John Staughton, Senior Reviewer

Shriya Das presents a novel testing method linking fetal hemoglobin levels and sickle cell disease in the clear and insightful thesis, Relation Between HbF, Hematological Parameters & XmnI Gene Polymorphism: In Sickle Cell Disease. Beginning with a thorough but not exhaustive introduction to sickle cell anemia and hemoglobin levels, particularly as they relate to neonates, the author then presents a broad review of related literature, followed by the nuances of her three-objective analysis. Clearly organized, with appropriate figures, photographs, diagrams, and visualized results, this is a neatly edited and executed examination of a complex subject. Though the target audience […]

An unexpected homecoming means facing painful shadows of the past for Gwen Murphy in Paradise Reborn by Nick Bileci, the second piece of his Paradise Collection series. Gwen relentlessly digs into a sinister new threat afflicting the town, while seeking closure and vengeance for the sins she has yet to forgive. This intense narrative does not shy away from taboo and traumatic subjects, offering a dark and unforgettable look into complex realms of pain, poverty, abuse, addiction, and obsession, as well as the incredible lengths people go for redemption. The unusual dialogue formatting can be disruptive to the reading experience, […]

A candid and unfiltered collection of poetry about the crowded and complex life of a writer, mother, wife, explorer, and keen observer of life, Thief: Poetry and Prose demonstrates Bianca Bowers’ piercing poetic insight. Drawing inspiration from all corners of her life and beyond – ghostwriting insecurities, Billie Eilish, the moons of Jupiter, ancient cities – the poet’s curation paints a dynamic portrait that is both personal and universal. The free-verse style allows for fluid and full-scale descriptions, as well as creative enjambment for greater impact. A more traditional font for poem titles would help the overall tone, as […]

A gripping tale of romance, betrayal, and forgiveness, Captured Angel by Cynthia L. Clark is a brutally honest peek into the crucible of commitment, and the undeniable power of true love. After suffering a tragic rejection in Clark’s previous novel, Dirt Road Main Street, Holly Harris rebounds into a sure-thing engagement with a man who adores her, but she can’t deny the significance of her ex-lover’s unexpected return and the fear that she is making the biggest mistake of her life. Navigating the pressures of family, friends, society, and her own pragmatic mind, this well-drawn protagonist’s conflict is painfully […]