I received a free copy of this book and exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author K.A. Pierce shares the reason why more people should choose trade work as their first choice of a career in the book “The Hands That Built This.”
The Synopsis
America is running out of people who know how to build what it needs.
The Hands That Built This is a compact, urgent memoir-manifesto by K.A. Pierce—14 years as a carpenter and ironworker and nearly two decades as a construction-safety professional—that argues trades must be first-choice careers, not Plan B.
Through vivid job site scenes, program case studies, and practical policy steps, Pierce demonstrates how apprenticeships, earn-while-you-learn models, mentorship for women, and safety-first training can address labor shortages, mitigate costly failures, and provide stable, debt-free lives.
Concise, actionable, and voice-driven, this book provides parents, educators, contractors, and policymakers with a clear roadmap to rebuild the skilled trades and the communities they sustain.
The Review
This was such an insightful and engaging read from the get-go. The author writes with passion in an insight into trade work that is inspiring, and will resonate with readers greatly. The fast pacing of the book will allow readers to not only connect with the message of the book, but we’ll give it that re–readability factor that is perfect for books like this that are a constant source of both inspiration and resourcefulness.
The author balances a personal writing style that feels very conversational to the reader with both expertise and familial experience that will allow readers to feel the importance of trade work in our world. The author does a great job highlighting the shame aspect a trade work that has for too long, taken young people away from this line of work and instead of showcases, the heart, the nobility and the honor that could be found in this line of work. The book is also a great source of alternate learning for those who never felt called to higher education, but have a passion for creative yet stable work and also highlights the historical accomplishments trade work has been responsible for.
The Verdict
Well balanced, engaging, and heartfelt, Author K.A. Pierce’s “The Hands That Built This” is a must read non-fiction memoir meets inspirational guide for any young person who seek a direction in life involving trade work. The amount of knowledge and insight the author is able to fit into such a short read is astounding and readers will feel connected to the author’s story while also allowing them to see themselves in a position to pursue a career and trade work. If you haven’t yet, please grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
About the Author
I have several books published under various pen names across diverse genres: self-help for personal growth, historical fiction weaving tales of the past, fantasy worlds of imagination, and practical guides to growing orchids.
Each project reflects my curiosity and commitment to sharing knowledge that empowers and inspires.
However, construction is a passion of mine and has treated me well over the years. With over 34 years in the construction trade, with 14 years as a carpenter and ironworker, I transitioned into Safety in 2008. I led zero-incident sites and coached more construction workers than I can count in order to protect the crews and foster leadership. My book “The Hands That Built This: Restoring Respect and Rebuilding the Future of the Trades”reflects that passion.
Born and raised in rural Minnesota, where hardworking values shaped my early years, I’ve always been drawn to hands-on pursuits. My Dad was a carpenter, and he could build or fix anything. Life took me on a journey through Texas and then Indiana before landing in sunny Florida, each place adding layers to my story. I have worked all over the US – including Alaska and Puerto Rico- and in some interesting places as well, like Antarctica’s South Pole Station. That’s another story!
Whether building structures or stories, I believe in restoring respect for skilled hands—those that craft our world. This site is a hub for my work, insights, and connections. Explore, connect, and let’s build something meaningful together.
Creative professionals—illustrators, filmmakers, musicians, writers, designers, makers—often hit the same wall: the work is good, but the right people never seem to find it. You can post daily and still feel invisible. You can be “busy” yet broke. The truth is, discovery is rarely a talent issue; it’s a distribution and trust issue. You don’t need a viral moment to make a living from your craft, though. Treat discovery like a system, not a lottery. Build a handful of “doors” into your work, make it obvious what you do and who it’s for, then keep showing up with proof—small, steady proof—that you deliver. Done well, this compounds in months, not minutes. And it’s way more fun than refreshing your likes.
Audience and Opportunity
If you only build an audience, you might end up with applause and no income. If you only chase clients, you might get paid but burn out. Run two tracks at once:
● Track A (Audience): people who follow, share, and eventually buy.
● Track B (Opportunity): buyers, commissioners, collaborators, licensors, hiring managers.
Sharpen the Business Side Without Losing Your Creative Voice
Sometimes the biggest limiter isn’t your art—it’s how you price, present, and sell it. Going back to school for a business degree can be a practical way to tighten those fundamentals, especially if you want to turn your creative practice into a stable income stream. Earning a business management degree can help you build skills in leadership, operations, and project management—useful whether you’re freelancing solo or building a small studio. And choosing anonline business management degreecan make it easier to keep creating while you study, instead of putting your work on pause.
