#Bookreview of At Liberty: Reconciling to a Life Worthy of the Calling

By: Christina Nordstrom

Publication Date: June 3, 2026

ISBN: 979-8240465307

Reviewed by: Ephantus Muriuki

Review Date: July 6, 2026

In her introduction of At Liberty: Reconciling to a Life Worthy of the Calling, Christina Nordstrom describes herself as a lifelong learner, a position that makes the reader feel invited as a companion into her ongoing journey of understanding.

What follows in the first chapter is a deeply moving moment of her confession and awakening where she shares a dream in which she encountered her seven-year-old self, who was angry and wounded from years of being silenced by an oppressor, none other than her now-grown self. For Nordstrom, that dream marked her turning point, where amends with her inner self and confronting that which was still unresolved inside of her felt not only necessary, but urgent.

Next, Nordstrom, after finally deciding to take action, turns her attention to the deeply rooted bias against women in her cultural environment where male dominance was prevalent. The oppression, she states, ran deep, and for the longest time contributed its version of trauma to many women, herself included. This was a culture in which many parents visibly got disappointed when they gave birth to a girl instead of a boy, and worse still, children's books and television shows displayed a clear male preference by making sure that the main characters, sometimes up to 95 percent, were male. Looking at herself, Nordstrom feels that many of the beliefs she held growing up were simply not from her own convictions, but that they were unconsciously inherited from that culture.

In the book, she engages with a number of thinkers who have boldly questioned deeply embedded concerns and assumptions about women's roles in both society and intellectual life. They include Irene Stiver and Professor Manning, Professors Mary Frank Fox and Sharlene Biber-Hesse, among others. She uses their findings to bring on board a cumulative argument especially about how the bias was, and is, still woven into the very frameworks through which knowledge is produced, validated and circulated. Beyond that, these voices push a greater idea: that what we often treat as normal knowledge is actually shaped by relationship and institutional habits that go unquestioned for a long time.

As you read this book, you realize that instead of moving fast in a conventional narrative sense, it actually circles around the same ideas but from different angles. This helps you, as the reader, absorb the ideas slowly and more deeply. Additionally, what you encounter through a deliberate pacing is a deeply researched exposition whose weight lies in the author's ongoing observations, questions, reflections and realizations, many of which are lived-in. Step-by-step, she reveals how she arrives at certain conclusions, revealing the mark of a great author, one who is willing to let meaning develop gradually. The question of the actual source of what we call 'choice' in life is what really makes the book feel current, in a world where as of today, the patterns haven't really disappeared but simply become subtler.

Quill says: At Liberty: Reconciling to a Life Worthy of the Calling is, without a doubt, a book that will continue to echo in the background of how its target audience sees themselves and the world around them. It is especially outstanding for how it treats knowledge as something you unlearn as much as you learn. This rare approach contributes deeply to its depth. The intellectual frameworks that helped the author understand her experience, including Liberation Theology and the Pedagogy of the Oppressed, are brilliant. It is a meaningful work to gift a friend or to yourself, especially if you are drawn to thoughtful, reflective works that linger long after the final page is turned.

For more information about At Liberty: Reconciling to a Life Worthy of the Calling, please visit the author's website at: christinanordstrom.com/

 #Bookreview of A Flower from Keanu: A Town of Hidden Glen Novella

By: Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra

Publication Date: June 12, 2026

ISBN: 979-8989985821

Reviewed by: Lily Andrews

Review Date: July 2, 2026

A Flower from Keanu: A Town of Hidden Glen Novella by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra follows Cassandra Finlay, a woman who embodies profound loneliness as seen in Sacred Heart Catholic Church where she is all alone, apart from two extra people praying in the pew. It's her mother's burial day at Hidden Glen, a town where people always avoid the uncomfortable as demonstrated by the arrival of one of Cassandra's flower shop customers, who bows, then leaves as quickly as she arrives. And as she awaits the priest's arrival, Cassandra confesses to a deep feeling of relief following her mother's death, especially because of the brutality the disease had inflicted on her mother's character and personality, and indirectly, on Cassandra's emotions.

The story later introduces Ken Rivers a.k.a. Keanu Rivers, a chef who arrives in Hidden Glen from New York after thirteen long years. He is well known to Cassandra since he worked at her mother's flower shop when he was a teenager. His comeback feels like the best move he would ever make, a move that will give him significant growth and success that will surpass the restaurant he created in the city.

Woven into the story is a development scheme involving a land venture capitalist Lucas Finlay, who is Cassandra's biological father. Many years ago, he left her mother with a lot of debt and a toddler to raise. Now, he is wealthy and is hunting for various real estate deals upstate for his investors back in Nevada. Working with him is the former mayor, an opportunist who's disappointed that Rivers recently bought a property he was also interested in. The story captures Cassandra's shock at the mention of her father, as well as her strange relief that she cannot recognize herself in any feature on his face.

