Book review of Ancilla: Master, Teach Me (The Magnum Opus, #1) by Sera Maddox Drake . ISBN: 9798889408604 < Back Ancilla: Master, Teach Me (The Magnum Opus, #1) Sera Maddox Drake Literary erotica, esoteric, occult themes, forbidden passion, power Self-publishing under the Lavande Mistral imprint Share this review: Copy link Facebook LinkedIn X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest An erotic exploration of selfhood, Sera Maddox Drake’s Ancilla: Master, Teach Me follows one woman’s pursuit of spiritual mastery through her submission to the man who is both her teacher and soulmate. Ancilla opens with a scene where, as a child, the titular protagonist teaches a younger girl to conquer her fear of the monkey bars by doing them with her. This is apt foreshadowing for the mentoring relationship that is to come. The first chapter follows Ancilla throughout her early years, tracing the emergence of her erotic predilections as well as the social, familial, and financial devastation that they cause her. The true arc of the story, however, begins with her meeting the man she will come to know as Erastes; her lover, teacher, master, and soulmate. As Erastes guides Ancilla through a journey of spiritual self-determination and rebirth, which primarily occurs through a hybrid variety of Kabbalistic magick, their relationship deepens as well. Ancilla discovers the ways in which pain and submission are her path to enlightenment, as well as how the line between suffering and ecstasy is so easily blurred – if there at all. As Erastes teaches Ancilla the art of forging her own destiny however, it results in her greatest suffering yet. The most compelling moments within Ancilla are those between the protagonist and her lover. Drake approaches the power differential of their BDSM relationship as dominant and submissive, as well as their spiritual relationship as teacher and student, with surprising nuance and tenderness. Erastes subverts the stereotypical depictions of a male dominant, and demonstrates how consent and care are foundational to even the most extreme expressions of passion. Drake continuously underscores the fact that while there is incredible pleasure for both parties in the performance of these asymmetric relationships, they are also a means to an end. Namely, Ancilla’s ability to be a teacher and guide for others. Beneath the continual negotiation of a relationship that is entrenched in the particularities of BDSM subculture and Thelemic sex magick, there are conversations that anyone can relate to. What happens when one partner is unable to meet the needs of another? How is trust necessary for exploration? How do we reconcile personal ambitions with interpersonal commitments? Drake’s approach to these debates through the lens of consensual power imbalance makes for refreshing answers to age-old questions. While the historical, philosophical, and spiritual topics covered in Ancilla certainly provide depth to the relationship dynamics that Drake is exploring, they also detract from the book’s accessibility to a wider audience. Those not previously familiar with Hellenic myths, Arthurian literature, psychoanalytic philosophy, or the traditions of the Hermetic order of the Golden Dawn, may find themselves struggling to follow Ancilla’s conversations and internal monologue. This is a shame, considering that much of Ancilla and Erastes’ romance can be found in their intellectual sparring, and Ancilla’s spiritual journey is directly understood through the Kabbalistic Tree of Life. Drake does include an afterword on the book’s structure around Kabbalah, an appendix for Greek and Latin translations, a reading list, and an illustration gallery, all of which some readers may find helpful in digesting the more theoretical content. Others may balk at what could feel like a homework assignment. Despite these hurdles, even the most novice layman can find something to enjoy in Drake’s tantalizing story of love, passion, and spiritual deliverance. Historical erotica nerds, eat your heart out. Previous Next

Book review of Night of San Juan by Robert Karl . ISBN: 9798992951325 < Back Night of San Juan Robert Karl Independently Published Share this review: Copy link Facebook LinkedIn X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest A young adult contemporary coming-of-age novel about two teenage boys in Puerto Rico whose relationship develops while they face family and environmental adversity. Robert A. Karl’s Night of San Juan is an ambitious young adult novel that weaves first love and identity exploration with heavy socio-political backdrops: colonial tension, family hostility, gang violence, and the devastating impact of Hurricane Maria. Set against 2017 Puerto Rico, the narrative follows Saint John, a U.S. serviceman’s son, and Mateo, a local teen trapped by familial trauma and gang ties, as they navigate a forbidden romance. In 2017, military brat Saint John relocates from Brooklyn to San Juan, long accustomed to frequent moves and keeping his attraction to boys a secret. Meanwhile, fifteen-year-old Mateo lives in Río Piedras, skipping school to avoid relentless bullying while hiding both his sexuality and his terror of local gang violence. Compounding Mateo's struggles is his family's deep-seated resentment of Americans; a generational grudge passed down through the women in his household following a past assault by a U.S. soldier. The strength of the novel lies in its atmospheric rich setting and the poignant symbolic resonance of its titular ritual. Karl uses the backdrop of San Juan, from Piñones to secret riverside hideaways, to ground Saint and Mateo’s romance in authentic geography and shared vulnerability. The central romance offers a delicate counterweight to the external chaos, using the Night of San Juan tradition as an emotional anchor that symbolizes hope and endurance. With multiple events and happenings such as conversion camp threats, intergenerational anti-American trauma, gang murders, and a pair of catastrophic hurricanes into a single narrative, the plot feels overburdened at times. The post-Hurricane Maria separation, stretching across communication blackouts and an abusive relocation to Connecticut, threatens to displace the delicate intimacy built in the first half. Ultimately, Night of San Juan succeeds as a powerful testament to resilience and young love. While its sprawling plot points occasionally risk overshadowing its emotional core, the story’s authentic atmosphere and triumphant reunion offer LGBTQ+ readers a deeply cathartic and memorable coming-of-age journey. Previous Next

