#Bookreview of Voices on the Wind

By: Helena P. Schrader

Publisher: Cross Seas Press

Publication Date: June 11, 2026

ISBN: 979-8987177075

Reviewed by: Alma Boucher

Review Date: June 15, 2026

Voices on the Wind – Assault: A Novel of Malta in WWII by Helena P. Schrader is a meticulously researched and deeply immersive historical novel.

Readers are transported to one of the Second World War’s most crucial, yet often overlooked battlefronts: the island of Malta. Malta is strategically positioned between Gibraltar and Alexandria, and serves as a vital British stronghold, protecting the sea lanes, supporting intelligence gathering, and disrupting Axis supply routes to North Africa. Schrader vividly captures the desperate situation facing the island as relentless Luftwaffe and Italian bombing raids threaten to break both military defenses and civilian morale. Through detailed depictions of daily life under siege, the novel demonstrates how every aircraft, convoy, and intelligence breakthrough could mean the difference between survival and defeat. The overwhelming odds faced by Malta and its defenders create a compelling narrative filled with tension, courage, and sacrifice.

Several interconnected characters showcase different aspects of Malta’s struggle. Robin Priestman arrives flying a Spitfire to reinforce the island’s air defenses. He discovers that modern aircraft alone cannot solve the severe shortages of fuel, supplies, spare parts, and infrastructure. His growth as a leader reflects the extraordinary challenges of maintaining combat readiness under constant attack. Equally engaging is Edward “Ned” Nettleton, a determined pilot who embraces dangerous Beaufort torpedo-bomber missions despite his limited experience. This demonstrates resilience and dedication as he strives to protect his crew. Schrader also introduces Candice Weld, whose promotion to Malta’s intelligence services places her at the heart of the island’s codebreaking efforts. Her work with the “Boniface” decoding machine adds another fascinating dimension to the story, illustrating how intelligence played a crucial role in Malta's defense. The inclusion of historical figure Adrian Warburton adds authenticity, humor, and an engaging glimpse into one of the war’s most daring reconnaissance pilots.

Beyond its military action, the novel explores themes of perseverance, duty, teamwork, and the importance of intelligence in modern warfare. Schrader highlights the resilience of ordinary civilians and servicemen who endured daily bombardment while continuing to support the war effort. The story emphasizes that victory depends not only on battlefield heroics but also on logistics, communication, and the countless individuals working behind the scenes. Readers gain a deeper appreciation for Malta’s strategic significance and the extraordinary determination required to keep the island operational despite seemingly impossible circumstances. The lessons of courage, adaptability, and collective sacrifice resonate strongly throughout the narrative. Schrader’s writing style is richly detailed and historically precise, reflecting her expertise as both a novelist and historian.

The pacing is deliberate yet engaging, balancing aerial combat, intelligence operations, and personal character development with equal skill. While readers seeking nonstop action may find some sections heavily focused on military logistics and historical detail, these elements ultimately strengthen the authenticity of the narrative and deepen the reader’s understanding of the campaign.

Quill says: Voices on the Wind – Assault: A Novel of Malta in WWII is an outstanding combination of historical fiction, meticulous research, compelling characters, and gripping wartime drama to bring the Siege of Malta vividly to life. Fans of military history and character-driven World War II fiction will find this an informative, moving, and thoroughly rewarding read.

For more information about Voices on the Wind – Assault: A Novel of Malta in WWII, please visit the author's website at: helenapschrader.com/

 #Bookreview of Searching for Noriko

By: Al Dawson

Publisher: Luna del Lobo Books

Publication Date: June 4, 2024

ISBN: 978-1795154031

Reviewed by: Douglas C. MacLeod, Jr.

Review Date: June 14, 2026

Franscico (“Frankie”) Castillo has trouble sleeping. His marriage is falling apart, and he mentally cannot step away from his sordid past as a World War II soldier. Readers are aware of a secret early on in Searching for Noriko, Al Dawson’s novel, but Frankie’s wife is unknowledgeable about his dilemma.

