Reviewed by Trudi LoPreto for Readers' Favorite

I just had a delightful trip down Memory Lane as I read the eleven stories of Duck and Cover by Rich Elliott. I did not grow up in the small town of Milford, Illinois, but in the larger and more citified Bronx, New York; this did not in any way detract from any of the enjoyment though. I could relate to so many of the stories and each one brought a smile to my face. I too had a wonderful English teacher who made learning fun and encouraged each of us to do the best we could. While I was a die-hard New York Yankee fan, I could feel the excitement and the desire for that one special White Sox baseball card. And, of course, who could ever forget the first time we heard the Beatles and instantly fell in love with their long hair and new sounds. Curling up under our little wooden desks was always scary but exciting too. There is so much in each of these stories, making them a special time.

Duck and Cover is a lighthearted look at childhood during those wonderful 1950s and '60s that will never come again. Author Rich Elliott is an excellent storyteller with a flair for the good old days. I do not think it will matter where you lived, how you grew up, or even how old or young you are - Duck and Cover is a book about growing from childhood into adulthood; with good, bad, scary, funny, happy and sad events. Readers of all ages should read Duck and Cover.

Reviewed by Lorraine Cobcroft for Readers' Favorite

Five stories. Five amazing and enlightening stories about various means of suppression of women. These stories are told in the first person by women who have been forced into marriage as children, raped, or had their bodies mutilated by procedures that are customary in some cultures. Sad stories, beautifully told. The first letter of a relevant quotation at the start of each story spells the word 'woman'. V.P. Evans says he had doubts, "as an unknown writer" about his ability to "slip into the diversity and complexity of a woman’s world". He need not have feared. This is an author with an impressive depth of perception and great empathy. He clearly researched his topics thoroughly. His descriptions were original and vivid. Some of the prose was magnificently poetic, and a joy to read over and over, just for the music the words made.

The stunning cover design warns you: this is not light reading. The stories will most likely make you angry. The writing is evocative. The author compels you to walk for a while in the shoes of someone who suffered due to unspeakable wrongs, and you feel the pain. But if you appreciate writers who take you into other worlds and make you truly experience and understand the life challenges faced by others... if you appreciate writers whose writing 'nudges the world a little', driving reflection and possibly - hopefully - motivating some readers, somewhere, to take action to make the world a better place - this is a must-read.

The preface ends with the words: "Millions of voices sunk behind closed doors, far away or next-doors. But still, in a whirl of violation of their rights, every single one of those women shares a common feature: a heart with boundless strength. This book belongs to them." V.P. Evans has given abused women a voice - a voice that can be heard clearly and that speaks right from the depths of their hearts. That's a remarkable feat for a male writer. It's a short read: less than 60 pages. But I'll read it again, and maybe again. And I'll certainly look for more of V.P. Evans' writings. I love his work! This was just magnificent writing, and the professional formatting and cover design more than did it justice.

Reviewed by Tracy Young for Readers' Favorite

Crueler and More Unusual by Erik Dean is an anthology of stories about the judicial system and how it may develop in the future. Dummy is a chilling tale of how, despite the barrage of information available, there are still people who think it is okay to drink and drive. Robert Holman is such a person and he has consistently offended and chose to ignore the warnings. Many people believe that the punishment should fit the crime. Dummy is a tale of what happens when that belief is adhered to. Early Release is the story of a young man who has been caught up in the justice system but is given the chance to gain his freedom with the Early Release program. His victim’s family have a limited amount of time to exact their punishment, but Kelvin receives help from a most unlikely source.

Public Pool is a story about the crime of passion and greed. Business partners who have overcome many obstacles to make their business successful are halted by a final twist in their relationship. This classic tale is cleverly told with a jaw-dropping finale! Broken Justice is a chilling look into what could happen if the courts were dehumanized. All manners of crimes are dealt with by technology, and justice is meted out swiftly and brutally. What happens though when Mother Nature has taken center stage and threatens to disrupt the system? Can justice compete with Nature or will it be found wanting?

