Blog Archives
Force Majeure
In Force Majeure by Graziella Montalbán, readers are introduced to Carla, a young woman on the brink of her 24th birthday. Through her reflective gaze in the mirror, we are confronted with the raw remnants of her tumultuous past – from visible scars to the haunting vestiges of numerous battles with mental health.
Carla ventures to Geneva, leaving behind the suffocating environment of her home in Spain, marred by family strife and addiction. Despite starting in a less-than-ideal living condition, her journey becomes a testament to resilience and the human spirit’s ability to seek solace. Montalbán artfully weaves Carla’s newfound love for cinema into the narrative, providing both Carla and the reader moments of escape and solace amidst the shadows of her past.
The voice of Carla is rich and memorable – at times infused with a sharp, dark wit and striking turns of phrase, such as “With the confidence of someone who licks the floors of the New York subway car…”
Force Majeure does require some patience. While evocative, Montalbán’s intricate and dense prose can occasionally feel overwhelming, mirroring Carla’s own tendencies to delve deep into her psyche and past. This might challenge some readers to follow the central narrative thread.
A standout feature of this novel is its nuanced portrayal of living with depression, punctuated by profound references to classic films. The story culminates in a conclusion that is both unexpected and rooted in stark realism.
Force Majeure is a gripping piece of women’s fiction, shedding light on sensitive topics with a strong protagonist. Montalbán showcases a commendable command over language; she is poised to become a formidable voice in contemporary literature.
Pages: 340 | ASIN : B0C2968M4R
Cogitatio: (Shadows in the Wind – Book Two)
Kathryn’s journey into the enigmatic world of the HGS (Hope & Global Support) takes a dramatic turn in Cogitatio, the second installment in McKinley Aspen’s riveting “Shadows of the Wind” series. A life once unfamiliar to Kathryn suddenly takes on new meaning as she embraces the fabulous opportunity to impact the world in a positive way. However, her commitment to the cause brings unforeseen challenges, including an assignment that leads to incarceration without trial, charges, or explanation.
This perplexing circumstance unravels as part of the greater HGS mission, offering Kathryn a glimpse into the labyrinthine path she must tread. The seemingly insurmountable task of stopping the Paolucci crime family’s expansion is compounded by a deeply personal connection: the syndicate’s leader is part of her family.
Aspen’s storytelling prowess shines in Cogitatio. Though not a direct continuation of its predecessor, Praesidium, the narrative quickly immerses readers in Kathryn’s new high-stakes situation without needlessly rehashing prior events. The pace is measured and deliberate, occasionally dwelling on details but never at the expense of reader engagement. The synergy among Kathryn and her team pulsates through the pages, their shared discovery of abilities and purpose forging a conspiratorial bond with the reader.
The battle lines in Cogitatio are sharply drawn, with the timeless theme of good versus evil at its core. The familial connection introduced here enriches the story, adding an emotional layer that heightens investment in the unfolding drama. This installment not only builds on the foundation laid in the first book but also sets the stage for what promises to be an epic conclusion.
Aspen has managed to breathe fresh air into the well-worn genre of apocalyptic good-versus-evil narratives, maintaining originality and anticipation for what lies ahead. Both fans of the series and newcomers alike will find much to savor in Cogitatio. Its unique blend of intrigue, action, and personal stakes make for a compelling read.
The “Shadows of the Wind” series has thus far proven to be a thrilling literary adventure. I eagerly look forward to the future of Kathryn and the HGS team, confident that whatever awaits them will be as gripping and thought-provoking as the journey thus far. Aspen’s talent in crafting suspense and innovation assures that the next entry will continue this engaging trend.
Pages: 155 | ASIN : B0CDY1RT8B
Bondwitch
Bondwitch by Chelsey Ortega is an exhilarating journey into the paranormal, sure to enthrall enthusiasts of witches, vampires, and werewolves. With its captivating tale, this novel commences with the seemingly ordinary Annamaria, a young girl being cared for by her aunt. A terrifying experience at her prom night sets the stage for her dramatic entry into a world filled with supernatural mysteries.
Suddenly, Annamaria finds herself navigating a realm where she learns of her witch lineage and where vampires and werewolves are far from mere figments of imagination. In an effort to safeguard her from looming peril, she is relocated to her sister’s abode in a vampire coven. Compelled by a determination to defend herself, she delves into her newfound magical abilities. However, when circumstances spiral out of control, she faces choices fraught with consequences more dire than she could have ever foreseen.
