Ferren and the Invaders of Heaven (The Ferren Trilogy Book Three) by Richard Harland Review

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

As the final battle between the forces of Heaven and Earth commences, an angel and a human must contend with developing feelings for others, and the terrifying new leader of the Humen sets his sights on a full invasion of Heaven in author Richard Harland’s “Ferren and the Invaders of Heaven,” the third book in the Ferren Trilogy. 

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The Synopsis

In a retro-future world, the continents of our planet have been reduced to ruined wastelands after a thousand years of war between Heaven and Earth. The war began ten years on from our present time, when human medical scientists pushed over the boundary between life and death, resuscitated a human brain, discovered the reality of a Heavenly afterlife and ended up fighting against the angels. Now, Earth’s military forces are composed of artificially created Humen, while the original human beings have been reduced to a mere survival existence, living in fearful, isolated tribes.

Miriael is the angel who was shot down, fell to Earth and miraculously survived; Ferren is the young tribesman who found her. Together they’e been building a Residual Alliance of human tribes willing to cast off their slavish ‘alliance’ to the Humen and stand up for themselves.

In Ferren and the Invaders of Heaven, the Residual Alliance is almost ready to act when the Humen find themselves a new leader and act first. Asmodai is a traitor angel far more dangerous than any Humen ‘Doctor’, and brings his own special powers to reinforce the secret weapons of Earth’s armies. With Asmodai in charge, the Humen launch their long-planned invasion of Heaven.

Asmodai also has a particular interest in Miriael, who once fell in love with him. She has to untangle her new, human-like feelings, while Ferren has to sort out his own tangled feelings when Zonda reappears. Now he must deal with that past relationship while working through his new feelings for Kiet, which have become more than feelings of ordinary friendship.

The third book of the trilogy contains shocks and betrayals, a desperate pursuit, close encounters with the highest archangels, an amazing journey up to Heaven, and the wonders and terrors of terra-celestial warfare. The final battle in Heaven will be the turning point that decides the entire thousand-year war. But there are more twists to come before the end …

From the author of Worldshaker, an extraordinary dystopia of angels and apocalypse.

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The Review

What a profound and exhilarating final chapter in this YA dystopian and fantasy series. The depth of world-building and the emotional beats that the author builds upon with this cast of characters was incredible to see come to life. Seeing Ferren grow and become the leader he was meant to be and seeing Miriael embracing humanity fully and leaning on each other while also dealing with their own personal turmoil was fascinating and emotionally invested as a reader.

The chilling nature and villainous charisma of Asmodai set a haunting tone for the novel, and his growing power and the threat of the Humen made this novel’s action and major battles easily flow. The heart of this novel, though, rested in the personal and in-depth connections these characters made with their own humanity, both for Miriael as she wrestled with her celestial identity and her life on Earth. For Ferren and his growing feelings for someone, as he tries to unite a broken world, all felt natural and authentic to their development. 

The Verdict

A rich, dynamic, and powerful read, author Richard Harland’s “Ferren and the Invaders of Heaven” is a must-read novel. As a centuries-long fight nears its end, the larger-than-life stakes and the shocking twists and turns the narrative takes, especially the fate of both heroes and villains alike, will stay with readers long after the emotional final page turns. If you haven’t yet, be sure to preorder your copy today or grab your copy on February 26th, 2025!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

I’m the author who nearly wasn’t – it took me 25 years to beat writer’s block. In those 25 years, I migrated from England to Australia, became a singer/songwriter, a poet and a university lecturer. But all I wanted to do was write speculative fiction.

Finally I finished my first novel, the comic macabre, The Vicar of Morning Vyle. With its prequel, The Black Crusade, it grew into a cult. When mainstream Australian publisher Pan Macmillan contracted my next novel, I resigned my lectureship, and I’ve been a full-time author ever since.

I live south of Sydney between green escarpment and golden beaches, with partner Aileen and Yogi the labrador. Writing non-stop… I have 25 missing years to make up for!

