Apr 3, 2025 | Editors' Blog, Editorial reviews, International Review of Books, Literary, YA
The Wake of Expectations by Javier De Lucia is perfect for readers who appreciate emotionally intense, unconventional coming-of-age stories that reward patience with a raw and resonant exploration of identity, adolescence, and the messy realities of growing up.
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Which line stood out from all the others in the book?
So many relationships over the years, some positive, others negative. Some to do with coming-of-age adolescent behavior, definitely, as well as misguided attempts to achieve certain goals (getting laid, etc). One sentence in particular begins the start of one semi-friendship: “There were moments of genuine camaraderie over the years, but the friendship usually was tenuous at best”. (I’d probably call it superficial).
General Summary for Context:
This novel brims with characters—friends, flings, frenemies, and fleeting encounters—woven through a narrative that spans years of change and growth. At the center of it all is Cal, our dry-witted narrator, who’s just learned that his parents have won the lottery (cue envy), and that he’s been accepted into his dream college. You’d think he’d be celebrating. But no—Cal is too busy reflecting.
Told in his signature self-deprecating tone, Cal’s story is less about triumph than it is about navigating the chaos of life: parties, heartbreaks, awkward encounters, moments of connection and confusion. The novel unfolds as a patchwork of seemingly insignificant events that, together, chart the messy process of growing up.
Some might call it a coming-of-age story. To me, it feels more like a rude awakening—especially when, after a rollercoaster of emotional highs and lows, Cal finds himself asking, “Wait… what happened to the money?”
Concise Review:
This is a highly original and engaging journey into the life of one (seemingly average?) young man. At first, I struggled to keep track of the many people he meets and how they shape—or slip through—his life. The sheer number of encounters can feel dizzying, and initially, I felt the main character lacked depth. But as the story unfolded, I realized that might be the point: he’s still figuring himself out, stumbling through a maze of interactions, often awkward, sometimes tender, and frequently tinged with confusion.
Coming from a family of all girls, I may simply be more familiar with the emotional dramas of growing up female. The adolescent male experience portrayed here—hormonal, uncertain, occasionally crass—felt unfamiliar and, at times, jarring. But it’s also raw and honest in a way that’s hard to look away from.
This isn’t a tidy coming-of-age tale—it’s messier, funnier, and sometimes more frustrating. But it’s real. Maybe that’s what makes it resonate, even if it takes a moment to adjust to the rhythm of the world the author has created.
General Thoughts on the Novel:
Initially, the sheer volume of characters and shifting relationships made the narrative somewhat difficult to follow. However, once I began keeping a mental ledger of who was who and how each individual related to the protagonist, the story gradually drew me in. The emotional turbulence, the fleeting connections, and the often-conflicted decisions began to cohere into something compelling.
In particular, I found myself deeply frustrated—perhaps even incensed—by the events toward the end, particularly the loss of the money (a mild spoiler, though its impact is central to the story’s arc). That sense of frustration underscored how emotionally involved I had become. I wanted to shake certain characters, to urge them into self-awareness and maturity. In doing so, I realized the narrative had achieved something significant: it had made me care.
This is not a conventional coming-of-age tale. It is raw, sometimes chaotic, and frequently disorienting. But beneath that surface lies a poignant meditation on adolescence, identity, and the often-painful process of growing up. Once emotionally invested, the story resonates with clarity and meaning—and that, perhaps, is the clearest indication that it is a work of real merit.
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Mar 20, 2025 | Editorial reviews, Fantasy, International Review of Books, YA
Norbu’s Secret by Dana Klisanin is perfect for adventurous young readers and nostalgic adults who enjoy imaginative storytelling with a blend of excitement, innovation, and relatable challenges.
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Which line stood out from all the others in the book?
You may live far from the rainforest, like the orchid bee is far from the flowers, but you are vital to the rainforest’s survival. Everyone has a role to play.
General Summary for Context:
A thrilling eco-adventure through the Amazon, brimming with mystery and danger.
Lexa, Jack, Sage, and Will embark on a perilous journey into the heart of the Amazon, determined to unravel the hidden connections between EverSave, an environmental protection agency; Thistleton Academy, an innovative eco-school; and Chronnite, a shadowy corporation linked to jaguar poaching.
