Blog Archives
The Timepiece Legacy: Book One of the Timepiece Series
Dr. Bodhi McMullin has had a challenging year. Coming to terms with the divorce from his high school sweetheart, he struggles to connect with his teenage daughter. To make matters worse, his beloved Gran is now in hospice care. Having lived with her for most of his childhood, Bodhi knows better than to believe her eccentric stories—especially those involving a small pocket watch and time travel. However, even her stories couldn’t prepare him for the journey ahead, one that might help him piece together his crumbling life.
The Timepiece Legacy by Kevin D. Miller is a time-traveling, emotion-filled adventure. The story follows Bodhi as he attempts to save his family and himself from the dangers of both past and present. It’s a thrilling novel that skillfully balances emotion, romance, and adventure. Nearly all the characters are compelling, each with their own motivations and drives, making it hard not to become attached to them as their stories unfold. The narrative is filled with numerous twists and turns, keeping readers thoroughly engaged and often pleasantly surprised.
The story maintains a steady pace, ensuring readers’ interest, while the characters are richly developed and full of heart. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in fantasy. Even those not overly familiar with the genre will likely find this book easy to follow and engaging. The focus on character and story, rather than an overuse of fantasy elements, magic, and time travel, makes for a refreshing read. I look forward to seeing what adventures await Bodhi and what Kevin D. Miller will create next.
Pages: 267 | ASIN : B0CHX1W26P
Western Lights
Western Lights by C.P. Schaefer is a thought-provoking sci-fi novel set in a near-future world on the brink of irreversible climate disasters. The story follows biologist Sara Gathers, pilot Mason, and NOAA associate Ethan as they investigate alarming polar anomalies. Their journey takes an unexpected turn when they are transported back in time, where they realize that the key to preventing future climate crises lies in altering past events.
One aspect of Schaefer’s writing that I particularly enjoyed is how he makes complex scientific concepts accessible without oversimplifying them. The discussions around methane emissions and pole reversals are well-explained, allowing readers to grasp the gravity of the environmental threats without feeling overwhelmed. The use of various graphs and subheadings at the beginning of each chapter is helpful, though the consistency of these subheadings could be improved for better flow.
The character development is another strong point. Sara, Mason, and Ethan are well-rounded characters, each with distinct voices and perspectives that add depth to the narrative. The multiple points of view keep the story engaging as we see the unfolding events through different lenses. Some parts of the plot feel a bit convenient, and there are moments where the prose tends to repetitively state certain facts, which could have been streamlined for a more polished read. The narrative maintains a good pace, and the stakes are high enough to keep readers invested in the outcome. The time travel element is handled intriguingly, adding a layer of complexity to the plot without detracting from the main environmental theme.
Western Lights is a compelling read for sci-fi enthusiasts and those passionate about environmental issues. Schaefer successfully combines scientific intrigue with an engaging storyline, making it a book that not only entertains but also prompts reflection on real-world environmental challenges. I recommend this novel to readers who enjoy a blend of science fiction and environmental advocacy, as well as those who appreciate a well-crafted time travel narrative.
Pages: 434 | ASIN : B0CW18MGZK
Destination Unknown – Times Running Out
In “Destination Unknown – Time’s Running Out,” history is unraveling due to Emilie’s decision to stay in the mid-1800s. Lives are altered, destinies changed, and chaos ensues. As the Dakota War of 1862 approaches, Emilie and her family brace for devastation. Trapped between war, secrets, and the relentless accusations of townsfolk, survival is uncertain. Amidst the turmoil, Russ and Zena’s absence leaves Emilie desperate and alone. With a time machine, a daring rescue, and a heart-wrenching conclusion, the past and future collide in ways no one could predict. Can Emilie mend the fabric of time before it’s too late?
