#Bookreview of Escala's Wish

By: David James

Publication Date: December 13, 2025

Publisher: Trash Panda Publishing

ISBN: 979-8999979940

Reviewed by: Ephantus Muriuki

Review Date: February 5, 2026

Escala's Wish (Tales of Valla Book 1) by David James is a story whose prologue beautifully sets the solemn foundation upon which the whole narrative arc rests. We are taken ten years back to witness the cold, ceremonial judgement of a sprite of the fey realm named Teryn Lightwhisper, whose only crime was helping a child who had strayed through a hidden portal between the mortal world and the fey realm. His story establishes the story's setting as a realm governed by a code of ruthless consequence, one where compassion is an unforgivable crime, and one where every choice one makes begs a precedent.

We are introduced to Escala, the main character through the vivid recollection of our narrator, Wigfrith Foreverbloom, bard of Misty Springs, who conjures her image to a tavern audience, one, as a golden-haired pixie princess of the Court of Dreams and two, as a flawed, deeply curious individual whose attempt to understand mortal love through a single, forbidden kiss leaves her facing a devastating consequence. We see Escala and her friend Rihanna at a hidden crossing between the fey realm and the mortal world. Here, we lean in with the tavern crowd as Escala leans down to plant that fateful kiss despite her friend's warnings. Suddenly, a sharp crack of a branch in a nearby bush, followed by the appearance of a monstrous wolf jerks us back to reality. A brutal struggle for survival follows, leaving two dead and one injured. Here, we are left wondering not just what Escala's fate will be, but the real reason why the wolf was there at that precise, devastating moment.

The story drags us before the merciless tribunal of the court of Dreams where a sentence is passed to Escala, in cold transformative magic- a permanent exile in a foreign body and foreign land, burdened with a paradoxical quest. The ground she is cast upon is literally stained with the memory of her failure. Every threat on her path feels like a threat that aims to ensure that her exile becomes a permanent grave. Here, we are not forced to care for her, rather, our emotional investment gets earned by the heartbreaking scale of her fall, which frames her fight as a classic underdog struggle to survive in a world that views her as expendable. I remember pausing here, not because the pacing slowed, but because the cost of that single choice had expanded so suddenly and so brutally that it needed a moment to settle.

This story is built upon well-structured themes that are not merely decorative or abstract. They rise from lived, painful realities, driving every twist of the plot and defining every character's choice. The consequence of choice is one of them, and it is well rendered to make the reader feel the weight of every decision. Equally, the theme of love is articulated through sacrifice and yearning, deepening the reader's emotional investment and contributing to a rich, resonant and deeply satisfying experience. Personally, I loved the character formulation and intricate dynamics that bring this story to life, ultimately making it unforgettable. Each figure, from the flawed young heroine to the vengeful Morvena, has been crafted with a compelling motivation. Even supporting characters such as Harper and Roedyn have been given room to endear themselves to the reader. I totally believe that it is these characters that the novel's themes are not just communicated but truly felt.

Quill says: Escala's Wish (Tales of Valla Book 1) by David James is undoubtedly the perfect pick by readers who enjoy stories where personal growth, complex relationships and moral dilemmas drive the plot. It is a story that forces one to sit with questions of justice and mercy, as well as a wonder on what the value of a good heart really is, in a world that often punishes compassion.

 #Bookreview of Escala's Wish

By: David James

Publication Date: December 13, 2025

Publisher: Trash Panda Publishing

ISBN: 979-8999979940

Reviewed by: Lily Andrews

Review Date: February 5, 2026

"No matter how innocent the deed, no faerie was permitted to meddle with the True Cycle of mortal lives. In the eyes of the court, compassion itself was a crime. The law was absolute..."

Escala’s Wish (Tales of Valla Book 1) by David James is a debut fantasy-romance you might pick expecting a clever fairy tale, which you will get. To your surprise however, and as revealed in the excerpt above, you will encounter a striking depth beneath its surface, one that carries an emotional, grounding, human touch even amid its world of pixies, courts of magic, and world-ending consequences. It begins with a deceptively simple premise: a kiss, a curious, impulsive one, the kind that changes everything because it was never supposed to happen. This single act becomes the catalyst that Escala Winter the protagonist, a mischievous pixie, beautifully propels into a layered tale about love, belonging and redemption.

