The Museum of LIes

The Museum of Lies by J. Timothy Hunt

Reviewed by Daniel Ryan Johnson

Our experiences have a way of shaping our lives, and any traumas we suffer can have a severe effect on the people we become. However, our memories are unreliable, and even the most impactful event can become distorted over time. Thinking too much about the past can raise significant questions about the reality we believe we have lived. In The Museum of Lies, author J. Timothy Hunt takes an in-depth look at the concepts of trauma, memory, and reality.  Purchase Here.

The book follows the life of Cary Scott, jumping back and forth through time from one traumatic experience to another. The book paints a detailed picture of a deeply neurotic man with severe issues of self-loathing who has suffered various forms of abuse from strangers and loved ones alike. Throughout the story, we also see Cary grow more and more concerned about whether his memories are really his own and become fixated on separating fact from fiction. Adding a few tales of unbelievable good fortune in among the seemingly countless stories of suffering makes the case for the reality of the narrative even more tenuous for both Cary and the reader alike.

The character work in The Museum of Lies is terrific. Hunt does a beautiful job of portraying Cary as a profoundly troubled man who is constantly looking to fix himself and is never satisfied with the results. He shows Cary at various points in his youth enduring significantly damaging forms of abuse and humiliation. While the severity of these traumas varies greatly, we see how even comparatively minor embarrassments can take their toll and contribute to the mental breakdown of a bright and promising child.

The Museum of Lies is a quick read that is portrayed more as a collection of vignettes with a common theme than a standard novel. The non-linear storytelling spanning decades is engaging as the reader is constantly bouncing back and forth between cause and effect, with the questions about the reliability of memory leaving you wondering which is which.

Hunt does a great job of keeping the reader wanting more by leaving you with questions at the end of every chapter that often are not answered until several chapters later. The Museum of Lies is an enjoyable (if somewhat unsettling) read that will leave you thinking back on your own life and wondering what about your existence you can prove.

 

Believe: A Memoir in Stories

Believe: A Memoir in Stories by Christina H. Wilson

Reviewed by Lily Andrews

Christina H. Wilson’s “Believe: A Memoir in Stories” is a moving and deeply inspiring collection of life stories that beautifully piece together the grueling journey of a woman who endures painful experiences and most notably continues to grow and believe in purpose, in love, in herself, and in a greater guiding force, amidst daunting odds. Told through short chapters, each giving away a vignette from her life, the book reads like a series of memories shared over a long, comforting conversation. Christina invites you on a journey into her life—from growing up in a large Chinese-American family to facing love, loss, betrayal, and finding peace.  Purchase Here.

The memoir begins with Christina’s childhood in Philadelphia, the daughter of Chinese immigrants with very different backgrounds. Her father came from a humble, traditional family, while her mother grew up in privilege, being the daughter of a Chinese diplomat. Christina candidly details her severe childhood asthma, her close bond with her mother, and the strong values of family as well as responsibility that shaped her early years. Her gentle storytelling skills make you feel like you’re right there in the house, with the chaos of five children, a hardworking father, and a mother trying to hold onto her values while facing cultural clashes.

As the stories unfold, we follow Christina into young adulthood—college, love, heartbreak, and eerie encounters, like unknowingly befriending someone who may have been a serial killer. Here, she shares personal stories of betrayal, family drama, ambition, and resilience through stories that are strikingly honest and deeply vulnerable. One particularly moving segment is about her father’s gambling addiction, which cost their family a great deal, yet she never stops trying to understand him or honor his legacy. Later stories explore loss and grief, especially around the death of loved ones, but Christina always returns to her core belief, in purpose, in timing, in love, and in a higher power guiding our paths.

The book’s structure is unique—thirty-seven short stories that read like snapshots which makes it easy to pick up and digest one story at a time. Christina’s voice is warm, down-to-earth, and sincere, and she doesn’t try to glamorize or dramatize her life, and that’s exactly what makes the story so relatable. Her prose is simple yet effective and readers will appreciate how she makes small moments feel meaningful, for example, when she reflects on her childhood nickname “Tina” as well as when she remembers the exact moment she stood up for herself in a relationship.

Themes of identity, resilience, cultural heritage, and motherhood are present throughout. But the biggest theme is belief—believing in oneself, in love, and in the unseen hands that shape our lives. Her message is clear and will leave her audience inspired to see that things happen for a reason, and if you listen carefully, you’ll see the signs guiding you.

