Derrick Bliss, author of several fiction books and one non-fiction title, is proud to announce that his latest novel, Lucas James and the Legend of Maxa, has received the Literary Titan Book Award, recognizing the book’s standout storytelling, imaginative worldbuilding, and emotionally resonant themes for young readers and beyond.
In Lucas James and the Legend of Maxa, readers meet Lucas, a reluctant camper heading back to Adventurer Camp for what he hopes is the last time. But this year is different. The ground is rumbling, a mysterious flower is blooming across camp, and Lucas is seeing and hearing things no one else can expalain. As his unease turns into discovery, Lucas follows his intuition into a life or death situation, learning startling truths about the campgrounds and about himself along the way.
Literary Titan praised the novel as a character-driven, middle-grade sci-fi adventure filled with heart, humor, and high-stakes wonder. In its review, Literary Titan highlights the book’s sharp, believable voice and vivid summer camp atmosphere, noting how the story blends comedic moments with awe-filled science fiction. The review also commends the story’s “surprisingly tender” ideas around power, influence, loyalty, and responsibility, as Lucas navigates an epic occurrence thousands of years in the making, when a mystical white flower blooms. The review concludes that the book “hits a nice, sweet spot between heartfelt and silly,” recommending it for readers ages 10 to 14 who enjoy character-driven adventures with a science fiction twist, as well as adults who remember what it felt like to be the cynical kid at camp who still wanted to believe in something bigger.
The Literary Titan Book Award marks an important milestone for Bliss, whose storytelling draws from a love of people, fantasy, adventure, introspection, and, at times, comedy. He writes across genres, guided by the story that speaks to him the loudest, and Lucas James and the Legend of Maxa is a celebration of that creative spirit.
Lucas James and the Legend of Maxa is available now on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Readers, educators, librarians, and book clubs can purchase the book online today and join Lucas on an unforgettable adventure that blends camp tradition, cosmic mystery, and coming-of-age courage.
About the Author
Derrick Bliss is the author of several fiction books and one non-fiction book. His latest work, Lucas James and the Legend of Maxa, reflects his passion for character-driven stories that combine imagination, humor, and emotional depth. Bliss’s writing often blends fantasy, adventure, introspection, and comedy, and he does not limit himself to a single genre. He writes the story that speaks to him the loudest. By day, Bliss works in the advertising business, and by night (and early morning) he writes. Born and raised on Long Island, New York, he grew up in Massapequa and continues to live on Long Island today.
Media Contact
Company Name: Literary Titan
Contact Person: Derrick Bliss
Email: Send Email
Country: United States
Website: https://derrickbliss.com/
