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A Post-Magical Society
In Dawn of Chaos, a woman who possesses the unique ability to control an ancient weapon sets out to dethrone a nefarious queen. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Dawn of Chaos is the second book in The Sapeiro Chronicles trilogy. In the first book, A Forgotten Past, the story is quite simple: it’s the story of a girl who wishes to remember her past, recover her memories, and understand why she is a threat to those in power. In Dawn of Chaos, the stakes are much higher. Sora now has a better understanding of her power, and why it makes her dangerous.
In both books, power and the acquisition of it play a huge role in the storyline: the queen wishes to gain as much as she can, while Sora, who naturally is powerful, regrets having so much. When I was first planning this series, I really liked the idea of a post-magical society, where power had been diluted through the generations. I also really liked the idea of each book building on the other, of the journey becoming more dangerous as time passed.
Were you able to achieve everything you wanted with the characters in the novel?
Yes, and that’s something I was very proud of. In Dawn of Chaos, Sora in particular undergoes a series of internal struggles. She is placed in a role where she never saw herself as being, nor wanted. And yet what choice does she have? I think her struggle makes her a more interesting heroine. I really wanted her to think deep and hard about the ramifications of either of her choices.
There are also a lot of characters in the book, with different threads of the storyline told through their point-of-views. One of the main challenges was making sure that each character had their own voice, to make it evident that they were their own person.
I felt that there were a lot of great twists and turns throughout the novel. Did you plan this before writing the novel, or did the twists develop organically writing?
I love writing twists! Though a couple did sprout up organically, most of them were planned, way back even when I was still working on the first book. I’m doing the same while working on the next in the series.
Can fans look forward to a third installment of this series? If so, can you give us a peek inside the next book?
Absolutely! I am currently working on the third and final book in the trilogy. I’m aiming for a spring 2024 release, but that will depend on how fast I can write! I can’t go into too many details, so as not to spoil it.
However, in this third installment, the story follows on the heels of the closing events of Dawn of Chaos. The stakes are higher than they’ve ever been before, and the very existence of Sapeiro is in jeopardy. Sora will need to delve into the continent’s past to see if she can find a weapon suitable to defend those she loves from the shadows that would strike them from the map.
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Against all odds, Sora Rosewood has recovered her memories and survived multiple attacks on her life. Not only that, but she’s allied herself with the Sanctuary, a rebel force dedicated to freeing Sapeiro from Queen Amana’s corruption. While Sora works to become the weapon she needs to be, her sister, Lenka, is busy strategizing on a way to overthrow the queen without bathing the continent in blood of the innocent. Whether she likes it or not, Sora has become part of something greater than herself. But as her power grows, so does her unease at wielding it.
Can she become the hero Sapeiro needs her to be? And more importantly, does she want to?
The Captain of the Black Swan
Diana Townsend and David Hardie’s The Captain of the Black Swan is a captivating narrative that intertwines elements of friendship and adventure in a fantasy setting. The story introduces us to the Dittos, elusive, nature-bound creatures reminiscent of elves and fairies, who secretly coexist with humans. Set in the quaint town of Dawlish, the tale centers around Tom, a spirited and undaunted young Ditto. Despite his mysterious origins and lack of knowledge about his parents, Tom’s optimism and self-reliance shine through as defining traits.
The plot takes a turn with the advent of a destructive storm that damages the Ditto community, coinciding with the arrival of the Black Swan, a mystical flying ship. This event propels Tom into a series of adventures, particularly when signs point to the resurgence of the feared Granite-Gobblers. Tom, alongside his companions Dawlish and Lily, embarks on a mission to avert further calamity, embarking on a journey that tests their mettle and resourcefulness.
Townsend and Hardie, a sibling duo, have crafted a world rich in detail and imagination. Their passion for the story and characters is evident in the meticulous development of the narrative. The book excels in portraying the gradual maturation of its characters, as they navigate challenges, seek wisdom from elders, and ultimately learn to make their own decisions. The authors have created a vividly imagined world, replete with unique technology and magical elements, all conveyed through engaging storytelling that keeps the reader invested. The book’s illustrations, though few, are strategically placed to enhance key moments and aid in visualizing the story’s progression. While I feel that a greater number of illustrations might have enriched the experience, the narrative stands strong on its own, imparting meaningful life lessons and ensuring a pleasurable reading journey.
The Captain of the Black Swan is not just an engaging and well-paced tale but also a gateway into a fantastical world that promises to stir the imaginations of its readers. A highly recommended read for those who seek adventure and fantasy tales.
