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Kheira & Khogee: The Legend Begins
Kheira & Khogee: The Legend Begins is a cosmic love story wrapped in science fiction, spirituality, and mysticism. At its heart, it’s about two soul-connected beings, Kheira and Khogee, who are Twin Flames separated by memory loss and a mission that transcends lifetimes and galaxies. Kheira has forgotten who she is. Khogee remembers just enough to guide her back to herself. Together, they must resist powerful agents sent to erase them from existence and rekindle the deep spiritual light that binds them across space and time.
The book is written almost like a telepathic dialogue between lovers, with a flow more like a play than a novel. It’s heavy on feeling and energy and light on traditional narrative structure. At times, this made it difficult to follow, especially since the plot dips in and out of time and dimensions without much warning. But strangely, that worked. The lack of structure echoed the timeless, otherworldly nature of their connection. It felt less like reading a story and more like being swept up into someone’s intimate dream.
Emotionally, the book hit me in waves. There’s a yearning between the two leads that’s raw and constant, and I was moved by their devotion. The writing focuses more on energy exchanges and inner awakenings than on external world-building or dialogue. That’s not a flaw, it’s a choice, but it means the story will either totally click with you or leave you lost. What stood out to me was the unwavering message of unconditional love, spiritual power, and remembering who you truly are. It’s beautiful. At times, it’s overwhelming. But it’s always sincere.
I found Kheira & Khogee: The Legend Begins to be less of a sci-fi adventure and more of a soul journey. I’d recommend this to readers who are deep into spiritual work, soulmates, reincarnation, or Twin Flame concepts. If you’ve ever felt like you’re waking up to something ancient and real inside you, this might feel like home.
Pages: 243 | ASIN : B0DMG8CSXW
When Do the Ends Justify the Means?
The Loss of What Is Past continues the journey of a physicist and time traveler, trapped decades in the future, who is torn between a lost love from the 2050s and the new life he has built in the future. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My debut novel, The Lightning in the Collied Night, explored the power of love and forgiveness to transform a person, or perhaps a world. I thought it would be interesting in the sequel to introduce a different, darker aspect of love: what happens when love becomes obsessive, such that it clouds judgment? I also delved into what can happen when brilliant, well-intentioned people overestimate their abilities to the point of overconfidence, or even arrogance. Also, I wanted to answer questions that readers of Lightning may have had about events that were mentioned there but not covered in detail.
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?
The transformative aspects of the characters’ journeys were intentional. As for the emotional impacts, I strove to have those flow naturally out of the situations the characters were faced with. Some of those were extremely difficult for the characters involved–and also very hard for me to write–as they dealt with acute, even heartbreaking, trauma and loss. We see how, with help and love from family and friends, the characters cope with such deep loss, carry on, and grow.
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?
I guess that is true! I didn’t set out to do a “Q&A” with the characters; the questions (and answers) arose organically with the story. Some of the questions that were posed in the story are, are some actions unforgivable? What should be the role of AI in the future? When do the ends justify the means? At what point do we need to let go of the past and live in, and for, the present? And, as mentioned earlier, when is too much love not a good thing?
Where does the next book in the series take the characters?
As I mention in the Acknowledgements in the back of the book, there won’t be a trilogy. (There wasn’t supposed to even be a sequel!) Thus, except for some additional flash fiction stories–one of which will be an alternate ending to the sequel–that I’m planning to publish on my blog in coming months, I must say goodbye to these characters from my imaginary world of the near future, and beyond. I’m going to miss them.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website
The Loss of What Is Past
The Loss of What Is Past is a sweeping science fiction epic that picks up where The Lightning in the Collied Night left off, continuing the journey of physicist and time traveler Kapono Ailana. Set largely in the 22nd century, the story blends time travel, futuristic science, and human emotion into a tale of exploration, both personal and cosmic. Kapono, torn between a lost love from the 2050s and the new life he’s built decades into the future, collaborates with brilliant scientist Aroha Whakatane on antimatter research that unexpectedly leads to a way to send matter—and potentially people—back in time. What begins as a scientific endeavor quickly becomes a deeply emotional struggle about love, loss, ethics, and what it means to let go.
