New Releases | Self-Publishing Review

’53 on 35th by J. Conran Meyer

A charming and unique reflection on childhood, ’53 on 35th: A Silent Boomer’s Recollections by J. Conran Meyer may be set nearly 70 years in the past, but its innocent wisdom is truly timeless.

This pseudo-memoir follows the exploits of a neighborhood of young boys/Knights as they discover adventure, freedom, and the mysteries that will be revealed after “kidhood.” As the author explains, this story explores the memories we cherish and those we create, the uncertainty of our rose-colored glasses, and the seminal events that shape our view of the world.

Peppered with anachronistic bits of Americana, which gives the […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2022-10-21T16:27:48+02:00October 23rd, 2020|Categories: New Releases|Tags: Memoir Book Reviews|

Make Our Country YUUUGE Again by Web Augustine

Author Web Augustine welcomes readers to the satirical pseudo-world of Cameria in Make Our Country YUUUGE Again: Laira Succupy Ganders’ Unbelievable Journey with Tunnald Drump.

Like a history book on comically strong steroids, this novel traces the decisions, actions, crimes, and cruelties of the Drump administration from before his election to the height of the 2020 pandemic. While that covers a lot of historical ground, this dark comedy works as a comprehensive, albeit cartoonish, collection of the greatest crises of the past few years. With a wild cast of eccentric (and highly recognizable) characters, this no-holds-barred critique is sharp, […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2020-10-23T05:56:26+02:00October 22nd, 2020|Categories: New Releases|Tags: Politics Book Reviews, Satire Book Reviews|

Descent Into Hell by F. Della Notte

F. Della Notte opens a door to the rich traditions of old New York in Descent Into Hell, a captivating new novel about the Italian-American experience and the bonds that link us all.

Buddy, an unlikely half-Irish, half-Italian cop in the 1940s, is thrown into his own backyard to tackle a massive crime ring. The powerful family ties of this complex story make for a suspenseful tangle, while the relentless pace of the story will keep you gripped to the very end. As one might expect, it isn’t long before his new career and his own blood clash violently, […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2020-10-23T02:13:12+02:00October 22nd, 2020|Categories: New Releases|Tags: Historical Fiction Book Reviews, Thriller Book Reviews|

Humans, Gods, and Hybrids by Mark L. Marinaccio

Mark L. Marinaccio launches a powerful new science fiction saga with Humans, Gods, and Hybrids: Child 19, an unpredictable thriller based in a not-so-distant future.

After two decades journeying through the stars, the Travelers have arrived on Earth’s doorstep to mixed emotions – humanity’s fear of invading conquerors, suspicion of the aliens’ motives, and eagerness to take advantage of their futuristic technology. Having no memory of life before their travels began, Kellan and Tendra are excited to experience the new planet – from the lights of Broadway to the wilds of Alaska – but they must also deal with prejudice […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2020-10-22T06:02:56+02:00October 21st, 2020|Categories: New Releases|Tags: Science Fiction Book Reviews|

Clan Woodsmen: The General’s Refuge by A.C. Gillies

Author A.C. Gillies weaves a frightening vision of the future in Clan Woodsmen: Book 1: The General’s Refuge. In a dystopian timeline that feels eerily close to our present one, the shattered factions of society must fight for survival, for love, and for one another.

A young woman is taken into one of these surviving clans, and soon discovers the potential for beauty and joy, without forgetting about the looming threats that lurk on all sides. Readers are immersed in a twisted version of reality – our world through a carnival mirror – allowing this book to act as both […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2020-10-22T03:00:01+02:00October 21st, 2020|Categories: New Releases|Tags: Dystopian Fiction Book Reviews, Romance Book Reviews|

Prosper by Lindsay Schuster

Lindsay Schuster delivers a stirring coming-of-age novel with Prosper, the first in an ongoing series of standout YA writing.

Jenny, Stephanie, Amy and Kaila must navigate both the trials and trifles of high school, while also managing their own troubled lives, and more unexpected responsibilities than any 16-year-olds should bear. Highlighting the strength of sisterhood, overlapping emotional journeys and the critical importance of support systems in our lives, this is a novel not only about overcoming, but about becoming.

The variation in points of view provides a comprehensive perspective for readers, and intimate access to the experiences of each […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2020-10-21T02:07:10+02:00October 21st, 2020|Categories: New Releases|Tags: Young Adult Book Reviews|

Do You Believe in the Afterlife? by G D Harrison

Author G D Harrison plunges readers into the murky grey space between death, life, truth and lies in Do You Believe in the Afterlife? – a mind-bending, thought-provoking novel.

A dead man defies logic when some part of his Essence remains in his deceased body, so two determined doctors backtrack through his life, eager to find what makes him quite so special. With an eccentric sci-fi tone and the tension of a psychological thriller, readers follow Lester’s fate on his revelatory journey, one that raises more questions than it answers. This cerebral adventure is challenging, but rewarding, and is expertly […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2020-10-16T03:45:08+02:00October 15th, 2020|Categories: New Releases|Tags: Visionary Fiction Book Reviews|

Rats in a Maze by Peter Bailey

A NY detective falls from grace into the crosshairs of a deadly conspiracy in Rats in a Maze by Peter Bailey, a disturbing and timely thriller.

Ray Fisher is the grizzled detective at the center of this story, a man bearing the immense weight of his own sins and self-doubt, until he realizes that someone is playing a dangerous game – with his mind. After a slow-burning, mood-setting first half of this novel, the true darkness of the plot comes into focus, leading to a furious, action-fueled reckoning, along with some heavy commentary on American politics and power.

While the […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2020-10-13T04:10:28+02:00October 13th, 2020|Categories: New Releases|Tags: Thriller Book Reviews|