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I am disgusted with my health at the moment. It is depressing. Hoping Spring clears me up, but I am not sure I can do another winter in a cold climate. To cheer up, I had fun filling my kindle with books by author’s who were impacted by the audio narrator scandal. He narrates under another name in an urban fantasy series I am enjoying. I am hoping the narrator is changed. Ugh…why can’t people behave? Stay Caffeinated.
Last Week on the Blog
Time’s Convert By Deborah Harkness (audiobook review)
A Grave Robbery By Deanna Raybourn (book review)
A Killer’s Wife By Victor Methos (guest post/book review)
The Book Of Ile-Rien By Martha Wells (book review)
This Week on the Blog
Suicide Kings By Stephen Blackmoore (audiobook review)
The Love Remedy By Elizabeth Everett (book review)
The Hapless Milliner By Jessica Bull (guest post/book review)
The Cicada Tree By Robert Gwaltney (audiobook review)
New Arrivals at the Caffeinated Cafe
Learn more:
Empire of the Damned by Jay Kristoff
Viscount in Love by Eloisa James
A special thanks to MacMillian Audio & Avon Romance
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Shamera follows a young male apprentice who must quickly master his magical arts to save the kidnapped Great Verazslo before evil takes over the land. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The setup of Shamera was inspired by the classic battle between good and evil. A theme found in many mythologies and folklore across different cultures. I wanted to incorporate this eternal struggle into a vibrant, imaginative story. It takes place in the background of a young apprentice’s urgent mission to become a master of his magical powers. This character’s journey symbolises the transition from naivety to wisdom. The concept of a ticking clock adds urgency to the story. The protagonist must save Verazslo before evil triumphs, mirroring the pressures we often experience in our own lives. We are familiar with the need to overcome challenges before time runs out. The setup, therefore, is not just a plot mechanism but a reflection on broader human experiences and the perennial fight against darkness both within and outside of all of us.
A lot of time was spent crafting the character traits in this novel. What was the most important factor for you to get right in your characters?
In crafting the characters for Shamera, the paramount factor was authenticity. The metamorphosis of an adolescent’s journey from naivety to his inherent potential for greatness. This was crucial in ensuring readers could connect with, understand, and even see part of themselves in this character. It was important to find a balance between the relatable struggles he faces in his quest and the challenges that young people face today. This would help them identify their own strengths, weaknesses, fears, and desires.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Shamera explores several pivotal themes that resonate with both the fantasy genre and the human condition. The story revolves around the protagonist’s journey of self-discovery and personal growth. As he faces the challenges of his destiny, he learns about his strengths, weaknesses, and the importance of making choices. Another important theme in the story is the duality of nature. It explores the contrast between light and darkness, good and evil. This contrast is seen in both the world as a whole and in individuals’ hearts. The story also emphasises the importance of mentorship and community. It shows how our relationships with others can guide and shape us, giving us the strength to overcome seemingly impossible challenges. The importance of standing up for what is right aiming to inspire readers to reflect on their values and the impact of their actions in the world. Shamera aims to provide more than just a fantasy getaway. It also serves as a reflection of the eternal battles and victories of the human spirit.
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?
My first book in the Shamera trilogy laid the groundwork for a sweeping and captivating saga that dives into the essence of magic, adventure, and the timeless struggle between light and dark. As I weave this series, I find the layers of the narrative and the depth of the characters growing richer, with the second instalment set to propel Shamera’s story to unprecedented levels. I want to keep the core twists and turns of the first book’s conclusion a mystery to maintain its thrill. However, I can assure you that the sequel intensifies Shamera’s quest significantly. He will face new, unexplored challenges that test him both in the physical realms of his world and in the inner recesses of his being. The adversities are tougher, the obstacles more formidable, and the insights gained more profound. Echoing the intricate narrative style of the first book, the sequel intertwines hidden truths and local legend, crafting a narrative that is as intellectually stimulating as it is entertaining. This fusion of fantastical elements with the nuances of myth lends a distinct character to the story, urging readers to reflect on the fine line between legend and reality. Having completed the manuscript, I am now deep in the editing phase, dedicated to refining every detail, from the evolution of the characters to the complexity of the plot. My goal is to deliver a sequel that not only lives up to but also exceeds the expectations set by its predecessor, offering an experience that is both immersive and emotionally stirring. With the release expected this summer, the next instalment in the Shamera trilogy is shaping up to be an exciting progression of a story that has already captured many hearts.