Guided by Norbu, an apprentice at the future G.A.I.A. Headquarters, they follow a trail shaped by a secret use of the quantum actuator—an extraordinary device that enables him to reach out to the organization’s four founders. As the team delves deeper into the jungle, they find an invaluable ally in Remi, whose Achuar family runs a rainforest eco-lodge. With her knowledge of the land and its many perils, she becomes their compass through both the physical and moral challenges that await.
Fast-paced and immersive, this story blends environmental intrigue with high-stakes adventure, making for a compelling and thought-provoking read.
Concise Review:
This is a story I thoroughly enjoyed as an adult and would have absolutely loved as a child. Brimming with adventure, innovative gadgets, and intriguing dream connections, it weaves together excitement and a sense of hope.
What stood out to me was how the challenges of saving the planet weren’t just about confronting corporations or environmental threats but also included relatable struggles—like convincing their parents to let them go. This added a refreshing layer of realism to the narrative, making the story both engaging and authentic.
General Thoughts on the Novel:
I truly appreciated the story’s emphasis on interconnectedness. As climate change becomes an increasingly urgent issue, eco-anxiety is something I believe will affect more people over time. However, this book offers a refreshing and hopeful perspective, reminding us that even young people can play a vital role in protecting the planet.
Through its engaging narrative, it not only raises awareness but also inspires action, making it a meaningful and empowering read.
Find the book here on Amazon!
Feb 28, 2025 | Editorial reviews
The Third Estate: Secrets of the Manor is perfect for fans of fast-paced thrillers with intricate conspiracies, morally complex characters, and unpredictable twists that keep you second-guessing until the final reveal.
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Which line stood out from all the others in the book?
A single decision, a moment in time, can change everything
General Summary for Context:
The Third Estate: Secrets of the Manor opens with Kai, a seasoned assassin, executing what should be just another job. But something about this kill unsettles him in a way he can’t explain.
Twelve years later, he’s assigned a new target—the husband of the very person he killed that night.
Meanwhile, Sophie, a dedicated cadet on the brink of graduating from flight academy, has spent the past four years pushing herself to be the best. But when she breaks protocol to save a fellow cadet, her future is suddenly in jeopardy. As she awaits the academy’s decision on her fate, devastating news reaches her—her adoptive father has died in an explosion.
Granted special permission to attend his memorial, Sophie soon realizes that something isn’t right. The details don’t add up. The deeper she looks, the more unsettling the truth becomes.
A mystery within a mystery, The Third Estate weaves intrigue, deception, and suspense into a gripping narrative where nothing is as it seems.
Concise Review:
Kai is an assassin, en route to complete another job—just like countless before. But something about this one feels… off. Fast forward twelve years, and he’s given a new mission, yet that same uneasy feeling lingers.
Meanwhile, Sophie is on the verge of graduating from flight academy, having dedicated years to becoming the best. But when she disobeys a direct order to save a fellow cadet, she jeopardizes everything—her career, her future, and her place in the academy. Just as she prepares to face the consequences, she receives devastating news: her adoptive father has died. Granted leave just before her final flight to attend his memorial, she arrives at the manor, where unsettling inconsistencies begin to surface. The more she digs, the more the truth unravels—until it all comes crashing down around her.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its structure. What first appear to be disconnected storylines gradually interweave, revealing a masterfully crafted puzzle that doesn’t fully snap into place until the final moments. A mystery within a mystery—secret organizations, assassins, military secrets, and a girl at the center of it all, too sharp for her own good yet completely unaware of the web of deception tightening around her.
Sophie is far from perfect, but that’s what makes her compelling. She’s flawed, impulsive, and rebellious, yet undeniably charming and full of grit. Despite being part of a rigid system, she refuses to be controlled, following her own code instead.
A thrilling mystery that keeps you constantly second-guessing, the novel delivers twists at every turn until you no longer know what to believe. And just when you think all the loose ends are tied up, the final reveal flips everything on its head—leaving you questioning everything you thought you knew.
General Thoughts on the Novel:
The Third Estate is a layered thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Just when you think you have it figured out, a shocking twist pulls you in an entirely new direction, making for an unpredictable and exhilarating read.
Fast-paced and gripping from the very first page, the novel is written in a way that fully immerses you in its world. The characters are vividly developed, leaping off the page with depth and complexity—especially Sophie. Flawed yet fiercely determined, she’s the kind of protagonist you can’t help but root for.
A thrilling blend of mystery, military intrigue, and secret organizations, the novel masterfully weaves its elements together, culminating in a satisfying and compelling conclusion that leaves you wanting more.
