#Bookreview of Perfect Cadence

By: Tamar Anolic

Publication Date: December 15, 2025

ISBN: 979-8269904337

Reviewed by: Ephantus Muriuki

Review Date: December 12, 2025

Perfect Cadence by Tamar Anolic is a moving coming-of-age novel that is set in the 1970s rock scene in Los Angeles. It follows the journey of Gunnar Erickson, a gifted but insecure singer from Nebraska and his charismatic friend, Shep Townsend, a talented guitarist, both of whom endure dead-end jobs and frustrating auditions as they try to navigate the complexities of new relationships and the often-treacherous path to fame.

The tale starts with Gunnar losing his dishwasher job at a restaurant leaving him dejected with "sadness feeling like a cloud around his head." Together with Shep, they plan to try out for as many bands as they can (although that’s all they’ve been doing so far), which leads them to audition for Step Right Up and the Mississippi Delta. But no sooner do they join the latter and record a new album, than their manager quits, owing to poor attendance at their gigs, and the label dropping their contract. This is quickly followed by the split of the band's founding members, Jeff and Adrian, leaving Gunnar and Shep once again in the cold, with Gunnar feeling that he no longer has any future in L.A. and thus needs to get out of there while he still can.

A second chance presents itself through a powerful manager who has in mind two other talented musicians "needing a home after their previous bands bit the dust." Together they form the Authentic Cadence and record their first album "Third Generation," which surprisingly receives "glowing reviews" in newspapers before going platinum. However, no sooner do they achieve the "Rock and Roll" dream than the band's own foundations begin to crack. Gunnar gets heartbroken while Shep's guitar-hero swagger crumbles under the weight of hard drugs and the "poisonous" reappearance of the people who previously abandoned him. At this point, the haunting question is no longer if they can top the charts, but whether they can survive their own success.

This novel serves as a classic underdog story about chasing the ultimate dream, a theme that Anolic feels deeply concerned about, and which she explores parallel with the internal battles of her characters. One gets the sense early in the read that she has a genuine interest in the 1970s rock scene, which she captures vividly: the clubs, the recording process, the tour bus life, and the music industry machinations, with a touch of realism and detail that will appeal to fans of the genre and the era. It's impossible to overlook her keen eye and exploration of the dangers of escapism, the rarely discussed burden of success, the sacrifice of personal relationships, the pain of loss and the resilience of friendship.

The way the book starts has the reader immediately understand the stakes, making them care about the characters in their moments of vulnerability and in desperation for a lifeline. The stakes deepen as you delve into the read, transitioning from a simple struggle for success story-line into something far more complex and deeply compelling. Remarkably, it incorporates a romance angle that drives the protagonist's development, while creating an immersive narrative tension. This angle also serves as the story's emotional and moral backbone, elevating the book from a predictable "band making it big" story, to a poignant exploration of love, sacrifice and painful decisions.

Quill says: Perfect Cadence by Tamar Anolic is a sobering read that will leave you with a profound understanding that the greatest challenges lie not in the struggle to reach the top, but in the struggle once you reach the top. It's a gripping, heartfelt journey that explores the fragile humanity behind the glamour, revealing that the true test of character begins the moment the dream comes true. Anyone with nostalgia for the 1970s and 1980s rock music, fans of "behind the music" stories, as well as readers who enjoy "coming-of-age" stories that continue into young adulthood, exploring the difficult transition from dreaming about a life to actually living it, will enjoy every bit of this masterpiece.

For more information about Perfect Cadence, please visit the author's website at: tamaranolic.com/

 #Authorinterview with Eenam Vang

Today, Feathered Quill reviewer Lily Andrews is talking with Eenam Vang, author of The Soul Up North.

FQ: The concept of the glowing "S" symbol is so powerful and unique. I can't help but wonder where the spark for that specific imagery came from.

