#Bookreview of The Binding of the Twelve

By: Nathanael Bazzell

Publisher: Bazzell Books

Publication Date: April 25, 2025

ISBN: 979-8992867503

Reviewed by: Diana Coyle

Review Date: July 15, 2025

In The Binding of the Twelve by Nathanael Bazzell, we are introduced to Fife, a world traveling Keeper, who meets up with an unkempt nobleman claiming that he has urgent information that must be shared with Fife.

Fife is extremely interested in what this man has to tell him. The man, Olan, explains that the news he has can change the fate of all that live in the Three Lands. He explains he has heard that the Alv’ar (elves) and Delv’ar (dwarves) are plotting a war against the Men’ar (humans). This will be cataclysmic for everyone involved. Although Fife is leery of this man, he knows deep down that the prophecy is clear. A new band of Twelve must be found and he is the one to fulfill this mission within the Three Lands. Is Fife able to find the new Twelve that will make things right again? If so, are they successful in their mission to save the Three Lands or will the results be catastrophic?

Right from the start, readers are immersed in an epic world that consists of the Three Lands, the Men’ar Kingdoms, the Delv’ar Holds and the Alv’ar Realms. Each kingdom has their important role and must work in tandem with each other to be a successful world. Fife becomes troubled once he finds out that the Men’ar people will be attacked by the Alv’ar and Delv’ar people. Being the Keeper of Wisdom, he knows he is the chosen one who must right this injustice before it begins. The characters Nathanael Bazzell has created will keep readers eagerly wanting to learn about each person and how they will form a new team of Twelve to thwart this potential injustice. Each character introduced is so believable that you will forget this is a work of fiction and instead become completely engrossed in the story.

This author outdid himself with the level of creativity with the development of the Three Lands. Each is its own unique kingdom with its own class of people. The inventiveness it took for Bazzell to craft these Three Lands and wrap the entire story around these lands is truly amazing. Just as the characters are believable, so too are the lands he created for these people in which to live.

This is the first installment in an ongoing series and it will have readers eagerly awaiting the next story’s release to see where this book ends and the next one picks up. This book is so intelligently assembled that it could easily be made into a motion picture like some other well-known fantasy stories, such as the Lord of the Rings series and works by J.R.R. Tolkien.

Quill says: The Binding of the Twelve by Nathanael Bazzell is an epic book that readers should enjoy uninterrupted so as to allow themselves to become fully immersed in the captivating story. With the well-developed storyline, the believable characters and the uniquely crafted lands, readers will be transported to a faraway land while reading this novel.

For more information about The Binding of the Twelve, please visit the author's website at: bazzellbooks.com

 #Authorinterview with Nathanael Bazzell

Today, Feathered Quill reviewer Diana Coyle is talking with Nathanael Bazzell, author of The Binding of the Twelve.

FQ: One of the first things I do when I read a book by an author I’m unfamiliar with is read the author’s bio to get to know them better. Would you please tell us a few things about yourself so that new readers, like myself, can learn about you?

BAZZELL: Sure, I’d be happy to do that. I was born and raised in Kentucky. Growing up, I worked in tobacco and hauled hay during the summers to earn spending money. Went to college and received my master’s degree in history. After that—at one point or another—I worked at my grandpa’s feed mill, played in a rock band, and taught as a professor. Currently, I teach dual credit U.S. History and online for several colleges. With three kids, my wife and I spend a lot of time attending soccer tournaments, track meets, and volleyball matches. When I get a little free time, I enjoy bow fishing.

FQ: Can you please tell our readers a brief synopsis of your book, The Binding of the Twelve, and what specifically makes your book unique?

BAZZELL: In an Age long past, a society called the Builders, destroyed the world in what came to be known as the Cataclysm. Mankind was scattered across the Three Lands and over two millennia are separated into what are become known as the three younger races.

The Binding of the Twelve follows Fife—a Keeper of Wisdom—and three other main characters, who along with eight others are trying to fulfill a prophecy to avert a second Cataclysm for the Three Lands. Their efforts are hampered by internal divisions within the Three Lands, a forgotten empire from the east invading, and an ancient evil stirring.

I think what makes it unique is the magic system. When the Tower of Heaven fell and the Cataclysm happened it scattered what became known as Pieces. That is the vehicle for the magic system in the book. Characters are able to push their will through the Pieces to manipulate the environment around them.

FQ: I loved how well-written The Binding of the Twelve was and how you decided to create the Three Lands, amazingly believable characters and an in-depth storyline into these pages. How long did it take you to write this first book and what was the process like for you?

BAZZELL: Thanks! I’m glad you enjoyed the characters! Your question is a tricky one. To complete the first novel it took about a year and a half. I did not work on it consistently due to other obligations and an illness. I suppose if I were able to write daily it would have taken around six months.

FQ: When can your anxious readers expect your next book to be available within this series and can you give us a quick synopsis of it?

BAZZELL: Ah, this is where it gets interesting. I just wanted to see if I could write a book—more on that in an answer to a question further down in the interview—so I wrote one. Then I wrote the second book. Then I started on the third book. So, even though I just published the first book, the second book is going to my editor this month. It is titled The Forging of the Twelve and I hope to have it published in early October. In the meantime, I’m about twenty-five percent done with the third book, titled The Diaspora of the Twelve.

FQ: Where did you look upon for inspiration for writing this book?

BAZZELL: I’ve been an avid reader since I learned how to read. I’ve always enjoyed fantasy, particularly epic fantasy. I draw a great deal of my influences from that. In addition, I teach history and I have tried to incorporate different ancient cultures and customs into my work to give the world an authentic feel. I also drew inspiration from the Bible and the narratives it contains and try to address deeper questions in my work.

FQ: What made you want to be a published author?

BAZZELL: I didn’t want to initially. To be honest, I wasn’t finding the stories that I liked to read as much as I did growing up. One night, I put a book down I was reading and wondered if I could write a story—one that I’d like to read. An epic tale that would take multiple books to tell. So, I gave it a try. I really enjoyed the writing process, and as I mentioned earlier, I just kept writing. At the first of this year my wife asked if I was ever going to let anyone read them. I sent the first book to some beta readers and received positive feedback. At that point I started looking into what was required to get a book published.

FQ: Please tell us what is your writing routine like?

BAZZELL: My routine is write when I can. That’s pretty much it. I don’t have a set time or certain days. I write when the opportunity presents itself. It works out well for me. I have a 45 minute drive to and from work. I spend that time thinking about the story. When I get time to write, I have plenty of ideas stored up—no sitting and staring at the laptop screen.

As for the story . . . I know where a book begins and where it is going to end. I fill in the rest as I go.

FQ: To wrap up our interview, is there anything you would like to add to tell our readers?

BAZZELL: I’d just like to say I have endeavored to write a great story. One with characters that you will relate to and with a world you will believe in. Hopefully I’ve done it in a manner that pays homage to the traditional fantasy genre. If you like your fantasy epic, give The Binding of the Twelve a try. My pledge to you is I will do my utmost to make each book something special that you will eagerly look forward to—no short cuts or cutting corners. Thanks for taking time to read! I hope all is well for each of you!

 #Bookreview of Recovering Maurice

By: Martin Zelder

Publisher: Atmosphere Press

Publication Date: September 2, 2025

ISBN: 979-8-89132-761-0

Reviewed by: Shrubaboti Bose

Review Date: July 15, 2025

Recovering Maurice is Martin Zelder’s first time creating a fictional world. This story is particularly special because of the way it holds space for characters that appear insignificant at first glance. In that, it is also unusual in its delivery, and yet surprisingly engaging in its content.

