Editorial Reviews

With a subtle pen and an ear for authentic dialogue, author Jamie Zerndt presents a snapshot of Native American life outside the reservation in Jerkwater. Laced with a matter-of-factness reminiscent of Sherman Alexie’s more powerful stories, this novel details the sinister conflicts and prejudices that can brew and infect small-town America. While some of the narration is a bit too explicit, leaving readers with little to imagine for themselves, the language is generally well-chosen and emotionally impactful. Bursting with unique personalities and powerful epiphanies, Jerkwater is blunt and evocative, mirroring the sharp-edged truths just below the surface of Zerndt’s […]

Author Abby Lane unleashes a heroine-focused fantasy saga that boldly stands above a crowded genre with The Scarlett Mark. This fairy-tale fusion of wild magic, evil witches, banished princesses, and unlikely heroism is dripping with rich descriptions and fascinating narrative depth. The three-dimensional characters breathe and grieve and thrive on these carefully crafted pages, and Queen Cynara is a tour de force creation, a deliciously penned villain. Borrowing inspiration from modern and classic authors of the genre, yet creating a magnificent new world all her own, The Scarlett Mark is an impressive start to an immersive and lavishly written […]

A Conversation with a Radical by Shathani Manako is a uniquely insightful read following a couple’s philosophical journey through love, loyalty, patriotism, and societal upheaval. What begins as a heady philosophical text becomes an unexpected thriller, as the novella’s powerful ideas converge towards a final battle against the powers that be. With this fast-paced novella, Manako has woven an allegorical tale of ideological revolution and personal liberation that can be enjoyed in an afternoon, but will be remembered for far longer.

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An exciting new relationship struggles under the weight of burgeoning sports stardom and long distance in Three in the Key by KC Avalon. This sports romance is a quick and easy read, though it does boast some complex relationship dynamics between Sydney and Jaxon, as well as unexpected twists. However, the dialogue often comes off as unnatural and overly convenient. Variations in the narrative point of view are also inconsistent and opportunities for more lyrical language or rich descriptions are missed. That said, as a harmless bit of steamy fiction, this tale will be sure to please readers eager for […]

Embers: Of a Shrinking Life by Robert Belenky is a well-penned memoir with flashes of humor and the mature voice of a seasoned academic, one who has seen the world and gleaned some wisdom from the decades. From joyful anecdotes of his time in the military to frustrating run-ins with authority as an advocate for at-risk youth, this book is as unpredictable as Belenky’s life. Some sections could be tightened up, but overall this is a charming, thought-provoking, and refreshingly honest memoir, told with a passionate voice that is no way on the wane, as the title might suggest.

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Milly: My Life As a Labradoodle … In Five Short Dog Tales by Robert Belenky is a sweet and surprisingly poignant book told from the point of view of Milly, a dark brown Labradoodle, and her unique perspective on life as she knows it. With a light and amusing tone throughout, the book is also philosophical at times, covering topics of ethics and even death, while mostly concentrating on Milly’s many comforts, which mirror our own. The book will appeal to all dog owners, but will be especially rewarding for children, as Belenky skillfully weaves in some heady topics into […]

Poet Patrice Jones blends real-life experience and imagination to craft her powerful, non-traditional verse in Gravy, a deeply personal and provocative collection. Most of these pieces are free verse and narrative, touching on classic poetic themes: the struggle for meaningful love, the loss of innocence, familial nostalgia, and childhood longing. However, Jones isn’t afraid to delve into darker issues, such as suicide and abusive relationships, boldly exploring what was once taboo. The work is quite literal, with a fair lack of poetic description, but there is great intention behind the words. Overall, Gravy is an eclectic mix of pain […]

Joey Rodriguez unravels an emotional, quirky ,and cleverly penned tale in JQR, a post-apocalyptic road novel with a bionic twist. Jojo and Pickles make a very strange pair, but this android and his dog must navigate a world ravaged by human folly in an attempt to find whatever meaning is left. The relationship between these two is crafted with grace and an original voice – one that balances dense, engaging writing with dark humor and charm. Both an off-kilter adventure and an existential exploration of what it means to love, dream, and be human, this novel is visceral and […]