This story invites the reader to witness the protagonist's healing and rise from trauma and emotional wounds that are seated right at the core of her soul. She is drawn as a survivor who takes small, hesitant steps, and whose redemption feels outweighed by the weight of her past as well as the fear of repeating it. Her response early in the novel to Rivers when he asks whether she is okay confirms this, while further revealing the wall she has built around herself from years of betrayal and loneliness. Most remarkable is how, through her, the story weaves in the power of memory and symbolism. The latter includes the rare Nativitas germens flower that is said to bloom once in ten years. The Nativitas germens doesn't emerge as a mere plot device, but rather, as a living symbol of the protagonist's lived experience with love and hope. Among the other themes she beautifully propels is the question of whether vulnerability is a weakness or a strength. The reader evaluates this as events pass, following her decision to trust again while at the very edge of her despair.

Quill says: A Flower from Keanu: A Town of Hidden Glen Novella by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra, though it follows familiar genre conventions, is emotionally satisfying, and rewards the reader with the happiness one of the main characters has long been denied. It doesn't break new ground; instead, it follows the usual tropes of the romance genre with a welcome dash of danger and suspense. However, it finds its uniqueness in its emotional impact and thematic coherence, executed through steady pacing that smoothly leads to a renewal and a restoration of magnificent proportions. This novel is undoubtedly a memorable work that speaks right to the often invisible resilience of the human spirit.

For more information about A Flower from Keanu: A Town of Hidden Glen Novella, please visit the author's website at: mariaelenawrites.com/

 #Bookreview of Hunger

By: Nihaarika Negi

Illustrated by: Joe Bocardo

Publisher: The Lab Press

Publication Date: October 28, 2025

ISBN: 978-1964226088

Reviewed by: Anne Hubbard

Review Date: June 22, 2026

Hunger by Nihaarika Negi is a bold science fiction graphic novel that fans of dark fantasy will find themselves relishing.

The narrative is set in Bombay in 1896, as its residents suffer greatly due to the widespread famine and plague of the times. Izna, a young girl, is imprisoned in a concentration camp, where she is subjected to vicious medical experiments. While the medical experiments are intended to produce a controlled and submissive subject, the opposite actually transpires, resulting in Izna transforming into a monstrous, primeval form. Izna eventually accepts this transformation and begins using it to her advantage. What is exceptionally striking about this transformation is how Izna’s shift to a “monster” makes her come across as more of a victim reclaiming what was rightfully hers rather than a monster seeking to destroy.

The entire book, with its stunning artwork, chilling cover and protective outer box, makes this quite the conversation piece. The graphics that accompany the story are bold, expressive, and often able to tell a story wordlessly better than some other stories do with the use of words. The artwork is graphic but meaningful, and will appeal to fans of dark fantasy. With the crux of the story centering on the actual historical event of the 1896 Bombay plague, this story also has the ability to cross genres and appeal to fans of historical fiction.

Quill says: Hunger tells a bold, captivating story with stunning visuals and unexpected characters. Readers who appreciate stories with heightened tension, emotions, and an emphasis on the grotesque will find this book greatly rewarding.

For more information about Hunger, please visit the publisher's website at: thelabpress.com/pages/hunger

 #Bookreview of Blackout: A Jake Bendel Thriller

By: J. Luke Bennecke

Publisher: Jaytech Publishing

Publication Date: October 6, 2026

ISBN: 979-8990527362

Reviewed by: Rebecca Jane Johnson

Review Date: June 19, 2026

J. Luke Bennecke, #1 Amazon bestselling author of Civil Terror: Gridlock and Waterborne, delivers another thrilling, high-stakes crime novel that reveals the challenges humanity confronts when technological advancements outshine human kindness. Blackout: A Jake Bendel Thriller is a fast-paced tale full of mission-driven power brokers, hackers, smugglers, bikers, murderers, gangsters, and criminal masterminds.

The hero, civil engineer Jake Bendel, faces impossible odds. Every decision could save or destroy thousands of American lives. What’s more: the fabric of democracy seems tattered beyond repair. Terror threat levels exceed critical, and even AI algorithms and engineering prowess may not be enough to prevent the imminent doom.

After a coordinated drone bombing downs Air Force One, assassinating the president of the United States, the FBI needs Jake Bendel for his expertise in airport safety. He is entrusted with the impossible task of ensuring every single airport in the nation is impervious to further drone attacks. Can Jake anticipate whatever unimaginable attack these enemies may plot next? While trying to solve these problems, law enforcement ropes Jake into finding the assassin and fixing the electrical problems at the nation’s Capitol building, the Supreme Court, and the D.C. area power plants.

While Jake attempts to solve a mystery of a strange black brick that may be the cause of the electrical outage, FBI leaders pull him back into another investigation. The assassin turns out to be Tracy Ciacchella, a seasoned criminal mastermind who has successfully seated a puppet in the oval office. She is narrowly escaping FBI detainment while coordinating a coastal ambush with Russian and Chinese militants at the ready. She is also coordinating drones to take out the electrical grid that powers the nation. Meanwhile, the hero’s team gets a tip from a mental patient that Jake’s wife, who he believed to have died five years earlier in a fire, may still be alive. Told from multiple characters’ perspectives, the twists deliver unending suspense, and the plot complexity pins the characters into impossible predicaments.