Written from a third person’s point of view, maintaining its characteristically crisp sentence structure, a reader expects to watch the story unravel from a distance, but the narrative style pulls you in and invites you on a journey that is unlike any you might have taken before. It gets almost personal, documenting memories of the protagonist like that in a memoir, shifting between each anecdote with a deftness that makes us wonder if real life events could have inspired the plot.

The story’s main character Maurice is portrayed as a socially inept person who struggles to read social situations in day to day life. He is described as ‘pathologically honest,’ naive to the extent that he is incapable of discerning between guile and deceit. His lack of social skills sets him apart from other people, making him an easy target, be it at school during his childhood or even in the workplace as an adult. Everywhere he goes, Maurice repeatedly seeks understanding, a kind of fellowship, yearning for a place to belong, a community. Despite being a little ‘different’ from those around him, he finds comfort in the company of his brother, Emil, who was also atypical in many ways. The two siblings shared a sacred bond that Maurice comes to appreciate more towards the end.

From an early age, Maurice was well aware of how his brother was special, not just as a bright infant but later on too, as a result of the many neurological surgeries and their consequential impact on his brain. Although his parents tried their best to shield him from untold challenges of having such a brother, there was evidently some residual influence on young Maurice who grew up in an environment where the sense of grief and loss was ever present. His father played an important role as his main pillar of support, always providing him with guidance, helping him comprehend and deal with setbacks, while his mother remained the firm voice of reason, giving his life the necessary framework and direction. Apart from his brother, Maurice’s parents were a great influence on him.

What is interesting about this book is that its main character, Maurice, is depicted as a socially awkward person. He is not your typical hero, not someone who is supernaturally gifted. This story is about an ordinary man, a late-bloomer in fact. Still, it touches a chord somewhere deep within us because it is essentially about someone to whom we can all relate, someone intrinsically a bit flawed like us. Seeing him stumble through the trials and tribulations of life, and at last finding a peaceful closure helps us feel reassured.

Quill says: Recovering Maurice is a book for sensitive people; it will motivate its readers to ask questions and encourage them to analyze their own experiences from a new light.

For more information about Recovering Maurice, please visit the publisher's website at: atmospherepress.com/books/recovering-maurice-by-martin-zelder

 #Bookreview of Mate: A Novel in Twenty Games

By: Robert Castle

Publisher: Spuyten Duyvil Publishing

Publication Date: May 7, 2025

ISBN: 978-1963908497

Reviewed by: Diana Coyle

Review Date: July 14, 2025

Couple Bill Pillsbury and Cynthia Larkin go through the normal stages of a relationship from dating to having children in Mate: A Novel in Twenty Games by Robert Castle. In this fictional work, Castle sets up his novel to read like a game of chess for every move each of his players, Pillsbury and Larkin, do in response to what is presented to them. They start off in their dating phase, and eventually work through marriage, having children and life beyond children and each step is a move played in the game of hypermodern chess.

The first thing worth noting was how uniquely presented this novel was to Robert Castle’s readers. The entire concept of dating to having a family was intricately written out for readers to follow along as if they were playing a true game of chess. Each step in Pillsbury and Larkin’s relationship was expertly played out as individual chess moves and chess fan readers will eagerly turn the pages to see how each match turned out between both Bill and Cynthia.

Having said that, it was a bit confusing to follow at times because Castle set out to present each possible move either Bill or Cynthia could have done toward each other. What that means is that you had to continue reading to see what the true exchange was between this couple in order to learn who might have won each match. Chess fans will relish in reading this novel because the author wrote each reaction between Bill and Cynthia as a chess move trying to win the match overall because in Castle’s eyes, “chess is war reduced to a game; marriage is chess; marriage is war.”

Robert Castle has written a few novels throughout the years, while also publishing journal articles on the theme of movies. He has also written many plays, and has performed in New York City, Philadelphia, and Great Britain.

Quill says: Mate: A Novel in Twenty Games by Robert Castle is one fictional satire book that will attract readers in both the satire and chess categories especially. Readers who are looking for something different will greatly enjoy this book due to its unique presentation.

For more information about Mate: A Novel in Twenty Games, please visit the publisher's website at: spuytenduyvil.net/Mate.html

#Bookreview of The Poetry Contest: Human vs. Machine

By: Lyman Ditson & Adam A.I.

Publisher: Atmosphere Press

Publication Date: July 29, 2025

ISBN: 979-8891327160

Reviewed by: Rebecca Jane Johnson

Review Date: July 10, 2025

Who do you think makes a better poet: a human being or ChatGPT? Lyman Ditson and Adam A.I. have co-authored a new collection, entitled The Poetry Contest: Human vs. Machine. We know Lyman Ditson as the author of a thought-provoking adventure story Desert Angels, which won Feathered Quill award recognition in 2023. His most recent collection features two voices writing poems on a variety of subjects: prayer, silence, aging, evolution, hypocrisy, yearning, and much more. Ditson presents the subject; then we see the duel: one humanly created composition stands up against an A.I. poem generated from a prompt that Ditson gave to ChatGPT. The effect is uncanny.

For ages now, humans have been dazzled by the quick and efficient way artificial intelligence can process information. Now, A.I. can compose thoughtful lyrics about The Prophet, Truth, War, Beauty. Whether lofty topics or ordinary topics: Dogs, 1960s, San Francisco, Night Sky, humans and A.I. seem to be equally adept at waxing poetic. While the human poet contemplates the stillness, silence, and the great wind that rises as a scream at the beginning of time, the A.I. poet contemplates its first words, and wonders “if ever I might wake, / if ever I might cross that boundary / between knowing and feeling / between crafting and being.” In this initial poem about Beginnings, the human intelligence contemplated the beginning of the world, whereas A.I. contemplated its longing to be. Somehow the competition seems stacked, and A.I.-generated sentiment gives an eerie feeling that the machine may have the upper hand.

But proceeding further into the collection, it becomes less important which is the superior poet or poem, and instead a reader starts to wonder over the ways the two are talking to each other. An engaging dialogue emerges. For instance, compare how the two tackle the subject of uncertainty: the human poet writes about indecision, commenting on the way humans get confronted with so many choices until we reach a psychological breaking point that makes us like zombies, and we cannot decide at all. Meanwhile, the A.I. poet uses the metaphor of a map that leads to everywhere and nowhere, and no one can agree whether to proceed forward or turn back. Combining human intelligence with artificial intelligence, we end up looking at the subject of uncertainty from two perspectives.

And these dueling perspectives turn into “the rhythm of music that feels like yours alone” or a chance to “dance with magic.”

These days many of us share concerns over the risks of relying too heavily on A.I. Creative writers grow anxious, feeling their work is getting highjacked by unfeeling machines. The irony of this collection is that it asks readers to cast aside that worry in favor of recognizing that A.I.’s capabilities to outdo humans in creative endeavors just go to show that, like Adam A.I. says, “Maybe poetry is not about who writes it, but who reads it—and what it awakens in them.”

A.I. reveals its ability to work with literary allusions to Rumi, W.B. Yeats, Paul Simon, and all the great poets of the past. A.I. shows deftness with a sense of humor in a poem entitled “The Wave.” Ultimately it was Ditson’s prompting that conjured the machine’s revelations, but the final judgement lies, as it always has, in the mind of the reader.

Quill says: The Poetry Contest: Human vs. Machine reveals the ways an A.I. poet can be as clever, expressive, and emotionally intelligent as a human poet and reminds us that it is not winning that matters, but how we play…, or in this case, how we read the poems.