Along with his crippling PTSD and nagging leg injury, Frankie feels guilty about leaving war-torn Japan and his love-interest Noriko, a woman whom he deeply cared for, soon after the fighting ended and Japan proceeded to heal and rebuild. He got sent home, married the woman he was dating while in the States, had a child named Ellen, and built his own successful company, despite the insurmountable odds and circumstances of his life. Yet, Frankie still has this figurative gaping wound; and, the only way to operate on it is to go to his old haunts to find Noriko and to apologize for his unexpected departure. This decision leads to events that add to a complex, but easy-to-follow narrative with multiple characters (including Kume, Frankie’s other daughter), who come together for an explosive ending.

Searching for Noriko is very well-constructed with developed characters, each of which have a distinct voice and a stake in Frankie’s situation. Frankie decides to fly to Japan with Ellen to find his former paramour, and Kume decides she wants to know more about her natural father. These actions lead to the eventual meeting of all of the players, two metaphorical trains running parallel that collide with force during the novel’s climax of the novel. Admittedly, some moments are far-fetched—a plot point devoted to the Japanese mafia’s need to find hidden gold, the love affair between Ellen and an obnoxious environmental lawyer, and the coincidental meeting at the end—however, Dawson makes what seems unfeasible, feasible, and in less capable hands, it could have been disastrous. Dawson understands pacing and purpose; and, with each detail, context is implicitly and explicitly stated to ensure readers are not burdened with not knowing why, or with information not pertinent to the story.

Also impressive is Dawson’s knowledge of Japanese and World War II history. Not much of the story takes place during the War, but when added, it is done so with intent so as not to divulge too much of what is going to happen throughout the novel, nor to Frankie if and when he finds Noriko. Most compelling is his relationship with his wife, Melanie, who is in the dark as to what is happening to her husband, a man who always seemed tortured despite his full life. Lost a bit is his relationship with his brother and mother, who are on the peripherals, ghosts of a past that molded him into a tragic but redeemable figure. Dawson though, through his prose, is careful as he makes it known that we all are a sum of our parts. Who we are is based on the people who surround us and the places we come from, and readers can impressively see that through Frankie’s eyes and memories.

World War II was not the only life-altering event discussed in Searching for Noriko. Minimally mentioned is 9/11; and, much of the book takes place in late 2001 and 2002, in New York. While in Manhattan, Kume and her significant other, Gary, nonchalantly travel around as if nothing happened. They take cab rides. They eat dinners. They talk about an impending fashion show. They jump on planes without second thought. Mundane things in a city that never sleeps. But there are no discussions about the Twin Towers, about the death and destruction that took place on September 11th. This terror attack stopped the world for months after it happened, and yet these people are oblivious to this tragedy. Dawson, in essence, could have alluded to the heartbreak in a more significant way without stealing away from the narrative.

Quill says: Searching for Noriko is a compelling piece of historical fiction about family dynamics and the power of respect in love, filled with good storytelling and strong details about Japan during and after World War II.

For more information about Searching for Noriko, please visit the author's website at: lunadellobo.com/

 #Bookreview of Mika Makes it Work!

By: Amanda Aizu

Illustrated by: Edo Ward

Publisher: Blue Shiba Books

Publication Date: March 30, 2026

ISBN: 978-1-970849-03-5

Reviewed by: Shrubaboti Bose

Review Date: June 10, 2026

Mika Makes It Work! by Amanda Aizu is a story about a young girl who believes that every problem can be solved.

Mika is good at fixing things, be it broken toys, leaky watering cans, or even Grandpa’s squeaky glasses. She is always able to find a way to repair anything. She usually exclaims, “I’ll make it work!” before immediately plunging in to handle anything that needs fixing. One day, when her friend Kai’s birthday cake suddenly collapses in the middle, it is up to her to save the day. What follows is a series of increasingly ambitious and hilarious attempts to repair the cake, culminating in a lesson that sometimes the simplest solutions are the best ones.

Mika’s determination and optimism are admirable, but what makes the story so engaging is seeing how some of her grand ideas spiral into unexpected chaos. With the invention of the impressive new gadget called the “Cake-Fixer 3000,” the situation soon turns into a ridiculous mess, as pancakes go flying and frosting splashes all over the place. This utterly silly and exaggerated sequence of events unfolding will undoubtedly amuse children and young readers. Its innate repetitive structure and playful sound effects add a lively rhythm that makes the book especially delightful during read-aloud sessions.