A How-To Checklist for Getting Discovered (and Hired)
1) Say what you do in one sentence. Example: “I design album covers for indie musicians” beats “multidisciplinary creative.”
2) Pick one “home base.” A portfolio page, store, or landing page that answers: What do you make? What does it cost? How do I buy or book you?
3) Build three entry points.
● A free/low-cost offer (print, preset, zine, sample pack)
● A mid-tier offer (commission, class, bundle)
● A premium offer (brand package, licensing, retained work)
4) Post proof, not just output. Process clips. Sketches. Drafts. Testimonials. “What I learned.” People trust patterns.
5) Turn one project into five posts. Idea → draft → mistake → fix → final → client reaction. Stretch your best work.
6) Make your contact path painless. One link. Clear buttons. A short form. A calendar link if you do calls.
7) Do “one-to-one” outreach weekly. Five thoughtful messages beats fifty cold pitches. Be specific about why you’re reaching out.
8) Keep a simple pipeline. Track who asked, who replied, and who needs a follow-up. Consistency wins.
FAQ
How often should I post to get discovered? Post as often as you can sustain without resentment. For many creatives, 2–4 quality posts a week plus light community participation beats daily burnout.
Do I need a niche? You need clarity. A niche is helpful if it makes it easier for people to remember and recommend you. Start with “who you help” or “what you make,” and refine from there.
What if I hate social media? Lean into portfolio SEO basics, email, communities, events, partnerships, and direct outreach. Socializing can help, but it’s not the only road to paid work.
Should I do free work for exposure? Only if the terms are explicit and the exposure is real (audience, credits, link, usage rights). “Maybe it’ll lead to something” is not a contract.
A Resource That Helps When You’re Stuck
If you want support turning creative passion into a sustainable business, check out SCORE, a nonprofit that offers free mentoring and practical workshops for small business owners. Many mentors have experience with pricing, client management, marketing, and basic financial planning—exactly the stuff that often feels murky for creatives. You can use it to sanity-check your rates, get feedback on your offer, or map out a simple plan for the next quarter. Start here:
Conclusion
Discovery isn’t magic—it’s momentum. Make your work easy to understand, easy to share, and easy to buy. Show process and proof, not perfection. Then repeat the system long enough for people to recognize you, trust you, and pay you.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Bob McCauley shares a brand new collection of short stories in the book “A Stranger In Foreign Lands.”
The Synopsis
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There is a debate as to how many types of fiction there are. Some say there are over 144 genres and subgenres of fiction, romance fiction being the world’s most popular and widely sold. I’m not exactly sure which is the least popular, but I would certainly place among them literary fiction. Some have concluded that the difference between literary fiction and all its other genres is meaning over entertainment. Literary fiction has meaning, and as Ernest Hemingway once said, it is like an iceberg in that 10% of the work’s meaning is above the surface of the water, while the remaining 90% is below the surface. I write literary fiction because of my love for it. I want it to be discussed in university classrooms and literary circles. And because it is by far the most difficult type of fiction to write.
The Review
This was a compelling and gripping collection of short stories in the literary fiction genre. The thoughtful presentation of each story really allowed readers to be able to feel immersed in each setting as these stories took place in the Middle East. The fast pacing of a story gave the reader plenty of time to really connect with these characters while also feeling the emotional pacing of their journey.
The book also journeys to the near and far east. The stories range from personal to cultural and beyond and allow the reader to feel immersed in each areas, specific culture and history. The tone of the collection speaks to the authors experiences in life and passion for telling intimate and compelling personal stories that are reflected in rich and dynamic characters.
The Verdict
Heartfelt, compelling, and enthralling author, Bob McCauley’s “A Stranger in Foreign Lands” is a must read collection of literary short fiction. Each story felt direct into the point and yet also personal and profound at the same time. Readers will feel completely immersed, and the specific cultures found in this collection and will feel an emotional pull to travel and experience the world for themselves. If you haven’t yet, please be sure to grab your copy today!
