Blog Archives
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
The Scavenger (Second Edition)
The Scavenger kicks off with three teens, Jared, Jessica, and Adrian, all navigating high school life in Hopps Town, each struggling with personal demons. Jared is tormented by both bullies and supernatural nightmares. Jessica’s life at home is shattered by her abusive, alcoholic mother. Adrian, caught between expectations and his own passions, tries to find balance. But once the trio makes a wish at a mysterious well, their lives are flipped upside down, and something ancient, dark, and deadly starts to stalk them. Part coming-of-age story, part horror-fantasy, this novel blends trauma, friendship, and paranormal tension with surprisingly emotional depth.
Lucid does a great job crafting teenagers that aren’t just stereotypes. Jared, for instance, is more than the gay kid dealing with bullies, he’s witty, loyal, and haunted (literally and emotionally). His interactions with his mom, especially the confrontation about his sexuality (“I’m gay, get over it”), hit hard. It’s raw and messy, and painfully honest. Same with Jessica, her scenes with her abusive mother had my stomach in knots. One moment that stuck with me was when her mom told her she should’ve aborted her is absolutely chilling. But Jessica’s strength and resilience kept me rooting for her.
The horror builds slowly, which I enjoyed. The scene where Jared’s school empties out and he’s chased by a black smoke creature gave me serious goosebumps. The whispers, the locked doors, the way the laughter chased him down the hallway, it felt like something straight out of a nightmare. And later, when the crow crashes into Adrian’s window and its eyes glow red? I actually paused reading to take a breath. The horror elements don’t overwhelm the story. Instead, they sneak in gradually and make the tension feel very real. It’s not just gore or shock for the sake of it. There’s meaning behind the madness, and the pacing kept me hooked.
What also impressed me was the blend of emotional arcs and supernatural themes. The wish-at-the-well premise could’ve felt cheesy, but Lucid makes it work. It’s not about the wish itself; it’s about what’s inside the characters when the darkness comes calling. After the wish, the world subtly shifts: abusive parents start acting too perfect, the past won’t stay buried, and the kids begin unraveling. It’s eerie in the best way. Even side characters like Tina, with her own painful backstory, feel layered. The book isn’t afraid to tackle hard stuff: abuse, homophobia, grief, trauma. But it doesn’t wallow in misery; there’s light, too. Friendship. Laughter. Hope. That balance made the heavier themes hit even harder.
The Scavenger is a wild, emotional ride. If you’re into horror stories with heart, this is for you. It’s got teenage banter, real-world pain, and enough mystery and chills to keep you flipping pages. Fans of Stranger Things, IT, or even Goosebumps with a bit more grit will probably enjoy it. The characters are memorable, the scares are solid, and the story stays with you. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who likes thrillers with a side of soul.
Pages: 140 | ASIN : B0CY4SQXPH
The Oberon Stone
In this second installment of the Conjurers’ Prophecy series, the stakes are higher, the darkness is deeper, and the emotional gut-punches come harder. The Oberon Stone dives right back into the chaos where book one left off, with Liam’s powers growing out of control, old enemies regrouping, and new villains entering the game. We get a peek behind enemy lines—into the twisted mind of Montgomery and the broken-but-desperate heart of his daughter, Rachael. The story stretches across magical dimensions, haunting memories, and existential questions about fate, free will, and what it really means to be “good” or “chosen.”
The book kicks off with a literal storm of dark energy, grief, and desperation. Montgomery flying through chaos, clutching a dying Rachael is intense. And weirdly emotional. He’s awful—seriously, he’s terrifying—but seeing his panic over his daughter gives you this whiplash moment of almost-feeling sorry for him. The writing here is theatrical, like a twisted fairytale. The fairies trapped in a dark cave scrubbing stone for eternity is both horrifying and weirdly beautiful.
Then we’ve got the heart of the book—Chiara. Watching her spiral, question everything, and fall for Rachael’s manipulation felt like watching someone you love walk straight off a cliff while you’re screaming at them to stop. In the scene where she spies on Liam and Ada through water pipes I could feel her guilt like it was my own. But what really broke me was the final confrontation with Rachael. The choking spell, the pain, Chiara trying to survive and not wanting to hurt anyone was brutal. Rachael’s cruelty felt personal. The moment Chiara dies (or seems to—Franco loves to keep us guessing) was so vivid, so devastating, that I actually had to stop reading for a minute.
