John Staughton, Senior Reviewer

About John Staughton, Senior Reviewer

Providing exceptional writing, editing and publishing services to hundreds of international clients, ranging from nutritional copywriting and long-form ghostwriting to substantive editing, assessment/analysis of academic texts and structural/content editing for bestselling novels.

Blood Kills by Nanci Rathbun

Blood Kills by Nanci Rathbun

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 […]

2021-04-21T04:12:14+02:00April 20th, 2021|Categories: Editorial Reviews|

The Unexpected Journey: Fire and Gold by Dedrick L. Moone and Haelee P. Moone

The Unexpected Journey: Fire and Gold by Dedrick L. Moone Vulnerably sharing the defining moments throughout his tragic and triumphant life, authors Dedrick L. Moone and Haelee P. Moone deliver an inspiring tale with The Unexpected Journey: Fire and Gold. 

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 […]

2021-04-20T07:28:43+02:00April 20th, 2021|Categories: New Releases|Tags: |

The Rules of a Big Boss by Haelee Moone

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 […]

2021-04-20T07:17:01+02:00April 20th, 2021|Categories: Editorial Reviews|

Here in Progress by Adrian J. Atwater

Here in Progress by Adrian J. Atwater

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 […]

2021-04-20T08:18:21+02:00April 20th, 2021|Categories: Editorial Reviews|

Witches of the Mount 1730 by Tom Schneider

Witches of the Mount by Tom SchneiderAn intrepid young writer is sent by Ben Franklin to chase down a wild and deadly story in Witches of the Mount 1730 by Tom Schneider, a dark and enchanted historical thrill.

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 […]

2021-04-19T07:08:48+02:00April 19th, 2021|Categories: New Releases|Tags: |

The Flight of the Mytar by Robert Cole

The Flight of the Mytar by Robert Cole

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 […]

2021-04-16T07:45:45+02:00April 16th, 2021|Categories: Editorial Reviews|

The New Enchantress by Sunayna Prasad

The New Enchantress by Sunayna Prasad

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 […]

2021-04-16T06:36:24+02:00April 16th, 2021|Categories: Editorial Reviews|

FoxHide by John C. Hill

FoxHide by John C. Hill FoxHide: From HillCountry Farm by John C. Hill is a sugar-rush of a novel told through the eyes of an energetic young fox as he grows up wild and free, and learns about life – both the good and the bad.

Exploring the nuances of brotherly affection, risky adventure, hard lessons, and the pain of disappointment, this allegorical story is well-penned and strong in its messaging for young readers. There are long passages of lovely descriptions, and exciting bursts of action, coupled with the constant charm of Pawz, Boomboom, and Strike – characters it is decidedly hard not to love.[…]

2021-04-16T06:23:48+02:00April 16th, 2021|Categories: New Releases|Tags: |
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