Fun Escapist Fantasy

An accidental legend and her queer allies battle a magical warlord in the fun fantasy The Return of Innocence. The Barnes & Noble Nook edition will be free June 6-13, 2026.

Seeing Sean Gay Book Review

Seeing Sean by Patrick Doyle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Patrick Doyle’s inventive and unpredictable novel Seeing Sean starts with a romance between two likeable gay men and expands their story to include time travel, dystopia, and many other science fiction elements. The mixture gels because Doyle keeps everything grounded around the relationship of Sean and Wyatt. They internalize the injustices, the dangers, and some bizarre imagery. As a fan of both gay stories and science fiction, I enjoyed this book and recommend it.

View all my Goodreads reviews.

Thanks for visiting my blog! Please also read about Taldra: Two Science Fiction Adventures. A brilliant scientist and her twin gay sons protect humanity. “Edge-of-your-seat action, scenes that detail the turmoil and terror of an alien attack and an inside look at love and acceptance for humanity’s differences.” —Dianne at Tome Tender.

Tales From Tharassas Book Review

Tales From Tharassas: Tharassas Cycle Book 0 by J. Scott Coatsworth
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I previously reviewed the J. Scott Coatsworth story “The Emp Test,” after reading it as a separate eBook. This collection includes “The Emp Test” and other stories set on Coatsworth’s fictional world of Tharassas.

As in real life, the people of Tharassas find that tradition can both connect them to the past and isolate them in the present. While they benefit from the wisdom of their ancestors, they can also become trapped in the confines of the small-minded thinking those ancestors often practiced. Coatsworth imbues his characters with a rich mythology and the weight of cultural history.

The stories benefit from an emphasis on strong character development and fast-paced changes. I can see why so many readers love Coatsworth’s books, including the other ones set in this thought-provoking world. The overall collection provides a framework for the Tharassas novels while also providing an enjoyable reading experience in and of itself.

Read my review of The Emp Test.

View all my Goodreads reviews

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Thanks for visiting my blog! Please read about my books, including the small-town fiction collection The Acorn Stories and my free eBook Degranon: A Science Fiction Adventure.

Featured Website: Liminal Fiction

As the welcoming page at Liminal Fiction states, “We’re an inclusive library of spec fic titles (fantasy, sci fi, paranormal and horror). Use the book search, our filter search, or the menu links.” Readers can find speculative fiction by genre, tropes, keywords, etc. They can also find sales, book reviews, and much more.

Please read my biography at Liminal Fiction and explore this multi-made presentation of Taldra: Two Science Fiction Adventures.

Gay Book Review: The Emp Test

The Emp Test by J. Scott Coatsworth
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

J. Scott Coatsworth’s fantasy story The Emp Test involves two men from different cultures, thrown together and obviously attracted to each other. Jey must let Avain care for him, though their people see each other as enemies.

Coatsworth works a great deal of mythology into the story in a natural way that both connects the two men and divides them. Jey also faces conflict within himself, but I won’t give any of that away.

Readers who want a gay story without tired settings or predictable tropes should enjoy this emotional, fast-moving, and empowering fantasy.

I had been following Coatsworth for years via social media and the book sites he runs with his husband but had honestly never gotten around to reading one of his books. The Emp Test provided a brief but enjoyable introduction that made me want to read more.



View all my Goodreads reviews.

Learn about the author via J. Scott Coatsworth’s Press Kit.

Thanks for visiting my blog! Please read about my books, including the small-town fiction collection The Acorn Stories and my free eBook Degranon: A Science Fiction Adventure.

SciFi Sons of Taldra Images, Interviews, Etc.

Teaser Trailer:

Sons of Taldra: 2nd Trailer.

Sons of Taldra: 3rd Trailer.

Sons of Taldra: 4th Trailer.

Sons of Taldra: Animated Cover 1.

Sons of Taldra: Animated Cover 2.

Sons of Taldra: Animated Cover 3.

Sons of Taldra: BookTok.

Sons of Taldra: Futuristic Music BookTok.

Sons of Taldra: The Iroquois Scientist BookTok.

Sons of Taldra: Thought the aliens wouldn’t find us. BookTok.

Sons of Taldra: Stranger Things/Alternate World: BookTok.

Sons of Taldra: She Needed to Protect: BookTok.

Sons of Taldra: She wants more power: BookTok.

Sons of Taldra: Argen’s Room: BookTok.

Sons of Taldra: Emergency: BookTok.

Sons of Taldra: QueerBookTok.

We thought the aliens wouldn’t find us. We thought we could trust the Maintainers. We were wrong.

