John Staughton, Senior Reviewer

About John Staughton, Senior Reviewer

Providing exceptional writing, editing and publishing services to hundreds of international clients, ranging from nutritional copywriting and long-form ghostwriting to substantive editing, assessment/analysis of academic texts and structural/content editing for bestselling novels.

Review: The Ferryman’s Toll (Hourglass Book 2) by Daniel James

The Ferryman's Toll (Hourglass Book 2) by Daniel James

Diving even deeper into an elite criminal echelon of New York City, as well as the dubious powers of a shadowy government agency tasked to deal with supernatural threats, The Ferryman’s Toll by Daniel James is a raucous and action-fueled sequel to Hourglass.

Rose Hadfield’s Intensive Scare Unit and the rest of the Hourglass gang once again come to blows with the Cairnwood Society and their devilish ambitions. The creepy cabal isn’t snatching souls from the realms of Erebus this time around, but they are creating a murderous battalion of super-powered assassins, which sets the stage for some epic […]

The Fake Among Us by Samuel Ludke

The Fake Among Us by Samuel Ludke

A mind-bending novella that will have readers questioning their own grasp on reality, The Fake Among Us by Samuel Ludke is a sci-fi action thriller like few others. A twisted tale of “resetting” one’s reality and the dangerous power that technological progress can hold, this story sees a lawman bent and broken by a sinister scientist, proving that the line between human and robot is not as clear as we might imagine. Despite the intriguing premise, the execution needs significant work, as the writing is plagued by repetitive language, stilted dialogue, unclear scene cuts, and basic proofreading errors, which is […]

2022-02-08T06:11:36+02:00February 7th, 2022|Categories: Editorial Reviews|

Premonitions of a Mayan American by Peter Saucier

Premonitions of a Mayan American by Peter Saucier

A stirring collection steeped in magic realism, timeless battles, and the legendary power of cenotes, Premonitions of a Mayan American by Peter Saucier is a stunning follow-up to Premonitions of a Lucid Dreamer, bookended with an extra novella to further thrill readers. A zoologist named Mya embarks on a mystical quest of self-discovery, reining in the epic power of her dreams and bending ancient embers to her will for protection against forces both supernatural and dangerously real. Blending folklore traditions, enchanting threads of Mayan culture, and modern action, Saucier weaves an immersive collection of visionary fiction, with rich prose […]

2022-02-03T09:04:14+02:00February 3rd, 2022|Categories: Editorial Reviews|

Review: Harriet: A Jane Austen Variation by Alice McVeigh

Harriet: A Jane Austen Variation by Alice McVeigh

Harriet Smith boldly catapults herself into the delicate world of high society in Harriet: A Jane Austen Variation, another masterfully penned homage by Alice McVeigh. Youthful passions, fanciful romance, and shifting social dynamics make this an entertaining drama, a peek into the past, and a subtly modern treat.

Casting herself in the role of Emma Woodhouse’s protege, or live-in pet project, in an effort to move herself into a new sphere of society, Harriet cuts a strong, fearless, and authentic figure. Austen fans will be familiar with Emma’s character, from the novel of the same name, but this variation […]

2022-02-03T05:42:59+02:00February 3rd, 2022|Categories: Book Reviews, Lead Story|Tags: |

Review: Amerlee and the Green Void by George Hudoba

Amerlee and the Green Void by George Hudoba

Author George Hudoba holds nothing back in the chaotic cosmic opera, Amerlee and the Green Void, his latest novel from The Monarch in the Milky Way series. Captain Aa, Tata Crubon, Azure, Agent Sasha, Smith the immortal Emperor, the Toxic, and more return for this light-speed sequel to Agent Sasha, the first installation of the alternate reality sci-fi saga.

Picking up where the first book left off, readers are plunged right back into the action, as an elaborate two-pronged bank heist is executed to retrieve precious goods stolen by the Trust from the UNHL (United Nations of Humanlike […]

2022-02-03T05:52:03+02:00February 2nd, 2022|Categories: Book Reviews, Lead Story|Tags: |

Dear Daughter by Dedrick L. Moone

Dear Daughter by Dedrick L. Moone

Author Dedrick Moone explores the hidden superpowers of a father – along with the inevitable fears, victories, and frightening moments – in Dear Daughter: A Love Story, his latest book celebrating unique and resilient families. Vibrantly detailing his journey as a father, and showcasing the endless love and energy he poured out to care for his beloved child, this colorful read is a testimony to growth and emotional strength. That said, the prose could be tightened and edited down in certain places – there are a handful of obvious editing errors, and some passages are overly wordy or informal. […]

2022-02-02T12:17:12+02:00February 2nd, 2022|Categories: Editorial Reviews|

I Move A Lot and That’s Okay by Shermaine Perry-Knights

I Move A Lot and That's Okay by Shermaine Perry-Knights

Author Shermaine Perry-Knights puts her lived experience as a military kid to beautiful use in I Move A Lot and That’s Okay. Utilizing affirming and confident language about the positive elements of a transient lifestyle, the book will help particular young readers adjust to the implicit challenges of relocation. Addressing everything from cultural shifts and unwarranted fears to challenging goodbyes and the potential pleasures of change, this charming story subtly touches on a myriad of psychological and emotional obstacles for military kids. The digital illustrations are colorful and engaging, and the small formatting splashes of color keep the prose […]

2022-02-02T08:40:33+02:00February 2nd, 2022|Categories: Editorial Reviews|

Review: Nelson’s Folly by Oliver Greeves

Nelson's Folly by Oliver Greeves

A character-driven period drama that shines with eloquent prose, historical detail, and gripping suspense, Nelson’s Folly by Oliver Greeves is nothing short of masterful.

Initially, Captain Horatio Nelson is a captain without a ship, disliked by far too many in the British Navy for his career to progress any further. However, as the French Revolutionary Wars rage on, men of Nelson’s undeniable skill and experience are essential, and thus he finds himself freshly helming the Agamemnon, and quickly finding success on the high seas.

Horatio begins the story as a slightly jaded, yet confident husband, a man who commands interest […]

2022-04-11T04:14:20+02:00February 1st, 2022|Categories: Book Reviews|Tags: |
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