Since Jake had earned hero status for building communications and water desalination systems that improved technological infrastructure for the United States, the new president offers him a cabinet position as Secretary of Transportation. Jake turns the position down, sensing something off about the leader. Jake starts to realize those who are in command may not be who he thought they were. Is he being protected by allies or being watched by the same criminal mastermind who coordinated the assassination? This antagonist has an even more sinister plans for Jake. Tracy’s motivation? She tells herself she wants the wealth of the world to be more evenly distributed and people treated fairly. Sure, this means destroying innocent lives in the process, but she thinks her motives are pure.

This novel presents moral dilemmas while also showing Jake Bendel at his best, facing the highest risks to combat cyberterrorism. This novel contains strong writing, believable characters, and plot twists to keep the reader turning the pages. But beyond that, it provokes thinking about our vulnerability when we rely on technology. How easy is it for hackers to control our handheld devices? What kinds of outside attacks can the nation’s electrical grid handle and combat?

Quill says: Blackout: A Jake Bendel Thriller will grip readers from the first scene and take them on an exciting cinematic adventure full of thrilling political intrigue, technological ingenuity, and provocative plot twists of high drama, while still honoring the emotional depth of humanity.

For more information about Blackout: A Jake Bendel Thriller, please visit the author's website at: jlukebennecke.com/

 #Authorinterview with Helena P. Schrader

Today, Feathered Quill reviewer Alma Boucher is talking with Helena P. Schrader, author of Voices on the Wind — Assault: A Novel of Malta in WWII.

FQ: What inspired you to write a novel centered on Malta during World War II? 

SCHRADER: The story itself. You can't make something like this up. Literally, more bombs fell on an island one-fifth the size of Los Angeles than on all of Germany in 1942. In April 1942 alone, more bombs rained down on Malta than in the entire Blitz of London -- which was three times larger! On top of that, the island was slowly starving to death. Yet the Maltese didn't surrender and they didn't wallow in self-pity. They kept fighting, and won.

In a way, Malta was a microcosm of Britain itself; Britain too was dependent on imports carried by ships -- simply at a far larger scale. The Germans came close to choking off Britain's lifeline too, but the Battle of the Atlantic raged over five years, while the crisis on Malta came in eight months. The combination of a massive air offensive and a near successful siege make the story of Malta in 1942 especially dramatic and so uniquely suitable for fiction.

FQ: Malta itself feels like a character in the story. Was that your intention from the beginning? 

SCHRADER: Not really. Malta is fascinating, unique and indomitable. It's a tiny island with a history that reaches back before the age of the Pyramids in Egypt. It was conquered and settled by Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, and finally Napoleon himself! In 1565, it withstood a massive siege by an Ottoman  seaborne army and a tiny force of defenders led by the Knights of St John (one of my favorite militant orders) emerged victorious. What followed was a period of artistic and architectural flourishing that is unique in the Mediterranean and left a magnificent legacy. Yet the Knights of St John became decadent and corrupt. They were swept aside by Napoleon only for the Maltese people to rise up in rebellion and defeat the French in weeks -- with a little help from Admiral Lord Nelson! The people invited the British in -- but issued a Declaration of Rights that articulated limits to British rule. The next century and a half was one of mostly symbiotic relations between the Maltese and the British. In addition, Malta played a important role in both World Wars. You can't ignore -- or invent -- a character like that.

FQ: The novel portrays both military and civilian experiences. Why was it important to include multiple perspectives?

SCHRADER: Because there are so many perspectives. I would argue that is true of nearly every historical event. All my novels include multiple perspectives and story lines. I detest books written in the first person. It's like filming a movie with only a single, handheld camera.

FQ: Were there any real-life accounts or personal stories that particularly influenced the narrative?

SCHRADER: I relied heavily on the wonderful memoir by Charles Grech, a native of Malta, who lived through the war as a youth, Raiders Passed: Wartime Recollections of a Maltese Youngster. I loved Paul McDonald's tribute to Christina Ratcliffe and other women who lived through this crisis in Ladies of Lascaris: Christina Ratcliffe and the Forgotten Heroes of Malta's War. Another important source was Wing Commander T.E. Neil's Onward to Malta and Angus Mansfield's "I Wish I Had Your Wings: A Spitfire Pilot and Operation Pedestal, Malta 1942." Another gem is Frank Leighton's memoir, Frayed Lifelines: A Siege Survivor's Story, which depicts life on Malta in this period from the perspective of an ordinary 'erk' (aircraftman) working with the Air/Sea Rescue unit; very detailed right down the color and design of ration cards. No heroics whatsoever! And since nothing is better than a novel for evoking a society, I must mention Nicholas Monsarrat's The Kappillan of Malta.

