Looking for Your Next Dark Speculative Read? Try ‘Soul or Keep’

‘Soul or Keep’ is Chad Taylor’s debut novel. Photo: Amazon

Book Review: Soul or Keep by Chad Taylor

Genre: Dark Speculative Fiction / Occult Thriller

Publisher: Alien Buddha Press

Synopsis

Nathaniel “Nate” Simpson is a truck driver trapped between unexplained blackouts, sleepwalking episodes, and the lingering effects of a spell cast long ago during Hurricane Susan to pull him out of a coma. To manage his memory loss, Nate relies on meticulous note-taking, especially around his home life with his girlfriend, Rebecca, and her grandmother, Evelyn, who recently moved in. Routine tasks come easy, but any new, non-repetitive information slips through his fingers.

The slight memory loss soon spirals into something far darker, stranger, and deeply addictive.

Nate’s uneasy reality shatters completely when he receives a cryptic, threatening message from a woman named Tammie:

“Meet me at Doug’s Waffles 143 Maple Court. We have some catching up to do. Unless you want me to call your girlfriend’s business phone instead. Rebecca’s Wedding Planning isn’t it?”

Cornered, Nate has no choice but to meet her to find answers. He is thrust into a world of fog-dense streets, hypnotized employees, and power-hungry mystics seeking to ascend to warlock status. At the center of it all is a game called Soul or Keep that lingers like a curse in the bloodstream. As Nate struggles to separate truth from illusion, he must free himself from spiritual bondage to save Rebecca and their unborn child before their souls are claimed.

Get your copy of Soul or Keep today!

Review

If you’re searching for a supernatural thriller that seamlessly blends psychological horror, dark fantasy, and occult mystery, Chad Taylor’s debut novel Soul or Keep is a compelling read. Packed with eerie atmosphere and emotionally grounded stakes, it keeps readers questioning reality from start to finish.

Unreliable Narrators & Character Dynamics

Nate is a deeply sympathetic and well-developed protagonist. His fear, determination, and unwavering love for his family make him instantly relatable. However, his internal battle with memory loss creates a fascinating layer of psychological suspense—his untrustworthy perceptions make him an inherently unreliable narrator.

The supporting cast amplifies the novel’s mounting paranoia and supernatural danger:

  • Rebecca: A loving, supportive partner who carries trust issues from a troubled past, making Nate’s erratic behavior a constant strain on their relationship.
  • Donnie: Nate’s brother, whose desperate attempt to help with the sleepwalking—literally strapping Nate to his bed—fails when Nate mysteriously breaks free.

Vivid Prose & Central Themes

Taylor’s descriptive prose brings the uncanny world to life with precise, vivid imagery:

“He then popped out of the window with a look of concern while the yellow light blanketed his mocha colored skin which appeared almost like clay.”

At its core, Soul or Keep tackles heavy thematic ground:

  • Fate vs. Free Will & Destiny: The mysterious game Soul or Keep serves as both the central conflict and a dark metaphor for human agency, questioning whether destiny is preordained or something to be reclaimed.
  • Fractured Identity & Memory: Exploring how memory shapes who we are, and what happens when those foundations crumble.
  • Sacrifice & Love: Positioning love as the ultimate form of resistance against supernatural control.

Final Verdict

Soul or Keep is a haunting, moody debut that establishes Chad Taylor as an exciting new voice in dark speculative fiction. Fans of supernatural horror, atmospheric thrillers, and occult mysteries will be captivated by its memorable characters and lingering, haunting conclusion.

“In the game of life, every action has a ripple effect.”

Rating: 4 out of 5.

About the Author

Chad Taylor is a writer and artist based in Cincinnati, Ohio. He studied Writing Studies at Northern Kentucky University and has published indie comics such as The 5ivefooter and Drips under his Uni5icomics banner. Soul or Keep is his debut novel.

** Thank you to Chad Taylor for the gifted copy for review consideration. I haven’t been compensated for this review and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

Live at the Gunter: Catch Western Soul Artist Angel White in San Antonio

Gunter Hotel announces new headliner for August 8 concert – Angel White. Photo: Daniel Kelleghan Photography, used with permission.

Concert Update & Lineup Announcement: Angel White to Headline Live at the Gunter

Due to an unforeseen medical emergency, Rattlesnake Milk has canceled their headlining performance at the Gunter Hotel on August 8. The hotel looks forward to welcoming them back for a future show. (Gunter Hotel, 2026)

The Gunter is pleased to announce that acclaimed singer-songwriter Angel White will headline the evening in their place.

