Editorial Reviews

A magical, message-laden allegory from a playful and creative pen, Mana Ray: Summer Magic by Julia Maslova is an otherworldly novel about peeling back the facade of a “perfect life” and embracing one’s true nature. On the Earth-like planet Odagea, Mana Ray is rising eagerly through society, moving closer to her dream of becoming an upper-class doctor. However, a twist of fate sends Mana out into the wilderness, where forbidden magic still exists, which allows her to finally see the cruel truth of the hierarchical and oppressive paradise she once called home. Essential in its message of class consciousness, albeit […]

Offering an alternate history and trenchant warning for the world at large, Bomboncita by D.K. Kristof nestles shrewdly in the crossover of allegory, speculative fiction, and savvy social critique. In the isolated Caribbean utopia of Isla de La Reina Madre, the fractured outside world is finally creeping in, while the titular Bomboncita, the heir to the island’s matriarchal Presidency, begins to shoulder the burden of rule and secure a future for her people. A subtle and beautifully crafted novella about responsibility and retribution that shines with moments of magical realism, Kristof delivers a brief but lyrical gem, which is especially […]

An eloquent and evocative ode to human nature, Codex of Echo: Books 1, 2, and 3 by Travis Nagatoshi is a three-part collection of inspiring poetry that gently advocates a path for personal enlightenment. Moving smoothly between philosophical musings, lyrical whimsy, and curious explorations of experience, this dynamic collection is both a call to action and a source of commiseration, encouraging readers to seek out higher realms of thought, emotion, and clarity. Though the sporadic use of bold text can feel like it gives unnecessary emphasis, these optimistic and compassionate verses deserve to be carefully considered and embraced by readers […]

An empowering thriller from a powerful new voice, The Perfect Revenge 2: Secrets of the Dragonfly by WilD is an entertaining plunge into the seedy realms of big money and backroom politics. Still plagued by the gruesome secrets of her past, Zoey has a new high-level mission and a team of financial sleuths working beneath her, including her ever-irritating but still undeniably charming ally, Mark. As the team digs into the slush funds of market manipulators, both the personal and professional stakes reach a fever pitch, as Zoey’s past catches up with her. Though Zoey’s resume feels a bit too […]

Drawing from an abundant pool of spiritual practices, gentle wisdom, and symbolic storytelling, The Roots of Renewal – Wood’s Journey: Stop Overthinking – Find Mental Calm and Inner Direction by Anni Mitchell is an interactive and eye-opening experience. The narrative invites readers to embark on the Path of Renewal, a metaphysical journey through the Sword suit of tarot cards, along with a series of practices to clarify direction, amplify self-awareness, and tap into universal knowledge. The proffered wisdom is also filtered through the lens of the natural world, specifically wood, providing an extra layer of guidance and comfort that is […]

An imaginative burst of technofantasy that deftly swings between philosophical depth, cutting-edge science, and gripping magical action, Technomancer by Charlie Forêt is a thrilling combination of genres. When a divine priestess from the realm of Elysia is forcibly sent to Earth, her destiny entwines with Finn, a hacker savant working in the shadows to make up for the devastating mistakes of his past. Bearing the fate of two worlds on their shoulders, these troubled lovers must battle the manipulative forces that seek to use them as weapons, or at least prevent them from becoming saviors. Impressive world-building, neatly crafted prose, […]

A covert peek into the seamy world of American espionage in the years following World War II, A Cesspool of Spies by Linda Watkins is an authentic post-war tale of finding purpose in the murkiest of waters. Simon Biggs is a twenty-something veteran with a good head on his shoulders, but no money in his pocket, so when he lands a job with the CIA that will pay for graduate school, he leaps at the chance. After a whirlwind of training, he is sent to Istanbul, where he quickly realizes that surviving in the capital of international intrigue is anything […]

Two timid lovers find redemption and purpose in the search for one another in Swan Song by Katy Regnery, an unlikely romance with the heart of a Russian tragedy. Vaughn is a soft-spoken janitor at the Washington Ballet, while Sasha is a gifted and graceful ballerina who dazzles from the stage, but life-changing revelations for both of them are waiting in the wings. As their paths draw them further apart, this indomitable pair must choose between unraveling the painful past and pursuing a future together. Vivid descriptions, lyrical dialogue, and visceral emotion abound throughout the rich prose, while the relationship […]