I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A family’s journey to a better life takes a dark turn in author Lawrence P. O’Brien’s “Swallowing the Muskellunge.”
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The Synopsis
London Oxford was prepared to do whatever it took to get to the promised land, but can he get his family safely across the border?
Young Abner Oxford has kept something of his mother’s. Something else needs what he has. It’s patient, can be quite disarming, and has a monstrous, fierce appetite. Abner and his family, along with a caravan of sleighs, are moving north.
The frigid cold and the blinding white have made the adults slow, weary, and numb. Very few questioned the drag marks in the snow or the mounting number of disappearances. Abner’s father felt like that—until it woke him up.
Fans of The Terror, the Fisherman, and El Norte will be hooked.
The Review
This was such a rich and compelling historical fiction meets folklore horror novel. The powerful imagery of the harsh, wild landscapes the characters traverse, along with the tension that fills the air in every chapter, kept readers on the edge of their seats. At the same time, the balance the author found between the violent supernatural events of the story and the need for survival that takes center stage in the narrative made this novel soar.
As a fan of fantasy, horror, and folklore storytelling, I loved the idea of the Wìsakedjàk being such a powerful force in the worlds of North American folklore and culture, and taking on a physical presence in the wilds of this setting. Yet it was the powerful themes of this book that stood out. The exploration of Manifest Destiny at the expense of indigenous people, as well as the struggle for identity, is what many people in the Black community felt when they attempted to create their own path in life, but felt the confines of labor for others take control. The exploration of freedom vs servitude, as well as the freedom of nature versus the conquest of land and the rights mankind has to dominate the world, made this narrative so compelling and thought-provoking.
The Verdict
Harrowing, dynamic character arcs and powerful themes, author Lawrence P. O’Brien’s “Swallowing the Muskellunge” is a must-read historical fiction meets folklore horror novel. The emotional resonance readers will have with these characters, the struggles they endure, and the depth of survival they must go through highlight the hardships of life in this era, while also bridging the gap by infusing supernatural terror into the narrative fabric that feels strangely natural. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Lawrence was raised across from a hill shadowing Black Rapids Creek in Ottawa, Canada. The towering toboggan hill fed an early appetite for challenge, tall tales and doing the impossible. The black forested river valley set his dreams.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young woman in grief begins a project to tackle mental health and help others in author Kimberly Fiese Yule’s “To Save One.”
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The Synopsis
Find solidarity in loss, friendship, and the fight to bring light into the darkest moments.
“A brave and tender story that speaks to the heart of every teenager, and every parent who loves one.”
When Evy loses her boyfriend to suicide, her life unravels in grief and unanswered questions. With the help of her best friend Henry and her classmate Chloe, who carries her own hidden struggle, Evy channels her pain into The Happy Face Project, a senior film that dares to talk openly about mental health.
What begins as a school project becomes something bigger: a mission to break the silence, to offer hope, and to save at least one life before graduation. Along the way, Evy, Henry, and Chloe discover that healing is found in music, courage, and in standing together when it matters most.
For anyone searching for connection and for every parent or educator who wants to better understand what today’s youth are facing.
A story of heartbreak and resilience, it offers both a mirror for young adult readers and a conversation starter for families, schools, and communities.
The Review
This was such a powerful and moving read. The author did an incredible job of delving into a subject that is both sensitive and heartbreaking, and did so with a reverence and care that truly resonated with readers. The powerful imagery that sets up each chapter’s scenery and tone is compelling, and the depth of world-building the author puts into the story itself speaks to the themes of this story, telling a story that weaves into the fabric of all of our lives.
Ultimately, this story served as a testament to thought-provoking themes and empathetic characters. The tragic circumstances of Briggs’s story and how his loss impacted so many people in the story were equally on par emotionally as protagonist Evy’s exploration of grief and loss, and the raw moments of her grief that pop up throughout the book are truly relatable to anyone who has ever felt grief like that before. The honest and sympathetic portrayal of mental health and those who suffer from this subject matter, including both those who have become victims of this mindset and those who have been left behind as a result, all have a voice in this story and bring the emotional resonance that makes this story so engaging.