For the maritime story line, I relied heavily on The Quiet Heroes by Bernard Edwards and At All Costs by Sam Moses. These books don't single out any specific 'hero' or character, but they provide a wealth of information on what it was like manning merchant ships in WWII.

FQ:  What was the most surprising fact you discovered about Malta during your research?

SCHRADER: Although I suspected that Malta was an 'intelligence hub' simply due to its proximity to Sicily, I was astonished to discover that the only X-machine for deciphering German enigma messages located outside of the British Isles was installed in the British HQ bunker at Lascaris.

Because of the high levels of classification, the Official Secrets Act, and wartime training, we know far less about intelligence operations than other kinds of operations. While the release of F.W. Winterbotham's book The Ultra Secret made "Ultra" and "Enigma" household words and the role of Bletchley Park has become famous since, these are only part of the story. Malta's role in intelligence was first hidden, and has now largely been forgotten. Historians appear not to have fully explored it. We do know, however, that at least one WAAF was assigned to Intelligence on the island. So Candice is not implausible.

FQ: How do the characters reflect the resilience and determination of the Maltese people?

SCHRADER: Malta didn't surrender. The Maltese didn't rebel against British rule. They didn't offer passive resistance. They didn't scrawl graffiti on the ruins demanding British withdrawal. The Maltese manned the anti-aircraft batteries, they served in the RAF and RN. Maltese women were plotters and Y-Service operators. Maltese health care professionals ran and manned the hospitals. Malta was not simply a base for action; Malta was a participant. As my novel suggests, morale was worse in the RAF than among the civilian population.

FQ: What role does hope play in sustaining your characters through the hardships they face?

SCHRADER: That's really more for you to judge as a reader. Robin certainly is not hopeful about the situation! He's a cynical realist. Ned is far more focused on his own role than the overall situation. Stevie states baldly that the Admiralty cannot afford to sustain the losses incurred by supplying Malta and suggests they will abandon it 'soon'. (But, of course, in this volume he has not yet become directly involved in the situation in the Mediterranean and has no direct insights.) Candice is simply struggling to do her job and not disgrace herself in her own eyes -- and falling in love, of course.

FQ: How important was it for you to highlight the sacrifices made by the people of Malta?

SCHRADER: It's the very least we can do. The Second World War was not a "war of choice," or a war of domination, much less an aggressive war on the part of the Allies. Malta's role was critical to Allied victory, and as such we all owe a debt to the Maltese as we do the veterans of the war the world over.

FQ: Why do you think Malta's wartime story remains relevant today?

SCHRADER: I believe that we can best understand ourselves by understanding the past. The assault and siege of Malta doesn't have a one-to-one relevance with anything happening today -- although one reader said she felt like she was reading about Gaza, and another reader said they thought of Ukraine.  The main point is simply that this novel is based on real events. Most of what I describe really happened. This isn't fantasy. It isn't dystopian or alternative fiction. The broad events depicted happened and understanding how people cope in such situations should be an inspiration to us all.

FQ: If readers could take away one message from Voices on the Wind — Assault: A Novel of Malta in WWII, what would it be?

SCHRADER: When fighting tyranny, you don't calculate the chances of success or fight because you expect to win; you fight because you define yourself by your opposition to evil.

Thank you for the lovely review and the opportunity to answer a few questions.

 #Bookreview of The Power of Four: Elements, Humors, Temperaments, Types

By: W. Nikola-Lisa

Publisher: Gyroscope Books

Publication Date: August 21, 2026

ISBN: 979-8986017389

Reviewed by: Ephantus Muriuki

Review Date: June 19, 2026

W. Nikola-Lisa, in his book The Power of Four: Elements, Humors, Temperaments, Types, first reminds readers that numbers have, since ancient times, been used as the means by which humans measure things; second, that mythological and religious symbolism is often based on numbers; third, that philosophical, metaphysical, and mystical traditions often use numbers to anchor key concepts from Pythagorean cosmology to medieval science; and lastly, that numerical relationships are basic to the rhythm and harmony of music. Among all the numbers we know, Nikola-Lisa insists that there is one among them that has more power than any other, and that is number four. This, he asserts, is not because of some magic that it carries but rather, because of its unique association with the fundamental structures of human experience, including the four seasons, the four cardinal directions and the four solar markers, among others.

Nikola-Lisa puts a lot of effort to trace and explain the persistence of the number four pattern across four distinct domains: namely Elements, Humors, Temperaments, and Types. In a profound and undeniably articulate manner, he takes the reader back in time to when philosophers replaced mythological explanations of the cosmos. By doing so, he allows the reader to understand that the four-element theory was one of the earliest major successful intellectual models for explaining the universe, and later, theories of the human body and health. As you read on, you discover that this work is not merely an exposition of the history of an idea but a logical, well-argued text that makes one understand why grouping in four always feels somehow natural, smooth and remarkably useful to the human mind. As you delve deeper, you also discover that the exploration of the power of four is crucial, particularly in revealing our enduring need for frameworks that make life more manageable and more meaningful.

