#Bookreview of So You Want To Be A Video Game Designer

By: Linda Soules

Publication Date: April 13, 2026

ISBN: 978-1972766040

Reviewed by: Nellie Calanni

Review Date: July 27, 2026

In So You Want To Be A Video Game Designer, author Linda Soules invites middle-grade readers into the creative, highly collaborative world behind the screens of their favorite digital adventures.

Moving past the common childhood misconception that game design is simply playing games all day, Soules unpacks the actual craft: asking foundational "What if?" questions, writing design documents, building prototypes, and tuning fine mechanics until an interactive experience feels completely natural. From the high-energy environment of a game studio to the subtle art of playtesting and sound design, the book offers a transparent, eye-opening tour of what it truly takes to build virtual worlds from scratch.

What works beautifully in this book is how it treats game design as an accessible blend of logic, storytelling, and empathy. Soules’s approach shows children that great design isn't about having a single genius idea, but about understanding human psychology – anticipating how players feel, how they learn without explicit tutorials, and why they choose to keep playing. The book demystifies complex concepts like systems thinking and math-driven mechanics (such as probability and loot drop balancing) by linking them directly to player experience. This gives the guide real weight and makes it approachable for young readers who might be curious about how their own favorite games function under the hood.

The accompanying visual elements are a strong companion to the narrative. The detailed scenes – depicting vibrant development studios, focused playtest sessions, and playful representations of iconic mechanics – feel alive and colorful, keeping the layout inviting for young eyes. There are moments where you pause on the art just to take in the details: cozy desk setups with multiple monitors, sound designers smashing watermelons to create impact audio, and creative teams brainstorming around whiteboards. It creates an inspiring, welcoming mood that reinforces the book's core message: game design is an art form rooted in community and human connection.

So You Want To Be A Video Game Designer is neither too short nor too busy. It strikes a good balance for independent readers or for family discussion, pacing its insights smoothly through structured sections like "A Day in the Life," "The Hardest Parts of the Job," and "Things You Might Not Expect To Need." The inclusion of a clear glossary, fun historical trivia (like how Pac-Man and Tetris were created), and practical steps kids can take right now – such as designing paper board games or trying Scratch – ensures the book stays actionable rather than purely theoretical.

The idea of career guides for kids is not new, as many books explore modern technology professions. But what sets this apart is Soules's candor about iteration and failure; she emphasizes that early game versions are often disasters and that "cut content" is a normal, necessary part of the creative process. That gives the book authenticity and makes it more likely that kids will feel empowered when their own early projects or paper prototypes don't turn out perfectly on the first try.

Quill says: So You Want To Be A Video Game Designer is an encouraging, highly informative guide that reminds young readers that every game they love was built by curious minds who started just like them. With rich illustrations and an empowering message about the value of creativity and iteration, it’s a book young creators will want to return to again and again.

For more information about So You Want To Be A Video Game Designer, please visit the author's website at: lindasoules.com/

 #Bookreview of Sammy and Comet Spark the Sky

By: Peaches Murphy

Publisher: Masked Bandit Press

Publication Date: June 20, 2022

ISBN: 978-1739628703

Reviewed by: Shrubaboti Bose

Review Date: July 24, 2026

Sammy and Comet Spark the Sky by Peaches Murphy is a tender and endearing story about friendship, courage, and the power of faith when things seem impossible.

The story revolves around a young boy named Sammy, who lives with his mother at the foot of the Arctic mountains. One night, he notices that the sky is completely dark outside and wonders what happened to the Northern Lights. When he asks his mother about it, she explains that only foxes can create sparks against the sky with their tails, but during cold winters they often run away, taking all the light with them. Without foxes, there can be no “sky fires.”

Sammy loved the Northern Lights so much that he frequently dreamed of catching a fox and bringing back the sky fires. One day, he meets a small, injured fox in the wilderness, who has become separated from his family. Sammy befriends him and names him Comet. The two of them start playing together and as they help one another overcome fear and uncertainty, they discover that the brightest kind of light actually comes from within, in the form of kindness, hope, and friendship.

The story unfolds slowly, allowing young readers to fully immerse themselves in its beautiful, wintry setting. The author masterfully balances moments of quiet reflection with small enchanting events, creating an atmosphere that feels both comforting and magical. Rather than relying on fast-paced action, the narrative invites readers to appreciate compassion, patience, and the joy of helping others.

