Blog Archives
Human Hybrid Experiment
Poseidon’s Atlantis Adventure: The Human Hybrid Experiment follows Poseidon as he travels through time, faces ethical dilemmas, and experiences the wonders of an advanced technological world. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for Poseidon’s Atlantis Adventure: The Human Hybrid Experiment is the backstory of my first novel, Einstein’s Compass: A YA Time Traveler Adventure. I wondered how young Albert Einstein came up with his miracle theories. He lived during the horse and buggy days with the light bulb being the latest technology. Maybe he was from Atlantis and was trying to remember what he did as a priest-scientist in Atlantis. Albert’s soul is from Atlantis in the character Arka. Arka has an evil twin Raka. My editor said people wanted to know more about Atlantis. She encouraged me to write a series on Atlantis.
According to legend, Poseidon created Atlantis. Research into Greek mythology shows Poseidon’s story begins with the war of the Titans. The sibling rivalry after the war gave the god of the sea a reason to seek a new life path. In reading Greek history, Greeks often projected human behaviors onto the gods. I wanted my readers to relate to the gods, especially Poseidon, so I gave him human behaviors.
What were some of the trials that you felt were important to highlight the characters’ development?
What if Poseidon, a god with powers, had a moral code? What were his vulnerables, loves, imperfections? Displaced from his homeland of Greece, what did he want?
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Is it possible our human race of different cultures comes from the stars? Could Atlantis be the human hybrid experiment of the stars that went wrong?
Theme of Altruism vs. Selfishness, power vs. force, good vs. evil. Family dynamics, sibling rivalry, spiritual path vs. science.
Can you tell us a little about where the story goes in book two, and when the novel will be available?
Poseidon’s Atlantis Adventure Book Two: The culture of people into the Atlantean Way begins “What if Poseidon’s trident is stolen?” The firestone crystal is discovered and installed as the power source of Atlantis.
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As he travels through time, Poseidon encounters Cleito, a young woman with a deep connection to his ancestry. Together, they uncover the secrets of her parents, Euenor and Leucippus, and their utopian paradise.
In this new world, Poseidon faces ethical dilemmas and technological wonders. With the guidance of Kyrie, a celestial envoy from the Pleiades, he explores genetic engineering and human hybrids, igniting moral introspection.
Amidst these revelations, Poseidon delves into The Way, a spiritual path led by Mystical Traveler Lucas. What if Lucas unveils the cosmic love that shapes the universe and the soul’s quest for serenity?
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.
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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.
You Can’t Take Peace For Granted
In The Theft of The Silver Helmet, a man struggles to bring unity among clans in order to defeat an evil earl who is hellbent on destroying everyone and everything in his path. How did the idea for this second book in the series evolve?
The Godron and Calton clans were living in peace and harmony after settling their differences. Originally they were descended from a Viking clan and a new earl casts his eyes on their rich lands due to a drought that has destroyed his crops. The idea behind the story was the fact that we cannot take peace in the world today for granted as other forces still attempt to dominate weaker peace-loving peoples.
I find Stenfeld the Red to be a fascinating character. What was the inspiration for his traits and dialogue?
The inspiration for the character of Stenfeld the Red comes from the situation in the world in the past and right down to the present time. Through the years there has always been despots who have attempted to force their rule on an unwilling people. He is an example of this type of tyrant.
When you first sat down to write this story, did you know where you were going, or did the twists come as you were writing?
I started off by writing a ten-page outline of the events leading up to the theft of the silver helmet and the eventual battle. However, the story took its own pathway when I got into the nitty-gritty of writing the manuscript. Possibly, in common with a lot of authors, I try to visualise that I am watching a movie.
Can readers look forward to Book 3? If so, where does the story go?
Book 3 is at the initial re-writing stage and is the final part of the trilogy. It is entitled ‘The Silver Helmet The Final Battle’. It centres on the defeated Vikings returning to their homeland led by the wise advisor Magnus who desires to be the new earl in a more peaceful dispensation. There is seething anger amongst the younger element of this clan who feel that their clan is now a disgrace to the Viking race. An ambitious young warrior, who hero worshipped Stenfeld the Red, steps forward to plunge the known world into war armed with a new deadly weapon to match the power of the silver helmet. He snatches the earldom from Magnus and decrees that the wise man will need to be eradicated. However, with the help of close allies in the settlement Magnus escapes to find refuge and help from his former enemies namely the Godrons and Caltons.
