Blog Archives
The Power of S.A.D.
Maggie Lynch’s The Power of S.A.D. is a deeply moving story about resilience, survival, and self-discovery. The novel follows Akna, an eleven-year-old girl who takes on the role of caretaker for her younger sisters when their mother, struggling with addiction and mental illness, disappears for days or weeks at a time. Set against a backdrop of hardship, Akna’s journey is one of finding strength in pain, guided by the wisdom of her late grandfather, Tata. Through her eyes, we witness the power of stories, identity, and the will to endure even the darkest moments.
Lynch’s writing is gripping, pulling you into Akna’s world from the very first page. The novel opens with a gut punch, with Akna lying to nosy neighbors about her mother’s absence, who are already accustomed to covering for her. It’s a heartbreaking introduction and the way Lynch paints the scene feels raw and immediate. One of the most powerful aspects of this book is how it refuses to sugarcoat reality. Akna’s struggles feel painfully real, especially in the way she juggles fear, responsibility, and the aching need for stability. The scene where she fakes Christmas for her sisters, placing an orange in each stocking, is particularly gut-wrenching. Lynch doesn’t just tell us Akna is strong she shows us, over and over again, in moments both big and small.
One of the novel’s most compelling elements is its use of cultural heritage. Tata’s lessons about their K’iche’ ancestry and the significance of the Tzuultaqʼa’ gods add a layer of richness to Akna’s journey. These teachings become her guiding force, helping her navigate an unpredictable world. Her conversations with Tata, even after his death, offer some of the book’s most emotional moments. The flashback where he teaches her about the power of S.A.D. (Strength And Determination) is unforgettable. His belief in the unseen whether it be gods, ancestors, or the deep strength within oneself contrasts sharply with her mother’s painful rejection of their heritage. It’s a battle between remembering and erasing, and Akna is caught in the middle.
If there’s one thing that makes this book so devastatingly effective, it’s the emotional weight of Akna’s sacrifices. The moment her mother tells her she’s going to rehab and that Akna and her sisters will be placed in foster care feels like the final blow. It’s not just that she’s being taken away from everything familiar it’s the way she has to stay strong for her sisters while her own heart is breaking. Her silent goodbyes, her final desperate attempt to find a way to keep them together, her struggle to believe that things will be okay. Lynch captures the quiet devastation of being a child forced to grow up too fast with an honesty that lingers long after the final page.
The Power of S.A.D. is a book that will stay with you. It’s not just a story about hardship, it’s a story about resilience, about finding strength even when the world seems determined to break you. I would highly recommend this book to readers who appreciate emotionally intense, character-driven narratives. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to be moved, to feel something real, and to be reminded of the quiet power of survival.
Pages: 250 | ASIN : B0CZJN7HYM
Would You Rather…
Kimberly Baer’s Would You Rather… is a young adult thriller that starts as a harmless classroom game but quickly twists into something much darker. When a substitute teacher introduces a game of “Would You Rather” in physics class, the students think it’s just another way to kill time. But then, their chosen fates start coming true. Winning the lottery? Check. Losing hair? Check. Going missing forever? That’s when things get real. The story follows a group of high school students trying to unravel the mystery of their eerie predicament before it’s too late.
The dialogue is sharp, and the characters feel authentic. Henry, Blake, Ava, and their friends banter like real teenagers, sometimes goofy, sometimes awkward, but always believable. The moment the substitute teacher, Mr. Trinkley, enters the scene, the atmosphere shifts. He’s unsettling in a way that’s hard to pinpoint at first, but his chilling presence grows with every page. The game starts off lighthearted but quickly escalates. The moment Maddy pulls the card that forces her to choose between killing someone or being kidnapped by a serial killer? Goosebumps. It’s the kind of scene that makes you grip the book tighter.
Baer does a fantastic job balancing suspense with emotional depth. The friendships in the book feel genuine, especially the bond between the “Alphabet Quartet,” Ava, Blake, Charlie, and Deej. Their easy camaraderie adds a layer of warmth to the story, making the stakes feel even higher when things start spiraling. One of the creepiest moments for me was Reina’s hair loss. Her “Would You Rather” choice seemed harmless at first, but when her bald spots start appearing, it’s impossible to ignore the growing sense of doom. The way Baer describes it, little by little, until Blake accidentally yanks off her wig sent a shiver down my spine. It’s these slow, creeping horrors that make the book so effective.
The pacing is solid, though the middle drags a bit when the students are still debating whether the curse is real. I also wish we had more insight into Mr. Trinkley. He’s terrifying, but I wanted to know why, what his real deal was beyond being a creepy substitute. That said, once Maddy goes missing, the urgency skyrockets, and I couldn’t put the book down. The final chapters are a whirlwind of fear, desperation, and a race against time.