My big international success has been with my YA steampunk novels, Worldshaker, Liberator and Song of the Slums (published by Simon & Schuster in the US).

Ferren and the Angel came out in November 2023. I swear it’s my best yet! An amazing retro-future world of angels and apocalypse!

Galaxy Astronomy: Field Guide for Kids by Ray Franklin Review 

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Author Ray Franklin shares a kid-friendly and educational look into the vast universe and the galaxies that make it up in the book “Galaxy Astronomy: Field Guide for Kids.”

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The Synopsis

How many galaxies fill the universe? What is light we can’t see? Are Imperial Space Penguins dangerous? Kids ask such questions every day, and Galaxy Astronomy has answers!

The author’s enthusiasm for NASA and the Hubble Space Telescope ripples through this journal of galactic growth. Forty-eight Kindle-wide, full-color images of spectacular galaxies punctuate the field guide. It’s filled with facts vetted by a professional astrophysicist. Kids learn of galaxy types, light-years, invisible light and galactic feeding frenzies. While identifying galaxies, kids see how these gigantic star formations change and evolve over billions of years. They’ll understand how astronomers use ultraviolet light to locate young stars, and infrared light to find stars hiding inside enormous dust clouds. It’s a fun, fascinating and factual read.

If you know a kid who likes science and goofy jokes, give your young astronomer Galaxy Astronomy today!

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The Review

What a fun and educational read. The author does an incredible job of bringing his background and passion for astronomy to the reader. The author’s writing style is very inviting, with the reader able to understand the overall subject matter of each chapter while also getting enough new information to challenge the reader to learn more and do the work to research and engage with this material.

The breathtaking and vibrant illustrations the author provides for the galaxies in this book and the star systems in place make this a compelling book to get lost in. The way the book stokes the flames of curiosity in young readers and the lessons the author could impart, including the fascinating structure of Seyfert galaxies and what makes them so dangerous, allowed the reader to lose themselves in the material.

The Verdict

The heart, passion, and thoughtful presentation of galaxies and their structure to readers made this a remarkable book. The balance the author struck between education and entertainment for young readers and how the author rewarded the reader’s curiosity with information that kept the reader eager to learn more and dive into the subject of space and astronomy. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Ray Franklin grew up in Houston, Texas, the home of NASA. He followed the space race for years and stayed up late to watch Neil Armstrong step onto the moon. Years later, when stunning images from the Hubble Space Telescope became available, he saw expansive possibilities. Being a father and working with kids as a volunteer had given him an appreciation for how fast children can learn complex topics with the right mix of fun and challenge. This is what drove him to write ‘Galaxy Astronomy: Field Guide For Kids.’

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Andru Gomez’s “Drunk at Church” EP Review

One of modern music’s greatest pastimes is that of the singer/songwriter. In the United States especially, indie artists have found a way to weave their unique sound and passion into iconic genres like folk and singer/songwriter to create a heartfelt and relatable album or EP that resonates with many people. One such artist out of Idaho named Andru Gomez is set to do just that with the upcoming release of his EP, “Drunk at Church.” 

It has a voice and a sound that blends the soulful tones of artists like Bob Dylan while still appealing to modern audiences with a grit and tone that evokes lighthearted fun and a depth of soul that speaks to the heart. The way this artist can shift from a simple yet prolific melody into a more thoughtful and nuanced vocal harmony will instantly draw listeners into the mix, eliciting the listener to get lost in the lyrics that straddle that line between humorous and profound. 

When listening to a new artist and their music, I often close my eyes and try to imagine what kind of other media I could imagine this music being utilized in. Songs off the upcoming EP, such as “In a Dream” and “75 75” could easily be used in shows such as Sons of Anarchy or Peaky Blinders, capturing both the wildness and gritty tones those dark dramas hold in such reverence while also capturing the cinematic quality of the songs, while other songs on the EP such as “Pope Song” had a very storyteller driven vibe, which almost reminded me of The Man Comes Around by Johnny Cash, which was featured in the introduction of 2004’s Dawn of the Dead. 

