#Bookreview of Salamander Man

By: James A. Wolter

Publication Date: April 15, 2025

ISBN: 979-8315603702

Reviewed by: Ephantus Muriuki

Review Date: April 24, 2025

Salamander Man by James A. Wolter is an emotionally charged coming-of-age tale about a boy whose social inclusion, acceptance, confidence, and self-worth are jeopardized by a sickness that leaves him unable to use his legs.

Mohamed Idris bin Mohamed Ibrahim was born strong and healthy until the age of four, when he contracted polio, which he dubs the "evil eye." At this point, his legs became "useless twisted stumps," which earned him the scorn of his peers and the nickname "Salamander Man." He would further develop a biting obsession with finding ways to outdo other boys to "feel like a king" time and again. None, however, could be sustained. At the age of six, his desire to attend Tengku Bariah Primary School was quashed by a headmaster who warned his father that the school was not for "his kind." This not only gravely crushed his spirits, but also drove the sharp-edged blade of rejection further into his flesh.

Idris switched to homeschooling, where his mother taught him to read. In just two years, he was able to read and comprehend books that would have taken other children six years. His uncle Rashid, moved by the headmaster's brutality, vowed to bring school to him. Other individuals also came forward to help him study, including Mr. Chadwick of the Continental Bank, who offered to let him use the bank's conference room for his studies, and Father Chao, a Catholic father who would teach him Chinese. An unexpected decision, however, threatened to jeopardize his happiness shortly after a new manager took over the bank. Fortunately for Idris, Chadwick had come up with a strategy that would significantly lessen the blow.

Wolter expertly captures the misery of a disabled youngster, his identity and emotional challenges, and his seemingly never-ending quest for acceptance and affection in this meticulously crafted tale. He skillfully demonstrates the individual's genius potential in a world that repeatedly falls short of his expectations. The boy's tale is emotionally charged and profoundly shows his fleeting optimism and his continual descent into a familiar abyss, where he feels deeply alienated. As shown in subsequent chapters, the themes progressively transition to those of development, mentorship and independence with the advent of a "companion" amidst a toxic neighborhood. In addition to emphasizing the power of optimism, the narrative skillfully explores the inner strength required to achieve the aforementioned feats.

Despite gloomy incidents, including a tragic event that impacts the protagonist's personal life, Wolter has managed to incorporate historical and cultural details that deflect the novel from its intense emotional weight. He does not sugarcoat the realities of handicap and societal stigma. He has also remarkably incorporated literary and theological references from the Christian and Islamic faiths, giving the protagonist's inner life and world more depth.

Quill says: Wolter's Salamander Man is filled with metaphor and symbolism, and his narration beautifully creates an immersive atmosphere. Although the narrative has a realistic core, it regularly wanders into the surreal, with dream sequences enhancing it. Without a doubt, this book contains valuable lessons that anybody who appreciates real stories with deep emotional and philosophical relevance should read, regardless of their religious beliefs. The featured journey is subtly memorable and ought to be gradually studied, savored, and shared.

 #Bookreview of Zero Knowledge

By: Arnaud Pascolo

Publisher: Warrington Publishing

Publication Date: May 6, 2025

ISBN: 978-1944972615

Reviewed by: Lily Andrews

Review Date: April 22, 2025

Arnaud Pascolo's pulse-pounding thriller Zero Knowledge follows two individuals brought together by similar glim situations. We get to see their behavior and development, as well as closely analyze their motivations, as they look for comfort in the most unexpected places as shocking information following a terrible recent occurrence comes to light.

A growing dark cloud of despair hangs over Duan and Mina's bedroom, after a biopsy indicated the latter had terminal blood cancer. While Duan is overcome with grief and concern about life without her, Mina surprisingly manages to stay calm and enthusiastic. She begins walking a lot which she views as "walking the cancer out of her body," following their joint decision for her to quit her job. But the pain becomes unbearable, and she ends up making a startling choice that makes Duan shudder.

We then meet Luc, Mina's friend and cryptocurrency entrepreneur, who gets a mysterious Bitcoin transfer and an invitation to a meeting at a Swiss hotel from someone who seems to be a significant player in the Bitcoin space a few weeks later. The meeting, however, ends tragically with Luc dead and his host nowhere to be found. As the inquiry progresses, it becomes clear that Luc was not just under the radar of the authorities for being complicit in deep illicit operations of his firm; his wife, Gail, had severally accused him of domestic abuse.