This book tackles an undeniably complex subject. It is no small feat how the author navigates multiple millennia of intellectual history, all while reinterpreting familiar historical figures and engaging critically with other primary sources. A lot goes into making sure that the reader doesn't get lost, including avoidance of jargon, incorporation of metaphors and analogies like the Pandora's box of Greek philosophy, and occasional injection of humor and sarcasm to lighten dense passages. The author has thoughtfully structured the book into four parts, which you discover mirrors the very pattern he looks to illuminate. And through his deliberate keenness of when to linger and when to move on, you find yourself appreciating his slow, immersive opening, which lays the conceptual framework making the later sections feel not only fluid, but also interconnected.

Quill says: The Power of Four: Elements, Humors, Temperaments, Types by W. Nikola-Lisa is a book that intellectual historians, philosophy students, and lovers of ancient Greek thought will deeply appreciate. It is historically rich, and, though dense in historical scope, chronological range, and conceptual depth, it will absolutely reward those who agree to sit with its complexity and engage with its ideas. How it brings the past to life is truly a masterful technique that creators and writers will love to borrow from, and maybe even apply in their work. Lastly, rare among books of its kind, it is a book that will leave readers rethinking about the very frameworks they normally use to understand the world.

For more information about The Power of Four: Elements, Humors, Temperaments, Types, please visit the author's website at: nikolabooks.com/

 #Bookreview of Super Science Vol. 1

By: N. Alessandro K.

Illustrated by: M.K. Perker

Publisher: The Lab Press

Publication Date: August 12, 2025

ISBN: 978-1964226071

Reviewed by: Diana Coyle

Review Date: June 16, 2026

A global phenomenon is happening in which ordinary people are being granted scientific powers in Super Science Vol. 1 by N. Alessandro K.

For five consecutive days, the sky over twelve spots of the globe turned amethyst purple. In those locations, varying people such as engineers, scientists and even high school teachers began creating scientific breakthroughs never seen before. Ordinary creations were becoming extraordinary, but unfortunately not all were used in a positive manner. In Los Angeles, three years later, Sergeant Esmerelda Villanueva and Officer Jack Mantle are trying to keep the population under control, which is a feat in itself. But then an expected turn of events presents itself. What happens to Esmerelda and Jack? How do they both handle the outcome of it?

This fully detailed graphic novel had a full cast of characters that readers get to know as they turn the pages. Each one was unique and well-developed and the readers can easily believe these characters are real people. Two main characters, Sergeant Esmerelda Villanueva and Officer Jack Mantle work as Los Angeles police officers. These characters help carry this far-fetched storyline right until the very end of this novel. Readers will develop a rapport with both of these characters and they will find themselves believing that both Esmerelda and Jack are real people who are just doing their difficult job in Los Angeles.

The storyline was extremely unique and that aids in pulling the readers in immediately, as they try to figure out what will happen next. As you turn the pages, the storyline becomes more and more intriguing as readers become more engrossed and need to learn what happens to Esmerelda and Jack.

This graphic novel was rich in details and very colorful to the reader’s eye. There’s so much happening on every page that you want to make sure you take in every panel of the story as not to miss anything. The illustrations were superbly done by M.K. Perker and perfectly complemented the storyline in each picture. The colors were varying from panel to panel, and were well chosen depending on how detailed each scene needed to be.

N. Alessandro K. (Nicholas Kalikow) is a feature film writer, director, and producer as well as a freelance photographer.

Quill says: Super Science Vol. 1 by N. Alessandro K. is an engrossing graphic novel that will keep readers engaged until the very last page, complete with a never-before-heard-of storyline, well-developed, relatable characters, and superb, colorful illustrations that perfectly complement the story.

For more information about Super Science Vol. 1, please visit the publisher's website at: thelabpress.com/pages/super-science

 #Bookreview of Ursula: A Yosemite Bear

By: Weeden Minor

Publication Date: November 16, 2018

ISBN: 978-1729409060

Reviewed by: Nellie Calanni

Review Date: June 15, 2026

In Ursula: A Yosemite Bear, Weeden Minor introduces young readers to Ursula, a young bear cub whose idea of spring fun quickly evolves from making snow angels into a daring rescue mission.

When Ursula emerges from winter hibernation, she is eager to reunite with her forest friends – a yellow-bellied marmot and a raven, who has playfully rebranded himself as a Spanish-speaking traveler named Raul. However, the playful dynamics shift into high gear when Ursula's father is captured by park rangers and designated a "two-tag bear," putting him at risk of being relocated far away from Yosemite permanently. Refusing to let her family be torn apart, Ursula, along with her clever animal trio and a sympathetic Miwok pack train operator named Billy, roams the rugged mountain trails to orchestrate a brilliant escape.

