Azure Dwarf's Horde of SciFi & Fantasy

Silver by Dylan Thyer

2026-03-26T08:23:00.000-07:00

I don’t avoid horror, but I don’t seek it out. This book surprised me. I really enjoyed it. It is difficult to tiptoe around the plot in an effort to avoid spoilers. The story is set in a small Kansas town.

Brett, Dalton, and their mother move to Mattfield, Kansas, due to marital discord. Julia, the mom, is devastated, hurt, and retreats to her hometown to lick her emotional devastation wounds.

The boys are resentful of leaving their known life and being the new kids in high school. Events in town, precipitated by petty thieves, spiral out of control. A wealth of characters are brought together to deal with the issues. There is a world-renowned big-game hunter, a trouble-shooter from an ancient secret society, a Native American warrior, and the father of the boys to provide color and depth to the plot.

I enjoyed the book; be prepared for excitement and loss. I recommend the book.

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned

Mystical Cat Shelter by Heather Fawcett

2026-03-05T07:05:00.000-08:00

Agnes Aubert is a cat person. Her passion and avocation are to rescue every cat in Montreal. Her cat adoption charity’s home is semi-destroyed as collateral damage from a nearby wizard duel. The bulk of the plot is struggling to find a new home and to continue to save cats.

Agnes’ sister, Elise, is her pragmatic associate, while Agnes herself is compulsively organized but over-empathetic with her cats. Agnes is highly resentful of wizards in general and specifically disdainful of the Witch King, Havelock Renard.

The sisters’ search for a new home leads to confrontation with irate landlords and other shopkeepers. The search is complicated by inadvertent contact with the Wizard King himself.

Agnes discovers help in the goal of saving cats in unusual places as well as an attitude change about the value of magic.

The endearing part of the book is Agnes's forthright approach to chaos, and her efforts to organize it.

The book was entertaining and I recommend it.

Masquerade in Lodi (2020) by Lois McMaster Bujold

2026-02-23T06:56:00.000-08:00

Penric is ridden by a demon! That sounds scary. Turns out Dez, Penric’s demon, is frequently the only thing that saves Penric’s life. In this novella, Penric helps a young saint, subdue a rogue demon.

In my opinion, the character interaction is what defines Bujold’s books. She crafts characters with depth and color. Penric’s been claimed by the White God that occasionally interferes with his life. In this venture, Desmond, Penric’s demon, primarily provides what could be called multiple personality disorder conversation.

Not a great deal of action, but excellent descriptive prose on all aspects surrounding the plot.

Bujold never disappoints, I recommend this novella.

Spotlight on Cabaret in Flames by Hache Pueyo

2026-02-12T07:43:00.000-08:00

Hache Pueyo returns to Tordotcom with her latest dark fantasy novella set in alternate Brazil: CABARET IN FLAMES (on-sale 3/10/26). As brutal as it is beautiful, CABARET IN FLAMES is perfect for fans of Interview With the Vampire and Certain Dark Things

Guls can be brutal. Few know this better than Ariadne, who lost half her body to their appetites, but their brutality is a predictable constant amid Brazil’s political chaos. Now, she treats them in the specialized clinic she inherited from Erik Yurkov—the mentor who rescued her as a child, trained her in medicine, built her prostheses, and disappeared without a trace.

Ariadne’s routine is disturbed when Quaint knocks on her door: a charming, tattooed gul claiming to be Erik’s oldest friend. Quaint suspects foul play in Erik’s disappearance, and they soon discover Erik sought asylum at Cabaré, an infamous club in Rio de Janeiro frequented by the gul elite.

Together, Ariadne and Quaint will unravel the conspiracy behind their friend’s disappearance, navigate the labyrinthine world of Ariadne’s memories, and discover what Erik means to them—and what they are starting to mean to each other.

Lauded as “a glittering neo-noir that reinvigorates vampire lore” in a starred review from Publishers Weekly, CABARET IN FLAMES by Hache Pueyo is not to be missed.

Dog Person by Camille Pagán

2026-02-08T13:08:00.000-08:00

This is posted here as well as on Pick of the Literate. My reasoning is as the book's narrator is a dog, that is fantasy.

Dog Person by Camille Pagán

I’m annoyed, I didn’t expect to like this book, and I didn’t! I loved the darn thing. This is a romance novel disguised as a dog book, or that was what I expected. It was a disgustingly sweet book about a lonely guy and his dog.

The setting is a bookstore. Harold is the dog, and Miguel is the guy. Miguel’s wife passed away. He is not coping well. Harold is trying to take care of his human, who isn’t terribly cooperative.

Bookstore events, a tween, and a mysterious author combine to add complications to the story.

It is a book about feelings, acceptance, grief, love, and understanding.

Begrudgingly, it was a wonderful book, and I highly recommend it.

The Nameless Land by Kate Elliott

2026-02-02T08:04:00.000-08:00

This is the sequel to the Witch Roads.

Elen, a deputy courier in service to the Empire, is still on the road. The road is determined by Prince Gevulin, who is plotting to take the throne.

The plot is filled with strange creatures, often stranger allies, and abundant mysteries. The camaraderie and loyalty of the Wardens are admirable. Palace intrigue follows the Prince’s small party through the Pall and back.