Reading this book felt like watching an aurora borealis—beautiful, mysterious, and just a little haunting. Backman’s writing is richly detailed and deeply empathetic. He has a knack for writing smart characters who talk like real people, with warmth, curiosity, and humor. The pacing takes its time in places, but I didn’t mind. I appreciated the way he slowed down for emotional beats and gave space for characters to breathe. The best parts weren’t the high-tech experiments or the theoretical breakthroughs, they were the tender moments. Kapono’s conversations with his daughter, with Aroha, and the memories of Lai, those were the heartbeat of the story. And while the time travel mechanics were rooted in scientific language, they never drowned the narrative in jargon. Backman managed to make theoretical physics feel surprisingly personal.
The book explores the risks of altering the past with thoughtful care, which I appreciated. At the same time, it sometimes leans toward the idea that grief is best resolved by simply letting go. I found myself wanting a bit more complexity, some gray areas, I think, could’ve added extra depth. A few of the plot developments, while emotionally satisfying, tied up a bit more neatly than I expected. I also would’ve loved to see more of Aroha’s world outside of her work and her connection to Kapono. She’s a compelling character, and there were glimpses of something richer beneath the surface.
The Loss of What Is Past is not just a sci-fi novel; it’s a meditation on time, memory, and the fragile hope of second chances. I’d recommend this book to anyone who loves character-driven science fiction with a beating heart. If you’ve ever wondered what you’d do if you could go back, or if you’ve ever struggled to move on from a love that shaped you, this story will speak to you.
Pages: 315 | ASIN : B0F6VTYMD9
The Inevitable
The Inevitable, by Josh Soule, takes readers on a captivating journey into a future where time travel is a fascinating yet tightly controlled phenomenon. Set in this intriguing backdrop, we meet Jack Helm, a remarkable character who has aspired to experience time travel since childhood. While circumstances prevent him from realizing his dream directly, Jack’s involvement as a judge in the Supreme Time Court allows him to play a crucial role in granting or denying time travel to others. As he navigates his professional responsibilities, Jack also finds love with his co-worker Hailey Styles and embraces the joys of parenthood.
The story expertly unveils the intricacies of the time travel process and immerses readers in a world where its ethical implications come to light. Jack’s disillusionment with his job adds a layer of depth, revealing the moral complexities that arise when facing the consequences of time travel. Although the book’s beginning, labeled as Chapter 0, could have incorporated the information more seamlessly into the main narrative, it nonetheless offers valuable insights into the workings of this unique universe and introduces readers to the protagonist, Jack Helm. I feel that the plot lacks significant conflict but the absence of traditional conflict is intentional, allowing the focus to shift towards the moral dilemmas and introspective journey of the characters. Jack’s realization that time travelers are sacrificed to avoid duplications raises compelling questions about the ethics of such a practice. His internal struggle, culminating in a report he intends to submit, showcases his desire for change and adds a touch of suspense to the story. Jack’s decision to back off ultimately reflects the complexity of his character and the difficult choices he faces. The author skillfully portrays the blossoming romance between Jack and Hailey, building upon their shared experiences and genuine connection. The most intriguing part of the book occurs towards the end, where a shocking turn of events disrupts Jack’s plans for the future.
The Inevitable possesses the foundation of a truly remarkable story. The author successfully delves into the ethical complexities of time travel and presents relatable characters. The potential for a thrilling narrative is evident, and the author’s ability to craft suspenseful scenes deserves recognition.
Pages: 122 | ASIN : B0DF2G2FHP
Guardians of the Cosmic Clocks: The Emerald Tablets
Jabril Yousef Faraj’s Guardians of the Cosmic Clocks kicks off a wild, genre-blending ride through time, space, and soul-searching adolescence. It follows Zya, a spunky, sharp twelve-year-old girl with big dreams and an even bigger heart, and her quieter best friend Elijah, a kid with a mind for circuits and logic. When they stumble upon a mysterious portal in the forest behind their neighborhood, they’re launched into a futuristic yet ancient interstellar conflict. There are aliens, time travel, cosmic watches, and high-stakes missions to recover the enigmatic Emerald Tablets—artifacts of immense power tied to humanity’s fate. All of it is steeped in Afro-futurist themes, social commentary, and enough banter to keep it all feeling grounded.
