Editorial Reviews

With a scathing tongue firmly planted in his cheek, author W.D. County launches a new satirical salvo with SAMMI and the President. The hyper-intelligent, almost-human android SAMMI (Tom) is back in another adventure, this time to foil a sinister Russian plot involving a “presidential” robot of their own. The linguistic puns and real-time social commentary is relentless and timely, but some of the laughter feels forced, given the unstable global position in which America finds itself today. Within the occasionally heavy-handed humor, there is an exciting adventure plot, which gives this potentially heavy book some uplifting energy. Though some […]

Ambitious and intense, The World, Silently Spinning by M.B. Maskovas is a visionary adventure in a dark American future, one that is hopefully not prophetic. Faced with the ultimate struggle of woman vs. nature, Katy is forced to reckon with a planet bereft of humans, but not a world without dangers to fear and scores to settle. Defying a single genre, this book is both a philosophical puzzle and a near-future thriller, with visceral scene-painting, whip-smart social commentary, and subtle allegorical winks. Despite a tendency to over-narrate potential dialogue, as well as some repetition of ideas and exposition, this is […]

Overflowing with heartfelt positivity and aspirational prayers, On This Day by Gillian McEntyre is a devotional guide for a modern world in desperate need of saving. The five distinct sections of this easy-to-read spiritual manual make this a versatile companion, regardless of what you’re going through. Interwoven with classic wisdom from Christianity’s parables, prayers, and stories, this is an energetic and revitalizing read. Though some of the sentiments may repeat themselves, and the formatting of the verses/prayers seems could be more uniform, the powerful words and undeniable passion behind these timely prayers make this book an uplifting gem.

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Tapping into the rich and sometimes painful vein of childhood nostalgia, To the Top of Greenfield Street by Ryan Standley is a deep dive into the teenage psyche. Awkward interactions with the opposite sex, internal battles with self-image and societal norms, and the endless desire to find a sense of belonging fill these pages, making this an entertaining, relatable, and heartfelt story. The narrative voice captures the struggles of youth, but also peppers in humor and sarcasm, emotional descriptions, and meaningful moments of growth and revelation. While some of the writing does feel rough around the edges, the author’s informal […]

Steve Amoia delivers an engaging collection of heartfelt, deeply human tales in Five Short Stories. From exorcising a long-held fantasy through a disappointing slice of romance, to seeing the world from the rougher edge of the map, these stories criss-cross the country, exploring the perceptions and prejudices we experience, as well as those we quietly hold. Amoia carefully dissects the pain of unexpected loss, the unpredictable nature of cruelty, and the toxic addiction of greed and wealth, in stories with gradual momentum and a straightforward, thematically clear tone. There is strength in the simplicity here, and this is a […]

Steeped in authenticity, rich descriptive language, and immersive storytelling, Only Our Destiny by A.G. Russo is a transatlantic tale of persistence, family, and the dreams of freedom that fuel our lives. Diving deep into the Italian experience – both the 20th century struggles in the homeland and the very different type of survival in America – this book is a visceral love note to the past, but also a sharp reminder of the systemic prejudice and predatory leaders that remain empowered today. The writing flows from succinct historical exposition to emotional, tender passages, giving readers an intimate and believable peek […]

L.G. Cunningham has cooked up a wild and thrilling board game adventure in The Game With No Name, the second installment of his Jitters series. The brother and sister duo make for an entertaining core of this story, which moves along at a quick and satisfying clip. The daunting tasks and mounting fears that face these young heroes in a quest to save their family are meaningful on multiple levels; much of this story is layered and allegorical in its messaging, touching on ideas of social anxiety, learning to fit in, growing up, and overcoming challenges. While the language […]

Poet Gary W. Burns offers up a cosmic delight of unique poetry with Twilight: Awaking the Stars – Poems of the Night’s Light, a graceful collection of dreamy verses and existential pondering. The free-flowing nature of this straightforward poetry occasionally stumbles on seemingly forced rhymes, but these issues are few and far between. As a complete collection, these humble, delicate, and soothing verses are immediately accessible, yet stimulate deep thought and reflection. Burns chooses every word with care, and cultivates a mood of peace and introspection that few poets successfully achieve.

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