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Book review of Holiday Spirit by John DeGuire . ISBN: 979-8990870925 < Back Holiday Spirit John DeGuire Monsters; outcasts, New England, Halloween, Christmas John DeGuire Share this review: Copy link Facebook LinkedIn X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest A gothic, cross-genre horror story set in Vermont that subverts classic monster tropes by casting a misfit band of legendary creatures as the unlikely heroes protecting a town from a vengeful witch. In “Holiday Spirit," John DeGuire delivers a debut novel that is as atmospheric as a New England winter and as sharp as a vampire’s tooth. Set in the deceptively quiet town of Killington, Vermont, the story kicks off with a Halloween prank that backfires spectacularly, igniting the wrath of Bridgett Bishop, a witch with a long memory and a thirst for vengeance. As the calendar turns toward Christmas, the festive cheer is replaced by a chilling reality: children are vanishing, and the shadows are crawling with more than just frost. What makes DeGuire’s narrative stand out is his redefining the “Universal Monsters,” it’s a subversion of the monster mythos. Our heroes are a misfit band of outcasts: Saul, an EMS captain who is a modern, stitched-together iteration of Frankenstein’s creature; Dr. Ralph Ellison, the invisible man; and a power couple for the ages: Count Dracula and his werewolf wife, Aoife. The strength of the novel lies in its moral complexity. DeGuire explores the “humanity” of monsters versus the “monstrosity” of humans. While the townsfolk are quick to point fingers at the supernatural residents among them, it is these very outcasts who risk everything to save the children. DeGuire’s writing is textured, using metaphors that evoke a classic, almost gothic feel. He blends the aesthetic of the holidays with the gore of a slasher, creating a “Nightmare Before Christmas” vibe for a mature audience. The mystery builds with a steady dread, punctuated by vivid, graphic action sequences that will satisfy any hardcore horror fan. “Holiday Spirit” is a cross-genre triumph that asks a haunting question: “In a world of ancient mummies and malevolent phantoms, who are the real villains?” By stripping away the capes and the caricatures, DeGuire gives these legendary monsters a soul, making them the unexpected protectors of a town that fears them. If you’re looking for a holiday read that trades tinsel for tension and presents for prehistoric lagoon creatures, this is your next obsession. Previous Next

< Back Literary Arts Fund to Close 2026 Innovation Grant Applications on August 17 August 4, 2026 at 2:40:45 PM Literary organizations and publishers aiming to reshape the creative landscape have just two weeks left to submit their proposals for the Literary Arts Fund’s 2026 Innovation Project Grants . The application window officially closes on Monday, August 17, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Designed to tackle systemic issues within the literary community, the funding opportunity will award grants ranging from $25,000 to $100,000. These funds are designated for nonprofit or fiscally sponsored literary arts organizations, presses, and publications developing new, one-time initiatives that address critical structural challenges to better support creative writers. With high demand expected, officials anticipate a fiercely competitive review process. To assist prospective applicants with preparation, the Literary Arts Fund has made a comprehensive suite of digital resources available online. A full informational video recording and PDF slide deck from the recent grant information session is available; a downloadable preparation guide that has key application guidelines, eligibility requirements, tailored budget templates; and the Submittable platform where applications must be filed. Organizations looking to finalize their materials before the August 17 deadline can submit applications directly via the fund’s Submittable page. For specific inquiries regarding eligibility or project scope, applicants can contact the grant team directly at grants@literaryartsfund.org . Reported by Printed Word Reviews Share this article Copy link LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest

< Back Between Oxford, London and Bath: How a Chinese Writer Brought the “Heart” into Britain’s Spring May 2, 2026 at 11:36:28 AM A literary feature on Xuemo’s UK visit London in March often feels as if the day has not quite woken up. Outside Olympia London, the wind chills visitors to the bone. Inside the halls the scene is completely different. Spotlights shine. Screens flicker. Rights managers, publishers, authors and literary agents hurry between rows of stands, wheeling suitcases behind them as though chasing the unwritten future of a book. Amid the noise stands Chinese writer Xuemo at his own booth. His voice is calm and unhurried. On the table lie several books: Eternal Love, Reclaim the Throne of Your Heart, and Way Out: The Awakening of Women’s Wisdom in the Age of AI. The titles feel slightly out of place at the London Book Fair. Here the language of the day is markets and