Category: Book Reviews

Teamwork, Courage, and Language Learning: A Look at Naivi Vera’s Debut Book

‘The Wonderful World of Susy’ by Naivi Vera. Photo: Amazon

📚Book Review: “The Wonderful World of Susy” by Naivi Vera

A Bilingual Tale of Bravery, Teamwork, and Heart

Naivi Vera’s “The Wonderful World of Susy” is a heartwarming and beautifully illustrated bilingual (Spanish-English) children’s book that delivers meaningful life lessons through the joyful adventures of a spirited young ant named Susy.

Written with both accessibility and imagination, Vera’s story is a vibrant journey into core values like bravery, teamwork, and kindness. Recommended for readers ages 3 to 7 years.

Meet Susy: A Brave and Curious Heroine

Susy, a curious and courageous ant, explores her world with an open heart and a determination to help others. Along the way, she encounters challenges that test her resolve and creativity. These moments show young readers that true bravery isn’t about facing things alone—it’s about learning to work together and ask for help when needed.

A Bilingual Story with Educational Value

One of the book’s standout features is its bilingual format, which presents English and Spanish text side-by-side. This makes it an excellent tool for early language learners and multicultural families. It’s a gentle and fun way to build vocabulary while enjoying a story that’s universally relatable.

A Celebration of Childhood Discovery

With its colorful illustrations and engaging narrative, “The Wonderful World of Susy” is both entertaining and educational. It encourages emotional intelligence, celebrates cooperation, and highlights the magic of discovery through a child’s eyes.

Perfect for story time at home or in the classroom, Naivi Vera’s debut is a charming addition to any children’s bookshelf.

“Every day, as night fell, Susy sat at the entrance to her home and contemplated the sky, the moon, and the stars. She thought about all the fantastic adventures she would have with her beautiful, hard-working family the next day. Susy knew they were not just a family, but a united team capable of achieving more.”

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Related post: South Texas AuthorCon: A Celebration of Stories, Creativity, and Community

‘Sentinels in the Oakwood’: Post-Apocalyptic Fiction with Heart and Roots

‘Sentinels in the Oakwood’ is the new novel by J.P.S. Stalder

📚 Review: Sentinels in the Oakwood by J.P.S. Stalder

J.P.S. Stalder’s Sentinels in the Oakwood is a richly imagined post-apocalyptic novel set in the Missouri Ozarks, more than 100 years after a devastating nuclear war. Nature has reclaimed much of what was destroyed, and the region has become a vast wilderness of woodlands, lakes, and caves.

Two Ways of Life, One Fragile Balance

The novel presents a vivid contrast between two types of survivors:

  • The Oakwood people, who have returned to a life of simplicity and harmony with the land
  • The underground dwellers of Fort Leonard Wood, descendants of those who took refuge in high-tech subterranean shelters

Their coexistence is uneasy, and a new threat from the north—intent on domination—forces both groups to confront their differences and unite for survival.

More Than a Survival Story

This is not just a story of endurance. Sentinels in the Oakwood is a deep examination of human resilience, community, and the tension between tradition and technology. Stadler’s lyrical, atmospheric prose paints a vivid picture of a world rewilded:

“The fallen slabs of weathered grey concrete jutted out from the edges of the shoreline like giant teeth waiting to swallow those foolish enough to pass through its mouth in a small canoe.”

Multiple Perspectives, Complex Themes

The story unfolds through three compelling narratives:

  • Jimson, a young Oakwood native connected to the natural world
  • Sarah, from the underground facility, apprehensive but curious about life above
  • BOB-e, a sentinel robot beginning to evolve beyond his programming

BOB-e’s storyline is particularly moving. When his fellow sentinel KYLE-e is critically damaged in battle, BOB-e scours the area for parts, driven by an emerging sense of loyalty and grief. His actions—and Sarah’s eventual recognition of sentient rights—raise profound questions about identity, free will, and the definition of life.

A Thoughtful, Gripping Read

Themes of survival, moral complexity, artificial intelligence, and ecological balance run deep. Stadler crafts a story that is not only thrilling but also introspective. The growing threat from the outside world pushes these disparate communities to confront hard truths and seek common ground.