Pages: 258 | ASIN : B0CC6NQBTN
The Human Need to Belong
Talisgate follows two pre-teen friends in 1976 who, while exploring a dilapidated house, discover a magical talisman that takes them on an adventure to multiple worlds. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
First, there’s a little bit of me in Troy Cooper. Like me, he’s eleven years old in 1976. Like me, he’s obsessed with books. I wasn’t born in Florida, but my family moved to the story’s setting when I was fourteen. The neighborhood Troy and Molly live in is very closely modeled after Whitfield Estates, a neighborhood I lived in that kind of straddles the line between Sarasota and Bradenton. There was a rundown house in that neighborhood that was a little like the Muldoon house in Talisgate. My imagination just kind of expounded on that to create the world and situations in which Troy and Molly find themselves.
Then, there’s Molly. When I was a preschooler, my best friend was a little girl living two doors down named Kim. We were inseparable. We kind of grew apart during my school years, but I drew a good bit of Molly from Kim. The story itself is a bit of a nod to The Magician’s Nephew, the first story in the Narnia series by C. S. Lewis. It’s not exactly that story, but I was fascinated by Lewis’s description of kids traveling between worlds. It kind of stuck.
What was your approach to writing the interactions between characters?
To me, characters drive everything. Everything. Characters do stuff, say stuff, and believe stuff because of who they are. You can’t have a believable plot without characters staying true to themselves. You can’t have definitions of who characters are without consistent adherence to every part of their being. I sometimes use what I call “mini-stories” that build on this sort of thing. For example, in Talisgate, Troy tells the story of setting a kid’s shoestring on fire at school. In doing so, he not only tells you something about himself, but he also tells a lot about his mother and their relationship. I do a good bit of that. Once I have that kind of foundation established, interactions come naturally. I especially like the tension between Troy and Sojourner throughout Talisgate. Sojourner repeatedly exasperates Troy with his misuse of common sayings and exasperates him further by his reaction (or lack of reaction) to Troy’s exasperation. All of that is important to Troy’s arc. As my main protagonist and narrator, Troy’s journey from how he perceives himself and his relationship to others around him at the beginning of the book to where he is with those concepts at the story’s close is paramount to reader engagement and satisfaction.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
My stories are all very distinctly human, regardless of genre. Human relationships are key to good reading, at least for me. The friendship between Troy and Molly is deliberately non-romantic. Part of the reason I made them so young was to emphasize that. Troy says repeatedly that Molly is not his girlfriend, and the reader is never taken down that path, but they are very close friends. I also wanted to stress how we have never learned all there is to learn, even about the people who are closest to us. Troy begins this story with a lot to learn about both Molly and himself. I worked very hard to make sure his eyes opened slowly to make his growth believable. See my comments about characters above. Troy changes, but he’s still undeniably Troy.
This whole self-discovery theme is critical to the story. Some of the things Sojourner reveals about the nature of the (fictional, of course) universe come across as unbelievable in Troy’s mind, but Sojourner is patient and persistent with his explanations. One of my favorite lines from Sojourner in the book is, “Just because you don’t understand it doesn’t mean it isn’t true.” That’s something I think everyone needs to keep in mind every time we encounter a person, a culture, or anything else we don’t immediately understand.
I love Molly McPherson. There’s a deep undercurrent of the human need to belong running through the story with Molly. I don’t want to introduce any spoilers, but Molly has a lot happen to her that questions her place in her family and the universe at large. Her own self-discovery path is rooted in this concept. I’m really happy with how it played out. I think Molly is one of my best characters ever. I hope my readers like her as much as I do.
The book has some hypothetical theology going on, but it’s not a “religious” story. There are elements of the Judeo-Christian faith present, but they are not presented as doctrine. The concept of the human soul is there, and the eternal battle between good and evil is central, but I added a lot of speculation regarding the structure of the universe that won’t be found in any religious text. It’s all fantasy when it gets to that part.
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?
This is the first book in a planned trilogy. It could go beyond that, but I have two more books roughly thought out, and I have begun writing on Book Two already. I’m hoping to have it done by the middle of the year. The next book will stand on the foundation built by the first. I won’t have to spend a lot of time building Troy and Molly’s world, so I can dive right into the adventure. In the second book, readers will be taken to new worlds where they will meet some new characters, including a colleague of Sojourner and some new and particularly nasty crashers.