Meet the Lineup

  • Angel White (Headliner): A fifth-generation Texas singer-songwriter, Angel White characterizes his musical style as “western soul,” striving to innovate and present country music in a fresh light. Blending R&B, pop, and Western influences into a sound uniquely his own, White earned recognition for his genre-defying style and captivating live performances after honing his voice busking on the streets of Deep Ellum in Dallas.
  • Mockingbird Express (Opener): The South Texas trio brings a genre-bending “freak blues” sound that fuses blues, psychedelic rock, and vintage Texas influences into an electrifying live set.

Event Details & Schedule

  • Date: Saturday, August 8, 2026
  • Location: The Crystal Ballroom (2nd Floor) at the Gunter Hotel

205 E Houston St., San Antonio, TX 78205

  • Doors Open: 7:00 PM
  • Mockingbird Express: 7:30 PM
  • Angel White: 8:00 PM

Ticket Information

  • General Admission: Tickets are available for $65 [HERE].
  • Current Ticketholders: You may keep your existing tickets, which will be fully honored for Angel White’s performance. If you prefer a full refund, you will be contacted directly by the ticketing platform.

Make it a Weekend: The “Live at the Gunter” Getaway Package

Turn the concert into a full weekend experience with a limited-time getaway package for the night of August 8.

The “Live at the Gunter” Package Includes:

  • A pair of concert tickets
  • Access to a Studio Tour
  • A commemorative event poster
  • A $25 food and beverage credit
  • Discounted valet parking

Enjoy an evening in the historic Crystal Ballroom paired with an unforgettable stay at one of Texas’ most storied hotels. [Book the Stay Package HERE].

A Storied Musical Heritage

This series is another example of the Gunter Hotel’s commitment to honoring its deep musical roots while investing in the future of music in San Antonio.

  • In-Room Vinyl: Every guest room features a record player alongside a copy of Robert Johnson’s legendary first album, which was recorded at the hotel in 1936.
  • Vinyl Lending Library: Guests can explore nearly 1,000 records curated by onsite Vinyl Ambassadors, accomplished DJs, and devoted music aficionados.
  • Live Local Music: Stop by Bar 414 for weekly live music showcasing the sounds of San Antonio and Texas.

About the Gunter Hotel

The Gunter Hotel, a historic San Antonio landmark for over 116 years, reopened in fall 2025 following a $57 million renovation. Blending rich heritage with modern luxury, the reimagined hotel features 311 guest rooms (including 30 suites), a cutting-edge recording studio, a vinyl library, and four distinctive dining concepts: Jots, Keystone Club, Bar 414, and Paris Baguette.

Photo: Gunter Hotel

The Real Cost of the American Dream: A Review of Craig Yorke’s ‘Steep’

‘Steep:’ is the inspiring memoir by Craig Yorke. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Related Post: Book Spotlight: ‘Steep: A Black Neurosurgeons’ Journey’ by Craig Yorke.

Book Review: Steep: A Black Neurosurgeon’s Journey by Craig Yorke

Steep: A Black Neurosurgeon’s Journey by Craig Yorke is an inspiring memoir that explores the sacrifices, resilience, and determination required to overcome adversity. Yorke chronicles his remarkable journey from a struggling Boston neighborhood to becoming a respected neurosurgeon in the American Midwest. What began as a personal letter to his sons unfolds as a candid life narrative: while Yorke has gained immense wisdom, he refrains from lecturing or preaching, and, above all, he refuses to see himself as a victim.

An Uncompromising Opening

The narrative opens with Dr. Yorke taking a middle-of-the-night emergency call for a severe motorcycle accident. Covering Topeka’s hospitals and the surrounding region every other night and weekend alongside his daytime practice, he rushes into the ER. As the nurse cuts away the patient’s t-shirt, a prominent WHITE POWER tattoo covering the man’s chest is revealed—setting the stage for a story deeply rooted in composure, duty, and professional detachment.

This intense opening flashes back to his childhood in Boston, when a young Yorke was rushed to the ER after accidentally eating poisoned bread left behind the refrigerator for rats. Known mostly through family lore, the incident left a lifelong mark, he still recoils at the mere memory of Ipecac.

