‘Whispers of Mayhem’ Is a Must-Read Dark Romantasy for Fans of Fierce Female Leads

Whispers of Mayhem is Aurora Ramsden’s latest romantasy novel. Photo: Amazon

Whispers of Mayhem (Guardians of Death)

by Aurora Ramsden

Overview

Whispers of Mayhem is a dark romantasy packed with savage creatures, deadly magic, unhinged humor, and a heroine who absolutely will take your head.

Nyx Blackwood has always suspected she isn’t human. She’s immune to fire and plagued by visions ripped straight from a horror movie. Loud, unapologetic, and fiercely independent, Nyx is done pretending to be normal and she has no intention of softening herself for anyone.

Alongside her sisters, triplets Opal and Rue, Nyx owns The Triad, a tattoo and piercing studio. Opal serves as the rational backbone of the business, balancing Nyx’s explosive temper and Rue’s take-it-or-leave-it attitude. Together, the Blackwood sisters take life by the horns, and heaven help anyone who gets in their way.

Everything changes when a mysterious stranger named Ryker walks into the shop, tosses Nyx a gold coin, and promises he’ll see them soon.

Not long after, the sisters are transported to another realm and enrolled in Death University. Surrounded by chaos and danger, they learn they are powerful creatures who need intense training, because the world’s evil isn’t waiting for them to catch up.

Review

Whispers of Mayhem is a fast-paced plunge into dark romantasy that revels in chaos, blood, and biting humor. Aurora Ramsden introduces Nyx as a vision-seeing tattoo artist whose sharp wit is matched only by her sharper instincts. Alongside her sisters, she is violently ripped from everything familiar and thrown into a brutal new world crawling with savage creatures, deadly magic, and truths that refuse to stay buried.

The tone is unapologetic and the humor delightfully unhinged. Fight scenes are vivid and immersive, pulling the reader straight into the action:

“I pull the vine tighter around his throat, standing to the side of him, reveling in his rising panic…”

Told in first person through both Nyx and Ryker’s perspectives, the danger feels constant and deeply personal.

Nyx is not a passive heroine waiting to be saved, she is rage, survival, and teeth. Ramsden writes her with an itchy trigger finger and zero hesitation to turn violent when pushed, making it impossible not to root for her. The bond between the sisters adds emotional weight, grounding the carnage in loyalty and love. Together, they are an unstoppable trio.

As they uncover who and what they truly are, the tension escalates toward a chilling truth: self-discovery isn’t optional, and time is not on their side.

Dark, violent, and wickedly entertaining, Whispers of Mayhem is a must-read for fans of gritty fantasy with heart and humor buried beneath the bloodshed. This being the first book in the Guardians of Death series, prepare yourself for the Blackwood sisters, they’re just getting warmed up. If you love strong female leads, this book is for you.

“The shadow figure-faceless and void-moves with predatory grace, slicing at her with a malevolent glee, leaving trails of darkness swirling in the aftermath of each cruel blow.”

Content Warning

Intended for mature audiences. Contains:

  • Violence and gore
  • Dark humor
  • Strong language
  • Explicit sex scenes

About the Author

Aurora Ramsden’s love for fantasy romance is rooted in memories of her mother and strengthened by the bond she shares with her closest girlfriends, trading smutty recommendations, laughing over morally gray men, and celebrating heroines who bite back.

Her stories are messy, blunt, sexy, a little unhinged, and unapologetically raw, packed with chaos, sarcasm, and enough spice to keep your Kindle sweating.

Rating

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ (4.5 out of 5)

Whispers of Mayhem delivers a ferocious blend of dark fantasy, sisterhood, violence, and unhinged humor. The worldbuilding is immersive, the pacing relentless, and Nyx Blackwood is the kind of heroine who refuses to be forgotten. The sister dynamic adds emotional depth, while the action and spice keep the pages turning.

A few moments feel intentionally chaotic, which largely works in the book’s favor, but readers who prefer slower worldbuilding or softer fantasy tones may find the intensity overwhelming. For fans of gritty romantasy with spice, morally gray characters, and heroines who choose violence every time, this book hits hard.

Perfect for readers who want their fantasy dark, bloody, funny, and unapologetically wild.

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

The Art and Science of Facial Reconstruction: A Review of Gloria Nusse’s Forensic Atlas

Craniofacial Anatomy and Forensic Identification by Gloria Nusse. Photo: PICT, used with permission.