The illustrations are undoubtedly one of the book's greatest strengths. The glowing aurora stretching across the sky, the snow-covered forests, and the soft silhouette of characters create a visually captivating experience that perfectly complements the story's gentle tone. The vibrant colors of the Northern Lights contrast beautifully with the pale Arctic landscape, evoking a sense of wonder that mirrors Sammy's dream. Each page feels like a painting, encouraging children to pause and appreciate the beauty of nature alongside the unfolding narrative.

Apart from the engaging plot, the book also has some educational value, as it introduces young readers to the extraordinary phenomenon of the Aurora Borealis and helps them develop a sincere appreciation for wildlife, nurturing their sense of wonder, curiosity and interest about the natural world. More importantly, it highlights universal themes of empathy, faith, friendship, perseverance, and selflessness. Sammy's willingness to care for Comet despite his own disappointment teaches children that acts of kindness often lead to unexpected rewards. The story gently reminds readers that dreams may come true, but sometimes only after we choose to help someone else first.

Quill says: Sammy and Comet Spark the Sky is a beautifully illustrated and heartfelt story that celebrates friendship, kindness, and the quiet magic found in nature, leaving young readers with a lasting sense of wonder and hope.

For more information about Sammy and Comet Spark the Sky, please visit the author's website at: peachesmurphy.com/

 #Bookreview of Can't Run with the Big Dogs

By: Tracy Carter

Publication Date: July 7, 2026

ISBN: 979-8317843557

Reviewed by: Ephantus Muriuki

Review Date: July 23, 2026

Can't Run with the Big Dogs by Tracy Carter follows Veronica Kildare, the owner of Dogged Pursuit K-9, a dog training facility on the outskirts of Boulder, Colorado, and Leda, her six-year-old Chesapeake Bay Retriever and standout search and rescue/drug detection dog.

The reader meets Veronica and Leda as they try to trace a student from a local university who is seen being abducted while walking down a sidewalk on the outskirts of Boulder. The reader is introduced to a criminal named Finnley, who is playing mind games using riddles, while claiming to have hidden the victim in the wilderness. The reader is made to understand that the search is a battle of wits between a human monster and a canine's natural talent, the latter of whom is framed as an infallible sensor. The reader can't wait for Leda to hit the trail and prove that the kidnapper's arrogance is no match for her nose.

The story then introduces Tommy Arnett, Veronica's lethal antagonist and the cause of indescribable trauma and grief in her life. Veronica recalls her previous career as a legal assistant for a county prosecutor in Ohio. Tommy was served with a restraining order but chose to kill the prosecutor, several of Veronica's co-workers, and her fiancé. But thanks to Leda, Veronica survived a gunshot wound and became the principal witness against him in his trial. Tommy recently broke out of the Ohio State Penitentiary and has killed even more people along his path to Veronica. Unlike Finnley, Tommy is a mass murderer, and he is cunning to the level where he even stages his own death. The reader knows that every moment Veronica and Leda spend on a search or a rescue mission is borrowed time, and that when Tommy finally strikes, he will be aiming at her very soul.

Carter emerges as a master in foreshadowing. For example, she makes repeated references to Tommy's survival, planting seeds for a possible return in later chapters of the book. And by stating that Veronica felt her insides churning with "the same pent-up anxiety that comes right before the roller coaster car plunges from its lofty peak to the bottom of the sickeningly steep hill," she effectively transforms Veronica's dread into a universally recognized physical experience, making the reader feel her helplessness and stomach-dropping plunge. Carter's world is not small; rather, it encompasses multiple threats operating simultaneously. By so doing, she shows that the protagonist's work never ends, ensures that her professional reputation is established through action, and that her assistant, Michael's skills, like Leda's, are not limited to a single domain. Readers will appreciate the power, the detail, and the significance she gives to small moments, such as in a chase where she doesn't just mention the chase, but also the gravel, which scatters like buckshot from beneath speeding tires. This great storytelling aspect mirrors the difference between reading about a meal and tasting it. That detail, among others, pulls readers deeper into the emotional experience while making them feel they are in the able hands of a writer who knows exactly what she is doing.

It is remarkable how Veronica's world is populated with a rich cast of supporting characters--each of whom is carefully crafted with distinct personalities, motivations, and roles. They include the aforementioned Michael, whose criminal justice training makes him effective in crisis, and Bob, Veronica's father, a thinker whose methodical approach readers will appreciate. Others include Tim, Ricardo, and Jenna, who do not emerge as mere decoration but as able pillars upon which the novel's resolution rests.

