In Solitude’s Shadow by David Green is a dark fantasy novel about Calene Alpenwood, a powerful warrior-mage gifted with Spark, and her mother Zanna, who had been banished for a terrible crime.
Green is a fantastic writer, and In Solitude’s Shadow is evidence of that. From war to love and trust, Green pulls you through a whirlwind of emotions and gives you some beautifully written sentences in the process.
Read MoreLet Me Die by Virginia Babcock is a mixture of romance and gothic horror in the theme of Frankenstein, but this book isn’t just any Frankenstein story. This is a tale of love and loss and so much more.
Read MoreDead Stars and Stone Arches is an anthology of Utah Horror with nearly three dozen talented local writers.
I love these sorts of anthologies—the ones that not only have fantastic stories, poems, and flash fiction pieces, but ones meant to help build writers up. This anthology by Timber Ghost Press in association with the Horror Writers Association Utah Chapter, a nonprofit group that encourages growth and community.
Read MoreThis is a powerful and relevant reminder of the pain and turmoil of a decade that changed many of our communities forever, of the roots of still current inequalities, and of the obstacles that our political system places in the way of progressive change. It also benefits from being the account of an engaged and passionate witness.
Read MoreThe Ghost Was Always the Machine by RJ Walker is where technology meets print. RJ gives readers a chance to be more than just a passive consumer; rather, the reader comes alive with the story, solving puzzles and going through quizzes. You even get to call a number to get a machine response to a puzzle!
Read MoreWhat would you do if you could go back to your youth? The book Summoner of Sleep by A.I. Winters explores just that through a horrific fountain of youth and what humans will do to obtain that vitality.
Read MoreHeart of Swine by Freddy F. Fonseca is both strange and provocative, dealing with climate change and meat consumption. You’ll be both shocked and laughing throughout the entire novel.
Read MoreOdyssey of Love by Linda Jämsén is a memoir about finding oneself and love. After Linda seeks a medium who tells her she’s going to find the love of her life in another country, she decides to change her life and go on tons of adventures. My favorite thing is that it shows bravery and romance.
Read MoreUnexpected Friends & Relations by Jayne Bamber is a Jane Austen crossover with tales of woe, of pain, and of many different stories. I’m a bit of a classical book lover myself, so getting a chance to review something that was inspired by Austen’s stories was too tempting to pass up.
Read MorePicture this: lights, stage, and love—so many different types of love. Showmance by Arielle Morisot is set in the most theatrical of settings. We have two perspectives: Rachel Reed, a married stagel director and makeup artist with dreams of life backstage on Broadway. Then we have Hugh Davidson, a British knight, and famously gorgeous classical actor.
Read MoreLillian on Sunday is a collection of short stories by Lionel Walfish. These stories explore the nature of human existence from love stories, city fables, ghost stories, and character studies. Walfish’s stories pull the reader into a universe where anything can happen, and I especially love that, particularly in a collection of works.
Read MoreSin Eater by Amanda Denham is an urban fantasy novel about Jayde Holloway, a girl who can take away memories. I really enjoyed this book, and as the reader, you get a chance to see Jayde’s whole life, past and present, and that gives you an idea of why she reacts to things the way she does.
Read MoreALL KAAL NONE: Sac of Surpäs is a sci-fi romance novel, the first in a trilogy. The book goes through four different timelines, and the author PB Flower does a great job with imagery.
Flower does well in her exploration of human emotions, characterized in the current, dystopian, and advanced eon. I especially loved her exploration in darkness and the hidden passion of desire.
Read MoreLavender holds a special place in my heart, and the book Fun With Lavender written by Maggie Reddoch rekindled my romance with this beautiful herb. This short book provides cute and simple recipes utilizing lavender flowers and oil. It has inspired me to try some of them.
Firstly, I must call out the illustrations in this book—they are so cute and whimsical and made by the author herself! They make me want to draw cute French landscapes with soft blue skies and peaceful flower fields.
Read MoreDeep Level by Richard E. Rock is a horror novella where a small group explores a secret underground Victorian network.
The characters are three-dimensional, and I really enjoyed the insight into Rich’s world, but I didn’t love how much dialogue was throughout the story. It often felt telly or slowed the pacing down a lot. Some of the all-capped words threw me off too.
Read MoreFrankie Funder by Patrick E Douglas is a horror novel that isn’t like any horror novel I’ve ever read.
This book, from cover to story, is a great read. When I was given the book in exchange for an honest review, I was struck with what design went into crafting the book. At first, I thought I wasn’t holding a book; rather, I was holding a slab of meat! It’s clever and my all-time favorite cover. I want this nominated for an award!!
Read MorePages From the Garden Aisle by G.B. Cast is a collection of heartfelt and beautifully written love poems.
I really enjoyed how the collection starts with “The Poet’s Prayer.” Right off the bat, we’re exposed to the importance of poetry, why it’s more than just words on paper. Poetry, Cast explains, is a blessing—exposed stars—a light. It is the very thing that repairs the soul, and it’s why I love poetry so much. There’s something real and raw with a poem that can’t always be replicated in a novel.
Read MoreImprint by Nicholas Adams is a sci-fi novella about a husband, Malcom, and a wife, Cynthiana, seeking a way to bring mobility back to Cynthiana’s body.
Cynthiana suffered a terrible paralysis from “The Scald.” There were no hopes of her ever walking again—that is until Malcom found a way. Using both dedication to help his wife and his knowledge of science, he created a synthetic human, which Cynthiana could use as a means to move around.
Read MoreBeautifully Broken: Good Girl, Bad Girl series by E.R. Stowell is a compelling story about one woman’s struggles through life, love, and her own self-worth.
Our protagonist, Sarah Cook, is the ultimate Good Girl, or at least, that’s what she has made herself believe.
By Elizabeth Suggs
Reflections of an Anxious African American Dad by Eric L. Heard is a short, insightful read about a dad telling his son his experiences.
It took me a bit to get in, but once I was in, I couldn't pull myself out. This story is a collection of many stories told through a father's eyes. It felt very warm and intimate like I was listening to the author as if I was his child.
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