Fantasy Book Reviews | Self-Publishing Review

Review: Nightmare Detective: The Skeleton King by Monk Inyang

Nightmare Detective: The Skeleton King by Monk Inyang

Terrifying nightmares and kid detectives hardly make for a likely duo but writer Monk Inyang, along with the artistic talents of illustrator, Elijah Isaiah Johnson, create a winning combination in Nightmare Detective: The Skeleton King, an imaginative and chilling middle grade adventure.

For two weeks now, twelve-year-old Uko Hill has been plagued by the same terrifying nightmare – that his house is being attacked by a bunch of skeletal hooded figures, led by an imposing reaper he calls The Skeleton King. In his nightmare, Uko tries to wake up his parents and his brother, Femi, but to no avail […]

Pandemonium by Sean Farley

When you unexpectedly land in a twisted version of the afterlife, one finds strange bedfellows, and that surreal premise is taken to extremes in Pandemonium, the new supernatural fantasy by Sean Farley.

Jackson Armstrong is far from perfect, but the love he holds for his son launches him on an epic quest through a fiery realm of torture, evil and extremely unlikely allies. This wild and unpredictable ride through the depths of Pandemonium, a personal and uniquely creative take on Hell, is perpetually surreal and brilliantly penned. With constant tongue-in-cheek symbolism and cracking allegorical moments, this gripping novel will leave […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2018-09-10T09:40:40+02:00September 9th, 2018|Categories: New Releases|Tags: Fantasy Book Reviews, Paranormal Book Reviews|

Review: The Rebellious Earthling: Tale of The Turquoise Mirror by Andi Hayes

The Rebellious Earthling: Tale of The Turquoise Mirror

For those readers who are looking for both a depraved and darkly amusing novel, The Rebellious Earthling: The Tale of the Turquoise Mirror is a story that should not be missed. Coming across as a long-form allegory for the weakness of mankind and the rise of evil in modern society, this whip-smart book may seem outlandish, but the underlying messages are deeply rooted in reality.

When one of the Fallen Angels insidiously ruins an entire village of peace-loving, animal-honoring goblins, a new horrifying species is created, full of cruelty, selfishness, violence and an (almost) complete lack of morality. In Tartarus, […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2018-10-27T12:37:03+02:00August 28th, 2018|Categories: Book Reviews, Lead Story|Tags: Fantasy Book Reviews, Science Fiction Book Reviews|

Review: The Transitioners: The Purple Blues by Indigo Cox

The Transitioners: The Purple Blues

The Transitioners by Indigo Cox, the first book in the Purple Blood Lineage series, is a beautiful coming of age story that just happens to have one of the most refreshing superhero journeys at its core.

Misty is the first African-America student to make it into Girard, a high-profile music school. While an exceptional student and musician, she is still looked down upon due to the color of her skin. A fact that normal students can’t change, but Misty can. She is a Transitioner. A half-human, half-god being who can change her appearance with the assistance of music and meditation. […]

SPR2019-01-11T14:50:50+02:00August 27th, 2018|Categories: Book Reviews, Lead Story|Tags: Fantasy Book Reviews, Urban Fantasy Book Reviews|

Review: Where Dragonwoofs Sleep and the Fading Creeps by A.J. Massey

Where Dragonwoofs Sleep and the Fading Creeps by A.J. Massey

Where Dragonwoofs Sleep and the Fading Creeps is an imaginative YA novel written by A.J. Massey that is penned with surprising maturity, despite being targeted at a younger audience. From the very first chapter of this addictive story, readers are transported to a wondrous land where expectations are constantly being dashed and a young boy finds the hero that has always been inside.

When young Ben finds himself transported to the mystifying world of Meridia, he must fend for himself among the strange creatures and magical beings he encounters, as well as the other inhabitants of his decidedly odd surroundings. […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2021-09-24T01:59:22+02:00August 24th, 2018|Categories: Book Reviews|Tags: Fantasy Book Reviews, Middle Grade Fiction Book Reviews, Young Adult Book Reviews|

Review: Burden of the Monarch: Blade of Rails by Josh Perry

Burden of the Monarch: Blade of Rails by Josh Perry

Burden of the Monarch: Blade of Rails by Josh Perry is a steampunkesque novel with a soldier that doesn’t consider himself a soldier any longer, mysterious demons living in a distressed town mine, a train that carries a community within its belly, and plenty of intrigue and action.

Readers are introduced to Bell in the first chapter as he sits on the edge of The Tristram – a three car, red and gold war-train which hovers above the prairie. His demeanor is calm and one wouldn’t know at first that he and his comrades are on their way to a […]

SPR2019-01-11T14:50:59+02:00August 14th, 2018|Categories: Book Reviews|Tags: Fantasy Book Reviews|

Review: The Legacy of King Jasteroth Vol. 1 by S.L. Wyllie

The Legacy of King Jasteroth by S.L. Wyllie

The Legacy of King Jasteroth by S.L. Wyllie is a wonderfully realized work of fantasy filled with magic, suspense, and romance. More geared toward a younger audience, readers will immediately fall in love with Princess Ariella and her tutor Austin – a half-elvish warrior – as they join them in their journey to harness Ariella’s powers, which are stronger than anyone realizes.

The daughter of the King of The Golden Peaks, Ariella is portrayed as the typical princess who is to be seen and not heard. As her mother is struck with an unknown illness that rapidly incapacitates her, Ariella […]

SPR2019-10-10T10:32:29+02:00August 6th, 2018|Categories: Book Reviews|Tags: Fantasy Book Reviews, YA Fantasy Book Reviews, Young Adult Book Reviews|

Review: Legacy of Dolyn: Volume 1 by Amelia Guillem

Legacy of Dolyn: Volume 1 by Amelia Guillem

Told in the format of blog posts, Legacy of Dolyn: Volume 1 is an entertaining modern fantasy, replete with pop culture references and nods to anime.

Glendolyn Villem works as a secretary in a police station, with everyday problems that are easily relatable, like searching desperately for guy on an app called “Mingle.” Then, to her great dismay, she is ordained with magical powers and joined by a cat confusingly called Gwen, who, whether Glen likes or not, will be her mentor.

Glen must deal with the burden of being a sorceress and the complexities of her powers in a […]