The Fallen

I was intrigued by The Fallen’s outlandish premise and audacious attempt to mirror current political figures—most notably, a President named Malcolm Draven who is a thinly veiled caricature of Donald Trump. While the storyline is undeniably bold, even fascinating in parts, the execution left me both exhausted and frustrated.

The novel tries to juggle a sprawling cast of characters, from the newly introduced Secret Service agents Brian McDougal and Mike Earp (yes, Earp, as in Wyatt) to the President’s embattled personal physician Dr. Harold Ziegler and scheming advisor Leonard Ehrlich. Each subplot has potential, yet none are fully realized because the book can’t seem to decide whose story it wants to tell. Instead, it tries to tell everyone’s—at once—and the result is a narrative that meanders, loses focus, and overstays its welcome in many scenes.

One of the most unusual and potentially provocative elements—the discovery of an ovary in President Draven’s groin—is handled in a way that feels more like tabloid fodder than thoughtful commentary. Rather than explore the psychological or political implications in depth, the plot veers into the absurd: a body double (Jim Marist) is recruited, physically altered, and placed at Camp David to cover for the President while the real Draven is hidden away in a secret location. Cue mayhem.

Unfortunately, the absurdity isn't balanced with tight writing or wit. Instead, the book gets bogged down in trivial descriptions—how characters chew their food, what they're wearing (with references to luxury brands that are often misspelled, like “Louie Vatan” instead of Louis Vuitton), and even the way someone walks across a room. These unnecessary details slow the pacing to a crawl and make what should be high-stakes scenes feel tedious.

Grammar, spelling, and continuity errors further erode the story’s credibility. Several characters are introduced with one name and later reappear with their name spelled differently or with the wrong first name paired to a last name. Even the President’s name, Malcolm Draven, is written several times as “Malcom” instead. This includes the back cover blurb. Words  like “prostate” are misused or misspelled, and entire paragraphs read like a first draft in need of a tough editor. These issues are distracting and unprofessional, and they do a disservice to what could have been a compelling satire.

That said, the book does have moments of insight, particularly when highlighting the dangers of unchecked power and the chaos that ensues when a leader becomes increasingly unstable. Draven’s outbursts, his paranoia, and his childish vendettas are at once amusing and disturbing, especially when echoed by characters who either enable or exploit him for personal gain. The scenes involving Leonard Ehrlich and his behind-the-scenes manipulation are among the most interesting, though again, they're undercut by the overcrowded plot.

In short, this book is ambitious—but also bloated, inconsistent, and desperately in need of editorial discipline. The ideas are there, and the story occasionally brushes up against something meaningful, but it never quite lands. If you enjoy chaotic political drama with a satirical edge and don’t mind wading through editorial rough waters, this book might satisfy your curiosity. But be warned: patience is required.


Hang Fire

"Anthony Mora's Hang Fire is a captivating journey through Hollywood's chaotic world, featuring the ambitious Jerry and his more grounded friend, James. Together, they navigate the highs and lows of the entertainment industry, balancing ambition and loyalty as they pursue their dreams. With sharp dialogue and complex character dynamics, Mora crafts a narrative that is as entertaining as it is thought-provoking, exploring the lengths one might go to for fame." —Bradley Allen, Manhattan Book Review


A Lotus to Love: Perfume, Passion and Discovery in Egypt (Places in the Heart)

A Lotus to Love is a charming story about second chances and growth after despair. Taken on those merits, I enjoyed it a great deal, and I expect many readers will as well, especially older romance readers, who may have experienced losses of their own. I strongly considered giving it four stars, but in the end, I found portions of it too flat.

Portia Ross is a perfumer whose company intends to make a perfume inspired by Cleopatra. To do this, they must send Portia to Egypt to do some research, since Portia especially intends to ensure the perfume honors Cleopatra rather than merely appropriating her image for an easy profit.

Complicating the matter is Portia’s own grief over her recently lost husband, a grief which has kept her separate from the rest of the world for months. Exactly what happened to her husband is spelled out gradually over the course of the book, and by the time it is revealed, it hardly seems to matter. What matters more is that he is dead, and that Portia’s time in Egypt will not only bring her a new love but will also ease her grief.

The other side of the romantic equation is Nadir, a tour guide turned emergency Egyptologist when the scholar who would have been assigned to Portia backs out. This is fortuitous for both of them, as Nadir and Portia quickly form a bond which will turn romantic over the course of her stay in Egypt and her study of ancient perfumes.

The romance is sweet, but aside from a few tender moments and stolen kisses under moonlight, it feels rather shallow. Portia’s grief and Nadir’s religious convictions (he is implied to be Muslim, but it is never actually stated, even at their inevitable wedding) throw up barriers between them, but they are easily overcome.

By the end of a week in Egypt, Portia is ready to let her husband go, and while the romance is sweet rather than spicy, discussions of which of them will give up their homeland for the other feel perfunctory rather than heartfelt. (There were some botanical inaccuracies which I took issue with as well, but as those will likely only impact plant nerds, I will leave them out.)

On the whole, I do recommend this book, especially for people who want a quick, sweet read to while away a few hours with. It’s not the best romance I’ve read, but it was good fun, with utterly lovable characters.


Portia finds herself navigating the turbulent waters of grief after the loss of her husband. As she returns to her role in the perfume industry, she is met with a mix of warmth from her colleagues and a wave of anxiety about re-entering the professional world. Just when she thinks she might have a moment to catch her breath, her boss surprises her with an unexpected assignment: a trip to Egypt. The company is in search of a unique perfume that could evoke the essence of Cleopatra, aiming to create a fresh fragrance for their next launch.

Despite her initial hesitation, Portia sees this as an opportunity—a chance to escape her sorrow and immerse herself in the vibrant culture and ancient history of Egypt. As she embarks on this journey, Portia discovers not only the beauty of Egypt but also its rich history. She meets Nadir, an unofficial tour guide with a passion for archaeology. Financial constraints have prevented him from pursuing formal education in his field, but his knowledge and enthusiasm for Egyptian culture are infectious. Nadir becomes Portia’s guide through the bustling markets, ancient temples, and hidden gems of Egypt, sharing insights that bring the past to life.

Their shared experiences foster a deep connection between them. As they search for the elusive scent that could capture Cleopatra's essence, Portia begins to open her heart again. What starts as a friendship blossoms into a tender romance, filled with moments of laughter and understanding. Nadir’s kindness and devotion stand in stark contrast to Portia's lingering grief, providing her with a sense of hope and renewal.

The novel captures the complexities of grief beautifully through Portia's journey. She navigates various stages of mourning while being supported by her children, friends, and colleagues. The author beautifully illustrates how loss can lead to self-reflection—Portia often questions what she could have done differently to save her husband and wrestles with feelings of anger at his absence. Yet, amidst this turmoil, she discovers that love can emerge from unexpected places.

While Shelley Kassian's A Lotus to Love has emotional depth and historical intrigue, it does have its shortcomings. The story lacks significant drama or suspense that often adds spice to romantic fiction. Readers may find themselves yearning for more tension between the characters. Nevertheless, the story flows smoothly, with endearing characters and an engaging plot that keeps readers invested in Portia and Nadir's journey. The author’s passion for perfumery shines through as readers learn about the art and science behind creating fragrances, making the story more interesting.


Cake, Lemonade, and Sprinkles

“Young readers and listeners will love this story about finding your true self and loving that self. With bright, colorful illustrations, Cake, Lemonade, and Sprinkles will be sure to spark the imaginations of little ones. Author Aishah Hight has created a sweet story that children of all ages will enjoy and be inspired by.” —Kathryn Dare, Manhattan Book Review


A Cowboy Christmas Carol: Tales of Buckshot Bill & Cactus Jack

It's rare for a Christmas story and a Western to intersect, but they collide beautifully in Wade Chitwood's A Cowboy Christmas Carol: Tales of Buckshot Bill and Cactus Jack, a clever Western reimagining of the Dickens classic.

It's Christmas eve, and two old cowpokes sit beside the fire, reminiscing about Christmases past. They crave a simpler time, rocking back and forth with their Arbuckle's and peanuts. When the ranch foreman arrives and charges the two old cowboys to deliver sacks of handmade toys to the children of Busted Flats, a small ranching community, they are unable to refuse the order.

When Buckshot Bill and Cactus Jack mount up their ponies and set off into the night, neither expects the magical journey ahead. Like Scrooge, they'll be visited by various ghosts - though these spectral encounters have distinctly Western flavors. Their night is filled with terrifying and beautiful sights: Christmas ghosts haunting abandoned mines, a faithful little donkey for company, and mysterious music drifting across the desert. Neither sudden storms nor getting lost in the Arizona desert will deter these cowboys from their mission, and along the way they will discover that magic can be found in the most unexpected places in this cheer-filled, heartwarming holiday novella.

Each chapter is like reading an old serial starring the Lone Ranger, with exciting cliffhangers and derring-do. The story's charm is enhanced by its delightful artwork. The images are rich, striking a perfect balance between believability and whimsy. Each illustration captures the rugged beauty of the cowboy lifestyle and the atmosphere of a supernatural Christmas Eve.

While there is a certain amount of predictability to the story, the familiar and expected are comforting as well. Buckshot Bill and Cactus Jack are somewhat stereotypical characters from Western fiction, with their colorful language and tall tales, always laughing and giving each other a hard time. But through their supernatural encounters, they learn that in pining for simpler times, they've overlooked the beauty and possibility of both present joys and good times yet to come.

Like Dickens' original tale, this is a story of transformation, though it wears its spurs and cowboy hat. The storytelling strikes a tone reminiscent of Baxter Black or Hank the Cowdog. Author Wade Chitwood, through his engaging storytelling and artwork, captures both the heart of cowboy culture and the spirit of Christmas. This is a book to share with the whole family, reminding us that some Christmases are plentiful, and others are lean, but simple gestures well-meant make the biggest impact. For anyone in search of a unique holiday tradition or a Western Christmas story, this volume promises to be a welcomed addition to family Christmas celebrations.