Part of the Partners in Crime Tours Virtual Book Tour

Book Review: Craniofacial Anatomy and Forensic Identification by Gloria Nusse

Overview

Our bodies record what happens to us physically throughout our lives, including scars from injuries sustained years or even decades ago. Scars tell us how we used our joints or how we may have injured them as children and adults. Our bodies also conform to the environments in which we live, both externally and internally. By examining and observing these key clues, a forensic investigator can reveal the unique characteristics that tell the story of a person’s life and death. (Barnes & Noble, 2026)

Craniofacial Anatomy and Forensic Identification is an atlas that covers all aspects of facial reconstruction and the anatomy of the head and neck. It explores facial expression, the anatomical basis of facial development, and the effects of muscle movement in detail.

Written by a world-renowned forensic artist with decades of experience as a scientific illustrator, portraitist, anthropologist, and lecturer in anatomy and biology, Gloria Nusse brings a rare balance of scientific rigor and artistic mastery to this work.

What’s Inside

  • Chapter 1: Introduction and identity from the skull’s perspective
  • Chapter 2: History and research of facial identification
  • Chapter 3: Bones, muscles, and tissues
  • Chapter 4: Facial features
  • Chapter 5: Analysis and interpretation
  • Chapter 6: Age, archetype, and expression
  • Chapter 7: Grave goods and artifacts
  • Chapter 8: Mold making and reproduction
  • Chapter 9: Clay work and finishing
  • Chapter 10: Lefty, an exemplar

Highlights

Chapter 2
This chapter includes a fascinating history of facial identification, beginning with mortuary practices of preserving the head that date back approximately 80,000 years to Jericho and the Middle East. It also highlights influential figures in the field, such as Wilton Marion Krogman, a professor of physical anthropology who along with sculptor Mary Jane McCue created a 3D facial reconstruction on a male skull in 1946. Modern identification methods are largely based on this groundbreaking work.

Chapter 8
This section goes into detailed methods of mold making, skull preparation, and techniques for working with damaged skulls, making it especially valuable for practitioners.

Review

Craniofacial Anatomy and Forensic Identification is a visually rich atlas that bridges science and art with remarkable accuracy. Designed for forensic artists, anthropologists, and anatomy students, the book offers a comprehensive examination of the head and neck, grounding facial reconstruction in anatomical knowledge rather than artistic intuition alone.

Nusse guides readers through craniofacial anatomy, facial musculature, and the structural basis of expression, clearly demonstrating how bone, muscle, and soft tissue interact to create recognizable human faces. I especially appreciated her focus on facial development and muscle movement, which shows how subtle anatomical variations can dramatically alter a person’s appearance, which is an essential insight for forensic identification. The atlas format, supported by detailed illustrations, allows complex concepts to be easily understood and reinforces the text’s scientific clarity.

As a world-renowned forensic artist and scientific illustrator, Nusse writes with the authority of a scientist and the sensitivity of an artist. Her explanations are precise yet accessible, reflecting deep respect for both disciplines.

Overall, Craniofacial Anatomy and Forensic Identification is a valuable reference that elevates facial reconstruction from technique to discipline. It gives readers a deeper understanding of the human face as both a biological structure and an expressive form. An extra plus is the history of facial reconstruction; fans of history will appreciate the detailed background information.

“It is impossible to know all of anatomy. She is a mysterious mistress and refuses to be put into a box. Each time you think you have figured it out, you see something else that changes all you knew before.”

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Pick up your copy today!

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About the Author

Gloria Nusse is a forensic artist, anatomist, and anthropologist who has taught numerous professional workshops, including for the FBI.

She has aided in the identification and return of the unidentified remains of more than 14 individuals to their families. Her work includes recreations of ancient peoples of the Middle East and the reconstruction of the crystal skull for National Geographic, among others. Her work has been featured on 48 Hours, Forensic Files, Dateline, National Geographic specials, Unsolved History, and more.

Nusse worked as a scientific artist for over 35 years and taught human dissection and anatomy at San Francisco State University for 12 years, where she is currently Emeritus. She has authored and co-authored multiple journal articles and book chapters and was the invited speaker for the Chalmers Historical Address at the Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons meeting in 2013.

*Thank you to Partners in Crime Tours and the author for my gifted copy for review as part of the tour. I haven’t been compensated for this review and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

Partners in Crime Tours is hosting a gift card giveaway! Enter now for a chance to win 1 of 2 Amazon gift cards. Terms and conditions apply. Void where prohibited.

Photo: PICT, used with permission.

San Antonio’s Gunter Hotel Raises the Bar with a Chef-Curated Dog Menu

Luxury, pet-friendly hospitality expands with a thoughtfully crafted canine dining experience in downtown San Antonio. Photo: The Gunter Hotel, used with permission.