The author deftly introduces a new character--a blood-thirsty hacker who embodies everything from resentment to danger. His involvement completely alters the story’s course, as suggestions of a personal vendetta abound. While Gail is comforted by her husband's death, more detailed and intricate information about his connection to the hacker and the revelation of a sizable fortune that Luc had hidden away becomes crucial information that might alter Gail's perception of Luc.

In the next chapters, these examples swiftly give way to more heart-stopping details that elicit utterly surprising responses. In addition to a profound emotional weight and a sense of sorrow that grows with each new page, the plot becomes incredibly intricate, with themes of loss, love, betrayal, and retribution carefully woven throughout. Deeply rooted in reality, the word-building of this narrative skillfully conveys the excitement of anonymity. Its capacity to defy genre boundaries is evident as it reads as literary fiction at first, then as a cyber thriller, and lastly as a revenge story.

Pascolo has shown impressive control of the pacing and tone. Even while revealing very intimate scenes, his writing remains poetic. His character development is his strongest suit. He portrays the protagonist as self-reflective, imperfect, and incredibly real, with a past that reflects the central ideas of the book. Readers will love how he captures the emotional stakes of digital finance. They will also enjoy his book's slow-burning style and reworking of popular thriller elements.

Quill says: Zero Knowledge, which is emotionally stirring and slow-burning, exposes the consequences of greed and unspoken truths. It stands out in its respective genre thanks to its character-driven mystery and psychological drama. For those who enjoy a gripping thriller with technological details and cryptocurrency themes, it is well worth reading.

For more information about Zero Knowledge, please visit the author's website at: https://arnaudpascolo.com/

 #Bookreview of Downriver: Memoir of a Warrior Poet

By: Ryan McDermott

Publisher: Koehler Books

Publication Date: May 20, 2025

ISBN: 979-8888247082

Reviewed by: Ephantus Muriuki

Review Date: April 21, 2025

In Downriver: Memoir of a Warrior Poet, Ryan McDermott recounts his life and quest for purpose and an elusive feeling of belonging prior to, during, and following war. It also depicts his aching need for love, a family, and redemption from his traumatic background.

Following a teacher-recommended IQ test, Ryan was deemed intelligent and placed in the gifted program at a young age. He was raised by a single mother who did her best to compensate for the absence of his biological father, which left a gap in his life that he would struggle with for years. In his junior year, he acquired a strong desire to enroll in the US Military Academy. He went on to receive a nomination to train as a cadet at West Point, which he considered as a much-needed diversion from his past. It also provided a quiet setting for him to examine his identity, spirituality, and aspirations of the love he desired, as well as to make sense of the internal and external struggles he was going through.

The difficulties he faced on his way to become an officer would put his willpower to the test and profoundly alter his character. He completed the Infantry Basic Officer Leader Course before returning to the regular Army, where he was assigned to head a platoon. During this time, he fell in love, prompting a fast proposal in the hopes that the love would provide stability and fill the gaps left by the past.

Later events depict him serving in Iraq, where he experienced severe despair due to separation from his family. His nights were plagued by nightmares in the most terrible way possible as the volatility of the war increased. His motivation nevertheless remained heavily centered on serving diligently and safely bringing his soldiers home. He had no idea, however, how hard this would be, how complex it would be to return to civilian life, or how his choices in the future would fundamentally change his understanding of the American dream.

This tale emerges as more than a single man's ordeal; rather, it is a truthful ode to the tenacity and will of troops as well as the unspoken consequences of war. It depicts the author's entanglement in its jaws, the trauma's progression into a cycle, and the impact this had on him. The narrative skillfully demonstrates how he viewed the military as a means of achieving his goal of becoming successful, how the occupation affected his fragility, and how, as a mama's boy, it impacted his masculinity. It is noteworthy for its deep themes of pain relief by engaging in worthy exercises which not only helped him survive but also shaped a completely new him.

The metaphor "Downriver" has been used consistently in this narrative to convey a profound meaning to everyday life. It emphasizes a critical principle that is sure to assist any reader caught up in dismal circumstances. It also serves as a mirror through which one may look at their own challenges in a new light, with searing honesty through which the seemingly impossible will become possible.