The story is filled with treachery and magic. El’s nephew, Kem, who isn’t really a nephew but for all intents and purposes is her nephew, had an opportunity to grow in this book.

Elliot crafts an adventure that is difficult to put down.

I really enjoyed this book and hope for a sequel.

Thank You Dwarf Readers

2026-02-01T06:56:00.000-08:00

I just got my StatCounter report for January. I am thrilled to see the number of folks who have come to Azure Dwarf. With those numbers in mind, I'd like to recommend that we, collectively, try to be kind to one another. So many things are going on in reality that I, and perhaps you, are finding refuge in other worlds and other places.

At the moment, I'm personally immersed in the Nameless Land by Kate Elliot. It will be reviewed here as soon as I finish it. I just finished a Jeffery Deaver book, and last week I reveled in Storm Warning by James Byrne. If you haven't discovered Byrne yet, I strongly recommend that if you enjoy abundant action and a robust, yet humble protagonist, check out Byrne.

Also last week, Timothy Zahn's Icarus Hunt may be old but it reads well. A good mystery surrounded by implacable aliens hell-bent on protecting their transportation monopoly.

Again, thank you! I appreciate you visiting my blog.

Gemini AI rendition of Azure Dwarf

Mageborn by Michael DeAngelo

2026-01-17T09:51:00.000-08:00

My only complaint would be I'd like to see a little more detail The dialogue was fine, but a little more detail would have made it better.

The story is a good start for the series, and I enjoyed the characters. It is definitely a young adult story; it would be appropriate for kids even in the third and fourth grade.

I recommend it.

Detour by Jeff Rake and Rob Hart

2026-01-05T09:05:00.000-08:00

Detour by Jeff Rake; Rob Hart

This book starts out as a normal “reach for the stars” book. A billionaire recruits three astronauts and three civilians to fly his “starship” to Titan. If this seems familiar that is due to the fact that similar situations are occurring as I write this. From Google, “The most prominent billionaires with space companies include Elon Musk (SpaceX), focused on Mars colonization and Starlink; Jeff Bezos (Blue Origin), aiming for space industry and tourism; and Richard Branson (Virgin Galactic), specializing in suborbital tourism, while others like Fatih & Eren Ozmen (Sierra Nevada Corp) and Kam Ghaffarian (Intuitive Machines) also have significant space ventures.”

John Ward is a billionaire following the footsteps of real-life billionaires. His goal seems reasonable. He wants to see if Titan can be colonized as Earth is in jeopardy due to climate change. Of course, it would be interesting with just that premise, but the authors throw in intrigue, deception, betrayal, and more.

This book stops dead just as it gets interesting. It shows the roots or being related to the TV work of the authors. Keeping them hanging until the next episode is a typical TV producer’s strategy. A nice wrap-up with more to come is preferable to a cliff hanger, in my opinion.

Detour is a good book, with interesting, flawed characters that is worth reading.

I only hope they don’t take forever to provide us with the sequel.

Lies Weeping by Glen Cook

2025-12-04T13:00:00.000-08:00

Lies Weeping by Glen Cook

I found the book confusing. On checking my database, I have read 34 Glen Cook books. I am a fan. This book takes the Black Company or its remnants back to the Glittering Stones.

I guess it has been ten years since I last read one of Cook’s books, and frankly, I have minimal recollection of the stories. Some of the characters are vaguely familiar but vagueness just doesn’t cut it.

If you want to read this book, I suggest you read the Black Company books first. I suspect that if I had better recollection of the past books, I might have enjoyed this one.

Tragedy Can Strike Anyone

2025-11-23T10:22:00.000-08:00

Not a review of anything.

You are minding your own business, keeping busy, and you get a call....

Tragedy can strike anyone at any time.

There is no hiding, no dissembling, no avoidance; it can strike anyone at any time.

Please look at those you love and tell them you love them.

Words, hugs, kisses, any of that works.

Avoid regretting unspoken words, and avoid guilt over not sharing your emotions.

Give your love freely and frequently because you don't know when tragedy will strike.

R.A.T. S by Claudia Daher

2025-11-19T07:00:00.000-08:00

This is a book for kids. Try to remember that if you aren’t a kid, and read it. Adults will find the book naïve and simplistic. I think kids will find it hopeful. R.A.T.S stands for the Revolutionary Army Of Teens. R.A.T.S is an insanely popular, immersive computer game. Two major features in the game are addressing environmental disasters and battling aliens.

The book also has some mystical overtones, which may or may not be religious. Adults reading the book will struggle with the wholesale relinquishing of parental oversight and control when the world is settled. Kids reading it may identify with other kids overthrowing parental control to do something noble.

I did not find the book compelling, but at my age, I’m hardly the target market. I think many kids will assume that they, too, are mature enough to go out on their own and face danger.

The BlackFire Blade by James Logan

2025-10-30T08:45:00.000-07:00

This is the sequel to The SilverBlood Promise. I ended my review of that book with I can’t wait for the sequel and now, once again, I can’t wait for the next book. Logan has crafted an intriguing world. Even better, he has crafted some highly likable characters. I’ve been
criticized for my penchant for likable characters, and their impact on my liking a book. Tough beans, as they say, likable characters, to my mind, are what make a great book.