Reading: 10/10
About the Author
I grew up on a junk-food diet in the 1960s. I never considered then that what went into my body was of any importance until I started running cross country and track in high school. By my early 20s, I was a vegetarian but had only given up meat since I still ate eggs and dairy products. I went into the bottled water business 25 years ago. What I knew from the very beginning was that I had a health product. Shortly after that, I discovered alkaline ionized water, spirulina, and chlorella, the raw food diet, and how to be truly healthy. I decided I wanted a more formal education about natural health, so I became a Certified Nutritional Consultant. A few years later, I became a Certified Master Herbalist and eventually a Naturopathic Doctor. However, the vast majority of what I know about health is what I have experienced personally. The water I drink, the foods that I consume, my exercise regimen, and how it all makes me feel. My health protocol is my lifestyle, and my lifestyle is my health protocol. I am a Roman Catholic.
I am honored to share my recap of this unique and creative take on the classic werewolf story with author Mark Leslie’s “A Canadian Werewolf Series.” This eight book (soon to be nine) series follows a Canadian transplant and author living in New York as he struggles with lycanthropy and his desire to help others in the process. Below you will find the synopsis for each book, as well as my review of the book and links to the full reviews and the books purchase links. I hope you will take the time to read each one carefully and take the plunge yourself to read this series and enjoy it as much as I did. Please enjoy.
A Canadian Werewolf in New York
The Synopsis
ALPHA WOLF. BETA HUMAN. BIG APPLE.
Michael Andrews seems to have it all. He’s a successful author and a minor celebrity living in Manhattan. It’s a pretty big step up from his humble Canadian upbringing.
Of course, his lycanthropy poses a bit of a challenge.
After waking up from his latest night of howling at the moon, he’s naked, he’s got a bullet hole in his leg, and he has a sneaking suspicion he ran into another wolf last night. A wolf that was stomping all over his home turf.
If he’s going to make an evening talk show appearance to promote his latest book, he’ll need to figure out what happened the previous night without letting his occasional heroics sidetrack him. Standing in his way are an agent, an ex-girlfriend, a variety of goons, and a fellow wolf encroaching on his territory.
It’s just another day in the life of a polite, small-town Canadian trying to stay alive in the Big Apple.
A Canadian Werewolf in New York is a humorous thriller about an ordinary man dealing with extraordinary circumstances. If you like seeing an every-man try to “do right” no matter the odds, then you’ll love this suspenseful and comedic tale of a Canadian bumpkin who happens to be part wolf.
My Review
This was a compelling and gripping take on the werewolf genre as a whole. The balance of twist and turns within the narrative, and the humor found in the dialogue, will keep readers on the edge of their seat seats as the story progresses. Michael is a complex and captivating protagonist that readers will not be able to get enough of.
HOW DO YOU KEEP AN INNOCENT CHILD SAFE FROM A PREDATOR WHEN YOU HAVE NO CONTROL OVER THE BEAST THAT ASSUMES CONTROL OF YOU?
A train bound for Vermont leaves Manhattan at 11:35 AM. It takes approximately 9 hours to arrive. Sunset at the arrival destination occurs at 8:20 PM. How does Michael Andrews, a man on that train who is afflicted with a werewolf curse, resolve the fact that the math just doesn’t work out in his favor? Or in favor of the young girl who is trapped, and cornered?
Michael’s unequivocal desire to help usually thrusts him into the middle of tight spots. And though he has never been good at math, he is consistently good at compounding the peril in his day. On an urgent and last minute trip to help a dear friend in need, he finds someone else to help along the way.
Can Michael figure out how he’ll be able to protect his young, innocent traveling companion as she tries to make her own cross-country escape from the predator who relentlessly stalks her? And does this curious child hold her own answers that can, in turn, help Michael?
In a tale that has been described as Logan meets Planes, Trains and Automobiles, Mark Leslie has crafted a thrill-ride that explores Michael Andrews, Alpha Wolf and Beta Human as he embarks on a life-altering road trip that sends him hurtling towards his own psyche as it brings him miles away from his familiar home territory.
My Review
This is such a thrilling and exciting urban fantasy meets horror story that is very character driven. The tension that builds as the protagonist strives to protect this young woman and the constant barrage of obstacles in their path reminds me of the narrative beats of Dean Koontz Odd Thomas series, while also becoming a deep dive into who Michael is as a protagonist and hero and what drives him to take on the task of saving this girl.
If New York is the city that never sleeps, then L.A. is the city where you have to sleep with one eye open.
Michael Andrews learns quickly that it’s not just the cut-throat world of Hollywood you need to fear. There’s something deeper, darker, and far more disturbing lurking just beneath the shadows of the city, waiting for any moment of vulnerability to grab you by the throat.