Quill says: What sets Downriver: Memoir of a Warrior Poet apart is McDermott's use of poetry and creative writing as a fantastic healing tool. He has made remarkable use of the art to accurately but simply convey his poignant experiences, both by himself and with other soldiers who share his bravery. He has also expertly presented his experiences in an eloquent and reflective manner, using analogies to enhance them all while demonstrating his ingenuity. This is not a book to pass up; rather, it is a tool for re-channeling one's pain and grief for a greater benefit.

For more information about Downriver: Memoir of a Warrior Poet, please visit the author's website at: downrivermemoir.com

 #Bookreview of Austin Blues

By: Gary A. Keith

Publisher: Atmosphere Press

Publication Date: May 20, 2025

ISBN: 979-8-89132-636-1

Reviewed by: Tripti Kandari

Review Date: April 21, 2025

Gary A. Keith paints Austin Blues on the canvas of Texas culture, spicy courtroom drama, and nasty political corruption, with tints of blues, soulful music, and gritty heroes.

Sandy Eden is a PTSD-affected Vietnam vet and hot-headed lawyer, anchored only by his loyal friends and the comfort of blues music. Sandy’s life takes a sharp turn when Dean Keaton, an accountant from the Texas Comptroller’s Office, approaches him as a whistleblower, exposing fraud committed by Texas Comptroller Louis James. Everyone knows that going up against James and his powerful allies is political suicide, but Sandy’s decision to enter this battle sets the stage for intrigue and danger in Austin Blues— a game entangled with media leaks, legal risks, and public exposure.

As the story deepens, the canvas darkens. For Sandy, it becomes a descent into a corrupt system filled with ghost employees, fake contracts, and budget scams. But the war outside isn't his only fight, he must also navigate the chaos within: the demons of PTSD and his volatile anger, all while handling intense courtroom drama, relentless media scrutiny, and political schemes that even threaten his family.

Told in a raw and gritty style with non-linear storytelling, the narrative is driven by a backdrop of blues music, irony, and satire. The unfiltered tone gives the text an authentic local flavor, while flashbacks shed light on Sandy’s present dilemmas. The motif of blues music doesn’t just set the scene, it mirrors the emotional states of the characters.

The theme of trauma and redemption leaves a lasting mark. Sandy's life is still trapped in the bloody jungles of the Vietnam War, haunted by PTSD, risky addictions, and deep-seated anger—but it is his fight for justice that becomes his path to healing. Sandy’s redemption comes through his journey of self-forgiveness and the search for purpose. He finds direction in his pain by fighting for justice on behalf of people like Keaton. The story emphasizes that trauma may shape a person, but it doesn’t define him. Redemption, it reminds us, isn’t about being perfect but about accepting one’s brokenness and having the courage to fight through it.

Quill says: Austin Blues by Gary A. Keith is a raw, legal thriller blending the corrupt political system of 2000s Texas with the soulful depth of blues music and the resilience of flawed but passionate heroes.

For more information about Austin Blues, please visit the publisher’s website at: atmospherepress.com/books/austin-blues-by-gary-a-keith

 #Bookreview of Freedom Pancakes for Ukraine

By: Dr. Janice Cohn

Illustrated by: Yana Holubiatnikova

Publisher: Le Chambon Press

Publication Date: October 31, 2024

ISBN: 979-8989163588

Reviewed by: Lily Andrews

Review Date: April 17, 2025

Freedom Pancakes for Ukraine, authored by Dr. Janice Cohn and drawn by Yana Holubiatnikova, is a moving and deeply informative children's book that highlights how young people can make a significant impact in the lives of those facing injustice and hardships in the society and beyond. It narrates the story of a little boy fleeing his war-torn nation and an American girl who is ready to lend a hand as news of the conflict in Ukraine floods her mind.

With tears in his eyes, Artem embraces his father, who has volunteered to stay in Ukraine and protect the country from its invaders. Leaving everything familiar behind, he and his mother board a train to the Polish town of Przemysl, eager to see what the new nation holds. The sight of so many dejected women and children running from their homes on the train is unlike anything he has seen before. However, despite the new nation's promises of peace and security, memories of home and his father, as well as uncertainty about his and his mother's future, persist.