Lukan, a highly flawed, down-on-his-luck aristocrat, reprobate and screwup, is the main protagonist. Flea is his streetwise urchin, ward, or sidekick. Ashra, or Lady Midnight, is a master thief who rounds out an unlikely trio of protagonists.

Their quest is to discover Lukan’s father’s murderer. Lukan feels he has failed his father and is committed to discovering why his estranged father was murdered.

The quest takes them through a wealth of both inept and successful allies and villains.

Culmination of the quest merely leads to more questions. The involvement of the Phaerons whose civilization preceded Lukan’s own, looms over the protagonist. Phaeron relics play a large part in their quest.

I will repeat myself, I look forward to the sequel.

I enjoyed the book and I highly recommend it.

Spotlight on Quinto's Challenge by Peter McChesney

2025-10-16T13:06:00.000-07:00

For fans of Andy Weir and The Three-Body Problem

A genre-blending debut challenging conventions of religion, science, & politics

Salt Lake City, Utah – Inspired by author Peter McChesney’s experiences in the Mormon church, coupled with his educational background in political science, “Quinto’s Challenge” (Vivimus Press, January 27th, 2026) begs the question: what if science and religion collided and resurrection became a reality?

On the 100th anniversary of JFK’s challenge to land a man on the Moon and return him safely to the Earth, visionary US President Vince Quinto challenges America with an even more audacious goal: finding a way to conquer death before the century is out—by developing the scientific means to achieve resurrection.

As the 21st century draws to a close, advances in genetics, quantum physics, and artificial intelligence converge to make Quinto’s Challenge possible. The final breakthrough—hailed as the Theory of Everything—is made by Deeley Carr, a young, shy quantum physicist recruited to work on a top-secret US government project.

However, those privy to this highly classified science quickly realize that the power to bring about immortality is a double-edged sword—if it falls into the wrong hands, it would become the ultimate weapon of surveillance and control, a tool for the subjugation of all.

“Quinto’s Challenge” is a timely dissection of the burgeoning use of AI and its ethical implications in the scientific, political, and religious realms. A cannot miss debut that raises needling questions about the future of humanity.

“Quinto’s Challenge: Dawn of Immortality | Book 1”

Peter McChesney | January 27th, 2026 | Vivimus Press | Speculative Science Fiction

Ebook | 979-8-9933803-0-8 | $6.99

Paperback | 979-8-9933803-1-5 | $17.99

Hardcover | 979-8-9933803-2-2 | $27.99

PETER MCCHESNEY: Born and raised on the beaches of eastern Australia, Peter McChesney is a dual US-Australian citizen whose path has taken him from academia to corporate America—and now, to storytelling. His passion for writing began early, especially after his parents bought him an Amiga 500 computer, which he used not only for games but also to craft stories and fuel his imagination.

He holds degrees in Writing and Publishing (Western Sydney University), Law and Constitutional Studies, and a master’s in Political Science (both from Utah State University). Each of these disciplines now finds expression in his fiction—particularly in his enduring fascination with America’s founding era and the novel’s geopolitical themes.

Peter has worked as an adjunct instructor in US history and political science, with most of his career spent in business-to-business software sales. He also led several teams that trained some of the world’s most advanced real-world artificial intelligence.

Quinto’s Challenge is his debut novel and the first in a planned series that will explore the ethical, societal, and existential consequences should science ever advance far enough to make human resurrection possible. The story examines the tension between spiritual ideas and scientific ambition, reflecting Peter’s own formative influences from both faith and reason.

He lives in the United States with his family and dog, and still enjoys gaming when time permits. Find out more about Peter at https://www.petermcchesney.com/.

Follow Peter McChesney on social media:

Twitter: @peteramcchesney | LinkedIn: @peter-mcchesney

An Interview with

Peter McChesney

What inspired the idea for this book, and how did it evolve over time?

As I transitioned out of the Mormon Church in the early to mid-2010s, I let go of its core tenets but retained a deep fascination with its promise of resurrection in one’s prime. Losing belief in that doctrine left the desire for it unresolved, and I began to wonder how science—not faith—might make such a feat possible. The Church’s view that miracles are simply phenomena not yet understood through science sparked my curiosity about how resurrection could be achieved if we had the know‑how. I also drew on my political science background, recognizing that any technology with such power would inevitably be a government initiative. As I developed the scientific angle, I realized the same technology could be weaponized for surveillance, which became central to the book’s political themes.

What were the challenges and rewards of writing a novel that encompasses several genres, such as hard sci-fi and political thriller, while balancing with emotional, deeply human characters?

One of the biggest challenges was balancing exposition with narrative flow. Readers needed to grasp not only advanced scientific concepts—some grounded, others speculative—but also the political and societal dynamics that drive the plot. Weaving that world-building into the story without slowing its momentum required a lot of reworking. A turning point came when a thoughtful developmental editor encouraged me to convey much of it through character dialogue, which made the world feel far more organic. It was especially rewarding to see how that approach deepened the characters and helped bring their emotional arcs into clearer focus.