Learn more about Lee Woodman Colorscapes < Back Lee Woodman Colorscapes A Decade in Color: Lee Woodman’s Latest Triumph Lee Woodman’s Colorscapes , the most recent installment in her celebrated "Scapes" series, has emerged as a stellar entry of the 2026 Independent Press Award season, garnering a Distinguished Favorite in the poetry category. This collection, published by Shanti Arts Publishing, serves as a masterclass in ekphrastic poetry, blending Woodman’s deep-seated connection to visual art with her lyrical prowess. The Independent Press Award recognition for Colorscapes comes at an auspicious time, and is particularly poignant in 2026, as it marks the culmination of a decade-long project for Woodman. The book explores the sensory and emotional weight of the color spectrum, from the vibrant "Sari Reds" of her childhood in India to the intellectual "Gallery Greys" of her career at the Smithsonian. Beyond the award itself, Woodman’s impact on the 2026 Independent Press Award cycle extends to this year’s BookCAMP 2026 in Newark, New Jersey. Lee is a featured expert, leading sessions on "Crafting and Marketing a Series." Her success story provides a structure for independent authors to think about and how to build a cohesive literary brand without sacrificing artistic integrity. Colorscapes is moving beyond niche poetry circles into a broader cultural conversation. Her work has been praised for its "painterly precision" and its ability to make the reader "see" language. As Lee bridges the gap between the visual and the verbal, her Independent Press Award victory solidifies her legacy as one of the most significant voices in contemporary independent literature. Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

< Back Author Signings and Books on Display at the American Library Association 2025 in Philadelphia, PA July 29, 2025 at 8:52:29 AM As publisher of Printed Word Reviews, I'm thrilled to introduce 12 authors in person signings at ALA 2025, as well as over a dozen curated authors with their book on display, that represent a vibrant and multifaceted cross-section of the contemporary publishing world. All authors are recognized by our Independent Press and/or NYC Big Book awards. Their diverse backgrounds—from law to medicine to film to financial planning—enrich the contemporary publishing landscape. Librarians, visit the Printed Word Reviews, Table 1652, to acquire these vital titles to fill gaps in your collection! Michele Kwasniewski is scheduled to hold an author signing at ALA, Table 1652, on Friday, June 27th, at 6:00 PM. She also appeared at the Tucson Festival of Books on March 10th, and the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, as well as AWP in Los Angeles at the Printed Word Reviews table, where she signed “Falling Star: Book Three in the Rise and Fall of Dani Truehart Series.” Michele Kwasniewski is an award-winning author of the Young Adult (YA) series, "The Rise and Fall of Dani Truehart," which includes “ Rising Star,” “Burning Bright,” and “Falling Star.” Her professional background in film and television production, including work on INDEPENDENCE DAY and BIG BROTHER , inspired her series. Shane Svorec has an author signing scheduled at ALA, Table 1652, on Saturday, June 28th, at 9:30 AM. Svorec will be signing her duel 2025 Independent Press award-winning book “Acorn Adventures”, claiming both the Childrens’ Inspirational/Motivational and Nature categories. Shane has made it her mission to advocate for those without a voice. She is highly involved in her community, an active church member, a staunch public servant, a former Board of Education President, a mental health and crisis intervention worker, a perpetual peacemaker, and a kindness spreader. Kimberly Adams has an author signing scheduled at ALA, Table 1652, on Saturday, June 28th, at 10:00 AM. She will be signing “Five Mile Charlie: A Special Pony for Carly,” the first in a children's series inspired by her pet llama, Charlie. The series aims to instill morals of kindness, bravery, strength, and boldness. The second book, “Five Mile Charlie: Charlie Goes to the Library,” is a perfect acquisition for any librarian. Her third and fourth books are “A Five Mile Christmas” and “The Return of Farmer Bud.” Kimberly Adams is also a practicing attorney and Municipal Judge in Oklahoma, with prior publications in appellate practice. Adams is the founder of the Mary Kimberly Public Library in Kiowa. Dr. Susan Agbenoto is scheduled for an author signing at ALA, Table 1652, on Saturday, June 28th, at 10:30 AM. An award-winning author, speaker, and lay pastor, Dr. Agbenoto holds a Doctor of Ministry in Pastoral Care and Counseling. Her books, “Restore Me! But Privately, Please” and “ New Wine: A Journey Into Refueling Your Life in the Spirit,” focus on faith-based leadership and spiritual renewal, addressing the "silent struggles of leaders". “ New Wine” was recognized by the 2025 Independent Press Award; and received "Best in Christian Non-Fiction" Impact award. Appeared on "Crosspoint with Mark Taylor" podcast. The Printed Word Review is here: https://www.printedwordreviews.com/bookreviews/9798890430519 . Danielle Billetz-Reppert is scheduled for an author signing event at ALA, Table 1652, on Saturday, June 28th, at 11:30 AM. Her book, “The Start of All Things Good: A Complete Guide to Building Your Business,” won the 2025 Independent Press Award in both the Reference as well as the Business: Entrepreneurship & Small Business categories and received an honorable mention in the Paris Book Festival 2024 Awards. Her background is in entrepreneurship, having grown up in a family with multiple businesses. The book is a comprehensive guide for aspiring entrepreneurs. Grace Hodges is scheduled to hold an author signing at ALA, Table 1652, on Saturday, June 28th, at 11:00 AM. Known professionally as Dr. Grace Torres-Hodges, she is a board-certified podiatrist and foot surgeon. She is the author of “ Private Practice Solution: Reclaiming Physician Autonomy and Restoring the Doctor-Patient Relationship,” which won the 2024 Independent Press Award in Medical Nonfiction. Her book empowers physicians to regain control over their practice