The story's second part centers on Hannah, an inquisitive little girl living in America. She worries a great deal about whether there is enough food for the kids in war-torn Ukraine. A conversation with her mother about it motivates her to make a daring step. She chooses to support World Central Kitchen by baking deruny, a Ukrainian delicacy that she dubs "freedom pancakes." Surprisingly, the decision yields far more than she hoped for, and she is able to take an action that allows her to perform at a level above her age while also impacting in her a revolutionary insight.

The terrible reality of war is abundantly evident in this story. The terror, bewilderment, and longing that accompany it have been deeply depicted through the eyes of the young characters. The reader can readily sense the seriousness of the situation with the boy, as well as the feelings of loneliness and alienation. His strength and drive to maintain optimism are evident despite his seeming helplessness. Cohn has also done a fantastic job with the little girl in emphasizing the value of compassion and kindness in everyday life, as well as the power these two values can wield.

The book is replete with themes of support, hope, and resilience. They are effectively written to leave the reader with worthwhile lessons and a lasting impression. With a clear call to action for children and young people to step up and contribute in meaningful ways, the book has been presented in a kind and emotionally stirring manner. It features colorful and breathtaking graphics created by an illustrator who was stationed in the most unexpected setting. She has skillfully water-colored them in vivid hues inspired by the Ukrainian flag.

Quill says: This is the ideal children's book if you are searching for one that is packed with meaningful concepts that will motivate your child to be helpful, resilient, kind, compassionate and loving. Notably, it effectively talks to both youngsters and adults which means that its lessons are ageless. The author has taken considerable effort to ensure that even readers as young as seven years old would not find the book's main theme—the effects of war—to be too overpowering.

For more information about Freedom Pancakes for Ukraine, please visit the author’s website at: www.freedompancakesforukraine.com.

 #Bookreview of Silken Dragons: Book Three of the Seafourthe Saga

By: Daniel McKenzie

Publisher: Atmosphere Press

Publication Date: June 10, 2025

ISBN: 979-8891326538

Reviewed by: Lily Andrews

Review Date: April 15, 2025

If you’re the kind of reader who loves a good sea-faring adventure packed with emotion, grit, and surprises, Silken Dragons: Book Three of the Seafourthe Saga by Daniel McKenzie should be on your list. This book doesn't waste any time diving straight into deep waters—both literally and thematically. It has everything from pirates and politics to love, loss, and a fierce drive for justice. McKenzie doesn’t just tell a story; he builds a world full of people you can feel—flawed, loyal, vengeful, romantic, and brave in the most human ways.

The story opens with the crew of The Vengeance, captained by Lucien—aka “the Wolf”—rescuing Azumah, an African warrior who’s barely alive after escaping from slavers. From that moment, things take off. Azumah’s tragic past becomes the heartbeat of a mission that pulls this crew across oceans and into the thick of political unrest, pirate alliances, and ancient cities. We’re talking everything from jungle raids in Africa to shady dealings in the Philippines, royal encounters in China, and even a spiritual trek through the Himalayas. Along the way, there are alliances with Wokou pirates, tense standoffs with colonizers, and quiet, tender moments with the women aboard the ship—especially Lucien’s love, Lady Seafourthe. What could easily have been a predictable action story instead becomes something much deeper—part revenge tale, part spiritual journey, part historical epic account.

The book moves at its own pace, which might throw off readers used to breakneck plots. But if you settle into it, you’ll notice how much intention there is behind every pause, every conversation, every step across the deck. Thoughtful and rich, McKenzie's writing has a poetic cadence with some chapters feeling like they’re lifted straight out of a classic stage play. Its dialogue is full of weight and personality. The structure doesn’t always follow a straight line, which actually works in the book’s favor—it mirrors the way a real-life voyage might unfold: unpredictable, chaotic, and reflective.

What really sticks, though, is the book’s heart. McKenzie doesn’t shy away from the harsh truths of history—slavery, colonialism, and greed. He does a remarkable job of balancing that weight with powerful characters who refuse to be crushed by them. His mastery in exposing Azumah's arc is noteworthy. His pain is real, and his growth feels earned. Lucien, too, isn’t your average hero. He’s strategic, a bit haunted, but driven by a kind of moral compass that’s messy but strong. And then there’s the romance—subtle, believable, and woven in without taking over. It’s that balance of sword and soul that makes Silken Dragons feel so rich.