How did leaving The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints impact the writing of “Quinto’s Challenge”? What parts of the Mormon religion inspired the plot of the book?

While I’m technically still on the Church’s records and continue to hold deep respect for the Church and its members, my transition out of the faith was essentially complete by the mid-2010s, just before I began writing the novel.

Perhaps the most immediate impact of no longer being active in the Church was simply having more time and space to take on a creative project like this (for those not familiar, an active Mormon life can be quite involved).

Beyond that, the Church’s view that science and religion aren’t incompatible inspired the book’s central premise: resurrecting the dead through scientific means. The Church’s extensive genealogical efforts, headquartered in Salt Lake City, inspired an aspect of the biotech firm in the novel: the firm’s operation of the world’s largest combined genealogy and DNA database—central to the resurrection process and also based in Salt Lake.

Finally, the Church’s reverence for the American Founding Fathers—something I absorbed even after joining the Church as a teenager in Australia—undoubtedly encouraged me to learn more about them when I came to the U.S., helping awaken a more dormant interest in politics.

How did your background in technology and AI inspire some of the cutting-edge science that’s featured in the book?

I’ve always been fascinated by science and technology—especially imagining what the future might hold—and I was often an early adopter of new innovations. My father nurtured that same curiosity and was always dreaming up inventions, which encouraged me to start imagining and creating things from a young age—like when I sketched out an idea for an alternative fuel vehicle as a child.

While I’ve had the opportunity to work at the forefront of the AI revolution, especially during my time at Tesla, it was my lifelong curiosity and love of science that shaped the book’s cutting-edge technology—much of it imagined even before my professional involvement with AI. Some of the more direct inspirations came from real-world scientific instruments, like the Large Hadron Collider in Switzerland, which inspired the much larger Pan-Hadronic Supercollider featured in the novel. And today’s tech—mobile devices, earbuds, desktops, VR—served as the foundation for the book’s late-21st-century AR/VR contact lenses that merge all those functions and more, such as interfacing wirelessly with the mind.

How did your educational background in political science and constitutional law inform this book? Did you draw inspiration from our current political climate?

My background in political science and constitutional law definitely shaped the framework of the novel. The story centers on the U.S. presidency—from President Quinto’s moonshot to conquer death, to a successor overseeing the top-secret project to fulfill Quinto’s Challenge, to political rivals seeking to control this extraordinary power for their own ends. Nuances of American governance are woven throughout, along with global dynamics in a world where U.S. hegemony has faded—but may return in an unexpected way. While the core story was developed before the current political climate, the last several years of polishing and refining the novel were shaped in part by broader trends—like the rise of social media figures in presidential politics and the polarized political dynamic in America—even though, in this case, the major divide centers on those who support the infusion of androids into society and those who resist it.

What’s next for the series that you can share with readers?

The next installment will delve deeper into the consequences of resurrection—especially what it means to bring people back from vastly different periods of time. The story will also push further into the domestic and international power struggle over the surveillance power that makes resurrection possible. As the series progresses, it will explore how the reality of an afterlife here on Earth—albeit a scientifically made one—may differ from our long-held expectations of peace and closure, as human nature, with all its desires and conflicts, remains unchanged. Characters and places briefly introduced in the first book will come into sharper focus, while the true cost of playing God begins to surface. A draft of Book Two already exists (it was originally part of the first novel before I split it to create a stronger debut).

What do you hope readers take away from “Quinto’s Challenge”?

I hope readers come away with the idea that even within a secular, scientific framework, death may not loom as a comfortless finality—that in an infinite universe, even resurrection might one day be possible. I also want those who feel out of place in the world to see that such differences can be a source of strength and untapped potential. The story celebrates how great breakthroughs—like the one pursued in the novel—emerge when free societies empower collaboration, foster imagination, and embrace those who think differently. And if the book sparks curiosity in science or inspires someone to explore fields like physics, AI, or biotechnology, that would be incredibly rewarding.

Spotlight on Silver by Dylan Thayer

2025-10-15T08:01:00.000-07:00

A brutal murder rocks the quiet town of Mattfield, Kansas — the kind of place where this doesn’t happen. Sheriff Carl Mills, on the edge of retirement, investigates an animalistic killing even as he faces his own demons. Meanwhile, high-school senior Brett Adams and his family are pulled into a 150-year-old legend that refuses to stay buried.

Monsters are real. Some of them are human.

For fans of Stephen King, Dean Koontz, and grounded horror thrillers, SILVER delivers a slow-burn mystery that explodes into visceral terror. Readers praise its “compelling characters,” “fantastic world building,” and twists that “kept me guessing until the very end.”

Dylan Thayer

Dylan Thyer is a life long Kansas resident. His formative years growing up in southeast Kansas inspired the setting for his debut novel Silver. A lifelong horror enthusiast who wanted to add his voice to the genre. Dylan also loves to read non-fiction, thoroughly enjoying ancient history.

Dylan finds inspiration from his favorite author, Michael Crichton (Jurassic Park, State of Fear), among other great storytellers, John Carpenter and Stephen King.

