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A Combination of Folklore
Ascension follows a teenage girl from a small town who discovers her destiny is to become a guardian with powerful magic and fight an evil demon. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The story actually began with Anne-Marie. She started as a character in a video game my family plays, and with time, her role became that of the “witch in the woods”. I imagined her as an ageless guardian who watched over the generations of her family, always close by, but keeping her distance all the same. In developing the story, I wanted the secondary Main character, Angelica, to be far enough along the family tree that when Anne-Marie revealed that she was Angelica’s 10th great grandmother, the significance of the relationship would stand out stronger. Shade, the Father of Nightmares, grew out of a combination of folklore. I knew his title first, so I wanted a villain who embodied different scary things. A touch of Little Red Riding Hood, werewolves, zombies for the decay of his muzzle, and the patient confidence that his evil schemes would outlive the foolish mortals who might oppose him. He never anticipated Anne-Marie’s vow upon her own Ascension to the mantle of Guardian to grant her near immortality and tie her life force so strongly to his own.
Angelica and Anne-Marie are strong, intelligent, and powerful witches. What was your inspiration for the characters and their relationship?
The story was always going to be about love of family and the duty to protect those dearest to us. I have two children of my own, and I think a lot of Anne-Marie’s devotion came from the relationships I have with my kids. Angelica’s wit and boldness certainly comes from the day to day antics of my teenagers and their friends.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I find that I often write about the idea of an unsung hero protecting the innocent from the dangers that they may not even know exist. Anne-Marie begins her journey simply trying to take care of her own family, but finds herself thrown into a much larger fight. There are moments where she thinks of turning her back on the responsibility she has assumed, but knows that if she doesn’t make the stand, then not just her loved ones, but the entire world could fall to Shade’s threat.
When will book 2 be available? Can you give us an idea of where that book will take readers? Guardian, Book 2 of the series is available now. In 1671, Anne-Marie must flee from Shade’s enclosing grasp. As the demon’s power grows, and new enemies arise, lashing out not just at the young woman, but at those she holds dear. In present day, Angelica slowly recovers from her battle with Aiden Carmichael, but her impetuous actions have caused the veil between the realms to tatter, and she soon discovers her most beloved sanctuary has become the Father of Nightmare’s hunting ground.
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Anne-Marie Carmichael is a compassionate and hard working wife and mother from the late 17th century. Determined to save her family’s struggling farm from financial ruin, she enters into a hasty bargain that unwittingly turns her into a soldier in a war that has lasted for millennia. Imbued with the primordial magic that extends her life and grants earth shattering power, the fiery natured farmwife must recruit the children of her family for generations to come to stand against the demonic Shade, Father of Nightmares.
As the barriers between our world and the Realm of the Demonkin falter, Anne-Marie must awaken in Angelica the might that lies dormant in the Blood of the Firstborn and shape her into the weapon that fate has called for her to become. For only the Witches of Pioneer Vale can hope to win the battle that threatens to destroy not just the pastoral community that Angelica has known her whole life, but existence itself.
A Machine Divine
A Machine Divine, by Derek Paul, is a steampunk-themed, young adult novel that follows biology prodigy Asher Auden and animal trapper Callie Saint, residents of small town Vana who have been accepted into prestigious Langford University in the bustling capital of Riali City. The story initially unfolds as a coming-of-age story and quickly shifts into a thrilling tale of danger, conspiracies, and secret societies.
This novel draws its readers in slowly, introducing the characters, and their situation, until the plot quickens into an exciting world of dystopian developments. The writing style kept me intrigued, turning one page after another to learn about the next conflict. The more I read, the better the development, with exciting technologies, visual descriptions, and details about the characters that kept me engaged. I especially enjoy the steampunk imagery and how well it fits into the story.
A Machine Divine, by Derek Paul, weaves the complexities of genetics, science, and steampunk fantasy into a well-written young adult novel. It’s the first book in a series and makes a solid debut. I strongly recommend this book to fans of the young adult and fantasy genre and anyone who appreciates steampunk in literature.
ASIN B0BSJLLQYD | Pages: 380
What Makes A “Good” Society
The Vending Portal has an intriguing setup to a novel that is high in social commentary. What was your moral goal when writing this novel, and do you feel you’ve achieved it?
