Daniel J. Heck’s The Seal of Thomerion captivates with its interactive format, immersing readers in a meticulously crafted fantasy world. The story follows you, the reader, in the role of a veteran dwarf on a dangerous quest to save your friend Fedwick, who is suffering from a deadly and mysterious curse. Set in the enchanting land of Ambrosinia, the novel offers multiple pathways and endings, making each reading experience unique. Your choices throughout the story directly shape the characters’ fates, leading to one of 49 possible outcomes.
The novel’s standout feature is its inventive storytelling method. The interactive format introduces a level of immersion that traditional narratives struggle to achieve. Every decision carries significant weight, and the immediate repercussions make the story more engaging. The branching narrative isn’t just a clever addition; it deepens the story by allowing readers to uncover various facets of the world and its rich lore. This variety encourages repeated readings, with each session revealing fresh dimensions of the plot and character dynamics. Heck’s writing is vivid and rich in description, bringing the world and characters to life with great detail. The expansive narrative paths allow for deep exploration, though some sections offer a more leisurely pace that invites readers to fully immerse themselves in the story’s richness. The characters are skillfully developed, each with unique personalities that come alive through their dialogue and actions. The protagonist, driven by a strong sense of loyalty and honor, is relatable, and his interactions with others, such as the thoughtful and occasionally humorous cleric Bartleby, add significant depth to the narrative. The book excels at making readers genuinely care about the characters’ fates, making the choices within the story even more impactful.
The Seal of Thomerion is a must-read for enthusiasts of interactive fiction and fantasy. Its innovative format, paired with a compelling narrative and well-crafted characters, offers a refreshing twist on the genre. This novel is ideal for readers who enjoy immersive storytelling and seek a narrative that goes beyond the conventional linear structure.
Pages: 511 | ASIN : B00THH6GQ4
The Seal of Thomerion and its two sequels, The Gate to Thomerion and The Wrath of Thomerion, are self-published works on Amazon in print or ebook format.
Do You Believe in Miracles? follows a once shy teenage boy who discovers a hidden realm where he is a powerful wizard and now must decide to remain in that world or return to his mortal life.What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Two things stand out. My previous epic fantasy saga is titled The Death Wizard Chronicles, and it contains adult content that makes it appropriate for 18 and older. But I have five daughters, and the youngest one — who is a voracious reader — couldn’t bring herself to read DW. The ol’ you can’t picture one of your parents even thinking such things. So she asked me if I could write something appropriate for the 13+ age group. Hence, my teen fantasy adventure series Dark Circles was born. Do You Believe in Miracles? is book 3. The second thing that stands out is that the setting for Dark Circles is based on a small town in rural Upstate South Carolina that is near to where I currently live.
Were you able to achieve everything you wanted with the characters in the novel?
The short answer is yes. The long answer would go on forever. So I’ll give you the middle-length answer. 😀 I went to great effort to give each of my major characters real and recognizable traits such as their physical appearances, emotional responses, personality quirks, and their values, beliefs, and morals. For example, Charlie’s growth from a timid teen to a powerful wizard built slowly throughout the narrative. If you read carefully, you’ll be able to see this growth step by step, almost like walking up a long set of stairs.
What was the initial idea behind the Dark Circles Trilogy, and how did that transform as you were writing the series?
The initial idea came from the title. The trilogy is called Dark Circles for a specific reason. When teens from the real world enter the fantasy world, they are unable to sleep because an evil being haunts their dreams and is intent on killing them. Therefore, when they return to the real world, they have dark circles beneath their eyes from lack of sleep. I carried this theme throughout the series, though it became less important as the story picked up speed.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I’m working on two books: a novel and a memoir. The novel is titled Bhayatupa the Great: The Dragon Wars and is a prequel to my six-book adult epic fantasy titled The Death Wizard Chronicles. It should be available by June 2025. The memoir is titled The Adventures of a Florida boy and it chronicles what it was like to grow up in the 1960s on the west coast of Florida, a time when kids roamed wild and free. I’ll be shopping this to publishers and agents soon, so I’m at their mercy as to when it will be available.