If you want to become enraptured and consume great lyric-driven and soulful indie music that is both singer/songwriter and Americana-driven, then look no further than Andru Gomez’s upcoming EP, “Drunk at Church”. The heart and passion the artist poured into the music and the rich diversity in each song’s delivery will stay with audiences and have them yearning for more from this artist. This EP’s release date is TBD, so follow the artist and be on the lookout for this EP soon. 

https://andrugomezmusic.com/

https://www.instagram.com/andrugomezmusic

The Silver Crystal (The Red Kingdom Book 1) by Ryan Lanz Review

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A bounty hunter brought in to help stop rebel factions outside of a kingdom soon discovers that everything he thought he knew is not as it seems in author Ryan Lanz’s The Silver Crystal, the first in the Red Kingdom series.

The Synopsis

A wise man once said that true victory is bloodless. That man was wrong.

The Red Kingdom is divided. Bounty hunter Rhael is brought in to subdue the rebels outside the city, except they aren’t normal rabble. These Corrupted have unnatural abilities too powerful for the rest of society—something Rhael learned firsthand when they killed his father years ago.

But this mission is different, and Rhael is quickly confronted by everything he once knew, and he discovers he has more of the enemy in him than he thought possible.

One day is all it takes to break a belief.

One day is all it takes to break a city.

One day is all it takes to break a man.

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The Review

This was a powerful and memorable read. The incredible world-building that went into this story, as well as the mythology behind the outcasts of this kingdom and the ways people become “corrupted” in their society. The imagery and the depth of detail the author pours into this narrative and the rich history that the narrative unfolds both for this world and the protagonist speak to a depth of passion for this genre that fans will immediately connect with.

The action and intrigue perfectly elevate protagonist Rhael’s character growth, and the themes that the narrative plays on speak to a profound social calling that people don’t always consider. The twists that put the protagonist in the role of a social outcast and show how those often marked as outcasts by society are hunted or persecuted made the action and fantasy elements feel more grounded and engaging overall as the story progressed. 

The Verdict

Harrowing, entertaining, and epic in every sense of the word, author Ryan Lanz’s “The Silver Crystal” is a perfect start to this grand fantasy series. The shocking moments this story takes and the complexity of these characters and this world will draw the reader further in, eager to see where the rest of the series takes them. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Ryan Lanz was born and raised on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. He spent five years with a music touring group, traveling to a dozen countries on three continents. Now living in the Midwest, he enjoys writing novels and entertaining his macaw parrot.

The Poet and the Magician by Jennifer Renson Review

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A young poet is drawn to a charismatic magician in a world of danger and secrets as their fates become intertwined in author Jennifer Renson’s “The Poet and the Magician.”

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The Synopsis

Like a bird trapped within a cage, Fawn yearns for freedom. But the journey since her harrowing escape veers in a direction she could never have foreseen. She meets an enigmatic stranger, Taikuri, whose eyes conceal secrets as deep as his charm is irresistible.

What begins as a chance encounter draws them into a world of crumbling kingdoms and breathtaking landscapes. Will their bond, both exhilarating and dangerous, lead to something more? Fawn isn’t the only one running from her past. As their relationship deepens, could their plights unite poet and magician or destroy the fragile connection they’ve built? When Fawn questions the cost of such secrets, she must ask herself: is she trading one birdcage for another?

The Review

The author’s world-building in this novel was incredible. The tension and gritty nature of the world the protagonist inhabits make the high-stakes nature of the narrative feel alive on the page. The imagery in the author’s writing made this kingdom and the territories the characters travel through feel vibrant and engaging. 

At its core, however, this novel is a story of fate, destiny, and our connections with others. The protagonists of this novel, Fawn and Taikuri, feel an instant bond as if drawn together by some unknown forces. The mystery and intrigue that both of their pasts hold and the almost Shakespearean nature of their journey delve into the rich history of this kingdom with ease. 