VANG: Thank you for that question. I think the spark came from the fact that I, myself, am tatted. The glowing “S” symbol was something meaningful to me when I first drafted the book. It’s a representation of love existing in a world where soulmates are essential whether they like it or not. It shows the elements of being vulnerable and proud to share such an intimate commitment to the universe.

FQ: Do you think Jack's journey to "investigate" or collect pieces of Jade carries a subtle message that we may truly never know someone, including those that we are destined to live with?

VANG: Yes, I do think Jack’s navigation through Jade’s collected life carries a weight that devastates the reality of never truly knowing someone. Despite his journey through the lens of those Jade cherishes, often enough, memories can be told differently, depending on who he turns to. I think that's the most difficult thing he has to accept—every story he hears, it's a curated version of Jade even if it's from those in her life.

FQ: What made you give Ace the chance to justify his actions?

VANG: That’s actually a very interesting take. Now, I’m thinking, did I justify him? Personally, I felt like I didn’t justify Ace and his actions. At first, his backstory wasn’t originally in the book, but something inside of me sparked an interest to write a glimpse of his life. If anything, I wanted to give him room to show readers that he truly felt guilty for the way he handled things with Jade. We see that throughout the story despite the pressure to confront it; in truth, he was only able to take accountability with Jack who is equal parts of Jade—an extension of her.

FQ: When I look at Jack, I see someone who believes in destiny, unlike Jade and Ace, who make choices that end up messing them up. Do you think we as humans are products of fate or that we are the architects of our own chaos?

VANG: I do think we as humans lean into both worlds; it's a journey that ties us to earth. With such a universal experience, what remains is our heart and mind, initially—how we let it consume our thoughts, what we make of life, and the pursuit of grounding ourselves in the middle of fate and chaos. Although it may be out of our control at times, we get to claim what exists in our reality.

FQ: Do you think from Jade's mother's story that the soulmate curse is something that exists today, and two, something that spans generations?

VANG: Ironically, I don’t believe in soulmates. When I was younger, I believed a lot in fate, destiny, and the term “meant to be”—as I’ve gotten older, it no longer gives me the comfort it used to. We drive these terms to purpose because it's easier to believe in something than nothing at all. The soulmate curse reminds me of “right person, wrong time”, but if it was the right person, time would never be the essence to come in between that connection. Nonetheless, I can see it coexisting for generations to come, and I don’t see a world where it wouldn’t continue to live on.

FQ: This isn't a book that offers easy comfort. In fact, it sits with you and aches. What is the one feeling or question you hope lingers with the reader long after they have closed the last page?

VANG: The one feeling I want to linger with readers when they close the last page of The Soul Up North is actually hope, itself. I chose green for a reason for the cover, the color is a representation of new beginnings, desires to live ambitiously, and to embrace the mundane. Even after all the chaos, loss, betrayal, and yearning that Jack had to live with—he’s the perfect character to show that there is still so much love to give and receive even after falling apart.

FQ: What do you think the heartbroken reader captures from this book in their journey to healing and maybe mental wellness?

VANG: I didn’t realize how dark this book actually was until my very last edits; seventeen, to be exact. To anyone who is in their healing journey, and struggles with mental wellness, my heart eternally goes out to you. I had to put away the book at times and recollect myself; which is something I recommend. That said, I hope the heartbroken readers capture the good in the ache, desire to confront limitations, strength in grace, and may the hard conversations become easier. Life will live, loss will come—I hope this book shows that it's never too late to find your spark again.

FQ: Regarding characters, is there a particular one who is your favorite, or one who surprised you with the direction they demanded to go?

VANG: I am very protective of Jack Spade, and he is by far my favorite character I’ve ever written—this goes to say for my future books to come as well. The Soul Up North is so special to me and I know I made the right decision to make it my debut novel. The fact that he continued to stay true to himself despite the pain and grief, even though it should’ve been the start of his villain arc—I can’t even imagine how much desire, loyalty, and commitment he could’ve shown Jade if she were still alive. We see a glimpse of that in the seven days he had left with her, which, to be frank; was also just an idea, never a certain plot to be put into the book. It was supposed to end with Jack wanting to keep it to himself, but as I continued to edit, draft, and re-write the novel, it was the least I could do for the readers to get an insight of their love story even if it didn’t make sense. It’s a love that seems to only exist in myths, a handwritten letter never sent, and a love that should’ve been chosen from the start.

