Book Reviews | Self-Publishing Review

Review: Beautiful Belligerence by Brent Beamer

Beautiful Belligerence by Brent Beamer

Beautiful Belligerence lives up to its name as author Brent Beamer delivers a no-holds-barred peek into a wild and seminal trip that continues to impact him to this day. Touching on delicate themes of substance abuse, addiction, depression, brotherhood, sexuality, and perseverance, this book may be rough around the edges, but so is life.

When the author and three of his closest friends decide to throw their troubles to the wind and tear up Kansas City for a weekend, none of them know what might lie in store for them. At first glance, this book may seem like a drug […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2020-06-25T03:20:00+02:00June 3rd, 2020|Categories: Book Reviews|Tags: Contemporary Fiction Book Reviews|

Review: A Devil’s Tongue by Richard J. Blanco

A Devil's Tongue by Richard J. Blanco

A young man on a dangerous road with one end in sight finds a final chance at redemption in A Devil’s Tongue by author Richard J. Blanco. Readers are brought into the juvenile yet unexpectedly mature mind of Robert, a young man who has seen far too much already in his young life, in this heartbreaking story of second chances.

The traumatic premise of this novel gives it a harder and more visceral edge than other stories of kids going down a dark path and finding salvation. Watching Robert attempt to be “normal” while wading the waters of addiction and […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2020-06-24T03:49:49+02:00June 2nd, 2020|Categories: Book Reviews|Tags: Contemporary Fiction Book Reviews, Young Adult Book Reviews|

Review: The House and the Doormat by Sherry Martin, Illustrated by Lynda Farrington Wilson

The House and the Doormat by Sherry Martin

A lovely house on a hill learns what it takes to become a home in The House and the Doormat by author Sherry Martin, illustrated by Lynda Farrington Wilson. This simple story accompanied by stunning visuals is a charming children’s book with lessons on acceptance, appreciation, communication, self-respect and recognizing the work of others.

Ramona is a proud and beautiful house, sparkling from roof to root cellar, and isn’t afraid to brag about her appearance to anyone who will listen. Dusty, on the other hand, is the lowly doormat, often overlooked as people wipe their feet on his face before […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2020-06-19T07:11:22+02:00June 1st, 2020|Categories: Book Reviews|Tags: Children's Book Reviews|

Review: Gates by Jay Green

Gates by Jay Green

A short but significant collection of ideas, memories, and imaginings are offered in the varied and expressive work of poetry, Gates by Jay Green.

The volume opens with a reflection on judging and condemning others, “Namesake.” The poet suggests that trust and forgiveness play a role in finding balance and “braving any distance” between people. “Sunset on the Bayou” paints the lovely perception that “Someone dropped ice cream on my Louisiana sky,” inviting him to relax and watch the celestial substance melt. An interesting take on writing is explored in “Penmanship” in which, as a child, Green tried to imagine […]

SPR2020-06-18T03:16:02+02:00May 27th, 2020|Categories: Book Reviews|Tags: Poetry Book Reviews|

Review: Snatch 2&20 by Luke E. Fellows

Snatch 2&20 by Luke E. Fellows

A raucous story told by a brilliant mind becomes something both satirical and insightful in Snatch 2&20 by Luke Fellows. Following the misadventures and addled mind of one Giles Goodenough, this book is both a riveting read and a whimsical magic trick, spelling out a story so strange, and populated with such unique characters, that you’ll regret reaching the final page.

This foppish protagonist is depicted in sparkling detail, and readers quickly understand the caricature being painted – entitled, privileged, and used to skating through life without having to expend too much effort. In some ways, Giles is reminiscent of […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2020-05-27T04:27:34+02:00May 25th, 2020|Categories: Book Reviews, Lead Story|Tags: Contemporary Fiction Book Reviews, Satire Book Reviews|

Review: Architect (Calamity’s Window Book 1) by RT Mulder

Gripping from the very first page, author RT Mulder delivers a savage opening salvo with Architect, Book 1 of the Calamity’s Window series. A colossal and complex fantasy world unravels before readers’ hungry eyes in this tour de force warrior fantasy from an exciting new author in the genre.

The world of Halja is a hard place, populated by those who have been steeled for survival. The kingdoms have a long history of conflict, but when an even greater evil from the past rises that threatens them all, an unsteady peace must be struck. From the swarthy and morally […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2020-06-12T07:50:24+02:00May 20th, 2020|Categories: Book Reviews|Tags: Fantasy Book Reviews|

Review: Raven (Cinzento Academy Book 1) by Sue Loh

Raven (Cinzento Academy Book 1) by Sue Loh

Breaking through a corporate firewall and getting chastised by Mom for not eating enough fruit can both happen in the span of an afternoon in Raven, the first book of Sue Loh’s Cinzento Academy series. When a ragtag team of virus-hunting geniuses is presented with a challenge that may exceed any of their individual skillsets, they will have to redefine teamwork and put their strange minds to the task.

The Cinzento Academy is an elite school for brilliant tech minds – a “Home for Wayward But Brainy Boys and Girls.” Fireball, a whip-smart 16-year-old, along with an eccentric team […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2020-06-08T09:25:50+02:00May 20th, 2020|Categories: Book Reviews|Tags: Young Adult Book Reviews|

Review: Management Practices of Successful CEOs by James P. Armatas, Ph.D.

Management Practices of Successful CEOs by James P. Armatas

Author James P. Armatas invites readers into the heart of company culture and the psychological landscape of leadership in his thought-provoking memoir Management Practices of Successful CEOs.

From the unique vantage point of a trusted consultant, a fly on the wall, and in some cases, a therapist or friend, Armatas gained access to impactful leaders of major global corporations over the past 50 years. In many cases, he aided them in their rise to the top, but more importantly, he often helped them remain in dominant positions for decades.

In today’s rise-and-fall corporate culture, longevity is valuable, but the […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2020-06-05T08:15:31+02:00May 19th, 2020|Categories: Book Reviews|Tags: Business Book Reviews, Memoir Book Reviews|