As the only child of Dorothy and Craig Sr., he grew up sickly, struggling with asthma and a clubbed right foot. Throughout the book, Yorke explores how his parents’ backstories shaped their parenting style, leading into his school years, surgical career, eventual retirement, and the enduring lessons of his journey.

Table of Contents

  1. Stealth
  2. Crucible
  3. Educated
  4. The Better Angel
  5. Fledgling Pillars
  6. Peaks and Valleys
  7. Twilight of Enterprise
  8. New Eyes

Chapter Highlights

Chapter 6: Peaks and Valleys

Yorke detail the launch of his independent practice with a close friend, revisiting memorable cases, including a young neighbor who developed a life-threatening brain clot. Most insightful are his encounters with uninsured patients: while accustomed to delivering difficult medical news, he found himself unprepared for the devastating financial catastrophes his patients faced. Even when waiving his own professional fees, the external medical costs wreaked havoc on their lives.

Chapter 7: Twilight of Enterprise

Here, Yorke candidly recounts facing a legal malpractice suit after failing to diagnose a fractured larynx in a patient. Though the lawsuit ultimately failed, the emotional impact was severe. As Yorke reflects:

“The ordeal was a blow to a kid whose identity was yoked to his confidence.”

Core Themes & Takeaways

Yorke writes with exceptional honesty and humility, revealing moments of doubt and self-reflection that make his story deeply relatable. His path underscores the importance of discipline, education, and refusing to let circumstances dictate one’s future. The narrative thoughtfully balances professional achievement against personal fulfillment, demonstrating that compassion and empathy are just as vital in medicine as technical expertise.

While Yorke’s identity as a Black surgeon in a predominantly white field provides crucial context, Steep ultimately moves beyond a simple critique of systemic bias. Instead, it serves as a raw, honest exploration of the heavy cost of high achievement and the quiet sacrifice required by the American Dream.

At its core, the memoir delivers profound lessons on resilience, identity, and personal reckoning:

  • The Price of Ambition: Success often exacts a steep personal toll, demanding emotional compartmentalization, strain on relationships, and constant self-reliance.
  • Resilience Over Circumstance: Roots do not define limits; discipline and laser-focused perseverance can bridge the gap between systemic disadvantage and elite achievement.
  • Reconciling the Past: True fulfillment requires making peace with where you came from rather than attempting to outrun your origins.

Final Verdict

Overall, Steep is an engaging, introspective, and essential read for anyone navigating their own steep climb. It offers a poignant reminder that reaching the peak is only half the battle, retaining your humanity is the rest.

“We neurosurgeons are caricatured as filled with conceit, short on empathy. And there’s truth in that cartoon. But hubris is tough to maintain while completing and signing your patient’s death certificate.”

Rating: 4 out of 5.

** Thank you to Wes Seely and PR by the Book for my gifted ARC for review consideration. I haven’t been compensated for this review and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

Essential Reading for New Clinicians: ‘The Pediatric PT Playbook’ Book Spotlight

‘The Pediatric PT Playbook’ is the ultimate pediatric pt survival guide. Photo: Amazon

Book Spotlight: The Pediatric PT Playbook

A Practical Guide to Clinical Reasoning for Students and New Clinicians

By Kyan Sahba, PT, DPT, PhD

Your peds clinical is coming, and you don’t feel ready. That’s exactly why this book exists.

Physical therapy school teaches you the science. It doesn’t teach you what to actually do when a two-year-old won’t cooperate, a parent is watching your every move, and your clinical instructor (CI) is waiting for you to take the lead. (Amazon, 2026)

The Pediatric PT Playbook was written for that exact moment.

This isn’t another dense textbook, it’s the clinical companion you wish you had before day one of your pediatric rotation. It’s built around how real pediatric PT actually works, not just how it’s described in a lecture hall.

What’s Inside

  • Structured Frameworks: Master clinical reasoning across every pediatric setting—outpatient, school-based, NICU, acute care, and home health.
  • CI Expectations: Learn exactly what your clinical instructor expects to see from you and how to deliver it with confidence.
  • Smart Goal Writing: Write goals that actually make sense in a pediatric context, including educationally relevant goals.
  • Family Communication: Discover real-world communication strategies that don’t make you sound like a reading textbook.
  • Clinical Red Flags: Fast-track your assessment skills with clear breakdowns of movement quality, symmetry analysis, and red flags.
  • Documentation Made Easy: Master SOAP notes and documentation tailored specifically for pediatric settings.

