John Staughton, Senior Reviewer

A raw and revealing collection exploring an all-too-often taboo subject, Black Chaos by James Pack is a spiral into the darkness of depression, but with vital sparks of hope. This vulnerable confession in verse speaks plainly, with a prose-like storytelling to the poetry, yet poignant word choices and subtle enjambment create a consistent mood. From the real talk of “Sometimes Getting Up is Courageous” to the painfully relatable sentiment of “Friends Leave When You’re Awful,” Pack is transparent and fearless in his writing. There is occasionally a lack of creative depth, and some redundancy in the content, but the intense […]

Fallen royalty, a rescue quest, and the promise of redemption drive Isle of Dragons by L.A. Thompson, an edgy steampunk thriller that blends genres in an exhilarating way. Largely dialogue-driven, and peppered with exposition that only hints at the details of this world, this femme-led fantasy adventure is perfect for YA readers, and is tightly woven with themes of friendship and family, as well as independence, creativity, and the importance of taking big risks in life. The storytelling is often guilty of that classic criticism – telling rather than showing – and there are long sections where the pace slows. […]

Diving deep into the realms of chakras, luminous energy fields, and non-traditional healing, Transformational Healing and Killing Cancer by George Schwimmer PhD is an eye-opening and jaw-dropping read. For those familiar with alternative or shamanic approaches to health and wellness, the content may not be surprising, but a layman or novice may find it harder to accept. Schwimmer’s writing style is somewhat casual, with informal language, and vague descriptions of practicable tools. While the author puts his career of study on display, demonstrating a comprehensive grasp of these complex subjects, as well as compassion and humanity for those who suffer, […]

A steamy slice of workplace romance with roots of passion that run deep, Work Spouse by Pax Sinclair is the latest in the erotic and entertaining Love@Work series. Though the story starts a bit slow, the tension between Chloe and Jaxson is immediate and intoxicating, to the point where the occasional romantic tropes end up feeling like charming payoffs, rather than predictable. The balance of romance and authentic character development is done very well, and there are enough close calls and suspense-building to keep the pages flipping fast. Boasting a female lead who is far more than a pretty face […]