The Verdict
A compelling, engaging, and heartfelt YA drama, author Kimberly Fiese Yule’s “To Save One” is a must-read novel. The book also touches upon other themes naturally, including overall health struggles and the impact of a support system, as well as creativity in times of grief and how music can connect people. The book can be haunting at times, and definitely heartbreaking, and yet it is with a strong and compassionate voice that the author brings this rich story to life. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Kimberly Fiese Yule believes life is better with sand between your toes, music in your ears, and a story that makes you feel seen. A mother of three, her greatest pride and joy, she is also a former women’s health nurse practitioner and a lifelong wanderer. Depending on the day, she calls Texas, California, or the Caribbean home, always finding inspiration in sunshine, connection, and the beauty of everyday moments.
1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?
I am currently a sophomore in high school, and The Pinewood Prowler is my debut novel. I have always loved reading and stories, but I only discovered my true passion for writing a few years ago. Since then, writing has been an outlet for me and I have been extremely invested in it, even attending Dartmouth’s Summer Scholars creative Writing course this past summer. I began writing the Pinewood Prowler when I was around 13 without any intention of publishing it. About a year later, I decided to pick it back up and got it published at the age of 15.
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2) What inspired you to write your book?
Last year, I had a rough draft of my current book that had been untouched for almost a year. As a young teen, I wanted to develop the story and share a piece reflecting the intentions and feelings of teenagers.
3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?
The message I hope readers take from my book is to be careful what you wish for. Curiosity can be both powerful and dangerous, and sometimes the truths we seek are better left undiscovered. And beneath the surface of familiarity, there lies deception. This message encourages readers to be curious, but also warns against the dangers that can arise from such curiosity.
4) What drew you into this particular genre?
I was drawn to this particular genre due to my love for the suspense and adrenaline evoked in the horror genre and my desire to create a mystery for the readers, urging them to read on due to curiosity and suspense. I have always loved reading and writing in a thrilling and suspenseful tone, and wanted to share this with others.
5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?
I would sit with “The Pinewood Prowler” because I would like to see into the criminal mind and what truly compels a serial killer to kill. I believe this is my most complex character, as the Pinewood Prowler has the ability to blend into society while also murdering at night. I would ask, “What thoughts went through your head when you were killing your first victim, and have you ever felt remorse?”
6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?
Since this is my debut novel, I am just starting to create social media platforms for this book, but I will keep searching for ways to spread my book.
7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?
As this is my first attempt and I am only 15, the only advice I believe I am credible to give is to just go for it. If you have an idea and want to write it, there is no harm in sharing your work.
8) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?
I am currently working on growing my writing and am exploring new ideas for my next book. I am certain that I want to continue developing as an author and am excited to see what is in store for me as a young writer.
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About the Author
Audrey Zeigon was born in 2010 in New York City. From an early age, she developed a strong passion for reading and horror. These interests inspired her to write her debut novel, The Pinewood Prowler. Audrey has enjoyed immersing herself in this story and looks forward to sharing it with her readers.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A powerful CEO grows close to her dating coach as she tries to find a husband in author Susan Lee’s “Julia Song is Undateable.”
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The Synopsis
CEO seeks dating coach
Julia Song, CEO of Starlight Cosmetics, is at the height of her career. Then why does she feel like such a failure? Maybe because she’s thirty and single, with a terrible track record at dating. And in the eyes of her Korean family, that is just unacceptable. It never really bothered her—that is until her beloved grandmother drops the bomb that she is sick and her dying wish is for Julia to get married. Impossible. So in a moment of weakness, Julia asks her family for help. Set her up on three dates to help her find The One. But it will never work—Julia is undateable. If only there was a coach for that…
Tae Kim knows about the weight of familial expectation. He’s currently unemployed, living in his parents’ basement to care for his ill father. Sure, he’s become somewhat of a fix-it man for the Korean community around town, but that’s not a real job. And the pressure to get his life together is getting to be too much. So when the Julia Song—his childhood crush—asks for his help, it may be just the distraction he needs. He’ll do whatever it takes, even coach her for these three dates. Problem is, the more time they spend together and the closer they get, the more Tae wonders if anyone is good enough for Julia…including him.
The Review
This was such a compelling and gripping slow-burning romance. The rom-com style of storytelling worked well here, making light of Julia’s family dynamics and the classic friends-to-lovers trope, where Tae became the confidant and friend who helped Julia navigate these troublesome moments in her dating life, while they grew closer together. The imagery in this story was strong, bringing both the Southern California setting and the rich Korean community background to life with ease.