Cuttle

“An introverted cuttlefish scientist wonders where her life is going in Author Chelsea Britain’s Cuttle. Readers will love the animal facts strewn throughout the story that parallel the main character’s life and her thought process in every situation she encounters. Cuttle is entertaining, relatable, and at times, humorous.” —Kathryn Dare, San Francisco Book Review


Cuttle

“Cuttlefish, moon jellyfish, and other sea creatures, oh my! Cuttle is a beautifully written novel that includes topics such as today’s dating world, what it’s like to have a pushy mother, and going into shellfish anaphylaxis. Awkward and nerdy, Nora is a fun and interesting main character who will make readers chuckle with her little idiosyncrasies.” —Kristi Elizabeth, Los Angeles Book Review


Into the Mist

"Equal parts chilling, haunting, and wistful. Sharon Mikeworth writes a different style of ghost story. And just like her haunted house, one doesn’t know whether to be at ease or afraid. This is a story that is very original and unpredictable." —Eric Smith, Tulsa Book Review


Finding Loretta

“I was pulled into the many layers of Finding Loretta from the very beginning. From her rocky relationship with her adoptive parents to her non-relenting search for her birth parents and blood relatives, Diane’s story is that of resilience, hope, perseverance, and strength. From gutwrenching heartbreak to the relief of finally knowing one’s roots, emotions run deep in this beautifully written memoir.” —Kristi Elizabeth, Los Angeles Book Review


The White Country

The year is 1911 and the state of Texas has become the safe haven for Mexican refugees. Mexico has devolved into chaos amid a destructive civil war. However, the safety that the exiles feel is illusory as masked bandits have been leading coordinated attacks on Mexicans and Mexican-Americans in Texas. The most recent assault resulted in the murder of a journalist and his pregnant wife. John Lourdes is a federal agent who is well acquainted with violence and danger and his help is requested by a priest. The priest wants John to travel deep into the heart of Texas and provide protection to some locals in Laredo.

Trouble is often quick to locate John and his travel to the Rio Grande involves a deadly shootout on his train where he is quick to use deadly force when necessary. John witnesses the volatile racial strife firsthand when a funeral procession is interrupted by local thugs. John takes notice of the bravery of a young woman named Marisita who speaks up to decry the hatred shown towards both Mexican and Mexican-Americans by rabble-rousing white mobs. Shortly thereafter, John introduces himself to Marisita and her father. Father and daughter work for a local newspaper where they have been detailing the recent spate of racial violence. John begins to keep an eye on Marisita while he plans to infiltrate the organization behind the bloodshed.

John knows how treacherous playing both sides can be, but he identifies with the downtrodden and plans to deliver his own extralegal justice. The closer John gets to the leadership of the supremacist group, acts of violence begin to become commonplace. Yet, John is hellbent on carrying out his duty and protecting the young woman whom he has become fond of.

The White Country is the latest absorbing novel from talented writer Boston Teran (Creed of Violence). John Lourdes is a man who fights for the underdog, yet hides his own heritage due to the bigotry of early 20th century America. John is a man who is a product of a violent environment but only resorts to it when necessary. Despite his loathing for many of the men in “The Society”, he is loath to harm a man named Cager who he has befriended. As opposed to his adversaries, Lourdes is guided by a moral compass. The tumultuous situation involving the influx of immigrants feels all the more poignant with the current day issues at the Southern border. The White Country is a powerful and moving novel about identity, justice, and tolerance.


How to Sleep at Night: A Novel

The question at the heart of Elizabeth Harris's debut novel How to Sleep at Night is this: why do we love the people we love? Is it because their worldview and politics align with our own? Is it chemical? Or do we love them because of who they make us believe we can be?

Ethan and Gabe have an enviable life, a lovely daughter, a beautiful home, and the kind of marriage others envy. That is, until Ethan decides to run for Congress as a Republican. His views have always been more conservative than Gabe's, but now their marriage will be tested. How much can Gabe take of Ethan's Republican rhetoric before it seems their entire marriage is at stake?

Gabe's good friend from college, Nicole, feels disconnected from her queer self. She's been married to a man for years and has two wonderful children, but wonders if she has an identity outside their marriage. When she reconnects with her ex Kate, a journalist and Ethan's sister, the darkness she's been living in becomes illuminated.

Morality and ethics are all over this novel. Is Kate's attraction to Nicole--a married woman--a hangover from their prior relationship or something real? Should Gabe compromise his values to support Ethan? When politicians are corrupt, who pays the price?

Timely and well crafted, How to Sleep at Night is a thought-provoking read.


Is It Real? The Loch Ness Monster

Have you ever wondered if the Legend of the Loch Ness Monster is real? This book is packed full of information to help you make an educated guess on whether it is real. The story starts with a sighting in 1933, although the legend has been around for a long time. This book shows evidence of pictures of a horse or a washed-up whale that all seem to have been mistaken for a Loch Ness Monster, or perhaps that is the conclusion they came to because there is so little evidence of something everyone believes that lurks under the sea.

The information in the book is great, and I especially like the part where it helps you to determine if you are seeing the evidence as presented or if it is something else because it is easy for the brain to see what it is told to see in old shadowy photos. Read this book to know if you can decide if it is just a folk tale.


The Containment: Detroit, the Supreme Court, and the Battle for Racial Justice in the North

In 1954, the Supreme Court issued a landmark ruling in the case of Brown v. Board of Education, which ruled segregation in public schools was unconstitutional. The integration of schools in the South would proceed in a laborious process, as Jim Crow still maintained a stranglehold. However, a series of cases would develop in the 1960s and 1970s in the North, which illustrated that segregation existed above the Mason-Dixon Line. In the case of Bradley v Milliken (1970), the segregation of Detroit schools would be challenged, particularly concerning how discriminatory housing policies enabled inequality in education. However, the verdict would be appealed to the Supreme Court, where a more conservative and constructionist court overruled the initial ruling. In the decades since, the impact of Brown has been watered down with subsequent judicial challenges (Parents Involved v Seattle, 2006).

The Containment is an overarching and provocative study of how equality in education continues to be fought for in the United States through the courts, legislatures, and the media. Author Michelle Adams has written a riveting work that is both scholarly and yet also impassioned. This book is an important historical work.


The Daily Tao: 365 Meditations on the Tao Te Ching

The Daily Tao by William Martin is a collection of one year’s worth of meditative readings about Laozi’s Tao Te Ching. Written in 300 BC, the Tao has endured among the preeminent texts explaining Eastern traditions of self-knowledge and mastery. Taoist teacher and Qigong practitioner William Martin offers essential teachings from the classic text of Chinese philosophy, spirituality, and moral guidance. In the book, Martin provides an overview of Eastern thought and his approach to making it relevant in everyday life. By emphasizing the lessons of stillness and being in the present moment, Martin compiles a thoughtful collection of meditative prompts beneficial to anyone seeking guidance for self-reflection and ease.

I have been a student of Buddhism for almost twenty years. In my evolving understanding of Mahayana Buddhism, I have come to understand the impact of the Tao Te Ching on how China adopted the precepts of Buddhism in its cultural contexts. However, one does not need to understand Chinese history and philosophy to derive meaning, strength, and inspiration from The Daily Tao. Martin's deep knowledge of the wisdom of the Tao is evident in his ability to explain its value to readers from all backgrounds. The author’s daily practice of compassion and mindfulness is apparent in the approachability of the text, which is suitable for readers of diverse spiritual persuasions.


Low-Hanging Fruit: Sparkling Whines, Champagne Problems, and Pressing Issues from My Gay Agenda

Randy Rainbow’s quick wit and irreverence have delighted many of us during these uncertain times. In this, his second book, he continues the put downs, complaints, and observations in a nonstop barrage of cleverness. At times, these pronouncements become very personal and revelatory. It is almost too much to take in and when it is, he is quick to speak to his reader and agree with our thoughts.

Rainbow is an uncensored entertainer. Because he is harder on himself than any of his targets, he is unlikely to offend any but the most thin skinned. In one chapter entitled 'Gurl, You’re a Karen, he takes on that very thin skinned complainer, but ultimately turns the complaining title on himself. It is a fun book. At a time when we need light heartedness and merrymaking, Rainbow is perfectly positioned to provide both.

The book itself is a thing of beauty; nicely bound with colorful vintage wallpaper designs on the frontispiece.


Hyo the Hellmaker

The Island of Onogoro is a safe haven, virtually a paradise where gods and humans coexist peacefully. But there are secrets lurking around every corner and Hyo is here to uncover them all! When she and her brother arrive for a job, only to find their friend missing and possibly cursed, they will stop at nothing to find the truth. And no god, man, or demon will stop them.

A fantasy murder mystery set in a world inspired by Japanese mythology? Yes, please. The characters are all unique and have their own groups and motivates and every character has a purpose, no matter how little time they actually have on the page. There are multiple mysteries going on at the same time, sometimes it was difficult to keep track of who's who and what clue goes to what mystery, but the further I read the more it made sense. I really enjoyed reading this, but it was hard to get through because of that.

The world is rich, interesting, and thought out, sometimes a little too much. A lot of the beginning was world building, some of it unnecessary. There is some cussing and occasionally gruesome, but not really violent.


I Am Legend

In I Am Legend, we meet Robert Neville, who is the last living man on Earth after a vampire pandemic takes out everyone else. Over the course of a few years, Robert works to try to find a cure while ceaselessly being hunted by the undead. A new society begins to form from the remnants of humanity and Robert will have to figure out what his place is in this new world.

Besides the main story, this book also contains ten other stories from Richard Matheson, all dealing with the macabre and mostly undead. Some are bit weird and not terribly scary, but others, such as “Prey”, are terrifying. Give me vampires and zombies all day, but throw in an evil doll and I won’t sleep at night. I thought “The Near Departed” was hilarious in a dark humor sort of way.

Overall, if you’ve ever read Matheson’s works before or if you enjoy scary stories, full of vampires and monsters, this book is for you. I highly recommend it before you go watch the sequel to Will Smith’s version as it’s supposed to more similar to Matheson’s version.


