Blog Archives
Hero
Danielle Bouthillier’s Hero is a vivid exploration of the superhero genre that captivates with its cinematic narrative and complex characters. The cover initially drew me in, and the contents did not disappoint, offering a gripping journey from the first page to the last.
The novel strikes a unique balance, making it accessible and enjoyable for both teens and adults. Although some passages challenge the reader with their complexity, the overall suspenseful plot and the palpable tension more than compensate for this. Bouthillier skillfully brings her characters to life with authenticity and depth, even within the bounds of fiction.
Each character, particularly Hero, the unconventional superhero, embodies a distinct archetype, adding layers to the narrative. Their struggles and secrets are portrayed with such realism that they become the story’s heart, holding my attention firmly in their grasp. What distinguishes Hero is its innovative take on superheroes. It delves into their vulnerabilities and complexities rather than just their strengths, offering a fresh perspective that enriches the genre. The mixture of science fiction, drama, and romance further enhances the story, presenting a multifaceted tapestry of themes and emotions. Bouthillier’s use of imagery and playful wordplay in depicting emotions and scenes is particularly noteworthy, adding a poetic quality to the narrative.
For those interested in a nuanced and engaging twist on traditional superhero tales, Hero by Danielle Bouthillier is a compelling choice. Its fresh perspective and rich, emotive language make it a standout read that both entertains and provokes thought.
Pages: 215 | ASIN : B0D2ZBTDC7
An Alternative Power
The Power of the Ascendant follows a man with supernatural abilities who struggles to understand them and what this means for his purpose in life and within the world. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The world in which we live today is hungry for power. The main way to get power is through money. Unfortunately, this tool aka money has become an obsession and as a result the measure for everything in life. All the old values have been forgotten and in the race for money, people are sacrificing their health, family, and happiness. Most people are not aware that there is an alternative power that doesn’t require such sacrifices.
This is the Power of the subconscious mind. It is real and it works. Every human being possesses that power but it is latent. In order to use that power one has to communicate with his subconscious mind.
For some years now, people like scientists Greg Braden, Dr. Bruce Lipton, and Joe Dispenza have been trying to spread awareness of this power, offering information, methods, and instructions on how to activate it. But still, only a small fraction of people are aware and are trying to actively use it.
This inspired me to take a different approach. Instead of writing a handbook with instructions, in order to spread awareness about the power of the subconscious mind, I decided to write a science fiction book while offering entertainment and showing the possible use of that power.
What were some of the emotional and moral guidelines you followed when developing your characters?
I followed mainly emotional wellbeing guidelines, like communicating and giving to others, and also emotional intelligence, like empathy. For moral guidelines, it was compassion, loyalty, and responsibility.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The main theme in my book is Power and its use. The other themes are love, loyalty, death, and religion. Actually, the whole fourth part of the book is devoted to the theme of Religion. Certain teachings about religion sound dissonant to me, so I gave my own interpretation of Paradise, Hell, Purgatory, and the Soul.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
This book has been written as a stand-alone but I’ve left space for possible two sequels which will be about the Honeymoon of The Ascendants aka The Souls of Philip and Jessica exploring God’s creations. However, for now, it’s just an idea and at present, I am enjoying my well-deserved rest.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
While held prisoner at the Research Institute for Paranormal Power Activity in the Rocky Mountains of Montana, Philip develops an ability for telekinesis, teleportation, and other paranormal powers. As a result, he becomes an Ascendant.
When Philip escapes from the Institute, he meets and befriends Steve, a ranger and war veteran with bitter memories of his service in Afghanistan. Together, the two of them face off against forces that want to control Phillip’s powers.
Philip’s biggest challenge is that he doesn’t want to kill or hurt anybody.
Will Philip’s abilities and knowledge be enough to keep him free or will those seeking to recapture him use his abilities and plunge the world into war?
Nephilim
Nephilim by Marc Arginteanu introduces readers to the brilliant mind of Zdenek, a PhD student whose groundbreaking invention bestows incredible powers upon its user. The story unfolds with intrigue as Zdenek races to protect his creation after a failed experiment threatens its safety. However, what ensues is a thrilling chase as two formidable groups—the secretive Urialites and a squad of Chinese commandos—relentlessly pursue the weapon.