The Gunter Hotel Launches Chef-Curated Dog Menu at Jots

San Antonio, TX — The Gunter Hotel, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, is raising the bar for pet-friendly hospitality with the launch of a new chef-curated Dog Menu at its signature restaurant, Jots. Designed with the same care, creativity, and quality as the human menu, this new offering invites four-legged guests to dine in style alongside their owners in the heart of downtown San Antonio. Now available, guests are welcome to bring their canine companions to Jots to enjoy the menu. (The Gunter Hotel, 2026)

Benson & Friends Favorites

The menu, aptly named “Benson & Friends Favorites,” features thoughtfully prepared dishes made with wholesome, recognizable ingredients. Each item is crafted to be both nourishing and indulgent, reinforcing The Gunter Hotel’s commitment to inclusivity and elevated experiences for every guest, canine companions included.

“Pet-friendly travel has evolved, and today’s guests are looking for experiences that truly welcome their dogs, not just accommodate them. With this new menu from Jots, we’re extending our culinary philosophy to our four-legged guests, offering a dining experience that feels just as intentional and special.”
— Jiwon Choi, Gunter Hotel Owner and Managing Director at Axle Capital

A Thoughtfully Crafted Canine Menu

The Dog Menu features a variety of dishes designed with canine wellness in mind, offering something for every appetite:

  • Honey’s Hill Country Breakfast — A hearty blend of short rib, chuck, and brisket served with farm-fresh eggs
  • Nori’s Seattle Treat — Salmon paired with rice and green beans
  • Benson’s Chicken Delight — Made with locally sourced chicken
  • Canine Crudité — A fresh, vegetable-forward mix of apples, carrots, and green beans
  • Seasonal Dessert — House-whipped cream with berries

From breakfast through dessert, every four-legged guest can enjoy a well-rounded dining experience.

A Pet-Friendly Destination in the Heart of San Antonio

Located just steps from the River Walk, The Gunter Hotel has long welcomed pets as part of its community. The introduction of the Dog Menu further enhances the hotel’s reputation as a destination where history, hospitality, and modern lifestyle seamlessly converge.

As part of Tribute Portfolio, The Gunter Hotel also offers guests access to the Marriott Bonvoy® program, allowing members to earn and redeem points during their stay and across Marriott Bonvoy’s extensive global collection of hotels and resorts.

About The Gunter Hotel

A historic San Antonio landmark for more than 116 years, The Gunter Hotel reopened in fall 2025 following a $50 million renovation that brought the property up to the highest modern travel standards. The reimagined hotel blends rich heritage with modern luxury and features 311 guest rooms, including 30 suites, along with an array of new amenities.

Guests are invited to enjoy four distinctive dining concepts, Jots, Keystone Club, Bar 414, and Paris Baguette, as well as a cutting-edge recording studio and vinyl library. Inspired by the hotel’s musical legacy, each guest room features a record player and a copy of Robert Johnson’s first album, originally recorded at the hotel in 1936.

Photo: The Gunter Hotel, used with permission.

Final Gasp Expands Their Sound on New Album ‘New Day Symptoms’

New Day Symptoms is the new album by Final Gasp, due out February 27. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Final Gasp Announce New Day Symptoms

Steeped in nocturnal death rock adventurism, driven by post-punk anxiety that feels increasingly like the twitching heart of our modern age, and fueled by hardcore punk intensity, the second studio album from Boston’s Final Gasp, New Day Symptoms, does what all great rock records do. (another side, 2026)

Not only does it place itself within a lineage, summoning and amplifying a spectrum of powers from rock ’n’ roll lore, it makes them resonate in the here and now. The album gives voice to the fears and frustrations lurking just under the surface of waking consciousness and transforms them into a rallying cry.

Produced by Arthur Rizk, New Day Symptoms will be released on February 27 via Relapse Records. Pre-order/Pre-save here.

Channeling Fury and Reflection

Throughout New Day Symptoms, Final Gasp creates a potent emotional reaction, balancing fury and forlorn introspection. Frontman Jake Murphy vocalizes both a supercharged howl into the void and a remorseful echo back, capturing the album’s emotional duality.

Lead Single: “The Apparition”

The lead single, “The Apparition,” tells what Jake describes as “a story of reality being much more horrifying than fiction.”

“It’s about a captain and his crew on a small boat. A storm came and capsized it, and he and his two crew members were forced to swim to some sort of safety. Ultimately, only he survived—having to watch his two friends be taken away by something that could have been avoided. He knew a storm was coming but thought they could make it. It’s all about bad timing and facing the consequences.”