He's a Pitt State University Alumni (2014) with a degree in Business Administration. After spending over a decade working in the oil and gas industry he sat down to write his first novel, following his writing passion that began in grade school. With enough life experience and understanding to craft captivating worlds, in 4 1/2 months of 2024 he sat down and wrote his first novel, a story he had thought about telling since 2017.

Learn more: https://www.dylanthyer.online/

Spotlight on R.A.T.S: Revolutionary Army of Teens by Claudia Daherr

2025-09-25T12:36:00.000-07:00

Debut sci-fi follows teens secretly using a virtual reality game to fight alien invasions and determine Earth’s fate

Aruba – Debut author Claudia Daher’s science fiction novel follows a diverse group of teenagers who are secretly training in an alternate reality video game, R.A.T.S, to prepare for water-stealing aliens attempting to infiltrate Earth. Spanning timelines from ancient Atlantis to a near-future world, “R.A.T.S: Revolutionary Army of Teens: We Are One” (Pegasus Publishing, September 28, 2025) explores climate catastrophe activism and the power of unity, love and respect in the face of global challenges.

In 2040, 15-year-old David discovers that he and his friends are Earth's final defense against extraterrestrial forces determined to steal Earth’s water. Through an alternate reality game, R.A.T.S, created by his grandfather HB, David and his allies undergo training and unite across the globe. As they prepare for an apocalyptic battle, they unravel hidden truths about the universe and their own destinies—while battling environmental collapse and a relentless alien invasion.

“R.A.T.S” explores themes of artificial intelligence, climate change, alien life, and global cultures as the characters quickly become part of a revolutionary movement to combat environmental disasters and uncover hidden truths about the world and beyond. Through their journey, they must navigate friendships, challenges, and the pursuit of knowledge while striving to make a difference.

“I wrote this book because I believe that, at its core, we are all very similar. We all have families, with their complexities and differences, but at the end of the day, we are all human, seeking love, understanding and belonging. Together we are stronger. We Are One!”

About the Author

CLAUDIA DAHER is a Brazilian-born author who has made Aruba her home for the past 34 years. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother and businesswoman, Claudia is deeply connected to her family and community. She is an entrepreneur and philanthropist, with a heart dedicated to giving back and making a positive impact on those around her.

Claudia’s unique life journey, filled with adventure, self-discovery, and resilience, has shaped both her writing and her perspective on life. She is a passionate advocate for love, unity, and the transformative power of faith. Her story is a powerful reminder that through faith, perseverance, and a commitment to love and family, we can overcome any challenge.

In addition to her writing, Claudia is an accomplished artist, with her paintings displayed worldwide, including at the Chabad Synagogue in Aruba. She is also actively involved in community volunteer work, making significant contributions to various local organizations to help those in need.

Claudia's life is a testament to perseverance, and her journey serves as an inspiration to others. Her story is not just about overcoming challenges but about embracing the beauty of life, the importance of family, and the deep connections we share with one another. Find out more about her at claudiadaherauthor.com.

An Interview with Claudia Daher

When starting your creative process, why was it important to you that your novel featured characters from different religions and backgrounds?

From the very beginning, I wanted R.A.T.S: Revolutionary Army of Teens, We Are One to reflect the world we live in—a world filled with diverse cultures, beliefs, and experiences. By bringing together teenagers from different religions and backgrounds, I aimed to show that unity is possible despite our differences. The slogan We Are One is at the heart of the story, emphasizing that respect, understanding, and shared values can bridge divides. In a time when division is so prevalent, I believe young people have the power to create a movement that fosters true connection and change.

What do you believe young adult readers can learn from the book, and your tagline “We Are One”?

Young adult readers can learn that despite differences in culture, religion, and background, we share a common humanity and the ability to stand together for a better world. We Are One is more than just a tagline—it’s a call to embrace unity, respect, and empathy, showing that collaboration and understanding can overcome division. The book encourages young people to see strength in diversity and to work together toward positive change. In a time when society often highlights what separates us, this message is a reminder that true power lies in coming together.

For young adults, how does your book inspire a generational shift to disconnect from screens?

My book inspires young adults to disconnect from screens by showing the power of real-life connections, teamwork, and hands-on action. The characters in R.A.T.S: Revolutionary Army of Teens, We Are One don’t rely on technology to make a difference—they build relationships, solve problems, and take meaningful action in the real world. This encourages readers to step away from digital distractions and engage more with their surroundings, their families, and their communities. The story serves as a reminder that true change happens not behind a screen, but through personal effort and genuine human connection.

How does your clean book, free of negative influences, offer a fresh perspective on unity, love and respect?

I wrote R.A.T.S: Revolutionary Army of Teens, We Are One with a deep conviction that young people deserve stories that uplift, inspire, and empower them. In a world where so much media normalizes division, disrespect, and negativity, I wanted to create something different—something that reminds readers of the beauty of unity, love, and respect. My book proves that a powerful story doesn’t need violence, drugs, or harmful influences to be exciting and meaningful. Instead, it focuses on the strength found in friendship, the courage to stand up for what is right, and the belief that even the smallest act of kindness can change the world. I truly believe that if we nurture these values in the next generation, we can build a better future—together.

