New Releases | Self-Publishing Review

Cloud Thoughts by Daniel Strong

Cloud Thoughts by Daniel Strong A visceral and heartfelt work of lyrical poetry, Cloud Thoughts by Daniel Strong explores the trials and tribulation of everyday love, loss and living, for an intimate, confessional collection.

Without the typical adornments of romantic poetry, these pieces, with titles ripped from the heart of the verses, are more reminiscent of song lyrics, or stream-of-consciousness recollections. From the endless longing of unrequited love to whimsical musings on drunken nights out, these poems range widely in both subject matter and seriousness. That sort of flexibility works well in these primarily narrative pieces, giving readers a multi-dimensional view of the poet’s heart […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2020-11-20T04:52:43+02:00November 19th, 2020|Categories: New Releases|Tags: Poetry Book Reviews|

The Shade Under the Mango Tree by Evy Journey

The Shade Under the Mango Tree by Evy Journey The Shade Under the Mango Tree by Evy Journey is a dazzling, globe-spanning tale of two interconnected lives, bound in an unlikely way, but forever changed by the connection.

From a simple lost notebook comes an unusual storybook romance, a tale of growing up and seeing the world, of saying goodbye and remembering lost things. Luna and Lucien are the star-crossed protagonists whose lives are dissected with intimate, in-depth character studies, making their unpredictable bond a pleasure to unravel.

Lucien’s discovery of Luna’s journal, and the eventual crossing of their paths, feels like the plot of a familiar romance, but […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2020-10-26T07:04:49+02:00October 23rd, 2020|Categories: New Releases|Tags: Contemporary Fiction Book Reviews, Romance Book Reviews|

’53 on 35th by J. Conran Meyer

'53 on 35th by J. Conran Meyer A charming and unique reflection on childhood, ’53 on 35th: A Silent Boomer’s Recollections by J. Conran Meyer may be set nearly 70 years in the past, but its innocent wisdom is truly timeless.

This pseudo-memoir follows the exploits of a neighborhood of young boys/Knights as they discover adventure, freedom, and the mysteries that will be revealed after “kidhood.” As the author explains, this story explores the memories we cherish and those we create, the uncertainty of our rose-colored glasses, and the seminal events that shape our view of the world.

Peppered with anachronistic bits of Americana, which gives the […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2022-10-21T16:27:48+02:00October 23rd, 2020|Categories: New Releases|Tags: Memoir Book Reviews|

Make Our Country YUUUGE Again by Web Augustine

Make Our Country YUUUGE Again by Web Augustine Author Web Augustine welcomes readers to the satirical pseudo-world of Cameria in Make Our Country YUUUGE Again: Laira Succupy Ganders’ Unbelievable Journey with Tunnald Drump.

Like a history book on comically strong steroids, this novel traces the decisions, actions, crimes, and cruelties of the Drump administration from before his election to the height of the 2020 pandemic. While that covers a lot of historical ground, this dark comedy works as a comprehensive, albeit cartoonish, collection of the greatest crises of the past few years. With a wild cast of eccentric (and highly recognizable) characters, this no-holds-barred critique is sharp, […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2020-10-23T05:56:26+02:00October 22nd, 2020|Categories: New Releases|Tags: Politics Book Reviews, Satire Book Reviews|

Descent Into Hell by F. Della Notte

Descent Into Hell by F. Della Notte F. Della Notte opens a door to the rich traditions of old New York in Descent Into Hell, a captivating new novel about the Italian-American experience and the bonds that link us all.

Buddy, an unlikely half-Irish, half-Italian cop in the 1940s, is thrown into his own backyard to tackle a massive crime ring. The powerful family ties of this complex story make for a suspenseful tangle, while the relentless pace of the story will keep you gripped to the very end. As one might expect, it isn’t long before his new career and his own blood clash violently, […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2020-10-23T02:13:12+02:00October 22nd, 2020|Categories: New Releases|Tags: Historical Fiction Book Reviews, Thriller Book Reviews|

Humans, Gods, and Hybrids by Mark L. Marinaccio

Humans, Gods and Hybrids by Mark Marinaccio Mark L. Marinaccio launches a powerful new science fiction saga with Humans, Gods, and Hybrids: Child 19, an unpredictable thriller based in a not-so-distant future.

After two decades journeying through the stars, the Travelers have arrived on Earth’s doorstep to mixed emotions – humanity’s fear of invading conquerors, suspicion of the aliens’ motives, and eagerness to take advantage of their futuristic technology. Having no memory of life before their travels began, Kellan and Tendra are excited to experience the new planet – from the lights of Broadway to the wilds of Alaska – but they must also deal with prejudice […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2020-10-22T06:02:56+02:00October 21st, 2020|Categories: New Releases|Tags: Science Fiction Book Reviews|

Clan Woodsmen: The General’s Refuge by A.C. Gillies

Clan Woodsmen: The General's Refuge by A.C. Gillies Author A.C. Gillies weaves a frightening vision of the future in Clan Woodsmen: Book 1: The General’s Refuge. In a dystopian timeline that feels eerily close to our present one, the shattered factions of society must fight for survival, for love, and for one another.

A young woman is taken into one of these surviving clans, and soon discovers the potential for beauty and joy, without forgetting about the looming threats that lurk on all sides. Readers are immersed in a twisted version of reality – our world through a carnival mirror – allowing this book to act as both […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2020-10-22T03:00:01+02:00October 21st, 2020|Categories: New Releases|Tags: Dystopian Fiction Book Reviews, Romance Book Reviews|

Prosper by Lindsay Schuster

Prosper by Lindsay Schuster Lindsay Schuster delivers a stirring coming-of-age novel with Prosper, the first in an ongoing series of standout YA writing.

Jenny, Stephanie, Amy and Kaila must navigate both the trials and trifles of high school, while also managing their own troubled lives, and more unexpected responsibilities than any 16-year-olds should bear. Highlighting the strength of sisterhood, overlapping emotional journeys and the critical importance of support systems in our lives, this is a novel not only about overcoming, but about becoming.

The variation in points of view provides a comprehensive perspective for readers, and intimate access to the experiences of each […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2020-10-21T02:07:10+02:00October 21st, 2020|Categories: New Releases|Tags: Young Adult Book Reviews|