I didn’t have a particular moral goal when formulating this novel, but you’re right in that there is social commentary weaved throughout. My goal was more to highlight certain aspects of our society and societies around our world and bring questions on what makes a “good” society to the forefront. I understand these are difficult questions and complicated topics (all of which I don’t have answers to!), so I wrote these into the novel in hopes of providing a light avenue for young adults to critically think and ponder while also being carried on an adventure with our young protagonists.
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?
It always excites me when readers like yourself tell me your thoughts about the world within The Vending Portal and the potential. I pulled my world-building inspiration from a variety of places: a recurring childhood dream, animations from studios like Studio Ghibli, my experience living in Japan years ago, anime series (some of which are quite ridiculous!), and my dabbling interest in aquariums. Overall, I was also inspired by other young adult adventures, like those of the Harry Potter series and the Narnia series. I created a few main tenants of how this world worked, and from there, things changed in terms of how certain instances react to each other and adding color and depth. I’m excited to continue building it out and discovering it myself as I write.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Some themes that were important for me within the book were not only the obvious one on a utopian/dystopian society and leadership, but also that of a hyphenated identity. Our main protagonists are Asian-Western; their home setting is quite inspired by Asia (particularly, the town I lived near in Japan years ago), and yet our characters are clearly some sort of Western, speaking English with very plain, western names. As an Asian-American myself, I wanted to craft a story that wasn’t just a nod to my roots and Asian, but more particularly, a nod to my experience (and many others within the diaspora across the world) as an Asian-American. The hyphenated identity is a unique space, shared by many around the world, and I want to help us feel more seen.
To highlight that, I specifically wanted to explore the food and dinner scenes within the book. I’ve found that in my family’s household and in many other immigrant family households, food holds a significance, culturally and socially. It’s our connection to a culture as well as a way many families express affection and care. Hence, I wanted to have food scenes describing the food and with family, despite it potentially slowing the plot or seeming more slice-of-life. These were crucial to the theme.
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?
The Vending Portal is indeed the first book in a series! I’m planning for a trilogy, but already thinking about a companion novel as a prequel. Due to life getting busy and some personal challenges, the second book won’t be out in 2023, but I’m hoping for a late 2024 release at earliest! In the meantime, I have a few world expansion projects to write – in my preorder campaign to help me fund the book’s publication, I offered a world expansion package where I create a character with the person who orders it – and build a quick write up of this character interacting within the world of The Vending Portal. I’m pretty excited about these, and they’ll potentially be posted on my website should anyone want to learn more about the world outside the novel!
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Website
It’s just a normal day for Mel and Sage. They’re walking home from school, when they come upon a battered vending machine of mysterious snacks. While examining it, the sisters are whisked away to another dimension by the seemingly innocuous machine. They encounter advanced memory-enhancing technologies, a strange new government, and an ominous secret behind it all. Follow Mel and Sage as they discover friendships, unravel an unknown family history, and brave a multitude of hazards to save a society in a world that was never theirs.
Judy Liu’s debut novel is a passion project motivated by a desire to explore the concept of a “perfect” society. In it, she explores both the fantasies and the frightening possibilities that can exist in a world of any design. The Vending Portal is a lightly distorted, funhouse mirror to reflect the pitfalls of our own society, seen through the innocent eyes of two young protagonists.
Caught Stealing From A Wizard
The Owl-Headed Wand follows an orphan boy who is taken under the wing of a wand maker and ends up on the run from revolutionaries. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Many years ago I envisioned a simple opening of a story where an orphan is caught stealing from a wizard, but the wizard sees greatness in the orphan and helps him. That was the original inspiration. I wrote a book called The Winter Wizard Chronicles where I first created the world of Yohan. In passing, the story mentions the Fire Elf Rebellion. The two books are almost entirely exclusive in their stories, only sharing the world. But, that mention gave me an idea of where this story would go.
James has endured a lot in life and finally starts to feel at home and safe only for things to fall apart again. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
James was one of the most difficult characters I have written, because his struggles are so unique to a life that I haven’t experienced. I had to put myself in the shoes of a kid who has had so much wrong done to him by those who should love him, and then expose him to people who do love him and let him learn to accept that love and grow from it. Once he had the love, I took it away and let the character fight to preserve it in the face of insurmountable obstacles. For James, I wanted to also showcase the need for others. I wanted a story about a young hero who saves the day, but does so with the help and kindness of those around him. James isn’t alone, even when he feels very alone, I never let him truly be alone. Sometimes that means he has to seek the help of others, sometimes it is accepting their help when they see he needs it.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Love, trust, and hope. James sought the love of a parent and found it in Othano. He had to learn to trust that the love was genuine and that at no time would Othano toss him aside. Hope was a driving force behind James’s actions as he is forced to fight to retain the life he had come to love.