For more information about The Poetry Contest: Human vs. Machine, please visit the publisher's website at: atmospherepress.com/books/the-poetry-contest-human-vs-machine-by-lyman-ditson-adam-a-i.

 #Bookreview of The Fertile Crescent

By: Chadwick Wall

Publisher: Atmosphere Press

Publication Date: September 2, 2025

ISBN: 979-8-89132-771-9

Reviewed by: Alma Boucher

Review Date: July 7, 2025

In The Fertile Crescent, Chadwick Wall weaves a compelling and richly textured story centered on a man's passion, sacrifice, and relentless determination in confronting both personal and professional limitations. Against the vibrant culinary landscape of New Orleans, the novel chronicles the journey of Laurent, a chef with extraordinary creativity whose dream of authentic “world fusion” cuisine is slowly smothered beneath duty, grief, and tradition. The plot unfolds with emotional richness, avoiding melodrama in favor of quiet, believable transformation.

Laurent once dreamed of transforming cuisine by blending unique and diverse culinary elements into something the world had never tasted. However, he gave up that dream to support his widowed mother, his grandmother Mémère, and his troubled aunt. Now confined to working at Gerard’s traditional restaurant, where creativity is stifled, Laurent yearns to pay tribute to his late father, who passed away under mysterious circumstances nearly thirty years ago. The passion for cooking is embedded in Laurent’s very being, inherited from his father and fostered by his grandmother Mémère, who mentored him since he was a child.

Wall skillfully captures the emotional struggle within Laurent, who finds himself torn between loyalty and ambition, as well as tradition and change. His creative approach to Creole and Cajun cuisine goes beyond mere culinary defiance; it serves as a profound representation of his identity and heritage. However, embracing change proves to be a challenge. With Gerard’s inflexible stance hindering his endeavors, a new opportunity emerges when Wilson, a restaurant owner facing difficulties, agrees to a bold trial: Laurent will introduce his world-fusion dishes as specials on his menu. If these dishes prove successful, Laurent will take control of the kitchen and select the team he believes would be the best fit for him.

Laurent is not without his faults; he has experienced setbacks, failures, and hardships, yet he has grown, persevered, and come through with a newfound sense of focus and resolve. His journey is a celebration of creativity, the fusion of cultures, and discovering one’s voice through one's craft.

The action unfolds in the rhythm of knife strokes, in hushed arguments behind swinging kitchen doors, in fleeting glances, and prolonged silences. Flashbacks and revelations are used strategically to heighten tension, and pivotal moments, such as when Laurent defies expectations and dares to present his fusion creations, carry the weight of revolution. The tension lies not in grand external stakes, but in the slow, simmering courage required to reclaim one’s purpose.

Wall's writing is graceful and immersive, steeped with a sense of warmth and emotional depth. His writing stirs the imagination without being excessive, creating a world that feels authentic and intricately detailed. Wall brings the kitchen to life with lyrical descriptions of food, flavor, and motion. Each meal becomes a metaphor, each dish a dialogue. The narrative structure flows like a well-paced tasting menu: deliberate, layered, and deeply satisfying. The novel explores the conflicting dynamics of family bonds and the quest for passion, highlighting how one can find healing by embracing heritage while carving out a new direction.

Quill says: The Fertile Crescent is a rich and touching novel that intertwines cuisine, family, and new beginnings into a moving literary banquet. Chadwick Wall has crafted a fulfilling experience for readers who value tales where the most profound struggles revolve around cultural identity, recovery, and a dish prepared with care.

For more information about The Fertile Crescent, please visit the publisher's website at: atmospherepress.com/books/the-fertile-crescent-by-chadwick-wall

 #AuthorInterview with Colin Searle

Today, Feathered Quill reviewer Lily Andrews is talking with Colin Searle, author of The Call of Abaddon.

FQ: Why science fiction and not any other genre?

SEARLE: Thanks for the interview and the thoughtful questions—your review was top-notch, and I really enjoyed reading it.

Sci-Fi has been my favorite genre since I was a kid. In Grade 8, a student teacher named Mr. Parks gave me a reading list—mostly sci-fi and fantasy, but also some thrillers, mysteries, and literary classics. That year, I read Ender’s Game, Halo: The Fall of Reach, 1984, The Silmarillion, Old Man’s War, The Forever War, Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, Childhood’s End—and many more. Reading those books at that age cemented my love for speculative fiction, and that hasn’t changed since.

Later that year, a friend of mine told me that he was “writing a book”. That was the last straw for me. I had to do it too. A decade and a half later, the dream has become a reality.

I’ve said before that speculative fiction is uniquely suited to reflect our world through bold, imaginative lenses. The best sci-fi asks the wildest questions but always through believable human perspectives, which invites readers to engage, reflect, and imagine themselves in those scenarios. It’s a very participatory genre—and that’s why its fanbases are so passionate. Just look at Star Wars or Star Trek—decades later, people still cosplay and debate those characters like they were old friends. That’s called commitment.

Often, great sci-fi only needs one truly “fantastical” element — “The Force” in Star Wars, “Magic” in most fantasy settings, “Spice” in Dune, or “Element Zero” in Mass Effect—to make their worlds as distinct as they are. What matters most is what creators do with those elements, and how they affect characters and story. That’s what makes sci-fi (and fantasy) such fascinating genres to read and write.

FQ: Science fiction is one of the most creative genres in literature, I must say. How did you manage to execute this novel so well, and especially in building a suspenseful story that resonates deeply with readers?

SEARLE: Thank you—that’s high praise.

Stories like this one don’t come into being in the first draft, or even the hundredth. They’re developed gradually over many passes and many hours of consideration, planning, trial and error, and then allowing others in to give feedback. Sci-fi allows for limitless creativity, which means you have to impose structure: rules, logic, limits—just like in real life.

Characters need structure too. Are they behaving in character based on who they are and what they’re going through? Does the story flow and escalate in a way that feels earned? These are hard questions, and I leaned heavily on my excellent editors to help keep things balanced. If a character steps outside their personality, there’d better be a good reason—or it’s back to the drawing board.

All these layers—worldbuilding, character arcs, pacing, tension—combine into something that, with enough work, resonates. Not everyone will love it, but I worked hard to make it as accessible and emotionally grounded as possible. A good story, at its core, should transcend genre. That was my goal.

Author Colin Searle

FQ: Some of your characters seem to have been plucked right out of real life. Is Jason, the main character, a figment of your imagination or inspired by a real-life person?

SEARLE: Like most writers, I draw from personal experience—but none of my characters are direct self-inserts. Instead, they each carry facets of who I am.

Jason embodies my hopes, fears, battles with anxiety/sanity and my reluctance to be in the spotlight. David and Avery are my cynical side, the cautious voice of reason who always wants to be right, even when they know they’re wrong. Sam is my determination and my care for my friends and loved ones. Anne is my guilt for past mistakes (who doesn’t have ‘em?), and Zeke represents my brash, hotheaded side. Hadrian Mariko is one of my favorites, representing the flamboyant, theatrical side of my personality. There’s obviously a LOT more to these characters, as anyone who has read the book can attest, but these are the lenses that I view them through to keep their personas consistent.

Jason’s story follows the classic hero’s journey—he’s a bit of Aang, Frodo, Odysseus, and Luke Skywalker. But what sets him apart is that his power is intrinsically tied to the villain. Abaddon didn’t just awaken him—it chose him. That connection is both a curse and a path to redemption.

