John Staughton, Senior Reviewer

A raucous, wine-drunk spree complete with colloquial Sottish charm, Lochlan by Pax Sinclair is her latest innuendo-soaked read, and seductively sets the stage for the new Scotsman’s Kilt series. The bad boy billionaire heir exiled to America is a premise packed with potential, but when a stunning young volleyball star sets her eye on him as the target of a “bonding ritual,” the plot takes a decidedly intriguing turn. Anger and mistrust evolve into a deeper relationship, which allows this quick read to be more than just lip-biting pulp fiction. Sinclair gives depth where other romance authors settle for superficiality, […]

A relentless, action-packed take on mystics in the mainstream, In the Midst of Magic by Christian Cura is a refreshingly original work of urban fantasy. Haunted by her brother’s death at the necromantic hand of her closest friend, Kara hides her powers from the world. However, when she is tasked by her editor to capture a femme fatale demon hunter in action, she is drawn back into the deadly realms of magic, and a powerful connection she cannot deny. Moving at a blistering pace, this is adrenaline-fueled storytelling at its best, yet it still manages to explore challenging themes of […]

A touching tale of outcasts finding connection and long-sought peace, On Bur Oak Ridge by Jenny Knipfer is a beautifully written portrait of the past, and dramatic historical fiction at its best. A slow-burning pastoral romance with dual narration for a fully immersive experience, this story feels archetypal, unfolding with exquisite execution. Centered on the emotional complexity of Molly and Samuel, who bear different ghosts and scars, this is a challenging, captivating, and suspenseful read. Meticulous in her word choice and masterful in scene-crafting, Knipfer smoothly transports readers through time, while delving deep into timeless themes of love, grief, loyalty, […]

A near-future burst of visionary fiction, brilliantly supported by deep research, history-crafting, and a detailed imagination, Skyworld Saga Foundation by Alan Priest is a bold launch point for a sci-fi series. Exploring the weight of innovation in desperate times, readers bear witness to the relentless drive of human nature when pushed to the ultimate brink to save the world’s first city in the sky. A fine-toothed editorial comb would polish the occasionally stilted dialogue or rambling prose that undercut the meticulous nature of Priest’s storytelling. Overall, however, the vivid world-building and expositional artistry make Sky City an immersive new idea […]