Shamera has always wanted to be the next Sorcerer’s Apprentice. When he gets the chance, his world is turned upside down as an evil Sorceress returns.
Following the kidnapping of the Great Verazslo, he must quickly learn his magical art. He needs to seek out the Elvenii before the Blood Moon has waned and give them the crystal shard for its protection. However, there are evil forces who want the crystal for themselves and will stop at nothing to get their hands on it.
When the destructive Sorceress begins to ravage the region, Shamera is sent on a quest to an unknown land. He must decipher an encrypted map and search for a mysterious weapon, to help defeat the evil Sorceress in battle.
The fate of the Second Realm rests on Shamera’s young shoulders.
The Changed Man follows a former CEO who leaves the family business to become a thriller author, causing some strain among family and friends. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
In Book 1 of this series, The Silent Woodsman, fraternal twins Joe and Jake have a rivalry that dates back to high school. Joe was a musician and a babe magnet from an early age. He matured earlier than Jake and was far more confident; that gave him a distinct advantage with the girls. Two incidents in particular caused their estrangement, and that plays heavily into the plot. In this book, I wanted to redeem Jake, who never got a chance to justify his actions in Book 1.
My sister and I were close in age. She was “the athlete” and I was “the brain.” Actually, she was plenty brainy, and although I didn’t have her coordination, I was athletic, too. But for a while, we both felt trapped in our roles. So I definitely understand feeling irrationally competitive with a sibling. In Jake’s case, Joe did deserve some blame.
Inspiration… it’s all a hodgepodge of an author’s experience. I dated a track star at a Catholic high school when I was 16, so my memories of him play into it. I was a German literature major and am the daughter of a professor of Russian History, and writing romance novels is somewhat on par with writing thrillers–a profession some “serious” people look down on. Especially in academic circles. Let’s just say that I don’t rely on friends and relatives as my main fan base, although my sister and I are very close, and she is wonderfully supportive of my writing.
I dated a CEO once, who turned out to be dating someone in San Francisco at the same time.
Your characters’ energy and personality really bring this story to life. Did you incorporate anything from your own life into the characters in your novel?
Thank you! I share Jake’s appreciation for the absurd. I also know a man who hiked in the Himalayas with his best friend–the trip was a lifelong dream–only to have him drop dead in their hotel room. It made me think about how men cope with grief and how great it would be if his friend’s spirit could have comforted him somehow.
When I was 17, my family stayed in a hotel outside of Florence that was run by minor nobility. We met the son and his friend, and my sister and I had an extremely innocent “romance” with them. I put it in quotes because it involved nothing more than flirting, but it was very exciting to my innocent and naive teenage self.
I don’t write about evil characters. My antagonists are mostly immature and selfish–but charming. Before I met my husband, I had a weakness for “bad boys.” They didn’t treat me particularly well, but I don’t really blame them. They were clear about who they were; I just wasn’t listening. I have known several men like George Reed Masters. They’re a blast if you can keep from falling hard for them.
I enjoyed Jake and Chiara’s romantic relationship. How did it develop while you were writing it? Did you have an idea of where you wanted to take it, or was it organic?
I made it up as I went along, but I did have a clear idea in my head of who they are. Like Chiara, I am fascinated by how idioms reflect a country’s culture. My strongest languages are French and German, but I also studied Italian for a year in college. Chiara and Jake are both insecure, but also intelligent and intuitive. That plays into how their relationship develops. Both are powerfully attracted but neither quite believes anyone can truly love them back. Whenever I encounter a house (or castle) that’s been made into a museum, I want to tour it! Especially if it contains the original furniture. I love thinking about how people used to live in the days before technology. Chiara and Jake are also enchanted by the past, another thing they have in common.