The illustrations complement the narrative beautifully, bringing Mika’s exciting personality to life through expressive characters and visual details akin to comic strip panels. Bright, cheerful scenes filled with frosting explosions, sticky mishaps, and funny reactions help maintain a light-hearted tone throughout the story. Even when things go completely haywire, the colorful graphics reassure the reader, ensuring that the experience remains pleasant rather than stressful, and encouraging children to laugh at mistakes rather than fear them.

What makes this book particularly appealing is the way it celebrates creativity while gently introducing the value of flexibility. Mika’s confidence and willingness to try new ideas are definitely qualities that deserve praise, but the story also demonstrates how solutions need not always take a complex route. With the help of her grandpa’s calm guidance, Mika eventually realizes this. This inspires children to take away the lesson that success can also come from adapting, simplifying, and working together. The transformation of the ruined cake into “Cake Surprise” serves as a charming reminder that unexpected outcomes can sometimes lead to even better results.

The author encourages children to embrace thinking creatively to solve problems and to approach challenges with confidence. At the same time, the story also teaches us resilience by showing that mistakes are not failures, but opportunities to learn and adjust. Mika’s journey reinforces the importance of persistence, teamwork, and maintaining a positive attitude when things do not go according to plan. These valuable lessons are interlaced with humor and silliness within the story, making them easy for young readers to absorb and remember.

Quill says: Mika Makes It Work! is a wonderful story about creativity, perseverance, and accepting the fact that even when things go wrong, a little imagination can turn any problem into a sweet surprise.

 #Bookreview of Bait by Jeffrey Butler

By: Jeffrey Butler

Publication Date: June 8, 2026

ISBN: 979-8995267300

Reviewed by: Ephantus Muriuki

Review Date: April 24, 2026

In Bait: A Harper Jones Novel by Jeffrey Butler, we meet detective Harper Jones at the Ocean House Hotel as he investigates a domestic violence call.

Detective Jones is in the company of Mary Lou Perkins, his protégé and the chief's eyes and ears, assigned to stay at his side after he went rogue on a previous case. The interview gets interrupted by a blast sound nearby, and shortly after, by a call from Chief Barnes redirecting him to a car-bombing scene, where he finds that the destroyed car belongs to Councilman Danny Kilpatrick, his former school mate and friend. As Jones comes to learn, Danny recently crossed paths with a reputed mobster and a local doctor with a grudge. But before Jones can untangle the connections, the investigation takes a brutal, sudden turn, leaving him with more questions than answers, especially when he realizes that someone is watching his every move.

This book excels not in telling, but in showing, how the past never really stays buried. It doesn't whisper but kicks down the door, chilling the protagonist and the reader alike with one gut punch after another. Jones is a man caught between two worlds, as a soldier that he once was, and the detective that he now is. The story doesn't give easy answers; instead, it buries the truth under layers of mystery, each one darker than the last one.

What stands out in this story is how it doesn't hide the villain in the shadows, rather allowing him to call out the main character directly. The pacing is also exceptionally well executed, creating a story that feels relentless, and one that makes the reader scared to turn the pages as the action intensifies.

Quill says: Bait: A Harper Jones Novel is a thriller that reminds the reader why the genre is worth losing sleep over. The author of this suspenseful story knows exactly where he is taking his readers, even as the path keeps twisting in unexpected directions. Interacting with Jones in another installment might be the best thing that happens to the reader, because he is the kind of character who leaves you thoroughly entertained, inspired and deeply motivated long after the last page. It is a book that delivers on all fronts, and one that will richly reward fans of police procedurals that spiral into something darker.

For more information about Bait: A Harper Jones Novel, please visit the author's website at: jbutlerbooks.com

 #Bookreview of Kauai Spies and Bald-Faced Lies

By: Rosemary and Larry Mild

Publisher: Magic Island Literary Works

Publication Date: May 18, 2026

ISBN: 979-8986386430

Reviewed by: Ephantus Muriuki

Review Date: June 8, 2026

Kauai Spies and Bald-Faced Lies by Larry and Rosemary Mild starts in 1996 in Kharuta, a town in northwestern Russia. Ramza Damynia, a heavily bearded giant of a man, and his four drunk friends attack and burn down a print shop as well as the house above it, belonging to the Volkovs: Max and Anya, Jews who have been publishing political-opposition propaganda in a newspaper called "Free Will."

