#Bookreviewof Simple People

By: Paul Martin Midden

Publisher: Wittmann Blair

Publication Date: July 4, 2026

ISBN: 979-8996454907

Reviewed by: Lily Andrews

Review Date: July 30, 2026

Simple People: A Novel of Choice and Consequence by Paul Martin Midden follows two truck drivers who walk into a love story and discover that life has a wicked sense of humor about the plans they make.

Ahmed Winslow planned to stay unnoticed while conducting a harmless hobby, while Eleanor Hornby planned on finding meaning and making a difference in the world. Their story will make you question what it really means to be simple, and whether the people we say we know best are sometimes the ones with the most to hide.

Ahmed grew up in emotional survival mode and never really learned how to be anything until life forced him to. His childhood was basically a religious tug of war. His dad was Muslim and his mother an Anglican, and they would use faith against each other, dragging Ahmed and his sister Fatima to the Mosque on Fridays and to church on Sundays. Growing up in that double-barreled religious family explains why Ahmed keeps people at arm's length, follows his own rules, and relies entirely on himself. As you interact with him, you see the scars and understand why he also fears intimacy, has trust issues, avoids conflicts, and often has panic attacks.

Eleanor is a walking contradiction. She is a college graduate who wanted "to do something good for the world," yet became a truck driver who, though baffled by her own life choices, loves the outcome. Her parents are thoughtful and supportive, and they treat her like an adult. She is not a believer and neither are her parents.

Their meeting is a combination of fate, coincidence, and the sometimes messy unpredictability of life. Ahmed has been looking to accompany someone from El Paso back to Columbia, while Eleanor has found a job to El Paso and back the week after next. The meeting, however, has a dark side to it. Eleanor's travel companion is a little bit more complicated than his shy smile suggests, and he is hiding a part of himself from everyone, maybe even from himself. The reader knows that he derives joy from doing things he'd never tell anyone about. He is a man who might be one wrong move away from disaster, and out there, consequences are already starting to stir up. His past is about to catch up with him, and the reader is just waiting for the moment she finds out.

This book's characters are refreshingly ordinary. They are full of hesitations, nervous pauses, and are dealing with trauma, secrets, and the consequences of bad choices. The book's cleverest technique is in how it lets the reader know more about them than they do about each other, making every moment between them feel tinged with suspense and gentle dread because we are anticipating what is coming. Its tension also comes from watching them make choices that feel true to who they are, as they navigate the truck-driving career, a career that is the perfect metaphor for their movement and progress.

Quill says: Simple People: A Novel of Choice and Consequence is long enough to feel like a journey, the kind of journey where you settle in and let the miles roll by. It trusts you to stick around, watching Ahmed avoid his feelings until they explode, and Eleanor, as she discovers new things about herself without forcing the pace. It is two books in one, and it gives you the satisfaction of a full character arc, which is rare because full arcs often require patience and trust that the reader will stay. It is not a book you finish and forget, but one you live in, and by the time you leave, you miss the characters as if they were old friends.

For more information about Simple People: A Novel of Choice and Consequence, please visit the author's website at: paulmidden.com/

 #Bookreview of Opus of Torment

By: Timothy M. David

Publisher: Gem Keeper Creations

Publication Date: June 1, 2026

ISBN: 979-8988211365

Reviewed by: Alma Boucher

Review Date: July 28, 2026

Timothy David raises the emotional and psychological stakes to remarkable heights in Opus of Torment, the third installment of The Gem Keepers Saga.

Following a devastating confrontation with the Dark One, Emma returns from the peaceful gem realm only to find herself consumed by unbearable emotional anguish, believing that death would have been preferable to the torment awaiting her in the real world. As she struggles with trauma, she uncovers a terrifying truth: the universe itself has become infected by imbalance, and if harmony is not restored, existence will eventually collapse. Meanwhile, horrific atrocities committed against Sveta and countless others reveal the true depravity of the enemy. At the same time, a dangerous subplot involving encryption technology and the dark web demonstrates that evil extends far beyond supernatural forces. Emma and Kristen's capture leads to brutal torture and a desperate escape attempt. At the same time, revelations about the true Stone Keeper and the seemingly unstoppable Dark One leave Emma questioning whether victory is even possible. The overwhelming burden of protecting those she loves becomes the novel's emotional center as Emma wrestles with despair, fear, and the crushing weight of destiny.

