Editorial Reviews

A gripping narrative of a woman’s harrowing battle with her inner demons and the societal shadows that loom large, A Book Without a Title by Sonii Marie offers an intimate and powerful reckoning with personal vulnerability. Reading as a kind of confessional manifesto, Marie’s writing unfolds like prose poetry, unveiling raw moments of self-doubt and self-criticism, which ultimately leads to a rousing degree of personal acceptance, even within the intense hardship. While the tenor of the book can sometimes feel relentless in the protagonist’s aggressive self-appraisal, the book is hopeful in its message of triumph over adversity, resulting in a […]

Flipping the paradigm of human domination on its head, The Scorching: Just Press Play by Nick Snape is an inventive new sci-fi series that reimagines survival for our species, carving its own niche in a hugely entertaining mash-up of post-apocalyptic, alien invasion, and climate fiction. The titular apocalyptic event has driven humans underground and under the sea, even as a newly arrived alien force delivers potential salvation on an overheated planet. With genetic modification, mind control, conspiratorial rebellions, and a powerful undercurrent of savage social critique, this opening of a new trilogy is a staggeringly original and timely release from […]

A humorous and heartfelt gathering of musings to ease our worries about getting older, The Little Black Book of Birthday Wisdom: Quotes on Aging, Life, and Birthday Cake by Mike Kowis, Esq. is a clever and entertaining guide that also includes some surprisingly sage wisdom. Casually divided into themed chapters of quotes, aphorisms, and advice on mortality, this coffee table collection delivers diverse advice for life throughout the year, whether you’re looking for comfort, catharsis, or a good crack-up. From legendary thinkers and international superstars to actors, comedians, politicians, and anonymous wordsmiths, this well-organized read is another charming gem from […]

A sniper without a war to fight finds himself in crosshairs much closer to home in Nevada Lowball by Antonio Nicassio, a fast-paced drama of brotherhood and desperation. After leaving the military, Wes chooses to settle down into a simple hometown life with his new wife, rather than seek out a new battlefield as hired muscle in a criminal crew. However, when old friends drag him into a deadly scheme and put his growing family in danger, a war comes to his doorstep, leaving him no choice but to play the hand he’s been dealt. The high-octane plot moves fast, […]

A thrilling plunge into modern magic, Court of Fey by Lance Horsman is an innovative second piece of his ambitious series, The Rules of Magic. A new queen of the Fey has been chosen, which means that Eddie Burma and his loyal clan of mages must wade into the deadly political waters of the Unseelie Court, where scheming and backstabbing are as common as breathing, and a more sinister force than normal waits in the royal wings. The ease with which Horsman incorporates the real world into a fantasy universe is artful, clever, and gritty, giving the ancient regality […]

Offering a refreshing perspective on a controversial modern phenomenon, Quiet Quit and Fully Live: Take Back Your Time, Energy, and Life Through Ethical Disengagement by Matthew Hess guides readers through the psychological and behavioral steps of retaking control of one’s life and labor – the idea of doing the minimal requirements at work for maximum personal benefit. From healthy boundary setting and organizing priorities to improving time management, identifying motivations, and shaking off the mental pressures of work life, this book examines – and applauds – the recent trend that is unsurprisingly gaining popularity. With an academic but accessible tone, […]

Understanding Baby’s Cues: Purple Crying vs Normal Crying by Anita P. Skye offers essential guidance for interpreting infant behavior, with a special emphasis on the types of crying parents will encounter. Well-organized, covering the basics as well as many issues parents may not have even thought of, Skye sensitively guides parents through every possible permutation of a baby’s behavior – for instance, how a baby can communicate with the eyes as much as sound – as well as how negative reactions can be avoided or soothed. A relatively short book, the information is nonetheless thorough and streamlined so as to […]

Driven by an understanding that the only universal constant is change, Flow: A Guide to Personal Transformation in Mind, Spirit and Action by Fred Hilgenfeldt is a brilliant mix of spirituality and self-improvement. Offering relatable advice on improving our fluid relationships with the world and people around us, this reflective and interactive book touches on a number of issues, such as emotional dexterity, career movement, micro-traumas, the evolution of belief, bonding, relationships, and much more. Hilgenfeldt draws on solid research, anecdotal stories, and cutting-edge studies from the realms of psychoeducation and physiology to deliver an intellectually engaging and refreshingly accessible […]