“The Apparition” is available now, along with its haunting video directed by Caleb Gowett and Bill Politis.

Expanding the Sound

Where Final Gasp’s acclaimed 2023 debut, Mourning Moon, was a concentrated shot of acrid underground death rock, its propulsion tanks largely filled with references to Samhain and Killing Joke, New Day Symptoms retains that core urgency while vastly broadening its scope.

With new space to explore, the album feels communal: a mapping of personal trials and dark recesses onto a landscape dotted with rafter-rousing marker points.

A More Democratic Process

Final Gasp’s ability to meld opposing forces into something vibrant and new is encoded into their DNA. Forging a sound that both honored and moved beyond their musical backgrounds required deep soul-searching, placing the band on a path whose destination remains open-ended.

One of the main reasons for the broadened sound on New Day Symptoms is that the album was written far more democratically than Mourning Moon, allowing multiple creative voices to shape its direction.

Themes of Acceptance and Moving Forward

That open-mindedness, paired with a firm grip on underground roots, gives New Day Symptoms its galvanizing force. While its predecessor dealt directly with personal loss and anxiety, this album approaches similar themes from a different angle.

“With this one, I didn’t want it to be as personal,” says Jake. “But then reading the lyrics back, I ended up feeling differently about them—they were personal on a different level. A lot of these songs are written from an outside perspective, what could’ve happened if things were different, but ultimately it didn’t end that way. You can’t change what’s already been done, so you just have to move on. It just means it’s a part of who you are now.”

A Record Built to Last

Above all, New Day Symptoms is one of those rare killer rock ’n’ roll albums whose conviction and honesty set it apart, an album primed to stand the test of time.

As acclaimed tours with Abbath, Gatecreeper, Fiddlehead, Poison Ruin, Devil Master, and Imperial Triumphant make clear, Final Gasp’s appeal is both expansive and unbounded.

Last month, Final Gasp announced a headlining North American tour which crosses both coasts, the Midwest and more.

See below for a full list of dates. Tickets are on sale here.

Feb 26: Cambridge, MA – Sonia
Mar 01: Cincinnati, OH – Dsgn Clltcv
Mar 02: Kansas City, MO – Howdy
Mar 04: Denver, CO – Bar 404
Mar 05: Salt Lake City, UT – Aces High Saloon
Mar 07: Portland, OR – The High Water Mark
Mar 08: Vancouver, BC – The Cobalt
Mar 09: Seattle, WA – The Funhouse
Mar 11: Sacramento, CA – Cafe Colonial
Mar 12: Oakland, CA – Stork Club
Mar 13: Los Angeles, CA – The Moroccan Lounge
Mar 14: Joshua Tree, CA – Joshua Tree
Mar 15: San Diego, CA – Brick By Brick
Mar 16: Mesa, AZ – The Nile Underground
Mar 19: Tulsa, OK – Whittier Bar
Mar 20: Austin, TX – The Lost Well
Mar 21: Dallas, TX – Dusty’s
Mar 22: Little Rock, AR – Vinos

Final Gasp is:
Jake Murphy – Vocals
Alex Consentino – Guitar/Synth
Sean Rose – Bass
Peter Micanovic – Guitar
Kevin Ordway – Drums

Photo: Caleb Gowett, used with permission

New Day Symptoms tracklist:
01 – Eternal Silence
02 – Look Away
03 – The Apparition
04 – Gifted Shame
05 – No Hand To Lead
06 – Prediction
07 – Burials Of Birth
08 – Fractures
09 – New Day Symptoms
10 – Pale Sun

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Raise a Glass Without the Alcohol During National Mocktail Week at Hotel Contessa

Ambler at Hotel Contessa celebrates Dry January with mocktail week (1/11-17) featuring custom non-alcoholic cocktails & IPAs. Photo: Garrett Smith, used with permission.

National Mocktail Week 2026: Sip Smarter in San Antonio

National Mocktail Week takes place January 11–17, 2026, celebrating the second week of January with creative, alcohol-free beverages. The week highlights healthier choices, mindful drinking, and the growing community around non-alcoholic drinks made with fresh ingredients and thoughtful craftsmanship.

Whether you’re participating in Dry January or simply looking to cut back after the holidays, this week is the perfect opportunity to explore elevated non-alcoholic options without sacrificing flavor or experience.