Where Shadows Meet: A Novel

One thousand years ago, the gods were restless. Thana, the princess,  had fallen in love with Favre, an outcast. When her father refuses her choice of witch as mate, Thana kills him to keep the crown and her love, even if it means becoming a blood drinker. In the present, Leyla works hard to earn not only her inheritance as future queen of the vampires but also her mother’s approval.

When her personal guard and best friend is taken, she is at war with herself: save Danai or act as the queen she will be and look out for the good of all. She can’t keep living if Danai dies for her so she enlists Najja, a messenger of fate and an eternal enemy, who is younger, and prettier than expected, but Najja knows the sins of the past will come to haunt those in the present.

The beautiful cover hides a really disappointing book. Alternating points of view between two time periods and three characters makes it very challenging to track. Characters ruled by their self-interests and excessive info dumping also takes away from what could have been a promising sapphic tale. Skip this one.


Billy the Kid: The War for Lincoln County

Life isn’t easy in New Mexico; outlaws and swindlers are around every corner. Billy's just a kid, but even he knows to watch his back and not trust anyone, even those who seem to be friends. When his partnership with the outlaws known as The Boys goes sour, Billy finds a friend and mentor in someone he really can trust. Until he’s murdered. With nothing left to lose, Billy sets out for revenge.

I wanted to put this book down after the first three chapters, mostly because of the writing style, there was very little showing and lots of telling that I got board of. The timeline is confusing, usually there's dates when the story jumps back and forth, but there are times in the beginning explaining Billy's past that don't. It didn't help that there are so many characters to keep track of and the point-of-view changes to most of them at some point.

Every woman is treated as an object who's in love with Billy, part of the plot and why one of the other characters hates him is all because of a woman who's taken a liking to Billy. The plot is good, but I spent most of the time confused on who and when and where things were happening.


Witchcraft for Wayward Girls

This is the story of a group of wayward girls at Wellwood House in St. Augustine, Florida. What makes them “wayward,” you ask? Well, it’s because they’re anywhere from thirteen to sixteen and they’re all a number of months pregnant. It’s the summer of 1970, and they’ve all been sent away to give birth, have their babies fostered away, and then return to their normal teenage lives. Except the next six months will be anything but normal, as they are treated by the staff of Wellwood like sub-humans who made life’s greatest mistake and must suffer accordingly for it.

And yet, while they grow bigger and perhaps grow meeker, our main character Fern is given a book by the library, a strange, slim occult book with a collection of spells and rules for magic. The strange thing is the book keeps changing, with new spells showing up as their thoughts of witchcraft change.

You will fall in love with the girls in Witchcraft for Wayward Girls and care about them deeply, and that is Grady Hendrix’s goal. Because they were shunned by society, often through no fault of their own, and now they get to have their stories told.


Brandon and the Totally Troublesome Time Machine is about trying to fix the past but realizing that things should happen naturally. Brandon, a less-than-average student, uses his smarts and creates a time machine to fix his grades initially. When Brandons from various timelines meet, it's not surprising they don't get along; it's hard to get along with someone similar to yourself. Brandon learns to focus on making the right decision in the moment instead of relying on the chance to go back to correct it.

I enjoyed this story because it's a lot of fantasy (time travel); he goes back to see dinosaurs, meets famous people, and learns lessons from his wild and crazy adventures. Any kid will relate to things Brandon does and sees during his travels. The text is easy to read and understand. The illustrations are bright and colorful and catch your eye. Kids of any age will enjoy this story from start to finish.


A Day With Mousse

Mousse lives in a sweet little cottage by the sea. Each day, Mousse takes a stroll on the beach and swims in the cool seawater. Later, as the tide rolls into his cottage, and when it is gone, Mousse collects the treasures the sea has left for him. He has quite a business listing his treasures online and selling them to people all over. But this day, when Mousse returns from collecting, he finds a visitor, a walrus named Barnacle, in his chair eating one of his cookies! Then  Barnacle becomes ill. Mousse, a kind creature, cares for Barnacle until he is well enough to leave, and Mousse can return to his solitary life. Until he gets a big surprise.

Claire Lebourg is both author and illustrator of this chapter book (translated by Sophie Lewis), the first in a series about Mousse, a creature who looks like a combination of a mole and a striped sock. The story is silly and sweet and yet compelling for emerging readers. The illustrations are so much fun and complete the story perfectly. Youngsters learning to be independent readers will love this book and series.


Indiginerds

Indiginerds is a varied collection of modern stories told by Indigenous authors and illustrators. The range of stories deal with themes of love, mental health, representation, gaming and digital media. The graphic novel has stories that are autobiographical, sci-fi, romance, and non-fiction so there is a story for everyone.

This is the perfect read to celebrate Native American Heritage Month. I recently watched Reservation Dogs, and I appreciated the story, “Missed Pow Wow Connection” and “Saving Throws” because it reminded me of the show. I really enjoyed “Dorvan V” because I love that there is an Indigenous Renaissance and that the author got to write an Indigenous sci-fi story that represents their people. It was also one of the better developed stories.

I wished that some of the stories were longer because some of the stories were really short and rather forgettable because the stories and characters didn’t get a chance to develop. The cover art is so sparkly, and I really like the purple hue of the cover. I recommend this graphic novel to anyone who is interested in learning more about Indigenous stories. Skoden!


Justice for Marcus Garvey

Political activist Marcus Garvey established the foundation for Black nationalism, the unwavering belief in true liberation for the Pan-African diaspora. For far too long, Garvey’s legacy has been tainted by his conviction for mail fraud, which caused him to be imprisoned in the United States during the Jim Crow era. Justice for Marcus Garvey, edited by his son, Dr. Julius Garvey, is a collection of essays from social justice activists, legal historians, and Black scholars voicing a renewed interest in securing the posthumous pardon of the elder Garvey. Each essay reflects the author's deep regard and respect for Garvey's influence, incorporating personal reflections about his enduring bequest on the movement toward freedom.

Controversy follows all changemakers. In his day, Garvey dared to topple white supremacy by asserting pride in Black culture and heritage. Garvey was an influential figure who spurred Black resistance against oppression in antebellum regimes. Because of his oppositional views on integration, Garvey was targeted by political enemies who had a different vision of Black progress.

I have been aware of the critiques of Garvey’s radical take on race relations, which included harsh critiques of assimilation and mixed-race peoples. As a non-Black racial equity advocate, I learned new information about Garvey’s legacy from the perspective of scholars who offered a different take on certain aspects of his reputation. Reading Justice for Marcus Garvey, I understood how his influence remains relevant in our contemporary struggle for racial justice.


America Fantastica: A Novel

Boyd Halverson’s life was going nowhere. Once a star journalist, now a manager at JCPenney, he was stuck in a rut. Boyd’s need to do something different became robbing a small-town bank and taking the teller, Angie Bing, as a hostage. Now, on the run, Boyd sought out the man who destroyed his life. The robbery was a spur of the moment, but payback was intentional. The authorities never come. Boyd robbed the only bank that was run by criminals, more despicable than he is. Chaos ensues as the pair are being pursued by hitmen, a jealous lover, and ex-cons. Crime of the century, it is not. Crimes of hilarity, very much so.

America Fantastica is a contemporary crime novel by award-winning author Tim O’Brien. O’Brien’s wit takes center stage in the deeply satirical, dark, humorous drive drama. Adding to the overall absurdity of this novel is the tragically troubled cast of characters. O’Brien’s characters represent America itself. From greed to the obsession with guns, the characters do more than play a part. Collectively, they define the sickness of our society. America Fantastica is more than a character-driven, fast-paced thrill ride. Tim O’Brien takes a satirical stab at America in his darkly hilarious novel.


The Headhunter's Granddaughter

Pedo (whose name means “I see the moon”) was born and raised in the jungles of Borneo. After escaping an abusive relationship with her uncle, she builds a life for herself, first as a live-in nanny and then as a hairstylist. She falls for boys, has a child, and never forgets the family she left behind, especially the grandfather who raised her in her earliest years, named her, and told her stories of fighting Japanese soldiers in World War II.

Then, she meets Terry Iwanski, an American vacationing in Malaysia. He will be the one to bring the greatest change to her life.

The Headhunter’s Granddaughter is told through Pedo’s voice and perspective, but it bears Iwanski’s name as the author. Because of this, it can be difficult for readers to tell how many of the thoughts are hers and how many have been altered or translated by Iwanski’s writing style. Not having read anything else by Iwanksi, I can’t say, but the thought occurred to me several times as I read the book, and I felt it pertinent to bring up in the review.

Taken as a memoir, it is an interesting book and an enjoyable read. It never turns into a travelogue, though Pedo travels back and forth between the United States and Southeast Asia. Instead, the focus remains on Pedo herself, her life and choices, and especially on how hard she is willing to fight to get what she wants. The narration gives her a strong voice filled with attitude and humor that will delight readers. The events of her life may not have been world-shaping, but they did shape her world, which still makes them worthwhile to read about.

Though I enjoyed the book, I couldn’t give it a full five stars. The story itself is compelling, but the writing style shows weaknesses at times. It is quick-paced, rushing through years with only brief descriptions of what happened. Some chapters are closer to being summaries than to relating full events. Most of the people in Pedo’s life feel flat, as though they only exist to pop in and out occasionally. Sometimes, it feels more breezy than biographical.

That isn’t always a drawback. People who enjoy the breezier style of memoirs will also enjoy this book. It simply won’t appeal to those who are looking for books that focus on travel or that have many detailed descriptions.


The Headhunter's Granddaughter

In November 1959, in the jungle of Borneo, a child named Pedo was born and destined to live a life worth learning from. However, due to her family's poverty, she was given to her single uncle to assist him as needed. Suffering from physical abuse and neglect, she sought every possible way to escape and gain her independence. Having a loving grandfather provided her with emotional support (an area she was desperately lacking), helping her to navigate life with her uncle. As a young teenager on her own, Pedo had to mature quickly, facing both struggles and triumphs that shaped her desires, needs, thoughts, and unique perspective. Her experience living in Borneo and surrounding areas will give readers insight into differing societies and cultures. Reading Headhunter's Granddaughter will offer insight into the reasoning behind varying priorities and events, particularly compared to Western and more developed cultures.

