New Releases | Self-Publishing Review

Umlac’s Legacy (Entangled Galaxy Book 2) by Jim Meeks-Johnson

Author Jim Meeks-Johnson serves up a weird and wonderful space romp with his second book of the Entangled Galaxy series, Umlac’s Legacy: Rogues and Misfits.

After defeating Umlac, a ruler of the Immortal Ascendency, the Earthling heroine at the center of this series must deal with the deadly halls of cosmic power and the backstabbing blobs she now rules. The problem with loyalties divided across the galaxy is that conflict is inevitable, and these universally significant stakes make for epic storytelling. The author’s unique universe expands even further in this installment, yet the minute details of alien tech and […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2020-09-16T04:05:20+02:00September 15th, 2020|Categories: New Releases|Tags: Science Fiction Book Reviews, Space Opera Book Reviews|

The Rebirth of Henry Whittle by Gertrude T. Kitty

A story of deception, betrayal, and the desperate leaps of faith we go to for some sense of home, The Rebirth of Henry Whittle is a nail-biting novel from author Gertrude T. Kitty.

Navigating her lifelong trauma of isolation and abandonment, Phoenix Whittle takes a chance on stability by reconnecting with a mysterious uncle. Little does she know that her real uncle is long gone, replaced by a clever con, but that doesn’t mean their bond is any less interesting to watch as it develops.

Boasting a complex blend of heavy themes, ranging from mental health and bullying to dark […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2020-09-09T07:56:56+02:00September 8th, 2020|Categories: New Releases|Tags: Contemporary Fiction Book Reviews, New Adult Book Reviews, Thriller Book Reviews|

A Tissue of Lies by CD Wilsher

A tragic ghost from the past upends the life of a veteran lawyer in A Tissue of Lies by CD Wilsher.

Frank Connor is a lawyer who has spent his career defending murderers, but when he finds himself on the wrong side of an ex-client’s death vengeful spree, it feels like the small mistakes of his past are closing in. Connor begins digging into the old case, trying to protect or defend himself, but only ends up finding more questions and dead ends, as well as the whiff of a cover-up. When the freshly released and heavily financed Tyrell Sikes […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2020-09-08T06:48:07+02:00September 7th, 2020|Categories: New Releases|Tags: Thriller Book Reviews|

Despite My Odds by Denise Monique

From the fearless fingertips of Denise Monique comes Despite My Odds, a powerful and painful memoir of an unconventional childhood, a traumatic youth, and a perseverant adulthood that is both compelling and heartbreaking.

Layla is an enigmatic focal point, one whom it seems the entire world is stacked against, but as her memories unfold, patterns emerge, systemic failures appear, and the long-term emotional weight of trauma becomes clear. From sexual assault and early encounters with police officers to dangerous relationships and chronically low self-esteem, this is not an easy book to swallow; it will choke you up and force […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2020-08-28T03:20:59+02:00August 27th, 2020|Categories: New Releases|Tags: Memoir Book Reviews|

Out of the Whirl by Ron Sanders

Poet Ron Sanders has gathered a disparate and impactful collection of verse, capped by a parable-like novella in Out of the Whirl, a free-wheeling, experimental, and powerful collection.

Sanders’ poetry is both elemental and spiritual, tapping into universal and abstract themes of resilience and fortitude, faith and power, while using language that is natural and immediate. Pieces like “Masters of the Wheel” come across as nostalgic mythology, while “Dust to Dust” reads like a musing on the inherent pain of life – the crushing anxiety of existence. These are decidedly heavy themes, and many are expanded on in the […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2020-08-27T03:43:45+02:00August 26th, 2020|Categories: New Releases|Tags: Poetry Book Reviews|

Engage at Dawn: First Contact by Edward M. Hochsmann

The puzzling discovery of an abandoned and mysteriously destroyed ship launches a deadly race for power in Engage at Dawn: First Contact by Edward M. Hochsmann.

Primarily set onboard a Coast Guard Cutter, readers are immersed as a maritime crew come to life and seek out the unknown attacker – something from out of this world. Simmons and Ben make for a dynamic duo at the heart of this book, an unlikely team that balances duty and honor with deep respect and brotherly love. The added layers of shadowy government agencies with sinister intentions, hinted at from the first few […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2022-06-08T01:35:45+02:00August 20th, 2020|Categories: New Releases|Tags: Science Fiction Book Reviews, Thriller Book Reviews|

Trump Dog by Jim Tilberry

A freelance artist lets himself be swept away by the whims of lunatics in Trump Dog, a satirical nugget of speculative fiction by Jim Tilberry.

Years after the death of Donald Trump, Jerry Kendall adopts a mangy mutt with a peculiar profile, one that bears an iconic resemblance to the 45th US President. When news of this uncanny silhouette breaks, a storm of publicity descends on his life from around the political spectrum, from Trump Tower lawyers and nosy neighbors to MATA hat-wearing fanatics (Make America Trumpy Again).

Poking plenty of fun at the sitting president, but also at blindly […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2020-08-14T02:48:45+02:00August 13th, 2020|Categories: New Releases|Tags: Politics Book Reviews, Satire Book Reviews|

Quando Dormo by Edward Izzi

Horrific moral fantasies come to life in Quando Dormo: When I Sleep by Edward Izzi, a chilling mystery that initially seems clear, but reveals more twists than any reader expects.

When Dr. David Fazio’s waking life and moral compass is knocked askew by his employers’ demands, his unconscious appears to take over his pro-life passion, and all signs point to the good doctor’s guilt in a string of violent arsons. Wrestling with his own beliefs, along with his uncontrollable body in the dead of night, David must define the shape of his own morality and reclaim his sanity before going […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2020-08-12T04:51:33+02:00August 11th, 2020|Categories: New Releases|Tags: Thriller Book Reviews|