However, a new threat appears on the horizon in the form of a mighty Viking force from the Stalanger Fjord led by an evil earl, Stenfeld the Red. When drought destroys the crops in his fields the earl casts his envious eyes towards the prosperous people that were cast out many generations ago. He plans a full-scale invasion.
The Silver helmet has been stolen by agents of the earl and now armed with his own mystical golden axe he is coming to wipe out everyone in his way, Only one man can stop him, the Zhanna but this time he must unite the clans, and fight the Vikings that were once his kin.
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
The Theft of the Silver Helmet
In The Theft of the Silver Helmet, author George Lyttle returns readers to the richly imagined world of gods and Vikings first explored in his fantasy adventure, The Silver Helmet. This sequel unfolds many years after the events of the first book, immersing us in a realm where the Calton clan, now led by Saven, and the Gordons, under Caxson’s leadership, face a new threat. The plot centers around their sons, Savenar and Marco, who find themselves entangled in a sinister plot orchestrated by the ambitious Viking Earl Stenfeld the Red. Intent on conquest, Stenfeld initiates the theft of the eponymous Silver Helmet and acquires a formidable weapon from his god, Tyr, setting the stage for an epic conflict.
The narrative weaves through multiple character perspectives, showcasing Lyttle’s skill in handling a diverse cast and intricate subplots. This approach enhances the story’s appeal, making it accessible and engaging even for younger readers. The author’s treatment of the antagonist, Stenfeld, is noteworthy for its depth and realism, grounding the fantastical elements with a portrayal of his personal life that adds complexity to his villainous role. The novel initially presents a vibrant tapestry of perspectives and characters, creating a richly layered world that gracefully evolves into a coherent and captivating narrative.
As the story progresses towards its climax, the pacing varies, lending a dynamic rhythm to the unfolding events, with some moments briskly propelling the plot forward and others allowing for deeper engagement with the characters and their journey. The story culminates in a climactic battle, concluding with a resolution that thoughtfully addresses the aftermath of conflict. The novel imparts a meaningful lesson on the practicality of kindness over vengeance, a theme that resonates powerfully through the story’s conclusion.
Suitable for middle-grade readers, fans of the first book and newcomers alike will find The Theft of the Silver Helmet a compelling addition to Lyttle’s series, offering a blend of adventure, intrigue, and fantasy that is both familiar and fresh.
Pages: 222 | ASIN : B0CLJ3S44Z
I Needed My Magic to Be Believable
The Youngling follows the narratives of a young woman orphaned as a girl, a runaway indentured servant, and a priest–three people whose paths are destined to cross. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I’d been playing around with a short story about a young demon girl who gets kidnapped by a circus of evil clowns. A strange place to start, and I never really did anything with it. However, there was something about writing a fantasy that I really liked. I took a small part of that story and started plotting out an idea where all the demons and mythical creatures had hidden themselves away in a kind of Shangri La to escape human eyes.
Initially this story was aimed at a much younger audience, but the more I wrote it the more serious it became. The Demon girl was replaced by a much older version, and in this slightly more mature version of the story, I decided to add more character narratives so that I could tell it from multiple perspectives.
Were the characters’ backstories something you always had in mind, or did they develop as you were writing?
For each character I always had a basic idea of what their back story was, and then let myself explore that while I was writing. I knew which story points and notes that I wanted to reach for each character, which made it fun to put them through a situation, and surprise myself with the results. I like leaving plenty of room for creativity in my story plans as sometimes that’s when the best things happen.
An example of this is Seth – originally, he first appeared in the second book of the series. I had a scene where all the characters sat round a fire and talked of how they came to be there. Seth started speaking, and I couldn’t make him stop. Eventually I realised I needed to start his story from the first book, and really explore his journey. I ended up redrafting the entire series so that I could include him from the beginning.
How did you balance magic and its use throughout the story to keep it believable?
