#Bookreview of The Tale of Isva Raman

By: Najeev Nadarajah

Publisher: Bhakthi Nine Presents

Publication Date: May 26, 2025

ISBN: 978-0991722969

Reviewed by: Ephantus Muriuki

Review Date: January 28, 2025

Najeev Nadarajah's The Tale of Iśva Raman focuses on a prophesied end-of-the-world conflict and the circumstances surrounding the ancient captivity of war survivors who survived despite being expected to perish.

Fifteen-year-old Iśva Raman has been researching an incredible phenomenon that only he can see. Surprisingly, this entity he dubbed Karma, only emerged from its hiding place when he became angry. However, it has recently been causing him a great deal of physical agony. He has also been feeling a malevolent presence observing him—a tall, slender, featureless humanoid with blazing pale eyes. He is startled by this unseen force that pins him to the ground one rainy afternoon. A woman wearing a mask hisses at him, inquiring about the whereabouts of the Seed. Despite not knowing what it is, he has until the solstice to locate it.

Iśva speaks with his aunt Nil and cousin Rudi, anxious to learn what he is up against, and discovers that the masked woman was Asura, an ancient demon with lethal powers. Rudi feels that Guru Wistarian of Temple of the Heart Spring should take him under his care right now since he could hold the secret to "everything." The latter, however, is clueless about the whereabouts of the Seed, believing that only the Keeper of it is aware of its identity and location. Additionally, he believes that the pursuit of the Seed portends the imminence of the End War, as the demons would need it in order to harness its cosmic force and initiate a destructive purge that has the potential to destroy the entire planet.

This story uses an enthusiastic adolescent who plays "the Seeker" to try and demythologize an ancient creation myth. He gains an advantage after getting enrolled in a specific training program that would position him as a force to combat terrible dark monsters, which is a smart idea that adds validity to his heroine character. Watching him grow is incredibly fulfilling, as is learning the startling reason why a certain "Seed" is required of him. The story features elemental beings, a celestial bird, and a quandary over the stunning revelation of his real identity. It also includes an ingenious tactic based on the speculation that the analogy of fighting fire with fire may be used to win a battle.

Readers will appreciate its meticulous flow, concealed hints, and a slew of revelations that deviate from the story's initial predicted trajectory. The youthful hero, who defies everyone's expectations, is the first of its well-developed and portrayed characters who keep the action going. Suspenseful from every viewpoint, this is a story worthy of inclusion in the pantheon of mystery classics.

Quill says: Najeev Nadarajah's The Tale of Iśva Raman establishes a new bar for mystery tales about teenage heroes with its prolonged tension and last-minute unraveling of a key truth. It features themes of treachery and nail-biting tension that will make even the most astute sleuths turn their head. Mystery lovers, young and old, should not be distracted from this one.

For more information on The Tale of Iśva Raman, please visit the author's website at: najeevnadarajah.com.

 #AuthorInterview with Michael Balter

Today, Feathered Quill reviewer Lily Andrews is talking with Michael Balter, author of The Vatican Deal: A Marty and Bo Thriller.

FQ: Hello, Mr. Balter. As you said in the Author's Note section, the title The Vatican Deal: A Marty and Bo Thriller is based on actual events. What prompted you to utilize these incidents in your book?

BALTER: My first book, Chasing Money, is set in the early 2000s when, in real life, I was a struggling entrepreneur. It tells the story of two ordinary men, Marty and Bo, business partners and friends, pitted against a Russian killer who demands $10 million and a mysterious missing painting from them. Although I originally wrote it as a standalone novel, a twist at the end plunged Marty and Bo into a new kind of danger, and opened the door to a series of thrillers.

When I began plotting the second book in the series, I set it in Italy in 2004, when, in real life, I was a partner in an art company that bid on the Chiurazzi Foundry and successfully negotiated a licensing deal with the Vatican. My experiences in Italy were fertile ground for many good stories over the years and provided a colorful backdrop for the action in the second novel.

To make a compelling thriller, though, I needed a realistic threat that could place Marty and Bo in deadly peril. Fortunately for me, 2004 was also the year of one of the biggest mafia wars in Italy’s history. More than 160 people were killed in battles between rival gangs of the Camorra. And it occurred to me that if Marty and Bo, with the Russian oligarch backing them, came into conflict with the Camorra over purchasing the Chiurazzi foundry, that might provide a fictionalized reason for the war.

FQ: You also used some names of real persons. Are you concerned that this might cause future disputes, particularly with the Catholic fraternity?

BALTER: The third element of my book involves the Vatican Bank, which was involved in numerous money laundering scandals over the years. Angelo Caloia, the president of the Vatican Bank from 1999 to 2009, and his lawyer, Gabriele Liuzzo, were sentenced to eight years in prison for money laundering and skimming profits from the sale of Vatican properties. Lamberto Liuzzo, Gabriele’s son, was also found guilty for his role in the scheme, which took place during the period in which my story was set. I used their real names in the story, for verisimilitude, but invented their roles in the plot to provide my fictional Russian oligarch with access to a Vatican bank account. I’d be surprised if this offended anyone, as the crimes they went to prison for far outweigh their actions in my novel.

FQ: Speaking of Catholics, how do you think they will react to this book, which significantly hits on certain integrity concerns with its overall leader?

BALTER: Most of my Catholic friends are just as fascinated by the scandals and intrigue in their church history as anyone else. One of the bestselling thrillers of all time, The DaVinci Code, centers around a completely imaginary coverup by the Catholic church of historical events that never happened. In contrast, my book is based on well-documented issues with money laundering at the Vatican Bank. Gerald Posner’s book, God’s Bankers: A History of Money and Power at the Vatican is a good source of information on this. I believe Pope John Paul II was more focused on spiritual leadership than financial oversight, and was poorly served by his cardinals, leaving a gap where corruption crept in. The good news is that when these money laundering issues came to light, the Catholic Church under Pope Francis took action to clean up the Vatican Bank and end these scandals.

FQ: Is there anything you want your readers to learn from your book? If so, would you mind sharing some of the lessons?

BALTER: I extensively research all my books, and distill the most interesting discoveries into my stories. My first book, Chasing Money, centered around one of the most valuable missing masterpieces in the world, looted by the Nazis and missing since the end of World War II. In addition to learning about this painting, readers have told me that they enjoyed reading about the techniques of forgery, and the seamy side of the art of raising money. In The Vatican Deal, early readers have been fascinated by the insights on money laundering and the Vatican Bank, and the ways that the Camorra (the Naples mafia) differs from what we know in America. As for moral lessons, my main characters are flawed heroes. In their pursuit of money, they’ve made bad choices that drew them into danger in the first place, and are increasingly trapping them in a situation with no good outcomes. Marty, in particular, has let that spillover into his personal life in The Vatican Deal. He is lying to his wife, lying to his business partner and lying to himself. That’s not going to go well for him, and I don’t advise it as a path to follow.

FQ: Do you plan to utilize Bo and Marty as primary characters in any future books or sequels?

BALTER: Absolutely! Marty and Bo are enmeshed with a Russian oligarch, and freeing themselves from that entanglement won’t be easy. I’ve outlined a six-book series that will test Marty and Bo to their depths. The third book is well underway. I’ve got a killer idea and ending that will shock most readers. My research has turned up some fascinating subject matter, the first five chapters are written, and I hope to have the first draft done by the end of the summer.

FQ: Who do you want readers to remember most from this book? Why him/her?

BALTER: Marty and Bo are the central characters, and I think their relationship is what makes these books memorable. Bo is the more heroic of the two, a former college athlete and race car driver, who is a devoted family man. Marty is a less traditional hero - he’s an immigrant who has developed a scrappier and looser moral code. The two friends and business partners navigate danger with a mix of humorous banter and biting conversations that drive the story forward. Their loyalty is unshakable, even as the trouble they face threatens to pull them apart. Given the chaos they find themselves in, their friendship faces some serious challenges. And yet, as one reviewer said, “Despite their absurd aspirations, it's impossible not to root for them.”

