Tag: books

Book Reviews are usually a mixed bag

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Book reviews are not always “doom and gloom” nor are they “gold stars of high praise” either. It is usually a mixed bag of both good and bad, which I don’t mind. I take all criticism seriously and it helps me grow as an author. I like to think that my writing style has improved over the past 20 years from book to book.

This is evident in two of the most recent reviews I received for A Maker of Magic. The first came from Kirkus Reviews, an industry-trusted source for honest and accessible reviews since 1933 and has helped countless authors build credibility in the publishing realm ever since. Although it was a very positive review with a recommendation of “GET IT!” there were a few criticisms.

In Piggott’s fantasy novel, a family feud turns into an epic battle against evil.

As a child, Levi Richter, the son of Duke Richter, attends the Dawnstar magical battle academy as an Enchanter. Danielle Nichols, who doesn’t come from a noble family, is a Blademancer who combines magic and swordplay. Together, they fend off the bullying tactics of Lloyd Crittenden, son of Baron Leopold Crittenden, the nemesis of the Richter family. “I am your shield,” Levi vows on several occasions, and Danielle tells him, “I am your sword.” For years, the Baron tried to seize the Richter family mines, which contain Violet Amerlyte, a powerful element that can be used to fight against vampires, demons, and thralls of the underworld. Growing up, Levi forged inventive weapons to enhance his magical strengths. As an adult, his confidence finally allows him to stand toe-to-toe with the monsters of the underworld and with Lloyd Crittenden and his social-climbing father. The storyline tracks Levi’s destiny over the years and details his sometimes-melodramatic adult romance with Danielle (“The two lovers made love like an untamed raging fire”). Danielle serves as Commander of Drakmire, a frontline fortress close to the raging battle against the evil underworld creatures of Ebon Abyss, and she and Levi make a great team, but their romantic relationship follows overly familiar tropes. Piggott excels at worldbuilding and character description; he includes history, lore, explanations of social hierarchies, engaging magical powers, and epic battles. But although emotional events do occur, the overwrought, sentimental narration falls a bit flat, as when one character exclaims, “I will miss your tender touch, my darling husband” while a loved one is dying. That said, the narrative’s complexity and social-political themes more than compensate. Faith-based messaging sprinkled throughout reinforces the theme of the triumph of light over darkness.

A classic good-versus-evil plot with effective worldbuilding.

So, understand that I am not always comfortable with writing romance. It’s a necessary element in my stories, but not really my scene. So, yes, I tend to go “campy” and melodramatic, as Kirkus said. That’s just me, but I’m learning. As for the “overwrought, sentimental narration,” I explained in an earlier post that this novel was written right after my father died. Writing death scenes for this book really hit home, so I got a little sentimental. It couldn’t be helped.

The next book review comes from a trusted friend, Jennie Rosenblum. Jennie and I are from the same hometown and went to the same high school. She has provided great insight on my books, giving me honest reviews, both good and bad, and her review of A Maker of Magic is no exception. She posed her review on Goodreads and it tells me a few areas lacking in my book.

This fantasy had me thinking! What initially appeared to be an academy-style fantasy quickly evolved into something much more suited to an adult fantasy reader. The world-building was well done, creating an imaginative setting that drew me into the story. I would, however, have enjoyed a little more detail about how the characters traveled between places. Sometimes I enjoy the journey just as much as arriving in a new and interesting setting, and I would have liked to experience a bit more of that along the way.

I hope this is the beginning of a series because, while the story has the feel of a standalone with satisfying closure, that Epilogue leaves me wanting more. And please, do NOT read it until you reach the very end!
Dani, the main female lead, seems to have a bit of a Gemini personality. I really enjoyed her but would like to see her character develop as the series continues. Levi, on the other hand, is an interesting juxtaposition, going from geek to surprisingly intelligent hero. And the magic, well, that was top-notch, with great explanations that even this non-magical reader could understand.

Mark Piggott has given readers a fantasy with plenty to think about, an engaging world, and characters who leave room for further exploration. And that Epilogue? Well, now I’m ready for the next book!