The plot is artfully crafted, intertwining various threads into a cohesive and thrilling narrative. The characterization is strong and consistent, with each figure standing out, particularly the young protagonist, Annamaria. Unlike some youthful characters who may fall into imprudent decisions to instigate conflict, Annamaria’s choices reflect maturity and mindfulness.
Ortega adheres to traditional lore within the paranormal genre yet does so in a way that does not detract from the story’s originality or render it insipid. One of the novel’s strengths lies in how the imminent danger is meticulously and continually conveyed, heightening the stakes at each turn.
While I enjoyed the story, I felt that there are instances where the author tends to “tell” rather than “show,” recounting events in a straightforward manner without delving into specific details. This approach occasionally produces a somewhat monotonous texture, particularly during the action sequences. I think a more varied sentence structure could have made these parts more dynamic.
Bondwitch is a highly enjoyable read that will resonate with those drawn to paranormal stories, romance, vivid characters, and imaginative world-building. Ortega’s novel stands as a commendable addition to the genre.
Pages: 321 | ASIN : B0CF6H8NYC
It’s Okay To Ask For Help
Sweepings of the Street follows a young girl whose family moves to London and, due to an accident, winds up in poverty and struggling to survive. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My inspiration came from several Romantic poems: “London” by William Blake; “London, 1802” by William Wordsworth; and both poems entitled “The Chimney Sweeper” by Blake. Some of those poems are quoted in Sweepings of the Street. These spurred me to learn about the British Industrial Revolution and the ways in which it upended the lives of many people in the early 1800s. More specifically, Sweepings of the Street is set in 1816, known as the “Year Without a Summer” due to a volcanic eruption that caused intense climate change and crop failures. This, along with the effects of the Industrial Revolution, forces Sarah and her family to move to London. I wanted to explore the changes brought on by these catalysts and Sarah’s struggles adjusting to her new life.
Sarah has to grow up fast and find a way to help her family to the point of disguising herself as a boy. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
I began writing Sweepings of the Street when I was 14, not much older than 12-year-old Sarah. I published Sweepings at 19, so my writing process spanned a good portion of my childhood, and I was living through some unprecedented historical events of my own. Sweepings is a coming-of-age story that follows several children who are given premature responsibility, such as working to support their families and raising their siblings. That premature responsibility can seriously affect development and mental health, and the characters spend the novel recovering from those effects.
Sarah also struggles with the dichotomy of wanting to help others, but not having resources to spare, and this sometimes gets her into trouble. That is juxtaposed with Sarah’s friend Jamie, who believes that it’s foolish to prioritize anything other than the direct safety of one’s family. As Sarah and Jamie get to know each other, they disagree about whether trying to help others is worth the risk of failure.
Your novel covers some important themes such as poverty, child labor, and depression. What is one thing that you hope readers take away from the story?
Sarah and her friend Jamie have close experiences with grief and depression, and although that was always part of Sweepings, there were times in the writing process when the content hit very close to home. So if there’s one thing that I want readers to take away from Sweepings, it’s that your story doesn’t have to be over. Change is terrifying and at times devastating, but it can also bring better things. Moreover, some things you can’t do alone, and that’s okay. There’s no shame in asking for help.
What is the next story that you’re writing and when will it be published?
I have a story in progress whose working title is Just A Reflection. It’s a middle-grade fantasy that follows a girl who learns of the existence of a world hidden behind mirrors and who realizes the importance and the cost of breaking the spell that has trapped hundreds of children in that parallel world. I don’t have a publication date for that yet, since I’m still drafting it, but I’m excited to dive into that next.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
Sarah soon learns that life in London is not as simple as it seems. She meets Jamie, a sullen, aggressive boy who helps her adjust to the new conditions. But Jamie has dark secrets of his own, and his reluctance to trust strangers clashes with Sarah’s burning curiosity about his past. As the city creeps towards winter, Sarah and her friends stand face-to-face with the horrors of London poverty—rising prices, rampant crime, disease, and hopelessness—and it becomes clear that not everyone will make it out alive. Everyone has a secret, and the consequences can be more devastating than any of them can imagine.