FQ: You excel at capturing the minute aspects of Italy's history. Is this the result of research, experience, personal enthusiasm, or a combination of these?

BALTER: Thank you for the praise! It’s a combination of experience and research. I traveled to Italy many times in the early 2000s as part of my business dealings, and loved my experiences there. Some of the more vivid scenes in the book are based on those memories. For example, I attended the Papal Reconciliation Concert at the Vatican in January 2004, where my business partner and I sat next to Luciano Pavarotti. We also attended a post-concert party at the Palazzo dei Convertendi where the artist Raphael died in 1520. And, we visited the Vatican Observatory, where a 1726 edition of Isaac Newton’s Principia was casually tossed to me, leading to the anecdote in the cardinal’s office.

But after twenty years, many of the details of these events had faded, so I extensively researched every aspect of the scenes described. It was important to me to be accurate about the little details, from exactly which streets Marty and Bo walked to get from the Hotel Michelangelo to the Vatican, to which sculptures surmount St. Peter’s Basilica and the type of flowers that would have appeared on their breakfast table.

FQ: In The Vatican Deal, what novel thriller elements did you include that your readers could have missed in Chasing Money?

BALTER: Chasing Money has only one villain, a dangerously unpredictable Russian, Vasili, who kills Marty and Bo’s new business partner in the first chapter. He has a couple of henchmen who act under his orders, but never independently. The mystery in this book involves the missing money and the mysterious painting, but Marty and Bo’s opponent is clear from the beginning.

In contrast, in The Vatican Deal, Marty and Bo don’t know who is threatening them initially, and realize over time that they are facing multiple villains with opposing objectives. The Naples mafia wants them out of the deal for the Chiurazzi, and the Russian vory insists they stay in. Everyone is keeping secrets and telling lies. A dangerous figure from their past appears to threaten them. Someone they don’t suspect turns out to be a villain, while another proves to be a false friend. Then their partner Natalya is kidnapped, and Marty and Bo have to find a way to rescue her amid a mafia war.

FQ: What would you say to readers who might have recently come upon your exquisitely written and imaginative novels?

BALTER: I hope you’ll enjoy Chasing Money and The Vatican Deal, the first two books in the Marty and Bo thriller series. As a relatively new author, reviews are hugely important to me, so please share your thoughts on GoodReads, Amazon, BookBub, Barnes & Noble or wherever you get your books. If you’d like more information on the subjects I write about or updates on upcoming books, please visit my website at https://mbalter.com/ and sign up for my newsletter. Or, if you prefer, follow me on Facebook. I love to hear from readers!

 #Bookreview of Muzzle the Black Dog

By: Mike Cobb

Publisher: Waterside

Publication Date: April 11, 2025

ISBN: 978-1-962984-84-3

Reviewed by: Ephantus Muriuki

Review Date: May 14, 2025

Mike Cobb's Muzzle the Black Dog is a gripping mystery that centers on Jack Pate, a lone man who has deliberately isolated himself from the outside world and lives in a secluded cottage tucked away in the Georgia woods. His life is mostly calm until one night, when he receives an unexpected knock on the door. To his shock, he finds a stranger on his porch, ragged and mysterious, who seems to know way too much about Jack’s life, his past, and the pain he’s tried so hard to bury. Jack's initial reaction is to send him away, but something about this man and the secrets he appears to be hiding makes Jack become enmeshed in a web of inquiries that he finds impossible to ignore.

As the days pass, Jack’s guarded world begins to crack. He finds out that the stranger, Yardley Bennett, is not merely a lost wanderer; rather, he is someone with a mission, and his presence compels Jack to confront the things he has long shunned which include the people he left behind, the mistakes he committed, and a lingering sense of remorse. Meanwhile, the peaceful countryside around them transforms into anything but peaceful. Strange events begin to ripple through the nearby town including disturbing crimes, whispered rumors, and rising tensions. Soon, Jack is lured into something far broader than his personal difficulties, as he tries to figure out who Yardley is and what he really wants.

Throughout the novel, Cobb masterfully balances the external mystery with the protagonist's inner turmoil. We follow him as he starts questioning everything—his own memories, his choices, and even his sanity. The questions of whether Yardley can be trusted, whether he is an enemy, friend, or something else entirely, and why he is so familiar with Jack's life are what truly stick out. As Jack searches for answers, he’s not just trying to figure out the mystery around him — he’s also forced to deal with the emotional walls he’s built inside himself and honestly, that’s one of the most significant parts of the book.

In addition to being a thriller, Muzzle the Black Dog is a profoundly moving tale of self-forgiveness, redemption, and overcoming regret with a great handling of heavy topics like guilt, loneliness, and second chances. Cobb shows that running from your past can trap you just as much as facing it, and sometimes connecting with people — even when it’s awkward or painful — is the only way forward. Jack’s character goes through a lot of growth; he starts out totally shut off from the world, but over time, his journey forces him to open up and rethink his life. Themes on past memories and figuring out who you really are show up all throughout the story, which gives it a lot of heart beyond just the mystery side.

Cobb's writing style is really smooth and vivid and his characters feel real, especially Jack, who’s messy and flawed but super relatable, and Yardley, the perfect mysterious character — part charming, part suspicious, and you’re never sure if you should trust him. The book has a nerve-wracking suspense and emotional pull that will make it difficult for readers to put it down, despite being slower, and having a more contemplative pacing.

Quill says: Muzzle the Black Dog is a great pick if you like mysteries with depth, characters you can connect to, as well as stories that make you think. It’s the kind of book that stays with you and keeps you wondering long after you turn the last page.

For more information about Muzzle the Black Dog, please visit the author's website at: mgcobb.com/

 #Authorinterview with Chen Junhua

Today, Feathered Quill reviewer Kathy Stickles is talking with Chen Junhua, author of The Dance of the Sambar Deer and More Singaporean Fables.

FQ: This is such a lovely book and I really enjoyed reading it. What made you decide to put these fables down on paper?

JUNHUA: I used to be a teacher and then when my students made mistakes I would often think of relatable fables and use it during those teachable moments. However, most of the stories that I've shared with my students were based on generic animals much like Aesop's fables. After telling the stories, I would try to remember them and type them out on a document. Eventually, I managed to compile 10 stories and thought how nice it would be if I could make them into my first collection of fables. That was my first book and after the success of that first book, I began to work on this second book.

FQ: Do you have a personal favorite among the ten stories in the book?

JUNHUA: As the father of these stories, it's really hard to pick favorites. However, If I were to really choose, it would have to be Dance of the Sambar Deer. It is like a coming-of-age story that sort of reflects my current state of mind; where everyone, including myself, often forgets to take stock of how far we have come and how much we have grown.

FQ: Are these stories that you heard as a child or did you set out to research the stories and culture of a specific place and just chose Singapore?

JUNHUA: Setting the stories in Singapore was a no-brainer because I'm from Singapore. The reason for that is also because many people think that Singapore is a concrete jungle and mistakenly think that we do not have many animals that are native or unique to our tiny island country. Thus, I felt that it was a duty of mine to raise their awareness.

FQ: The illustrations are fabulous. Do you and the illustrator work together one story at a time or do you write the whole book first and then pass it along so the pictures can be created?

JUNHUA: We usually have to write the story first because the illustrations take very long to do. The reason for this is because during the editing process, sometimes there may be major changes to the characters or even the action of the animals. Thus, to avoid abortive work, we only begin the illustrating process only after the stories have been cleared.

FQ: What does the future hold for you as an author…more fables from Singapore, fables from another country, or something completely different?