through a Direct Care mindset. She is affiliated with "SoMeDocs: Doctors on Social Media". She also offers coaching services through D2P Medicus Consulting & Physician Coaching. Jessica Bantom has an author signing scheduled at ALA, Table 1652, on Saturday, June 28th, at noon. She is the author of "Design For Identity: How to Design Authentically for a Diverse World." She participated in a "Design for Identity: Six Habits for Culturally Competent Designers" event on February 19, 2025, which included a book signing opportunity, and spoke at the "2025 Justice for All Summit". Jessica Bantom's background includes marketing, IT, and management consulting, before focusing on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) consulting. Her book addresses the lack of diversity in the design industry. Susan Wands is scheduled for an author signing at ALA, Table 1652, on Saturday, June 28th, at 12:30 PM. Published by SparkPress, distributed by Simon & Schuster, she’ll be signing High Priestess and Empress, Book Two, Arcana Oracle Series , which has won many literary awards including the NYC Big Book Award, OZMA, American Legacy, and IPPY. Her recent "Emperor and Hierophant Book Tour 2025" stopped in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. In October, Wands will be lecturing at the Berlin Occulture Conference. Wands is a writer, tarot reader, and actor, a graduate of the University of Washington, with professional acting experience on Broadway. Her Arcana Oracle Series is inspired by tarot and her research on Pamela Colman Smith. She is co-chair of the NYC Chapter of the Historical Novel Society. Loretta Goldberg is scheduled for an author signing at ALA, Table 1652, on Saturday, June 28th, at 1:00 PM. Goldberg is an award-winning author. Her debut novel, “The Reversible Mask: An Elizabethan Spy Novel,” has received several awards and her second novel, “Beyond the Bukubuk Tree: A World War II Novel of Love and Loss” was released in June 2024, was recognized by the NYC Big Book Award, along with CIBA and IPPY. She holds a BA (Hons.) in English, Music, and History, and came to the USA on a Fulbright scholarship for piano. She chairs the NYC Chapter of the Historical Novel Society (HNS-NY). Bernadette Wells & Carl Baker are scheduled to sign their book at ALA, Table 1652, on Saturday, June 28th, at 1:30 PM. They are the co-authors of “Bliss and Her Friends,” a children's book about valuing friendships. Carl Baker was inspired to write by his mother's legacy of creating books for children. Bernadette Wells used the book as an outlet during her moves in and out of NYC. Kathryn Troutman is scheduled for an author signing at ALA, Table 1652, on Saturday, June 28th, at 2:00 PM. Troutman conducts training sessions on federal and private industry resumes. Troutman’s ” Transitioning Your Federal Resume to Private Industry: Are You at the Fork of the Road?” is a very timely title. She founded The Resume Place over 30 years ago, establishing it as the first Federal resume writing and coaching business in the U.S. She received the Industry Hero Award in 2022, along with multiple awards including the Independent Press Award and NYC Big Book Award. Her website, https://resume-place.com/ , serves as her primary online hub. The Printed Word Review is here: https://www.printedwordreviews.com/bookreviews/9781733777933 . Michael Dow, The Nurse Florence® Series - Introducing Some Medical Words to Kids in Every Book®, will host a discussion and Q&A session Sunday, June 29, 2025: 11:30 AM – 12:20 PM at the Chapter One Stage, Booth 112. Free autographed books will be given to attendees. Dow, the author of the series with 164 books and counting, holds 2 Bachelor's degrees and 3 Master's degrees. He is a practicing Registered Nurse in an inpatient psychiatric hospital. His books are available for sale on Harvard University's Online Bookstore at www.Harvard.com . Not every author can be in two places at once, so we have curated a special group of books for your library collection: Audiobook: Nonfiction / Business General , Negotiation Simplified by Jim Reiman: $24.95; 978-1645439578 * Book on display Autobiography , Living While Human by Arwinder Kaur: $26.50; 978-0228851325 Book on display Business / Cultural and Social Issues , Design for Identity: How to Design Authentically for a Diverse World by Jessica Bantom: $29.95; 979-8887970134 * Bantom is signing at ALA Table 1652 on Saturday, June 28th, at noon Business: Entrepreneurship & Small Business / Reference , The Start of All Things Good: A Complete Guide to Building Your Business by Danielle Billetz-Reppert: $16.95; 979-8227477644 * Billetz-Reppert is signing at ALA Table 1652 on Saturday, June 28th, at 11:30am Childrens Fiction , Acorn Adventures by Shane Svorec: $20.99; 978-1665532259 * Svorec is signing at ALA Table 1652 on Saturday, June 28th, at 9:30am Childrens Fiction , Bliss and Her Friends by Bernadette Wells and Carl Baker: $20.99; 978-1665532259 * Wells & Baker are signing at ALA Table 1652 on Saturday, June 28th, at 1:30pm Childrens Fiction , Five Mile Charlie: A Special Pony for Carly by Kimberly Adams: $16.95; 978-1645436928 * Adams is signing at ALA Table 1652 on Saturday, June 28th, at 10am Childrens Fiction , Five Mile Charlie: Charlie Goes to the Library by Kimberly Adams: $16.95; 978-1637550458 * Adams is signing at ALA Table 1652 on Saturday, June 28th, at 10am Childrens Fiction , Five Mile Charlie: The Return of Farmer Bud by Kimberly Adams: $16.95; 978-1637551974 * Adams is signing at ALA Table 1652 on Saturday, June 28th, at 10am Childrens Holiday , Five Mile Charlie: A Five Mile Christmas (Five Mile Charlie, 3) by Kimberly Adams: $16.95; 978-1637554364 * Adams is signing at ALA Table 1652 on Saturday, June 28th, at 10am Childrens-Humor , Tongue Teasers: Laugh-Along Songbook Origins - A Taste of the Poems Before the Music by Dr. D.W. Knight: $19.99; 978-1953411426 * Book on display Christian , New Wine: A Journey into refueling your life in the spirit by Dr. Susan Agbenoto: $13.95; 979-8890430519 * Agbenoto is signing at ALA Table 1652 on Saturday, June 28th, at 10:30am Education , The Art of Being a School Counselor: Leading with Confidence, Compassion & Authenticity by Nancy Regas: $17.95; 978-1977235961 * Book on display Fantasy/Historical Fantasy/Magical Realism , Plague of Flies: Revolt of the Spirits, 1846 by Laurel Anne Hill: $18.95; 978-1949534207 * Book on display General Fiction , CLEAR-CUTS by Joshua S. Narins: $16.99; 979-8986427041 * Book on display Leadership / LGBTQ , The Souls of Queer Folk: How Understanding LGBTQ+ Culture Can Transform Your Leadership Practice by Dr. Joel A. Davis Brown: $24.95; 979-8887970004 * Book on display LGBTQ , Boy Wander: A Coming of Age Memoir by Jobert Abueva: $23.95; 978-1955826273 * Book on display LGBTQ Nonfiction , Dueling Photographers: George Dureau and Robert Mapplethorpe by Jack Fritscher, PhD: $19.95; 978-1890834692 * Book on display Literary Fiction , False Neutral by Joshua S. Narins: $14.99; 979-8986427003 * Book on display Medical Nonfiction , Private Practice Solution: Reclaiming Physician Autonomy and Restoring the Doctor-Patient Relationship by Grace Torres-Hodges: $24.98; 979-8989170715 Hodges is signing at ALA Table 1652 on Saturday, June 28th, at 11am Military Fiction , Beyond the Bukubuk Tree: A World War II Novel of Love and Loss by Loretta Goldberg: $18.99; 978-8412232585 * Goldberg is signing at ALA Table 1652 on Saturday, June 28th, at 1pm Self-help / Woman's Issues , Pound On!! From the Glass Slipper to the Glass Ceiling by Robin Rotenberg: $25.00; 978-0578703268 * Book on display Reference , Transitioning Your Federal Resume to Private Industry: Are You at the Fork of the Road? by Kathryn Troutman: $29.95; 978-1733777933 * Troutman is signing at ALA Table 1652 on Saturday, June 28th, at 2pm Thriller , Archidamus by Janet Shawgo: $17.95; 978-1635052145 * Book on display Thriller , Legacy of Lies by Janet Shawgo: $14.95; 978-1733404501 * Book on display Visionary Fiction , High Priestess and Empress, Book Two, Arcana Oracle Series by Susan Wands: $17.95; 978-1684632343 * Wands is signing at ALA Table 1652 on Saturday, June 28th, at 12:30pm Women's Fiction , Adopted by Robert Oberle: $19.95; 978-1662485978 * Book on display Young Adult Fiction , RISING STAR Book One of The Rise and Fall of Dani Truehart Series by Michele Kwasniewski: $20.00; 978-1950544165 * Kwasniewski is signing at ALA Table 1652 on Friday, June 27th, at 6pm Young Adult Fiction , Burning Bright: Book Two in The Rise and Fall of Dani Truehart Series by Michele Kwasniewski: $20.00; 978-1950544349 * Kwasniewski is signing at ALA Table 1652 on Friday, June 27th, at 6pm Young Adult Fiction , Falling Star: Book Three in The Rise and Fall of Dani Truehart Series by Michele Kwasniewski: $20.00; 978-1950544363 * Kwasniewski is signing at ALA Table 1652 on Friday, June 27th, at 6pm Reported by Printed Word Reviews Share this article Copy link LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest

Learn more about Debra Sawdy < Back Debra Sawdy Transforming Darkness into Light: The Healing Art of Storytelling with Debra Sawdy ***ALA Author signing*** For author Debra Sawdy, writing is far more than a creative outlet; it is a profound act of emotional alchemy. While many writers are drawn to the craft purely by a love for language, Sawdy’s journey into authorship is rooted in a deeply personal mission: turning life's heaviest hardships into a source of enduring hope, encouragement, and light. Through her work, she balances a world of imagination with a grounded understanding of human resilience, crafting stories meant to act as a comforting hand for readers navigating their own difficult paths. ***ALA SIGNING, Saturday at 1pm*** Payment link: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/BXRGSLLTJ6772 The path to becoming a published author was paved with both external persistence and internal necessity. For months, those close to Sawdy urged her with the familiar refrain, “You should write a book.” Eventually, she decided to see where the written word could take her. Yet, beneath that casual nudge lay a much deeper, more urgent truth. Having experienced difficult life trials, Sawdy found that writing offered a unique sanctuary, a space to transform personal pain into something profoundly meaningful and positive. "There are some things in life you cannot fully speak about to anyone but yourself," Sawdy reflects. Her stories became a way to ensure that no one facing grief, fear, or struggle would ever feel entirely alone in the world. This philosophy shapes her core view of human resilience: life is undeniably difficult, but the destination is not what shapes us most. Rather, it is the peaks and valleys, the lessons, and the hidden strength discovered along the way. In Sawdy’s eyes, successes are simply the summits reached after traveling through the most challenging terrain. The emotional depth of Sawdy’s writing is anchored by three foundational figures who shaped her life and the heart behind her stories. From an early age, her grandmother encouraged her writing, teaching her to use words to express the thoughts and feelings she often struggled to say aloud. Her grandmother’s wisdom and compassion serve as a permanent thread woven through her work. Next, the author's visit to her elementary school made a profound impact on Sawdy. It was the event that “revealed my natural love for storytelling” without even realizing it. The author’s “passion in his voice when he spoke about the power writing holds and what stories can truly do for people. That moment stayed with me, and in many ways, helped plant the first seed of the writer I would eventually become” recounts Sawdy. Finally, her stepdaughter, a brave St. Jude patient who passed away far too soon, taught Sawdy what true strength looks like. Facing unimaginable adversity with endless positivity and effortless courage, her legacy inspires Sawdy to carry a piece of that gentle strength into her stories every day. Today, she passes that passion on to a new generation of readers. Summing up her literary universe, Sawdy notes: "In the vividly colorful world of Finn’s Adventures , every journey through fear, wonder, kindness, and hope reminds readers that life itself is the greatest adventure waiting to be embraced." By guiding her characters through the dark to find the light, Debra Sawdy reminds us all that the climb is always worth the journey. Note: Sawdy’s Finn's Adventures The Climb to the Sky, ISBN: 979-8999508713, was recently awarded a distinguished favorite in Childrens-Fiction category by the Independent Press Award. https://www.independentpressaward.com/2026-favorites/9798999508713 Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

