#Bookreview of Legacy

By: The Chronicler

Publisher: Legacy Archives

Publication Date: August 4, 2025

ISBN: 979-8991231404

Reviewed by: Alma Boucher

Review Date: September 17, 2025

Legacy by The Chronicler is an expansive and thought-provoking novel that weaves together history, philosophy, and storytelling into a remarkable literary journey. At its heart, it is a story of friendship, love, war, mystery, and tragedy—everything that shapes the human experience. The narrative begins on Utopia, a planet inhabited by a race resembling humans, where individuals are trained to be warriors, honoring both family and gods with the hope of one day serving the All Father. Among them is Dark Everlast, known as Angel, who forges an unbreakable bond with his friends Cory Ryker and Cogeta Fairway. Cogeta, the jovial class clown, was admired by many, in contrast with Cory, the quiet and intelligent observer. Together, the trio shares a deep camaraderie.

From the onset, the story transports readers to a world that is both ancient and eternal, inviting them to reflect on themes of heritage, sacrifice, and the lasting impact of their choices. The prose is elegant and at times poetic, encouraging readers to linger over its insights rather than rush through the action.

Dark Angelus Everlast, an enigmatic outsider, first rises to prominence after winning one of Utopia’s greatest martial arts tournaments. His destiny shifts when the Vampirian race descends upon the planet, unleashing destruction and staking its claim as a dominant force. With Utopia in peril, Dark is named Planetary General. Accepting the role, he shoulders the honor and responsibility of uniting fractured factions and earning the loyalty of hesitant allies. Alongside Cory and Cogeta, he is thrust into a galaxy of colliding civilizations and ancient powers, where the fate of his world hangs in the balance.

The novel’s structure is distinctive, unfolding through interwoven perspectives and timelines that eventually converge into a larger, cohesive vision. This layered approach keeps the pacing lively and prevents predictability, with each chapter enriching the overarching theme of what it means to leave behind a legacy.

The characters are multidimensional, each with their own struggles and triumphs. Their flaws and humanity make them relatable, while their journeys invite reflection on questions of morality, faith, destiny, and the ties of family. The narrative balances intense action with quieter, contemplative passages, creating a rhythm that is both thrilling and meaningful.

At its core, Legacy is a meditation on enduring themes: the weight of history, the tension between inherited obligations and personal choices, and the lasting influence of stories across generations. It is a novel that stays with readers long after the final page, urging them to consider their place within humanity’s ongoing story.

Quill says: Legacy by The Chronicler is a beautifully written, deeply philosophical, and unforgettable novel that blends epic storytelling with timeless themes.

 #Bookreview of Rosemary, Now and Then

By: Christina Larson

Publisher: Indigo River Publishing

Publication Date: January 7, 2025

ISBN: 978-1-9-6468619-6

Reviewed by: Diane Lunsford

Review Date: September 16, 2025

Rosemary, Now and Then by Christina Larson is a beautifully woven tale of a life’s journey that begins with lucidity, as much as it touches on the reality of decline dementia is so adept at delivering.

Christina Larson is the primary caregiver for her mother and why not chronicle how this ‘middle child’ arrived at that point in her life to be faced with navigating the uncharted waters of dementia her mother traveled. Rosemary, Now and Then is a well-thought-out story that Ms. Larson has penned with the obvious intention of sharing her experience. She witnessed her mother gradually step through her personal ‘looking glass’ of recognition and cognizant behavior and into the wonder and abyss of a place where distant memories are prevalent and current affairs are quite foreign.

Ms. Larson does an epic job of penning the roller coaster rides of ups and downs, ranging from facing the truth that her mother no longer has the capacity for long-term memory, yet in the next breath, she overrides her declining health with a demeanor to embrace life and its many moments. Rosemary has conversations with the afterlife. She’s had multiple (and debilitating) strokes that rob her of livelihood more and more with each one she experiences. Through the entire process, Rosemary embraces her dementia and defiantly projects a spirit that is incredibly giddy and positive. This is at the crux of Ms. Larson’s entire memoir: is dementia truly the mental disorder it has been touted by the medical profession for decades? Or is dementia a condition, if truly studied beyond the ‘tell-tale’ signs, a matter that is perhaps more baffling and perplexing and even more so, a ‘gift’ when one is on his/her last leg of the journey of life as we know it?

Ms. Larson deserves huge props for having the courage to expose herself to the world of struggles (as much as joy) she experienced while caring for her mother in her final years. She breaks down her accounts in see-saw fashion of this is ‘now’; that was ‘then’ in chapter upon chapter. There is a wonderful conversation quality to Larson’s work, and I applaud her for knowing her audience and speaking to them with vibrant description and first-hand experience (versus ‘telling’). There are many facets to her writing ability, and I thoroughly enjoyed her command of her pen in guiding it throughout what had to have been a ‘labor of love’ to write at times. Bravo Ms. Larson! Well done.

