Blog Archives
The Ruinous Curse: The Hunt for Alesta
The Hunt for Alesta kicks off Mark K. McClain’s “The Ruinous Curse” series with the story of Barrett, a prince caught between duty, prophecy, and personal longing. As his kingdom teeters on the edge of war, Barrett discovers not only that magic might live inside him, but also that he’s at the heart of a much larger destiny. Alongside loyal friends Zanora, Gaia, and Unger, he battles dark forces, navigates hidden tunnels and magic festivals, and must decide whether to wield ancient power or follow a simpler path. The book weaves friendship, fear, and growing up into a quest full of danger and mythic weight.
What stood out most to me was how deeply human Barrett felt. He’s not some perfect hero. He hesitates, he doubts, and he fumbles through his feelings for Zanora like any teenager would. That made his story so much more relatable. The magic and world-building had a classic fantasy feel, but the dialogue kept it fresh. There’s a bit of whimsy here, like talking doors, cheeky magical creatures, and floating gossip orbs, but it’s grounded by the looming threat of war and the emotional weight of loss. McClain isn’t afraid to slow down for a tender moment or dive into darker territory.
The setup took a while, and while I enjoyed the time with the characters, I found myself itching for the real stakes to kick in. Still, once the action started, especially with the chase through Ashton and the reveal of Barrett’s power, I was hooked. There’s also a lot of prophecy talk, which can get a little heavy-handed, but it didn’t stop me from caring about the choices Barrett had to make. McClain manages to keep the story from veering into cliché by injecting heart into every turn, even when the tropes feel familiar.
The Hunt for Alesta is a heartfelt and imaginative coming-of-age story wrapped in the trappings of high fantasy. I’d recommend it to younger readers who loved the early Percy Jackson books or fans of coming-of-age tales in magical worlds like Eragon or the Earthsea Cycle. It’s for those who want magic with emotion, action with meaning, and friendships that feel real. It spins a tale worth following, and I’m excited to see where Barrett’s story goes next.
Pages: 301 | ASIN : B0B4V5BMLG
Balance of Light
I found myself completely caught up in a story that’s both wildly imaginative and emotionally grounded. The book picks up right after the events of Jigsaw of Light, with teenage protagonist Zeb Ross now back in Cornwall but quickly swept into another quest involving ancient crystals, Atlantean tech, and global mystery. From remote islands in the Pacific to secret underwater civilizations, Zeb and his companions, Kaia and her father Professor Garcia, travel through wormholes using a mystical surfboard as they try to unlock the secrets of a long-lost civilization and prevent another catastrophic planetary reset.
I really enjoyed the way this book blended myth with modern storytelling. It’s like Atlantis met Indiana Jones, but with teenage leads and a strong environmental thread running through it. The author writes with cinematic flair. Scenes leap off the page with vivid imagery, especially underwater or during high-stakes encounters. And while the plot leans heavily into fantasy and sci-fi territory, there’s a core of emotional realism that grounds it all. Zeb’s inner conflict, his loss, his drive to find purpose, it all felt honest, even with glowing surfboards and time-twisting wormholes involved.
A few moments between Zeb and Kaia felt like they came from a YA romance checklist, and some of the villains had that over-the-top vibe that made them hard to take seriously. But I also kind of loved that. The book doesn’t shy away from big emotions, grand gestures, or high drama. It feels like the author just went for it, fully embracing the epic scope of the story. There’s a confidence to that I admire.
Balance of Light is a thrilling and heartfelt adventure that delves deep into myth, memory, and meaning. It’s for readers who like their fiction fast, vivid, and unafraid to ask big questions about humanity’s place on the planet. If you’ve got a love for the ocean, ancient mysteries, or stories where young people carry the fate of the world on their shoulders, then this book is worth the dive.
Pages: 332 | ASIN : B0DHV4CLCM
A Connection of Souls
Kheira & Khogee: The Legend Begins follows two soul-connected beings who are Twin Flames separated by memory loss and a mission that transcends lifetimes and galaxies, and together must resist powerful agents sent to erase them from existence. What was your inspiration for creating the kind of relationship that Kheira and Khogee have?
My inspiration came from a desire to showcase a genuine relationship, between souls having a human experience, primarily based on trust, loyalty and friendship.
Your characters go on a deeply emotional and transformative journey in your novel. Is this intentional or incidental to the story you want to tell?
Their bond and story unfolded organically within my consciousness every time I sat down to continue writing their story. It was like I was an observer to their story and just as surprised as a reader as to what happened next.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Some of the most important themes I wanted to portray were trust, loyalty and a connection beyond time and space. I feel most of what we see in entertainment today is based on a physical connection. I desired to bring to life a story where the connection was at a soul level.
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?