JUNHUA: Besides being the author of these 2 fables collections, I also have a Fairy Tale fantasy story, Library of Mystory, which I am currently trying to make into a full featured animated movie. Also, I'm currently working on my 3rd fables collection, with some ideas slated for the 4th book as well.

FQ: Is there anything in your personal background that has influenced the way that you write or what you write about?

JUNHUA: As mentioned, I was a teacher for over 15 years and I feel that definitely influenced the purpose of why I write. I feel that values are the most important things that parents and educators can instill in children, thus I want to create stories that do just that.

FQ: What do you enjoy the most about being an author?

JUNHUA: I love that I'm able to impact others' lives with my stories and help them learn valuable lessons about life.

FQ: What advice would you give to an aspiring author?

JUNHUA: Be open to criticism. Understand that the book-writing process is a long one and that the version that you presented to the person is unlikely to be the final version that will go out into the world anyway. One of the toughest critics will be your editor, but understand that they also want the same thing as you, which is to help your book prosper. Thus, do not take any critique of your story as an attack on you. Instead, take a step back, let go of your ego and listen with an open mind to see why they are saying the things they are saying. You may not agree with everything they say, but learn to pick your battles well so that when there are instances where you really wish to hold firm on, you will be more persuasive and likely to get your way.

FQ: Are there any authors that you have read that had a big impact on you?

JUNHUA: Besides the Dan Browns and JK Rowlings that most people would have probably read, I particularly find self-help books very impactful. In fact, I would say that Stephen R. Covey's The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People was the book that changed my life.

I was introduced to the book by my ex-Principal in my first school, back then, he would be intentional in aligning how he runs the school with the principles shared in the book. It was the first time I've heard of the book and it forced me to go purchase a copy and read it. It's had a profound impact on my life and the way I live it, and I've even shared it with my siblings who also greatly benefited from the book.

FQ: What message(s) do you hope readers will take away with them after reading this book?

JUNHUA: Of course, other than the morals that accompany each fable, there is a central theme that I wanted to share with my readers. You will see that many stories are about adopting a new perspective to things, like in A House for Herman, it's about seeing with gratitude, the things that you already possess, just like in A Tale of Two Turtles, it's about seeing losing a friend might not be such a bad thing after all.

However, most importantly, I also hope that the readers don't just see the morals that I wrote at the end of the stories but find their own takeaways from each of the stories I've written.

 #Bookreview of Ponderosa Pines: Days of the Deadwood Forest Fire

By: Annette Gagliardi

Publisher: Pocahantas Press

Publication Date: September 17, 2022

ISBN: 978-1955338073

Reviewed by: Diana Coyle

Review Date: May 9, 2025

It started out as a normal day in 1959 for the citizens of Deadwood, South Dakota in Ponderosa Pines: Days of the Deadwood Forest Fire by Annette Gagliardi. The residents went to work and it was the first day of school for the children. But things took a drastic turn for all of them when they discovered that a forest fire had broken out and evacuations were starting. People left work early, school dismissed the children to get home as soon as possible, and emergency workers, both paid and volunteer, were deployed to different sections to start tackling this blaze. Although the fire only lasted a few days, it resulted in utter devastation to Deadwood and the surrounding areas.

The first thing that stood out about this story was it was written by Annette, the second eldest daughter to Bill and Anne. The book read like a narration coming directly from Annette’s personal account of what happened to her family and the towns surrounding Deadwood. It gave it such a personal feeling while turning the pages, and it enhanced seeing the story unfold through her eyes from start to finish.

Right from the beginning, the sense of urgency and panic was extremely present. You felt what Annette and her family went through from the first emergency message reaching everyone, to the final message that the fire was finally under control days later. Since Annette came from an extremely large family that included not only her parents and her and seven siblings, but also the additional extended family members, including her aunt and uncle and their five children, this made for a story that was different than any other historical retelling out there.

As readers turn the pages, they will feel the mixed emotions immediately from not only Annette’s main point of view, but of all her family members. Most of the children were under 12 years old, so you can hear and feel their panic and uncertainty of what was going to happen. You can easily step into any one of the characters’ footsteps, and feel what they were feeling. The sense of losing everything they worked hard for was predominant throughout. One can only imagine how scared everyone was that one day they have a roof over their heads, and the next they were worrying that all 17 of them could very well be homeless if the forest fire wasn’t contained quickly enough.

Quill says: Readers will become fully immersed in Ponderosa Pines: Days of the Deadwood Forest Fire by Annette Gagliardi, making it easy to develop feelings for all the characters that played a role throughout this story. Well done, Ms. Gagliardi!

For more information about Ponderosa Pines: Days of the Deadwood Forest Fire, please visit the author's website at: annette-gagliardi.com

 #Bookreview of Dark Device of the Great Chasm: A Windtracer Tale

By: C.B. Ash

Publisher: Fabled Horizon Press

Publication Date: April 25, 2025

ISBN: 979-8992610116

Reviewed by: Lily Andrews

Review Date: May 12, 2025

Dark Device of the Great Chasm: A Windtracer Tale by C.B Ash is a fun, fast-paced fantasy adventure set in a world filled with ancient ruins, dangerous relics, and magic storms that follows Windtracer Tela Kioni, a sharp-tongued explorer who’s always in the middle of trouble and somehow always makes it out. She discovers a potent artifact from a vanished civilization, much to her surprise, but quickly learns that she might not be the only one who wants to keep it. A shady rival group called the Crimson Company gets hot on her trail, and they’ll stop at nothing to take the relic for themselves.

We meet Tela barely outrunning creepy monsters and enemy mercenaries in a jungle full of magical dangers. She does, however manage to escape with the relic, only to find out her troubles are just beginning. A bigger, more dangerous mission lies ahead which is to find something called the Automatic Crystal of the Eclipse, a mysterious, ancient device that could be a powerful weapon or something much worse. The hunt is on to locate it before it ends up in the wrong hands, particularly those of a ruthless baron who wishes to restore the dominance of a forgotten Ancient Order, on his own terms.

As Tela gathers her old team and sets off across the continent, we get pulled into a rich, detailed world full of clever dialogue, strange creatures, secret maps, and thrilling action scenes. The journey takes readers from deep jungle ruins to underground cities, as well as from quiet markets to secret-filled archives. Along the way, the characters face physical dangers and tough choices, all while trying to uncover truths that have been lost for a thousand years.

The protagonist's character development is what really makes this novel stand out. She is caustic, obstinate, and extremely intelligent—a cross between Indiana Jones and a cranky cat with a golden heart. Her friendship with Kiyosi, a healer with a practical mind and a sharp wit, adds humor and warmth to the story. Then there’s Tyre, an old smuggler with a hidden soft side, who rounds out the trio perfectly.

The writing is fast and clear, filled with action and just the right amount of world-building. You don’t need to remember every magical term or location to enjoy the story—it explains things naturally as you go. Readers will find the world of Awldor to be wonderfully drawn, feeling real, and filled with stunning mysteries. Notably, the way antique technology and fantasy collide offers the story a novel twist. If there's one thing to note, it's that some parts of the story may feel a bit heavy with history or long conversations about relics. But remarkably, those moments lead back to something exciting, like a fight, a chase, or a major discovery.

Quill says: Dark Device of the Great Chasm: A Windtracer Tale by C.B. Ash is a must read for fans of fantasy, especially those who love adventures with smart, tough heroines and ancient mysteries. It’s also perfect for young adult readers who enjoy stories like Tomb Raider, The Mandalorian, or The Witcher—but with more teamwork, less gloom, and a whole lot more compelling. Tela Kioni is a hero you’ll want to follow, even into the deepest, most dangerous chasms.

