Blog Archives
Serenity
Serenity (the Blood Moon Prince) by Kya Wolf follows Kain Raingel who is a battle-tested prisoner of war and has survived what seemed to be a lifetime of torture. However, he is haunted not only by his mysterious magical past but also the memories of the previous years of his existence. Just when Kain begins to heal and learns how to love again, his new companions are taken hostage. Now he must find the strength to confront the villain who tormented him while also risking his memories, otherwise, the people he holds dear will perish.
Author Kya Wolf’s writing will transport readers to a new realm that is filled with fascinating characters and intriguing magic. The author’s writing style will captivate readers and immerse them in this enchanting story with her vivid descriptions.
The characters are well developed and I began to relate to Kain’s character the most. The author flawlessly integrates mental health issues in the novel. They feel authentic and seems like it’s coming from a place of understanding. All of this is delivered within a riveting fantasy novel that never forgets to entertain the reader.
The story moves at a steady pace, allowing the reader to fully grasp the plot. The magic portrayed in the story steadily builds along with the level of intrigue. The magical fights in this book were some of my favorite scenes in the story and I wanted more of them. They were kinetic and simply fun to read.
The grounded but engaging dialogue between characters helps the story move along and provides just enough information to the reader. The author does an excellent job of showing the reader rather then telling and her descriptive prowess delivers some breathtaking scenes that readers will enjoy.
Serenity is an action filled young adult fantasy story with a unique voice and a heartfelt approach to mental health. I look forward to reading the next book in this series as this truly does feel like just the beginning to something that is sure to be an epic fantasy adventure.
Pages: 263 | ASIN: B095JDWZTT
There’s No Basketball on Mars
There’s No Basketball On Mars by Craig Leener is an endearing story told from the perspective of Sherman Lawrence Tuckerman, an extremely intelligent young man who is making his way through life exceptionally well after being diagnosed with autism. Following his daily routines and interactions you get a wonderful insight into how he sees the world. Then one day his routine is interrupted for one of the best reasons, his dream of being on the first manned space mission to Mars, might just become a reality.
The imagination that has gone into this story is exemplary, especially when it is combined with the multitude of facts about space, math and how people on a certain part of the autistic spectrum view day to day life. This is one of the most amazing parts of this book, the perspective the reader gets to see. It is extremely educational for all who read it, and I would imagine quite motivational for anyone who may also be diagnosed with autism. One way this book may help is for them to see how the protagonist, Sherman, is aware of elements of his autism, which is expressed in lines such as ‘anxious I get in social situations and how much I resist variations to my established routine’ and then how he overcomes, or deals with these situations, sometimes with help from others.
There’s No Basketball On Mars is a riveting science fiction story aimed at young adults and Craig Leener has been innovative with both the story line and the narrative. The way the chapters are written keeps the reader engaged in the story. The chapters are short but chock-full of information. Sherman’s direct views also color the chapters and add much emotional depth when he writes notes or expresses his direct opinion of the situations he faces.
There’s No Basketball On Mars is a feel good story with a charming character at its center. I enjoyed reading this insightful sci-fi book as it provided a fresh character driven plot. This is an emotionally-resonant and intellectually invigorating story that I highly recommend.
Pages: 320 | ASIN: B09XJQ4K35
Ulan
Ulan, by Rick Stepp-Bolling, is a prequel to The Patch Man. The story follows Ulan as she navigates a war between Summia and Imperia. Ulan comes into her own and sets the stage for many other characters in this novel. Ulan is a young girl in a poor living situation. Her father is a shell of the man he was before the war and abuses his wife and daughter. Ulan is outside of the compound after curfew and surrounded by six boys, taunting her, and making her feel unsafe. A militia, the Imperial Panthers, put an end to their actions by brutally killing the boys. Ulan is left alive to send a message to others in the compound. What Ulan witnessed changes her forever and puts her on a path to finding herself and her strength.
The thing that stood out to me with this book, looking back, is the characters. The characters in this intrepid adventure story were all methodically developed throughout the book and felt like thoughtfully crafted and layered characters by the end of the novel. Each character had their own unique development but kept the reader always wanting to learn more about them. I know I was looking forward to seeing how they would react to certain situations I saw coming.
The relationship between Bas, Ulan, and Tara were my favorite to read about throughout the novel. Bas is tasked with leading Ulan out of the compound and decides she is worthy of saving. He brings her to a sanctuary where she can learn how to use her gift and control herself. Tara is a Lore Mistress who becomes meaningful to Ulan and helps her learn their ways. Tragedy strikes at the sanctuary which prompts Ulan to get revenge. Reading about the strength Ulan develops and seeing who she becomes was the best part of the story. While I thought the characters well developed throughout the story, I would’ve liked to have known more about the character’s backgrounds.