Quill says: Rosemary, Now and Then is a memoir that was written with great care and intention. It chronicles a tremendous journey that ends with a share of ‘what would Rosemary do’… she would share her signature cinnamon bun recipe for readers to share with their loved ones.

For more information about Rosemary, Now and Then, please visit the author's website at: linktr.ee/christinalarson

 #Bookreview of Deception: A Jack Ludefance Novel

By: Behcet Kaya

Publication Date: June 27, 2025

ISBN: 979-8289334961

Reviewed by: Nellie Calanni

Review Date: September 16, 2025

Behcet Kaya’s Deception: A Jack Ludefance Novel plunges readers into a world of intrigue and danger set against the uncertain backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Private investigator Jack Ludefance takes on one of his most unusual cases when Colonel Westerdam approaches him with a chilling claim: he has been poisoned and has only days left to live. With time running out, Jack must uncover not only who is behind the attempt on the Colonel’s life, but also what dark secrets are hidden within the hospital where the Colonel has been treated.

The pandemic setting adds a gripping layer of realism and urgency. Kaya captures the unease of those early days, when trust was fragile and fear lingered in every interaction. This tension heightens the stakes of Jack’s investigation, amplifying the themes of truth versus deception, isolation, and the consequences of hidden agendas.

Kaya’s writing style is clear, fast-paced, and cinematic. Each scene propels the reader forward, while carefully planted clues maintain suspense without spoiling the surprises to come. Jack remains a deeply compelling protagonist – clever and determined, but also empathetic, making his pursuit of justice feel as personal as it is professional.

More than just a mystery, Deception explores timely questions: Who can be trusted when lies abound? How far will people go to conceal the truth? And what does justice mean in a world already shaken by crisis?

Quill says: Deception is a taut, pandemic-era thriller that combines Kaya’s talent for suspense with timely reflections on trust, truth, and survival – a must-read for fans of intelligent, fast-paced mysteries.

 #Bookreview of Beyond Superhero School: Let the Games Begin!

By: Gracie Dix

Publication Date: April 25, 2025

ISBN: 979-8280000520

Reviewed by: Alma Boucher

Review Date: September 10, 2025

Beyond Superhero School: Let the Games Begin! by Gracie Dix is an exhilarating return to the world of teens discovering their powers, friendships, and responsibilities, all wrapped up in a story full of danger, fun, and heart.

The story begins with a group of best friends navigating their way through school, friendships, and, of course, their ever-growing superpowers. Their unique abilities put them in extraordinary circumstances, but at its core, this is a story about teamwork, courage, and learning to balance the ups and downs of growing up.

Determined to help his father and fight against a threat, Spencer makes the difficult decision to step away from school and his best friends. With VORK’s goal of exterminating every superpowered individual, his choice proves his bravery. At the same time, the world is becoming increasingly unstable. Nick’s father warns of a surge in drug dealers wielding strange and deadly weaponry, a clear sign of VORK’s growing criminal empire.

As the title suggests, this installment is brimming with challenges, competitions, and games, but these are not just any schoolyard contests. Instead, they are high-stakes trials that test the teens' strength, skill, and trust in themselves and each other. Readers will quickly discover that beneath the action-packed adventures lie important lessons about loyalty, responsibility, and the choices we make when faced with adversity.

Meanwhile, the Mackenzie twins stumble into an unexpected adventure. After watching a game show, they are invited to participate in a two-week survival challenge inside the Environmental Dome. With permission from their school, they invite their friends along, turning what should have been a unique learning opportunity into yet another battle for survival.

Inside the Environmental Dome, the true test begins. Not only must the friends endure grueling physical survival challenges, but they also face their darkest fears, laid bare before each other and a watching world. The emotional stakes are high, as all the characters risk exposing vulnerabilities they would rather keep hidden. Yet through these trials, their bonds of friendship and loyalty are tested, strengthened, and ultimately redefined.

Gracie Dix has a natural ability to capture the voice of her young characters, giving them authenticity and charm. The group of friends’ friendship feels genuine, their dialogue snappy and realistic, while their circle of friends adds both humor and heart to the story. Younger readers will especially enjoy the imaginative use of powers, while parents and teachers will appreciate the underlying messages about honesty, perseverance, and working together.

