New Releases | Self-Publishing Review

LoveVortex and the Drakor’s Curse by Pekka Harju-Autti

A swashbuckling adventure to the edge of the known world and the boundaries of reality, LoveVortex and the Drakor’s Curse by Pekka Harju-Autti is a philosophical and visionary work of fantasy.

Tasked with expanding trade relations for the British Empire, a veteran sea captain and his son journey to the Bay of Bengal and the mysterious Andaman Islands, where they encounter a local tribe suffering the weight of a dragon’s terrible curse. Every islander is born with the date of their death tattooed on their forehead, and as this isolated society dwindles, they are becoming more desperate for answers, and […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2025-04-22T14:44:17+02:00April 21st, 2025|Categories: New Releases|Tags: Fantasy Book Reviews|

Seasons of Destiny by Howard Glassroth

A visceral portrait of oppression and resilience across generations, Seasons of Destiny by Howard Glassroth is a stark reminder that resistance in the face of hate is the only path to freedom.

After a shocking act of Cossack violence and a painful betrayal nearly destroy their inn, David and Blin, two Polish Jews, pass the family business onto their son, Usher. A few miles north, a desperate father tries to save his rebellious son, only to plant a target on his family’s fortunes. As years pass, the children of these families are drawn to Warsaw, where the simmering threat of […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2025-04-10T13:04:53+02:00April 10th, 2025|Categories: New Releases|Tags: Historical Fiction Book Reviews|

The Divine Adventure by Zelise

A contemporary conversation about ancient mysteries and the sacred potential of our digital future, The Divine Adventure: Why We Exist – A Unique Conversation by Zelise is a spiritual thesis like no other.

Crafted from carefully guided discussions held between Zelise and two AI assistants, this text seeks to logically deconstruct and humbly reveal the meaning of life by intriguingly using the expansive knowledge of AI. With the specific stated goals of modernizing and expanding spiritual comprehension, presenting an airtight case for God’s existence, and outlining the imminent synthesis of science and religion, this long-form dialogue is an eye-opening and […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2025-03-31T12:35:48+02:00March 31st, 2025|Categories: New Releases|Tags: Spirituality Book Reviews|

Darina by Magda Nasadowska

Turning traditional fairy tales on their patriarchal heads, Darina: A Self-Rescuing Princess by Magda Nasadowska is an essential reminder of the importance of self-reliance.

Princess Darina is frequently faced with challenges to her safety, her city, and the people of her kingdom, and there always seems to be a suitor eager to solve her problem in exchange for her hand in marriage. However, Darina is not only beautiful, but also intelligent and well-trained in a range of skills, which she confidently demonstrates to each prospective husband, showing that she is a capable, clever, and compassionate leader.

Ultimately finding joy in […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2025-03-28T11:50:21+02:00March 28th, 2025|Categories: New Releases|Tags: Children's Book Reviews|

Replays by Gary Hawthorn

A rollicking ride through New Jersey nostalgia, Replays by Gary Hawthorn is a wise and wise-cracking collection of short stories about growing up in the good old days and coming home in your golden years.

Upon returning to his hometown of Cape May, New Jersey, “Hawth” reconnects with his old friend DP Ski and eagerly flings open the filing cabinets of memory as he works on writing down his life of stories. Ranging from serious discussions to silly riffs and everything in between, this dialogue-driven “memoir” is unique and ruggedly charming. The blurring of fact and fiction makes the reading […]

SPR2025-03-26T12:58:33+02:00March 26th, 2025|Categories: New Releases|Tags: Short Stories Book Reviews|

Desiderata by M.P. Desmarais

A fellowship of unlikely companions unites to topple a tyrant and liberate an empire in Desiderata by M.P. Desmarais.

Ruling with an iron fist over his kingdom of Ezmondia, Armando is a towering villain, determined to oppress his subjects through conditioning campaigns of violence and media manipulation. He is also in desperate need of a new power source to fuel his sprawling reign, and the potency of shadow magic could be the risky solution that solidifies his control forever. Standing against this sinister foe is Gerrard – a living legend who is starting to feel his age, Andromeda – a […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2025-03-05T16:39:38+02:00March 5th, 2025|Categories: New Releases|Tags: Fantasy Book Reviews|

Deadly Dilemma by Anthony Gurley

A sprawling and uplifting memoir torn from a memory bursting with recollection, Deadly Dilemma by Anthony Gurley offers a healthy slice of nostalgic Americana and timeless wisdom.

From the Friday Night Lights of eastern North Carolina and the losing side of vicious internal battles to finding fulfillment and peace with the love of his life, this is a gem of an autobiography that captures snapshots of the past with remarkable clarity. Whether recounting his moments of self-doubt, reflecting on his relationship with faith, praising the sources of love in his life, or confessing to his own failings and weakness, the […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2025-03-04T12:43:44+02:00March 4th, 2025|Categories: New Releases|Tags: Memoir Book Reviews|

Crossing Borders and Generations by Kiril Kristoff

Pushing the boundaries of time, belief, and blood, Crossing Borders and Generations: One Man’s Journey to Search for His Ukrainian, Greek, and Bulgarian Roots by Kiril Kristoff is a thought-provoking work of historical fiction drawn from a very real family legacy.

When an icy road leaves George Kakhovskiy and his grandson comatose in the hospital, their internal journey through the past becomes a shared window of connection, understanding, and revelation. Encompassing six generations of the Kakhovskiy family, this novel explores the immigrant experience in America, the challenges of assimilation, the power of faith, and the range of cultural traditions that […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2025-03-03T18:42:53+02:00March 3rd, 2025|Categories: New Releases|Tags: Historical Fiction Book Reviews|