Who Is This Book For?

Written by a pediatric PT, educator, and researcher who has trained students across real clinical settings, this guide targets the exact gap between classroom theory and clinic reality.

This playbook is essential reading for:

  • Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Students preparing for or currently in a pediatric rotation.
  • New Grad PTs stepping into their first pediatric role.
  • Experienced Clinicians transitioning into pediatric practice.

Whether you’re two weeks out from your first peds rotation or already in the thick of it, this book will help you feel more confident, prepared, and effective from day one.

About the Author

Kyan Sahba, PT, DPT, PhD is a pediatric physical therapist, researcher, and educator with experience spanning home health, school-based practice, outpatient pediatrics, and pediatric oncology. She earned her PhD in Physical Therapy and is dedicated to bridging evidence-based research with real-world clinical practice.

Beyond her research and clinical work, she founded the Barry Blue Foundation in honor of her parents. The foundation supports families facing financial hardships due to cancer through a series of children’s books that teach kindness, courage, and emotional resilience.

She Rides Shotgun Digital & 4K Release Date

Taron Egerton’s She Rides Shotgun will be released in 4K on August 18. Photo: Lionsgate

Digital Release Alert: She Rides Shotgun

Where can you run when there’s nowhere to hide?

Taron Egerton stars as Nate, an ex-con on the run, in the new gritty action-thriller She Rides Shotgun. Based on Jordan Harper’s acclaimed 2017 novel of the same name, the film follows Nate as he tries to protect his 11-year-old daughter, Polly (Ana Sophia Heger), while being pursued by unrelenting enemies—including a corrupt sheriff who double-deals as the brutal leader of a criminal gang. (EG PR, 2026)

Photo: Barnes & Noble

As Nate teaches Polly how to fight and survive, she teaches him what unconditional love truly means in an intense, moving story about loyalty, strength, and redemption.

Quick Details

DetailInfo
GenreThriller
RatingRated R
Running Time120 minutes
Physical/Digital ReleaseAugust 18 (Lionsgate 4K + BD + Digital)
StatusAvailable for pre-order

Where to Watch: She Rides Shotgun is currently available to stream digitally on Amazon Prime Video, Fandango, Apple TV, MGM+, and more.

Cast & Crew

  • Cast: Taron Egerton, Ana Sophia Heger, Rob Yang, John Carroll Lynch
  • Directed by: Nick Rowland
  • Written by: Jordan Harper, Ben Collins, Luke Piotrowski
  • Produced by: Brad Weston, Collin Creighton, Nate Matteson, Hiro Murai, Taron Egerton

4K UHD + Blu-ray + Digital Release Technical Specs

  • Special Features: Official Trailer
  • Format: 16×9 (2.39:1) Presentation
  • Audio: English 5.1 DTS HD Master Audio, English Descriptive Audio
  • Subtitles: LAS (Latin American Spanish)
  • Closed-Captioned: No
  • Year of Production: 2025
  • Copyright: She Rides Shotgun © 2024 Fifth Season, LLC. Artwork & Supplementary Materials ®, ™ & © 2025 Lions Gate Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Photo: Lionsgate

Family Summer Fun at Pearl San Antonio: Story Time, Mini Golf, and More

Enjoy fun & free summer activities at Pearl Park. Photo: Pearl, used with permission.

Beat the Heat: The Ultimate Family Summer Guide to Pearl

Looking for ways to keep the kids entertained before summer winds down? San Antonio’s historic Pearl offers an array of kid-friendly activities and events for all ages, and most of them are completely free. (Pearl, 2026)

From hands-on pizza-making classes and weekly story times to splashy water play areas, Pearl has plenty of daily spots and programming to help your family make the most of the season.

Pro Tip for Parents: Enjoy free parking Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM in all surface lots!

Make a Day of It: Highlights & Weekly Programming

Start your afternoon by letting the kids get their zoomies out with a round of mini golf at the new Pearl Putt, then wind down with a family culinary experience side by side with local chefs.