trends. Xuemo’s work seems to come from a quieter, deeper world. In that world people need not only information but inner peace. They need a stage to showcase themselves but also access to self-knowledge. It is this idea of the “heart” that runs quietly through his visit to Britain. In March 2026, Xuemo began his cultural tour across the United Kingdom that would last nearly a month. It ranged from the London Book Fair between 10 and 12 March to a closing dialogue at the Oxford Literary Festival on 29 March. The programme also included a cultural salon at Ming-Ai (London) Institute on how to avoid burnout, academic exchanges at the University of Bath, the University of Bristol and SOAS, University of London, and a charity forum at the Royal Over-Seas League on life, death and human nature, followed by a dialogue with entrepreneurs on leadership and values. Seven events in total, spanning publishing, higher education, charity, culture and business. What unfolded looked less like a promotional tour and more like an extended question. In a world accelerated by efficiency, capital and algorithms, can literature still speak to the heart? Can a writer from China inspire global audiences with something truly authentic? Xuemo believes he can. At the London Book Fair his booth stood out because it was independent. Publishers and distributors from Britain, Norway and Italy stopped to discuss rights cooperation and overseas distribution. Xuemo is not new to international publishing. According to his team, he has written more than eighty books in Chinese, with over two hundred editions, and has been translated into twenty-eight languages. The English editions are by Howard Goldblatt and Sylvia Li-chun Lin. Works such as "Into the Desert" and "Wild Fox Ridge" have received international awards and ranked among Amazon bestsellers. What made many listeners pause during the following events was a theme Xuemo returned to repeatedly. “Today, the human mind,” he warned, “is increasingly swayed by external forces.” On 16 March the Ming-Ai (London) Institute invited Xuemo to deliver a public lecture titled “From Burnout to Flow: Eastern Wisdom for Focus and Energy.” It was a topic that resonated strongly with urban residents. Yet Xuemo did not frame burnout simply as workplace stress or emotional management. “Modern people,” he said, “feel exhausted not only because they constantly multitask but because they compare, compete, judge, and crave, driven by an excessive demand for results. The root of suffering often lies not in what they do but in what he calls the “discriminating mind.” When speaking of “surrender,” a term that often carries negative connotations such as weakness or defeat in English, Xuemo redefined it with strength and clarity. For him, surrender was not giving up but accepting things as they are, just as nature does. He also spoke about a process-oriented mindset: embracing what life brings and doing one’s best without becoming attached to results. The sun shines on all things without asking for reward. When people stay present and trust the process, the mind relaxes. The setting that day was modest. There was no elaborate staging. What impressed people most was Xuemo’s manner of speaking. He did not compete for attention or appear to be delivering a keynote. Instead he seemed to pass on thoughts shaped by personal experience. At the end of the event he presented the organiser with his newly published epic Suosalang. The gesture was simple yet symbolic. It mirrored the spirit of Xuemo’s entire trip. He had not come to prove something but to leave something Behind. On 17 March, a cross-sector roundtable at the Royal Over-Seas League in London shifted the focus from dealing with burnout to confronting life’s ultimate trials. The charity forum “Love Conquers All” was organized by the Freya Foundation (London) with support from Xuemo Foundation and other partners. Participants from literature, art and medicine spoke of love and creativity as guiding beacons, closely aligned with the core theme of Xuemo’s work. Xuemo compared literature and wisdom to a bonfire in the darkness. A bonfire cannot stop nightfall. It cannot end war, illness or death. But it allows those who pass by to draw closer, to warm themselves and to see one another more clearly. “Individuals may not change the overall darkness,” he said, “but they can still ignite the little flame of hope against fear and nihilism.” Drawing on Eastern philosophy, he described death as transformation rather than final termination. “What people truly fear,” he said, “is often not death itself but the lack of preparation to face it.” In a gesture reflecting that spirit, Xuemo Foundation donated £4,000 to the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. On 19 March the discussion returned to a central question: how can a person regain inner balance and agency? At the University of Bath scholars and guests gathered for an academic seminar that also marked the English launch of Reclaim the Throne of Your Heart, translated by Dr. Yukteshwar Kumar. With Vice-Chancellor Casey Wilson, Professor Yukteshwar Kumar, and faculty and students present, Xuemo