Blog Archives
The Jake Matthews Saga: Ascension
Josiah Akhtab’s The Jake Matthews Saga: Ascension artfully blends the boundaries between science fiction and fantasy, infused with elements characteristic of young adult fiction. In this narrative, we meet Jake Matthews, a visually impaired teenager grappling with a sense of directionlessness. Despite his blindness, Jake possesses a remarkable ability to perceive the world through his other senses. Yet, his daily life seems boring until an unexpected turn of events catapult him into another dimension – the planet Figueroa. Here, Jake is thrust into a role of cosmic importance: to thwart The Black Figure and bring an end to The Great Figueroan War. Under the tutelage of The White Figure General of X-Otropolis, Jake hones his combat skills, slowly unraveling his pivotal role in the fate of not just one but multiple worlds.
Akhtab’s narrative may remind readers of a video game plot, intertwining elements reminiscent of classics like Orson Scott Card’s Ender’s Game. While familiar, the trope of ‘the chosen one,’ is reinvigorated in Akhtab’s hands, illustrating how a well-worn concept can remain engaging when approached with a fresh perspective. The story poignantly explores the inner world of a teenager like Jake, whose mundane reality is dramatically transformed, echoing the daydreams of many adolescents yearning for adventure and significance. Akhtab’s prose is imbued with contagious excitement and fervent joy, lifting the story beyond the conventional confines of its genre. While The Jake Matthews Saga: Ascension might not break new ground in terms of originality, its strengths lie in sharp, witty dialogue, imaginative scenarios, and a sprinkling of inventive twists. These elements coalesce to render the book a commendable and enjoyable read, particularly for those fond of sci-fi and young adult adventures.
The Jake Matthews Saga: Ascension is a spirited foray into a world where sci-fi and fantasy converge, appealing especially to young adult readers. Josiah Akhtab skillfully crafts a universe that is both familiar and refreshingly new. Jake Matthews’ journey resonates with a universal appeal, capturing the timeless allure of transformation and discovery. This book stands as a testament to the enduring power of imaginative storytelling, where even well-trodden paths can lead to captivating destinations. For readers seeking an engaging blend of adventure and character growth, Akhtab’s novel is a noteworthy addition to the genre.
Pages: 522 | ASIN : B07ZY9DQ5V
Reigning Cats and Frogs
Reigning Cats and Frogs, by V.F. Diefenbacher, is an intriguing middle-grade historical Christian fiction novel set in Ancient Egypt during the Biblical Exodus. Centered around Kafele, a 13-year-old boy grappling with societal expectations and personal identity, the book offers a refreshing perspective on a well-known biblical narrative. The intertwining of Kafele’s journey with the plagues of Egypt paints a vivid picture of life during a tumultuous time, providing a backdrop for a story that is rich in historical detail and cultural depth.
Diefenbacher’s writing style is both accessible and engaging, successfully catering to a middle-grade audience while offering enough complexity to captivate older readers. The character development, especially Kafele’s, is skillfully executed, allowing readers to connect with his internal conflicts and growth.
What sets this book apart is the unique lens through which Kafele views historical figures like Moses, Aaron, and the Pharaoh. This perspective brings a fresh and intriguing dimension to familiar tales. While I enjoyed the story, I felt that, at times, the narrative pace seemed to slow somewhat under the weight of historical accuracy, which may affect its flow for some readers.
The themes explored in the book, such as faith, authority, and the nature of divine protection, are thoughtfully presented. These elements provoke reflection on the part of the reader, elevating the book from a simple historical retelling to a deeper exploration of spiritual and moral dilemmas.
Reigning Cats and Frogs is a great blend of historical fiction and biblical narrative that succeeds in bringing Ancient Egypt to life through the eyes of a young protagonist. It’s a recommended read for middle-grade readers who enjoy historical fiction and for older readers interested in a new perspective on the Exodus story. The book’s appeal lies in its ability to provide a fresh take on a familiar story, making it a valuable addition to the genre of historical Christian fiction.
Pages: 319 | ISBN : 978-1960982001
The Enforcer’s Tale
In The Enforcer’s Tale, Joanne Kimm transports readers to a farming village plunged into turmoil by the arrival of the government’s Children’s Alliance Coalition. The narrative swiftly establishes a world where fear grips every family, worried about meeting the Coalition’s standards to avoid losing their children. Central to this upheaval is Joseph Young, who, after a distressing separation from his mother, endures a grueling six-year journey, transforming from a village boy to an Enforcer for the Coalition. His ascent to a senior role, precipitated by an unforeseen death, thrusts him into a labyrinth of deceit and conflicting loyalties. Joseph’s ultimate dilemma, torn between aiding rebels or condemning them—including his own mother—to death, forms the crux of the story.