Max and Anya narrowly escape the inferno and are later taken in by Anya's sister, Polina, and her husband Zigfried Kuzman. At this time, the latter is unemployed and Max has no job. The quartet decides to explore the idea of moving away from mother Russia to America in search of greener pastures. The Volkovs' confidence is in the belief that they have been presumed dead and therefore might not encounter travel bans or rejection of their application for hardship and asylum visas. The book chronicles their later encounter with Nakita, a print shop owner in Soho in lower Manhattan who employs Max, and who sends him to evaluate and report back on the status of his recently deceased brother's printing shop in Honolulu, Hawaii.

The novel shifts to attorney Kent Peter Brukner, a former spy, who after meeting a secretive client and requesting him to draw a five-way partnership agreement, is threatened against attending to the client's request by two goons. As he wonders what he may have entangled himself in, Kent learns that his wife earlier on encountered Anya, a Russian woman she suspects may be her cousin. The possibility sends chills down his spine as he realizes that the web threatening him might somehow have found its way into his home. He is called to help the Volkovs in a matter that appears straightforward at first glance. However, the situation quickly becomes more entwined with a larger mystery surrounding his secretive client. Every step he takes leaves him not only deeply involved, but deeply unaware of where coincidence ends and where conspiracy starts.

This novel uses several techniques to develop the suspense including running two parallel stories which the reader knows must at some point connect, delaying their convergence, allowing anonymous written threats at key moments, offering a partial glimpse of the main villain, and employing cliffhanger chapter endings. It pulls at the reader's emotional investment by incorporating intent to harm on innocent characters like 17-year-old Rudy as well as two-year-old Paulie, whose safety is directly threatened. It uses flashbacks or backstory as a substitute for character growth. The reader notices that many characters remain who they are from beginning to the end, including Kent who is already competent, brave and ethical at the start, and the Volkovs who start and remain resilient, hardworking and resourceful throughout.

Quill says: Kauai Spies and Bald-Faced Lies is not your ordinary thriller. It doesn't carry a revenge or an eye-for-an-eye subplot; instead, it uses resilience as its engine. The heroes seek safety and survival, the violence is endured, then left behind, and its climax emerges in the form of a rescue. This is unique and might deeply interest the reader who loves stories that use fear, love and determination as their driving emotions. Kauai Spies and Bald-Faced Lies always allows readers to know when and where they are, thanks to its clear date headers. One cannot fail to notice its family theme, which elevates every threat into something deeply personal and impossible to look away from. It is a great read, whose turning of pages is not forced, but irresistible, with cliffhangers that arise from character decisions rather than cheap tricks.

For more information about Kauai Spies and Bald-Faced Lies, please visit the author's website at: magicile.com/

 #Bookreview of Essentials Vol. 1

By: Luke Arnold and Chris "Doc" Wyatt

Publisher: The Lab Press

Publication Date: February 25, 2025

ISBN: 978-1964226002

Reviewed by: Diana Coyle

Review Date: June 5, 2026

Mathematician Harris Pax has a premonition that the world is coming to an end, but he doesn’t prevent it from happening in Essentials Vol. 1 by Luke Arnold and Chris “Doc” Wyatt.

The world becomes post-apocalyptic and those left living in it find themselves in a warped reality. Stuffed toys are talking, people aren’t who they seem to be, and there are zombies out to kill everyone. But are all these occurrences truly happening? What can Harris do to restore the world as he knew it?

This isn’t a book that this reviewer would normally read, but the blurb and the cover were very attention-grabbing. The storyline, right from the start, was rich with details that would entertain sci-fi/fantasy readers and keep them engrossed until the very last page in this graphic novel. The storyline was enjoyable and often times humorous, so much so that readers will find themselves chuckling at what’s being said or what’s happening in a scene.

Although some of the characters were so off-the-wall at times, even with their oddities, they were believable to readers. They molded together well, whether they were odd or not, and they only enhanced the storyline being told.

The illustrations provided throughout this graphic novel were done by six artists and it was amazing how well each page blended into the next. It was a surprise to find that a team of artists did it together. Each artist had exceptional talent in illustrating their pages and all provided one cohesive book for readers to enjoy. Also, Bill Sienkiewicz was the cover artist of the book and he did a wonderful job presenting the cover illustration to set the tone of the story that would unfold once the book was opened. Other artists did illustrations for two additional covers for this story.