Set in Regency-era England, this award-winning coming-of-age novel delves into the effects of poverty, child labor, exploitation, grief, depression, loss of innocence, and premature responsibility on children and families. Sweepings of the Street delivers a powerful, timeless story against a rapidly changing historical backdrop.
Chosen by the Blade
Orion, a diligent and ambitious student, stands at a pivotal juncture upon graduation from a distinguished academy that nurtures followers of the god Aarus. With anticipation mounting, he prepares to embrace the role of a Chronicle, a traveling historian, only to find himself plunged into an unexpected and perilous adventure. Chosen By The Blade by S. R. Sereda sets the stage for a thrilling odyssey linked with legend, where Orion faces the monumental task of extracting a mystical sword from an obelisk. His subsequent journey with the fervently capable blacksmith, Cassi, is fraught with danger and intrigue.
As partners, Orion and Cassi navigate through the treacherous landscape of a foreboding forest, battling ominous shadows in pursuit of the enigmatic False One, an elusive adversary of Aarus. The narrative is richly textured, capturing the essence of a young adult fantasy filled with in-depth world-building and engaging characters.
The camaraderie between Orion, the protagonist, and Cassi, the deuteragonist, adds a touch of levity to the intense quest, skillfully balancing light-hearted interactions with profound themes of courage, the pursuit of knowledge, man versus nature, and friendship.
Orion’s transformation is particularly well-articulated. Initially beset by uncertainty and fear, knowing that no Quester has succeeded in the last 500 years, Orion’s character evolves dramatically. Fueled by the challenge of the Quester—a role that contrasts starkly with his initial desire to become a Chronicle—he musters his courage and valor to rise to the occasion. Cassi’s fiery and straightforward demeanor serves as a catalyst for Orion’s self-discovery, and their contrasting characteristics blend into a warm chemistry that enhances their relationship.
Chosen By The Blade shines with intricate attention to detail, weaving magic with realism, and concludes with a tantalizing cliffhanger that leaves readers eager for the next installment. The narrative’s complexity and engaging storytelling make it a must-read for those seeking a spellbinding tale of adventure, growth, and the eternal power of friendship.
Page : 277 | ASIN : B0C9MTYYN4
Whispers in the Breeze
Maggie Bain’s Whispers in the Breeze is a riveting exploration of tribal politics, survival, and justice set within the seclusion of the African jungle. The narrative revolves around Wango, the Chieftain of the Wangoorie tribe, who embarks on a journey in search of food due to severe scarcity, leaving behind his wife, Mallee, and son, Zengie. However, as the season passes, Wango fails to return, sparking a cauldron of troubles within the tribe.
Adding to the turmoil, Wango’s malicious and cunning brother, Zulu, sees this as an opportunity to lay claim to the chieftainship. In his relentless pursuit of power, Zulu dispatches his henchmen to bring back Zengie, the rightful heir to the leadership. His nefarious plans, however, lead to unexpected chaos across the tribe, raising critical questions – Will Wango ever make a comeback? Will Zengie inherit the position that is his birthright?
From the onset, Whispers in the Breeze is a deeply immersive narrative that held my attention until the very last page. The unrest, deception, and ancestral wrath triggered by the Zulu’s unjust actions against the Wangoorie tribe make for a compelling storyline. Bain skillfully portrays Zulu’s character, emphasizing his manipulative nature and desperate power grab. Interestingly, the influence of the ancestors, voicing their dissent from beyond the grave, provides a fascinating layer to the plot.
The character of Zengie, a courageous young soul thrown into survival mode early on, is captivating. His father’s disappearance and the absence of guidance from his mother and tribal elders present him with extraordinary challenges. The narrative takes a suspenseful turn as Zengie, having escaped Zulu’s henchmen, must navigate the ruthless African wilderness on his own. Is he resourceful and resilient enough to survive?
This book kept me on the edge of my seat from the beginning. Bain evokes a gamut of emotions, providing a rollercoaster ride of a reading experience. As the plot unfurls and the pieces of the puzzle fall into place, the reader can’t help but hope for Zulu’s comeuppance for his atrocities against the Wangoorie tribe. The believability of the characters, the vividly described landscape, and the gripping storyline make one feel as though they are witnessing the events firsthand. The author’s ability to resolve loose ends ultimately results in a rewarding reading journey. Whispers in the Breeze is a must-read for all lovers of engaging and emotive literature.