“The future, it occurred to her, would always be the product of those who were courageous enough to stand for what they had grown to believe in, and that courage mattered most when everything was at stake.”

Final Thoughts

Sentinels in the Oakwood is a gripping and thought-provoking blend of speculative fiction and ecological storytelling. For readers who enjoy post-apocalyptic narratives with emotional depth and philosophical weight, this novel is a must-read.

Recommended for fans of: Station Eleven, The Overstory, The Broken Earth trilogy

*The author of this post received an ARC for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Hope in Hard Times: Why ‘A More Perfect Union’ Matters Now More Than Ever

Sojourners’ President Rev. Adam Russell Taylor has unifying vision for America in these divided times. Photo: Barnes & Noble

📚 “A More Perfect Union” by Rev. Adam Russell Taylor Reissued in Paperback

Broadleaf Books has reissued Rev. Adam Russell Taylor’s timely and compelling work, “A More Perfect Union: A New Vision for Building the Beloved Community,” now available in paperback. (Mixte Communications, 2025)

First published in 2021, this powerful public narrative speaks directly to the fractures and threats facing American democracy today. As the nation confronts deep divisions and looming dangers like Project 2025, Taylor calls for a moral realignment grounded in shared values, inclusive ideals, and a bold vision for unity.

Reimagining the Beloved Community

In “A More Perfect Union,” Taylor draws from the moral vision of the Beloved Community — a concept rooted in the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement. His approach bridges generational, geographic, class, racial, gender, and ideological divides, aiming to inspire collective action and hope in a time of uncertainty.

A Moral Call at a Crossroads

With a foreword by the late Rep. John Lewis, the 249-page book challenges readers to recognize the pivotal moment we face and to embrace the work of national healing. Taylor’s message is clear: the journey toward a more just and inclusive America must begin now.

“A More Perfect Union” is available in both hardcover and paperback wherever books are sold.

👩‍💻 About the Author

Rev. Adam Russell Taylor is president of Sojourners, an ecumenical Christian organization that works to advance justice and peace. He previously led the Faith Initiative at the World Bank Group, served as Vice President of Advocacy at World Vision U.S., was co-founder and executive director of Global Justice, and was selected as a White House Fellow under the Obama administration.

Praise for “A More Perfect Union”:

“America stands on a knife’s edge. If we are to survive this moment, with its pitfalls and perils, we have to figure out how to be together differently.” –  Eddie S. Glaude Jr., author of “Begin Again: James Baldwin’s America and Its Urgent Lessons for Our Own.”

“This essential book reframes and renews the vision from our earliest history, in the civil rights movement, to some of the most hopeful and powerful new examples of it today.” – Jim Wallis, Director of the Georgetown University Center on Faith and Justice, founder of Sojourners, and New York Times bestselling author.

“An urgent and eloquent volume. Adam Russell Taylor invokes history, theology, and organizing experience to make clear that the idea guiding the witness of Martin Luther King Jr. and John Lewis should be our North Star in leading toward redemption, renewal, and social reconstruction.” – E. J. Dionne Jr., author of “Our Divided Political Heart” and “Code Red.”

‘Tiger Chair’: Max Brooks’ Haunting Vision of a Future American Warzone

‘Tiger Chair’ is a short story by Max Brooks. Photo: Amazon

📚 Book Review: Tiger Chair by Max Brooks

A Chilling Vision of America at War

What happens when the world’s most powerful nation becomes the battleground? In “Tiger Chair,” Max Brooks—the #1 New York Times bestselling author of “World War Z”—offers a provocative and unsettling answer.

Set in a near-future where China has invaded the United States, “Tiger Chair” plunges readers into the heart of a guerrilla war raging through the streets of Los Angeles. The Chinese military believed it would be a quick and easy conflict, but years later, the insurgency continues to escalate while state propaganda refuses to shift. One Chinese officer, torn between loyalty to his homeland and the wellbeing of his soldiers, risks everything by writing a brutally honest—and possibly suicidal—letter home, exposing the harsh truths behind the war.