Celebrate National Mocktail Week at Hotel Contessa

If you’re in San Antonio, Hotel Contessa is the place to be. The hotel’s riverfront restaurant, Ambler Kitchen + Cocktails, is celebrating National Mocktail Week with a curated selection of Ritual zero-proof mocktails and Athletic Brewing non-alcoholic beers. (Hotel Contessa, 2026)

Mocktail Week at Ambler

January 11–17, 2026

🍹 Mocktails ($14)

  • Tiki Buck – Ritual rum, pineapple, lime, demerara syrup, ginger beer
  • Cozy Blanket – Ritual tequila, cinnamon syrup, pomegranate, lime
  • Tai Breaker – Ritual rum, lime juice, orange juice, orgeat

🍺 Non-Alcoholic Beer ($6)

  • Run Wild IPA – Athletic Brewing
  • Free Wave IPA – Athletic Brewing

About Ambler Kitchen + Cocktails

Located inside Hotel Contessa, Ambler Kitchen + Cocktails is a top-rated River Walk restaurant and bar, ideal for lunch, dinner, coffee, or a crafted cocktail, alcohol-free or otherwise. Known for its bold personality, Ambler blends Southwestern-Mexican flavors with international influences. Expect inventive dishes like elevated Reuben sandwiches and fried pecan sticky buns. Texan at heart, but anything but traditional.

Visit Ambler at Hotel Contessa

Ambler Kitchen + Cocktails
306 W. Market St
San Antonio, TX 78205
📞 (210) 298-8040

Photo: Garrett Smith, used with permission.

What It Means to Matter and Why It’s Essential for a Meaningful Life

Mattering is the new book by Jennifer Wallace. Photo: Penguin Random House

We live in a world more connected than ever, yet more people feel invisible, replaceable, and disconnected from purpose than at any other time in recent history.

📚 New Book Spotlight

Mattering: The Secret to a Life of Deep Connection and Purpose

by Jennifer Breheny Wallace

From award-winning journalist and bestselling author Jennifer Wallace comes Mattering, a timely and transformative book that confronts the loneliness, burnout, and loss of purpose so many people are experiencing today. (Penguin Random House, 2025)

📅 Release date: Tuesday, January 27
📘 Status: Available now for pre-order

Why Mattering Matters

In this groundbreaking work, Wallace makes a powerful and urgent case: mattering—the feeling that we are valued and that we have an opportunity to add value—is a core human need, as essential to our well-being as food and water.

Yet in today’s world, this fundamental need is increasingly unmet, with serious consequences. As mental and social health crises continue to surge, we often point to social media, the pace of modern life, or polarizing politics as the cause. Wallace argues that beneath these forces lies a deeper issue, what she calls “an erosion of mattering.”

Stories, Science, and the Cost of Feeling Invisible

With her signature warmth and insight, Wallace weaves together compelling research and deeply moving stories of mattering lost and regained. She introduces readers to:

  • Burned-out employees
  • Overwhelmed caregivers
  • People navigating grief
  • Individuals facing destabilizing life transitions

Through these stories, Mattering shows how lives are transformed when people are reminded, often in small but intentional ways, that they are valued and that their presence and contributions truly count.

The “Mattering Core”

At the heart of the book is what Wallace calls the mattering core, made up of four essential elements:

  • Recognizing your impact
  • Being relied on (but not too much)
  • Feeling prioritized
  • Being truly known and invested in

Strengthening this core helps us reconnect with purpose, deepen our relationships, and face uncertainty with greater resilience and clarity.

Who This Book Is For

Perfect for readers of Brené Brown, David Brooks, and Adam Grant, Mattering is a rare, culture-shifting book that offers a diagnosis and a remedy. With a clear roadmap and actionable takeaways, Wallace shows how to:

  • Unlock mattering within ourselves
  • Build cultures of mattering in our homes
  • Create healthier, more connected workplaces
  • Strengthen communities that support belonging

Mattering is a call to action and a blueprint for living a meaningful life and for creating the world we so urgently need.

About the Author

Jennifer Wallace is an award-winning journalist and author of the New York Times bestselling book Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic—and What We Can Do About It, named an Amazon Best Book of the Year.

Her work has appeared in The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post. A graduate of Harvard College, Wallace began her journalism career in television at 60 Minutes.

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A Second Life for The Long Way Home as Michael Apted’s Documentary Returns at MoMA

Dave Stewart and Boris Grebenshchikov in The Long Way Home: Remastered and Expanded. Photo: EG-PR, used with permission.

