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Books by David

David Litwack explores the blurry line between reality and the fantastic. Learn more about his current fiction offerings by reading the synopses and excerpts below. Don’t forget to check out their book trailers and purchase links!

The Maker of Worlds – Now Available

If you had the chance to remake the world, what kind of world would you choose?

Lucas Mack had always been prone to flights of fancy, but when tragedy strikes his young life, he yearns to escape its sorrow. IIn desperation, he takes an improbable leap through the mythical maelstrom. Rather than splashing down on the far side like his neighbors, he finds himself transported to a magical realm where he has the power to redefine not only who he is, but the world in which he resides. As he stumbles about trying to find his way, he meets Mia, an equally troubled fellow pilgrim, who joins him in his quest. With the help of a mystical guide and an aging wizard, they navigate the enchanted land while learning to control their newfound powers. They soon discover a place more complex than expected, with seasoned sorcerers who have been corrupted by the sinister side of magic.

Limited by natural law and seduced by magic’s power, they are tested as never before. Will the gift of magic bring renewed hope or drive them to the edge of the void?

 
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An original and heartwarming fantasy that will leave readers pining for their own enchanted worlds — Kirkus Reviews

The Maker of Worlds is that rarest of treasures: a fantasy novel that has the power to make us reflect upon the enchantment and pain of our own lives—and imagine ourselves anew. — IndieReader

…an enchanting novel that transports readers to a mystical realm and blurs the boundaries between reality and fiction… a well-written fantasy that will resonate with readers who enjoy richly detailed worlds, complex and thoughtful characters, and profound questions — Readers Favorite

… an exploration of identity, gripping suspense, and the transformative power of extraordinary abilities that will keep you turning pages until the very end. — NewInBooks

The Maker of Worlds is a distinctive adventure that perfectly captures the essence of what a fantasy narrative ought to feel like… Adventure and fantasy genre purists will enjoy this one-of-a-kind novel — Readers Favorite

What sets The Maker of Worlds apart is… the grand, sweeping scope of the fantasy genre and the relatable and deeply personal struggles of the protagonists… A thought-provoking fantasy adventure that examines the pitfalls of absolute power… is a must-read for fans of immersive, character-driven fantasy. — Feathered Quill Reviews

… an enchanting and thought-provoking exploration of the power of imagination… Litwack’s prose is both lyrical and evocative, painting a vivid portrait of a world where dreams and reality intertwine… a mesmerizing tale that leaves a lasting impression. — Readers’ Favorite


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The Time That’s Given

Have you ever awoken from a vivid dream and wondered which side of waking was real?

Burt Higgins’ retirement is not going well. His children have grown, and his wife has gone off to earn a late-life degree, leaving him alone in his sprawling suburban home. With too much time on his hands, he broods on the state of the world, obsessively following the worst of cable news and the Internet. Increasingly angry at the state of affairs, he nurtures a fantasy that a dark lord from another realm has foisted these problems on humankind. If only he could transport to that world, he’d confront the demon and use the magic found there to defeat the beast and end despair forever.

On a particularly bad news day, while housebound in the midst of a snowstorm, he retreats to his study to shut out the world and immerse himself in his books. When, on a whim, he lights a candle purchased in an obscure Prague curiosity shop, a magical guide appears and offers to take him on whatever quest he chooses. When he asks to become a hero in a fantasy realm, he discovers a more complex world than he expected, and battling evil with magic turns out to be far from his greatest challenge.

“What if the purpose of what we call life is to accumulate experiences, to gather memories sufficient to enhance our imagination, so that when we enter the forever dream, we’ve gathered enough to stitch together a tapestry more fascinating than reality?”

