Editorial Reviews

A thrilling plunge into modern magic, Court of Fey by Lance Horsman is an innovative second piece of his ambitious series, The Rules of Magic. A new queen of the Fey has been chosen, which means that Eddie Burma and his loyal clan of mages must wade into the deadly political waters of the Unseelie Court, where scheming and backstabbing are as common as breathing, and a more sinister force than normal waits in the royal wings. The ease with which Horsman incorporates the real world into a fantasy universe is artful, clever, and gritty, giving the ancient regality of elves, faeries, and wizards a contemporary makeover, which is enveloping from the start. Added together with a cast of characters brimming with wit, charm, and inventive use of magic, this is a thoroughly entertaining work of urban fantasy that improves on its predecessor and excels in the genre.

Offering a refreshing perspective on a controversial modern phenomenon, Quiet Quit and Fully Live: Take Back Your Time, Energy, and Life Through Ethical Disengagement by Matthew Hess guides readers through the psychological and behavioral steps of retaking control of one’s life and labor – the idea of doing the minimal requirements at work for maximum personal benefit. From healthy boundary setting and organizing priorities to improving time management, identifying motivations, and shaking off the mental pressures of work life, this book examines – and applauds – the recent trend that is unsurprisingly gaining popularity. With an academic but accessible tone, Hess makes a compelling argument for a new paradigm of work-life balance in a post-Covid, increasingly automated world that is well-reasoned and persuasive.

Understanding Baby’s Cues: Purple Crying vs Normal Crying by Anita P. Skye offers essential guidance for interpreting infant behavior, with a special emphasis on the types of crying parents will encounter. Well-organized, covering the basics as well as many issues parents may not have even thought of, Skye sensitively guides parents through every possible permutation of a baby’s behavior – for instance, how a baby can communicate with the eyes as much as sound – as well as how negative reactions can be avoided or soothed. A relatively short book, the information is nonetheless thorough and streamlined so as to not repeat previous advice. Where it is most strong is helping parents feel less panicked about the inevitable problems that may arise, acting not only as a guide to infant behavior, but also guiding parents to manage their own levels of stress.

Driven by an understanding that the only universal constant is change, Flow: A Guide to Personal Transformation in Mind, Spirit and Action by Fred Hilgenfeldt is a brilliant mix of spirituality and self-improvement. Offering relatable advice on improving our fluid relationships with the world and people around us, this reflective and interactive book touches on a number of issues, such as emotional dexterity, career movement, micro-traumas, the evolution of belief, bonding, relationships, and much more. Hilgenfeldt draws on solid research, anecdotal stories, and cutting-edge studies from the realms of psychoeducation and physiology to deliver an intellectually engaging and refreshingly accessible read.

A personal and original reflection on nature, resilience, and the indescribable bonds we form with our canine companions, Wild Running: Lessons from Dogs, Wolves, and the Natural World by Rebecca Wallick is a stunning memoir. Spinning evocative stories from deep in the Idaho forest, whether it’s trail-running beside her beloved Malamutes, facing down wolves, or defending the existential rights of long-misunderstood animals, Wallick delivers a compelling argument for sustainability, cohabitation, and healing. Peppered with jaw-dropping descriptions of ultra-running and insightful examinations of family, purpose, and the pain of limitation, this is a vulnerably expressed and deeply inspiring read.

Bringing storybook history into sharp and fascinating focus, Awesome Battles for Kids: The Ancient Wars by Ryan Rhoderick is a thrilling peek into epic conflicts of the ancient past. From chariot clashes in Egypt and city-state strife in Greece to the brilliance of Alexander the Great and the legendary defeat of Xerxes, this book is a perfect blend of backstory, strategy, and classic heroics, offering a thorough introduction for kids. While some of the writing may be too advanced for younger readers, the pages are packed with compelling imagery, military analyses, and historical context, making it an engaging and eye-opening read for curious minds of any age.