Emma continues to develop into one of the saga's strongest assets, not because she is fearless, but because she perseveres, despite believing she cannot win. Her emotional vulnerability is portrayed with honesty, making her struggles deeply relatable as trauma, grief, and responsibility threaten to consume her. Her conversations with her father and the encouragement she receives from Mac provide touching moments of hope amid overwhelming darkness. Supporting characters such as Kristen and Sveta are given meaningful roles that reinforce the themes of resilience and sacrifice, while the ancient Stone Keeper introduces fascinating mythology that broadens the series' scope. Timothy David expertly explores themes of balance, courage, faith, friendship, and the psychological scars left by violence, reminding readers that the greatest battles are often fought within oneself. The novel also raises thought-provoking questions about technology, human cruelty, and the consequences of allowing evil to spread unchecked, adding surprising contemporary relevance to its fantasy framework.

David's writing remains cinematic and emotionally immersive, blending fast-paced action with quieter moments of introspection that allow readers to absorb the emotional consequences of each confrontation. The pacing rarely falters, balancing explosive action sequences with meaningful character development and expanding mythology that continually raises the stakes. The darker subject matter is handled with appropriate gravity, making this installment significantly more intense than its predecessors, while never losing sight of the hope that drives its heroes forward.

Quill says: Opus of Torment is an emotionally powerful, thought-provoking fantasy that combines epic world-building, memorable characters, and profound themes into a gripping continuation of The Gem Keepers Saga. It is a compelling recommendation for readers who enjoy emotionally rich fantasy adventures where courage, sacrifice, and hope shine brightest against the deepest darkness.

For more information about Opus of Torment, please visit the author's website at: gemkeepercreations.com

 #Authorinterview with Tracy Carter

Today, Feathered Quill reviewer Ephantus Muriuki is talking with Tracy Carter, author of Can't Run with the Big Dogs.

FQ: What was it like bringing this long-running antagonist's storyline to a close after four books? 

CARTER: Unbelievably satisfying! Veronica, my main character, moved to Colorado far away from her past and a devastating workplace incident perpetrated by the savage defendant in a domestic violence case, Tommy Arnett. Veronica is traumatized, but tough, relying on the steadfast love and close bond she shares with her dog to forge a new career as a dog trainer despite repeated efforts by an incarcerated Tommy to seek revenge against her. Her testimony in court helped imprison him for life … until he escaped. The tension surrounding Tommy’s relentless pursuit of retribution against Veronica builds throughout the first four books in the series, culminating in an explosive final showdown which I thoroughly enjoyed writing. Veronica and Leda battle together to save each other from the evil which has shadowed them for years.

FQ: How did you balance multiple threat threads without losing the reader? 

CARTER: That was a challenge in this book as I wanted to escalate the anxiety over the possible threat from Veronica’s past, while additionally introducing new perils surrounding her in the present. Because Veronica and Leda are always on call for search and rescue situations, I wove in the stories of those searches with progress toward solving the central mystery at the thoroughbred racetrack—while also giving hints throughout the book about the danger that Veronica still faces from her long-time nemesis.

FQ: Which villain between Drake, Green and Tommy, was the most unsettling to write? 

CARTER: My initial reaction to this great question was to answer that Tommy was the most unsettling. After all, he has undertaken his ruthless vendetta against Veronica over the course of four books! But I actually find the notion of Drake Finnley the most disturbing in retrospect. A serial killer who has flown under the radar of law enforcement for years and snatches young women off the street with awful intentions is both alarming, and unfortunately, not unheard of. I really liked the idea of Leda saving that bad guy’s last and final target from certain death.

