John Staughton, Senior Reviewer

About John Staughton, Senior Reviewer

Providing exceptional writing, editing and publishing services to hundreds of international clients, ranging from nutritional copywriting and long-form ghostwriting to substantive editing, assessment/analysis of academic texts and structural/content editing for bestselling novels.

Cheerful Obedience by Patrick McLaughlin

Cheerful Obedience by Patrick McLaughlinAn eager young soldier comes of age through the smoke and strife of Vietnam in Cheerful Obedience by Patrick McLaughlin, a character-focused snapshot of that conflict’s dark legacy, and a powerful work of historical wartime fiction.

Conor McKall is an honorable protagonist – he understands his duty, sticks up for his comrades, and acts courageously in service to his country, but surviving in a war zone takes more than humility, patience, and resilience. As McKall moves up the chain into squad leader, he must navigate the day-to-day trudge of an ever-changing battlefield, including petty challenges to his leadership and explosive […]

“Hello Hammersmith!” by Tim O’Shaughnessy

Hello Hammersmith! by Tim O'Shaughnessy

Following a haunted musician with dreams of center-stage and two aging legends seeking a final flash of stardom, “Hello Hammersmith!” by Tim O’Shaughnessy is a gritty blend of musical memoir and emotional drama. The time-leaping storyline moves between a potential comeback for the two synth-pop veterans, and their son Jack’s diverted artistic path after a tragic accident redirects his life. The dialogue crackles with colloquial charm and the narration is viscerally immersive, pulling readers onto the stage of real-life headliners and heartbroken youth with alluring authenticity. A peek into multiple generations of the UK music scene, and a sensitive exploration […]

2023-12-07T15:28:12+02:00December 7th, 2023|Categories: Editorial Reviews|

The Festival of Sin by J. M. Unrue

The Festival of Sin by J.M. Unrue

Bursting with visionary creativity and ominous warnings, The Festival of Sin and Other Tales of Fantasy by J. M. Unrue is a riveting collection of fantastical tales, some that feel prophetically torn from the near future, and others tapping into ancient existential questions. Whether dissecting the ethical implications of immortality among the stars or musing on the destiny of souls still seeking release from tragedy, the author weaves history, myth, and morality into wildly original stories. With a storytelling style reminiscent of Ursula K. LeGuin, and a profound yet straightforward narrative flow, Unrue’s deft pen is confident, clever, and timely, […]

2023-12-05T15:22:54+02:00December 5th, 2023|Categories: Editorial Reviews|

Vizard by Shari Marshall

Vizard by Shari Marshall

A classic coming of age novella set in the magical world of The Ember Files, Vizard by Shari Marshall is a fantasy parable with a lovable heroine at its heart. After her magic-wielding parents are killed by a vicious Spellbinder, Juniper Berry must embark on a perilous journey – fortunately, her powers seem to be growing with each narrow escape. Fast-moving and fun for sorcery-loving YA fans, this quick read bounces from prison break-ins and romantic dabbles to fairy magic and soul-smashing battles, woven neatly with focused and animated storytelling. Packing an impressive amount of adventure into a compact […]

2023-12-05T13:12:29+02:00December 5th, 2023|Categories: Editorial Reviews|

Winning Numbers by Jeff Copetas

Winning Numbers by Jeff CopetasA comprehensive plunge into the enigmatic world of the lottery, Winning Numbers: A Deep Dive Into the Lottery & Luck by Jeff Copetas is an eye-opening and entertaining exposé on winning big.

Balancing statistical pragmatism against human nature and the alluring dream of winning it all, Copetas’ narrative highlights the dramatic and double-edged power of sudden wealth in America. Told through a blend of anecdotal accounts and academic analyses, this informative read bounces from bank robberies and Lamborghini parades to taxation policies for the poor and the Pandora’s Box of capitalism.

More than a behind-the-scenes peek at some lottery winners […]

2023-12-04T16:06:53+02:00December 4th, 2023|Categories: New Releases|Tags: |

Review: An Eighth Grade Gay Straight Alliance by Daniel Micko

An Eighth Grade Gay Straight Alliance by Daniel Micko

Hard-hitting in its honesty and authentic narrative voice, An Eighth Grade Gay Straight Alliance by Daniel Micko shines a light on the societal forces and peer pressures that shape growing up today.

When the enigmatic Brooklyn Jennings starts her own Gay-Straight Alliance at her middle school in Modesto, California, she makes her intentions clear: no adults, no teachers, and a vision to “shake things up.” Sydney Troller may be smitten by Brooklyn’s devil-may-care vibes, but she also doesn’t want to get involved in anything that could land her in trouble – or even jail. Testing the lines of privilege, purpose, […]

Mysteries of a Middle Schooler by Dr. Tonmar Johnson

Mysteries of a Middle Schooler by Dr. Tonmar Johnson

A time-travel adventure packed with mystery and hard lessons, Mysteries of a Middle Schooler: Let the Adventures Begin by Dr. Tonmar Johnson is a thrilling hyper-modern fantasy for middle grade readers. The start of fifth grade for tech-savvy Marcus and warrior-poet Evie Wilkins is exciting, but their ChatGPT-fueled plan to crack time travel takes them where they don’t expect. Redefining the concept of extra credit, Evie’s trip back to 1862 gives her everything she could ever need for their history presentation, but the lessons learned extend far beyond the classroom. Exploring deep concepts of bloodlines, inequality, loyalty, and the uncomfortable […]

2023-11-30T13:23:55+02:00November 30th, 2023|Categories: Editorial Reviews|

Review: Things That Go Bump in the Night by JC Bratton

Things That Go Bump in the Night by JC Bratton

A collection of slow-burning psychological horror, Things That Go Bump in the Night, Volume One: Urban Legends by JC Bratton holds four chilling and unpredictable stories, originally published separately.

In “Who’s At the Door?” a young woman named Jamie is left at home while her parents go on vacation, but two weeks of enjoying an empty house quickly turn terrifying. Whether it’s a cruel prank or something even more sinister, bizarre things keep happening at 3:33 AM, from invisible front door visitors to ghastly appearances on empty country roads. With the help of Mark the heartthrob, Jamie continues peeling back […]

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