For more information on Dark Device of the Great Chasm: A Windtracer Tale, please visit the author's website at: www.cb-ash.com

 #Bookreview of PANACEA: The Age of AG

By: Richard Bailey

Publisher: Atmosphere Press

Publication Date: June 24, 2025

ISBN: 979-8891326774

Reviewed by: Ephantus Muriuki

Review Date: May 8, 2025

Readers will find themselves instantly drawn into the world of PANACEA: The Age of AG, a futuristic, all-inclusive paradise where every need is met before you even think to ask. Set in the 31st century, this novel by Richard Bailey introduces Dolthea Madras Thorpe, a sixteen-year-old living in a tropical dome where life is easy, perfect... and strangely empty. It’s a place run by AG, an all-powerful Artificial Super Intelligence that keeps things “safe” by controlling every detail of daily life. However, at first glance, it may appear to be an exquisite dream world, until indications emerge that point to something dark lurking beneath the surface.

What really stands out is how Dolthea’s story starts off feeling so chill — she’s just a girl who’s restless and bored, wondering if life is supposed to feel more meaningful. But everything changes when AG announces her dome is being shut down. Her emotions are raw as she ponders over this ruthless, nonsensical decision that points to some people leaving in order for others to live.

From there, the story takes off. Dolthea and her group of friends — all fully fleshed-out and lovable in their own messy, flawed ways — go from carefree teens to resistance fighters, not because they want to be heroes, but because they refuse to go down without a fight. Readers will love how real and raw their emotions are: the fear, the anger, the loyalty, the moments of doubt. It’s not a polished rebellion. It’s scrappy, chaotic, and full of heart.

What’s really amazing about this tale is how Bailey doesn’t just focus on the action, although there is plenty. The story goes deep into the emotional side of things — what it means to be alive, to have choices, to question everything you’ve ever believed. Readers will appreciate how the book doesn’t spoon-feed answers but makes one feel the questions through the characters’ experiences. Although there is a lot of high-stakes drama, the friendships and emotional growth will be what will mostly enthrall them.

Dolthea's growth is very impressive and dramatic and watching her grow from a girl who feels adrift in a breath-taking environment to someone who takes charge of her destiny is tremendously fulfilling. Her friends — brave, sarcastic, brilliant, and sometimes reckless — add so much depth and heart to the story. Fans of character-driven stories will absolutely love this crew.

Bailey’s writing is clear and immersive, with vivid descriptions of the domed world that make you feel like you’re actually there. Readers may be surprised at how quickly the author shifts the plot's tone — from light and breezy to dramatic and devastating. The use of language flows naturally while maintaining a steady pace, and the world-building is sparse enough to illustrate the plot without overwhelming readers with science fiction jargon.

Quill says: Readers of PANACEA: The Age of AG will appreciate the story’s central themes of freedom, choice, and the battle to matter in a controlling environment. Those who enjoy novels that raise significant issues regarding technology, trust, and the meaning of life will find it very meaningful. While it is an exciting sci-fi adventure, it is also a narrative of the strength of friendship, the dare to challenge the rules, and the struggle to make your voice heard — even when the odds are stacked against you. Readers will come for the action in this story but stay for the heart.

For more information about PANACEA: The Age of AG, please visit the publisher's website at: atmospherepress.com/books/panacea-the-age-of-ag-by-richard-carson-bailey

 #Bookreview of Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Sea Star

By: Kathleen Welton

Illustrated by: Chau Pham

Publisher: Bookfox Press

Publication Date: April 10, 2025

ISBN: 979-8-89900-002-7

Reviewed by: Nellie Calanni

Review Date: May 8, 2025

In Twinkle, Twinkle Little Sea Star, author Kathleen Welton takes young readers on an enchanting underwater journey, transforming the familiar lullaby into a tale of wonder and discovery beneath the waves. With captivating illustrations and gentle, rhythmic prose, Welton creates a soothing, whimsical world where readers are invited to explore life under the sea through the eyes of sea stars.

From shimmering coral gardens to schools of glittering fish, each page bursts with vibrant imagery that beautifully complements the lyrical narrative. The sea star's journey is one of friendship and exploration, meeting playful dolphins, graceful jellyfish, and other sea creatures that sparkle with life and color. Welton’s use of rhyme and repetition not only mirrors the classic lullaby's melody but also makes it perfect for bedtime reading, instilling a sense of calm and joy.

At its heart, Twinkle, Twinkle Little Sea Star is a celebration of curiosity and the benefits of teamwork, encouraging young minds to dream big and explore the unknown. Its gentle storytelling and captivating visuals make it an ideal addition to any child’s bookshelf – a bedtime favorite that both children and parents will treasure.

Quill says: Kathleen Welton's Twinkle, Twinkle Little Sea Star is a magical undersea adventure that shines brightly with imagination and heart, perfect for inspiring sweet dreams.

For more information about Twinkle, Twinkle Little Sea Star, please visit the author’s website at kathywelton.com

 #Bookreview of A White Duck in a Black Pond: Race, Identity, and Privilege

By: Dane Wycoff

Publisher: Atmosphere Press

Publication Date: June 24, 2025

ISBN: 979-8891326712

Reviewed by: Diana Coyle

Review Date: May 7, 2025

A White Duck in a Black Pond: Race, Identity, and Privilege by Dane Wycoff is a poignant memoir that will have readers eagerly turning the pages and hoping that Dane and his two siblings find some peace within their community and themselves as they grow up in the 1950s.

Dane and his two siblings grew up in an interracial family, with their mother being White and their father African American. One complication from this mixed pedigree is the children appear to be white-skinned and the location where they live is an African American community. This causes many challenges for the children, especially for Dane, as he believes himself to be fully African American despite his appearance suggesting otherwise. Dane never seems to fit in no matter where they live or where they attend school. Compounding Dane’s challenging life is the fact that his father doesn’t financially support his children.

This is a deep, soulful telling of how Dane and his two siblings felt and dealt with the many setbacks they were presented with as they grew up. Their mother did the best she could by working hard and eventually moving up the ladder at the bank where she worked, but their father never took any responsibility for financially, emotionally, or mentally raising his three children. Readers will feel the pain that Dane experienced at each stage of his life from childhood to adulthood. Growing up in the 1950s only complicated the already tough life Dane and his siblings had to endure through the years.

This book is filled with many emotions, and at times you can see how conflicted Dane felt as he tried to process the situations in which he found himself. As his mother moved up the corporate ladder at the bank, she was able to move herself and her children out of the projects to a better community in hopes of a better way of life, but this move was not an instant solution to the difficulties faced by Dane and his family.

Despite the challenges that Dane faced, he succeeded in furthering his education by earning his MBA magna cum laude. The resilience of this author should be viewed by all people as a form of strength while facing many adversities. It is a true testament that even when facing numerous hardships, one can still achieve greatness.

Quill says: A White Duck in a Black Pond: Race, Identity, and Privilege by Dane Wycoff will have readers cheering for the author as he faces each adversity head on. Readers who may be experiencing similar difficulties will empathize with the author’s experiences and leave with the message that strength and perseverance through difficult situations can help you build pride and character in yourself.

For more information about A White Duck in a Black Pond: Race, Identity, and Privilege, please visit the publisher's website at: atmospherepress.com/books/a-white-duck-in-a-black-pond-race-identity-and-privilege-by-dane-wycoff

 #Bookreview of The Tempests of Time: Ages of Malice, Book IV

By: Lloyd Jeffries

Publisher: Buckminster Publishing

Publication Date: May 5, 2025

ISBN: 979-8-9906209-1-9

Reviewed by: Kathy Stickles

Review Date: May 5, 2025

In the fourth book of the Ages of Malice series, author Lloyd Jeffries has picked up the story right where book three left off and, let me tell you readers, that this is one incredible book. Since I have had the pleasure of reviewing this series from the very beginning and, having loved everything about it, I can say with complete honesty that The Tempests of Time is Lloyd Jeffries’s best book so far and that is saying a lot since each one has been absolutely riveting.