Recalling history and recounting for others can bring about subjective feelings (vulnerable, embarrassing, humbling) depending on one's honesty, recollection, and peace with the event(s). Pedo's recollection and her husband Iwanski's presentation are seemingly unabridged; she is presentably secure in herself and at peace with the good and bad that has happened. Pedo's story would not be appropriate for younger readers as there are many sexual scenes throughout the book. The scenes are generally not graphic or lengthy, but there is enough description to understand what is happening; they allow the reader to empathize with Pedo about her desire, attraction, and respect for her husband. It shows a relationship in all its realistic glory- positive and negative. The book shows the effects of trauma and how they will vary depending on the person and traumatic event; it also shows the evil and kindness in humanity. It shows how one can create self-confidence and recreate themselves using a blank canvas, regardless of past events.

Pedo's life contains stories showcasing themes of adventure, perseverance, loyalty, and love (maternal, familial, and romantic), offering valuable lessons to readers. Despite facing culture shock and language barriers, Pedo was determined to make a better life for herself; she succeeded. Her journeys illustrate how problem-solving each challenge made her eventual success even more rewarding. Her stories are written and presented clearly and concisely, showing no room for confusion to enhance the readers' experience. The chapters are short and direct, building upon each other from beginning to end with references to previous events made throughout.


The Headhunter's Granddaughter

Pedo Rupa was one of ten children born to her father Tungan in the jungles of Borneo in the late 1950's or early 1960's. Soon after her birth, she was given to an uncle so that she could become his cleaner and laborer when she got older. Luckily, her grandfather lived in the same hut with Pedo and her cruel, uncaring uncle. Her grandfather looked after Pedo and told her stories about his younger years. A story that stood out to Pedo, was one where her grandfather detailed killing a Japanese soldier during WWII with a machete when the soldiers entered his village looking for slave labor. The story that follows in this book traces Pedo's life from the jungles of Borneo to the surrounding cities and a chance encounter with an American who she married. She then set out on an entirely new adventure, relocating to the United States, where she would find love, ups and downs, and a new way of life.

I found the first part of this book truly fascinating. I have always loved learning about new cultures and people's experiences. Pedo gives a telling and rather sad account of her early years, detailing the hardships and emotional trauma of being given away by her family, simply because they could not look after her. But Pedo overcame some of these hardships by having the courage to run away and seek a life of her own. I enjoyed hearing about her life in the city, first as a babysitter and later at the hair salon, and even her relationship with Hee Ping which resulted in her daughter Aling.

Her adventures took on a different nature when she met an American named Terry. After a short, whirlwind relationship they decided to marry and Pedo moved to the United States. Once the shock of the Nebraskan weather wore off, she seemed to jump into local life and make the best of it. She worked in her husband's body shop and set out to establish a life on her terms. I admired her courage and sense of adventure. She was a determined person. Once she decided to do something she didn't turn back, like when she decided to get her driving license. Failure the first and the second time did not stop her. She persisted until she got it. I think that persistence was a theme that ran through this story. I got the sense that once Pedo decided to do something, she had the tenacity to see it through.

Overall, I enjoyed reading this story. However, I did think the constant attention given to the sexual exploits became a bit repetitive. To me, it overtook the narrative and didn't add much new information. I loved the fact that photos were included. That made the story so much more personal for me. I especially appreciated the last photograph showing Pedo, Terry, and Grandfather's machete. Pedo's story shows us that you never know where life will take you. It might even, at times, surprise you.


The Headhunter's Granddaughter

Terry Iwanski's The Headhunter’s Granddaughter is a mesmerizing tale rooted in personal history and cultural legacy, offering readers an intimate glimpse into life amidst the jungles of Borneo. From the first chapter, Iwanski captivates his readers by recounting how his wife's grandfather, a former headhunter, gave her the name "Pedo," meaning “I see the moon.” The relationship between Pedo and her grandfather was a special one since her parents gave her up at a very early age to her uncle, a mean man who tormented Pedo every chance he got. Pedo's grandfather was her only saving grace.

The book weaves together the complexities of familial bonds, cultural survival, and personal resilience. Pedo's upbringing, marked by poverty and the harsh demands of jungle life, is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. From her survivalist childhood—feeding on foraged durian and navigating encounters with deadly snakes—to the poignant loss of her grandfather, the story paints a vivid portrait of her perseverance. It’s impossible not to admire Pedo’s courage as she escapes her uncle and adapts to life as a babysitter in urban Kuching. She grows into a fiercely independent woman.

The Headhunter’s Granddaughter is written with a very candid tone, especially when detailing the societal challenges Pedo faced. Her struggle with class discrimination as a "jungle girl" contrasts sharply with her eventual mastery of multiple languages and her professional success. These achievements highlight her indomitable spirit and serve as a testament to the power of determination.

The book describes Pedo’s romantic entanglements, which contain both betrayal and heartbreak, from her abandonment by Aling’s father to the deceptions of a married lover. When Pedo meets Terry, an American who sees beyond her hardships, readers are invited to witness a love story and a powerful partnership founded on mutual respect.

I enjoyed the detailed descriptions Iwanski gave in the book because they allowed the reader to understand what Pedo went through at every stage of her life. The vibrant depictions of Borneo's lush landscapes, contrasted with the gritty realities of survival, ensure that the memoir remains evocative and engaging. Following Pedo and Terry in their travels was also a wonderful experience and I enjoyed the photographs the author included in the book showing readers a few of the places they visited.

Ultimately, The Headhunter’s Granddaughter is a compelling memoir that chronicles one woman’s extraordinary journey from the jungles of Borneo to self-empowerment and love. Iwanski’s vivid storytelling and unflinching portrayal of hardship make this book a worthwhile read for anyone drawn to tales of resilience, cultural heritage, and transformation. It’s an inspiring account that lingers long after the final page.


Murder in the Ranks: A Novel

This historical fiction mystery is a fairly by the books mystery from debut author Kristi Jones, with equal parts good and equal parts leaving the readers let down. The time is World War Two, and with men off to fight at the front, the WAACs (Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps) are filling in non-fighting roles to free up men to fight.

Dottie Lincoln is hiding a secret that could threaten her, and her fellow WAACs, when they are moved to a combat zone, the first WAAC unit to do so. Lincoln had recently escaped her abusive German husband, who left her for dead in North Africa’s Algiers. Now she has found a purpose helping to move men and their material.

But when her friend, and fellow WAAC, Ruth is found dead, the military brass begins questioning whether it is wise to have a WAAC squad near the frontlines and Dottie will be leading an investigation to find out what happened to Ruth while protecting her past. Overall, it is a fairly quick read, the characters are mostly believable and it is a decent first outing.


Misery Hates Company: A Novel

Marigold Manners is an accomplished, modern woman who wishes nothing more to become a renowned archaeologist. Unfortunately, it’s 1894 and Marigold has just discovered that she is destitute after the passing of her parents. A letter arrives from a distant relative inviting her to come stay on Great Misery Island and so Marigold departs for the Hatchet Farm, where she will meet her very colorful family that she never knew existed. It isn’t long before Marigold discovers that Misery Hates Company and she works tirelessly to change their ways. But bodies begin to pile up and Marigold will have to discover who did it if she wants to stay alive.

I enjoyed this book immensely. Marigold is delightful, as well as the other intriguing characters. Anyone who is a fan of historical mysteries, especially those of Deanna Raybourn, will love this book. It’s clever and mysterious, with just the right amount of both. The plot is deeper and darker than most historical novels without being too complicated that you can’t follow along. I sincerely hope that Marigold has even more adventures, possibly with Cab by her side. This book is a fantastic addition to your Victorian-era library.


I'll Be Home for Mischief (A Christmas Tree Farm Mystery)

The town of Mistletoe, Maine, is decked out for Christmas. It's opted for a Victorian theme, with streets, shops, and townsfolk decked out in costumes and festive decorations. Holly and her family are at their farm preparing to get a record for baking the world's largest gingerbread man. But the discovery of a body threatens to derail the Christmas spirit and any attempts to win a world record.

Holly can't help but get involved, even though her husband, Evan, the local sheriff, has urged her not to meddle in his investigation. She just wants to protect her town from any harmful events.  It doesn't help that everyone is likely to give her information about those suspected of any wrongdoing in the town.  Will she be able to spot a murderer before it's too late? And will the community be able to pull off a Christmas miracle by winning an award?

This is a book for fans of Christmas stories. It's well-written with memorable characters. However, I wasn't crazy about the dedication to the Christmas theme that ran through almost every scene and page of the book. I did appreciate the focus on family, friends, and community.


The Three Devils: And Other Stories

So much literature in the horror genre comes from common fears of the day. That might be why The Three Devils by William Luvaas has such an eerie and chilling feeling. From climate change to pandemic lockdowns to the actions of the greedy, these are the things that we have to live through, and it is no coincidence that these are the same themes that Luvaas uses to frighten his readers.

The Three Devils is a collection of five short stories by William Luvaas. To say these tales are dark and gritty would be an understatement. But beyond merely throwing his audience into a panic, Luvaas challenges his reader to look deeper at our own experiences of the recent past and some troubles of today. Even though his tales are set in a post-apocalyptic future, they have a very current feel, making them much more unsettling.

Luvaas is a master of dark and gritty without getting graphic. Fans of psychological horror with dark situations and events will find stories that go beyond terror and engage the reader in ways most horror writers can’t.


Wild Dark Shore: A Novel

Shearwater Island is home to some wild, dark shores. A small island not far from Antarctica, it contains the world’s largest seed bank and is home to Dominic Salt and his three children. The Salt family act as caretakers to this island that used to be full of researchers until sea levels began rising and the decision to move the seeds was made. In a terrible storm, Rowan washes up on shore and with eight weeks left until the final ship arrives, the Salt family and Rowan begin to grow closer. But secrets have a way of coming out and both parties are guilty of hiding them. It could just tear them apart before the next major storm hits.