The Iroquois scientist Taldra became Leader of our world a year before the alien shapeshifters attacked. Her twin gay sons, Telius and Argen, will rally to her side.

Telius, a former time traveler, wants to marry his boyfriend, a former spy. Argen, a prodigy with a troubled past, modifies a handsome captain’s vessel for the battle.

Our world’s other protectors hold dark secrets that might pose an even greater threat than the invaders.

“A major voice not only in American literature but also in the LGBTQ genre. Highly recommended.” –Author Grady Harp

“A gripping science fiction novel.” –Scribble’s Worth

“Truly unique and amazing!” —Author Eric Rench (formerly Shay Mills)

“Refreshingly different, and at its beating heart is some much needed diversity that slots in effortlessly and with purpose.” –Sebastian J. Brook. Read the review at Doctor Who Online.

“Overall, this book was a quick fun read for anyone who enjoys sci-fi and adventure books. The plot was compelling and the characters were engaging.” –Fiction Flock

“An explosive book that will mean different things to each reader. The familial love and romantic love that shine make it even a deeper read.” —N. N. Light’s Book Heaven

“I recommend this book to science fiction readers and those who like complex storylines.” —Review Tales

Nook eBook * Kindle eBook * Smashwords eBook * Kobo Plus eBook

Character artwork for Sons of Taldra: General Sydra, Taldra and Argen, Telius and Jase-Dawn, Telius and Argen, Telius and Argen.

YouTube & TikTok Space Twins.

Degranon and Sons of Taldra in One Volume.

Glossary.

Add Sons of Taldra to Your Goodreads Reading List.

The Navajo Influences on the Aliens in Sons of Taldra.

Why Taldra’s Family is Iroquois.

Queer SciFi Novel in Consideration for LGBT Book Award.

Interview About Sons of Taldra and More at BooksGoSocial.Com.

Character interview with Taldra at Feed My Reads.

New! Character interview with Admiral Nil at The Protagonist Speaks.

Sons of Taldra Review at Strange Book Reviews.

Sons of Taldra Review at Enas Reviews.

Sons of Taldra: What is Gay SciFi?

DuaneSimolke.Com: Pressure Tournament: Scene Cut from Gay SciFi Sons of Taldra.

Prism Book Alliance: Sons of Taldra Interview.

Book Excerpt at A. O. Chika Book Blog.

Book Teaser, Spoiler Alert.

Writing a Novel.

Science Fiction: TV in an Alternate Reality

On the season premiere of Lalololalo’s Celebrity Show, meet Admiral Nil, Top Maintainer, and learn about how she protects us from alien invasions, criminals, heavy hazard thoughts, and ourselves. All of Valchondria will be tuning it, so click the link below for the interview.

Meet the Antagonist Nil at The Protagonist Speaks.

The Protagonist Speaks features character interviews from a variety of writers and includes details on how other authors can participate, as a type of book promotion and content creation. Author Assaph Mehr of egretia.com created and manages that site.

Admiral Nil becomes a nemesis of the heroic Taldra in Sons of Taldra: A Science Fiction Adventure.

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The Whisper that Replaced God Part II: Silent Almighty Book Review

You might want to first read my review of Part I, so I provided that link to my previous post. Unlike most of the book-related ideas that occur to me when I wake up at 3 in the morning, I remembered that one. The review this blog entry’s title promises will now commence.

The Whisper that Replaced God Part II: Silent Almighty by Timothy Wolff
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

With Part II, Timothy Wolff takes advantage of the story’s split release by letting his MC and narrator Muse comment on some of the reader reactions to Book I. Not surprisingly, it gives this fast-paced volume a level of meta cleverness that makes the pages turn even more quickly.

The story takes unexpected turns, with Mute venting frustration at how so many people follow his new rival, Deaf. Mute resorts to increasingly dark choices and justifications, but the humor keeps the narrative itself from becoming bleak or depressing. Some of the lines work as simply funny, while others reflect clever commentary on human nature, power, storytelling, and social media—even if social media might not exist within Mute’s world. I’ll avoid spoilers and say Mute takes readers on a rewarding journey.

Readers who like fantasy with exciting action and outrageous humor should add Timothy Wolff to their reading list.


View all my Goodreads reviews

Thanks for visiting my blog! Please read about my books, including the small-town fiction collection The Acorn Stories and my free eBook Degranon: A Science Fiction Adventure.

Maybe the Right Girl at the Right Time Can Save a Kingdom

@duanesimolke The Return of Innocence: Maybe the Right Girl #booktok #fantasy #fantasybookstok #fantasybookstagram #yafantasybooks #booktoker ♬ O Fortuna - Techno Remix - Karmaik

The Return of Innocence: Maybe the Right Girl video. #booktok #fantasy #fantasybookstok #fantasybookstagram #yafantasybooks #booktoker

Discover unity, courage, and love as Taldra fights for humanity’s survival.