Looking back, I realize I didn’t go into Danielle’s story as much as I should have. I focused so much on Levi’s journey that I left her behind after their magical school days. I thought I balanced it out enough, but this has been a common criticism of A Maker of Magic across many reviews and interactions with readers. It’s definitely an area I need to work on.

In any case, this is how you support independent authors. This kind of feedback from readers and our peers makes us better writers to where we can produce good books for you. LOVE A BOOK, LEAVE A REVIEW!

A Work in Progress: Corsair and the Temple of the Heavenly Chariot

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I know I just released two new books a few weeks ago, but time waits for no man, especially an independent author. I have been overwhelmed by readers asking me one simple question… Where is the next book in the Corsair and the Sky Pirates series? Well, your wait is almost over!

I am putting the finishing touches on Corsair and the Temple of the Heavenly Chariot. Corsair and his intrepid crew of sky pirates continue their adventures in this pulse-pounding sequel. Airship battles fill the sky, daring escapes cut through the streets of London, and a deep dive into the forboding temple of the Heavenly Chariot.

In this story, you will meet some new sky pirates, including the mysterious Italian aviator Captain Francesco Pinedo and the master showman, Harry Houdini! I had fun bringing this historic character to life as one of Nikola Tesla’s sky pirates. Plus, you’ll find a few more historical figures joining the adventures with Corsair, including Harry Selfridge, gangster Jimmy Eastman, and the infamous Jack the Ripper.

In an age where steam hissed from brass fittings and the night skies were cut by the silent silhouettes of airships, a second Industrial Revolution was born from the mind of Nikola Tesla and the prophetic visions of Jules Verne. It was powered not by coal, but by the radiant blue meteor fragments of the comet Uriel, whose energy could boil water for a century without diminishing. These shards ignited not just engines, but the bitter war between Tesla and his rival, Thomas Edison—a conflict fought with patents and propaganda in drawing rooms, and by cannon fire in the clouds.

From this strife rose the sky pirates: captains of fast, armored dirigibles built for stealth and sudden violence, their hulls vanishing against the clouds. And among these rogues, one name was whispered with fear in corporate halls and cheered in dusty plazas: CORSAIR. Hated by empires and the ERP corporation, he was a hero to the oppressed. Though nominally in Tesla’s service, contesting Edison’s grip on global power, their war reached a strained détente when astronomical calculations confirmed the unthinkable: Uriel had shifted course.

Now on a collision path with Earth, its impact would flood cities and shatter continents. No longer privateers, Corsair and his fellow sky pirates scoured the globe for clues to avert the apocalypse. Their only hope lay in the Temple of the Heavenly Chariot—a myth recorded on Viking runestones, Egyptian hieroglyphics, and Incan goldwork, said to house an ancient power capable of moving celestial bodies. Pursued by British dreadnoughts, ERP assassins, and psychotic Shades, Corsair races against time to unravel the temple’s secrets, unaware that the greatest danger waits not in the guns of his enemies, but in the betrayal of a trusted ally.

I will be doing a big cover reveal before Christmas, an early present for you from Sienna Arts (who did an amazing cover for me!) Stay tuned for more on its release in early 2027! Happy New Year!

Come out to an Indie Author Pop-Up at Marley Station Mall

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Over 30 authors in one place with plenty of books available for readers alike! Come out TOMORROW to an #IndieAuthor Pop-Up at Marley Station Mall in Glen Burnie, MD, on Saturday, November. 7, from 12-4pm. Meet more than 30 independent and local authors from the DMV showcasing works across genres like romance, mystery, thriller, horror, fantasy, children’s literature, and more! It’s a great kickoff to the holiday season!

This is a great opportunity for readers to find new books for their TBR or even gifts for the holiday season. And like all events like this, you get them signed by the authors. It makes a great gift and even more so, you’re supporting local indie authors.

I have everything in my arsenal with plenty of award-winning books waiting for you. From the Arthurian legends of the Forever Avalon series, to the dystopian future of magic and machines in The Last Magus series, and the steampunk world of Corsair and the Sky Pirates. Plus, I’ll have my latest fantasy read, A Maker of Magic, on hand. This is an open invitation for you to come out and meet a wonderful group of indie authors.