Future Unfolds
Future Unfolds, by J. L. Yarrow, is a captivating sci-fi novel that delves into the complexities of advanced time travel, weaving together multiple storylines that intersect in intriguing ways. Among the diverse cast of lead characters, Hunter emerges as the protagonist, grappling with the consequences of his time-travel escapades. Accompanied by his AI companion, Comperi, Hunter embarks on a series of time jumps to uncover the truth behind the Time Forward Project and his pivotal role in shaping the future of the world.
Yarrow’s writing style is engaging, drawing readers into a meticulously crafted time-traveling world where even the villains have richly-developed timelines and stories. The narrative is filled with twists and turns and brilliant action sequences that keep readers on the edge of their seats. The intertwining timelines add a complexity that invites readers to engage deeply with the story. While I believe it may require some back-and-forth reading to fully grasp, this intricacy is balanced by the fast-paced action, which provides constant excitement and motivation to continue.
One of the many standout aspects of the book is the character of Chen-Yi, who elicits strong emotions from the reader—a testament to Yarrow’s skill in character development, especially in the sci-fi genre where such emotional engagement is often rare. The novel’s depiction of planets and colonies is vivid and immersive, with genetic advancements, cohabitation with aliens, and advanced AI contributing to the rich atmosphere of a futuristic world. The central theme of time travel is explored in depth, highlighting the complexities and far-reaching consequences of tampering with time. The interplay between the present, past, and future is skillfully handled, showcasing the ripple effects of the characters’ actions.
Future Unfolds offers a fresh and thrilling take on the time travel genre. Sci-fi enthusiasts, particularly those who enjoy time travel plots, will find Hunter’s journey through time a compelling and exhilarating ride.
Pages: 320 | ISBN : 1611883962
Proof of Alien Intelligence
In Journey to Antares, two teens become pioneers in space exploration when drawn together by a mysterious radio message from a distant star. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I’ve presented educational programs for nearly 10,000 elementary students in schools, libraries, planetariums, and at the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum to teach them about space science and history. The most common question I get from the students is, “Are aliens real?” To address this possibility, I wrote Journey to Antares as a science fiction story about how people might respond someday if we ever found proof of alien intelligence in the form of a radio message from space.
What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
My favorite character to write for was VISTA the robot. She’s the most logical and intelligent, but she also enjoys writing songs and speaks in musical tones as she did in my TV series, Space Quest with Dr. Jim. VISTA cares very deeply about PIPER, the other robot, but she is careful not to let him know her feelings as she chides him for his silly jokes. The most challenging character to write was PIPER the robot who was learning about humor, since it wasn’t easy to come up with so many space-related jokes for him to test out on the other characters.
I find that, while writing, you sometimes ask questions and have the characters answer them. Do you find that to be true? What questions did you ask yourself while writing this story?
The biggest question I had was how to justify the selection of teenagers Tommy Cosmo and Laura Starr to be the most qualified researchers to design the new technologies for the Aurora space-time ship to reach the star Antares. It would be too easy for them to become “Mary Sue” characters, so I had them answer that question themselves in flashback scenes set five years earlier in the story. Through their actions at an earlier age, both Tommy and Laura proved their intellectual qualifications and I’ve received positive feedback for clearly addressing that issue.
Can fans look forward to more books from you soon? What are you currently working on?
I have a full set of notes for a sequel about how the characters help to save the aliens who sent the message from Antares since it turns out to be a distress call. Before I write the next book, I’m currently recording the audiobook version of Journey to Antares which will include twelve original songs that are in the text. This way, the audiobook readers will get to hear the melodies of the songs as well as the lyrics that are in the printed book. I’m also working on some animated video shorts for key scenes in the story.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
In the captivating space adventure novel Journey to Antares, we follow the remarkable tale of two young scientists, Tommy Cosmo and Laura Starr, along with their trusty companion robots, Piper and Vista. Their mission: to design and construct the spacetime ship Aurora, enabling them to journey to the past of an alien planet within the Antares star system. This extraordinary odyssey takes them to the very heart of the mystery surrounding the alien message and humanity’s response to it.