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Armed with a magical talisman and guided by a mysterious stranger named Sojourner, Troy and Molly confront evil, both human and supernatural, while traveling to multiple worlds. Along the way, Troy finds out he still has a lot to learn, while Molly proves stronger, smarter, and more resourceful than Troy ever imagined.
Empirical, Theoretical, and Speculative Science
In This Morning’s Dawn, readers follow two men who become entangled in a plot to prevent the colonization of a newly discovered planet. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
Many years ago, I read about the retrograde motion of Phoebe, a moon of Saturn. Retrograde motion is not common in the solar system, so I looked up several theories as to how it might have come to be a satellite of the planet. I then imagined two astronauts arriving at the moon and discovering it was not natural at all but a lure sent from a distant civilisation. That was the genesis of the story that became This Morning’s Dawn. It took many years to flesh out, but the idea has been in my head since reading about Phoebe!
I found the science in the novel to be well-developed. What kind of research did you do to make sure you got it all right?
I am a Chemist by training, so have a scientific background, and I’ve had a love of science fiction ever since picking up Spacepaw, by Gordon Dickinson, from my Dad’s bookshelf at the age of 9. I was hooked by the story and the depiction of another world. In This Morning’s Dawn, the science is a combination of empirical, theoretical, and speculative science. If I imagine something happening that is beyond current understanding, then I ask myself on what scientific basis it may be possible. It sometimes involves a little research!
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
There are a few classical themes in the book; the instinct for survival, loyalty, and triumph over adversity, but I wanted to explore these on different levels. For example, how does the survival instinct drive Oleander’s behaviors vs. Nelson’s or Meera’s? How strong are the bonds of loyalty when a person’s own life is at stake? I think I learned a lot about myself exploring the answers for each of the characters! Probably the most important theme for me though is that of friendship. What is true friendship? How is it forged, and how is it tested?
Is this the first in a series? What can fans expect to see from you next?
This Morning’s Dawn is the first part of a trilogy. The second book is underway. I’ve had a number of beta readers harassing me for the first draft, so I’m motivated to complete it soon!
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Nelson Newman was destined to be the first person to set foot on Mars. Instead, he finds himself transported across the galaxy and pitched into a battle of wits against a ruthless enemy, who will do whatever it takes to safeguard their people and their power. If Nelson can’t figure out who his friends are, and how to get back home, then he has no hope of saving Earth.
This Morning’s Dawn is the fast-paced, debut novel from Dan Bell.
The Greys of Life
The Ebon Knight follows two adversaries, an outcasted Knight, and a brutal Princess, who are brought together to battle a third power, a virus, who threatens everything they both know. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The initial meeting between the Knight of the Light and the Princess of the Dark was based on a reoccurring dream I had over a span of close to ten years. In that dream, I imagined two uniquely powerful individuals on opposite sides of a hidden and eternal conflict meeting by chance at a casino diner/cafe. What happened then? What was the fallout of such a seemingly random yet intriguing encounter? I decided to write about it to find out.
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 inspiration is our world but with a hidden side to it. A battle wages within the shadows of that world, as the Dark and Light war with each other. When the two sides fight, their struggle throws the natural world out of balance, and so freak storms, earthquakes, floods, etc. result. In short, not all natural disasters are natural in the grim world of the Ebon Knight and his Dark Princess. The story has dragged me along with it, and as new characters have entered my pages, some of them have demanded their own stories, their own chapters, so that has been the most surprising changes to the Chronicles: It’s no longer JUST about my two protagonists, there are a whole host of other characters nearly as important. And, oh boy, my antagonist is NOT a joke either, read through some of my reviews and you can see she is mentioned several times. You will LOVE to HATE her!
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
With this book and series, I was interested in the greys of life. Is anyone fully “good” or “evil?” Although there can be many instances where someone is darn close to either end, I was most interested in the vast landscapes in between. I wanted to explore Light vs Dark, Good vs Evil, and Order vs Chaos. Is the Princess evil? Or is she Justice? Is the Knight good? Or is he just stubborn with a death wish and no sense of preservation? As you read through the book, you get to decide these things for yourself…I can tell you that the Princess is probably my most popular character so far (according to readers). And what does that say, once we look at her as a whole? It’s fascinating for me to see the reactions to her, and I am very honored that just about every review mentions how they loved that facet of my book: the grey, the ambiguity, the balancing.
What will your next novel be about, and what will the whole series encompass?
