Set against the tumultuous backdrop of World War II, Avatars of Destiny: The Quest for Reality’s Edge by Ess-Jee Rautenbach plunges readers into a gripping story where science, ambition, and fate collide. A decade after a mysterious alien ship crash-landed on Earth, scientists, desperate to gain the upper hand in the war, embark on a reckless quest to harness its advanced technology. But their ambition spirals into disaster, unleashing forces far beyond their comprehension. Now, with Earth’s future and another world in peril, the race to undo the damage begins, raising the crucial question: can catastrophe be averted before both worlds are lost?
Rautenbach’s fantastic world-building lies at the heart of this science fiction novel. Each region introduced in the story bursts with life, showcasing fascinating creatures and landscapes that feel as real as they are magical. The seamless integration of magic and technology forms a compelling backdrop, while themes of survival, conflict, and power echo human history, grounding the fantastical in universal struggles. This rich and layered setting immerses readers in a world that feels extraordinary and relatable.
What sets Avatars of Destiny apart is Rautenbach’s intricate weaving of multiple storylines. Initially disconnected, these threads gradually intertwine, leading to an exhilarating and cohesive conclusion. Each character brings a fully fleshed-out backstory, which not only adds depth but drives the plot with clear motivations and personal stakes. The novel explores powerful themes such as self-discovery, loyalty, and the immense burden that comes with wielding great power.
The author skillfully balances fast-paced action with thoughtful character development, ensuring the story engages readers on both an emotional and intellectual level. One thing I liked about the book is the unique reflection section that follows each chapter. These summaries provide readers with additional insight into the characters’ choices while encouraging them to reflect on the unfolding events. By inviting readers to consider what they would do in similar situations, the book creates an interactive reading experience, blending traditional storytelling with a fresh and reflective approach that adds a personal layer to the narrative.
Visually captivating and intellectually stimulating, Avatars of Destiny is an exhilarating blend of action and introspection. Rautenbach has crafted a tale that not only entertains but provokes thought, making it a perfect read for those who love adventures that delve into deeper philosophical and moral questions.
Children of Madness by Jarret Brandon Early is a captivating epic fantasy that transports readers to the cursed land of Crimmish, a realm plagued by the horrifying affliction known as the “Maddening.” The population, known as the Stenches, live in perpetual despair, while the neighboring Titan empire, fearful of the encroaching Gloomtide, clings to the fragile hope of survival. As a last-ditch effort, five children from Crimmish are selected by the Titans for an extraordinary mission: to seek out the elusive snail gods and save the land of Quaan from the deadly Gloomtide. In exchange, they are promised the hope of curing their people’s curse. These children, burdened by lives of constant suffering, are determined to change their fate and protect those they love. However, as they venture deeper into unknown realms, they must confront both external terrors and the darkness within. Their journey raises the question—will the strength of their friendship and trust be enough to carry them home?
The novel’s premise is both dark and enthralling. At its core, Children of Madness is a tale of young heroes embarking on a perilous quest with the weight of two worlds on their shoulders. Faced with monstrous creatures, treacherous landscapes, and unimaginable dangers, these children fight for survival, with only the hope of retrieving a magical gift that may be their salvation. Though young, they are forced to navigate a crumbling world where sacrifice and loss shape every step of their journey. The story explores themes of resilience, loyalty, and the unbreakable bonds of friendship. I found myself immersed from the very first page. The narrative is richly detailed, with vivid descriptions and a well-constructed plot that draws you in immediately. Every scene feels meticulously planned, and the progression of the story showcases the depth of the author’s vision. From the intriguing title to the very last chapter, I was captivated without a single moment of boredom. It is a story that demands your full attention, and I enjoyed every second of the slow, patient unraveling of its mysteries. The descriptions of the world the children traverse are so immersive that you can almost feel yourself walking alongside them, sharing in their trials and triumphs. Though much of the story is heartbreaking, witnessing the characters lose those they love and watching strangers selflessly sacrifice for the greater good is also profoundly moving. Despite everything, the children’s unwavering determination and trust in one another is a beacon of hope throughout. This balance of heartache and heartwarming moments makes the novel bittersweet yet deeply relatable. The dialogue and narrative are often poetic, with powerful moments that linger in the mind long after the book is closed. The bond between the children is the emotional core of the story, and it’s a relationship I’ll carry with me every time I think of this novel.
Children of Madness is a masterfully crafted epic that seamlessly blends heart-pounding adventure with deep emotional resonance. Jarret Brandon Early weaves a tale that not only thrills with its intense plot and vivid world-building but also touches the heart through its exploration of sacrifice, friendship, and the human spirit’s resilience. Whether you’re a seasoned fantasy reader or someone new to the genre, this book captivates with its originality and emotional depth, leaving a lasting impression long after the final page. It is a story of survival, hope, and the unbreakable bond between those who refuse to give up, no matter how dire the odds.
