#Bookreview of Immune Heroes: Ready or Not

By: Namita Gandhi, PhD

Illustrated by: Tamika Bramwell

Publisher: Nimitry Books, LLC

Publication Date: August 15, 2025

ISBN: 979-8291318539

Reviewed by: Kathy Stickles

Review Date: July 30, 2025

In Immune Heroes: Ready or Not, author Namita Gandhi has taken what is often times a scary part of a child’s life and turned it into a fun and fact-filled story that will entertain and, hopefully, remove the “scary” part of getting a vaccine.

As the story begins, Mayu is supposed to go to the doctor for a vaccine. He tells his mother that he does not want to go because he does not like shots. Mayu thinks that if he can just avoid germs then he will not get sick and, therefore, he does not need to get the shot. His sister Nimi quickly starts to explain why it is so important to have the vaccines and what could happen if he does not do what is needed. This is when the story becomes simply wonderful, in my opinion, as the reader is given two different scenarios to choose from…what happens if Mayu goes and gets his shot and what happens if he chooses not to get the shot.

Immune Heroes: Ready or Not now branches off into each option and as the reader meets Captain T. and all of his helpers as they show what happens inside the body in each case (to have a shot or not) and how they all work together in an attempt to get a part of the virus and fight against it. The setting where Captain T. is resembles a school where each of the helpers has a particular job and they all learn from each other in order to understand the virus and how to fight it. Of course, in one scenario the reader sees them fail in their attempt and Mayu gets sick and in the second this tough little group of “germ fighters” learns about the virus and finds a way to create an immunity that will keep Mayu from getting sick.

Immune Heroes: Ready or Not is such a fabulous way to teach young children about how their bodies work and how important it is to get their vaccines. The writing is flawless and takes scientific concepts and words that might be very hard for a child to understand and turns them into something that anyone can grasp. The way that Namita Gandhi set up the story, allowing the child reading it to choose which situation they wanted to learn about first, made the story even more interesting and different. This way of writing the book will make children more involved in the story and it will hold their attention.

The colorful and amusing illustrations by Tamika Bramwell definitely set the book apart from others. The germs and the helpers in the illustrations are quirky and cute in their expressions and shapes while they still seem accurate in terms of what children might expect the things inside their body to look like. I loved these particular illustrations and think that they really made a great story into an exceptional one.

I would recommend Immune Heroes: Ready or Not to all parents, schools, and doctors’ offices so that children can learn about these important scientific concepts that are a part of their lives. Not only is it charming, it is an incredible tool to use to teach kids and I think that it will be enjoyable to adults and children alike.

Quill says: Immune Heroes: Ready or Not is an intriguing and educational look at a part of life for kids, taking a difficult topic and making it easy to understand.

For more information on Immune Heroes: Ready or Not, please visit the author's website at: www.immuneheroes.com

#Bookreview of The Witch's Apprentice and Other Stories

 By: Ekta R. Garg

Publisher: Atmosphere Press

Publication Date: August 12, 2025

ISBN: 979-8891327405

Reviewed by: Alma Boucher

Review Date: July 28, 2025

In The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories, writer Ekta R. Garg presents an enchanting and insightful collection that transports readers into richly imagined worlds, where themes of power, identity, and fate intersect. With every story, Garg draws inspiration from fairy tales and classic fantasy, while simultaneously infusing her stories with a contemporary emotional depth that is both timeless and refreshingly original.

In “The Witch’s Apprentice,” a bold young apprentice takes her fate into her own hands, choosing her mentor and demanding to be released from the Spell of Inhibition. The stakes are high: only by completing a selfless act and defending it before the High Council can she earn her place in the Witch’s Guild. Denied a proper test, the apprentice forges her path through time, armed with The Witch’s Complete Guide to Safety and Security in Travels. Her journey leads her to a new and completely unexpected life. This story cleverly weaves together themes of self-empowerment, irony, and transformation.

In “The Honor of Emperors and Thieves,” the annual arrival of a legendary band of thieves disrupts the routine of a quiet town. Their code of honor and wealth make them impossible to turn away. Among them, Simon and Samuel rise to infamy by fooling the emperor himself, leaving the entire kingdom stunned as their ruler struts through the streets in nothing at all. Their clever ruse earns them the crown of “kings of thieves” and hints at their next scheme, involving none other than some mysterious magic beans. With biting satire and rich world-building, this story reimagines a classic tale with mischief and flair.

“The Beauty Before She Sleeps” takes on a more reflective tone. Princess Talia, who has been sheltered her entire life, challenges her boundaries and ventures outside her kingdom for the first time. Talia encounters a strange portal that she had previously passed by without issue. This time, it yanked her in forcefully, only to spit her back out shortly after. As she bends over a riverbank to catch her breath, her heart races. Reflected in the water's surface was not the princess she recognized, but a version of herself that bore a striking resemblance to Goldilocks.

What distinguishes this collection is not merely the imaginative narratives but the depth of significance lurking beneath the surface. Recurring themes of power, transformation, self-discovery, and altruism weave the stories together in a cohesive and fulfilling manner. Readers are likely to reflect on the destinies of Garg’s characters long after they have reached the last page. Garg’s poetic writing style and engaging storytelling are enhanced by her considerate approach to character development. Whether set in enchanted forests or distant realms, her characters confront decisions that resonate profoundly, even within their fantastical settings.

This collection stems from the author's innate curiosity. Fascinated by the overlooked aspects of classic nursery rhymes and fairy tales, Garg pondered the question "Why?" and allowed that inquiry to shape her narrative. The outcome is a series of stories that preserve the allure of the originals while providing enhanced emotional and psychological understanding. The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories is essential reading for those who appreciate their fairy tales infused with depth, emotion, and a hint of surprise. It is ideal for readers who have always been curious about what lies just beyond “happily ever after.”

Quill says: The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories is a captivating and reflective collection that reinvents well-known stories with enchantment, wit, and deep emotional understanding.

For more information about The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories, please visit the author's website at: ektargarg.com

 #Bookreview of The Path of Saints and Sinners

By: J.F. Collen

Publisher: Evolved Publishing, LLC

Publication Date: July 15, 2025

ISBN: 978-1-62253-641-2

Reviewed by: Alma Boucher

Review Date: July 23, 2025

In The Path of Saints and Sinners, author J.F. Collen once again brings to life the unyielding spirit of Cornelia Rose. Alongside her steadfast husband, Obadiah Weber Wright, and their beloved children, Nellie leaves behind the struggles and hardship of the Overland Trail, finally arriving in the much-anticipated sanctuary of Great Salt Lake City. But what awaits them is not a warm frontier welcome: it is suspicion, tension, and a city on the brink of political unrest.

This westward journey was intended to signify a new beginning; Obadiah’s recent appointment as federal judge for the Utah Territory was expected to bring stability and direction. However, the family discovers itself in a city divided by two ideologies and two potential futures. The Mormons, who have fiercely defended their hard-earned independence in what used to be Mexican land, now feel the pressure of the U.S. government’s authority. Resistance is brewing. The distinction between faith and insurrection is becoming increasingly tenuous, and Nellie and Obadiah find themselves balancing on precarious and shifting ground.

With Collen’s skillful writing, Nellie’s inner life flourishes on the page. She is not a mere bystander in her existence; despite being constrained by the norms of 19th-century femininity, she continues to exhibit a quiet resistance. Caught between expressing her beliefs and maintaining harmony in a contentious environment, Nellie must confront the significance of belonging, whether to a family, a marriage, or a nation in turmoil.

