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April 20, 2026

Broken Realm

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Broken Realm 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Jenna Greene ✍️
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The story features Keely Thompkins, a reserved and introspective young woman whose internal struggles with anxiety are portrayed with remarkable sensitivity. The early chapters immerse readers in a village setting, where small, everyday moments like preparing for a town celebration carry emotional weight. Keely’s perspective, filled with hesitation and quiet courage, creates an immediate emotional connection that draws readers into her world.

The narrative gains momentum with the introduction of Briggs Ray, whose rough-edged charm and survival-driven mindset provide a strong contrast to Keely’s cautious nature. When a mysterious phenomenon transports them into a barren, altered version of their world, the story shifts from gentle character study to gripping survival fantasy.

Themes of resilience, trust, and personal growth are woven well into the unfolding mystery, as both characters are forced to confront their limitations and adapt to an unforgiving environment. This novel offers a thoughtful and immersive fantasy experience, appealing to readers who enjoy character-driven stories.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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April 20, 2026

The New Empire

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The New Empire 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Alison McBain ✍️
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The New Empire by Alison McBain is a powerful historical novel that immerses readers in a story of survival, identity, and transformation. The story follows Jiangxi, a young boy torn from his homeland and thrust into the horrors of slavery, beginning with a harrowing journey that strips him of both freedom and memory.

As the story unfolds, the novel shifts into a more introspective exploration of culture and belonging. Jiangxi’s relationship with Onas, his master and spiritual guide, becomes the emotional and thematic core of the book. Through this dynamic, McBain explores the intersection of different worlds: Chinese heritage, Indigenous traditions, and colonial tensions creating a layered narrative about identity in a fractured world.

The slow evolution of Jiangxi’s character, from a broken child to someone navigating complex loyalties and beliefs, is handled with nuance. The inclusion of spiritual elements, particularly the mysterious role of the kuksui, adds a haunting, almost mystical dimension to the story.

McBain skillfully balances historical detail with emotional depth. The book is well paced. I am impressed by the world building and the character development. Readers who appreciate historical fiction with strong cultural themes and morally complex characters will find this novel worth reading.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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April 18, 2026

FIRE

Book: FIRE

Author: Pat Daily

The novel follows Will Kwan, a teenager shaped by loss and hardship, who returns to the augmented reality world of SPARK in search of meaning tied to his past. The premise stands out for its mix of gaming culture, artificial intelligence, and dystopian undertones, creating a vivid setting where virtual quests intertwine with real-world consequences.

Will and Feral’s evolving relationship adds emotional depth to the otherwise action-driven plot, balancing vulnerability with resilience. Will’s internal conflict, his trauma, guilt, and search for identity feels authentic and compelling, while Feral provides both strength and contrast. The action sequences, especially the attack on SPARK, are vividly described.

FIRE succeeds as a gripping sci-fi adventure with a strong emotional core. It explores themes of survival, loyalty, and the blurred lines between virtual and real worlds. While some readers may find the complexity of its world-building and multiple plot threads demanding, the payoff lies in its immersive storytelling and thought-provoking ideas.

Rating: 5/5

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April 18, 2026

Escape to Jekyll Island

Book: Escape to Jekyll Island

Author: Sandy Malone

Escape to Jekyll Island by Sandy Malone is set against the picturesque backdrop of Jekyll Island. The story immediately draws readers in with vivid descriptions of coastal landscapes, ocean views, marsh air, and the island’s unique charm. The opening chapters introduce Tally, a protagonist returning home after the devastation of Hurricane Maria, and her journey feels deeply personal and relatable.

Tally’s return to Jekyll Island is not simply a physical journey but also an internal one, as she grapples with heartbreak, trauma, and the uncertainty of her future. The author uses the storm’s aftermath as both a literal and symbolic force, representing the chaos that has disrupted Tally’s life. The supporting characters and the close-knit island community add warmth to the narrative.

Escape to Jekyll Island is a heartfelt and atmospheric read that will appeal to readers who enjoy stories about fresh beginnings. Sandy Malone’s detailed storytelling and strong sense of place make the island feel like a character in itself. I had a great time reading this book. Go ahead with it without any second thoughts.

Rating: 5/5

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April 18, 2026

Spelldrifts

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Spelldrifts 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: A-M Mawhiney ✍️
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Set in a post Earth tipping future, the novel immediately draws readers in with its vivid opening, an air of mystery surrounding a hidden object in a rose garden and the quiet tension between secrecy and destiny. The integration of telepathy, emerging powers, and ecological harmony creates a unique backdrop.

