John Staughton, Senior Reviewer

A dragon-bound paladin with the voice of a god in his head does battle with destiny and self-doubt in Futility of Defense by Bryan Cole, the second piece of his Paladin’s Journey saga. As the relentless war against the sea devils rages on, Krell’s spell-casting and battlefield heroics draw the attention of those who would use his unshaped potential for their own ends. Packed with engaging action and a fellowship of entertaining characters, this is a classic yet original hero’s journey laced with fresh magical rules and immersive storytelling, which is ideal for long-time fans of high fantasy, offering a […]

Inviting readers to savor both subject and rhythm, Sonnets of Love and Joy is a reflective collection from poet Paul Buchheit. Exploring love for another, the joy of family, adoration for nature, the seasons, children, and more, this technically polished gathering of sonnets is broad in subject and scope, but consistent in its quality. There is a playful element to the linguistic tangles of this poetic form, and Buchheit leans into that whimsy, particularly in the latter half, with vivid lines and memorable wordplay. Whether reminiscing about the joys of recess, the silence of snowfall, or the grey pain of […]