Editorial Reviews

For fans of old-school sword and sorcery with a splash of modern spice, Halorum by Serdar Aydemir is a bold start to a new series. Despite leaning heavily on the classic fantasy dichotomies of dark/light, gods/men, and past shadows/present deeds, the novel sparkles with originality and memorable characters who are easy to root for, and against. With a deft pen, Aydemir has constructed a terrifically dark and fascinating world of Reaper Knights, romance, and high-level fantasy that will draw fans from Tolkien to Salvatore.

 

Shadow Work is a haunting collection of pensive poetry that should garner Daniel Warner both attention and respect in the world of verse. He blends the modern and the mystical, offering up eloquent metaphors and thought-provoking, gut-shot lines that resonate and build through each poem. This collection is an existential carousel and a dark love note to life, with the occasional slice of humor between reverent pondering. Bouncing from the mundane microcosm to the deepest mysteries, Warner asks hard questions, demanding attention and patience, but rewarding both, as only good poetry can.

 

Author Julia Goldhirsh makes a bold debut with this enrapturing modern-day fairy tale. Spellbound will quickly strike a chord with YA lovers, as it ticks plenty of boxes for the genre: unexpected love, emotional turmoil, and a protagonist/damsel in distress at the heart of the tale. The novel is a unique take on an old story, but written with a mature hand that understands the flexibility and beauty of language, which will appeal to readers of any age.

 
 

Vivien Mayfair delivers a wholesome and heartfelt holiday gift with her new book, My Christmas Darling, a classic tale of unlikely lovers tumbling together. Laden with quaint charm and holiday cheer, this slightly predictable story is cozy and quick, with clever writing that will amuse throughout and enough heartstring-tugging to keep romance readers hooked. With Manhattan as a lively backdrop and a penchant for memorable narration, Mayfair’s book offers an innocent escape.

 

Brimming with solid guidance and straightforward prose, When to Call a Therapist by author Robert C. Ciampi is a thorough examination of psychiatric options, mental health issues, and the necessary skills to self-identify when a person/couple should ask for help. Using relatable anecdotes and accessible language, this book is well-organized and intuitive, with sections that easily stand alone. If you’re struggling with a particular aspect of mental health, or just making your way through a rough patch in life, this book’s compelling advice will be a very important read.      

Author Alma Nilsson expands her thought-provoking and wickedly creative universe with Married to the Alien Doctor, the second installment of the Renascence Alliance series. The writing is witty and sharp, balancing sci-fi strangeness with clever plot lines, but Nilsson also flexes her philosophical muscle in a unique way. While the premise may initially seem limited or one-sided, the conflicts and meditations in these pages gradually reveal a much wiser angle being taken by this refreshing and compelling author.