recounted a case from the book about a young woman with depression who found healing through its message. “The purpose of the book,” he said, “is not ‘chicken soup’ comfort. It helps people reclaim sovereignty over their lives so their attention, emotions and destinies are no longer controlled by external judgments or social trends.” The topic was unusual for a typical literary event. It felt like a diagnosis of the times. Today people are more connected than ever through the digital world, yet many feel increasingly disconnected from their inner selves. Xuemo, however, did not treat this imbalance as a modern condition. Instead he placed it within a broader historical and cultural context. “Our society often emphasizes external achievements while neglecting inner strength,” he said. “As a result, people may appear powerful on the surface yet hollow Inside.” Xuemo also spoke highly of Professor Kumar’s talent, calling him “a translator sent by heaven”. A book written in Chinese can only come alive in the English-language world if the translator can carry its rhythm, warmth and wisdom across that boundary. The subject of translation was explored further the following day at the University of Bristol. On 20 March Xuemo joined Associate Professor Paul Golf and Professor Kumar in a panel discussion on translation and cross-cultural communication attended by thousands online and in person. When asked why translation still matters in the information age, Xuemo did not reject technology. Instead he redefined translation. “It is not merely the conversion of words or the transfer of content. It is the delicate work that occurs when one culture enters another. It requires strong language skills but also the ability to feel, empathize, judge, and sense what remains unspoken.” “Readers,” he said, “are like the sun, and the writer a clay figure. Without sunlight, the clay remains clay; it can never become a statue.” A book is not finished when the writer completes it but when it is received by another living mind. The conversation continued at the School of Oriental and African Studies. On 21 March, scholars from Oxford, Warwick and other universities gathered for a seminar titled “Literature and Civilization: A Cross-Continental Dialogue.” In his speech, Xuemo reflected on why Chinese civilisation has endured for thousands of years. “Two foundations,” he said, “have sustained it: a holistic governance system and the Xin-Xing (heart-mind and its nature) traditions of Confucianism, Buddhism and Daoism.” Many global crises today, he argued, stem from an imbalance between institutional systems and inner cultivation. Xuemo said his writing is rooted in north-western China, a landscape of hardship, resilience and faith. “Because my work grows out of that rugged land,” he argued, “it speaks to universal themes of loneliness, desire, pain and love, and to how people keep an inner light alive amid uncertainty.” He then sang the folk song Farewell at Yangguan Pass, accompanied by pipa and guzheng musicians, and donated more than a hundred copies of his books to SOAS. The gestures were simple, yet they quietly echoed the spirit of his work. In another dialogue, Xuemo spoke on the theme “Balancing Business and Spirituality.” He outlined a framework drawn from Chinese philosophy: Dao, De (virtue), Fa (law), Shu (technique), and Shi (momentum). At first glance the topic seemed far removed from literature. But the question behind it was surprisingly aligned: how can a person, an institution, or a civilisation adapt to changing circumstances without losing their inner core? If the earlier events set the stage, the Oxford Literary Festival on 29 March became the tour’s defining moment. At Magdalen College, Xuemo appeared in conversation with Polly Silk, senior lecturer at Oxford University Press. As the festival’s only invited Chinese writer, he explored how literature rooted in local experience can resonate across the world. Instead of using complex terms, he compared his writing to a tree from north-western China known as the desert date. It grows in dry soil, sinks its roots deep into the earth and endures wind, drought and sandstorms. “Living literature does not flatten itself to please the world. It has character,” Xuemo said. “It must root itself in its own land, experience and culture before it can speak to the world. Local identity is not the obstacle to universality. Shallowness is.” In Oxford, a city long known for its pursuit of universal knowledge, the argument sounded both simple and striking. “To know others,” he said, “a man must first know himself.” Xuemo also spoke about the redemptive power of literature. “Humanity,” he said, “faces multiple crises. Peace cannot depend solely on rules and institutions. It must begin within the human heart. Literature matters because it works on the inner world, helping to reorder love, pain, memory and hope so that people do not lose their sense of direction in the dark.” Can Eastern wisdom enter the modern world not as a slogan or mystique, but as something people can relate to and live by? This spring offered at least one possible answer. It was not loud, but it reminds us