The second thing that stood out to me was the intriguing detail that is infused within this post-apocalyptic world. It is a world that sets your imagination alight and is filled with fascinating things that add color and depth to the world.
Ulan sends a young woman, and readers, on a perilous adventure that is consistently entertaining. If you are a science fiction fan looking for a gripping story that is driven by a strong female character than this is a fantasy novel that will be hard to put down.
Pages: 283 | ASIN: B09LPS299M
The Younglings: Fire & Magic
The Youngling gang of supernaturals is back in the second installment of Helena M. Craggs’ series. This time Quinn and his friends are more experienced, more determined, and have even more troubled spirits to clean up after. A wannabe vampire on the loose, stalkerish witches and the pressure cooker of first years of college mean that their break from the supernatural realm has well and truly come to an end.
The Younglings: Fire & Magic picks up from where it left off, continuing the journey of first loves, sexuality, friendship, loyalty and familial unity. The ongoing guidance of demon nanny Mrs. D was the feel-good stability and wisdom that can often lack in the young adult genre.
Narrated predominantly from Quinn’s perspective Helena M. Craggs has done well to maintain his humorous and charismatic character. The addition of storytelling from multiple perspectives created the perfect amount of angst to keep the reader feverishly turning pages and builds upon the logic and reason of characters the reader has already had the opportunity to understand.
The natural progression of the original characters truly shines through in this second installment. Eve and Quinn have matured immensely; tougher and more direct, they set the tone of the novel to be logical and infallible, genuinely growing into the ruling roles so heavily focused on in book one. An outstanding friendship dynamic with purposeful powers and personalities, Craggs has taken her time to evolve relationships through real-life themes young adults face. The romantic subplot solidified this novels place in the workings of a brilliant young adult read.
The Younglings: Fire & Magic is a lighthearted paranormal fantasy that takes young adult readers on an action-filled adventure. The supernatural characters are engaging and will have readers hooked from the start.
Pages: 340 | ASIN : B09YHMTV4Z
To Those We Found
To Those We Found by George Ander is a science fiction book based in a completely different galaxy. Instead of having features like tentacles and an exoskeleton, the aliens have the same physical construction as humans. This captivating story has been told from the viewpoint of an alien competing for the position of a champion; the winner will represent their planet in other solar systems.
The protagonist of the story, Taman Yedder, is selected by a random lottery to represent his world to the whole universe. He reaches the destination but finds himself trapped in a desolate hospital with the doctor forcing him to stay there. After a scuffle, he escapes the hospital and begins exploring this mother world he is supposed to prepare a report about.
Through the journey and thoughts of Taman, readers will explore his world. The historical evidence and the leaders’ talks are contradictory, and Taman begins his search for truth. However, his investigation leads him to deep and dark secrets which no one wants to hear about. He also explores his sexuality and begins to question the reason for his sacrifices. The leadership doesn’t want anyone to know things Taman has started asking.
The author explores many human world problems like religion, politics, economy, sexual identity, and technology through the alien world. The characters and their responses are eerily human but being in a different world creates an estrangement with the readers. This book is a deep dive into the psychology and philosophy of the human mind. I felt that, at times, the author’s explanation of the psychology of humans was lost in the story’s narrative or just confusing to understand. The cultural hegemony of our world has been shown, and capitalism has been questioned. The protagonist is an outsider, enabling him to question and look at these from a fresh perspective rather than blindly follow them. This book is fiction wrapped in ideological and realistic problems that plague our world.
The author brings out a lot of contemporary issues through the story. I liked the subtle yet firm way the author establishes the parallel between our world and this fictional world. The writing style is captivating, and the plot engages with enough dialogues and actions. So many contemporary and chronic issues of our world have been represented without any solution.
To Those, We Found is a riveting young adult science fiction novel for teens who want to read action-filled and engaging plots and for people who want a philosophical look at the world in their readings.
Pages: 389 | ASIN : B09MNS6J4V
Exploring Speculative Fiction
Sword and Sorcery: Frostfire follows a budding mercenary and a mage with a secret who set off on a dangerous quest with world changing implications. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
I’ve wanted to write a dual narrative story since I was a kid, and this was the perfect opportunity, I feel like there are so many fun places to explore in speculative fiction! I also wanted to write a book where two characters come from very different backgrounds and see how that can affect the way they are presently.
Erevan and Aireyal are intriguing and well developed characters. What were some driving ideals behind their character’s development?
It all comes from focusing on the fundamentals of writing, which is probably something I talk about way too much on my YouTube channel. I’m a big believer in understanding the rules of storycrafting. That way you know how, why, and when to bend or break them. And like anything, practice makes perfect, so it’s important to keep working on those skills, even after we learn them the first time.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I’ll leave that one up for the reader to decide. I’m ok with letting the work stand on its own and be interpreted however each reader individually sees it.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
The next book in the Sword and Sorcery series, of course! It will be available sometime next year if all continues to go well. I’m super excited to share the next part of the story with everyone, there are so many things I wish I could tell you all now!