An extended trip to Los Angeles to be on set for the movie adaptation of his latest novel leads Michael into a twisted and macabre underworld where he becomes entangled with an intriguing, sexy, and mysterious woman. At times she seems just what he needs in order to finally get over the unrequited love of his ex-girlfriend; but at other times, she appears to be the gateway to a Pandora’s box of B-movie nightmares.
Can he trust her? Can he trust himself with her?
Michael’s supernatural wolf-enhanced powers and special abilities might not be enough to survive this particular harsh and gritty jungle and the unique and deadly predators that crawl out of the shadows.
My Review
This was a truly engaging and entertaining read. The author has crafted a unique world full of paranormal creatures and relatable characters. Although I am a newcomer to this series, the author writes in a way that allows each book to stand on its own while creating a new layer to the mythos the author has crafted for this series.
The protagonist is the heart of this story. While many of the side characters add depth to the narrative, the beating heart is Michael’s journey. Balancing his supernatural powers and gifts with the more emotional core of his story, from the heartbreak of his relationship with Gail to meeting the mysterious and alluring Lex as he navigates the dark underbelly of Los Angeles makes his story really shine brightly. Pair this with the underscoring of political themes as a group of hateful domestic terrorists begins attacking the citizens of LA, and you have a fantastic new horror and action thriller.
Not when the Big Apple comes under attack from an infectious worm threatening to rot it, and the entire nation, to the core.
Michael Andrews thought he’d found the perfect woman. A companion whose own powers neutralize his werewolf curse and bring the balance he has always wanted. But his plans on settling down and giving up the vigilante lifestyle are fleeting.
The hatred, the fear, and the monstrous attacks on innocent civilians grow and spread as supernatural monsters roam the city streets at night. The neo-Nazi Proud Fighters for America have already seeped their way across the continent and have nefarious plans for the city that never sleeps.
With Michael’s powers nullified in Lex’s presence, the couple is forced to divide in their attempt to conquer, and Michael turns to his ex-girlfriend’s knowledge of the occult and an ally he thought was his enemy to fight this rising evil.
But will three supernatural humans and one paranormal scholar be enough to vanquish the growing legion of evil?
My Review
This series just keeps getting more and more engaging. The balance of character development with grounded storytelling and rich mythology never ceases to amaze me. The evolution of new and existing paranormal creatures and individuals was great to see here, as was the dive into what it means to be the wolf for Michael, as his love Lex’s gifts keep the wolf from coming out, but at what cost? The exploration of that cost early on was so fascinating to see and shows the duality that comes from werewolf transformations in literature.
I also loved seeing the developing relationships between Michael, Lex, and Gail, as the sparks between Lex and Michael were so prominent but the author didn’t shy away from the complex relationship Michael has with Gail still, and the shared love that still exists there. The exploration of these characters and how they mesh together was so well done, and the author’s emphasis on character growth really elevated the overall narrative of this novel. The dive into the racism and violence our world has seen in recent years and how it impacts the paranormal community as well was such an inspired choice and was the perfect mirror of real-world problems in a paranormal setting.
Michael Andrews, a Canadian living in New York, is learning to live with the side effects of lycanthropy. Other than waking up naked and bloody in Central Park once a month, he’s managing just fine. If only he could finish the book he’s supposed to be writing. If only he could find someone he trusted enough to tell the truth to.
Gail Sommers may not have her love life in order, but at least she’s smart about things that really matter. She runs the coolest occult shop in the city, and is a pre-eminent scholar of the occult. She’s made a vow of celibacy so that she can spend this year focusing on her work and her self-care. She’s even been hired to help out a very famous and very sexy horror author.
As a new era in the Canadian Werewolf saga begins, Lover’s Moon flashes back to the romantic and comedic story of how Michael and Gail met and fell in love back in the summer of 2011. Told through both Michael and Gail’s unique perspectives, it also explores Gail’s past, introduces new characters, and reveals some of the deeper secrets of both of their lives.
A special Canadian Werewolf tale co-authored by Mark Leslie and contemporary romance author Julie Strauss.
My Review
This was such a fun surprise in a very heavily paranormal thriller and romance series. The authors did an amazing job taking readers deeper into the romance aspect of this narrative than ever before, with the story serving both as a prequel to the main story and evolution of these two characters in the modern day of the main series narrative. The passion and humor that is infused into this narrative is both a great tribute to the character development of novels in the series that came before and a great departure from the more action and paranormal-driven narratives fans have gotten used to over the years.
