TJ Hawkins | Thriller

T.J. Hawkins’ The Alpha Particle is a compelling blend of political intrigue, espionage, and science fiction wrapped around a gripping plot that explores the manipulation of power by both state and emergent terrorist threats. The narrative follows Tom Rivers, an unsuspecting architecture professional turned sleeper agent, who finds himself embroiled in a high-stakes battle against a group of terrorists led by the clever and ruthless Mohammed Baqri. Baqri is supported by a shadowy organization known as The Collective, which has an agenda of its own. Tom is helped by his wife, who is also a well-trained asset. Tom and Luna must travel to the US at the behest of the president; Bailey's plot to...

Richard W. Kelly | Fiction - Thriller - Psychological

In The American Martyr by Richard W. Kelly, we are introduced to Brian Brample, a 16-year-old boy navigating his youth and struggling to find his foothold. Through a series of vignettes and scenes, we witness Brian's journey from a seemingly ordinary teenager to a young man forever changed by a decision from a government that seems not to care about the lives of young people. As Brian navigates his daily life, working as a waiter at a small movie theater, we see glimpses of his inner turmoil. He is aware of the darker aspects of the world, the terror and despair lurking beneath American life's surface. Despite this, he seems stuck in a state of numbness, unable to engage with the world aroun...

Zoe Disigny | Fiction - Womens

Zoe Disigny's The Art of Traveling Strangers explores personal transformation against the backdrop of art and travel. Claire Markham embarks on a transformative journey to Europe as an art guide, hoping to escape the emotional toll of her recent divorce and strained relationship with her daughter, Amber. The novel reveals Claire's internal struggles and features vibrant characters, particularly her employer, Viv Chancey, whose exuberance and impulsive nature challenge Claire's sense of control. The novel begins with an evocative scene aboard Claire’s flight to Europe, where she reflects on her life through the lens of art. Disigny skillfully illustrates how art can symbolize personal experie...

Darcy Flynn | Fiction - Mystery -Murder

Darcy Flynn's The Detective's Daughter delivers a captivating blend of romantic suspense and mystery, a perfect read for sleuth fans. The novel follows Lucy Carmichael, a young woman returning to her childhood home in Diamond Creek, Arkansas, to uncover the truth behind her detective father's unsolved murder twenty years prior. She is armed with an old video and meager sleuth skills. The Victorian house harbors secrets beyond her past. Her investigation is fueled by fragmented memories and a vintage videotape, leading her to examine key evidence and suspects from the original case file while navigating new encounters and building relationships. The arrival of Malcolm Knox, a mysterious Scott...

Gail Ward Olmsted | Fiction - Womens

In Guessing at Normal, Gail Ward Olmsted delivers a gripping romance that deftly explores themes of identity, belonging, and the complications of love against the backdrop of the tumultuous music industry. The novel follows the journey of Jill Griffin, a young woman seeking normalcy amid a chaotic life filled with dysfunctional family relationships and a burgeoning romance with James Sheridan, a struggling musician. Readers are introduced to a cast of characters who contribute richly to Jill's journey of self-discovery and the quest for authentic connection. Jill is a relatable heroine whose insecurities stem from her troubled upbringing. Her interactions with James reveal her brok...

Tolu' A. Akinyemi | Poetry - General

Tolu’ A. Akinyemi’s poetry collection, You Need More Than Dreams, is a poignant and incisive exploration of youth, identity, and the pursuit of dreams. Akinyemi offers a collection that resonates with raw emotion, sharp observations, and a clear message: dreams alone are insufficient; action, grit, and self-awareness are essential to success. This collection is crafted for young audiences and features two parts. Part 1 dives deep into the experiences of young people. “Best of My Youth” sets the stage, reflecting on a life of emotional extremes and a quest for self-definition: ‘The best of my youth was spent/wiping out / labels. / I wasn’t my father’s mirror image nor the / caricature of my m...