< Back Artists’ Book Shop to Host 50th Anniversary and Book Fair August 21, 2026 at 6:46:33 AM A New York City artists’ bookshop will host the 20th anniversary of its Art Book Fair this September, as a venue to showcase rare books and independent publishers. Printed Matter, the nonprofit independent arts bookstore , is also celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. “Fifty years ago Printed Matter emerged from a moment of radical rethinking about what art can be, and how we experience it,” the bookshop’s CEO Lesley Martin wrote in a statement. “We have always championed the belief that creative experimentation and direct encounters with art are critically important — that art can be passed hand to hand and person to person, and that publications by artists are a powerful instrument to this end.” In 1975, a group of artists decided they wanted to build a different kind of publishing and distribution system for art books. “Printed Matter coalesced around the idea that there was a growing need for an organization that championed artists who made books that ‘weren’t art in the conventional sense,’” the organization wrote in a press release for the event. “Fifty years on, Printed Matter continues that work. Its current home — a two-level bookstore and office [in New York] — houses 15,000 books by artists, zines, and periodicals, as well as out-of-print titles and historical ephemera.” At the book fair, a wide range of publishers both independent and institutional will showcase rare, historic works, contemporary galleries and nonprofit art spaces, and a “thriving community of zine publishers” with an “experimental spirit,” as well as a series of book launches, lectures, performances, and exhibitions. “With artists’ voices — and the organizations that support them — increasingly under threat, we need Printed Matter now more than ever,” Martin wrote in the statement. Arts and publishing voices have been threatened by the current political climate in the United States. A number of leftist zines, for example, were recently used to sentence protestors to decades in prison . “It's incredibly chilling that recent events confirm that we are seeing increased pressure on and punishment of individuals exercising their most basic, fundamental First Amendment rights,” Martin told Printed Word Reviews . “For the past fifty years, Printed Matter has been synonymous with the support of artists' voices in publication form; an inherently independent, democratic artform. We are committed to the distribution, understanding, and appreciation of artists’ books; and to the support of artists using the printed page to express their individual identities, opinions, and creative explorations. The resulting books can be political, challenging, anti-establishment, or simply, radically beautiful in their experimentation of what’s possible with the book form in artists’ hands.” Martin wrote that the Art Book fair will serve as a “critical point of exchange and sustenance for the international artists’ book community” to help facilitate discussions around politics and freedom of expression. The fair will run from September 24 through September 27 at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Reported by Jules Roscoe Share this article Copy link LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest

Book review of Foresight by Craig Ford . ISBN: 978-1922751461 < Back Foresight Craig Ford Teen Cyber Unicorns Share this review: Copy link Facebook LinkedIn X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest A talented young hacker, Samantha "Foresight" Erkhart, navigates the dangerous world of cybercrime and unexpected alliances as she battles a crime syndicate and a mysterious hacker known as Shadow, all while grappling with her own identity and the shadows of her past. The book is a cyber-adventure that delves into themes of identity, justice, and the blurred lines between right and wrong. Presented in a quick-paced, suspenseful style, it is ideal for young adults and tech enthusiasts who enjoy stories about hacking, cyber warfare, and moral dilemmas. The story is set in contemporary Australia, primarily in urban environments and cyberspace, where the protagonist navigates both physical and digital landscapes. Previous Next

< Back For Racial Healing: #4 One-To-One July 26, 2026 at 5:53:07 AM I sat in a largely white congregation listening to a Black preacher exhort whites to become more personally involved in the Black struggle to achieve equality in all aspects of American life. To emphasize his point, the preacher implored, “So, you don’t know any Blacks? Then, get to know some. So, you don’t have any Black friends? Get some.” The frustration shown by the Black preacher mirrored my own deep concern that this nation has relied on the belief that institutional changes among public and private organizations can carry the primary responsibility for solving our country’s racial crisis. Partially out of a desire to have someone or something else address the problem or out of a desire to defer this immense issue, we whites have, as individuals, routinely acquiesced to suppose institutions would somehow do the hard work. I had a friend in the 1960s who joined a then newly created department in a major financial institution with the role, promulgated at the time, to bring racially germane perspectives to that institution’s decision-making process at every level. The institution is still around in name since that representation was made, more than sixty years ago, but the impact of the institution over the intervening period on racial healing has been consistently invisible. In effect, most institutions have established their own discrete silos, protecting their own institutional longevity, but by doing so, have routinely extended the tentacles, in various ways, of white racial privilege and advantage. We’ve relied on institutions far too long. Racial healing is personal; we know that. It is left up to individuals, to Black and white relationships to make good on the expectation that racism can be defeated. We will not move meaningfully and nationally to a fuller, racial healing until there is a much broader and more accepted expansion of one-to-one, Black-white friendships, relationships, and allyships , all of which derive directly from authentic passion . Yet, there are a significant number of questions that need to be answered before many, more