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As Long as We’re Alive, Problems Will Arise
Pandora’s Box follows a 14-year-old boy who discovers he is a demigod like his late mother. His life has become a whirlwind of magical schools, ancient mythologies, and adventure while he tries to prevent evil from taking over the world. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My son was my inspiration. When I became a mother, a new fear was unlocked: what will become of my child if I am not here tomorrow? I wanted to write something that could speak to him, nurture him, and entertain him, while leaving him with the values I hope I will have the time and support to instill in him.
The MC’s name is my child’s name: Liam. His mourning is built on my biggest fear.
The chaos the MC faces is nothing but the chaos of life. We tend to think our problems are the biggest in the world—and for us, they are. But it’s important for children to see that everyone has problems, which, to them, feel just as big. As long as we’re alive, problems will arise, and that will be true for everyone. The realization of this fact gives them a sense of belonging, helping them step out of the victim mentality and see problems for what they really are: opportunities for solutions and growth. I was careful to reflect that on each and every page.
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?
My inspiration comes from the books I grew up with. I’m a huge Star Wars fan, which is why you’ll see a mix of Sci-Fi and Fantasy in my work. I also love The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, and I read a lot of Agatha Christie and Sherlock Holmes as a child—this helped me develop my approach to building suspense, planting clues, and leading characters (and readers) toward discoveries.
Role-playing games have also been a major influence. I spent years as a Game Master for Vampire: The Masquerade and Dungeons & Dragons, which shaped my multi-perspective storytelling, worldbuilding, and rule-setting for magic and power. RPGs also helped me focus on character growth, much like players leveling up through campaigns.
Brazilian folklore played a big role in my childhood—it was mandatory in school and deeply woven into our culture. This sparked my curiosity about other mythologies, particularly Nordic folklore. Beyond that, I have a very poetic way of describing emotions, which comes from my younger years when I wrote poetry, competed in poetry contests, and attended poetry events as early as 12 years old.
On top of that, I love Greek mythology, Egyptian history, and the original versions of the stories that Disney adapted—many of which were quite dark in their European roots before being softened for children. That’s probably why my writing naturally leans toward darker themes.
Honestly? My writing style hasn’t changed much while writing. What has changed is my awareness of how readers perceive my published works, which influences what I choose to emphasize or tone down in future books. Since I haven’t read anything published in the last 20 years, my writing style remains uninfluenced by modern trends—it’s purely shaped by the stories I love.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Self-discovery, the concept of character (discerning good from bad), cause-and-effect (accountability for our choices), and inner power were all central themes. I wanted to show that having flaws doesn’t make you incapable of achieving great things—nor does it automatically turn you into the villain. It’s important for teenagers to develop a fair sense of self rather than viewing themselves through extremes of “good” or “bad.”
Faith in something bigger also plays a key role. Throughout the trilogy, I touch on difficult topics, even taboos like suicidal thoughts, in hopes of helping young readers recognize that the voice telling them they’re not enough doesn’t come from them—and that they can (and should) break free from it.
Can you tell us more about where the story and characters go after book one?
Without giving too much away—because surprises are half the fun—the second and third books take the characters much deeper into the prophecy hinted at in Pandora’s Box. Relationships will evolve, secrets will come to light, and the stakes will grow far beyond what they imagined. You’ll see characters like Liam, Ada, and others struggle with even more challenging situations, both magical and personal. Also, expect to see new realms, powerful antagonists, and the consequences of choices made in book one. It becomes a story not just about stopping evil, but about understanding yourself and the cost of standing for what you believe in.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook | Website | Trilogy Website
Liam Hale gets a posthumous gift from his late mother, Bree, on his 14th birthday. It’s a holographic message that turns Liam’s life upside down: According to a projection of Bree, Liam is a demigod (as Bree had been), will attend a magic school, and will take over his mom’s role as keeper of the Seven Wonders (Earth and six other dimensions).
He will have to be “initiated” before claiming the keeper’s throne within 90 days, or the resultant fight for the position will trigger an intergalactic war (“It’s too much power”). As if that weren’t enough pressure, Liam must also complete Bree’s mission of finding “the Pandora’s Box,” an artifact that will restore the balance between good and (currently rising) evil. Luckily, he’s got help: His allies include his best friend Ada, mage student Benji, and perpetually bickering witch-twins Zac and Zoe.
With mythological creatures, a magic school, and dimension-hopping adventures, Liam and his friends must uncover the secrets of The Pandora’s Box before darkness takes over.