At the heart of the story lies a compelling cast of characters, particularly the younger generation: Saki, Ali, and Cady whose evolving abilities and personal struggles drive much of the narrative forward. The bond between Saki and Ali stands out, balancing vulnerability and adventure as they uncover the existence of a mysterious dragon egg. Their journey from grief and uncertainty toward purpose adds emotional depth, especially in Saki’s arc of loss and rediscovery. Meanwhile, the older generation: Fania and Nuna carry the weight of foresight and responsibility, creating a layered dynamic between wisdom and youthful curiosity.

The discovery of the dragon egg introduces a sense of wonder and looming significance, hinting at larger conflicts yet to unfold. At the same time, grounded subplots, such as the crisis within Ben’s family, reminds readers that even in a near-utopian world, human struggles persist. Mawhiney crafts a story that is both adventurous and introspective.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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April 17, 2026

The Walker Chronicles

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Walker Chronicles 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Jason Kristopher ✍️
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The novel opens with a military investigation that quickly descends into visceral terror as soldiers encounter corpses exhibiting horrifying, predatory behavior. The author’s descriptive strength is immediately evident, the bleak landscapes, the stench of decay, and the psychological strain on the men are rendered well.

The story expands beyond a simple outbreak narrative, weaving through different historical periods including World War II and beyond to suggest a long-standing, hidden war against these walkers. Each timeline introduces new characters and moral dilemmas, from soldiers forced to make brutal decisions to secret units tasked with containing an unexplainable threat.

The book excels in its core themes: duty, sacrifice, and the cost of survival in the face of the unimaginable. Fans of historical horror and military fiction will find Walker Chronicles a bold read. The backdrop setting is impressive. Add this book to your bookshelf without any second thoughts.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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April 17, 2026

The Ties That Bind

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Ties That Bind 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Jansen Schmidt ✍️
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The Ties That Bind by Jansen Schmidt is a contemporary Western romance that opens with a powerful sense of atmosphere and unresolved past. The story follows Shiloh Ferguson, who returns to her childhood home after her father’s death, only to confront a flood of painful memories and complicated emotions. From the very first chapter, the author establishes a haunting tone: cold, desolate, and introspective that mirrors Shiloh’s inner turmoil.

Shiloh is not portrayed as a perfect protagonist; instead, she is deeply human, guarded, conflicted, and shaped by a troubled upbringing. Her interactions with Luke Wainwright add both tension and warmth to the narrative, hinting at unresolved connections and potential romance. Through their dialogue, the author skillfully reveals layers of the past, including family struggles, misunderstandings, and the consequences of emotional neglect.

This book is a heartfelt exploration of family, forgiveness, and second chances. It balances romance with deeper emotional themes, making it more than just a love story. Readers who enjoy character-driven narratives and stories about returning home to face one’s past will find this book engaging and thought-provoking.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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April 17, 2026

Interview with author Alison McBain

Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.

A1. Hello! I’m Alison McBain, and I’m an author, editor, and ghostwriter. I have four books published under my own name, and about two dozen ghostwritten for clients. I enjoy penning novels in all genres from fantasy to historical fiction, literary stories to poetry.

On a more personal front, I’m a mom of three girls aged 10-16 and draw a webcomic called Toddler Times from my home in Alberta, Canada. I have 2 black-and-white cats who keep me company when I’m writing (or stand on my keyboard, depending on their mood).

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “The New Empire”?

A2. Research! The New Empire is an alternate history set in the 1700s, and the story mixes multiple cultures together, including the Amah Mutsun, the Haudenosaunee, and Chinese, so it required a ton of research to try to get the cultures, the languages, and the details of the time period correct. Even though my story changes how history unfolded at that time, almost all the details you’ll find in the book, from what the characters ate, their houses, legends, and the like, were as accurate as I could make them.

Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

A3. There are so many authors who’ve created amazing writing that it’s hard to pick just a few. I’m a big fan of Ray Bradbury for his imaginative stories that have stood the test of time, Margaret Atwood for… everything, Langston Hughes for his lyrical poetry, as well as Tanith Lee for telling stories decades ahead of her time… and the list goes on.

Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?

A4. I don’t know if I have a favourite spot, to be honest. I’m more about the people I visit those places with—my friends and family. But if I have to choose, I’d say Lake Louise in Alberta. It’s the most beautiful spot I’ve ever been in my life. It looks like AI created photos of it because it’s just too darn perfect. If you ever have a chance to visit, please do. But a word of warning—the water is very, very cold all year round.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘The New Empire’?

A5. About a decade ago, I read an article that mentioned some evidence had been found that indicated the Chinese Empire could have sent ships to the coast of South America sometime in the 1400s. Others have further explored this concept from a nonfiction perspective (example: https://nacfocus.substack.com/p/tracing-the-admirals-forgotten-voyage), but I wanted to imagine that this could have actually happened and could have changed the way history unfolded. What if the voyages of Zheng He led to permanent contact between China, the greatest empire in the world at the time, and the Americas? That’s the background for my book.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘The New Empire’?