again and again that if we humans continue to expand outward yet never settle inward, then no matter how advanced technology is, civilisation may still lose its Foundation. Literature, real literature, may not transform the world overnight. But like a small fire in the dark, it can still cast enough light for the human heart to find its way. Outside Olympia London, the early spring wind still chills passers-by. The applause in Oxford’s halls has already faded. Posters across Bath and Bristol give way to new events. Time moves forward. The Thames continues to flow. The city quietly absorbs such moments back into the rhythm of everyday life. Yet some may still remember that one March in Britain when a writer from China’s far west spoke not about success formulas or exporting culture. Instead, he turned to something deeper: how the soul might remain free, how people can hold on to hope amid suffering, and how literature may still deserve a word as ancient and weighty as “redemption.” That may be the lasting echo of Xuemo’s visit to the UK. ___ You can view Xuemo's NYC Big Book Award win for World Literature here, https://www.nycbigbookaward.com/2025-winners/9798889910039 Reported by Printed Word Reviews Share this article Copy link LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest

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Book review of Signs of The Fall by Sean Price . ISBN: 9798897473007 < Back Signs of The Fall Sean Price Literary, loneliness, foster care, religious hypocrisy, adolescence Koehler Books Share this review: Copy link Facebook LinkedIn X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest Salacious secrets and unholy connections link ten stories that intersect with an abandoned chapel edging a dark forest, a city-center kugel fountain, and the deceptively serene Crucible Church. PRE-PUBLICATION: In Signs of the Fall, author Sean M. Price constructs a genre-bending work that uses elements of Gothic horror, Christian allegory, and science fiction to examine the psychological and moral decay of a community. While the book weaves through a diverse web of societal outcasts, from a lonely teenager named Hogarth to a hacker named Rebba, the anchor of the collection is Youth Pastor Peter Merritt. Rather than introducing him all at once, Price seeds Peter’s presence throughout the early narratives, transforming him into a looming specter of the community's collective conscience before he takes center stage for the book's finale. At first, Peter exists as a background figure, a symbol of an institution that is supposed to offer salvation but is quietly fracturing from within. We see his influence and his failures, reflected in characters like Hogarth Hughes, a lonely seventeen-year-old foster child grasping for validation after drifting away from the very youth ministry Peter leads. By scattering Peter’s name, his actions, and his perceived moral authority throughout the preceding stories, Price builds a narrative tension. The reader is introduced to a town already wrestling with temptation and isolation, setting up one of the book’s central theses: "Do not judge someone by the nature of their fall. Measure the man by when and how he rises again." The narrative shifts from a broad social critique to an intense, claustrophobic psychological thriller as a youth pastor, Peter, is tasked with guiding the vulnerable souls of Salem, Virginia through their darkest moments. Yet, it becomes clear that Peter is unequipped to handle the weight of his own internal contradictions. Peter’s story is a contemporary speculative coming-of-age narrative flipped on its head; it is the "coming-of-age" of a grown man’s hidden crises. Drawn into a web of moral conflict, sexual confusion, and intense social hypocrisy, Peter’s pristine public facade begins to erode. Price takes the reader through the agonizing anatomy of a spiritual collapse, as Peter is confronted by the same temptations, raw desires, and secrets that ruined the outcasts he was supposed to shepherd. The climax of Peter’s journey weaves the book's multi-genre elements together. Surrounded by Salem's corruption, decrepit churches, and cryptic symbols, Peter faces an unexplained encounter. This moment, echoing the sci-fi and supernatural undertones of the earlier stories, forces Peter into a state of total existential dislocation. The conflict resolves through a raw, cosmic confrontation with his own insignificance and the true nature of grace. Price delivers a scathing yet deeply empathetic critique of religious institutionalism. Peter is a deeply flawed, lonely man suffocated by the expectations of his community and the weight of his own unaddressed trauma. Price’s prose is unflinching, earning the book its mature audience rating through depictions of psychological warfare, temptation, and the vulgarities of human weakness. Peter’s ultimate "fall" proves that the boundary between the "righteous" leaders and the "broken" outcasts of Salem is entirely illusory. Everyone in Price’s universe is stumbling in the dark, looking for a signal in the noise. This refocused narrative makes Signs of the Fall a read for older teens (18+) and adults who appreciate heavy, character-driven fiction centered on religious deconstruction, human psychology, and the supernatural. If you are captivated by complex character studies of flawed spiritual leaders, and how their hidden lives ripple through an entire community, Price’s portrayal of Peter Merritt will keep you spellbound until the final, cosmic resolution. Previous Next

