John Staughton, Senior Reviewer

An unlikely group of teenagers discover powers beyond their imagination, and are plunged into a battle for the fate of the world in The Last Alignment: Cry of the Scorpions by Nathaniel Stewart, the first book of what promises to be an exciting series. A slow-burning adventure heavily reliant on its diverse characters, this short novel feels like a careful setup for a long-game thrill, exploring intertwined histories, dangerous family legacies, and the tension that only raging hormones can provide. The dialogue is snappy and believable, but the narration is less lively and sometimes overly procedural. As a whole, despite […]

Author Garfield Whyte transports readers to the wild minds and mischief of a Jamaican all-girls boarding school in She Was Born a Good Girl. With a witty pen and an ear for colloquial language, Whyte carefully explores the complexity of young girls growing into women, navigating the pressures of sex and beauty, while also coming of age in a world that will constantly throw obstacles in their way. The premise is simple, and some of the moments of conflict feel forced, particularly in the use of dialogue, but the writing to improves as the story progresses. Most importantly, Whyte’s […]

Steve Amoia offers a deep and varied catalogue of his literary critiques in A Collection of Book Reviews. Dominated primarily by reviews of business and professional career advice, Amoia also turns his critical eye on sports, historical figures, and martial arts. At times amusing, and other times serious, all of these reviews are refreshingly honest, evidence of a clear thinker and an impartial mind. Many of these pieces are also conveniently and creatively formatted, featuring relevant quotes and key takeaways. Though some of Amoia’s points of critique are repetitive, whether you are looking for some forthright book recommendations, or to […]

World Football Commentaries by Steve Amoia is a truncated version of his long-running website of the same name, featuring a wide range of well-penned articles, as well as interviews and various book reviews related to the sport. With insight and analysis that can only be born from a deep love of the game, Amoia’s writing is packed with detail and information that will engage devoted fans and intrigue curious readers. Touching on trends within football fandom, the rise and fall of certain celebrity players, and the role of the game in a changing world, this is an eclectic and remarkably […]

Steeped in philosophical insight and the unpredictable trials of the road, Travels with Hafa by Nathan Pettijohn is a thoughtful musing on life without boundaries or destinations. Pettijohn speaks with a frankness and candor that doesn’t romanticize his journey, but reports on it – how he sees changes coming, and how his perspective on life is shifting throughout his travel. The spectrum of beautiful places, soundtracks, and insights will be relatable for anyone who has taken a long trip, and offers a vicarious sense of catharsis to those who haven’t had the opportunity, for a uniquely spirited and memorable travel […]

A string of tragic student suicides throws a small town into emotional turmoil, and forces a counselor to face her own darkness in Make Believe by Cory Wolfe. Touching on painfully relevant subjects of depression, teen suicide, drug abuse, social alienation and collective grief, this is a blunt story that doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable themes. The multiple narrative voices make the story more complete, bridging the perspective gap between adults and children, broadening the narrative arc, as well as the book’s potential readership. Regardless of your age or personal experience with trauma, this hard-hitting novel is an unpredictable, heart-wrenching, […]