Sometimes You Need a DEMON to Fight Against the Darkness – Presenting “A Dance of Darklings and Demons”

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“While the Titans reigned in the heavens above Ard, Lilith ruled from Kehena below, thirsting for the blood of the innocent to satiate her desires. The Dark Lord sent the darklings out from the Tower of Ibris to devour the people in her name. The Titans asked the great god Atua to send help. He sent his acolyte, the Alchemage.” – From the Book of Ard

After nearly two years, I am finally able to announce upcoming release of my epic dark fantasy, A Dance of Darkling and Demons. I wrote this novel years ago, which I’ll get to in a moment, but due to things outside my control, it has been delayed. Finally, thanks to the dedicated work of Ravven White and Curious Corvid Publishing, its finally ready to release.

This book is a bit of a religious exploration for me. I was going through some personal issues involving God and other religious practices. My daughter converted to Norse Pagan and it hit me rather hard. I didn’t stop her, but I prayed she would find her way back to God. I wanted to reflect my own personal beliefs in my Lord and Savior, but as a fantasy writer, I needed to put it into a story. So, I used the concept behind one of my favorite Star Trek episodes to help tell my tale. Sounds strange, but hear me out.

The episode “Who Weeps for Adonais?” where a powerful being claiming to be the Greek god Apollo appears and demands that the crew of the Enterprise disembark onto his planet to worship him. I loved the idea of gods traveling across the stars, but I wanted to make them fantasy gods, not aliens, and I didn’t want to use Olympians. Instead, I used their parents, the Titans, as the central pantheon to my story. As for the one true God, I didn’t just want to use “God” or a name that we associate with God. Instead, I found the name Atua in the Maori language, which means God. In fact, a lot of the Maori traditions inspired the mythology behind this story, particularly with the Alchemages and their journey as warriors.

It was all starting to come together. This was a story about a world where the pantheon of Titans are worshiped by the people, yet one group of individuals worships who they call “the one true God,” Atua. They are persecuted as “demons” and “heretics” because of this belief. This religious persecution is the heart of my book, A Dance of Darkling and Demons.

When darkness enveloped Ard, the people cried out across the stars for help, and the Titans answered their prayers. The banished gods bestowed the glittering gift of magic to Humans, Elves, Animalian, and Nephilim alike. But the darklings, creatures of shadow and death, poured out like oil from the Obsidian Cliffs. These creatures, all gnashing teeth and shifting gloom, sought to devour the light of magic for themselves. As armies faltered and hope dimmed to a dying ember, the Titans themselves knelt in supplication before the great god Atua for help. He opened his hands and sent his most powerful weapon—the Alchemage.

These shadow hunters wielded not just magic, but the ether itself through alchemy, forging spells in crucibles of will and turning base elements into devastating power. But their victories were pyrrhic, paid for by their own souls. The very people they saved recoiled from them, branding them heretics and demons for turning away from the Titans. For a thousand years, this war of attrition ground on, a slow bleed against the world’s edge.

Canaan Treyhawke bled at the front lines beneath the Obsidian Mountains and lost his leg to war, but he fought on. He walks the grime-slicked streets of Perdition’s Point, a shadow hunter protecting a city that whispers “heretic” as he passes by. Canaan fights for his sister’s smile and the quiet safety of the woman he loves, and for a city that curses his name even as he strives to protect it. And now, he finds himself in the heart of a conspiracy that threatens to unravel the very fabric of Ard.

A shadow tamer—a mortal man twisted by his allegiance to the sinister Tower of Ibris—was on the hunt for the Progenitor. With this chaos tightening around him like a noose, Canaan must journey from the gilded spires of Signus Prime to the rain-slicked streets of the capital city of Adolphus. He must unmask the shadow tamer and sever this new threat before the darkness consumes everything.

The other thing I want to mention is the title, A Dance of Darkling and Demons. I know it sounds a little strange but to be honest, it’s exactly what I wanted. I thought an alliteration, the repetition of words, flowed so beautifully. The cover itself shows the deep religious undertones of the story, showing stained glass panels representing the four races of Ard—humans, elves, animalia, and the Nephilim. The center shows the dark goddess, Lilith, being captured and sent to the depths of Kehena by the Eye of Kronos. It shows the heart of the book in this vibrant cover. Plus, the interior art by Dennis Saputra really captures the essence of the Darkling monsters.

