Sometimes it’s easier to wait for someone else to do what needs to be done, but most of the time, YOU could do it, and you could probably do it better. As for the archivist part, that’s purely projection: I’m a big history nerd! I just find it fascinating – good and bad – how technology throughout the ages shaped humans; how it creates a virtuous (or perverted, depending on where you stand) cycle where humans create technology that changes them and allows them to create more “advanced” or different technology that in turn changes them again, and so on and so forth.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Resilience. Ambiguity. Adventure. Friendship. And as corny as it sounds, humor. Because I really do not want to live in a world where even during the worst of the worst we are not able to smile or laugh. Maybe not at what’s happening, but surely at how we deal with ourselves and others.
The machines beneath the ice feel both mythical and scientific. What was your process for designing their nature and purpose?
Well, in Fragments of Light, machines are not generally “under the ice.” Some are, but it’s more because of their purpose, really. In the subsequent books, we see that Keela and Anina need to go outside the safety of their known world – the Arctic – and cross entire continents to continue their quest and get to interact with many different societies, machines, and people.
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Without spoiling too much, let’s just say that machines are left over from a technologically advanced world that existed pre-Fracture. One where geo-engineering was seen as the way to stop/reverse/curb global environmental collapse. Think huge sun reflecting mirrors, carbon catchers, water purifiers, methane gas processors, etc. These would need to be massive, on a scale that would blow your mind, in order to affect the climate of a system as big and complex as the Earth. And you are right, as with anything that is old, eventually they did drift into mythology or quasi-myth.
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Keela was meant to guard the past, not be claimed by it. In the frozen city of Lumik, she touches a relic that hums with memory, and nothing stays buried. Her quiet life shatters, pulling her into a truth no one else will face.
With Anina, a gifted technician who reads machines like language, Keela follows its call across a fractured Earth. Engines stir beneath snow. Salvage-built cities whisper of healing long abandoned. Wonder ignites, but so does danger, as rivals twist awe into power.
This is not destiny. It is choice. And when no one else steps forward, Keela must.
For fans of Skyward, Scythe, The 100, and Ship Breaker. Discovery-driven sci-fi with brave heroines, hidden tech, and the courage to do what must be done. Scroll up to begin.
Togetherness
Lucina in Humbra Land a young girl opens a mysterious birthday gift, a ruby necklace, she is suddenly transported into a magical world filled with enchanted creatures and perilous journeys. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Originally I wanted to write about girls having a tea party with their grandma because I grew up loving tea parties. I came up with the idea for the ruby necklace because both a ring and shoes had been used in other famous tales. Ruby is my birthstone and has always been my favorite stone. I wanted Lucina to travel to a fantasy land because that is what children dream about. The characters in the forest mirrored the characters from the grandparents’ farm. The grammy’s art studio is like my art studio.
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?
The farm in my story is my sister’s farm. I chose the 50s as the time period because I think that would have been one of the best times to grow up. Tea parties happened in the 50s; we need children to spend time having a tea party with their grandparents. I love to take walks in the forest, enjoying the colors, creatures, and fresh air. The setting morphed from being fun to mysterious to creepy to loving.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The main theme of my book that I want to promote is the theme of family togetherness. It’s very important to spend time with your family. I use Lucina as an example of someone who has courage and strives to do the right thing, not just for herself, but for others. I encourage the theme of working together, and I promote the Celtic or Irish theme because it is my heritage.
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
There is a sequel coming to my Lucina in Humbra Land Book. The story is not complete yet, but I’m hopeful that fans will be equally enchanted with the next book.
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The story unfolds as Lucina, guided by the wise and sturdy Noak, attempts to unite the inhabitants of Humbra Land, including the ethereal Cinda, the mischievous Nutty, and the formidable vine monsters led by Crag. The fate of this enchanting realm rests on their shoulders, and Lucina becomes the linchpin in their efforts to avert disaster.
The urgency to save Humbra Land is intensified by torrential rains, thunderous storms, and a relentless flood that threatens to erase the magical realm. With determination and courage, Lucina faces the challenge of convincing the vine monsters, lost in a misunderstanding, to join forces with the other inhabitants.
As Lucina and her newfound friends embark on a mission to transport a gigantic granite boulder up the Shannon River, they encounter numerous obstacles and confrontations. The story weaves themes of cooperation, empathy, and friendship, emphasizing the transformative power of unity in the face of adversity.