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?
I had originally intended this to be a standalone. However, the response has been great and I too felt a need to revisit old friends, so I wrote a sequel recently. It is in the first stages of completion, still needs a lot of editing and work, so I can’t give a firm date. I hope to have it ready to publish as early as Christmas 2023 or some time in 2024.
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Under Othano’s tutelage, James begins to learn all he can about the history of wands and Yohan. However, his newfound peace and security is threatened by a growing revolution and Othano’s disappearance. Now branded a traitor, James must find Othano, escape the revolutionaries, clear their names, and discover the secrets of The Owl-Headed Wand.
The Fearless Dragon Heir
Odriel’s Heirs follows a sheltered young woman with the power of flame who has to learn to control her gift and save humans that have cast her out. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Odriel’s Heirs was my first book, so by the time I sat down to write it, I’d been thinking about the story for years. I’ve always loved chosen one stories, but I really wanted to show how the reality of a chosen one could be extremely difficult and burdensome. Honestly, I can see seeds of inspiration from so many of my favorite childhood books and TV shows sprinkled in this story: Sabriel by Garth Nix, X-men, and even Dragon Ball Z. I love the idea that Kaia has a gift that is difficult to use and, in a time of peace, made her an outcast instead of a hero. But then when she finally has a chance to become a hero like she always dreamed, it is more heart-breaking and nightmarish than she could have ever imagined.
Kaia comes into her gift as the Dragon Heir at a time when people felt it was not needed or wanted, till disaster strikes. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
As a teenager, I read One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich, in which Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn wrote, “A man who is warm cannot understand a man who is freezing,” and it really stuck with me. I think in times of peace, it is very difficult, if not impossible, to imagine what we would have to do or endure in times of violence or war. And, many times, I feel like rather than confront these scary or uncomfortable thoughts or possibilities, people would rather avert their gaze from reminders of those difficult truths. In the world of Okarria, Kaia is definitely one of these uncomfortable reminders, and her people spurn her for it, but I love how that doesn’t steal her desire to fulfill her role and protect those people. Although she often doesn’t feel like the fearless Dragon Heir she’s meant to be, the fact that she accepts this mantle on behalf of her people really shows her true strength and courage.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
One of the strongest themes in this book, and the series as a whole, is that even when we’re at rock bottom, at the end of our rope, we’re still capable of so much more than we believe. And though Odriel’s Heirs is full of danger and battles, it is the mental struggle with Kaia’s own confidence she must win if she wishes to survive. Kaia must come to terms with her shortcomings and her strengths and as such, she has to learn to have faith in both those around her and herself in order to come to her full potential. Although Odriel’s Heirs is an epic fantasy novel, Kaia’s coming-of-age underscores her every challenge, and it was so fulfilling to really watch Kaia grow from the self-conscious sheep-girl into a legendary Dragon Heir.
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?
Yes! Odriel’s Heirs is a trilogy with stand-alone entries linked by two novellas. The first book, Odriel’s Heirs, follows the Dragon Heir. Burning Shadows, a follow-on novella, links the story to the second book, Idriel’s Children, which follows a Shadow Heir of the next generation. Then, Night of Ash, another follow-on novella, links the narrative to the final book, Time’s Orphan, which follows a Time Heir. Time’s Orphan will be released on Feb 8th 2023 and the series will be complete! It’s been such a joy to embark and complete this epic adventure, and I’m so thankful to all the readers who’ve joined me along the way! Thanks so much for reading, and I hope you enjoy Odriel’s Heirs!
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5th place finalist in the 2021 Book Blogger Novel of the Year Awards.
The brave, burning with fire, harnessed the Dragon’s Rage….
As the Dragon Heir, seventeen-year-old Kaia inherited the power of flame to protect her homeland from a godlike necromancer’s undead army. But after centuries of peace, the necromancer has faded to myth, and the Dragon Heir is feared by the people. Persecuted and cast out, Kaia struggles to embrace and control her seemingly useless gift while confined to her family’s farm.