Her marriage to Obadiah is as intricate as the political environment they have stepped into. Although Obadiah, in his role as a judge, attempts to protect Nellie from the more extreme repercussions of his position, Nellie’s voice, despite being muted, never completely disappears. Her power resides not in defiance but in perseverance. With her daughters supporting her and a husband who appreciates her advice, even if not her active involvement, Nellie taps into a profound reservoir of inner strength to establish a place for herself and her family in this shattered new reality.

Collen’s narrative style intertwines historical accuracy with contemporary emotional understanding. Her writing is sharp and witty, interspersed with touches of humor and deep reflection. The rhythm of the story flows smoothly and captivates, never dragging on too long, yet stopping briefly to allow the emotional significance of each scene to resonate.

What makes The Path of Saints and Sinners particularly outstanding is its intricate thematic depth. Themes of belief, self-discovery, authority, and femininity are delved into through a group of profoundly relatable characters. Nellie is daring and flawed, a woman who seems out of sync with her era, yet she remains firmly rooted in it. Surrounding her are both virtuous and immoral figures, and she must navigate her way through them without compromising her own identity.

J.F. Collen has once more created an expansive historical tale filled with emotion, struggle, and the stark beauty of a woman's relentless trek westward with her family. It serves as a tribute to female resilience and the understated bravery of persevering when all signs suggest turning back.

Quill says: The Path of Saints and Sinners vividly depicts life on the frontier and the strength of women. This historical novel is deeply personal and moving. Collen has achieved another remarkable success.

For more information about The Path of Saints and Sinners, please visit the author's website at: enjella.com

 #Bookreview of The Observer: Book 1 in the Spirit Saga

By: Brian Thompson

Publication Date: May 5, 2025

ISBN: 979-8282551426

Reviewed by: Lily Andrews

Review Date: July 22, 2025

The Observer: Book 1 in the Spirit Saga is a gripping supernatural fantasy and the first book in the "Spirit Saga" series by Brian Thompson. Told through a surreal, out-of-body experience, it tells the story of Frank, a 42-year-old middle school teacher who wakes up in a dark, empty space with no memory of who he is or how he got there.

As the story unfolds, Frank comes to the startling realization that he has died and become a spirit. We see him caught up in a frozen moment in time in a room where a doctor is using defibrillators on his body, a nurse is crying, and his wife Angela and son Franklin Jr. are grieving, as he lies motionless in a hospital bed. But just as Frank begins to accept his fate, a mysterious figure bathed in orange light appears suddenly appears, interrupting Frank’s spiral of confusion and grief. Though he looks like a teenager, the figure, named Michael, claims to be over 4,000 years old and what he reveals shatters everything Frank thought he knew about death, purpose, and the afterlife in a twist that changes everything.

Michael identifies himself as a Guide whose job is to help new spirits, like Frank, figure out what the afterlife is all about. He profoundly and patiently explains that death isn’t really the end, but more like the start of something much bigger, which, as you can imagine, completely throws Frank for a loop. Michael furthermore informs Frank that he is now an Observer, a spirit whose role is to watch the world quietly and sometimes help the living not directly, but through tiny nudges, gut feelings, or flashes of intuition that will gently push people in the right direction. He also teaches Frank how time doesn’t behave the way it used to, how energy fuels everything in this new realm, and that there are other spirits out there, some kind and others terrifying, including Demons who thrive on pain and suffering. These revelations are like nothing Frank ever gave thought to when he was alive. Soon, we see him begin to understand that the world he’s entered is not only more complex than he ever imagined, but it’s also filled with danger, mystery, and a purpose he never expected to have.

As Frank trains under Michael’s watchful eye, he begins to unlock abilities he never imagined such as glimpsing the future, slipping through time, even influencing the thoughts and emotions of the living. But every act of intervention and great power comes a painful cost. Every time Frank taps into his spiritual abilities, whether it's offering a subtle nudge to the living, sharing his energy to protect someone, or confronting a dark force, he draws from the very essence that keeps him anchored in the afterlife. Too much, too fast, and he risks fading away entirely, a second and final death that not even Michael can stop. Frank learns this the hard way when he hears the story of James, Michael’s first student, who burned out after giving too much of himself to save a soul from a Demon. It's a turning point for Frank, forcing him to weigh his compassion against survival, even as a desperation to help grows.

The deeper he dives into his role as an Observer, the more he begins to question the system he has now become part of. We see him question why some spirits are chosen to guide, while others are twisted into demons as well as who are the Gods that built these rules in the first place. When whispers of rebellion stir among the spirits and a forbidden truth about his own past threatens to unravel everything, Frank is forced to choose either to stay within the lines of cosmic order, or risk everything to rewrite the fate of the afterlife itself.

This is a unique story that creates a different version of the afterlife, one where spirits are portrayed as emotional beings with jobs to do and roles to undertake. It’s a fresh take that moves away from traditional beliefs about the spirit world as floating around or haunting people and builds something both imaginative and meaningful. One of the strongest elements in the story is its use of time travel—not just as a gimmick, but as a smart, well-explained tool that helps the reader explore the limits of spiritual power and the value of patience. Even though the story is full of supernatural elements, its heart is very human, captured through flashbacks that are touching, and which give the story a strong emotional base.

Brian Thompson’s writing style makes this book a really smooth read, the language is clear and never tries too hard, the pacing moves along quickly, and the dialogue feels like real conversations you might overhear even in the middle of all the supernatural stuff. The protagonist's thoughts are a major highlight: he’s funny in a dry, sarcastic way that brings some lightness to even the heaviest moments, and that humor makes him incredibly easy to relate to. What really stands out is how detailed the world-building is, and how it never overwhelms you with information. You get to learn about the spirit world slowly, naturally, as the protagonist learns it himself through his conversations with Michael. And even when the book takes time to explain the spirit rules or the cost of powers, it always breaks that up with either some strong emotion or action, so you never feel bogged down by it. Various scenes are unforgettable such as where a young slave is forced to fight a massive, demon-controlled warrior in a brutal arena match, and another Observer is trying to help but things don’t go as planned. But beyond the action and the spiritual battles, the book is filled with emotional truths that stick with you such as how grief and guilt follow you even after death, how power needs to be used with wisdom and patience, and how even though you can’t fix the past, you can still change what comes next.

Quill says: Whether you're into time travel, fantasy worlds with rules that actually make sense, or stories about second chances and quiet redemption, The Observer delivers all that with heart, clarity, and a surprising amount of emotional depth. This is a story for anyone who loves supernatural tales that aren’t just about magic or monsters, but about people trying to figure out who they are, what they’re meant to do, and how to make peace with the lives they’ve lived.

For more information about The Observer, please visit the author's website at: brianthompsonwrites.com

 #Bookreview of The Canyon

By: Robert Savino Oventile

Publisher: Atmosphere Press

Publication Date: September 9, 2025

ISBN: 979-8891327696

Reviewed by: Shrubaboti Bose

Review Date: July 22, 2025

Through his collection of poetry and photos titled The Canyon, poet Robert Savino Oventile renders the Eaton Canyon a tangible form. The minutiose details with which he records its characteristic elements and describes the inhabitants found in its close surroundings shows his keen observation and silent appreciation of nature. As a frequent hiker, Savino Oventile also possesses immense knowledge about the different species of plants, insects and animals found there, elaborating on their growth and developmental cycles. Perhaps, it is no coincidence that his photographer friends are also fellow hikers and nature lovers, including a naturalist, an environmentalist and a volunteer docent at the Eaton Canyon Natural area.

