John Staughton, Senior Reviewer

Author Abby Lane unleashes a heroine-focused fantasy saga that boldly stands above a crowded genre with The Scarlett Mark. This fairy-tale fusion of wild magic, evil witches, banished princesses, and unlikely heroism is dripping with rich descriptions and fascinating narrative depth. The three-dimensional characters breathe and grieve and thrive on these carefully crafted pages, and Queen Cynara is a tour de force creation, a deliciously penned villain. Borrowing inspiration from modern and classic authors of the genre, yet creating a magnificent new world all her own, The Scarlett Mark is an impressive start to an immersive and lavishly written […]

A Conversation with a Radical by Shathani Manako is a uniquely insightful read following a couple’s philosophical journey through love, loyalty, patriotism, and societal upheaval. What begins as a heady philosophical text becomes an unexpected thriller, as the novella’s powerful ideas converge towards a final battle against the powers that be. With this fast-paced novella, Manako has woven an allegorical tale of ideological revolution and personal liberation that can be enjoyed in an afternoon, but will be remembered for far longer.

 […]

An exciting new relationship struggles under the weight of burgeoning sports stardom and long distance in Three in the Key by KC Avalon. This sports romance is a quick and easy read, though it does boast some complex relationship dynamics between Sydney and Jaxon, as well as unexpected twists. However, the dialogue often comes off as unnatural and overly convenient. Variations in the narrative point of view are also inconsistent and opportunities for more lyrical language or rich descriptions are missed. That said, as a harmless bit of steamy fiction, this tale will be sure to please readers eager for […]

Embers: Of a Shrinking Life by Robert Belenky is a well-penned memoir with flashes of humor and the mature voice of a seasoned academic, one who has seen the world and gleaned some wisdom from the decades. From joyful anecdotes of his time in the military to frustrating run-ins with authority as an advocate for at-risk youth, this book is as unpredictable as Belenky’s life. Some sections could be tightened up, but overall this is a charming, thought-provoking, and refreshingly honest memoir, told with a passionate voice that is no way on the wane, as the title might suggest.

 […]