Blog Archives
Global History and Politics
Jigsaw: Sonora follows a group of ideological extremists who travel back in time to WWI to alter history, and a group of temporal guardians must stop them before their plan unfolds. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Excellent question. Most of the attention given to World War I seems to center on what happened on the Western and Eastern Fronts in Europe. Outside of the Zimmerman Telegram, little attention is given to the efforts to keep the United States out of the war or keep many of their military assets occupied on the Southern Border. This book touches on that as well as the origins of the Influenza virus in that period and the attack on Wall Street, where a real one did take place in 1920.
What intrigues you about this time period enough to write such a thrilling novel in this era?
This time period influenced global history and politics for the next century, from World War II to the Cold War, to the growth of the United States’ influence, to the advance of the modern welfare state and labor movement, to the creation of modern nations and nationalist movements that are still with us today.
What was your favorite scene in this story?
The climax on the Zepplein Sonora. I do not want to spoil the climax for readers, so I will leave it there.
Can you tell us where the book goes and where we’ll see the characters in the next book?
Yes. The next book, Jigsaw: Shadow Ball is already out where our Time Traveling heroes have to save the creation of the Negro Leagues in the 1920’s and the integration of Major League Baseball in the 1940’s with Larry Doby and the Cleveland Indians. That adventure will be followed in 2026 with Jigsaw: Temporal Apocalypse, where our heroes have to stop the ultimate attempt to change reality in the post-World War I Era by disrupting events in Italy/Yugoslavia over Fiume and the Russian/Polish War.
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Renegade Novus Ordo operatives have formed Global Harmony and have launched Project Sonora, a plan to draw the United States out of World War One, start a continental war in the Americas, and unleash a genetically coded pathogen that would cause population segments to fall to the Influenza Virus.
The Temporal Guardians, led by Francesca and Noah must stop Global Harmony before the Forces of Evil can change history and destroy reality.
Educate Readers
Jigsaw: Powder Keg flips between timelines, ancient Persia, WWI and WWII Europe, post-Holocaust Italy, 1950s Alabama, and even Victorian England, while weaving together a massive, complex tale of shadowy global conspiracies, time travel, and supernatural battles. What was the inspiration that created the fantastic journey these characters go on?
I wanted to write a book that especially focused on the events leading up to Pre World War One not normally dealt with in great detail in general high school history textbooks. Jigsaw Powder Keg, like all my books, is designed to appeal to and educate readers from mature middle school level on up. The other historical and religious/mythological events covered in the book like those in Ancient Persia, Post Holocaust Italy, and 1950’s Alabama are also not regularly known and I wanted readers to be aware as well as see our major characters in action. The scene with the time-traveling dog, Nicki, uncovering the identity of Jack the Ripper, was kind of a back in pilot to my Adventures of Moly: Time Traveling Dog series.
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?
Great question. I generally outline the chapters and map the action sequences out before writing the first draft. For me, dialog is also a great mover of the action. I am also greatly aided by a very good line editor, Natalie Bavar, who is a great partner in smoothing out and polishing these scenes.
Did you find anything in your research of this story that surprised you?
That the photographer, Gordon Parks, who was being persecuted in 1950’s Alabama was not widely known. I actually found out about him while doing a reading activity with second graders in the elementary school where I am an Instructional Assistant and I thought after reading about him that this would make a great scene in the book with the Antonia and Rene characters.
Another area that kind of surprised me was that the Italian-Libyan War revealed to other powers at the time that the Ottoman Empire was truly “The Sick Man of Europe” and Italy’s defeat of it motivated other powers like Serbia to take advantage of that situation in the resulting Balkan Wars which also led to World War One.
Can you tell us more about what’s in store for Temporal Guardian Foundation and the direction of the next book?
The next two books in this story arc are out. The first is Jigsaw Sonora which deals with our time-traveling heroes thwarting an attempt by Global Harmony to take the United States out of World War One by staging a border war, an attack on Wall Street, and a Zeppelin bombing raid over Tucson with a bioweapon. The second, Jigsaw Shadow Ball deals with the Guardians saving the creation of The Negro Leagues and the integration of Major League Baseball with Larry Doby and the Cleveland Indians. The final book in this arc, Jigsaw: Temporal Apocalypse is coming out in 2026 and will deal with the end of World War One in Bulgaria and the post-war conflicts and incidents in Russia/Poland and Fiume.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Novus Ordo has not given up on its Mission to Shape Reality In its Neo-Fascist Image
Working with the Novus Ordo organization from the beginning of the Twentieth Century, they have launched Operation Powder Keg, an attempt to steer the course of World War One to their benefit.