I loved this book! Erik Dean is a storyteller of the highest caliber and I was gripped by Crueler and More Unusual. His vision of a judicial system of the future is especially terrifying as it is so plausible. The subject of capital punishment is a contentious one, whatever your beliefs, and the subject is handled perfectly. I cannot wait to check out Erik Dean's other titles and will highly recommend this book to friends. This is a great read and would look amazing on screen! Watch out for those twists; they will leave you open mouthed!

Reviewed by Viga Boland for Readers' Favorite

“Everybody has a story” is a well-worn phrase. But how many of us, as we go about our busy lives, ever stop to think about the home life of that disabled boy carrying out groceries or rounding up the emptied shopping carts around the parking lot? Or what would we find if we could read the mind and heart of that circus side-show attraction, the tiny female dwarf in the cute polka-dot dress? Or how does the trucker, who kindly stops to help a near lifeless girl on the highway, feel when his good Samaritan gesture turns his life upside-down? These are just a handful of many everyday people whose stories would never be told if it wasn’t for writers like William H. Coles.

The Illustrated Short Fiction of William H. Coles: 2000-2016 is a magnificent collection of 31 short stories of varying lengths, two graphic novels, and one of his most popular novellas, Sister Carrie. And as we move from one story to another, the lives, hearts and souls of ordinary people like us are told in Coles’ straightforward, uncluttered style, where what people say and do to each other is more gripping and unforgettable than the most intricate plots ever written. What’s it like to be raised Amish and then dare to fall in love with someone outside the community? What’s it like to have to deliver a eulogy for those you can barely tolerate when their families are grieving the loss of their loved one? And who will give a stillborn child, seen as and thought of as a “thing,” some kind of burial? Stories such as these will keep us glued to The Illustrated Short Fiction of William H. Coles: 2000-2016.

“Award-winning short stories of characters facing moral decisions that stretch their lives to mirror who they are and what they might become” is how this book has been described on Coles' website, “Story in Literary Fiction.” That sums The Illustrated Short Fiction of William H. Coles: 2000-2016 perfectly. As a reader, Coles’ collection has reminded me of why and how literary fiction differs from popular fiction. It’s a reminder of why, as students in the sixties, we studied writers like Charles Dickens, Gustave Flaubert and Emily Bronte: plot mattered but character mattered more. But on a personal note, as a writer, for me The Illustrated Short Fiction of William H. Coles: 2000-2016 has opened a whole new world of possibilities. I can no longer look at the drunk passed out in a doorway downtown, or listen to the irritated voice of a customer service advisor, or watch a now disfigured young woman with the voice of an angel on America’s Got Talent who was one of only two who survived a horrific plane crash without wanting to know their story. Better yet, I am inspired to write such stories one day, and can only hope to do so as beautifully as William H. Coles has written these. I have read many books on how to write, but I’ve learned much more about writing by reading The Illustrated Short Fiction of William H. Coles: 2000-2016. Thank you, William H. Coles, for your inspiring and motivating stories that have touched this writer/reviewer so deeply.

Reviewed by Sarah Stuart for Readers' Favorite

A Stitch in Time: Six Thought-provoking Stories About Time & Reality comprises tales of various lengths and styles, but always capturing moments in time that are special to one or more people. Or perhaps not capturing it, for is your “now” mine? The first story, Clocks Slay Time, can be read straight through or in chapter number order, and the story is different; it is a matter of perception. Who knows what mysteries the others hold? Romance, horror, computer manipulation, sci-fi, and an Ireland divided: thought-provoking stories indeed come from the mind of Senan Gil Senan, beautifully and vividly written, but are you ready for a roller coaster ride through a miscellany of emotions? Will you accept the challenge, and end up utterly confused or possibly wiser?

A Stitch in Time: Six Thought-provoking Stories About Time & Reality by Senan Gil Senan captivated me completely. Every story is different in length and subject, but the concept is always the same: time. There is even an element of comedy, for who could resist Cynthia Parkes, a lonely widow who makes sure her home is spotless before she turns on her laptop, just in case anyone is looking? Her worry is the camera! My favourite is Timeless; the description of an eight-year-old boy’s experience of an explosion during the Irish troubles in Belfast, and its lasting effects, is a heart-breaker. For me, it encompasses everything Senan Gil Senan has expressed throughout, and he does it in the shortest story of all. A Stitch in Time is a marvellous book from a very talented author.