Here is what is currently on the summer lineup at Pearl:

  • Miss Anastasia’s Story Time: Head over to The Twig Book Shop every Friday for lively, interactive storytelling that keeps young minds engaged.
  • Refresh and Relax: Beat the Texas summer heat at Gustav’s Geysers at Pearl Park for fun water play, or kick back at 1100 Springs Plaza, which offers plenty of shade perfect for an outdoor family picnic.
  • Quick & Easy Dining: Pop into the Food Hall at Bottling Dept. for a quick lunch that caters to even the pickiest eaters.
  • Family Pizza Nights: Held Mondays and Tuesdays from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at Fife & Farro. Kids 12 and under can join a hands-on pizza-making class with the restaurant’s chef team for just $20.
  • Music & Dancing: Catch kid-friendly concerts or dance the night away at Stable Hall. Events range from Two Step Tuesdays to special themed shows like the upcoming Moonlight Princesses—a tribute to the worldwide phenomenon KPop Demon Hunters.

Ready to plan your trip? Explore the full lineup at the Kids’ Guide to Pearl.

About Pearl

Built on the site of the former historic Pearl Brewery along the banks of the Museum Reach of the San Antonio River Walk, Pearl is one of San Antonio’s most dynamic destinations. Known for its iconic plazas, chef-driven restaurants, locally owned shops, and vibrant live entertainment, Pearl showcases the creativity and spirit of San Antonio’s chefs, artists, musicians, and makers.

The neighborhood’s architectural gems—including the original 1894 brewhouse and stable—are home to the MICHELIN Two-Key and Five Diamond-rated Hotel Emma, as well as Stable Hall, a standout live music venue. At the heart of Pearl, Pullman Market features acclaimed culinary concepts, including two MICHELIN-starred restaurants.

As a driving force for San Antonio’s hospitality, culinary, and cultural scene, Pearl welcomes more than 5 million visitors a year to experience unique dining, distinct retail, nationally recognized weekend markets, vibrant residential communities, innovative office spaces, and the San Antonio campus of the Culinary Institute of America.

Emma Ruth Rundle Announces New Album ‘These Killing Times’

Emma Ruth Rundle debuts ‘Enough’ video/single. Photo: Mason Rose, used with permission.

Emma Ruth Rundle Announces New Album These Killing Times, Drops Scathing Single “Enough”

Multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, poet, and multidisciplinary artist Emma Ruth Rundle has officially announced her sixth full-length studio album, These Killing Times, set for release on September 18 via her own imprint, Errant Child. (another side, 2026)

Alongside the announcement, Rundle debuted the cutting lead single, “Enough.”

Listen: “Enough”

“Enough” showcases Rundle’s signature ability to fuse gentleness with intensity. Opening with a hypnotic drum rhythm courtesy of Jess Gowrie (Chelsea Wolfe), the track is driven by a deep-toned acoustic guitar riff that offers a deceptive sense of calm.

As Rundle’s voice enters, a distinct note of optimism swells during the increasingly impassioned choruses, ultimately building to a crushing heaviness featuring a tormented saxophone performance by Patrick Shiroishi. It is a track that offers comfort, even as its underlying message proves scathing.

“‘Enough’ is inspired by ‘The Man Who Sold The World’—and in a retelling of the story of Elijah, we imagine him as an Elon Musk-type figure. We ask: is not the whole world enough? We ask the many gods to unleash vengeance and carry this man away into the angry sky, piece by piece.

This song is a reflection of the times we live in and is a vision for the dispensation of the billionaire class. The world belongs to all beings.” — Emma Ruth Rundle

The Music Video

Conceived by Rundle in collaboration with artists Mason Rose, Blake Armstrong, and Mitch Wells, the accompanying music video for “Enough” showcases a stark gothic theatricality.

Evoking an atmosphere as if Nosferatu had landed in the world of legendary puppeteer Jim Henson—a major visual influence for the record—the video depicts Rundle haunted by a creature known as “The Companion.” The dark, romantic visuals are further heightened by a series of frames reminiscent of classic stop-motion animation.

About These Killing Times

Electrifying, emotional, and charged with anti-patriarchal feminist rage, These Killing Times arrives as a reactive anthology, bristling, full of life, and rooted in resistance. Pre-Order/Pre-Save here.

While the new record possesses a spirit of defiance, it retains the tenderness, rawness, and vulnerability that resonated with so many on her globally acclaimed 2021 album, Engine of Hell.