The Long Way Home: Remastered and Expanded (2026)

Screening at MoMA’s To Save and Project: The 22nd International Festival of Film Preservation

Michael Apted’s The Long Way Home: Remastered and Expanded (2026) will be screened as part of To Save and Project: The 22nd MoMA International Festival of Film Preservation. (EG-PR, 2026)

About To Save and Project

To Save and Project is an international festival dedicated to newly preserved film treasures from archives, studios, and independent filmmakers. Many of the films premiering at MoMA will receive their first U.S. screening since their original release, while others will be shown in meticulously restored versions that more closely approximate their original presentation. Some titles will even be screened publicly for the first time ever in New York.

The festival runs from January 8 through February 2, 2026.

About the Film

The Long Way Home: Remastered and Expanded (2026) is a newly restored version of Michael Apted’s documentary, based on the only existing 16mm print, supervised by producer Steven Lawrence and editor Susanne Rostock.

The film is a revealing, rollicking portrait of Boris Grebenshchikov, the Soviet underground rock legend who became the first Russian rocker to record in the West during the early, optimistic days of Glasnost. It captures a rare moment of artistic freedom, cultural collision, and creative risk.

Featured Artists

The film features:

  • Boris Grebenshchikov
  • Dave Stewart
  • Members of the legendary Russian rock band Aquarium

With special appearances by:

  • Annie Lennox
  • Chrissie Hynde
  • Ray Cooper
  • Crosby, Stills & Nash
  • and many more

Boris Grebenshchikov is widely regarded as one of the “founding fathers” of Russian rock music and is the founder and lead singer of Aquarium.

Film Details

Title: The Long Way Home: Remastered and Expanded (2026)
Directed by: Michael Apted
Epilogue Directed by: Steven Lawrence & Susanne Rostock
Produced by: Steven Lawrence
Edited by: Susanne Rostock

Format: Feature Documentary
Languages: English, Russian (English subtitles)
Running Time: 98 minutes

Screening Information

To Save and Project: The 22nd MoMA International Festival of Film Preservation

Date: Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM
Location:
MoMA, Floor T2/T1, Theater 2
(The Roy and Niuta Titus Theater 2)

🎤 With an in-person introduction by Producer Steven Lawrence and Editor Susanne Rostock.

A Film Rediscovered

The Long Way Home was released to critical acclaim following its UK broadcast and its premiere at Sundance, yet it has largely disappeared over the past 30 years. By 1988, Michael Apted was already a highly regarded director in both fiction and nonfiction.

Apted’s extraordinary ability to draw people out results in a complex study of an artist who seized a fleeting moment of unimaginable freedom—recording new music with new collaborators—while grappling with the emotional fallout. Members of Aquarium felt abandoned, and longtime Russian fans were uncertain about Grebenshchikov’s English-language songs when he returned home to perform them.

Thanks to producer Steven Lawrence, the film now has a second life in this newly remastered edition. Together with editor Susanne Rostock, Lawrence has also created a new epilogue tracing Grebenshchikov’s life after the release of his U.S. album Radio Silence, including his years in exile and his outspoken criticism of Putin’s war in Ukraine.

The epilogue partially fulfills Apted’s own ambition to make a sequel—a project he hoped to complete before his death in 2021.
(Courtesy of MoMA)

The Filmmakers

Michael Apted (Director)

Michael Apted made documentaries and feature films for over forty years. His globally recognized, award-winning work includes the UP Series (1964–2019), which followed the lives of fourteen British individuals from age seven, revisiting them every seven years. His documentary work also includes The Long Way Home, Moving the Mountain, Incident at Oglala, and The Power of the Game.

Steven Lawrence (Producer / New Epilogue Co-Director)

Steven Lawrence is a producer-director who has been making documentaries for over 30 years, focusing on artists, activists, and everyday heroes—from underground Soviet rockers and Senegalese rappers fighting female genital cutting, to Brooklyn cat rescuers and scientists racing to save the human microbiome.

As a producer, his collaborations with Michael Apted include three feature documentaries, among them The Long Way Home: Remastered and Expanded (2026) and Married in America.

Susanne Rostock (Editor / New Epilogue Co-Director)

Susanne Rostock’s more than 20-year collaboration with Michael Apted as editor resulted in a series of richly provocative films, including The Long Way Home, Incident at Oglala, Me & Isaac Newton, Inspirations, The Power of the Game, and Moving the Mountain.

Season 10 Fiesta and Fundraiser at Teatro Audaz

Teatro Audaz’ Season 10 Announcement Celebration will take place this Saturday. Photo: Teatro Audaz

Noche Audaz: A Season 10 Fiesta You Don’t Want to Miss 🎉

Teatro Audaz San Antonio is turning 10 years bold, and they’re celebrating the best way they know how, with familia, cultura, and a full-on fiesta. (Teatro Audaz, 2026)

Noche Audaz marks the official kickoff of their 10th Anniversary Season, Audaz X: A Decade of Familia. It’s part party, part season reveal, and part fundraiser, all coming together for one unforgettable night honoring the past ten years and looking ahead to what’s next.

