Blog Archives
When to Fire
When to Fire, Ryan Standley’s latest novella, is a captivating blend of classic Western grit and mind-bending science fiction. What begins as a traditional tale of a legendary gunslinger on the run evolves into a narrative filled with unexpected twists reminiscent of Planet of the Apes. Standley’s ability to merge these genres creates a story that is both surprising and thrilling. The novella introduces us to a trio of infamous bandits: Chaske, Euna, and Matt Frimm, known as the Pistol Kid. Their exploits across the frontier, robbing banks to fund the Native cause against an oppressive federal government, form the story’s foundation. When a heist goes awry, Chaske is killed, leaving Euna and Matt to navigate a dangerous path of survival, rebellion, and personal discovery—all while chasing the mystery of Matt’s missing parents.
Initially, the plot unfolds with a familiar, almost predictable rhythm. The Pistol Kid channels a Robin Hood-like charm, a rogue with a noble heart hidden beneath his swagger. Euna, too, follows a well-worn archetype of the strong, determined outlaw. Yet, as the story progresses, these familiar tropes give way to something far more intricate. After an audacious bank heist spirals into chaos, the narrative takes a sharp turn. Matt gains access to a mysterious power that transforms him into a “Seer,” granting visions of the past and future. This newfound ability elevates him from a sharpshooting outlaw to a near-supernatural force. Standley uses these powers to craft exhilarating action scenes, where Matt’s precognitive edge allows him to dominate gunfights with uncanny precision, solidifying his place as a larger-than-life hero.
Despite its brevity, When to Fire develops its characters with remarkable depth. Matt’s powers serve not only as a narrative device for thrilling action but also as a lens to explore both his and Euna’s motivations, vulnerabilities, and shared history. Euna’s ultimate fate is revealed early, yet this knowledge heightens, rather than diminishes, the emotional stakes and tension as the story unfolds. Standley’s novella excels as a fusion of cowboy adventure and speculative fiction, anchored by an intriguing central mystery. The hints at a broader mythology suggest a world ripe for further exploration, leaving readers eager for a sequel that could delve deeper into its lore. If there’s a flaw, it’s that When to Fire ends too soon. Its rapid pace keeps the story moving but leaves little time to fully savor the rich world Standley has created. Just as the momentum reaches its peak, the novella concludes, leaving readers yearning for more.
In When to Fire, Ryan Standley delivers a thrilling and imaginative ride, seamlessly blending the grit of the Wild West with the wonder of science fiction. It’s a story that sticks with you, not just for what it is but for the tantalizing promise of what it could become.
Pages: 126 | ASIN : B0DX8CBT8N
Watching, A Different Type of Time Travel, Volume 2: Portrait of an Innocent Girl
Jeffrey Jay Levin’s Watching Volume 2 is a mesmerizing journey that marries time travel with emotional resonance. This sequel builds on the intriguing concept of “Watchings” introduced in the first volume, where the protagonist, Josh, undertakes non-corporeal journeys through space and time. This time, he is drawn into the haunting world of Nazi-era Vienna, compelled by a painting and the mysteries surrounding it. The narrative effortlessly balances historical drama with speculative fiction, making it an engaging read from start to finish.
What struck me first about this book was the vivid detail. Levin paints historical settings with such precision that you can almost feel the tension of occupied Vienna or the eerie stillness surrounding stolen art. The prologue, describing the chilling parade of Nazi tanks and soldiers, is visceral. This immersive style carried me through the story, though at times, I wished the pace didn’t lag in Josh’s modern-day contemplations. However, the descriptions of the titular painting and its impact on Josh more than made up for these slower moments.
I also appreciated the emotional depth Levin brought to his characters, especially Josh. His reluctance to revisit his Watching abilities, juxtaposed with his unrelenting curiosity, feels relatable. One standout scene was his interaction with Adrian after his museum experience. Their dynamic captures the perfect mix of love, worry, and exasperation that comes with sharing an extraordinary burden. Similarly, Agent Starling Hebert’s frustration with bureaucracy and sexism within the FBI grounds her character, making her investigative journey all the more satisfying. Levin’s ability to weave personal struggles into the grander narrative of historical intrigue is a triumph.