Reviewed by Justine Reyes for Readers' Favorite

It is not often that I stumble upon a book with a title such as Dolph the Unicorn Killer & Other Stories. It isn’t often that the covers of such books feature a man built like a bull, holding the freshly severed head of a unicorn in one hand and a sword in the other. It definitely stood out and immediately piqued my curiosity. Because why on earth would anybody kill unicorns? Martin Lastrapes, the author of this comical anthology, will bluntly lay it down for you. Of course, Dolph the Unicorn Killer isn’t the only story in this book and, despite being in the title, it is one of the last chapters. Dolph the Unicorn Killer & Other Stories can be interpreted as both a satire and a bit of an homage to Sin City and supernatural fiction anthologies. Yet be warned, there are vampires, profanity, and a whole lot of laughter.

I don’t think I’ve ever read anything like Dolph the Unicorn Killer& Other Stories in this sub genre of science fiction and fantasy, at least nothing as profoundly imaginative. Lastrapes does not let the conventional boundaries of fiction writing tie him down. The development of each story is thoughtful and humorous. The plots are ingenious. Figuratively speaking, Lastrapes is a madman with a pen. His word usage is tastefully vulgar and necessary, and although the violence and profanity may deter some people from reading, they will only end up sorely regretting not taking a glimpse at the whimsical tales within the pages of this book.

Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite

Going Gone by Abraham Lopez is a unique novel, a single story with deep layers. A tragedy strikes, the assassination of one man in the Middle East, and the lives of different people go spiraling out of control. Readers encounter a CIA agent, the military, and a host of other characters, including seemingly ordinary people, as they struggle to reconnect the dots and get an understanding of events in a world spiraling out of control. But who is behind the assassination? The killing of Saiid will rouse the most powerful and resourceful anti-Western groups in the Persian Gulf region. And who is responsible for this tragedy? Can the retired CIA director, now living with a terminal condition, fathom it out?

Abraham Lopez has a style that is unique and the narrative features very insightful and compelling passages, great political, cultural, and social commentaries that readers will find interesting. The story is intelligently plotted and purpose-driven, showing readers how one reckless act of murder can affect the world and international politics. The author has a great sense of setting and the international setting of this novel comes out brilliantly, with strong cultural and political elements seamlessly woven into the fabric of the tale.

Characters are well handled and readers will enjoy following some of them, each crafted with a solid background and relationships that allow readers to see them in their society and clearly in the story. The theme of terrorism and espionage is well developed alongside murder, which is at the center of the narrative. There are exciting dialogues sprinkled throughout the book and they are so intelligently crafted. One of the insightful moments I have pondered on is: ‘“How do you catch a jewel thief?” a mentor of his had once asked him. Before he could attempt a guess, the mentor had answered with a smirk, “You hire a better jewel thief.”’ If you’re looking for crime with compelling characters and a twist, then Going Gone will offer a lot of entertainment. Abraham Lopez has a gift for character and plot.

Reviewed by Viga Boland for Readers' Favorite

When you read a review that describes a book as “riveting” and/or “one that you can't put it down”, you think of books like thrillers or mystery fiction. You don't think of books like A Second Less Capable Head and Other Rogue Stories by James Hanna. But this is a collection that you will indeed find you can't stop reading because you can’t wait to find out what will happen in the end. And the ending in just about every story will surprise you. So come to this collection with an open mind that expects the unexpected, and you will not be disappointed.

That second less capable head in the title belongs, in the first story, to Virgil and it’s growing at a rapid rate out of his neck…and the necks of hundreds of others across the US. Virgil wants it cut out, but according to the law, that would be murder. His girlfriend, who thinks the head is cute, names the second head Alf, but as soon as Virgil learns that he can now legally get the head removed and used by someone who needs a better head than they have, he goes for the operation. The only question left for the reader at the end of this story is which head is indeed the less capable! Bizarre? Yes. Humorous? To a degree. The same words might be used to describe the second story, about the tiny and beautiful human Thumbelinas that families can adopt. When you adopt one, as Henry Hokum does at his young daughter’s request, weeny Clarissa moves into their living room where she resides in her own fully-equipped doll house. What the reader sees via Henry Hokum through Clarissa is a side of themselves which many men ignore.