These Killing Times marks a return to a full-band setup, creating a sonically powerful accompaniment to Rundle’s more direct vocal style. The album’s instrumentation is brighter and more urgent than ever before, featuring an impressive lineup of collaborators:

  • Jess Gowrie (Chelsea Wolfe, Mrs. Piss) – Drums
  • Troy Zeigler – Percussion / Collaboration
  • Patrick Shiroishi – Saxophone
  • Nick Reinhart (Tera Melos)
  • Gina Gleason (Baroness)
  • Marissa Nadler
  • Lukas Frank (Storefront Church)
  • Amelia Baker (Cinder Well)

Longtime collaborator Sonny Diperri (My Bloody Valentine, Trent Reznor), who has worked with Rundle across multiple releases over the last decade, returned to record the album.

Community Over Isolation

Written as Rundle watched from afar the devastating effects of climate disasters unfold in early 2025, she reflected on the root causes of global catastrophes and made a conscious choice to lean toward hope. Where outside forces tempted her toward isolation, she reached outward to create a project that acknowledges pain while offering community and resilience in response.

“I wanted to feel fortified by friendships and to be in community with other musicians—to make something that pushed back against the isolation,” Rundle shares.

These Killing Times confronts questions of intention, systemic capitalism, the rise of Christian nationalism, and political discourse. Yet running alongside the anguish is love—acting as a balm, a tonic, and a means of escape.

Outside of her music discography, Rundle continues her work as an established visual artist and author, following the 2025 release of her debut poetry collection, The Bella Vista (Unnamed Press).

Fall Tour Dates Announced

Emma Ruth Rundle will hit the road this autumn for a full-band headlining tour across North America in support of These Killing Times, kicking off in November. Cinder Well will support all headlining dates.

The headlining run follows Rundle’s solo support tour alongside All Them Witches throughout October.

These Killing Times track list:
1 – Powerless
2 – God’s Picture
3 – Anvil
4 – Catherine Wheel
5 – Don’t Delay Heaven
6 – Enough
7 – Human Kindness
8 – Oceans of Time

1789751388

  days

  hours  minutes  seconds

until

These Killing Times release date

San Antonio’s Iconic Gunter Hotel Joins Marriott Bonvoy After Major Renovation

In celebration of this milestone, the hotel debuts a special limited-time room package designed to introduce guests to the reimagined property. Photo: Daniel Kelleghan Photography, used with permission.

San Antonio’s Historic Gunter Hotel Joins Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio Following $57M Renovation

San Antonio’s historic skyline just got a major refresh.

The Gunter Hotel has officially transitioned to Gunter Hotel, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, joining Marriott Bonvoy’s global collection of independent properties renowned for their character, design, and local roots. (Gunter Hotel, 2026)

The milestone marks an exciting new chapter for the downtown icon following an extensive $57 million renovation. Originally established in 1909, the hotel has welcomed guests for over 116 years, beautifully balancing its rich heritage with a sleek, modern guest experience.

“We are thrilled to officially join Tribute Portfolio and become part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global family of independent hotels. This transition allows us to preserve the unique spirit and legacy of The Gunter while introducing our story to a broader audience of travelers seeking authentic, memorable experiences.”

— Jiwon Choi, Gunter Hotel Owner and Managing Director at Axle Capital

Where History Meets Music

Located in the heart of downtown San Antonio, the reimagined Gunter Hotel features 311 thoughtfully designed guest rooms, including 30 suites, alongside four distinct dining concepts: Jots, Keystone Club, Bar 414, and Paris Baguette.

Paying homage to its storied musical legacy—including the legendary 1936 blues recording session by Robert Johnson—the property now offers:

  • A state-of-the-art on-site recording studio
  • A curated vinyl record library
  • In-room record players for guest enjoyment

Limited-Time Room Offer: Restored. Reimagined. Remarkable.

To celebrate its official debut, the Gunter is offering a special package available to book now through December 31, 2026 (blackout dates apply).

The package includes:

  • Up to 26% off the Best Available Rate
  • A complimentary champagne toast for two upon arrival
  • Full access to the hotel’s Vinyl Library
  • Free entry to weekly live music performances
  • Late checkout (subject to availability)

What’s Cooking Inside: Summer Treats & Hamilton Cocktails

Whether you’re visiting San Antonio or live right down the street, there are plenty of delicious reasons to step inside the Gunter this season.

1. Paris Baguette’s Summer & Boursin Menu

Located inside the hotel—just steps from the Riverwalk—the French-Korean bakery Paris Baguette is dishing out seasonal specials through Tuesday, August 25.