What works beautifully in this book is how it treats teamwork and environmental coexistence as something simple yet meaningful. Ursula's loyalty is infectious, and the animals' inclusive approach shows children that friendship isn't about being the biggest or the strongest creature in the woods, but about leveraging each individual's unique talents. Each animal Ursula relies on has a specific skill: the marmot has tiny, razor-sharp claws perfect for unlocking tight mechanisms, and the raven provides high-flying aerial scouting to monitor ranger trucks. Even the old packer, Billy, uses his deep heritage and knowledge of the "animal" language to safely cover their tracks. This gives the story real heart and makes it approachable for young children who may be trying to figure out where their own strengths lie.

The accompanying illustrations are a strong companion to the story. The beautiful Yosemite settings – from the shimmering waters of Mirror Lake to the towering, sun-dappled granite of Half Dome – feel alive and warm, keeping the pages accessible and visually engaging for little eyes. There are moments where you pause on the art just to take in the scene: the cozy interior of a bear's cave, wild flowers poking through late winter snow, and a vibrant evening campfire set against a brilliant backdrop of the Milky Way galaxy. It creates a cozy, inviting mood that reinforces the underlying themes of family, nature conservation, and belonging.

Ursula: A Yosemite Bear is neither too short nor too busy. It strikes a good balance for early readers or for read-aloud time with younger kids, pacing its narrative beautifully so the story can breathe without losing its adventurous momentum. The dialogue is packed with humor, and a lighthearted section featuring joking pack mules keeps the tension of the ranger chase from feeling too intense for a sensitive audience.

The message of wildlife protection is not new, as many children's books celebrate kindness toward animals and respect for national parks. But what sets this book apart is Ursula’s inventiveness, and how those small choices (using flower pollen to sport a cool new orange hairstyle, or walking backward in the snow to trick trackers) are shown in playful detail. That gives the narrative authenticity and makes it more likely that kids will feel empowered to protect wildlife and think creatively when helping those they love.

Quill says: Ursula: A Yosemite Bear is a sweet, encouraging tale that reminds children--and adults reading with them--that bravery starts with love for your family and a willingness to stand up for your friends. With enchanting illustrations and a wonderful spirit of environmental conservation, it’s a book young readers will want to read again and again.

 #Bookreview of Voices on the Wind

By: Helena P. Schrader

Publisher: Cross Seas Press

Publication Date: June 11, 2026

ISBN: 979-8987177075

Reviewed by: Alma Boucher

Review Date: June 15, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 #Bookreview of Searching for Noriko

By: Al Dawson

Publisher: Luna del Lobo Books

Publication Date: June 4, 2024

ISBN: 978-1795154031

Reviewed by: Douglas C. MacLeod, Jr.

Review Date: June 14, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 #Bookreview of Mika Makes it Work!

By: Amanda Aizu

Illustrated by: Edo Ward

Publisher: Blue Shiba Books

Publication Date: March 30, 2026

ISBN: 978-1-970849-03-5

Reviewed by: Shrubaboti Bose

Review Date: June 10, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 #Bookreview of Bait by Jeffrey Butler

By: Jeffrey Butler

Publication Date: June 8, 2026

ISBN: 979-8995267300

Reviewed by: Ephantus Muriuki

Review Date: April 24, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

 #Bookreview of Kauai Spies and Bald-Faced Lies

By: Rosemary and Larry Mild

Publisher: Magic Island Literary Works

Publication Date: May 18, 2026

ISBN: 979-8986386430

Reviewed by: Ephantus Muriuki

Review Date: June 8, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

 #Bookreview of Essentials Vol. 1

By: Luke Arnold and Chris "Doc" Wyatt

Publisher: The Lab Press

Publication Date: February 25, 2025

ISBN: 978-1964226002

Reviewed by: Diana Coyle

Review Date: June 5, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 #Bookreview of Catabasis

By: Armen Melikian

Publisher: Erzenka Publishing House

Publication Date: November 27, 2026

ISBN: 979-8-950315-00-8

Reviewed by: Alma Boucher

Review Date: June 2, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 #Bookreview of The Quest For Freedom

By: Matthew Devitt

Publisher: BOLD Publishing

Publication Date: July 5, 2025

ISBN: 979-8998938801

Reviewed by: Ephantus Muriuki

Review Date: June 1, 2026

The Quest For Freedom (The Conquest Trilogy Book 1) by Matthew Devitt follows Fletcher Rush, an enslaved man who refuses to stay down and watch his kind suffer in captivity any more. Their captivity, which has surpassed centuries, began over 473 years ago when five species including angels, demons, the dammed, hybrids, and elves, joined forces against the humans and defeated them in a battle that was known as the Great War.

Fletcher has been secretly training for years while forging swords in Titanan, the third-largest city in the demon kingdom. He hopes to soon escape and reclaim the rights of his species. The day he has been waiting for to make his move finally arrives, and just as planned, his friend Abe stages a confrontation that sends Fletcher to the infirmary, unconscious. He meets Ji there, a fellow slave, who offers to help Fletcher escape as long as he takes him along. An array of brutal action and coordinated one-sided battles follow, against demon guards of various ranks.