A Compact Yet Powerful Narrative

Brooks’s meticulous research, combined with his talent for creating vivid, emotionally complex characters, makes “Tiger Chair” a standout in the realm of speculative fiction. The titular “tiger chair”—a real-life torture device—emerges as a harrowing symbol of power, fear, and moral ambiguity. With a first person point of view narration by the Chinese officer, it makes it more personal.

Though brief, this story hits hard. It asks difficult questions about nationalism, duty, and the future of warfare, all within a fast-paced and highly believable narrative.

👩‍💻 About the Author

Max Brooks is the author of “World War Z,” “Devolution,” and “The Harlem Hellfighters.” He is also a nonresident senior fellow at the Modern War Institute at West Point and the Atlantic Council’s Brent Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security. Brooks frequently lectures at institutions including the U.S. Naval War College, U.S. Special Operations Command, and the Army’s Mad Scientist Conference.

Final Thoughts

“Tiger Chair” is both a gripping tale of war and a sobering warning. For readers interested in speculative military fiction with sharp political undertones, it’s a must-read.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

“If our way is the only way, why is it leading us off a cliff? I wish I knew. But I’m not a political scientist, or a philosopher, and if the last three years have proved anything, I’m not much of a soldier, either.”

Summer Turns Sinister in J.D. Barker’s Island Horror Masterpiece

‘Something I Keep Upstairs’ is the new thriller by J.D. Barker. Photo: Barnes & Noble

📚 Book Review: “Something I Keep Upstairs” by J.D. Barker

The story begins with 17-year-old Billy Hasler recounting the day everything changed. He and his best friend, David Spivey—known simply as Spivey—have been inseparable since their parents paired them up as kids at the age of four. Raised on New Castle, a small island off the coast of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, their bond is unshakable.

But during the final week of their junior year, everything shifts. Principal Wilson and Police Chief Whaley interrupt their algebra class with shocking news: Spivey’s grandmother, Geraldine Rote—whom he met only once—has passed away and left him her entire estate on nearby Wood Island. That includes a house, a couple of boats, and enough money to secure his future.

A Summer Adventure Turns into a Nightmare

J.D. Barker’s “Something I Keep Upstairs” is a pulse-pounding descent into psychological horror, steeped in folklore, trauma, and the eerie quiet of an isolated island. What begins as a carefree summer quickly spirals into a chilling exploration of generational secrets and supernatural terror.

As Billy and Spivey dig into the island’s dark past, they awaken a force that has long lurked in the shadows—something ancient, hungry, and deeply rooted in the land and its people. Their friendship, once a refuge, becomes fragile. Even Billy’s relationship with his girlfriend Kira is suffering:

“If our relationship was held together by a thread, I was standing on that thread, carefully balanced, and the wrong move would send me teetering over the side and falling into an abyss from which she and I would not recover.”

Vivid, Atmospheric Horror

Told alternately in first-person through Billy’s perspective, the novel is rich in atmosphere and tension. Barker’s writing is cinematic and emotionally layered, balancing fast-paced plot with psychological depth. The horror builds gradually, creeping in before crashing down with relentless force.

“The smell hit me the moment I crossed the threshold. A damp, heady scent of dirt, must, and mold over something horribly sweet, like burnt sugar forgotten in a simmering pan.”

At nearly 500 pages, the pace slows slightly in the middle, but fans of Stephen King and Dean Koontz will appreciate the blend of ghostly apparitions, time distortions, family legacies, and soul-hungry ancient entities.

Final Thoughts

“Something I Keep Upstairs” is more than a horror novel—it’s a haunting tale of memory, legacy, and the things we inherit without understanding. It lingers long after the final page and is highly recommended for fans of ghost stories and supernatural thrillers.

“When left alone, the mind can either be your biggest asset or worst enemy. When mine  began rattling off the possibilities, it became the single voice I no longer wanted to hear…”

Rating: 4 out of 5.

*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

**There is still time to enter the contest to win a night in the haunted house that inspired the book. The winner will be selected on June 13, 2025. Related post: Enter If You Dare: Win a Spine-Chilling Night in the Haunted House That Inspired ‘Something I Keep Upstairs.’