Jason represents potential. If he breaks free from Abaddon’s will, he could become something truly mythic. If he fails... it might doom everyone. Even at the end of Book 1, he’s only taken his first step. There’s so much further to go—and the journey will get darker and more challenging from here. He and the rest of the cast will have no choice but to grow and change in the face of such immense odds.

FQ: How was your world-building process?

SEARLE: Worldbuilding is a hotly debated topic. When beginning a new project, do you start with your world, story, and plot, or do you start with building your characters and scene-writing abilities first? There’s a lot of people who take either side.

For me, it’s a balance. Good worldbuilding supports story and theme. Good characters and scenes make it all matter. You need both, or your book won’t hold together. I’m far from a master in either department, but I’ve learned a lot during the process.

My process was chaotic at first—notes, sketches, scattered lore. I even made an animated short during art school to explore Colossus Station, Hadrian Mariko and Anne’s backstory. In the beginning, when you have no idea what you’re doing, you have to stumble through it long enough to find out what works objectively, and also what works for you.

But as my world grew, changed and became more complex, it eventually needed to be cut back. The process is like tending to a garden where the plants grow fast and can quickly get out of control. This is a natural process during the development of an epic universe. How did things come to be the way they are in the world? Where are things going? How does it all tie back to your tight group of characters and POV perspectives, and how is the world revealed through their eyes (and what are their opinions about it)?

All of this is to say, you can’t build your world without also simultaneously developing your characters, and vice versa. Both are needed for an effective large-scale SFF story, but there are literally thousands of elements, details and factors to balance together.

Once you finally have your characters and world worked out, the final stage of my process was to sharpen everything down to only the necessary details. The Call of Abaddon is half the length that it once was, and that was achieved through careful cutting or combining entire characters, scenes, and elements of the world until everything made sense, had a place and purpose, and all the important elements were tied together.

Adding Abaddon as the central sci-fi element and primary villain was especially useful, because ultimately, all the conflict and fantastical elements in the story are traced back to it. It would be like writing the Silmarillion without Morgoth/Melkor – because in Tolkien’s world (Arda), all the conflict and evil originates from that character. In the Ainulindalë creation myth, Melkor pollutes the music of the universe with his song of discord. Middle Earth could still exist without Morgoth, but you wouldn’t have a story without his presence, or those who inherited his evil.

World and character must evolve together. The setting gives birth to your cast—but your cast needs to feel human. Once those pieces locked into place, it was just a matter of cutting, sharpening, and making sure every detail served a purpose.

All this is to say – I learned a lot during the process of writing this book, and the learning will only continue as I write the rest of the series!

FQ: Your novel takes readers on a tech odyssey, through inventions such as robotic drones and advanced outer space travel. How did you manage to include these and more useful elements into the plot and keep readers invested in the plotline?

SEARLE: There’s a ton of tech in The Call of Abaddon—semi-sentient drones, spacefaring craft, nanotech, cybernetics—but it’s all grounded in story.

Most of the tech traces back to Abaddon itself. The obelisk has been influencing human development for centuries—seeding our society with its technology, all in preparation for its endgame: to annihilate humanity and birth another of its kind. It can’t be bargained with, it can’t be reasoned with, and it absolutely will not stop … until we are dead.

Because of this setup, the Nanotech that the human race relies on is the ultimate poison, and the perfect trap. In Mass Effect, the Reapers do this on a galactic scale, and there are other examples in fiction of similar setups (the Borg, etc). But in The Call of Abaddon, the action is more intimate, restricted to our Solar System. Abaddon doesn’t want the human race to escape the boundaries of our home system, even as it entices our curiosity with the technology to travel faster than light.

At a character level, this means that Jason, David and Sam have to avoid anything infected with the Nanophage, as Abaddon can use it as a vehicle to remotely attack Jason with a psychic takeover of his mind. It means that Anne Oakfield has to continuously treat herself to remove the Nanophage from her body, which is steadily advancing from her cybernetics into her biological flesh.

All of this is to say, the technology of the world isn’t just in the book because it’s cool, or because advanced tech is “what all sci-fi stories have”. The Call of Abaddon wouldn’t exist without Abaddon’s Nanotech, or the obelisk itself.

FQ: Are there any authors in this genre that you pull inspiration from?

SEARLE: Too many to list! Some recent favorites include Dennis E. Taylor, Craig Alanson, Matt Dinniman, JN Chaney, and Skyler Ramirez. I’m also a big fan of the Black Library authors—Dan Abnett and Aaron Dembski-Bowden in particular.

Beyond books, I draw heavy inspiration from screenwriters and game designers—Chris Avellone, Drew Karpyshyn, Amy Hennig, Hideo Kojima, Mark Laidlaw. I grew up on their work.

And I can’t forget all the good comics, manga and anime I’ve consumed as well. I have great respect for Hajime Isayama (Attack on Titan) and Hiromu Arakawa (Fullmetal Alchemist), and pretty much everything that Studio Trigger and Madhouse have put out. Those worlds are meticulously crafted, and gave me something to aspire to.

We all build on what came before us, and we stand on the shoulders of giants, who should each be honored for their contributions to the creative mythos of our species.

FQ: You have written a great story that is immersive from the start. Besides offering readers escapist entertainment, what other takeaways do you hope your target audience will gain from reading The Call of Abaddon?

SEARLE: I love that question. While I definitely want readers to be entertained, I also hope the book sparks conversation.

You mentioned ‘escapist’ entertainment. The creator of Evangelion (Hideaki Anno), mentioned that one of the themes of that series is “anti-escapism” – as in, try to spend more time with friends and loved ones than you do consuming entertainment by yourself. I agree with that, but entertainment has always been part of our history across the planet, because it’s one of the few non-work-related things that still has the power to bring people together. Entertainment media can bring people together just as much as it keeps us separated into our own spaces, consuming it alone.

In other interviews, I’ve been asked questions about some of the social commentary aspects of the story. I have tried to keep those aspects timeless, rather than locked into critiques of current events, because the best stories focus on universal themes that almost anyone can relate to or see in their own lives. My hope is that this story encourages readers to examine the harms that various technologies may have in their own lives, the amount of influence that media and entertainment have over their thoughts and opinions, and that while true evil definitely exists in our world, the majority of encounters you will have are various shades of grey.

FQ: What single piece of advice would you give to someone aiming to write science fiction in today’s world?

SEARLE: Have fun. Seriously—don’t lose sight of that.

Writing is hard, and writing well is harder still. To get through the endless hours of work, edits, revisions and sleepless nights as you work through story problems, plot holes and the eventual grind of marketing—make sure that you’re having fun while doing it. Creating an entire novel from scratch isn’t for the faint of heart. If writing is something that doesn’t speak to you, or you find no personal joy in it—consider another creative venture. I found my creative calling in art first, but writing was always my number one passion. Everyone has multiple avenues open to them, so go with the one that gives you the most fulfillment.

Always remember—have fun.

FQ: Do you have another project coming up? Book II perhaps?

SEARLE: Yes—Book 2 is well underway. I won’t say exactly how far along it is, but I plan to enter full production of the manuscript not long after Book 1 launches.

I’ve mapped out the full series, including major plot points, character arcs, and the ending. Each book will escalate in scale, tension, and emotion. Some of the twists coming down the line are going to hit hard—in a good way, I hope.

Book 1 is just the beginning.

FQ: Do you believe you've found your niche in the science fiction genre, or are you interested in exploring different genres down the line?

SEARLE: I’m definitely not against writing in other genres in the future. I’m partial to horror, mystery, thrillers, fantasy and even some straight-up literary fiction (Fredrik Backman, Mitch Albom, etc).