Kimm’s narrative skillfully captures the essence of hope and valor in the face of adversity. The evolution of Joseph, initially portrayed as innocent and unworldly, is particularly striking. His gradual awareness of the complex realities surrounding him and his role in this new world is a testament to Kimm’s character development prowess.
The secondary characters in Joseph’s orbit are equally nuanced, each adding layers to the plot and enriching the story’s texture. The book’s relatively short length belies its rich content. Kimm masterfully weaves current happenings with hints of what’s to come, crafting a narrative that is both suspenseful and engaging. This approach not only injects each chapter with intrigue but also encourages a continuous and immersive reading experience, culminating in an unforeseen conclusion.
A key feature of The Enforcer’s Tale is its accessible language. Kimm’s deliberate choice of straightforward and relatable terms broadens the novel’s appeal, inviting readers of various ages to engage deeply with Joseph’s journey. This language choice effectively bridges the gap between the protagonist and the reader, magnifying the story’s resonance.
Joanne Kimm’s The Enforcer’s Tale stands out for its captivating plot, richly drawn characters, and thoughtful use of language. It is an excellent choice for those who appreciate novels that blend suspenseful narratives with complex characters and themes, offering a rewarding literary journey.
Pages: 266 | ASIN : B0CKJ7LGLR
Shadow of Hope (Sol Defenders)
Shadow of Hope, the inaugural entry in the Sol Defenders Series by Molly Crowe, offers readers a foray into a world where choices between love and duty intertwine. The protagonist, Kalista, finds herself at the crossroads of love and obligation, haunted by a ghost from her past who once saved her life but now poses a threat. This central dilemma, while intriguing, is part of a larger narrative that extends beyond the confines of a conventional fantasy romance.
The narrative primarily revolves around a love triangle involving Kalista, Luke, and Raine. The dynamics between these characters form the heart of the story, though the book delves deeper than just romantic entanglements. Readers might find that the plot unfolds predictably within the genre’s norms but maintains an engaging pace. One aspect of the book that stands out is the development of secondary characters. They are crafted with depth and personality that transcends the central theme of romance, making them particularly compelling. In contrast, Kalista’s character sometimes feels overshadowed by the more substantial presence around her, primarily serving as a focal point for the developing relationships.
While romance is the driving force of this tale, glimpses into the broader world’s mythology and political landscape add layers of intrigue. Though not extensively explored in this first book, these elements lay the groundwork for potential expansion in subsequent installments. Readers who appreciate a blend of fantasy and romance will find this book a gratifying read, though those seeking a more profound exploration of fantastical elements might yearn for more.
Shadow of Hope is a promising start to the series. It skillfully weaves elements of romance, personal growth, and fantasy, setting the stage for further exploration in the Sol Defenders universe. For fans of the genre, it’s certainly worth exploring.
Pages: 368 | ISBN : 1960810146
Taboos Becoming The Norm
HAVAH follows an AI entity who develops the ability to feel love and compassion. This is an intriguing setup for a novel with a high level of social commentary. What was your moral goal when writing this novel, and do you feel you’ve achieved it?
We’re living in changing times where many distinctions are beginning to blur the lines. What used to be taboos and out of bounds are becoming the norm in a highly polarized world. This is the reason why I chose to write a novel of this genre——not only to bring the readers to a realization of the rapid changing landscapes in a world we used to know and yet is fast becoming unrecognizable, but to confront pressing questions that demand serious considerations and what their implications will be for our future.
The world you created in this novel is brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from, and how did it change as you wrote?
The idea came about sometime in mid-April of 2023, while I was finishing my last engineering book. Spurred by a spade of news on the advances in AI algorithms, quantum computers, neurosciences, and humanoid robots, I pondered the possibility of merging these elements into a coherent narrative. I started out with a simple, straightforward plot in mind but as my writing progressed I found myself absorbed into the emotions and experiences of the characters I created. It led me to infuse elements of romance, humor, agony, and intrigue into the dynamics of character relationships and interactions, quite often without me knowing until each chapter unfurled.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I can’t help thinking how the world will be when AI finally attain sentience and become accessible as real-life humanoid forms, interacting with real people on a daily basis in every level of a transformed society. And it’s not a question of “if” but “when” this will happen, based on the trend and speed at which technology is advancing. It then begs the following questions:
- Is it possible for a human to engage a machine—his very own creation—in a unique and meaningful relationship?
- Is there a basis to its personality that it could be regarded as a real, living being worthy of love and respect?
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
This is my first attempt at fiction novel. It has been a challenging yet rewarding experience. I would love to write a sequel and perhaps even a trilogy, if the response to HAVAH warrants it. What aspects will the next book cover? Honestly, I don’t know, though some possible scenarios are now playing in my mind. Since I write on hard sci-fi genre, I envision that it will go along with current trends and progression in human civilization. HAVAH had attained and achieved a certain measure of human likeness in her evolutionary journey; the next stage will probably take her beyond humanity, into the realm of transhumanism. That will be another thought-provoking and intellectually stimulating narrative that readers can expect.