But when the necromancer’s undead terrorize the land once again, Kaia runs away to join the battle.
With the help of her childhood rival, the handsome Shadow Heir, and a snarky, cursed cat, Kaia must figure out how to control both her fire and her confidence in time to save Okarria. If she fails, she will sacrifice her family, her new friends, and the enchanting world she has only just begun to see.
And time is running out.
Colton’s Terrible Wonderful Year
Colton, a 14-year-old boy, lives with his dads. Being an only child, he is adored and doesn’t need to be corrected very often. Colton is dealing with the difficulties of adolescence, which can be challenging. The year seems to be jam-packed with events, from him and his best friends becoming involved in a shoplifting case, losing his cousin, and him developing a crush while on vacation. Colton yearns to see his surrogate mother, and his fathers are unsure of what Colton’s sexual orientation will be. He will experience a mental shift as a result of the pandemic and his encounter with the Saxton family. In any case, his parents are committed to guiding him toward becoming a good person.
Colton’s Terrible Wonderful Year is a emotionally-resonant account of a young black boy who experiences racism and discrimination. Having two gay fathers does not improve the situation in a society that once forbade homosexuality. This impassioned book provides thoughtful insight into what it’s like to encounter prejudice based on race. Colton is a wonderful character. He’s smart, curious, compassionate, and adventurous. His parents’ unique love story and complementary personalities make for a compelling read all on their own. Colton is determined to avoid disappointing his parents, despite the ups and downs of adolescence. The author has done a fantastic job of accurately conveying the emotions of the characters which makes them feel authentic and relatable. There were many fascinating characters whose presence elevated the story and I think readers will be drawn in by the young character’s youthful mischief.
Colton’s Terrible Wonderful Year is a compelling mix of teen drama, romance, friendship, and love. The well-crafted plot moved along smoothly, and the characters felt familiar yet unique. This stirring coming-of-age story is short and easy to read, making it accessible to a wide audience. Young adults will find this LGBTQ romance novel relevant and entertaining. I recommend Colton’s Terrible Wonderful Year to teenagers and adults who enjoy reading young adult fiction that has heart and something to say.
Pages: 239 | ASIN: B0BRVFQLWM
FastFlight 540: Stuart Bump
Fast Flight 540: Stuart Bump (Book 2) by M. M. Mesldorf is an exhilarating fantasy book that continues the story in book 1. Filled with surprising twists and turns, this lively fantasy story is sure to satiate any young reader’s appetite for adventure. Mesldorf’s writing style is simple but keeps the reader engaged throughout. The illustrations that accompany the story inspire the imagination and invite curiosity into the characters’ lives. The story begins with a brief overview of past happenings. I found the prologue to be a great refresher of book 1 and it helped to connect the events of past and present conditions. This will also help any readers who didn’t read book 1 first.
Stuart’s character tries to find a way to stand out from everyone when in reality he is a curious child who seems misunderstood by the people around him. As the story progressed I started to understand Stuart’s character better and he grew on me. The mother, Anslie, is an enchanting character and I enjoyed reading about her as well. In all, readers will find each character unique and intriguing in their own way.
The story seemed episodic, with chapters that connect the events and actions that take place. This fun adventurous tale is perfect for young readers as it is filled with action, fun mischief, and tricks that will keep you hooked until the very end. The story takes place in two fascinating worlds, the world of dreams and reality. I felt that the book had a slow start but the ending of the book made up for it all. The build-up, when connected, created a beautiful climax in the story.
FastFlight 540 (Book 2) takes readers on a spirited adventure that will make them fall in love with the characters all over again. I recommend this book to young readers and teen readers as they will surely enjoy the inherent adventure and wild turn of events faced by the characters in the story.
Pages: 337 | ASIN: B0BQ9JB4NC
Having Sailing Adventures
Jodie’s Adventure on Driftwood Island follows a young girl visiting the island with her classmates who ends up uncovering a sinister plot involving the wildlife there. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
When I arrived in Australia from Canada, over 40 years ago, some friends introduced me to sailing and I thought it was a wonderful experience to be out on the ocean, feeling the sun and the wind on my face. When we returned from the day out and put the boat back on its mooring, I’d look up at the boatshed next to the wharf and imagine a young girl living upstairs with her father. I thought how magical it would be to live there year round, and I dreamed up stories about a girl living above a boatshed, and having sailing adventures around the harbour.