Discover unity, courage, and love as Taldra fights for humanity’s survival. https://t.co/42Pd7d05MR @duanesimolke#SciFiBooks #ScienceFiction #SciFiLit #SpeculativeFiction #Dystopian #IndieScifi #FuturisticWorlds pic.twitter.com/twVi0tPolc

— PromoCorner - Find your next Book. (@PromoCornerX) April 10, 2025

PromoCorner created this video for Sons of Taldra: A Science Fiction Adventure and posted it on social media.

"Refreshingly different, and at its beating heart is some much needed diversity that slots in effortlessly and with purpose." –Doctor Who Online

"The most intriguing aspect of the story is controlled by emotion as relatable characters grow and brave it all together, selflessly helping each other." –Enas Reviews

"A quick fun read for anyone who enjoys sci-fi and adventure books. The plot was compelling and the characters were engaging." –Fiction Flock

"An explosive book that will mean different things to each reader. The familial love and romantic love that shine make it even a deeper read." –N. N. Light's Book Heaven

"I recommend this book to science fiction readers and those who like complex storylines." –Review Tales

JP MacDougall's Indie Author Features

JP MacDougall, author of The Pangean Chronicles, has made the following announcement about free book promotion on his website. Authors looking for more exposure should visit now.

Promoting books online can feel like shouting into the void. That’s why I’m offering FREE promotion on my website, https://t.co/5epWtkHCrr, to help you reach more readers. 📚✨
📩 Send your book details, links, and images to authorjpmacdougall@outlook.com, and I’ll showcase your… pic.twitter.com/UouD1QmEpN

— JP Macdougall (@PangeanChrons) March 25, 2025

About The Pangean Chronicles

Millions of years ago in the time of Pangea, when the continents were still as one, there existed the demon world. A race known as the Sanctorians reigned over a peaceful existence until the mysterious and unsettling birth of a dark demon cast a long shadow over this peace. Following the rise of this dark lord, who became known as Satanicus, a terrible war ensued, with Sanctorians leading a resistance against this new tyranny. By the end of the catastrophic war, with Satanicus incarcerated within 'The Book', the super-continent of Pangea was shattered into its separate continents and human existence, as we know it now, came to be.

Now the human race faces a threat greater than ever before. Lord Masshawus has spent millions of years in the shadows, raising an army and now plots to unify Pangea. It is down to Michael Shaw and his allies to stop the unification of Pangea and to recover 'The Book'. The future of civilisation is in the balance and there are very few who can be trusted.

For Your 2025 Dystopian Reading List

If you’re building a 2025 dystopian reading list, please download Degranon for free via B&N, Kobo, or many other online bookstores.

In an alternate reality, the Iroquois scientist Taldra questions her world’s ban on space travel and free speech, but that world funds her research. One of her sons becomes trapped on the other side of a time portal while the other loses himself to the religious cult Degranon. Can they find their way back to each other before the Degrans destroy Valchondria?

Science Fiction TV: Resident Alien. #ResidentAlien #series #SyFy

I loved Alan Tudyk’s performances on Firefly/Serenity, Dollhouse, and A Knight’s Tale, to name some favorites. He can say a lot without saying anything, thanks to an expressive face, comic timing, and just a willingness to try anything to make his role memorable. I’d never read the Dark Horse Comic Resident Alien, but the description made Tudyk sound perfect for the title role.

Not only has he delivered on those expectations during the first three seasons, but the show surrounds him with a great array of quirky characters and odd situations. It’s bizarre, funny, exciting, and surprisingly touching. In a recurring role, a very serious Linda Hamilton brings more conflicts and surprises.

The upcoming fourth season will apparently air on SyFy’s sister station USA. SyFy seemed a more logical place for a science fiction series, kind of like keeping music on MTV Music Television, but at least the move doesn’t mean adding yet another channel or steaming app. I haven’t seen a definitive premiere date yet, just probably well into 2025. I’m looking forward to it and also recommend SyFy’s outer space series The Ark.

Thanks for visiting my blog! Please read about my free eBook Degranon: A Science Fiction Adventure.

2025 Reading List

📚🪐 SciFi fans, give yourself a free eBook for Christmas and your 2025 reading list. A First Nation family gets caught between two worlds in the science fiction adventure Degranon. Read the eBook for free via Barnes & Noble, Kobo, or many other online bookstores.

Free SciFi! Free eBook!

