Blog Archives
Flawed and Relatable
A Place of Vengeance follows a teenage psychic aiming to understand his abilities and confront supernatural challenges amidst the complexities of high school life and ancestral secrets. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
To answer that, I’ll have to go back a few years. I was camping with my dog near Mendocino, a picturesque village on the Northern California coast, and while sitting by the fire one evening, it occurred to me what a great setting the area would be for a ghost story. That was the genesis of A Place of Shadows, the first book of the series. I enjoyed writing that story so much and felt such a connection with the characters in general and my protagonist in particular that I immediately launched into the sequel. I wanted to raise the stakes, and having Ben Wolf battle an evil, supernatural force plaguing his school was a natural escalation.
Ben Wolf is an intriguing and well-developed character. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
What I like about Ben is that his psychic gifts aside, he’s just a regular kid figuring out life as he goes along. He isn’t the cleverest of his friends and can get emotionally wrapped up around the axle at times, but he’s brave, he’s loyal, he has a sense of humor, and he tries to do the right thing. I wanted a protagonist who was unique enough to be interesting and heroic enough to be admirable yet sufficiently flawed to be relatable.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Ben experienced fear and great anxiety in the first book but never really hit rock bottom. I wanted him to go through a greater spectrum of emotions, everything from first love to devastating personal tragedy. Poor guy…I really dragged him over the coals in this one.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
My next book will be the third in the Windward Cove series, tentatively titled A Place of Madness. While my second book was darker than the first, my third will be darker than the second, with greater danger and higher stakes all around. As for a release date, I imagine it will be at least a couple of years. I still work full-time at my muggle job, and it can be draining at times, but I’m chipping away at the story!
Author Links: Website
… Maybe even them.
Vandella: Resilience (Vandella Series Book 2)
In Vandella: Resilience, the second book of M. Ch. Landa’s engaging Vandella series, the narrative seamlessly resumes from the first installment, transporting readers to an intriguingly reimagined World War II-era Germany. Central to the story is Emma ‘Peach’ Neimeyer, the grandmother of protagonist Maia. Emma’s journey begins dramatically when she stumbles upon a hidden ritual in a castle’s dungeon, an event that reshapes the course of her life.
A standout feature of this novel is its portrayal of a group of children with extraordinary abilities, such as the power to project their souls outside their bodies. Initially identified only by their prisoner numbers, these children are crafted with such depth and individuality that they quickly endear themselves to the reader. The storyline involving Emma’s discovery and subsequent rescue of these children from Nazi experimentation adds a heartwarming and exciting dimension to the plot. Landa’s creative blending of fantastical elements with the historical backdrop of World War II gives the novel a distinctive flavor. This bold fusion creates a unique world that, while divergent from historical accuracy, serves as a canvas for the author’s rich imagination. It allows readers to explore familiar historical events from a fresh, fantastical perspective.
Further enriching the series, the characters in the story show a marked development in depth and complexity compared to the first book. The narrative is constructed in a way that makes this book accessible and enjoyable, even for those who haven’t read the first installment. The endearing portrayal of the children, with their unique abilities and personalities, is a particularly charming aspect, ensuring a captivating reading experience.
Vandella: Resilience by M. Ch. Landa is a compelling and imaginative sequel that enriches the Vandella series. Landa’s creative integration of fantasy elements with a historical setting provides a fresh perspective on a familiar era, making the novel an intriguing read. The detailed portrayal of each character, particularly the uniquely gifted children, adds depth and warmth to the story. Whether you are new to the series or returning for the second chapter, this book stands out for its originality and engaging narrative, promising an enjoyable and thought-provoking experience for a wide range of readers.
Pages: 363 | ASIN : B0CF858L8Q
A Place of Vengeance: Tales from Windward Cove
A Place of Vengeance: Tales from Windward Cove introduces us to Ben Wolf, a teenage psychic navigating his tumultuous first year at Silver Creek High amidst a plethora of supernatural challenges. Author David Lafferty, employs a clear and direct writing style, effectively unraveling the complex tapestry of psychic phenomena and mystery. This approach makes the intricate subject matter both accessible and captivating, despite the familiar trope of a high schooler confronting otherworldly forces.
Ben Wolf emerges as a well-crafted character. His psychic abilities and personal battles are portrayed with a nuanced sensitivity, lending a significant depth to his persona. Lafferty excels in bringing Ben’s psychic visions to life, often presenting them with a chilling clarity. The interactions between Ben and his friends, Ab Chambers and Les Hawkins, provide an authentic glimpse into high school dynamics, enriched by their witty and relatable banter.
The narrative itself is a maelstrom of action and suspense, and unexplained incidents combined with the ancestral secrets dating back over a century, create a rich and engaging backdrop. Although I feel some plot developments might be anticipated by avid readers of the genre, the overall journey remains thrilling, with the narrative’s brisk pacing ensuring continuous engagement.
A Place of Vengeance: Tales from Windward Cove, by David Lafferty, stands out as a commendable contribution to the young adult paranormal genre. It offers a compelling mix of high school drama and supernatural intrigue, catering to those who delight in a story that intertwines the mundane with the mystical.
Pages: 436 | ASIN: B0CMGQT3KY
FastFlight 540: In Search of Xander
FastFlight 540: In Search of Xander whisks readers away on an exhilarating adventure alongside the indomitable Anslie Dawn as she embarks on a daring mission to reunite with her missing husband, Xander Bump. This latest installment in the series is nothing short of captivating, ensuring that readers will be glued to its pages from the very beginning to the thrilling conclusion.