 #Bookreview of The Salamander

By: Regan Walker

Publisher: Patriotic Books Publishing

Publication Date: January 6, 2026

ISBN: 978-1735438191

Reviewed by: Lily Andrews

Review Date: December 4, 2025

The Salamander by Regan Walker is a sweeping historical fiction and romance set against the backdrop of the American Revolution Era. The book follows Captain Jonathan Haraden, who is described as a "dashing sea captain" who "captures hearts just as easily as ships" and who has earned himself a legendary nickname, "the salamander," owing to his cold-blooded courage and his crew's belief that he is immune to the fires of the battle.

The story begins at the fog-shrouded graveyard of Salem, where the burial of Haraden's wife, Hannah, is taking place. Left behind is his seven-year-old daughter, Hannah, who is named after her mother, and Polly, his nine-month-old daughter. Right afterwards, Haraden decides to accept a commission as first lieutenant on the Massachusetts brigantine, "the Tyrannicide," leaving them in the care of Eunice Mason, a preacher's daughter who lost her husband just a year into their marriage.

Haraden's reputation soars as his crew captures many ships, including The Dispatch, The St. John, Three Brothers, The Lonsdale, and The Favorite. This is not just about adventure, but a critical part of the war effort that repeatedly pushes him and his crew to the limit, at times forcing them to think on their feet in the face of immense danger and risk. At the helm of his triumph, a devastating disease aboard his ship forces him to make impossible choices, which include leaving behind those who are too sick to sail. The outbreak, however, becomes worse, forcing him to unexpectedly abandon his mission for home where, on arrival, the Massachusetts Board of War criticizes him for the expenses incurred in taking care of his sick men during the crisis. This ungratefulness and insensitivity force him to resign and to seek the independence of a privateer where his life depends entirely on his skill and luck. His decision, however, introduces a treacherous question to the reader; in forging his own path, has he truly become the master of his fate, or has he, in defiance, crafted a more gilded cage that could cost him not just his legendary status, but also the chance of returning home to his children whose strength has become his unacknowledged anchor?

This book uses period-appropriate language as well as diction and phrasing such as: "Beat to quarters," "Aye, sir," "Twas good I baked pies this mornin," which most effectively evoke the period. It constantly alternates between two primary settings—The Sea and The Home—two crucial settings that get twisted together tightly by the thread of communication and care. The tale's strength lies in how it grounds the protagonist's exploits in profound personal stakes and how it builds a believable world—from the salt-stained planks of the Tyrannicide's deck to the warm, herb-scented kitchen on Charter Street. Its strength also lies in its characters, who though flawed and grieving, beautifully employ their inner resilience to propel the plot forward, while illustrating how the revolution was fought on the home front for the survival, dignity and future of families, just as much as on the battlefield.

Quill says: The Salamander is a rare gem that demonstrates how possible it is for one to readily function with clarity and decisiveness especially when surrounded by chaos, grief and terror. It also reveals that the past can be honored without you being trapped in it and that opening up to new beginnings is not a betrayal of the old, but a testament to the human capacity for healing. It is a deeply researched and brilliantly imagined read that will resonate with lovers of historical fiction, wounded readers struggling with trust and love, as well as those fascinated by nautical and revolutionary history, particularly surrounding the often-overlooked role of privateers and state navies.

For more information about The Salamander, please visit the author's website at: reganwalkerauthor.com/

 #Bookreview of Last Train to Snarksville

By: James Robinson Jr.

