John Staughton, Senior Reviewer

A brutally raw and riveting look at the inner workings of a fictional Canadian biker gang, Heaven’s Door by J. Kilburn comes in swinging and rarely stops. This intimate crime thriller is gritty and relentless, as the reader spirals deeper into an unforgiving criminal underworld. Peppered with savage language, unexpected explosions of violence, and a slow burn of suspense, the stream-of-consciousness narrative feels experimental and manic, at times. Reminiscent of Hunter S. Thompson’s gonzo insurrection of the Hells Angels, Kilburn tosses readers into dark and messy fiction torn from real-life tales. A thorough edit would certainly improve the pace and […]

D.S. Quinton continues the shadowy and supernatural Spirit Hunter series with Scars of Redemption, another grim dive into the heart of 1960s New Orleans, and its newest young heroine. Del is searching for a real story, something that will launch her career, but when children begin disappearing into dark corners at her old orphanage, she realizes that her more mystical skill set will be required. Quinton wields a wondrous pen, creating an atmospheric gem that is unpredictable, suspenseful, and aesthetically enthralling. From bursts of bayou charm to palpable scenes of horror that send shivers, this well-penned novel dances between […]

Desperate to save what remains of his family and future, a young man embarks on an epic quest beyond the mountains in Karik’s First Battle by Evan Oliver. A Nordic-inspired fellowship of five encounters many hardships along the road, whether it is natural famine, scheming jarls, or the foul oppression of a northern dragon. Overflowing with classic fantasy elements, this first installment of Oliver’s YA series is a rich tapestry of adventure, self-discovery, and brotherhood. The story moves quickly, leaving some scenes feeling rushed, but the titular battle makes for a stirring finish, leaving this rag-tag band of warriors ready […]

Mike McCoy pens an intriguing work of philosophical sci-fi with his novella Obsidian: Tales of Karanga. Depicting a world that is both ancient and contemporary, readers are introduced to tales of the Karanga and the Scragg – beings who create and beasts who destroy. Through allegorical parables and mysterious real-time encounters, the eternal relationship between peace and war is once again tested and explored. This deeply layered story feels like a knowing critique of human civilization, as well as a plea for wisdom going forward. With lyrical language and confident storytelling that enraptures like a dark fairy tale, McCoy delivers […]

E.T. Gunnarsson paints a grim picture of humanity’s self-inflicted future in Forgive Us, a dystopian thriller that will leave readers gasping, as though they too are on the toxic, Ignium-ruined surface of the Earth. Forged in the crucible of a post-apocalyptic world, this inter-generational cast of warriors, survivors, and rebels combine for a gripping slice of dark realism as they move through wastelands of the past. Mixing savvy future tech and sci-fi elements into gritty survival fiction and action-fueled road adventures, this complex, creative, and poignantly written book stands out in an increasingly crowded genre.

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