FQ: What kind of research did you do to accurately portray Veronica and Leda's work, from trailing scents to the logistics of mountain rescues? 

CARTER: In my 20s, I began working as an assistant trainer for a highly-respected dog obedience school, and then added training in rally and agility to the mix. My goal for the series expanded once I extensively researched the varied ways dogs can be of service to people. These are not simply mysteries in which the protagonist owns a dog. The featured dogs are never on the sidelines, but interwoven through every facet of their humans’ lives. In each book, Veronica trains several service dogs— from 911 call center support dogs to conservation canines. I do online research about each new dog “profession” and also speak with several accomplished dog trainers I know. I am also fortunate enough to have friends who are search and rescue team members, attorneys, magistrates, assistant prosecutors, medical professionals, environmental scientists, veterinarians, and are in law enforcement. Thus, I have beta readers—and handy resources whenever I have a procedural question! The answer is usually just a text or phone call away.

FQ: How did you approach balancing the romance with the high-stakes action and mystery elements? 

CARTER: Veronica and Ricardo have moved from friendship into a relationship gradually throughout the series and Can’t Run with the Big Dogs represents the organic next step in highlighting the strong bond they have developed with each other. Ricardo is ardently supportive of Veronica’s career, but does not (so far) participate in the high-stakes action she and Leda often face. I love the fact that he respects and admires her commitment to helping her community and her sense of girl power. He is a wonderful reflection of the healing and growth Veronica has attained since moving to Colorado.

FQ: You've trained dogs in real life and clearly have a deep understanding of canine behavior. How much of Leda's abilities and personality are based on real dogs you've known or maybe worked with?

CARTER: Like the fictional dog, my Leda was a Chesapeake Bay Retriever—an abuse and neglect case who had been seized by the county dog warden in horrible physical condition. I adopted her for a whopping $19 on the very day she was scheduled for euthanasia and set about restoring her to good health and building her confidence. Leda grew into a gorgeous, strapping, self-assured girl who repaid my devotion to her by saving me from an attempted middle of the night home invasion just weeks after I moved to a cabin in Colorado. Most of the dogs who appear in my books draw from personality traits and skills of dogs owned by my friends, my family, or me over the years—especially Leda.

FQ: What do you hope readers take away from this book, particularly regarding the themes of resilience and the bond between humans and dogs?

CARTER: I sought to pull readers into the world of a relatable, tenacious female character—who has a heartwarming relationship with her father—and is bolstered at every turn by the love of a phenomenal dog. At its core, Can’t Run with the Big Dogs is the story of the powerful relationship and impressive teamwork between Leda, a mistreated former rescue dog, and her traumatized but healing owner. Leda gives Veronica affection, hope, courage, and sometimes—most importantly—back-up! And I hope readers see such a relationship is real and look at their own dogs with greater understanding for their potential.

FQ: Lastly, you mention that a portion of proceeds go to organizations like Red Rover and the Purple Leash Project. Why is this cause important to you? 

CARTER: Having worked as a legal assistant for two different county prosecutors, I have firsthand knowledge of the sad fact that many victims delay leaving their abusers because they cannot find a shelter that will accept them plus their pets. Many times they refuse to get themselves to safety if it means leaving their pets behind with the abusive member of their household. Red Rover and the Purple Leash Project have led the push to make more domestic violence shelters pet-friendly. This is a cause I feel quite strongly about and I am very pleased that Veronica and Leda can help in this mission.

Thank you very much for interviewing me!

 #Bookreview of Smiling Faceless Woman

By: Thomas J. Gebhardt III

Publisher: Publisher Ghoti

Publication Date: August 8, 2025

ISBN: 979-8985716054

Reviewed by: Ephantus Muriuki

Review Date: July 30, 2026

Smiling Faceless Woman by Thomas J. Gebhardt III presents a nostalgic, spooky ride through college life and the question of whether the dead are really gone, all wrapped up in a thriller that will make the reader sleep with the lights on.