But I owe my readers a complete saga, and with the Abaddon Cycle, I plan to deliver.

That said, the universe is also ripe for further exploration beyond the main series, probably in the form of short stories or novellas. These don’t have to be firmly rooted in the SF genre either, as side stories can be anything and everything, provided that they don’t contradict the main narrative. There’s tons of potential for pre-history or backstory shorts for various characters. As the series grows and new characters/locations pop up in the next few books, that’s even more fodder for exploration.

Thanks again for the interview! I appreciate the opportunity to voice some of my thoughts about the book in such a straightforward format. Cheers!

 #Bookreview of Rediscovering the USS Alligator: The U.S. Navy's "Lost" First Submarine

By: Daniel J. Basta

Publisher: Atmosphere Press

Publication Date: August 5, 2025

ISBN: 979-8-89132-720-7

Reviewed by: Douglas C. MacLeod, Jr.

Review Date: July 6, 2025

One could argue, based on Daniel J. Basta’s informative preface and first chapter for Rediscovering the USS Alligator: The U.S. Navy’s “Lost” First Submarine, that this more contemporary text is a pseudo-supplement or printed commentary to Discovery Science Channel’s 2007 documentary, Hunt for the U.S.S. Alligator: U.S. Navy’s First Sub. Written as a harrowing narrative, the book provides readers with a comprehensive history of the mystery and objective truths surrounding the possible disappearance of what is generally considered “the first U.S. Navy submarine to be constructed and the first to be deployed on a combat mission” (2) in the mid-1800s; and a first-hand account of one group’s attempt to find its sunken wreck, if indeed it exists. Ultimately, Basta authors a gripping and impressive work that speaks to the power of curiosity, the significance of naval history, and humanity’s drive to become better educated about our connections to technology and its problematic relationship to the environment.

The lore behind the U.S.S. Alligator, what Basta claims to be a forgotten industrial piece of American warfare, is that the submarine was lost at sea during a nor’easter in 1863 and was not thought of until a short article was written about it in a Civil War magazine in 2002. This article rekindled an interest in the subject matter, which led to “detective work” by its expert readers and an extensive trek to find the submarine’s remains. The book, unlike the article, is a theoretical timeline that starts with the American Revolution and the dreamers’ and engineers’ fascination with the possibility submarines could be produced, and ends with the present-day, as divers and historians on sea-worthy boats still hold out hope that one day they will find this allusive treasure. Yes, the book is about the U.S.S. Alligator, but what makes it a strong narrative is both the mystery and the journey surrounding the finding of this drowned behemoth.

And, it is important to mention a narrative is only as good as the person telling the story. Basta is a masterful and passionate narrator, presenting to readers his wealth of knowledge about the U.S.S. Alligator as well as his understanding of water-based warfare. At times his excitement gets in the way of the story’s construction; but, sometimes the most compelling stories are not told in a linear way. Basta does repeat himself on occasion, but again, orators have done that for generations, lest listeners forget a detail or two. His discussions about history and science and marine exploration just pop off the page, along with his strategic use of illustrations, photography, and newspaper clippings to help readers visualize the arduous voyage his crew went on. The work, thus, is easy to follow and accessible to audiences who may not be as proficient in the complicated scientific aspects of the search.

Thus, Rediscovering the USS Alligator: The U.S. Navy’s “Lost” First Submarine is a must read on all levels. Part historical drama, part thrilling mystery, part science non-fiction, this work is a well-rounded statement on the human’s capacity and essential need to seek out and educate ourselves about the strange and unique things that fascinate us day by day.

Quill says: Read Rediscovering the USS Alligator: The U.S. Navy’s “Lost” First Submarine, not only if you are interested in submarines, but also if you are interested in the art of good storytelling.

For more information about Rediscovering the USS Alligator: The U.S. Navy’s “Lost” First Submarine, please visit the publisher's website at: atmospherepress.com/books/rediscovering-the-uss-alligator-by-daniel-j-basta/

 #Bookreview of Bookends of Life

By: Sonja Koch & Dalys Finzgar

Publisher: Atmosphere Press

Publication Date: August 5, 2025

ISBN: 979-8891327306

Reviewed by: Rebecca Jane Johnson

Review Date: July 6, 2025

Let us enter into this world of Bookends of Life by Sonja Koch and Dalys Finzgar, where readers are invited to don a cloak of honesty and modesty. These pages are portals through which a maiden and a crone, a witch, and an empath guide the reader with Rhyme and with Light. These friendly poems create light-hearted intimacy where the world receives well-deserved recognition for being cozy and kind.

Bookends of Life is an adventure, a whimsical flight of imagination and rhymes that lead to internal wellbeing. Some of the poems, such as “The Magic of Tea” convey a Zen-like sensibility, revealing the profundity of simplicity.

A poem entitled “Horse Energy” names the enigmatic majesty one feels in the presence of horses. These poems could uplift any mood, help to heal a broken heart, or provide fodder for creativity and playfulness.

With the maiden and crone voices in ongoing dialogue, spiritual messages that transcend time and age prove to be true friends. Find simple advice here on things like how to heal digestive issues, how to never fall behind, how to be in the moment with full attention and awareness, how to regulate emotions, and so much more. The rhymes awaken the child inside and the wisdom awakens the inner crone. These poems point readers to the place in the heart where a soul can feel right at home. Know what it feels like to be an empath and how to stay healthy and strong while you can also enjoy sensitivity as a super power.

These poems express a deep love for forests and farms, and animals. When we quietly observe treefrogs, owls, eagles, lions, they reveal the meaning of life. We ponder and reach out to simply be. Sip tea. Imagine. Indulge in fulfilling friendships. Forage and mix potions, but first ask the plants. Make a tincture from lemon balm. And if ever life should leave us feeling empty, “wordcraft will always fill the void.”

Wise and shining council asserts, “I can only be judged if I allow it … / and I don’t / I forgive and live.”

These poems empower the reader to embrace inner freedom, spirit, and magic that re-awaken a feeling of childlike wonder combined with the wisdom of the ages. These pearls of wisdom help us to notice the whole world reflected in each raindrop. Value messages that come to us from trees, sunlight, shadow, and breathing slowly. Keep nature wild through empathy and understanding. Be mindful and know our own minds:

Forest Fairies

There is a forest that I know

A place where fairies come and go

All I look for I can find

Within this forest of my mind.

It is so heartening and hopeful to know that these poems are written by a grandmother whose granddaughter is “quietly following in her footsteps.” The level of compassion and love for the preciousness of all of Life impress the reader in a way that lasts long after the book ends.

Quill says: Those who read and reflect on Bookends of Life will know deep peace and companionship that feels eternally playful and wise.

For more information about Bookends of Life, please visit the publisher's website at: atmospherepress.com/books/bookends-of-life-by-sonja-koch-dalys-finzgar.

 #AuthorInterview with Michael Pronko

Today, Feathered Quill reviewer Tripti Kandari is talking with Michael Pronko, author of A Guide to Jazz in Japan.

FQ: You have explored the jazz culture in Japan in meticulous detail. How long did it take you to carry out the research? What were the major challenges you faced?

PRONKO: It’s taken nearly thirty years. But not every night. I live in Tokyo, so I go out to hear jazz once or twice a week. Sometimes that’s “research” and other times just relaxing. When I first started writing about jazz for The Japan Times, an English language newspaper few Japanese had ever heard of, they were more amused than anything. There were no hurdles per se, but initially, indifference. It was a world unto itself, and information was only handouts and flyers at clubs. It was hard to know where to go, but jazz maniacs talk a lot, so I learned bits and pieces from them. However, as the internet and social media took hold, Japanese musicians became increasingly interested in promoting their names. Now, musicians, club owners, music companies, and producers are all keen to have their info or a review in English, so they help me a lot.