The pacing is fast and engaging, with twists and surprises around every corner. Just when readers think they have figured out the outcome of a challenge, Dix throws in a clever twist that keeps the pages turning. The blend of humor, excitement, and emotion creates a balance that makes the book appealing to both middle-grade and young adult audiences.

Quill says: For fans of superhero tales who want more than just battles and powers, Beyond Superhero School: Let the Games Begin! offers the best of both worlds: thrilling adventure and heartfelt storytelling. Gracie Dix delivers another winner for young readers!

For more information about Beyond Superhero School: Let the Games Begin!, please visit the author's website at: www.graciedix.com/

#Bookreview of The Demon: Book 2 in the Spirit Saga

By: Brian Thompson

Publication Date: October 1, 2025

ISBN: 979-8349540509

Reviewed by: Lily Andrews

Review Date: September 9, 2025

The Demon: Book 2 in the Spirit Saga by Brian Thompson follows Stephen, a spirit who has become a Demon and his internal battles, shifting alliances, and moral conflicts as he navigates the power struggles of spirits and Demons.

From the prologue onward, Stephen frames himself through anger. He says: “I am angry. It’s part of my curse. I am always angry.” That line sets the tone. In his world, Demons are defined by fury and can’t just let go of betrayal or injustice. For Stephen, it’s not just an emotion but his fuel and identity. But it’s also a chain. When he feels fleeting happiness, he realizes he can’t hold onto it because the anger always creeps back. That paradox — craving peace but being cursed to rage — is the tragedy of his character.

In life, Stephen thought he had a loving wife (Heather) and a loyal best friend (Nick). He also believed the boy he raised was his son. After death however, he learns the truth: Heather was unfaithful, Nick was the real father of the child, and eventually Heather killed Stephen herself. These betrayals are what made him a Demon. He can’t forgive them but instead relives the treachery and uses it to justify his cruelty. His revenge is gruesome but to his shock, he realizes that even after all that, he feels no release and instead of closure, the cycle of betrayal and anger just digs him deeper into hate. His entire afterlife is haunted by this sense of stolen love, insecurity and humiliation.

In the story, several themes stand out from his attempts to form and carry out dangerous plans. They include power and corruption where the reader is shown how ambition, when rooted in anger, corrupts rather than empowers, manipulation and betrayal where Demons are shown to thrive on breaking trust and betrayal as a survival strategy, isolation vs. alliance where his plotting show tension between wanting allies (for strength) and being unable to truly trust anyone- a paradox that isolates him further and cycles of vengeance where every plan he makes is fueled by anger from past betrayals, showing how revenge perpetuates suffering instead of ending it.

We also see themes from his fraught relationship with Rebekkah, which explore the push-pull of sibling ties. Their dynamic highlights the choice to either let anger define you or do your best to rise above it, with Rebekkah embodying what Stephen could become if he controlled himself.

The structure of The Demon jumps between Stephen’s ugly backstory and his current fights, with memories bleeding into the action so you never forget why he’s so angry all the time. The prose itself is raw and a bit messy in places, like Stephen’s own anger leaking into the writing — sometimes too detailed, sometimes almost ranting — but that actually makes it feel more like you’re inside a Demon’s head. The characters aren’t clean-cut heroes either; they’re bitter, jealous, insecure, and that messiness makes their clashes hit harder. The world-building is this strange mix of the cosmic (Gods, Elders, spirits battling on Mars) and the intimate (betrayals in marriages, dead children, broken trust), and even if it’s not perfectly smooth, it gives the sense of a big spiritual playground where human flaws just keep getting magnified.

Quill says: The Demon comes across like a revenge fantasy wrapped inside a spiritual war. The pacing can be uneven and the emotions often spill over the top, but that chaotic rhythm actually suits a story built on anger and payback. The world-building swings big, jumping from broken marriages to battles on Mars to schemes with ancient Elders, and even when it feels overwhelming, it gives the sense that Stephen’s personal rage is just one thread in a much larger, messy universe. Readers who like dark, character-driven fantasy with a lot of moral grayness, flawed characters and messy, intense storytelling will not want to miss this one.

For more information about The Demon, please visit the author's website at: brianthompsonwrites.com

 #Bookreview of Get Real, Lucille

By: Laura Petrisin

Publisher: Monarch Educational Services

Publication Date: August 5, 2025

ISBN: 978-1-957656-87-8

Reviewed by: Shrubaboti Bose

Review Date: September 3, 2025

Get Real, Lucille by Laura Petrisin centers around Lucille, a rubber chicken, who feels disappointed with her simple role as a circus prop. Every day, as showtime begins, Peaches grabs Lucille and tosses her in the air, juggling her along with juggling pins. When Peaches rides her bike, she squeezes Lucille so hard that she screams “Honk,” making the audience laugh out loud. When Lucille gets drenched by the funny flowers which splash water on her the minute Peaches hands them to her, people continue to enjoy the spectacle and start laughing even louder. Only, Lucille doesn’t find it funny. To her, it seems everyone keeps laughing at her expense.