How does your book emphasize mankind’s deep connection with nature?

My book emphasizes humanity’s deep connection with nature by reminding readers that we are not separate from the world around us—we are part of it. The air we breathe, the water we drink and share with plants and animals, the earth that nourishes our food, and the vast sea that sustains life all connect us in an unbreakable cycle. Even our own bodies, made up of about 75% water, reflect this profound relationship with nature. Through the story, I encourage young readers to respect and protect our planet, recognizing that harming it is ultimately harming ourselves. Now, more than ever, we must take action to care for nature before it is too late—because our future depends on it.

Artificial Wisdom by Thomas R. Weaver

2025-09-24T11:08:00.000-07:00

In a climate-warmed future, politics continue their negative downward spiral with the added spice of influencers gaining ludicrously more influence in daily affairs. Tully is an “investigative journalist” who is driven by his wife’s death in a global warming catastrophe. He prides himself on reporting the “truth”. The world is going to a global warming hell, and Tully goes to see Martha, a long-ago friend. Martha resides on one of the few floating cities, commissioned by the uber wealthy, domed and climate-controlled. There is a murder, and the plot thickens.

An artilect, Solomon, is the governor of the floating cities. Sentient and omnipotent, Solomon plays a huge role in both the plot and the ensuing, unannounced sequel.

Technology isn’t so advanced in the story. It is a logical extrapolation of current technology. Sadly, the insidious and negative aspects of politics are also logically extrapolated, which provides serious depression in regards to our future.

The book was well done, but a touch depressing due to its probability.

I recommend it.

Spotlight on T.J. Derry's Debut Novel: Carried Away

2025-09-19T08:40:00.000-07:00

Immersive, interactive thriller novel drops readers into the ocean as a tsunami hits and shows the harrowing fight for survival that follows

Worn down by the noise, the routine, and the creeping sense that something essential has slipped out of reach, Cole leaves New York for a remote chain of Indonesian islands, chasing silence, clarity, and a sense of meaning. Amidst the salt and heat, he reconnects with old friends, and finds an unexpected spark with someone who feels instantly familiar—and a little dangerous. But paradise has teeth. After a catastrophic tsunami, a violent fight for survival strips life to its barest terms. Cut off from the world, the group is tested in every way—physically, emotionally, spiritually—and Cole is forced into a rare kind of stillness: one that redefines what matters.

More than your typical survival thriller, the novel is a visceral, sharply observed story about survival, connection, humility—and what’s quietly revealed when everything else falls away. In a unique twist, the book features QR codes at the end of each chapter, allowing readers to unlock bonus material on the book’s website.

A portion of the proceeds from book sales will be donated to Sungai Watch, an organization dedicated to reducing ocean pollution by cleaning up Indonesia’s rivers.

“Carried Away”

T.J. Derry | November 11, 2025 | Dead Icon / Lost Signal | Adventure, Thriller, Romance

Hardcover | ISBN: 9781069456724 | $29.99

About the Author…

T.J. DERRY: A director, cinematographer and photographer, T.J. has worn many hats over the years. After working lighting, camera, and production, he eventually found his place behind the monitor. With a passion for storytelling, he’s also delved into the art of screenwriting, crafting captivating narratives for various projects in film and advertising. His work has been featured in American Cinematographer and Adweek, among other industry publications. Taking his knack for storytelling in a new direction, he is now a debut novelist. His book “Carried Away” will be released in November 2025. Learn more at: readcarriedaway.com

Follow T.J. Derry on social media:

Instagram: @readcarriedaway / @tj.derry

An Interview with

T.J. Derry

Your day job is working in film and advertising. How did you find yourself writing “Carried Away”? What was your inspiration for the book?

As a film director, my job is ultimately to transfer meaning and feeling to an audience—to tell a story. I remember being in an airport, searching for something to read, and struggling to find anything I connected with. I’ve been fascinated by tsunamis my whole life, and it struck me, as I stood there, that maybe what I was looking for didn’t exist yet. I started outlining the story soon after, and during a cab ride in Nicaragua—while the driver was literally nodding off—I wrote the paragraph that now opens chapter two. From there, I was hooked. I spent my free time between film projects chipping away at the book until the story took on a life of its own.

Tell us about Cole. How is he feeling at the beginning of the novel? How does he transform after the unimaginable happens?

Cole’s watching his life slip by, trading his most valuable commodity—time—for a desk in a sterile office, far from anything that feels important or exciting. He’s restless, disillusioned, and quietly questioning whether this is really what he’s meant to do with the short time he has on earth. When he arrives in Indonesia, things click and he feels the presence and connection he’s been longing for.

When the wave hits, it throws him into a fight for survival. In the chaos, he comes to see the paradox: safety, stability, and simply being alive are their own kind of gift—but they’re not the whole story. By the end, he understands that fulfillment is far more complicated, and it demands more than just avoiding danger or staying safe. It’s about engaging with life fully, even when it’s uncertain or uncomfortable.

Do you relate to Cole’s character? When you feel numb and worn down by life’s routine, what do you do to feel grounded again?