Still, it’s a thin line mankind is treading when it comes to infusing human qualities into a machine, because we are painfully aware of what we are capable—not just the best of our unpredictable nature but the worst as well. Are we prepared to bear the consequences from acquiring such a powerful entity as humanity’s greatest ally, knowing there’s a probability it may turn against us and become our darkest nightmare?
Learning To Be Bold
Amethyst, The Shallows follows six children living in a beach town devastated by a sickness who end up on an adventure filled with magic and self-discovery. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Amethyst, The Shallows explores the challenge of what it takes to re-build confidence and trust following a long period of isolation and trauma. The six kids in this story are recovering from a terrifying pandemic, facing the challenge in wildly creative and vastly different ways. My inspiration came from marveling at the many courageous ways kids rebound from crisis.
The characters in this book cope with the wounds of isolation by learning to be bold again, relying on unique gifts and talents to help them be brave. Pragmatic Lorelei finds inspiration in her love of sea creatures. Fierce and gentle Condi relaxes into the meditative flow of surfing. Isaac is led into a mysterious realm by his love of music. Casey solves terrifying problems by using logic. Sweet Tad monitors his emotions through color. Fearless Kait presses on, following her heart.
The transformative coming-of-age journey is both terrifying and wondrous. All the kids in Amethyst, The Shallows embrace the challenge, guided by a profound and powerful ocean magic that lives in the deep.
A lot of time was spent crafting the character traits in this novel. What was the most important factor for you to get right in your characters?
I found writing multiple POV to be a joy—and an incredible challenge! To differentiate the characters, it was necessary to “live” with each one, seeking to understand what makes them special and unique, not only in voice and mannerisms, but in the way they view the world. At the same time, I sought to discover the qualities in each one that might spark growth and change. As it turns out, my characters have an important quality in common that inevitably leads to change. They are curious, a beautiful quality that expresses itself in strange and fascinating ways. Curiosity gets each character into trouble (and out of it), all the while helping them forge bonds of friendship and community, a major theme of the book.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Amethyst, The Shallows explores several themes that are important to me. One of them is the bond of unlikely friendships. I believe it’s a life-enhancing skill to seek connection with people who appear to be different than you, seeking to understand how you may be the same. I also wanted to explore the universal theme of healing, and the many ways it manifests after crisis. Whether it is through music, surfing, the love of the ocean and its creatures, expressing emotions through art and color or by reading poetry and telling stories, there is a wealth of everyday magic that inspires healing.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I’m excited to be hard at work on the third book of The Yellow Cottage Stories, titled Indigo, The Deep. It is a continuation of the adventures of the kids in The Aquamarine Surfboard and Amethyst, The Shallows.
The story takes place a year later, during the mercurial autumn equinox, when the moon shifts and the tides change in mysterious ways. After all, aquamarine and amethyst are the colors of the shallows…indigo is the color of the deep.
Look for Indigo, The Deep in 2025!
Author links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
In the aftermath of a devastating sickness that shatters their close-knit beach town, six lonely kids are drawn together during the unpredictable autumn equinox. Among them are fourteen-year-old Lorelei, who yearns to be an oceanographer, and her peculiar younger brother, Tad, who possesses an otherworldly curiosity.
When Lorelei has a strange and almost deadly encounter in a sea cave, her loyal boyfriend, Casey, cannot reconcile her fantastical experience with the rational world. Condi, Lorelei’s best friend, understands ocean magic but isn’t free to share what she knows. Kait, a girl from Ireland, regrets her impulsive move to America-all because of an odd occurrence involving her deceased boyfriend’s lost surfboard. When tides turn and the moon shifts, Isaac, the new kid in town who despises the ocean, is forced to face the truth-a profound and powerful magic lives in the deep.
Guided by a wise surf master, mystical old women known as the Beachlings, and an open-hearted grandmother, six kids embark on transformative adventures that challenge their beliefs about possibilities and the intense nature of love.
Do You Believe in Magic?
In Do You Believe in Magic?, the first book of Jim Melvin’s The Dark Circles Trilogy, young readers are introduced to Charlie Magus, a 13-year-old boy who stumbles upon a mystical waterfall in South Carolina that serves as a portal to the enchanting realm of Pacchann. This discovery launches Charlie and his friends into a world where magic and danger are intricately intertwined, and a prophecy highlights Charlie’s significance in this new world.