When people talk about books being atmospheric, I usually think they’re exaggerating. That is not the case here. The author makes the island and storms come alive. The characters here are full of depth and honestly, their stories are heartbreaking. There are not many happy moments in this book, but it has soul and carries you along like the sea carries Rowan to where she’s meant to be. If you are fan of gripping dramas, this book is for you.


Los Cedros: A Tejana Memoir

Dorotea Reyna’s Los Cedros: A Tejana Memoir  is a deeply personal and evocative reflection on her childhood in a small South Texas village along the U.S.-Mexico border. The memoir captures the author’s love for her hometown—renamed Los Cedros in the book—as well as the people who shaped her formative years. Reyna takes readers through a series of interconnected vignettes that blend fact and memory, painting a vivid picture of life in a border town during the 1960s. She explores the profound beauty of her pueblo, from fiery sunsets to the scent of rain on unpaved streets and the freedom of childhood spent roaming both the land and her imagination.

However, beyond nostalgia, the memoir is also a commentary on the changing socio-political landscape of the border. Reyna confronts the growing presence of law enforcement, the expansion of surveillance, and the impact of systemic racism on Mexican and Latino communities. Through intimate family stories and a broader historical lens, she highlights the resilience and moral strength of border communities, challenging harmful stereotypes and advocating for their rightful place in the American narrative. The fictionalized memoir is not just a personal story but a tribute to a vanishing way of life, making it both a cultural artifact and a call to remember the past while pushing back against contemporary injustices.

Reyna’s writing is lyrical and poetic, rich with sensory details that bring her childhood world to life. The memoir’s structure, composed of interconnected vignettes rather than a linear narrative, mirrors the way memories emerge—fluid and overlapping, yet bound by deep emotional connections. This style allows her to present her experiences with an almost dreamlike quality while maintaining the authenticity of lived reality. Her use of imagery, particularly in describing nature, gives the text a cinematic feel, making readers feel as if they are standing under the vast Texas sky or wading through the lush green fields of her youth.

Despite the poetic nature of the book, Reyna’s prose is accessible and engaging. Her voice is warm and intimate, inviting readers into her personal history as if she were recounting these stories over a kitchen table. There is also a measured balance between personal reflection and broader social critique, ensuring that the memoir remains both heartfelt and intellectually stimulating.

Los Cedros: A Tejana Memoir will resonate with readers interested in personal and cultural histories, especially those exploring Mexican-American and Chicano narratives. Fans of lyrical memoirs, such as Sandra Cisneros’s A House on Mango Street, will appreciate Reyna’s storytelling approach. Additionally, educators and students studying borderland history, immigration issues, or Latinx literature will find this book an invaluable resource. It is a powerful and necessary read for anyone who seeks to understand the complexities of life on the border—its struggles, its joys, and its unbreakable spirit.


Kills Well with Others

Deanna Raybourn is the queen of intriguing mysteries, as evidenced by her wildly popular Veronica Speedwell series. Unfortunately, her latest series about four senior women who just happen to be assassins is just as inane as that description sounds.

Kills Well with Others—a sequel to Killers of a Certain Age -- returns to the lives of assassins Billie, Helen, Mary Alice, and Natalie as they are contacted by their employer, the Museum, to kill the person who seems to be hunting and murdering Museum employees. Why the person who wants to assassinate assassins is deemed so horrible is a bit of a stretch--aren't they all murderers, after all?

The jokey nature of comments related to the women's age falls flat, and the writing surrounding their romantic encounters isn't much better. The action sequences are fine, but all of them have some reference to how old these women are in some way. Just let them be assassins, already. The fact that they're all over 60 isn't as interesting as the author seems to think it is. Raybourn is a great mystery writer, though; check out the aforementioned Speedwell series for proof.


Bindle Punk Jefe: A Spellbinding Sequel with High-Stakes Magic, Step Into the Glamorous and Dangerous World of Rose 'Luna' Lane

Rose lives in two worlds. In one, she is a successful club owner married to an upper-class land developer. In her other life, she is Luna, a white-passing Latina from the River Bottoms. In both lives, she is a powerful Bruja. But when powerful outside forces endanger the people she loves and threaten to expose her double life, she must call on all her powers to protect the lives she lives. She must become the boss.

Bindle Punk Jefe is the second novel by Desideria Mesa. After the success of her first novel, Mesa continued her historical fantasy set in Prohibition-era Kansas City. Mesa’s tale is a suspenseful thriller mixing magic, Mexican folklore, bootlegging, and 1920s Jazz. Entwined in this tale are the stories of struggle that the immigrant community had to and continue to deal with. Written as an urban fantasy and continuing the themes of duality, Mesa focuses on the blurred line between the natural and supernatural, the real and mystical worlds. Each character is fully developed. Even though this is a sequel, Mesa’s book reads as an exciting stand-alone novel. Bindle Punk Jefe is a fast-paced, character-driven tale that is hard to put down.


Liquid: A Love Story

This is a subversion of the romantic comedy genre, an inquiry into the friends-to-lovers trope, and a critique of heteronormative expectations and academic sociopolitics.

After the protagonist of Liquid earns her Ph.D., it throws her whole life backward rather than advancing her career. She loses graduate student housing, her book idea is not being published, and she may not have any teaching position in the coming fall semester. With her summer free and her fall uncertain, she decides to open a spreadsheet and organize a hundred dates with the goal of marrying somebody rich by the end of the summer.

Though Liquid is written for fans of rom-coms, it unfortunately comes across as not fully delivering on the promise of the premise. We don't get to see the majority of the one hundred dates—not even in montage format, which would have been really fun.

The narrator's constant pontificating criticisms of everyone and everything around her gets a bit grating. It would be more satisfying if she displayed more emotional growth and worldview changes throughout the novel. That would involve leaning further into rom-com conventions. It could still be subversive while striking a better balance of detached critique and emotional sincerity.


The Perfect Marriage: a completely gripping psychological suspense

Readers will love this suspenseful thriller by Author Jeneva Rose. The Perfect Marriage is a domestic thriller starring Sarah Morgan, a woman happily married to her husband, Adam...or so she thought. Adam has been cheating on the very hard-working breadwinner with a woman named Kelly. But when Kelly is found stabbed to death in Adam's bed, he must count on his wife to defend him. She's the only one who could win a case like this. Told in the alternating viewpoints of Sarah and Adam, the story unravels many twists and turns. The author does a fantastic job of throwing her readers off by making them assume something, only for them to find out they are completely mistaken. This book kept my attention from cover to cover, and I couldn't wait to see whether Adam would get off in the end. The character development is outstanding, but it's difficult to know who you can trust. Which characters are reliable and which ones aren't? Which ones are hiding information relating to the case?


The Icarus Needle (5) (The Icarus Saga)

One-time bounty hunter Gregory Roarke has been enjoying steady employment with the Icarus Group, but the Icarus Group has new leadership. Roarke and his Kadolian partner, Selene, find themselves at odds with the new director. The tensions lead Roarke and Selene to hijack one of the portals and crash-land it on an alien planet. The aliens they encounter both hold the Kadolians in esteem and have a connection to the portals. But their hospitality has a hidden agenda.

The Icarus Needle is the fifth book in Timothy Zahn’s Icarus Saga series. Even though this book is an exciting science fiction mystery novel, the people and events in this story need more of a passing introduction. The story will make more sense if read in order. That does not make this alien thriller any less exciting. Zahn’s novel is a blend of science fiction, mystery, and private detective thriller. Zahn leads the reader through Roarke’s thought process as he tries to stay one step ahead of his adversaries.  Along with new characters, including Gregory Roarke’s father and a new planet, Zahn introduces the reader to a new alien species that is important to the history of the Icarus portals.


Midnight Black (Gray Man)

Courtland Gentry is a man with nothing to lose, making him a dangerous individual. He is determined to get to Russia so he can locate Zoya Zhakarova, his one-time love, who many of his intelligence associates believe to be dead. In his resolve to gain covert entry into Russia, Gentry has aligned with certain unsavory elements such as the criminal underworld. When his recent attempt to gain passage to Russia fails, Gentry is banged up yet many mobsters are left dead.

The agency learns of Gentry’s recent exploits but believes they’re futile. However, certain elements of Russian intelligence know also and they await Gentry’s infiltration with anticipation. Meanwhile, Zach Hightower, a friend of Gentry’s has been sprung from a private holding facility by the CIA so he can assist Russian dissidents in liberating a political prisoner. A resistance has been building in Russia and is awaiting its ignition point.

The continuing tensions involving Russia and Ukraine provide the backdrop for the latest exhilarating novel from author Mark Greaney (The Chaos Agent). While Gentry’s motivation is simple and pure, those seeking to manipulate him possess Machiavellian thinking. Greaney’s narrative is stellar from start to finish and resumes the “Gray Man” saga finely.


Monster Hunter Memoirs: Saints (3)

An eminently readable tome, as we’ve come to expect from these master wordsmiths. Impossible to put down, as I discovered from a ‘night’s’ sleep that didn’t begin until early morning.

Oliver Chadwick Gardenier, “call me Chad” alternates between fine dining/wining/womanizing, (aided by his, s’welp me, refined manservant) to being a deadly, foul-mouthed former marine Monster Hunter.

As a linguistically gifted intellectual, our killer has penned dictionaries in Yeti, Sasquatch, and Gnoll. He is equally adroit with a .50 Barrett, a Ma Deuce, or thermite.

This page turner extols and shows teamwork, from fire-team level in otherworldly close combats, to major inter-agency operations whilst Saving The World.

