SPR’s book reviews of new self-published books
The drawings are directly reminiscent of his “live” sketches, and so offer an inside glimpse into his creative process, as well as how he’s developed as an artist. Those who are familiar with his work will see ideas that have permeated his street art – race, pop culture, class, and seemingly random thoughts – that all […]
Devils by Erik Henry Vick is a horror collection of deliciously disturbing and unsettling tales about many varieties of devil: revenge fantasies, kidnapping, murderous salesmen, and more. The collection is brilliantly composed through slow, creeping exposition and enough shuddering moments to keep readers awake at night.
The subtle writing style isn’t overdramatic or macabre, but the weight and power of Vick’s words infuse more than enough fear into every story. Taking the time to develop rich and unique characters is often lacking in short story writers, but Vick makes certain that readers are engaged and intrigued by each player that […]
An Obliquity by D.M. Wozniak is the electrifying follow-up to The Perihelion, one of the more innovative literary dystopian sci-fi novels you’ll ever read.
In the first book, the world of 2069 is on the edge of the Perihelion, a phenomenon where the planet is closest to the sun. This is a world where people have hybrid animal DNA, who are at once more advanced and more vulnerable. An Obliquity takes place the next day after the Perihelion has occurred, following the lives of the same six intertwining characters, and has the same level of intensity and inventiveness as […]
If it’s an interactive fantasy you’re seeking as the next bedtime story for your little one, look no further than The Melting Pot, a wonderful picture book by Marc Denholm, with superb artwork by Darren Yeow.
The Melting Pot is a potions store in Winlow Markets where Mirth, a young wizard, lives with Master Foss, the owner of the store. Mirth wants Master Foss to go with him so they can explore Winlow Markets together but his boss delivers potions all day and is too tired to go, suggesting that maybe they’ll go another day…but that day never comes. […]
Attinella takes a very important and complex part of U.S. history and simplifies it into language a child can understand. As is crucially important in children’s books, there […]
Greatest Ever tells the story of the New England Patriot’s miraculous win in Super Bowl 51 and the Patriot’s road to dominance in the NFL. With four Super Bowl wins under their belt, Brady and Belichick went into Super Bowl 51 against the Atlanta Falcons. Midway through the third quarter, the Patriots were down by 25 but came back in a […]
A captured slave, Eirick, crosses continents and battles an empire in this original world fantasy adventure. Eirick struggles to survive as human chattel as men in positions of power plot and scheme, with his path leading him to a man who may hold precious answers about his past.
The world and the nations in Ismark: The Marked Boy are all clearly developed so readers can visualize them quickly. The best part of JH Lillevik’s worldbuilding revolves around the diverse religions, faiths, and cults that populate this world. Though there are several mythical races in the story, they aren’t really involved […]
Layla-Rae Bryce is a woman with a deeply troubled life, and with a dark vocation: she works in the murder-for-hire industry, where clients can choose how victims die and watch the death streaming live. When Layla finally tries to raise herself up from the depths of despair, her employers may have other thoughts about her own fate.
Everybody Bleeds is a breath of fresh air in the thriller genre, when many crime thrillers star a disgruntled, middle-aged detective that is more trope than character. The novel’s cast of women, all old enough to have children and/or established careers, are perfect […]