Quill says: With this story, readers will understand that multiple plot lines, full character arcs, and thematic development need space. The book's length helps develop all of these elements, while allowing it to deliver everything it promised at the beginning, including compelling mystery and thrilling action. The words by the protagonist, "Good riddance and burn in hell," point to a story that leaves readers satisfied after a journey that ends with hard-earned peace for a heroine and well-deserved judgement for a villain. This book is a must-read for fans of character-driven mysteries, especially those who love stories about the unbreakable bond between humans and their dogs.

For more information about Can't Run with the Big Dogs, please visit the author's website at: tracycarterbooks.com/

 #Bookreview of So You Want To Be A Firefighter

By: Linda Soules

Publication Date: April 13, 2026

ISBN: 978-1-972766-00-2

Reviewed by: Shrubaboti Bose

Review Date: July 22, 2026

So You Want To Be A Firefighter by Linda Soules is an informative picture book that provides young readers with a glimpse of the actual challenges faced by firefighters on a daily basis.

This book serves as a useful career guide for children aspiring to become firefighters. Through its straightforward narrative style and simple illustrations, the book captures the true essence of this dangerous, yet rewarding profession. The author carefully portrays the kind of rigorous training, physical fitness, courage, compassion and teamwork that goes into every single rescue operation, while maintaining a realistic depiction of the job instead of painting firefighters in an overly cinematic manner.

The book is very well organized, presenting information in a way that is easy for children to understand without oversimplifying the responsibilities of the job. Each section explores a different aspect of firefighting, including: emergency rescues, fire prevention, specialized equipment, and the importance of working together under pressure. By combining factual information with real life scenarios, the author keeps readers engaged while offering a genuine appreciation of the profession.

The illustrations are particularly noteworthy, as they capture the dynamic action and high stakes involved in the job by painting both the excitement and seriousness of firefighting. From blazing house fires to medical emergencies and rescue operations, the pictures highlight diverse situations that firefighters might have to encounter while maintaining an encouraging and reassuring tone. These visuals not only enhance the reading experience but also help children better understand concepts that may otherwise seem too complex.

What makes this book especially remarkable is the way it highlights the various qualities that define a firefighter beyond bravery. Readers learn that success in this profession depends on discipline, preparation, teamwork, empathy, and a willingness to help others. The inclusion of interesting facts and behind-the-scenes details enriches children's understanding of emergency services and may even inspire them to consider the profession as a career option. Rather than glorifying danger, the book respectfully acknowledges the risks involved, while honoring and celebrating the dedication of those who choose to serve their communities.

Quill says: So You Want To Be A Firefighter is an engaging and educational introduction to one of the world's most respected professions, inspiring young readers to appreciate the courage, dedication, and selflessness of the men and women who keep our communities safe.

For more information about So You Want To Be A Firefighter, please visit the author's website at: lindasoules.com/

 #Authorinterview with Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra

Today, Feathered Quill reviewer Lily Andrews is talking with Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra, author of A Flower from Keanu: A Town of Hidden Glen Novella.

FQ: What drew you to write a protagonist whose healing feels so hard-won?

ALONSO-SIERRA: I wanted to create a character that felt real, that struggled with real emotions and trauma. Who juggled many things at a time, and who refused to drown in bitterness and regret.

FQ: What was the inspiration behind using the Nativitas germens flower as a major metaphor in the book?

ALONSO-SIERRA: I wanted to use imagery that linked the rarity of the flower to how rare Cassandra, as a woman, is. It also linked her future to the blossoming of the flower—rare, miraculous, and beautiful.

FQ: How important was it for you to show that Cassandra's journey wasn't just about finding new love, but about confronting and healing from specific, deep-seated wounds, especially one caused by her biological father?

ALONSO-SIERRA: Super important, because you can only truly heal if you confront your pain and surpass it.

FQ: What was your goal in making the primary conflict be against a biological father rather than a classic villain?

ALONSO-SIERRA: My goal was to make the conflict more personal and possibly devastating if Cassandra had been another type of person. Readers would be more invested, especially when, from the beginning, readers know her father had abandoned her mother, and her, practically from birth. And by pitting those two together, it showed how she would never give in to adversity or personal pain.

FQ: Was the arson on the protagonist's home something you intended to show as a necessary step in her journey toward a new future, like a clearing of the past to make way for the new?

ALONSO-SIERRA: I didn’t see it that way, but you can interpret it as such, too. The arson was simply an extension of what was happening in the town, which paralleled a bit what was happening to her. It also posed the question, before the final chapter, of whether her father was truly such a nasty man as to go to those lengths in order to get what he wanted.

FQ: How did your own experiences with different settings and communities influence the creation of Hidden Glen?