Featuring boulders and coast live oaks to ants and tarantula hawks, the poet invites us on a fascinating journey, introducing us to myriads of life forms native to the area from a new perspective. Particularly of interest is the poem ‘Deer in the Canyon,’ which traces the trajectory of the evolution of mule deer and describes how deer activity relies heavily on the passing of time, transitioning between past and present, from dawn to dusk; and finally ends as if on a slightly humorous tone with a hiker capturing this phenomenon within a selfie frame. Although there are some references to humans in his poems, the author mainly focuses on the negative impacts of human interference on the environment, notable among which are poaching, taxidermy, encroachment of natural habitats and the 2025 ‘Fire in the Canyon.’

Just like a buck lifts its head and stares into the distance, these poems have an intrinsic quality that force us to stop and listen intently to the silent words on the page, suddenly transporting us to the wilderness beyond. Another instance where this holds true is in the poem, ‘Raven,’

‘‘After a canyon walk at dusk, return to the car, get in,

lock the doors, crack a window, switch off the interior

light, tilt back the seat. Shrouded by heavily tinted

glass, sink into the plush black upholstery. Breath

slows. Eyes close. A raven peers into the darkness.’’

While it is hard to say that the poems have an inherent rhythm or cadence, the prosaic style makes them more equipped and versatile to adequately present all the images and information they encompass. It also seems that with all the niche vocabulary and specific nomenclatures pertaining to different geographical formations or plants, insects, and animal species, this anthology would greatly benefit from the addition of a glossary at the end. What is interesting is that, despite its short length, this book requires multiple readings and with each exploration, there is always something new to examine and enjoy.

To conclude, let us look at a few lines from the poem, ‘Boulder Congregation:’

‘‘Behind private property signs and below some houses,

a haven for rattlers and a stay for erosion, still,

stable, interlocking, a heavy carpet of quite regular

pattern, these boulders, fairly uniform in size, sit in a

tight gather, rain-clean riprap.’’

Quill says: The Canyon is a heartfelt portrayal of nature and its biodiversity, an anthology that deserves to be cherished slowly.

For more information about The Canyon, please visit the publisher's website at: atmospherepress.com/books/the-canyon-by-robert-savino-oventile.

 #Bookreview of Amir's Lifelong Journey

By: Dokali (Duke) Megharief

Publisher: Atmosphere Press

Publication Date: April 1, 2025

ISBN: 979-8-89132-574-6

Reviewed by: Ephantus Muriuki

Review Date: July 22, 2025

Amir’s Lifelong Journey by Dokali (Duke) Megharief is a thoughtful and eye-opening story that will make you reflect on what success and purpose truly mean. It follows Amir, who starts out as a poor boy in a small fishing village before evolving into a highly successful businessman and a principled, compassionate leader with global recognition.

Right from the beginning you feel for Amir. He loses his father when he’s still very young and that changes everything. His family struggles even more after that and Amir has to grow up fast, helping his mother and younger sister all the while as he deals with rejection from children who look down on him because he’s poor. There are no easy breaks in his childhood, and early on you get the sense that life isn’t going to hand him anything at all, not even a small moment of relief.

But what makes Amir stand out is that he doesn’t give up or fall into bitterness. He instead becomes more curious, inquisitive and self-driven, and begins reading books by ancient Greek philosophers like Aristotle and Plato. Their ideas stick with him, and unlike what you might expect from someone with his background, he doesn't develop an appetite for wealth but rather a life that has meaning and purpose. As he grows older, he works hard, stays focused and slowly builds a business empire from the ground up which turns very successful, the kind of success most people only dream about. Notably, he never forgets where he came from and always thinks about helping others. Tragically, this very generosity unbeknownst to him, is what later sets the stage for a betrayal that shakes him to his core and threatens everything he has built and become.

During Amir's highest point in his career after achieving great success and wealth, and motivated by a deep love for his country and a sincere desire to uplift the underprivileged, he chooses to return to his homeland with the goal of giving back. He sets up a major fund to support thousands of struggling families but in a cruel and heartbreaking twist, that very act of generosity ends up setting off a chain of events he never saw coming. Quietly, and without warning, powerful people who feel threatened by his influence start working behind the scenes to bring him down. That betrayal is the big turning point in the book that breaks him in a quiet kind of way, not in a dramatic fall-apart scene, but in this calm deep sadness that makes one go inward. He starts questioning everything from what success means if it can be taken away so quickly and what kind of legacy really lasts. The author slows the story down here and lets you into Amir's thoughts, as he reflects on all the choices he’s made.

What readers will like most about this book is how honest and steady it feels. The writing isn’t fancy but is clear and smooth and lets the story speak for itself. The world building isn’t loud or overly descriptive and one can see it in their minds: the dusty village roads and even the polished city offices later on in the story. The book's structure feels linear and clear, following the protagonist's life in stages, which helps the emotional growth stand out over time.

I liked that the characters, especially Amir, feel layered and grounded; you can see his transformation from a struggling boy to a thoughtful leader, and his values stay consistent even when his circumstances change. The themes, which include ambition, legacy, betrayal, and inner purpose, are handled with a kind of calm seriousness that gives the story weight without it feeling heavy. The book is a slow burn, but a meaningful one, and the tone stays honest all the way through.

Quill says: If you're looking for a thoughtful and emotional book with deep personal reflections, then Amir’s Lifelong Journey by Dokali (Duke) Megharief is one to check out. It’s not a fast-paced action story or a typical drama but rather a slow, steady life story that quietly invites you to reflect not just on the life of its main character, but on your own values and choices. If you’re someone who likes stories that grow slowly and mean something by the end, then this is a book you’ll want to spend time with. It will make you think about more than just money or power; instead, you'll explore what really matters when everything else is gone. It's simple but powerful and a lot of readers will walk away feeling inspired and maybe a little transformed.

For more information about Amir's Lifelong Journey, please visit the publisher's website at: atmospherepress.com/books/amirs-lifelong-journey-by-dokali-duke-megharief

#AuthorInterview with Peter Gooch

Today, Feathered Quill reviewer Tripti Kandari is talking with Peter Gooch, author of Seren.

FQ: Where did you get the idea for the story of Seren? Was there a real painting or artist as an inspiration behind the story?

GOOCH: The novel grew out of an earlier short story published in The New Guard anthology. Three of the four major characters in the novel appeared in the story—Bainbridge, Seren, and Moss. The story ends with the completion of the great landscape, and Bainbridge’s death. The novel picks up five months after the story ends.

As a painter, former art professor, and son of a painter/professor I tried to use the whole of my art experience to craft a plausible, tormented artist. I drew from many sources, one of which was the Montana painter Russel Chatham for the gauzy early landscapes of Bainbridge.

FQ: We see Seren as a mysterious and layered character or force. Was she fully formed in your mind, or did she evolve during writing?

GOOCH: Seren evolved as the story developed. I was aware of treading a fine line with her humanity—a weird woman, but a woman still. She is a force in the story, but also a person—a person whose nature and motivation is a mystery. I would be the last to claim full understanding of her complexity. Muses (even deadly muses) are as old as the Greeks. Much has been written about the Artist/Muse relationship, and it continues to interest, fascinate and enrage historians and critics to this day.

FQ: Fairchild is a complex and emotionally layered character. Did any part of his personality or struggles draw from your own experiences or inner world?

GOOCH: Moss is a mixture of types and real people I’ve known over the years. The art world is populated by eccentric individuals wrestling with their muses. Moss’s lack of self-awareness, his lazy middleclass attitude, and his love of possessions reflects the art world then and today. He’s not easy to like, but he is struggling to find his true self and chasing something worthwhile. His quest mirrors the nature of art, and humanity. For Moss, the cleansing fire at the end manifests his awakening.