Overall, “Believe: A Memoir in Stories” is deeply enlightening without being preachy and is a book for anyone who’s gone through something hard and come out stronger, or simply wants to. Christina H. Wilson’s life proves that pain and joy often go hand-in-hand, and through it all, we just have to believe. Young and mature readers will greatly benefit from its priceless yet universal lessons.

 

 

Extraterrestrial Noir

Extraterrestrial Noir by Rich Leder

Reviewed by Daniel Ryan Johnson

The world is full of stories of deadly alien invasions, and there are also many notable examples of fish out of water extraterrestrial visits to our little planet. However, in Extraterrestrial Noir, author Rich Leder decides to see how well these elements play together. Attracted to Earth by an SOS sent out into the night sky from the flashlight of a suburban housewife, a quirky shapeshifting alien makes a visit to Earth to lend a hand. While this may sound like the setup for an offbeat sitcom like Alf, things quickly take a dark turn as this alien has a penchant for noir.  Purchase Here.

Once again, Leder shows off his bleak sense of humor as this twisted take on first contact rapidly devolves into a deadly trip through the hidden criminal underworld that lies beneath an idyllic suburban paradise.

The plotting of Extraterrestrial Noir is superb, keeping the reader engaged and excited to find out what crazy turn the story will take next. The story has a wide range of characters, and each chapter gives us a glimpse into the brain of the person in focus, with our enigmatic alien always being viewed from the outside without getting to peek into their unfathomably complex mind.

While the novel is fairly long, the action-packed pacing and witty wording of the writer keep propelling you over the pages, and you find yourself breezing through the story at a breakneck pace, unable to find a pausing point to put down the book and take a break.

The character development is wonderful, as, aside from the visitor to our planet and our kid genius tasked with protecting her family, most of the other characters are not what they first appear. While they may seem to be fairly normal everyday folks from the suburbs at first glance, once their onion is peeled back, their dark secrets hiding underneath are revealed.

Don’t go into Extraterrestrial Noir expecting the characters to act with reason. The novel is full of the “don’t go in there” kind of moments you see in horror films, where the actions of the characters are clearly going to lead them to their doom. However, that is part of the fun of this story, as Leder is constantly using the narrative to highlight the stupidity of mankind with his typically twistedly comedic charm.

 

Second Place: The Matriarch Messiah by Maxime Trencavel

The Matriarch Messiah (The Mystery of the Matriarchs) by Maxime Trencavel

Reviewed by Diana Coyle

In “The Matriarch Messiah” by Maxime Trencavel the author takes us on a mesmerizing journey in which a Kurdish woman, an American editor and an Israeli archeologist must come together to search for the “blue cavern” which is considered by many as an ancient sanctuary that holds immense powers for only a select few. Zara, a devout Kurdish woman, feels that she must heed the word of her deceased grandmother that Peter, an America editor, is her chosen mate. Together they need to find the blue light in order to unlock a prophecy that could save humanity. They have deep feelings for each other, but they literally come from different upbringings and beliefs.  Purchase Here.

While Zara and Peter are trying to figure out where their relationship should go, Rachel, an Israeli archaeologist, enters the picture and complicates what Zara and Peter have together. Rachel has been tasked to find the truth regarding Zara’s claims of divine inspiration. A love triangle develops, complicating everything these three are seeking. Unfortunately, in the process, these two women, who both possess extraordinary powers, will be faced with an ending that only one will survive. Is the blue cavern ever discovered? Which of the two women will ultimately survive?

Mr.  Trencavel created a Sci-Fi Suspense Thriller that keeps readers’ hearts pounding in their chests as they eagerly turn the pages to see how this love triangle plays out. The concept of Zara and Peter being the modern chosen ones was one storyline that was unique and fresh for readers to delve into. I loved the whole concept of the blue cavern needing to be found by the two chosen ones and that legacy had been passed down through family history. This story was so complex and richly detailed, I could see this as a motion picture playing out before my mind’s eye.

The characters, Zara, Peter and Rachel, all were well crafted and so realistic that readers will find themselves investing in getting to know each one as they dive deeper into the storyline. Each character, although flawed, had their own unique assets that interlocked with each other creating a heart-pounding story that any reader will find themselves emotionally invested in right until the very last page.