Wishes and Choices, Mythral’s Wish
This book is a wild, layered ride through parallel realms, ancient magic, and the heavy weight of choice. Narrated in part by a clever, time-hopping feline named Cat, the story follows the intertwined destinies of Mythral, a powerful yet emotionally walled-off wizard; Kit, a teenage girl aching for purpose and adventure; and MorKano, a dark wizard with revenge in his veins. The Realms are split into three, each with its own rules, power structures, and secrets, an attempt to keep dark magic in check.
What hooked me right away was the voice of Cat in the prologue. It’s cheeky, philosophical, and just a little smug. But in a good way. The book immediately signals that it’s going to toy with time and ripple effects like they’re ingredients in a magical stew. The nonlinear timeline and concept of the Time-Path was mind-bendy, but the kind of bend I enjoy. It reminded me of those “what if?” moments we all have but raised to a cosmic level. And yet, this isn’t just high-concept fantasy. It’s also deeply human. Mythral’s loneliness, especially his regret over not taking on an apprentice sooner, made him more than just your typical “wise old wizard.” He’s flawed, proud, and sometimes a bit of an idiot, in a good way.
Kit absolutely stole my heart. She’s smart, a little stubborn, and full of questions that hit home. Her diary entries feel raw and real, like a teen on the cusp of something big, with no idea just how big it’s about to get. She doesn’t come from magic. She doesn’t know her past. But she walks into this magical bookshop and takes that leap anyway. Her dry wit and fierce independence reminded me a bit of early Hermione Granger, if Hermione had been way more annoyed about not having an adventure yet.
The writing itself has got this whimsical edge to it, like a fairy tale told by someone who’s lived through a few too many of them. There’s a bursty rhythm to the storytelling, jumping between realms and characters, sometimes even doubling back in time. At first, it’s a lot. But once you’re in the flow, it works. One moment you’re reading Mythral brooding in a cold underground chamber, the next you’re watching a blue-gray cat manipulate the fabric of fate with an exasperated sigh. And MorKano is your classic megalomaniac with daddy issues, and yet there’s a calculated patience to him that makes him genuinely chilling. He’s not the cackling type, he’s the slow-burn villain, the kind who would rather humiliate you before destroying you.
Wishes and Choices is more than just a magical adventure, it’s a meditation on responsibility, consequences, and whether we’re brave enough to make the hard call when it counts. The story dances around the idea of fate and free will, but it doesn’t drown in its own philosophy. Instead, it gently nudges you to ask, “What would I do?”—without giving you the easy answer. I’d recommend this to fantasy lovers who enjoy stories with heart, brains, and a talking cat that may or may not be a god. Especially great for fans of His Dark Materials, A Wrinkle in Time, or early Harry Potter, but with a slightly older, more introspective twist.
Pages: 264 | ASIN : B0DP2X8RKM
Heroes of Another Age: A Guardian Prequel (The Guardian)
Heroes of Another Age is a fantasy coming-of-age tale that follows twin brothers Aaron and Aton, two young werewolves living a secluded life with their mother on a remote mountain peak. What starts as a quiet pastoral existence quickly unravels into a tale of magic, identity, and legacy when Aaron discovers he has mysterious healing powers and Aton’s supernatural abilities begin to surface. Their world, previously defined by sheep herding and cinnamon bread, begins to crack open with danger, secrets, and signs of a larger destiny.
This book completely surprised me. It starts off with such a calm, even cozy vibe. The early chapters, especially when Aaron talks to sheep who don’t fear him and worries about feeling ordinary despite being a werewolf, are honestly kind of adorable. There’s warmth in the writing, especially in the family dynamic. Their mother is tough but nurturing, and her presence anchors the story beautifully. When Aton climbs the peak to get their mom a flower, only to get badly hurt, I felt that mix of horror and love. The magical healing moment had me wide-eyed and flipping pages.
I really appreciated how this book handles magical discovery, not with flashy spells and big showdowns, but with quiet awe and genuine confusion. Aaron’s realization that he has healing magic comes not with cheers but with a panic attack and a desperate attempt to save his brother. And that scene where he wakes up and sees his mom casually cradling glowing green light in the kitchen? It’s magical but also intimate. That’s what this book does well; it makes the fantasy feel close to home. There’s a wonderful sense of scale: this isn’t a story about kings and kingdoms but about a little boy trying to understand who he is and how he fits into a world that might fear him.