At the start of The Tempests of Time, the entire world is falling apart with some of said world completely destroyed from a nuclear attack. Emery Merrick, our favorite protagonist, is still working for Cain although he spends a great deal of this book in some type of a “coma” that the other characters cannot seem to understand or fix. In the meantime, while Rhyme is trying to figure out how to help Emery, her ex-husband and the man she will always love, she also has to figure out how to spoil her evil husband’s plans for world domination. While Emery is on his own journey, for real or in his mind – I will let the reader decide – Rhyme attempts to save everyone with the help of some old acquaintances and some new friends. Unfortunately, along the way, she learns that not everyone she trusts is truly a friend.

While the storytelling in The Tempests of Time is, as always, exciting and fast-paced, this book gives readers a different type of plotline as we spend a lot of time in Emery’s dreams delving into the backstories of many of the characters. It will really change your outlook on a lot of the individuals in the story and who they really are. I was stunned by so much of the story and felt that this author has really outdone himself. The things we learn about many characters, both the good and the bad ones, make each of the personalities stand out even more to the reader and leave you wondering what is next for them.

If you have been a fan since the beginning, and I certainly hope this is the case, you will know that the books are based in religion. One of the things I enjoy the most is that the author is able to write and present all of this religious background in an unbiased and very appealing way. Mr. Jeffries gives a look into recognizable religious happenings that does not focus on one specific religion but rather a “multireligious” view. The writing is superb and the storyline absolutely thrilling.

One thing I would recommend to all is that, if you have not already done so, you read the first three books in the series. There is so much going on in these stories and, as a reader, you will be denying yourself a lot of excitement and understanding of what is going if you attempt to start in the middle.

I can assure you that this is a series that is well worth taking the time to read from the very beginning. From captivating characters (both mortal and immortal) to historical and biblical tales to spellbinding action, The Tempests of Time has everything you will want in a book. I am on the edge of my seat waiting to see what comes next for these characters.

Quill says: The Tempests of Time is an incredible addition to a very powerful series and should not be missed. The only thing at this point that could make the Ages of Malice series better would be if it could go on forever!

For more information about The Tempests of Time: Ages of Malice, Book IV, please visit the author's website at: https://lloydjeffries.com/

 #Bookreview of SKELLIG: The Tales of Conor Archer, Vol. 2

By: E.R. Barr

Publisher: Telemachus Press

Publication Date: March 22, 2020

ISBN: 978-1948046862

Reviewed by: Kathy Stickles

Review Date: May 5, 2025

Since I did not read volume one of The Tales of Conor Archer, I was not sure what to expect given that volume two was a 400-page book that picked up just a couple of days after the end of the first story. Happily, it was like meeting a bunch of friends and catching up on their lives briefly in the first few pages and then jumping right into a new adventure. SKELLIG: The Tales of Conor Archer, Vol. 2 is a fabulous story that readers are going to love whether they are a fan of the first book or new to the series.

SKELLIG begins right after the conclusion of the first book, chronicling the tragic events that happened in Tinker’s Grove, a small town in the United States. Conor’s Aunt Emily quickly decides that the best way to keep him safe is to send him to Ireland to be with his godmother. In Ireland, she feels that he will be protected and will have the time he needs to deal with all that has happened and all that he has learned about himself. Of course, nothing is ever as easy as the plan. As soon as Conor gets off the plane, he finds himself getting into trouble again: there is a war criminal from Japan who has lived for more years that you can count who wants Conor dead, plenty of Otherworld beings that are out to end him, not to mention a very wealthy landowner who is after him and is definitely more than what he seems.

Thankfully, Conor never expects his life to be easy. With the help of some old friends and a bunch of new friends (including a wisp, his godmother, some tinkers, a shapeshifter named Colly, and an archangel) Conor jumps right into a new quest to find some mythical items that will make him the true king and enable him to defeat the evil that is after him. As the adventure and the cast of characters go between this world and the Otherworld, the action and excitement never stops. Can Conor and his friends save both worlds and themselves? Will Conor become king? SKELLIG is the ultimate good versus evil story and you will not be disappointed as you follow all of these wonderful heroes and creatures on their journey.

There are so many fabulous things to point out about SKELLIG. First, the characters are incredible and each one is such an integral part of the story. I’m not sure who is more fun to read about: the boy who will be king, the boy that turns into a wolf, the dog placed in the real world to protect his future king, the archangel who tries to help at every juncture but is not allowed to interfere, and the list goes on and on. The personalities and backstory of each character are very well-developed and the world-building and descriptive writing are absolutely riveting. Any reader will feel completely immersed in every scene regardless of what world is being described at that moment. This author is very serious about his research into the culture, folklore, and land that is Ireland and that is such a huge asset to the historical parts of the story. Finally—and this was a welcome surprise—the illustrations by Howard David Johnson are gorgeous and a fabulous addition to the text.

I would highly recommend SKELLIG: The Tales of Conor Archer, Vol. 2 to any reader out there who enjoys a great adventure, a bit of history, a fantasy story that is never short on action, or simply a well-written book that will hold your interest. You will not be disappointed in any way.

Quill says: It is such a pleasure to read the second book in a series where, even if you have not had a chance to read the first, you can just pick up the next and jump into it without having the feeling that you do not understand what is going on or who the characters are. As a reader, that is something that I really appreciated.

For more information on SKELLIG: The Tales of Conor Archer, Vol. 2, please visit the author's website at: www.talesofconorarcher.com

 #Bookreview of Midwife of the Soul: A Teaching Memoir Through the Lens of an HSP Psychotherapist

By: Shira Friedman

Publisher: Atmosphere Press

Publication Date: July 1, 2025

ISBN: 979-8891326804

Reviewed by: Shrubaboti Bose

Review Date: May 6, 2025

Written by Shira Friedman, a HSP (Highly Sensitive Person), clinical psychotherapist and holistic energy healer, Midwife of the Soul: A Teaching Memoir Through the Lens of an HSP Psychotherapist is a personal memoir as well as a resource guide for other HSPs and teachers or parents of HSPs on how to interact with them. The book begins with poignant vignettes of the author's childhood, describing several memories of traumatic incidents pulled from her past. But it is far from being a lament about how unfair life can be. Instead, it reminds us of the potential we all have within us. Following the author’s journey of self discovery and spiritual awakening, this book offers comfort and strength to those who seek it.

As a homeschooling mother of seven children, cohabiting with abusive and neglectful partners, single-handedly managing a household on the brink of poverty, coupled with added work stress on top of that, Friedman went through a lot of crisis - both physical and mental. She struggled to put food on the table for her family but she never gave up on pursuing her academic and career goals. She juggled multiple part-time jobs to sustain her children’s educational needs and her family’s growing financial demands, while still keeping up with her coursework at the same time. It was not an easy feat and she often had nervous breakdowns when her body would refuse to cooperate with her.

But her mother’s refrain "children should not be seen or heard" haunted her and she strived to be acknowledged by others. As a highly sensitive and empathetic person, she was conditioned to accommodate other people’s needs before her own and this people-pleasing attitude held her back from attaining any form of true freedom. Suppressing her voice and emotional needs had become second nature. Breaking out of that shell required immense power, which she was simply incapable of summoning. Unable to find the courage to carry on and exhausted by the never-ending challenges that life threw at her, when everything seemed to spiral out of her control, she turned to religion and spiritual practices for solace. She began trying different methods to regain peace and calm of her mind.