A6. That’s a complicated answer. The first half of the book was written during one November as part of NaNoWriMo – that’s short for “National Novel Writing Month,” which was a worldwide phenomenon where writers around the globe challenged themselves to write 50,000 words in one month. After I completed the first 50,000 words, I set the draft aside with the idea of eventually getting back to it. But it wasn’t until a book pitch contest hit my radar that I ended up finishing the book within another month, with edits taking a bit longer, in order to compete. So, technically it took only a couple months to write—in reality, though, it took years before it was actually completed, with a big break in the middle.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. Pretty much anywhere books are sold online. It’s also available in select libraries and bookstores in North America.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘The New Empire’?

A8. I wanted a cover that represented the contrasts inherent in the main character, Jiangxi, who is the son of a former Chinese Emperor sold into slavery in the Americas. The cover’s colours are primarily red, white, and black—red is the colour of good luck in most Asian cultures, and some of the ways Jiangxi survives and thrives in his new environment can be attributed to luck and favour. The ouroboros serves a dual purpose: it represents both life and death, as well as representing the imperial house of China, whose symbol is a dragon. At the same time, it circles a boy who looks sad and without many material goods to his name.

As to the title, it highlights the change in history that is the omnipresent background of Jiangxi’s tale—a new empire where he is not at the top anymore, but on the bottom as a slave.

Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself.

A9. I’m a big fan of using cliffhangers in chapters—cliffhangers help keep the reader turning the page (and the writer jumping eagerly into the next chapter). I also write quickly, so I tend not to have time to get bored with a book. On top of that, writing in multiple genres helps each story stay fresh—if I’m not in the mood to write a romance, I might pen something apocalyptic or dystopian. Or vice versa. And readers seem to enjoy variety as well—each new book tackles new territory.

Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?

A10. Many years ago, I was attending a one-day writer’s conference at a university in Connecticut, and one of the professors said something that stuck with me. I don’t think it was original to him, but advice that he himself received from his own creative writing professor even more years ago: “Write towards the fear.” I’ve carried that advice with me ever since, and it helps me look at a scene or a character or a story and ask: how can I twist this? I’ve delved into the darkest parts of my psyche and written about things that are unpleasant, unsavoury, and terrible, and it’s created some amazing fiction simply because it begins from a personal place of discovery. What do I fear? Well, I’ll put it into a book. Fear is a commonality that we all have because we’re only human, and so it’s helped me create 3D characters who are as complex as real people.

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April 17, 2026

Interview with author Sandy Malone

Q1 Could you please start by introducing yourself to our readers?

A1. My name is Sandy Malone and I live on Jekyll Island, just off the coast of Georgia. I’ve written a five-book fiction series about a young wedding planner who loses her job in a storm and has to start over. The Gem of the Golden Isles series is based on my experiences planning more than 500 destination weddings in the Caribbean. It’s a combination of romcom and mystery/suspense. Although the series isn’t autobiographical, it’s based on all the real crazy I saw with brides and grooms and fictionalized it to protect the guilty.

Q2 What would you say is your strength as an author?

A2. I am a fantastic storyteller, and I’ve had lots of interesting life experiences that make me a subject matter-expert in weddings, law enforcement, and politics. There’s a whole lot of you can’t make that up in wedding planning. Also, I worked as a news reporter and editor for years and so I write really quickly. I could write a book every two weeks if I didn’t have to do all the pesky promotion and marketing to sell them, too.

Q3 What is your favorite part from your book ‘Escape to Jekyll Island’?

A3. I giggled through writing all five of the books in the series – my favorite part is telling stories about real weddings we’ve done through the eyes on my main character. You just can’t make up the crazy things that people do. Or the mean and nasty things. I think In Bloom on Jekyll – Gem of the Golden Isles Book Two – is the funniest book in the series. The bride who asked us to hold her wedding date while she found a new groom is a true story.

Q4 How do you handle literary criticism?

A4. Criticism hurts because my books are like my babies, but I value every bit of it that I get and I try to use it constructively to become a better writer. Honestly, it’s a lot easier than the mean tweets I received when I starred in the TLC reality TV show “Wedding Island” about my wedding business.

Q5 What do you like about audiobooks?

A5. Audiobooks let me do my favorite thing (reading!) while I’m doing something else. I’m a multitasker. Reading is a guilty pleasure and I don’t feel badly if I consume books while I’m also cleaning or driving.

Q6 How has the experience of writing and publishing a book influenced your perception of yourself?

A6. It’s helped me re-evaluate a lot of things in my life. It’s made me reconsider how I did things when I was younger. Writing characters that are loosely based on myself has been eye-opening. This is what I’ve always wanted to do, but it’s also the most terrifying kind of writing I’ve ever done – and I wrote the Politics.Net column at the Wall Street Journal when I was 24. But finally seeing my name on the cover of books makes me realize that I can do anything I set my mind to do.