Dark Circles is the winner of ten prestigious international awards. From the author of The Death Wizard Chronicles comes an award-winning adventure suitable for teens and adults.Do You Believe in Miracles? is book 3 of Dark Circles, a fantasy trilogy for readers 13 and older. This is a fascinating coming of age series for fans of J.K. Rowling, Neil Gaiman, and Brandon Sanderson.
Book 1: Do You Believe in Magic? (May 25, 2023) Book 2: Do You Believe in Monsters? (Oct. 23, 2023) Book 3: Do You Believe in Miracles? (April 21, 2024)
Synopsis: When Charlie Magus enters a fantastical world hidden deep in the forest, his life is turned upside down. The timid 13-year-old transforms into a powerful wizard wielding formidable magic. In the real world, life goes on as usual. But in the fantasy world, a war is brewing that will dwarf all others. Charlie’s newfound powers stand between victory and defeat. But in which world does he truly belong? Dark Circles is an adventure of epic scope. Only those with a hero’s heart will dare to stand at Charlie’s side as he battles an army of monsters led by an evil being of immense power.
Dissonance, Volume Zero: Revelation follows a man and his family on Earth who move underground when alien creatures arrive in massive numbers sparking global anxiety and uncertainty. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Well, as you know, I’ve penned a trilogy of novels called “Dissonance” that take place in 2042, 16 years after the alien invasion of 2026. The trilogy was initially intended to be just one novel, but it just kept ballooning with undercurrents of subplots, and so much more. I thought I was done when I finished the final chapter of the trilogy, but like a tractor beam, it just sucked me right back in. There was a glaring 16-year gap there ripe for the mining, and I felt an origin story was in order. I also was so pleased at the notion that, though some characters die in the trilogy (and I hate playing God, for that matter), they’re alive again in the prequel. It’s like a keen splash of water on the face when you meet an old beloved friend that you cared about. I LOVE that aspect of it. There are also characters whose backstory I really wanted to explore, such as Pastor Rosie’s. There’s a LOT to that woman. I could pen a whole trilogy based on her alone. 😊 But I did want to go back and visit the actual invasion as well as the actual day of the attacks (which happen three months apart from each other, thus brewing the anxiety you mention) and explore what that might have been like. There proved to be a treasure trove of narrative that I was able to flesh out, and consequently it’s become my favorite of the entire pentalogy-in-the-works (working on the 5th installment as we speak!) as it is loaded with a lot of heart and thematic depth.
The supporting characters in this novel, I felt, were intriguing and well developed. Who was your favorite character to write for?
Thank you! Honestly, as mentioned, it’s Pastor Rosie, but frankly I really liked writing young Cameron. He is six, bordering on seven, when the aliens invade, and it rocks his little life. His entire worldview is impacted and colored by these things, and he’s forced to sacrifice his childhood in the name of service, keeping the gorgons at bay and helping to ensure the survival of their little Blockade as he grows. I loved traveling down through the years with he and Rutty, with their dad, their mom, Sissy, the captain, all of them. It was an amazing experience to journey down through the years with them.
How did you balance the action scenes with the story elements and still keep a fast pace in the story?
That is such a great question, because it truly was a balancing act. You need peaks and valleys, rises and falls, crescendos and decrescendos. It’s a tough assignment because your blood has to get pumping on occasion, and really get immersed in the action; you have to be reminded of what a tangible, visceral threat the gorgons truly are. They border on the periphery of your entire life in a Blockade, that threat up there on the surface. So when the two worlds collide, humans are the weaker species, and as such, survival mode kicks in. My heart was pounding as I fleshed out several narratives like the moment the gorgons activate, the infiltration of the Blockade by the berserker, Andrew’s mission where he loses one of his crew, the final mission, etc. There were lots of ups and downs to balance, but I was so much more focused on telling the heart of the story, which is parenting through trauma.
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?