The novel takes us to Admont, where the duo meets a former angel slave who has been living alone since her escape. Fletcher forges new weapons and together, they come up with a plan to attack the weakest city in the weakest kingdom before moving on to the rest of the cities. Readers, in full awareness of the man Fletcher is--dangerous, rash and with nothing to lose--find themselves pulled into a conversation between the trio, which suggests that this will end with fire and blood. Here, a question arises about how their three-man army will win a four-centuries-old war, and whether by the time they arrive, any soul worth saving will still be alive.

The greatest surprise of this book is how humorous the characters are, especially during and after brutal scenes. They joke about finding full meals in their escape car's glove, when in reality, it's dry oat bars they find. Fletcher calls Ji's sword a "butter knife," just because it is chipped and dull, implying that all along Ji has been fighting using cutlery! These, among other hilarious moments, do not feel like forced jokes, but rather natural, deliberate, and strategic breaks from the brutality. The action scenes flow very well, making sure that the reader never loses track of where the characters are or what they are doing. The pacing is equally impressive, and is far smoother than what many authors struggle to achieve. It is remarkable how the author choreographs every blow, dodge, and counter with precision. You also notice that he keeps raising the stakes by bringing on harder challenges, forcing the main characters to adapt mid-fight. The beauty of it all is that he ends up making the reader feel like a witness to the chaos, a witness who cheers them on from a point of understanding of why they should not stop.

Quill says: The Quest For Freedom is not your ordinary debut fantasy. It doesn't rush; it's confident enough to let its hero spend over a decade training before the story even begins; it lets you feel the significance of every blow; and by the last page, makes you feel like a survivor alongside everyone who makes it out. It is a very inspiring read that proves that one doesn't need to be strong or brilliant but instead unwilling to give up, that rising up after failing is crucial to success, and that an insignificant beginning doesn't mean the end will be insignificant. It is graphic but not careless, and so readers who are sensitive to detailed violence should proceed with caution. For those who can stomach it, it is deeply rewarding.

For more information about The Quest For Freedom, please visit the author's website at: theconquesttrilogy.com

#Bookreview of Creatures & Corridors

By: Brandon Auman

Illustrated by: Andrea Mutti

Publisher: The Lab Press

Publication Date: November 11, 2025

ISBN: 978-1964226316

Reviewed by: Rebecca Jane Johnson

Review Date: June 1, 2026

Creatures & Corridors, written by Brandon Auman and illustrated by Andrea Mutti, thrills a reader with action, suspense, and vivid graphics that make the story come alive, and this story has teeth.

This graphic novel is set in the home of Brian and Joelle Daly, normal teens in the year 1992, enjoying a Saturday evening engaged in an ordinary role-playing game with friends in their basement. Joelle, a popular girl with a chip on her shoulder, just broke up with her boyfriend. She’s feeling resentful that her younger brother has dragged her into playing this silly game. Their God-fearing, Christian mother warns them that role-playing games conjure Satan.

When a loud intrusion shakes the house, what can protect them? All hell breaks loose while the threats and horrors start to pile on. Their lives are at stake, and their abilities are tested at every turn.

The illustrations convey precise emotions. It feels almost miraculous the way color and lines can portray fear, anxiety, courage, determination, and even love amidst the threat of violence and death. The graphics, both realistic and fantastic, draw a reader in to be part of a live action. Each page deserves slow perusal. The images provide the mind with the kind of escape that makes excellent fiction mesmerizing. This is a reading experience that will make you forget the time of day. Plus, it gives goose bumps. It’s easy to see that each panel was considered and crafted with care and precision, making this whole book a splendid piece of artwork. The cover art and the box that it slides into make the entire book like a relic you could display on a coffee table.

When the story’s friend group must navigate the terrifying trials of an alternate dimension, their relationships take on satisfying turns and develop in unexpected ways. The whole story is equal parts plot driven and character driven, which achieves unique depth for this genre.

Quill says: Creatures & Corridors deserves classic status for its ability to spellbind the reader with characters and graphics that deliver pure entertainment again and again. This story is easy to share and this book would make a great gift for your loved ones who are fans of Dungeons and Dragons, “Stranger Things” or graphic novels.

For more information about Creatures & Corridors, please visit the publisher's website at: thelabpress.com/pages/creatures-corridors

 #Authorinterview with Lynn Lobban

Today, Feathered Quill reviewer Diane Lunsford is talking with Lynn Lobban, author of One of the Boys: Surviving Dartmouth, Family, and the Wilderness of Men.

FQ: I was instantly fascinated with your memoir with the title (and subtitles) of your book. I was intrigued by the one tag line: ‘…and the wilderness of men…’ Please elaborate on your definition of wilderness in terms of its usage with men.