I’d highly recommend Would You Rather… it’s perfect for readers who love a mix of supernatural horror and high-stakes mystery, with just enough teenage drama to make it relatable. If you’ve ever played “Would You Rather” and thought, What’s the worst that could happen?—this book has your answer.
Pages: 178 | ASIN : B0DP364MX2
Starfall
Starfall by B.C. Charles is a gripping tale that opens with mysterious occurrences in the quiet town of Anne Falls, centering on Nathan Hawkins, a teenager juggling everyday struggles with the weight of supernatural secrets. The story weaves together local legends, paranormal investigations, and personal conflicts, exploring the fallout from a supposed extraterrestrial crash decades prior. Through Nathan’s encounters with cults, cryptic journals, and his latent pyrokinesis, the book delves into themes of identity, truth, and resilience.
I was immediately hooked by the atmospheric opening. The vivid description of a fireball crashing into Kingland Forest sets an eerie tone that persists throughout the book. Nathan’s first foray into the woods to investigate a cult gave me chills—Charles nailed the sense of danger and suspense. Yet, what I loved most was how grounded the story felt despite its supernatural elements. Nathan’s frustrations with school bullies and his strained relationship with his aunt added layers of relatability.
The writing style is straightforward yet evocative. Charles’s knack for painting tension-filled scenes shone brightest during Nathan’s confrontation with the cultists near Queen’s Lake. I found myself rooting for Nathan as he outwitted them while battling his own fears. However, I feel the dialogue among the secondary characters, like Mike and Angela, occasionally veered toward being more formal and in some instances slightly repetitive.
The ideas within the book, particularly the intersection of science, faith, and the paranormal were fascinating. I enjoyed how the AFUN archive files complemented the narrative, offering glimpses into a conspiracy bigger than Nathan. The concept of the “Daughters of Men” and their ties to Anne Falls’ history was compelling, though I wish the book had spent more time unraveling their motives. The inclusion of Nathan’s fire powers added a unique layer to the story, but it sometimes felt underutilized. I kept hoping for a deeper exploration of how his abilities connected to Starfall and his family’s mysterious past, however, this leaves an opportunity for future installations.
Starfall is a satisfying mix of coming-of-age drama and supernatural mystery. I’d recommend it to anyone who loves stories that blend small-town secrets with larger-than-life phenomena. Fans of shows like Stranger Things or books like The Outsiders with a paranormal twist will feel right at home here. The book’s heart and intrigue kept me turning pages late into the night.
Pages: 246 | ASIN : B0DLBQ1DMP
The Blood Tree
Adam J. Mangum’s The Blood Tree plunges readers into an expansive and vividly constructed fantasy world where power, survival, and the complex interplay of good and evil take center stage. The story unfolds with two enslaved protagonists, Yinashol and Verhue, whose daring escape sets them on a perilous journey across a land brimming with political intrigue, sorcery, and danger. Anchored by Mangum’s intricate world-building and a narrative that blends heart-pounding action with emotional depth, the novel unpacks themes of oppression, resilience, and destiny with raw intensity.
Mangum’s writing immediately struck me with its boldness and energy, especially in the opening chapters. Yinashol’s defiance in the face of brutal overseers jumps off the page and keeps me rooting for her. The prose here feels immediate and gritty, mirroring the characters’ harsh realities. But there were moments when the descriptions became a little heavy-handed. Yinashol’s disdain for her environment, though evocative, occasionally felt overexplained, leaving less room for readers to infer the oppressive atmosphere for themselves. The character development is deeply compelling. Verhue’s blend of scholarly intellect and quiet strength was a refreshing contrast to Yinashol’s fiery disposition. Their dynamic evolves naturally, highlighted in scenes like Verhue’s ascent up the old tree to orient himself in the wilderness. The moment when Yinashol surprises him with her agility and warmth adds a tender humanity to an otherwise grim narrative.
The book shines brightest in its handling of magic. Mangum’s depiction of Yinashol’s powers, especially her use of sorcery to manipulate plants and stones, was thrilling and visceral. The sequence where she weaponizes a bean plant to incapacitate her oppressor left me stunned—it’s rare to see magic depicted with such creativity and weight. Yet, for me, this same fascinating strength occasionally seemed overpowered. I felt it stretched believability even within the story’s fantastical framework.
