Fantasy Book Reviews | Self-Publishing Review

The Heart Scarab by Stella Atrium

Expanding her already stunning Duchy Wars series, author Stella Atrium delivers an elaborate and enthralling fantasy with The Heart Scarab.

Embittered by her defeat at the hands and talents of Bybiis the Beastmaster, Ulaya lurks in the shadows, gathering god-agent acolytes, scheming to reclaim more serpent pouches and the powerful magic they bestow, which may include seizing control of the serpents themselves. Ariseng has retreated to her forest home and tribal logic, while Siccamond embarks on a journey that puts her squarely in the path of those who would use her talents for sinister ends. Old enemies and new alliances […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2025-08-07T12:12:34+02:00August 6th, 2025|Categories: New Releases|Tags: Fantasy Book Reviews|

Red Demon by Sill Bihagia

An unflinching and epic work of sci-fi/fantasy, Red Demon by Sill Bihagia is the genre-blending debut of what portends to be a masterful series.

After discovering that his town has been wiped out by a mysterious bioweapon, and witnessing an immortal warrior named the Red Demon mercilessly cut down his brothers, a traumatized Jesse swears vengeance, provided he can survive the night. In a tense world where two strains of humans exist – the “magical” Asri natives and the “modified” Chaeten refugees – Jesse starts rebuilding a different life with loyal companions and fellow crafters, but the bitterness never fully […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2025-07-21T12:35:53+02:00July 21st, 2025|Categories: New Releases|Tags: Fantasy Book Reviews|

Review: Archer’s Moon by J.W. Webb

Divine worlds collide and hunting hearts tangle in Archer’s Moon: Dawn of Legends (Legends of Ansu Book 1) by J.W. Webb, a high-fantasy adventure that explores the unique essence and emotional depths of human nature.

From her celestial perch above the planet of Ansu, Argonwui peers down in wonder and longing at the world of humans, a recent creation of her grandfather, the Weaver. However, her mother Elanion, the Emerald Queen, is the custodian of Ansu, and forbids her daughter from any such meddling and mixing with mortals; her roving father Oroonis does enough of that for the whole family.[…]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2025-06-06T10:28:30+02:00June 6th, 2025|Categories: Book Reviews, Lead Story|Tags: Fantasy Book Reviews|

Review: Vallen by Kenton J. Moore

A coming-of-age steampunk adventure with classic fantasy foundations, Vallen (Cloudbreakers Book 1) by Kenton J. Moore is a richly imagined story of loyalty, memory, and the dreams that define us.

Cole Vallen is a simple country farmer who feels destined for something more, namely the sky-high ambition to become a noble Cloudbreaker – a revered warrior of the realm. However, when that dream is deferred by an unexpected peace, a night of bitterly drunken revelry sends his life spiraling in an entirely different direction. Awakening to find himself as the sole survivor of a mysterious explosion, with angry fingers pointing […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2025-06-03T12:26:12+02:00June 2nd, 2025|Categories: Book Reviews, Lead Story|Tags: Fantasy Book Reviews|

Review: Zephyr’s Flight by Ray Strong

An enchanting tale of epic ambition and destinies that change the world, Zephyr’s Flight: The Dragons’ War by Ray Strong is a female-driven YA adventure and a compelling first chapter in a promising saga.

Astria, a young girl with an uncanny affinity for dragons, dreams to ride them someday and become one of the legendary protectors of her people, just like her missing father. Since he disappeared in service as a Dragon Rider, the chance to train and prove herself has been nearly impossible, but sometimes the wandering dragons of the realm can choose their own partner.

When Astria encounters […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2025-07-09T16:26:48+02:00May 27th, 2025|Categories: Book Reviews|Tags: Fantasy Book Reviews, YA Fantasy Book Reviews|

Review: The Matrix Opal by Stella Atrium

Youthful heroes face the unforgiving burden of duty and legacy in The Matrix Opal by Stella Atrium, a hard-edged coming-of-age story in a sprawling new sci-fi/fantasy realm, setting off The Duchy Wars series in spectacular fashion.

Ariseng, a young and unassuming force of nature, embarks on a risky quest in possession of the titular talisman, along with a ragtag cadre of companions. Shouldering the weight of a legendary responsibility in a time of social unrest, Ariseng must determine friend from foe and outsmart those who would seek to control the mysterious powers of the whispering people. However, Arisent is linked […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2025-07-01T16:58:34+02:00May 19th, 2025|Categories: Book Reviews|Tags: Fantasy Book Reviews|

Review: Hoplite Ridge by Sean Patrick Sayers

A masterful blend of speculative science fiction, allegorical mythology, and visionary fantasy, Hoplite Ridge by Sean Patrick Sayers is a sparkling and original glimpse into the past, present, and future of humanity.

The timeless conflict between mortals and gods has reached another apocalyptic turning point, and on the blasted world of Elysium, humanity’s fate once again hangs by a fraying thread. Osiris, a ruthless god of destruction, arises once more to wipe mortals from existence, convinced that they have once again reached too close to heaven, with their technology threatening to tear a hole open into the realm of the […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2025-05-05T10:51:04+02:00April 23rd, 2025|Categories: Book Reviews|Tags: Fantasy Book Reviews|

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|