I hope the series continues in other books. If so, where will the story take readers?
In Book 5, The Fallen Man, we learn Edward’s story. For the past ten years, Edward has been a priest in Philadelphia, but when he arrives in Port Townsend, he’s finished with the Church. When I was a kid, the big bestseller was The Thorn Birds. I wanted to write a story about a sexy priest who isn’t plagued by guilt or sexually repressed and doesn’t meet a bad end. Edward had his reasons–good ones–for becoming a priest. Read the book to find out why he becomes disenchanted. And of course, he meets a beautiful woman in Port Townsend to cushion his “fall.” I won’t give away who she is, though she’s appeared in prior books and has a brief scene in The Changed Man. Book 5 will be released June 1st. Right now, I’m giving it one final edit. I’ve been mulling over spinoff books featuring minor characters or the O’Connell children as adults since this series takes place in the ’90s.
Jake O’Connell causes quite a stir by showing up in Port Townsend for his brother David’s wedding. The twin of country heartthrob Joe Bob Blade has upended his enviable life by resigning as CEO of the family business. In North Bend, he dressed to the nines, dazzled associates, and resided in an architect’s showplace. But he bore a grudge against the brothers who left him to hold down the fort while they gallivanted off to follow their bliss.
Now Jake is content to rattle around in a rented Victorian mansion. He appears easygoing, though distracted. His recently dead friend haunts his thoughts, making him fear for his sanity.
Jake has a new career, one frowned upon in his social circle. He writes thrillers. The muse he finds in Port Townsend is just as inappropriate: the married, beguiling Chiara.
One Mad Year: An Aussie Bloke’s Tale follows a father from Australia as he experiences his mundane life and the quirks of modern parenthood. What inspired the setup of your story?
A few people who have read my book One Mad Year have said how surprised they were that everyday life could be written to be so funny, absurd, and dramatic. Sure, there are no submarines or helicopters in the novel, but it can be no less dramatic in its impact on the reader. Irony and humour can be found, I’m sure, in most people’s lives once they tell their story. It’s never mundane as there are frights, delights, and challenges that present in unexpected ways. It’s the quirks, idiosyncrasies, and vulnerabilities of a man who was once someone’s mate at school, who then co-created a family, where he now has a role as husband and father and yet he retains his mateships. He finds himself with young children who have their own identities and opinions and a wife who may not always agree with the way he thinks or acts. Throw in some male naivete, some typical male pride, and the expectations of him from his wife and there’s plenty of story available in his and most people’s lives. His love for his wife and family underpins all his efforts whether they succeed or not. Sure, some of the things that happened to Steve Smith are crazy, but they are certainly not unique to his story. It’s even more entertaining when those situations he finds himself in are often of his own making.
Steve Smith is a man that many people will be able to relate to. Are there any emotions or memories from your own life that you put into your character’s life?
Yes, many. I’m a husband and father of two girls (now in their ‘30s). Like most Australian men, I have ‘old mates’ and ‘new mates.’ The ‘old mates’ are those who I went to school or university with. Those men know me best and remain an influence on me and my family relationships. They offer an opportunity to revert in age when I meet up with them, and those who have read the book will identify with that statement. There are many more influences from my own life in the book. Of course, some husbands have experienced the incredulity that one of his most excellent ideas is met with rejection and even ridicule by his wife. His vision of how things should be done may even go through a review and approval process by his wife and sometimes his children. Yes, that’s somewhat familiar to the author.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
One of the key themes (and it belongs to the main character in the book), is that, inside a marriage and a family, best intentions by the dad or husband are no guarantee of favourable outcomes. Further, while the husband-and-wife, partners, or parents in a family form a well-defined unit, interactions with neighbours, friends, workmates, and a myriad of other people, bring complexity, unpredictability, and even absurdity and hilarity. When two people come together to create a family, their pasts can present in strange and unexpected ways. Men and women can also see things differently and when they are husband-and-wife, friction is a probable eventuality. I wanted to bring through the book an authenticity about Australian family life and the impact the Australian environment has on our people; how they behave and the risks we take in daily life. I also wanted to authentically depict mateship as we know it in Australia. I hope my readers will deem that delivered. I fervently wanted to avoid Australian cliche in my book, and I am delighted that the Literary Titan reviewer noted my effort in that.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
My Editor encouraged me to start on the next book as the second of a series, and I’m well into it. It will be a fictionalised story about me and my (Aussie) family’s assignment in the United States. It may be another year before the first draft is complete.