M.M. Mesldorf’s writing shines brilliantly as she effortlessly paints vivid landscapes, breathes life into well-rounded characters, and weaves a narrative that effortlessly resonates with a wide audience. What’s truly impressive is her ability to craft a story that stands alone while seamlessly fitting into the broader series narrative, ensuring that readers, whether new or returning, never feel lost. To fully immerse yourself in the characters’ journey and appreciate the depth of their struggles in book 3, I highly recommend devouring all three books in order.
Mesldorf’s story unfolds seamlessly as we transition between the perspectives of Anslie and Stuart. Stuart’s intriguing adventure and the enchanting world he discovers while searching for his mother will transport you to a magical realm. Yet, this tale is more than just an adventure; it imparts valuable lessons on determination, courage, and the importance of family. These underlying values add depth and substance to the narrative, turning it into a rewarding read for all. The inclusion of simple yet evocative images throughout the book breathes life into each chapter, enhancing your reading experience in unexpected ways.
Anslie’s quest to find Xander is filled with excitement, emotional depth, and valuable life lessons. Its universal appeal and seamless integration into the series make it a must-read for anyone yearning for an adventurous tale that resonates on a deep level. FastFlight 540: In Search of Xander promises a delightful and meaningful reading experience that will leave you eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this remarkable journey.
The Definition of Love
Everlasting Charli explores a young woman’s journey through love, friendship, and personal growth amidst the chaotic yet heartwarming environment of a local fish restaurant embroiled in unexpected crises. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Everlasting Charli is one of five books that make up my series, The Past Life Library, each journal giving a glimpse into four of my past and one of my current lifetimes. Charli is the part of me that was looking for a confirmation bias on the definition of love.
Charli’s character is intriguing and well-developed. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
Charli comes from a family of physical and intellectual nomads who roam the earth seeking truths and sharing them in an everlasting effort to make the world a “better place.” And thus, almost an adult, she finds herself alone and must somehow find a version of love so pure and so similar to that of her own family, so she can believe that she was and is, truly loved. Her aversion to change is most likely a socially more acceptable version of her blatantly controlling nature.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Love and if indeed love for the planet translates to love of the lifeforms who inhabit it. Is it possible that many explosions of anger or warfare are, or were, initially (maybe centuries ago) ignited by a sole intention of some act of “good” but have somehow collided. For example, that of the quintessential love triangle. Is anyone wrong? Shadowing that, though, are the inner truths of Charli in the form of both her journal and the accompanying music album of thoughts/songs/poetry. Here she can perceive herself for the authentically selfish person that she is, gently persuading her that perhaps we are not always so genuinely “good” or that any act can be perceived in any way, no matter the intention, including love.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
Infinite Aisa is next in the series and has just been published – with the accompanying soundtracks. The fourth book, Forever Raphaella, will be launching in November, 2023.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
Everlasting Charli intertwines questions of environmentalism, trust and true or half-true love. Is it possible to love everybody? And what of animals or planet Earth? The book also asks the readers to think about the nature of competition, and what exactly is that thread inside of us that wants to win.
The related music album, found on all major streaming platforms, includes 3 instrumental tracks for you to make your own songs with.
Everlasting Charli: Illustrated (Past Life Library)
Charli is an integral part of Bones, a fish restaurant that has been her second home since childhood. Her strong aversion to change endears her to the camaraderie she has found within its walls. Additionally, Charli maintains a diary in which she candidly recounts her experiences at Bones, including her interactions with her tempestuous boss, Alp. Things take an unexpected turn when Alp, in a reckless bet that puts the business at risk, decides to pursue a woman he’s long been interested in but hasn’t seen for ages. This twist adds a layer of complexity to the situation for everyone involved.
Everlasting Charli: Illustrated invites readers to contemplate the intricate facets of love, the sacrifices it demands, and the importance of having clear life objectives. Alongside these themes, the narrative touches upon broader subjects like environmentalism and personal growth. Love, as the story portrays, is a multifaceted emotion—sometimes irrational, at other times an undeniable necessity. This ambivalence finds its embodiment in Alp, making him an intriguing character.
Clare-Rose Trevelyan skillfully crafts a cast of characters with diverse and well-defined personalities. For instance, Phia, Alp’s love interest, stands out as a sharp and determined woman with her own goals and passions. The story unfolds from Charli’s perspective, creating a personal connection that allows readers to glean insights from the experiences of others. A noteworthy feature of the book is its introduction, which provides character descriptions accompanied by photographs. This inclusion proves invaluable in keeping track of the rapidly evolving narrative. The visual presentation of the book is distinctive, with each page meticulously designed to resemble an authentic diary, replete with notes, drawings, photos, and collages. Although this style may appear somewhat busy and chaotic, it authentically mirrors a woman pouring her heart onto paper. It’s worth mentioning that while much of the narrative maintains a tranquil pace as it delves into life experiences, it still delivers unexpected twists and turns.
Everlasting Charli: Illustrated is a book that acknowledges the complexities of life, love, and personal development while offering inspiration for young adults navigating their own journeys. It reminds us that success and failure are both part of the human experience, and it encourages reflection on the choices we make in pursuit of our goals. For those who appreciate a compelling narrative with rich characters and profound themes, this book is a compelling and rewarding choice that will leave a lasting impact on its readers.
Pages: 236 | ASIN: B0CDFQFGL4
LITERARY TITAN 