Editorial Reviews

Rory and Peter’s love story continues in the wholesome drama No Secrets Allowed, the sequel to Kana Wu’s entertaining debut in the series, No Romance Allowed. While the plot is familiar, Wu offers a relatable tale of a couple struggling to adapt to a long-distance relationship, along with Peter’s struggles with his family and Rory’s loyalty to love. Peppered with intriguing dynamics of co-workers who threaten fidelity, and judgmental family members sowing doubt, there is palpable tension sustained throughout this compact novel. The main characters are loveable and endearing, if not saccharine at times, and Wu’s handling of […]

Jemme MD Art presents an intimate confession of art and prose in We Are All A Beautiful Mess. Capturing the intense pain of a degenerative disease diagnosis, and the crumbling foundation that can cause, this collection of deeply personal essays, poetry, and striking photography is both haunting and hopeful. Simultaneously analyzing her journey through illness and the road to becoming an artist, this results in a stirring memoir of strength, resilience, and unexpected beauty. The dramatic photography speaks for itself, as does the raw poetry, which work exceptionally well together. A physically and emotionally revealing book, We Are All […]

A gritty modern tale of crime, love, desperation, and survival, Trumpets of Jericho by Logan Christie is a darkly prophetic novel, in which one man finds his voice in the dwindling twilight of a broken world. Richly penned with expressive descriptions and lavish prose, Christie also boasts a critical tongue unafraid to call out hypocrisy in our modern times. The tangled relationship between Candace and Simon is chaotic and alluring, and while the narration is occasionally filled with “the cliché musings of a millennial Midwesterner,” there are also thought-provoking moments about purpose, connection, trust, alternative relationships, and everyday insecurities. With […]

Returning with a fourth installment of her Angelina Bonaparte series, Nanci Rathbun delivers with Blood Kills, a romantic, riveting, and razor-sharp mystery. The murder of a gifted artist is far more than it may first appear, and it will take all of Angie’s investigative skills to unravel this high-brow crime before more bodies are put on display. Peppered with red herrings and a colorful cast of suspects and allies, this is an unpredictable and gripping slice of pulp fiction. The frequent self-referential exposition can be jarring, which occasionally breaks the illusion of the narration, but most of the prose […]

A down-to-earth guide for empowerment of women, both young and old, The Rules of a Big Boss by Haelee Moone is a raw slice of wisdom from a relatable young voice – bold and destined for big things. From peer pressure and fashion choices to dangerous communication patterns and impossible standards of beauty, the author provides a unique and unfiltered perspective on some of the challenges that all women deal with, but few choose to discuss. The prose could benefit from a thorough edit, as there are numerous errors in phrasing and grammar, and some of the radical shifts in […]

A soothing and encouraging book of poetry, koans, prose, and stream of consciousness, Here in Progress by Adrian J. Atwater is a philosophical float down a river of deep ideas. While the brevity of so many of the pieces gives the book a universal feel, there are some clear themes that push through the lyrical musings and dense passages: self-worth and empowerment, autonomy, knowing oneself, desire, and hope for the future, among many more. At times, the vagueness of the language makes certain thought streams feel redundant, but the form and whimsy of the poetry are continually fresh. Unafraid of […]

Three legends in the making return to protect Earth and join some unlikely allies in The Flight of the Mytar, Book 2 of Robert Cole’s dynamic Mytar series. Wrestling with otherworldly creatures intent on destruction is one thing, but these heroes must manage that while navigating the daily struggle of recess and schoolyard drama. Cole complements an engaging and exciting plotline with core characters who evolve believably over the course of the novel, with strong messaging about bullies, personal potential, communication, and overcoming differences through unity. However, the execution of the book is poor, in places, with sloppy errors […]

Magically inclined Alyssa McCarthy is back in The New Enchantress, the third installment of Sunayna Prasad’s inventive and charming YA series, Alyssa McCarthy’s Magical Missions. The protagonist’s challenges are closely linked to relatable struggles for young readers – a lack of self-confidence, courage in the face of new milestones, and learning how to manage complex and overwhelming emotions – and the symbol-heavy storyline is easy to follow, providing plenty of exposition for those jumping into the series late, while still keeping up the suspense. However, there is also a good deal of grammatical sloppiness and room for editorial […]