“This novel…is original, entertaining, action-packed and well-crafted. Burt… is spunky, brilliant and exceptionally well-developed. I loved the quest, I loved the action and I loved the journey that the author took me on. I enjoyed every aspect of this story! Absolutely magical!” – Rabia Tanveer for Readers’ Favorite

The Time That’s Given is a wonderful literary fantasy novel with many poignant ideas, embedded in a compelling personal drama that’s hard to break away from.” – K.C. Finn for Readers’ Favorite

“The author’s way of writing is sensitive and impressive…  the story fast-paced. I consider The Time That’s Given one of the most inspiring fantasy novels I have ever read.” – Astrid Iustulin for Readers’ Favorite

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Daughter eBook CoverThe Daughter 

of the Sea and the Sky

After centuries of religiously motivated war, the world has been split in two. Now the Blessed Lands are ruled by pure faith, while in the Republic, reason is the guiding light—two different realms, kept apart and at peace by a treaty and an ocean.

Children of the Republic, Helena and Jason were inseparable in their youth, until fate sent them down different paths. Grief and duty sidetracked Helena’s plans, and Jason came to detest the hollowness of his ambitions.

These two damaged souls are reunited when a tiny boat from the Blessed Lands crashes onto the rocks near Helena’s home after an impossible journey across the forbidden ocean. On board is a single passenger, a nine-year-old girl named Kailani, who calls herself “the Daughter of the Sea and the Sky.” A new and perilous purpose binds Jason and Helena together again, as they vow to protect the lost innocent from the wrath of the authorities, no matter the risk to their future and freedom.

But is the mysterious child simply a troubled little girl longing to return home? Or is she a powerful prophet sent to unravel the fabric of a godless Republic, as the outlaw leader of an illegal religious sect would have them believe? Whatever the answer, it will change them all forever… and perhaps their world as well.

 Get it on Amazon USAmazon UKBarnes&Noble, Smashwords.

NewPinnacleAward ATW 2014bronze-shiny-web

Readers’ Favorite 2014  finalist for Dramatic Fiction, General Fiction and Fantasy

Winner: Pinnacle 2014 Book Award – Fantasy

“…a fully imagined, gripping read…” – Kirkus Review

“… an enthralling look at an alternative world… thought-provoking, beautifully written and highly entertaining.” – Jack Magnus for Readers’ Favorite

“David Litwack brings us the most divine novel… The little girl Kailini is indeed a unique character…” – Lisa Jones for Readers’ Favorite

“This is a page turner… a great journey and a memorable one.” – Michael Long 

“Superbly imagined with a tense plot which makes it difficult to put down. ” – Khamneithang Vaiphei

“… a story of love, hope, faith and redemption. The theme is original and compelling and will keep readers riveted till the very end.”  – Mamta Madhavan for Readers’ Favorite

 

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Along the Watchtower

A tragic warrior lost in two worlds… Which one will he choose?

The war in Iraq ended for Freddie when an IED explosion left his mind and body shattered. Once a skilled gamer as well as a capable soldier, he’s now a broken warrior, emerging from a medically induced coma to discover he’s inhabiting two separate realities.

The first is his waking world of pain, family trials, and remorse—and slow rehabilitation through the tender care of Becky, his physical therapist. The second is a dark fantasy realm of quests, demons, and magic, which Freddie enters when he sleeps. The lines soon blur for Freddie, not just caught between two worlds, but lost within himself.

Is he Lieutenant Freddie Williams, a leader of men, a proud officer in the US Army who has suffered such egregious injury and loss? Or is he Frederick, Prince of Stormwind, who must make sense of his horrific visions in order to save his embattled kingdom from the monstrous Horde, his only solace the beautiful gardener, Rebecca, whose gentle words calm the storms in his soul.

In the conscious world, the severely wounded vet faces a strangely similar and equally perilous mission to that of the prince—a journey along a dark road, haunted by demons of guilt and memory. Can he let patient, loving Becky into his damaged and shuttered heart? It may be his only way back from Hell.