I honestly fell in love with the way Zya is written. She’s the kind of kid you root for immediately—complicated, headstrong, sweet, and full of fire. Her thoughts about wanting to be free, wanting to be seen and heard, absolutely resonated with me. It’s not just character-building; it’s emotionally real. Her world feels alive even before aliens and spaceships show up. When the science fiction finally kicks in—like when Zya and Elijah first lay eyes on the glowing portal in the forest and jump through it without hesitation—I was hooked. The pacing is snappy, but not rushed. The way Faraj builds out the Lumerian race, particularly through the elegant and mysterious Maroun and the guide Kelven, is slick and satisfying. The Nimrod (their spaceship) is described in such a cool, cinematic way it’s easy to imagine it.
But what surprised me most was how layered the story is. Faraj isn’t afraid to get deep. The Archons—power-hungry lizard-like overlords—aren’t just sci-fi baddies; they’re stand-ins for systemic oppression. The idea that they’ve used Earth’s pyramid structures to send out mind-controlling frequencies is wild, sure, but also kind of genius. It reimagines colonialism and spiritual suppression through a futuristic lens. The Emerald Tablets themselves are introduced with mythic reverence, and their purpose remains just cryptic enough to keep you curious. That said, I think some of the explanations got a little too exposition-heavy—especially in the scenes where Maroun lays out the backstory. It wasn’t bad, just a bit dense for younger readers. Still, the dialogue often balances it out with humor and warmth. Zya and Eli’s dynamic never feels forced. They’re just two kids, caught up in something huge, doing the best they can with sass and heart.
Guardians of the Cosmic Clocks: The Emerald Tablets is a blast. It’s heartfelt and hopeful. It manages to feel epic and intimate all at once. If you love sci-fi with strong characters, real-world metaphors, and a touch of magic, this is for you. Teachers and parents looking for a smart, diverse, adventurous read for middle schoolers—grab this.
Pages: 140 | ASIN : B0DNR18FLZ
Surrection
Surrection is a trippy blend of science fiction, philosophy, and espionage, following Malcolm Wallace—an eccentric, wealthy, and determined man obsessed with achieving what he calls “surrection,” the conscious separation of soul and body. Fueled by hallucinogens, sound frequencies, and a deep distrust of the establishment, Malcolm partners (begrudgingly) with two government operatives—Colin, the manipulative narcissist, and Macy, the no-nonsense pharmacologist. Together, they tiptoe along the edge of legality in pursuit of a breakthrough that could, quite literally, change how we understand reality itself.
Okay, first off: the writing is slick. It’s sharp and stylish, and it flows fast. I was hooked by Malcolm’s intense inner monologue and the weirdly poetic way Hemme makes a guy tapping a pencil sound like a cosmic ritual (“the beat of his lifeforce.”). Hemme does a great job keeping things grounded even as the story veers into the metaphysical. One of my favorite moments is when Malcolm first succeeds at surrection and finds himself free-floating above his own body, able to “see in all directions” while literally feeling space itself. It was equal parts beautiful and haunting. And the way Colin later replicates the experiment but ends up haunting the White House like some astral tourist was both funny and chilling.
Now, character-wise, this book hits a groove. Malcolm is weird but lovable. You root for him even when he’s off the rails. But Colin is the guy you love to hate—slippery, smug, and dangerous. His whole backstory—scamming universities, getting scooped up by the CIA, then crashing a Maserati just for the fun of it—was like something out of a Bond villain’s drunk diary. And Macy is the calm center of the storm. Ultra-fit, wicked smart, and low-key terrifying. The tension between her, Colin, and Malcolm adds this constant hum of paranoia that just works. Hemme nails that distrustful dynamic, especially when Malcolm starts hiding his breakthrough from them, and we’re all just waiting for the moment it explodes.
This book’s a mind-bender. It’s got techy stuff, sure, but it’s not overwhelming. It’s got drug-fueled dream science and astral projection, but it stays surprisingly human. I’d recommend Surrection to sci-fi fans who dig Black Mirror, readers who like their fiction with a dose of existential dread, and anyone who’s ever stared into the night sky and wondered what else is out there. Just be prepared to question a few things about your own consciousness.
