Editorial Reviews

A dragon-bound paladin with the voice of a god in his head does battle with destiny and self-doubt in Futility of Defense by Bryan Cole, the second piece of his Paladin’s Journey saga. As the relentless war against the sea devils rages on, Krell’s spell-casting and battlefield heroics draw the attention of those who would use his unshaped potential for their own ends. Packed with engaging action and a fellowship of entertaining characters, this is a classic yet original hero’s journey laced with fresh magical rules and immersive storytelling, which is ideal for long-time fans of high fantasy, offering a […]

Inviting readers to savor both subject and rhythm, Sonnets of Love and Joy is a reflective collection from poet Paul Buchheit. Exploring love for another, the joy of family, adoration for nature, the seasons, children, and more, this technically polished gathering of sonnets is broad in subject and scope, but consistent in its quality. There is a playful element to the linguistic tangles of this poetic form, and Buchheit leans into that whimsy, particularly in the latter half, with vivid lines and memorable wordplay. Whether reminiscing about the joys of recess, the silence of snowfall, or the grey pain of […]

With twenty-five imaginative, funny, and tender stories, The Magic In Metaphor: Empowering Children Through Healing Stories by Harley Sears is an invaluable teaching aid for adults and an inspiring read for children. Using metaphor as a therapeutic device, Sears crafts insightful stories on topics such as self-esteem, anxiety, emotional management, empathy, and friendship, while also addressing some contemporary concerns such as the increasing dependency on digital tools. Full of captivating characters, and equipped with fun activities, this is a book for adults and children seeking to have a deeper understanding of themselves and each other, for a highly original and […]

A refreshingly candid look into the experiences of stroke survivors, Emerging From the Dark by Terence Ang is both informative and inspiring. Arranged as a series of essays, the book uses original illustrations as a companion to the text in order to examine myriad topics faced by stroke survivors: physical and mental health, depression, loneliness, as well as the determination to get better and start a new life. Powerful and unabashed in its comprehensive overview of what people might face, this is a book for anyone who is struggling after a stroke and needs some inspiration, as well as for […]

The Birth of Agent Big Butt: Butt of Steel, Heart of Gold by Amy Winfield, with brilliant illustrations by Tom McWeeney, is a hilarious and supremely original children’s book about a baby who was born with an enormous rear end as hard as steel, as he takes on local robbers while outwitting a mad doctor. With wisdom and intelligence beyond his years, this heroic baby understands the deadly nature of his weapon and desires to use it for good – a hysterically ridiculous take on “With great power comes great responsibility.” Lighthearted and funny throughout with a cheerful take on […]

A sci-fi thriller that examines if humanity would stand a chance against a hostile alien force, Xenome by Vivek Pravat is a terrifying and fast-paced ride. An intrepid biologist finds herself in the heart of a rogue experiment gone wrong, and as secrets from her own past come to light, she must uncover the key to humanity’s survival. Though some of the character development is familiar action fodder, the exposition is richly detailed for science fiction fans, and just the right amount of frightening for a post-pandemic audience willing to suspend their disbelief for an extraordinary premise. With long bursts […]

A powerful political thriller, Root of All Evil by Aura Ayira is a searing portrait of subjugation, violence, and the limits some people must go to find peace. Zayani seems to have it all from a distance – wealth, power, and beauty. However, forced to marry a ruthless dictator, she’s also a prisoner, and every opportunity to escape comes with a moral quandary and a violent cost. Written with vivid prose that is at once beautifully expressed and terrifying, the novel is no doubt unsettling, but it also tells a viscerally gripping story about the importance of freedom and personal […]

A fascinating and in-depth interpretation of the Bible, The Sacred Sword: New Biblical Discoveries by Ed Jusino helps paint a clear picture of what the text was specifically designed to teach. Providing specific verses from the Bible, the author explains in detail what the text refers to, how it fits into the larger narrative of the Bible itself, and what lessons it is meant to impart for everyday life, making the book a fantastic resource for both committed believers and religious scholars. While the Bible is potentially open to interpretation for each reader, there are distinct lessons to be learned […]