John Staughton, Senior Reviewer | Self-Publishing Review

Under the Golden Dome by Ray Keating

Perennially skilled in his storytelling, author Ray Keating once again threads the needle between philosophy, adventure, religion, and mystery in his latest Pastor Stephen Grant novel, Under the Golden Dome.

Twenty-five years after witnessing the violent clash of religion and politics firsthand, Pastor Grant must once again unravel the deadly relationships of power – both divine and diplomatic. As is often the case, the theological and the political become tightly knotted in this fast-moving novel, specifically socialist philosophy and Christian dogma. The book also neatly explores the shadowy history of CIA interests, theological autocracies of the past and present, […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2023-04-27T11:00:54+02:00April 26th, 2023|Categories: New Releases|Tags: Religious Fiction Book Reviews, Thriller Book Reviews|

Thar She Blows by Susan Emshwiller

A wickedly smart story of a mother losing patience and a son finding direction in the most unusual way possible, Thar She Blows by Susan Emshwiller is a deep dive into the tenderness and tension of mothers and sons. Pushing the literary boundaries of magical realism, this one-of-a-kind novel is a bizarre tale of losing, seeking, and finding…inside the belly of a whale. The tongue-in-cheek prose offsets the serious issues at hand, while the premise of a booze cruise gone ridiculously awry teeters perfectly on the brink of allegory, parable, and farce. With whip-smart characters, exceptional comedic timing, and high […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2023-04-25T17:35:38+02:00April 25th, 2023|Categories: Editorial Reviews|

Foot Soldier in the Fourth Industrial Revolution by Jeffrey Cooper

Looking at the history of computing, cultural transformation, and the rise of internet technology through his own life and work, Jeffrey Cooper delivers a stirring and timely memoir with Foot Soldier in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Over the course of nearly fifty years, Jeffrey Cooper reliably sought and found himself on the cutting edge of technological advances that have shaped our 21st-century world. The fact that Cooper’s career at GE started four years after the first microprocessor was released, and has stretched well into the modern age of VR, AI, and quantum supercomputers demonstrates the breadth of the author’s […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2023-04-21T12:21:09+02:00April 19th, 2023|Categories: New Releases|Tags: Memoir Book Reviews|

Review: Prepping for Success by Anmol Singh

Boldly re-framing and curating ageless wisdom, Prepping for Success: 10 Keys for Making it in Life by Anmol Singh is a creative and concise guide for those seeking an ethical and innovative edge in professional development.

Though the idea of “making it in life” is broadly subjective, this straightforward and easy-to-follow collection of advice will objectively have a positive impact on one’s potential for success and happiness, given the breadth of insight collected here. From self-discipline and the pursuit of joy to honesty, noble values, and purposeful living, the author addresses nuanced and complex ideas with graceful simplicity.

Refreshingly, the […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2023-04-17T08:21:43+02:00April 16th, 2023|Categories: Book Reviews, Lead Story|Tags: Self-Help Book Reviews|

As Time Goes By by W. Royce Adams

Author W. Royce Adams delivers a unique and intimately drawn reflection on a fictional life well-lived in As Time Goes By.

Recounting his “whale story without the whale,” the protagonist named Old, with wisdom to match his name, invites readers into his philosophy-forward memoir, laced with humor and potential answers to some of the biggest questions we face. From early childhood head injuries and illicit afternoons in barrooms with his grandfather to early missteps in romance, cliff jumping, and the looming clouds of war, it doesn’t take long for readers to forget that they aren’t reading an autobiography, propelled […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2023-04-13T11:30:25+02:00April 12th, 2023|Categories: New Releases|Tags: Contemporary Fiction Book Reviews|

Song of Lilith by Andrew Chiniche

Fiercely retelling the oldest chapter of Christian mythology, Andrew Chiniche has created an evocative and poetic epic with his newest work, Song of Lilith.

Representing the sinful, lustful, self-aware, rebellious, and untamed nature of humankind, specifically womankind, Lilith and her ilk have long been cloaked in biblical shadows and mystical rumors. Beginning with her deflowering by Adam in the Garden of Eden, finding refuge in the arms of Samael the archangel, and her legendary manipulation of Eve’s appetite, this is a biblical story few have ever heard. However, Chiniche’s portrait goes much further, with Lilith existing in different forms […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2023-04-12T11:23:44+02:00April 11th, 2023|Categories: New Releases|Tags: Poetry Book Reviews|

The Rebirth by V.P. Evans

A relentless, character-driven thriller set on the unforgiving streets of Chicago, The Rebirth by V.P. Evans is an unpredictable spree of vengeance, brotherhood, and justice. Ten years after being forced to bury a foul secret about a sprawling global organization, Jason Roneros knows his time is running out, but he won’t go down without exposing their scandalous evil once and for all. Haunted by a decade of demons and grief, Mark Gilliam is forced to revisit his painful past and join Jason in a frantic race for retribution, even as the monsters close in to silence them both for good. […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2023-04-11T12:04:30+02:00April 11th, 2023|Categories: Editorial Reviews|

Review: Her Own Revolution by Debra Borchert

An empowering and dramatic story of romance in deeply troubled times, Her Own Revolution by Debra Borchert is an authentic period novel with a fearless female lead. From the novel’s bold opening line to the heartwarming final proposal, this book is carefully crafted by a master of relationships and emotional tension, for a tightly written, heart-pounding twister of a tale.

Genevieve is a precocious and daring young protagonist who refuses to bow to the gender norms of the time, hiding her gender in order to seek out her education. Terrified at being found out, she has a single person to […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2024-04-19T10:20:46+02:00April 10th, 2023|Categories: Book Reviews|Tags: Historical Fiction Book Reviews|