Lemon Blueberry Collection

  • Lemon Blueberry Mochi Donut
  • Lemon Blueberry King Cream Donut
  • Lemon Blueberry Tart & Chiffon Cake
  • Drinks: Iced Blueberry Macchiato, Iced Matcha Latte, Blueberry Lemonade Refresher

S’mores Collection

  • S’mores Supreme Croissant & Belgian Waffle
  • S’mores Chocolate Marshmallow Layer Cake
  • Drinks: Iced S’mores Latte & S’mores Frappe

Savory Boursin Garlic Cheese Collab

  • Smoked Salmon & Boursin Garlic Cheese Croissant
  • Grilled Chicken & Boursin Garlic Cheese Wrap
  • Boursin Garlic Cheese Quiche with Grilled Chicken
  • Boursin Garlic Cheese Salad
Photo: Paris Baguette, used with permission.

2. Themed Cocktails for Hamilton at the Majestic

Broadway’s Hamilton is taking the stage at San Antonio’s Majestic Theatre, located directly across the street from the Gunter.

To mark the occasion, the hotel’s elegant Keystone Club is serving up two exclusive Hamilton-themed cocktails:

  • 🏛️ Founding Father Fizz ($15): No. 3 London Dry Gin, St-Germain, lime juice, simple syrup, and Prosecco.
  • ⚔️ The Revolution ($16): Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Green Chartreuse, sweet vermouth, and bitters.

Whether you need a pre-show drink or a post-curtain nightcap, Keystone Club is the ultimate theater-night pit stop.

Plan Your Visit

  • Location: Downtown San Antonio, TX (across from the Majestic Theatre)
  • Book the Package: Visit the Gunter Hotel’s website to lock in up to 26% off your stay.

Book Review: ‘Artemis’ by Andy Weir – Life on the Moon & High-Stakes Heists

‘Artemis’ by Andy Weir is a sci-fi crime story set on the Moon. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Book Review: Artemis by Andy Weir

Synopsis

Jasmine “Jazz” Bashara lives in humanity’s first lunar colony, Artemis. She never signed up to be a hero—she just wanted to get rich. Not crazy, eccentric-billionaire rich, like many of the visitors to Artemis, but rich enough to move out of her coffin-sized apartment and eat something better than flavored algae. Rich enough to pay off a debt she’s owed for a long time. (Barnes & Noble, 2026)

When a chance at a lucrative heist presents itself, Jazz can’t say no. But engineering the perfect crime is just the start of her problems, because that little heist is about to land her in the middle of a conspiracy that threatens the future of Artemis itself.

Trapped between competing forces, pursued by a killer and the law alike, she’ll have to hatch a truly spectacular scheme to have a chance at staying alive and saving her city. Jazz is no hero, but she is a very good criminal.

Review

Artemis begins with Jazz reeling from failing her EVA exam, which she needs to join the EVA Guild. Members of the guild lead groups of tourists across the lunar surface and earn a significantly better living. She tries to talk her way into passing, but Bob Lewis, former US Marine and head trainer, doesn’t budge. He tells her to try again and focus on the quality of her equipment.

The story centers around Jazz, a clever, sarcastic porter and small-time smuggler who dreams of escaping poverty. She’s an engaging protagonist whose intelligence, resilience, and moral ambiguity make her both flawed and relatable. Unlike the idealistic heroes often found in science fiction, she survives through quick thinking, technical expertise, and sheer determination. Her growth from a self-serving opportunist to someone willing to risk everything for others forms the emotional core of the story.

“How dare you call me lazy? I’d come up with a scathing retort but, meh, I’m just not motivated.”

Weir once again showcases his talent for making complex engineering and scientific concepts accessible without slowing down the narrative pace. Themes of survival, greed, class inequality, and redemption are woven throughout the novel, highlighting the real-world challenges of building a human society beyond Earth.

Weir’s signature worldbuilding shines brightest here:

  • Lunar Economics: The realistic financial friction between tourists, workers, and corporations.
  • Life-Support Mechanics: Detailed systems keeping the dome breathable and safe.
  • Industrial Realism: Meticulously researched aluminum-smelting processes that anchor the plot.

The fast-paced plot keeps the tension high as Jazz relies on her sharp technical instincts and criminal ingenuity to pull off a spectacular multi-stage scheme.