Writing finesse in Saints demonstrates close teamwork on both authorial and editorial levels. Wildly imaginative, pulse-pounding fighting makes for juicy reading; such conflict situations are seasonally sown, cultivated, and reaped. They alternate with soothing, research and philosophizing follow times. But the tale’s central, well-teased conflict is not only constantly lurking, but may be said to underly, in its Monster Hunter universe, Chad’s Hoodoo-haunted home of New Orleans.

Saints is desirable as a stand-alone; however, it would be more rewarding to read in conjunction with the rest of the Monster Hunter Memoir series. Buy ‘em all!


The Plagiarism Plot

“The Plagiarism Plot takes clinical research and scientific motives to a whole new level with its intricate story and likable main characters. This book is a step above others in its genre. Cooper’s ability to craft a plot that is so fascinating is an art. The Plagiarism Plot will engage readers of all ages and backgrounds.” —Kathryn Dare, San Francisco Book Review


The Plagiarism Plot

“Another spectacular medical thriller by Geoffrey M Cooper, The Plagiarism Plot will have readers eyeballs deep in this multi-faceted mystery. Richmond and Parker are at it again, quickly unraveling the clues in an attempt to reduce the body count. Fast-paced and well-detailed, this is a book that readers won’t want to put down.” —Kristi Elizabeth, Manhattan Book Review


JOB JUNKY

"Rudy Ridolfo's Job Junky is a humorous memoir filled with diverse job experiences. Rudy writes matter-of-factly, quickly getting to the most attention-grabbing part of his stories—from near-death moments and sudden brawls to challenging movie projects. Job Junky is perfect for filmmaking enthusiasts and readers who have had or wonder what it's like to have multiple jobs in a lifetime. A very entertaining page-turner!"—Foluso Falaye, San Francisco Book Review


Junior

Junior Beauchamp takes the drawing assignment of his third-grade teacher seriously, unlike most of the assignments he is given. But when one of the kids in the class bullies Junior about being on the free lunch program, he drives his pencil into the boy’s thigh.

Junior gets a job at a service station in his teens that gives him access to easy beer and his boss’s car for him and his friends and gives him time away from taking care of his junkie mother, Amber Lee, and little brother, JP. Junior confronts Rick, a man working on the roof of the house his mother rents, about having assaulted a neighbor's child, and Rick ends up dead. Junior disposes of the body in a horrific manner.

Thomas Robert Gunne comes to town. He’s a local boy who became a state trooper but now works plain clothes. Thom and Amber Lee have some history. He’s there to look into the local drug trade and a guy named Stosh who runs the local pharmacy, but Thom’s aware of the pedophile/roofer who has gone missing.

The school counselor wants Junior to go to art school after graduation and arranges for a scholarship for him. But he needs to keep his nose clean to make that happen, and with the kind of rage he carries around and lets loose now and then, everything is in danger of coming apart.

Amber leaves town for a while, leaving Junior and JP on their own. They get evicted and end up with Bluepriest, a Black hermit, who becomes something of a mentor for the boys. Junior works odd jobs and releases his rage on people who don’t know what they have unleashed. Meanwhile, Amber is being stalked by Buddy Biszewski, bad news from her past.

Interspersed among the story chapters are short police report chapters with interviews with various characters readers have met in the story. They pull the pieces together and pull the story along to its untidy, but believable, conclusion.

Author Jon Boilard has created a most interesting cast of characters, all of whom are believable though few are people with whom one would like to spend time. There are so many characters, it is a bit hard to keep track. The story is set in rural western Massachusetts, although there is a southern rhythm throughout the book. The story is compelling and quite unpredictable.

The writing is good, but the author uses a lazy style of writing without appropriate grammar; most specifically, he foregoes the use of quotation marks. It makes it particularly difficult to discern where dialogue begins and ends. The publisher describes the book as a coming-of-age story, but no one should mistake this as a book for young people. It is not. Readers who are looking for tension on every page will like this book.


Down And Out In The River City

"Down And Out In The River City by Wm. Stage is a tale that's rich with intriguing characters and a very busy plot. Francis's captivating exploration of a man's last days and his remarkable encounters with both friends and foes create a captivating chaos and multiple irresistible twists. Stage's thrilling, hilarious rollercoaster will compel you to read without interruptions and stick to the very end." —Foluso Falaye, Seattle Book Review


Cicero James, Miracle Worker

Cicero James is a Miracle Worker. He is one of those gifted enough and dedicated to keeping the rest of us “Blissfuls” safe. You know, the blissfully ignorant. But it all went south on a routine Working. As you can imagine, waking up on the autopsy table was a big surprise to Cicero. But finding out that you might be immortal is not the flex you might think it is. On top of that, he is being investigated for illegal resurrections. Cicero struggles to understand what is happening to him while staying one step ahead of the law and those who will do anything to take his newfound powers.

Cicero James, Miracle Worker is an exciting new urban fantasy by Hal Emerson. Set in San Francisco and Emerson’s world-building location of the Twilight House. This novel blends real locations and a creative alternate world. Like in many urban fantasies, Emerson establishes rules for how the powers work and the workings of the Twilight House. Even though the working of these rules is complex, the plot stays intact, and the characters do not exhibit unknown or extra abilities. As in many urban fantasies, this novel has elements of crime fiction with a lot of mystery and intrigue. Emerson leaves Cicero and the reader in the dark until events reveal themselves.

The story is told through the point of view of Cicero James, Emerson’s main character. As explained by Cicero, the telling is the recollections of the events that make up the novel. As readers, we get a front-row seat to Cicero’s inner workings. Hence, all descriptions of other characters and locations are from his point of view. Even though the reader only gets a secondhand introduction, the details and descriptions of characters, places, and events are fully detailed and explicit. As a bonus, the reader gets a full dose of Cicero’s snarky attitude.

Of all the great lines to start a story, Emerson’s opening ranks near the top. “My name is Cicero James, and I died last Thursday.” After hooking the reader with a great opener, Emerson throws a solid cast of well-developed characters at the reader. He tops it off with an intruding and unique plot. And action, lots of action, from intense fight scenes to dramatic escapes. Emerson’s urban fantasy checks all the boxes with a contemporary feeling. Fans of The Dresden Files, The Iron Druid Chronicles, or The Hollows will enjoy getting to know Cicero James, Miracle Worker.


Cicero James, Miracle Worker

If you’re looking for a fast-paced adventure with sharp humor, mind-bending magic, and some seriously creative world-building, Cicero James: Miracle Worker is the book for you. Hal Emerson takes readers on a rollercoaster of chaos, wit, and unexpected depth that makes it impossible to put this one down.

The story centers on Cicero James, a Worker with the unique ability to manipulate reality by channeling his beliefs. While that might sound like a superhero setup, Cicero is more of a reluctant problem-solver with a quick tongue and a knack for getting himself into trouble. The book starts with him casually revealing that he’s died nine times in one week—and things only get wilder from there. From battling nightmarish terrors to unraveling the mysteries of the Space Between Spaces, Cicero’s journey is as unpredictable as it is thrilling.

Emerson has created a rich, immersive world in this version of San Francisco. It’s a place where the supernatural is hidden just beneath the surface, blending seamlessly with the city’s familiar chaos. The concept of Workers—people who bend reality through sheer willpower and a touch of madness—is refreshingly original and packed with fascinating details. The terrors Cicero faces are terrifyingly vivid, and the rules of the world are intricate yet compelling, rewarding readers who love digging into complex systems.

What really stands out, though, is the tone. Cicero’s narration is biting and self-aware, full of dry humor and vivid descriptions that make even the darkest moments oddly entertaining. But it’s not all jokes—Emerson weaves in moments of real vulnerability and introspection as Cicero grapples with his own limitations, fears, and responsibilities. It’s this emotional depth that gives the book weight and makes Cicero such a relatable and compelling character.

The pacing is relentless, and while the world-building can feel dense at times, it’s worth sticking with. Emerson’s attention to detail pays off in spades as the story unfolds, pulling readers deeper into the layered and unpredictable world he’s crafted.

Cicero James: Miracle Worker is a wild, engaging read filled with action, heart, and clever twists. If you’re into stories that blend the supernatural with sharp humor and emotional depth, this book will keep you hooked from start to finish.


Cicero James, Miracle Worker

Any book that opens with the death of its main character has a good chance of being a wild ride, and Hal Emerson’s latest book is certainly that. The dying part isn’t necessarily a surprise, at least not to Cicero James. He has a dangerous career, after all, and when fighting creatures which have made their way into our world to cause destruction and death, there’s always a chance that the death and destruction might be his.

What surprises him (though not a savvy fantasy reader) is his sudden return from the dead.

This surprise resurrection throws Cicero into a fast-paced story of magic, betrayal, and uncertainty that had me hooked the whole way through. It’s unlike many other urban fantasies I’ve come across. Rather than filling the world with all manner of fantastical or folkloric creatures, Emerson keeps things simple. Some people are able to work miracles, while most remain ignorant of the wonders and dangers which surround them. The dangers are the closest the book gets to dabbling in supernatural creatures: beings from outside the fabric of our reality can creep in or be drawn in, and Miracle Workers like Cicero are meant to dispatch them, to keep the rest of us safe.

The world of Miracle Workers felt alive and vibrant, and the characters were sharp and intriguing. I was fascinated by not only the central conflict but also the worldbuilding and the themes which emerged through the book. Emerson has a knack for making the book feel timely and present without seeming like it will wind up being dated in five years, which is possibly the hardest trick to pull off in writing urban fantasy. (Possibly it will be, but it’s hard to tell how much will change in five years. What matters more is that it feels timely and present now.)

The only reason I took off one star from the rating was the way some of the themes played out in the end. Emerson has a fascinating setup that I thoroughly enjoyed, and I was intrigued by the themes he worked into the story, but some of them appeared too suddenly or felt too blandly presented. The book is still enjoyable; it simply could have had a touch more.

I highly recommend this book to fans of urban fantasy and anyone who wants a quick, engaging read. I don’t know whether Emerson will write more in this world, but I do know I will look for more of his work.