While the book provides us important advice gleaned from the author’s turbulent experiences, it also wonderfully records the gradual yet steady development of her character throughout the years as a healed and strong woman. In one place she shares that her mission "is to serve my clients as a 'midwife of the soul' by helping them transmute their weaknesses into strengths with the goal of transforming their lives as they participate in the joyful process of birthing their own unique soul." What we have here is not just a memoir but also precious teachings for readers who are struggling to find meaning in their lives. Perhaps, this is the reason why reading this book can be a very moving experience for everyone, opening up possibilities for us to return to our roots, reconnect with Mother Nature and to engage in traditions of healing by drawing from her wisdom. Regardless of time, culture or nationality, it helps people find renewed faith in the gift of spiritual consciousness and inspires us to embrace the light that shines within us.

Quill says: This book is a reminder to HSPs to stop considering their heightened sensitivity as a flaw and start seeing this unique trait as their superpower!

For more information about Midwife of the Soul: A Teaching Memoir Through the Lens of an HSP Psychotherapist, please visit the publisher's website at: atmospherepress.com/books/midwife-of-the-soul-a-teaching-memoir-through-the-lens-of-an-hsp-psychotherapist-by-shira-friedman

 #Bookreview of The Dance of the Sambar Deer and More Singaporean Fables

By: Chen Junhua

Illustrated by: Chan Shu Yin

Publication Date: 2024

ISBN: 978-981-47-5766-9

Reviewed by: Kathy Stickles

Review Date: May 5, 2025

The Dance of the Sambar Deer and More Singaporean Fables is the second volume of ten beautifully illustrated and wonderfully written stories that will be adored by many. These tales will not only intrigue young children, but also teach them some important lessons in life about wisdom, greed, and being a very good friend, just to name a few.

From the small hermit crab who wants to find a place to call home to the two sea turtles who have been friends from birth but learn that life may take them in different directions to the blue tarantula who learns how to feel brave, these stories will engage any child. Not only do the stories teach but, what I found simply wonderful, were the “fun facts” found at the end of each of them that will teach children about the actual animals in the story. Not only do the stories teach important lessons but the fun facts teach those who are curious about animals and science. This book is definitely a win-win for any parent or teacher trying to broaden the minds of children in their care.

While it is hard to choose, I would have to say that my personal favorite of the ten stories is "The Helpful Firefly." This is the story of a little squirrel who strays too far from home looking for adventure and gets lost. He is helped out by a tiny firefly name Lumi. This fable shows that no matter how small you might be, there is always a way to help others when they are in need.

Each story in the book is adorable and shows the reader morals that are important to everyone. Values such as friendship, how to help others, and how to be happy with what you have and not want more are all portrayed in this book in a manner that teaches without lecturing and I feel that is so important when dealing with children. Even though the stories come from Singaporean folklore, these are universal ideas that will not be out of place anywhere.

The illustrations in the book are incredible. Even when the concept might be one that is a bit frightening for a child, such as a scary dark forest or a large creepy tarantula, these illustrations are fun and charming in their design and colors. They provide the ultimate addition to an already mesmerizing book.

The Dance of the Sambar Deer and More Singaporean Fables is a book that should be on every child’s shelf and in every school classroom. It is a delightful collection that instructs as much as it entertains and you really cannot ask for more than that.

Quill says: Each fable in this book is wonderful in its own way and teaches an important lesson. This book, however, gives so much more to a child since it also showcases the beliefs and lore of another culture. It is a marvelous combination.

 #Bookreview of Hypnotic Control: Reflections on the Nature of Staged Influence

By: John-Ivan Palmer

Publisher: Whistling Shade Books

Publication Date: May 11, 2025

ISBN: 978-0982933510

Reviewed by: Lily Andrews

Review Date: May 2, 2025

John-Ivan Palmer’s Hypnotic Control: Reflections on the Nature of Staged Influence is a sharply intelligent, unsettling, and darkly humorous meditation on the practice and implications of stage hypnotism, grounded in memoir, cultural criticism, and philosophical inquiry, and drawing from decades of his experience as a stage hypnotist. The book isn’t, however, just about stage hypnosis; it’s about what happens when control, identity, performance, and vulnerability collide under the harsh lights of a nightclub stage—and how the real hypnosis might be happening in our daily lives, far offstage.

The book is divided into three parts—Trance, Self, and Culture—and each explores a different angle of influence. In the opening chapters, Palmer details the strange world of stage hypnotism with unnerving clarity. He’s blunt about how easy it is to override someone’s rational mind, to turn them into a braying donkey or a sobbing child with just a few words and the right tone. And he doesn’t flinch from describing the dark side of that power—subjects who fail to awaken, who spiral into panic, or who end up hospitalized. There’s a streak of dark humor in how he tells these stories, but never at the expense of the people involved. He knows the consequences are real as he has seen them first-hand.

Then, in the middle section, the book turns inward—and this is where it absolutely sings. The section features “Lounge Act Poet Blown Away,” which is a heart-wrenching, poetic recollection of Palmer’s life on the road, where he lived between poems and strip clubs, trying to survive in a world that had no real place for either his art or his ethics. He tells stories of women he lived with on the circuit: Jenny Private, sweet and naive, obsessed with penguins and musicals; and Veronica Vixen, a whip-smart, heroin-addicted dancer who spoke in poetry and read Elizabeth Bishop while slowly unraveling. These portraits are stunning—raw, empathetic, and aching with unsaid things. Palmer doesn’t just recount what happened; he feels it all over again on the page.

The final section zooms out to examine the culture we live in through the lens of hypnotic influence. Palmer draws fascinating connections between trance states and political rhetoric, cult behavior, and conspiracy theories. His chapter on “Trump and the Q Trick” is one of the most daring in the book, not because it’s controversial, but because it’s so calmly persuasive. Here, he shows the reader how mass suggestion doesn’t require swinging watches—it just needs repetition, spectacle, and the right kind of narrative bait.

What makes Hypnotic Control so powerful is Palmer’s voice. He’s literary but unpretentious, sharp but never cruel. His sentences move from hilarious to heartbreaking in a breath and one can readily feel the weight of a lifetime behind every observation—of someone who’s been both master and victim of suggestion, who once believed he could control people and later realized how much the job controlled him. This is a book that resists simple answers. It doesn’t come with a redemptive arc or a final conclusion wrapped in a bow. But that’s part of its brilliance. Palmer’s not trying to hypnotize readers—he’s trying to wake them up to the ways they’re influenced every day, to the absurdity they accept as normal, to the strange masks they wear because someone told them to. His writing is sharp, literary, and deeply personal—but also weirdly funny in a way that sneaks up on you. He’s got this mix of academic polish and back-alley grit; one minute he’s quoting obscure philosophers, and the next he’s telling a jaw-dropping story about sewing hypnotized people together with carpet thread in a dive bar.

Quill says: Hypnotic Control: Reflections on the Nature of Staged Influence is a rare kind of memoir—one that entertains, yes, but also interrogates its own existence. It’s for anyone who’s ever been seduced by the spotlight, or repelled by it, for people who have laughed at something and then wondered why they were laughing, as well as readers who like nonfiction that reads like a story. It’s also for fans of dark humor as well as artists, poets, performers, and anyone who’s ever stood on a stage. If you read this book, prepare to be moved, disturbed, and maybe even changed a little. It’s not just about hypnotism—it’s about being human.

For more information about Hypnotic Control: Reflections on the Nature of Staged Influence, please visit the author's website at: john-ivanpalmer.com

 #Bookreview of The Journey to You

By: Payton Lynch

Illustrated by: Siski Kalla

Publisher: Poppy Oak Press

Publication Date: May 1, 2025

ISBN: 979-8987586693

Reviewed by: Lily Andrews

Review Date: May 1, 2025

The Journey to You is a charming, calm, and beautiful children's picture book by Payton Lynch that features not just a sweet children's story but a deeply emotional, poetic reflection on what it means to become a parent—the hope, the longing, the struggle, and the overwhelming love that comes when a child is finally in her parent's arms.