 Get it on Amazon USAmazon UKBarnes&Noble, Smashwords.

  bronze-shiny-web Beverley Hills Book Award seal         Mass Book Awards Readers’ Favorite 2013 Bronze Award Winner: Dramatic Fiction FINALIST: Beverley Hills 2014 Book Award – Military Fiction FINALIST: Massachusetts 2014 Book Award – Fiction

Along The Watchtower is the kind of story that needs to be written, that screams to be read. It’s an enticing, amazing story of a journey of self-discovery and healing, of the consequences of war, of hope.” – Majanka Verstraete

“Litwack uses the entertaining perils and conquests of World of Warcraft to illustrate that death, heroism, courage, and love are timeless and eternal…I didn’t want to put the book down until I knew what happened to Freddie and Richie and Jimmy and Becky. When I feel that much camaraderie and compassion for a literary character, I know that I’ve found a great author.” – Cynthia Clubbs

“ As a veteran and wow player I highly recommend this novel. Along The Watchtower is an amazing story of self-discovery and healing after a tragic war event, It’s a story of hope and it’s the kind of story that screams to be read.” –Robert S

“It was a gripping story, artfully told, exploring the difficulties war veterans face, even if they return without any physical scars.” – Anna

“Along the Watchtower was different and refreshing. It blended a contemporary tale with fantasy and added a dash of romance. It’s a story that will appeal to a large audience from YA to Adult.” – The Caffeinated Book Reviewer

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The Children of Darkness

The Children of Darkness - CoverBut what are we without dreams?

A thousand years ago the Darkness came–a time of violence and social collapse when technology ran rampant. But the vicars of the Temple of Light brought peace, ushering in an era of blessed simplicity. For ten centuries they have kept the madness at bay with “temple magic,” eliminating forever the rush of progress that nearly caused the destruction of everything. Childhood friends, Orah and Nathaniel, have always lived in the tiny village of Little Pond, longing for more from life but unwilling to challenge the rigid status quo. When their friend Thomas returns from the Temple after his “teaching”—the secret coming-of-age ritual that binds the young  to the Light—they barely recognize the broken and brooding man the boy has become. Then when Orah is summoned as well, Nathaniel follows in a foolhardy attempt to save her. In the prisons of Temple City, they discover a terrible secret that launches the three on a journey to find the forbidden keep, placing their lives in jeopardy. For hidden in the keep awaits a truth from the past that threatens the foundation of the Temple. If they reveal that truth, they might release the long-suppressed potential of their people, but they would also incur the Temple’s wrath as it is written: “If there comes among you a dreamer of dreams saying ‘Let us return to the darkness,’ you shall stone him, because he has sought to thrust you away from the light.”  

bronze-shiny-web Beverley Hills Book Award seal Pinnacle Book Award seal

Finalist: Readers’ Favorite: Young Adult – Coming of age

Winner: Beverley Hills 2014 Book Award – Science Fiction

Winner: Pinnacle 2015 Book Achievement Award for Best Science Fiction

“Litwack’s storytelling painted a world of both light and darkness–and the truth that would mix the two.” Fiction Fervor

“The Children of Darkness is a dystopian novel that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.” C.P. Bialois 

“A fresh perspective on our own society…[an]  enjoyable read that will make you wonder just how society will judge us in the future.”  Lexie

“A must-read page turner.” Kirkus Review

“This is a satisfying exploration of three teens’ journey into the unknown, and the struggles faced by all who seek true emancipation – both for themselves, and for the people they love.” Suzy Wilson

“Litwack’s writing is fresh, and Nathaniel, Orah and Thomas come to life in your imagination as you frantically flip (or click) the pages of this book.” Anna Tan

“…many profound themes, lovely characterizations and relationships” R. Campbell

“I was enthralled and intrigued by the authors creation of this society… David Litwack has an enjoyable and captivating writing style.” Jill Marie

“…a perfect story for young adult readers, but its underlying theme and character development will keep any adult engaged.” Kathleen Sullivan

 


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The Stuff of Stars

Book two of The Seekers dystopian trilogy

The Stuff of Stars - Cover
But what are we without dreams?

Against all odds, Orah and Nathaniel have found the keep and revealed the truth about the darkness, initiating what they hoped would be a new age of enlightenment. But the people were more set in their ways than anticipated, and a faction of vicars whispered in their ears, urging a return to traditional ways.