Publication Date: October 17, 2025

ISBN: 979-8267881081

Reviewed by: Ephantus Muriuki

Review Date: December 2, 2025

Last Train to Snarksville by James Robinson, Jr. is a deeply satisfying, laugh-out-loud book through which Robinson trains his sights on the absurdities, contradictions and everyday bewilderment that he believes shape modern life. The book captures his unique perspective of the world around him, which he sees as a circus of oddities and missteps that humans often overlook. He invites readers to join him on a wry, observant, and deeply relatable journey, one that reframes these frustrations and baffling contradictions not as things to rage against, but as scenes in a grand, absurd comedy.

Mr. Robinson comes out as a natural observer who pays attention to the tiny, sometimes easily ignored corners of everyday life. Readers will also find him an exceptional storyteller who at the start of the book sweeps them off their feet with his hilarious narration of his encounter with a nurse who he mistakenly presumed was pregnant. It is here that he reveals one of his core discoveries: that people love compliments. And well, has complimenting them landed him in trouble? Well, yes, just not the "full-blown" kind of trouble that involves shouting or dramatic exits, but the kind that leaves a slow-burning awkwardness lingering in the air long after the moment passes. The best part? He doesn't regret any of it. Rather, he continues to hold onto his unshakable conviction that taking the chance to make some else feel good is always worth the risk of occasionally being seen like a fool.

In one chapter, Mr. Robinson gets very angry about people who do not wear coats during winter. Here, he remembers how wearing a coat back in his childhood days was a fundamental rule of survival that would be beaten into you by your mother. As you read along, you get the sense that he simply can't wrap his head around the logic—or its lack thereof—in situations where a person opts to wear a t-shirt when it's freezing outside. At one point Robinson will have you nodding before he throws you to the floor with another hilarious observation. He highlights strange habits, such as humans looking for love in the wrong places and gushing over objects that will never love them back amidst widely-held struggles to use the "love" word on the people who matter. And just as you recover from that, he will be off to another tangent, such as where he questions the life choices of a Superman who needs his feisty super dog, Krypto to drag him to safety. Here, he loudly wonders how our heroes became so vulnerable, ending up trading the thrilling fantasy of invincibility for the depressing reality of human frailty. These, among other thought-provoking observations, bring out a man who is wholly unwilling to let the world absurdities slide by without a witty, well-aimed jab. He doesn't complain, rather, he chooses to illuminate the quiet madness of everyday life and bring out certain truths that the naked eye would easily miss.

Quill says: Last Train to Snarksville by James Robinson, Jr. is a book that gives voice to the silent, shared frustration of everyday life and minor unspoken annoyances in a world that often takes itself too seriously. The book does a great job demonstrating the best way to confront such absurdities, not through anger but by simply pointing at them and laughing. Its grammar is deliberately informal and conversational, often bending rules for stylistic effect. Its word choice and grammar do not aim for rigid correctness, but are a tool that make the text feel personal and less like a formal lecture. Readers beyond fifty years of age will see their experiences in its musings, while readers below that will find it a guide that will re-frame their modern anxieties.

For more information about Last Train to Snarksville, please visit the author's website at: jamesrobinsinjrauthor.com

 #Bookreview of The Soul Up North

By: Eenam Vang

Publisher: Atmosphere Press

Publication Date: December 1, 2025

ISBN: 979-8891328969

Reviewed by: Lily Andrews

Review Date: November 28, 2025

The Soul Up North by Eenam Vang immerses us into the lyrical and haunting world of a man whose belief in soulmates is both validated and shattered in a single devastating week. The book is structured as his obsessive pilgrimage to "collect" stories of an extraordinary woman, from those who knew her way before their paths fatally crossed.

