In this generation-spanning exploration of hurt and healing, readers are carried along on a coming-of-age narrative of five devoted young men that stretches across decades. Though the author clearly states this to be a work of fiction, there are a multitude of intimate moments between characters, and expressions of raw emotion, that will feel profoundly visceral. Delving into triggering subjects like abandonment, sexual abuse, domestic violence, and […]
Returning with a fourth installment of her Angelina Bonaparte series, Nanci Rathbun delivers with Blood Kills, a romantic, riveting, and razor-sharp mystery. The murder of a gifted artist is far more than it may first appear, and it will take all of Angie’s investigative skills to unravel this high-brow crime before more bodies are put on display. Peppered with red herrings and a colorful cast of suspects and allies, this is an unpredictable and gripping slice of pulp fiction. The frequent self-referential exposition can be jarring, which occasionally breaks the illusion of the narration, but most of the prose […]
With a tone that vacillates between conspiratorial and revelatory, Mr. Moone and his daughter, the co-authors of this book, are compelling storytellers. Detailing a number of unjust and broken systems in America that makes the book hugely relevant, the book displays a keen memory, a suspicious spirit, and a fierce unwillingness to quit, resulting in a raw and gripping memoir. Some of the most powerful sections are the brief, self-reflective […]
A down-to-earth guide for empowerment of women, both young and old, The Rules of a Big Boss by Haelee Moone is a raw slice of wisdom from a relatable young voice – bold and destined for big things. From peer pressure and fashion choices to dangerous communication patterns and impossible standards of beauty, the author provides a unique and unfiltered perspective on some of the challenges that all women deal with, but few choose to discuss. The prose could benefit from a thorough edit, as there are numerous errors in phrasing and grammar, and some of the radical shifts in […]
A soothing and encouraging book of poetry, koans, prose, and stream of consciousness, Here in Progress by Adrian J. Atwater is a philosophical float down a river of deep ideas. While the brevity of so many of the pieces gives the book a universal feel, there are some clear themes that push through the lyrical musings and dense passages: self-worth and empowerment, autonomy, knowing oneself, desire, and hope for the future, among many more. At times, the vagueness of the language makes certain thought streams feel redundant, but the form and whimsy of the poetry are continually fresh. Unafraid of […]
Blending historical fact and fiction, the protagonist takes one wrong turn after another in his quixotic search for either madness or magic in the mysterious village of Mount Holly. Tapping into some classic tropes of witch trial fiction, Schneider creates a vividly envisioned world, in a spiraling story that moves quickly, blurring the line of reality, fear, expectation, and legend.
The novel certainly has a spooky and sinister […]
Three legends in the making return to protect Earth and join some unlikely allies in The Flight of the Mytar, Book 2 of Robert Cole’s dynamic Mytar series. Wrestling with otherworldly creatures intent on destruction is one thing, but these heroes must manage that while navigating the daily struggle of recess and schoolyard drama. Cole complements an engaging and exciting plotline with core characters who evolve believably over the course of the novel, with strong messaging about bullies, personal potential, communication, and overcoming differences through unity. However, the execution of the book is poor, in places, with sloppy errors […]
Magically inclined Alyssa McCarthy is back in The New Enchantress, the third installment of Sunayna Prasad’s inventive and charming YA series, Alyssa McCarthy’s Magical Missions. The protagonist’s challenges are closely linked to relatable struggles for young readers – a lack of self-confidence, courage in the face of new milestones, and learning how to manage complex and overwhelming emotions – and the symbol-heavy storyline is easy to follow, providing plenty of exposition for those jumping into the series late, while still keeping up the suspense. However, there is also a good deal of grammatical sloppiness and room for editorial […]