What really made this story unique was the character development between these two characters. The raw emotions and the way the authors gave each of the protagonists their own unique perspective on their relationships both past and present felt both relatable and heartfelt to the reader. The mixture of desire, passion, and heat with the secret lives that initially drives a wedge between them and the hurdles they have to overcome individually to finally find their way back to one another made this story such a compelling read.
Michael Andrews and Gail Sommers have finally found the love that had eluded them for so long.
But their romance has uncovered an ancient evil curse neither of them could have anticipated. It does more than bring down a plague on their houses – it unleashes something far more sinister that can destroy humanity.
Now they must choose: battle the evil forces out to destroy them, or continue to meet in secret while the rest of the world burns.
If you like thrilling action, paranormal adventure, and quirky humor, you’ll love Hex and the City. Read it today!
Though this is book six in a series, it can be enjoyed as a stand alone novel. A “the story so far” summary is available for readers.
My Review
This was a captivating and emotional read. The authors did an incredible job of creating a novel that stands on its own two feet while also paying homage to the wild entries in the series that came before. The action and magical suspense that the narrative delves into with the curse and the impact it begins having on the world around them brought the reader into the fantasy and paranormal thriller elements that this series has become known for.
For me, the heart of this narrative rested in the balance of mythos, romance, and world-building. The shock and awe that comes with this prophecy revelation hit the main characters immediately, and the shocking way it connects the events of the rest of the series made this story really flow. The heartbreaking reality of their circumstances made both Michael and Gail’s journey so emotional and kept the reader invested as the stakes got higher and higher. Getting to learn more about Gail’s family and connection to the paranormal world was fantastic to watch come to fruition.
WHAT COULD POSSIBLY GO WRONG WHEN A WEREWOLF NEEDS THERAPY?
Michael Andrews has suffered the slings and arrows of his outrageous fortune while living with lycanthropy. But the blackouts from when he transforms into a wolf and the latest loss of his one true love have finally pushed him over the edge.
In desperation, he checks into a secret and remote retreat in upstate New York to undergo group therapy with a motley crew of other Paranormals.
When their therapist is found dead—apparently the victim of a brutal murder—Michael and the other supernatural misfits (a studious fairy, a vegan vampire, a shy mermaid, a clingy werecat, and an extroverted troll) look at one other as suspects.
Will his years of writing mystery novels be enough to help him through a case where he may be the one who is responsible for Dr. Laurier’s condition?
Only Monsters in the Building is a humorous and mysterious adventure that will keep you laughing on the edge of your seat.
This book can be enjoyed as a stand alone but is the seventh book in the continuing Canadian Werewolf series.
My Review
I loved this masterful approach to the murder mystery narrative. The supernatural retreat is a fun setting, delving into the humor found often in creative retreats for those who become stuck in their lives. The balance of mystery and action is a great juxtaposition to the self reflection that the protagonist undergoes to reflect on the heartache and doubt they are experiencing in this point of their journey.
He came to New York as a writer with a dream. What he became was something out of a nightmare.
It’s the summer of 2003, and twenty-two-year-old Michael Andrews has finally escaped his small Ontario mining town for the city of his Spider-Man daydreams. But a wolf attack on a lonely highway changes everything. Now he’s navigating Manhattan with powerfully sharp senses well beyond normal human limits, a transformation he can’t control, and a beautiful woman he’s terrified to let close.
By day, Michael shelves books in a Greenwich Village shop, using his uncanny ability to read emotions to connect with customers. Those same abilities have given this previously undateable book nerd an unexpected confidence—enough to win the attention of Rachel, an aspiring actress whose kindness draws him in.
But when the full moon rises, he loses himself to his alter-ego: a six-foot grey wolf. Haunted by guilt and longing for connection, Michael must decide whether his curse will define him—or if he can transform it into something more.
Some curses can’t be outrun. The only question is what you do when they catch up.
This origin story of the Canadian Werewolf series is told through “current day” 2017 bookends of a prologue and epilogue timeline that follow immediately after Only Monsters in the Building.
My Review
After so many amazing adventures with Michael it was a great read to see how this protagonist became the hero and success he became. The self discovery and newness that comes with discovering his abilities and the haunting nature of his transformations are greatly felt in this novel. Getting to explore his relationships with the supporting cast of characters and how their bonds formed was a great service to fans of this incredible series.
Now enjoy this preview of this year’s upcoming release, A Canadian Werewolf in London, Ontario, the ninth book in the series.
The Synopsis
BABY, YOU WERE BORN THIS WAY!
What if everything you believed about yourself was a lie?
Michael Andrews has spent fourteen years believing a roadside attack made him a werewolf. He was wrong.