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< Back Digital Audio and Paperbacks Drive Continued Growth in U.S. Publishing Industry July 28, 2026 at 1:14:20 PM Consumer reading habits are cementing a distinct shift in the book market as the U.S. publishing industry logs steady growth heading into the summer. According to the newest market data released by the Association of American Publishers (AAP), overall industry revenues rose 6.8% in May compared to the same time last year, pushing total year-to-date earnings to $4.7 billion—a 2.6% increase over the first five months of 2025. The numbers reflect an industry finding its footing through a mix of traditional ink-on-paper formats and rapidly growing digital options, even as older formats face a steep decline. At the heart of the industry's growth is the massive Trade sector, which tracks everyday consumer fiction and nonfiction. Consumer book revenue jumped 7.6% in May alone, accounting for $799.5 million of the industry's total. Within this sector, paperbacks are proving to be the dominant physical format choice for buyers. Paperback sales spiked 10.4% in May to $290.8 million, bringing their year-to-date total to a commanding $1.4 billion. Hardbacks also enjoyed a healthy monthly rebound, growing 7.4% to $281.5 million, though they still lag slightly behind last year's overall pace on a year-to-date basis. Simultaneously, the digital audio boom shows no signs of slowing down. Spending on digital audiobooks jumped 13% for the month to $100.7 million. Year-to-date, digital audio has surged by 14.5%, netting half a billion dollars so far this year and solidifying its place as the industry's fastest-growing segment. This dual embrace of portable paperbacks and digital audio appears to be coming directly at the expense of other formats. The traditional mass-market paperback—once the staple of grocery store racks and airport newsstands—has all but vanished, collapsing by 73.8% in May and leaving the format down 75.6% for the year. eBook adoption also remains soft, dipping nearly 1% for the month and down 3.5% overall for the year. Beyond mainstream consumer titles, the data paints a mixed picture for academic and specialty publishers: Religious Presses: Religious books saw a substantial 9.3% revenue jump in May to $69 million, heavily supported by a 27.8% explosion in paperback sales. The strong month successfully nudged the sector's flat year-to-date performance back into positive territory (up 0.9%). Education: Materials for PreK-12 and higher education grew a modest 1.1% in May to $88.9 million. However, the sector remains fundamentally strong, maintaining a 3.2% year-to-date lead over 2025 at $672.7 million. Professional and Scholarly: Technical, medical, law, and scientific publishing took a 3.3% hit for the month, dropping to $30 million. Despite the monthly dip, the category remains up 2.8% for the year overall. The data is compiled through the AAP's StatShot program, which aggregates monthly financial reporting from 1,416 U.S. publishers. Because the program measures direct net revenue from sales across all major channels—including physical bookstores, online retail giants, and wholesalers—it offers the most reliable indicator of how macro-economic shifts and changing consumer tastes are shaping the business of books. Reported by Printed Word Reviews Share this article Copy link LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest

Book review of Cybersecurity: Safeguarding Our Digital World by Justin K. Kojok . ISBN: < Back Cybersecurity: Safeguarding Our Digital World Justin K. Kojok cybersecurity, digital threats, ransomware, legal implications, data protection Justin Kojok Share this review: Copy link Facebook LinkedIn X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest In a world increasingly threatened by sophisticated cyberattacks, "Cybersecurity: Safeguarding Our Digital World" offers a comprehensive guide to understanding and defending against the evolving landscape of digital threats through innovative technologies and collaborative strategies. In "Cybersecurity: Safeguarding Our Digital World," Justin Kojok presents a comprehensive and insightful look into the complex and ever-evolving landscape of digital defense. The book effectively bridging the gap between foundational principles and cutting-edge technological advancements. Kojok equips readers with the knowledge needed to understand and navigate the challenges of our interconnected world. The book begins by highlighting the dual nature of modern technology: while it has revolutionized our lives, it has also introduced a myriad of new security vulnerabilities. It thoroughly examines the impact of key technological trends, including the security implications of cloud computing and the