📅 When & Where

Saturday, January 10
6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Teatro Audaz
1310 S. Brazos St.
San Antonio, TX 78207

(Yes—free parking!)

🎟 Let’s Talk Tickets

Tickets are available online, and every purchase supports Teatro Audaz and its artists.

💎 Diamante Sponsor Ticket — $50

This option is perfect if you want to go all in:

  • Admission to the event
  • Delicious food
  • Two free drinks
  • A Season 10 Vecinos sponsorship, which includes a free ticket to an upcoming show

🥈 Silver Fiesta Ticket — $25

A great way to join the celebration:

  • Admission to the event
  • Delicious food
  • One free drink

🎶 What’s in Store?

Expect a lively, high-energy night filled with:

  • Amazing food and festive drinks
  • Folklórico dancers from The Academy of Mexican Folk Dance
  • Live music and special performances
  • An exclusive reveal of Teatro Audaz’s Season 10 lineup
  • Plenty of opportunities to support meaningful, community-centered art

❤️ Why Your Support Matters

Every dollar raised goes directly toward Teatro Audaz San Antonio’s productions, educational programs, and community initiatives, helping amplify underrepresented voices on and off the stage.

This night is about more than celebrating, it’s about sustaining a theatre company that tells stories that matter.

Come celebrate. Come support. Come shine with Audaz.

About Teatro Audaz

Teatro Audaz San Antonio is dedicated to creating space for Latinx stories and voices to thrive on stage. Through bold, innovative storytelling, they work to break barriers in theatre, empower artists, and build deeper connections within the community.

At its heart, Teatro Audaz believes theatre can inspire change, spark conversation, and strengthen cultural pride, here in San Antonio and beyond.

When Names Shape Destiny: A Book Review of ‘My Mother Cursed My Name’

My Mother Cursed My Name is the debut novel by Anamely Salgado Reyes. Photo: Barnes & Noble

My Mother Cursed My Name Book Review: A Magical Realism Novel About Generational Trauma

My Mother Cursed My Name by Anamely Salgado Reyes is a debut novel that explores three generations of strong Mexican American women: Olvido, Angustias, and Felicitas. Blending magical realism, women’s fiction, and family drama, the novel examines generational trauma, grief, identity, and the power of names. Set near the U.S.–Mexico border, the story follows a grandmother’s ghost who meddles in her living family’s life from beyond the grave.

Book Overview: What My Mother Cursed My Name Is About

The novel opens with the history of the Olivares women, dating back to 1917, when Justa Olivares named her daughter Calamidades. Justa believed hardship built character and if she suffered, her daughter should too.

“For generations, the women in the Olivares family attempted to change the course of destiny through the power of names.”

Fast forward to Oakville, Arkansas, where Angustias abruptly pulls her ten-year-old daughter Felicitas out of school to leave town once again. On the road, Felicitas speaks with a mysterious intruder as they head to Grace, Texas, Angustias’ hometown, where her mother Olvido has just died.

The intruder is Olvido herself. Felicitas has the ability to see ghosts, allowing Olvido to linger. Convinced she cannot cross over without resolving unfinished business, Olvido insists on “fixing” Angustias’ life, including her family, career, faith, and future, by working through Felicitas.

Felicitas, who never knew her grandmother, agrees to help in hopes of understanding her. Meanwhile, Angustias, grieving and eager to leave Texas behind, is baffled when the town suddenly rallies around her offering jobs, matchmaking, and church invitations.

Each woman possesses a unique gift: Felicitas sees ghosts, Angustias sees people’s auras, and Olvido draws confessions from others through her cooking. Ultimately, they must learn how to truly listen to one another.

Review: Themes of Generational Trauma, Identity, and Motherhood

My Mother Cursed My Name is a haunting and intimate novel about inherited trauma, unresolved love, and the weight of family expectations. It asks a central question: how much of our destiny is decided before we are born?

The story alternates between Olvido, her daughter Angustias, and her granddaughter Felicitas, revealing how control, often disguised as protection, damages relationships. Olvido’s belief that names determine fate casts a long shadow across generations.

When Angustias becomes pregnant as a teenager, her choice to leave home feels both reckless and necessary, a desperate act of self-preservation. Years later, Felicitas’ attempt to connect with her grandmother delivers a darkly ironic truth: although Olvido is dead, her influence remains powerful.