Hunted and Haunted: A Review of ‘Soon to Be Mine’ by K.J. Kalis

‘Soon To Be Mine’ by K.J. Kalis is book 4 in the Detective Emily Tizzano Vigilante Justice series. Photo: Amazon

Book Review: “Soon to Be Mine” by K.J. Kalis

A Detective Emily Tizzano Vigilante Justice Thriller

Synopsis

Federal prosecutor Nicole Strickland is being hunted. Terrorized by a man who won’t leave her alone, she lives in constant fear, feeling his eyes on her at every turn. Her brother, FBI Agent Cash Strickland, wants to help—but without actionable evidence, the law is powerless.

Desperate, Cash turns to Emily Tizzano, a former Chicago PD cold case detective known for bending the law to serve justice. But Emily and Cash have unresolved history, and she’s skeptical—of him, his sister, and the true motives behind the request for help.

Is this really about protecting Nicole, or is it something more complicated?

Review

“Soon to Be Mine” plunges readers into a suspense-filled world where justice doesn’t always follow the rules. Nicole is a compelling protagonist—strong, principled, but also deeply vulnerable. K.J. Kalis crafts her anxiety and growing desperation with raw, emotional depth. Nicole’s determination to handle things her own way can be frustrating, especially as her stalker Ethan escalates his pursuit.

Cash’s position as both a brother and an FBI agent adds emotional complexity, while the tension between him and Emily fuels the narrative. However, Emily’s hesitancy to engage due to her murky past with Cash lacks sufficient backstory. Similarly, her dynamic with her tech-savvy friend Mike feels underdeveloped—his role and relationship to her remain unclear.

The novel’s strength lies in its pacing and emotional stakes. Kalis writes with intensity, and scenes like Ethan’s obsessive search for Nicole or Nicole’s late-night fear feel chillingly real:

“Ethan was frustrated. He’s spent the entire morning circling the building, trying to get a glimpse of Nicole, but she was nowhere to be found.”

“Fear gripped her. She stared out into the backyard again through the gap in the curtain, waiting. Her breath was caught in her chest. Her heart pounded, sending a rush of blood into her ears.”

Though it’s the fourth in the Emily Tizzano series, “Soon to Be Mine” works as a standalone, but readers may find themselves craving more character depth that previous books might provide.

Series Reading Order

  1. Twelve Years Gone
  2. Lakeview Vendetta
  3. Victim 14
  4. Soon to Be Mine
  5. The Investor
  6. The Killing Graves
  7. Deadly Verdict

About the Author

K.J. Kalis is known for gritty, heart-pounding thrillers that explore the darker sides of justice, obsession, and survival. Her work spans categories including medical thrillers, military suspense, and vigilante justice. A former poet and professional copywriter, her thrillers consistently rank in Amazon’s Top 100.

Final Thoughts

This book is perfect for fans of fast-paced suspense novels by authors like James Patterson and Harlan Coben. With its chilling stalker plot, themes of justice and family loyalty, and a resilient heroine, “Soon to Be Mine” delivers gripping storytelling that stays with you long after the final page.

Have you read any of the Emily Tizzano books? Let me know in the comments which one is your favorite or what you thought of Nicole’s story.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5.

Detective Zorn Faces His Darkest Case Yet in Otho Eskin’s ‘Black Sun Rising’

‘Black Sun Rising’ is the thrilling new Marko Zorn novel by Otho Eskin. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Book Review: Black Sun Rising by Otho Eskin

Otho Eskin’s “Black Sun Rising” is a riveting, high-stakes thriller that masterfully blends political intrigue, historical resonance, and relentless action. In this fourth installment of the Marko Zorn series, readers are pulled into a suspenseful, chillingly timely narrative that stands strong as a standalone read.

The action begins with a jolt: “The bomb explodes at 8:42 a.m.” A device detonates at Friendship House—a sanctuary for the poor and vulnerable—signaling the start of a far more dangerous plot. Detective Marko Zorn, reeling from the murder of his partner, soon uncovers a violent neo-Nazi conspiracy rooted in WWII and designed to destabilize the nation. Global chatter hints at an assassination attempt on the new president during the upcoming inauguration, and Zorn must infiltrate the movement to stop an attack that could cripple the country.