Journey to Antares is a thrilling narrative inspired by the award-winning Space Quest with Dr. Jim public-access and YouTube TV series. To aid readers in delving into the depths of space and science, the book includes a helpful glossary of scientific terms used throughout the story.
Western Lights
Western Lights, by C.P. Schaefer, is a thrilling journey through a near-future world grappling with sudden and violent environmental upheavals. The story kicks off with Ethan Sites, a young NOAA scientist, witnessing bizarre and deadly changes in the Northern Lights. These disturbances set off a chain reaction of events, including strange magnetic anomalies and catastrophic flash fires in Alaska. As Ethan and his team scramble to understand the phenomena, their efforts intersect with various global forces, from government agencies to local Alaskans, all trying to survive and decode the terrifying environmental shifts.
Schaefer’s writing is vivid and fast-paced, pulling you into the chaotic world he envisions with little room to catch your breath. I found his descriptions of the Alaskan tundra particularly immersive. The author’s impressive skill in blending technical details with a compelling narrative makes complex scientific concepts accessible without slowing down the action.
The core idea of a shifting magnetic pole causing such dramatic effects is intriguing and terrifying. Schaefer successfully taps into current concerns about climate change and amplifies them into a plausible and gripping disaster scenario. I appreciated how the novel doesn’t just focus on the spectacle of the environmental catastrophe but also delves into the human responses to it. Characters like Ethan, struggling to make sense of the science, and Sara, a whale rescuer who’s thrown into the chaos, add depth and a personal touch to the narrative. One of my favorite parts is when Ethan and Sara debate the causes and implications of the phenomena while trying to save stranded whales. This scene exemplifies how Schaefer weaves scientific discourse into the plot naturally.
Western Lights is a must-read for fans of eco-thrillers and science fiction. Schaefer combines scientific intrigue with heart-pounding action, making it an engaging and thought-provoking read. The book’s exploration of humanity’s fragility in the face of nature’s unpredictability will resonate with anyone interested in climate change or disaster stories. While I feel the breakneck pace might overwhelm some, it’s perfect for readers who enjoy being thrown into the deep end from page one.
Pages: 434 | ASIN : B0CW18MGZK
Stories With Respect and Admiration
Saint Augustine Sisterhood follows a time traveler on a dual mission to preserve the spirit of St. Augustine as she continues the search for her husband whom she lost two centuries ago at Stonehenge. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
After being introduced to the Pirate and Gypsy community in Saint Augustine I started following their activities. These are groups of people that enjoy the historical and artistic social events that they are members of. They are not the traditional gypsies that often connote negative images. I wanted to tell their stories with respect and admiration for the love and happiness that they generate. It took me nearly two years to achieve my goals.
Did you plan the tone and direction of the novel before writing, or did it come out organically as you were writing?
Whenever I start writing a new novel I always begin with a title, a cover, and a conclusion. In this case, the tone was set by the Gypsy Dancers that I followed allowing me to also add the idea of time travelers which is a perfect fit in the ancient city of Saint Augustine with all of its ghost stories and mysterious tales.
Are there any emotions or memories from your own life that you put into your characters’ lives?
In all seven novels that I have written, there is always a personal connection to people I have known, places that I visit, and experiences that I have had. In Sisterhood there are also layers of fantasy, historical fiction, and spirituality. I also paid tribute to my beloved fifteen-year-old Weimaraner, Enya, who unfortunately passed away during the writing of this novel. Lancelot, who was also another Weimaraner that I owned, was my way of honoring Enya’s lifetime of friendship.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
Currently, I am working on a stage play that is adapting Sisterhood into a musical interpretation, including the traveling Gypsies who find themselves in the St. Augustine Enchanted Grove. Also, I am writing a sequel to Sisterhood titled Saint Augustine Sisterhood in the Garden of Good and Evil. This will take the time-traveling gypsies to New Orleans, and Savannah where they will be confronted by a group of evil counterparts. I am hoping to have that novel released early next year.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
When Mandana arrives to settle the estate of her estranged Aunt Caroline, she has no intention in remaining in Florida. That is until the Sisterhood of Gypsy dancers captivates her imagination, an Irish artist enchants her with his mysterious charm, and a Weimaraner named Lancelot becomes her knight in shining armor.