The pseudo-scientific explanations of Watchings add a fascinating layer to the story, showcasing Levin’s creative imagination and his ability to blend science with fiction. The idea of heightened enzymes and hippocampal activity is unique, giving the concept of time travel a fresh twist. While these sections delve deeply into detail, they provide a thoughtful backdrop for the fantastical elements, enriching the reader’s understanding of the phenomenon.
The exploration of Nazi art theft and the mystery surrounding Gustav Scheiner’s Portrait of an Innocent Girl was fascinating and tied beautifully to themes of loss, memory, and justice. Levin’s extensive research shines here, offering a thought-provoking look at the devastating cultural impact of war.
Watching Volume 2: Portrait of an Innocent Girl is a compelling read for fans of historical fiction, mystery, and time travel. It’s perfect for those who savor rich character development and thought-provoking themes. I’d recommend it to anyone intrigued by history’s shadows and the mysteries they hold.
Pages: 288 | ISBN : 978-1685135935
Mussolini’s Puppet Government
Jigsaw: Beginnings follows a group of students on a trip to Italy who stumble into the secrets of a WWII teleportation experiment, forcing them to unravel a conspiracy where history and the present collide. What were some sources that informed this book’s development?
Excellent question. I did a great deal of research on the Italian Resistance Movement, OSS espionage and Holocaust rescue efforts at the time and general area, Mussolini’s Puppet Government in Salo following his rescue by the Nazis in 1943, and overtures to get Spain to join the war on the Axis side. I felt these were neglected parts of history that needed greater exploration. I also have visited Voltri on two occasions when I was younger. My Great Aunt and Uncle (my Grandmother’s brother) lived there and I wanted to make this a quasi-tribute to that side of the family. I also drew from personal experiences and other people I know like my parents, grandmother, siblings, and friends to fill in the character development. The names of the student’s characters came from children that attended the charter school I once owned.
Colonel Angelo and Professor Klein are morally complex characters. How did you develop their motivations?
Klein represents that part of history where Conservative Jewish Palestinians had, at first, a productive relationship with Mussolini’s Government in the 1920s and 1930s. As Italy’s government became more openly Anti Semitic in its subservience to Hitler, Jews who thought Mussolini had backstabbed them were more prevalent. That is how I developed Klein. I do not want to say much about Angelo here because he has an arc that readers would see in the second and third books in the series, Warheads and Full Circle and I do not want to spoil that.
The Italian settings feel incredibly vivid. Did you visit these locations, or was your research primarily historical?
As mentioned in the first question, I have visited Voltri and Genoa several times. While I based some of the scenes on personal experience like visiting the Villa and going to the Genovese port, I did still have to research the areas and the history to fill in the gaps and round out the historical plot of the story.
Were there any real-life wartime experiments that influenced the teleportation aspect of the story?
Not to my knowledge. I know there were rumors of the Philadelphia Experiment in the 1940’s and the German time machine Bell program but those did not influence the plot.
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High school history buffs Noah Patterson and Mariah Fischer can’t wait to get to Italy. Their plan? To explore as much as they can and have loads of fun. What they face, however, is mind-blowing when they get shot at by the Italian Black Brigade.
Running for their lives, they quickly realize that they’ve somehow been transported to Italy, circa 1943. But how?
Humiliated by defeat and rescued by Hitler, Mussolini plans to win the war at all costs. Pushing forward relentlessly, he has a secret weapon: teleportation. But a failed experiment with the device draws Noah and Mariah back in time. Now they must find a way to stop Mussolini’s “New Roman Empire” and return to the present they know—if it’s still there.
The fight for reality starts now…Jigsaw Beginnings is an adrenaline-driven, YA time travel series perfect for action and adventure enthusiasts.
Appreciating What We Already Have
A Goulden Christmas follows a woman struggling with the stress of life who is offered a chance to see an alternate reality of her life, and now she must choose the life path she truly wants. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Years ago, I worked at Children’s Fairyland, a storybook park in Oakland, California. Storybook parks show up often in my work. These quaint attractions are based on works of children’s literature and were especially popular in the mid-20th century. Only a few have survived, as they’ve largely been overtaken by theme parks. I wanted to explore the differences between the two kinds of amusement parks in A Goulden Christmas and reflect those differences in Hope’s struggles. On the one hand, she respects and appreciates the park that is her father’s legacy (though we may not see this at first) and the family and community values Fairytale Land embodies. At the same time, she yearns for something more–for her life to be bigger–as symbolized by the sprawling, commercial theme park. The men in her life further the theme: Josh, a solid, good guy who loves animals and prefers a quiet life, and Rich, who’s flashy, wealthy, and driven.
