John Staughton, Senior Reviewer

Plunging readers into a supernatural-infused world where magical creatures, fearsome hunters, and oblivious humans mingle in a tense peace, Wicked Magic by Margot de Klerk is a strong start to this new YA vampire series. The author deftly captures the cringing social challenges of high school for Nathan, a future vampire hunter, and elevates that tension with a mountain of family secrets, supernatural stress, and a fumbling fall into young love. While the plot moves quickly, and the creative details bring this entertaining world to life, some of the dialogue is awkward, and the narration can be too leading, even […]

In his third powerful Tony Valenti Thriller, A Case of Betrayal, author Neil Turner puts his charming and brilliant defense attorney back into the fray, where his loyalties to old friends will be tested against his passion for justice. Diving into tough subjects – from the deeply rooted racism in America to the struggles of single fatherhood – this installment stands out from other thrillers; there is real heart in this prose, as well as nuanced character development that keeps the read continually engaging. The narrative occasionally slips into stilted dialogue, but this formidable police and legal procedural is […]

In a world that is increasingly in need of grassroots advocacy, Make a Different With Mental Health Activism by Terri L. Lyon and Trish Lockard is a timely, well-structured, and insightful read. Directed towards potential advocates and activists for mental health, as well as those who wish to better advocate for themselves, this is an on-the-ground guide for those who want to get involved in a measurable way. Importantly, it is also a historical and data-driven record of mental health policy and the legacy of America’s failings in this area. Overflowing with facts, quotes, resources, and access points for achievable […]

A provocative meditation on family, growth, and our capacity for second chances, The Cyclist: A Love Story for the Ages by A.W. Stripling is a heartfelt novel of leaving home, and the things we leave behind. At times reminiscent of Kerouac’s The Town and the City in its reflections, but far more pared-down in its prose, there are strong sentiments at play here, but the execution could be improved. There is a limited amount of description, and the matter-of-fact tone of the storytelling robs some of the emotional impact. That said, the story also touches on relevant themes of political […]

Remarkable in its immediacy and emotional complexity, Night and Fog by Sebastian Rizzo shines a poetic spotlight on an inspiring, but often overlooked piece of World War II history. A tale of selfless courage and ultimate sacrifice, the resistance efforts of Dedee and her bold allies are summoned in vivid detail, pulling readers between the nuanced horror of the war effort, on both sides, watching the life-or-death decisions playing out in even the simplest decisions. The pace is inconsistent, at times, and some of the dialogue can feel stilted, but the ever-present tension and richly painted world make this novel […]