I think a large cohort of the population can relate well to that feeling of meaninglessness, or that question of whether you’re wasting the life you’ve been given. I feel it constantly and meditate on whether I’m making full use of the gift of existence on this beautiful planet. In my life, engaging with nature (surf trips, freediving, travel, meeting strange new environments and people, engaging with the unknown and seeing how much there is to this life grounds me. That contrast really makes me feel grateful for even the banality of modern living for a time before I know it’s time to get back to nature.

Tell us about the QR codes that are at the end of each chapter. Why did you choose to include them? What will they reveal?

I felt strongly that this novel needed a visual side. It’s meant to be an immersive read—the kind of book that takes you away and really puts you in Cole’s shoes—so not having an extra conduit to pull the reader in felt like a missed opportunity. So I began seeking out a solution to satisfy the need for something more captivating. Cole’s journal seemed like a unique, but somewhat obvious choice… it gives readers a chance to experience the story from a unique vantage point—to step deeper into his perspective and actually see some of what he’s seeing, thinking and feeling.

Tell us about Sungai Watch. What does their organization do? Why do you want to raise awareness for their cause?

Sungai Watch is an incredible organization I first discovered through social media. They’re tackling the ocean plastic crisis at its source—by cleaning rivers, one at a time, before the waste reaches the sea. Since my story is set near where they operate, and it’s so deeply connected to the ocean and the natural world, supporting their mission felt like a natural fit.

Their founder, Gary, is a bit of a cowboy in the best way—he saw the problem and didn’t wait for permission, he just got to work. That kind of initiative and action is exactly what the world needs more of, and it’s something worth supporting and raising awareness for.

This isn’t your typical adventure novel. There’s plenty of substance and heart to it. Yet it’s still a thrilling, engaging and cinematic read. What do you hope readers will ultimately take away from the book?

My hope is that no matter where you’ve been, what you’ve experienced, or who you are, you’ll be taken along for the ride of a lifetime. For the person stuck in a 9–5 office grind, it’s a chance to step out of routine and into something truly remarkable—and with any luck, it’ll ignite something primal.

The story begins in a kind of paradise—love, adventure, excitement, joy—before the wave hits, and then, suddenly you’re thrown into the gates of hell, fighting to survive. My ultimate hope is that readers come away with a renewed appreciation for the fragile beauty of life, and a reminder that the highs mean more because the lows exist.

A Drop of Corruption by Robert Jackson Bennett

2025-07-03T13:51:00.000-07:00

A Drop of Corruption by Robert Jackson Bennett

Signum Dinios Kol is an Iudex of the Special Division, which means he is an Imperial Investigator. He works with Ana Dolabra, who may or may not be a “normal” human. Ana’s senses are so fine-tuned that she usually goes blindfolded to decrease her sensory input. The two are in Yarrow a backward kingdom that hosts the Shroud, a refinery for Titan’s regents.

All that sounds so convoluted, but it is simply a murder investigation set in a kingdom that abuts the Empire. The Empire is based on a biological industry as opposed to a mechanical industry. Din had perfect recall as he is an Engraver. His genetics have been manipulated to imprint information with the stimulus of a variety of regents.

Din works with Malo, an Imperial Warden, to discover who has been murdered and why. There is plenty of action and confusion. There are conflicting antagonists taking aim at our stalwart investigators.

Din discovers many things about himself, his superior, his associate Malo and the criminals.

It is an entertaining but often confusing book.

Buy it Here

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned

The Witch Roads by Kate Elliot

2025-06-23T10:27:00.000-07:00

The Witch Roads by Kate Elliota

This is the beginning of a series, and it looks to be a real winner. In a world of Pall and Spore, El is trying to keep Kem alive and well. El is a Courier which means she travels the countryside delivering messages and watching for Spore. She and Kem overnight in a set of Spires. The Spires are towers that can be found elsewhere but the ones El overnights in are the most complete she knows of. These specific Spires have an array of statues that may contain a Haunt and that is where the fun begins.

Elliot is unsurpassed in her world creation. She populates it with interesting and complex characters. The set is carefully staged to draw you into and immerse you in the carefully crafted plot. There is abundant action along with thought-provoking scenarios.

I highly recommend the book and can’t wait for the next volume.

Boundary by Eric Flint and Ryk E. Spoor

2025-06-10T13:50:00.000-07:00

Boundary, Second Edition (Boundary Series Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Eric Flint (Author), Ryk E. Spoor (Author) Format: Kindle Edition

4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars (27) 3.9 on Goodreads 1,688 ratings

Now with new prose material and art!

Paradigms Shift, Worlds Collide!

A daring and resourceful paleontologist uncovers something at the infamous K-T boundary marking the end of dinosaurs in the fossil record – something big, dangerous, and absolutely, categorically impossible. It’s a find that will catapult her to the Martian moon Phobos, then down to the crater-pocked desert of the Red Planet itself. For this mild-mannered fossil hunter may just have become Earth’s first practicing xenobiologist!

A new hard SF thriller from best-selling alternate history master Eric Flint and ace game designer Ryk E. Spoor.

Buy Here

Sub-Majer’s Challenge by L.E. Modesitt, Jr.