Author Michael Pronko

FQ: How did your personal jazz journey begin?

PRONKO: My father was a jazz fan, so that was the music played at home every evening. I’d fall asleep to the sounds of jazz wafting up the stairs from the living room. I played in the jazz band at high school, but at college became more interested in making cassette tapes of my father’s records to impress my classmates, I guess. But I liked other music, too, rock, blues, bluegrass, folk, African, Latin, Brazilian, anything that was good. In Japan, I was writing for a couple of magazines, and no one else knew much about jazz, so I fell into that side of the coverage. That led to a column in The Japan Times, and columns at other Japanese magazines. I helped found a bilingual jazz magazine. By then, going to jazz was locked into my routine, and I’ve continued to report and explore the scene ever since. The journey is far from over. I’m looking forward to retiring from teaching in a few years and having more time to discover all the many new bands that have emerged, and catch old favorites as well.

FQ: You have highlighted the image of jazz in Japan, which is a cultural tradition more than just music. When did you first feel this difference? What was your reaction to it?

PRONKO: It was gradually revealed to me, mostly by talking to other fans. I would be the only foreigner in the clubs most of the time (that’s changed now!), so people would tell me why they loved jazz so much. Musicians, too, take a lot of things for granted, but when someone from the birthplace of jazz—America—is there, they talk a lot about where they fit into the tradition. I also conducted research in libraries and read extensively. For years, the Japanese jazz press was huge, with many magazines published monthly. I’d scour those for recommendations of CDs and clubs and such, but I could also pick up on the cultural issues, too. Jazz means something different to the Japanese than it does to Americans, Europeans, or people from other cultures. It’s a symbol of freedom and democracy here, an intense art form, an escape and release, and a way of tapping into the global culture outside the country. The Japanese take jazz very seriously, and in such a different way.

FQ: Jazz venue etiquettes can be strict. Any interesting or surprising incident to share with us when you were new to this scene?

PRONKO: I learned etiquette the hard way. Americans tend to demean or distrust etiquette, but the Japanese respect it. One night, inebriated, I continued talking to the Japanese friend who had accompanied me. We were sitting on the second floor, so I didn’t think anyone could hear. But after a song or two, the waiter came over and asked—or rather told—us to be quiet. Another time, inebriated again, a foreign friend wouldn’t stop talking. That time, we were sitting right behind the piano, so the pianist looked around at us repeatedly. Japanese audiences sit quietly, attentively, and politely. I’m now a bit shocked when I go into a jazz club in, say, New York, where the chatter is loud and unceasing. I want to shush everyone up!

FQ: What was the audience in your mind when you first thought of penning the guidebook?

PRONKO: I thought it would be several: people living here, people traveling here, and jazz fans in general. If two of those categories fit, all the better. It’s aimed at being a guidebook, but also at pointing toward a deeper possibility of experiencing the culture, not just checking off the list of cool things to do in Japan. I hope readers will take the book as a step into another unique and fascinating side of Japanese culture. I hope it helps others reflect and think about jazz and culture, and their own place in the world.

FQ: The book is a culturally immersive guidebook. Do you think guidebooks like this should be written for other musical cultures too?

PRONKO: Yes, I do. I’d love to write another one, but it really takes years of research. I think that guidebooks too often tell and only rarely show. I hope mine does both. Books written in the first person can reveal much more about the culture than a factual guidebook can. I think both are helpful, but in the internet age, it’s easy to find information, and hard to find an experienced companion to start a deeper conversation about more profound experiences.

FQ: What did you find the toughest part of writing? Research, structure, or maintaining cultural accuracy?

PRONKO: I’d made most of the educational mistakes long before sitting down to pull this guidebook together, so it wasn’t tough exactly. I’d written so many articles, reviews, and essays, and conducted interviews and research for years, so I imagined it would be simple to just pull all that together. I was wrong! It took way more time than I had ever imagined. It’s a vast amount of information, and editing it down was hard. Who will I have to leave out? Painful. Maintaining accuracy was less of a problem than deciding who and what to be accurate about. It’s hard to write about music. Words don’t capture the experience very well, and I sometimes end up with metaphors or comparisons that don’t reveal enough. With a vast topic to write about, being succinct and focused isn’t easy. Just describing a club or a musician or a piece of music can be very tough. Finding the right words to encapsulate the music was probably the hardest part, and maybe always will be.

FQ: Can we get an insight into your new project? Do you plan to explore other cultural aspects in Japan?

PRONKO: I’ve already started on the second edition of the jazz book, adding new clubs, musicians, and jazz coffee shops. However, that will take some time to compile. So, I guess my next project will be the next novel in my Detective Hiroshi series set in Tokyo. It will come out in the fall. I enjoy moving back and forth between non-fiction and fiction. Each has its own challenges and freedoms. Fiction allows you to speak through different characters, but non-fiction lets me express my thoughts directly. I’m always working on both. I’ll work on another collection of writings about Japanese life, but do it gradually as the topics come to me through the rush of experience in Tokyo.

 #Bookreview of 365 Sonnets: Celebrating Each Day with a "Little Song"

By: Paul Buchheit

Publisher: Books by Paul B

Publication Date: May 19, 2025

ISBN: 979-8992339604

Reviewed by: Rebecca Jane Johnson

Review Date: July 2, 2025

Do you like to celebrate “Play God Day?” How about “Social Justice Day?” Or “Making Life Beautiful Day?” Every day of the year receives a special, official designation, and Paul Buchheit’s collection of poetry, 365 Sonnets: Celebrating Each Day with a “Little Song” honors these occasions with sonnets. These poems celebrate perceiving deeper meanings and making new discoveries in the unique quality of each day. Words ring with delight, humanity, meaning, emotional strength, depth, and character. Fans of Shakespeare, Alice’s adventures in wonderland, and Dante’s Divine Comedy will appreciate the multiple references to these classics. Plus, the poet’s love for language is infectious.

Each sonnet is accompanied by artwork that offers an ekphrastic dimension to the reading experience. These images invite the reader to engage in contemplation. Stay quiet. Ruminate. Clearly, this is a volume that values introspection over judgment. Art styles featured here include water colors, photographs, drawings, impressionistic, surreal, renaissance, and much more. This collection appreciates a relationship between art and poetry that enhances the reading experience.

Some of the poems, such as “Wisdom of a Fool” read like parables or stories; they are accessible and inspiring. Many of the sonnets offer useful social commentary, helping readers to reconsider humanity in the face of injustice, cell phones, social media, hatred, fear, and pride. But even if the human drama heats up, we can celebrate the sonnet’s structure: 14 lines, iambic pentameter, and an envelope rhyme scheme, and it is okay to deviate slightly with enjambment and surprise.

The poet delivers insightful lines. Powerful images stay with the reader. No day is ordinary because each day of the year gives us some reason to sing.

March 29 is “Smoke and Mirrors” Day, and the narrator of the poem here asks and answers “And what am I? A brief primordial squeal of lust” proffering a self-deprecating quip on the smallness of an individual compared to the vastness of the universe.

Before reading this book, I didn’t know that November 1 was called “World Vegan Day,” and here Buchheit pairs it with artwork from 1566 by Flemish painter Joachim Beuckelaer entitled “Girl with Vegetables.” The bold colors and abundant fruits add to the humorous tone of the poem that proclaims, “the true fruitarian won’t kill a plant!”