What? You’d be forgiven if you think right now that these stories sound ridiculous and ask is there any point to them other than to amuse? You bet there is and that’s why you have to read every story in this collection. After the first few unusual stories, which are not supernatural but beyond the natural, we enter the real world that James Hanna has encountered in his years as a probation officer: it’s an ugly, often heart-breaking world of criminals, stalkers, schizophrenics, prostitutes and murderers. By the time you finish reading each story, you truly begin to feel like you have suddenly grown a second, more capable head, a head more capable of understanding what makes bad people bad. You will find yourself questioning just how evil is Ryan O’Shaughnessy who has murdered over 40 people: he believes he’s doing a good thing for society, ridding it of the real vermin. Oddly enough, you might find yourself inclined to agree with him.

Many of the stories will touch your heart. They go deep, way deeper than simple, sad love stories. Many grab you as no thriller can. Others, like the one about the woman who finds love online with a husband whose farm grows plants beyond imagination, have political and cultural implications. Still others take you across the lonely, dry lands of Australia, or down the alleyways of the Kings Cross section of Sydney, as famous for its prostitutes, trans and gay population as for its delicious Aussie meat pies. This collection will make you sit back as both a reader, and a writer, if you are one, and wonder about the endless limits of a writer’s imagination. The world in this collection is often bizarre, but so realistic that it’s frightening!

Reviewed by Joel R. Dennstedt for Readers' Favorite

One perfect word quickly comes to mind when trying to distill the effect of Theodore Jerome Cohen’s collection of short (truly short) stories in The Road Less Taken. The word is: Gripping. And I do not use that word lightly. I mean, utterly, sometimes devastatingly, gripping. Almost in the literal sense that these narratives – some more like vignettes - reach out to grasp your attention and your mind and threaten to pull your body deep inside their imaginative but all too physical reality. The brief nature of each story works to its advantage, as if one is given a tantalizing but gripping – there’s that inevitable adjective again – glimpse into a moment so intense and so fraught with consequence and pregnant with meaning, usually historical, one wants (but also fears) to hang around just to see the future outcome.

In The Road Less Taken, Theodore Jerome Cohen gives fair warning that truth and fiction are woven together closely, too closely for one to pick apart. Although this in large part explains the potency of these momentary glimpses into the past, it is Dr. Cohen’s impeccable writing skills that give to them such a ... you know the word by now ... quality. One might be sharing an old friend’s revelation of meeting secretly at night, on a ship, with the three allied leaders of WWII where the presumably well-known friend startlingly turns out to offer the sole solution to the travesties caused by German U-boats, or one might be witnessing purely through a diary’s late-to-come translation the dissolution of a young girl’s mind. The feeling throughout this profound book is one of extremely personal secrets, with major historical importance much too long withheld, suddenly exposed. Reading Dr. Cohen’s stories is a heady experience. And utterly, you know, gripping.

Reviewed by Benjamin Ookami for Readers' Favorite

Whether it is the many years that Roland Allnach has spent working hospital night shifts or just an overly imaginative mind capable of shaping one of a kind horrors, the reason why he has won so many literary awards screams out in every dose of flat out weirdness that can be found in Oddities & Entities 2: Vessels. In the short story Defaeco, a man who goes by the alias of John uses the services of a woman named Eve to, shall we say, go on a journey. For fans of dystopian fiction, the short story Parts with Hearts forces a father and son to make tough decisions for the benefit of the military. Six short stories, one poem, one novelette, and one novella are the pieces of this collection.

This is one journey into the weird I'll never forget. Our bodies are things that we will only escape through death. We die and we leave our vessels. For the characters in some of these stories, escaping their vessels are not that simple and I don't exactly know how to put into words the weirdness of some of the creatures I've read about throughout the course of this book. I've never encountered Allnach's oddities anywhere else. The novella Overlay revolves around two shape shifters, but the oddness and horror of it all comes with Allnach's own unique twists. His originality coupled with his well developed characters and amazing story telling capabilities fuse together to become an unforgettable book in the horror genre.