It isn’t a typical picture book with a plot and characters. It reads more like a lyrical promise, a quiet but powerful declaration of love from a parent to a child. Every page is a metaphor for the journey to parenthood—“I’d climb a mountain with bare feet,” “I’d cross the hottest desert sand,” “I’d search for you forevermore.” It’s not about literal places or challenges but rather the feeling of waiting, wishing and enduring, all for the chance to hold the eagerly anticipated bundle of joy.

Readers will love how universal it feels. Whether their child came through birth, adoption, surrogacy, or something else, the message remains the same: “I would have done anything to get to you.” And that’s a sentiment that hits deep, especially for parents who didn’t take the easy road to get there. The writing is gentle and soothing—perfect for reading aloud, even to the youngest babies. It flows like a lullaby, and you can feel the love in every line. But it’s the kind of book that might leave you, the parent, more teary-eyed than your child. And that’s okay. Some stories are for both of you, even if the little one doesn’t fully grasp it yet.

Siski Kalla’s illustrations are breathtaking. Soft colors, dreamy landscapes, and beautifully emotive scenes that match the emotional tone of the text perfectly. Kalla ably makes one feel like they are stepping into a dream where every page brings them closer to the heart of the story—and to the child at the center of it all.

Quill says: The Journey to You is one of those books families can read over and over. It’s also a perfect gift for new parents, especially those who have experienced loss, long waits, or an unconventional path to parenthood. It isn’t just for kids, but also for the grown-ups who fought to become parents, who held onto hope through hard seasons, and who now look at their child and think, “You were worth every step.”

 #Bookreview of The Pesky Problem

By: Cristina Garcia

Illustrated by: Lenka Knoetze & Amy De Vries

Publisher: Atmosphere Press

Publication Date: March 25, 2025

ISBN: 979-8891325272

Reviewed by: Diana Coyle

Review Date: May 1, 2025

The Pesky Problem by Cristina Garcia is the story of an issue that has been bothering a pumpkin and gourd patch daily. Everyday, pesky crows want to feed on the various pumpkins and gourds in this patch located in the colorful countryside, leading to the flock of crows pecking them incessantly.

The pumpkins and gourds try thinking of a way to stop the mean crows from being a nuisance. One pumpkin comes up with the idea of borrowing the local corn field’s scarecrow. She has watched the field for days, and noticed the crows have left the corn fields alone once the scarecrow was put in place. That may very well be the solution for the pumpkins and gourds. But when they go to talk to the ears of corn and present their dilemma, the ears of corn laugh at them for even thinking they would lend them their scarecrow. Defeated, the pumpkins and gourds return to their patch and come up with another plan. Does their plan work this time for them? Do the crows finally leave the pumpkin patch alone?

This was such an adorable story for readers of any age to enjoy. First, it was so entertaining to read about pumpkins, gourds, and ears of corn that were alive and talking. Each had their own personality, which made developing feelings for them extremely easy for the readers right from the start. The manner in which this dilemma was presented to the readers will teach young children that if at first you don’t succeed, try again. When Warty Goblin came up with a back-up plan, readers can’t help but cheer him on and hope his plan will work to protect his patch from the crows.

The illustrations provided by both Lenka Knoetze and Amy De Vries were not only a delight to look at, but were found on every single page of this adorable children’s book. The colors were vivid and eye-catching, and the illustrations perfectly complemented the written word from the author.

Quill says: The Pesky Problem by Cristina Garcia not only teaches children a valuable lesson about teamwork, but will also entertain readers of all ages with the whimsical story and eye-catching illustrations.

For more information about The Pesky Problem, please visit the publisher's website at: www.atmospherepress.com/books/the-pesky-problem-by-cristina-garcia.

 #Bookreview of Olive Eye

By: Doc Richter

Publisher: Atmosphere Press

Publication Date: May 27, 2025

ISBN: 979-8891326477

Reviewed by: Lily Andrews

Review Date: April 29, 2025

Olive Eye by Doc Richter is a powerful, heart-wrenching novel that plunges the reader into a world of high-stakes espionage, unimaginable loss, and relentless vengeance. With a blend of realism, emotional depth, and razor-sharp suspense, it offers a series of startling events that feel brutally authentic and chillingly personal.

The tale revolves around Dr. Alan Glass, a weapons inspector for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), who travels to the most hazardous locations on Earth to prevent nuclear weapons from falling into the wrong hands. From the scorching deserts of Iraq to the frozen, hostile terrain of North Korea, Alan’s work feels vividly, sometimes painfully, authentic. You can practically feel the sweat under his hazmat suit or the chill that settles into his bones after another long day on enemy turf. Richter’s writing drops you right into these brutal landscapes and doesn’t let you out.

But Olive Eye isn’t just about the politics of weapons—it’s a gut punch of a personal story. When Alan’s wife, daughter, and extended family are murdered in retaliation for his work, the book takes a devastating turn. Richter does not hold back from depicting the profound, stifling sadness that follows. Even though it hurts to read, that is what makes the narrative so powerful; the action matters because the loss feels so real.

From the start, Richter builds a slow, simmering tension with diplomatic chess games, hostile military escorts, and long, dangerous drives across unforgiving terrain. Then, when the personal tragedy strikes, it hits fast and brutally, and after that, the novel barely lets you catch your breath. Yet even in the middle of all the action, Richter knows exactly when to pull back—slipping in memories of Alan’s daughter, flashes of his old life, and glimpses of the future he’s lost—making the heartbreak even sharper and more devastating.

The supporting characters are just as sharply drawn. Élise, the enigmatic agent who draws Alan deeper into the web, is one of those characters who feels both like a real person and like a symbol of everything Alan’s lost. No one in this book feels flat or fake—not the colleagues, not the enemies. Everyone has layers, and motives that feel painfully believable.

Richter’s prose is direct and unflinching but still manages moments of beauty. He doesn’t sugarcoat violence, loss, or grief, but he also gives us quiet, tender flashes—memories of family life—that remind you exactly what’s at stake. That emotional balance is what lifts Olive Eye beyond your typical thriller and turns it into something much deeper. This isn’t an easy book to read emotionally, but it’s worth it. It dares to ask big, uncomfortable questions: what do you become when the people you love are taken from you? How do you survive in a world that’s turned against you? Richter doesn’t offer neat answers—but he tells a breathtaking story along the way.

Quill says: Olive Eye is devastating, gripping, and deeply human. It's about loss, survival, rage, and how far one man will go when he has nothing left to lose. If you love thrillers that make you feel something—where the action hits just as hard as the emotion—you’re going to remember this one long after the last page.

For more information about Olive Eye, please visit the publisher's website at: atmospherepress.com/books/olive-eye-by-doc-richter/

 #AuthorInterview with James A. Wolter

Today, Feathered Quill reviewer Ephantus Muriuki is talking with James A. Wolter, author of Salamander Man.

FQ: Who was Idris to you? What was it about him that stuck with you all these years?

WOLTER: The Idris of 1962 was a stranger to me. I encountered him at the Westwind Hotel in Kuala Terengganu. I couldn’t take my eyes off him as he crawled across the floor because he had the most handsome face of any man I had ever seen and, while he was crawling on the floor, there was a dignified air about him. It was that, the way he carried himself with dignity, while crawling on the floor, that stuck with me.

Author James A.Wolter

FQ: Since this is a fiction based on him - a real person, how did you get to decide which parts to change and which ones to keep real?

WOLTER: All I knew of Idris in 1962 was that he was unable to find a wife because he couldn’t use his legs and that his father arranged for him to spend a night with a hostess at the Westwind Hotel as a twenty-first birthday present. That is the only aspect of the Idris of 1962 that is in Salamander Man. I imagined him being struck with polio as a child and how he responded to various situations boys encounter while growing up. While Idris in Salamander Man is a fictional character, I wanted him to have an authentic life and I wanted the reader to share in that life. In doing that, Idris of Salamander Man became a real person to me and share his story, in particular his inner thoughts and feelings, in his own words. I wrote as he spoke to me.