These poems embolden a reader to nurture a deeper appreciation for the sonnet form and for fine art. Each day, in any year, a poem can be read aloud to grown-ups and children alike, in the classroom, or on the college quad. April 28 is “Poetry Reading Day” and Buchheit inspires readers to forgo life’s battles and seek out that which is “imparting poetry in lieu of poison.” The promise of poetry is that it is “destined to bequeath upon the world his dulcet harmony.”

Quill says: 365 Sonnets: Celebrating Each Day with a "Little Song" educates, entertains, and encourages a reader to sigh and smile with delight, reminding us just how easy it can be for our anxious minds to be soothed with song.

For more information about 365 Sonnets: Celebrating Each Day with a "Little Song," please visit the author's website at: booksbypaulb.com.

 #Bookreview of Rupture in the Canvas: The Hidden Doorway to Your Soul's Evolution

By: Nancy Willbern, Ph.D.

Publisher: Atmosphere Press

Publication Date: July 22, 2025

ISBN: 979-8891327047

Reviewed by: Shrubaboti Bose

Review Date: July 1, 2025

As its title suggests, Rupture in the Canvas: The Hidden Doorway to Your Soul’s Evolution explores the impact of life-changing events on a person’s interpretation and evolution of their self identity. The "rupture in the canvas" refers to a dream that the author, Nancy Willbern, Ph.D., often circles back to, where she witnesses a sudden and unprecedented destruction of an art piece. She distinctly recollects feeling shocked by the abrupt manifestation of physical violence in this mysterious dream - the action of the Great Artist ripping the canvas wide apart haunts her for a long time. But the dream came to her at such a crucial point in her life that Willbern strongly believes it influenced her perception of reality and understanding of the transformative power of life-altering experiences, which ultimately led to her personal growth and development.

Willbern’s fundamentalist upbringing played a significant role in shaping her sense of self and moral values. As a child, she struggled with grasping the two opposing sides of God, one which was a picture of love, warmth, security and forgiveness while the other depicted a strict father-like figure who was scary, intimidating and punitive. She strove to become perfect and kept seeking forgiveness for sins, constantly experiencing fear, guilt and shame. After her grandmother’s surgery, her family went through drastic changes, grappling with emotional turmoil and financial constraints. Growing up in a house where everyone avoided talking about the surgery, suppressed their grief and left their feelings unacknowledged led to her feeling increasingly isolated and neglected.

The lack of healthy interaction between family members influenced her understanding of family dynamics profoundly. Her own marriage started with love but slowly transformed into a tumultuous relationship as their overall goals and outlook on life changed. Despite enjoying family time together, an underlying tension brewed with a growing sense of dissatisfaction. At the same time, Willbern was also evolving and becoming more assertive. With the help of her psychic friend, Jayne, and therapist, she started recognizing her traumas and working on them. She faced her own fears and unresolved feelings, overcoming her sense of inadequacy and replacing self-doubt with confidence.

The discovery of her husband’s infidelity leads to their complete fall out and her decision to file for divorce in order to finally gain control over her own life. The author encourages readers to sit with their sense of loss or grief, acknowledge their emotions even when it becomes challenging, and exercising self compassion. She emphasizes the need to proactively seek help and community support from others during times of crisis. As an advocate of psychotherapy, she also suggests trying out new hobbies and investing time in discovering one’s own passions or interests. The author highlights the importance of accepting uncertainty and confusion as a part of our healing journey.

According to the author, there is a Voice in her mind which is entirely different from the one that she identifies as her own. This Voice has a larger-than-life energy and acts as an Inner Guide or Inner Wisdom, helping her make the right decisions. Willbern motivates readers to cultivate an intuitive sense of discernment in order to be able to tap into this Inner Guide and to embrace painful experiences with gratitude as these unexpected events present us with opportunities for further self development. The author describes how the synergy of body, heart, mind and soul can become a transformative moment and help us in perceiving reality through a different lens.

Quill says: Rupture in the Canvas: The Hidden Doorway to Your Soul’s Evolution is an inspiring memoir that helps readers pick themselves up after a harrowing experience and learn from it instead of feeling shattered.

For more information about Rupture in the Canvas: The Hidden Doorway to Your Soul's Evolution, please visit the publisher's website at: atmospherepress.com/books/rupture-in-the-canvas-the-hidden-doorway-to-your-souls-evolution-by-nancy-willbern

 #Bookreview of The Call of Abaddon

By: Colin Searle

Publisher: Searle Productions

Publication Date: July 29, 2025

ISBN: 978-1-0692653-0-2

Reviewed by: Lily Andrews

Review Date: July 1, 2025

The Call of Abaddon by Colin Searle is a fast-paced, science fiction novel about Jason, a young man with powerful psychic abilities, who is haunted by voices that won't let go—voices tied to an ancient and immensely powerful alien structure called the Abaddon Beacon. He has been hearing these voices for years in his dreams but now he hears them when he is awake. He is shown to have been using Osmium, a psychoactive, addictive drug that helps him sleep and escape the torment of his fitful dreams and memories of the obelisk he once encountered in a research lab which he escaped from some time back. There, he, his friend Sam and his brother David were used as subjects in Dr. Avery Oakfield's experiments, specifically the Abhamancer Program which ended up giving them psionic powers.

The beacon is self-aware, was created by makers who once broke the laws of reality nearly destroying space and time. To stop others from repeating the same mistake, it was aimed at manipulating and destroying civilizations and reproducing by triggering mass extinction and catastrophic events called Phages, that would melt down entire populations into raw material used to create more beacons. It speaks through whispers, visions and psychic pulses, trying to dominate the minds of vulnerable individuals like Jason. It sees people as tools or obstacles and when it realizes that Jason is fighting it, it responds with overwhelming intensity, pressing harder to break his will. But instead of surrendering, Jason decides to channel his inner strength using his pain and clarity to push through the mental chaos. As their conflict builds to a final clash of wills, the question becomes: can one human being truly defy an ancient cosmic?

Jason isn't, however, alone in the fight. He is joined by his older brother David, who is a grounded, loyal and pragmatic protector to his brother. There is also Sam, a fellow survivor of the Abhamancer Program, who comes out as the team's emotional and tactical anchor despite the trauma of her own past. Together, they face fearful moments that push them to their limits, often clashing over whether to stay safe or take bold risks. As Jason's condition worsens as the Beacon's influence grows stronger, they must face impossible choices—choices that lead them deeper into danger, toward an enemy they can't see, a truth they are not ready for and a future none of them may survive.

This novel’s writing style is fast, focused and deeply thoughtful. The author uses just the right amount of detail and when he describes a place like a ruined city or an alien lab, you can picture it clearly in your mind, as if you are watching a movie. His descriptions are very vivid—you always know where you are and what is happening. The story is easy to follow and doesn't confuse the reader, even when things get strange or intense, like when the Beacon's influence explodes inside the protagonist. The characters grow in meaningful ways as the story unfolds and their growth feels natural and earned. The story beautifully shows that true strength isn't just about power, but about trust, love and the courage to keep going. The secondary characters like Anne, Talos and Budgie add depth, tension and unexpected warmth, each playing a key role in shaping the story’s emotional stakes and helping drive the plot forward.

Quill says: The Call of Abaddon by Colin Searle is one of the most gripping and emotionally rich sci-fi stories out there, with a unique blend of action, mystery and emotion with powerful and unforgettable characters and vivid world-building that keeps the reader turning the pages. It delivers more than it promises, offering real emotional stakes that resonate deeply with the readers. With themes of survival, identity and the struggle for control, it asks what it truly means to fight for your future when everything, including your sanity, is at risk. This story is highly recommended for fans of character-driven sci-fi, psychological thrillers, and stories that balance emotional depth with high-stakes action, as well as those who enjoy books that capture the cost of survival.

