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When to Fire
When to Fire, Ryan Standley’s latest novella, is a captivating blend of classic Western grit and mind-bending science fiction. What begins as a traditional tale of a legendary gunslinger on the run evolves into a narrative filled with unexpected twists reminiscent of Planet of the Apes. Standley’s ability to merge these genres creates a story that is both surprising and thrilling. The novella introduces us to a trio of infamous bandits: Chaske, Euna, and Matt Frimm, known as the Pistol Kid. Their exploits across the frontier, robbing banks to fund the Native cause against an oppressive federal government, form the story’s foundation. When a heist goes awry, Chaske is killed, leaving Euna and Matt to navigate a dangerous path of survival, rebellion, and personal discovery—all while chasing the mystery of Matt’s missing parents.
Initially, the plot unfolds with a familiar, almost predictable rhythm. The Pistol Kid channels a Robin Hood-like charm, a rogue with a noble heart hidden beneath his swagger. Euna, too, follows a well-worn archetype of the strong, determined outlaw. Yet, as the story progresses, these familiar tropes give way to something far more intricate. After an audacious bank heist spirals into chaos, the narrative takes a sharp turn. Matt gains access to a mysterious power that transforms him into a “Seer,” granting visions of the past and future. This newfound ability elevates him from a sharpshooting outlaw to a near-supernatural force. Standley uses these powers to craft exhilarating action scenes, where Matt’s precognitive edge allows him to dominate gunfights with uncanny precision, solidifying his place as a larger-than-life hero.
Despite its brevity, When to Fire develops its characters with remarkable depth. Matt’s powers serve not only as a narrative device for thrilling action but also as a lens to explore both his and Euna’s motivations, vulnerabilities, and shared history. Euna’s ultimate fate is revealed early, yet this knowledge heightens, rather than diminishes, the emotional stakes and tension as the story unfolds. Standley’s novella excels as a fusion of cowboy adventure and speculative fiction, anchored by an intriguing central mystery. The hints at a broader mythology suggest a world ripe for further exploration, leaving readers eager for a sequel that could delve deeper into its lore. If there’s a flaw, it’s that When to Fire ends too soon. Its rapid pace keeps the story moving but leaves little time to fully savor the rich world Standley has created. Just as the momentum reaches its peak, the novella concludes, leaving readers yearning for more.
In When to Fire, Ryan Standley delivers a thrilling and imaginative ride, seamlessly blending the grit of the Wild West with the wonder of science fiction. It’s a story that sticks with you, not just for what it is but for the tantalizing promise of what it could become.
Pages: 126 | ASIN : B0DX8CBT8N
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
Confronting New Challenges
Nothing Ever Happens on Main Street follows a young man who finds out how exciting his boring small town can be when he steps beyond a mysterious door on Main Street. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
One evening, I found myself in a small main street area during a fireworks display. While everyone was watching the fireworks, I was admiring the turn-of-the-century architecture. The old brownstone buildings and facades were being cast in unusual colors and shadows and it struck me as a great setting for a sci-fi type storing. Since Main Street settings seemed to always have a ‘sleepy’ connotation, the question I posed to myself was, ‘”Why does nothing happen there?” Once I answered that question, the story took on a life of its own.
What scene did you have the most fun writing?
I found myself enjoying any scene where the main character, Parker, was on his own, such as his mission on the lake or exploring the decrepit house. It was at these moments when Parker could think and feel for himself without other characters intruding, and allowed me to invest more personally in everything that was transpiring.
How did the mystery develop for this story? Did you plan it before writing or did it develop organically?
I did a fair amount of plotting, but before I could do that, I needed to understand what the story meant to each of the characters, whether that was Parker confronting new challenges, Doyle wrestling with his own role in society, or Cassandra coming to terms with her grief. Once I had a grip on each of them, then it was a matter of finding where their arcs landed in the story, combining them with all of the needed scenes, and making sure their stories were told.
Can we look forward to more mysteries from you soon? What are you currently working on?