Cicero James, Miracle Worker

Hal Emerson’s Cicero James: Miracle Worker is a whirlwind of high-concept science fiction fused with gritty urban fantasy, creating a riveting narrative that is equal parts thrilling, philosophical, and darkly comedic. From its explosive opening—Cicero nonchalantly announcing his death nine times in a week—to its electrifying battles and existential ruminations, this book grips readers by the collar and refuses to let go.

Cicero James is not your average protagonist. A self-aware narrator with a knack for gallows humor, he introduces readers to a hidden world of "Workers"—individuals who manipulate reality itself through belief-fueled miracles. Emerson’s San Francisco is both familiar and alien, its vibrant chaos punctuated by glimpses of the supernatural. The concept of Workers is ingeniously constructed, blending elements of science, magic, and madness in a way that feels fresh and logical within its own rules.

The stakes are sky-high. Cicero, a jaded miracle worker with a penchant for Shakespearean tattoos and chaos, finds himself pitted against Terrors—manifestations of human fear from a liminal realm known as the Space Between Spaces. Emerson excels at capturing the visceral intensity of these confrontations, with descriptions so vivid they practically leap off the page. Yet, it’s the quieter moments of reflection and world-building that truly shine, grounding the narrative in a poignant exploration of identity, belief, and the cost of power.

Emerson’s prose is sharp and kinetic, filled with wry wit and evocative imagery. The pacing is relentless, though occasionally the density of the world-building might overwhelm readers unfamiliar with intricate sci-fi systems. However, for fans of layered speculative fiction, this complexity is a gift, revealing deeper nuances upon each reread.

The novel also delves into timely themes: the fragility of reality, the consequences of unchecked power, and the resilience required to fight overwhelming darkness. Cicero’s journey is not just a battle against external foes but an exploration of his own fractured psyche—a balance of heroism and humanity that makes him unforgettable.

Cicero James: Miracle Worker is a standout in the genre, seamlessly merging high-octane action with intellectual depth. Emerson has crafted a narrative as thought-provoking as it is entertaining, cementing his place as a must-read voice in modern sci-fi. For those who relish a mix of humor, heart, and high-stakes tension, this is a must-add to your bookshelf.


Cicero James, Miracle Worker

What would you do if you suddenly found yourself hunted for powers you didn’t know how you got them? This is the reality for Cicero James, a miracle worker with supernatural abilities. These Workers blend seamlessly into the human population, concealing their powers while adhering to strict rules and a hierarchy akin to that of ordinary society. Cicero leads a quiet life as an employee at a tech company in San Francisco and prefers to work solo most of the time.

His role as a miracle worker involves mending the cracks in reality, but everything changes during a routine job when he encounters malevolent forces known as the Terror. In the ensuing battle, the forces overpower him, and eventually, Cicero is killed. However, in a shocking twist, he awakens in the morgue to discover he’s not only alive but now immortal. This unexpected turn of events puts him under investigation by the supervisors eager to understand how such a phenomenon occurred. Thankfully, Cicero has the support of Marlowe, his trusted friend and mentor, along with a few other allies from the worker community.

Together, they navigate this bewildering new reality as Cicero seeks answers about his resurrection. As a Miracle Worker, Cicero is bound by rules that dictate when and how he can use his abilities. Raising the dead is strictly forbidden—especially self-resurrection—so how did this happen to him? This mystery drives Cicero’s quest for understanding while he balances his ordinary job and his extraordinary responsibilities.

Cicero is an eccentric yet lovable character, often coming across as shy around women. His interactions with others are genuine and heartfelt, making him relatable to readers. Hal Emerson’s Cicero James, Miracle Worker is an engaging novel that expertly weaves action with interesting characters. As Cicero juggles his normal work life with his duties as a miracle worker, readers are drawn into his world filled with challenges and triumphs. The book showcases not only the action-packed moments but also the depth of relationships within the worker community. Ultimately, Cicero James explores themes of identity, friendship, and the struggle between normalcy and extraordinary abilities. It invites readers to ponder what it means to be different while highlighting the importance of support systems during difficult times. With its well-paced plot and engaging characters, this novel offers an intriguing glimpse into a world where superpowers exist alongside everyday life. I thoroughly enjoyed the novel and would recommend it to anyone seeking an imaginative escape from reality.


Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave: A Novel (The Finlay Donovan Series, 5)

Elle Cosimano is back with the fifth installment of the Finlay Donovan series, and this was one of the best yet! The mystery novel begins with the arrest of Finlay’s ex-husband, Steven, as he is investigated for his involvement in a suspicious death in Finlay’s neighborhood. The body was uncovered in the backyard of Mrs. Haggerty, the neighborhood’s resident busybody who knows far too many details about Finlay’s past offenses. Unexpectedly, Mrs. Haggerty bunks up with Finlay, and she and Vero become suspicious of their elderly neighbor. Soon, the duo discovers that Mrs. Haggerty’s book club may be a cover-up for some criminal activities!

What a fun read! I’ve greatly enjoyed the series, yet the prior few novels seemed to lose some of their original spark.

However, Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave was a welcome return to a propulsive plot with a winning blend of comedy and intrigue. I appreciated that Finlay and Nick’s relationship finally progressed, and Finlay became honest about her past. I adored the storyline with Mrs. Haggerty – she was such a lively character that it was hard not to love. This one ends on a cliffhanger, so I look forward to the next book!


Hang On St. Christopher (The Sean Duffy Series)

Sean Duffy may not court trouble, but it usually finds its way onto his dance card. His police career is in its latter days, and he is settling down with his small family. The winding down of his law enforcement career has him working in traffic instead of homicide cases. However, Duffy and his friend, Sergeant John McCrabban, are ordered to work on the murder case of an apparent carjacking victim. The case rapidly becomes complex as the victim’s identity is unknown, and Duffy and McCrabban surmise that car theft wasn’t the primary motive. As the pair investigate the victim further, they learn that he is connected to a renegade faction of the Irish Republican Army. “The Troubles” have been ongoing for decades, and Northern Ireland remains a powderkeg. A pension is not the only thing Duffy stands to lose if he steps on the wrong toes in his latest case.

Hang On St. Christopher is the latest release from the immensely talented and versatile Adrian McKinty (The Island”. Sean Duffy has remained a captivating character since his introduction in “The Cold Cold Ground”; his attributes and foibles render him a memorable creation. Adrian McKinty continues to grow as a literary talent.


Barely Visible: Mothering a Son Through His Misunderstood Autism

The author Kathleen Somers recounts in repetitive detail the behavioral oddities that her son exhibited during his twenty-three years of growth. Deeply attached to her only child, the newly divorced mother sought myriad strategies to try to transmute his neurodivergent behaviors to those exhibited by normal boys. Seeking to build a conventional family which would enfold her son, she describes the two sexual affairs she embraced, but from which her son distanced himself.

While possessing a volume describing Aspergers syndrome, she dismisses this resource as too technical and doesn’t bother to read it. She complains about the boy’s peers, educators, and employers not understanding her son’s bizarre behavior, yet she doesn’t bother to explain to them that his brain perceives the world a bit differently.

In attempting to transform her son into a normal success, the mothers spends a fortune on sports activities, various private colleges, several tutors, a modeling portfolio, and car repairs, but none of these attempts change the autistic challenges of problems with social interaction, anxiety, repetitive routines, food fetishes, and other misunderstood behaviors that he continually displays.

Unfortunately, the mother rails against her inability to remold her son when in reality she should have been working with specialists to find ways to adapt his neural differences in ways to enable functioning within the social milieu.


I Know What UFO Did Last Summer (Alien Survival Guide)

I Know What UFO Did Last Summer by Kevin Garone has everything a good sci-fi story needs—UFOs, teleportation, crazy alien monsters, a suspected conspiracy, and the threat of alien invasion—basically everything... except actual aliens!

Marv is twelve years old and sees a mysterious craft appear. He knows from his guidebook on alien invasions how to deal with such situations! Marv decides that the only possible conclusion is that an invasion is coming, but the problem is that no one believes him. Not his family, his best friend, or the National Guard! It’s up to Marv and his two other friends to figure out what's going on and save the world from imminent destruction... at least that’s what he thinks!

I’ve listened to several good sci-fi books, and this one falls into the excellent category too. I liked the first-person point-of-view, because we know precisely what Marv is thinking, even if it’s not exactly correct. (But in the long run, it is. You’ll have to read the book to find out how!)


Accidents Happen and Other Stories

People in poverty get entangled in unscrupulous webs of deceit. Details of a murder become part of the intricate narrative, and justice is a character waiting in the sidelines. In Accidents Happen: Stories, Philippine National Book Award winner F.H. Batacan weaves the themes of class and gender inequalities with setting and atmosphere. These elements enhances tension and immerses the reader in the intimate world of the crime, accidental or otherwise.

Having lived in Manila through my mid-teens, I am familiar with the sociopolitical dynamics of corruption, paternalism, and patriarchy that make horrendous acts possible. I commend Batacan’s exceptional skill at fictionalizing  the crude realities of life in the Philippines, from a small-town murder to unnamable exploitation that goes both ways. It is hard to ignore the violence and brutality exacted by male characters in the stories. Men who use their physical strength to commit violence: from a two-hundred-pound man who uses his strength to overpower a young girl to an entitled obese spoiled man-child who tortures his stepsister.

This is an excellent read for anyone who relishes stories that involve ambiguity and moral complexity. Batacan excels in the fundamentals of crime fiction: building and maintaining suspense, complex characters, and a gripping plot that keeps readers engaged until the final page. Revelations come in the most unexpected moments, as Batacan balances withholding information with giving away just enough to sustain intrigue.


The Yogi’s Way: Transform Your Mind, Health, and Reality

In The Yogi's Way, the author provides a twelve-week plan to help readers transform the mind, body, and spirit. Ms. Datta provides a thorough explanation of the roots of yoga and how it is more than just a few poses that we often recognize in the West. I appreciated learning about this long history and how, by following the program she sets out in the book, I could change my mindset and even improve my health as well. I especially like the fact that the program starts slowly and builds up over the weeks so that you are not initially overwhelmed with tasks you will not be able to stick to. This is a routine that anyone could follow.

