Blog Archives
How Powerful Can Love Be?
The Space Traveller’s Lover follows a bright young student and a powerful alien soldier caught in a romance that transcends the differences in their two worlds and the war they are both about to face. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I’ve always been fascinated by science and technology and the intense emotions stirred by love stories. Hence I started wondering, “How powerful can love be?” I wanted to explore the specific case of alien romance, unrequited love, impossible love, and fatal attraction within the science-fiction background. Once aliens meet humans, their different origins can play a decisive part in a unique plot that could not possibly happen had the lovers been only humans.
The main characters in the book are unique to the story and are inspired by it. I created my protagonist to be smart, beautiful and fiercely independent, stirring strong emotions from humans and aliens alike and creating a love triangle from which true, all-powerful love finally triumphs.
What was your approach to writing the interactions between Rothwen and Erin?
I created two characters with entirely different values and aspirations who find themselves attracted to each other with a wild romantic chemistry they cannot control: Rothwen, the all-powerful alien soldier who shows no mercy, and Erin, the delicate yet strong-willed human who deeply loves her planet and her race. The stage was set for two completely different beings confronting immense obstacles and intense emotions, eventually discovering the one and only thing they cannot live without.
What draws you to the science fiction genre and makes it ripe for you to write such a great young adult story in it?
Since I was very young, I have always wanted to write a book. I love writing, especially about subjects close to my heart, like science and technology. My favourite genre is, without a doubt, science fiction. This is where I can explore the fantastic mysteries of our physical world and let my imagination run wild. The creation process is so enjoyable and rewarding that it compels me to keep writing. I had so many characters and subplots that it was challenging to organise the whole book. So, I had to draw out the scenes and the characters’ physiques and make a wall chart where I could place carton cards with a summary of each chapter to set up a storyboard from the initial, middle, and final scenes. Eventually, everything fell into place in this mesmerising story of love against all odds.
Is there a second instalment planned? What are you working on now?
Definitely! Many storylines are waiting to be explored and developed further from my first book, and I am gathering all these ideas and doing a scrapbook with pictures and texts, which I intend to put together for the sequel.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Rothwen never shows mercy. An elite and vanguard soldier for a powerful alien race, he swore undying loyalty to the vengeance-fuelled invasion that’s set on wiping out Earth. But when he stumbles upon Erin, a bright and enigmatic human, he does the unthinkable – he brings her into his world…
Rothwen quickly finds himself locked in a profound struggle against everything he’s ever known. Erin is suddenly caught up in a brutal conflict that will decide the fate of humanity while she wrestles with her deep attraction to Rothwen and her loyalty to her own species. Their two worlds are destined to collide, but one wrong step could mean the end of everything Erin holds dear.
Can she outwit the alien’s destructive plans and save Earth from annihilation? Will she find true love with the all-powerful alien soldier who stole her heart?
The Space Traveller’s Lover is an exhilarating sci-fi alien romance that expertly blends high-octane action with pulse-pounding romantic suspense.
The Space Traveller’s Lover
The Space Traveller’s Lover, by Omara Williams, is a science fiction romance that features both aliens and humans. Rothwen is an elite soldier, one who is always the vanguard and never shows mercy. But before he leads a vengeance-fuelled invasion to wipe out Earth, he finds himself intrigued by one human–Erin. When Erin finds herself transformed into an alien on her sixteenth birthday, she is torn between her desire for Rothwen and her loyalty to humans.
Omara Williams excels in world-building in this young adult novel. Although I feel the initial exposition is a bit heavy, it sets the stage for a vividly imagined universe. Williams’ imagination shines, particularly in the alien landscapes. The characters are relatable, with Erin and Sam authentically embodying their teenage roles. Rothwen and his fellow soldiers add a layer of complexity, their moods hinting at deeper, unexplored backstories, leaving room for further installments. The dynamics among the human characters, including the tension between Sam’s sister and Erin, and the protective stance of Erin’s adoptive father, are intriguing, though I believe they may leave some readers curious for more depth. Erin’s journey is a true adventure, culminating in a transformative discovery of her true self.
The Space Traveller’s Lover, by Omara Williams, dazzles with its wonderful world-building, creating an immersive and vivid universe. Williams’ strength in crafting an enchanting setting makes this a noteworthy read for fans of imaginative sci-fi. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to explore new and promising authors in the science fiction/fantasy genre.
Pages: 286 | ASIN : B09SH9KBTD
Changing Tide
Changing Tide, by Robert Joncas, is an enthralling fantasy novel that immerses readers in Skye Conner’s captivating journey, spanning from the picturesque coast of California to the majestic Grand Canyon. At the tender age of 18, Skye endures the heart-wrenching loss of her father, followed shortly by the tragic passing of her mother. With only her steadfast Nana by her side, Skye’s path intertwines with an enigmatic alien on a mission to protect Earth from a malevolent race of extraterrestrials.