The first book ended with a cliffhanger and my goal is to pick up where ‘The Legends Begins‘ ended with ‘The Legend Continues‘. I do not have a firm release date yet but my goal is to get it published sooner than later.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Instagram
Things take an unexpectedly shocking turn when Kheira suddenly forgets who she is, which puts a strain on their mission and relationship together, but Khogee is there for Kheira to help her remember who she is, their bond, and their purposeful plan for saving the galaxy together.
At the heart of this cosmic adventure are vibrant dialogues that drive a journey of fierce battles, hidden truths, and shocking betrayals—even from their own family. Each dangerous mission reveals new secrets, adding layers to their unforgettable voyage across space and time.
Kheira & Khogee: The Legend Begins offers you the experience of a lifetime! Buckle up! Don’t miss it!
Mama I Owe You Nothing
Mama, I Owe You Nothing and Daddy Even Less by Simmer Breeze offers a thought-provoking exploration of the intricate dynamics between parents and their children. The author sets a strong premise, asserting that engaging in consensual unprotected sexual activity demands accountability for any resulting consequences. This stance forms the foundation for a deep dive into the complexities of the parent-child relationship, addressing issues from gender roles and divorce to the challenges of adult children caring for aging parents.
With a comprehensive lens, the book examines family dynamics through biological, social, and legal perspectives, encouraging readers to reassess and expand their understanding of these relationships. The author’s approach is refreshingly direct, moving swiftly from one topic to another while maintaining clarity and focus. Despite its brevity, the book serves as a compact guide to navigating life’s familial intricacies, blending discussions of U.S. laws, societal views, and personal opinions seamlessly.
One particularly compelling aspect is the author’s ability to intertwine diverse elements, from biology to constitutional law, offering readers a multifaceted perspective on family-related issues. There are strong opinions given throughout the book, particularly on sensitive topics like abortion. Early in the text, the author’s perspective on abortion might be interpreted as leaning critical, which could potentially distance some readers with differing viewpoints. While this impression may vary among readers, it slightly shifts the book’s otherwise balanced exploration. Structurally, I think a chronological arrangement, beginning with early pregnancy and moving through the stages of life, including elder care, might enhance the book’s readability and overall coherence.
Mama, I Owe You Nothing and Daddy Even Less remains an informative and thought-provoking read, shedding light on essential aspects of family dynamics that resonate in daily life. I recommend it to anyone seeking to better understand the multifaceted relationships within families.
Pages: 65 | ASIN : B0CNKVQTH6
Zeus Legacy: An Epic Illustrated Science Fiction Novel from the Tales of Illuminaria
In Zeus Legacy, David ‘Deltakosh’ Catuhe tells a staggering tale of technology, humanity, and godhood through the eyes of Megara, a former human turned divine overseer of the planet Illuminaria. Framed as a memoir, the book weaves Megara’s personal journey, from her origins on a near-future Earth teetering on dystopia to her ascension as the godlike leader of a new civilization. We follow her across space and time as she attempts to rebuild humanity, guiding it with AIs styled after Greek gods, all while wrestling with grief, guilt, and the relentless weight of her choices. The story is part science fiction epic, part philosophical thought experiment, and part raw emotional journal.
I liked how intimate the story felt, despite its enormous scale. Catuhe’s writing is sharp and deeply personal, filled with emotional highs and lows that hit hard. Megara doesn’t speak like a sterile AI or a detached deity. She curses, she cries, she panics, and she tries, again and again, to do better. The prose isn’t flowery or complex, which actually works to its advantage. It’s direct and heartfelt, and that made her voice ring true. The pacing is fast but never rushed, and the mix of advanced sci-fi with old mythological motifs adds a layer of poetry to the tech-heavy plot. At times, it reads like a diary from a weary god trying to keep it together while watching her creation unravel.
The book doesn’t pull punches about human nature, and there were stretches that left me feeling bleak. Still, it never felt hollow. Megara’s despair is balanced by moments of wonder and quiet beauty. Her friendship with Demeter, an AI with a soft spot for nature, was especially moving. I found their connection oddly touching, more human than most human relationships in the book. And even when things go completely off the rails, there’s a pulse of hope running underneath it all, no matter how faint.
Zeus Legacy is a fierce, deeply reflective piece of sci-fi that isn’t afraid to ask big questions or explore dark truths. If you’re someone who loves sweeping space sagas with emotional weight, ethical dilemmas, and a hefty dose of heartbreak, this book is worth your time. It’s not a light read, but it’s the kind of story that earns that weight. I’d recommend it to fans of Mass Effect, Foundation, or The Left Hand of Darkness.
