Editorial Reviews

A dissatisfied optometrist attempts to put the fuzzy pieces of his life back together and find a new direction in Blackout: You Gotta Love Phoenix by Frank C. Senia. What begins as a “Hangover”-esque mystery develops into a real-time examination of how we spend our years, and the priceless value of taking a step back from our lives. Penned with an informal, conversational tone that often dips into stream-of-consciousness prose, the writing could certainly use some sharpening, but the main character’s reinvention of his life does keep the story interesting. The pace can feel breakneck, leaving little room for serious […]

A cross-generational tale of suffering and perseverance, The Man on the Rails is an unforgettable musing on the value of life and the prices we must often pay to survive. In a narrative exploration of cultural biases and belief structures, as well as the complex confusion of romance in times of tragedy, this story is anything but a straight line or an easy escape. As is found in Abdullaoglu’s other work, there is an engaging juxtaposition of modern knowledge, ancient cultural traditions, and intense philosophical effort. While this cerebral undercurrent can occasionally make the story feel cold – a vehicle […]

Poet Ewana Hines unfurls a mesmerizing collection of bold and fearless verse in Excerpts from an Abstract Mind. Acknowledging the long lineage of strife and sacrifice preceding her, this gathering of poems is a battle-cry and a maternal whisper, told by an inquiring mind dissecting the philosophy of existence and survival. Though some poems are more urgent than others, or reiterative, these less powerful pieces provide the space for a reader to breathe, given the intensity of the work overall. With an organic voice entirely her own, and an eye towards truth-telling, painful as it may be, Hines delivers […]

The Leprechaun Wars by author Wes Snowden is a mystical leap into the mind of a master storyteller. Fluidly moving between the world of magic and the world of men, this is a classic Emerald Isle adventure tale of one young man’s journey through revenge and romance, with sinister enemies around every cruel corner, and more than enough temptations to stray from his path. Written in a timeless voice that is both formal and flexible, there is a good balance of youthful whimsy and fantasy action. While some of the dialogue comes off as stilted, the depth of world-building and […]

A touching and beautifully illustrated homage to fathers and sons everywhere, Dad Can Be Anything by Ray Colon is a feel-good read with a clever use of rhyme. Celebrating the creative, supportive, and essential relationship between a father figure and a growing boy, the language of this short book is simple, but heartwarming, while the poetic rhythm is fun and amusing. The playful words and universal message are perfectly mirrored by the rich and surprisingly detailed illustrations, making Dad Can Be Anything a stand out on a child’s bookshelf.

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The line between the realms of dreaming and reality gets blurry in Parasomnia, a mysterious and romantic ride by author JC Bratton. A sleepless grief drives one woman to paranormal heights in search of new connection, and the author’s creative mind lays the groundwork for a strong plot. The character development smacks of authenticity, but there is a tendency toward inorganic dialogue. While an editorial hand could help polish the rougher patches, the combination of self-exploration and mystical romance makes this a quick and intriguing read.

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Glenwood Fables: The Ruins of Parnice, the first in a four-part fantasy series, is a sparkling debut from author Danni O’Lenci, who immediately proves her confidence and comfort in the genre. Despite the classic foundation of an unexpected journey that becomes more about the characters than the ultimate quest, there is an original twist to every aspect of this story. In an often repetitive niche, the book is distinctly refreshing, with a masterful use of colloquial speech and organic dialogue. Benefitting from a poetic touch in the prose, the language is clever and surprising, reminiscent of other legendary fantasy authors. […]

Author Zak Yates plunges readers into a violent, fast-paced murder mystery in The Factory. This book wastes no time in establishing its premise: a newly dead Peter becomes an afterlife investigator of his own murder, and discovers that being a ghost does have certain advantages. As more bodies begin to fall, Peter discovers that the mystery of his death is far larger and closer to home that he would have ever imagined. Leaping from one intense scene to the next, this manic story is undeniably dark – boldly touching on issues of abuse, dishonesty, and repressed aggression. Delivering a […]