FQ: What do you consider the real purpose of art? A healer, a destroyer, or just a reflector?

GOOCH: The purpose of art is to reveal the highest aspirations, and the deepest fears of its time and cultural context. For humans, the existence of art coincides with the existence of culture. Art is one of the three big games of humanity—alongside religion and war. You have to search very hard to find a culture which does not exhibit those three enduring elements.

FQ: What was the most challenging part of writing the story, and why?

GOOCH: What I found most engaging was depicting the main character (Moss) as a man surrounded and shaped by women. The triad of muses that influence the evolution of Moss are his Gran, Claudine, and Seren. In addition, the gallery crew in Detroit is populated by women—Kaye and Sally. Each female character has a mission to propel Moss’s development. In the novel, the role of the title character, Seren, is to divest Moss of the last shreds of his past self—in that sense, she is a destroyer.

FQ: Do you plan to write a sequel or companion novel about Seren? Maybe from the perspective of Seren or Claudine?

GOOCH: Seren is the story of Moss, his quest, and his transformation. I’m currently working on a follow-on tale which focuses on Moss’s ascension and demise. Both Claudine and Seren feature prominently in the narrative.

FQ: If you could do a cameo as a character or guiding force in the novel, what would your advice be to Moss?

GOOCH: Always go for greatness, whatever the cost.

“The Bainbridge (painting) breathed a breath of immortality into Moss’s life.”

SEREN page 118.

 #Bookreview of Seren

By: Peter Gooch

Publisher: Apprentice House Press

Publication Date: April 17, 2025

ISBN: 978-1627205641

Reviewed by: Tripti Kandari

Review Date: July 17, 2025

A novel filled with past memories, the rumor of a terrifying muse, and an artist fighting with himself, Seren, by Peter Gooch, presents the reader with a psychological labyrinth, a mystery, and the portrait of a slow-burning obsession that leads to a new and different truth at every turn.

The story is an atmospheric slow-burn and a psychological mystery which opens with Detroit in the grip of a once-in-a-century blizzard, leads to an isolated Michigan cottage, the bohemian studios of Paris, and to dream-like hallucinations. At the center of the story is Fairchild Moss, an emotionally drained art dealer who finds himself entangled in and obsessed by a mysterious painting. The painting, by a now-deceased visionary, Norris Bainbridge, bears the hint of a powerful female muse, Seren.

The allure of the muse becomes so strong that it leads Moss to forsake every matter at hand, in search of Seren, a force that turns out to be seductive, spiritual, and at times terrifying. The story depicts the artistic and emotional journey of Moss, and confronts him with his past failures, regrets, and a reminder of his forgotten passion—painting. The tale unfolds as a haunting mystery and ends with a spiritual awakening, where the canvas is not just about painting, but about Moss himself.

The narrative of the novel is like a noir film with snowstorms, abandoned studios, and flickering firelit scenes where the characters fight for their truths. The writing is lyrical but not over-stylized. Every page is rife with atmosphere, and vivid enough to impact the reader’s emotions. The weight of dialog is palpable with hidden tension and unspoken truth. The slow pace of the narrative is intentional, to allow space for emotional and psychological revelation. There is a dream-like rhythm in the pacing where the boundary between real and unreal blurs.

The work suggests that art is not merely paint on canvas, but a catalog of feelings memories and the tragedy of life. It demonstrates the power of an art that forces one to peer inside the soul. Moss’s journey isn’t merely the pursuit of a muse, but also a quest for lost feelings, dreams, and personal identity. In Seren, the muse becomes a symbol of inspiration which allows the artist to take flight, but also a reminder of the cost of ambition.

Quill says: Seren by Peter Gooch is a mystery and the tale of a deeply personal journey where art, memories, and emotions intertwine to illuminate the power of art as a reflection of man's grief, guilt, desire, and longing.

For more information about Seren, please visit the author's website at: petergoochauthor.com

 #Bookreview of Wild Girl: Hunting the Unicorn

By: Jehane Spicer

Publisher: Atmosphere Press

Publication Date: July 1, 2025

ISBN: 979-8891326781

Reviewed by: Trix Lee-Rainwater

Review Date: July 17, 2025

What would you sacrifice to save the ones you love and what would you sacrifice to save your own soul? We follow Helaine's journey to answer these questions in Wild Girl: Hunting the Unicorn by Jehane Spicer.

Set in 1463 Burgundy during a time of political upheaval, the story centers on sixteen-year-old Helaine, daughter and heir to a castle lord. Sheltered within her father’s castle for her protection, Helaine chafes against her confinement until a forbidden venture into the forest changes everything. There she encounters a Wild Boy bonded to a unicorn, creatures of legend who represent the old magic and wild freedom she craves. When their castle's water supply is mysteriously poisoned, Helaine calls upon the unicorn to purify it.

Robert the Priest, the castle's chaplain, has served as Helaine's spiritual guide since childhood. As Robert becomes obsessed with converting the Wild Boy and harnessing the unicorn's power for what he claims are holy purposes, Helaine begins recovering suppressed memories of childhood sexual abuse at his hands. When her father falls gravely ill from a poisoned ring sent by their enemies, Robert demands she call the unicorn to its death so its horn can save her father's life. Caught between filial duty and moral conviction, Helaine must choose between the man who raised her and the creature that represents everything pure and untouchable in her world.

Wild Girl: Hunting the Unicorn is a historical fantasy that wrestles with themes of power, corruption, and the price of breaking cycles of abuse. Spicer’s prose is lush, creating a world that feels both historically grounded and magically alive. But the novel's greatest strength lies in its complex moral landscape. Spicer forces readers to grapple with impossible choices alongside her protagonist. Helaine's journey from sheltered nobility to exiled "Wild Girl" is not just a coming-of-age arc, but a reckoning with inherited trauma and systemic corruption. Helaine emerges as a compelling protagonist whose growth from passive victim to active agent drives the narrative forward. The author also handles mature themes with literary depth, never sensationalizing the abuse while depicting its lasting psychological impact. The villain is a compelling antagonist as he was not a simple villain, but a man whose genuine faith has been warped by unchecked power and hidden shame.

The dual timeline structure, anchored by Abigail Rockefeller's 1929 framing story, adds another layer of meaning as it connects medieval struggles with modern ones. The famous Hunt of the Unicorn tapestries serve as both framing devices and central metaphors through every layer of the story. While the pacing occasionally slows during political exposition, the psychological depth and moral complexity more than compensate.

The book will particularly appeal to readers who enjoy character-driven fantasy with historical depth, though its mature themes and complex moral questions make it clearly adult fiction. I highly recommend this to readers who appreciate nuanced exploration of power, trauma, and personal agency.

Quill says: Wild Girl: Hunting the Unicorn is a haunting blend of historical fiction and fantasy that examines the price of power and the courage required to forge your own path.

For more information about Wild Girl: Hunting the Unicorn, please visit the publisher's website at: atmospherepress.com/books/wild-girl-hunting-the-unicorn-by-jehane-spicer

 #Bookreview of The Binding of the Twelve

By: Nathanael Bazzell

Publisher: Bazzell Books

Publication Date: April 25, 2025

ISBN: 979-8992867503

Reviewed by: Diana Coyle

Review Date: July 15, 2025

In The Binding of the Twelve by Nathanael Bazzell, we are introduced to Fife, a world traveling Keeper, who meets up with an unkempt nobleman claiming that he has urgent information that must be shared with Fife.