Reyes’s prose is restrained, vivid, and poetic:

“Between the humidity and the running, her hair has tangled in multiple places as if various birds fought to make a nest on her head.”

Blending emotional realism with a subtle gothic tone, the novel uses death as a metaphor for estrangement and healing. My Mother Cursed My Name is ultimately a poignant exploration of motherhood, resentment, cultural inheritance, and the difficult work of breaking cycles we inherit without consent.

Readers who enjoy Latina literature, magical realism novels, and women’s fiction about family and identity will find this story heartwarming and thought-provoking.

“If only mistakes could anchor Angustias without drowning her, she wouldn’t be so determined on sailing the unknown sea.”

Rating: 4 out of 5.

About the Author: Anamely Salgado Reyes

Anamely Salgado Reyes grew up on both sides of the Mexico–Texas border. Now based in the Rio Grande Valley, she writes stories rooted in family, friendship, culture, and the quiet magic found in everyday life.

Bad Brains Partners With Trust Records to Preserve Punk’s Most Powerful Legacy

Bad Brains 1981 backstage at CBGB New York City. Photo: Glen E. Friedman, used with permission.

Bad Brains Partners With Trust Records to Preserve Punk Legacy

NEW YORK, NY —  The iconic and highly influential punk rock band Bad Brains announced last month that they have partnered with Trust Records, the company formed to ensure that classic punk and hardcore music continues to endure. (another side, 2025)

A New Chapter With Trust Records

Under the new deal, Trust Records will ensure that Bad Brains’ music remains available for generations to come. In addition, Trust Records has established an Artist Advisory Board, on which Bad Brains bassist Darryl Jenifer will serve. The board will help guide the future creative vision of Trust Records.

The partnership will govern and administer the entirety of Bad Brains’ owned and controlled intellectual property, including:

  • Music publishing
  • Recorded music
  • Name and likeness
  • Trademarks
  • Visual intellectual property

This includes the band’s self-titled debut album as well as seminal releases Rock for Light, I Against I, and Quickness.

Darryl Jenifer on the Partnership

“After 40 plus years of forging the spirit PMA through our brand of progressive punk rock aka Hardcore, I’m happy that Bad Brains will be sharing the wheel with TRUST in our ongoing quest to keep Bad Brains alive in the hearts and minds of our supporters as we step into the future. TRUST’s love and knowledge of Bad Brains and the PMA ethos makes them a perfect match to partner with as we keep Bad Brains ‘Sailin’ On’. Stay tuned for what’s next to come. One love and a hefty dose of PMA.”
— Darryl Jenifer, Bad Brains bassist

The Legacy of Bad Brains

Formed in 1978 in Washington, DC, Bad Brains is one of the most influential American recording artists to emerge from the punk and hardcore scene. The band’s pioneering artistry, strong ethics, and virtuosic musicianship have had a profound effect on global culture.

Bad Brains are cited as an influence by countless artists, including Rage Against the Machine, Beastie Boys, Metallica, Red Hot Chili Peppers, No Doubt, Sublime, Green Day, Pearl Jam, Foo Fighters, and Deftones.

The original lineup consisted of H.R. (vocals), Dr. Know (guitar), Darryl Jenifer (bass), and Earl Hudson (drums).

Trust Records on the Partnership

“We started Trust Records to promote, preserve, and protect punk and hardcore music and the culture that surrounds it. Bad Brains is the absolute top of the mountain in punk and hardcore. They taught the rest of us how to do it. It is the highest honor to partner with Darryl and Bad Brains in the stewardship of their iconic work.”
— Matt Pincus, Founder, Trust Records

“Bad Brains are an iconic and legendary band whose impact on global culture cannot be overstated. We are thrilled that they’ve chosen Trust Records as their home and we look forward to working with them to continue to build their fan base around the world.”
— Joe Nelson, Co-founder, Trust Records

About Trust Records

Founded in 2020, Trust Records was created to give classic punk and hardcore records the home they deserve. Born from DIY roots, the genre’s most influential releases shaped generations of disaffected youth around the world. As the industry moves further into the streaming age, preserving both the spirit and legacy of this music is more important than ever.

Trust Records focuses on ensuring this music remains accessible to future generations while maintaining historical accuracy and high-quality releases.

Their catalog includes 40th Anniversary Deluxe editions of Circle Jerks’ Group Sex and Wild in the Streets, 7Seconds’ landmark 1984 album The Crew, and reissues of Youth Brigade’s Sound and Fury, DFL’s My Crazy Life, SSD’s The Kids Will Have Their Say, Ink & Dagger’s The Complete Works, and more.