Daniel J. Heck’s The Seal of Thomerion captivates with its interactive format, immersing readers in a meticulously crafted fantasy world. The story follows you, the reader, in the role of a veteran dwarf on a dangerous quest to save your friend Fedwick, who is suffering from a deadly and mysterious curse. Set in the enchanting land of Ambrosinia, the novel offers multiple pathways and endings, making each reading experience unique. Your choices throughout the story directly shape the characters’ fates, leading to one of 49 possible outcomes.
The novel’s standout feature is its inventive storytelling method. The interactive format introduces a level of immersion that traditional narratives struggle to achieve. Every decision carries significant weight, and the immediate repercussions make the story more engaging. The branching narrative isn’t just a clever addition; it deepens the story by allowing readers to uncover various facets of the world and its rich lore. This variety encourages repeated readings, with each session revealing fresh dimensions of the plot and character dynamics. Heck’s writing is vivid and rich in description, bringing the world and characters to life with great detail. The expansive narrative paths allow for deep exploration, though some sections offer a more leisurely pace that invites readers to fully immerse themselves in the story’s richness. The characters are skillfully developed, each with unique personalities that come alive through their dialogue and actions. The protagonist, driven by a strong sense of loyalty and honor, is relatable, and his interactions with others, such as the thoughtful and occasionally humorous cleric Bartleby, add significant depth to the narrative. The book excels at making readers genuinely care about the characters’ fates, making the choices within the story even more impactful.
The Seal of Thomerion is a must-read for enthusiasts of interactive fiction and fantasy. Its innovative format, paired with a compelling narrative and well-crafted characters, offers a refreshing twist on the genre. This novel is ideal for readers who enjoy immersive storytelling and seek a narrative that goes beyond the conventional linear structure.
Pages: 511 | ASIN : B00THH6GQ4
The Seal of Thomerion and its two sequels, The Gate to Thomerion and The Wrath of Thomerion, are self-published works on Amazon in print or ebook format.
Do You Believe in Miracles? follows a once shy teenage boy who discovers a hidden realm where he is a powerful wizard and now must decide to remain in that world or return to his mortal life.What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Two things stand out. My previous epic fantasy saga is titled The Death Wizard Chronicles, and it contains adult content that makes it appropriate for 18 and older. But I have five daughters, and the youngest one — who is a voracious reader — couldn’t bring herself to read DW. The ol’ you can’t picture one of your parents even thinking such things. So she asked me if I could write something appropriate for the 13+ age group. Hence, my teen fantasy adventure series Dark Circles was born. Do You Believe in Miracles? is book 3. The second thing that stands out is that the setting for Dark Circles is based on a small town in rural Upstate South Carolina that is near to where I currently live.
Were you able to achieve everything you wanted with the characters in the novel?
The short answer is yes. The long answer would go on forever. So I’ll give you the middle-length answer. 😀 I went to great effort to give each of my major characters real and recognizable traits such as their physical appearances, emotional responses, personality quirks, and their values, beliefs, and morals. For example, Charlie’s growth from a timid teen to a powerful wizard built slowly throughout the narrative. If you read carefully, you’ll be able to see this growth step by step, almost like walking up a long set of stairs.
What was the initial idea behind the Dark Circles Trilogy, and how did that transform as you were writing the series?
The initial idea came from the title. The trilogy is called Dark Circles for a specific reason. When teens from the real world enter the fantasy world, they are unable to sleep because an evil being haunts their dreams and is intent on killing them. Therefore, when they return to the real world, they have dark circles beneath their eyes from lack of sleep. I carried this theme throughout the series, though it became less important as the story picked up speed.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I’m working on two books: a novel and a memoir. The novel is titled Bhayatupa the Great: The Dragon Wars and is a prequel to my six-book adult epic fantasy titled The Death Wizard Chronicles. It should be available by June 2025. The memoir is titled The Adventures of a Florida boy and it chronicles what it was like to grow up in the 1960s on the west coast of Florida, a time when kids roamed wild and free. I’ll be shopping this to publishers and agents soon, so I’m at their mercy as to when it will be available.
Dark Circles is the winner of ten prestigious international awards. From the author of The Death Wizard Chronicles comes an award-winning adventure suitable for teens and adults.Do You Believe in Miracles? is book 3 of Dark Circles, a fantasy trilogy for readers 13 and older. This is a fascinating coming of age series for fans of J.K. Rowling, Neil Gaiman, and Brandon Sanderson.
