John Staughton, Senior Reviewer

Author Ticana Zhu transports readers thousands of years back to ancient China in Dynasty of Summer. Summer and Winter are the ultimate royal sibling duo in this innovative work of historical fiction, where history and myth mingle in the life of a dauntless young princess with enemies on every side. The richly layered prose, deeply researched setting, and unpredictable adventures in the wild give this book all the makings of an exceptional historical epic. Though some of the prose is declarative and less emotionally engaging than more lyrical passages, Zhu has built a wondrously textured and high-stakes world, with […]

Mysterious stalkers, the rocky roads of marriage, and a strange case of writer’s block converge in A Cabin in the Woods by Marek Záhorec, an eerie and slow-burning novella. With two intertwined plotlines – an author and his created characters – this uniquely structured read is decidedly unsettling, particularly as the lines of reality begin to blur and readers realize that their narrator is anything but trustworthy. The declarative nature of the prose and dialogue sometimes inhibits the dramatic suspense, but as a whole, this is a quick and compelling slice of psychological terror.

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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, […]