increased risks associated with 5G networks. A central theme is the exploration of AI's dual role—as a powerful tool for threat detection and as a weapon that can be exploited by cybercriminals. The discussion of blockchain and quantum computing also provides a forward-looking perspective on how emerging technologies will shape future security strategies. A significant strength of the book is its emphasis on cyber resilience. Beyond simply preventing attacks, Kojok stresses the importance of an organization's ability to recover and adapt after an incident. He offers practical, actionable guidance on incident response and on building a robust security posture. This focus on preparedness and adaptability is a crucial takeaway for any individual or organization. The book also underscores the necessity of collaborative efforts in cybersecurity. Kojok advocates for stronger partnerships between the private sector and global organizations to facilitate information sharing and develop joint defense strategies. He also addresses the human factor, emphasizing the critical need for education and workforce training to fill the talent gap in the field. Kojok doesn't shy away from the legal and ethical dimensions of cybersecurity. He discusses accountability for data breaches and navigates the intricate regulatory landscape, including the implications of laws like GDPR. This section adds value, providing context for how technical decisions must align with legal obligations. In conclusion, "Cybersecurity: Safeguarding Our Digital World" is an essential read for anyone interested in digital defense, from IT professionals and cybersecurity practitioners to students and the general public. Kojok's blend of fundamental concepts, advanced technologies, and practical examples provides a clear roadmap for staying ahead of threats. The book's final message is a powerful call for proactive thinking and innovation to protect our shared digital environment. It is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the tools, technologies, and ideas that will shape the future of cybersecurity. Previous Next

Book review of Ghosts of the Past: The Search For A Lost WWII Art Collection Worth Killing For by Mark Downer . ISBN: < Back Ghosts of the Past: The Search For A Lost WWII Art Collection Worth Killing For Mark Downer Thriller, Historical Fiction, treasure, artwork, World War II, mystery, adventure Old Stone Press Share this review: Copy link Facebook LinkedIn X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest In a race against time, a young man uncovers a hidden treasure linked to his late uncle's secret past as a Luftwaffe pilot, only to find himself pursued by dangerous adversaries intent on claiming the stolen artwork for themselves. Mark Downer's Ghosts of the Past is a high-octane historical thriller that splices the dark secrets of World War II with a modern-day international treasure hunt. It’s a compelling read perfect for anyone who enjoys the blend of historical detail, globe-trotting adventure, and complex espionage, evoking the spirit of classic thrillers centered on Nazi loot. The narrative is built on a fantastic hook: the final, cryptic crash of Major Max Hignite’s Luftwaffe transport in the Swiss Alps, which wasn't carrying military cargo, but a priceless collection of artwork stolen under the authority of Hermann Goering. This single event in 1945 casts a chilling, deadly shadow decades later. In 2001, when protagonist Matt Ferguson inherits his great uncle Max’s mysterious legacy, the pace shifts into high gear. What begins as a simple discovery—a hidden safe, military gear, and a list of stolen art—quickly explodes into a life-or-death scenario. Ferguson, an ordinary American, is plunged into the underworld with the help of the assistant curator, Courtney Lewis. Their partnership is the emotional core of the novel, navigating ups and downs of trust as they are hunted by multiple parties. Downer populates the world with compelling antagonists, from the wealthy and ruthless art collector Guillermo Rocca, who deploys his associate Juan to track every move, to the mysterious Bolivar. The stakes are underscored by a wave of violence, including break-ins and the attack on Dr. Karl, lending immediate credence to the book’s subtitle: this collection is, indeed, worth killing for. The plot shines when Ferguson and Lewis arrive in the treacherous Swiss mountains. The author expertly balances the thrill of the treasure hunt—the discovery of the plane and the crates—with escalating danger. The tension builds to a breathless climax involving a multi-party shootout, highlighting the novel's fast-paced commitment to action. Adding a strong layer of structure and investigative realism are Detective Toby Shutt and Interpol expert Charles Pernod. Their work to connect the dots between the domestic murders and the international art conspiracy provides a necessary anchor against the chaos of the treasure seekers, keeping the plot grounded even as the action flies. The conclusion is satisfying, wrapping up the physical danger with a CIA takeover, yet preserving the personal mystery with Ferguson’s secret retention of the Gauguin painting. This final twist cements the complex character dynamics and leaves the protagonists—and the reader—with a rich blend of history saved and a personal fortune secured. Ghosts of the Past is a meticulously plotted and engaging adventure. It successfully intertwines themes of historical intrigue, adventure, espionage, and character dynamics across different eras and continents. It is a captivating reading experience that promises to keep fans of wartime mystery and contemporary thrillers turning pages. A must-read for fans of authors like Steve Berry or Daniel Silva. Previous Next