My current project falls into the category of adventure involving light-hearted pirates, puzzles, mysterious treasure, and a few genre-bending surprises, with plans that it will be ready by next summer. I have been asked if Nothing Ever Happens on Main Street is the start of a series. Honestly, I had intended it to be a stand-alone story, however, after completing it, I realized that there is another story there. When I explored the idea a bit further, what I found surprised me, so I am definitely wanting to return to the setting of Main Street in Harding Springs soon!
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Nothing ever happens in Harding Springs. No tragic fires on Regent Avenue. No boating disaster on the lake. No runaway carriage ever flattened the Harding Springs Auxiliary Marching Band. It’s a quiet town filled with only peaceful and pleasant days.
That’s because no one knows about the incredible secret that lies behind the door at 55 Main Street or that the fates of the town residents rest in the vest pocket of a single, solitary stranger.
But when young Parker Riley and Harding Springs newcomers Cora and Cassandra Swanson stumble upon the amazing truth, their peaceful world is turned upside down as they attempt to protect the town—and themselves—from sinister interlopers and grave danger!
Nothing Ever Happens on Main Street
Daren Hatfield’s Nothing Ever Happens on Main Street begins in the quiet town of Harding Springs, where life hums along in predictable rhythms. Parker Riley, restless and yearning for more, assumes his days will remain uneventful. That changes the instant he steps into 55 Main Street, where a startling discovery shatters the stillness of his world. With his town inexplicably tied to a stranger’s mysterious purpose, Parker finds himself on a journey that will test his courage and reshape his understanding of the life he once dismissed as ordinary.
This novel transports readers into a setting both nostalgic and enchanting. The streets of Harding Springs, with their tranquil charm and sense of timelessness, feel like home—yet beneath the surface lies an undercurrent of magic waiting to be uncovered. Hatfield skillfully balances the serenity of small-town life with the suspense of Parker’s unfolding adventure, creating a story that is at once thrilling and deeply reflective. Parker Riley’s character stands at the heart of this tale, embodying the universal struggle between longing for something greater and finding meaning in the everyday. His transformation is relatable and compelling, drawing readers into his emotional journey.
Supporting characters like Cora, with her quiet strength, Cassandra, with her playful energy, and Edison, with his enigmatic wisdom, add richness and dimension to the story. Even the antagonists—multi-layered and unpredictable—command attention, challenging the notion of black-and-white morality.
Hatfield’s prose is both accessible and profound, capturing the essence of life’s subtleties with disarming simplicity. By framing the narrative as Parker’s memoir, the story resonates with a poignant nostalgia, a reminder of how fleeting yet impactful youth can be. Moments of exhilarating action are interspersed with quiet introspection, creating a rhythm that keeps readers captivated while leaving space for deeper themes to unfold.
Daren Hatfield’s Nothing Ever Happens on Main Street is a masterful exploration of connection, choice, and the courage to embrace life’s uncertainties. Its ability to transport readers, evoke emotion, and spark introspection is a testament to Hatfield’s storytelling prowess. This is more than just a book—it’s an experience that lingers long after the final page is turned. For anyone seeking a tale that weaves magic into the mundane and celebrates the quiet heroism of the every day, this novel is an absolute must-read.
Pages: 274 | ASIN : B0DJM7WGRV
Proof of Alien Intelligence
In Journey to Antares, two teens become pioneers in space exploration when drawn together by a mysterious radio message from a distant star. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I’ve presented educational programs for nearly 10,000 elementary students in schools, libraries, planetariums, and at the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum to teach them about space science and history. The most common question I get from the students is, “Are aliens real?” To address this possibility, I wrote Journey to Antares as a science fiction story about how people might respond someday if we ever found proof of alien intelligence in the form of a radio message from space.
What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
My favorite character to write for was VISTA the robot. She’s the most logical and intelligent, but she also enjoys writing songs and speaks in musical tones as she did in my TV series, Space Quest with Dr. Jim. VISTA cares very deeply about PIPER, the other robot, but she is careful not to let him know her feelings as she chides him for his silly jokes. The most challenging character to write was PIPER the robot who was learning about humor, since it wasn’t easy to come up with so many space-related jokes for him to test out on the other characters.
