Lead Story

Lead stories from SPR’s ever-growing independent book portal

Review: An Eighth Grade Gay Straight Alliance by Daniel Micko

An Eighth Grade Gay Straight Alliance by Daniel Micko

Hard-hitting in its honesty and authentic narrative voice, An Eighth Grade Gay Straight Alliance by Daniel Micko shines a light on the societal forces and peer pressures that shape growing up today.

When the enigmatic Brooklyn Jennings starts her own Gay-Straight Alliance at her middle school in Modesto, California, she makes her intentions clear: no adults, no teachers, and a vision to “shake things up.” Sydney Troller may be smitten by Brooklyn’s devil-may-care vibes, but she also doesn’t want to get involved in anything that could land her in trouble – or even jail. Testing the lines of privilege, purpose, […]

2023-12-15T15:11:56+02:00December 3rd, 2023|Categories: Book Reviews, Lead Story|Tags: , , |

Review: Adi’s Animal Adventures by Julie Schanke Lyford, Illustrated by Mariia Luzina

Adi's Animal Adventures by Julie Schanke Lyford

Adi’s Animal Adventures by Julie Schanke Lyford is a fun and informative illustrated book that shows the great importance of inspiring younger generations to respect nature. Through vibrant illustrations, easy-to-follow text, and fascinating info, this book offers a colorful and accessible guide to many animal species and the environments in which they thrive.

Adi’s public school is truly unique – it’s the home to over a thousand animals, and Adi and her team take care of many different specimens in an entertaining and wild day at school, revealing fascinating facts about the animal kingdom along the way. Did you know […]

2023-12-01T15:24:53+02:00November 30th, 2023|Categories: Book Reviews, Lead Story|Tags: |

Review: Things That Go Bump in the Night by JC Bratton

Things That Go Bump in the Night by JC Bratton

A collection of slow-burning psychological horror, Things That Go Bump in the Night, Volume One: Urban Legends by JC Bratton holds four chilling and unpredictable stories, originally published separately.

In “Who’s At the Door?” a young woman named Jamie is left at home while her parents go on vacation, but two weeks of enjoying an empty house quickly turn terrifying. Whether it’s a cruel prank or something even more sinister, bizarre things keep happening at 3:33 AM, from invisible front door visitors to ghastly appearances on empty country roads. With the help of Mark the heartthrob, Jamie continues peeling back […]

2023-11-29T19:35:15+02:00November 29th, 2023|Categories: Book Reviews, Lead Story|Tags: , , |

Review: The Utterly Sublime Adventures of Ava Roberts by Lisa Frederickson

The Utterly Sublime Adventures of Ava Roberts by Lisa Frederickson

Vibrantly written and irresistibly funny, The Utterly Sublime Adventures of Ava Roberts by Lisa Frederickson is a novel about love and the healing powers of traveling. From Goa to Sydney, Thailand to South Africa, 29-year-old Ava learns that stepping out of her comfort zone is the best thing she could ever do.

Reading like Eat, Pray, Love with a funnier narrative voice and an LGBT focus, this book is a must-read for those who love adventurous travel writing, spiritual memoirs, and love stories. Thanks to the novel taking the form of fiction, diary, and blog, the narrative has an engaging […]

2023-11-22T18:38:08+02:00November 22nd, 2023|Categories: Book Reviews, Lead Story|Tags: , |

Review: Magi Apprentice by Dan E. Hendrickson

Magi Apprentice by Dan E. Hendrickson

A narrative clash of mysticism, science, geopolitics, and biblical lore, Magi Apprentice by Dan E. Hendrickson is a unique piece of historical fiction, exploring the religious sects, governments, and individuals who likely played a part in the star-driven journey to the birthplace of Jesus.

Rassan is a young military officer and friend to Prince Phraates, heir to the Parthian Empire. When a rogue magi embarks on a secret pilgrimage to Jerusalem, through Parthian lands, Rassan is sent to meet him on the road, only to find that his caravan has been attacked by bandits. The magi’s final wish sends Rassan […]

Review: Thalondor: Kingdom of Legends by Shane Lege

Thalondor: Kingdom of Legends by Shane Lege

A hero from a strange land arrives to fulfill an ancient prophecy and save a magical realm from annihilation in Thalondor: Kingdom of Legends by Shane Lege, a classic clash of good and ultimate evil.

Awakening in a bewildered state, with only scraps of his memory intact, Valaric is mysteriously dropped into an unknown realm, where shadowy danger and confusion haunt his every step. However, after finding a treasure chest of supplies, weapons, and gold, this destiny-bound hero plunges eagerly into the throes of any adventure that may come.

Gathering companions in the forest along the way, such as Whisperwind […]

2023-10-20T15:27:28+02:00October 16th, 2023|Categories: Book Reviews, Lead Story|Tags: , |

Review: Involuntary Flashback by Dave Garrett

Involuntary Flashback by Dave Garrett

Tapping into a classic noir vibe with a good dose of contemporary flair, Involuntary Flashback by Dave Garrett is a fast-talking, razor-sharp Big Apple mystery.

An old-school private investigator “on the top of the endangered list,” Rod Weyhengrubber is a reckless and charming protagonist with a soft spot for the vulnerable and easily manipulated. A town full of promise and desperation keeps him plenty busy, particularly the recent rash of disappearances of hopeful starlets and young dreamers. When a young ingenue named Lilly seeks sanctuary with Rod and his partner, Ida, it becomes a race to crack the case before […]

2024-01-25T10:45:55+02:00October 3rd, 2023|Categories: Book Reviews, Lead Story|Tags: , , |

Review: In the Shadow of the Sun by Poli Flores Jr.

A touching tale of brotherly devotion and the life-altering consequences of war, In the Shadow of the Sun by Poli Flores Jr. is an outback California drama that echoes across small-town American life.

In the shifting cultural landscape of the Vietnam era, a young man named Curt leaves for war as a musclebound titan, but returns as a troubled and broken soul, unprepared for the very different battles that still lay ahead. When a respected member of the community is bludgeoned to death shortly after his return, the clues and suspicions all seem to point toward Curt.

With corrupt law […]

2023-09-29T12:18:09+02:00September 29th, 2023|Categories: Book Reviews, Lead Story|Tags: |
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