John Staughton, Senior Reviewer

Review: Freeing Linhurst: Into the Tunnels by Al Cassidy

With a bold spirit and a nose for a good mystery, one ghostly adventure was never going to be enough for young Jack Alexander. In Freeing Linhurst: Into the Tunnels, author Al Cassidy breathes fresh life into his courageous characters – Jack and Celia – from the first book in the series.

Two years have passed since they first delved into the secrets of Linhurst State School and Hospital, and both have dealt with their first fantastical foray in different ways. Jack has been tormented by the memories of Linhurst, from merciless teasing at school to haunting dreams that […]

Galactic Mandate: A Radical Cause by M.R. Richardson

Being the heir to galactic reign may seem like the foundation of an easy life, but in the incredible world of Galactic Mandate, author M.R. Richardson turns that assumption on its head.

Devante, the protagonist of this story, is a troubled young man whose loyalties become savagely split, and as his destiny is revealed, he must choose between what he has been trained for, and the truth he knows in his heart. The galaxy is divided and heading for a catastrophic conflict between the Clone Defense Force and the Acolyte Empire. This is far from a simple story of […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2018-09-11T10:38:34+02:00September 11th, 2018|Categories: New Releases|Tags: Science Fiction Book Reviews, Space Opera Book Reviews|

To the North by Bruce W. Perry

The literary fascination with apocalyptic novels shows no sign of slowing, and Bruce W. Perry offers another darkly rich angle with To the North, a heart-wrenching story of loss and hopelessness following a devastating super volcano eruption.

Brad Garner is the unfortunate focal point of this tale, a man who finds his path leading across a barren, broken American West in search of family, refuge, and something resembling a future. While this novel initially seems like a solitary, existential journey, reminiscent of Cormac McCarthy at his best, Perry incorporates touching and sensitive scenes of social interaction, offering his own […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2019-01-22T05:36:20+02:00September 10th, 2018|Categories: New Releases|Tags: Apocalyptic Fiction Book Reviews, Post-Apocalyptic Book Reviews|

Pandemonium by Sean Farley

When you unexpectedly land in a twisted version of the afterlife, one finds strange bedfellows, and that surreal premise is taken to extremes in Pandemonium, the new supernatural fantasy by Sean Farley.

Jackson Armstrong is far from perfect, but the love he holds for his son launches him on an epic quest through a fiery realm of torture, evil and extremely unlikely allies. This wild and unpredictable ride through the depths of Pandemonium, a personal and uniquely creative take on Hell, is perpetually surreal and brilliantly penned. With constant tongue-in-cheek symbolism and cracking allegorical moments, this gripping novel will leave […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2018-09-10T09:40:40+02:00September 9th, 2018|Categories: New Releases|Tags: Fantasy Book Reviews, Paranormal Book Reviews|

Review: Cold Solar by Anthony C. Robinson

There is always an envelope to be pushed in the realm of sci-fi, and in Cold Solar, author Anthony C. Robinson smashes together unlikely companions in an incredibly creative setting, delivering a memorable and violent romp through a terrifying future. The complex premise and deeply interwoven characters, combined with Robinson’s unpredictable plot lines, makes for a genre-defying novel that reads fast and feverish.

In this visionary future, the dominant corporation that essentially rules Earth is rapidly flying towards a conflict with their oppressed colonies on Mars. While a Mars-Earth battle plot is not unique in the genre, this story […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2019-08-14T12:29:40+02:00September 7th, 2018|Categories: Book Reviews|Tags: Science Fiction Book Reviews|

Review: Ribbons of Death (Peacetaker Series Book 1) by Edita A. Petrick

Unlikely companions embarking on an adventure to save the world is a popular and perennially successful angle for thrillers, but Ribbons of Death by Edita A. Petrick takes this common form to the next level. Combining elements of mythology, philosophy, psychology and spirituality with good old-fashioned suspense and action, this novel is a fast-paced ride that you won’t want to end.

When an ancient power – long believed to be a myth – rises again and begins to spread madness throughout the world, it is up to Agent Carter and Dr. Hunter to find the puppet masters controlling the Peacetaker. […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2018-10-12T07:14:06+02:00September 5th, 2018|Categories: Book Reviews|Tags: Action and Adventure Book Reviews, Thriller Book Reviews|

The Moving Blade by Michael Pronko

Couching a noir detective storyline in an Eastern setting, The Moving Blade by Michael Pronko is the second installment of the Detective Hiroshi series, and delivers another thrilling ride for this clever curmudgeon.

When a top diplomat is murdered, his daughter, Jamie, takes it upon herself to dig into the dangerous underworld of Tokyo. After partnering up with Detective Hiroshi Shimizu, they both put themselves between the crosshairs of a sinister killer who will stop at nothing to achieve his dastardly aims. The plot is fast-paced and thrilling, but the author also takes time to paint a visceral portrait of […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2018-09-06T04:45:30+02:00September 5th, 2018|Categories: New Releases|Tags: Mystery Book Reviews, Thriller Book Reviews|

Review: Arklight: Force Interdiction by J.M. Myrick

Novels that could easily fit into 5 or 6 different sections of a bookstore don’t come around very often. Arklight: Force Interdiction by J.M. Myrick is one such creation, a sweeping and creative ride that transcends time, heroic ideals and the traditions of genre.

The plot and premise that Myrick began with Operation: Nightfall is sharpened and expanded in this sophomore offering, with the ancient weapons of the Knights Templar once again being fought over, and the fate of humanity hanging in the balance. Many of the same compelling characters from the first book reappear on Spear Team, the special […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2018-10-11T10:02:59+02:00September 4th, 2018|Categories: Book Reviews|Tags: Science Fiction Book Reviews, Time Travel Book Reviews|