The Verdict

Memorable, enthralling, and beautifully written author Jennifer Renson’s “The Poet and the Magician” is a must-read fantasy novel. The twists and turns this narrative takes, as well as the emotional pull of the protagonists and their bond, help elevate the grand mythos and world-building that this author has become known for throughout their previous books and leave readers eager for more. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Writing has been my passion since childhood. Now I am able to take my passion and turn it into a career.

My writing career has spanned from articles in Lost Treasure Magazine to Fansided’s Show Snob. Presently I am a mother and wife and enjoy spending time with family, friends, writing, crafting, and reveling in Victorian Era ambiances while living in New Jersey.

Instagram: @jenny.renson

Twitter: @JennyRenson

Facebook: Books and Poetry by Jennifer Renson

LIFE STAGE “STAGE ONE” EP REVIEW

One of the many joys of working with and reviewing great musicians and artists worldwide has to be the awe and wonder that comes from that initial discovery or first listening to a new piece of music. The adrenaline that pumps through your blood as the track plays and the music strikes like an arrow hitting a bullseye, capturing the energy and tone we, as listeners, look for in our music choices. That feeling drew me to the EP “Stage One” by Life Stage. 

Right out of high school, the progressive rock group first released this EP in 2009. The album perfectly reflects the exhilaration and thrill of a band discovering its place in the music scene. The ease with which each track transitions from heavy guitar riffs and heart-pounding drums to more cinematic, thoughtful tones of reflection made this a remarkable and heartfelt album. Each track captured the spirit of “epic” musicianship with introspective songwriting. 

The adrenaline-fueled guitar riffs and larger-than-life metal influences brought to mind bands like Metalica. In contrast, the softer, more progressive sounds and songwriting brought to mind bands like Pink Floyd, Coheed and Cambria mixed in a perfect fusion that is impossible to ignore. The album certainly keeps listeners on the edge of their seats, as the album challenges them to find the intricate details in each song while also keeping the pace of head-banging action that these songs elicit. 

While youthful in spirit, the album also captures a sense of maturity in its theme, which revolves around identity and showcases a sound and tone that screams originality. The tracks are each lengthy and keep the audience invested. One minute brings an almost late 1970s to early 1980s California rock vibe, and then the song transitions into a late 1980s and early 1990s heavy rock sound that is both entertaining and captive. If you want a new sound and a beautiful yet face-melting fusion of rock genres, you won’t miss Life Stage’s “Stage One” EP. Stream on your preferred platform today!

https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/lifestage/stage-one?fbclid=IwY2xjawIWZutleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHf-STK80WBexlSDo4ZbmhOfAMCF9AR1-sUAxg7acRFb_jgMhRV2OI6UgvQ_aem_jffzzfXxnj1ECgZ1fP_JtA

A Remembrance of Death (The Castle Drogo Series) by Andrew G. Tweeddale Review

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A man and woman are brought back together in the declining years of the British Empire and must confront their pasts to find their future in author Andrew G. Tweeddale’s “A Remembrance of Death”, the latest entry in the Castle Drogo Series.

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The Synopsis

Set in the final years of a declining British Empire, A Remembrance of Death is a beautifully crafted novel that deals with regret, loss, love, and hope. Spanning forty years, the story examines the relationship between Basil Drewe and Celia Lutyens, and how love like rain cannot choose the grass on which it falls.

As he arrives at Oxford in 1917, Basil Drewe is coming to terms with the recent death of his brother Adrian in the Great War. Meanwhile at Ojai in America, Celia Lutyens and her illegitimate son Robert struggle to find their place in a foreign country. On returning to England, Celia renews her acquaintance with Basil and finds she must deal with the mistakes of her past and the constraints placed upon her by society and its expectations. Their journey takes them to India, Vienna, London, Nuremberg and Kenya. Finally, they return to Castle Drogo, the place where they first met, however, the castle no longer represents the ideal it once did for Celia but is now a mausoleum.

A Remembrance of Death was short-listed for the Yeovil Literary Price and received a high commendation. It was described as, “prose with a classic sensibility … evoking a clear and present time and place, the characters lifting effortlessly from the page with authentic dialogue and engaging set pieces.”