Told in the first person through Zorn’s sharp, often wry perspective, the novel features a fast pace, vivid language, and even moments of humor:

“One must always answer a summons from Mount Olympus. Even before morning coffee. Otherwise, be prepared to be zapped by a thunderbolt.”

Zorn is a morally complex, emotionally grounded lead, matched by unforgettable villains—particularly the ominous “Bride of the Apocalypse,” whose mythic menace lingers long after the final page. Eskin’s experience in the U.S. Foreign Service brings striking authenticity to the geopolitical stakes, while fans of WWII history will appreciate the rich historical context woven into the plot.

Overall, “Black Sun Rising” is a smart, fast-paced, and thought-provoking thriller that confronts modern threats head-on—with style, heart, and deadly precision. With its tight narrative, compelling themes of extremism, power, and corruption, and razor-sharp suspense, it’s a standout thriller and recommended for fans of David Baldacci, Lee Child, and Daniel Silva.

“In the chaos and darkness, I could slip away, unnoticed. I could hide in this labyrinth of caves and secret passages for days, maybe weeks. But it would mean giving up Zyklon. Not to mention, dying of starvation.”

*The author was contacted for an honest review of this book and received an ARC. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Related post: Marko Zorn Returns: Otho Eskin’s New Thriller Delivers High-Stakes Suspense

A Killer Returns: ‘First Cut’ by J.T. Bishop Slices Into the Psyche

‘First Cut’ is Book 1 in the Family or Foe Saga by J.T. Bishop. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Book Spotlight: First Cut: A Serial Killer Murder Mystery Thriller by J.T. Bishop

(The Family or Foe Saga with Detectives Daniels and Remalla – Book 1)

Synopsis

He stole everything from her. But when he lines up his pieces for a rematch, he’ll be surprised at how well she’s learned to play the game. (Barnes & Noble, 2025)

In a gripping tale of obsession and revenge, former detective Jill Jacobs must confront her darkest nightmare: the Makeup Artist, a twisted serial killer whose gruesome crimes and disturbing fixation on Jill nearly destroyed her.

Now, with the psychopath striking again, Jill’s uncanny telepathic bond with the killer becomes the only hope for Detectives Daniels and Remalla to end the carnage. But to catch him, Jill must re-enter the chilling mindset that once connected them—a connection he still craves.

As Jill grows closer to one of the detectives, the killer’s obsession reignites, and the danger escalates. Will she find the strength to stop the sadistic murderer who shattered her world—or will this deadly game claim more innocent lives, including her own?

“First Cut” is the thrilling opener of the Family or Foe Saga, blending psychological suspense with paranormal crime fiction. It’s an electrifying read that probes the darkest corners of justice and the human psyche.

Series Titles in the Family or Foe Saga

  • “Second Slice: A Murder Mystery Suspense Thriller“
  • “Third Blow: A Murder Mystery Paranormal Thriller“
  • “Fourth Strike: A Murder Mystery Paranormal Thriller“

Review

“First Cut” is a chilling and fast-paced thriller that immerses readers in a nightmare of obsession, trauma, and vengeance.

The story centers around Jill Jacobs, a former Seattle detective who reluctantly returns from indefinite leave to assist Detectives Aaron Remalla and Gordon Daniels in stopping the Makeup Artist before he kills again. Bishop wastes no time, opening with a disturbing crime scene:

“The body stared up with vacant eyes, the garish lipstick smeared across the lips, and the cheeks streaked with harsh red.”

Bishop excels at psychological tension. Jill is a layered, compelling protagonist—haunted but resilient—while the killer’s eerie presence and grisly calling card are nightmare fuel. As the investigation deepens, so does the emotional complexity. With language that is easy to follow, the action flows naturally through the pages. The story explores themes of fear, identity, justice, and trauma, and the bond Jill shares with the killer adds a chilling supernatural twist.