Americans (especially whites) can believe that one-to-one, Black to white relationships are an effective tool for racial healing. For example, what would cause whites to adopt Black-white racial healing and allyship? Pure authentic passion being a principal incentive, associated inspiration may also be the promise of and desire for something better. Why would Blacks join? I think Blacks, based on relevant conversations I have had with a meaningful number, realize that whites, more often than not, need help to get on the good and true road. But as discussed elsewhere, Black participation doesn’t come willy nilly. There would and should be conditions in most cases, and rightly so. Rather, in connection with a one-to-one, racial healing protocol, whites should be willing to acknowledge the travesties of the past, generally and specifically if they apply. In addition, whites should be willing to accept a commitment that is part of authentic passion – that is, over the course and in the context of a Black-white relationship, the white partner would take to heart an obligation to understand, empathize, reconcile, love, and co-inhere. I found that Black folks are more inclined to participate immediately in Black-white relationships and allyships. White folks are more reluctant, fearful of various, awkward admission, and they often carry much evidence of filiopietism. We whites should have the ability to tell the truth and then move right on into one-to-one, Black-white protocol. As part of this protocol, both Blacks and whites will be exchanging profoundly personal aspects of their lives that allow each to react with authentic passion traits. It is best for both parties to understand the underlying, individual tendencies and motivations. While group dynamics can provide considerable support in an appropriate set of conditions, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Gamblers Anonymous, the goals are different with racial healing: broad-based racial disclosure and freedom inside a pluralistic, societal context. The two parties involved with the development of racial allyship ultimately will become a team against outside powers that foster racist behavior; a necessary and quite personal intensity will be needed to confront and overcome those pressures through a weft of very close, if not secret, even confidential, personal disclosures and resolutions. A group environment and multiple contributors tend to disperse and dissipate this requisite closeness and intensity. Individual support by a partner is a key ingredient, and frank and personal revelations become more accessible via a one-to-one context; a two-way confessional and self-illuminating paradigm is a preferred construct for free and unencumbered dialogue between individuals engaged in Black-white relationships and allyships. I have learned that white participants in this recommended construct often discern more from the recollection of racial-freeing or earlier, racist-enhancing experiences in a one-to-one approach than these participants had previously discovered about themselves. Whites should acknowledge the fact that authentic passion, which brings a person to this one-to-one, Black to white protocol, should cause a person, such as a white partner, to go deeper and be more fundamental than filiopietism would ever allow. This one-to-one racial healing is not an abstract act. It may seem to begin that way, but it is purely individually driven, a determined exercise to acknowledge that caring exceeds the act of postponing, deflecting, seeking more time – indeed, adoption of the protocol is recognition that the time has finally come. Later, in this series of “For Racial Healing”, there will be installments about my own Black-white relationships with both Dr. James H. Cone , recognized father of Black Liberation Theology, and with Sheila Walker. Those installments will focus on what can go right and wrong depending on one’s attitude when highly emotional, but also, highly insightful moments happen inside a one-to-one, Black-white relationship and allyship. For one thing, whites typically do not realize how we carry automatic responses to Black lives and to the Black-white, personal dynamic, especially to the expression of direct honesty by a Black partner. These unconscious and unexpected white responses to many Black initiatives in a relationship can frequently flummox whites. I can surely speak to this realization, especially in the case of my relationship with Dr. Cone. Indeed, whites may give themselves way too much credit in projecting “good will” reactions to Black honesty. If white, be prepared to be surprised that you may have not so subtle, but unconscious (sometimes, defensive) reactions to Black explanations and honest, direct challenges, which are, of course, enormously important in the one-to-one, Black-white dialogue concerning the Black experience in America. Moreover, this surprise is not temporary; upon reflection, whites may end up asking themselves: how did I react that way and what did I mean when those words slipped out of my mouth in defense? We have covered numerous points related to a one-to-one, Black to white approach for racial healing. What we haven’t done and must do is to state explicitly that a monumental message of the one-to-one protocol consists of its ability to neutralize the often-repeated assumption that the racial movement and protests have to be, by and large, Black in nature and relevance. History will judge whites harshly for an assumption that Blacks alone had the incentive to gain racial healing. In fact, whether they believe it or not, whites are simply less human and less sacred if they are not intimately and individually integrated into the quest for Black liberation and racial healing more generally. To find out more about J. Chester Johnson, author of this "For Racial Healing" series, please visit his website, https://jchesterjohnson.com/ or read his previous installment: https://www.printedwordreviews.com/articles/for-racial-healing-3-allyship By J. Chester Johnson Share this article Copy link LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest

< Back J. Chester Johnson's "For Racial Healing" Series Celebrates its First Anniversary July 29, 2026 at 3:43:22 AM Renowned poet, essayist, and historian J. Chester Johnson celebrates the first anniversary of his influential serialization, For Racial Healing , marking a year of steady, transformative dialogue aimed at bridging America’s deep-seated racial divides through personal accountability and direct human connection. The serialization grew out of Johnson’s extensive work surrounding his acclaimed book, Damaged Heritage: The Elaine Race Massacre and A Story of Reconciliation . In Damaged Heritage , Johnson—a descendant of a perpetrator of the 1919 Elaine Race Massacre in Arkansas—chronicles his journey toward racial healing alongside Sheila L. Walker, a descendant of the massacre's Black victims. Their unexpected seven-year partnership and profound personal friendship laid the groundwork for Johnson’s ongoing mission to offer practical, human-centered pathways toward racial healing. Over the past year, the For Racial Healing series has addressed the limitations of abstract theory and superficial institutional statements, arguing instead that real healing must be forged in individual, close-knit relationships. Throughout the series, Johnson has tackled complex themes, including: The Power of Personal Agency: Moving past ideological debates to focus on concrete, one-on-one relationships, allies, and genuine cross-racial friendships. Confronting Historical Erasure: Unpacking how systemic denial and white resistance allow racial division to persist across generations. A Call for Accountability: Directly addressing the reality that American racial tension is fundamentally rooted in white supremacy and historical subjugation, requiring active ownership rather than passive agreement. "True racial healing cannot be achieved through generic corporate utterances or detached academic theories; it must happen in the granular, often close, challenging space of personal human relationships," Johnson noted while reflecting on the serialization's impact. Over the last 12 months, the series has resonated broadly with readers, educators, and community leaders seeking a practical roadmap beyond polarization. By grounding historical reckoning in personal accountability, Johnson's writings continue to inspire audiences across the country to dismantle systemic division starting in their own communities. As the “For Racial Healing” series enters its second year, it remains a vital catalyst for those committed to moving past painful histories toward authentic, lasting unity. To celebrate the anniversary of the serialization, Johnson put out a thank you to his audience. You can read the full thank you letter here: https://mailchi.mp/bc1ad841beb0/update-from-j-chester-johnson-21035841?e=01d68d71d2 About J. Chester Johnson J. Chester Johnson is a poet, essayist, and translator. He served as one of two poets on the drafting committee for the retranslated Psalms in the Episcopal Church’s Book of Common Prayer and is the author of numerous collections of poetry and non-fiction, including Damaged Heritage . His ongoing work focuses on racial justice, historic preservation, and literary arts. Reported by Printed Word Reviews Share this article Copy link LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest

< Back BOOM! Studios Resurrects Hellraiser Comic Franchise to Celebrate 40-Year Lore September 17, 2026 at 9:46:35 AM Earlier this year, BOOM! Studios , a comic book and graphic novel publisher under Penguin Random House, re-acquired the publishing rights to Clive Barker ’s iconic Hellraiser . Marvel’s Epic Comics imprint originally held the license from 1989 to 1994, with BOOM! taking over for a previous run from 2011 to 2015. And in 2026, marking the franchise’s four-decade legacy as a hellish horror classic, BOOM! is kicking off a bold new publishing era. The expansion features two brand-new series set to launch next year, both delving deeper into the unhinged, sadomasochistic universe of Pinhead and his extra-dimensional, soul-torturer Cenobite Order. Written by Mike Costa with art by Jan Bazaldua , the first upcoming series, Hellraiser: Hellbound Hearts (launching January 2027) continues the core saga. The story follows the Harrowers as they face off against Pinhead himself, comprising nothing more than a ragtag group of survivors carrying the physical and emotional scars from past encounters with the gruesome Cenobites. Reflecting on the interconnected mythos required to re-energize the comic, Costa noted , “You really have to dig deep into some awful stuff to do this franchise justice.” The second series to be released, Hellraiser: New Parables (launching April 2027), is written by New York Times -bestselling author Sarah Gailey ( Eat the Rich , The Echo Wife ) with artwork by Savanna Mayer . The story picks up in the fallout of Hellraiser: The Return of the Priest #1 , when Pinhead and his New Monastic Order of the Gash find themselves on thin ice with the ancient Council in Leviathan. The Council has taken notice of Pinhead’s new scions, Quiver and Sublux, and their unauthorized devotion to suffering. However, with the mysterious Engineer granting the Order his blessing, the Council steps in to investigate. Through the rejuvenated BOOM!-Barker partnership, the acclaimed author envisions “wild new projects” crafted by “radical visions” to expand the Hellraiser comic continuum. “There are a lot of doors waiting to be opened, and worlds of weird fantasy and horror waiting on the other side,” he further emphasized. BOOM!’s Deputy Publisher Bryce Carlson echoed Barker’s excitement: “We had a hell of a run when we first published Hellraiser comics back in 2011...We’re reopening the Lament Configuration 15 years later and unleashing hell once again for all the incredibly patient fans out there.” Additional Hellraiser releases and campaigns are already well underway, with BOOM! ensuring readers can look forward to: Hellraiser: Resurrections : Launching in September 2026, this five-week, one-shot event releases new individual comics that expand the core universe. Hellraiser Omnibus Vol. 1 : Set for release on November 24, 2026, this 500-page collection featuring work by Clive Barker, Christopher Monfette , and others is the ideal centerpiece for all fans. Leviathan’s Vault Campaign : A Kickstarter initiative designed to crowdfund first-ever deluxe hardcover editions of BOOM!’s entire out-of-print 2011 comic run. Direct online retail listings for single issues will be available soon. In the meantime, readers can request to add Hellraiser: Hellbound Hearts and Hellraiser: New Parables to their pull lists at local comic shops—setting the stage for a new chapter where, as Gailey succinctly puts it , “...We are going to make something truly wretched.” Printed Word Reviews / Reported by Jessica Shih Share this article Copy link LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest

Book review of A. Nonny Mouse: Magical Moon Mouse Finds Merry Christmas by Doreen Lindahl, Illustrated by Dave Carlson . ISBN: < Back Take me back to https://www.childrensbookwormaward.com/ A. Nonny Mouse: Magical Moon Mouse Finds Merry Christmas Doreen Lindahl, Illustrated by Dave Carlson Childrens Dynotech Publishing Share this review: Copy link Facebook LinkedIn X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest When a whimsical moon mouse named A. Nonny embarks on a journey to Earth to find a MERRY CHRISTMAS in a box for his friend's birthday, he discovers that the true magic of Christmas lies in love and selflessness. "A. Nonny Mouse" is a whimsical and heartwarming tale that blends fantasy and adventure with the genuine spirit of Christmas. Ideal for young readers and families, this book transports audiences between the Moon and Earth during the festive holiday season, offering a magical story infused with valuable moral lessons.The narrative introduces A. Nonny, a moon mouse feeling left out without a moonball. Granted magical powers by a Fairy Moon Mouse, A. Nonny initially uses his abilities to show off, creating friction with friends like B. Infa. A challenge from G. Teeny—to bring a "MERRY CHRISTMAS in a box" without magic—sends A. Nonny on an extraordinary journey to Earth. Here, he learns about Christmas traditions from two children, Bob and Trina. Through a frightening encounter with a cat and his interactions with the children, A. Nonny discovers that a "MERRY CHRISTMAS" is a heart full of love, something that cannot be boxed.His selflessness, demonstrated by using his last wish to gift Bob and Trina presents, leaves him stranded on Earth. However, this act prompts the Fairy Moon Mouse to bring him back to the Moon. The story culminates in A. Nonny's warm return, a reconciliation with B. Infa, and a celebration emphasizing love, friendship, and selflessness, beautifully symbolized by the Star of Hope. This tale is a perfect read for families, reminding us all of the true meaning of the Christmas season. Previous Next

Book review of Against All Odds by Richard A. Danzig . ISBN: 979-8251841657 < Back Against All Odds Richard A. Danzig Legal Thriller, habeas corpus, medical ethics, online cheating, organized crime Independently published Share this review: Copy link Facebook LinkedIn X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest When a principled lawyer defending a detained Lebanese doctor and a grieving family are swept into a web of government abuse, criminal conspiracy, and personal loss, he must fight corrupt power in court and in the streets to save the people he loves and reclaim his own faith in justice. In “Against All Odds,” Richard A. Danzig delivers a sprawling, multi-layered tapestry of contemporary American life that is as much a searing indictment of systemic failure as it is a quiet study of personal resilience. This fourth installment of the Chance Cormac series is Danzig’s most ambitious work to date, trading the traditional courtroom procedural for a gritty, global exploration of justice, grief, and the limits of the law. The novel opens with a protagonist we barely recognize. Chance Cormac, once a man of steady legal conviction, begins the story in a state of spiritual and professional withdrawal. His journey back into the fray sparked by the abduction of Lyla Abda, a brilliant Lebanese pediatrician, is not a triumphant return, but a descent into a bureaucratic hellscape. Danzig’s depiction of Lyla’s detention is visceral and unapologetic. From the Louisiana “black site” where she is stripped of her hijab and her dignity, to the brutal conditions of a Salvadoran labor prison, the author uses Lyla’s plight to challenge the reader’s comfort. When Chance finally snaps, striking an ICE officer in a moment of righteous, if self-destructive, fury, it marks the end of his belief in “the system” and the beginning of his role as a renegade for the truth. What sets “Against All Odds” apart from standard legal thrillers is its triple-narrative structure. Danzig deftly balances three distinct, yet tonally resonant, plotlines. First, Lyla’s deportation to El Salvador serves as the novel’s moral anchor, highlighting the terrifying ease with which a legal resident can be “disappeared” under the guise of national security. Second, the story of twelve-year-old Melody provides the book’s emotional heartbeat. Her struggle with her father’s terminal cancer, coupled with a devastating incident of sexual assault and cyberbullying, offers a heartbreaking look at the vulnerability of youth in the digital age. Lastly, in a sharp pivot to high-stakes action, Danzig introduces a plot involving Justice Holmes, defense lawyer Frank Fogarty, and the 14K triad. This thread featuring esports fraud, money laundering, and a daring SEAL-style rescue mission provides the adrenaline that keeps the narrative moving at a clip. The central thesis of the novel is the distinction between legality and justice. Chance wins Lyla’s habeas case in court, yet she is still spirited away to a foreign prison. The law fails her. It is only through public exposure and Chance’s own blood literally, as he survives a shooting during a public demonstration that any semblance of peace is achieved. The resolution is notably bittersweet. There are no clean “happily ever afters.” Lyla is free but exiled; James is lost to cancer; and Chance, scarred and disillusioned, chooses a nomadic pilgrimage over a return to his old life. “Against All Odds” is a packed, demanding, and ultimately rewarding read. Danzig writes with the precision of a lawyer and the empathy of a father, successfully weaving together disparate themes of geopolitics and private grief. While some readers might find the sheer number of subplots, from the torture of Justice’s dog, Tort, to the intricacies of the 14K triad, to be overwhelming, they serve a greater purpose: illustrating a world where danger and beauty coexist in equal measure. For fans of Michael Connelly and Scott Turow who prefer their thrillers with a heavy dose of social realism. Previous Next