Editorial Reviews

Take a thrilling dive through the darkness of Seamax prison in Croft by Jason Palmer, the climactic final installment of The Max trilogy. These pages are packed with meticulous heists, brilliant scheming, all-out brawls, and a simmering, palpable tension that makes it difficult to put this prison thriller down. Percy Croft’s methodical mind makes for riveting narration, while the juxtaposition of brutal jail yard violence with delicate planning and clever manipulation is a storytelling feat. Providing a last glimpse into this dramatic world of dirty alliances, perpetual threats to the gangland throne, and heavy questions of morality and responsibility, this […]

Brimming with imagination and magical jumbled-up creatures, Journey to Jumbalot by Ryan Wakefield details the delightful adventure of a curious cat in a strange new world. In search of his human, Alby ventures to a land that is similar to our own, but doesn’t follow the same rules of physics, evolution, or basic reality. This wildly creative children’s title is ideal for young readers who enjoy the whimsy and fantasy of children’s books, but also want to move up in their reading level. The writing is straightforward and easy to read, the vocabulary is diverse, and there is a good […]

A raw and visceral journey through the alleys and penthouses of America, Big City Secrets is a striking tale of pushing through pain to discover one’s potential. From an abusive childhood and early abandonment issues to complexes around sex, intimacy, money, and success, this book and its sympathetic protagonist shy away from nothing, turning a spotlight on human nature through the smudged and fickle lens of Los Angeles. With gritty, unpolished dialogue that seems like it’s pulled right from the street, and a matter-of-fact style of storytelling reminiscent of Bukowski or Bret Easton Ellis, this is a sleazy, but urgent […]

Three quick and creepy stories are born from the same spooky children’s toy in Dollhouse by J.C. Bratton, who artfully plays on such classic fears as vengeful toys with scores to settle, dolls who want to swap lives with their human “best friends,” and childish superstitions that suddenly become fatally real. All three stories are succinct and clearly crafted, but feel somewhat rushed, and while the writing is well-edited and clean, there aren’t enough peaks or twists in these mini-plots to build suspense. A bit more exposition, character development, and world-building would make these clever stories even stronger, but as […]

A compelling and uncompromising memoir, Strawberry Roan: Growing Up in the Shadow of Hermit’s Peak is the powerful life story of author Judy Beil Vaughan. Whether she describes pushing back against political injustice, standing up for gender equality, or simply learning and growing through an intimate link to the natural world, Vaughan has delivered an inspiring tale of independence, stubbornness, and fortitude. She isn’t afraid to shine light on her darkest days and personal struggles, imbuing this memoir with true vulnerability. The writing is authentic and immersive, so whether you love horses or the picturesque Southwest, or simply admire tales […]

From the troubled and tragically hopeful mind of a truly hopeless romantic comes Strange Deaths of the Last Romantic by Moses Yuriyvich Mikheyev. Simmering with dark comedy and questioning the boundaries between magic and physics, this is a crafty novel that can easily make a reader forget it’s fiction. From existential questions about reincarnation to the cutting-edge frontiers of regenerative biology, this novel is a heady dive into mortality, conspiracy, personal identity, and a fatal penchant for love. The writing is smart and confident, and though the first-person narration can get redundant, the relationships feel real, as does the mounting […]

Author Oreste J. D’Aversa outlines a positive path forward through these unprecedented, painful, and dynamic times in Life Beyond the Pandemic. Taking a comprehensive look at how recent events have changed all of us in both unique and universal ways, this book breaks down the work that must be done in our emotional heart, body, and mind as the next chapter of the world begins. The positive tone, step-by-step approach, and underlying goal of greater prosperity and happiness make this an enjoyable read, despite the subject. Some of the language is a bit too informal, and certain sections veer […]

An expansive and daring sci-fi drama, Preons: Alpha is the first installment of a high-octane series by author Frederik T. Stevens. This endlessly creative novel is a coming-of-age story and a galactic thriller, founded on impressive world-building and complex, wounded characters, particularly David, the vengeful protagonist who fuels this violent tale. Dropping readers into this universe without an excess of exposition can feel jarring, but it also makes every detail, reference, and description important – scattered pieces to a fascinating puzzle. The narration is overly declarative at times, rather than visceral or suggestive, but the non-stop action of this cosmic […]