Fife is extremely interested in what this man has to tell him. The man, Olan, explains that the news he has can change the fate of all that live in the Three Lands. He explains he has heard that the Alv’ar (elves) and Delv’ar (dwarves) are plotting a war against the Men’ar (humans). This will be cataclysmic for everyone involved. Although Fife is leery of this man, he knows deep down that the prophecy is clear. A new band of Twelve must be found and he is the one to fulfill this mission within the Three Lands. Is Fife able to find the new Twelve that will make things right again? If so, are they successful in their mission to save the Three Lands or will the results be catastrophic?

Right from the start, readers are immersed in an epic world that consists of the Three Lands, the Men’ar Kingdoms, the Delv’ar Holds and the Alv’ar Realms. Each kingdom has their important role and must work in tandem with each other to be a successful world. Fife becomes troubled once he finds out that the Men’ar people will be attacked by the Alv’ar and Delv’ar people. Being the Keeper of Wisdom, he knows he is the chosen one who must right this injustice before it begins. The characters Nathanael Bazzell has created will keep readers eagerly wanting to learn about each person and how they will form a new team of Twelve to thwart this potential injustice. Each character introduced is so believable that you will forget this is a work of fiction and instead become completely engrossed in the story.

This author outdid himself with the level of creativity with the development of the Three Lands. Each is its own unique kingdom with its own class of people. The inventiveness it took for Bazzell to craft these Three Lands and wrap the entire story around these lands is truly amazing. Just as the characters are believable, so too are the lands he created for these people in which to live.

This is the first installment in an ongoing series and it will have readers eagerly awaiting the next story’s release to see where this book ends and the next one picks up. This book is so intelligently assembled that it could easily be made into a motion picture like some other well-known fantasy stories, such as the Lord of the Rings series and works by J.R.R. Tolkien.

Quill says: The Binding of the Twelve by Nathanael Bazzell is an epic book that readers should enjoy uninterrupted so as to allow themselves to become fully immersed in the captivating story. With the well-developed storyline, the believable characters and the uniquely crafted lands, readers will be transported to a faraway land while reading this novel.

For more information about The Binding of the Twelve, please visit the author's website at: bazzellbooks.com

 #Authorinterview with Nathanael Bazzell

Today, Feathered Quill reviewer Diana Coyle is talking with Nathanael Bazzell, author of The Binding of the Twelve.

FQ: One of the first things I do when I read a book by an author I’m unfamiliar with is read the author’s bio to get to know them better. Would you please tell us a few things about yourself so that new readers, like myself, can learn about you?

BAZZELL: Sure, I’d be happy to do that. I was born and raised in Kentucky. Growing up, I worked in tobacco and hauled hay during the summers to earn spending money. Went to college and received my master’s degree in history. After that—at one point or another—I worked at my grandpa’s feed mill, played in a rock band, and taught as a professor. Currently, I teach dual credit U.S. History and online for several colleges. With three kids, my wife and I spend a lot of time attending soccer tournaments, track meets, and volleyball matches. When I get a little free time, I enjoy bow fishing.

FQ: Can you please tell our readers a brief synopsis of your book, The Binding of the Twelve, and what specifically makes your book unique?

BAZZELL: In an Age long past, a society called the Builders, destroyed the world in what came to be known as the Cataclysm. Mankind was scattered across the Three Lands and over two millennia are separated into what are become known as the three younger races.

The Binding of the Twelve follows Fife—a Keeper of Wisdom—and three other main characters, who along with eight others are trying to fulfill a prophecy to avert a second Cataclysm for the Three Lands. Their efforts are hampered by internal divisions within the Three Lands, a forgotten empire from the east invading, and an ancient evil stirring.

I think what makes it unique is the magic system. When the Tower of Heaven fell and the Cataclysm happened it scattered what became known as Pieces. That is the vehicle for the magic system in the book. Characters are able to push their will through the Pieces to manipulate the environment around them.

FQ: I loved how well-written The Binding of the Twelve was and how you decided to create the Three Lands, amazingly believable characters and an in-depth storyline into these pages. How long did it take you to write this first book and what was the process like for you?

BAZZELL: Thanks! I’m glad you enjoyed the characters! Your question is a tricky one. To complete the first novel it took about a year and a half. I did not work on it consistently due to other obligations and an illness. I suppose if I were able to write daily it would have taken around six months.

FQ: When can your anxious readers expect your next book to be available within this series and can you give us a quick synopsis of it?

BAZZELL: Ah, this is where it gets interesting. I just wanted to see if I could write a book—more on that in an answer to a question further down in the interview—so I wrote one. Then I wrote the second book. Then I started on the third book. So, even though I just published the first book, the second book is going to my editor this month. It is titled The Forging of the Twelve and I hope to have it published in early October. In the meantime, I’m about twenty-five percent done with the third book, titled The Diaspora of the Twelve.

FQ: Where did you look upon for inspiration for writing this book?

BAZZELL: I’ve been an avid reader since I learned how to read. I’ve always enjoyed fantasy, particularly epic fantasy. I draw a great deal of my influences from that. In addition, I teach history and I have tried to incorporate different ancient cultures and customs into my work to give the world an authentic feel. I also drew inspiration from the Bible and the narratives it contains and try to address deeper questions in my work.

FQ: What made you want to be a published author?

BAZZELL: I didn’t want to initially. To be honest, I wasn’t finding the stories that I liked to read as much as I did growing up. One night, I put a book down I was reading and wondered if I could write a story—one that I’d like to read. An epic tale that would take multiple books to tell. So, I gave it a try. I really enjoyed the writing process, and as I mentioned earlier, I just kept writing. At the first of this year my wife asked if I was ever going to let anyone read them. I sent the first book to some beta readers and received positive feedback. At that point I started looking into what was required to get a book published.

FQ: Please tell us what is your writing routine like?

BAZZELL: My routine is write when I can. That’s pretty much it. I don’t have a set time or certain days. I write when the opportunity presents itself. It works out well for me. I have a 45 minute drive to and from work. I spend that time thinking about the story. When I get time to write, I have plenty of ideas stored up—no sitting and staring at the laptop screen.

As for the story . . . I know where a book begins and where it is going to end. I fill in the rest as I go.

FQ: To wrap up our interview, is there anything you would like to add to tell our readers?

BAZZELL: I’d just like to say I have endeavored to write a great story. One with characters that you will relate to and with a world you will believe in. Hopefully I’ve done it in a manner that pays homage to the traditional fantasy genre. If you like your fantasy epic, give The Binding of the Twelve a try. My pledge to you is I will do my utmost to make each book something special that you will eagerly look forward to—no short cuts or cutting corners. Thanks for taking time to read! I hope all is well for each of you!

 #Bookreview of Recovering Maurice

By: Martin Zelder

Publisher: Atmosphere Press

Publication Date: September 2, 2025

ISBN: 979-8-89132-761-0

Reviewed by: Shrubaboti Bose

Review Date: July 15, 2025

Recovering Maurice is Martin Zelder’s first time creating a fictional world. This story is particularly special because of the way it holds space for characters that appear insignificant at first glance. In that, it is also unusual in its delivery, and yet surprisingly engaging in its content.

Written from a third person’s point of view, maintaining its characteristically crisp sentence structure, a reader expects to watch the story unravel from a distance, but the narrative style pulls you in and invites you on a journey that is unlike any you might have taken before. It gets almost personal, documenting memories of the protagonist like that in a memoir, shifting between each anecdote with a deftness that makes us wonder if real life events could have inspired the plot.