My next novel is The Dark Witch which takes place directly after the events of book one and is going live on 12/22/23…so in a few days. After that, the trilogy wrap will be in Jan/Feb of 2024 with The Arch Mage. Along the way, I will be dropping short stories to fill out some of the interesting events/characters that shaped the series but wouldn’t make sense to actually write into the main books. One is already out and available on my website called The First Fury, and it is the story of how Kelso first came by the sword, as seen through Kiasa’s eyes. Kiasa was mentioned several times throughout the book; she is a legendary Fury within the Sisterhood and its most peerless fighter – until she disappeared one day. Her story and her connection to the Knight is told in that short. I have a second story coming as well, called The Lord Commander which is the background to Marcus Dain, High Lord Commander of the Paladins. I can’t give away why he deserves his own story, but it will become apparent to readers of my series by book two. These offerings will have covers, etc., and will be listed on Amazon, or for free if you sign up for my newsletter. I am hoping to write about a dozen over the next year.
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Two adversaries on opposite sides of the Eternal Conflict meet by chance and become allied against a new and sinister third power that has entered the fray. The withdrawn Knight of the Light is supposed to be good, and he really kind of is. The Princess of the Dark is supposed to be evil, and she really kind of isn’t. Can they meet in the middle?
Kelso Hart is outcasted from the Light and bearer of the fabled sword “Argenta”—a sentient monster in her own right. The latest in a long line of grim Knights of myth and legend that are cursed to carry the sword, whomsoever unsheathes Argenta becomes nigh unstoppable—and a completely unscrupulous killer.
Ava Pentran is the youngest Princess of the ruling house of the Dark, and harbors a secret known to none. Exiled and hunted by her parents, she lives still only due to her intimidating battle prowess and unique relationship to the Furies—a sect of fierce warrior women who are now her only friends, companions, and protectors. She is also a predator of predators, and her justice is brutal and always fatal.
In a world of magic and madness, Kelso and Ava must find a way to trust each other as they come to grips with a new and unknown complication in the Conflict—a virus that targets those on either side indiscriminately. Those infected are completely changed, their personalities overwritten into something malevolent and chaotic. Knight and Princess both are wounded and disillusioned with the war, but can their unlikely alliance save them? Can it save the world?
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The Ebon Knight is the first in a trilogy of books with elements of quirky humor, perilous adventure, and forbidden attraction during an extremely dangerous time. If you like plot surprises that aren’t ludicrous, villains you will love to hate, heroes with a few rough edges, and exciting battles where the “good guys” don’t always have the upper hand—then welcome!
Any fan of well-written dark/urban fantasy will feel right at home!
Unintended Consequences
GENEFIRE follows a PhD student studying the DNA of a young girl who discovers a warning from the future about Earth’s destruction. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Having been through a PhD myself, I know how hard it can be. It really can feel like the world will end if you don’t finish your PhD. As an academic over the last 15 years, I have also supervised many successful PhD students, and have also seen the whole range of experiences. Many of my former students were the inspiration for Milton, trying to capture that PhD experience in fiction. The journey that Milton goes through is a bit of a metaphor for that experience when you feel like nothing is going right in your PhD, then suddenly you find something amazing, but then your supervisor pours cold water on the idea. You try like crazy to replicate the results (“it’s not a real result unless you validate it”) and end up heading to your PhD viva filled with imposter syndrome and feeling as though you’re on trial.
The other inspiration for this story is the idea of writing in DNA. I have always been fascinated by the idea that we could write messages in DNA, and I wondered how far could we take it?
The science inserted in the fiction was well-balanced. How did you manage to keep it grounded while still providing the fantastic edge science fiction stories usually provide?
As a scientist, it was important to me that the science presented in GENEFIRE was either possible with today’s technology, or easily plausible and likely to come true. Genetic engineering in humans is on the cusp at the moment. Only a few days ago, there was an announcement of regulatory approval in the UK for curing sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia with CRISPR gene editing technologies. It starts with noble disease-curing goals, but where does it end? That is what this novel sets out to explore. We are already far behind the technology in our understanding of the ethics and potential consequences of editing genes. The main theme of the novel is the idea of unintended consequences and the ethics of tinkering with the human genome. There are some harder sci-fi elements but balanced out with fast-paced action and suspense as the characters make their choices and follow their destinies. I hope that most readers will be willing to come along for the ride.
What was one scene in the novel that you felt captured the morals and message you were trying to deliver to readers?