The setting of Driftwood Island is based on a real island off the coast of Australia, called Fraser Island, or K’Gari, a world listed heritage site where I’ve holidayed with my husband and four children. It is a beautiful sand island with rainforests and lakes, and amazing wildlife. Off the coast there are dolphins and whales and turtles and so many marine animals. Unfortunately, wildlife smuggling is a large problem in Australia and it is difficult to control. Many animals perish by being stuck in suitcases and boxes and I wanted to highlight this activity by placing Jodie on a school excursion where she discovers this illegal activity and uses her courage and determination to help the rangers catch the criminals.
What were the morals you were trying to capture while creating your characters?
I love Jodie’s resilience and determination! Many children today struggle with issues of self-esteem and self-worth, and can feel anxious and lonely, especially with the pressures of social media. So, I want to show young readers that they too can cope with life’s challenges and develop a sense of self belief by being willing to get out and play sport, or go for walks, or just be in nature. Jodie’s interest in the natural world helps to take her away from her problems and leads her to amazing adventures and experiences.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
Jodie goes to a girl’s school, St Margarets, where her mother and grandmother attended and initially she is bullied and unhappy. It can be difficult for children starting a new school and Jodie struggles, but she eventually makes friends and learns to stand up to the bully. I like that she can support her friends when they are bullied, and she even tries to help the girl who bullied her when she is stalked by a dingo, during their school excursion.
I hope the series continues in other books. If so, where will it take readers?
This is my third book in the Jodie series and is set on an island off the coast of Australia. The other two books are based in Sydney Harbour. The first book deals with the death of Jodie’s mother and the problems she has of coping with a new school and a father who is locked in grief. The second book is based at a real place in Sydney called Crater Cove, where Jodie meets a homeless girl and comes to her aid when she is in trouble.
My fourth book is entitled Jodie’s Challenge at Sandpiper Hill. It is also based in Sydney Harbour where Jodie finds a colourful bottle washed up on the sand. She is determined to discover the mystery of the bottle and with her usual doggedness, is led to a series of adventures, where she learns about the value of friendship and family.
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Jodie sleeps in a tent with her best friend Sarah Chan and one afternoon they spot a mother dingo with two pups. One of the pups is limping.
Jodie finds a teddy bear in the car park and gives it to Andrea, who was teased because she had brought her own teddy bear to camp.
Jodie helps Teela, the senior ranger, try and save a beached dolphin but sadly it dies. Teela tells her a story about dolphins and living in Lemeuria.
Jodie and her friends go on a boat to see the whales and she finds some more teddy bears and some white tubes hidden in the bottom of the boat.
When they arrive back at shore, one of the girls goes off by herself to collect a piece of driftwood, and a dingo starts to stalk her. The teacher tries to help but falls over, so Jodie and her friends run over as a group, shouting and screaming and rescue her.
When Jodie stubs her toe on a tent peg, and can’t walk to the shipwreck, she accompanies Teela on her ranger duties. At the Resort, Jodie notices two men having an argument, and one of them drops a box filled with the same white tubes. Later she sees the same men at the creek at the Old Village where they act suspiciously.
Jodie and Maddie drive to a historic cabin and discover some boxes containing white tubes, and Maddie is bitten by a snake. Jodie tries to call for help on her two-way but can’t get reception. She tries to drive the jeep to the main road but the same two men appear and Jodie convinces them to drive Maddie back to the Ranger’s Office. They leave her at the shack.
Jodie notices a reptile coming out of one of the white tubes and finds more reptiles in other tubes, and realizes the men are wildlife smugglers. She releases the reptiles in the bush and the men return so she hides. They discover her and are angry at her for releasing the animals and they tie her up and leave with a baby dingo that they had captured.
One of the men drops a cigarette and a fire starts. Jodie struggles to free herself but one of the men returns and releases her and puts out the fire. Together they drive back and notify the rangers that the other man is boarding a ferry with the baby dingo.
The police arrest both men and Jodie is praised for her assistance with the smugglers. Teela promises to look after the rescued baby dingo.
LITERARY TITAN 