Lead Story | Self-Publishing Review

Review: The Way of the Dog: The Memoirs of Eros, the Metaphysical Dog by Eva A. MacDonnell

The Way of the Dog: The Memoirs of Eros, the Metaphysical Dog by Eva A. MacDonnell is a refreshing story about Eros, a puppy new to this world and his experiences, told from his unique perspective. A surprisingly insightful read, MacDonnell’s book will make the reader think about their relationship with not just dogs, but all animals and humans alike. The innocence, wisdom, love, and instruction that resides within the pages of the book will shift how you look at the world.

MacDonnell paints a picture with the dialogue between the characters; when Eros is speaking to his mother, […]

SPR2020-02-05T08:44:07+02:00November 19th, 2018|Categories: Book Reviews, Lead Story|Tags: Contemporary Fiction Book Reviews, Self-Help Book Reviews|

Review: The Awakening: Fate in Motion by Suzanne Boisvert

For anyone who loves a conspiracy-laced sci-fi thriller, The Awakening: Fate in Motion by Suzanne Boisvert is a standout new novel that will keep you satisfied from start to finish. A decidedly dark read, this book combines real-world fears, far-fetched conspiracy theories, ancient religious sects, invading aliens and government coverups in a masterful, unpredictable page-turner.

The main premise of the novel is that an ancient, evil force, Sar, long banished from Earth and awaiting a return to rule, has finally reawakened. Infiltrating the planet through the very highest halls of power, his takeover seems unobstructed, given the petty squabbles and […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2019-01-22T10:32:04+02:00October 19th, 2018|Categories: Book Reviews, Lead Story|Tags: Science Fiction Book Reviews|

Review: The Outlandish and the Ego by O. Ryan Hussain

In these days of political turmoil and uncertain global peace, it can be hard to find a reason to laugh, but O. Ryan Hussain’s new novel, The Outlandish and the Ego, provides an uproarious release. In a new genre of literature the author calls “political erotica,” this novel discusses serious topics and trends in the world…without ever taking itself too seriously.

The book is cleanly divided between the sarcastic and the surreal, beginning with the Aide, a ruthless and ambitious wretch who has wriggled his way near the highest halls of power. In his endless bid to increase his own […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2024-07-30T15:36:10+02:00October 18th, 2018|Categories: Book Reviews, Lead Story|Tags: Contemporary Fiction Book Reviews, Political Thriller Book Reviews, Satire Book Reviews|

Review: Julia’s Memories and The Interflow of Things (Amor Mundi Books 1 & 2) by Dave Dröge

Reading a novel doesn’t always mean one should trust the narrator, and in Julia’s Memories and The Interflow of Things, an omnibus of the Amor Mundi series, this complex challenge comes to the forefront. Set in the somewhat distant future, the world has changed in many ways, but the true depth of that shift doesn’t become apparent until the critical turn of this double-stacked book.

The book begins with a long, detailed account of Julia’s life – in memoir form – from her youngest years until her present-day success as an artist in the year 2050. This section of […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2019-01-22T10:33:17+02:00October 17th, 2018|Categories: Book Reviews, Lead Story|Tags: Science Fiction Book Reviews, Speculative Fiction Book Reviews|

Review: The Folly of Sweeney by Brian J. O’Sullivan

The machinations of a fractured mind can make for great literature, and in The Folly of Sweeney by Brian J. O’Sullivan, readers get a raw glimpse into a truly unusual brain. Touching on elements of the immigrant experience, mental health, alcoholism, family and self-preservation, this book may be erratic and unpredictable, but there are powerful messages lying beneath the surface of this drunken New York fairytale from a true seanchaí.

The central character of the novel, Liam, is an Irishman who now calls New York home, but he hasn’t lost the stereotypical penchant for alcohol. He is a difficult character […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2019-01-22T10:33:47+02:00October 16th, 2018|Categories: Book Reviews, Lead Story|Tags: Contemporary Fiction Book Reviews|

Review: McDowell by William H. Coles

In McDowell, tragedy and consequence lead an arrogant and narcissistic Dr. Hiram McDowell to examine his life and search for life’s meaning beyond winning and possessions.

Hiram is first glimpsed leaving his Mt. Everest climbing partner to die. If that’s not enough to establish his unreliability, he goes on to belittle his wife, trick a colleague and ignore his children. Hiram’s the quintessential egoist surgeon: busy, belligerent, brilliant, and self-absorbed.

Author William H. Coles paints a damning picture of the selfish Dr. McDowell. Married for the third time to Carole, he barely acknowledges her and openly cheats on her, […]

Greg Rideout2019-01-22T10:34:18+02:00October 15th, 2018|Categories: Book Reviews, Lead Story|Tags: Contemporary Fiction Book Reviews, Literary Fiction Book Reviews|

Review: Selling to China by Stanley Chao

A Chinese American business expert presents his latest wisdom regarding how small trading companies can establish economic links with counterparts in China in Selling to China: A Guide for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses.

The primary tenet for an SMB (small to medium-sized business) to bear in mind, Chao states, is that Chinese and American entrepreneurs have the same goal – to make money. This is especially true since the older “Mao” generation is phasing out, being replaced with what the author calls the “Me Generation” (age 20-30), which is less traditional, and more prepared to make deals.

When Chao […]

SPR2018-10-27T12:22:57+02:00September 27th, 2018|Categories: Book Reviews, Lead Story|Tags: Business Book Reviews, Non-Fiction Book Reviews|

Review: A Nanny for Harry by Sylvia Mulholland

Pregnancy, motherhood and the demands of a career prove to be a tough juggling act in A Nanny for Harry, a touching and often funny work of women’s fiction by Sylvia Mulholland.

Thirty-five-year-old attorney, Kali Miller, is potentially jeopardizing her already slow track to partnership by taking a three-month maternity leave to have a baby. As soon as her pregnancy had been confirmed, she and her handsome husband, Matt, a general surgery resident, purchased a pokey little house in trendy Belmont Shore that they set about fixing before the arrival of their baby boy, who they’ve already named Harry.[…]

Marta Cheng2018-10-27T12:24:38+02:00September 18th, 2018|Categories: Book Reviews, Lead Story|Tags: Contemporary Fiction Book Reviews, Women's Fiction Book Reviews|