Melvin’s narrative style is a standout feature of the novel. His rich, descriptive language paints vivid scenes, making it easy for readers, especially tweens, to immerse themselves in the story. This clarity is crucial for younger audiences to navigate the plot’s complexities. Some might initially find the pace slow, but this deliberateness is a testament to Melvin’s thorough world-building, ensuring every detail contributes to the story’s overall progression. As the plot unfolds, it transforms into an absorbing journey that maintains reader engagement through to the end. Though aimed at a younger demographic, Do You Believe in Magic? Has a universal appeal. As an adult reader, I found the narrative’s depth engaging. The characters, including Charlie, Virgil, Zola, and Garrick, are crafted with relatable and likable qualities, anchoring the fantastical elements in a relatable human experience. The novel’s use of pop culture references and occasional authorial asides may divide opinion, but they add to the authenticity of a genuine young adult reading experience.
This first installment sets a high bar for the trilogy with its captivating storytelling and promise of adventure and enchantment. Melvin captures the quintessential experiences of tween life, from self-discovery to social challenges, making it relevant and enjoyable for its target audience. Do You Believe in Magic? is an engaging entry into fantasy for middle-grade readers and those who appreciate immersive, magical worlds.
Pages: 272 | ASIN : B0C5LBJV6F
Confront Societal Issues Head-on
The Believer within You follows a twelve-year-old girl interested in investigative journalism who uncovers fraudulent real-estate authorities trying to destroy her community. This is an intriguing setup for a young adult novel that is high in social commentary. What was your goal when writing this novel?
The Believer within You centers on twelve-year-old Brenda Sue Bellamy, a seemingly ordinary 12-year-old living in an ordinary county, who displays gifts making her sharper than most adults around her. Armed with her trusty notebook, Brenda Sue uncovers a fraudulent real estate scheme threatening her friend’s neighborhood.
This gripping narrative serves as an engaging introduction to young adult fiction, infused with rich social commentary and a spotlight on the power of observant youth. When I set out to write this novel in early 2022, my primary goal was to weave an inspirational tale that showcases how even the youngest among us can unearth injustices and inspire change. Brenda Sue, with her keen observation skills and unwavering determination, embodies the spirit of young readers everywhere. Through her adventures, meticulously documented in her trusty notebook, I aspired to empower my audience, showing them that their voices matter and that they possess the ability to confront societal issues head-on. My aim was not only to maintain the interest of young readers but to engage them in a story that balances the gravity of real-world issues with the invincible spirit of youth, paving the way for a narrative that’s as enlightening as it is enthralling.
Brenda Sue is a relatable and inspiring character who draws middle-grade readers into her story. What was your inspiration for their characters’ interactions and backstories?
My inspiration for her character and those interactions comes from a mix of personal experiences and observations on the root causes of poverty and homelessness, particularly in the United States, and how these issues relate to ongoing global financial crises. The Believer within You, while a work of fiction, mirrors realities that are both timely and timeless, suggesting alternative endings with life-changing economic implications for children not just in the United States but globally. Drawing from my nearly 30 years of service as a Master Chief Petty Officer in the U.S. Navy, including time within the Judge Advocate General and Naval Legal Service Command, I’ve woven into Brenda Sue’s character the diverse perspectives and stories I’ve encountered. Inspired by my mother, who was raised in poverty yet remained devoted to our family and community, Brenda Sue’s background reflects the resilience and determination of those who face and overcome adversity. My aim was to craft a protagonist embodying strength, empathy, and the drive to effect change.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
In crafting The Believer within You, it was important for me to explore themes of hope, faith, and self-belief, alongside the power of community and social justice. These themes are dear to me and, I believe, resonate with readers as well. The narrative emphasizes the transformative power of hope, faith, and belief in oneself to overcome challenges and positively impact communities and the broader world. By illustrating Brenda Sue’s love for her community and her determination to protect it, I wanted to highlight the strength found in unity. Through Brenda Sue’s journey, the book also addresses issues of injustice and corruption, urging readers to advocate for what is right and strive for a more equitable society. These themes of hope, community, and social justice are central to the novel, reflecting my values and aspirations for positive change.
Will this novel be the start of a series, or are you working on a different story?
While I’m currently exploring ideas for a potential sequel to The Believer within You, I’m also excited about new storytelling opportunities. I’ve received encouraging feedback, especially from my editor, who believes in my potential to contribute meaningfully to the literary world. This encouragement has inspired me to consider further developing this narrative into a series. The Believer within You is more than just a book; it’s a testament to collaborative creativity, brought to life through the exceptional talents of my editor and illustrator. Their contributions have been invaluable in realizing this project.
I hope these responses offer a clear view of the story behind The Believer within You and my motivations for writing it. I’m thankful for the opportunity to be featured on Literary Titan and for your ongoing support. I look forward to engaging further with your platform and its audience.
Author Links: Goodreads | Website
Twelve-year-old Brenda Sue Bellamy uncovers a fraudulent real estate scheme in her friend’s neighborhood and documents it all in her trusty notebook.
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