John Staughton, Senior Reviewer

Author Zachary Aneiress introduces the world to a modern-day mythological superhero in Athens Ophelia: The Misadventures of Growing Up Extraordinary. Featuring stream-of-consciousness, deeply colloquial narration that immerses readers in the mind of this one-of-a-kind protagonist, the story explores societal stigmas and marginalized groups in a timely way, while also flinging madly into the mystical realm of YA fiction. However, the writing needs a serious editorial overhaul, with misspelled words, missing apostrophes, incorrect homonym use, and other issues, making it difficult not to be pulled out of this tale, imaginative as it may be. While the potential for this series is […]

Cryptocurrency has hit the mainstream in recent years, and authors Jon Law and Alan John attempt to unravel some of the public’s most common questions with their aptly-titled book, Bitcoin Answered: A Beginner’s Guide to Everything Bitcoin. Offering a patient, conversational, and intuitively ordered explanation of this complex subject, the authors will appeal to those who want methodical details, as well as those who prefer plain speech and big picture concepts. For investors, this book will clear up what shadowy uncertainties remain, while those brand new to cryptocurrency are in for a comprehensive introduction. Neatly edited, with attention-grabbing visuals […]

Penned partially in response to the dramatic changes that churchgoing populations and religious gatherings have experienced through the global pandemic, Church After: Finding transformation in unexpected change by Anna Mitchell Hall is a bold new testament to faith in modern times. Embracing change and dynamism that are inherent parts of Christian thought, this well-structured book presents a path forward for church leaders and the faithful alike, with recommendations for guiding and supporting congregations in this new era. Peppered with personal anecdotes that give the narrative voice both authenticity and authority, this is a timely read from an author who is […]

A CEO with a blanked-out memory and a grieving cowboy with a soft spot for damsels in distress make for an explosive pair in Fighting for You by Alessa Kelly, the second book in her Fearless Lovers series. Despite the familiar amnesiac premise, the characters are vivid and endearing, though the narration is bluntly expositional and mechanical, at times, and not quite as rich as the first installment. Fortunately, the dynamic between Jesse and Camille offers a perfect odd-couple vibe – smart, uncertain, sharp-tongued, and dripping with rustic desire. The added complexity of this layered plot, namely a corporate power […]

The inferno of shifting allegiance and smoldering gazes in Burning For You make for a hot first installment of Alessa Kelly’s Fearless Lovers series. With a plot model that is becoming a trend, a big-city CEO and a country boy at heart who loves to work with his hands fall into an unlikely connection in the wilds of Montana. The flashback jumps lend themselves to excellent character development, whereas the quality of writing itself is intricate for a work of romance, particularly in its descriptive clarity and creativity. Exploring relationships from every angle – as strangers and enemies, within families, […]

A heartwarming and time-traveling adventure to the medieval past, A Most Unusual Friday Knight is a charming new middle grade adventure from author Alan Frost. Curious orphans become unlikely heroes in a time far from home, but navigate the strangeness of an Old English world with the help of one clever inventor. Despite being somewhat predictable in its plot, and the language being overly simplistic at times, even for the age range, there are valuable lessons to be learned from these amusing characters, from the duality of independence and loyalty to overcoming insecurities and standing up to bullies. All in […]