And Liam… poor Liam. He’s unraveling in real-time. One of my favorite moments is when he looks at Ada and says, “I’m tired.” It’s not dramatic. It’s raw. He’s lost so much—his mom, Chiara, maybe even Ada—and he’s still standing, still chasing birds and cryptic notes like his life depends on it. That moment when Titan (his maybe-dead, maybe-magical bird) leads him through the portal into a new world was actually kind of magical. For a second, there’s peace. Wonder. Then everything falls apart again, but that pause? That pink-sky, giant-mushroom pause? It gave the book a necessary breath before plunging us back into the deep.
I absolutely recommend The Oberon Stone. But be warned—it’s darker than book one. It’s emotionally heavier. It’s also bolder, messier, and richer. If you loved the first book, this one will break your heart and make you thank it for doing so. It’s for fans of character-driven fantasy who aren’t afraid to feel a little wrecked. Anyone into morally gray characters, epic stakes, and stories that feel like myths and memories wrapped into one—this is for you.
Pages: 277 | ASIN : B0CLDCT9D7
The Pandora’s Box
L.S. Franco’s The Pandora’s Box is a coming-of-age fantasy that throws you into the chaotic, heart-wrenching, and ultimately magical life of 14-year-old Liam Hale. After the sudden loss of his mother, Liam stumbles upon a hidden world full of demigods, cosmic wonders, and parallel universes. What starts off as a rough summer in Florida quickly morphs into an urgent quest involving magical schools, mysterious holograms, ancient mythologies, and a ticking clock to save the world from spiraling evil. Franco balances it all with humor, emotion, and a relatable teen protagonist.
What really stood out to me was the emotional depth in the opening chapters. Liam’s grief over his mom’s death felt raw and authentic. That moment where he holds the green hurricane-patterned mug she gave him was emotional. The mug becomes more than a memory. It’s almost like a stand-in for his mom, a symbol of comfort and loss, and the way Franco uses it later (as a literal gateway to magic) was both clever and poetic. I felt like I was right there with him—awkward, overwhelmed, and trying not to fall apart. Even when things got fantastical, the emotional throughline grounded the story.
The writing is fast-paced and dialogue-heavy, which made it really easy to get into, even during more expository moments. I especially liked the dynamic between Liam and his best friend Ada—her personality bursts off the page. She’s loud, bold, slightly chaotic, and totally loyal. Their banter adds so much charm. When she gifts him the matching LA pendant and calls him “bestie,” you can practically see Liam’s heart crack just a little. He’s totally smitten, and it’s adorably painful. Franco nailed that awkward, hopeful teen crush energy without being corny.
Then there’s the twist: Liam is a second-generation demigod and heir to the “Keeper of the Seven Wonders” throne. His mother’s hologram spills the beans in what might be the most emotionally charged info-dump I’ve ever read. It was wild, but also kind of epic. The idea of seven parallel universes, a magical school hidden within a regular university, and secret codes inside mugs and journals gave it this mash-up vibe—like Percy Jackson meets Spy Kids with a sprinkle of Inception. The dream sequence with the unicorn and the mermaid was unsettling and beautiful. I wasn’t always sure what was real, but I didn’t mind. That’s part of the charm.
The Pandora’s Box is an emotional rollercoaster wrapped in magic and teenage angst. It’s for anyone who ever felt like they didn’t belong or wanted to escape their reality just for a little while. It’s especially great for young teens who love fantasy but want stories with heart—and some very real-world grief. That said, even as an adult, I found it moving and imaginative.
Pages: 256 | ASIN : B0DKMVCVNS
The Fullness of Time
Do you have a favorite book or story that you read repeatedly until you know it by heart, making the characters feel real? Have you ever wished you could dive into a book and become part of the adventure, perhaps even change a few things and leave your mark on the storyline? This is exactly what happens to a twelve-year-old boy named Finn. He spends most of his time with his nose in a book, shutting out the outside world. His reading companion is his grandmother, who currently lives in a nursing home and is thought to be rapidly declining. However, what no one knows is that she holds a secret—one that Finn literally falls into. They are Storytellers: individuals who can enter books, participate in the stories, and even alter the plotlines, sometimes permanently.
Aurora Hatchel’s novel, The Fullness of Time, is the first book in her series titled The Storytellers. In this story, Finn finds himself transported into his favorite Arthurian novel, where he befriends a young Arthur and Lancelot, before Arthur pulls Excalibur from the stone. While there are many books about the legend of Excalibur, Hatchel’s novel stands out due to its human portrayal of Arthur and Lancelot as teenagers, living their lives without any knowledge of their future destinies. In contrast, Finn believes he already knows how the story will end.
