Fantasy | Self-Publishing Review

Review: Paradigm Shift by S.T.K. Chan

The fundamental struggle between good and evil is one of the most common themes of literature, typically embodied through traditional heroes and villains. Diving deeper into the philosophy of goodness and evil, however, Paradigm Shift: Future Comes from Behind by S.T.K. Chan is an evocative novel about facing the problems of the world and finding realistic avenues for positive change.

At the center of this novel is Lisa, whom readers are introduced to when she is just a frightened girl on Malta as her world crumbles around her. In the midst of war, and the capture of her father, Lisa […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2018-12-17T08:51:26+02:00October 28th, 2018|Categories: Book Reviews|Tags: Fantasy, Visionary Fiction|

Review: Daemon Rising by John William

From the opening lines of this engrossing novel, it is clear that Daemon Rising by John William is going to be a meticulously penned and immersive adventure. Relying on some classic fantasy tropes, but carving out a corner of the genre all his own, William delivers a thrilling new world in Books 1 and 2.

As is so often found in fantasy novels, two unlikely heroes find their destinies and paths intertwined, despite the seeming impossibility of any connection or kinship between them. This deep fantasy dive centers on two primary characters, Dragan and Imlod, who are being controlled by […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2018-12-05T10:52:37+02:00October 11th, 2018|Categories: Book Reviews|Tags: Fantasy|

A Monk’s Tail by Kyle Spencer

If you’re looking for a wondrous escape into a whimsical new world, A Monk’s Tail by Kyle Spencer should sit firmly at the top of your reading list. The world-building alone in this action-packed novel makes it worthy of a read, while the unique characters will leave you hungry for a sequel.

Bow is far your typical hero, but beneath his gruff exterior is a noble and loyal protagonist with recognizable character traits, despite being a firefox. The fact that all the characters are animals makes this novel initially seem childlike, but the themes being explored by Spencer – oppression, […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2018-10-02T10:29:41+02:00October 1st, 2018|Categories: New Releases|Tags: Fantasy|

Review: Nightmare Detective: The Skeleton King by Monk Inyang

Terrifying nightmares and kid detectives hardly make for a likely duo but writer Monk Inyang, along with the artistic talents of illustrator, Elijah Isaiah Johnson, create a winning combination in Nightmare Detective: The Skeleton King, an imaginative and chilling middle grade adventure.

For two weeks now, twelve-year-old Uko Hill has been plagued by the same terrifying nightmare – that his house is being attacked by a bunch of skeletal hooded figures, led by an imposing reaper he calls The Skeleton King. In his nightmare, Uko tries to wake up his parents and his brother, Femi, but to no avail […]

Marta Cheng2018-11-06T09:55:59+02:00September 18th, 2018|Categories: Book Reviews|Tags: Fantasy, Middle Grade Fiction, Paranormal|

Pandemonium by Sean Farley

When you unexpectedly land in a twisted version of the afterlife, one finds strange bedfellows, and that surreal premise is taken to extremes in Pandemonium, the new supernatural fantasy by Sean Farley.

Jackson Armstrong is far from perfect, but the love he holds for his son launches him on an epic quest through a fiery realm of torture, evil and extremely unlikely allies. This wild and unpredictable ride through the depths of Pandemonium, a personal and uniquely creative take on Hell, is perpetually surreal and brilliantly penned. With constant tongue-in-cheek symbolism and cracking allegorical moments, this gripping novel will leave […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2018-09-10T09:40:40+02:00September 9th, 2018|Categories: New Releases|Tags: Fantasy, Paranormal|

Review: The Rebellious Earthling: Tale of The Turquoise Mirror by Andi Hayes

For those readers who are looking for both a depraved and darkly amusing novel, The Rebellious Earthling: The Tale of the Turquoise Mirror is a story that should not be missed. Coming across as a long-form allegory for the weakness of mankind and the rise of evil in modern society, this whip-smart book may seem outlandish, but the underlying messages are deeply rooted in reality.

When one of the Fallen Angels insidiously ruins an entire village of peace-loving, animal-honoring goblins, a new horrifying species is created, full of cruelty, selfishness, violence and an (almost) complete lack of morality. In Tartarus, […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2018-10-27T12:37:03+02:00August 28th, 2018|Categories: Book Reviews, Lead Story|Tags: Fantasy, Science Fiction|

Review: The Transitioners: The Purple Blues by Indigo Cox

The Transitioners by Indigo Cox, the first book in the Purple Blood Lineage series, is a beautiful coming of age story that just happens to have one of the most refreshing superhero journeys at its core.

Misty is the first African-America student to make it into Girard, a high-profile music school. While an exceptional student and musician, she is still looked down upon due to the color of her skin. A fact that normal students can’t change, but Misty can. She is a Transitioner. A half-human, half-god being who can change her appearance with the assistance of music and meditation. […]

SPR2019-01-11T14:50:50+02:00August 27th, 2018|Categories: Book Reviews, Lead Story|Tags: Fantasy, Urban Fantasy|

Review: Where Dragonwoofs Sleep and the Fading Creeps by A.J. Massey

Where Dragonwoofs Sleep and the Fading Creeps is an imaginative YA novel written by A.J. Massey that is penned with surprising maturity, despite being targeted at a younger audience. From the very first chapter of this addictive story, readers are transported to a wondrous land where expectations are constantly being dashed and a young boy finds the hero that has always been inside.

When young Ben finds himself transported to the mystifying world of Meridia, he must fend for himself among the strange creatures and magical beings he encounters, as well as the other inhabitants of his decidedly odd surroundings. […]