In an unexpected turn, Sean, a humble waiter, becomes entangled with the device, thrusting him into a world of danger and excitement. As the narrative unfolds, themes of technology, prophecy, and the human desire for power are expertly explored, offering readers a captivating journey through a realm of uncertainty. The novel skillfully weaves various subplots and characters, adding depth and realism to the story. While the pacing is brisk, it keeps the reader engaged, and including multiple side stories enriches the overall narrative experience.
Marc Arginteanu’s ability to intricately connect different elements of the plot is praiseworthy. Though the character development may feel slightly rushed at times, the diverse cast of characters adds layers to the story, reflecting the complexities of human nature. While some violent scenes may be intense, they contribute to the gripping nature of the narrative, adding to the sense of urgency and danger.
Nephilim by Marc Arginteanu delivers an electrifying tale of power, technology, and the human condition. With its gripping plot, diverse cast of characters, and intricate storytelling, the novel immerses readers in a world of suspense and intrigue. While the brisk pacing and occasional violence may not be suitable for younger audiences, adult readers will find themselves drawn into the heart-pounding action and thought-provoking themes.
Pages: 364 | ASIN : B0CZLWBJ54
The Conscience of the C.O.D.
James Terminiello’s The Conscience of the C.O.D. embarks on a frantic adventure aboard the luxury cruise ship Climax of Dreams. Here, the PR director, Trip Torrent, is thrust into a day that spirals increasingly out of control. Initially faced with the news that his vessel will shelter 4,000 refugees, his challenges escalate when the ship is overtaken by O’Higgins and his crew during a high-profile fundraiser, sparking a chain of chaotic events.
Torrent’s ordeal is amplified by an approaching hurricane, a kidnapped tech entrepreneur, and a malfunctioning automated ship, among other crises. Amidst the turmoil, he interacts with a vibrant ensemble of characters—ranging from semi-nude female commandos to a dubious repairman and a charismatic robotic bartender—each rendered with a mix of sharp wit and vivid detail. Terminiello skillfully blends suspense, action, romance, and comedy to navigate the disasters befalling the C.O.D.
The protagonist, Trip Torrent, is portrayed as a grumpy yet endearing figure whose resilience garners reader support, while O’Higgins emerges as a complex antagonist who elicits unexpected empathy. The novel’s humor shines as one of its core strengths, weaving through the bizarre and intricate circumstances that conspire to complicate Torrent’s day. Terminiello’s satire is particularly effective, offering a clever critique wrapped in humor that might not suit all tastes but stands out for its incisiveness. Action sequences in the book are vivid and engaging, with Terminiello’s detailed prose ensuring that readers remain riveted. The strategic intricacies of a naval maneuver and the ethical quandaries faced by the characters are portrayed with a compelling clarity that effectively balances the narrative’s humorous and tense moments.
The Conscience of the C.O.D. offers an absorbing mix of laughter and adrenaline, making it a delightful pick for readers who enjoy a dynamic blend of humor and suspense. While Terminiello’s distinctive comedic style may vary in appeal, his sharp wit and engaging storytelling craft a thoroughly enjoyable reading experience.
Pages: 180 | ASIN : B0CZZCJPRP
Beginnings, Endings, and Meaning
Exoputians follows a group of genetically created humans who arrive on Earth during the Second American Civil War in an attempt to fulfill their mission of saving the planet from the climate crisis. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I actually thought first of the thematic elements of the story before fleshing out the details, something I haven’t done since, although I think it worked well for this novel. I wanted to tell a story from the ‘outsider’s’ perspective, and the best way to do that was to create the Exoputian. I am also one of those people that enjoys going ‘all the way’, and seeing America and the planet at large go down a reckless path for ‘glory’ and cash inspired me to push us to the brink of what current scientific predictions are suggesting. And then I added in the really big What If…Aliens came who could save us, but are we worth saving? The existential questions inspire me the most to write what I write, the morally questionable, the ethical hiccups, the confounding arguments the so-called smartest species on Planet Earth creates so as to believe ourselves righteous in the name of ourselves.
I felt that the science inserted in the fiction was well-balanced. How did you manage to keep it grounded while still providing the fantastic edge science fiction stories usually provide?