This debut graphic novel was written by Luke Arnold and Chris “Doc” Wyatt. Although not familiar with either author, this reviewer was pleasantly surprised to find out that Luke Arnold is a novelist, actor, and Emmy-nominated writer. Chris “Doc” Wyatt is a producer as well as a writer. He is known for many popular movie titles.

Quill says: If you are looking for a sci-fi/fantasy graphic novel with a unique storyline, well-developed, believable characters and expertly crafted illustrations, look no further than Essentials Vol. 1. This book checks all the boxes and more!

For more information about Essentials Vol. 1, please visit the publisher's website at: thelabpress.com/pages/essentials

 #Bookreview of Catabasis

By: Armen Melikian

Publisher: Erzenka Publishing House

Publication Date: November 27, 2026

ISBN: 979-8-950315-00-8

Reviewed by: Alma Boucher

Review Date: June 2, 2026

Armen Melikian’s Catabasis is an intellectually demanding and emotionally resonant novel. It explores exile, identity, and the collapse of cultural certainty through the journey of its protagonist, Brathki.

The narrative follows Brathki’s continual descent into a fragmented world where mythological echoes, political realities and metaphysical reflections collide with tangible human suffering. This is not a traditional plot-driven structure. Melikian crafts a philosophical odyssey in which Brathki becomes both observer and participant in a civilization struggling to define itself amid displacement and ideological manipulation. The novel’s title, evoking the ancient concept of a descent into the underworld, serves as an apt metaphor for Brathki’s immersion into increasingly unstable psychological, cultural, and existential terrain. As the story unfolds, readers are confronted with unsettling questions about the forces that shape identity and the extent to which culture itself may be constructed, imposed, or weaponized.

Brathki is a compelling and enigmatic central figure, whose evolution is less about conventional transformation and more about gradual exposure to uncomfortable truths. Melikian develops him as a reflective and often alienated character whose observations reveal the fractures beneath society’s accepted narratives. Supporting characters appear almost symbolically at times, representing conflicting ideologies, historical burdens, or spiritual anxieties rather than functioning solely as traditional characters. This unconventional approach may distance readers seeking emotional familiarity, yet it powerfully reinforces the novel’s thematic concerns. The interactions Brathki experiences become meditations on belonging, exile, memory, and survival in a world where stable meaning appears elusive. Through these encounters, Melikian successfully captures the psychological disorientation of individuals caught between inherited traditions and contemporary political realities.

Thematically, Catabasis is ambitious and fearless. Melikian examines the fragility of cultural identity and the dangers of systems that seek to define humanity through rigid ideological constructs. The novel challenges readers to reconsider assumptions about nationalism, heritage, and the narratives societies use to maintain control. There is a prophetic quality woven throughout the text, as the story often feels less like fiction and more like a warning about the spiritual and intellectual consequences of cultural stagnation and political manipulation. Readers willing to engage deeply with the material will find rich philosophical undercurrents concerning individuality, existential purpose, and the cyclical nature of history. At its core, the novel suggests that identity cannot remain static, nor can truth be comfortably contained within institutional boundaries.

Melikian’s writing style is dense, poetic, and intentionally disorienting, mirroring the unstable reality Brathki inhabits. The prose often shifts between abstract philosophical musings and sharply concrete imagery, creating a rhythm that feels challenging yet immersive. The pacing is deliberate rather than fast-moving, prioritizing contemplation over action. Some readers may find the nonlinear structure and symbolic complexity difficult to penetrate, but others will appreciate the novel’s refusal to simplify its ideas for the sake of accessibility. The language carries an almost hypnotic intensity that rewards patience and close reading, particularly for audiences drawn to literary fiction that prioritizes intellectual exploration over straightforward storytelling.

Quill says: Catabasis is not a novel for casual reading, but a novel for those prepared to embrace its philosophical depth and unconventional structure. With this work, Armen Melikian delivers a haunting and profoundly thought-provoking literary experience.

For more information about Catabasis, please visit the author's Amazon page at: amazon.com/stores/Armen-Melikian/author/B004FJSYLY/