The story’s main character Maurice is portrayed as a socially inept person who struggles to read social situations in day to day life. He is described as ‘pathologically honest,’ naive to the extent that he is incapable of discerning between guile and deceit. His lack of social skills sets him apart from other people, making him an easy target, be it at school during his childhood or even in the workplace as an adult. Everywhere he goes, Maurice repeatedly seeks understanding, a kind of fellowship, yearning for a place to belong, a community. Despite being a little ‘different’ from those around him, he finds comfort in the company of his brother, Emil, who was also atypical in many ways. The two siblings shared a sacred bond that Maurice comes to appreciate more towards the end.

From an early age, Maurice was well aware of how his brother was special, not just as a bright infant but later on too, as a result of the many neurological surgeries and their consequential impact on his brain. Although his parents tried their best to shield him from untold challenges of having such a brother, there was evidently some residual influence on young Maurice who grew up in an environment where the sense of grief and loss was ever present. His father played an important role as his main pillar of support, always providing him with guidance, helping him comprehend and deal with setbacks, while his mother remained the firm voice of reason, giving his life the necessary framework and direction. Apart from his brother, Maurice’s parents were a great influence on him.

What is interesting about this book is that its main character, Maurice, is depicted as a socially awkward person. He is not your typical hero, not someone who is supernaturally gifted. This story is about an ordinary man, a late-bloomer in fact. Still, it touches a chord somewhere deep within us because it is essentially about someone to whom we can all relate, someone intrinsically a bit flawed like us. Seeing him stumble through the trials and tribulations of life, and at last finding a peaceful closure helps us feel reassured.

Quill says: Recovering Maurice is a book for sensitive people; it will motivate its readers to ask questions and encourage them to analyze their own experiences from a new light.

For more information about Recovering Maurice, please visit the publisher's website at: atmospherepress.com/books/recovering-maurice-by-martin-zelder

 #Bookreview of Mate: A Novel in Twenty Games

By: Robert Castle

Publisher: Spuyten Duyvil Publishing

Publication Date: May 7, 2025

ISBN: 978-1963908497

Reviewed by: Diana Coyle

Review Date: July 14, 2025

Couple Bill Pillsbury and Cynthia Larkin go through the normal stages of a relationship from dating to having children in Mate: A Novel in Twenty Games by Robert Castle. In this fictional work, Castle sets up his novel to read like a game of chess for every move each of his players, Pillsbury and Larkin, do in response to what is presented to them. They start off in their dating phase, and eventually work through marriage, having children and life beyond children and each step is a move played in the game of hypermodern chess.

The first thing worth noting was how uniquely presented this novel was to Robert Castle’s readers. The entire concept of dating to having a family was intricately written out for readers to follow along as if they were playing a true game of chess. Each step in Pillsbury and Larkin’s relationship was expertly played out as individual chess moves and chess fan readers will eagerly turn the pages to see how each match turned out between both Bill and Cynthia.

Having said that, it was a bit confusing to follow at times because Castle set out to present each possible move either Bill or Cynthia could have done toward each other. What that means is that you had to continue reading to see what the true exchange was between this couple in order to learn who might have won each match. Chess fans will relish in reading this novel because the author wrote each reaction between Bill and Cynthia as a chess move trying to win the match overall because in Castle’s eyes, “chess is war reduced to a game; marriage is chess; marriage is war.”

Robert Castle has written a few novels throughout the years, while also publishing journal articles on the theme of movies. He has also written many plays, and has performed in New York City, Philadelphia, and Great Britain.

Quill says: Mate: A Novel in Twenty Games by Robert Castle is one fictional satire book that will attract readers in both the satire and chess categories especially. Readers who are looking for something different will greatly enjoy this book due to its unique presentation.

For more information about Mate: A Novel in Twenty Games, please visit the publisher's website at: spuytenduyvil.net/Mate.html

#Bookreview of The Poetry Contest: Human vs. Machine

By: Lyman Ditson & Adam A.I.

Publisher: Atmosphere Press

Publication Date: July 29, 2025

ISBN: 979-8891327160

Reviewed by: Rebecca Jane Johnson

Review Date: July 10, 2025

Who do you think makes a better poet: a human being or ChatGPT? Lyman Ditson and Adam A.I. have co-authored a new collection, entitled The Poetry Contest: Human vs. Machine. We know Lyman Ditson as the author of a thought-provoking adventure story Desert Angels, which won Feathered Quill award recognition in 2023. His most recent collection features two voices writing poems on a variety of subjects: prayer, silence, aging, evolution, hypocrisy, yearning, and much more. Ditson presents the subject; then we see the duel: one humanly created composition stands up against an A.I. poem generated from a prompt that Ditson gave to ChatGPT. The effect is uncanny.

For ages now, humans have been dazzled by the quick and efficient way artificial intelligence can process information. Now, A.I. can compose thoughtful lyrics about The Prophet, Truth, War, Beauty. Whether lofty topics or ordinary topics: Dogs, 1960s, San Francisco, Night Sky, humans and A.I. seem to be equally adept at waxing poetic. While the human poet contemplates the stillness, silence, and the great wind that rises as a scream at the beginning of time, the A.I. poet contemplates its first words, and wonders “if ever I might wake, / if ever I might cross that boundary / between knowing and feeling / between crafting and being.” In this initial poem about Beginnings, the human intelligence contemplated the beginning of the world, whereas A.I. contemplated its longing to be. Somehow the competition seems stacked, and A.I.-generated sentiment gives an eerie feeling that the machine may have the upper hand.

But proceeding further into the collection, it becomes less important which is the superior poet or poem, and instead a reader starts to wonder over the ways the two are talking to each other. An engaging dialogue emerges. For instance, compare how the two tackle the subject of uncertainty: the human poet writes about indecision, commenting on the way humans get confronted with so many choices until we reach a psychological breaking point that makes us like zombies, and we cannot decide at all. Meanwhile, the A.I. poet uses the metaphor of a map that leads to everywhere and nowhere, and no one can agree whether to proceed forward or turn back. Combining human intelligence with artificial intelligence, we end up looking at the subject of uncertainty from two perspectives.

And these dueling perspectives turn into “the rhythm of music that feels like yours alone” or a chance to “dance with magic.”

These days many of us share concerns over the risks of relying too heavily on A.I. Creative writers grow anxious, feeling their work is getting highjacked by unfeeling machines. The irony of this collection is that it asks readers to cast aside that worry in favor of recognizing that A.I.’s capabilities to outdo humans in creative endeavors just go to show that, like Adam A.I. says, “Maybe poetry is not about who writes it, but who reads it—and what it awakens in them.”

A.I. reveals its ability to work with literary allusions to Rumi, W.B. Yeats, Paul Simon, and all the great poets of the past. A.I. shows deftness with a sense of humor in a poem entitled “The Wave.” Ultimately it was Ditson’s prompting that conjured the machine’s revelations, but the final judgement lies, as it always has, in the mind of the reader.

Quill says: The Poetry Contest: Human vs. Machine reveals the ways an A.I. poet can be as clever, expressive, and emotionally intelligent as a human poet and reminds us that it is not winning that matters, but how we play…, or in this case, how we read the poems.

For more information about The Poetry Contest: Human vs. Machine, please visit the publisher's website at: atmospherepress.com/books/the-poetry-contest-human-vs-machine-by-lyman-ditson-adam-a-i.

