John Staughton, Senior Reviewer

A provocative meditation on family, growth, and our capacity for second chances, The Cyclist: A Love Story for the Ages by A.W. Stripling is a heartfelt novel of leaving home, and the things we leave behind. At times reminiscent of Kerouac’s The Town and the City in its reflections, but far more pared-down in its prose, there are strong sentiments at play here, but the execution could be improved. There is a limited amount of description, and the matter-of-fact tone of the storytelling robs some of the emotional impact. That said, the story also touches on relevant themes of political […]

Remarkable in its immediacy and emotional complexity, Night and Fog by Sebastian Rizzo shines a poetic spotlight on an inspiring, but often overlooked piece of World War II history. A tale of selfless courage and ultimate sacrifice, the resistance efforts of Dedee and her bold allies are summoned in vivid detail, pulling readers between the nuanced horror of the war effort, on both sides, watching the life-or-death decisions playing out in even the simplest decisions. The pace is inconsistent, at times, and some of the dialogue can feel stilted, but the ever-present tension and richly painted world make this novel […]

Author Emma Bennett delivers an accessible, gentle, and grounded guide with Written Into Reality: The Art of Co-Creating Your Dreams to Life. Delving into the difficulties of self-help struggles, personal alignment with a purpose, the power of poetry, the pain of failure, and countless other nuanced details of existence, this is an anecdotal journey of universal wisdom. There are many books about self-actualization and unlocking one’s full potential, but this patient gathering of thoughts stands apart in its allusion-heavy prose, linguistic diligence, and artistically-minded approach to personal growth. Peppered with inspiring quotes and unexpected rabbit holes for future exploration, Bennett […]

Blending the thrills and danger of Hollywood’s Golden Age with the visceral vibes of Mardi Gras, Blood at the Bayou by CB Laurence is another well-penned page-turner in the Express Investigations series. When a frightening and theatric serial killer takes aim at the Chateau, the leading lady of this noir-leaning series gets caught up in a sinister family affair. Some of the dialogue is used as heavy-handed exposition, but the plot moves quickly, and the story offers plenty of twists and turns to keep pulp fiction fans on the edge of every page. Though loyal readers to the series will […]

A relatable and character-driven read, Viral Stories by Cameron Dusting takes a poignant look at our modern era of self-obsession, fleeting fame, and increasing disconnection. Setting this story in a hyper-contemporary setting of the Covid pandemic, this novella reflects the shaken foundations that so many have experienced in recent seasons. The language tends towards simplicity, and the descriptive choices are often familiar, but there is an appealing sincerity in the struggle of the core trio of protagonists. Musing on the vulnerabilities exposed by the global pandemic, while also celebrating the wild unpredictability of survival, Dusting delivers a raw and timely […]

Continuing the Legends of Karik series in epic style, Evan Oliver has crafted a masterful tale with Ylmi’s Saga, a femme-driven YA adventure with an unforgettable new hero at the helm. Cast out into the unforgiving wild by a dragon’s petty wrath, Ylmi’s childhood is one of hardship, resilience, and dreams of revenge. When Karik, the hardened hero from Book 1 of this series, arrives as an unlikely ally, Ymli has the chance to begin forging her own story as a legendary warrior and defender of her people. Penned with a clear love of the natural world, a reverence […]