The emotional depth of Julia and Tae’s separate and intertwined stories, along with the rich character dynamics, was the big hook for this story. The exploration of Korean culture and its impact on how success is measured, as well as the way readers can relate to and connect with both Julia and Tae, and resonate with their emotional struggles, makes this book feel alive on the page. The strength that Julia demonstrated in her professional life, as a badass boss girl, when combined with her dating insecurities, made her character arc deep and engaging. At the same time, Tae’s good guy and best friend vibes as he puts Julia’s needs ahead of his own growing feelings for her will instantly have readers drawn to him and their growing relationship as well.
The Verdict
Fun, dramatic, and entertaining, author Susan Lee’s Julia Song is Undateable” is a must-read romance comedy novel and one of my top picks of the romance genre for 2025. The humor, witty dialogue, emotional depth of these character arcs, and the way these characters draw readers into the narrative will instantly hook readers and make them eager for more from this fantastic author. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Susan Lee is the author of the critically acclaimed and reader favorite young adult romantic comedies SEOULMATES and THE NAME DROP. Her work has been featured in national outlets such as Buzzfeed, NPR, and Pop Sugar. Kirkus Reviews calls Susan’s voice “honest, fresh and thoughtful”. A graduate of UC San Diego, Susan built a career as an HR executive at some of today’s hottest companies, until she realized that writing stories was a more impactful and powerful form of resistance and change.
Now she channels her energy into writing Happily Ever Afters for those historically underrepresented in Romance. When she is not writing (or painfully procrastinating from writing), Susan can be found down the rabbit holes of her many obsessions including listening to Kpop, binge watching K-dramas, collecting sneakers, building mechanical keyboards, and obsessing over her two adorable, but ill-behaved chihuahuas.
Please Enjoy this Excerpt from “Julia Song is Undateable”
BRIBE BAGS
JULIA SONG HATED being the center of attention.
So standing here at the head of the conference table, expect-ant eyes of Very Important People all on her, was pretty much torture.
But Julia was the CEO of Starlight Cosmetics, this company was her baby, these VIPs the executives she hired to help grow the business. And the news she had to share with them was monumental.
She scanned her memory for the advice from her executive coach for this kind of situation. The only thing she could remember was, contrary to everything she’d ever been told before in her life, never try to picture your audience naked. It would make the nerves even worse.
And, of course, now that’s all Julia could think of.
She closed her eyes for a moment to clear her mind of all the unfortunate images fighting to run through her head.
What was that one thing her coach told her?
Squeeze your butt cheeks to hold the plank. Wait, no, that was her abs coach.
If the recipe calls for garlic, double it. Wrong again. That was her cooking coach.
Oh, screw it. What was the use of having all these people to help Julia better herself when she couldn’t call upon the advice when needed?
She cleared her throat and decided to wing it.
“I know you’re all busy, so I’ll make this quick. Look, it’s not how I wanted to do this . . .”
Her dream, rather, was to one day point at each of them and tell them an exorbitant dollar amount for a bonus. Enough money for them to buy new homes in the hills or on the beach, whichever they preferred.
“Wait—are you firing us?” someone cried out from the other end of the table.
Julia’s eyebrows shot up to her hairline. “What? No, of course not. Don’t be ridiculous.”
Always start with something personal and positive to get people excited about what you’re going to say. Oh yeah, that’s the brilliant advice her coach had mentioned.
“Oh gosh, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to sound so ominous.” Julia quickly backtracked. “It’s just that, well, at the risk of get-ting too squishy in a work meeting, I really wanted to thank you all for taking a chance on me way back when all of this was just an idea in my head.”
Julia swallowed the emotion building in her throat as she looked around at the team she’d put together to lead this company. They were the ones who took her idea to merge the best in the Korean skincare market with the high demands of the US consumer and built what was now one of the fastest- growing organic, clean K- beauty brands in America.
“I just want to tell you how much I appreciate your hard work and loyalty. I don’t know that any of us anticipated this kind of success. But honestly, none of it would have happened without each and every one of you and your contribution. And now, I have some really great news. As you know, Starlight’s Lotus Bamboo Essence was selected for Allure’s Best of Beauty awards. Which was a dream come true for us. But it doesn’t end there.”