At the start of the novel, we are taken two years back to meet Alex, a student who is about to graduate. He has his eyes on the prize and is willing to work for it. He gets tired but still pushes himself to the limit. Behind all that ambition and exhaustion, something is lurking. It waits for him to fall asleep, and just when he is conveniently vulnerable, it strikes, not with a bang but a whisper. It is smart: “almost with a certain level of intelligence… like a voice, a whisper or a mumble, a footstep…” His brain fights it. He begins to think he is paranoid. But the reader knows better; the darkness has already chosen him, and it is only getting started.

The darkness is not just something haunting but an entity that attaches itself to its victims, feeds on their fears and pain, growing stronger the more it stays. Alex has what it feeds on. It is patient and is willing to wait until he has everything to lose. In part two of the story, we see him thinking that his biggest problem is balancing school and his crush, April. She has become important to him, important enough that losing her would break him. But little does she know that he desperately needs help. When he finally finds the help, events will lead to April being unknowingly set up for a collision with something that will turn her world upside down.

Quill says: Smiling Faceless Woman is not a fast thriller but a “creeping” one, not like a shadow you can see but like a breath you feel but never really get to hear. Its suspense doesn’t come from what happens, but from the dread of when the next tragedy will happen. Its tension isn’t in its main protagonist’s entrapment but in the fact that he can’t escape even if he wants to. Gebhardt makes sure that every case is worse than the last and that the twists are not the “gasp-and-drop-the-book” kind, but those that make you go back and reread the earlier chapters only to realize that the story was giving you clues all along. Smiling Faceless Woman is one of those stories that takes the supernatural seriously, not by telling you that a place is haunted, but by showing you. The supernatural has its own headquarters, case files, protocol, and its elements are informed by real expertise. If you enjoy books that make you check your closet before bed or stories whose locations feel like silent characters with their own agendas, waiting for you to walk through the door, then you should consider yourself warned. This novel is already watching your back!

For more information about Smiling Faceless Woman, please visit the author's website at: tjgiii.com/

 #Bookreview of Callisto

By: Steve Niles

Publisher: The Lab Press

Publication Date: October 6, 2026

ISBN: 978-1964226255

Reviewed by: Alma Boucher

Review Date: July 29, 2026

Steve Niles’ Callisto is a gripping science fiction mystery that blends frontier survival, noir investigation, and unsettling horror into a compelling graphic novel.

Set in the year 2525, the story unfolds on Callisto, Jupiter’s second-largest moon, first discovered in 1610 and renowned for having the most heavily cratered surface in our solar system. For over a century, Callisto has been humanity’s industrial treasure trove, a world rich in minerals where generations of settlers have built lives around mining and commerce. The story begins when Aaron Santoro and a friend are driving across the bleak mining landscape beyond the industrial towers. In a remote clearing, they discover an ancient pilgrim ship that has lain untouched for nearly one hundred years. The pilgrims, who once journeyed from Earth carrying silver, gold, and hope for a new beginning, have long since vanished into history. Among the eerie relics is something Santoro has never seen before, a printed book bearing the pilgrims’ distinctive cross. After reporting what appears to be an accident, the discovery seems destined to become another footnote in Callisto’s history. However, one year later, in Elm City, the moon’s largest settlement, Detective Becca Ramos gives Rusty a lift as they search for Santoro, now wanted for kidnapping. As the investigation unfolds, they recover the mysterious pilgrim book alongside Santoro’s belongings and discover Dave Hollis imprisoned in a cage. Each new clue points back to Santoro, yet everyone connected to him is either dead or has disappeared, transforming the investigation into an increasingly sinister puzzle.

