Editorial Reviews

Author Jim Clougherty pulls readers through a shadowy descent into madness, greed, and the Earth itself in Gold Fever, the first installment of his Dark Savior series. A slow-burning psychological thriller featuring dark prose, gruesome action, and visceral monsters, the spiraling plot is gritty and engrossing, albeit occasionally unpolished with some tangential or repetitive chapters. Bolstered by a unique narrative voice, this lengthy novel captures authentic dialogue well and takes time to develop secondary characters. For those readers seeking an entertaining burst of literary terror, Gold Fever delivers a gripping start to this new series.

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Prepare yourself for a short and addictive dive into shadowy science and the secrets that lurk beyond our understanding in Dark Twists and Surreal Turns by M.G. Spear. Psychological horror fans will be attracted to the sharp descriptions and the ominous mood that permeate this novella, the first in the Dark Twists trilogy, but there are also interesting explorations of mood and panic disorders, and the tangled pain of mental illness. Describing a mind as it becomes unhinged, or begins to disappear entirely, is an ambitious goal, and while the prose is choppy and abrupt at times, this haunting book […]

Author Kimberley Cale splashes into her Sea Temptress series with Caught, a high-seas romance adventure full of swashbuckling, sun, and supernatural thrills for a perfect summer escape. Feeling slightly like a reboot of The Little Mermaid, there are plenty of well-penned exchanges and heartbreaking turns for grown-up readers. Though the writing is simple and straightforward, making this an easy read, the storytelling is still marked by surprising descriptions and an oceanic well of creativity, as well as plenty of steamy exchanges and multi-layered language. Cale delivers in this first installment of the series, offering classic romance writing, uniquely developed […]

A young hero from another world must find the strength within himself and the creatures of the wild to overthrow the brutal paw of tyranny in General Jack and the Battle of the Five Kingdoms by David Bush. This short adventure novel is an ideal entry point for young fantasy lovers, as it explores classic themes of rebelling against evil, overcoming personal doubt, and finding allies in unexpected places. Brimming with creativity, boasting vivid world-building, and tipping its cap to other classic fantasy authors, Miaow and young General Jack make a spectacular team in this heartfelt, well-penned tale.

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Lonesome hearts collide in unpredictable ways in Born for Leaving, a touching and artfully penned novel by Mia Kerick, writing as Jude Munro. Shining a romantic light from a less common angle, this book cuts to the heart of trust issues and commitment in poignant and relatable ways. With a delicate hand for emotional issues, without losing the rugged narrative voice, Munro strikes a strong balance with humor and graceful turns of phrase. Centered on an unlikely connection that is compelling and authentic, Born for Leaving is the perfect blend of tender and tough.

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In the whimsical What I Tell Myself About Talent, author Michael A. Brown takes young readers on a colorful and inspiring journey through their endless potential. Choosing one’s path in life is a major challenge, particularly when there are so many options to choose from, but this book argues that it’s never too early to identify your passions and take steps towards your future – a unique focus for a children’s book, acting as a kind of self-help book for children. With evocative illustrations on every page and valuable insights for children and parents alike, this quick read is […]

A self-aware robot with love on the brain entangles himself with a would-be dystopian heroine in Automaton Nation by author Cynthia Kumanchik. With fast-paced action, a compelling duo at the heart of the story, and a Orwellian sense of terror that feels all too real, this is a creative and timely piece of near-future fiction. The plot holes and unpolished prose do leave something to be desired, but the spiraling plot and unique character dynamics do make this book hard to put down, while posing plenty of tough questions about the uncertain future waiting just around the corner.

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The Ebony Queen by Abby Lane is a dark and expansive fantasy novel, the sophomore installment of the Reign of Blood and Magic series. Maternal devotion is twisted by a queen’s selfish desire for power, casting a blanket of evil that entangles this thoroughly built and unique fantasy world. Despite boasting original magical mechanisms and a deft descriptive pen, there is sometimes a leading tone to the storytelling, which makes the plot occasionally feel predictable. That said, the story is rich and complex, with numerous engaging protagonists that make the prose dynamic, immersive, and ideal for fans of epic fantasy.[…]