2025-06-08T06:39:00.000-07:00

Once again, Alyiakal, succeeds when carefully maneuvered into situations that are designed to see that he fails. An ethics-driven officer in a country led by a consortium of unethical leaders, Alyiakal’s successes are startling to all of his foes and accepted as normal by his consort, Saelora.

In a male-dominated society where misogyny is accepted as normal, Alyiakal, supports Saelora in her decidedly non-feminine pursuits in trade. This support leads to a bond that transcends normality, especially when Saelora and Alyiakal discover secrets from Alyiakal’s past.

Modesitt crafts a detailed and believable world in all his series. The Saga of Recluce comprises twenty-five volumes, spanning from 1991 to the present. It is well worth your time to read all of Modesitt’s work.

I highly recommend this book.

Limits of Power (Legend of Paksenarrion Book 4) by Elizabeth Moon

2025-05-19T08:45:00.000-07:00

Limits of Power (Legend of Paksenarrion Book 4) by Elizabeth Moon

4.6 out of 5 stars (1,419)

4.2 on Goodreads

An excellent series but I highly recommend reading them in order for them to make sense.

Buy Here

Elizabeth Moon is back with the fourth adventure in her bestselling fantasy epic. Moon brilliantly weaves a colorful tapestry of action, betrayal, love, and magic set in a richly imagined world that stands alongside those of such fantasy masters as George R. R. Martin and Robin Hobb.

The unthinkable has occurred in the kingdom of Lyonya. The queen of the Elves—known as the Lady—is dead, murdered by former elves twisted by dark powers. Now the Lady’s half-elven grandson must heal the mistrust between elf and human before their enemies strike again. Yet as he struggles to make ready for an attack, an even greater threat looms across the Eight Kingdoms.

Throughout the north, magic is reappearing after centuries of absence, emerging without warning in family after family—rich and poor alike. In some areas, the religious strictures against magery remain in place, and fanatical followers are stamping out magery by killing whoever displays the merest sign of it—even children. And as unrest spreads, one very determined traitor works to undo any effort at peace—no matter how many lives it costs. With the future hanging in the balance, it is only the dedication of a few resolute heroes who can turn the tides . . . if they can survive.

Echoes of Betrayal by Elizabeth Moon

2025-05-03T10:41:00.000-07:00

Echoes of Betrayal

Paladin's Legacy Hardcover
February 21, 2012
by Elizabeth Moon

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars (1,088)

4.2 on Goodreads

3,355 ratings

Book 3 of 5: Paladin's Legacy

Editors' pickBest Science Fiction & Fantasy

Available in Hardcover, Paper and Kindle

Buy It Here

I will admit it, I am a fan of this series. In fact, I haven't read an Elizabeth Moon book I haven't truly enjoyed. She keeps you alert and awake as you read. This third book in the series leaves you hanging on the cliff. The beauty of reading a series that is this old is that you don't have to wait years for the results of the cliff hanger. You just buy the entire series and can sate your fantasy appetite in one beautiful orgy of consumption. The books are that good.

The action continues fast and furious in this third installment of Elizabeth Moon’s celebrated return to the fantasy world of the paladin Paksenarrion Dorthansdotter. This award-winning author has firsthand military experience and an imagination that knows no bounds. Combine those qualities with an ability to craft flesh-and-blood characters, and the result is the kind of speculative fiction that engages both heart and mind.

All is not well in the Eight Kingdoms. In Lyonya, King Kieri is about to celebrate marriage to his beloved, the half-elf Arian. But uncanny whispers from the spirits of his ancestors continue to warn of treachery and murder. A finger of suspicion has been pointed toward his grandmother, the queen of the Ladysforest elves, and that suspicion has only intensified with time and the Lady’s inexplicable behavior. Clearly, she is hiding something. But what? And why?

Meanwhile, in Tsaia, the young king Mikeli must grapple with unrest among his own nobility over his controversial decision to grant the title and estates of a traitorous magelord to a Verrakaien who not only possesses the forbidden magic but is a woman besides: Dorrin, once one of Kieri’s most trusted captains. When renegade Verrakaien attack two of Dorrin’s squires, suspicion and prejudice combine to place Dorrin’s life at risk—and the king’s claim to the throne in peril.

But even greater danger is looming. The wild offspring of a dragon are on the loose, sowing death and destruction and upsetting the ancient balance of power between dragonkind, humans, elves, and gnomes. A collision seems inevitable. Yet when it comes, it will be utterly unexpected—and all the more devastating for it.

If reviewing a product, it may have been received free of charge. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarnedThis book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned

The Warbler by Sarah Beth Durst

2025-04-22T09:25:00.000-07:00

The Warbler by Sarah Beth Durst

The core tale is the story of a cursed family driven to travel. It diverts some from the original curse, but that is the core. I found the flashback viewpoints somewhat confusing. I got used to them, but initially, I was annoyed. I think the main protagonist’s name is Elisa, but with all the name changes, I’m not sure.

Durst always does a good job on character development. She creates real , and believable personalities for the characters. The story was interesting and got mor so as it wrapped up. Little hints along the way led to the big ending revile.

I enjoyed the book and recommend it.