Steve Niles masterfully constructs a mystery in which every revelation deepens the intrigue instead of providing easy answers. Aaron Santoro serves as the enigmatic center of the narrative, shifting from an ordinary surveyor to the focal point of an investigation that raises more questions than it answers. Becca and Rusty become determined investigators whose persistence drives the story forward, while Dave Hollis’ shocking discovery adds urgency and emotional weight. The novel explores themes of greed, isolation, faith, and humanity’s relentless pursuit of wealth, suggesting that some discoveries are far more dangerous than the fortunes they promise. Callisto itself becomes more than a backdrop; its desolate mining colonies, abandoned relics, and endless craters create an atmosphere of loneliness and unease that perfectly complements the unfolding mystery. Niles balances science fiction with supernatural overtones, allowing suspense to build steadily without sacrificing character development or emotional investment.

Andrea Mutti’s artwork is exceptional, capturing both the immense scale of the moon’s harsh landscape and the intimate moments of fear and uncertainty experienced by the characters. The expressive illustrations lend cinematic intensity to every page, while Lee Loughridge’s color palette reinforces the cold, industrial environment through muted tones punctuated by moments of striking visual contrast. Marshall Dillon’s lettering deserves equal praise, guiding the reader effortlessly through dialogue, narration, and tense action sequences while enhancing the story’s rhythm. Together, the creative team crafts a visually immersive experience that perfectly complements Niles’ measured pacing. Although the mystery deliberately withholds many answers until later in the narrative, the gradual unveiling of secrets creates sustained tension that encourages readers to continue turning pages.

Quill says: Callisto is a haunting and beautifully crafted science fiction thriller that successfully combines space exploration, detective fiction, and horror into a richly atmospheric reading experience. Readers who appreciate slow-burning suspense, eerie science fiction, and mysteries where every discovery uncovers an even darker secret will find Callisto an engrossing and rewarding graphic novel well worth exploring.

For more information about Callisto, please visit the publisher's website at: thelabpress.com

 #Bookreview of So You Want To Be An Astronaut

By: Linda Soules

Publication Date: April 13, 2026

ISBN: 978-1972766019

Reviewed by: Diana Coyle

Review Date: July 29, 2026

Do you have dreams of becoming an astronaut? If you do, the career guide So You Want To Be An Astronaut by Linda Soules is the perfect book for young readers to start learning what it takes to become an astronaut. Within these pages, you will learn all the steps a future astronaut needs to take to earn the opportunity to fly on a mission into outer space.

Linda Soules has penned another informative career guide that young readers will relish. This book is jammed packed with information that presents the pros and cons of training to become an astronaut. One thing that was interesting was the fact that astronauts do many years of study before even being considered to go on a space mission. I never knew they must learn to scuba dive, handle emergencies, or even learn Russian. This book explained all those and more. They go through rigorous training because if they are chosen to go on a space mission, it is only them and the crew that will handle any situation that presents itself. Their training and the training of the other astronauts could potentially save their lives while in outer space.

Another interesting fact this reviewer learned was that the International Space Station is the size of a football field and it orbits 250 miles above Earth. The ISS conducts hundreds of experiments there because of the microgravity needed to obtain the correct and accurate results they need. It’s fascinating to think that a laboratory the size of a football field is orbiting above us.

The illustrations were created by the author using AI, and it is clear that Soules worked painstakingly on them to ensure that each image accurately complemented the accompanying written words. The illustrations are superb enough that the book requires a second, or even a third, reading, just to fully appreciate all of them!

Before turning to writing and publishing for children, Linda Soules spent twenty-five years in law and finance. In devoting that time to those fields, she has mastered how to present intricate topics in language that anyone can understand. This experience has helped her create the “So You Want To Be A…” series, and there are over 50+ books in this series to date.

Quill says: So You Want To Be An Astronaut by Linda Soules is a career manual that children will relish reading again and again. They will learn the pros and cons of what it takes to become an astronaut and they will be able to decide if this career choice is the right one for them as they get older. There are plenty of facts to learn, suggested books for further reading, and even potential valuable training that children can begin doing now if they want to become astronauts in their future.

For more information about So You Want To Be An Astronaut, please visit the author’s website at: lindasoules.com

 #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/