Highly recommended for fans of military mysteries and high-stakes thrillers with a touch of covert intrigue.
Find the book here on Amazon!
Feb 18, 2025 | Editorial reviews
We recommend Shock Pepper to readers who enjoy unconventional, twist-filled novels that take time to unfold but ultimately deliver a gripping and immersive experience, particularly those who appreciate psychological suspense and high-stakes storytelling.
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Which line stood out from all the others in the book?
It was a beautiful little girl, who looked almost like Kavitha, but not her (taken out of context) but heartbreaking, really, when you realize that her daughter was kidnapped and she mistakes a little girl for her own child, who is still missing.
General Summary for Context:
With multiple intertwining storylines, this novel is packed with intrigue, depth, and excitement. While each arc is compelling in its own right, I’ll focus on my favorite—though rest assured, there are plenty of others just as thrilling.
Sam is at rock bottom. Unemployed and drowning in debt, he’s on the verge of losing both his girlfriend (soon to be ex) and his grip on hope. With no money and no prospects, despair sets in. But just when things seem hopeless, his friend Adrian offers an unconventional solution—one that involves consulting a witch, falling into an indefinite slumber, and waking up armed with the tools for wealth and success. A foolproof plan… or is it?
Does this wild scheme actually work? That’s for you to find out. But one thing’s for sure—this novel delivers an unpredictable, exhilarating ride that keeps you hooked until the very end.
Concise Review:
At first, my mind was spinning. Just as I became engrossed in one storyline, the chapter would end, and a new one would begin with different characters and an entirely fresh plot. I had read the author’s note and knew this was intentional—but experiencing it firsthand was a unique and unexpected journey.
Once I adjusted to the rhythm of the narrative, I found myself appreciating the variety and depth each storyline brought to the book. The structure kept me engaged, always eager to see how each thread would unfold. The dialogue, at times, felt slightly unconventional, but within the distinctive world of Shock Pepper, it seemed to fit the characters and their surroundings. In the end, it added to the book’s charm rather than detracting from it.
Overall, the novel offers an intriguing, dynamic reading experience that keeps you on your toes. It’s a fascinating ride well worth taking!
General Thoughts on the Novel:
Unlike anything I’ve read before, this novel is refreshingly unique—eccentric, full of unexpected twists, and structured in a way that takes a few chapters to fully settle into. But once I did, I was completely captivated.
One storyline that particularly stood out to me was the gripping tale of a kidnapping. What begins as an innocent outing—a mother trusting a family friend to take her daughter out to play—quickly spirals into something far more sinister. I won’t spoil the details, but let’s just say the tension is palpable, and the stakes keep rising.
This book is an experience—one that pulls you into its unpredictable world and doesn’t let go. Step into Shock Pepper and see for yourself!
Find the book here on Amazon!
Jan 14, 2025 | Editors' Blog, Editorial reviews
We recommend Skeleton Trail for readers of sci-fi and gaming-inspired stories who enjoy unique concepts, immersive world-building, and a blend of action, mystery, and engaging characters.
General Summary for Context:
A unique and captivating story about Sam, who unexpectedly wakes up in a strange and unfamiliar world resembling the video games he adores. Confused and determined, Sam embarks on a thrilling quest to understand how he ended up in this virtual reality and, more importantly, how to win the game and return to the real world.
With its intriguing concept and well-paced narrative, this tale masterfully combines mystery, adventure, and a touch of nostalgia for gaming enthusiasts. A thoroughly enjoyable read for anyone who loves immersive and imaginative storytelling!
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Concise Review:
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Its unique concept sets it apart and makes it a truly captivating read. The integration of video game elements into the storyline adds an innovative and exciting layer that will appeal to gamers and non-gamers alike. The characters are richly developed and compelling, each contributing to the story in meaningful ways.
The world-building is exceptional, vividly bringing the game-like setting to life and immersing readers in its intricacies. The well-balanced pacing ensures the story flows smoothly, maintaining suspense and keeping the reader engaged from start to finish. This is a must-read for fans of creative, genre-blending fiction with a fresh perspective.
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General Thoughts on the Novel:
Undoubtedly one of the most unique books I’ve encountered in the sci-fi genre! This story masterfully combines a variety of engaging elements, from immersive gameplay and fascinating sci-fi concepts to an intriguing layer of conspiracy that keeps the reader guessing.
The writing is sharp and polished, bringing to life a cast of likable, well-drawn characters that are easy to connect with. The narrative held my attention from start to finish, with its perfect balance of action, mystery, and thoughtful world-building.
