#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/