The conversations among the three young men, as well as with Zoe and Merlin, are particularly engaging. The personal connections that bridge the worlds of the book and Finn’s real life highlight the universality of themes such as fear and self-doubt. Additionally, the world-building is more complex than one might initially expect. The sky shifts in colors of black and red, serving as a physical representation of Finn’s realization that the story is in flux and that the “Heart of the story” is i jeopardy. This changing sky mirrors Finn’s own emotions and uncertainty about how to navigate the unfolding situation around him
The Fullness of Time offers a fresh perspective on the teen and young adult Fantasy genres by taking a classic story and giving it a unique twist that appeals to readers of all ages. Who wouldn’t want to be there when Arthur discovers his destiny and pulls Excalibur from the stone? This book is perfect for anyone who sees reading as an escape and hopes to leave their mark on a story. I can’t wait to see what adventures Aurora Hatchel will create in this series; it will undoubtedly be an experience readers won’t soon forget.
Pages: 233 | ASIN : B0CV4MRJKV
Magic Compendium
Fantasy lovers, gather around—Magic Compendium: Tales of Illuminaria by David “DELTAKOSH” Catuhe is one of those books that feels like stumbling upon a hidden archive of ancient magic. This magical compendium chronicles the history, evolution, and structure of magic in the world of Illuminaria. Through detailed lore, it paints a world where the gods, through the Zodiac Legion, bestowed humanity with magic, leading to the formation of magic schools, disciplines, and ethical codes. It’s not so much a conventional novel as it is a deep dive into a fully fleshed-out universe, rich with history, mystery, and arcane secrets.
What struck me first was how real this world felt. The depth of thought put into the history of magic—how it started with the Zodiac Legion, how humans struggled to harness it, and how the first magic schools formed—gave the sense that Illuminaria had existed long before I picked up the book. The section detailing how different types of magic evolved was especially immersive. For example, the explanation of telekinesis—starting from merely nudging objects and culminating in grand telekinetic engineering feats—made me wish I could enroll in one of these schools myself. The writing here is methodical but never dry. It reads like a textbook, yet with the heart of a storyteller who genuinely loves the world he’s built.
The book also has a fascinating perspective on magical ethics, which adds an extra layer of depth. Instead of just listing spells and abilities, it explores the responsibilities that come with power. The protection magic section, for instance, emphasizes that magic is meant to serve the greater good, recounting the story of Merope of Taurus shielding an entire city from destruction. There’s also a dark side—like the restrictions on death magic, where one reckless student’s attempt to revive the dead led to a chilling punishment. These moments make magic feel dangerous and awe-inspiring, rather than just a convenient tool for heroes to wield.
The lore is rich, but it reads more like an encyclopedia than a novel with a traditional narrative. There are glimpses of personal stories—the doomed student experimenting with death magic, the knights of the Legion whose powers remain shrouded in mystery—but they feel like historical anecdotes rather than fully realized arcs. Still, for fans of the Tales of Illuminaria series, or for those who enjoy worldbuilding above all else, this is an absolute goldmine. On top of all that, nearly every page is adorned with fantastic artwork that is just as magical as the book itself. The detailed illustrations bring Illuminaria to life, making every spell, artifact, and historical moment feel tangible.
Magic Compendium: Tales of Illuminaria is a must-read for fantasy fans who love deep lore, intricate magic systems, and worldbuilding that feels as textured as real history. If you’re the kind of reader who devoured the appendices of The Lord of the Rings or spent hours flipping through RPG rulebooks, you’ll love this. This book is a testament to the power of imagination and the art of crafting a world that feels truly alive.
Pages: 76 | ASIN : B0DSTBGLGJ
Trust Yourself
The Whispers of Destiny follows a 12-year-old girl who discovers she can hear spirits leading her on a journey involving time travel; her mission is to unlock the power within her younger self. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Every lesson embedded in the book stems from that idea—trust yourself, follow your intuition because it truly guides you, love yourself unconditionally, make choices that align with who you truly are, and always remember that positive self-talk matters. Throughout the book, there are gentle reminders that we all have a purpose.