Jack, who strongly believes in the concept of soulmates, cannot contain his joy when the symbolic "S" on Jade's left wrist glows vibrantly, signaling that she is "the one." However, little does he know the cruelty stitched into that revelation, that meeting her is a blessing that may have just arrived a lifetime too late, and the very symbol will become a permanent scar of loss and pain. A quiet, aching conversation with Jade's mother in the first chapter reveals her own tragic love story with her husband, whom she believed was her soulmate. Apart from casting a long shadow over Jack's hope, the conversation sets the stage for a journey marked by painful but insightful discoveries and a slow, deliberate earning of the right to hold onto Jade's memories.

As Jack's quest deepens, we are drawn into the intimate and often uncomfortable conversations that form the core of his mourning, compelling us to navigate together with him the same complex web of relationships that defined Jade's life. We see him learn of her troubled marriage to her former husband, a man who deliberately refused to see her as a destiny but as a mere convenience, setting the stage for a heated confrontation that burns away the last of Jack's naivety, and forcing him to accept that the woman he loved had been starved of the devotion, love and care that he would have given anything to provide. All through his journey, we are forced to confront the very system of soulmates that to many people, even in today's world, promises bliss and a "heaven-on-earth" experience, but ends up leaving devastating collateral damage, revealing the human fallibility hidden beneath its promises.

This book is saturated with a low hum of tension derived from unreliable narrators with different versions of Jade's story, forcing the reader to constantly revise their understanding of the truth. The book also pulls the reader to care for Jack's mental state, especially when he has a conversation with Jade's ghost, and when he encounters verbal battles that are filled with accusations, guilt, and raw emotion. It also employs shocking twists that are way outside of Jade's main storyline, such as when Jack wakes up only to find his roommate's girlfriend in his bed, in a bold act of resentment towards his supposed "innocence" and belief in soulmates. Most of the chapters build upon the previous ones with layered cliffhangers and suspenseful endings, which end up propelling the reader through a maze of revelations where each answered question unearths a more painful mystery.

Quill says: The Soul Up North by Eenam Vang takes pride in its messy, sometimes complicated characters who are a whole drama in themselves. It is a sad book for sure, but in a beautiful "staring out the rainy window" kind of way. It is not a predictable romance but a raw, poetic, and haunting book whose take on love and loss will break your heart a little bit, but also help you understand it a little better. Lastly, it won't offer you easy comfort, but a philosophical depth that will leave you asking yourself quietly whether destiny can sometimes be an agent of profound cruelty. Vang delivers a significant and standout work for the reader who loves stories that are more structurally complex and have an emotionally raw take on love and loss.

For more information about The Soul Up North, please visit the author's website at: eenamvang.com/

 #Bookreview of Paper Dragon

By: Mark Thomas

Publication Date: November 13, 2025

Publisher: Evolved Publishing LLC

ISBN: 979-8890250490

Reviewed by: Alma Boucher

Review Date: November 25, 2025

Paper Dragon opens with a jolt as crime boss George Tripko dies unexpectedly, threatening to drag his entire criminal and business empire to the grave with him. During the reading of the will, the Tripko family is stunned to learn that the estate contains only a fraction of the wealth they believed existed, and the ventures they had long assumed were shared family assets are practically worthless. Shock hangs in the room as the brutal truth settles in, the fortune has vanished, and someone has taken them for fools. Suspicion ignites instantly. Caught in the middle is Peter Jarry, George’s veteran enforcer and arsonist, whose notorious past makes him the perfect, and most convenient, target to blame.

While the Tripko family self-destructs in its hunt for the vanished fortune, Jarry is pulled back into the criminal maze he once navigated without hesitation. To survive, Jarry has to prove he is not the mastermind behind this scam and to find who is really behind it. He finds himself in a world where loyalty means nothing and betrayal burns hotter than any fire he started. Each move becomes a risk, and the further Jarry investigates, the conspiracy reveals itself to be even more intricate and dangerous. It is soon clear that the missing money is not the endgame; it is just the spark that will set off a ruthless internal war.