Pages: 102 | ASIN : B0DX38CGNZ
Quest for the Austral Amulet
Quest for the Austral Amulet is a coming-of-age adventure wrapped in mystery, folklore, and a good dose of heart. The story follows thirteen-year-old Rebecca Harley, a quiet, introspective girl who inherits a mysterious diary from her late great-grandmother. The journal reveals long-buried family secrets and clues to the elusive Austral Amulet, which may be tied to a generational curse. Fueled by a yearning for purpose and belonging, Rebecca sets out on a secret journey alongside her estranged childhood friend Isaac and a curious historian, Dr. Bellamy. Their expedition becomes more than just a treasure hunt, it turns into a search for identity, courage, and healing, all while being pursued by those with darker motives.
Reading this book was like getting swept away into a dream. The writing has a quiet beauty to it. It’s soft, lyrical at times, and deeply emotional. Wilson’s portrayal of Rebecca is so intimate and raw that I found myself rooting for her from the very first page. She’s not a typical hero, and that’s what makes her story shine. Her loneliness, her yearning to matter, and her gradual blooming into someone brave enough to take on the unknown, it all felt so real and familiar. The way the story blends old family legends with modern-day adventure is clever and gripping, with just enough magic to keep you turning the pages late into the night.
But what I really liked were the relationships. The way Rebecca and Isaac slowly find their way back to each other was touching, filled with awkwardness and quiet trust. And Dr. Bellamy? She’s the adult every kid wishes they had in their corner: smart, open-minded, and willing to believe in something bigger. There’s a gentleness in how Wilson writes about belonging and loss, and a sense of wonder that pulses through every map, puzzle, and whispered secret. The threats never felt too dangerous, and the bad guy didn’t carry much weight emotionally. Still, the emotional arc more than made up for it.
This book reminded me of what it feels like to believe in something bigger than yourself. It tugged at the part of me that still wonders what secrets might be hiding in an old attic, or what stories my own family has buried in time. I’d recommend Quest for the Austral Amulet to readers young and old who love adventure stories with heart. It’s perfect for kids who’ve outgrown fairytales but still want a bit of magic, and for adults who want to feel like a kid again, even just for a while.
Page : 308 | ASIN : B0CVRMQWQ1
The Dungeon of Peril Mystery: A Case Twins Adventure for Teens (Case Twins Adventures)
Dorian Rockwood’s The Dungeon of Peril Mystery is a delightfully old-fashioned teen mystery wrapped in charm, humor, and just enough shadowy suspense. It follows seventeen-year-old twins Paul and Dan Case, one is a budding boxer, the other an aspiring artist, as Dan lands a paid art commission that seems simple enough: paint portraits of a wealthy woman’s dogs. But what starts as a lighthearted gig in a quirky old mansion quickly turns into a puzzle involving odd sightings, whispered warnings, and a supposed haunted dungeon. With sharp wit, clever pacing, and characters that leap off the page, the story blends humor, teen antics, and mystery in equal measure.
What I liked most was the voice. It’s cheeky and self-aware, never trying too hard to be clever but landing plenty of genuinely funny moments. Dan and Paul feel like real brothers. They’re constantly teasing, deeply loyal, and occasionally exasperating each other. The banter had me smiling more than once. And Rockwood’s writing balances that humor with atmosphere surprisingly well. The mansion felt both cozy and creepy, like something out of an old Saturday matinee mystery. The author also has a knack for dialogue that feels sharp and snappy without sounding fake or forced.
That said, the story doesn’t reinvent the wheel, and that’s okay. It doesn’t need to. There’s comfort in its throwback charm. The mystery is more Scooby-Doo than Sherlock Holmes, but it’s paced well, and there’s a pleasant confidence to the writing that made me trust the ride. The characters carry the book, especially Dan, whose earnestness and occasional awkwardness made him easy to root for. I also appreciated how the book wove in themes of artistic self-doubt, friendship, and responsibility without hammering them over the head.
The Dungeon of Peril Mystery is a feel-good read that blends humor and intrigue in just the right amounts. I’d recommend it to anyone who loves classic teen sleuth stories with a modern wink. It’s great for younger readers looking for something fun but not too fluffy, or for grown-ups like me who still love a good mystery set in a spooky old house. If you enjoy a light read with heart, you’ll find this one an easy pick.
Pages: 194 | ASIN : B0F2J8P8YC
“What if ….”
The Secret Hamlet follows a brave and intuitive young woman gifted with a mysterious spiritual connection who gives birth to her daughter under extraordinary circumstances, causing her and her found family to seek a life away from the threats. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
It started with a “What if ….”. The ongoing barrage of news and media was woven with overwhelming stories around war. Brian starting thinking … Are women starting these wars? Are they involved in the planning? What if they did … and they were. Would the world be a different place today? Women aren’t the power brokers at the war tables. They, and children, are always the victims. What if women could have a deep and ongoing voice and strength?
Originally, more books were planned, but as we dove into it, multiple changes happened. More characters evolved. They spoke to us—even challenging some of the situations we wrote and the dialogue used. Skills started to surface in book 1, The Secret Journey that weren’t originally thought of, they just bubbled up as we wrote together—never in our minds in the beginning.