Book 1: Do You Believe in Magic? (May 25, 2023) Book 2: Do You Believe in Monsters? (Oct. 23, 2023) Book 3: Do You Believe in Miracles? (April 21, 2024)
Synopsis: When Charlie Magus enters a fantastical world hidden deep in the forest, his life is turned upside down. The timid 13-year-old transforms into a powerful wizard wielding formidable magic. In the real world, life goes on as usual. But in the fantasy world, a war is brewing that will dwarf all others. Charlie’s newfound powers stand between victory and defeat. But in which world does he truly belong? Dark Circles is an adventure of epic scope. Only those with a hero’s heart will dare to stand at Charlie’s side as he battles an army of monsters led by an evil being of immense power.
Daughter of Light and Dark, set in the fantastical kingdom of Rafah, is a compelling YA fantasy novel by author Ahlam Faris. The book introduces readers to Mina, a young woman with the rare ability to see Jinn without the aid of a ring. Protected by her mother, who guards this secret fiercely, Mina’s life takes a tragic turn when a devastating fire leaves her orphaned. Years later, accompanied by the enigmatic Jinn Lord of Chains, Ashrush, Mina returns to her childhood home in search of a stolen artifact belonging to her mother. This quest not only reveals the truth of her origins but also sets her on a path to save the Rafah Kingdom.
Mina’s journey of self-discovery unfolds against a backdrop of magical beings, including the Jinn and Ifrits, in a world on the brink of collapse. As the Veil that separates the realms begins to tear, Mina emerges as the potential savior of her kingdom. Faris crafts a richly detailed world filled with intricate lore and a plot that is both engaging and thought-provoking.
The story is successful in its world-building and offers a tantalizing hint of romance amidst the action. The characters that populate Mina’s world add depth to her development, particularly the mysterious Ashrush, her childhood friend Saif, and the noble Prince Zyed. Despite the mounting tension and violence from the fanatical rebel group, the Nonbelievers, these characters bring moments of levity to the story. I would love to have seen an expansion of the history of the fascinating Jinn and their descent into the human realm.
Daughter of Light and Dark is a promising debut with its engaging plot and richly imagined world, it is a worthy addition to the young adult fantasy genre, and Ahlam Faris is an author to add to any fantasy fan’s must-read list.
Magical realms in literature captivate the imagination by offering boundless possibilities, and Charlie Magus is the hero who brings this novel to life. Do You Believe in Miracles? by Jim Melvin is the third book of the Dark Circles trilogy. It follows 13-year-old Charlie Magus, who stumbles into a hidden realm within the forest, changing his world forever. Once a shy boy, Charlie becomes a mighty wizard with extraordinary abilities. While life continues normally in his everyday world, the fantasy realm is on the brink of a colossal war. Charlie’s magic could decide the outcome, but he faces a tough choice: remain in the world of mortals or reside forever in his newly discovered world.
Melvin’s talent for creating vivid, immersive descriptions pulls you into the magical world he’s crafted. Each scene is rich with detail, making the fantastical elements feel real and immediate. From the intricate spell work to the majestic landscapes, the book’s visual splendor is truly impressive. The way Melvin paints these images with words makes the fantasy realm come alive. You can almost see the shimmering magic and feel the atmosphere of each setting. This ability to create such a vivid world adds a layer of depth to the story, enhancing both the action and emotional moments. The book is a visual feast that keeps the reader engaged and invested in the adventure. Melvin’s writing style ensures that the fantastical elements are not just decorative but essential to the story. The detailed imagery helps to build a rich, immersive experience that draws you into every aspect of the narrative. The magic and settings are described with such clarity that they become an integral part of the story, making each moment feel both epic and personal.
Do You Believe in Miracles? captured my heart with its exceptional visual and narrative artistry, making it a must-read for fans of the genre.
Spirit Light: Volume 1 follows two sisters with great magical abilities who are being hunted by a dark Empire set on taking over their world. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
One day about five years ago, I was daydreaming about how fantasy authors come up with such creative magic systems. I tell myself stories when I’m waiting to sleep, so that night, I decided to give it a try and come up with my own magic system. The only thing I remembered the next morning was the idea that, when they were young, the magically adept caused pain in others. I wanted to know what their life was like.
For some reason I’ll never be able to explain, I found myself writing in a coffee shop that cold, snowy morning. I hadn’t written a word of fiction since ninth grade. All I had was that question, two characters and a situation. Three hours later I had a pivotal scene in my first novel, Spirit Sight. It was awful. I couldn’t get the words to reflect what I saw in my head. But I loved it. When I walked out of that coffee shop, I knew I was going to be a writer.
I continued to write disconnected scenes while I tried to come up with a story. I’ll never forget racing home to tell my partner, Deb, one of my ideas. When I was done, she said, deadpan, “That’s the hunger games.” It was nearly a mortal blow.
