Latest Book Reviews | Self-Publishing Review

Review: The Mini-Quest Mindset by Esmond Lee

A common-sense companion for the overwhelming modern world, The Mini-Quest Mindset: Master Your Focus, Manage Priorities, and Achieve More by Esmond Lee is an innovative guide for taking back control over your priorities, attention, and productivity.

Burnout is a growing and worrying trend – the point when a person reaches a point of physical, mental, emotional, or occupational exhaustion, compromising their ability to perform tasks or live their life in a healthy and sustainable way. There are certain seasons in any life when responsibilities and pressures relentlessly pile up, and the subsequent to-do lists can feel overwhelming, or even paralyzing. […]

Review: La Fête de la Vie by Jacqueline Miller Bachar

A well-curated collection of powerful stories and poetry that celebrate life without ignoring its painful realities, La Fête de la Vie: Stories & Poems by Jacqueline Miller Bachar is a literary testament to human resilience.

The characters that populate these fraught and unpredictable tales often wear strong emotions on their sleeve, unable to contain hard truths that they have been hiding from or holding inside. As the Foreword explains, much of this collection was written while the author was supporting her husband as he battled and overcame cancer; themes of grief, mortality, regret, self-reflection, and a weighing of life’s scales […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2025-05-29T12:01:16+02:00May 28th, 2025|Categories: Book Reviews, Latest Book Reviews|Tags: Poetry Book Reviews, Short Stories Book Reviews|

Review: Zephyr’s Flight by Ray Strong

An enchanting tale of epic ambition and destinies that change the world, Zephyr’s Flight: The Dragons’ War by Ray Strong is a female-driven YA adventure and a compelling first chapter in a promising saga.

Astria, a young girl with an uncanny affinity for dragons, dreams to ride them someday and become one of the legendary protectors of her people, just like her missing father. Since he disappeared in service as a Dragon Rider, the chance to train and prove herself has been nearly impossible, but sometimes the wandering dragons of the realm can choose their own partner.

When Astria encounters […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2025-05-28T07:38:29+02:00May 27th, 2025|Categories: Book Reviews, Latest Book Reviews|Tags: Fantasy Book Reviews, YA Fantasy Book Reviews|

Review: The Weight of Loyalty by Mike H. Mizrahi

Transportive historical fiction that offers clear and timely wisdom about the present, The Weight of Loyalty by Mike H. Mizrahi is an epic World War II tale of survival, trust, and the resilience of humanity in the face of destruction.

Oliver Graham is a hard-drinking and troubled sailor aboard a British submarine that strikes a mine and sinks to the bottom of the Ionian Sea, leaving him as the sole survivor. Defying death time and time again, Oliver is rescued by a dolphin and brought to the shores of Kefalonia, a Greek island currently under the control of Mussolini and […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2025-05-27T19:06:10+02:00May 27th, 2025|Categories: Book Reviews, Latest Book Reviews|Tags: Historical Fiction Book Reviews, World War II Book Reviews|

Review: The Matrix Opal by Stella Atrium

Youthful heroes face the unforgiving burden of duty and legacy in The Matrix Opal by Stella Atrium, a hard-edged coming-of-age story in a sprawling new sci-fi/fantasy realm, setting off The Duchy Wars series in spectacular fashion.

Ariseng, a young and unassuming force of nature, embarks on a risky quest in possession of the titular talisman, along with a ragtag cadre of companions. Shouldering the weight of a legendary responsibility in a time of social unrest, Ariseng must determine friend from foe and outsmart those who would seek to control the mysterious powers of the whispering people. However, Arisent is linked […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2025-05-20T09:49:55+02:00May 19th, 2025|Categories: Book Reviews, Latest Book Reviews|Tags: Fantasy Book Reviews|

Review: A Guide to Jazz in Japan by Michael Pronko

A thorough overview for jazz fans anywhere in the world, A Guide to Jazz in Japan by Michael Pronko is a thoughtful music guide that casually swings across the line into storytelling.

Beginning with the author’s disclosure over his passion for Japan and the powerful connection he has to the jazz scene there, the book then proceeds into a recognizable guide of 40 jazz clubs, categorized by vibe and style, with detailed but succinct information on cost, expectations, location, history, and other standout features. Each is accompanied by the author’s more subjective account of his experience in each spot, offering […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2025-05-16T10:21:45+02:00May 14th, 2025|Categories: Book Reviews, Latest Book Reviews|Tags: Music Book Reviews|