In a lot of 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! Emma is a reflection of me, and many of her experiences echo my own. Like Emma, I’ve always had to rely on my intuition—though I realized its power later in life. Learning to trust myself and align with who I truly am has been life-changing. There are moments in the book, particularly in Chapters 11 and 19, that are directly inspired by my own experiences. This story is as much an adventure as it is a guide for young readers. It is my story, and it’s deeply personal.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
In Whispers of Destiny, the journey is one of truth—one that whispers to the soul and stirs the heart. At its core, this story is about trusting oneself because within each of us lies a knowing you can’t shake—a voice too often drowned by doubt or fear. That voice is always there, waiting for us to trust it. Our intuition is the spirit’s quiet compass, not steering us away from struggle, but guiding us toward the lessons we are meant to learn.
I wanted to explore the power of positive self-talk—the quiet incantations we tell ourselves that shape our reality. Words—whether whispered to ourselves or spoken into the world—hold the power to build and heal. Speak to yourself as you would to the universe—with reverence, with love, with belief.
This book is also a journey through time and self-discovery, a reflection on the past not as something to regret, but as something to understand. Healing is an act of honoring both who we have been and who we are becoming. We are not bound by the mistakes of yesterday, nor must we fear the uncertainty of tomorrow. Within us lives an untapped strength—a quiet but undeniable force waiting to be embraced.
Through Emma’s journey, I hope young readers recognize their own power—to shape their destiny, rise beyond fear, and step boldly into the light of who they are meant to be.
Where does the story go in the next book, and where do you see it going in the future?
I’ve already begun writing the second book, allowing the story to unfold organically and letting Emma and Lucy’s growth feel both natural and extraordinary. Natural, because they’re two young girls growing and learning, and extraordinary because of their gift and unique lineage. What I can say for certain is that the next book is about strength and transformation—about rising through struggle and discovering the power that was within them all along. I’ve even written a poem for the next book, capturing the essence of resilience, growth, and strength. But Emma’s journey is far from over. We’ve yet to see what she’s truly capable of when she fully embraces her power and puts her mind to it.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook | Website
As Emma faces trials that test her courage, heart, and intuition, she learns to trust not only the spirit that guides her but also the strength of her mind, body, and soul. Along the way, she uncovers secrets from her family’s past, deepens her bond with her mother, and discovers the ripple effects of the choices we make.
But as Emma’s journey unfolds, the stakes rise higher. The timeline she seeks to protect is fragile, and the choices she faces could alter everything. With the spirit as her guide and her heart as her compass, Emma must navigate the fine line between destiny and free will.
The Whispers of Destiny
The Whispers of Destiny follows Emma Montgomery, a young woman drawn into a mystical path guided by whispers from an unseen force. As she unravels the power within her, she must face trials of courage, doubt, and self-discovery, all while uncovering the deep spiritual legacy that binds her to something greater. Through time travel, hidden knowledge, and encounters with both light and shadow, Emma’s journey becomes one of fate, personal strength, and trust in the unknown.
Shani Night’s writing is incredibly immersive. From the very first page, the prose hums with an almost lyrical quality, like the story itself is whispering to the reader. The opening scene, where Emma is thrust into a moment of destiny, is breathtaking. The way Night describes the forest, the key, and the ethereal presence guiding Emma is vivid, painting the setting with a blend of magic and inevitability. One of my favorite passages comes early on: “The trees stood like silent sentinels, their branches weaving a canopy of shadow and starlight.” It’s the kind of writing that makes you slow down and savor each word.
The ideas in Whispers of Destiny are what truly hooked me. This isn’t just a fantasy story it’s a meditation on belief, intuition, and the power of choice. Emma’s tests feel deeply personal yet universal, especially when she faces the “shadow” of her doubts. One of the most striking moments is when Emma encounters a darker version of herself, a manifestation of her fears, telling her she’s not strong enough. That scene hit hard. Who hasn’t had that inner voice whispering doubts? The novel does a brilliant job of balancing adventure with introspection, making it more than just an escapist read it feels like a guidebook for anyone navigating their own uncertain path.
The themes are rich, and the writing is beautifully crafted, creating a deeply immersive experience. The dialogue often carries a sense of profound insight, adding to the novel’s thoughtful tone. Lucy, as a character, is truly endearing, embodying powerful themes that make her presence especially meaningful.
I’d recommend this book to anyone who loves thoughtful, atmospheric fantasy with a strong spiritual undercurrent. If you’re drawn to stories about fate, self-discovery, and the quiet magic that lives in everyday moments, this one is for you. Whispers of Destiny isn’t just a story, it’s an experience, a whisper in the wind asking, Are you ready to listen?
Pages: 148 | ASIN : B0DTJGRWZQ
LITERARY TITAN 