We first encounter Escala not in the shiny halls of the Court of Dreams, but in a sun-dappled forest glade in the mortal world where she is hovering over a young man who is asleep beneath an oak tree. At this point you see her innocence, in a scene that strongly holds the seed for everything that follows. What is so impressive is how after that, intent and outcome get treated as separate things. We see this through how the laws of the Court of Dreams judge solely on outcomes, specifically the disruption of the barely twenty-year-old law of True Cycle, which governs the natural order of mortal life, and which in this case occurs when Escala kisses Jonathan, a herbalist who was meant to live his mortal life, pursue his craft and maybe die from natural causes in his own time. This is exactly where the chilling authority of the justice system emerges. It does not care whether she is naive, curious or longing for love, rather, it only sees the broken thread in the True Cycle that she causes. Here, the book forces you to hold two irreconcilable truths: one, the truth of her innocent intent and two, the truth of her catastrophic outcome. The separation of these two is what I believe forcefully, but in a good way wrenches the story from a simple fairy-tale, into something more complex, mature and deeply gripping.

The Court of Dreams will be one of the readers' favorite places to visit due to its breathtaking beauty and sweeping atmosphere. "...everything is infused with passion- wrapped in music, dance, and artistry..." It is a setting where gardens grow from whispered secrets and where laughter seems to hang perpetually in the air. What may fascinate readers the most is the knowledge that such beauty is upheld by laws that are cold, and which seems to have mercy or empathy as a forgotten language. The book will keep them smiling, thanks to its narrator, Wigfrith Foreverbloom, Bard Medic of Misty Springs, whose voice and tone as he tells Escala's story, remains warm and charming throughout. And then there is the romance. It comes out very different from modern romanticism, growing out of hardship and emotional vulnerability instead of instant attraction. This aspect reminds me of classic love stories where connections feel earned, not simply manufactured.

The supporting characters, from Morvena Winter who embodies the corruption of the law through a generational feud, to Lord Rowan Winter whose impossible choice pits a father's love against a ruler's duty, are meticulously crafted and beautifully serve as a mirror, catalyst or obstacle to the protagonist's journey. Others include Victor Graves, a warlock whose grief turns to vengeance, Rihanna, the friend who pays the ultimate price early in the read, and Teresa Whitmore, the protagonist's mother whose legacy is the precedent that both inspires and damns her daughter's actions.

Quill says: This story will give you the opportunity to witness the growth of a protagonist forced to mature faster than she expected, haunted by loss, mistakes, responsibility and the weight of atonement. Its stakes, which feel deeply personal, will draw you in quickly, and cause you to care fiercely for her, especially after you realize that in her world, curiosity carries a devastating price. If you love fairy tales with real consequences, slow-burn romance that is built on sincerity, and stories that balance charm with depth, Escala’s Wish (Tales of Valla Book 1) by David James is a story truly worth stepping into.

 #Bookreview of How Not to Up and Die from Lack of Sleep: A Doctor’s Guide to Better Sleep That Boosts Your Energy, Reverses Exhaustion & Restores Your Health

By: Dr. Jerome Puryear

Publisher: Eternaverse Publishing

Publication Date: May 1, 2026

Reviewed by: Alma Boucher

Review Date: January 29, 2026

How Not to Up and Die from Lack of Sleep: A Doctor’s Guide to Better Sleep That Boosts Your Energy, Reverses Exhaustion, & Restores Your Health by Jerome Puryear, MD, serves as a timely and highly relevant resource that addresses one of the most overlooked health dangers of contemporary life: chronic sleep deprivation.

The book is organized into four main sections: The Science of Sleep, Understanding Abnormal Sleep, The Life of Night Shift Workers, and Fixing Your Sleep. It guides readers through an extensive exploration of why sleep is biologically vital and offers practical methods to reclaim it. Dr. Puryear integrates clinical insights with personal stories and patient experiences, making the science relatable through real-life situations. By exploring the physiological effects of insufficient sleep and the distinct challenges posed by night shifts, the book presents a straightforward narrative that highlights how sleep deprivation, although subtle, has a profound impact on physical well-being, emotional resilience, and cognitive function.

One of the strongest ideas running through the book is the reminder that sleep is not a luxury: it is a basic foundation of good health. Dr. Puryear makes it clear that while we are responsible for our own sleep habits, we also have to be honest about the larger challenges working against us, such as demanding jobs and technology that keeps us constantly connected. Readers can determine warning signs early with Dr. Puryear’s discussion of abnormal sleep patterns and common sleep disorders, often before serious damage is done. When it comes to fixing sleep, the book offers a well-balanced set of options, from mindfulness practices and natural remedies to advanced sleep technology and AI-driven tools. Just as importantly, Dr. Puryear urges readers to use these tools wisely, stressing the need for medical guidance and awareness of data privacy to technology supporting care rather than replacing it.