However, Jazz’s dialogue and internal monologue can feel somewhat forced and juvenile at times, occasionally undermining the tension. While it doesn’t quite match the sheer survivalist charm of Mark Watney’s journey in The Martian, Artemis still delivers a fun, fast-moving sci-fi crime caper.

The Bottom Line

Artemis by Andy Weir is a fast-paced science fiction thriller that blends suspense, humor, and real-world science into an entertaining lunar adventure. If you enjoy hard science paired with high-stakes action, it is well worth the trip to the moon.

“People will trust a reliable criminal more readily than a shady businessman.”

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Get your copy of Artemis today!

About the Author

Andy Weir built a career as a software engineer until the success of his first published novel, The Martian, allowed him to live out his dream of writing full-time. He is a lifelong space nerd and a devoted hobbyist of subjects such as relativistic physics, orbital mechanics, and the history of manned spaceflight.

Bonus

If you enjoyed the fast-paced survival, witty problem-solving, and high-stakes criminal plots of Andy Weir’s Artemis, these sci-fi heist and mystery novels offer a similar blend of technical intrigue and fast-paced schemes.

High-Stakes Sci-Fi Heists

The Quantum Thief by Hannu Rajaniemi features post-human master criminal Jean le Flambeur breaking out of prison to pull off an impossible heist across a high-tech moving city on Mars.
Chasm City by Alastair Reynolds follows a security operative hunting a ruthless killer through a bizarre, virus-corrupted sci-fi metropolis while navigating high-stakes crime networks.

Space-Bound Sci-Fi Mysteries

Six Wakes by Mur Lafferty combines a locked-room murder mystery with cloning technology as a spaceship crew wakes up to find their previous bodies murdered and their recent memories wiped.
Leviathan Wakes by S.A. Corey pairs a hard-boiled detective on an asteroid belt with an ice-miner captain as they unravel a system-wide conspiracy triggered by a missing girl.

Which Should You Pick?

For an intricate, mind-bending criminal heist set in a futuristic solar system, go with The Quantum Thief.
For a claustrophobic, locked-room whodunit packed with survival tension, start with Six Wakes.
For a grounded space-noir investigation with vast geopolitical stakes, choose Leviathan Wakes.

Book Spotlight: ‘Resilient in Business’ by Jad Atwe – The Ultimate Founder’s Guide

‘Resilient in Business’ by Jad Atwe. Photo: Barnes & Noble

📚Book Spotlight: Resilient in Business: The Founder’s Roadmap to Lead Through Uncertainty and Win the Long-Term Game

By Jad Atwe

In today’s economy, founders are under relentless pressure. The stakes are high, the path forward isn’t always obvious, uncertainty is debilitating, and outcomes are unpredictable. All of this takes a huge toll on the single quality that will actually see a founder through to success: resilience. (Amazon, 2026)

In this timely and practical book, entrepreneur and business coach Jad Atwe delivers a decisive framework for building the capacity to navigate competing demands and boost your entrepreneurial resilience.

Based on his proprietary Resilient in Business Operating System™, the book guides you through a transformative process to position your business for the success you know is possible—all by developing the capacity to:

  • Rise above the chaos
  • Move beyond survival mode
  • Step into sustainable business leadership

If you’re a founder carrying too much, feeling the cracks forming beneath your feet, and refusing to let pressure dictate your future, this book is for you. It’s time to discover the edge that will help you win the long game.

Ready to Read?

Resilient in Business is available now. If you’re looking to transform how you lead under pressure, grab your copy today and start building your roadmap to long-term success.

About the Author

Jad Atwe was once on the verge of losing everything. After leaping into a general contracting business that leveraged his engineering background, sudden policy and economic shifts forced him into uncertainty, nearly turning his aspirations to dust.

Determined to deconstruct what it truly takes to navigate volatility and “make it” in entrepreneurship, Jad spent years studying founder psychology, operational excellence, and the patterns that differentiate those who merely endure from those who thrive.

Having walked through storms that break most founders, he emerged with a clear understanding of entrepreneurial resilience—the inner operating system that allows leaders to build, lead, and scale under uncertainty.

Today, Jad speaks on entrepreneurial resilience and guides founders to lead through uncertainty, build reliable operations, and scale their companies without losing themselves in the process. He is the originator of the Resilient in Business Operating System™, designed to help founders move past what’s holding them back and break free from survival mode.