ALONSO-SIERRA: Throughout my life, I’ve lived in many, many small villages and have seen the workings of small towns, the changes from chaotic growth, and the political juggling that affects all members of the community.

FQ: How did you balance the expected emotional beats of a romance with the "welcome dash of danger and suspense" that adds tension to this story?

ALONSO-SIERRA: Carefully. I didn’t want melodrama, or constant tension between Cassandra and Keanu. The town could offer that without drowning the reader with too much danger and suspense. I picked and developed the ones that could be linked to her and affect her business, as well as her friends’, and Keanu.

FQ: Was your goal from the outset to write a story about healing and finding happiness after trauma, or did those themes emerge organically as you wrote Cassandra's character?

ALONSO-SIERRA: Yes. From the get go I wanted to write a story about healing, about friendship, family, and true love after trauma. When someone like Cassandra experiences what she did, it always seems as though there will never be a light at the end of the tunnel. You function, and you exist through routine. And giving her a few, hand-picked, albeit eclectic, friends, who have her back, plus Keanu’s family and his love, it was the perfect recipe for finding true and lasting happiness.

FQ: What was the most challenging part of writing this book?

ALONSO-SIERRA: Showing her pain. How traumatic memories can blindside you when you least expect it. And to show how she dealt with every blow without making her a victim.

FQ: What is the greatest takeaway you hope your book leaves with the readers?

ALONSO-SIERRA: To enjoy the novella for what it is—a beautiful, sweet romance where love is shown to flourish in the most unexpected way. And maybe to show that despite trauma, pain, and heart-break, there is always a brighter future if you stay the course.

 #Authorinterview with Adam Kervale

Today, Feathered Quill reviewer Alma Boucher is talking with Adam Kervale, author of Outside Eden's Gate: A Shadow Falls.

FQ: The title is intriguing. What does "Outside Eden's Gate" symbolize?

KERVALE: It references the infamous Gate of Eden; the mythical beginning of humankind in Abrahamic faiths and the subsequent Fall of Man. The idea of fallen angels is echoed in the subtitle, A Shadow Falls. One passage describes the gate as guarded by flaming swords moving back and forth. One interpretation of that image is that the moving swords are an ancient oral account of the Northern Lights, suggesting Eden lies somewhere to the north, but more importantly, something out of reach. In this book, Eden remains a magical place, but the central question is: which side of the gate are we on and who has the power to go through it? The world is beautiful, and it is what we make of it, are we already in Eden?

FQ: Why did you choose Ava as your central protagonist, and what qualities make her the right person to face the novel's challenges?

KERVALE: When I first started the book, the central characters were Theo and Kurt as brothers, which could have worked. As the author, however, I was more familiar with the dynamic between a male and female sibling, so that relationship felt stronger and served the story better. Choosing Ava as the protagonist also allowed for a more powerful confrontation with the antagonist and helped steer the novel toward a hopeful conclusion.

FQ: Your novel explores the intersection of technology, faith, and power. Why do these themes resonate with you?

KERVALE: Technology has been my life’s work, and I’ve watched it change dramatically. Lately we’ve seen powerful actors use technology to shape people’s psyches quickly, and many of those influenced are people of faith. The world used to move more slowly: we read a newspaper in the evening to learn what was happening. Then television arrived, and now news comes in small chunks—short paragraphs and video clips—not unlike verses of scripture. I incorporated that rhythm into the book: byte‑sized information packets followed by narrative and storytelling. Each chapter opens with a news sound bite, often tweets from the President in the novel, which set the tone for the power struggles surrounding the characters. The story also features a wealthy individual whose resources give him enormous influence.

FQ: Ancient prophecy plays a significant role in the novel. What drew you to incorporating fictional scripture into a modern thriller?

KERVALE: I’m drawn to mystery and the unknown, and prophecy introduces the compelling “what if.” It invites speculation and forces us to examine what we actually believe, whether those beliefs are more or less credible, and what we truly know. Prophecy exposes how many convictions are inherited or programmed rather than examined.

FQ:  Ava and her brother approach the mystery from very different perspectives. What interested you about that dynamic?

KERVALE: This is  a known phenomenon of two siblings who take very different paths in life. I enjoyed setting up a clash between evidence and prophecy, facts and hidden secrets, and watching those forces collide. That tension was part of the fun of writing the novel. We see similar dynamics in everyday life but often hesitate to admit that unseen forces might be at work. In that sense, the sibling contrast deepens the book’s mystery about what it means to be alive.

FQ: How do you create believable characters in such a high-stakes, fast-paced story?