Julia inserted the dramatic pause her public speaking coach had encouraged her to use. The looks of anticipation around the room fueled her excitement.
“I’m thrilled to share that the same Lotus Bamboo Essence has also been selected as one of this year’s Oprah’s Favorite Things!”
There was a silent pause of shock, followed by an eruption of applause and cheers, high fives, and hugs shared around the table.
“We’ll need to reforecast sales projections. We’re gonna blow up with the exposure . . .”
“We’re gonna have to update a comms plan . . .”
“We have to think of how we add this to the packaging design . . .”
“We need to make sure the supply chain can handle the increased distribution . . .”
“Oprah still has major influence on Gen X consumer spending. It’s a big win for a product . . .”
Yup, that was her team . . . no- nonsense, capable, loyal, honest . . . and the hardest- working, most talented people in the industry. And they were all business, just like her.
Her chest swelled as she watched them leave to get back to work, patting each other on the back as they walked out, taking the noise with them.
Julia started this company at only twenty- six years old. She’d disappointed her parents by changing her major from pre- med to business administration. She lived off ramen and PB&J sandwiches for a good year just to scrape by as she worked tirelessly to research the hadn’t exactly welcomed her with open arms. And she stomached the start- up community’s boys’ club as she tried to secure funding for the company.
And four short years later, they were on the verge of something huge. Hard work and dedication had brought them to this level of success. So yeah, she was proud of them, proud of herself. And at only thirty, she was finally in a position financially to take care of her family without worry.
When the last person left her office, Julia turned to look out the windows, the hustle and bustle of Santa Monica ten floors below. She took a deep breath.
“That’s right, motherfuckers,” she screamed, while pumping her fist. She shook her hips back and forth, adding in some aggressive hair throws and, why the heck not, followed it with a body roll. “Oh yeah, uh- huh . . .”
“Oh dear, that’s something I’m not likely going to forget seeing.”
Record scratch.
Julia halted her celebratory dance and quickly patted down her hair, trying to tuck her I- knew- I’d- regret-these bangs behind her ear as her assistant, Annette, entered the office.
“Unlike what your schedule says on paper, you’ve only actually attended that hot yoga class once. Should you really be try-ing to move your body like that?” Annette asked. “I wouldn’t want you to hurt yourself.”
“You’re fired.”
Annette passed her the cup of black coffee in the Morning Person mug that she knew was a lie, along with a multivitamin and a probiotic. Breakfast of champions.
“Just remember that I know where the bodies are hidden. Oh, and I have those pictures of you from that one holiday party . . .”
“Okay, fine, you can stay,” Julia conceded.
“Is it a good time to ask for a raise?”
Julia tried to shoot Annette a glare but couldn’t keep back the smile. It was a secret to no one that Annette was invaluable to the Starlight team, and most days she was the one bossing Julia around. Julia shook her head and took a seat at her desk. “Can you forward the O magazine email to the team so they know all the details?”
“You betcha,” Annette said. “Have you told your folks yet?”
“No, not yet. I don’t think they’d even understand what a big deal this is.”
“Make sure to tell them.” Annette wasn’t only her assistant, she was also her work- mother as well. “Oh, and here is the updated short list of investors we might want to approach for global expansion. One bad meeting doesn’t have to halt progress.”
One bad meeting was an understatement. The last time Julia had met with an investment firm for an informational meeting, they kept asking about her significant other, driving home that they were a family- run business built on traditional values. They looked at her as young and inexperienced not because of her age— she knew plenty of male CEOs who were thirty— but because she wasn’t married with children. In their eyes, Julia wasn’t reliable because she wasn’t settled . . . settled down, that is.
Her accomplishments, alone, weren’t enough.
I’ll show them, she thought to herself as she gritted her teeth. Julia grabbed the list from Annette with a little bit more force than necessary and nodded. “Thanks.”
“Hey.” Annette softened her voice like she so rarely ever did. The one word in that tone made Julia surprisingly emotional. “It’s a good day, boss lady. You should be proud.” She patted Julia on the shoulder before walking back to her desk just outside Julia’s office.
1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?
– I’ve been writing on and off since birth, probably since my mom is a writer, but I really started taking myself seriously in 2011. It’s not easy to get published nor build a fan base, but I can’t imagine life without writing. To paraphrase a famous movie line, writing completes me.