Lucina’s journey is not merely a quest to save Humbra Land; it becomes a personal odyssey of growth, resilience, and self-discovery. Alongside the fantastical elements, the narrative explores family bonds, as Lucina’s commitment to saving her Grammy’s farm becomes a driving force for her.
Amidst the adventure, suspense, and remarkable encounters, Lucina’s character evolves, demonstrating the strength that emerges from facing challenges head-on. The book captures the essence of courage, friendship, and the enduring spirit of resilience.
“Lucina in Humbra Land” offers a captivating blend of fantasy and adventure, suitable for middle-grade and young adult readers. With its richly developed world, relatable characters, and heartfelt themes, this enchanting tale promises to captivate readers and leave a lasting impression.
Lucina in Humbra Land
Lucina in Humbra Land starts off with a sweet, cozy birthday story—Lucina is turning ten and heading to her Grammy and Grandpa’s farm with her three sisters. Then we find out the farm is in danger of being taken away. And just when you think it’s a heartfelt family tale, Lucina opens a mysterious birthday gift, a ruby necklace, and suddenly she’s transported into a magical world called Humbra Land. It’s like The Wizard of Oz meets Alice in Wonderland, but with Irish folklore vibes, talking animals, and a bee queen. I wasn’t expecting to fall so hard for this little story.
The writing has this warm, nostalgic energy that made me feel like I was back in my own childhood. The scene where Lucina and her sisters have tea with Grammy using whimsical teapots—including one that sings Danny Boy—had me smiling ear to ear. And Grammy’s storytelling was wonderful. But what really got me was when Lucina overhears that Grandpa is about to lose the farm. The way she throws herself onto Grammy’s futon and cries was raw. And it sets up the emotional core of the book.
The whole middle chunk of the book is wild in the best way. Lucina meets Nutty the squirrel, gets chased by a terrifying sand octopus thing, gets flown by a majestic bluebird named Lofty, and ends up having to make a moral decision about freeing creepy vine monsters in order to save an entire magical land from a flood. The stakes get high, but it’s all still grounded by Lucina’s big heart. I loved how she never goes full hero mode—she’s scared, confused, unsure—but she keeps pushing forward.
I didn’t expect to cry while reading a book about a girl riding a squirrel through a magical forest, but here we are. Lucina is such a wholesome mix of family, imagination, and doing the right thing even when it’s hard. The ending made me all misty-eyed. I think this book would be perfect for kids around 8-12, especially dreamy, book-loving ones. If you’re a nostalgic adult who grew up on fairy tales and still believes in magic tucked between the pages—this one’s for you too.
Pages: 91 | ASIN : B0DP68NC75
Ashes of the City
Ashes of the City by Quinton Taylor-Garcia delivers a gripping tale set in the aftermath of an earthquake that leaves a group of high school students stranded in a shattered urban landscape. Maya, a compassionate leader, strives to bring unity, while Jace, a ruthless pragmatist, champions strength as the key to survival. Their opposing ideologies fracture the group, igniting tension over scarce resources. As aftershocks loom and destruction mounts, both leaders grapple with harrowing choices and the weight of their decisions.
This novel is a riveting work of modern dystopian fiction. From the opening sentence, the author’s evocative prose commands attention. Vivid descriptions transform the ruined city into a visceral, almost living presence. Each crumbling building and each tremor in the earth feels real, immersing the reader in a world teetering on the edge of collapse. The story doesn’t just depict survival; it mirrors the fragility of the modern world, asking readers to confront unsettling truths about humanity and resilience.
The characters shine as the heart of this story. Maya and Jace, polar opposites, embody two sides of survival in crisis. Maya’s warmth and hope resonate deeply, offering a vision of collective strength, while Jace’s unflinching pragmatism challenges notions of morality when survival is at stake. Their clash is riveting, not only as a battle for leadership but as a commentary on what it means to remain human amidst chaos. The raw authenticity of their internal struggles makes them relatable, their humanity laid bare in every decision, every moment of doubt.
Themes of leadership, morality, and sacrifice pulse through the pages, creating a story that is as thought-provoking as it is thrilling. The story moves with relentless energy, but it also takes moments to reflect, adding depth and nuance to the chaos. The contrast between destruction and the characters’ determination to survive is both haunting and inspiring.
Ashes of the City is an exploration of resilience, a challenge to consider how far we’ll go to endure, and a testament to the enduring power of hope. It’s a must-read for anyone drawn to dystopian stories.
Pages: 320 | ASIN : B0DK4397YD
LITERARY TITAN 