The writing does not feel heavy or intimidating, and is clear, compassionate, and confident. Medical concepts are written in plain language for anyone to understand. The illustrations add clarity instead of distraction and are helpful to enhance understanding. The pacing is steady, giving readers time to absorb complex ideas while moving smoothly from identifying problems to finding practical solutions. Dr. Puryear’s willingness to share his own struggles with sleep adds a relatable touch, making the book feel more like a conversation with a trusted doctor than a formal medical lecture.

How Not to Up and Die from Lack of Sleep is a well-researched and practical guide for anyone stuck in the cycle of chronic exhaustion. It is especially helpful for night shift workers, high-pressure professionals, and readers interested in where sleep science and technology are headed. It is not a quick-fix read, and those who take the time to understand and use the material will be able to overcome their problem with the tools provided in the book.

Quill says: This book is a powerful wake-up call that turns sleep from an afterthought into a life-saving priority, offering both knowledge and hope for lasting change.

For more information about How Not to Up and Die from Lack of Sleep: A Doctor’s Guide to Better Sleep That Boosts Your Energy, Reverses Exhaustion & Restores Your Health, please visit the author’s website at: drjeromepuryear.com.

 #Bookreview of Line 'Em Up!

By: Oscar Avery

Illustrated by: Sarah Jane Docker

Publisher: Bread n Butter Bookz

Publication Date: February 1, 2026

ISBN: 978-1734574302

Reviewed by: Diana Coyle

Review Date: January 29, 2026

In Line ‘Em Up! by Oscar Avery, we are introduced to four students who have learning disabilities and seem to have a revolving door of teachers at their school. So far, no teacher has stayed long enough to even get to know these four students. This only makes the children feel more like outcasts than the rest of the students at their school.

Then one day, Mr. Murant subs their class and instantly connects with the four students. In the process of learning about each individual student, Mr. Murant tells them about himself. You see, he suffers from a brain disorder called Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). This disorder is caused by repeated head injuries from playing things like rough sports such as football, which he previously did. This disorder causes the brain’s nerve cells to die and this produces many mental complications like forgetfulness, which happens to him quite frequently. The children bond with Mr. Murant for six months and he starts teaching them that the sky is the limit as long as they believe in themselves. What happens to Mr. Murant and the children as their bond strengthens?

This reviewer was extremely touched at how in depth this children’s book was, not only on an emotional level, but also on a developmental level watching each of the four children flourish under Mr. Murant’s guidance. This book is a feel-good story for any child or class that may be labeled difficult learners because it will teach them that the sky is the limit on what you can learn and who you can become. All children should live by this mantra, allowing them to feel that they are worthy just like any other child.

Personally, this reviewer learned about this brain disorder Mr. Murant suffered from by reading this children’s book. Learning exactly what CTE was and the difficult ramifications Mr. Murant and others deal with on a daily basis was eye opening. Although Oscar Avery briefly explained what this disorder was and the side effects of it, I feel that parents, guardians, and librarians should know that the disorder can be very dangerous and often life-threatening.

The illustrations provided by Sarah Jane Docker were done in muted tones throughout this children’s book. The pictures encompassed the entire page of every single page of the book. They were the perfect complement to the story that was written.

Quill says: Line ‘Em Up! by Oscar Avery is one book that will have children cheering on the four students they come to know and love in this story. The storyline is very believable, the characters are well developed, and there are valuable lessons to be learned as you turn the pages.

Congratulations to the 2026 Feathered Quill Book Awards winners!

https://featheredquill.com/feathered-quill-book-awards-2026-winners/

 #Bookreview of The Book of Jack: An Asylum Tap Dance

By: F. Scott Service

Publication Date: December 8, 2025

ISBN: 979-8993482224

Reviewed by: Alma Boucher

Review Date: January 23, 2026

The Book of Jack: An Asylum Tap Dance (The Suicide Club) by F. Scott Service is an unsettling and deeply human exploration of loss, memory, and the fragile working of the mind.

The book begins with devastation: Dana learns that his lifelong best friend, Jack, has shot himself after hiking into the mountains. The shock of Jack’s suicide has a great impact on Dana, sending him into a state of post-traumatic stress where grief manifests as both physical pain and emotional disorientation. On his way to Jack’s memorial, Dana sifts through recollections of their shared past, childhood escapades, reckless adventures, and the vibrant, voracious spirit of Jack. These memories are the backbone of the narrative, as Dana attempts to reconstruct who Jack really was and where the cracks may have begun to form.