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The Review

A truly heartfelt and engaging historical fiction read. The author does a marvelous job of balancing the more significant historical events and settings with the more personal, emotional moments the characters endure during the story. The awesome use of imagery throughout the writing allowed the reader to feel immersed in the narrative, stepping back in time and experiencing life at the end of and after WWI in a unique way.

Yet the author did that without sacrificing the important character development that played such a vital role in the story. The honest and powerful themes the author explores in this historical setting, from the power of grief and loss and how it impacts a person to the overwhelming nature of love and even the impact that colonialism overall had on the world, a commentary on the legacy of the British Empire before it fell to be sure, made this such a powerful and moving read. The care and attention that the protagonist Basil took to the other characters in this story, Celia for sure, and also characters like Indian student Laxman, showed the heart and drive that made Basil such a memorable protagonist. 

The Verdict

Author Andrew Tweeddale’s “A Remembrance of Death” is authentic, detailed, and engaging historical fiction. It is a must-read novel. The emotional and heartfelt moments between the characters and the rich historical narrative that develops will keep readers invested and eager for a third book in this passionately written series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Andrew has worked as a chef, a lawyer and is now an author.

‘Of All Faiths & None’ was Andrew’s first novel, published in 2022, and tells the story of the Drewe and Lutyens families in the final years before World War 1. The novel is centred around Castle Drogo, the last great castle to be built in England. The castle is out-of-place in a modern world and its construction reflects the turmoil of the times. However, foremost the novel is a romance where relationships are shattered by an unrelenting war. Andrew’s second novel ‘A Remembrance of Death’ takes the story from 1917 to 1955 and deals with Basil Drewe and Celia Lutyens and their relationship during the darkest moments of modern history. Andrew is currently writing a third novel in the Castle Drogo series which he hopes will be publish in 2026.

https://www.ofallfaiths.com/

A Gilded Redwood Coffin (The Roddy and Val DeVere Gilded Age Series by Cecelia Tichi Review

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A mission to save a young woman’s life turns into a twisted murder investigation in the Gilded Age in author Cecilia Tichi’s “A Gilded Redwood Coffin,” the latest entry in The Roddy and Val DeVere Gilded Age Series.

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The Synopsis

Western silver heiress Val DeVere expects nothing but joy at an elegant Newport picnic in 1899, only to be abruptly summoned to New York by a close friend’s urgent and cryptic plea: “PLEASE HELP…THEO B.”

In New York, Theo confides in Val, begging her to save his lively cousin Phoebe from a cunning Irish manservant who, he claims, is plotting her “accidental” death in the Rocky Mountains—just as he allegedly orchestrated the death of her twin sister in Boston a year earlier.

Determined to help her friend, Val, now Mrs. Roderick DeVere, tries to convince the headstrong Phoebe to delay her trip to the Rockies. Yet the Irish servant, whom Theo accuses of murder, reminds Val of her beloved late father, an Irish immigrant and “Silver King,” whose charm and brogue are unsettlingly familiar.

When Phoebe is found murdered in her New York apartment, suspicion falls squarely on the Irishman, appearing to wrap the case up neatly. But for Val, the truth feels far more elusive. Is she blinded by sentiment, or is there another killer lurking in the shadows? As doubt creeps in, Val faces a race against time to uncover the real culprit, all while risking arrest as an accessory to murder.

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The Review

It is a genuinely tremendous and engaging read. The author does an excellent job of finding the means of balancing the high society background of Val’s character with the mystery and intrigue that the narrative provides. The imagery and atmosphere of the Gilded Age translate perfectly on the page, and the historical aspect of the setting draws the reader into the story more and more.

The character arcs in this novel were engaging. Val’s strength and resilience showcased her character’s overall growth throughout the series, yet the book allows new readers to jump into the story quickly. The haunting nature of the case and the shocking twists and turns the narrative takes will keep readers on the edge of their seats, eager for more adventures in this fantastic historical fiction thriller. 