Q7 What, in your opinion, are the most important elements of good writing?

A7. My first five books are a series, and I think it’s critically important that a reader could pick up any book in the series and start there, without having read the ones that came before it. I’ve always been a voracious reader and there’s nothing worse than picking up a book and realizing that you missed the first book and don’t know what’s going on.

Q8 What is your work schedule like when you are writing?

A8. I began writing fiction full-time almost two years ago. I prefer to write for hours, uninterrupted, when possible. When I’m working on a book, my husband has to fend for his own meals. I start with an outline but once I get going, I only refer to it to make sure I haven’t forgotten anything. Sadly, I have to admit that I spend about 10 percent of my time writing, and 90 percent of my time promoting on social media or trying to get bookstores to carry my series. I wish it were the other way around. Maybe someday it can be!

Q9 What is the significance of the title ‘Escape to Jekyll Island’?

A9. The main character, Tally Davis, lost everything in Hurricane Maria – her house, her boyfriend, and her job. When she’s evacuated off Vieques Island, she goes home to Jekyll Island to lick her wounds and work on her resume. Instead, she ends up launching her own wedding planning company and falling in love.

Q10 What did you want to be when you grew up?

A10. I have always wanted to be a writer. I got my degree in print journalism and won awards writing and editing for my high school and college newspapers. I went into political reporting straight out of school. I’ve been paid to write my entire professional career. The first books I wrote were traditionally published, but they were non-fiction and a few were ghost-writing gigs. This is the first time that I’ve ever gotten to write what I wanted to write instead of something I was hired to do.

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April 16, 2026

Interview with author Pat Daily

Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.

A1. Pat Daily here. I’m a former USAF Test Pilot and engineer who worked on NASA’s Space Shuttle and International Space Station programs. These days, I devote most of my professional time to writing and consulting on new aviation projects, such as hydrogen-powered aircraft. I’m a proud husband, father, and grandpa. In whatever free time is left, I love gaming, mostly on consoles. My favorites are role-playing games with expansive worlds where your choices have in-game consequences.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “Fire”?

A2. When I started the series, I thought Spark would be a stand-alone novel. It wasn’t until I was writing the last paragraph that I realized there was much more to the story. That realization opened so many possible pathways for Fire that I had to spend a good deal of time deciding what would and wouldn’t be in the book. Later, while the book was in editing, I faced another challenge familiar to many writers: the book had grown too large. Something had to go.

It’s always hard to cut out things you are proud of in your writing. I agonized for a week or two before making the call. In the end, I cut about sixty pages. That decision triggered the third book, OrcLand.

Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

A3. Robert Heinlein’s Glory Road, Arthur C. Clarke’s Childhood’s End, and Isaac Asimov’s Foundation Series were strong early influences. Later, Neal Stephenson’s Diamond Age and William Gibson’s Neuromancer gave me new energy.

Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?

A4. Yosemite National Park is visually stunning with it’s craggy faces and waterfalls. It’s a joy to hike.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘Fire’?

A5. The Spark Chronicles were inspired by the game Pokemon Go. My daughters were playing, and I wanted to see what it was all about. The technical aspect – virtual constructs superimposed over a real-world background – got me thinking. What if we could build a theme park based on a world where the virtual and the real existed side by side and could interact? How could we control it all? That led me to introduce an AI with a personality. Her story and evolution became central to Fire and continued through the final book, Embers.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Fire’?

A6. First idea to final draft took just over one year. Editing, covers, and publication added another six months, but gave me time to work on OrcLand.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. All of the books are on Amazon in both print and eBook formats. They are also available on audio via Audible.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Fire’?

A8. Great question. As soon as I knew there would be a second book, I saw it as a trilogy: Spark, Fire, and Ash. I started publishing Ash on a platform called Kindle Vella, which allowed authors to serialize their work. The platform didn’t take off, and Amazon shut it down in 2025. To avoid confusion (and because I was changing it significantly), I renamed it to Embers.

Jesh Art Studios did the cover for Spark. I connected with them through 99Designs. When it was time for Fire, I tried to find them again, but they had left that platform and I was unable to find where they had gone. So, I ran a contest for a new cover artist and selected The Busy Dee. She kept the theme consistent and also did the cover for OrcLand. By the time Embers came around, she was no longer in the business, but happily, I found Jesh again and they did the final cover.

Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself.

A9. I try to stay current on the sci-fi market and what’s trending. Then, mostly, I avoid that. If I pay too much attention to it, the ideas become blurred – what’s mine and what did I read elsewhere? It’s okay for books to have some similarities, but not too many.

Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?

A10. Write fast, bad, and wrong. That sentence is a great example. “Bad” should actually be “badly.” It’s important to get the story out first, then go back and make it clean and proper in later drafts.

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