At heart I’m a very practical and logical person. I found that I needed to be able to believe in the magic myself, so everything needed to be grounded in some kind of logic. If it didn’t seem real to me, then I realised it would never seem real to my readers.
I placed the Midgarden timeline to be about a thousand years after the last significant magical event, which meant magic could be considered a thing of the past to the residents of that realm. Although magic and the manipulation of ‘mana’ plays a much bigger part in the rest of the series, I wanted a very light touch in this novel. That way I hoped it would have more of an impact when something magical does happen.
Can you give us a little insight into the next installment in this series?
‘The Falling’ is much darker than the first book in the series.
We continue to follow Synesthesia on her journey, but now she is in a much more hostile world, and things soon take a very bad turn for her.
Luckily, she finds friends: some new and some old. But unfortunately, now she also has an enemy too – a rather smoky looking one who is trying to find her.
There is a lot more action, a lot more magic, and a lot more at stake.
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In the world of The Midgarden, Synesthesia is the only Youngling. Orphaned as a child, her solace lies in the companionship of her loyal dog, Bron, and the tales within her cherished books. But an unexpected twist of fate alters her path forever when her uncle insists on her enrolment at the prestigious Academy.
On her treacherous journey, fate intervenes in the form of the enigmatic Griffinkat, a mysterious creature with the uncanny ability to delve into her thoughts, unravelling secrets she never knew existed. Within Synesthesia lies a power shrouded in the mists of time, a force that defies comprehension and beckons her to unlock its hidden potential.
In parallel narratives, Seth awakens in a foreign realm, his body battered and carrion birds circling ominously above. His rescue by a mysterious figure, sets in motion a mesmerizing saga that crosses the borders of worlds, unveiling mysteries and interconnected destinies.
Meanwhile, Brother Octavion, overseeing his monastery, catches sight of a blaze in the valley below. Investigating the aftermath, they discover the scorched remnants of a traveling show, the lone survivors being a peculiar girl shielding a dying boy. Villagers brand them as demons from hell, but their true identities remain shrouded in mystery.
In this mesmerizing novel, worlds collide, destinies intertwine, and secrets unfurl as the lives of Synesthesia, Seth, and Octavian converge in a captivating tale of magic, mystery, and destiny that transcends generations.
The Youngling
The Youngling, penned by Stephen Harrington, is an evocative young adult fantasy novel that masterfully weaves the tales of three distinct characters—Seth, Octavian, and Synesthesia. Set in the enchanting realm of Midgarden, a place where inhabitants are blessed with longevity and young children are an unusual sight, the story positions humans as near-mythical entities. Synesthesia, an orphan, stands out not just because of her youth but the very world she navigates. Seth grapples with the shadows of his past as a runaway indentured servant, while Octavian, a devout priest, is deeply invested in caring for two enigmatic children who come under his protection. The narrative artfully unravels how the destinies of these characters collide and crisscross between realms.
Distinct from the conventional tropes of romance or action, The Youngling offers readers a serene, Studio Ghibli-inspired ambiance, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a tranquil literary escape. Harrington does not resort to commonplace love triangles or grandiose quests. Instead, he centers the story around a young girl’s ordinary yet captivating journey. The vibrant depiction of Synesthesia’s universe—complete with airships and the intriguing Griffinkat—as she ventures across Midgarden for her schooling is both whimsical and enthralling. The individual sagas of Seth and Octavian hold their own, ensuring that readers remain riveted till the last page. The climax, thoughtfully crafted, hints at the potential for a sequel.
I felt that the initial chapters were slightly fragmented due to shifting perspectives, but the reader’s persistence will be rewarded as the narrative threads eventually intertwine seamlessly. I can see how some readers might find the choice of the name “Synesthesia”—a term associated with a specific neurological condition—a tad distracting. Additionally, I think certain editorial choices, such as unusual page breaks within chapters, momentarily disrupt the narrative’s rhythm.
The Youngling is a skillful orchestration of character arcs, rich world-building, and evocative storytelling. Harrington not only invites readers into a fantastical realm but ensures they are ensnared by its charm and depth.
Pages: 317 | ASIN : B0CHPL7YSL
LITERARY TITAN 