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2) What inspired you to write your book?
– I was inspired by a dream in which I met a ghost who was saying all the things she planned to do. I said, “But…you’re dead!!” and she responded that just because she was dead didn’t mean she couldn’t still make a difference.
3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?
– I hope they realize that nothing is ever truly hopeless, that there is always someone to call for help, and that they should always live as honestly and openly as possible because you never know what’s going to happen.
4) What drew you into this particular genre?
– I have to again thank my mother. She has been talking to me about ghosts and supernatural phenomena since I was a kid. And while I’m not someone who desires to see a ghost, I’m endlessly fascinated with reading about paranormal experiences.
5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?
– My first thought was that I’d shake J.T. and say, “HOW COULD YOU BE SO MEAN TO SYLVIA??? HOW??” However, I know exactly why he did it (and he tells the reader, too), though it still upsets me a lot as someone who experienced her fair share of bullying.
6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?
– I am HORRIBLE with social media so it hasn’t helped at all, to my knowledge, because I’m only on there once a week for five seconds! That said, I love putting out a monthly newsletter. If anyone wants book reviews and tales of the supernatural, reach out to me at wendracolleen@wendracolleen.com
7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?
– The only way you fail is by quitting! Whether you go traditional or go indie, GIVE IT ALL YOU’VE GOT. Join critique groups, get beta readers, submit to magazines, query agents, try it ALL, see what WORKS. And just keep writing!
8) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?
– Yes, I will be putting out a third book next October called MYTHFITS:
When Michael transforms from human to random shapeshifter and joins a tribe of monster misfits, he only wants to be human again. But when a group mortally threatens his best monster friend, he gets to know a human female vet to gain intelligence on them, leading him to question being human versus monster as he races to help the tribe he once tried to flee.
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About the Author
Wendra Colleen’s motto is “Embrace your weirdness.” Her dark and humorous short stories, screenplays, and novels show how unique, unusual, and unconventional individuals transform adversity into empowerment. Funky facts include that she has a PhD in experimental psychology and deployed to the Iraq War as a civilian, all of which was a breeze compared to learning how to embrace her unique, unusual, and unconventional qualities in high school. Want to learn more about Wendra’s work, how to be a writer, or how to be empowered? Check out www.wendracolleen.com
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 face her family’s past and discover their legacy in author Jenn McKinlay’s “Witches of Dubious Origin.”
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The Synopsis
When a librarian discovers she’s descended from a long line of powerful witches, she’ll need all of her bookish knowledge to harness her family’s magic, in this enchanting cozy fantasy from New York Times bestselling author Jenn McKinlay.
Zoe Ziakas enjoys a quiet life, working as a librarian in her quaint New England town. When a mysterious black book with an unbreakable latch is delivered to the library, Zoe has a strange feeling the tome is somehow calling to her. She decides to consult the Museum of Literature, home to volumes of indecipherable secrets, some possessing dark magic that must be guarded.
Here, among their most dangerous collection, the Books of Dubious Origin, Zoe discovers that she is the last descendant of a family of witches and this little black book is their grimoire. Zoe knows she must decode the family’s spell book and solve the mystery of what happened to her mother and her grandmother. However, the book’s potential power draws all things magical to it, and Zoe finds herself under the constant watch of a pesky raven, while being chased by undead Vikings, ghost pirates, and assorted ghouls.
With assistance from the eccentric staff of the Books of Dubious Origin department—including their annoyingly smart and handsome containment specialist, Jasper Griffin—Zoe must confront her past and the legacy of her family. But as their adventure unfolds, she’ll have to decide whether or not she’s ready to embrace her destiny.
The Review
This was such a compelling, gripping cozy contemporary fantasy read. The balance of action, world-building, and mythos that the author develops over time in this book is perfect, allowing readers to immerse themselves in a world of magic and mythology. The author found perfect moments of humor and wit in the dialogue, such as when the BODO introduced the protagonist to the library and a particular book of Norse origin, which is very humorous.
The heart of this story, however, was in Zoe’s progress as a protagonist. The development of her character was brilliant and compelling, with the reader feeling the depth of emotion as she dealt with her trauma growing up with her mother and the connection she shared with her and her grandmother. The shocking revelations of her family’s past and the hardships she faced were perfectly paired with compelling character dynamics, from the frosty relationship with BODO member Olive to the connection she shares with Jasper, making this story all the more convincing.