FQ: The emotions in Idris’s voice feel so heavy. Did writing from his perspective ever affect you emotionally?

WOLTER: Yes. While writing Salamander Man, the fictional Idris became a real person to me. I felt dejected and angry when he was rejected by other children and it was particularly painful when two boys pretended to befriend him and then betrayed him by destroying his wheelchair. I felt distressed and helpless when two headmasters refused to allow him to attend school. My heart ached along with his when he was unable to find a best friend and then again when he was unable to find someone to love who would love him in return. I was overjoyed and cheered him on during his magical night journey. Observing him visit and interact in scenes from the Malay Annals, the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, the Iliad and Odyssey, Man of LA Mancha, Divine Comedy, Canterbury Tales, and to top it off by celebrating Bloomsday on June 16 at Davy Byrne’s Pub was an exhilarating change of pace and brought me much joy in revisiting those classics and looking at those them from a new perspective.

FQ: Your time in the Peace Corps certainly inspired this narrative, but I am curious if it also changed how you perceive individuals, their strengths as well as weaknesses in everyday life?

WOLTER: While serving in the Peace Corps was a life changing (for the better) experience for me, assessing others, their strengths and weaknesses was something I had done since childhood. I was very involved is athletics and judging physical talents and personality traits were an essential part of building a team.

Additionally, observation and making assessments based upon those observations is a skill biology students are taught. Biologists are trained to look for commonalities and exceptionalities and to determine cause and effect characteristics in individuals and communities of organisms.

One thing that surprised me about myself is that as a Peace Corps Volunteer, I thought I should like all Malaysians and tried hard to do so. But I found that there were Malaysians that I didn’t like. I also found that I didn’t like all Peace Corps Volunteers. I had to give myself permission to dislike people and I convince myself that it was okay.

I also found some Malaysians didn’t like me. I found that unsettling. I have an inner need to be liked by all people I encounter and that was heightened as a Peace Corps Volunteer because I was representing the American people. I wanted Malaysians to like Americans. I still find it hurtful when someone doesn’t like me. That’s something I’m still working on.

There was another discovery about myself that I found. While living among the Malaysian people, as a white skinned, blue-eyed-blond person, I was, for the first time in my life, a minority. Some people, Malaysians, Americans and English in Malaysia, were unable to see me as a person beyond my race. For example, one of my assignments during a school holiday was to work on a rural health project in northern Malaysia with Dr. Mahathir, a young Malay physician who would later become Malaysia’s longest serving Prime Minister. My job was to accompany him to villages with populations as small as a hundred people to irradicate hook worm by convincing the local people to install and use water-sealed latrines. Specifically, as an orang putih (white person) I was to attract local people to Dr. Mahathir’s presentation. Since rural Malays had never seen an orang putih in person before, it was thought that they would show up to see one up close. They did and gently stroked the hair on my arms saying, “Emas tuan! Boleh jual tuan! (Gold, sir! Can sell sir!)” I was being used like a side show at a carnival to attract people for the main event. I resented it but tried to make the best of it. That’s another story described in grittier detail in Finding Miss Fong.

FQ: There’s so much love in this book. Did you set that theme up from the start, or did the main character actually experience it in real life?

WOLTER: Regrettably, I didn’t get to know the Idris of 1962 so I don’t know how his life turned out. But I’ve thought of him frequently and I’ve spent my entire professional life working with and on behalf of students who do not conveniently fit societal expectations. My job, in part, was to convince my students and others that my students, like other students, had unique abilities and special needs except a little more so in some respects. And that’s what made them so fascinating.

I had a yearning to tell Idris’s story for decades but didn’t know how to go about it. I thought it was important for Idris to have a full authentic life and experience a full range of emotions. I also thought it was important for him to tell his story. I wanted the reader to see the world through Idris’s eyes and experience what he experienced. I didn’t consciously set out to make Salamander Man into a love theme novel but Idris’s search for meaning directed me in that direction.

As far as my intention for readers, I desire the reader to see that Idris, other than not being able to walk, is like the rest of us. He is seeking acceptance and most of all love. In Salamander Man, Idris is a loving person who finds love all its forms and ultimately finds romantic love. In finding romantic love as a sensitive inexperienced man, I wanted his first romantic love experience with Maimum to be heartfelt and filled with gentle, quiet, tenderness rather than a hurried purely physical event of groping, grabbing, and groaning culminating in an exchange of body fluids. I wanted Idris to find eternal love with a soulmate; almost as much as he did himself.

FQ: When you revisit the incident where Idris was sent away from school by the headmaster, what comes to your mind about this? Why do you think Idris' parents did not consider other schools?

WOLTER: It enraged me when Idris was denied school admission. Children with disabilities have been part of my entire adult life. During most school holidays as a Peace Corps teacher, my future wife and I worked with orphaned girls residing at Saint Nicholas’ Home for the Blind in Penang and upon returning to the United States, I became a special education teacher. Except for a very few humanistic schools like New Trier High School (the school I taught at), the history of public schools abounds with incidents of children, who were view as ‘different and disgusting’, being denied access to the educational and social opportunity provided by schools prior to the passage of PL 94-142 in 1975.

There are two reasons Idris’s parents did not find an alternative school for him when he was denied admission to the public school. First, Kuala Terengganu in the 1940’s and 50’s was a very small village and there were no other schools. Second, in Malaysia education was considered a privilege reserved for only the most able. Many students, who did not measure up academically, were denied schooling beyond sixth grade.

FQ: Do you think Idris would be okay with his story being told this way? What do you hope people walk away feeling or thinking after reading it?

WOLTER: I often think of the Idris of 1962. Is he still alive? Was his night at the Westwind as loving as Idris’s in Salamander Man? I hope so. I also hope he would approve of Idris in Salamander Man. I tried to give Idris the dignity he deserves without making him into a sympathetic character or a character that comes by supernatural abilities with no effort. That is, I tried to refrain from the cliche that somehow supernatural abilities are automatically bestowed upon a person with a disability to offset their disability.

While I didn’t have the opportunity to know the Idris of 1962 personally, I know from listening to the girls my wife and I worked with during school holidays and from my New Trier students that they would not want to be viewed as sympathetic figures. They wanted to be treated and valued with dignity.

I desire the readers of Salamander Man to view Idris as an authentic person and experience the world as he does and feel what he feels. Most of all I want the reader to see the dignity in Idris and to find the dignity in others whom they might not have noticed prior to reading Salamander Man.

Salamander Man has a mature ending that some readers may find sad initially but I hope they stay with it and find solace in Idris’s portrayal of what he’s been searching for; eternal unconditional shared love.

FQ: What did the experience of writing Salamander Man teach you as an individual?

WOLTER: Life is a quest for each of us regardless of our circumstance. Each of us experience our share of difficulty. A difficulty need not be a tragedy. Each of us has vulnerabilities. There is no shame in being vulnerable.

Each of us desires and needs acceptance, understanding, and love. Love comes in many forms and can be found in the unlikeliest places. Each of us is loved if only we recognize it and accept it and each of us can give love to a person in need of love. Life is all the better when giving love and being loved in return.

Finally, being loved and loving in return is beyond my ability to adequately put into words but it was worth the effort to try.

FQ: Lastly—if you could sit down with young Idris today, what’s one thing you’d really want to tell him?

WOLTER: Idris encounters numerous contemptible people in Salamander Man but his life is also enriched by interesting sage-like mentors. I don’t know what more I could offer him other than to say, “Idris, I treasured getting to know you. You enriched my life. God created you and loves you unconditionally.”