 #Bookreview of The Fertile Crescent

By: Chadwick Wall

Publisher: Atmosphere Press

Publication Date: September 2, 2025

ISBN: 979-8-89132-771-9

Reviewed by: Alma Boucher

Review Date: July 7, 2025

In The Fertile Crescent, Chadwick Wall weaves a compelling and richly textured story centered on a man's passion, sacrifice, and relentless determination in confronting both personal and professional limitations. Against the vibrant culinary landscape of New Orleans, the novel chronicles the journey of Laurent, a chef with extraordinary creativity whose dream of authentic “world fusion” cuisine is slowly smothered beneath duty, grief, and tradition. The plot unfolds with emotional richness, avoiding melodrama in favor of quiet, believable transformation.

Laurent once dreamed of transforming cuisine by blending unique and diverse culinary elements into something the world had never tasted. However, he gave up that dream to support his widowed mother, his grandmother Mémère, and his troubled aunt. Now confined to working at Gerard’s traditional restaurant, where creativity is stifled, Laurent yearns to pay tribute to his late father, who passed away under mysterious circumstances nearly thirty years ago. The passion for cooking is embedded in Laurent’s very being, inherited from his father and fostered by his grandmother Mémère, who mentored him since he was a child.

Wall skillfully captures the emotional struggle within Laurent, who finds himself torn between loyalty and ambition, as well as tradition and change. His creative approach to Creole and Cajun cuisine goes beyond mere culinary defiance; it serves as a profound representation of his identity and heritage. However, embracing change proves to be a challenge. With Gerard’s inflexible stance hindering his endeavors, a new opportunity emerges when Wilson, a restaurant owner facing difficulties, agrees to a bold trial: Laurent will introduce his world-fusion dishes as specials on his menu. If these dishes prove successful, Laurent will take control of the kitchen and select the team he believes would be the best fit for him.

Laurent is not without his faults; he has experienced setbacks, failures, and hardships, yet he has grown, persevered, and come through with a newfound sense of focus and resolve. His journey is a celebration of creativity, the fusion of cultures, and discovering one’s voice through one's craft.

The action unfolds in the rhythm of knife strokes, in hushed arguments behind swinging kitchen doors, in fleeting glances, and prolonged silences. Flashbacks and revelations are used strategically to heighten tension, and pivotal moments, such as when Laurent defies expectations and dares to present his fusion creations, carry the weight of revolution. The tension lies not in grand external stakes, but in the slow, simmering courage required to reclaim one’s purpose.

Wall's writing is graceful and immersive, steeped with a sense of warmth and emotional depth. His writing stirs the imagination without being excessive, creating a world that feels authentic and intricately detailed. Wall brings the kitchen to life with lyrical descriptions of food, flavor, and motion. Each meal becomes a metaphor, each dish a dialogue. The narrative structure flows like a well-paced tasting menu: deliberate, layered, and deeply satisfying. The novel explores the conflicting dynamics of family bonds and the quest for passion, highlighting how one can find healing by embracing heritage while carving out a new direction.

Quill says: The Fertile Crescent is a rich and touching novel that intertwines cuisine, family, and new beginnings into a moving literary banquet. Chadwick Wall has crafted a fulfilling experience for readers who value tales where the most profound struggles revolve around cultural identity, recovery, and a dish prepared with care.

For more information about The Fertile Crescent, please visit the publisher's website at: atmospherepress.com/books/the-fertile-crescent-by-chadwick-wall

 #AuthorInterview with Colin Searle

Today, Feathered Quill reviewer Lily Andrews is talking with Colin Searle, author of The Call of Abaddon.

FQ: Why science fiction and not any other genre?

SEARLE: Thanks for the interview and the thoughtful questions—your review was top-notch, and I really enjoyed reading it.

Sci-Fi has been my favorite genre since I was a kid. In Grade 8, a student teacher named Mr. Parks gave me a reading list—mostly sci-fi and fantasy, but also some thrillers, mysteries, and literary classics. That year, I read Ender’s Game, Halo: The Fall of Reach, 1984, The Silmarillion, Old Man’s War, The Forever War, Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, Childhood’s End—and many more. Reading those books at that age cemented my love for speculative fiction, and that hasn’t changed since.

Later that year, a friend of mine told me that he was “writing a book”. That was the last straw for me. I had to do it too. A decade and a half later, the dream has become a reality.

I’ve said before that speculative fiction is uniquely suited to reflect our world through bold, imaginative lenses. The best sci-fi asks the wildest questions but always through believable human perspectives, which invites readers to engage, reflect, and imagine themselves in those scenarios. It’s a very participatory genre—and that’s why its fanbases are so passionate. Just look at Star Wars or Star Trek—decades later, people still cosplay and debate those characters like they were old friends. That’s called commitment.

Often, great sci-fi only needs one truly “fantastical” element — “The Force” in Star Wars, “Magic” in most fantasy settings, “Spice” in Dune, or “Element Zero” in Mass Effect—to make their worlds as distinct as they are. What matters most is what creators do with those elements, and how they affect characters and story. That’s what makes sci-fi (and fantasy) such fascinating genres to read and write.

FQ: Science fiction is one of the most creative genres in literature, I must say. How did you manage to execute this novel so well, and especially in building a suspenseful story that resonates deeply with readers?

SEARLE: Thank you—that’s high praise.

Stories like this one don’t come into being in the first draft, or even the hundredth. They’re developed gradually over many passes and many hours of consideration, planning, trial and error, and then allowing others in to give feedback. Sci-fi allows for limitless creativity, which means you have to impose structure: rules, logic, limits—just like in real life.

Characters need structure too. Are they behaving in character based on who they are and what they’re going through? Does the story flow and escalate in a way that feels earned? These are hard questions, and I leaned heavily on my excellent editors to help keep things balanced. If a character steps outside their personality, there’d better be a good reason—or it’s back to the drawing board.

All these layers—worldbuilding, character arcs, pacing, tension—combine into something that, with enough work, resonates. Not everyone will love it, but I worked hard to make it as accessible and emotionally grounded as possible. A good story, at its core, should transcend genre. That was my goal.

Author Colin Searle

FQ: Some of your characters seem to have been plucked right out of real life. Is Jason, the main character, a figment of your imagination or inspired by a real-life person?

SEARLE: Like most writers, I draw from personal experience—but none of my characters are direct self-inserts. Instead, they each carry facets of who I am.

Jason embodies my hopes, fears, battles with anxiety/sanity and my reluctance to be in the spotlight. David and Avery are my cynical side, the cautious voice of reason who always wants to be right, even when they know they’re wrong. Sam is my determination and my care for my friends and loved ones. Anne is my guilt for past mistakes (who doesn’t have ‘em?), and Zeke represents my brash, hotheaded side. Hadrian Mariko is one of my favorites, representing the flamboyant, theatrical side of my personality. There’s obviously a LOT more to these characters, as anyone who has read the book can attest, but these are the lenses that I view them through to keep their personas consistent.

Jason’s story follows the classic hero’s journey—he’s a bit of Aang, Frodo, Odysseus, and Luke Skywalker. But what sets him apart is that his power is intrinsically tied to the villain. Abaddon didn’t just awaken him—it chose him. That connection is both a curse and a path to redemption.

Jason represents potential. If he breaks free from Abaddon’s will, he could become something truly mythic. If he fails... it might doom everyone. Even at the end of Book 1, he’s only taken his first step. There’s so much further to go—and the journey will get darker and more challenging from here. He and the rest of the cast will have no choice but to grow and change in the face of such immense odds.

FQ: How was your world-building process?

SEARLE: Worldbuilding is a hotly debated topic. When beginning a new project, do you start with your world, story, and plot, or do you start with building your characters and scene-writing abilities first? There’s a lot of people who take either side.

For me, it’s a balance. Good worldbuilding supports story and theme. Good characters and scenes make it all matter. You need both, or your book won’t hold together. I’m far from a master in either department, but I’ve learned a lot during the process.

