John Staughton, Senior Reviewer

For those seeking a hectic dive into an indescribably cluttered mind, All About Me: Trigger Warning: This Book is Fiction by D. Avraham will be your kind of chaos. The hostage crisis premise in this novel is outlandish, but it provides a hilarious vehicle for Avraham’s unique sense of humor and collegiate perspective on the world. The main character’s ADD diagnosis is perpetually at the forefront of the story, with the narration leaping from one thought to another in a perpetual and exhausting carousel, but there are also thoughtful, clever, and well-penned sections that endear a reader to this strange […]

Fierce, fabulous, and fed up may be the three best ways to describe Shirley F’N Lyle, the titular character of Clayton Lindemuth’s latest series. This plus-sized protagonist deserves those extra letters in her name, as she comes into her significant power to right some serious wrongs and stand up for her squad. Sassy, hard-nosed storytelling swirling between hard-hitting truths about society make this book more than a pulp-fiction pleasure. Shirley F’N Lyle: VIVA the REVOLUTION is a cutting, empowering, and unforgettable tale of heroism in the most unexpected of places.

 […]

International trade policy has come to the forefront of global politics, making Free Trade Rocks! 10 Points on International Trade Everyone Should Know by Ray Keating a timely and fascinating read for a suddenly curious demographic. Keating manages to bring this seemingly dull subject to accessible life with real-world examples often torn straight from recent headlines, along with a comprehensive and (mostly) impartial view on the topic. As the exclamatory title suggests, Keating is a fan of free trade, but his deep expertise spanning a wide range of subjects and career paths makes this book an engaging, informative, and essential […]

Imagining the world in 600 years seems like an impossible feat, yet author Kelly Curtis takes an impressive shot in her debut novel, The Mars One Incident. Alma Hattie Johnson is the fascinating hero and space captain at the center of this fast-paced thriller. From clever exposition of the relatively tech-free dystopia on terra firma to the far-flung vision of a galaxy teeming with other civilizations, Curtis has constructed an ambitious and thrilling world that is unexpectedly relatable. Easily accessible for sci-fi lovers and newcomers alike, The Mars One Incident marks the exciting launch of a new sci-fi universe.[…]

If you’re hungry for a good old-fashioned goofy undercover PI mystery, with a healthy dose of baseball, bad jokes and southern charm, BirdDog Boogie: A Jake Eliam ChickenBone Mystery by Cliff Yeargin is a surefire home run. Beside a deranged and delightful cast of side characters, Jake Eliam is an unexpectedly amusing hero, with a quick wit that keeps him one step ahead of trouble. Cliff Yeargin blends the ridiculous with the addictive, making this a wild little story that’s perfect for an afternoon escape.

 […]

Speculative fiction heavyweights and newcomers alike are gathered in Holy C.O.W. Anthology Volume One: SF Stories from the Center Of the World, a unique and mind-bending collection of new stories. Packed with near-future and pseudo-fiction tales that tackle hot-button issues of today, many centering on the Middle East and its future, this is a fearless and eclectic read, one that will certainly inspire some deeper research and stoke the hearts of sci-fi fans. The value of speculative fiction is on clear display here: the chance to tell marvelous and unforgettable stories, while still grounding the narrative in enough reality […]