The Verdict
Cozy, spooky, and engaging, author Jenn McKinlay’s “Witches of Dubious Origin” is a must-read contemporary fantasy. The twists and turns in the story, the emotional depth of Zoe as a character, and the wealth of character development will keep readers invested in this narrative and eager for another entry in what could be a promising series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Jenn is the New York Times, USA Today, and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author of several mystery and romance series. She is also the winner of the RT Reviewer’s Choice Award for romantic comedy and the Fresh Fiction award for best cozy mystery. A TEDx speaker, she is always happy to talk books, writing, reading, and the creative process to anyone who cares to listen. She lives in sunny Arizona in a house that is overrun with kids, pets, and her husband’s guitars.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A broken and used man must contemplate the truth behind his own existence in author Steve Schlam’s “The Harvesting of Haystacks Kane.”
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The Synopsis
Haystacks Kane is a professional wrestler. A 607-pound professional wrestler. He has been preyed upon, handled, his innate kindness and gentle good nature harvested by unscrupulous promoters and his conniving manager, an ex-wife and fellow denizens of the seamy netherworld he inhabits, the ravenous crowds with a thirst for violent cheap thrills-and sometimes for blood.
Now, gravely injured and unable to speak, he lies motionless in his hospital bed, immobilized, his body broken. Visitors from his past and present enter and leave the room-or perhaps only his disordered inner world. They offer up counterpoint to his own silent ruminations as he drifts in and out of consciousness seeking to uncover the deeper truth of his existence, rummaging through the trunk of his memories to discover exactly what ‘it’ is-the ‘it’ that has deprived him of his wife, taken every member of his family from him, laid him low, and the ‘it’ that will release him from the bonds of his history and transport him to Greece, the Eden he dreams of, his true self set free at last.
The novel’s final moments prompt the reader to decide for him- or herself what Haystacks’ ultimate fate will be-a decision that will reveal in turn the reader’s own worldview, where he or she can be found on the continuum of hope vs. fear.
The Review
What instantly stood out in this story was the unique writing style the author deployed here, giving readers a stream of consciousness style of writing that really did a fantastic job of invoking that sense of an out-of-body experience that someone in the hospital, either in a coma or on death’s door can experience as they dip in and out of memories and the present day. The narrative’s reflective nature was a direct result of this writing style, and the reader was left reeling with emotion and curiosity about Haystack’s journey that brought him to this pivotal moment.
The concepts of legacy and dreams are well-woven into this narrative. Haystacks and his ambitions, and how others manipulate those ambitions and good intentions to use him, are pivotal to the story. The introspective nature of his time reflecting on those choices and the purpose of his life overall is a stark reminder for everyone to live life with intention and no regrets, and to consider the path we tread every day carefully.
The Verdict
Heartfelt, thought-provoking, and engaging, author Steve Schlam’s “The Harvesting of Haystacks Kane” is a must-read literary fiction novel. The profound emotional depth and compelling character study this narrative offers, and the skillful, almost haunting writing style and detailed imagery the author pours into it, will keep readers invested until the book’s contemplative, open-ended finale. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
STEVE SCHLAM first gained entry to the City of Words through the doors of the public library in Brooklyn, New York, where he was born and spent a good part of his childhood; and has maintained his residency ever since while living in cities and towns across the United States and in Mexico. An actor as well as an author, he has performed on stages in all the places he has called home, and earned a Master’s Degree in Creative Writing and English under the tutelage of Joseph Heller, renowned author of “Catch-22.” He lives currently in Southern California in a pretty little Craftsman bungalow with orange and lemon trees growing in the backyard, in the company of his wife, Liora. “The Harvesting of Haystacks Kane” is his first published novel.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young woman’s discovery of a family secret helps her navigate the science of feelings in author Parul Sharma’s “Aria’s Compass.”
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The Synopsis
What if your feelings had a voice, and it sounded a lot like you
Aria worries. A lot. About friendships, school, being “too much” or “not enough.”
But everything changes the day she finds a tiny AI companion named Zylo and a glowing compass hidden in her late grandfather’s trunk in her attic.
As Aria follows the clues he left behind, she uncovers a hidden Echo Room, and a family secret tied to her emotions. With the help of her friend Eli and the tech her grandfather built, Aria begins to understand the science of feelings, and the power of listening to them.