But they did not factor in the involvement of Ahriman, the Devil who sees this as an opportunity to finally remake the world in his image.
They also did not consider the intervention of Francesca, Mariah, Noah, Bonomi, and other members of the newly formed Temporal Guardian Foundation.
Now the heroes from the Jigsaw Universe must race across 1903 Serbia, 1911 Italy, 1913 Macedonia, 1914 Sarajevo, and the Ancient Middle East to stop the plans of Novus Ordo and the Devil…
And save existence.
Poetic Justice
In the dwindling twilight of Roman dominion, Poetic Justice by Fiona Forsyth transports readers to Tomis, a remote outpost at the Empire’s edge, where the esteemed poet Ovid finds himself in exile. Initially dismissive of the locals as mere barbarians, Ovid’s attention swiftly shifts to a more sinister matter: a series of ritualistic murders, eerily escalating from animal to human sacrifices. As the macabre acts begin to mirror the unsettling themes of Ovid’s own verses, he forms an unlikely partnership with Marcus Avitius, the Governor’s advisor, in a bid to unravel the mystery. Together, they delve into the dark underbelly of Tomis, seeking to expose the chilling truth behind the violence.
As the inaugural installment of the Publius Ovidius Mysteries, Forsyth’s novel is an ambitious foray into historical fiction, ingeniously casting the ancient Roman poet Ovid as a central figure in a gripping murder mystery. Against the odds, the narrative captivates with its richly woven tapestry of historical intrigue and literary imagination. Forsyth demonstrates a profound command over the era, bringing Roman life’s societal and political nuances into sharp relief, thus enabling readers to immerse themselves fully in the period.
The depiction of Ovid and Avitius stands out, with both characters meticulously crafted and offering a compelling dynamic. They are supported by a cast of vividly drawn figures, each contributing to the unfolding drama and deepening our understanding of Roman society. Forsyth’s narrative prowess shines through in every element of the book, from the authentic dialogue and well-measured pacing to the underlying tension that simmers throughout, hinting at the lurking dangers in the shadows of Tomis.
Forsyth’s work is a testament to the power of historical fiction, demonstrating an ability to educate about a bygone era and entertain and engage through a story that is as thrilling as it is unlikely. Poetic Justice is a testament to the genre, proving that with enough skill and creativity, even the most obscure historical figures and moments can spring vividly to life, offering readers a window into the past that is both enlightening and profoundly entertaining.
Pages: 283 | ASIN : B0CP9HW9SJ
Destiny of Daring: Never Forget
Destiny of Daring: Never Forget weaves the harrowing tale of an Armenian family’s endurance during the Ottoman-perpetrated genocide and the ensuing political turmoil post-World War I. Set against this historical backdrop, the novel follows Cassie in contemporary times as she embarks on a quest to reconnect with her relatives from the Gulumian lineage, piecing together their ancestral saga of resilience. Central to her discoveries is the story of Nazeli, a survivor who assumes the identity of Emine to marry into a Muslim family, and her sister Nane. This narrative portrays a world marked by hostility and brutality yet punctuated by instances of hope, courage, and human kindness.
As the third entry in Cathy Burnham Martin’s Destiny Trilogy, the book gains depth and realism from its basis on true recollections. This grounding in reality brings a poignant authenticity to the narrative, sometimes intensifying the emotional impact of certain passages. Martin carefully delineates between the actions of the Ottoman government and its people, highlighting the distinction between a tyrannical regime and the individuals under its rule. While the novel is firmly rooted in historical fact, its dramatization, particularly in character dialogues, adds a unique layer to the narrative. The verbal expressions, passionately focused on denouncing the atrocities, emphasize the emotional intensity of the story. This narrative technique reinforces the gravity of the events, echoing their deep impact on the characters’ lives.
Destiny of Daring offers a lens into the struggles faced by the Armenian community during a tumultuous era. Its educational value is notable, shedding light on a period that may not be widely familiar to global audiences, thereby providing both a compelling and informative reading experience.
Pages: 254 | ASIN : B0CK558SZB
LITERARY TITAN 