MIKE J B | Children - Fiction

In The Angry Toolbox Adventures, author Mike J.B. crafts a whimsical and engaging narrative that explores themes of friendship, teamwork, and perseverance through the adventures of a young boy and his animated toolbox. Set within the cozy confines of Leroy's home, the story begins on a frosty winter morning, with Leroy's enthusiasm for his toolbox foreshadowing the adventure ahead. As the festive decorations are taken down, the household dynamics are beautifully illustrated, providing a backdrop for Leroy's close relationship with his family, including his forgetful Grandad. The central conflict soon arises as the angry toolbox, personified with delightful characteristics, awakens to a...

Kirsten Pursell | Romance

In The Scarlet D by Kirsten Pursell, Scarlet embarks on a daring journey of self-reinvention after a thirty-year marriage crumbles. Seeking solace on Sullivan's Island, she joins a divorced women's book club, hoping to connect with like-minded souls. Amidst the stunning backdrop of South Carolina, her dormant desires come to life when she encounters the charming Ben, a younger man who challenges her boundaries. However, the confident Beau, a maturer suitor and a man more suited for her age, offers a glimpse of true connection. As past wounds resurface with the arrival of an old flame, Scarlet must navigate love, judgment, and the possibility of a second chance. The novel opens with Scarlet's...

Colin Dodds | Fiction - Literary

The Reign of the Anti-Santas by Colin Dodds is a unique and audacious Christmas tale that takes readers on a rollercoaster ride through a world where the holiday spirit collides head-on with corporate greed, scandal, and societal change. The story is narrated by Elvin, an elf with a front-row seat to the evolution and devolution of Christmas. Elvin's journey begins when he unwittingly accompanies Santa Claus on a Christmas Eve trip, setting the stage for a decades-long adventure filled with intrigue and danger. Dodds creates a narrative that includes Santa's secret affairs, the PR scandal that catapults Rudolph to fame, and the encroachment of humanity on the North Pole. What makes this book...

Catherine Kenwell | Memoir

Life After Loss: Reflections on Moments of Grace and Courage in Grief is a deeply personal and relatable collection of stories about experiences of loss, grief, and healing. The author, Catherine Kenwell, has curated diverse contributions from individuals who have faced various forms of loss, trauma, and heartbreak. The book highlights the importance of acknowledging and validating one's loss rather than trying to find a silver lining or diminish it. This approach is echoed throughout the book as contributors share their raw and unflinching experiences. The contributors share their stories of loss and grief, each unique yet resonating deeply with the others. Jason writes about the...

Laurel Colless | Children - Adventure

Knights Unite is the fourth book in the Peter Blue Series by Laurel Colless, and it follows Riva du Lac, who is determined to uphold her promise to avoid detentions at Spiral Hall. But a sea cleanup reveals Shem, a mythical fish boy, and a surprise honor from the Spiral Knights forces her to choose between rules and friendship. Meanwhile, Peter Blue has a vision of a water-dwelling monster. Can their unlikely alliance save the knights—and the world? Laurel Colless captures the delicate balance of environmental activism and adolescent adventure through the eyes of Riva, the determined twelve-year-old protagonist. The character development is both nuanced and engaging, particularly in Riva’s j...

Martin Bird | Science Fiction & Fantasy

 In Destroyer of Worlds, Martin Bird pens an engrossing fantasy filled with existential inquiry, vivid landscapes, and richly drawn characters. Set against a backdrop of a planet that is reminiscent of classic speculative fiction, the narrative follows Rintoul, a Truth-seeker from the Order of the Black Robe, whose powers of foresight evolve in a chaotic world that constantly tests his perceptions of reality. From the outset, the reader is immersed in a richly constructed world—one not entirely dissimilar to our own but suffused with intrigue and unexpected twists. The lore surrounding the Order of the Black Robe, the remnants of the Old Ones, and the mysterious stone spheres particular...