LOBBAN: Dartmouth’s motto is “A voice crying out in the wilderness.” I certainly felt I was crying out as one of seven women on a campus of three-thousand men. As I tried to blaze a path that hadn’t existed before, I was on a mission to prove I was equal to any man. Personally though. As I look back at my own relationships and marriages, it tended to feel like I was hacking through untamed territory. Theirs and mine.

FQ: I’m assuming you are still living in Los Angeles. What is the one thing that stands out that has drastically changed from when you first moved there to today?

LOBBAN: Funny you should ask. In February 2020 I put all my belongings in storage (in LA) and was making my back to NY. Then Covid hit. So I took everything out of storage and resettled in Santa Monica to sit out the pandemic. A year later, my first grandchild was born (in LA) and then my daughter had a baby (in NY), so I put things back in storage in December 2022 and have been bouncing between coasts trying to be “super Grammy.” Not having a home has been tiring to say the least, but now I’m making moves back to NY where I once lived for 42 years. Basically I’m a New Yorker even in LA. But how have things changed? Like many places, but especially here and LA, things are so expensive! Honestly, it feels like NY is for those who have never left their affordable apartments and the very rich.

FQ: Out of your well-rounded credentials of actor, singer, and writer, what do you enjoy engaging in most and why?

LOBBAN: Probably singing, which sadly I haven’t been doing much of lately. Think it tops everything because it’s such a full use of one’s body, breath, expression. And I love music (like most humans). I also tend to approach songs as an actor, so singing kills two birds.

FQ: You captured a quote from the iconic Maya Angelou at the very end of your credits that was quite powerful: “I wouldn’t take nothing for my journey now,” I would be lying if I didn’t say I’m glad this part of it is over. May we all find peace.” I think your acknowledgement to her quote is wonderful. At what point in your incredibly layered life journey did you realize it was time for you to have peace? How do you embrace your peace now?

LOBBAN: Honestly, am still realizing it. It’s been such a long journey and I am still in the acceptance stage. Writing and putting the book out made my history more painfully real in terms of feeling the grief. I am still working through it. Also finding peace especially hard to come by living in this awful time we are in. Why I practice transcendental meditation, read a lot of Pema Chodron, and go to 12-step meetings. I need all the help I can get!

FQ: I once read that ‘forgiveness’ is not an invitation to welcome someone back into your life who has hurt you. Rather, it is a means to heal your own being to release the hurt from within. What is your view on forgiveness?

LOBBAN: I think forgiveness can’t be forced and shouldn't be. It comes, or doesn’t, after whatever work one needs to do. I find the whole “forgive the person but not the act” confusing because the act doesn’t exist without the person. But I have stopped worrying about forgiveness. Having to get to it as if it should fix everything. For me, it’s all about letting go.

FQ: As a writer, I often find myself trying to instill the importance of reading and the wonderful escape a great book provides. In a world of rapidly advancing technology and perpetual scrolling, what would you say to our young adults to convince them of the great benefits of putting down their cell phone and picking up a book from time to time?

LOBBAN: That it will help them with focus in general, not to mention lower their chances of dementia later? Honestly, don’t know. My alcoholic mother was a voracious reader and I turned on my TV in rebellion, and I loved movies. She used to tell that I was “ruining my mind” and that I should read a book. I didn’t listen to her. TV helped me survive my alcoholic home. I probably read more now than I ever have, though as a young adult I was all over self-help books.

FQ: You clearly have an artistic calling. If you were asked to produce a play on one of our current events of today, what would the subject matter be and why would you choose this?

LOBBAN: Actually just finished a play called Food about end of life issues and women’s eating disorders. Always interested in plays/musicals about women. Sorry I missed Suffs when it was on Broadway.

FQ: I am curious to know your experience in writing One of the Boys. Were there times when you had to walk away because of the raw nature of the scene? If so, how did you overcome the stall and get back to writing?

LOBBAN: It took a long time to write and finish the book, but I never gave myself a hard time (or worried) when I needed a break. I always went back to it though because I wanted my story out there. I thought it might help others which is always a powerful motivation to keep going. I will say I had to learn to write and cry at the same time. In fact, when I would cry, I knew I was going as deep as I needed to go.

FQ: I enjoyed your view on ‘…one of the lies I told myself in order to survive was that I didn’t need help…” Help comes in many forms. How much of this came from your siblings and how did that fuel your inspiration to keep telling your story?

LOBBAN: Not at all from my siblings. They were horrified I was revealing family secrets even though I clearly state at the start that the book is only my story. My relationships with my brother and sister were never close in the way I think of as close—we’re so different in so many ways—but now they feel non-existent. Help has always come from my close friends and colleagues. They feel more like family to me and I’m okay with that.

FQ: It’s been such a pleasure to chat with you today. I applaud you for having the strength and courage to pen such an impactful body of work. Are you working on anything new? If so, can you share? If not… when?

LOBBAN: I have a few essays on Substack and am about to post a new one about the parallels between the political time we’re in and an alcoholic home. Think I will work on a solo show where I can write, act, sing, and even dance!

Thank you! This was a pleasure!