The Verdict

A brilliant fusion of high society meets gritty murder mystery, author Cecilia Tichi’s “A Gilded Redwood Coffin” is a must-read historical fiction meets mystery thriller. The twists and turns in the author’s story and how the narrative builds upon the character development of previous entries in the series will keep readers engaged throughout the narrative. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

AUTHOR LECTURER PROFESSOR

A fresh start for every new book, and author Cecelia Tichi’s zest for America’s Gilded Age and its boldface names draws this seasoned writer to a crime fiction series while uncorking the country’s cocktail cultures on the printed (and ebook) page. Tichi digs deep into the Vanderbilt University research library to mine the late 1800-1900s history and customs of Society’s “Four Hundred,” its drinks, and the ways high-stakes crimes in its midst make for a gripping “Gilded” mystery series that rings true to the tumultuous era. The decades of America’s industrial titans and “Queens” of Society have loomed large in Tichi’s books for several years, and the titles track her recent projects:

Civic Passions: Seven Who Launched Progressive America (and What They Teach Us)

Jack London: A Writer’s Fight for a Better America

What Would Mrs. Astor Do? A Complete Guide to the Manners and Mores of the Gilded Age

Gilded Age Cocktails: History, Lore, and Recipes from the Golden Age

Jazz Age Cocktails: History, Lore, and Recipes from the Roaring Twenties

A Gilded Death (crime fiction)

Murder, Murder, Murder in Gilded Central Park (crime fiction)

A Fatal Gilded High Note (crime fiction)

COMING SOON IN THE ‘GILDED’ CRIME SERIES:

A Gilded Free Fall.

She enjoys membership and posting in Facebook’s The Gilded Age Society. You can read more about her work by visiting www.cecebooks.com.

The Trenches of Glodan: Perpetual War Book One by Tyler Kalarchian Review

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A young woman with great power must find a way of surviving a war that has engulfed her world for thousands of years in author Tyler Kalarchian’s “The Trenches of Glodan,” the first book in the Perpetual War series.

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The Synopsis

Since she was a child, Natalia Ludmila was destined to join the war that had engulfed the world for thousands of years. Her close friends were allowed to stay back and enjoy the freedom of life as citizens while she was sent off to join the military. The reason for her fate was the essence that flows through her veins, caused by the mark of a Blood Tree making her an esper.

This mark has left Natalia an outcast in society yet highly desired for the powers she possesses. Challenges come at her from every angle as she desperately fights to survive—a fight that could very well lead her to a chance at freedom from the war.

Now cast forth into the snow, Natalia is tasked with scouting the town of Basavan for any life within it. This simple mission promises her the rank of Gamayun. A rank that will bring great challenges and opportunities.

The Review

What a truly remarkable read. The author did an incredible job crafting a unique and vivid world perpetually locked into war. The depth of character development for the protagonist allowed her journey to feel real and haunting all at once. The author found balance in the story’s more fantasy-driven elements with the more grounded, visceral nature of the setting and events that plague this world.

What spoke to me more than anything was the book’s powerful themes that touched upon life struggles people have dealt with for centuries. The horrors of war and its physical and mental impact on those forced into it were greatly felt, and the reader could feel the emotional weight of the war, particularly the trench warfare that spoke to the WWI elements of the setting. The mythos and world-building that the book included made this a memorable read.

The Verdict

Thoughtful, action-packed, and engaging author Tyler Kalarchian’s “The Trenches of Glodan: Perpetual War Book One” is a must-read steampunk meets sci-fi and fantasy thriller. The twists and turns the novel takes, as well as the emotional journey that the protagonist takes, will leave readers eager for more from this talented author. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Version 1.0.0

Tyler Kalarchian has always enjoyed exploring foreign worlds through books, movies, and games. As he grew older, he realized that he needed to share his own stories and began writing a book. After many years of drafts, he finally became a published author. Now he is busy on the next story and many more after that!

When Tyler is not writing, he enjoys distance running outside and the company of friends around a table playing board games. He currently lives in Orlando.

Website: https://rucaern.com/

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tylerkalarchian.bsky.social

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tyler_kalarchian/