Book review of Vatican Daughter by Joni Marie Iraci . ISBN: < Back Vatican Daughter Joni Marie Iraci Historical Thriller Collective Ink/Round fire Books Share this review: Copy link Facebook LinkedIn X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest Faith, Power, and Intrigue in the Heart of Italy: A Novel of Secrets and Redemption Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Italy, “Vatican Daughter” by Joni Marie Iraci weaves together history, reality, and speculative storytelling, offering readers a complex and character-driven exploration of faith, power, and intrigue. Spanning twelve years and unfolding across iconic locations like the Vatican, Venice, and Rome, the story delves into the lives of individuals changed by secrets and hidden agendas within the Catholic Church. A revelation involving a future pope Joseph Morris sets the stage. At the heart of the story are compelling characters: Joseph Morris, the pope burdened by a secret; Sophia, the amnesiac journalist fighting for her child; Nevaeh, the innocent caught in the crossfire; Chris DeMarco, the journalist seeking the truth; Cardinal Roselli, the Machiavellian figure driven by ambition; and Alessandro, the loyal official aiding Sophia's quest. The evocative settings of the Vatican, Venice, and Rome become characters in themselves, reflecting the emotional journeys of the protagonists. The Vatican, the epicenter of the Catholic Church, serves as the stage for political maneuvering and spiritual conflict. Venice, a city of masks and hidden identities, mirrors Sophia's own struggle to rediscover her past. And Rome, the eternal city, becomes the focal point where all the narratives collide. "Vatican Daughter" is a captivating blend of historical context, well-developed characters, and suspense. It's a story about the strength of the human spirit and the search for truth, offering a satisfying resolution while leaving the reader to ponder the complexities of faith, redemption, and hope. Previous Next

< Back Doing Rights Right 2026: Equipping the Modern Publisher for a Rapidly Shifting Landscape January 25, 2026 at 2:04:04 PM In the volatile world of international publishing, "rights" are no longer just a department—they are back to being the primary engine of value. However, as digital ecosystems evolve and Artificial Intelligence rewrites the rules of intellectual property, the strategies that worked five years ago are becoming obsolete. Our publisher Ted Olczak attended in-person the hybrid conference Doing Rights Right 2026: Building Your Rights Toolbox this past Friday at the Goethe Institute. Hosted by the Book Industry Study Group (BISG) with the support of the Frankfurter Buchmesse and other sponsors, this summit was designed as a high-octane, practical intensive for publishers, agents, and industry partners. Moving beyond abstract theory, the 2026 program focused on “real-world guidance.” BISG Rights Chair Kris Kliemann moderated the sessions as a “strategic toolkit” designed to help attendees navigate the intricacies of today’s rights ecosystem. Here is a look at the themes defining this year’s event. The day began with global perspectives from BISG leadership and Juergen Boos, President and CEO of Frankfurter Buchmesse. Their opening remarks set the stage for a program rooted in the necessity of connectivity. The opening session, “Measuring Twice,” set a practical tone by diagnosing the operational friction points that hinder revenue. Through a real-time pulse check, attendees identified systemic “blockers”—most notably lean staffing, a lack of executive buy-in, and the chronic deprioritization of rights within the broader organization. The consensus was clear: professionals are seeking a “Best Practices” roadmap, including vetted vendor lists and consultative support. The session highlighted a poignant irony—if freed from fragmented workflows and administrative burdens, rights teams would pivot their energy toward untapped market potential and deepening author and market relationships. The “New Tools for the Rights Toolbox” session was an eye-opening experience as presenters showcased new emerging rights technologies and tools. Chair Kliemann updated members on BISG’s “Find A Rightsholder” as well as new committee initiatives including a Rights Vendors Compendium and BISG’s Book Publishing Next. For rights professionals, the goal is no longer just to “survive” AI, but to build a framework where human creativity is both protected and fairly compensated within machine-learning models. So after lunch, guests continued