John Staughton, Senior Reviewer

A far-reaching manifesto about the transformative language of God, Paramorphing: The Secret Ancient Science of Transforming Physical Reality by Hari R. Mira is a deep dive into an ancient belief system – one the author argues has shaped the course of human history. Brimming with philosophical and religious explorations concerning the nature of existence, subjective reality, and personal control over those abstract paradigms, this text is a radical take on visualization techniques and more mainstream ideas of manifestation. Using extended metaphors and anecdotal parables to support the thesis of faith-based surrender, the author touches on everything from neuroscience and cognitive […]

Humanity survives in a philosophical cage at the edge of annihilation in The Devoured Sons by Seth Daniel Parker, a work of neo-mythological apocalyptic fiction that defies classification or comparison. The profoundly intelligent and deeply depressed narrator, Slevin, details in spectacular prose his academic and existential journey towards the fabled peaks of power, his brushes with unexpected immortality, and the ultimate discoveries in his quest for truth. Blurring the lines between memoir, allegory, and sci-fi prophecy, Parker’s writing is infused with subtle wit and classical wisdom. Emboldening contemporary readers who may embrace their gnawing curiosity about life after apocalypse, this […]

A kaleidoscopic collision of poetry, imagery, and thoughtful critique, Artwords by Beatriz M. Robles is an edgy and experimental collection of words and art. Blackout poetry and visual entendres explore the intimacy of linguistics and the multiple layers of meaning imbued in even the simplest objects or lines of prose. Aesthetically rubbing shoulders with Dadaism and radical post-modernism, this is an eclectic explosion from an original visual and literary artist. As Robles pushes into controversial realms with wry wit, colorful metaphors, and inventive wordplay, her cross-disciplinary practice comes into clearer focus, challenging readers to redefine their own boundaries of artistic […]

A heartwarming testament to embracing age with grace, curiosity, and whimsy, The Ladies of Eyesore Towers by Janet Hutcheon is a charming read in an oft-overlooked genre niche. Dorothy, Evie, and Sue make an investment together when they co-buy a mysterious house with an intriguing and illicit history – anything to avoid the fate of a dreaded care home. Exploring the undeniable truths of mortality, morality, loss, and resilience in the face of time’s inexorable march, this touching story of friendship amidst life’s hard changes will resonate across generations. While the prose would benefit from a light editorial touch to […]

Dark animal spirits, desert warrior mages, and the enigmatic chronicle of a magical America make Bad Medicine: Rules of Magic, Volume 1 by Lance Horseman an entrancing and surreal work of visionary fiction. Upon his return to Colorado, a vigilante wizard who hunts down rogue magic-breakers is faced with a mountain of trouble – a deadly clash of brujos and dark devilry is brewing, far beyond the pay grade of local authorities. A sinister harbinger of death has set its sights on the souls in Eddie’s small town, forcing its primal defender to unleash the ancient power caged within. Expertly […]