Quill says: Silken Dragons: Book Three of the Seafourthe Saga by Daniel McKenzie isn’t a book for someone looking for a fast, easy read. It asks for your time—and your attention—but pays it back in full. If you’re into deeply drawn characters, poetic prose, and stories that aren’t afraid to wrestle with big ideas while still delivering adventure, this one’s worth the ride. It’s for readers who like their fiction with meaning behind the musket fire. McKenzie has built a world that feels lived-in and loved. By the final page, you might find yourself wishing there was just one more chapter.

For more information about Silken Dragons: Book Three of the Seafourthe Saga, please visit the publisher’s website at: atmospherepress.com/books/silken-dragons-book-three-of-the-seafourthe-saga-by-daniel-mckenzie

 #Bookreview of A Bollywood Romance

By: Anu Koduri

Publisher: Atmosphere Press

Publication Date: May 13, 2025

ISBN: 979-8-891325-51-7

Reviewed by: Shrubaboti Bose

Review Date: April 14, 2025

A Bollywood Romance by Anu Koduri is a captivating story about a young Indian girl named Paru and the various challenges she faces in her life after getting married.

Growing up in a well-reputed Brahmin family, she has led a relatively happy and sheltered life, enjoying the festival of Diwali and secretly admiring her handsome classmate Harsha, just like any other young girls her age. But everything changes when her two elder brothers choose to have unconventional marriages, defying traditional customs and practices, thus bringing shame to their family. As a result, members of the Brahmin community threaten to throw them out. The burden of salvaging her family from further harm to their reputation and regaining respect within their community, thus falls on Paru.

Soon enough, Paru is pushed into an arranged marriage with Samar, a medical professional who worked in the U.S. Although her mother tries to raise questions about the match, pointing out the financial situation of Samar’s family, Paru’s father and brother decide to overlook it. They believe as an educated man who works abroad, Samar would definitely make a good husband. Heartbroken after realizing Harsha was not in a position to marry her and finding her prospective husband agreeable, Paru reluctantly gives in to her fate and accepts the proposal, much to her family’s relief. As an aspiring medical professional herself, she decides to follow her mother’s advice and make the most of her opportunity to move abroad and pursue her academic interests. But during the wedding ceremony, one of the family members of the bride groom starts creating a scene by asking for more dowry. This was only the tip of the iceberg.

What follows is a psychological tussle between the two families with Paru caught in the crossfires. Later on, when she finally reunites with her husband in the U.S., she realizes things were going to be a lot different from what she had expected. Despite Paru’s continuous efforts to please Samar and mold herself into a person that he could be proud of, it becomes increasingly difficult to understand his volatile temper. She struggles to find an answer to her problems, conflicted between her patriarchal upbringing and her personal wish to be treated with some basic respect. Subjected to Samar’s constant verbal abuse at home, Paru finds comfort in pouring her soul into her work. When her agony threatens to engulf her, she draws strength from the memory of her mother as an educated woman and a successful lawyer. Above all, this is a story of love, friendship and the indefatigable nature of women.

Throughout the narrative, we come across several female characters who provide unwavering support to one another. Their candid conversations and shared sympathy makes the novel even more interesting. With Paru as the central character, the author encourages us to place ourselves in her shoes and accompany her on this journey of self-discovery. The depiction of her internal monologues and her desire to keep the marriage working for her children, even though it was clearly falling apart, is very realistic. It is often quite difficult for people to leave their abusive partners after living together for years. We can’t help but mentally cheer for Paru to break free from all the social conventions that are restricting her. There is no doubt that this story would deeply resonate with many readers as it deals with issues that unfortunately still persist in our society, irrespective of our class, race or nationality.

Quill says: A Bollywood Romance is a tender, nuanced love story about a woman who overcomes her conventional mindset, chases her dreams, attains professional success and finds true love by embracing her own identity with zest.

For more information about A Bollywood Romance, please visit the publisher’s website at: atmospherepress.com/books/a-bollywood-romance-by-anu-koduri.