Meet Steve Smith, an Aussie bloke grappling with a year of surprises. Between incorrigible mates, perilous half-truths to his wife, petty conflicts with neighbours and a variety of dubious life choices, things turn crazy for him. One Mad Year is Mike Lathouras’s hilarious debut that delivers a generous dose of laughter, tears, and recognisable domestic madness. It’s a rollicking ride through a year in the life of one very tested, very entertaining Aussie dad!
S.L. Roman’s One Year, One Night is a captivating novel that transports readers to England in 1960. The story centers around Annie, who returns to her hometown for a commemoration event in remembrance of World War II. The event, which features popular actress Suzie Bell, is meant to honor young Ben, one of the evacuees who stayed with Annie’s family during the war.
As Annie navigates through Millside, her hometown that was bombed 20 years prior, she is haunted by memories of the war. While visiting her old room at Mrs. Bassett’s home, where she had sought shelter after her family’s house was bombed, Annie stumbles upon her diary, a gift from her father. As she reads through the pages, she relives her experiences during the war, including her aunt Betty’s unexpected stay at their home, the customers at their hardware shop, her best friend Peg, and her love for Remy.
Through Annie’s character, readers are exposed to a strong-willed and humorous protagonist. Annie’s diary entries reveal her outspoken nature, endearing her to readers. Furthermore, the well-developed characters provide readers with an insight into life during the war, exploring themes such as scarcity of food, families displaced from their homes, propaganda, and the government’s control of the media.
Despite the book’s discussion of serious themes, it is an easy and entertaining read with a subtle touch of humor. The characterization is top-notch, and the storyline is amazing, straight to the point, and kept me engaged throughout without being overwhelming. I highly recommend One Year, One Night to young adults looking for a short and interesting fictional story.
Lucy May Lennox’s Good Looking presents a captivating narrative that blends the elements of a coming-of-age romance with a unique twist. Set against the backdrop of a Midwestern university in the 1990s, the story follows identical twins, Nick and Nate, along with Nick’s love interest Abby, as they navigate the complexities of youth and relationships. What sets this tale apart is the compelling dynamic between the characters, particularly as the twins, both blind, navigate their lives alongside Abby, who is a devotee—a person sexually attracted to disability.
From the intimate confines of late-night study sessions to the adventurous chaos of road trips, Lennox paints a vivid picture of their world, filled with quirky living arrangements and tangled love affairs. Through her skillful prose, Lennox creates a narrative that resonates with readers, rich in relatable experiences while maintaining a perfect balance between emotional depth and suspenseful twists.
One of the novel’s strengths lies in its diverse cast of characters and engaging subplots, allowing Lennox to explore themes of identity and belonging with nuance and depth. Each character’s journey towards self-discovery and acceptance is intricately woven, leaving a lasting impression on the reader. While the romantic tension between Nick and Abby propels much of the story forward, it is the nuanced relationship between the twin brothers that truly shines. Lennox delicately navigates their evolving dynamic, marked by unspoken conversations and profound connections, celebrating their individual journeys towards embracing their identities and redefining their relationship with each other and those around them.
Good Looking offers a refreshing and nuanced portrayal of disability, challenging stereotypes and offering a heartfelt exploration of personal growth and resilience. Lennox’s masterful storytelling leaves a lasting impact, inviting readers to ponder the intricacies of the human experience long after the final page is turned.
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