I also enjoyed the section about self-healing and the questionnaire the author provides to help readers find their constitution by determining if they are Vata, Pitta, or Kapha. Knowing this allows one to focus on what might be best in terms of focus and practice as part of your journey through this program. Overall, I would say this is a good book for anyone seeking to transform their life.


The Empty Path: Finding Fulfillment Through the Radical Art of Lessening

Billy Wynne’s The Empty Path is a candid and deeply introspective memoir that traces the author’s personal and spiritual evolution through struggle, loss, ambition, and ultimately, awakening. With clarity and vulnerability, Wynne reflects on a childhood shaped by his parents’ divorce and his father’s dramatic fall from grace. These events sowed seeds of pain and longing in the young Wynne. In response, he poured himself into achievement, rising to success as a health policy expert and entrepreneur.

Yet, beneath the surface, unexamined habits and a growing reliance on alcohol strained his marriage and well-being. Wynne doesn’t shy away from recounting these darker moments; instead, he shares them with striking honesty, inviting readers into the discomfort and learning that followed. The turning point came with his embrace of meditation and the Zen tradition, leading him to take Buddhist vows even while confronting his addiction.

I engaged with the book from my vantage point as a Soto Zen student. The most impactful parts of the book illuminate Wynne’s testimony for what he calls “the art of lessening.” He embodies the Buddhist understanding of emptiness not as a void, but as a path to joy, presence, and peace. More than a story of personal redemption, The Empty Path is a moving meditation on letting go, living simply, and finding meaning in the stillness of each moment.


The Wounds Are the Witness: Black Faith Weaving Memory into Justice and Healing

Faith and reverence from the perspective of Black church is a powerful force that has shaped the struggle of a people who defied all odds to live triumphantly. In The Wounds are the Witness, womanist theologian Dr. Yolanda Pierce draws upon the sordid history of Black enslavement, struggle for racial equality, and the persistent fight for justice. Rooted in her upbringing and lifelong service in the Pentecostal tradition, Pierce’s essays center memory of Black life in the United States, bearing witness to the survival of the Black spirit amid unspeakable dehumanization during the Jim and Jane Crow era to modern-day acts of violence on Black bodies. Pierce draws upon her own lived experiences, deep reading of scripture, the theological legacy of Howard Thurman and Pauli Murray, and allegories of Toni Morrison and Zora Neale Hurston, all of which underscore the role of faith in the fight for racial justice.

As a non-Black immigrant woman of color and an advocate for racial justice, I engaged with Pierce’s work from the perspective of my own people’s (Filipinos) struggle against colonization. Dr. Pierce's uplifting testimony is a powerful reminder of the role of faith in restoration. She shares evidence of inequities rooted in anti-Blackness, from environmental injustice, wealth inequality, and police brutality. Yet, Dr. Pierce insists that abiding faith, regardless of the challenges, holds the promise of restoration from brokenness and woundedness.


Gothictown

The pandemic killed Billie Hope’s thriving restaurant, and so she lives in a cramped apartment in New York City with her husband and daughter, just waiting for a change. It comes in the form of an email from a small town in Georgia with the claim that she can buy a beautiful home for a hundred dollars and a grant to open a new restaurant. It sounds too good to be true, but everything seems legit. Billie packs up her life and moves to Juliana, only to have things take a turn for the strange not soon after. They all begin having weird dreams, taking a toll on her marriage. This Gothictown, full of the Old Guard, has secrets buried that they don’t want anyone to find. Once Billie finds them, she’ll be staying forever, one way or another.

Much of this story reminded me of a mixture of Stepford Wives and Hot Fuzz, but in a less funny way. The story was fine but not particularly attention-grabbing. I found the suspense and horror a little lacking. If you want something to fill your time, this is ok.


White Line Fever

Ever heard of County Road 951? You’ll find it in Central Oregon, near the Cascade foothills? No? I’m not too surprised. But you see, it’s also known by another name: The Devil’s Driveway.

It’s only 15 miles long and has been closed off for some time. Warning and DO NOT ENTER signs posted everywhere. It’s easy to avoid and keep away from. But by the same token, if you’re curious about what you might find along the road, there’s not much stopping you if you were to travel.

White Line Fever opens with a trio of YouTubers looking to make a new episode of their show about the infamous Devil’s Driveway. They set up the shot, on a motorcycle, camera running, and then things go horribly wrong and lives are lost.

The book follows a small group of long-time friends taking a drive through our main character, Livia, who has left her cheating partner. They stumble across County Road 951 by accident and make the ill choice to go down it. Their lives will be irrevocably changed forever, as they will come face to face with their nightmares, and only through helping each other and working together will they stand a chance of surviving.


All the Hearts You Eat

Ivory Sloan waded into the chilly New England waters without fanfare and hoped to retain her anonymity. However, discovering a body on the beach of Cape Morning alters Ivory’s plans. Ivory’s shock is soon overwhelmed with curiosity as she finds a letter near the body. Ivory snatches the possible evidence and leaves the beach in due haste. The letter is a poem that may hint at the author’s suicide. The author is listed as Cabrina Brite. Ivory soon believes that there is an otherworldly presence that she can’t shake free from. Cabrina’s best friends, Xi and Rex, feel the same way and attempt to commune with Cabrina’s spirit. As Ivory looks into Cabrina’s life, she discovers that they both sought an identity that others denied and/or ridiculed. Whereas Xi and Rex seek to understand their friend’s death, Ivory’s quest takes her down a rabbit hole of unimaginable consequences.

All the Hearts You Eat consistently delivers the unexpected in a novel that doesn’t restrict itself to one genre. Author Hailey Piper has written a book that excels in its ability to terrify yet alternatively be cerebral in its subject matter relating to identity, love, and grief. This book is destined to turn some heads.


Dogs and Monsters

Dogs and Monsters: Stories by Mark Haddon is an entrancing collection of eight classic Greek myths reimagined in Haddon’s trademark imaginative and carefully crafted style. While there have been numerous mythological retellings on the new release tables as of late, Greek and otherwise, I was beyond impressed with Haddon’s unique approach to this growing subgenre. Inside, you’ll find Pasiphae, the mother of the monstrous Minotaur, as she struggles to protect her outcast offspring. Question your own sense of mortality as Tithonus lives out his eternal life, one year at a time. Picture the previously solid line between man and animal blur as Actaeon goes from hunter to prey. Instead of simply retelling any one of these stories, as I’ve seen done skillfully with so many other books with a similar theme, Haddon deftly highlights vividly passionate depictions of the primal hopes and fears that make us human while seamlessly interweaving modern anxieties and contemporary fears throughout, leaving you with such a personal empathetic connection with each character that it’s genuinely hard to shake them loose after closing the cover.


Zawa + The Belly of the Beast

The guardian spirit of a revered mountain has been secluded and hidden away, with nothing to feed on but sludge and garbage. Meanwhile, the people of Mesa’s Boon are obsessed with industrialism’s decay, with the mayor forbidding the planting of trees. An urban legend about monsters hiding in the bowels of the mountain has been around for a while.

Few things nourish the heart and spirit more than meals created with love and shared with friends. Siblings Bandit and Thatcher Blackbird stumble upon the guardian, Zawa, who is derelict and unrecognizable after a long period of neglect. She regains her strength through food lovingly prepared by Chef Bandit. Soon, the accomplices learn of Zawa’s true nature and the lies they long believed to be the truth. Helping her escape will mean defying powerful leaders and convincing others to change their ways.

Zawa and the Belly of the Beast is a vibrant and compelling tale that warns against the spoils of unchecked development and industrialization. The story instills hope by showing how young people can make a difference by being smart and relying on each other. Writer and illustrator Michael Dialyna builds upon myths of mountain deities as protectors of the land. The bright and vivid colors bring out both the disgusting wasteland of urbanization and the inviting beauty of the wilds. The metaphor of food and feasting figures prominently in the story, as nourishing the environment back to health requires intentional offerings.


Coup de Grâce

This novella is hard to read. Sofia Ajram is the architect of a disturbing labyrinth deep underground—or perhaps deep in the protagonist’s mind. The blueprint contains deep depression, self-harm, and suicidal ideation. Construction adds flowery language over layers of body horror, psychological thriller, and nightmare dreamscapes.

Vicken is ready to commit suicide. That is until he meets a handsome man on the metro on the path to his final destination. Does that change his mind? The only thing clear in this grotesque novella is that Vicken gets lost. At some point, the metro transforms into an inescapable puzzle. Brutalist design traps Vicken in a loop of hallways, rooms, and unknowable horrors hiding around every concrete corner.

In the '90s, Alice Notley gave us a feminist subversion of the epic poem tradition in her Descent of Alette. In 2020's horror, Sofia Ajram uses a similar setting to show the reader that Dante’s Inferno can play out all in one poor soul’s mind. Coup de Grâce is a book for abstract horror fans prepared to navigate the scary stories our own minds tell us when we get lost in the maze of our mental health.


Inheriting Magic: My Journey Through Grief, Joy, Celebration, and Making Every Day Magical

Human nature is characterized by its ups and downs, leading us to experience intense emotions – from happiness to sadness – that can visit anyone for no particular reason and for varying lengths of time. Jennifer Love Hewitt, known as an American actress, singer, and producer, has faced her share of heartache and grief, particularly through the irreplaceable loss of her mother. In her latest book, Inheriting Magic, she opens up about her mother's death and the impact it had on her life. Yet Jennifer offers hope and light by sharing how the concept of "magic" has helped her navigate these challenging times and continues to guide her daily.

It is common for people to hold celebrities and those in the spotlight to a higher standard, assuming their lives are perfect. Inheriting Magic is not a comprehensive autobiography, but it focuses on a specific event that has shaped her through the years. The book illustrates how one determined woman has processed her grief while managing successful career roles in film and as a wife and mother at home. The book's format is part memoir, part family photo album, and part recipe book – everything needed to create a comprehensive picture of love, hope, and magic.