Thank you for saying that, I appreciate it. I kept this story as realistic as possible, up until a point, as you mention. The science fiction elements are really only there to exacerbate the story that I wanted to tell, and it made the most sense to me to write it as I did. This is a foremost a story of America. I feel as if our world and the Exoputians’ is the same, just pulled further in time and hate and that one tidbit about extraterrestrials…that was where I needed the science to wrap the story up into what I wanted. The Exoputians are themselves a scientific experiment, yes, but they were really created to shine a light upon the darkness that is humanity. I felt that grounding was ‘easy’ as the Exoputians were tossed into a very real and horrible, dirty, gritty road trip through America, as humbling and unscientific as one can get, or feel, in a science fiction novel – I think…
I am also a seasoned traveler and have been to the ends of Africa where people are still using cows to plow fields, to trade as currency, where refrigerators do not exist. I like to intertwine the two worlds, the one of the raw and rugged survival, and the tech-heavy world, both LA and San Francisco fit the bill. These places are current in today’s timeline upon Planet Earth, it shocks, depresses, and confuses me every time. But LA and SF also have the poorest people I have ever seen in my life, in the richest country on Earth, where we build rockets to go to Space, for fun. I find the homeless of LA and the rural poor African as the grounded people in our fast paced world of high speed internet and space exploration. I just tried to add that one giant leap for human/Exoputiankind.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Definitely racial strife in America. White Nationalism is awful, extremely dangerous, and needs to be understood as one of the most realistic ways the American Empire falls. I also wanted to explore what it means to be human, I think I strive for that question and answer in all my writings, and if we can define human, is it actually a good thing? I really don’t have the answer but tend toward the skeptic in that argument. I could not write a book about racial strife and the general feel of America without going into politics. Neither ’side’ is right, and I wanted to show that in this story.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
As the book is, the story is complete. I am not a series writer and do not intend to be, I generally find stand alone novels (or stories-Hyperion and The Fall of Hyperion is a two book set/one story) the best way to tell stories with beginnings and endings, and with meaning.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Website
With rising tides and thawing tundra, the Exoputians-a new species of human genetically created to live in Space and communicate with the Folbulae, land in the Republic of Texas following a missile strike on their Space station. Mary and the other Exoputians learn of the lies their progenitor taught them, training the Space-bred crew to use their novel communication to cure the planet they’d never set foot on. As Mary and the others road trip through racially segregated America, they encounter multiple attempts on their lives to follow through with their once-mission of saving the planet from the climate crisis.
Discover with Mary what’s worth saving on a planet prepared to destroy her entire species.
Content Warning: This novel is about the Second American Civil War, a race war. As such, it contains references to racism, police brutality, war, profanity, hate speech, violence, violence against minorities, racial slurs, sexual violence, drug use, death/murder, descriptions of gore, school shootings, animal death, slavery, terrorism, torture, kidnapping, homophobia, child death, alcohol/ism, and possibly others.
Exoputians
Exoputians plunges into a dystopian future where a catastrophic collision between two ballistic missiles has decimated the Exogenesis Station, propelling Mary, the Chief Resident, into a leadership vacuum amidst chaos. Tasked with guiding her crew to a grim destination—Planet Earth—Mary faces the aftermath of the Second American Civil War, depicted through a blend of science fiction and political drama.
This novel starkly portrays one of the most turbulent periods in a fictionalized United States, weaving a narrative rich with violence and potent themes. AJ Pagan IV doesn’t shy away from drawing bold parallels to recent U.S. events through a series of ironic and pointed critiques, showcasing a daring approach to storytelling. The story, while embracing typical sci-fi tropes, successfully engages the reader with a spectrum of characters—from the admirable Mary to others who evoke a visceral dislike. It’s a narrative that skillfully elicits a wide range of emotions and provokes thought about the real-life parallels it draws. The book’s direct approach to unfolding its themes and characters ensures clarity and accessibility, effectively highlighting the stark realities of abuse and corruption in governance. This straightforward use of analogies and metaphors appears intentional, serving to emphasize the urgent messages within the narrative. While I feel that a bit more subtlety could enhance the depth and richness of the story, the clear and purposeful exposition ensures that the essential themes resonate strongly with the reader.
Exoputians is undoubtedly a provocative read that stirs dialogue and reflection, making it a significant addition to the realms of sci-fi and political commentary.
Pages: 306 | ASIN : B0CYM3PHNN
Daft Mejora’s Infinite Madness (Or, How to Travel Near America with Friends)
Karl Dehmelt’s debut science fiction novel, Daft Mejora’s Infinite Madness (Or, How to Travel Near America with Friends), offers a sharply satirical take on contemporary American society. The novel artfully blends humor, absurdity, and sharp critique, making it a standout piece in the genre. The story introduces an alien leader, known as The Daft One, who lands on Earth during the COVID-19 pandemic disguised as a 14-year-old boy named Daft Mejora. Accompanied by a group of eccentric aliens, their mission to decode the human brain is humorously misguided, relying solely on the internet’s darkest nooks for research.
