Category: Contemporary

“Pharoni” by Colin Dodds

September 29, 2022

“Pharoni” by Colin Dodds is an immersive philosophical book for free-thinkers. For those that reject societal norms and seek refuge from the soul-sucking expectations of their everyday lives—the square pegs being forced into round holes. The author deftly weaves a tale of self-discovery and evolution and delivers the writing with a poetic flair that will capture readers’ interest. If you’ve ever found yourself questioning the very fabric of religion—what does it mean to believe, or how do the masses become so easily indoctrinated? Then you want to read this book. … More “Pharoni” by Colin Dodds

“Ice Dance” by Vik Azeem

September 26, 2022

From the onset, Azeem’s adept creativity is apparent, and the plotline and dialogue are stellar. Often humorous, occasionally frightful, and sometimes poignant, “Ice Dance” is starkly beautiful. The text’s prose floats gracefully from solemn to expressive and back again, awakening a denuded world that is by turns bleak and utterly alluring. The story’s unrelenting sensibility is complete with mythical assassins, metaphysical elements, and some delightfully gruesome magic that conclusively makes this book a page-turner. … More “Ice Dance” by Vik Azeem

Meet the Author – A Conversation with Kaylin McFarren, Author of Requiem for a Queen

September 5, 2022

Kaylin McFarren has received more than 60 national literary awards, in addition to a prestigious RWA Golden Heart Award nomination for FLAHERTY’S CROSSING – a book she and her oldest daughter, New York Times/USA Today best-selling author Kristina McMorris, co-wrote in 2008. Prior to embarking on her writing journey and developing the popular THREADS psychological thriller series, she poured her passion for creativity into her work as the director of a fine art gallery in the Pearl District in Portland, Oregon; she also served as a governor-appointed member of the Oregon Arts Commission. … More Meet the Author – A Conversation with Kaylin McFarren, Author of Requiem for a Queen

“Conversations Behind the Kitchen Door” by Emmanuel Laroche

September 2, 2022

“Conversations Behind the Kitchen Door: 50 American Chefs Chart Today’s Food Culture” is Emmanuel Laroche’s compilation of interviews and conversations from his podcast “Flavors Unknown” with chefs and bartenders and really anyone serious about the art of food and drink. … More “Conversations Behind the Kitchen Door” by Emmanuel Laroche

“Truth and Other Lies” by Maggie Smith

September 1, 2022

was developed without it feeling like this novel was going to be solely focused on politics. It was almost as if there were two stories happening–the politics and how it affected Megan and her mother, and the situation with Jocelyn, who is trying to release a memoir despite the fact that someone wants to squash any more fame that Jocelyn receives. … More “Truth and Other Lies” by Maggie Smith

“Requiem for a Queen” by Kaylin McFarren

August 29, 2022

McFarren did an amazing job creating this series. The characters and conflicts immediately draw the reader in. I love that while some of the flawed characters have redeeming qualities, others are completely wicked. The settings are described in vivid detail. Being that much of it takes place in hell, there is some extremely unsettling imagery, but that adds to the fun! … More “Requiem for a Queen” by Kaylin McFarren

“Deus” by Victoria Jayne Saunders

August 25, 2022

After a failed relationship followed by academic rejection, Elli is desperate for a change of scenery. So, with no concrete plans, she leaves Toronto, Canada, and heads to Santorini, Greece, searching for inspiration. But her trip turns dark when she is kidnapped and in jeopardy of being trafficked. After a near-death experience, fortunately, she is rescued by Atticus.

When she wakes, Elli finds herself in an underground cave with a woman tending to her ailments. The woman, Penelope, seems very agitated, and Atticus has a calmer disposition but is reticent regarding their whereabouts. Furthermore, they keep referring to her as an “upworlder,” and Elli learns that the caves give way to a larger community—Poseidon.

What is this reality Elli has found herself submerged into, and will she ever safely make it up to the surface? … More “Deus” by Victoria Jayne Saunders