The book is less about the act of suicide and more about its aftermath, the wreckage left behind for those who loved deeply and are forced to ask impossible questions. Jack, remembered as enthusiastic, vigorous, and outwardly cheerful, becomes a haunting contradiction, emblematic of how suffering can exist invisibly behind charisma and humor. Dana’s journey is both intimate and universal as he revisits moments of laughter, risk, and companionship, realizing too late how easily pain can hide in plain sight. Service captures the relentless “what-ifs” that plague survivors: what was missed, what could have been said, and whether love alone is ever enough. The friendship between Dana and Jack is rendered with tenderness and authenticity, grounding the book’s heavier themes in genuine affection and shared history.

The Book of Jack confronts mental illness, social stigma, identity, and the weakness of the human mind. It refuses to romanticize despair, instead presenting suicide with brutal honesty and documentary-like clarity. The book speaks to the universal search for meaning amid chaos, and to the quiet courage required to keep living when answers never come. Service’s writing style is daring and unconventional, marked by sharp imagery, rhythmic prose, and unexpected tonal shifts where humor collides with horror. The pacing mirrors an “asylum tap dance,” quick, disorienting movements followed by reflective pauses, drawing readers directly into Dana’s fractured inner world. While some passages are intentionally vague or challenging, these stylistic choices enhance the emotional realism and immersive quality of the story.

The book relies on stark mental imagery, creating scenes that linger vividly in the reader’s imagination: mountain trails, institutional spaces, and moments where the line between the frightening and the absurd blurs. Interactions with delusions, memories, and other damaged souls are among the most unforgettable aspects of the book. The Book of Jack is not an easy read, but it is an important one. It pushes narrative boundaries, confronts uncomfortable truths, and offers a compassionate lens on those left to navigate the fallout of suicide. The book is highly recommended for readers who appreciate raw, fearless storytelling and literature that challenges as much as it comforts.

Quill says: A brutally honest, rhythm-driven exploration of grief and mental health, The Book of Jack: An Asylum Tap Dance reads like a literary documentary: unflinching, compassionate, and impossible to forget.

For more information about The Book of Jack: An Asylum Tap Dance, please visit the author's website at: fscottservice.com

 #Bookreview of Honeycomb

By: R.A. Van Vleet

Publication Date: January 13, 2026

Publisher: Atmosphere Press

Reviewed by: Lily Andrews

Review Date: December 30, 2025

Honeycomb by Richard A. Van Vleet is a gripping thriller that begins with Sam Williams, a thirty-two-year-old realtor and part-time actress who, unbeknownst to her, is being surveilled by two inept henchmen on the orders of her jealous and controlling agent, Ray Calderon.

Early in the read Ray comes across as manipulative and violent, as seen at the scene at a Home Depot parking lot where he aggressively confronts Ian, a thirty-eight-year-old former marine, who earlier had accidentally collided with Sam while she was looking for Ray's truck. Here, Ray shoves Sam before throwing a punch at Ian who blocks and breaks Ray's nose in self-defense. These actions leave both in the hospital where they give their statements, thus setting the stage for a career threatening exposure that ends up unexpectedly bringing two people with a similar past together.

The tale tightens the screws of suspense to an almost unbearable degree from chapter four. Readers are shown a terrifying trap around the protagonist that will leave them questioning what safety remains. As the immediate physical danger recedes, psychological and moral costs come next, creating charged moments that will leave readers breathless, questioning who is pulling the strings and what line an unexpected "Samaritan" will cross to protect a woman who is rapidly becoming much more than a stranger in need.

Sam is a great female character whose resilience, vulnerability and lingering trauma make her the story's emotional heart. Her role comes out as that of a catalyst and a survivor, whose presence ignites the plot and her struggle for autonomy and security drives the suspense and the romantic arc of the story. Then there is Ian, whose skills, secrecy and decency drive the action. Additional is Ray, a well-hewn antagonist whose obsession and entitlement serve as the engine for the main plot. And then there are Harold, Eddie and Hernandez as well as Vernon, Virgil and Willy, all of whom are multi-layered individuals, who are used to generate heightened visceral threat and add depth and complexity while broadening the conflict beyond a simple cat and mouse chase.

Quill says: This book stands out for its gritty, cinematic pacing and its masterful layering of intimate character drama over a framework of sprawling interconnected threats. Reading it feels like watching a tense thriller unfold on screen as a movie with tangible suspense that is amplified not by hyperbolic action, but by the chilling plausibility of the danger, especially in the case of emotional betrayal, rather than the threat of physical violence. It is no doubt that readers who enjoy propulsive, character driven thrillers and romantic suspense akin to the focused tension of Laura Griffin's Tracers series will not only find much to love here, but will thoroughly be absorbed by its layered mystery. Honeycomb is a great read, but firmly an adult novel owing to its graphic violence, strong language, disturbing thematic elements and complex moral and situational gray areas.