Well, it depends on how you look at the word ‘first.” Chronologically, yes, it comes first, as its set before the invasion of 2026, whereas the trilogy is set 16 years after the invasion in the winter of 2042. It’s a prequel, meaning “sequel that happens before.” So it depends if you like to watch Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, and The Return of the Jedi and THEN watch the prequels, or if you like to watch the prequels and THEN the original trilogy. Ultimately, Dissonance Volume Zero: Revelation and Dissonance Volume I: Reality are both beginnings, so you can’t go wrong starting with either. Both will tantalize you to want to read further and explore the world-building I’ve conducted across the post-apocalyptic landscape of 2042. But you may have noted that Dissonance Volume Zero: Revelation ends in 2037, and Dissonance Volume I: Reality introduces you to Earth in 2042. So, once again, I was sucked back in to mine the remaining years for content, and thus, you can expect Dissonance Volume Up: Rising before October of this year. This second prequel bridges the gap from Dissonance Volume Zero: Revelation to Dissonance Volume I: Reality. It’s coming along really well, and I’m very excited about it! But what I’m mostly excited about is for Dissonance Volume I: Reality: I’ve had it adapted to a screenplay and it’s now being pitched to major streaming networks. All of my hopes are pinned to that, and I’m very, very excited to see what comes of it. Thanks for journeying with me!
One day, they silently drifted down through our skies. We thought they were angelic messengers. We were wrong.
They arrived by the hundreds of thousands on June 6th, 2026. The aliens silently drifted down from the sky, hovering fifty feet above us for three long, tense months at a geostationary orbit, taking up positions around the world. No one knew why they came…what they wanted…or why they wouldn’t just go away.
Then, the unthinkable happened. They suddenly came to life…and hunted us down. We ended up calling them gorgons – after the mythical creature Medusa – because if we locked eyes with them, it was all over, and they could telepathically paralyze us with just one look. Once immobilized, they could consume us at their leisure, leaving us to feel every excruciating bite. There was no escape, no hiding from their relentless pursuit. Our only defense was to run.
By the end of 2026, eighty-five percent of mankind had been killed off. The alien invasion turned Planet Earth into a ghost town, with the few survivors eking out an existence in the shadows. Andrew Shipley is one such survivor thrust into an extraordinary nightmare of post-apocalyptic proportions. As chaos erupts, hope dwindles for Andrew and his wife and three small children. Will they make it? Or will the gorgons get them too?
Join author Aaron Ryan as he takes readers on a heart-pounding journey into the darkest corners of fear in the prequel to his bestselling “Dissonance” saga. “Volume Zero” is a harrowing tale of humanity’s struggle to survive a devastating alien invasion. Fans of the “Dissonance” saga and readers who enjoy tense, thrilling, and gritty survival stories will not want to miss this gripping origin story. Order your copy now before the price changes!
Utcan’s Talisman by Stella Atrium, the fifth installment in the Tribal Wars series, immerses readers in the adventurous journey of Bybiis el Putuki, a young woman entangled in daring exploits and complex political intrigues. Alongside her friend Opin, Bybiis faces the formidable challenge of resisting the manipulative intentions of the Khalif, who seeks to exploit Opin’s healing abilities for his own gain. Their escape leads them to a quaint fishing village, where they encounter new allies and reunite with Jesse Hartley. As Jesse and Hershel Henry attempt to rekindle their past connection, they must navigate the changes that time has wrought. Meanwhile, the escalating tension and peril in Utica force its inhabitants to defend their lives, even if it means defying their leaders.
Through Bybiis’s experiences, readers are drawn into Utica’s rich history and culture. Bybiis emerges as a compelling protagonist—resourceful, courageous, and unwavering in her loyalty. Her internal struggles with identity and belonging add depth to her character. The world-building in this novel is exceptional, painting a vivid picture of Utica as a city that is both familiar and otherworldly, with intricate details that enhance its allure. Atrium skillfully intertwines themes of identity, belonging, and the pursuit of knowledge as Bybiis navigates her place in the world and uncovers hidden truths. The plot is dynamic, filled with unexpected twists that keep readers thoroughly engaged. Despite the large cast of characters, each is relatable, though some may find the abrupt introductions challenging to follow. The novel’s exploration of the tension between tradition and progress is both thought-provoking and relevant, offering insights that resonate with contemporary issues. The book’s complexity can be daunting, especially at the outset, where the storyline takes time to unfold.
