Book Reviews | Self-Publishing Review

Review: Tales of the Axis: The Hunter’s Prey by Justin Hui

Author Justin Hui catapults readers into a wild, humanity-filled galaxy in Tales of the Axis: The Hunter’s Prey, a character-driven thriller armed with clever sci-fi twists.

After centuries of tepid tolerance and extraterrestrial expansion, the United Commonwealth and the Valderian Empire are on the verge of historic trade agreements that could reunite the human race. However, when the Valderian emperor is killed in an explosion, Princess Adelia finds herself thrust into power, and dropped into a lion’s den of deadly manipulation and political maneuvering.

Adelia’s tragedies continue after being arrested by her father’s “best friend,” who alleges that she […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2022-03-04T08:24:34+02:00February 8th, 2022|Categories: Book Reviews|Tags: Science Fiction, Space Opera|

Review: The Ferryman’s Toll (Hourglass Book 2) by Daniel James

Diving even deeper into an elite criminal echelon of New York City, as well as the dubious powers of a shadowy government agency tasked to deal with supernatural threats, The Ferryman’s Toll by Daniel James is a raucous and action-fueled sequel to Hourglass.

Rose Hadfield’s Intensive Scare Unit and the rest of the Hourglass gang once again come to blows with the Cairnwood Society and their devilish ambitions. The creepy cabal isn’t snatching souls from the realms of Erebus this time around, but they are creating a murderous battalion of super-powered assassins, which sets the stage for some epic […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2022-02-08T10:23:36+02:00February 7th, 2022|Categories: Book Reviews, Lead Story|Tags: Daniel James, Paranormal, Science Fiction|

Review: Love Is… by Katharine M. Sweet

A refreshingly realistic and down-to-earth romance novel about a complicated pregnancy, Katharine M. Sweet’s debut book Love Is… is the compelling first title in an anticipated series about the Goodroe brothers.

Mat Goodroe is used to putting up with a lot from his ex-wife Natalie, but her most recent antics really take the cake. After an inappropriate one-night stand, Natalie attempts to get pregnant with Mat’s donation to a fertility clinic without his permission. Unfortunately, a frustrating mix-up at the clinic means that another woman is inseminated and pregnant with Mat’s baby – and not just any woman: Kassarah “Kass” […]

Michelle Hogmire2022-12-30T12:48:21+02:00February 4th, 2022|Categories: Book Reviews, Lead Story|Tags: Katharine M. Sweet, Romance|

Review: Harriet: A Jane Austen Variation by Alice McVeigh

Harriet Smith boldly catapults herself into the delicate world of high society in Harriet: A Jane Austen Variation, another masterfully penned homage by Alice McVeigh. Youthful passions, fanciful romance, and shifting social dynamics make this an entertaining drama, a peek into the past, and a subtly modern treat.

Casting herself in the role of Emma Woodhouse’s protege, or live-in pet project, in an effort to move herself into a new sphere of society, Harriet cuts a strong, fearless, and authentic figure. Austen fans will be familiar with Emma’s character, from the novel of the same name, but this variation […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2022-02-03T05:42:59+02:00February 3rd, 2022|Categories: Book Reviews, Lead Story|Tags: Alice McVeigh, Historical Fiction|

Review: Amerlee and the Green Void by George Hudoba

Author George Hudoba holds nothing back in the chaotic cosmic opera, Amerlee and the Green Void, his latest novel from The Monarch in the Milky Way series. Captain Aa, Tata Crubon, Azure, Agent Sasha, Smith the immortal Emperor, the Toxic, and more return for this light-speed sequel to Agent Sasha, the first installation of the alternate reality sci-fi saga.

Picking up where the first book left off, readers are plunged right back into the action, as an elaborate two-pronged bank heist is executed to retrieve precious goods stolen by the Trust from the UNHL (United Nations of Humanlike […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2022-02-03T05:52:03+02:00February 2nd, 2022|Categories: Book Reviews, Lead Story|Tags: Science Fiction|

Review: Nelson’s Folly by Oliver Greeves

A character-driven period drama that shines with eloquent prose, historical detail, and gripping suspense, Nelson’s Folly by Oliver Greeves is nothing short of masterful.

Initially, Captain Horatio Nelson is a captain without a ship, disliked by far too many in the British Navy for his career to progress any further. However, as the French Revolutionary Wars rage on, men of Nelson’s undeniable skill and experience are essential, and thus he finds himself freshly helming the Agamemnon, and quickly finding success on the high seas.

Horatio begins the story as a slightly jaded, yet confident husband, a man who commands interest […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2022-04-11T04:14:20+02:00February 1st, 2022|Categories: Book Reviews|Tags: Historical Fiction|

Review: The Great Migration by Steve Ramirez

A newly forged adventurer finds herself back in a rapidly changing world in The Great Migration by Steve Ramirez, a wildly creative and enrapturing novel. In a capital suddenly beset on all sides by mistrust, incursions, rebellion, and disease, unexpected heroes are forced to righteously rise in defense of their home, their way of life, and the future of the Kingdom.

A misunderstood race of monsters is spreading fear – and a fever – amongst the Citizens, but the true enemy of humanity is something far greater, and overcoming age-old ignorance may be the only hope to save the world. […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2022-02-25T10:45:48+02:00January 28th, 2022|Categories: Book Reviews|Tags: Fantasy|

Review: Black, White, and Gray All Over by Frederick Douglass Reynolds

A riveting and eye-opening read for every American, Black, White, and Gray All Over by Frederick Douglass Reynolds is a powerful story of family, struggle, redemption, and resilience as a black police officer on the mean streets of Compton.

Recounting his life in emotional detail in the opening chapters, the author’s roots are revealed, as are the early struggles that led him towards a career in law enforcement. The majority of the book then details his decades on the force, delving into the nitty-gritty history of Compton street gangs and power structures, as well as the near-constant war being waged […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2022-04-27T04:41:58+02:00January 26th, 2022|Categories: Book Reviews, Lead Story|Tags: Frederick Douglass Reynolds, Memoir|