John Staughton, Senior Reviewer

Author Brian J. Purcell bursts into the magical mystery scene with The Divination of Celia Connolly, a dark tale of serial killers hitting close to home, and the tangled world of supernatural policing. Celia is the witty heart of this wicked tale, boasting sharp dialogue and a rebellious attitude that makes her a pleasure to read. Impressive in the depth of the magical mechanism, this new world is a fascinating one to explore, though the prose is a bit heavy on exposition. The narration is overly declarative and procedural, with few moments for reflection, but the boundless creativity on […]

Two memorable lives collide in This City is Empty, an emotionally gripping and challenging novel by Rovshan Abdullaoglu. Willie and Wisam’s unlikely friendship is steeped in intellectual maneuvering and debate, making this both a wonderful story and an educational treasure hunt with gems of knowledge peppered throughout. Driving headlong at tough topics such as depression, psychological disorders, family loyalty, individual honor, and cultural expectations, this story defies classification, but also demands attention. Abdullaoglu weaves philosophy, poetry, rhetoric, and self-reflection in a masterful way, making this novel an unpredictable and ultimately profound read.

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Author Louisa Pateman bares her soul, and her relatable story of unlucky love in Single, Again, and Again, and Again… From the whimsical memories of early childhood romance to the painful reality of a thirty-something who feels doomed to loneliness, this book will strike a chord in anyone who has had a heartbreak, especially if it hasn’t fully healed. Readers trace Pateman’s ever-changing life plan throughout this vulnerable and savagely honest narrative, watching her mindset and philosophy shift in fascinating ways. While this is only one person’s story and strategy for finding self-satisfaction and purpose, there is also universal insight […]