Pages: 123 | ASIN : B0DRT19BHZ
Fundamental Questions
Tachyon Tunnel 2: The Daklin Empire follows two time-travelers who have returned to Earth and have to contend with an altered timeline and unexpected challenges. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I am a scientist, adventurer, and a storyteller. Combine those three elements and the result is fun!
I think science fiction gets time and interstellar travel wrong. A few years ago, I decided to write Tachyon Tunnel to fix that problem.
Tachyon Tunnel 2: the Daklin Empire goes a step further, answering more fundamental questions about time and space.
What things do you find interesting about the human condition that makes for great fiction?
I love bold persistence and imagination. I think those things can be taught and inspired. A big part of the book is about inspiration while wrapping it in some cool physics!
I felt that the action scenes were expertly crafted. I find that this is an area that can be overdone in novels. How did you approach this subject to make sure it flowed evenly?
As an entrepreneur, I have learned that simplicity is almost always the best path. Tell the story, efficiently. Like many, I had to read James Joyce – Ulysses. Enough said?
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
YES. There will be a part 3. The human drama of galactic war will wrap around time travel, inertia, and the fundamental question of whether plasma is a life form.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Tachyon Tunnel 2 explores how time travel might actually work within the laws of physics, and the implications of changing events in the past. The book combines science, adventure, romance and the complexities of human decision-making in high-stakes situations. Part two of bestselling author Michael Gorton’s award-winning Tachyon Tunnel series will keep readers on the edge of their seats and is sure to become one of the best science fiction works of the year!
The Viking, the Ditch, and the Bathrobe (Shawn From the Shed: Book 3)
The Viking, the Ditch, and the Bathrobe is the third book in Alan Frost’s engaging Shawn From the Shed series. This modern fantasy and sci-fi tale once again follows Shawn, Johnny, and Ella as they navigate the perils of time travel. This time, their adventure lands them in 10th-century Denmark during the Viking Age. With a mission to recover an item of historical importance, the trio finds themselves entangled in the rough-and-tumble life of Viking society. Amidst the challenges, they uncover secrets that hint at a deeper narrative shaping their time-hopping journeys.
This book dives straight into the action and history, delivering a vibrant depiction of the Viking era. Frost’s writing makes the past feel alive, capturing not just the external world of 903 Denmark but also the intricacies of Viking culture. The descriptions are vivid, from the bustling markets to the quiet, tense moments in longhouses. What stands out is the depth with which Frost explores Viking society, challenging stereotypical notions of Vikings as mere raiders. He weaves in their roles as traders, explorers, and complex social beings, adding layers of authenticity to the narrative. The plot balances action and humor effortlessly.
Frost injects lighthearted moments into the story, making it accessible and enjoyable, especially for younger readers. The dialogue is crisp and keeps the pace brisk, ensuring that even historical explanations feel engaging rather than heavy. The humor, mixed with historical detail, makes this book a standout in the time travel genre. Frost’s ability to blend education with entertainment is the book’s greatest strength. Readers don’t just follow a thrilling adventure; they gain insight into Viking trade, language, and social structure.
Frost paints a nuanced picture of a society often reduced to caricatures. He highlights the motivations behind their actions—raiding as a product of economic necessity rather than mindless violence—giving readers a richer understanding of the era. The story also excels in accessibility. Aimed primarily at children and young adults, its fluid writing and adventurous premise ensure appeal for a broader audience. Frost’s style is light yet engaging, making complex history feel approachable. The inclusion of humor and relatable characters like Johnny and Ella adds to the book’s charm, while Shawn’s experienced perspective anchors the story.
While the book is enjoyable, it does lean heavily on its formula of action-driven missions in historical settings. For readers familiar with the earlier installments, the structure may feel predictable. However, the richness of the Viking setting and the educational elements help offset this, keeping the narrative fresh.
The Viking, the Ditch, and the Bathrobe is a delightful addition to the Shawn From the Shed series. It’s an excellent pick for kids and young adults who love time travel, history, and a bit of humor in their adventures. Frost’s blend of action, education, and comedy ensures an engaging read for all ages. If you’re curious about the Viking Age or simply enjoy a well-crafted time-travel tale, this book is worth your time.
Pages: 162 | ASIN : B0DN87RSQV
LITERARY TITAN 