SPR’s book reviews of new self-published books
What begins as giving Frankie a ride to Cuba soon devolves into an all-out black ops mission, and it seems that neither of these two deadly ex-lovers were given the whole story. Combining fast-paced storytelling and Lamburt’s rugged charm, this novel is clever, heartfelt, sexy, […]
For this active, healthy, happy and high-functioning author, the shock and impact of a breast cancer diagnosis is depicted with intense authenticity, but there is also an impressive matter-of-factness about the prose that doesn’t lean heavily on emotional musing. Beautiful moments of reflection are supported by displays of indomitable strength, which make it an essential read for anyone whose life has been touched by cancer.
Not only is this a viscerally descriptive narrative of a daunting […]
After not seeing his father for decades, Leo decides to make the jump from Dublin to Florida and reconnect with the long-lost Milo. Awkwardness aside, Leo has grown up to be a smooth-talking liar, a charmer with a silver tongue, a conman with motives that are difficult to suss out. Not only that, but an attraction from Leo’s new stepmother threatens to rock the boat of familiar normalcy. Peppered with clever turns of phrase and […]
The world is divided between a decimated human race and roving bands of vampires in Alpha, the first book of the Hierarchy series by author I. Ogunbase.
In this hellscape of a near future, there are different breeds of vampires with different hungers and abilities – the Stalkers, the Mirrors, and the Ferals – immediately adding more complexity and originality to this crowded genre. As the seemingly mindless monsters grow more organized, representing a new challenge for walled-off defenders around the world, a key to humanity’s success is kidnapped, driving a crossbow-toting guard from the once-great city of London […]
For those who lived through the 1960s and 70s, this book is a nostalgic plunge that practically exudes the whiff of patchouli, illicit substances, and motor oil. Couched in the tumultuous Watergate era, there is an unmistakable weight to this story as well, giving the book a relatability for modern readers who may have not lived […]
When Capricorn summons the other twelve constellation-oriented individuals to his court, it is proposed as a time of celebration, but the reality of this cosmic convention may be something quite different. Half fairy-tale and half-allegory, there is a brilliant simplicity to the eccentric story, but the mind of the playwright perpetually shines. With clever allusions and elbow-nudging references throughout, as well as memorable personifications and precise character development, this reads like […]
The manifest destiny of humanity expands to the stars in Invasion of Consecrated, an expansive, creative, and thrilling ride.
With his visionary Life Farms scattered across the galaxy, promising an untold number of new habitable worlds, Alan Norton has helped to drive the species forward. However, in the vast expanse of space, there is plenty of room for sinister scheming, power grabs, and the unpredictable response of the universe itself. On both a grandly cosmic scale and the level of petty human minutiae, this book explores what makes us human, and what gives life meaning. Action-packed but confident in […]
Given the rise and rapid evolution of communications technology, and the seemingly boundless capacity of the Internet, and soon quantum computing and AI, the author believes that a fundamental shift in terms of government, authority, justice, and decision-making must occur if we are to prosper and reach our potential as a global species.
Not only does he propose a new plan, but also analyzes and deconstructs the old broken systems, so while some of his ideas […]