It wasn’t until I went back to what started the whole thing, the magic system, that I finally got the basic pieces of the story. The people at the center of the story are called the Alle’oss. It’s a Norwegian phrase that means ‘all of us.’ So, I read a lot about Norse mythology and shamanism. That was what I needed. Once I had the magic system, the main character and a setting, the rest just started falling into place.
The Spirit Song Saga is a sprawling story in a world as complex as in The Game of Thrones. Eventually, there will be six books in the main series and six prequels. But I’m as passionate about it as I was that morning in the coffee shop five years ago.
What were the driving ideals behind the characters’ development throughout the story?
At the heart of the overarching story is the contrast between the peaceful, collectivist Alle’oss and the authoritarian, hierarchical Empire. The importance of family and community is reflected in many aspects of the Alle’oss’s culture and language. For example, as I mentioned above, the name means ‘all of us’. They call their mountains na’lios which means our home.
My main character is Minna Hunter. Despite being persecuted as a child, she grew up with the values her people hold dear. It’s why she can remain grounded when her people require her to step onto history’s grand stage.
Minna is the best sort of fantasy hero. I originally wanted to base her on Vin from Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn series or Nona Grey from Mark Lawrence’s Book of the Ancestors series. But she refused to fit the mold of a young, powerful girl made angry and defensive by a cruel world. She’s humble, open and unwaveringly kind. She isn’t always sure what she’s supposed to do, but she has a bedrock belief in herself. She never draws attention to herself, but she never fails to rise to the occasion when required.
What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
I love all my characters, even the ‘evil’ ones. Everyone has a story, and everyone’s story can be interesting. Of course, my favorite character is my main character, Minna. I know her so well now, writing her scenes are second nature.
But the character that’s the easiest for me to write is Nara Flynn. She’s a powerful witch. The self-professed ‘best storyteller in the Empire,’ she’s ‘flamboyant, impertinent, disrespectful, sassy. Some, mostly Imperial officers, would call her obnoxious. But she is loyal to a fault to those she deems worthy, and, despite her love of the spotlight, she’s never the hero in her own stories.’ I can write her scenes almost as fast as I can type them. It took me a while to understand why, but when I figured it out, it was obvious. She’s my partner, Deb.
Can you tell us about the next book and when it will be available for fans to purchase?
The third book in the main series, Spirit Light Volume 1, comes out August 1 and the second book in the prequel series, Desulti, comes out November 1.
After their thrilling adventures in Spirit Sight, the Empire knows what Minna and Alyn Hunter are capable of and won’t rest until they are dead. Tales of the powerful saa’myns’ exploits spread like wildfire throughout the Empire, igniting their people’s hopes for freedom. As the daughters of the greatest seer who ever lived, they know their mother saw a path to defeating the Empire. But Ragan was struck down before telling anyone her plan, leaving them to find the way forward alone. And they are in more danger than they know. Witches more powerful than the one who killed Ragan are tracking them. Can the Alle’oss withstand the might of the Empire while Minna and Alyn divine their mother’s plan? Or is it already too late?
The Halls of Valhalla is a thrilling journey through a reimagined Norse afterlife, where fallen warriors must navigate battles, prophecies, and their own pasts to protect their sanctuary. The story centers around Milo Bohr and his companions as they are thrust into the mythical halls of Valhalla, faced with the daunting task of defending it from an impending doom that intertwines with ancient prophecies and the machinations of gods.
From the very beginning, the author captivates readers with a vivid depiction of Milo’s awakening in Valhalla, disoriented yet filled with a sense of purpose. The detailed world-building is one of the book’s strongest points. The descriptions of Valhalla, from its grand feasts to the eerie, ever-present threat of Ragnarok, are both immersive and imaginative. I loved the way the author, Gabriella Dennany, intertwines traditional Norse mythology with her own creative twists, giving familiar myths new life and adding depth to characters like Milo, Silas, and Thalia.
The book introduces a multitude of characters and mythological elements that, at times, can be overwhelming. For instance, the constant introduction of new realms and creatures, such as the Spøgelse spirits and the Dragur army, although fascinating, sometimes made it challenging to keep track of the main plot. That said, these elements also contribute to the rich tapestry of the story, making it a double-edged sword.
One of my favorite aspects of this book is the character development. Milo’s journey from a confused, newly-dead warrior to a determined protector of Valhalla is compelling and heartfelt. His interactions with Thalia and Silas provide a mix of camaraderie and conflict that feels genuine. The emotional weight of their quest is palpable, especially in scenes like the solemn farewell to Silas, where the pain of loss and the hope of reunion are beautifully portrayed.
The Halls of Valhalla is a must-read for fans of Norse mythology, young adult adventure novels, and epic fantasy. Dennany’s writing is engaging, and her imaginative take on ancient myths offers a fresh perspective that keeps readers hooked.
LITERARY TITAN 