Utcan’s Talisman offers a rich, engaging narrative that will captivate fans of the series. Readers will be drawn into the rich world the author has created and find themselves deeply immersed in the story as it unfolds waiting to see where the characters’ paths take them next.
Daughter of Light and Dark, set in the fantastical kingdom of Rafah, is a compelling YA fantasy novel by author Ahlam Faris. The book introduces readers to Mina, a young woman with the rare ability to see Jinn without the aid of a ring. Protected by her mother, who guards this secret fiercely, Mina’s life takes a tragic turn when a devastating fire leaves her orphaned. Years later, accompanied by the enigmatic Jinn Lord of Chains, Ashrush, Mina returns to her childhood home in search of a stolen artifact belonging to her mother. This quest not only reveals the truth of her origins but also sets her on a path to save the Rafah Kingdom.
Mina’s journey of self-discovery unfolds against a backdrop of magical beings, including the Jinn and Ifrits, in a world on the brink of collapse. As the Veil that separates the realms begins to tear, Mina emerges as the potential savior of her kingdom. Faris crafts a richly detailed world filled with intricate lore and a plot that is both engaging and thought-provoking.
The story is successful in its world-building and offers a tantalizing hint of romance amidst the action. The characters that populate Mina’s world add depth to her development, particularly the mysterious Ashrush, her childhood friend Saif, and the noble Prince Zyed. Despite the mounting tension and violence from the fanatical rebel group, the Nonbelievers, these characters bring moments of levity to the story. I would love to have seen an expansion of the history of the fascinating Jinn and their descent into the human realm.
Daughter of Light and Dark is a promising debut with its engaging plot and richly imagined world, it is a worthy addition to the young adult fantasy genre, and Ahlam Faris is an author to add to any fantasy fan’s must-read list.
Mordon finds himself a captive in enemy territory, his world shattered as he confronts the moral complexities of his situation. Faced with an opportunity for redemption and power, Mordon must make a pivotal decision that will shape his destiny. Meanwhile, Coralie, the rightful queen, grapples with the immense challenges of leadership. Her kingdom is besieged by external threats and internal dissent, reeling from a recent attack by the Dark Lord Prolus. With the looming threat of the Tariqin army, Coralie is under immense pressure to protect her people and preserve their honor, even if it means forging alliances with unlikely allies. As the narrative unfolds, the fates of Mordon and Coralie become increasingly intertwined, leading to a compelling convergence of their storylines.
Heroes of the Empire Book 2: The General by Israh Azizi deftly explores themes of betrayal, power struggles, survival, love, and family relationships. The inclusion of strong female characters like Natassa and Coralie, who take the lead and fight in battles when necessary, is particularly noteworthy. Despite being perceived as weaker by their male counterparts, these women rise to the occasion, demonstrating resilience and strength. The world-building is impressive, with characters that have unique names, vivid descriptions of kingdoms, and creative language that paints a clear picture in the reader’s mind. The dialogue is engaging and unpredictable, adding depth to the characters and keeping the reader on their toes. The romance elements, such as Velamir’s attraction to Kasdeya and the budding relationship between Jax and Krea, add a pleasing layer of complexity to the story. The author’s creativity shines throughout the novel, with vivid descriptions that fully immerse the reader in every scene. To fully enjoy this series, it is recommended that you read the previous installments, though the character guide at the beginning of the book is particularly helpful in understanding the intricate web of relationships and backstories.
Heroes of the Empire Book 2: The General is a captivating blend of action, intrigue, and rich character development. With its strong themes of power, betrayal, and resilience, it offers an immersive reading experience that keeps you engaged from start to finish. The vivid world-building and unpredictable plot twists make it a compelling addition to any fantasy lover’s bookshelf, with Coralie’s courageous leadership leaving a lasting impression. Whether you’re new to the series or a returning reader, this book delivers a satisfying and thrilling journey.
