John Staughton, Senior Reviewer | Self-Publishing Review

Review: Hot Solar (Cold Solar Book 2) by Anthony Robinson

In the not so-distant future, the remains of Earth and the Martian colonists are locked in a bloody battle for control of resources, the destiny of their planets and the ultimate fate of mankind itself. This is the sci-fi premise of Hot Solar, the entertaining second installment of the Cold Solar series from Anthony Robinson. Balancing well between suspense and action, the author draws readers into a number of mysteries in his twisted future vision.

While the first book set up this dystopian world and the major players within it, this sophomore of the saga allows for more intense […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2019-09-26T07:59:19+02:00August 16th, 2019|Categories: Book Reviews|Tags: Science Fiction Book Reviews|

Review: Education from a Deeper and Multidisciplinary Perspective by Chandana Watagodakumbura

Education from a Deeper and Multidisciplinary Perspective by Chandana Watagodakumbura

Most people believe that a strong education provides a foundation for the future, but there are also those who believe our educational philosophy in the 21st century is outdated and limiting, if not downright harmful to coming generations. In Education from a Deeper and Multidisciplinary Perspective, author Chandana Watagodakumbura presents a bold new vision for the future of education, an individualized and customized approach that could alter communities, populations, entrenched infrastructures, and global society as a whole.

Rather than arguing over the merits of the current educational system, or presenting small adjustments to improve standardized test scores, this book […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2020-08-27T04:03:00+02:00August 14th, 2019|Categories: Book Reviews|Tags: Education|

Review: Jack of Thorns (Inheritance Book 1) by A.K. Faulkner

Jack of Thorns (Inheritance Book 1) by A.K. Faulkner

Jack of Thorns by author A.K. Faulkner is a surprisingly complex and powerful novel that blends the bizarre with the brutally honest.

While many authors compromise plot integrity, character depth or meaningful social commentary in exchange for steamy scenes and snappy dialogue, this book steps away from that basic design. Still working as a fast and furious summer read, Faulkner also delivers a serious bit of writing that tackles subjects with real emotional weight.

After a lifetime of feeling like an outsider, Laurence Riley has slipped into a pattern of addiction, succumbing to temptation rather than facing the psychological turmoil […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2019-08-14T10:42:11+02:00August 12th, 2019|Categories: Book Reviews, Lead Story|Tags: LGBTQI+ Book Reviews, Paranormal Romance Book Reviews|

Spellbound by Julia Goldhirsh

Author Julia Goldhirsh makes a bold debut with this enrapturing modern-day fairy tale. Spellbound will quickly strike a chord with YA lovers, as it ticks plenty of boxes for the genre: unexpected love, emotional turmoil, and a protagonist/damsel in distress at the heart of the tale. The novel is a unique take on an old story, but written with a mature hand that understands the flexibility and beauty of language, which will appeal to readers of any age.

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John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2019-08-13T06:16:41+02:00August 12th, 2019|Categories: Editorial Reviews|

My Christmas Darling by Vivien Mayfair

Vivien Mayfair delivers a wholesome and heartfelt holiday gift with her new book, My Christmas Darling, a classic tale of unlikely lovers tumbling together. Laden with quaint charm and holiday cheer, this slightly predictable story is cozy and quick, with clever writing that will amuse throughout and enough heartstring-tugging to keep romance readers hooked. With Manhattan as a lively backdrop and a penchant for memorable narration, Mayfair’s book offers an innocent escape.

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John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2019-08-12T12:48:54+02:00August 12th, 2019|Categories: Editorial Reviews|

Review: Chromatophobia by W.D. County

Chromatophobia by W.D. County

It feels like a struggle these days to find sci-fi or horror novels that don’t regurgitate old plot lines and rely on classic tropes to snag a bit of attention, but Chromatophobia, the new novel by author W.D. County, will cause fans of these genres to sit up and take notice.

After a childhood living on the edges, isolated by his grey vision of the world, Miles Reardon has found his sweet spot in the military, where he turns tragedy into triumph as a precise and renowned sniper. From the very first scene, readers are given an intense dive […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2020-05-20T05:17:13+02:00August 12th, 2019|Categories: Book Reviews|Tags: Science Fiction Book Reviews, Thriller Book Reviews|

Audiobook Review: The Weight of Smoke by George Robert Minkoff

The Weight of Smoke by George Robert Minkoff

Historical fiction is a genre founded on making the past come alive, and few authors in recent memory have done that with the skill of George Robert Minkoff, the masterful author of The Weight of Smoke. This is the first book in a trilogy that dives into the legend of Captain John Smith and the fascinating mythos surrounding the British Empire and its beginnings, and this audiobook brings alive the past in riveting detail. Blurring the lines between historical fiction and historical fact through linguistic acrobatics alone, it is impossible not to be drawn into this gripping slice of […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2019-09-27T04:54:54+02:00August 9th, 2019|Categories: Audiobook Reviews, Book Reviews|Tags: Historical Fiction Book Reviews|

When to Call a Therapist by Robert C. Ciampi, LCSW

Brimming with solid guidance and straightforward prose, When to Call a Therapist by author Robert C. Ciampi is a thorough examination of psychiatric options, mental health issues, and the necessary skills to self-identify when a person/couple should ask for help. Using relatable anecdotes and accessible language, this book is well-organized and intuitive, with sections that easily stand alone. If you’re struggling with a particular aspect of mental health, or just making your way through a rough patch in life, this book’s compelling advice will be a very important read.

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John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2019-08-08T14:34:17+02:00August 8th, 2019|Categories: Editorial Reviews|