Aria’s Compass is a story for anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed, invisible, or different. It’s about curiosity, courage, and finding the tools to navigate your own inner world.
Because sometimes, the bravest thing you can do… is feel.
The Review
This was such a compelling read. The author does an incredible job of building a story and a cast of characters that feel relatable and enthralling. The unique blend of fantasy and sci-fi elements, such as the AI companion and the connection this tech had to a person’s emotions, was a great way to highlight the story’s emotional core. The power of the author’s use of imagery was astounding, capturing the sensory aspects of anxiety and the protagonist’s struggle with creativity and wit.
The short yet powerfully introspective story is best when readers connect with its characters, especially the protagonist, Aria. The reality of anxiety and the stresses teens face these days, especially in social situations, was expertly navigated through Aria’s journey. The lessons the author poured into the narrative, primarily through narrative devices like the compass Aria discovers or anything of her late grandfather’s tech, made this a story filled with emotional depth that readers can connect with.
The Verdict
Memorable, heartfelt, and engaging, author Parul Sharma’s “Aria’s Compass” is a must-read sci-fi, coming-of-age novel. The fast-paced narrative, its twists and turns, and the emotional depth of its themes will keep readers invested in the characters and in the sense of warmth and hope the narrative inspires. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
I am a global leader, neuroscience coach, speaker, and strategist, blending science, psychology, and leadership to help people unlock their highest potential. From boardrooms to brainwaves, my work focuses on future-ready Women and leadership
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A group of people in a world where magic has been destroyed must discover if this is truly the case in author Andrew P. Merrit’s “Ballad of the Blade”, the first book in the A Serenade of Smoke series.
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The Synopsis
Ballad of the Blade is a dark, gritty, multi-pov epic, with a dash of horror, and a dollop of gallows humor. It is the debut novel of Andrew P Meritt and the first story of many in A Serenade of Smoke.
Magic is dead.
The Order made sure of that. They gathered it up, and what they couldn’t destroy, they hid. Now, noble houses squabble over the realm, civil unrest smolders in the east, slavery and injustice run rampant, all while mankind hides behind their two-faced gods.
However, the truth is, magic isn’t dead. It’s just been sleeping, and I intend to wake it.
Under the light of a sinister moon:
A promising initiate struggles to conform in an organization that wants to exterminate the very magic running in his blood. A hired assassin fights to stay one step ahead of shadows, betrayals, and past mistakes. A musician in over his head tries desperately to trade debt from one group of killers to another. A slave of blood and sand claws his way toward freedom, one corpse at a time. An irreverent Justiseer struggles with a particularly obstinate severed head. A man wakes with no memory, only to discover a community with problems far greater than his amnesia.
Each of them is forced to question if magic truly is dead and wonder…
Should it be?
The Review
I loved the shifting perspectives of each chapter in this novel. Anytime a novel adapts a multiple POV style of storytelling, readers are given the chance to view the story from unique perspectives that change as each character sees a situation through their own lens. The dynamics between the characters were well ranged, from humorous and competitive at times in the dialogue to chilling and haunting all at once. The powerful imagery in the author’s writing really did an incredible job of bringing this story to life and the world it inhabits.
The world-building and powerful themes this story comprises will really drive the narrative forward. The unique implications of magic and its impact on the world, as well as the changes that result when it is stripped away politically and socially, are fleshed out in shocking ways in the story. The visceral, gritty detail the author puts into this narrative helps lend realism to themes of survival against all odds and of facing challenges and hardships, such as slavery and corrupt leaders.
The Verdict
Powerful, haunting, and compelling, author Andrew Meritt’s “Ballad of the Blade” is a must-read dark fantasy novel and a great start to a brand new series. The twists and turns, and the visceral tone of the story overall, capture a harrowing tale of shifting perspectives and overlapping storylines, resulting in a cohesive, massive world that readers can easily get lost in. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Andrew Meritt grew up in Fairbanks, Alaska, where he began telling stories around the campfire. Work has taken him from Alaska to Minnesota, Ohio, and California. He is now settled in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife, Annika, and their two dogs, Zagreus and Alyeska. He spends his free time rock climbing, snowboarding, and woodworking. Ballad of the Blade is his debut novel.
Author Anthony Avina 