Mandana soon discovers that this ancient city known for harboring ghostly spirits is also a haven for time travelers that seek refuge at the Extended Life Institute. What she doesn’t understand is her role in this mysterious story that is layered with supernatural intrigue.
Entering the “Real” World
Next Time follows a couple who fall in love despite one’s unique condition of being ripped through time unexpectedly. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The idea for Next Time was truly a lightning bolt out of nowhere, which is the only time that’s ever happened to me. I woke up at 3:30 a.m. when I was recovering from jet lag, and the basic concept popped into my brain. It must have been a good one, because I actually remembered it when I woke up. I immediately started jotting down some ideas for the story and completed writing the first draft in less than two months. To be fair, I initially resisted calling it a love story, but that’s what it turned out to be. The idea intrigued me that we see people in bits and pieces, day after day, but don’t thinking of anything of it. We see it all as continous. What about someone like Miriam who does the same, but the gaps in those bits and pieces are spread out across the calendar? She sees it as normal and is it any less of a valid perspective of continuity than ours? Does all that count as inspiration? Maybe. I just know it was a story I had to write so I could find out how it ended.
I enjoyed the romantic relationship between William and Miriam. How did their relationship develop while you were writing it? Did you have an idea of where you wanted to take it or was it organic?
Before I write anything, I usually chart out where I want the book to go with a page or so of bullet points. And then as I start writing the book, I go completely off the rails concerning those points. As I write the characters, their personality comes out in ways I didn’t expect, which to me is one of the fun parts of writing. In the case of William and Miriam, I knew I couldn’t start off with William believing her story of time-travel. He had to grow into it along with the reader. I thought it would be interesting to take a character who’s on the cusp of entering the “real” world after graduating with an advanced degree, who seemingly has his whole life planned out, and then it’s upended by a woman who’s never been able to plan more than a few minutes ahead in her own life. A lot of what you see in the book came out naturally as the story grew, hopefully just like relationships do in real life. We have an idea of where we want to take our lives but does it always turn out the way we planned it?
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
One of the things I ask myself before writing a book is the question, “Why tell this story at all?” For Next Time, the answers to that question revolved around self-sacrifice and how William and Miriam build a life together when they see each other for only hours or a few days at a time. The self-sacrifice part isn’t some noble gesture on his part. It’s a hidden part of his character that William embraces indirectly and is addressed in the story by his friends and family who don’t understand why he’d mold his life around the random appearances of Miriam. For her part, building a long-term relationship with someone is not something Miriam’s ever done in her thousand years of jumping forward through time. She knows that in a year of her time William will age 50 years, so her self-sacrifice comes about in a different way. How they get to those points and build that life is what I feel is the overall theme.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I have another book ready to release titled Assignment Day, about a high school student in 2080 who uncovers a secret regarding virtual reality that makes him the target of a hidden cabal running the world through the virtual landscape. It should be out by early 2025. I’m currently writing a sequel to First, my first professionally published novel that came out late 2023. Fans really took a liking to one of the AI characters in the book, and part of this book will be told from the AI’s point of view. I’m hoping to get the first draft done this summer so I can publish it next year as well. As to a sequel for Next Time? You never know…
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Fans of time-travel love stories as well as SF will enjoy Next Time, where a chance encounter with Miriam leaves William doubting her claims of randomly jumping forward in time. He is deeply skeptical when she tells him she’s been doing it for a thousand years. As Miriam randomly reappears over the next several months and years, they fall in love. Rumors of Miriam’s condition raise the attention of government agents and the couple scrambles to avoid people who view Miriam as a chance for experimentation.
William and Miriam explore their past, live for the brief interludes they have together, and hope for their future, all amidst living life in scattered moments. Building a life together takes time.
LITERARY TITAN 