I want to once again thank Ravven White and Curious Corvid Publishing for bringing my book across the finish line to publication. A Dance of Darkling and Demons will release on November 3.

Literary Titan reviews A MAKER OF MAGIC

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With a month to go until the release of A Maker of Magic, I received some great news from Literary Titan. They gave me the first editorial review of my new dark fantasy tale, and FIVE STARS, no less. I appreciate having my work independently reviewed and getting such praise from Literary Titan gives me the confidence as an independent author.

A Maker of Magic by Mark Piggott is an expansive military fantasy built around Levi Richter, a rare Enchanter who can create spells and magical weapons but struggles to cast magic conventionally. Alongside Danielle Nichols, the formidable Blademancer known as the Sword of the Lawgiver, Levi grows from a gifted student into an inventor, soldier, nobleman, and possible fulfillment of an ancient prophecy. The long war between Engressia and the undead Ebon Abyss gives the story its scale, while Levi’s loyalty to his family gives it a clear emotional center. At heart, it’s a heroic adventure about turning an unusual talent into a source of strength.

A Maker of Magic is a bighearted and action-heavy fantasy for readers who like detailed combat, magical craftsmanship, loyal companions, bold romance, and heroes willing to carry enormous responsibilities. Levi’s progression from underestimated Enchanter to genuine force of change is satisfying because his victories grow from curiosity, preparation, and devotion to others. The final revelation also casts the apparent triumph in a more complicated light and opens an intriguing path beyond this volume. It’s an energetic tale with the confident sweep of a saga that has more story left to tell.

You can read the entire review at Literary Titan or listen to it on their Spotify podcast. Honestly, listening to the review on a podcast gives the book a whole new meaning. Plus, check out the Author Interview I did with Literary Titan to promote my new release. A Maker of Magic is available for preorder on Amazon. The dark fantasy releases on October 28.

The story behind A MAKER OF MAGIC is one of grief and love that consumed me

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A Maker of Magic by award-winning author Mark Piggott and Franklin Publishers.

My new dark fantasy, A Maker of Magic, was one of grief, sorrow, and love. I understand that may sound a little strange, but that’s why I wanted to explain how I came to write this story. It was rather spontaneous and came together in about three months.

In December of 2024, I had just returned from a Christmas vacation in Quebec, Canada. As my wife and I prepared for Christmas Day with our kids, I received a phone call from my brother. My father collapsed and was admitted to the hospital. He might not have long. I immediately jumped in my car and drove from Virginia to my hometown of Phillipsburg, New Jersey. On the drive, the song Scars in Heaven by Casting Crowns came on the radio. I couldn’t stop crying. I knew this was the last time I would see my Dad.

He died on Christmas Eve at the age of 88. My dad was a Marine Corps veteran, serving 22 years in the Corps including two tours in Vietnam. He was one of the reasons I joined the Navy, or rather he pushed me into it since college didn’t work out for me. He forged the man I am today.

For the next three months, I traveled between Virginia and New Jersey to help my brother with funeral arrangements, helping take care of my mother, and getting things settled. At night, I sat in that empty house I grew up in and listened to the whispers lingering there. It felt so different, sitting there in the quiet. The only sound echoing through the house was the TV in my Mom’s room as she sat quietly alone. It was a cold emptiness and that void filled me with grief.

I remembered my life growing up there. I was a big fan of the old horror movies, the Universal monsters. I used to build these models of Dracula, the Wolfman, and others that had these “glow in the dark” features. As I recalled these pieces of my past, a story filled that empty void. A story of love, of family, fighting against a dark and terrible enemy. I opened my laptop and began writing. That was the start of A Maker of Magic.

As a writer, we always put part of our soul into each story. The grief, sorrow, and love I was feeling at that moment seemingly supercharged my imagination and this story just flowed out of me. I never even thought about anything like this before. It just came to me, and in those three months, I wrote this entire book. It was about love, about family, good vs. evil, and service to your nation. These are all things my father instilled in me and so I can honestly say he is a big part of this story.