It’s not all sweet family vibes and glowy hands. There’s darkness creeping in. The book doesn’t shy away from fear, especially fear of being different. When Aaron’s mom explains that people might kill casters just for using magic, it’s a terrifying thought. And Aton’s growing distance, his determination to protect his brother, and the way he starts carving a wooden sword, it all points to something bigger on the horizon. The tension grows slowly, but it’s there like storm clouds building behind a sunny sky. I genuinely loved how much emotional weight was packed into the little moments. Even small things, like the way the brothers bicker, felt so real. The writing doesn’t try to be clever; it’s honest and vivid, with a lot of heart.
Heroes of Another Age feels like the start of something special. It’s a small story, but it hints at big things. If you’re into slow-burn fantasy that puts relationships first, this book is for you. It’s perfect for readers who liked The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe but wanted more time in the wardrobe. Or for anyone who enjoys quiet magic, complicated families, and characters, you just want to wrap in a blanket. It’s a book that made me feel warm, then worried, then hopeful, all in a couple hundred pages.
Pages: 378 | ASIN : B0F395WJSQ
Whisper of Fate
Whisper of Fate picks up in the aftermath of chaos—kingdoms in mourning, secrets buried with the dead, and hearts just trying to keep beating. Kalista, now queen, is navigating grief, leadership, and the not-so-tidy wreckage of her love life. Luke, still nursing a bruised ego and a broken heart, tries to wear his general’s title while avoiding the emotional landmines left behind. Meanwhile, Raine (the assassin) is off on his own quest that may or may not involve saving the realm and still being hopelessly in love with Kalista. It’s the second book in the Sol Defenders series, and wow, it does not slow down for a second.
I fell hard for this book in the first few chapters. The emotional tension between Kalista and Luke is so real, it’s like reading a slow-motion car crash—messy, painful, but you can’t look away. There’s this moment I enjoyed at the funeral of Luke’s father where Kalista wraps her arms around him and he actually cries. The layers of love, betrayal, and unresolved feelings were giving major enemies-to-lovers energy—if the “lovers” part ever gets another chance. And don’t even get me started on the scene where they stare at the map of the kingdoms together, talking shop about strategy while also sidestepping all the unresolved tension between them.
What really got me, though, was how grief and loyalty are so tightly wound into everything. Kalista visiting the mother of a fallen soldier, trying to find comfort in helping others when she can’t even hold herself together was emotional. And Raine—ugh, Raine—sneaking around enemy territory, aching for a girl he thinks he can never have while trying to track down the monster who made them all suffer? Classic tortured hero vibes. The writing isn’t trying too hard to be poetic—it just is. Emotional. Simple. And sometimes, devastating. And Crowe pulls it off while still weaving in danger, court politics, and a bit of awkward guard banter (Paulsen, you adorable disaster).
Whisper of Fate is for anyone who loves fantasy with serious heart. There’s romance, but it’s buried in grief and longing and so much quiet hope it kind of sneaks up on you. If you like Throne of Glass with less sass and more raw emotion, this is your book. Perfect for fans of character-driven stories where no one is entirely okay but everyone’s trying. I’m already counting the days until book three.
Pages: 400 | ISBN : 1960810995
A Fistful of Feathers
This book hooked me fast. A Fistful of Feathers is a gripping YA fantasy that blends suspense, mystery, and a slow-burning sci-fi twist. It follows Jo Ranson, a kid in a care system that’s more sinister than supportive. Jo is stuck in a brutal cycle of neglect, pain, and confusion, all while dealing with a weird swelling on his neck and he’s not the only one. As the story unfolds, Jo discovers he’s part of something much bigger, and definitely more dangerous, than he ever imagined. With an unrelenting pace and a heavy dose of heart, this first installment of the Fraser Chronicles throws you into a world that feels just a little too close to reality.
The writing is sharp and gutsy without being flashy. The dialogue feels natural, especially between Jo and Dan, his best friend and ride-or-die. There’s a solid rhythm to how the scenes build, each chapter ending just edgy enough to keep you turning pages. I loved the way Jones captures Jo’s voice—sarcastic, wary, and raw. In Chapter One, the way Jo describes the Clinic’s tiles (“eight-hundred-and-twenty-three dingy grey tiles… Seven of them were broken”) instantly shows you he’s observant, stuck, and a little obsessive. It’s those little details that make him feel real. Also, the first interaction with Amy, where they bond over their shared condition, is subtle, sad, and full of the kind of resilience that sneaks up on you.
Without spoiling too much, there’s something growing inside Jo. Something literally. And the scenes where his back shifts and the pain surges, it’s not just body horror, it’s metaphor. You feel the panic. One of the standout moments for me was when Jo, after fleeing the Clinic and hiding in a cave, wakes up to find something fluttering under his skin. It’s terrifying and kind of beautiful, which is a weird combo that Jones pulls off well. And then there’s Dan, the friend we all wish we had. Funny, smart, and fiercely loyal. His plan to disguise Jo as an old woman to escape was ridiculous but genius.