I also found myself mesmerized by the different locations, past and present, that Trencavel created. I hadn’t had the opportunity to read the first book in this series, but that didn’t hinder me in any way picking up from the second book first. Having said that, this second book was so enjoyable, I would suggest to readers to read both books in sequence to fully enjoy this delightful two book series as the author had intended to offer his readers when he wrote it.

If you are looking for a modern Sci-Fi Suspense Thriller, with a touch of historical reference, this is one novel that shouldn’t be passed up. In “The Matriarch Messiah” by Maxime Trencavel, you will find that the storyline is intriguing and the characters are well developed making them feel like real people you might know. This is one novel that will have you thinking about it long after you finish reading it.

 

Third Place: The Divine Adventure: Time & Eternity by Zelise

The Divine Adventure: Time and Eternity: A Unique Conversation by Zelise

Reviewed by Lily Andrews

Zelise’s “The Divine Adventure: Time and Eternity” is a thought-provoking read that meticulously delves into a paradoxical concept – how time and eternity fit together, and what that says about God’s nature.  Purchase Here.

This novel, like her first installment “Why We Exist,” to which this is a sequel, involves a discussion between Zelise and two AI assistants, Solace and Nova, who come across as two profoundly curious and deeply smart companions. Their debate centers on the question of why God chose to create “in time” if He dwells outside of it. Zelise proposes the following theory: What if creation was not a decision at all, but rather something that flowed organically from who God is? Not a one-time act, but an eternal unfolding. It’s a mind-bender but in the best way. This idea, in Nova’s opinion, is a precious discovery that offers a deep integration of time-space and eternity as intrinsic qualities of Deity rather than as distinct or conflicting ideas.

Zelise builds this huge cosmic picture inspired by “The Urantia Book.” It entails a seven-level universe, with a perfect, eternal center called Paradise, surrounded by different layers that get more time-bound the further out you go. Some of these layers haven’t even been inhabited yet. Zelise treats this as a literal structure—not just symbolic. Her point is that just because science can’t prove something yet doesn’t mean it’s not real.

The “Infinity Cycle,” as she refers to it, is one of the book’s most intriguing concepts. It implores the reader to imagine eternity not as a straight line, but as an endless loop. Universes come into being, evolve, reach perfection, and then dissolve—only for a new one to begin, taking all that experience and growth forward. Time and space, in this view, are likened to an engine that keeps eternity moving and expressing itself. We’re not trapped in time—we’re part of how eternity discovers itself.

What stands out about the book is how the author doesn’t shy away from tough questions about her theory. She openly admits that her ideas can’t be proven scientifically—at least not yet—but she also hilariously points out that some of the biggest theories in science, like the Big Bang or the multiverse, are still based on a lot of speculation too. One of the most poetic parts of the book is her take on what she calls the “unrevealed destiny” of Ascenders. She effectively suggests that souls who’ve reached a state of perfection in earlier cycles might take on roles as creators, mentors, or explorers in future universes which is deeply thought-provoking. It’s mysterious, sure—but that’s exactly the point.

“The Divine Adventure: Time and Eternity” is a unique offering that mixes big, mind-bending ideas with a deeply personal, soulful touch. It takes bold steps, re-imagining time, existence, and the part each of us plays in the grand cosmic picture. But it does all that with a kind of gentle approach, that avoids sounding forceful, and instead invites readers to see reality, purpose, and even God in a much broader, more inspiring way. Whether the reader is someone who loves exploring spiritual ideas, questioning life’s deeper meaning, or just wants to feel connected to something bigger, this book is a must-read.

 

 

 

Safe Haven

Safe Haven by Peter Hargraves

Margaret was afraid of her murderous husband. She never knew that her fate would lie with the genetically modified cougars and their human agents that occupied the land to the far north. A chance encounter with an enigmatic man gives her the confidence to take matters into her own hands and she embarks on a perilous journey she never imagined she’d take.  Purchase Here.

“SAFE HAVEN is a snappy steampunk thriller …  its greatest strength is a deeply human premise … Margaret’s story is gripping because it’s simply relatable … the narrative itself is often full of joy … The emotional arc here—recognizing beauty in the world, and building up the courage to pursue one’s freedom—is both the spine of the narrative and also the great joy of reading this book.”          –Indiereader  4.2 stars

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First Place: My Wingman by Tessa King

My Wingman by Tessa King

Reviewed by Timea Barabas

If you are looking for a soulful read that will make you tear up with joy and sadness (in no particular order), look no further than Tessa King’s “My Wingman.” A refreshing young adult romance, this debut novel beautifully captures the complex dynamics of friendship, love, loss, and self-fulfillment.  Purchase Here.