Bishop’s prose is crisp and evocative:

“Peering around the corner, he looked inside. It was quiet and the only things moving were the tiny dust particles in the air that caught the light.”

This is a dark, engrossing tale of survival and reckoning. Fans of gritty crime thrillers and psychological suspense will enjoy this book—and eagerly await Detective Daniels and Remalla’s, as well as Jill Jacobs’ next harrowing journey.

“At that moment, her protective wall disintegrated. Images assaulted her. Screams of rage and fear bubbled up, and she could see it in her mind’s eye. Vicky’s terror.”

About the Author: J.T. Bishop

J.T. Bishop is an award-winning author known for writing mystery thrillers with a supernatural twist. She loves weaving tangled relationships, unexpected plot turns, and heart-stopping love stories—sometimes with a dose of paranormal fun.

Her works include:

  • The Red-Line Trilogy
  • The Fletcher Family Saga
  • The Family or Foe Saga, starring the charismatic Detectives Daniels and Remalla
  • A crossover series featuring a gifted paranormal P.I. and his spunky sister

Her evil plan? To hook readers with suspense, thrills, and just the right touch of the unknown.

Have you read “First Cut“? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
📚🔪✨

Hard Work, Humility, and the Human Spirit: A Powerful Read from Elyezer Shkedy

‘Who the F*ck is Michael?!’ is the debut bestselling book by General (Ret.) Elyezer Shkedy. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Book Review: “Who the F*ck is Michael?!” by Elyezer Shkedy
Leadership, Humility, and the Power of Personal Responsibility

If you’re looking for a book that packs a punch in both inspiration and life wisdom, “Who the F*ck is Michael?!: An Israeli Air Force Chief’s Uncompromising Code for Achieving Greatness” by Elyezer Shkedy deserves a spot on your reading list.

The Premise

In this thought-provoking collection, Shkedy—former Commander of the Israeli Air Force—distills over 100 life stories into concise lessons on leadership, success, integrity, and personal responsibility. The stories are short, engaging, and packed with real-world relevance. Each one describes a real event in his life as he remembers it and are not presented in a linear format.

The provocative title comes from a story about humility and hidden greatness. Michael was the principal at their son Omer’s school and one day he told them that Omer would never learn to read or write. The phrase became their family’s defiant battle cry whenever someone would tell them they couldn’t do something they were determined to do. It sets the tone for what’s to come: a reminder that extraordinary people often live quietly among us.

Life Lessons

This collection of stories contain life lessons filled with emotional intelligence. Shkedy doesn’t lecture—he shares. His anecdotes range from military missions to personal reflections, each offering a glimpse into the kind of leadership that values character over charisma and action over words. He manages to do all this without sounding condescending and by using straightforward language. Most of the stories end with a section on the specific lesson he learned.

Some of these stories include:

  • Superhighway to Change
  • The Real Estate Shark
  • You Have No Approval
  • The Ego Beneath the Surface

Highlights

21 – They Are Just Like You – He grew up in an institution for children at risk because his father ran the place and the family lived on the premises. He was taught at an early age that we’re all basically the same, this is one of the lessons that he took to heart during his lifetime. Part of his gold rule for living is to treat others like you would like to be treated.

129 – You Wouldn’t Want to Live In The Past – “When you have completed a significant chapter of your career, let it go.” Be proud about what you did, but move on.

Whether you’re in business, education, healthcare, or just navigating life, this book will challenge you to think deeply about what it means to lead, serve, and strive for excellence.

Final Thoughts

Overall, “Who the F*ck is Michael?!” is more than a leadership book—it’s a mirror for anyone who wants to live with purpose and accountability. It is recommended for readers who appreciate sensible personal advice and also enjoy books on business leadership and personal success.

“A person may appear pitiful and pathetic at first glance; their accent and vocabulary may not be impressive; their attire may not be striking — but that tells you nothing about their ability, their wit, their intelligence or their potential.”

Rating: 4 out of 5.