I find that, while writing, you sometimes ask questions and have the characters answer them. Do you find that to be true? What questions did you ask yourself while writing this story?
The biggest question I had was how to justify the selection of teenagers Tommy Cosmo and Laura Starr to be the most qualified researchers to design the new technologies for the Aurora space-time ship to reach the star Antares. It would be too easy for them to become “Mary Sue” characters, so I had them answer that question themselves in flashback scenes set five years earlier in the story. Through their actions at an earlier age, both Tommy and Laura proved their intellectual qualifications and I’ve received positive feedback for clearly addressing that issue.
Can fans look forward to more books from you soon? What are you currently working on?
I have a full set of notes for a sequel about how the characters help to save the aliens who sent the message from Antares since it turns out to be a distress call. Before I write the next book, I’m currently recording the audiobook version of Journey to Antares which will include twelve original songs that are in the text. This way, the audiobook readers will get to hear the melodies of the songs as well as the lyrics that are in the printed book. I’m also working on some animated video shorts for key scenes in the story.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
In the captivating space adventure novel Journey to Antares, we follow the remarkable tale of two young scientists, Tommy Cosmo and Laura Starr, along with their trusty companion robots, Piper and Vista. Their mission: to design and construct the spacetime ship Aurora, enabling them to journey to the past of an alien planet within the Antares star system. This extraordinary odyssey takes them to the very heart of the mystery surrounding the alien message and humanity’s response to it.
Journey to Antares is a thrilling narrative inspired by the award-winning Space Quest with Dr. Jim public-access and YouTube TV series. To aid readers in delving into the depths of space and science, the book includes a helpful glossary of scientific terms used throughout the story.
Journey to Antares
Journey to Antares, by Jim Thorne, is a compelling fusion of hard science fiction and space adventure that explores humanity’s quest for contact with extraterrestrial life. The story revolves around Tommy Cosmo and Laura Starr, two prodigious teens from different parts of the solar system, brought together by a mysterious radio message from the star Antares. As they embark on an epic journey, they navigate the challenges of interstellar travel, innovative engineering, and the mysteries of a distant star system, all while growing into their roles as pioneers in space exploration.
Thorne’s writing is an engaging blend of technical accuracy and imaginative storytelling. I appreciated how he infused the narrative with genuine space science, making complex concepts accessible and intriguing without overwhelming the reader. The detailed descriptions of the Mars University’s advanced educational tools and the technicalities of robotic programming added a layer of realism that grounds the fantastical elements of the story. The inclusion of real science elements, such as the physics behind faster-than-light travel and the Yarkovsky effect on asteroids, is both educational and thought-provoking.
The character development of Tommy and Laura is a highlight of the book. Thorne effectively captures the essence of youthful curiosity and brilliance, portraying his protagonists as relatable and inspiring figures. Tommy’s early experiences with reprogramming robots at the Cosmic Energy Fuels plant and Laura’s musical and scientific explorations on ECHO Station set a solid foundation for their later adventures. Their evolving friendship and collaboration are depicted with warmth and humor, particularly through their interactions with their quirky companion robots, PIPER and VISTA. This dynamic not only adds depth to the characters but also injects a playful tone that balances the more technical aspects of the plot.
Extensive world-building and scientific explanations add a rich layer of depth to the story, inviting readers to immerse themselves fully in the universe Thorne has created. While the detailed technical discussions provide a thoughtful exploration of the narrative’s scientific underpinnings, they also enhance the authenticity and intrigue of the protagonists’ journey. These sections contribute significantly to the sense of wonder and discovery, making the unraveling of the Antares message all the more rewarding and impactful.
Journey to Antares is a delightful read for anyone interested in space exploration, young adult science fiction, or educational sci-fi adventures. Thorne combines a plausible scientific framework with an engaging story of discovery and friendship. The book is particularly well-suited for young readers with a passion for STEM, as well as adults who enjoy a well-researched, character-driven space adventure.
Pages: 192 | ASIN : B0CNQ4Y154
LITERARY TITAN 