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | YouTube | Website | Amazon | B&N | Books2Read
Erevan has a problem. He grew up on the unforgiving streets of Bogudos and has the scars to prove it. His friend, however, is stuck in jail because of his mistake. But when a suspicious courier offers him a chance to fix things, should he lift his sword and journey across treacherous lands to aid her cause?
Meanwhile, Aireyal has been accepted into the wealthiest and most prestigious magical school in all the land. There’s just one problem. She can’t do magic. But that’s far from the only secret within the walls of Darr-Kamo. And what she discovers might just change the world.
Swordsman
Sorcerer
Spiritualist
Scholar
All four have enemies. And all four need help to get what they want. But help is never free.
What would you sacrifice to get what you most desire?
Exclusive to the Kindle eBook version is X-Ray, where Ethan Avery has written never before seen notes on the rich world and regions of Sword and Sorcery and the characters that inhabit it. All easily accessed on a Kindle device or iPad and iPhone through the Kindle app. (All versions include the series’ iconic chapter art.)
Warrior on the Western Waters
Warrior on the Western Waters is the third book in the intense and thrilling young adult Dangerous Loyalties series by Phyllis A. Still. Set in 1775 in Boonesborough, we follow a young girl named Mary Shirley who lives in a settlement that is supposed to be a safe haven from the Loyalists. Mary warns the people in the settlement of a traitor who is planning to attack them, but no one believes her. She is taken hostage by the Loyalists who seek revenge against her father and is taken to a Shawnee village where she stays while they await the surrender of her father.
What I have come to realize about Phyllis Still’s writing is that there is a simple eloquence to it. It has a way of leading you through a story with simple language which leaves your mind free to imagine the intriguing world that she is creating in her book.
This is an emotional roller-coaster of a story and the author effortlessly captures the intense emotions that each character is feeling; which reminds me of the emotional rumination of Suzanne Collin’s The Hunger Games. What drew me into this impassioned historical fiction story was the smart and nimble dialogue. The reader feels like they are alongside Mary, feeling the terror and worry she feels. The dialogue feels authentic and the characters are much more believable because of it. I was easily able to connect with Mary’s character as she starts out as an innocent child, but must be strong in order to survive.
A fun fact; the author is an eighth-generation descendant of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). Mary Shirley McGuire is the muse behind the Dangerous Loyalties series and our main protagonist. Even though this is a work of fiction, you can really tell that the author wanted to do her ancestors justice with this book, and I feel like she does exactly that.
Even though this book is part of a series, I think it can still stand on its own as an intrepid coming-of-age historical adventure story. I don’t think readers will need to read books one and two in the series in order to follow Mary through this absorbing story. The author expertly provides just enough background information to catch the reader up before setting them off on this new adventure.
Warrior on the Western Waters by Phyllis A. is a captivating historical fiction novel that is a must read for history buffs and will be an emotionally-resonant story for everyone else.
Pages: 197 | ASIN: B082TWBP3P
The Shed
The Shed is a suspenseful young adult novel and is the first installment of the Liberation trilogy authored by M.C Ronen. This chilling dystopian story revolves around Sunny and her seemingly apocalyptic community called Nature’s farm. Sunny lives in blissful ignorance, governed by strict rules and occasional raids. Her innocent bubble bursts when she discovers a disturbing revelation of what goes on in The Shed: a place off-limits to younger children on the farm. Stomach-churning secrets surround the shed that Sunny and her friend begin to uncover as they begin to explore forbidden areas on the farm.
With this gripping tale, M.C Ronen delivers powerful writing that will chill you to the core. The author’s use of detailed descriptions creates graphic images that will forever be stuck in the mind of readers. I found certain parts of this story unnerving, adding to the dystopian feel. This thrilling story is quite the page-turner, and I found myself flying through the pages.
The author is excellent at character development. The character of Sunny starts out as this naïve girl and develops into a strong independent thinker who starts to question her surroundings. With a strong intuition, Sunny can sense when danger is near and uses this to her advantage to survive the raid that attacks the farm in the opening chapter.
The story progresses smoothly, and the tension remains until the very end. M. C Ronen keeps the reader wondering what is going to happen next. Unfortunately, when the story ends, readers will be left waiting for the second book in this series to find out what happens to Sunny’s character.
The Shed is a shocking and unpredictable dystopian novel. Readers will be taken into a dark and thrilling world where women must fight for their very survival. Older teens and young adults will find this to be a suspenseful read and find it hard to put down.
Pages: 302 | ASIN : B07H4GYYLY
LITERARY TITAN 