I enjoyed your characters, especially Hope. What was your favorite character to write for and why?
I can’t really pick one. I liked writing Hope’s character because I think her struggles are relatable. Many of us want more in our lives, but maybe we need to appreciate what we already have. It could be exactly what we need. Janice was fun to write because she is very different in the two timelines. I love cats, so Alice was a joy to bring to life.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Gratitude and appreciation for what we have; love for family; service to community.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I’m currently writing the third book in my cozy mystery series, The Mother-Daughter Realty Team Mysteries. It will be released in March.
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Hope Goulden works at her family’s old-fashioned storybook park. Loyalty to her mother and her high school sweetheart has kept her in the same job and relationship for years. She’s had it up to here with running the Wizard of Oz merry-go-round and dressing as Santa Claus, then going out for pizza with her unambitious boyfriend. She yearns for the fame and excitement her favorite reality show twins enjoy, and a few cute dresses wouldn’t hurt, either.
On Christmas Eve at Fairytale Land, the statue of King Midas comes alive and grants Hope’s wish for a different life. She’s transported to an alternate timeline where she’s the star of a popular reality show filmed at a theme park and engaged to a handsome lawyer. Score!
But will it be everything she hoped for, or will she find out that all that glitters is not gold? She has until midnight on New Year’s Eve to make the biggest decision of her life.
A Hero Of Sorts
The Legacy of a Fool follows a young man who awakens in a post-apocalyptic world to discover harsh truths about his past as he fights to spare the world’s survivors from a devastating military project. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
The inspiration for this novel came from my childhood love of Nintendo games and some of the fantasy movies that were popular during the 1980s, such as The Last Starfighter and The Neverending Story. When I first came up with the idea of writing a novel, I wanted to write something that captured the same spirit that was present in those old video games and movies – I basically wanted to write something that would have inspired a younger version of myself.
The inspiration for the book’s main protagonist, Devin Skye, indirectly came from Eustace Scrubb, a character who appears in The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, The Silver Chair, and The Last Battle, the third, fourth, and final books respectively in C.S. Lewis’ fantasy series, The Chronicles of Narnia. As a kid I was always fascinated by Eustace because he started out as a deeply flawed individual that, as a reader, you couldn’t help but hate, however, after undergoing a radical transformation, he eventually becomes a hero of sorts. I always found his character metamorphosis to be fascinating and even relatable in a very human kind of way.
What is the most difficult part of your writing process?
The most difficult part of writing The Legacy of a Fool was getting into the heads of each of the characters. I wanted to make sure that I gave each of them a standout personality as well as a unique voice without going over-the-top. For example, Sarina’s diary entries come from the perspective of a soft, sweet, and loving young woman. However, as a male, I found writing her thoughts to be somewhat difficult. I owe a lot to my wife’s feedback as it regards getting the female voices and emotions correct.
The science inserted in the fiction, I felt, was well balanced. How did you manage to keep it grounded while still providing the fantastic edge science fiction stories usually provide?
I tried to create and envision a future that was both fantastical yet, to some degree, realistic based on the trajectory that our modern society is currently headed down. The science fiction and fantasy elements that I created were intended to invoke a sense of wonder in the reader without going too far out in left field, so to speak. I tried to introduce just enough realism that, with a little bit of imagination, the reader could see some of these elements as a plausible reality. In short, I wanted to create a world in which humans were able to achieve a great deal of their potential in both the technological and spiritual realms.
Can we look forward to more work from you soon? What are you currently working on?
Yes, I am really excited about my next novel. I’ve decided to step up the sci-fi elements by including more modern-day conspiracies, such as the Mandela Effect, glitches in the matrix, time travel, and mysterious alien encounters. While this novel can stand alone, there will be several occurrences from The Legacy of a Fool that will link into it.
I hope to release my next novel later this year. Please stay up to date by reading my blog on my website: www.jhendersonbooks.com. I usually post once a month about upcoming events. You can also stay in the loop by subscribing to my mailing list found on my website under the contact me tab.