The Blood Tree is a richly imagined and emotionally charged tale that will appeal to fans of high-stakes fantasy with morally complex characters. Readers who enjoy works like Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn series or Leigh Bardugo’s Grishaverse novels will likely find much to love here. If you’re ready to be swept away by a tale of rebellion, courage, and the cost of power, this one’s worth your time.
Pages: 424 | ASIN : B0CDCLZGKB
RUN, GIRLS: A Memoir of an Appalachian Family in Crisis
Jenny Cafaro’s Run, Girls: A Memoir of an Appalachian Family in Crisis is a raw and deeply personal memoir that chronicles the author’s tumultuous upbringing in the Appalachian foothills. From the opening pages, it’s clear that this is not a sugar-coated tale but rather an unflinching exploration of generational trauma, survival, and resilience. Cafaro guides readers through her chaotic childhood, marked by domestic violence, poverty, and moments of unexpected grace, as she and her family navigate life in a world both beautiful and harsh.
What struck me most about the book is Cafaro’s ability to vividly capture the emotional and physical landscapes of her upbringing. In “Wallpaper Snow,” she paints a haunting scene where a shotgun blast turns a wall into a cascade of shredded paper, a moment that symbolizes both destruction and surreal beauty. Cafaro’s language here feels cinematic, and I couldn’t help but feel like a silent observer in the room, holding my breath as chaos unfolded.
Her storytelling is visceral and unapologetically honest, which made it impossible for me to put the book down. At times, the sheer weight of the violence and trauma described can feel overwhelming, though this is arguably intentional. These harrowing details serve a purpose, they underscore the desperation and courage of a family trying to escape a dangerous cycle. Cafaro balances these moments with glimpses of her family’s toughness and humor, offering a much-needed reprieve and highlighting the complexity of her experiences.
One of the memoir’s greatest strengths is its portrayal of resilience. Cafaro’s mother emerges as a figure of grit and determination, battling rodents in a camper with a hammer or carrying her children to safety while dodging bullets. These moments left me in awe of the human spirit’s capacity to endure.
Run, Girls is a heart-wrenching yet inspiring memoir that will resonate with readers who appreciate stories of survival against all odds. Cafaro’s candid prose and vivid storytelling make this a compelling read, though it’s not for the faint of heart. I recommend this book to those who value unvarnished accounts of family dynamics and those who find strength in tales of overcoming adversity. This memoir doesn’t just tell a story, it grabs you by the hand and pulls you into the Appalachian hollers, leaving you changed by the journey.
Pages: 264 | ASIN : B0CP3DCLSH
TWO CROWNS, THREE BLADES
In the wake of Madam Dunn’s death, Sibil declares her intent to join the army, openly vowing to strike against The Guild. Whispers of a young woman wielding a dagger adorned with a red-jeweled bone handle, slaying giants, tangle with rumors of the Wisperal’s return. Are these two tales connected? The narrative unfolds as an unlikely duo—a determined girl and an aging man—embarks on a perilous journey through a tumultuous world. Together, they navigate dangers and surprises, pursuing separate but intertwined goals.
Two Crowns, Three Blades, which is book two in The Legends of Baelon by Robert A. Walker, delivers a sprawling and intricate plot, anchored by engaging characters and formidable challenges. From a deadly pact to eliminate two kings to the intricacies of battle strategies, the novel seizes readers’ attention with its high-stakes missions and life-or-death gambits. The war strategies stand out as a highlight, evoking the grandeur of Tolkien’s beloved fantasy epics like The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Discussions of medieval tactics—from bracing for volleys of arrows to weighing the risks of cavalry against spiked barriers—are rich with detail and lend authenticity to the book’s action sequences.
Walker’s prose vividly captures the world through his characters’ eyes, immersing readers in the unfolding drama. His ability to bring even minor characters to life is evident through meticulous descriptions, such as the “small curved nose, taut cheeks, and thin lips” of a striking female figure. These details ground the fantastical setting in a sense of realism. The Wisperal herself is a standout element, shrouded in an aura of awe and menace. Rumors paint her as a giant slayer, a figure who hunts the wicked and delivers them “to Baelon below.” Her mythic presence elevates the stakes and deepens the intrigue, making her one of the story’s most compelling elements.
The abundance of characters—kings, enemies, and allies—woven into an intricate web of missions and alliances will appeal to readers who seek a rich, character-driven saga. Walker crafts a tale brimming with twists, suspense, and engaging fantasy elements. Fans of intricate political intrigue, thrilling action, and clever strategic planning will find much to enjoy. Two Crowns, Three Blades offers a captivating blend of epic adventure and imaginative storytelling.
