John Staughton, Senior Reviewer

Unlikely heroes rise to counter the encroaching tide of a world shattered by idolatry, greed, fear, and blight in As Vaan Made Us by Jonathan Sobe. This uncertain, dystopian future is richly detailed – a carnival-mirror reflection of today’s petty squabbles and increasingly inevitable collapse. Thick with themes of salvation, redemption, and liberation, the book offers sharp social critiques and an undeniably dark escape into a borderless, barely recognizable world. Though some light proofreading would clear up a few sloppy errors, the prose buzzes with confidence and prophecy, supporting a spiraling narrative that is both suspenseful and addictive.

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Encouraging readers to embark on a spiritual journey and cultivate a personal relationship with the universe, Soulwork by Elizabeth Radcliffe is a mind-expanding introduction to spiritual development. Patiently expounding on the need for and benefits of soul work, the common obstacles one will face, and practical approaches for your own efforts, this book is both nuanced and universal. Philosophy, dogma, theory, and anecdotal experience blend in a heady and inspiring read that evokes confidence without arrogance, and is compelling without proselytizing. Radcliffe has struck a balance that so many self-help and spiritual advisors miss, which makes this guide a true […]

Introducing cartoonishly out-of-this-world villains and navigating the beautiful puzzles of LGBT love, Athens Ophelia The Partitioner: Dusk by Zachary Aneiress is a bold, uncompromising, and inspiring YA read. In this fifth installment of Aneiress’ series, the new-age mythological hero must once again balance between the dramatic trials of teenage life and the shadowy threats he and his crew of quick-witted comrades must face down. While the rapid-fire storytelling is engaging, the prose is peppered with easily fixable errors, incomplete or unclear sentences, tense disagreements, and unnatural syntax that regularly interrupts the reading experience. The thematic choices are timely, the plot […]

An intimate and unfiltered look at the immigrant experience, the horrors of war, and the human capacity for transformation, A House in the Wild Berry Tundra by Akram Didari is a remarkably captivating tale. This short story is an intoxicating dive into Iranian culture and tradition, as well as a heartfelt examination of personal growth, familial grief, adaptation to new worlds, and the unifying power of community. A chronological and geographical puzzle in terms of narration, Didari weaves this straightforward yet powerful narrative with the skill of a master storyteller. Every short chapter adds more depth, introduces a new character, […]