John Staughton, Senior Reviewer | Self-Publishing Review

Chronicles of the Space Marauders: Jericho’s Odyssey by William Rongholt

Chronicles of the Space Marauders: Jericho's Odyssey by William Rongholt A rapid-fire mix of western and space opera, Chronicles of the Space Marauders: Jericho’s Odyssey by William Rongholt will satisfy readers of both classic sci-fi and westerns alike.

An artifact of untold power pulls Jericho and the Desperado crew into the crossfire of merciless enemies, both new and ancient, and having their memories wiped certainly disrupts their easy freedom as rambling space marauders. Armed with their wits and some fancy new gear, the roguish captain and his robot sidekick face down deadly factions, outsmart aspiring AI overlords, and navigate high-stakes heists to bring balance to their Wild West corner of […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2024-08-13T17:10:44+02:00August 13th, 2024|Categories: New Releases|Tags: Science Fiction Book Reviews, Western Book Reviews|

Guardians of the Ley Lines by Greg Maxfield

Logic clashes with legend in Guardians of the Ley Lines by Greg Maxfield, a thoughtful and entertaining supernatural thriller that challenges both ancient beliefs and the arrogance of modernity. A data-driven researcher is determined to disprove the existence of ley lines in the spiritual nexus of Redstone, Arizona, but the inexplicable phenomena he finds there transcend indigenous folklore or cozy local delusions. Quick-moving and relentlessly probing about the clash of science and spirit, this novel delivers a clever condemnation of contemporary society and a stern reminder for all to respect the lifeblood of the Earth.

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John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2024-08-12T22:34:51+02:00August 12th, 2024|Categories: Editorial Reviews|

JFK Assassination Aftermath by Dr. Diane Holloway Cheney

JFK Assassination Aftermath by Diane Cheney Author Diane Holloway Cheney leans on intensive research and firsthand experience in her critical work of history, JFK Assassination Aftermath: What Happened to Key Figures 1963-2024?

Beginning with a recounting of the events on the infamous afternoon in Dallas, and the reactions of political and cultural leaders in the days and weeks that followed, this book is a compressed and accessible record of this watershed moment, which sheds new light on the major players involved. Examining subsequent investigations into the assassination, the Warren Commission, the handling of sudden presidential leadership by LBJ, and reactions from dozens of people forever linked […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2024-08-12T22:08:20+02:00August 12th, 2024|Categories: New Releases|Tags: History Book Reviews|

Review: A Grand Pause by Gary Santos

A Grand Pause by Gary Santos

Immersing readers in the tension, terror, and unpredictability of war, A Grand Pause: A Novel on May 14, 1945, the USS Randolph, Kamikazes, and the Greatest Air-Sea Rescue by Gary Santos is a uniquely penned blend of historical fact and well-informed fiction.

In the final months of World War II, with unimaginable losses on both sides of every battlefield, the Allied fleet has closed in on Japan, slowly choking the Empire as it island-hops toward a full-scale ground invasion. On May 14, 1945, yet another day that lives in infamy, flight squadrons are finally tasked to attack mainland Japan and […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2024-09-09T11:25:35+02:00August 8th, 2024|Categories: Book Reviews|Tags: World War II Book Reviews|

Easter at the Three Coins Inn by Kimberly Sullivan

A charming array of colorful characters makes Easter at the Three Coins Inn by Kimberly Sullivan a captivating second installment of her richly picturesque Three Coins series. A beleaguered Midwest journalist, a couple in crisis, a mourning restauranteur and more fill the rooms of this well-kept Italian inn, leading to tension, romance, and surprising pathways of healing. Though the narrative focus shifts away from Emma and Annarita, their friendship and support underpin this pastoral getaway tale, immersing readers in sun-drenched drama and the relatable relief of an unpredictable and unforgettable holiday, which feels like taking a holiday in itself with […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2024-08-08T18:26:19+02:00August 8th, 2024|Categories: Editorial Reviews|

Voice of The Portals I: The First Gateway by Hellevi E. Woodman

Voice of The Portals I: The First Gateway by Hellevi E. Woodman Passionately recounting her external and internal journeys towards enlightenment and higher knowledge, Voice of The Portals I: The First Gateway by author Hellevi E. Woodman reveals the potent power of nature, energy, and the interconnectedness of life.

Inviting readers to join her in reflection on the sacred spaces she has explored across the world, the book is a guide and philosophical primer for those open to spiritual wisdom. Whether investigating the Rapa Nui of Easter Island and ancient healing in Machu Picchu to Portuguese descents and Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico, this narrative moves smoothly between memoir and […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2024-08-07T15:53:37+02:00August 7th, 2024|Categories: New Releases|Tags: Spirituality Book Reviews|

Crossing the Blue Ridge by L.E. Denton

An immersive historical reflection on seeking your purpose and finding your courage, Crossing the Blue Ridge: A Tale of King’s Mountain by L.E. Denton is a coming-of-age novel that celebrates brotherhood and patriotism, set against the growing sparks of the American Revolution. Caleb leaves a painful childhood behind to make his fortune in the unknown wilderness, but unlikely companions and the drumbeat of war pull him into a seminal moment of overlooked history. Consistent in its colloquial and authentic tone, this deeply researched narrative is engaging from page one, with compelling characters who are each believable in their emotions, moral […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2024-08-02T14:42:21+02:00August 2nd, 2024|Categories: Editorial Reviews|

Review: The Black Wall of Silence Part III by George H. Butcher III

The Black Wall of Silence: Part 3 by George H. Butcher III

In this third compelling section of George H. Butcher III’s The Black Wall of Silence series, readers are led from the macro issues of judicial impunity in previous installments to the micro level of a number of interlinked and particularly egregious cases in New York state. Examining specific judicial “conduct related to corruption” and utilizing an analytical approach to assess key decisions made by state, federal, and appellate court judges, this book is a methodical and relentless takedown of these “judicial monsters in a real-life horror story.”

While the previous two books in this three-part series addressed many of the […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2024-09-06T15:54:04+02:00July 31st, 2024|Categories: Book Reviews|Tags: Politics Book Reviews|