Although the story centers around the Blademancer and the Enchanter, Levi Richter and Danielle Nichols, it was Levi’s father, Jurgen, that centered the story for me. In Jurgen, I emulated my father: his strength, authority, love, and leadership. I put my father into the heart of the story as Levi’s guiding light. As I wrote those pages, it was as if my father was guiding me through it all.

I can honestly say that, my Dad and I were polar opposites. I liked fantasy and he loved westerns. He never really understood my quirkiness in my love of fantasy and science fiction, but when I joined the Navy and rose through the ranks, we connected more and more. I wanted to gain my father’s approval in everything I did. I think that, through this book, I finally have.

My mother didn’t last long after my father. She died about a year later. She never got to see this book completed, but I knew she would like it. The book is dedicated to both my Mom and Dad.

A Maker of Magic is something that sits deep in my heart and soul. It’s such a beautiful and powerful story, but to me, it means so much more. It’s my way of saying “thank you” to the parents that raised me. In life, and in death, they’re still with me.

THE LAST MAGUS returns to the Moravian Book Shop this Summer

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I’m returning to the Moravian Book Shop on Saturday, July 17, with my award-winning fantasy/steampunk series THE LAST MAGUS!

The Moravian Book Shop in Bethlehem, PA, is the oldest bookstore in America. Founded in 1745, the Moravian Book Shop is the oldest continuously operating bookstore in the world and home to the Moravian University student bookstore. For nearly three centuries, booklovers near and far have looked to the Moravian Book Shop for its curated selection of books and iconic Moravian- and Bethlehem-themed gifts.

I have been honored in the past to be welcomed into such a prestigious establishment as an independent author. I will be returning to Bethlehem, PA, on Saturday, July 17, from 1-3pm. This will be an opportunity for me to present my award-winning fantasy/steampunk series The Last Magus. The saga of Marcus Gideon, the Last Magus of Attlain, takes you on his journey of discovery. Left for dead at a crossroads, stabbed through the heart, Gideon awakens with a clockwork heart in his chest. With no memories of his past to guide him, Gideon starts on a journey of self-discovery as a Magus. These legendary warrior/wizards were considered outcasts in Attlain, so Gideon must tackle the prejudices of a world he knows nothing about.

The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart and The Last Magus: Dragonfire and Steel leads you into the latest chapter in the saga of Marcus Gideon, The Last Magus: Demon Song. In the haunted ruins of Nyx, the demon sorceress Vasileesa Morozov has found a way to escape the cursed island and plans to release a new demon horde. Nyx was once the center of civilization, but centuries ago, the Demon Spire erupted from its heart, spreading corruption and turning the city into a place of nightmares. The Demon Spire is not just a monument; it connects the demonic realm to the mortal world and gives power to those who seek its dark magic. Now that the demons are free from their prison, all of Attlain faces their relentless hunger. Gideon and the Silver Moon Guild race across Attlain to discover the sorceress’s plans to create a new Demon Spire and bring chaos to the world. As they get closer to the truth, they uncover secrets that put Gideon’s family in grave danger and threaten to erase the legacy of the LAST MAGUS. Everything Gideon has fought for, including his own life, is at risk.

The Moravian Book Shop continues to offer its iconic book section that features indie best sellers, trade books, and select books highlighting the history of Moravians, Bethlehem, Bethlehem Steel, the Lehigh Valley and Pennsylvania. In addition, the Moravian Book Shop sells and buys back student textbooks. The Book Shop stocks Moravian University apparel and gift items, reference books, children’s books, greeting cards, toys and games. The inventory also includes traditional Moravian- and Bethlehem-themed gifts and university faculty- and alumni-authored books.

Being originally from nearby Phillipsburg, NJ, and my wife from Bethlehem, we still have plenty of family and friends in the Lehigh Valley. I love coming home to see everyone and present my latest books to readers. I hope you’ll stop by and pick up my new books. Check out my Events page for a listing of all my author events.

Can You Hear the Cry of the DEMON SONG?