Desperate to keep their movement alive, Orah and Nathaniel cross the ocean to seek the living descendants of the keepmasters’ kin. Those they find on the distant shore are both more and less advanced than expected.

The seekers become caught between the two sides, and face the challenge of bringing them together to make a better world. The prize: a chance to bring home miracles and a more promising future for their people. But if they fail this time, they risk not a stoning but losing themselves in the twilight of a never-ending dream.


NewPinnacleAward ATW 2016Readers Favorite Silver SoS 2016

WINNER: Pinnacle Book Achievement Award, Summer 2016 – Best Book in SCIENCE FICTION
WINNER: Readers Favorite 2016 Silver Medal – Best Book YA SCIENCE FICTION

“…an excellent book about what it means to be human, what humanity can strive for, and ultimately the balance between technology and nature, dreams and reality… a great page turner and a ton of fun to read… one of my new favorites.” – Michael SciFan
 
 
“… a thought-provoking and well-crafted tale – one that will delight lovers of dystopia, science fiction and fantasy. Its message will stay in your mind long after you’ve turned the last page.” — Hilary Hawkes for Readers’ Favorite
 
 

“… as unique, unpredictable and well-written as the first book… Another 5 star beauty from David Litwack.” -Awesome Indies

“…  If you are a fan of dystopian books this is going to be a fantastic series for you, and this is a great second book in the series.” — Kathryn Bennett for Readers’ Favorite

“… a real ‘whoa!’ type of book. Any reader who enjoys dystopian fiction, fantasy, or just a great read of fiction in general will love this book. I highly recommend it, and will certainly look for more from David Litwack in the future!” –Tracy Slowiak for Readers’ Favorite

“The Stuff of Stars is dystopian literature at its best.” – Feathered Quill Book Reviews

“…  a fantastic story that continues the plot initiated in the first Seekers book: a tale about a futuristic utopian world that is anything but perfect. There is only one word to truly define this novel: WOW!”– Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers’ Favorite

 


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The Light of Reason

Book three of The Seekers dystopian trilogy

The Stuff of Stars - Cover

Orah and Nathaniel return home with miracles from across the sea, hoping to bring a better life for their people. Instead, they find the world they left in chaos.

A new grand vicar, known as the usurper, has taken over the keep and is using its knowledge to reinforce his hold on power.

Despite their good intentions, the seekers find themselves leading an army, and for the first time in a millennium, their world experiences the horror of war.

But the keepmasters’ science is no match for the dreamers, leaving Orah and Nathaniel their cruelest choice—face bloody defeat and the death of their enlightenment, or use the genius of the dreamers to tread the slippery slope back to the darkness.

NewPinnacleAward ATW 2016
Winner: Pinnacle 2015 Book Achievement Award for Best Science Fiction
 
 
“An enthralling finish to a thoughtful, uplifting sci-fi series.” – Kirkus Reviews
 
 
“… a great science fiction tale… the plot is solid, the characters so believable you will get frustrated with them, be happy for them, and cry with them. Fiction doesn’t get much better than that.” –Ray Simmons for Readers’ Favorite
 
“… awonderful conclusion to a truly remarkable series… one of those special series that only comealong every now and then, and should not be missed.” – Jas P.
 
“… another brilliant and compelling entry to a series that is already growing long legs… The Light of Reason reads so much like a dream; it’s the kind of story that rekindles a region of our soul where we feel the strange stirrings, the beckonings of a higher world.” – Romuald Dzemo for Readers’ Favorite
 
 
“I have really and truly love this journey with Orah, Nathaniel, Thomas, the people of Little Pond, the Dreamers, the Greenies and all the other characters of The Seekers. it has been a wonderful journey, one that I am going to miss.” – The Avid Reader
 
 “… the third book in The Seekers series, a book that combines fantasy and sci-fi to create a compelling story that lovers of the dystopian genre will adore….” – Divine Zape for Readers’ Favorite



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The Maker of Worlds - Now Available