Armed with the truth that he was born a lycanthrope, Michael must journey back to his Canadian roots. Accompanied by Ellie, the faerie whose soul is inexplicably bound to his, the quest takes them from the nickel mines of Sudbury, to the steel city of Hamilton, and to the university town of London, Ontario.
Along the way, Michael uncovers a trail of secrets, long-buried family connections, and an unexpected reunion with Bridget Wells, now thriving at Western University. But the deeper he digs, the closer he gets to a childhood memory so horrifying that his young mind buried it along with his wolf nature.
The answers he seeks may be more monstrous than anything he’s faced in the concrete canyons of New York or the jungle of Los Angeles. Because the one monster Michael has never been able to face is himself.
This is a fun, exhilarating, humorous and entertaining supernatural urban fantasy series that readers will be enthralled with. The dynamic and relatable characters and the twists on the genre, as well as the powerful mythos and compelling world that this story inhabits is a thrill ride that readers will be eager to return to time and time again. If you haven’t yet, check out the series for yourself today!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Two teens who survived a terror attack on the augmented world they met in find themselves pushed to the limits by new threats in author Pat Daily’s “Fire”, the second book in The Spark Chronicles series.
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The Synopsis
WB and Feral have survived the attack on SPARK, but the terrorists are not through. Forces intent on stealing the technology behind Black Grass and the AI necessary to make it work are on the move again. As WB and Feral attempt to return to their normal lives, they realize that the enemy will never quit until they have the tech or SPARK itself is destroyed.
Flying below the radar kept them safe before, but increased notoriety works against the two as everyone from the FBI to gang members know who they are. Now, local bureaucrats, terrorists, and even fans intrude on the gamers’ lives. WB and Feral butt heads and hold hands as events and outsiders attempt to pull them apart.
Meanwhile the duo struggle to control an AI who has decided that killing humans can be an effective and efficient strategy.
The Review
This was a compelling sci-fi action read. The story creatively blends theme park culture with the growing use of augmented reality, and the action is perfectly balanced with strong character dynamics and emotional growth. The strong imagery in the author’s writing brought SPARK to life as a theme-park Augmented Reality world that readers and the gamers of this story alike could easily step into, and the rich mythos the author builds upon will have readers falling down the rabbit hole instantly.
The driving force of this narrative was the character development and world building that this game took on. After the threat the two protagonists faced in the first book, not only was the author able to up the ante so to speak, but gave each character their own personal and unique struggle to go through on their own, allowing them both to grow and face the world on their own while also determining what that meant to them as a duo throughout the story. The way the author is able to touch upon more serious themes like teen relationships and surviving trauma while also keeping the story light with sci-fi action was incredible to see come to life on the page.
The Verdict
Thrilling, action-packed, and compelling, author Pat Daily’s “Fire” is a must-read sci-fi action novel and a great sequel in the Spark Chronicles series. The twists and turns the narrative takes, the lighthearted action, and the angst and drama of teen romance will keep readers invested until the book’s final pages. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Pat Daily is a polymath, serial entrepreneur, gamer, and the author of SPARK, a near future science fiction novel. Pat began his professional career as an engineer and Air Force test pilot. After leaving the military, Pat worked at NASA’s Johnson Space Center on both the Space Shuttle and International Space Station programs before launching his first company. He has worked globally as a human performance and safety consultant.
When not writing or trying to bring new airplane designs to life, Pat can be found gaming. He is a fan of role-playing games – particularly open worlds with engaging storylines where actions have consequences. Pat and his wife live in Houston.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Four teens have their lives changed forever by one debate in author A-M Mawhiney’s “Fugitive Rifts.”
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The Synopsis
Does everyone have secrets?
When four teens are invited to meet after school with a teacher, the butterfly effect of this one small event soon changes their dreams about their futures. Thrown together to form, of all things, a debate team, the four—Grace, a popular star basketball player, Drew, a privileged hotshot, Ollie, an artistic new student, and Dottie a shy, brilliant loner—seem to have nothing in common. And not one of them believes they have what it takes to be successful debaters.
Over time, the four teens start helping each other through tough times and begin to realize they are more alike than they thought.
Taking part in a public debate turns out to have unintended consequences that affect the four teens, each in different ways. Then the disappearance of one upends not only the lives of the four teens, but it also creates a ripple effect that shapes, over time, what happens to other people from their communities, their country—and even the world.
Fugitive Rifts is a compelling and empowering story of coming of age, resilience, and friendship, with emotional passages that are authentic, visceral, and bring the characters to life.