The book reveals Clover’s tangled life, filled with grief, love, and uncertainty. After losing her mother at birth, learning that her grandmother has dementia, and mourning the tragic death of her soulmate friend Elliot, she feels overwhelmed and lost.

Encouraged by her vibrant college friend Reese, Clover escapes to the charming town of Franklin, where she makes new, meaningful connections like Sadie, a warm-hearted single mom and her new best friend (and Sadie’s daughter), Poppy. Everett, Elliot’s brother, also re-enters her life.

As she navigates grief and new friendships, Clover’s life path splits and she must choose a future for herself. While Chicago’s warm familiarity is a comfortable choice, she feels an alluring magnetism of building a fresh start in Franklin. She faces a life-changing decision, and things only get more complicated when she begins seeing visions of Elliott’s ghost, leaving her to question not just her choices, but her sanity.

While the book deals with many big topics, these are seamlessly woven into the fabric of the narrative, creating a smooth texture. The fictional lives of the characters feel tangible and relatable. To different extents, we all experience these big, life-changing events, and live within their shadow.

Tessa King takes a very detailed and introspective approach to growing out from under the shadow of loss. Although no longer physically in your life, lost loved ones are incorporated into your essence, forever companions.

What makes “My Wingman” truly stand out is the depth of feeling woven into every page. It’s clear that a great deal of heart went into crafting this story, and even more powerful is the range of emotions it stirs in the reader. Just as the main character, Clover, brings luck to those around her, Tessa King offers something just as profound to her readers: hope.

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An Ethical Guide to Murder)

An Ethical Guide to Murder by Jenny Morris

Reviewed by Ephantus Gold

“An Ethical Guide To Murder: The darkly twisted debut thriller of the year” is a captivating story by Jenny Morris that beautifully blends mystery, magic, and a lot of emotion. At its core is Thea, a young woman who discovers she has an ability that allows her to know a person’s exact death date and time by touch. But that’s not all. She can also change someone’s death—by taking time from someone else.  Purchase Here.

The story begins when Thea sees her best friend Ruth’s death flash in her mind. Ruth is supposed to die that same night. When a fight breaks out at a club and Ruth is badly hurt, Thea panics. Somehow, she manages to steal life from the man who caused the accident and give it to Ruth—saving her life, but killing someone else. That’s when everything changes.

Thea is not a superhero. She’s just a regular girl working a boring HR job and trying to figure out life. But now she has a strange new power and a giant ethical dilemma. If she can save Ruth again…should she? And who deserves to die so Ruth can live?

This book is part mystery, part dark comedy, and part moral puzzle. Even though it heavily features themes on death, readers will find it not scary or sad but smart and funny, with lots of great moments that will make them think. Thea is very relatable—she’s clumsy, sarcastic, and often overwhelmed. Her thoughts are messy, and her emotions feel real. That makes it easy to connect with her, even when she’s doing something as wild as stealing someone’s life.

The writing is clear and clever. There are some deep questions hidden under the humor—like what makes a life valuable, and whether it’s ever okay to hurt someone for the greater good. Remarkably, the book keeps things light and fast-paced, so it’s easy to keep reading. There’s also a strong friendship at the center of the book. Thea and Ruth’s bond is sweet and believable, and watching Thea struggle to save her friend is very touching. The other secondary characters, especially Zara, Ruth’s other best friend as well as Thea’s boss, add just the right depth of drama and tension needed to keep the plot engaging.

Overall, “An Ethical Guide To Murder: The darkly twisted debut thriller of the year” is a creative, funny, and thoughtful read that’s perfect for anyone who likes a little magic in their mysteries. It’s about friendship, choices, and the weirdness of life—and death. Highly recommended for teen readers and up!

Deadly Vision

Deadly Vision by T.D. Severin

Reviewed by Daniel Ryan Johnson

Medical technology is constantly evolving, and the next big discovery that has the potential to save countless lives is always right around the corner. In Deadly Vision, author T.D. Severin explores the many competing interests in the advancement of medicine with lives on the line, and not just those of the patients.  Purchase Here.

