Reviews in Brief

An imminent global disaster sets up a tech-driven power grab of epic proportions in Space Shield: The Wrath of the Sun by Jeremy Clift. To prevent the apocalyptic impact of solar “hiccups,” a lunar-based strategy is proposed, but the cold-blooded consortium taking charge of planetary defense would essentially have the power to play god and profit like kings. Boasting a bold style of near-future sci-fi that hits like a panicked nudge to contemporary anxiety, this well-paced and deeply researched read points at our own potential fate under the influence of tech overlords and corporate space cowboys. Timely and gripping, the complexity of ethics, family loyalties, survival instincts, and the weight of sacrifice combine for an incisive, provocative thriller.

A boldly radical vision of human origins that casts doubt on Judeo-Christian divinity, The Left Hand of the Biblical Gods by Carlton Morris challenges the history and foundations of faith. According to this deeply developed theory, a highly advanced alien species colonized Earth with a genetically engineered subspecies – human beings who served and existed under the otherworldly leadership of a Lord God. Following the apocalyptic flood recounted in historical texts across the world, the survivors’ understanding of the world and subsequent belief systems evolved into the religious traditions we know today. Relying on scripture as evidence, while also requiring some suspension of disbelief, this book is a lengthy, determined quest to redefine human ancestry and our connection to the divine that may feel like conjecture more than fact at times, but still plausible throughout, given the author’s detailed examination of this contentious topic.

Presenting an expansive perspective on the story of Creation and the origin of man, Jehovah the First God Father by Carlton Morris offers a biblical revelation fusing science, divinity, and the dogmatic storytelling that has shaped humanity. Beginning from the foundational idea that Adam and Eve were genetically engineered by a technologically advanced power, “the Living Creature,” Morris’ treatise critiques and reimagines core components of Judeo-Christian tradition through this extraterrestrial lens. Drawing from personal anecdotes, theological sources, and cutting-edge science to deliver a creative, nuanced, and subversive theory about our misunderstood place in the universe, this is an eye-opening exposé that is wholly intriguing and potentially persuasive, so long as the text is approached with an open, investigative mind.

A tender collection of personal reflections and wise lessons from a skilled chronicler of life experience, Random Thoughts of an Old Man in a Rocking Chair by Carlton Morris is a humble memento of the author’s storied existence. From musings on the nature of reality and the presence of everyday angels to snapshot memories of New Orleans, the long family business of military service, and his late-life revelations about dogma and alien deities, Morris’ memoir is an anecdotal kaleidoscope of his undeniably eclectic life. With an easy stream-of-consciousness style, the storytelling is raw and accessible, sincerely laced with philosophy, humor, and poignant examinations of the hidden meaning in our one sacred life.

A revelatory dive into an overlooked, unnamed figure of biblical lore, A Notable Woman by Don Anderson expands an anonymous tale into a timeless, long-form parable. Reading between the lines of the biblical text and summoning the historical context of the day, Anderson brings “Marta” to life, celebrating her trailblazing attitude and fierce independence as a Gentile rebel through this Scripture-derived narrative. For readers who prefer nontraditional heroines and spiritual stories layered with empowering themes, this direct and deeply researched read is both moving and enlightening. Anderson brings poignant detail to a seemingly inconsequential person who nonetheless left a lasting impact, which feels more human and relatable than other stories in the Old Testament.

Savagely succinct and off-the-cuff insightful, People I Know by David Joseph is a potent dose of short-form fiction that pokes at the meaning of minutiae in our lives. From nostalgic recollections of oddball neighbors and tales of youthful innocence to gritty portraits of grief and violent vignettes of small-town life, this is a visceral collage of snapshot experience. At times dissolving the line between poetry and prose, the writing is stark and poignant, revealing the idiosyncrasies and intimacies of human nature with casual storytelling grace. Relatable, vivid, and intricately layered with simple wisdom, this openhearted offering is a dark-horse knockout of short fiction.