John Staughton, Senior Reviewer | Self-Publishing Review

Review: The Void Revealed by Stephen J. Ethier

The Void Revealed by Stephen J. Ethier

Power struggles abound in the city of Windhold, the entrancing setting for Stephen Ethier’s new science fiction and fantasy novel, The Void Revealed.

Centuries have passed since the last winds of Fury blew through the basin, scorching and burning all that lay in its path. Safely atop the Spire, the city of Windhold now braces for another period of devastation as the Void beneath their feet again turns into a violent realm of death and destruction.

However, there is far more to the Fury than meets the eye, and the tenuous balance of power between the Brotherhood of the […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2020-02-05T05:34:22+02:00February 4th, 2020|Categories: Book Reviews, Lead Story|Tags: Fantasy Book Reviews|

Review: The Pattern Maker by Richard Snodgrass

The Pattern Maker by Richard Snodgrass

Murder and mysticism weave within the turbulent times of the 1970s Rust Belt in Richard Snodgrass’ new novel, The Pattern Maker. Subtle thematic elements of media consumption and the blending of reality and fantasy swirl around a violent spate of murders in Pittsburgh, a troubled city with a strange allure and a powerful heartbeat that permeates these pages.

Paul Slater, the honorable center point of this story, is a restless mill worker who returns to his hometown of Furnass after years of haunting military service. Perennially ready to fight for the underdog and put his life on the line […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2020-02-25T11:39:48+02:00February 2nd, 2020|Categories: Book Reviews|Tags: Historical Fiction Book Reviews|

Among Those You Know by Joshua Valentine

The dark side of easy money steps out of the shadows in Among Those You Know by Joshua Valentine, a gripping urban thriller that tackles key issues of the LGBT community, the overcoming of childhood trauma, and the friends who become our chosen family. Penned with maturity and tact, along with plenty of attitude and authentic dialogue, Valentine captures the struggle and fortitude of communities that are often ignored under the cover of darkness. Boasting visceral language, a thoroughly unpredictable plot, and richly developed characters, Among Those You Know is a challenging and entrancing read.

[…]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2020-01-30T12:17:49+02:00January 30th, 2020|Categories: Editorial Reviews|

Review: Aetherstorm (Songs of Sarin) by Alexander Ferrick

Aetherstorm (Songs of Sarin) by Alexander Ferrick

An eclectic group of warriors are each drawn to an epic tournament to the death in Aetherstorm (Songs of Sarin), the blistering new novel from author Alexander Ferrick.

A horde of demons has decided to challenge the dominion of the elven royalty by luring the greatest warriors of the land to a battle royale. Everyone traveling to the tournament, and their subsequent storyline, is driven by very different aims. There are the orphans Garron and Luca, who are seeking to avenge the death of their magical mentor and fully test their burgeoning powers. Prince Maronir, however, is determined to […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2020-02-19T07:21:10+02:00January 29th, 2020|Categories: Book Reviews|Tags: Fantasy Book Reviews|

Review: The Saga of Ol’ Rausch by Nick LaTorre

The Saga of Ol' Rausch by Nick LaTorre

Author Nick LaTorre beckons readers into The Saga of Ol’ Rausch with a mischievous and knowing Cheshire Cat grin. This trilogy celebrates the immortal escapades of Rauschmonstrum, the greatest being in human history, capable of true miracles and magic unmatched on Earth. This aptly named saga stretches from Jerusalem to the White House and everywhere in between, delivering a fictional tongue-in-cheek history of the world as we know it.

Beginning back in the time of Jesus, Ol’ Rausch details how it was he who elevated Jesus of Nazareth to such heavenly heights, describing the Savior as nothing more than a […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2020-02-18T10:55:34+02:00January 24th, 2020|Categories: Book Reviews|Tags: Contemporary Fiction Book Reviews, Satire Book Reviews|

Review: Joe’s Odyssey by Nick LaTorre

Joe's Odyssey by Nick LaTorre

Sent on a seemingly harmless client meeting for his boss, Joe Kerson has no idea that his life is about to take a wild turn in Joe’s Odyssey by Nick LaTorre. Dreaming of making a drastic change in life is something to which most readers can relate, giving this wild and unpredictable adventure broad appeal.

Joe Kerson is used to people walking all over him, but with a single shove, he finds himself the new owner of a luxury yacht, and eight suitcases overflowing with mob money. The only problem is that he has no idea what to do next, […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2020-02-17T08:20:54+02:00January 24th, 2020|Categories: Book Reviews|Tags: Contemporary Fiction Book Reviews, Thriller Book Reviews|

Into the Suffering City by Bill LeFurgy

Into the Suffering City by Bill LeFurgy Baltimore from a century ago gleams under a sinister spotlight in author Bill LeFurgy’s electric Into the Suffering City.

Dr. Sarah Kennecott is a gifted medical examiner, but eccentric behavior and a brilliant mind in a woman is not appreciated in such misogynistic times. Finding herself an unlikely ally in a local private detective, Jack Harden, she is determined to see that justice is done for a murdered showgirl, even if that means doing it outside the boundaries of the law. In a town where violence, corruption, brutality and ignorance still reign, Sarah is a fiercely independent light and […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2020-01-23T08:22:26+02:00January 23rd, 2020|Categories: New Releases|Tags: Historical Fiction Book Reviews, Thriller Book Reviews|

The Adventures of Rug Bug by Kay M. Bates

The Adventures of Rug Bug: The Revolution by Kay M. Bates is a lovingly penned book for young readers about friendship, morality, and standing up for what you believe in. Rug Bug is a charming little hero, and the vivid world that Bates creates is sharp and smart. Accompanied by clever footnotes and overflowing with creatively epic descriptions of this miniature world, the story is amusing and entertaining throughout. Though this fast-paced book could use the occasional grammatical polish, it boasts relatable themes and thoughtful parallels to the real world, for a highly successful work of children’s fiction.

[…]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2020-01-23T08:26:04+02:00January 22nd, 2020|Categories: Editorial Reviews|