If you like fast-paced reads with a gritty edge and a beating heart, this one’s for you. It’s perfect for teens who love stories that flirt with dystopia but stay grounded in human connection. Think Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children meets The Maze Runner with a pinch of British grit. Adults who like YA with real stakes and emotional depth will enjoy it too. I can’t wait to see where this series goes next.
Pages: 257 | ASIN : B0DCSFQXVP
The Borealis Queen
The Borealis Queen by Henry Guard is an imaginative adventure set in a speculative Ice Age world, centered around Nin, a resilient young woman marked by a mysterious prophecy. Struggling against oppressive foes and navigating harsh landscapes, Nin embarks on a perilous journey that intertwines survival, destiny, and the forging of unexpected bonds.
I found myself captivated by Guard’s storytelling. His vivid descriptions, especially of Nin’s harrowing encounters with Gore, are so intense and emotional they kept me flipping pages, heart in throat. The opening scene in Chapter 1, where Nin is dragged through the snow by her hair, is brutal but powerfully written. It immediately connects readers with Nin’s defiant spirit despite her desperate circumstances.
One thing that stood out to me was the portrayal of relationships and unexpected alliances. Nin’s bond with Shadow, the fearsome Dagger Mouth Demon, genuinely moved me. The nuanced depiction of their connection—beginning with Nin’s compassionate rescue of Shadow as a pup and later reciprocated through his fierce loyalty—highlighted themes of empathy and interdependence. The moment Shadow saves Nin from Ursang was both thrilling and heartwarming, encapsulating the book’s underlying message about the power of kindness even amid brutality.
While I admired the strong character development, some sub-stories, like the detailed recounting of tribal rituals or backstory expositions, momentarily pulled me away from the main plot. Still, these slower sections offered rich cultural insights, and Guard’s enthusiasm for his created world shone through clearly.
The Borealis Queen is a compelling read with memorable characters and gripping emotional intensity. Guard does a fantastic job creating a world that’s both fantastical and believably harsh, making the stakes feel real and the victories genuinely rewarding. I’d recommend this book to readers who enjoy immersive fantasy with a gritty edge—particularly those who appreciate strong, complex heroines and intricate relationships set against vivid, unforgiving landscapes.
Pages: 395 | ASIN : B0DXH5MT1B
Adding Depth to My Characters
The Oberon Stone follows a group of friends who are searching for an ancient artifact of immeasurable power, when one is kidnapped, turning their mission into a desperate rescue. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I wanted the second book to break away from the artifact-hunting structure of the first, so I set up the story to make readers believe the search for the artifact was the main plot—only to subvert that expectation when the real quest became the Mage’s rescue. That shift came as a shock, flipping the narrative focus. If you look at the book’s climaxes, they’re tied more to the rescue than to the artifact itself, even in the “coming back home” moment. The artifact hunt ended up taking more of a side-quest role.
Removing the MC’s mentor was also intentional. It allowed other characters to step into the mentor role, shifting the dynamics from Book 1. The different quests also gave me the opportunity to define the rules of magic in more depth, breathing more life into the Downtown-verse—something I couldn’t fully explore in the first book without overwhelming the reader.
What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
Ada was a difficult character for me. I was very cautious about making her more than just an unpredictable sidekick. I wanted someone loud, someone who would steal the scene multiple times, but she also needed to be deeply flawed—a character that would play with the reader’s emotions. I couldn’t push her so far that readers would put the book down because of her, but I wanted to push right up to that emotional edge, making her memorable not for her wins, if that makes sense. The hardest part was figuring out where that fine line was for different readers.
I really enjoyed writing Montgomery. It’s easy to write a classic arch-enemy—just make them all bad and powerful. But if you know anything about me, you know I’d never lean into that cliché, just as much as I dislike Deus Ex Machina solutions. So yes, Montgomery needed to be awful, but he also needed a history behind his awfulness—one that readers could relate to, enough to humanize him. I loved crafting his background: the family dynamics, the bad parenting that shaped him, his desperate need for his father’s attention, and how discovering a half-brother only deepened his existing insecurities. I especially enjoyed writing Montgomery as a father—desperately overcompensating with Rachael, trying to give her the love he never had, without realizing he was creating another version of himself. Different paths leading to the same destination.
Yes, Montgomery was a fantastic creative process.
When you first sat down to write this story, did you know where you were going, or did the twists come as you were writing?
