John Staughton, Senior Reviewer | Self-Publishing Review

’53 on 35th by J. Conran Meyer

A charming and unique reflection on childhood, ’53 on 35th: A Silent Boomer’s Recollections by J. Conran Meyer may be set nearly 70 years in the past, but its innocent wisdom is truly timeless.

This pseudo-memoir follows the exploits of a neighborhood of young boys/Knights as they discover adventure, freedom, and the mysteries that will be revealed after “kidhood.” As the author explains, this story explores the memories we cherish and those we create, the uncertainty of our rose-colored glasses, and the seminal events that shape our view of the world.

Peppered with anachronistic bits of Americana, which gives the […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2022-10-21T16:27:48+02:00October 23rd, 2020|Categories: New Releases|Tags: Memoir Book Reviews|

Review: Black River Lantern by Alex Grass

A surreal carnival of horrors, Black River Lantern by Alex Grass is a genre-spanning novel of dangerous powers, cruel fathers, and the secrets that shape our lives.

The Maravicos Carnival is a legendary institution in the town of Kayjigville, but so is the temper and ambition of Papa Maravicos, who will do anything to keep the family business thriving. After escaping from his father’s never-ending cycle of abuse and pain, Eddie Maravicos is dragged back to this torturous circus, armed with the surprising new power to read minds. It doesn’t take long for his father to capitalize on this new […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2020-10-23T07:13:13+02:00October 23rd, 2020|Categories: Book Reviews, Lead Story|Tags: Fantasy Book Reviews|

Review: Plagues and Princes: The Great Mortality by Thomas Schultz

Destiny-starred lives collide in Plagues and Princes: The Great Mortality, a dark historical fiction novel set in medieval England. A powerful tale of death and betrayal boasting exquisite language, unforgettable characters, and a tangled knot of a plot, author Thomas Schultz delivers a bold first piece of his new trilogy.

Thomas de Parr is a free-thinking young man in a world that crushes such spirits; he is faithful to his maker, but also insatiably curious, and dangerously independent. Surviving human history’s most horrific plague is only the beginning of this unpredictable adventure, which pits this young nobleman against the […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2020-11-24T08:05:31+02:00October 23rd, 2020|Categories: Book Reviews|Tags: Historical Fiction Book Reviews|

Make Our Country YUUUGE Again by Web Augustine

Author Web Augustine welcomes readers to the satirical pseudo-world of Cameria in Make Our Country YUUUGE Again: Laira Succupy Ganders’ Unbelievable Journey with Tunnald Drump.

Like a history book on comically strong steroids, this novel traces the decisions, actions, crimes, and cruelties of the Drump administration from before his election to the height of the 2020 pandemic. While that covers a lot of historical ground, this dark comedy works as a comprehensive, albeit cartoonish, collection of the greatest crises of the past few years. With a wild cast of eccentric (and highly recognizable) characters, this no-holds-barred critique is sharp, […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2020-10-23T05:56:26+02:00October 22nd, 2020|Categories: New Releases|Tags: Politics Book Reviews, Satire Book Reviews|

No Romance Allowed by Kana Wu

Kana Wu carves out a new niche in the romance genre with No Romance Allowed, a lighthearted, witty, and insightful novel about the struggles of being single, and the secrets we struggle to keep. Watching a different type of relationship blossom in such a traditionally predictable scenario is refreshing, while the first-person narration gives readers carte blanche access to the protagonist’s mind in a compelling and slightly voyeuristic way. There are some stumbles in the writing, and certain passages that could be more descriptive, but these are the exception, not the rule. Boasting realistic dialogue, slow-burning suspense, and a […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2020-10-23T03:12:36+02:00October 22nd, 2020|Categories: Editorial Reviews|

Descent Into Hell by F. Della Notte

F. Della Notte opens a door to the rich traditions of old New York in Descent Into Hell, a captivating new novel about the Italian-American experience and the bonds that link us all.

Buddy, an unlikely half-Irish, half-Italian cop in the 1940s, is thrown into his own backyard to tackle a massive crime ring. The powerful family ties of this complex story make for a suspenseful tangle, while the relentless pace of the story will keep you gripped to the very end. As one might expect, it isn’t long before his new career and his own blood clash violently, […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2020-10-23T02:13:12+02:00October 22nd, 2020|Categories: New Releases|Tags: Historical Fiction Book Reviews, Thriller Book Reviews|

His 7 Deadly Kins. by The R-n-R Hour™

His 7 Deadly Kins. by The R-n-R Hour™ is a thought-provoking novel about taking advantage of life’s surprising opportunities, and taking control of your destiny. With elements that are thrilling, contemplative, spiritual and downright unbelievable, readers are pulled into an eye-opening journey of self-reflection and salvation. The author succeeds in weaving philosophy throughout this fast-paced narrative, but it can make the dialogue feel somewhat stilted. Fortunately, the pervading themes of reconciliation and redemption are strong and well-developed. Though the narrative doesn’t quite convey natural colloquial speech, the book delivers a powerful story from a unique perspective, for an unusual and […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2020-10-22T01:28:43+02:00October 22nd, 2020|Categories: Editorial Reviews|

Humans, Gods, and Hybrids by Mark L. Marinaccio

Mark L. Marinaccio launches a powerful new science fiction saga with Humans, Gods, and Hybrids: Child 19, an unpredictable thriller based in a not-so-distant future.

After two decades journeying through the stars, the Travelers have arrived on Earth’s doorstep to mixed emotions – humanity’s fear of invading conquerors, suspicion of the aliens’ motives, and eagerness to take advantage of their futuristic technology. Having no memory of life before their travels began, Kellan and Tendra are excited to experience the new planet – from the lights of Broadway to the wilds of Alaska – but they must also deal with prejudice […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2020-10-22T06:02:56+02:00October 21st, 2020|Categories: New Releases|Tags: Science Fiction Book Reviews|