on with “Licensing for AI, what should (what can) book publishers do.” With human limitation on the ability of licensing content use, Amlet provided a solution with computer to computer authorization of content use thru ISCC, best described as a “digital fingerprint” or “high-precision ISBN.” Here, content is labeled, assigned an identification, registered and assigned a value. Very much like an ISBN for a book, ISCC can identify something as small as a couple paragraphs to chapters in a book (Amlet’s current software addresses the book, but could easily be applied to varying types of content). In this way, it can be a protection against machine to machine uses of content, as well as have the ability to drive licensing revenue. The day ended in a session titled “The Human Toolbox: Thriving as a Rights Professional and How to Glow in the Dark.” Literary agent Anna Sproul-Latimer addressed the emotional “soft skills” that are becoming increasingly “hard.” From career resilience to human-centered networking, this session brought an optimistic lift to professionals to maintain their spark and “glow” in their profession. Ultimately, “Doing Rights Right 2026” served as a vital industry recalibration. By bringing together the technological (AI and data standards) with the tactical (workflows and licensing) and the personal (career resilience), BISG provided an actionable conversation for the rights professional. For those looking to turn rights into a more robust revenue driver, the message is clear: It’s time to stop theorizing and start building. NOTE: BISG now has NEW membership options for literary agents, independent practitioners, and students who want to get involved, visit https://www.bisg.org/membership for details. Reported by Printed Word Reviews Share this article Copy link LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest

Book review of Little Boy, I Know Your Name by Mitchell Raff . ISBN: < Back Little Boy, I Know Your Name Mitchell Raff Memoir, Spirituality, Holocaust, inherited trauma, abuse, forgiveness, family, survivor, mental health, healing, silence, love, hope, struggle River Grove Share this review: Copy link Facebook LinkedIn X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest Haunted by the legacy of his Holocaust survivor parents, a man navigates a tumultuous journey of abuse, trauma, and self-discovery, ultimately seeking healing and hope amidst the chaos of his past. A Journey Through Inherited Trauma Mitchell Raff's memoir, "Little Boy, I Know Your Name," is a raw exploration of a life shaped by the profound and often silent legacy of the Holocaust. Drawing from his own experiences as the child of survivors, Raff provides a deeply personal account of inherited trauma, and the difficult, often harrowing, journey towards healing and self-acceptance. It teaches as much about resilience as it does about the lasting impact of historical violence. Raff's childhood was defined by the deep psychic wounds his parents, Moshe and Giza, carried from the war. His father's absence and his mother's unpredictably abusive behavior created a chaotic and damaging home environment. The memoir candidly recounts the cycle of pain that was perpetuated through silence, as his family, like many survivors, believed that burying their experiences would protect future generations. However, this suppression only compounded the damage, leaving young Mitchell feeling terrified and humiliated. While his aunt and uncle offered a semblance of love and stability, they could not fully shield him from a path of self-loathing and self-destruction. A significant turning point in the narrative is Mitchell's relationship with his therapist, Ann. Her blunt and candid insights force him to confront his deep-seated issues and recognize the self-destructive patterns he has adopted. The memoir delves into the complexities of his relationship with his mother, Giza, highlighting the unpredictable nature of her abuse and the deep bond he shared with his half-sister, Regina. This shared struggle to understand their past and their love for each other becomes a poignant subplot, showcasing a flicker of hope amidst the darkness. Beyond the personal narrative, Raff weaves in a broader historical context, reflecting on how Holocaust survivors were perceived and treated, particularly in Israel. He touches on the societal shame and derogatory attitudes they faced, and the pivotal role of the Eichmann trial in shifting public opinion. This wider lens transforms the memoir from a singular story of abuse into a universal meditation on the various ways trauma manifests, and the struggle of an entire generation to reconcile with an unbearable past. "Little Boy, I Know Your Name" is a testament to the power of resilience. It is a compelling and unflinching look at the devastating effects of inherited trauma, but it also shows the possibility of breaking the cycle. Mitchell Raff's journey of seeking freedom and finding healing offers a ray of hope for anyone struggling with personal demons or the weight of a difficult past. It's a moving book that leaves the reader with a sense of understanding and encouragement. Previous Next