Pages: 393 | ASIN : B0DRFF2V9D
Dissonance Volume IV: Relentless
Dissonance Vol IV: Relentless plunges readers into a dystopian future teeming with suspense, sacrifice, and survival. Set in 2045, this sixth installment in the Dissonance series continues the tale of humanity’s fight against gorgon invaders and the daunting task of rebuilding a decimated world. From the remnants of a shattered society to a cautious hope for revival, Ryan weaves together action and introspection, offering a gripping conclusion to his saga. It’s not just about survival; it’s about reckoning with humanity’s mistakes and rediscovering its potential for resilience.
What stood out most to me was Ryan’s ability to blend large-scale world-building with deeply personal stories. The description of Earth’s post-gorgon condition is chillingly vivid: collapsing cities overtaken by nature, underwater subway tunnels, and the haunting remains of iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower. Yet, amidst this decay, Ryan doesn’t lose sight of the human element. The scenes of survivors learning to speak aloud again after years of silence gave me chills. It felt so raw, so real, and it made me appreciate the psychological scars left behind. However, at times, these poignant moments risked being overshadowed by the extensive exposition detailing the state of infrastructure.
Ryan’s writing shines most when exploring moral conflicts and relationships. President Cardona’s internal struggle with leadership and the weight of past decisions resonates deeply. His meeting with the disgraced Jean Graham, who oscillates between bitter defiance and hollow regret, was a standout scene. Graham’s sardonic commentary, paired with Cardona’s quiet resolve, created a compelling interplay of justice and accountability. Yet, I couldn’t help but feel that some character arcs, like Pastor Rosie’s, deserved more closure.
The beginning felt like a slow burn, meticulously laying out the consequences of the war and the fragile rebuilding process. While this approach enriched the world-building, it occasionally slowed the momentum. However, once the narrative shifted to the looming threat of Francine 45 and the secrets left behind by Graham’s regime, I was fully hooked. The stakes climbed with every page, leaving me racing to the finish line.
Relentless is a meditation on loss, leadership, and the unyielding human spirit. Aaron Ryan has crafted a world that feels lived-in. I’d recommend this science fiction book to fans of dystopian tales that balance gritty realism with glimmers of hope. Whether you’re a longtime follower of the Dissonance series or new to its universe, this installment is worth your time.
Pages: 382 | ASIN : B0DK5YCPFL
A Story Someone Needs to Hear
The Call of the Dreamwalkers follows an ordinary teenager trying to fit in who discovers that she is a “Light Warrior” and must stop a dangerous attack originating from another realm. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration came years ago when I was taking my then teenage daughter to school. We were discussing what kind of book she would like to read and I told her the story spontaneously, as if I was downloading it from the ethers. When I went back home, I wrote the story down in a notebook so I wouldn’t forget it and kept it in a drawer. And then, during the pandemic, I realized I couldn’t delay writing this story anymore because there could be a teenager somewhere who really needed to hear it.
What were some of the trials that you felt were important to highlight the character’s development?
Ana, the protagonist, is a phobic teenager who has trouble making friends and is terrified of the dark. When her only friend falls into a coma after a strange accident, Ana is desperate to wake her friend up. But in order to do this, she has to build the courage to face her worst fears and become a leader.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The themes I wanted to address are bullying, mental health, teenage suicide, personal empowerment, and spirituality.
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?
I wrote the book as a stand-alone with the possibility of a sequel. I am developing the second book, so it’s becoming a series, and I expect the second volume to come out by the end of 2025 to early 2026.
Author Links: Instagram | TikTok | GoodReads | X | Website
Every shy ninth-grader has dreams—to fit in, to talk to their crush, maybe even to become popular. For Ana, those dreams are overshadowed by a nightmare when her only friend, Heloise, falls into a coma after a suspicious bus accident. Her world crumbles. School becomes unbearable. Until one fateful night, a strange dream becomes her lifeline.
Meet Arcadion, a mysterious light being who unveils a chilling reality—dark forces known as “Mind Worms” exist, feasting on the vulnerability of young minds, pushing them to unimaginable lengths of destruction. They targeted Heloise, and now they’ve set their eyes on Ana.
But all is not lost—Ana is destined to fight, to become a “Virtue,” a force for good.
Her mission? Save Heloise, save her school, and save herself. To do this, she must enlist her classmates to stand with her as warriors of light and confront their deepest fears.
It’s more than just a fight for survival—it’s a battle for their souls. But will the Virtues have what it takes to face the hideous Mind Worms in their own realm? Or will they be enslaved forever?
A gripping novel that will challenge you, inspire you, and make you question—Do you have what it takes to face your fears and fight for what’s right? Join Ana on her extraordinary journey!
LITERARY TITAN 