One of the remarkable aspects of Robert Joncas’ storytelling is his choice to employ the first-person perspective, which allows readers to experience the unfolding wonders of this universe alongside Skye. We witness the world through her eyes, forging an intimate connection that cannot be replicated through any other narrative technique. Although this approach occasionally limits our understanding of the broader picture, as it is confined to Skye’s knowledge and emotions, it undeniably enhances the sense of immersion. While Skye mentions her fear of heights, there were instances where I yearned to fully experience the depths of her trepidation. For example, when she found herself perched on a cliff’s edge or scaling its steep face, I longed to share in her terror. Nevertheless, I commend Skye for her courage in confronting her fears head-on.
One aspect that left me longing for more was the absence of alternative perspectives. It felt as though a piece of the narrative puzzle was missing, as we were solely privy to Skye’s viewpoint. Additionally, the pacing took some time to reach its crescendo, and unfortunately, the resolution of the story was left unresolved. Once the narrative delved into the heart of the tale, I found myself thoroughly engaged, eagerly rooting for Skye and Paul’s triumph. It was disheartening not to witness their ultimate victory. While I appreciate the significance of establishing Skye’s ordinary world before thrusting her into the extraordinary, it did take a considerable portion of the book to reach the truly extraordinary elements. I yearned for a more substantial exploration of that captivating realm.
Changing Tide by Robert Joncas is an enchanting fantasy novel that sweeps readers into Skye Conner’s remarkable odyssey. Despite a few minor drawbacks, the story eventually grips readers tightly and leaves them yearning for more of its extraordinary allure.
Pages: 206 | ASIN : B0C9VHRC25
I Need a Hero
Ron Clamp’s I Need a Hero is an exquisitely crafted literary masterpiece that blends romance, fantasy, and sci-fi elements in a truly epic fashion. This gripping story takes place in a dystopian future. It follows the exploits of Commander Charlie Jackson, a brilliant war tactician and strategist who is tasked with leading the intergalactic ship Perseus. With a crew consisting of Charlie’s computer-savvy brother, Jacob, gifted teenage prodigies, and loyal team members, the ship’s initial mission is to serve as a repair vessel. However, as they embark on their journey, Charlie and Jacob find themselves embroiled in a perilous personal mission, one that threatens to sever their connection with Earth. With the constant threat of the Obsidians, the enemy, lurking in the shadows, Charlie must forge a bond with his crew and his ship to ensure everyone’s safety. Meanwhile, on Earth, Charlie’s wife, Maddie, discovers that her dark past has caught up with her. Despite the vast distance separating them, Charlie is determined to rescue Maddie, no matter what the cost.
I Need a Hero is an incredibly rich and beautifully written work of literature that seamlessly blends music, Greek mythology, fantasy, and a tragic love story to provide the reader with a wholly satisfying experience from beginning to end. The author’s vivid descriptions transport the reader onto the ship Perseus, allowing them to feel the characters’ heightened emotions and experience the richly detailed world first-hand. Each character’s backstory is tragic, akin to epic Greek tales, which makes it easy for readers to identify with them. As the crew becomes a close-knit family, the bond they share inspires and motivates readers.
The author skillfully maintains the book’s momentum, ensuring that readers are constantly engaged and on the edge of their seats. The intricate explanations of war in outer space are evocative and captivating, and every aspect of the book, from the action to the heartbreak, is compelling and intricately woven together. The novel is a page-turner, complete with a spectacular ending that is sure to leave readers yearning for more.
I Need a Hero is a phenomenal read that will appeal to anyone looking for a fantasy or sci-fi novel with a highly original plotline. The galaxy in this novel is full of depth and complexity, and readers will undoubtedly want to explore it further. I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more from this talented author.
Page: 376 | ASIN : B0BS1VPQZD
H.A.L.F.
H.A.L.F by Natalie Wright tells the story of H.A.L.F 9, a Human-Alien Life Form that escapes from the military facility where he was created. During the course of his escape, H.A.L.F 9 meets teenagers, Erika, Jack and Ian, with whom he strikes up a friendship. Among other abilities, H.A.L.F 9 has extreme telekinetic and telepathic powers which make him a valuable asset to the government and one that they are not willing to lose. The government, claiming ownership of H.A.L.F 9’s life, sets out to retrieve him. Having no human technology that can match H.A.L.F 9’s power, they have to enlist a force stronger and more cunning than even H.A.L.F 9 is prepared to face.