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Return to Attlain in the next chapter of the award-winning fantasy/steampunk series, The Last Magus: Demon Song. The saga of Marcus Gideon, the Last Magus of Attlain, continues to span this dystopia of magic and machines.

Marcus Gideon, the LAST MAGUS of Attlain, has chosen his own path. Haunted by memories he cannot fully recall, Gideon is set on protecting his wife, Wren, and his son, Henri, using the strength of the Silver Moon Guild. For five years, they have tracked down the Magus’ stolen weapons across Attlain, pursuing the deadly assassins of Ishtar. Now, at the edge of the Iron Wasteland, Gideon faces a new and even greater threat to everything he loves dear.

In the haunted ruins of Nyx, the demon sorceress Vasileesa Morozov has found a way to escape the cursed island and plans to release a new demon horde. Nyx was once the center of civilization, but centuries ago, the Demon Spire erupted from its heart, spreading corruption and turning the city into a place of nightmares. The Demon Spire is not just a monument; it connects the demonic realm to the mortal world and gives power to those who seek its dark magic. Now that the demons are free from their prison, all of Attlain faces their relentless hunger.

Gideon and the Silver Moon Guild race across Attlain to discover the sorceress’s plans to create a new Demon Spire and bring chaos to the world. As they get closer to the truth, they uncover secrets that put Gideon’s family in grave danger and threaten to erase the legacy of the LAST MAGUS. Everything Gideon has fought for, including his own life, is at risk.

Check back for links to purchase the third book in the series. Catch up on the entire story in The Last Magus: A Clockwork Heart and The Last Magus: Dragonfire and Steel before you dive into The Last Magus: Demon Song. Special thanks to Anna-Lena Spies for another great book cover and Melissa Matthews for the interior art.

Step into Steampunk this Summer

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As we turn the corner from Spring to Summer, you can find me at two different steampunk festivals this summer. These are great family-friendly events where you can dive into the world of gears and goggles, airships and steam. If you’ve ever been curious about the steampunk way of life, stop by to check out the fun and activities at these East Coast festivals.

First up is the Steampunk Alchemy Fest on Saturday, June 6, from 10am to 7pm, at Vasa Park, Budd Lake, NJ. Steampunk Alchemy Fest is a unique summer festival event that celebrates the creativity, innovation, immersion, diversity, and inclusivity. It brings together enthusiasts and creators to showcase unique and imaginative designs, art, fashion, and music steampunk and fantasy inspired. The festival offers a platform for people to immerse themselves in a world of retro-futuristic aesthetics and Victorian-era industrial design and the magical trappings of fantasy.

Steampunk Alchemy Fest aims to promote a unique atmosphere and values associated with steampunk and fantasy culture. It also values creative fun, unique musical exploration, and inclusivity. Tickets are available at SteampunkAlchemyFest.com.

The Key City Steampunk Convention is the yearly gathering of Steampunk enthusiasts, August 7-9, in Gettysburg, PA. Beginning in 2016 in Frederick, Maryland, the convention has continued to grow and evolve into one of the most prominent events on the East Coast, and with attendees traveling from far and wide to join in the festivities.

Currently hosted at the Wyndham Gettysburg Hotel and Convention Center in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, the event continues to feature award winning makers and panels, vetted and unique vendors, workshops, and most importantly, the opportunity for those in the community to interact and share their love of all things Steampunk. 2026 promises to continue this tradition, as well as continuing to strike out into new and exciting avenues for our attendees to explore and interact with each other and the event. 

This year’s theme is “Worlds of Tomorrow.” Think Metropolis, The Rocketeer, Air Ships. A Place where high technology and high fashion come together in a gleaming city of marvels and wonder. Regardless of the theme, there are some things you will always find here at the Key City Steampunk Convention. All ticket types can be purchased online until August 6. Daily and Weekend Passes will be available at the door during the event. VIP passes must be purchased online prior to the Event. Visit KeyCitySteampunk.com for information and tickets.

You can find me and all my fantasy and steampunk books at both conventions, along with my new releases coming this Summer, The Last Magus Demon Song and A Maker of Magic. Stop by my table to get a signed copy of these new books as well as my other award-winning novels. I hope to see you there!