There is a scene on the international space station where all hell breaks loose. The dangerous chemical that Gessica discovered has arrived with the refugees from Earth and has contaminated the ISS. Everyone is in danger, except Tammy, who is immune to the danger due to his genetic makeup. He has to watch all of his friends die a horrible death. That is the culmination of everything going wrong from one terrible mistake.
“Sweet mercy! What a mistake.” – Gessica Kelly.
Will this novel be the start of a series, or are you working on a different story?
Yes, I am hoping this is part one of a trilogy. Being the serious “planner” that I am, I have the next two books plotted out (no spoilers), ready to be written, if only I could find… Now where did I put that time? I can’t seem to find it anywhere.
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Sometimes it feels as though the world will end if you don’t finish your PhD. For Larry Milton, it’s true.
Larry has discovered a dire warning from the future about Earth’s destruction — written in the DNA of a young girl.
With the destruction of the planet at stake, and no one believing him, he goes to extraordinary lengths to help the messenger from the future save the world… and try to finish his PhD at the same time.
East of Midnight
East of Midnight, by Karen Humeniuk, is an enchanting tale that beautifully explores the themes of faith, love, and self-discovery. Cameron’s world takes on new dimensions as Dr. Krasotkin’s thought-provoking inquiries challenge his perspective on romance. Cameron’s personal journey of self-discovery becomes a poignant exploration of societal expectations, unveiling a complex web of emotions surrounding his feelings for Lydia. In this heartwarming love story, Cameron’s inner world is artfully revealed as he competes for Lydia’s affection.
The book’s characters are exceptionally captivating, and connecting with them feels completely natural. Their internal struggles are vividly portrayed, from Cameron’s uncertainty about Lydia’s feelings to another character’s painful battle with loss. Cameron’s inner turmoil, including his struggles with anger, doubt, and grief, adds a layer of depth to the overarching love story.
Karen Humeniuk delves into themes of faith and spirituality, incorporating moving scriptures and messages throughout the narrative. One particular message that resonated with me was the idea that God’s love provides solace “even when no one else, not even our closest friends, can see the damage and pain.” The engaging narrative takes readers on a thrilling journey by way of a touching storyline.
East of Midnight delivers strong Christian messages and thoughtfully portrays the complexities of love. This book is a must-read for Christian literature enthusiasts and anyone who believes in the power of love. As you immerse yourself in the intricate thoughts of the protagonist, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of your own emotions and beliefs.
Pages: 503 | ASIN : B0BKLQPTPW
Hands of the Maker
Hands of the Maker, by Swinn Daniels, the captivating second installment of The Dark Photography Folio, further immerses readers in the enchanting world of photography. Saxon Payne’s lens captures the essence of his enigmatic client, Daizu. Juliette’s quest to uncover her past takes an unexpected turn, leading Saxon toward a new and alluring figure, Persephone. Simultaneously, Saxon’s history resurfaces, adding an extra layer of complexity to his journey.
While the first book primarily revolved around Juliette, this installment beautifully shifts its focus to Saxon. However, it still provides valuable insights into other characters’ perspectives, particularly Maxine. While her backstory is shared through expository dialogue, I believe a more gradual and seamlessly crafted unveiling could have further deepened the intrigue and mystique surrounding her character. Nonetheless, the glimpses of Saxon’s past, as well as the intriguing Airstream Series shoot involving Saxon, Mason, and Mia, held my fascination. The gradual revelation of Mason’s inner turmoil and the introduction of Rider left me eagerly anticipating the next chapter in their story.
One delightful aspect to note is that while Juliette’s and Saxon’s narrative arcs are left open-ended in this installment, leaving room for even more exploration in the upcoming chapters. The intricate tapestry of Saxon, Mason, and Mia’s storylines, while tantalizing, merely hints at the depth of their potential. It’s quite conceivable that these threads are intricately interwoven with Juliette’s journey, promising readers an exciting and highly anticipated revelation in the third book.
I relished the opportunity to explore this richly developed world further. The second book bursts with heightened action that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. While conflicts do arise, I feel they maintain a certain one-sided dynamic, which, in its own way, adds a unique layer of suspense and anticipation to the narrative. Even so, the story remains engaging, as the outcome seems evident despite the narrative twists and turns crafted by Daniels.
Daniels divided this story into thirds to create a trilogy, allowing for a more immersive and expansive exploration of the characters and their interconnected tales, leaving us eager for the next installment. Hands of the Maker is a fantastic follow-up to Daniels’ first book in the series, and I look forward to reading the next installment.
Pages: 172 | ASIN : B0973CW95K
LITERARY TITAN 