John Staughton, Senior Reviewer

A rebellious young apprentice from an ancient druidic order returns to America and its tech-cult worshippers in Dreams of Electric Valhalla: A Rael Armstrong Adventure by J.D. DeSain. Though she is far more used to cutting down lizard people and vanquishing disguised demons, Rael’s new mission takes her into the machine-learning heart of cutting-edge tech, where the line between science and wizardry is already murky. With tongue-in-cheek narration, sharply witty dialogue, and a brash storytelling style that crackles with contemporary energy, this is an original mash-up of modernity and magic that is unique in the fantasy genre.

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An essential and evidence-based bridge between body, mind, and spirit, The Mindful Path: Combining Psychotherapy and Buddhist Practices by Michael Jones Ph.D. presents the surprising overlap between the tenets of Buddhism and the foundations of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Using the language of both belief systems, Jones expertly shows how they can be used in conjunction for meaningful relief from anxiety, sadness, anger, depression, and stress, through two introductory sections and eight comparative chapters, along with personal anecdotes and layman-level breakdowns. A comprehensive guide for life and a modern fusion of seemingly disparate philosophies, this is an accessible and revelatory […]

A small-town story of thievery, loyalty, love, and legacy, The Cache by Lauren Anne Davis is a character-driven dive into the epic dramas of everyday life. Navigating new adult responsibilities and unprecedented threats against his family, King is an intriguing lead in this fast-moving read, and things only get more interesting after Meagan walks into his pawn shop, guns blazing, seeking her missing jewels. As this book’s bizarre cast entangles together, their lives and personal histories come into detailed focus, new romances are unexpectedly sparked, and old feuds are finally put to rest. Though the premise is strong, and the […]

Ancient villains, powerful artifacts, and a serial killer on the loose is just the beginning of The Curse by Robert Thornton, the latest in his compelling Hope Allerd mystery series. After being asked to consult on a controversial patient who had recently discovered an Egyptian tomb, the good doctor is drawn into a high-stakes plot of time-traveling professors, reincarnated mummies, and potential pandemics from the distant past. Deliciously mixing an infectious disease thriller with a sci-fi dip into magic, this novel smoothly swings from investigative procedural to a tomb-hunting adventure, for a genre-hopping thrill. Leaving each chapter hanging with palpable […]

A quick, gritty, and intimate thriller, The Camaro Murders by Ian Lewis is a haunting small-town novel that pushes the barriers of narrative form. When a specter from the past returns to the scene of an old crime, the lives of Sheriff Hildersham, August Burrough, Culver Crisp, and the enigmatic Driver will once again be tangled in death and deceit. The hard-boiled prose and nuanced character details make this a standout read, while the supernatural elements are crafted with dark subtlety. Touching on complex themes of abuse, long-buried trauma, justice, and revenge, while experimenting with traditional expectations of the genre, […]