Author Links: GoodReads | Bookbub | Website
Devin Skye wakes up 300 years after accidentally triggering a global nuclear disaster. Thrust into a harsh, post-apocalyptic landscape, he uncovers the truth about his father’s involvement in a dangerous military project: a floating tower occupied by genetically enhanced super soldiers that will be used to subjugate the remaining survivors. As Devin races to prevent its activation, he befriends the resilient villagers of Iron Cove and faces off against mutated creatures while battling his own demons. With each step forward, he unravels a complex web of sinister plots, mysterious technology, and ancient mysticism. When Devin learns of the three crystalline orbs needed to destroy the tower, he finds himself caught in a deadly race against time. As the clock ticks down, he must confront his past mistakes and make an impossible choice. Will he find redemption, or will his quest end in failure, dooming what remains of humanity?
The Legacy of a Fool is the stunning debut from author Justin Henderson. If you enjoy pulse-pounding action, complex moral quandaries, and vividly imagined futures, then you’ll be captivated by this thrilling tale of survival and redemption.
The Legacy of a Fool
In The Legacy of a Fool, Justin Henderson delivers a futuristic, character-driven tale set against the backdrop of a tech-saturated, holographic society. The story explores the trials of Devin Skye, a young man grappling with personal ambition, societal expectations, and his own shortcomings in a world where technology overshadows human connection. Through diary entries, letters, and shifting perspectives, Henderson creates a layered narrative that examines the complexity of individual growth and systemic change.
From the start, I found Devin Skye’s chaotic and sometimes comically tragic life engaging. Henderson’s knack for crafting vivid, sensory-rich scenes shines in moments like Devin’s frantic preparation for a party in “Holograms and Hovercars.” His use of body spray to mask dirty jeans, paired with his misguided confidence in “winning over” his crush, Tonya, made me laugh and cringe simultaneously. Henderson masterfully balances comedy with poignant commentary, making it hard not to root for Devin even when he self-sabotages.
The futuristic world-building felt immersive yet relatable. In scenes describing Highland City’s hovercars and holographic technology, Henderson seamlessly weaves in societal critiques. For example, Rita Parker’s journal entry detailing corporate reliance on automation highlights the ethical dilemmas of technological progress. Her internal conflict of choosing between company profits and the livelihoods of her team mirrors real-world struggles, giving the story a grounded resonance.
The book’s structure enriches the story by offering multiple perspectives, as seen in Rita’s heartfelt reflections on Devin’s shortcomings as an employee. I do feel that some narrative shifts occasionally disrupt the flow, making it harder to connect with the central storyline. Still, the fragmented style cleverly mirrors the chaotic world Devin inhabits, and it left me reflecting on the nature of legacy and the unintended impact of one’s actions.
The Legacy of a Fool is a captivating exploration of personal growth and societal transformation. Henderson’s blend of humor, heartbreak, and sharp social observations makes this a memorable read. I’d recommend it to fans of speculative fiction who enjoy flawed, deeply human protagonists. It’s a book for anyone willing to laugh, wince, and reflect on how far we’ve come and how far we still have to go.
Pages: 354 | ASIN : B0DP1NPYHG
A Goulden Christmas: An Alternate Timeline Holiday Romance
A Goulden Christmas by Carol E. Ayer delivers a heartwarming holiday story filled with charm, reflection, and just the right touch of magic. It follows Hope Goulden, a young woman caught between personal ambition and familial duty. Hope’s family owns Fairytale Land, a whimsical theme park inspired by storybook characters. After her father’s untimely passing, Hope sets aside her plans for a career in PR and marketing to help her mother keep the struggling park afloat. As she juggles her responsibilities and her strained relationship with her long-time boyfriend, Josh, Hope reaches a breaking point. In a surreal twist, a statue of King Madis, a park fixture, comes to life, offering Hope a chance to experience an alternative version of her life. With the New Year looming, Hope must decide: embrace this new path or return to her old one.
This book hooked me from the first chapter and didn’t let go. Watching Hope wrestle with her identity and priorities felt incredibly relatable. The story’s magical element, the living statue, added an unexpected layer of intrigue and whimsy. It served as a compelling device to explore Hope’s inner conflict. The journey between two possible lives highlighted how a single choice could reshape not only her own future but also the lives of those around her.