As Lucille discovers real chickens running about happily in a farm, she yearns to be a part of their community. Despite being painfully aware of her difference, she can’t help but wish she could be accepted by them. What follows is a journey of self-discovery and emotional growth. Lucille finally finds a purpose in her role at the circus and instead of feeling dejected for not being like the other chickens, she develops a greater sense of appreciation for who she truly is. With humor and sensitivity, this book encourages children to love themselves and to develop empathy for those around them.

Situations where children feel excluded from groups or shunned by other kids for being different can begin happening once they step into their school life. Although kids might not see any apparent harm in teasing their classmates, it can still be very upsetting for the one who gets mocked by others. Yet, differences are bound to be felt because no two persons are alike. When comparisons arise, it is also natural that there might be some who share common interests and who are then more likely to form a community. While we cannot prevent such instances, we can prepare our children for how to react to them. This is where Get Real, Lucille comes into the picture. It helps children learn to deal with such situations, while also grounding them morally and teaching them social-emotional thinking.

Accompanied by beautiful illustrations and color-coded words, reading this book is guaranteed to be as much a pleasure as a learning experience.

Quill says: Get Real, Lucille is perfect as a bedtime story for young children. Highly recommended!

For more information about Get Real, Lucille, please visit the author's website at: www.laurapetrisin.com

 #Bookreview of Be WHOO You Are

By: Kathleen Welton

Illustrated by: Nuno Alexandre Vieira

Publisher: Archway Publishing

Publication Date: July 16, 2025

ISBN: 978-1665776752

Reviewed by: Lily Andrews

Review Date: September 2, 2025

What does it really mean to be yourself? That’s the question at the heart of Be WHOO You Are by Kathleen Welton, a gentle and masterfully illustrated children’s story that aims to show young readers, as well as the grown-ups reading to them, that you don’t need to copy anyone else to have value and that sometimes the best gift you can give to yourself is just being you.

The story follows Ollie the Owl, who is perched in his tree looking at all the animals around him and marveling at the wonders of nature. Bees are buzzling through the air making honey, the beavers are working hard stacking branches as they build a dam, and the otters are splashing and playing in the stream. Each time Ollie watches, he wonders: maybe that’s who I should be, maybe I should do what they do. His question is simple but deeply disturbing to his mind- “Who will I be? WHOO?”- but it carries that deep ache we all know from looking around and comparing ourselves to others.

Things take a surprising turn when Ollie’s friend, Betty the Bunny, who is chasing a butterfly, gets lost. She needs to get home by the end of the day and thus asks for Ollie's help. Suddenly Ollie’s quiet wonder turns into a moment of decision: he can either stay safe or try to help. With the arrival of Fred the Firefly, glowing softly in the night, Ollie discovers something in himself he didn’t know he had, drastically turning his attitude and self-esteem around for good.

This whole book is written in rhyme, which gives it this sing-song feeling, almost like you’re half reading and half humming a tune. If you’ve ever read to kids at bedtime, you know how much they love that - words rolling off the tongue and the rhythm pulling you along and before you know it, you’re swaying with the story. It’s the sort of creativity that makes a group's story time feel lively as the listeners turn to guessing the next rhyme, which is exactly what you want with a book like this. The pictures, done by Nuno Alexandre Vieira, match that rhythm beautifully. They’re soft, colorful, and warm and feel like the forest itself is wrapping around you. You look at the pages and you can almost hear the bees buzzing and the leaves rustling in the trees.

The words and pictures together work like a lullaby, calm and filled with wonder, and the characters, while simple, are strong in their simplicity. Ollie feels like every child who has ever stopped to wonder if she is enough, Betty is playful and a little silly in a way children will recognize instantly, and Fred is such a lovely reminder that even the smallest friend can shine brightly and make a difference. They are likable, insightful characters and the wise ideas they offer the protagonist linger long after the book is closed.

Quill says: At its heart, this book is about identity, courage, and kindness. It shows children that they don’t need to be anyone else and that they already have what they need to shine. And honestly? That’s a lesson most of us still need to hear even as adults. Be WHOO You Are by Kathleen Welton is one of a kind - gentle, warm, and hopeful and it is a must-read story that reminds us all, young or old, that being yourself is more than enough.

For more information about Be WHOO You Are, please visit the author’s website at kathywelton.com