Book Reviews | Self-Publishing Review

Review: The Capsule by Olga Loukianova

The Capsule by Olga Loukianova

As our world continues to be increasingly reliant on technology, the fear of losing one’s individuality is similarly growing. Author Olga Loukianova presses hard on that slow-burning wound with her dystopian novel, The Capsule, a chilling take on the fate our species.

During the so-called “Age of Perfection,” life has been simplified and streamlined. People exist within perfect capsules, where all their physiological needs are met and managed by Systema, the technological savior of humanity. Interaction with reality outside the capsules is discouraged, and in most cases, unnecessary, as you can instead exist in Net City, which offers all […]

Review: Dolph the Unicorn Killer and Other Stories by Martin Lastrapes

Dolph the Unicorn Killer and Other Stories by Martin Lastrapes

For anyone tired of vampires that glitter and werewolves who are really just confused about their identity, Dolph the Unicorn Killer and Other Stories by Martin Lastrapes is right up your alley. This award-winning author has stepped away from his hit novels and into the realm of raucous short stories, and this is a collection of high-fantasy weirdos with a healthy dose of drugs, sex and rock ‘n’ roll tossed in for good measure.

Set in modern-day Las Vegas, this madcap stream of stories has everything that a horror fan would love, but certainly doesn’t miss a beat for fans […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2019-06-19T16:41:13+02:00June 18th, 2019|Categories: Book Reviews, Lead Story|Tags: Fantasy Book Reviews, Horror Book Reviews, Short Stories Book Reviews|

Review: Dreadmarrow Thief (The Conjurer Fellstone Book 1) by Marjory Kaptanoglu

Dreadmarrow Thief by Marjory Kaptanoglu

Given the barrage of young adult fantasy novels in recent years, it can be difficult to find one that truly stands out. Dreadmarrow Thief is a stellar entry into the genre of YA fantasy, and an exciting first installment of one such new series. Author Marjory Kaptanoglu has cultivated a vibrant and enthralling new world for fans of high fantasy to explore.

The spunky protagonist at the center of this wonderful adventure is Tessa Skye, an apprentice with a dangerous secret: a magical object that allows her to transform into a bird and soar over the forest – a forbidden […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2019-06-19T13:49:23+02:00June 17th, 2019|Categories: Book Reviews, Lead Story|Tags: Fantasy Book Reviews, YA Fantasy Book Reviews, Young Adult Book Reviews|

Review: Consequence of Murder by Michael J. Young M.D.

Consequence of Murder by Michael J. Young M.D.

Is there such a thing as the perfect medical murder? Consequence of Murder, a gripping medical thriller by Michael J. Young M.D., explores the chilling possibility.

Dr. Jay Yamp, Head of the Department of Urology at University Hospital Medical Center in Chicago and his friend and research partner, Professor Max Conit, have created a hydrogel that promises exciting new advancements in kidney stone removal surgery. Dr. Yamp, along with his chief resident, Dr. Sandra Holleb, give the hydrogel its first run during a routine kidney stone surgery and everything goes off without a hitch. The hydrogel shows huge promise […]

Marta Cheng2020-02-21T06:27:05+02:00June 12th, 2019|Categories: Book Reviews|Tags: Medical Book Reviews|

Review: Golden Keys to Open Doors by Harry Meier

Golden Keys to Open Doors by Harry Meier

In the realm of modern spirituality, there are many authors who propose to have the answers, or to know the correct path for spiritual well-being, spawning an entire spirituality industry – valued in the hundreds of billions—for people to lean into in order to clear their mind and cleanse their spirits. In Golden Keys to Open Doors: About Spiritual Cotton Candy, author Harry Meier exposes some of his biggest criticisms with the modern realm of spirituality, and provides his own alternative path.

Meier takes a unique approach to his subject, because where so many other spiritual gurus and guides […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2019-07-15T10:25:28+02:00June 8th, 2019|Categories: Book Reviews|Tags: Self-Help Book Reviews, Spirituality Book Reviews|

Review: A Glossary of Life by Manny Garcia

A Glossary of Life by Manny Garcia

Language is arguably the most important advancement of our species, the tool that helps us define and explain our experience and existence. While all words are useful, some are timelessly tied up in mystery, wisdom, philosophy and emotion. Author Manny Garcia has collected and defined some of these universally significant ideas in his new book A Glossary of Life: Deeper Meaning Behind Our Most Common Words, which is almost certainly unlike any text you’ve ever read.

If you’re expecting a narrative story, this isn’t the book for you. As the title implies, it truly is a glossary – one […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2020-02-21T07:51:32+02:00June 6th, 2019|Categories: Book Reviews|Tags: Self-Help Book Reviews|

Review: The DNA of Democracy by Richard C. Lyons

The DNA of Democracy by Richard C. Lyons

A comprehensive analysis of democracy and its ideals since inception doesn’t immediately sound like a riveting read, but The DNA of Democracy by Richard C. Lyons is like no other history, work of anthropology, or political science book you’ve read before. With an informal voice and the ability to never take the subject too seriously, Lyons presents an impressive and insightful look at the trials and tribulations of human societies as we’ve attempted to find purpose and make peace.

The scale and scope of this book are initially daunting, but Lyons lays out an intuitive framework and explains the angle […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2019-07-03T12:48:42+02:00June 2nd, 2019|Categories: Book Reviews|Tags: History Book Reviews, Social Science Book Reviews|

Review: The Detour by Travis Pearson

In The Detour, a new novel by rising author Travis Pearson, readers are led down the dark roads of America into a nearly forgotten town, where evil is not only pervasive, but also boasts a badge.

The story starts innocently enough, as recently unemployed Dan Icor decides to take a trip across the country to clear his mind and figure out his next steps. However, it’s not long before the novel takes a savage turn, as Dan must defend an innocent Native American family from a brutal gang of local thugs at a gas station. In the process, Dan […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2019-07-02T07:24:22+02:00June 1st, 2019|Categories: Book Reviews|Tags: Crime Fiction Book Reviews|