Paper Dragon captivates the reader with its relentless pace and tension. Dark humor is masterfully blended with suspense by Mark Thomas. The story offers moments of relief without dulling the sense of danger. The dialogue is crisp, the characters are authentic, and the criminal underworld is portrayed with a raw, unvarnished realism. Jarry is especially memorable, constantly walking the fine line between conscience and survival.

Mark Thomas succeeds in setting the foundation for a series without sacrificing the forward momentum of its own plot. The writing style is sharp and grounded in the grit of the criminal underworld. Readers are left satisfied but still eager to see where Peter Jarry goes next. The story leans deeply into crime-family tropes. Thomas delivers intensity, atmosphere, and memorable characters that are executed with precision and style, making familiarity a strength rather than a weakness. Thomas crafts a style that grips from the first page, drawing readers into a story where every word is loaded and every silence is explosive.

Quill says: Paper Dragon is an adrenaline-fueled crime novel packed with biting humor and high-stakes turns that should not be missed. It is a must-read for anyone who loves gripping crime fiction.

For more information about Paper Dragon, please visit the publisher's website at: evolvedpub.com/books/paper-dragon/

 #Bookreview of Into the Arms

By: Angelica Lamb

Publisher: IngramSpark

Publication Date: November 3, 2025

ISBN: 978-1036966188

Reviewed by: Alma Boucher

Review Date: November 18, 2025

Angelica Lamb’s Into The Arms: A Discovery of Truth & Love is a deeply moving and powerfully introspective story that explores the tender and often turbulent journey of one woman’s awakening to truth, love, and self-worth. Through poetic prose and fearless honesty, Lamb masterfully reveals the complex layers of trauma, resilience, and redemption in a voice that is both raw and luminous.

The novel centers on Rei, a woman whose life is revealed through a tapestry of memories that seamlessly blend past and present. From her isolated childhood in a Catholic boarding school to the harsh truths of family turmoil and emotional abuse, Rei’s journey is portrayed with striking honesty. With each chapter, another layer of her life is uncovered, exposing the intricate bond between love and pain—and showing how courage and self-acceptance can ultimately lead to freedom.

Rei was sent off to a school run by nuns, even though her mother lived only a few miles away. There was an innocence in her that resisted growing up. It would take nearly thirty years for Rei to understand that she had always had a voice in her own life. Unable to reveal much about her background—born from an unplanned high school relationship—she had learned early on to remain silent. Rei struggles to rebuild her life after heartbreak, gradually uncovering truths about herself, her past, and those she once trusted. Set within a vividly crafted world, the narrative strikes a balance between emotional intensity and glimpses of hope and renewal. Lamb’s characters are authentically portrayed—imperfect, relatable, and deeply human.

Lamb’s prose is remarkable—poetic yet accessible, gentle yet courageous in facing the shadows that define Rei’s journey. She weaves seamlessly between storytelling and introspection, offering readers an experience that feels deeply personal and reflective. Most striking is Lamb’s compassionate approach to depicting abuse and healing—not with dramatization or despair, but as a quiet celebration of integrity, truth, and the resilient light of the human soul.

Themes of self-discovery, forgiveness, and the power of womanhood run throughout the novel, encouraging readers to examine their own understanding of love and self-worth. Rei’s voice resonates on a universal level—her suffering is tangible, and her journey toward healing is both uplifting and profoundly affecting.

Into The Arms: A Discovery of Truth & Love goes beyond a simple love story—it is a powerful exploration of self-rediscovery through honesty and compassion. Though at times challenging, it is a deeply necessary read for anyone who has ever doubted their own value, carried unspoken pain, or yearned to find their voice again. Angelica Lamb delivers a moving and unforgettable novel that stays with the reader long after the last page is finished.

Quill says: Into The Arms is a touching and exquisitely crafted tale of love, recovery, and personal growth. Angelica Lamb presents a powerful and emotional exploration of love’s enduring strength and the restorative impact of honesty.

For more information about Into The Arms: A Discovery of Truth & Love, please visit the author’s website at: angelicalamb.com/