*The author was contacted for an honest review of this book and received a copy. The view and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Related post: Leadership Lessons from a Military Commander: What Elyezer Shkedy’s Book Teaches Us About Success

Sci-Fi with Soul: Why ‘Echoes From A Distant Star’ Deserves a Spot on Your Shelf

‘Echoes From A Distant Star’ by John McCool. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Book Review: “Echoes From A Distant Star: Ranger Book One”
A Chilling Sci-Fi Mystery Where Silence Speaks Louder Than Words

The Premise

In the depths of space, a long-abandoned vessel conceals the whispers of something tragic.

Locilette, a Ranger patrolling this sector of space, responds to an anonymous call of a potential derelict spotted drifting in the endless void. Thinking this is nothing more than another routine call would end up being one of the greatest mistakes of his career.

What horrors befell the Yanagi’s crew? Were they driven to madness, or did an unknown terror stalk the now dark corridors? Will the Ranger uncover the truth behind the crew’s disappearance, or will he succumb to the same horrors that claimed them? The darkness of the Yanagi awaits… (Barnes & Noble, 2025)

Suspense in the Silence

“Echoes From A Distant Star” launches readers into a hauntingly atmospheric space saga that’s as much about mystery and memory as it is about exploration. Set aboard the Theseus, a ship in the far reaches of space, Locilette, a Ranger of the Fifth Degree from the Kronos System has just crossed a large wormhole gate. Part of his job includes responding to missing ships, checking on the status of a communications buoy, or even pursuing a smuggler. Most of this is done in the vast darkness of space but he loves his job because of the adrenaline rush.

After hailing the Yanagi and with no response besides a bright flash of light inside he activates the ship’s Secura-Droid who he calls Brinks. They both board the Yanagi and begin an investigation filled with secrets and unspeakable fears that’ll haunt him for the rest of his life.

McCool masterfully builds suspense through minimalist prose and subtle world-building, letting the isolation of space and the Yanagi’s ghostly silence speak volumes: “He took a few steps down, the eerie feeling hanging over him like a predator in the night made his hand hover close to his holster. This kind of quiet was unnatural.” The vessel isn’t just a wreck; it’s a tomb echoing with unresolved trauma, the “whispers” of an unknown tragedy lingering in every corridor. As Locilette pieces together the fate of the crew, readers are drawn into a chilling narrative that blends hard science fiction with psychological thriller elements and plenty of plot twists to keep them guessing until the final shocking reveal.

With vivid language and employing the senses, he brings the settings to life: “The sound of Brink’s footsteps crunching on the glass grew closer and closer, its eyes like two bobbing blue orbs dancing in the darkness.” The pacing is deliberate, even meditative at times, inviting introspection on grief, loss, and the consequences of hubris in deep space.

More Than a Sci-Fi Thriller

Beneath the surface, this is a story about grief, memory, and the psychological toll of isolation. McCool invites readers to reflect on humanity’s vulnerability, especially when facing the unknown. By deeply developing Locilette’s character, he becomes relatable and readers get emotionally invested in his safety. The eerie quiet of the ship is palpable, and every creaking bulkhead and flickering light hints at a deeper, darker story. Plus, the tension comes not from action-packed battles, but from the slow unraveling of a haunting mystery.

Final Thoughts

Overall, “Echoes From A Distant Star” is a gripping and suspenseful series debut that sets a strong foundation for the Ranger series. It explores the themes of family, friendship, survival, heroism, and good versus evil. I recommend it for fans of science fiction space adventures similar to the Star Trek franchise. McCool’s blend of mystery and melancholy makes for a compelling read that lingers long after the final page.

“This place was getting to him much more than he realized. Although his extensive training and career experience shielded him from a great deal of the trauma he had witnessed to this point, everyone had their limit, and he was almost at his own.”

Rating: 5 out of 5.

About the author

John R. MCCool III hails from a small town in the great state of Mississippi. He fell in love with writing at a very young age, oftentimes writing stories during class rather than paying attention. He now resides in Rossville, Illinois where most of his time is spent attending to the day-to-day operations of a local coffee company, which is like a second home to him. When not writing or sipping coffee, John loves spending time with his wife and kids who give him the inspiration to pursue all of his dreams.