SPR’s book reviews of new self-published books
McKinney frequently swaps between following these two leads and several side character, which often means we know more about what’s happening then the characters themselves. The novel starts leisurely, taking ample time to set up the relationships between its characters before […]
By the time Darren realizes that the Earth is about to be invaded by another, more malevolent, alien species, he’s really given up being surprised. Accompanied by an alien who has motor control akin to a two-year-old, a legal relative […]
A Lover in the Land of Hell by Jennie Haiman begins on an appropriate upbeat note – “Welcome, Newborn” – and continues with an exploration of high-minded themes.
Haiman feels different from those around her, and speaks in these poems for the downtrodden: “Perhaps I’m here for a reason–maybe the world needs more like me.” She makes poignant cries for help for fellow beings, including animals, plants, and even the planet itself. She urges us to improve our thinking and “just give.” Two poignant works chronicle the life of a street cat and an old dog consigned to a shelter. […]
Ruthie is a heart who plays a harp, but her hopes have been crushed by cruel words. When she tried to soothe people with her gentle sounds, they “barked and snapped.” She’s convinced she’s “stinky” and “ugly,” too lonely to make beautiful music—until she hears a song on the breeze that shakes her from the cold prison of her self-denigrating […]
Combining a father’s love for his Autistic son and the dangerous world of human trafficking, True Mercy by Idelle Kursman draws you in immediately, making it hard to stop reading.
An unassuming hero, Bruce Hitchens is thrust into the role of sole caregiver to his adult son, Adam, after his wife passes away. While still trying to get his footing in his new role, Marina, who has escaped from a human trafficking ring, shows up on his doorstep, scared and unsure of who to trust. The three of them embark on a journey that is both heartwarming and full of […]
Told through the eyes of Kamera, Ansel, and Soul: Get Lost in Heaven…(Don’t) puts a unique twist on the concept of paradise and the human condition. A cross between sci-fi and philosophy, it takes readers on a journey of imagination, self-realization, and questioning, that leaves them wondering if there is more out there than we can see with our eyes.
Naöt Maeh Nam’s writing style is definitely unique and may turn readers away initially with the choppy, untraditional structure and characters. For those readers who push through the first couple of chapters, a fantastically vivid world awaits them – a […]
Half-tipsy confessions of old conquests and relationships aren’t entirely unique, but few authors choose to dedicate an entire book to the recollection of a romantic past. Lost Young Love, however, is a funny and sincere catalogue of the narrator’s cocktail napkin list of lovers, which may or may not be a semi-autobiographical confession from the author, Bruce W. Perry.
While this premise may seem on the surface like a by rote “kiss and tell” book, this brief peek into the mind of a man waiting behind a rotating door of women is actually quite fascinating. From the fumbling emotions […]
John Righten ratchets up the tension quotient tenfold in The Last Rogue, a continuation of his no-holds-barred political thriller series, the Lochran Trilogy.
It seems as though Lenka Haberman’s closely guarded world has gone to hell. Katalina, a gentle Russian woman hidden in her orphanage, is brutally murdered and her son’s lover, Kirsten Brett, has been arrested in her murder. A bomb has devastated Scotland Yard and Lenka’s son, Lock, has been arrested for instigating the attack. Then there’s also the attempted assassination of her good friend, Winston Churchill. With the clock ticking, Lenka is determined to track down […]