An Empty House Doesn’t Sneeze offers a poignant and insightful glimpse into the complexities of growing up during one of history’s most tumultuous times—World War II. The novel centers on Scotty Johannsen, a 15-year-old boy navigating the challenges of adolescence while the world around him is engulfed in chaos. Through Scotty’s eyes, we witness the trials of friendship, family dynamics, and the struggles of coming of age in a period marked by uncertainty and loss.
Despite its heavy themes, this book is surprisingly heartwarming and nostalgic. Richardson masterfully portrays the day-to-day life of a teenager in 1943, blending humor and warmth with the serious issues of the era. His writing captures the spirit of the time with a light touch, making the narrative both engaging and accessible, even as it tackles the profound effects of the war on those living in the United States. Richardson’s respectful and thoughtful portrayal of World War II and its impact on ordinary people, particularly teenagers, adds depth to the story. It’s fascinating to imagine how a typical teenager like Scotty managed to navigate such a complex and challenging environment. One of the novel’s greatest strengths is the author’s ability to depict this experience authentically and with sensitivity. The characters, especially the siblings Greta, Scotty, and Erik, are richly developed and integral to Scotty’s journey toward maturity. Their interactions, full of both tension and tenderness, are some of the most memorable moments in the book. The way they find ways to cope with their circumstances and grow closer as a family is both touching and realistic. The chapters are well-structured, and the writing is clear and compelling, making it difficult to put the book down.
If you’re looking for a reflective yet adventurous slice-of-life novel set against the backdrop of World War II, An Empty House Doesn’t Sneeze is the perfect choice. It’s a beautifully crafted story that will resonate with anyone interested in the impacts of history’s most challenging moments.
In Dissonance, Volume Zero: Revelation, author Aaron Ryan introduces us to the seemingly idyllic life of Andrew Dylan Shipley, a man whose world is on the brink of drastic change. When alien creatures arrive on Earth in massive numbers, they initially lie dormant, sparking global anxiety and uncertainty. Andrew, along with his wife Melissa and their children Cameron “Jet,” Wyatt “Rutty,” and Adelynn “Sissy,” anxiously await the moment the aliens will reveal their true intentions. Surprisingly, the aliens remain inactive, leaving humanity in suspense. In response, governments worldwide take precautionary measures, building bunkers for a worst-case scenario—a decision that proves pivotal for the Shipley family. But as they soon discover, life underground presents its own set of challenges, testing their health, faith, and family bonds in ways they never anticipated.
As a prequel to Ryan’s Dissonance trilogy, Revelation stands on its own, requiring no prior knowledge of the series. However, for those familiar with the trilogy, there are moments that will enhance the emotional impact of the story. The novel is rich with tense, emotional scenes as the Shipley family confronts the reality of their situation. Andrew’s primary concern is the safety of his family, but he finds it impossible to shield his young children from the harsh truths of their new reality. One of the novel’s strengths is its portrayal of how these experiences profoundly affect the children. Their development is depicted organically through Andrew’s perspective, a father keenly aware of the subtle changes in his children’s behavior. This adds a deep emotional resonance to the story, making the characters’ growth both believable and impactful. The plot starts at a measured pace, allowing readers to become fully immersed in the Shipley family’s serene life before it takes a dark turn. This deliberate pacing serves to heighten the contrast between their past and the intense, fast-paced events of the latter half of the novel. As the story accelerates, it aligns seamlessly with the tone and direction of the main Dissonance trilogy, leaving readers with tantalizing hints and unanswered questions about the mysterious aliens.
Dissonance, Volume Zero: Revelation is a compelling and emotionally charged prequel that sets the stage for the rest of the trilogy. Ryan expertly balances the tension and development of his characters, making this a must-read for both newcomers and fans of the series alike. If you enjoy science fiction with strong character development and a gripping plot, this book will not disappoint.
LITERARY TITAN 