Pages: 119 | ASIN : B0C3WMDCS1
The Horror Film Killer
The Horror Film Killer marks the second installment in Michael J. Bowler’s enthralling A Film Milieu Thriller series, featuring a fresh set of characters distinct from Book One. Centered around Cassie Stewart, a senior at Performance Arts Academy High School in Southern California’s San Fernando Valley, the narrative follows her collaborative endeavor with best friend Donovan Quinn. Together, they embark on co-writing and co-directing a feature film for their senior project in film class, with aspirations of entering their creation into the prestigious local Shriek Festival, renowned as one of the nation’s oldest and grandest horror film festivals. However, their aspirations are derailed when a sinister figure begins replicating the murders depicted in their script, compelling Cassie and her police officer father to join forces in a race against time to apprehend the killer before more lives are claimed.
I found myself engrossed in this tale, particularly relishing the illuminating glimpses into the behind-the-scenes aspects of film production. The story initially unfolds at a measured pace, acquainting the reader with an ordinary school day and the diverse cast of characters. However, the narrative takes a thrilling turn by the end of the first chapter, captivating readers as the first chilling murder transpires. Despite the sizable ensemble of characters introduced in the early stages, the author skillfully furnishes detailed descriptions for each, enabling readers to seamlessly distinguish and connect with them. An impressive feat of suspense-building ensues, notably evident during Marjory Quinn’s tense night rounds at the hospital. The author adeptly conveys the suspenseful ambiance, deftly surmounting the challenge of conveying tension through the written word without the aid of audio or visual cues present in film. The climactic unmasking of the killer occurs towards the story’s conclusion, followed by a final chapter that offers a glimpse into the characters’ lives as they endeavor to move forward after the tragic events. This additional insight into the students of the film class adds a gratifying dimension to the narrative. It’s worth mentioning that while the story maintains its allure, some readers, including myself, found the choice of third-person present tense a bit unsettling. At times, this stylistic approach may lead to a sense of disconnection and distraction from the unfolding events, pulling one momentarily away from the immersive experience. Looking ahead, They Know When the Killer Will Strike, the third book in the series, promises an exciting convergence of characters from both Book One and Book Two, interweaving their storylines. A preview of this next installment serves as a tantalizing teaser, piquing readers’ curiosity and anticipation for what lies ahead.
The Horror Film Killer delivers an engaging and suspenseful narrative adorned with invaluable insights into the intricate world of film production. While the third-person present tense may prove slightly disconcerting for some readers, the tale compensates with its compelling plot and well-developed cast of characters. Fans of this series will undoubtedly relish the upcoming installment, which promises to reunite familiar faces from previous books and elevate the thrills to new heights.
Pages: 187 | ASIN : B09B1F1FFF
Discovering Mom
Discovering Mom by Bryan Foreman is a heartfelt story about Daniel, who has the perfect family and upbringing with a world of opportunity ahead. His father, a highly respected surgeon, and his mother offered a comfortable life with a large backyard, a weekly allowance, and the expectation of hard work to achieve greatness. As Daniel looks closer at his family, he realizes how out of place he feels due to being adopted. Through the encouragement of a close friend from school, Daniel decides to search for his biological mother and learn more about his family and past.
The story takes hold of the reader from the beginning, narrated in the first person by Daniel, who introduces you to his parents and family members, who try their best to raise him with love and direction. His keen curiosity and longing to fit in leads Daniel to ask questions, even at the most unexpected times. As he becomes determined to find his birth mother, he decides never to give up. Daniel tries various ways to investigate his past, hoping for answers and more information about his identity.
I found the author’s depiction of Daniel’s struggles to understand his identity, ancestry, and journey for answers extremely down-to-earth and touching. He quickly realizes that everything he knows is significantly different from what he initially believes, which is a serious shock at first! The story is a page-turner that draws you in, with fantastic character development and a well-structured tale that switches effortlessly from one scene or experience to another.
Discovering Mom by Bryan Foreman is an engaging coming-of-age read for anyone who enjoys an exciting tale of self-discovery and determination. I look forward to reading more from the author.
Pages: 293 | ASIN : B0C8YJQQ6S
LITERARY TITAN 