The plot thickens as The Daft One befriends DJ Jones, a high school student from Florida. This friendship serves as a gateway into a tumultuous world marked by political unrest, rampant conspiracy theories, and deep societal divides—mirrored in DJ’s father, a fervent conspiracy theorist and QAnon follower. Through these interactions, the novel paints a vivid portrait of the current American landscape. Narrated from The Daft One’s perspective, Dehmelt employs this outsider’s view to cleverly spotlight the absurdities of American life. His observations range from the comical resistance of anti-mask protestors to the bizarre world of online misinformation, capturing the mundane and the extraordinary with equal finesse. While Dehmelt’s narrative is unapologetically bold and may not cater to all—particularly those with conservative views or sensitivities to specific language—it is precisely this fearless approach that underscores his adeptness at satire.
The book’s use of surreal elements, such as the quirky character of the Wise Owl, adds a unique flair to the narrative. While distinctively imaginative, these elements enrich the novel’s vibrant tapestry, underscoring its successful fulfillment of the author’s intent. Daft Mejora’s Infinite Madness is a provocative exploration of modern America, appealing to readers who appreciate a blend of satire and science fiction.
Pages: 294 | ISBN : 978-1627205009
A Warped Sensibility
In Terrestrial Passions, an unsuspecting widow finds her life transformed by the extraterrestrial who arrives in her orchard via starship. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I think that I’ve learned an important lesson writing this book. You see, it’s a satire. If you look at the reader reviews, about half of the readers are laughing their pants off, get the offbeat literary humor, and understand that all the detailed historical background is being used in the service of its outrageous, surreal humor. The other half are trying to read it in romance genre terms, and therefore thinking that it’s off-key. The lesson: committed Regency romance fans take their genre rather seriously and don’t laugh at it; science fiction fans, on the other hand, are more likely to get a kick out of it. The result: a large number of 5-star reviews from the Hitchhiker’s Guide, Life of Brian, and Black Adder crowd, plus Lit Majors who have spent many a long night with Jane Austen and feel liberated by being able to laugh…and bewildered negatives from those expecting a serious romance with a tinge of spice. Even Literary Titan’s own reviewer, who did an admirable job analysing the book’s historical accuracies, never mentioned that it’s funny – while some other reviewers, the humor is ALL they talk about.
This is on me, not on the readers. On the way the book is marketed and packaged. I’ll have to tweak the presentation so it reaches its intended audience I think.
My inspiration…yes, indeed, it comes from having read all six Jane Austen novels in school, in England. Loved them. But her early novel Northanger Abbey is a bit different…you could see her going the way of the wild, satirical fantasy adventure rather than the way she ended up being best known for. It’s this playful version of Jane that inspires this book (with a bunch of Dickens tropes thrown in). Then…
I was at Cambridge the same years as Douglas Adams. This book, in a sense, comes from a similar mental place…a warped sensibility…highly intellectual yet sardonically detached. It’s what Americans call “British humor,” I think. An odd thing since according to the Library of Congress, my works are classified as “fiction, American.” This is what you get for growing up in too many countries.
What was your approach to writing the interactions between your characters?
No matter how outlandish, as far as the characters are concerned, it’s really happening. That’s really the only to make a story this weird be believable.
Within this book, you flawlessly blend historical fiction and science fiction. It takes exceptional talent to blend the two genres. How did you go about blending the two genres without disrupting the story?
They are the two genres that have most influenced me since childhood, and I have done several quite serious stories set in the past with fantasy elements, like my multiple award-winning werewolf novel Moon Dance. When it comes to science fiction, however, I can’t seem to escape “comedy.” My Hugo-nominated Aquila series is about the Roman conquest of America, but it’s essentially a laugh-a-minute romp.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
I am finishing the third volume of my Delicatus trilogy — historical fiction which isn’t comedic at all (despite some arch dialogue at times), and starting another trilogy, the Yrth series, for new New York publisher Brazen House.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
A rollicking satire that blends the world of Jane Austen with the sci-fi universes of E.T. and The Day the Earth Stood Still by World Fantasy Award-winning author S.P. Somtow, this story has been a top faved ongoing serial in Amazon Vella.
LITERARY TITAN 