SPR’s book reviews of new self-published books
Own a Fraction, Earn a Fortune by Michael Fox-Rabinovitz
The author outlines the history of collecting, from Europe to modern-day USA, and explains meticulously the practicalities, such as […]
The Shimmering by Michael L. Clark
Finding the way back home to his beautiful wife is no easy task for Daniel, after being tossed back in time to a very different Tennessee wilderness, where survival depends on quickly recognizing friend from foe. Time-traveling is a popular plot device, as well as a risky one, but the way these two storylines merge, twist, and mirror one another is impressive and a joy to read.
Readers are given a godlike overview of a rapidly unfolding mystery, which makes for exciting […]
Predict Your Success by Joseph Olaoye
Drawing on a broad spectrum of fields and perspectives, Predict Your Success: Simple Strategies to Help You Discover Your Strengths, Change Your Thinking, Create Your World and Change Your Life by Joseph Olaoye is an intuitive and impactful guide for discovering your authentic path and remaining resilient through life’s storms.
Broken up into three areas – Discovery, Succeed, and Perennial Success – this book is designed for those at any point on their personal journey. Beginning with the basics of overcoming internal obstacles, recognizing self-worth, and understanding the chaotic global context within which we live, Olaoye offers seemingly simple wisdom […]
Death Honk: Nine Tales of the Macabre by JP Mac
From brief vignettes of paranormal scenes to longer stories that hit hard with shock value, there is no clear continuity in these tales aside from their grim and horrific style. “Mark of the Bruja” is one of the strongest stories, with visceral characters, a well-formed plot, and a unique cultural perspective on the supernatural that may be new to many readers. “Devil Reef” is another memorable piece, and […]
The Night Sender by Christina Tsirkas
A fantastical, erotic, and revelatory journey into self-discovery, The Night Sender by Christina Tsirkas is the story of a bold young woman who dares to challenge societal norms and cultural expectations at every turn.
A secretive coming-of-age ceremony brings together the free-spirited and open-minded Rose with the curious and daring Roosha, a mystical Night Sender whose only purpose in life is to deliver pleasure. However, their unique and surprising connection draws them both into a forbidden affair that will put their lives – both present and future – on the line.
Overflowing with blush-inducing language and perplexing emotional puzzles, this […]
Katie: The Daughter Of by EM Green
A clever, thought-provoking, and unpredictable story of life as the teenage daughter of a grim reaper, Katie: The Daughter Of by EM Green is an original YA adventure.
Katie Death is used to her father being Immortal, and technically dead, but after countless moves, she is ready to find some sense of normalcy and connection. This amusing high school drama is predictable in certain ways – the struggles of fitting in, developing a crush, finding a tribe – but Katie also has to deal with the cosmic battles of good and evil that are commonplace under her roof. Bolstered by […]
The Mob Zone by Joseph DeMatteo
The three stories are unique in their own way, but fall in line with classic gangster narratives: untouchable tough guys with sharp comebacks and quick trigger fingers. These surprisingly complex, small-cast tales are driven by intense, multilayered dialogue – or other forms of communication, as in the case of the two mute assassins from “Driving in Silence,” one of the standouts in the collection. Perfectly polished for […]
It Happened in Silence by Karla M. Jay
Willow Stewart is a mesmerizing and relentless main character, though her relationship with her brother, Briar, is the unbreakable engine that drives this slow-brewing story. This interwoven tale of family, resilience, betrayal, and the moral evolution of a nation is powerful and stirring, but also subtle and humble in its storytelling. The novel is a striking meditation on America of the past and present, particularly when it […]