Mostly, yes — I knew where it was going, at least for the main ideas. But side stories and details tend to change as I populate the story. I base the overall plot on Vogler’s Hero’s Journey structure, which gives the main plot a very well-defined progression. Then, I break the story into bigger chunks, which usually turn into one or two chapters each. From there, I start layering the side stories — the events that make character interactions unique and develop each character’s individual trajectory.
For example, Bruno and Sarah’s broken romance is a side story. Sarah’s emotional progression — learning self-love and accepting that she often gives more than she receives — is another side arc in itself. These subplots, along with side quests, can shift as I write. I also tend to place unexpected obstacles in the characters’ paths that I hadn’t planned initially. This adds a sharp edge of anxiety to the quest, making readers wonder whether success is even possible. Sometimes I let the characters overcome these hurdles, and sometimes they are forced to find a workaround — a plan B. These choices often happen at the last minute. Yes, I’m the kind of author who ruins my characters’ lives — and you’ll love it.
When will book three be available? Can you give us an idea of where that book will take readers?
Book three (The Temporal Scythe) is already available for pre-order on Amazon (Kindle only). It will be released — along with the physical copies — on June 10th, 2025.
You can expect a deeper, darker, and more emotionally intense story, just as you could notice the progression from book 1 to book 2. The characters are also more emotionally mature, with their arcs intensifying both in magical knowledge and personal growth. The stakes are higher, and the long-awaited climax of the trilogy arrives, featuring the much-anticipated final battle between good and evil.
Without giving too much away, readers should prepare for the emotional rollercoaster they already know they will get from my works — only this time, with higher speed, sharper loops, and a broken track somewhere that might just as well launch them toward their doom.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook | Website | Trilogy Website
“This jam-packed, … cross-genre tale proves consistently entertaining! A smashing final-act turn makes checking out the sequels a virtual necessity.” – Kirkus Reviews
The Wishing Shelf Book Awards Nominee
Eric Hoffer Da Vinci Eye Nominee
Reader’s Favorite Five Stars YA SF / Dark Fantasy
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Liam Hale’s world spirals into chaos when he receives a message in his late mother’s handwriting-delivered by a friend who should no longer exist. This is no coincidence. As he searches for answers, he unearths something far worse: the prophecy foretelling the end times has been shattered, tearing apart the fragile barrier between the Houses of the Living and the Dead.
With the Megaverse on the brink of collapse, Liam and his companions-alongside the enigmatic druid Sarah and the unpredictable witch Bruno-set out to restore the balance. Their only hope lies in the Oberon Stone, an ancient artifact of immeasurable power. But when McCormick is kidnapped by the merciless Winifred family, their mission turns into a desperate rescue.
Losing Austin
Losing Austin is a deeply emotional, raw, and imaginative coming-of-age story about a troubled boy named Colton whose nonverbal older brother, Austin, mysteriously vanishes during a rainstorm. The book follows Colton’s guilt-ridden journey as he tries to piece together what really happened to his brother, all while battling suspicion from his community, emotional distance from his parents, and his own inner demons. With hints of sci-fi mystery and a big heart, this young adult novel dives into themes of grief, sibling bonds, mental health, and belief in the unbelievable.
What grabbed me most was how real Colton felt. The kid is angry, vulnerable, funny in that painfully honest way, and sometimes downright heartbreaking. His voice in the book was authentic. It doesn’t read like a sanitized version of a teen. He messes up, but when he confesses that he told Austin, “I wish you were dead!” only to have his brother vanish hours later really tugs at the heart. The guilt and regret simmering under Colton’s skin are so raw.
And the ideas behind the book were wild in the best way. I loved how it straddles this hazy space between the possible and the unreal. When Keilani enters the story and says her brother disappeared the same day as Austin she thinks “the rain took them,” it gave me goosebumps. Bowler doesn’t spoon-feed you answers—he lets the mystery sit with you, build inside you and grow its own legs. That slow realization that other nonverbal kids, just like Austin, also disappeared during rainstorms is eerie and clever. Also, the mirror obsession, Austin’s backward drawings, and his love for rainbows felt symbolic without being pretentious. There’s something magical going on beneath the surface, and Bowler trusts readers to feel their way through it.
I’d recommend this book to anyone who loves character-driven stories with emotional depth and a twist of mystery. Teens, sure. Parents too. Even readers into speculative fiction would dig it. Losing Austin made me emotional, made me angry, and made me believe in the impossible for a second. If you’ve ever loved someone who was hard to understand—or ever felt like the world misunderstood you—this book’s going to resonate with you.
Pages: 213 | ASIN : B0DYZ9FSGV
LITERARY TITAN 