Degranon: A Science Fiction Adventure. An Iroquois family gets caught in a battle between two oppressive worlds. Free eBook! * Both Taldra Novels in One Book * We’re Glad Our Son Is Gay * The Maintainers Arrive * Reading Group Questions * Glossary

SciFi Book Review

"So for those who want a thought provoking and fun sci-fi read, then I would highly recommend Degranon; so hover on over to the bookstore and check this one out." -Blogger Girls

Featured Author: Maximilian Lopez #ScienceFiction

Maximilian Lopez, a Marine Corps veteran and Hispanic author, wrote the science fiction thrillers Echoes of Etherium Series. Vol 1: The Dreams That Bind Us and Vol 2: The Demons That Save Us.

@maximilian.lopez With book three coming out this summer, get your hands on book one and support an indie author and a talent artist cause this book cover is 🔥 😊 #tbrlist #booktok #readingcommunity #sciencefictionbooks #indieauthorsoftiktok #tbrpilekeepsgrowing ♬ Say So (Instrumental Version) [Originally Performed by Doja Cat] - Elliot Van Coup

The Dreams That Bind Us: Echoes of Etherium Volume One book description:

This sci-fi thriller explores the possibility that when we dream, we're merely glimpsing into an alternate reality. Three strangers bound together by a shared dream fight against the current of fate. Can they come to terms with the truth? Are we the only versions of ourselves? Are you the best version of you to exist? They must find each other without losing themselves. Two universes hang in the balance as external forces vie for control of their ability to peer into an alternate reality.

Illustrator: Lyrica Costello.

The Demons That Save Us: Echoes of Etherium Volume 2 book description:

As the clock ticks toward a multi-universal cataclysm, the dangers in both worlds become increasingly clear. With hopes and dreams on the line, unlikely heroes must confront an unyielding force of destiny that threatens to plunge them into its unforgiving depths.

The five unsuspecting test subjects—Corey, Selene, Joseph, and the Finnish twins—are bound by Dr. Kreiner and his father’s experiment to a fate they can barely imagine. When their consciousness is synchronized into their dream selves, it opens a gateway to an alternate reality. With a secret government agent determined to discover the truth, the stage is set for an epic battle against impossible odds.

Strap in for a riveting sci-fi thriller as dreams come alive and fate draws you ever closer toward its relentless grip in book two of the Echoes of Etherium Series - The Demons That Save Us.

Illustrator: Lyrica Costello.

Visit the author at X, Goodreads, Threads, and TikTok.

Taldra: Science Fiction Adventures. Newest reviews and now a playlist!

Taldra: Two Science Fiction Adventures at Barnes & Noble (print and eBook).

Taldra: Two Science Fiction Adventures at Amazon (print and eBook).

Taldra: Two Science Fiction Adventures at Smashwords.

Add Taldra to Your Goodreads Reading List.

Taldra Music Video Playlist:

Feed My Reads Interview with Taldra.

Taldra Discussion in Two Gay Geeks Webcast.

Instagram Book Promotion: Taldra.

Instagram @caty.books: Taldra.

BookPromotions BookTok: Taldra.

BookTok: My Taldra Video.

BookTok: My Meet Taldra Video.

“Creative and unique.” —R.L. Wood. Read this SciFi Book Review.

“I hope to see more by this author.” —Emily. Read this SciFi Book Review.

“The writing is imaginative and makes you think, adding depth to the tale.” —Rella B. Read this SciFi Book Review.

“Edge-of-your-seat action, scenes that detail the turmoil and terror of an alien attack and an inside look at love and acceptance for humanity’s differences.” —Dianne at Tome Tender. Read this SciFi Book Review.

“A highly-imaginative sci-fi adventure. Simolke’s alternate universe hits all the right notes between the fantastic and the believable. There is a dizzying and impressive array of ideas that permeate this novel. Taldra is a great sci-fi read, especially for those who enjoy history and religion mixed in with technology. This is one story where all three blend seamlessly into one.” Self-Publishing Review, ★★★★ Read this SciFi Book Review.

Set in an alternate reality, the Taldra novels focus on gays, people of color, and powerful women. Degranon: A Science Fiction Adventure flings an Iroquois family into a battle across time and space.

Winner, StoneWall Society Pride in the Arts Award.

“A thought provoking and fun sci-fi read.” —Blogger Girls

In Sons of Taldra: A Science Fiction Adventure, alien shapeshifters and dark secrets threaten humanity.

“The most intriguing aspect of the story is controlled by emotion as relatable characters grow and brave it all together, selflessly helping each other.” —Enas Reviews

Excerpt:

Lorfeltez stopped speaking. The audience grew still and quiet. The Maintainers had arrived. They filed through the crowd like a swarm of insects, freely pushing and shoving with all the authority their office granted them, elbowing several people, and pushing a few out the doorways.