The Review
This is such a powerful, heartfelt read. The balance the author finds in giving these characters the time to bring their own unique perspectives and viewpoints to the narrative while also highlighting their own personal struggles was rich and powerful to read, and the engaging debates the characters have with one another really pushes the reader’s knowledge and brings to life real-world struggles and hardship that needs to be highlighted more.
The heart of this narrative is in the strong themes and character arcs this coming of age narrative puts on the page. The struggles of the characters reflect these themes, such as domestic violence, homelessness, and parental hardship, and the subtle tension that runs through this narrative helps keep readers on the edge of their seat and engaged in the lives these characters lead.
The Verdict
Insightful, emotionally-driven, and compelling, author A-M Mawhiney’s “Fugitive Rifts” is a must-read coming of age novel. The twists and turns the story takes, the heartfelt connection readers make to these characters, and the memorable events that drive them closer together will stay with readers long after the narrative ends. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
A-M Mawhiney was deeply moved by the events of 2020 and the cries from advocates fighting for equity and justice for people living precarious lives because of structural barriers and discrimination. As a former social worker and academic she has spent her career seeking ways to improve lives of marginalized learners through inclusive education for all students. Mawhiney has hope for a better future for us all. Her vision of what this might look like inspired her to write Spindrifts.
Anne-Marie lives in Sudbury, Ontario, in the territory of the Atikameksheng Anishnawbek in the Robinson-Huron Treaty Area, with Dave McGill and their canine companion, Charlie.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A woman must help rescue a pack of stray dogs while finding herself in author Holly B. Gutwillinger’s “North of Broken & Furever Home.”
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The Synopsis
Renley Nelsen’s life is unravelling. She’s caught between midlife melancholy, her sons have drifted away, and her mother’s mind is slipping beyond reach.
Sully, the youngest in a pack of abandoned dogs in Ontario’s northern woods, knows only survival. Neglected and scarred, his distrust runs deep.
When Renley’s closest friend begs her to join a dog rescue mission, she sees an escape. However, the broken animals—especially Sully—force her to confront more than she bargained for. As she works to save the pack, Renley discovers hidden strength and faces an impossible choice: keep running or find the courage to claim the life she deserves.
Told from alternating perspectives between Renley and Sully, this is a story of mutual acceptance, where woman and dog must learn that healing demands the bravery to stay—when everything inside you wants to run.
The Review
What a powerful, heartfelt and compelling story. The balance of emotional depth and world building was astonishing, and the connection readers formed between the characters and the world itself was strong. The alternating POVs of both Renley and Sully was able to give readers a fresh perspective of the relationship between a pet and their pet parent, or in more broad terms animal and man.
The heart of this narrative was in the powerful themes and messaging behind these characters. From the close perspective on mental health and the special bond between people and their pets, to the struggles to find your own identity and find your footing in the world, these themes helped flesh out these characters greatly and keep readers both emotionally invested and engaged in their journey.
The Verdict
Heartfelt, entertaining, and memorable, author Holly B. Gutwillinger’s “North of Broken & Furever Home” is a must-read contemporary drama following family dynamics, a journey of identity, and heartfelt connection. The depth of heart and the rich, dynamic character development will keep readers glued to the page until the book’s final pages. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Holly B. Gutwillinger is an author and podcaster from a small northern Ontario town. Her debut novel, North of Broken & Furever Home, launches February 14, 2026, exploring a woman’s complex relationship with her rescue dogs.
Holly’s writing is shaped by her deep love of family—she is the proud mother of two adult sons—and her commitment to the animals who enrich our lives.
She holds a certificate in creative writing from the University of Toronto’s School of Continuing Studies and is currently completing her MFA in fiction at the University of King’s College. Holly serves on the board of her local writers’ guild and volunteers with the Women’s Fiction Writers Association.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young woman must stop an extinction event and contend with her darker half in author Nzondi’s “Deathcon: A Zombie Story.”
The Synopsis
Love survived death—now it has to survive the apocalypse.
On the second anniversary of her boyfriend’s death, Cozy Coleman, a rising star in a world where necromancy is mainstream, boards DeathCon, a horror-themed convention cruise where she and her two best friends—the Scream Teens—are hired as headline necro-tainment.
When a brutal she-wolf attack kills Cozy, she awakens reanimated, caught between life and something far darker. Her resurrection reveals an extinction-level virus beneath the Pacific—one that could turn the Hawaiian Islands into ground zero for an undead apocalypse.