Right from the start of the book the characters are likable and relatable. Even though the first couple of chapters were a bit confusing, each one was intriguing enough to make me want to keep reading. It isn’t immediately obvious how the characters in the first chapters are related to one another, but once you do discover the connection the direction of the story makes perfect sense. The writing is actually done very well for a Young Adult novel; which the book appears to be, as all the main characters are teenagers. I was very surprised at how each chapter really kept me on the edge of my seat; my interest in finishing the book never waned. Most books have at least a few chapters that are somewhat slow but I didn’t find this to be the case with H.A.L.F., it kept a great pace and remained interesting throughout. I think the struggle within H.A.L.F 9 between his alien and human personalities were done incredibly well. Having spent hardly any time at all actually interacting with humans on a personal level, he isn’t quite sure what to make of the new feelings that he experiences outside of the facility. For instance, there is a moment at which he finds himself wanting Jack to feel pain, even though he can acknowledge that Jack has never done anything to deserve his ill will. H.A.L.F 9 isn’t able to recognize that he feels this way toward Jack because of Jack’s romantic involvement with Erika, whom H.A.L.F 9 is also developing romantic feelings towards. I also appreciated how this aspect of the characters relationships is subtle and not the focus of any particular chapter in the story. Sometimes Young Adult fiction does not have a good balance of romance to substance but this book does not have that problem.
Natalie Wright does an excellent job with the element of surprise. I don’t want to give any spoilers so I will just say that in several places throughout the book the outcome that I was imagining is not at all what came to pass. I eagerly await the next installment of this series.
Pages: 293 | ASIN: B00R6U32CA
Goo of the Gods
P. Joynes’s novel Goo of the Gods, part of the Rising Saints High series, centers around the life of teen prodigy Jonah Polopolus and his traumatic past. Under pressure to live up to his famous father’s reputation, Jonah joins the Sci-6 team and learns that Science Club is so much more than an after-school activity. Jonah must balance his “normal” teen responsibilities (if you call dangerous science projects normal) while also befriending a beautiful ghost who haunts him and seeks his help. Once Science Club turns into a battle of good versus evil, Jonah and Sci-6 must use their unique traits and scientific prowess to defeat demons, save their school, and solve the mysteries behind their hometown’s tragic history.
There’s something suspicious about the tragic accidents and missing people in Jonah Polopolus’s hometown, and Sci-6 plans to figure it out. D. P. Joynes’s Goo of the Gods, part of the Rising Saints High series, is a suspenseful YA science fiction novel with twists that keep you on your toes. With a dynamic plot and an intriguing protagonist, I found this novel quite compelling and hard to put down.
Jonah, a brilliant science student, returns to his hometown five years after the death of his parents and begins his junior year of high school. He’s constantly reminded of his famous father, Dr. Jeremiah Polopolus, and his brilliant discoveries. I loved how the novel jumps between flashbacks to Jonah’s childhood trauma and his present reality, while also interweaving Dr. Polopolus’s journal entries. While there were a few moments that needed more development, I thought that Joynes did an excellent job with transitioning between the past and the present. I liked that this format let me piece together Jonah’s puzzling life.
Even though the novel jumped between time periods, there was a consistent motif of good versus evil throughout the novel, like when Jonah faced situations where people’s actions didn’t easily fit into one idea. Urged by the suspicious, yet charming Dr. Ug, Jonah joins Science Club and is thrown into a competition against a team whose members have a demonic appearance. Jonah and his friends call themselves Sci-6, and they bond over their project on gray “goo.” I feel like the goo becomes a metaphor for something much deeper than its modest appearance, as Jonah is constantly trying to understand the “gray” areas of life.
While working on their “goo” project, Sci-6 encounters many strange occurrences and dangerous situations at CorPP, Dr. Ug’s laboratory. Jonah also faces a unique problem: he’s haunted by a ghost, named Ambriel, who seeks his help. These supernatural situations show how Joynes masterfully blurs the lines of science and faith. Major plot events combine these two typically opposing concepts, which is quite unique for a novel in this genre.
Ultimately, the discovery of old journals inspires them to figure out what, or who, is truly behind the tragedies in their lives. Sci-6 embarks on a mission to conduct risky experiments in order to uncover the truth, help Ambriel, and defeat demons. Even though I wished that Jonah’s friends, Gia and Naomi, had more consistent character development, Jonah’s dynamic characterization made the story that much more enjoyable. It was great to see how Jonah learns to think about the world in both scientific and supernatural ways. The novel ends on a captivating note, and I can’t wait to see what Jonah and his friends do next.
Pages: 183 | ASIN: B01NCNCL4M
LITERARY TITAN 