Set Apart by K.J. McCall
A philosophical and political thriller on the contemporary cutting edge, Set Apart by K.J. McCall is a slow-burning, character-driven case for a shift in socialized thinking. Examining the healthcare system through a number of intertwined lenses, a dark conspiracy comes to light – one that may discourage more progressive readers, as it takes less than a chapter for the political perspective of the novel to become clear. However, nationalized healthcare is a perennial hot-button issue, and McCall explores the subject with nuance, creativity, and a confidently informed tone. The storytelling is declarative and the dialogue can be loaded with exposition, which sometimes overshadows the characters’ personalities, but the author manages to merge romance, scandal, family drama, social analysis, and existential quandaries into an entertaining escape.
Apothecary by Josh Long
An inimitably strange plunge into the lives of an odd quartet in Nashville, Apothecary: A Tale of Two Cities (Mas o Menos) by Josh Long is genre-bending, baffling, and refreshingly original. Breaking traditional literary rules, as well as the fourth wall, this novel is experimental and ambitious, overflowing with insightful observations about the human condition, sharply witty dialogue, and effortless thematic weaving. While the structure would be a challenge for any author, the stories within stories make the reading experience an addictive pleasure. Fierce, bizarre, and intimate all at once, Apothecary is a richly crafted and thoroughly unique offering from a strong contemporary voice.
Nowhere to Hide by Neil Turner
The cruelty of fate clashes with the power of resilience in Nowhere to Hide by Neil Turner, the latest gripping read in the Tony Valenti Mystery series. The relationships between Kevin, Pat, and Tony are crafted beautifully, while the antagonists of the novel are immediately evident, making it easy for readers to choose their side and stay there. With timely themes, compelling characters both familiar and fresh, and relatable storytelling about the dynamics within a family, Turner has delivered another thought-provoking gem of a thriller.
The Last Disciple by Kurt Brouwer
The Last Disciple: Crisis in Jerusalem by Kurt Brouwer is an ambitious work of Christian historical fiction, outlining the years after the crucifixion and resurrection, as John is tasked with protecting Mary and spreading the good word, opening himself up to danger from the Roman legions and violent power struggles in Jerusalem. Drawing inspiration from the Bible and other religious texts, the novel opens with the violent execution of James and its consequences on Jesus’ followers in Jerusalem, and the rest of the novel follows suit – vivid in its historical detail, and breathing a whole new life into biblical figures such as John, Bartholomew, Emmaus, Rachel, and Deborah. With Brouwer’s rich, captivating prose, the novel deftly fuses together a blend of real history and fictional world-building that is recommended for both believers and avid readers of historical fiction.
Fish Culture in Yellowstone National Park by Frank H. Tainter, Ph.D.
For any avid fisherman with a passion for history and an appreciation of natural beauty, Fish Culture in Yellowstone National Park: The Early Years: 1901-1930 by Frank H. Tainter, Ph.D. will be a riveting read. Calling attention to the unique approaches that Yellowstone National Park originally adopted to cultivate its now rich ecosystem of fish, this plunge into the past is stirring and comprehensive, acting as a tribute to hardworking people generations ago who dedicated themselves to a monumental collaborative effort. Informative and inspiring, the book highlights man’s delicate relationship with nature, and how beautiful it can be when that connection is protected.
The Boy With The Witch’s Nails by Shannon Shim
The Boy With The Witch’s Nails by Shannon Shim is a wildly creative work of middle grade fantasy set in the stunning Tuscan countryside, teeming with myths and legends about witches, and inventing new myths along the way. Lucio, the son of a winemaker in Montalcino, finds a witch’s remains in the infamous Witch’s Forest near the village and steals her all-powerful nails. Will the magic nails be enough to keep him safe from the witch’s wrath, and has he unearthed something foreboding for the people of the village? Compulsively readable and impressive in its imaginative scope, this fantasy book will delight young readers in search of an adventure steeped in old stories, alá Harry Potter – matching that series’ ambition with a darker twist.