New Releases | Self-Publishing Review

Always Something Heartfelt by Ashton Harper

A soul-baring collection of melancholy poetry, Always Something Heartfelt by Ashton Harper dives into the poet’s complex journey through desire, romance, and heartbreak.

Harper’s poetry swings from pleading and passionate appeals to broken and bitter reflections, anecdotal memories captured in nostalgic verse, and off-the-cuff pushbacks against unwanted emotions. The poetry matures as the book progresses, expanding into ponderings of negative energy, selfishness, regret, personal responsibility, and mental liberation, but the undercurrent ideas of intimacy and an existential quest for love is consistent. Versatile in tone, form, and energy, Harper is a gritty poet who revels in vulnerable confession.

From a […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2024-04-03T13:34:16+02:00April 3rd, 2024|Categories: New Releases|Tags: Poetry Book Reviews|

Wholly Naomi by Louise Gilbert

Wholly Naomi by Louise Gilbert A captivating exploration of self-discovery and transformation, Wholly Naomi: One Woman, Nine Numbers, and a Cat Looking for Love by Louise Gilbert is a captivating combination of fiction and self-help.

Gilbert’s work of narrative non-fiction takes the ready on a journey with Naomi, a character who embodies the universal struggle of feeling disconnected, while continually searching for meaning in life. Through Naomi’s eyes, readers are introduced to the MyNine Ways method, a unique process that uses numbers as guides for personal growth and well-being. This approach, rooted in Gilbert’s own experiences and research, offers a refreshing perspective on tackling life’s […]

SPR2024-03-28T15:51:48+02:00March 28th, 2024|Categories: New Releases|Tags: Self-Help Book Reviews|

Tribal Logic by Stella Atrium

Tribal Logic by Stella Atrium Stella Atrium delivers the resounding final chapter of The Tribal Wars series with Tribal Logic, an electrifying conclusion to her speculative fiction saga.

Jesse Hartley is desperate to return to Dolvia to be with her father for the release of an imprisoned rebel, but a sinister scheme rockets her into even more danger. Relentlessly battling for trade alliances and dignity for tribal life after undergoing her own horrific violations in captivity, Brianna Miller is broken but not beaten. Navigating coups, wormholes, and vicious slavers, Hershel Henry is sent into the belly of the beast, but heroism requires sacrifice.

Deftly exploring […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2024-03-25T13:38:24+02:00March 25th, 2024|Categories: New Releases|Tags: Science Fiction Book Reviews|

Ambitious’ Secret by Dameyon Allen

Ambitious' Secret by Dameyon Allen Posing hard questions about when we need to adjust our moral compass, Ambitious’ Secret: Hope’s Story by Dameyon Allen brings readers into the heart of Houston and its pulsing throb of hustlers, heartbreakers, and aspiring legends.

Hope is a fast-talking boss lady who knows how to work any player to get exactly what she wants. With her star on the rise, there seems to be no stopping her, until ambition collides with the unavoidable realities of an unforgiving game, in this brutal story of gritty city survival.

Allen’s visceral writing style is an uncut stream of consciousness, instantly immersing readers […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2024-03-11T12:25:03+02:00March 11th, 2024|Categories: New Releases|Tags: Contemporary Fiction Book Reviews|

Wreck and Return by Tom Kranz

Wreck and Return by Tom Kranz Probing the complex emotions of a first responder and the physiological strain of getting by in America today, Wreck and Return: An EMT’s Journey Into and Out of Darkness by Tom Kranz is a powerful narrative loosely based on the author’s own dual life.

Moonlighting as a volunteer EMT while navigating the career perils of local news broadcasting, Griffin Ambrose is used to stretching himself thin, as well as calming his mind with an evening drink or three before switching career caps. Living in two separate high-stakes worlds begins to fray his nerves, and when a tragic swerve derails his […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2024-03-08T12:37:43+02:00March 8th, 2024|Categories: New Releases|Tags: Contemporary Fiction Book Reviews|

Deep Heavy Stuff by Don Ake

Deep Heavy Stuff by Don Ake An insightful collection of personal essays and thought-provoking anecdotes, Deep Heavy Stuff: Thoughts and essays for enriching your life by Don Ake is an inspiring work of contemporary writing that is alternately raw, funny, and hopeful.

Addressing some of the deep spiritual and social wounds of the modern age, this collection is in turn a pandemic journal, a revelatory memoir, and a call to action, detailing relatable traumas and struggles so many people have faced in the past few years. Ake shares his thoughts on everything from Christmas traditions and quiet miracles to corporate loyalty and the curse of not […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2024-02-14T13:43:52+02:00February 14th, 2024|Categories: New Releases|Tags: Essay Book Reviews, Self-Help Book Reviews|

The Further Travels and Surprising Adventures of Baron Munchausen by Ross Stein

The Further Travels and Surprising Adventures of Baron Munchausen by Ross Stein A new chapter of unbelievable escapades and impossible achievements awaits in The Further Travels and Surprising Adventures of Baron Munchausen by Ross Stein, a witty, whimsical, and poignant reimagining of the famous character.

Told as a relentless stream of clever rhetoric and effortless philosophical debate with a drinking companion, the legendary baron spins a masterful tale recounting his infamous journey across the tumultuous United States, from spontaneous speeches in Washington and the construction of ironic border walls to signing up for Twitter and undermining the medical industry’s corruption. Tiptoeing the line of absurdity and cultural commentary, the novel hilariously addresses […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2024-02-06T16:14:02+02:00February 6th, 2024|Categories: New Releases|Tags: Fantasy Book Reviews, Satire Book Reviews|

Imagine There’s No Heaven by Frederick Von Heisenberg

Imagine There's No Heaven by Frederick Von Heisenberg Laying out a compelling argument for atheism, or at least a more intentional relationship to whatever faith you choose, Imagine There’s No Heaven: The Born Again Atheist by Frederick Von Heisenberg is a personal reflection on God’s potential existence, or lack thereof.

Beginning with a thorough review of the major global religions and traditions, Von Heisenberg moves into his personal journey towards non-belief with counterpoints to many religion’s premises and assumptions. Using scientific data and widely accepted truths, he dextrously deconstructs the beliefs and facts upon which faith is built. The final section is the most original and affecting, as […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2024-01-26T15:20:42+02:00January 26th, 2024|Categories: New Releases|Tags: Atheism Book Reviews, Religious Book Reviews|