As the ship locks down, a covert military unit arrives to contain the outbreak, led by a hardened operative Cozy recognizes instantly: the boyfriend she’s been mourning isn’t dead, but deep undercover. Furious at the lie yet still madly in love, Cozy is forced to fight alongside him as the ship descends into chaos.
With ravenous creatures overrunning DeathCon and time running out, Cozy must confront what she’s becoming—and decide whether love, trust, and her dangerous power are enough to stop the end of everything.
The Review
This was such a compelling and unique twist on the zombie apocalypse narrative. The balance of action and horror was thrilling to read and the compelling world building was astounding. The idea of necromancy being a source of influence and stardom was amazing and the infusion of culture was great to read.
The heart of this narrative was the rich character dynamics and the compelling mythos of the story. The way the author brought chilling horror and monsters to a more modern setting, and included things like the modern revitalization of cruises and social media influencers impact on our culture was fascinating. The emotional core of Cozy as a protagonist was in her loss and subsequent shock in finding her lost love alive again, and how their connection rises and falls back and forth as the story progresses.
The Verdict
Thrilling, compelling and entertaining, author Nzondi’s “Deathcon” is a must read occult horror story that readers will instantly be hooked by. The twists and turns of the novel and the dynamic character growth give readers a brilliant new world that is easy to get lost in. If you haven’t yet, please grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
About the Author
Nzondi (also known as Ace Antonio-Hall) is an award-winning American author whose work blends psychological horror with emotionally driven science fiction. He holds a BFA from Long Island University and is a former Director of Education for New York City schools and Sylvan Learning Center.
His debut novel, Confessions of Sylva Slasher, was published by Montag Press in 2013. In 2019, his science fiction–horror novel Oware Mosaic won the Bram Stoker Award® for Superior Achievement in a Young Adult Novel, making Nzondi the first African American author to win the award in a novel category.
Nzondi currently resides in Los Angeles, where he continues to write speculative fiction exploring trauma, identity, and survival.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Explore the origins of the zombie apocalypse in author Jason Kristopher’s “The Walker Chronicles”, the fourth book and prequel to The Dying of the Light series.
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The Synopsis
The zombie apocalypse didn’t begin on Z-Day—it’s been raging in secret for 150 years. From an 1872 military unit’s first walker encounter to Nazi experiments in concentration camps, from Cold War cover-ups to the final days before collapse, these classified stories reveal the conspiracy that doomed humanity. While the world slept, Unit 73 and AEGIS fought a shadow war against the walking dead. Some secrets should stay buried—but like the dead themselves, truth always rises.
The Walker Chronicles expands the universe of The Dying of the Light trilogy, uncovering the untold history of humanity’s fight against the walking dead. While David Blake’s journey in END, INTERVAL, and BEGINNING shows the apocalypse and its aftermath, these essential stories reveal the covert battles that raged for decades before Z-Day changed everything. Each tale deepens the conspiracy, heightens the horror, and illuminates the sacrifices made to keep humanity alive.
The Review
This was a fun and exhilarating addition to this incredible zombie horror series. The author does an amazing job of continuing to bring rich character dynamics to this universe while also implementing a historical fiction element to the mix. The action and horror of this zombie virus is perfectly brought to life through strong imagery in the author’s writing, and the short story aspect of the book’s formatting allowed the reader to fully experience the world in which this virus thrived.
The heart of this narrative was in the historical fiction aspect of the genre and the world building that took place. Each story in this collection helms from a different era of history, and one that was truly chilling was the 1940s, exploring Joseph Mengele and the way his real-life atrocities during WWII could have been implemented into the zombie virus world. The way these events played into the main series and how the virus eventually overcame the world, as well as the formation of the organization that has fought this virus for so long, was powerful and engaging.
The Verdict
Memorable, entertaining, and visceral, author Jason Kristopher’s “The Walker Chronicles” is a must-read historical fiction meets action horror novel and a great addition to the “Dying of the Light” series. The haunting imagery and fast pacing of each story, and the compelling characters that the author both introduces and expands upon, will keep readers enthralled through the book’s end. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Jason Kristopher is the award-winning author terrifying readers with zombies in THE DYING OF THE LIGHT, thrilling them with 1940s noir in LOCO MOCO, and harrowing them with boy-meets-gryphon-meets-robot adventure in WHEN IRON WAKES. With the love of his life and the dog that rescued him by his side, he plots his next traumatizing stories from Florida beaches.