It’s a compelling read that not only entertains but also leaves you eager to dive into the next instalment of the series. Highly recommended for fans of innovative and multifaceted sci-fi!
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Skeleton Trail: The Gunfighter by Kevin Higgins is available on Amazon.
Dec 23, 2024 | Editorial reviews, Interviews
Today, we’re talking with Anthony Wildman about his book, In the Company of Knaves
Tell us something unexpected about yourself!
I didn’t start writing until after I turned sixty, which was unexpected to me, let alone the rest of the world!
Why do you write?
I often joke that my writing is really only an excuse to do historical research, which is probably half true. But why do I write? Mostly because I have discovered that telling stories, whether true or completely made up, is a lot of fun.
Where did you get the inspiration for your current book?
As the third book in a series about the early life of Shakespeare, it is to some extent built on the two first two novels. But the specific plot in this book was inspired by a few slightly murky historical facts. One was the closure of two of London’s major acting companies in 1589, apparently for some kind of transgression against public morality, though the nature of the actual offence is unknown. The other is the well-known enmity that developed between Shakespeare and another writer, Robert Greene, the reasons for which are obscure. The rest of my ideas for the book were hung from those two pegs.
What do you enjoy the most about your genre?
The wonderful thing about history is that it offers an abundance of great stories and intriguing mysteries, both of which combine to create a gold mine for a novelist. And where a historian has to say ‘well, this or this might have happened, or it might not’, I can pick the story I like and just tell it. Exploring all those possibilities is great fun.
How would you describe your writing process?
It has evolved over the years. For my first book in the Shakespeare series, I just started with an idea and wrote, letting the story unfold as I went. But for ‘The Diplomat of Florence’, my novel about Machiavelli, I had to be much more structured, since I was following very well documented events. More recently I have ended up being a kind of hybrid between being a ‘pantser’ and a planner, spending a good deal of time working up the ploy in outline before writing the book itself, but also allowing the narrative to evolve without it being enslaved to the initial plot. Thank heavens I discovered a software package called Scrivener, which makes that kind of writing style very easy.
What do you think authors have to gain from participating in social media?
I do find social media a bit vexing. It often feels as if it is a kind of voracious beast whose appetites can never be satisfied, and if you aren’t careful you can end up spending all your time feeding it. Like many, I feel as if its initial promise is slowly being subverted by crass commercialism. But having said all that, there is no denying that it is an important channel of communication if you use it to find the right audience.
What advice would you have for other writers?
I’ve often been asked this, and I usually decline to give much advice – I am very conscious that, though I have been at it for six or seven years now, I am relatively new to this game, with much to learn myself. If pushed, I would say that the most important thing for a writer to do is to write! Sounds simple, but creating anything is hard work, and we all put things off that are hard, don’t we? But in my experience, just getting down to work and starting pretty soon opens the creative taps, and things start flowing.
How do you select your books’ titles and covers?
I choose the titles of my books to convey as succinctly as possible what the book is about. Anyone who knows anything about Shakespeare, for example, would recognise the words ‘What News on the Rialto?’ as a line from The Merchant of Venice, and therefore would have some idea that the book is set in Venice and that it is related to Shakespeare in some way. Similarly, ‘The Diplomat of Florence’ tells the reader the setting and general background of the book. So in most respects it is driven by the needs of marketing more than anything else. Much the same is true of my covers. I have an excellent cover designer who comes up with brilliant concepts, but the overall design is governed by marketing. It has to convey what the book is about and where it is set, and it has to stand out on the Amazon page and anywhere else it is advertised.
What’s your next step?
I have a few more books lurking in my mind. My next project is likely to be a novel about Napoleon Bonaparte, specifically about his time spent on the island of Elba before he made the fateful decision to return to France and commence the campaign that ended with Waterloo and his final exile to St Helena. It is a curious interlude in his life, and one full of dramatic possibilities (not to mention real life events that, in all honesty, you couldn’t make up!). After that I have in mind another series of books set in Renaissance Florence. By the time I’ve done all that, no doubt a few other ideas will have occurred to me!
How do you react to seeing a new review for your book?
It depends on the review. We all like positive feedback, so an approving review is affirming. But even positive reviews sometimes have little nuggets of criticism that can be a bit jarring when you first see them. I try and take such comments as feedback, unless they are plain silly, in which case I ignore them!
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