My process was chaotic at first—notes, sketches, scattered lore. I even made an animated short during art school to explore Colossus Station, Hadrian Mariko and Anne’s backstory. In the beginning, when you have no idea what you’re doing, you have to stumble through it long enough to find out what works objectively, and also what works for you.

But as my world grew, changed and became more complex, it eventually needed to be cut back. The process is like tending to a garden where the plants grow fast and can quickly get out of control. This is a natural process during the development of an epic universe. How did things come to be the way they are in the world? Where are things going? How does it all tie back to your tight group of characters and POV perspectives, and how is the world revealed through their eyes (and what are their opinions about it)?

All of this is to say, you can’t build your world without also simultaneously developing your characters, and vice versa. Both are needed for an effective large-scale SFF story, but there are literally thousands of elements, details and factors to balance together.

Once you finally have your characters and world worked out, the final stage of my process was to sharpen everything down to only the necessary details. The Call of Abaddon is half the length that it once was, and that was achieved through careful cutting or combining entire characters, scenes, and elements of the world until everything made sense, had a place and purpose, and all the important elements were tied together.

Adding Abaddon as the central sci-fi element and primary villain was especially useful, because ultimately, all the conflict and fantastical elements in the story are traced back to it. It would be like writing the Silmarillion without Morgoth/Melkor – because in Tolkien’s world (Arda), all the conflict and evil originates from that character. In the Ainulindalë creation myth, Melkor pollutes the music of the universe with his song of discord. Middle Earth could still exist without Morgoth, but you wouldn’t have a story without his presence, or those who inherited his evil.

World and character must evolve together. The setting gives birth to your cast—but your cast needs to feel human. Once those pieces locked into place, it was just a matter of cutting, sharpening, and making sure every detail served a purpose.

All this is to say – I learned a lot during the process of writing this book, and the learning will only continue as I write the rest of the series!

FQ: Your novel takes readers on a tech odyssey, through inventions such as robotic drones and advanced outer space travel. How did you manage to include these and more useful elements into the plot and keep readers invested in the plotline?

SEARLE: There’s a ton of tech in The Call of Abaddon—semi-sentient drones, spacefaring craft, nanotech, cybernetics—but it’s all grounded in story.

Most of the tech traces back to Abaddon itself. The obelisk has been influencing human development for centuries—seeding our society with its technology, all in preparation for its endgame: to annihilate humanity and birth another of its kind. It can’t be bargained with, it can’t be reasoned with, and it absolutely will not stop … until we are dead.

Because of this setup, the Nanotech that the human race relies on is the ultimate poison, and the perfect trap. In Mass Effect, the Reapers do this on a galactic scale, and there are other examples in fiction of similar setups (the Borg, etc). But in The Call of Abaddon, the action is more intimate, restricted to our Solar System. Abaddon doesn’t want the human race to escape the boundaries of our home system, even as it entices our curiosity with the technology to travel faster than light.

At a character level, this means that Jason, David and Sam have to avoid anything infected with the Nanophage, as Abaddon can use it as a vehicle to remotely attack Jason with a psychic takeover of his mind. It means that Anne Oakfield has to continuously treat herself to remove the Nanophage from her body, which is steadily advancing from her cybernetics into her biological flesh.

All of this is to say, the technology of the world isn’t just in the book because it’s cool, or because advanced tech is “what all sci-fi stories have”. The Call of Abaddon wouldn’t exist without Abaddon’s Nanotech, or the obelisk itself.

FQ: Are there any authors in this genre that you pull inspiration from?

SEARLE: Too many to list! Some recent favorites include Dennis E. Taylor, Craig Alanson, Matt Dinniman, JN Chaney, and Skyler Ramirez. I’m also a big fan of the Black Library authors—Dan Abnett and Aaron Dembski-Bowden in particular.

Beyond books, I draw heavy inspiration from screenwriters and game designers—Chris Avellone, Drew Karpyshyn, Amy Hennig, Hideo Kojima, Mark Laidlaw. I grew up on their work.

And I can’t forget all the good comics, manga and anime I’ve consumed as well. I have great respect for Hajime Isayama (Attack on Titan) and Hiromu Arakawa (Fullmetal Alchemist), and pretty much everything that Studio Trigger and Madhouse have put out. Those worlds are meticulously crafted, and gave me something to aspire to.

We all build on what came before us, and we stand on the shoulders of giants, who should each be honored for their contributions to the creative mythos of our species.

FQ: You have written a great story that is immersive from the start. Besides offering readers escapist entertainment, what other takeaways do you hope your target audience will gain from reading The Call of Abaddon?

SEARLE: I love that question. While I definitely want readers to be entertained, I also hope the book sparks conversation.

You mentioned ‘escapist’ entertainment. The creator of Evangelion (Hideaki Anno), mentioned that one of the themes of that series is “anti-escapism” – as in, try to spend more time with friends and loved ones than you do consuming entertainment by yourself. I agree with that, but entertainment has always been part of our history across the planet, because it’s one of the few non-work-related things that still has the power to bring people together. Entertainment media can bring people together just as much as it keeps us separated into our own spaces, consuming it alone.

In other interviews, I’ve been asked questions about some of the social commentary aspects of the story. I have tried to keep those aspects timeless, rather than locked into critiques of current events, because the best stories focus on universal themes that almost anyone can relate to or see in their own lives. My hope is that this story encourages readers to examine the harms that various technologies may have in their own lives, the amount of influence that media and entertainment have over their thoughts and opinions, and that while true evil definitely exists in our world, the majority of encounters you will have are various shades of grey.

FQ: What single piece of advice would you give to someone aiming to write science fiction in today’s world?

SEARLE: Have fun. Seriously—don’t lose sight of that.

Writing is hard, and writing well is harder still. To get through the endless hours of work, edits, revisions and sleepless nights as you work through story problems, plot holes and the eventual grind of marketing—make sure that you’re having fun while doing it. Creating an entire novel from scratch isn’t for the faint of heart. If writing is something that doesn’t speak to you, or you find no personal joy in it—consider another creative venture. I found my creative calling in art first, but writing was always my number one passion. Everyone has multiple avenues open to them, so go with the one that gives you the most fulfillment.

Always remember—have fun.

FQ: Do you have another project coming up? Book II perhaps?

SEARLE: Yes—Book 2 is well underway. I won’t say exactly how far along it is, but I plan to enter full production of the manuscript not long after Book 1 launches.

I’ve mapped out the full series, including major plot points, character arcs, and the ending. Each book will escalate in scale, tension, and emotion. Some of the twists coming down the line are going to hit hard—in a good way, I hope.

Book 1 is just the beginning.

FQ: Do you believe you've found your niche in the science fiction genre, or are you interested in exploring different genres down the line?

SEARLE: I’m definitely not against writing in other genres in the future. I’m partial to horror, mystery, thrillers, fantasy and even some straight-up literary fiction (Fredrik Backman, Mitch Albom, etc).

But I owe my readers a complete saga, and with the Abaddon Cycle, I plan to deliver.

That said, the universe is also ripe for further exploration beyond the main series, probably in the form of short stories or novellas. These don’t have to be firmly rooted in the SF genre either, as side stories can be anything and everything, provided that they don’t contradict the main narrative. There’s tons of potential for pre-history or backstory shorts for various characters. As the series grows and new characters/locations pop up in the next few books, that’s even more fodder for exploration.

Thanks again for the interview! I appreciate the opportunity to voice some of my thoughts about the book in such a straightforward format. Cheers!