Brian had a first draft and joined forces with Judith, someone who had written several books and had an expertise in writing about women. Wanting to help Brian get the book done, the characters took her over, waking her at night. She was committed to completing the book, not realizing that they had a solid series in their hands.
We write differently from other partners. One of us will start a chapter in a Word document, then it’s Zoom time where Judith becomes the wordsmith and types away as they both talk, view, and verbally write together for a two or three hour stretch nonstop in a full collaboration.
Typically, we complete a chapter within one to two sessions. During those sessions, we banter back and forth as Judith writes and talk forward as to what we see is coming or needs to be created to fill a void that has bubbled up as we work together. What works here is we are both in the same place, with the same mind/talk think., bouncing live ideas off of each other … and then a “Yeah, that works…”
I found the characters in your story to be relatable and engaging. What character did you enjoy writing for?
Always Nichol and what we could do with her. The “what if she …” was a common phrase between the two of us. Nichol became part of us, almost like family—the one who bypassed fear did what needed to be done. Judith loves to describe her as a “badass young woman who can take down four men in one minute with a bow and arrow—something that was never imagined in the beginning. As Brian says, “Why not have a young woman do great things, unexpected things … why is it always the men in stories?” We let Nichol’s vision become the roadmap for us … often not knowing what she would reveal as the writing evolved.
The monk Timo was just this kind man who was open for Nichol to be what she was and would become. His nonjudgment has become a huge strength in her … and himself. Timo was always going to be a good guy and friend. We didn’t see him as a major character and he let us know he was and will be forward in the series.
Shadow, the wolf pup introduced in the first book, The Secret Journey, was a “bubbled up” storyline that became a major in all the books. As a protector of Nichol, she’s one smart wolf, reading sign language and anticipating Nichol’s and her children’s needs.
Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
Book 1, The Secret Journey introduced three cruel characters—Astrid the cruel mother, Fredric the vicious half-brother, and Priest Loupe who dripped with everything bad about the church. Astrid withers away in The Secret Hamlet, but we allowed Fredric and Priest Loupe to gather in building turbulence throughout and we planned deliciously for their downfall. What awful things could we do? You will see in Book 3 The Secret Rise!
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Women are hot! Women can be smart … Women can get it done. Women can meet and handle challenges. And that working together works. The theme of family and caring for others, even when they are family, is important—for them and for self. The power of building a community and creating a gathering place where the glue can be spread and trust developed.
In the beginning of The Secret Hamlet, with Nichol and her family on the run from the greedy and evil Priest Loupe, she comes across a young woman in a daze who recently gave birth from a rape and not wanting anything to do with the baby. She and the infant were thrown away by the young woman’s family. Instantly grasping the situation, Nichol, on the run herself, promises her sanctuary and saying, “Your child will become my son. All I ask is that provide him milk until he no longer needs it. I will care for him with my infant daughter.”
Where does the story go in the next book, and where do you see it going in the future?
Empowerment runs through Book 3 The Secret Rise and the mystical Lady remains with her, her three children, and those she is in close contact with. Also scandal, tragedy, and triumph. Her strengths continue to grow and she now sees variations of them within her children. Nichol becomes a trusted advisor to Duke Richard—saving his life—and Shadow has pups, introducing them to become heroes and setting the stage for Book 4, The Secret Awakening.
Author Links: X | Facebook | Website
WINNER! American Fiction Awards … Fantasy Historial Fiction
Can the Hamlet of Harmonie Remain Hidden?
It’s the 11th century and Nichol with an infant daughter must escape Paris with her extended family. In Book 2 of the Harmonie series, The Secret Hamlet, the power of Nichol is turned loose. At her side is Shadow, her wolf-dog. In the bitter winter, she has become the target of the ruthless priest Loupe and her evil brother Fredric, both in pursuit of her and her daughter, Lucette.
With her expanding vision and skills coupled with the guidance of the Lady, Nichol leads her family, and those in need, to the creation and development of Harmonie. Hidden within the Kingdom of Normandy, Harmonie abuts No Name, another hidden hamlet.
Will the jeweled dagger stay in the hands of the rightful owner?
Will Nichol’s friendship with the new Queen of England benefit both?
Will the alliance with the Duke of Normandy protect the Harmonites?
Will more secrets be revealed by Nichol, Robert, Ezra, Helene, and Timo?
And … will the alliances last? Will the Lady stay by Nichol’s side?
The Secret Hamlet is Book 2 in the Harmonie series.
Authors Brian Barnes and Judith Briles weave a book series for the reader to open and fall into. It’s historical fiction that unravels the 11th century. Out of the darkness comes the empowerment of Nichol … a sanctuary, and the revelation of what women with vision can achieve.
LITERARY TITAN 