KERVALE: I give readers glimpses into what characters are thinking, not just what they do. I expose their doubts and curiosities and let them think out loud at times. Those interior moments; small, honest reactions and conflicting impulses make characters feel real even when the plot moves quickly.

FQ: This is your debut novel. What was the biggest challenge in writing your first book?

KERVALE: I felt compelled to write this story. I began highly motivated and pushed past 50,000 words with only a vague idea of how the novel would fully unfold. I rewrote many sections before I could move beyond that point. Eventually, somehow, I reached the end. It was a real challenge, and I now have a new respect for every author who finishes a story.

FQ: The novel has been described as "chillingly relevant." Was that intentional from the beginning?

KERVALE: Yes. I wanted readers to think seriously about the power struggles shaping our world and to ask who is steering us toward outcomes that should be unacceptable to humanity. I also wanted the book to prompt a deeper question: is evil real, and are we witnessing its consequences? Those concerns about influence, responsibility, and moral consequence shaped the story from an early stage.

FQ: Is Outside Eden's Gate: A Shadow Falls intended as a standalone novel or the beginning of a series?

KERVALE: Another has been started, with some overlapping characters. It jumps back to the 90's for things that may happen in our future. So I guess that means it could be a series!

FQ: What do you hope readers are still thinking about days or even weeks after they finish Outside Eden's Gate: A Shadow Falls?

KERVALE: I want readers to keep asking what is happening around us and, more importantly, what we are going to do about it. I hope they consider who is best suited to lead that charge and what responsibilities we each bear in shaping the future. Those questions about awareness, action, and leadership should linger long after the last page.

 #Bookreview of Two Tickets to Love

By: Kathleen Allen & Kelli Mascaron

Publisher: Warrington Publishing

Publication Date: July 21, 2026

ISBN: 978-1969359293

Reviewed by: Lily Andrews

Review Date: July 17, 2026

In Two Tickets to Love by Kathleen Allen and Kelli Mascaron, we meet Ethan, a former Marine and a man haunted by the memory of his ex-wife's heartbreaking declaration that she doesn’t want him anymore.

Ethan is later confronted by his friend Mark, who believes that Ethan allowed his ex to make him believe he doesn't deserve to enjoy life. This is in light of a Pinnacle cruise aboard its newest vessel, Gem of the Seas, which Mark and his wife have organized for him alongside themselves, in the hope that he comes back with a renewed sense of purpose. When readers meet Ethan on the cruise ship, he is wearing a casual shirt and jeans, which shows us that he no longer cares about his appearance. He feels disconnected from everyone and believes that the ship will have nothing to offer except the gourmet meals and breathtaking scenery. But then he meets Clarissa, a woman who learned the hard way that love stories lie after she came home early eight months ago only to find her fiancé cheating on her with another woman. Clarissa is the maid of honor for her best friend Maddie, who is getting married in a week. When readers meet Clarissa, though she is still raw from the betrayal, her eyes are looking brighter and her shoulders are unburdened as she celebrates Maddie's bachelorette party. But when her gaze lands on a man seated at a grand piano, something in her carefully guarded heart begins to shift.

As the reader delves deeper into the story, questions emerge of whether two people carrying such deep emotional wounds can ever risk loving again, and whether music, shared experiences, and conversations can actually be the bridge that heals these wounds. But the answers aren't offered easily; instead, the book intentionally delays them, prolonging the tension through self-judgments, misinterpretations, and escalations that seem to keep the characters at continued odds. The authors use references such as the celebrated Top Gun scene where Maverick sings “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling,” to allow readers to recognize the significance and weight of key moments and tap into familiar emotions. Readers will appreciate the book's dual narration, which aims at making them know more long before either character does, as well as witnessing the characters' parallel healing and recovery, and how differently they interpret the same events and situations.

Quill says: In Two Tickets to Love, Kathleen Allen and Kelli Mascaron have used twists and turns effectively. In particular, the story features one major twist which readers will find chilling, leaving them gasping in horror and wondering if the characters were ever in control of their own stories. The authors have utilized a cone of honesty approach in that they refuse to resolve the romance misunderstandings too easily; they delve into the survivor's guilt theme with real depth; and lastly, they use friends as antagonists in the final act. These authors know the beats, the tropes, and the emotional realism required to make the romance feel earned. Two Tickets to Love is a story about trust as much as about love, and will leave readers reflecting on their own walls and whether they are brave enough to let someone past their defenses.

For more information about Two Tickets to Love, please visit the author's website at: kathleenallenromance.com/