The characters are thoughtfully crafted, each adding depth to the narrative. Hope’s struggles felt authentic, and her evolving perspective was both inspiring and satisfying. Seeing her grapple with her frustrations while finding the courage to see her world through a fresh lens was the highlight of the book. The contrasting lives she experiences serve as a poignant reminder of the ripple effects of our decisions.
Ayer skillfully balanced these themes without veering into melodrama, creating a story that feels both magical and grounded. The ending ties everything together in a way that leaves readers with a sense of fulfillment. Hope’s realizations about her potential to revitalize Fairytale Land and her renewed appreciation for her life felt earned and uplifting. The romance, while subtle, added a sweet undercurrent to the story, blending seamlessly with the broader themes of self-discovery and renewal. As a fan of romance, I appreciated how the book incorporated love without overshadowing Hope’s personal journey.
A Goulden Christmas is a delightful holiday read that blends magic, romance, and introspection into a beautifully crafted story. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy uplifting tales about second chances and finding joy in unexpected places. Whether you’re a fan of holiday stories, romance, or heartfelt fiction, this book is a must-read.
Pages: 176 | ASIN : B0D8GF56GY
The Morally Grey Character
The Dark Without follows a young woman living in a world where the Earth is dying, who is abducted by aliens and becomes a powerful mystical leader charged with bringing Earth back from the brink of death. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
When I first started, I had no idea where it was heading, but I knew it had to be along the lines of a total power failure and the ensuing outcome of what that brings. But by the third chapter, things started to veer sideways and new ideas hit me all at once. Having aliens in the mix wasn’t in the plans at first. But if I’d kept to the original, it would’ve been pretty drab and predictable, with the backdrop of an Earth falling dreadfully into a dystopian apocalypse with no hope of ever coming out of it. I did toy around with having the aliens as the good guys, but that would’ve been boring, and again, predictable. So I made the protagonist, Esme, the morally grey character – one who the reader would hopefully root for, yet be unsettled with her choices.
The inspiration for the “original” story came about several years ago during a power cut. I sat there feeling absolutely stranded and at a loss of what to do next. No power meant no WiFi, television, or even the air conditioner. What a cushy, entitled life we live in now, right? And from there, a thought bubble formed and a story – what if the power never came back on, what would happen? What would people do? And that ended up the base of the story.
I find the world you created in this novel brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from, and how did it change as you were writing?
The setting just sort of manifested organically. I keep a list of names for future characters in future books (which author doesn’t, right?), and I grabbed “Esme” because it sounded right for the story. A simple, classic name, and a little unusual from the norm. From there, I went with it, and decided she didn’t have to be the typical “English-speaking” protagonist, and why not have things happen in Spain, rather than the usual places…and from there, it spiralled onto a wider platform.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Not anything in particular, but by the time I was a quarter way into the first draft, I knew this was going to be a dark story. A vengeful story. One that would reflect humans at their core, as in what and how we would react in extreme situations and conditions. Just seeing what’s happening around the world is enough to understand what we can and will do, especially to another human being. That was the motivator for Esme’s character. A normal, young girl who is thrown into an impossible, horrific reality. What would she do, and how would she do it? And to what extremes would she go to, to get it done?
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
Tempting, but no. While the end of the story left things ambiguous, the story is done. I enjoyed writing it.
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“Humankind is always doomed to fail. It has fallen many times before, and many times we have intervened to ensure it stays on the correct course. Earth is salvageable, but if you had continued along the path you were on, it would not have been. You have billions of years more to exist before your planet’s final destruction. We are only making certain it survives that long, and ensuring your survival until the ultimate end. At times you progress too fast, but such is humankind’s way. So we had to accelerate this current failure sooner in order to restart. As we have done before, a guide with a better objective and understanding of how to protect your world, will be inserted…”
But why did they care what humans did with their lives? They were aliens—beings from another dimension! Earth wasn’t their home.
Esme Serrano’s predestined encounter with the trans-dimensional anthropomorphic Aakehollats sends her on a multi-pathed journey spanning ten thousand years. A journey riddled with lies, manipulations and untold layers of deception. She guides Earth as the Sibyl, a powerful and mystical leader, and brings the dying world back from the brink of death. She helps the Aakehollats, and ensures that Earth survives until its ultimate destruction in the cosmos.
But her one true goal is, and always will be, to kill the Aakehollats.
LITERARY TITAN 