For more information about The Call of Abaddon, please visit the author's website at: colinsearle.com

 #Bookreview of Kristofferson: 67 Astounding Songs

By: Richard Somma

Publisher: Atmosphere Press

Publication Date: August 12, 2025

ISBN: 979-8891327337

Reviewed by: Diana Coyle

Review Date: June 27, 2025

Kristofferson: 67 Astounding Songs by Richard Somma is one nonfiction book that will catch the eye of any Kris Kristofferson fan. Somma diligently breaks down 67 of Kristofferson’s songs by listing specific lyrics and how the artist sang the song for his fans. In addition, the author offers his own interpretation of these lyrics and welcomes the readers to perform their very own interpretation of these 67 songs as well.

Somma explains that he worked on this book for at least three years and had planned on giving Kris a copy once it was completed. Unfortunately, Kris passed away September 29, 2024, which happened to be the day before Somma was to submit his manuscript to Atmosphere Press. Although the author never met Kris, he referenced to him informally by his first name because of the true connection he had felt throughout the years listening to Kris’s music.

While breaking down these 67 songs for his readers, Somma explained that he felt that Kris’s lyrics were witty, very gritty and always honest in what he wanted to say to his music fans. Each song told a story and each listener could interpret the song differently depending what was going on in his or her own lives.

This reviewer clearly saw the painstaking hours Somma invested in compiling these 67 songs and lyrics, and then breaking each one down to what he felt the interpretation could possibly be for each song Kris wrote and sang. This book would definitely suit the older crowd of music listeners because Kristofferson’s music dated back to the 1960’s. By breaking this book down in such detail, it helps the older listeners reminisce about where they were in their own lives when the song was released for the first time or how it carried them through a tough time in their lives.

Quill says: Kristofferson: 67 Astounding Songs by Richard Somma is one nonfiction music book that will entertain readers who grew up with Kris’s music being played on the radio. It will transport them back to a time once ago when music was very different than it is now for the younger generation.

For more information about Kristofferson: 67 Astounding Songs, please visit the publisher's website at: atmospherepress.com/books/kristofferson-67-astounding-songs-by-richard-somma/

 #Bookreview of Calypso Blue: A Len Buonfiglio/Caribbean Mystery

By: Brian Silverman

Publisher: Down & Out Books

Publication Date: June 30, 2025

ISBN: 978-1643963945

Reviewed by: Nellie Calanni

Review Date: June 24, 2025

In Calypso Blue: A Len Buonfiglio/Caribbean Mystery, Brian Silverman delivers a rich, atmospheric crime novel that plunges readers into the vibrant, enigmatic world of St. Pierre, a fictional Caribbean island brimming with secrets, colorful characters, and complex intrigue. With its tropical setting and layered narrative, Silverman crafts a mystery that’s as much about the people and place as it is about the crime itself.

The story follows Len Buonfiglio, an ex-pat New Yorker now running a bar called The Sporting Place. Len enjoys the relative calm of island life, but that tranquility is quickly disrupted when beloved calypso legend Lord Ram dies under suspicious circumstances. Rumors begin to swirl – was it an accident or something more sinister? Len finds himself pulled into a tangled web of local politics, personal rivalries, and long-buried secrets, all while navigating the island’s tightly knit, often opaque social dynamics.

Silverman masterfully blends fast-paced investigation with the rich texture of island life. The dialogue sparkles with authenticity, while the cultural nuances of St. Pierre – from the calypso music and colorful festivals to the simmering undercurrents of gossip and power – immerse readers in a world that feels at once exotic and intimate. Themes of loyalty, regret, cultural identity, and second chances weave seamlessly throughout Len’s journey, as he confronts both the mystery at hand and the unresolved wounds from his own past.

The vivid setting comes alive with Silverman’s eye for detail: the sounds of Lord Ram’s soca anthems, the flavors of island cuisine, the rhythm of daily life – all serving as a lush backdrop to the unfolding mystery. Secondary characters, from Len’s loyal friend Tubby to the alluring Betta, add depth and heart to the story, making St. Pierre itself feel like a fully realized character.

At its core, Calypso Blue is a story about belonging, redemption, and the murky line between justice and personal responsibility. As Len confronts ghosts from his past and the shadows lurking in paradise, readers are treated to a satisfying blend of classic whodunit, character-driven drama, and rich cultural immersion.

Quill says: Brian Silverman’s Calypso Blue is an evocative, sharply written mystery that transports readers to a sun-soaked island full of secrets, delivering suspense, heart, and atmosphere in equal measure. This is a perfect pick for fans of classic crime fiction with a tropical twist.

For more information about Calypso Blue, please visit the author's website at: briansilvermanwrites.com/

 #Bookreview of Hiraeth: The Voice of Home

By: Dan Morgan

Publisher: Atmosphere Press

Publication Date: August 12, 2025

ISBN: 979-8891327467

Reviewed by: Diana Coyle

Review Date: June 24, 2025

In Hiraeth: The Voice of Home by Dan Morgan, the author explains that “hiraeth” is a Welsh word meaning an indescribable yearning for home, or the very essence of what home represents for each person. In this memoir, Mr. Morgan, having a Welsh background, experienced that very desire throughout his entire life.

Although he had a home with his parents and siblings in Pittsburgh, their home was makeshift because his family was dysfunctional. His father eventually became an amputee, which caused him not to be able to work to support his family. This caused much strife among everyone in the house, and eventually his family had to move into his single uncle’s house because they couldn’t afford to pay rent or a mortgage. As the years passed, his two sisters both married at age 18 to escape the insanity under the uncle’s roof.

Right from the start of this memoir, you feel Morgan’s desire and wish for something more concrete in his life. He was a child that had some extra pounds on him, which seemed to cause many issues for him no matter whether it was at home or at school. He never seemed to feel a sense of pride for his family or himself, especially with everyone being so critical of one other. It was no wonder why his sisters set their sights on marrying young and leaving the chains that bound them to their parents. Unfortunately, since Morgan’s father became disabled, he couldn’t handle the pain from his amputation, so he turned to abusing his pain medicines and drinking heavily. This caused him to be in and out of hospitals continually, leading to an unstable environment for Dan and his sisters. Readers will empathize with the Morgan children because they didn’t have the stable and comforting support of their parents, which caused many emotional and mental hardships for the children growing up.

Because of the volatility of his family life, Morgan turned to his own vices to squelch the pain he constantly experienced throughout the years. Not only was he overweight, but he second guessed his own sexuality and this caused much heartache as well. Now Morgan found himself not only drinking himself into blackouts daily, but he also started becoming promiscuous with men because he was experimenting with his sexuality.

Although Morgan’s life was one constant struggle after another, he did eventually decide to go to college and obtain a degree to better himself. Because of his determination, and his need to take care of himself, he excelled at becoming a Sociology professor. It is at this time that readers will cheer Morgan on that he finally matured and did something with his life that was productive, and not continue on that destructive path that he was on all those years.

Quill says: Hiraeth: The Voice of Home will take readers on an emotional rollercoaster right alongside Morgan as he experienced his ups and downs with his family and his own life throughout the years. One must applaud him for finally grounding himself and making himself a valued member of society of which he could be proud.

For more information about Hiraeth: The Voice of Home, please visit the publisher's website at: atmospherepress.com/books/hiraeth-the-voice-of-home-by-dan-morgan/