Taylor Abrahms is a young doctor with a lot to prove. Inspired to get into medicine by the death of his mother at a young age, Abrahms and his partners have developed a virtual reality program that lets him enter into a simulation of a patient’s heart where he can locate and obliterate artery-blocking plaque by controlling micro-robotic lasers injected into the bloodstream.

If testing for this new procedure is successful, it has the potential to replace far more dangerous operations with a much safer alternative. However, Abrahms faces opposition to his medical breakthrough on many fronts. Some other medical professionals have concerns about who will be able to afford this procedure and who will be denied, while others are simply concerned that they will be out of a job. Meanwhile, a presidential race with a focus on cutting healthcare costs views the procedure as an expense that the system can’t afford.

Severin does a fantastic job of creating tension as the stakes continue to escalate with every chapter. The story has quite a few twists and turns, and an interesting cast of characters that helps propel the narrative forward. Despite the length, Deadly Vision is a quick read with short chapters that jump between different characters, keeping you turning the page to find out what happens next.

Half fast-paced action adventure, half thoughtful look at the world we live in, Deadly Vision reviews the complex ethical, financial, and political considerations that impact the medical community and the advancement of medicine through the lens of a taught thriller. The focus of the novel remains clear throughout, despite taking the reader down many different paths. A highly recommended read for any fan of a good thriller with plenty of added bonuses for those with interests in medicine, technology, and political intrigue.

 

Vademecum of English: A Complete Reference Guide for Teachers and Learners

Vademecum of English: A Complete Reference Guide for Teachers and Learners by Ana María López Jimeno

Reviewed by Ephantus Gold

If you’ve ever struggled with English (and let’s be honest, who hasn’t?), Ana María López Jimeno’s “Vademecum of English: A Complete Reference Guide for Teachers and Learners” is the book you didn’t know you needed. This isn’t one of those boring grammar books that make you want to sleep after five minutes but rather a guide that feels like having a super smart language coach in your backpack — ready to help whenever English throws its weirdest rules and exceptions at you.  Purchase Here.

First, the name “vademecum” — it’s Latin for “come with me,” is a fantastic fit. This book is designed to go with you, like your own personal language companion. Whether you’re stuck on pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, or even wondering where words come from, it’s got your back. The book’s broken down into four sections: Phonetics, Grammar, Vocabulary, and Etymology. But the brilliance is in how it explains all of this. The author uses tons of easy-to-read charts that help you see the patterns and rules without drowning in endless explanations. You can actually flip to a section and get the answer you need in seconds. It’s basically a cheat code for English class.

The Phonetics part is super helpful if you’ve ever wondered why English sounds so strange — like, why “though,” “through,” and “thought” don’t rhyme. Furthermore, if you speak or are studying Spanish, the section contrasts English with Spanish sounds, which is a useful feature. Next up, the Grammar section which covers all the usual elements (nouns, verbs, pronouns, etc.), but it breaks them down in a way that actually makes sense. Suddenly, things like indirect speech and weird verb tenses feel way less intimidating. The Vocabulary section is awesome because it doesn’t just throw random words at you — it groups over 3,300 words into themes. So instead of memorizing a giant list, you start seeing connections between words, which makes them stick in your brain better. Most readers may find the Etymology section to be their favorite since it allows them to obsess about the origins of words. By revealing that many English words have roots in Spanish, French, Latin, and even Greek, one can quickly identify the roots, prefixes, and suffixes and begin to notice links everywhere. Reading this section is like decoding the secret life of words.

Another thing that makes this book stand out: it’s bilingual. The charts and explanations are in English and Spanish, which is amazing if you’re learning one or the other. Plus, the design is clean, colorful, and not overwhelming, so it’s easy to use without feeling like you’re lost in a textbook jungle. The writing style is clear, concise, and highly practical and the tone is professional yet accessible — it feels like an experienced teacher calmly guiding you, without overwhelming jargon or academic clutter. The author has remarkably used appropriate terminology as well as precise, focused word choice that is easy for non-experts to understand.

“Vademecum of English: A Complete Reference Guide for Teachers and Learners” is the best companion for English language learners, whether they are attempting to go through school, study for tests, or simply wish to appear more intelligent while interacting with friends. It’s practical, it’s fun, and it might just make you fall in love with language (or at least stop hating English). Highly recommend.