Part of the crowd disappeared, as if the weight of the entering officers forced them outside. However, many of them failed to move away in time, and the Maintainers grabbed at their collars or even punched at them, before finding the sources of the disruption.

A female Maintainer yanked the holo-projectors away, knocking them to the floor, then used the handle of her sleep rifle to destroy them, sending hot metal parts and wires everywhere. One of the wires gashed a woman’s arm, sending out a small spurt of blood. Before even noticing her, the Maintainers handcuffed all five men, even while the crowd continued to shift madly about, trying to escape. One of the Maintainers assisted the injured woman, holding his hand over the cut on her arm.

Dr. Lorfeltez saw an elderly red woman in the audience, frail to the point that she had obviously lived beyond the virus’s benefits. One of the Maintainers waved his laser pistol around to scare away the remnants of the controversial gathering. He threw the metal cylinder up in the air and let it drop glove-like around his left hand.

(Excerpt from the revised, third edition of Degranon, Copyright 2016.)

Keywords: gay marriage, love is love, LGBT, queer, POC, People of Color, Native American, Iroquois, Navajo, African American, Black, Hispanic, Latino, Latina, Asian, Middle Eastern, religion, faith, atheism, cults, diversity, DiversityInSFF, strong females, powerful women, women, alternate reality, space epic, romance, free speech, individuality, scifi, SyFy.

Tweets with keyword Taldra

Rock and Pop Playlist for Taldra #ScienceFiction Adventures

#SciFi This isn’t a distant world or a distant future. This is an alternate reality that makes us look at our world, right now. Taldra isn’t some alien creature. Taldra is us. Her world, Valchondria, is Planet Earth.

Taldra playlist:

Judas Kiss: Gay Movie Review

Judas Kiss: Strong Ensemble Creates Tale of Magic, Redemption.

Summary:

Gay film favorite Charlie David stars as a reluctant movie festival judge who encounters a film with the same title as his past entry, made by a young man who shares his name. David leads an ensemble cast in a tale of magic and possible redemption. This is a repost of one of my 2011 reviews for This Week In Texas.

Text:

Judas Kiss brings special effects and some twists on the familiar redemption tale to gay cinema. Though both work well, the strong ensemble cast in particular makes this new J. T. Tepnapa film memorable.

Besides his novels, screenplays, and constant appearances in gay films, Charlie David has worked as a host on several TV networks. His easily recognizable face and voice become slightly haggard and troubled in his role as Zach, especially after Zach’s friend Topher convinces him to serve as a judge at a film festival.

Unfortunately, Zach previously derailed many of his ambitions by cheating with his entry years ago, at the same festival. So returning brings back countless bad memories. Those memories become worse after an anonymous one-night stand. The young man from that night appears before the judges, using Zach’s real name, Danny Reyes, and presenting Zach’s film, Judas Kiss.

By this time, the audience can already see that Zach has entered some sort of alternate time line or parallel dimension, in which he can interact with his younger self, to put it mildly. The film’s descriptions and trailer give away these same details, and much more—too much, really.

Richard Harmon gives a brooding and sometimes creepy performance as Danny, the young film student with a dark past and a desperate need for people to see his film. Harmon’s previous movie and TV roles include Smallville, The Killing, Caprica, Tower Prep, and Percy Jackson & the Olympians.

The cast also includes Brent Corrigan (In The Closet, Milk, Chillerama, The Big Gay Musical); Genevieve Buechner (Caprica, The 4400, Finding A Family, The Killing); Timo Descamps (a Belgium actor/pop star who also sings on the soundtrack); and several other talented actors. They all give strong performances, certainly much better than some of the wooden acting in otherwise likeable gay films.

In fact, the productions values in general easily rival mainstream work. While the plot might rely on familiar conventions, it also takes some risks, and allows the actors to make its “What If?” questions appealing. As a fan of both gay film and science fiction/fantasy, I had long looked forward to finally seeing this completed project, after reading about early plans for it at the doorQ gay scifi/fantasy/horror site. Besides enjoying the end result, I want to see more from the makers of Judas Kiss.

Director J. T. Tepnapa plays a gay officer in the long-running web series Star Trek: Hidden Frontier. He has received numerous awards as a writer, director, and actor. He co-wrote Judas Kiss with his frequent collaborator, Carlos Pedraza, whose film credits include several web-based projects. Jody Wheeler, known as a writer/director and for launching doorQ, co-produced.

Thanks for visiting my blog! Please read about my books The Acorn Stories and Degranon: A Science Fiction Adventure.