Sun Tzu’s Café

by Eric Bornstein
MindStir Media

book review by Mihir Shah

“This plan would allow the CPC to gain access to America’s upcoming best and brightest young minds.”

Transporting audiences into a riveting espionage thriller, Bornstein pushes the limits of science and technology to create a potentially cataclysmic outcome that is as plot-centric as it is character-driven. Loyalties are tested regularly, revealing the fortitude of the main characters and their determination to achieve their goals at all costs. Not your typical thriller, the narrative is tied to one’s roots, family, and being wronged in a way that can’t easily be forgiven.

The novel centers around Li Qiang, a budding chemistry graduate from Columbia University, who gets strong armed into assisting government intelligence in their covert operations. Deeper at the root of Bornstein’s work is an exploration of a pivotal moment in the fusion of history: the Sino-Japanese War and the subsequent, tragic demise of countless Chinese Americans due to President Arthur’s passing of the Chinese Exclusion Act. While assets are often inherited by future generations, Qiang inherited an unshakeable desire for revenge from his grandfather Ming, who experienced the immense and systematic loss of his family firsthand. Describing it as “smoldering resentment,” Qiang is playing the long game, a chess grandmaster of sorts who is setting up his enemy for a fatal blow.

Qiang is brought on board by US intelligence to infiltrate the Chinese national government through Project CHATTER. Similarly, Project JAVA-WAR utilizes the integration of hallucinogens and psychedelics, specifically the psychoactive cannabinoid mescaline, to give rise to the next level of chemical warfare with devastating results: schizophrenia and psychosis. Its premise is simple: use the Sun Tzu Cafe to target unsuspecting coffee shopgoers who just so happen to be graduate students and the brightest American minds. Unsurprisingly, they would then profile them and manipulate the information to fit their agenda.

Interestingly, the author uses the historical fiction platform to shed light on watershed moments in US espionage history, such as Project MKULTRA, allowing younger audiences to become privy to the magnitude of intelligence ploys on both sides of the competition. For example, Dr. Champlain and Dr. Asher Berenson use their research knowledge to counter what Qiang has planned, resulting in a frenetic who-blinks-first sequence of events that are simultaneously action-packed and contemplative.

While chemical and biological warfare isn’t necessarily a novel topic, the resolve of an individual determined to serve retribution to his former employers, to get justice for his grandfather and family members, and to respond to the endless threats against his own parents transform the narrative from a simple espionage saga to one that is intensely personal. Qiang’s determination transcends even time as he’s ready to continue the battle with future generations if he is not able to get the revenge he seeks.

From a narrative perspective, the work is a gem, spinning a seamless story that has audiences invested in Qiang. Much of the intrigue with his character stems from his timely references to quotes from Sun Tzu’s The Art of War. This is seen in quotes like this: “To fight and conquer in all your battles is not supreme excellence; supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy’s resistance without fighting.” It is in these moments and passages when audiences fully buy in that this is not simply going to be resolved with brute force but rather an elongated, drawn-out mind game where the main player sees nothing but revenge and will stop short of nothing to exact that, even if that means finding a wife in his middle-age years to create spawn that he can train to continue the generational warfare.

Though there are many characters who play a central role, the core of the work revolves around the the concept of resilience and commitment to a cause, come hell or high water. It is this quality that undoubtedly will be endearing to audiences. When combined with an electric plot that is devoid of any dull moments, Bornstein’s work makes for an enriching read, a thought-provoking probe into the inner workings of central intelligence as a whole.

RECOMMENDED by the US Review

Men Who Walk in Dreams

by Marisa Labozzetta
Guernica Editions

book review by Michael Radon

“Dad smiled, a glimmer of hope tickling his mustache. He’s always wanted to believe there’s more between me and Marlene than a plate of cookies.”

Through the medium of the short story, characters are introduced in moments when their candles are burning the brightest. The reader is served a cross-section of these fictional lives in a manageable fraction that packs the most flavor and impression into the smallest number of bites. One might not expect these defining scenes to include the quitting of one’s job to discover one’s true calling in authentic mozzarella cheese, or a frustrated series of phone calls between two people whose love never really got to reach its potential even after decades, but life often happens before it can be prepared for. This compilation of evocative stories and scenes thrusts readers into the unexpected, only to be dazzled and captivated by raw emotion, personal insight, and the occasional water buffalo.

From the first page, the author’s meticulous and masterful choice of language makes its presence very clear and offers each scene as a window into the soul or just a perfect description of a dark, snowy day. Each story, for the most part, provides entirely new locales and lifestyles that are so stark that a description of a wallpaper pattern manages to land on equally thunderous footing as a revealed closed-door affair. There is a constant mystique of potential in each selection as if the characters are capable of any imagined outcome, and it makes for an addictive and entertaining read to see which possibility becomes final. Artistic, curious, and with an arsenal of emotional gut punches, this is a collection of short stories that belongs in the library of any thoughtful, off-center reader.

RECOMMENDED by the US Review

What Lies Buried

by Leslie Kain
Atmosphere Press

book review by Toby Berry

“Permission to feel. And now permission to be…”

Gavin DiMasi has a terrible childhood of being tormented by his twin brother and their father. But when his parents and brother die, DiMasi is the last man standing to deal with all of the family’s dirty laundry. Not only were his father and brother cruel, but they also left a mob mess to mop up. DiMasi’s wife tries to save him from his memories and the mob while simultaneously working to protect herself and their child from being sucked into his dark world. Readers learn from DiMasi and his wife’s dialogues with their counselor, Dr. Pederson, and are reminded of the slow road to recovery. Pederson says, “If Gavin’s life were fiction, his behavior would self-correct after one explanation. But words can’t rewire the neurological damage from his lifetime of traumatic assaults.”

The term PTSD is thrown about daily, casually even, but this book paints a vivid picture of the intensity and disabling horror of complex PTSD (CPTSD). The main character’s angst becomes the reader’s angst. To read this novel is to understand better post-traumatic stress disorder, clinically and emotionally, but also to be entertained through the interrelated mysterious mob story. The vivid descriptions of the main character’s CPTSD episodes help readers understand the disorder on a deeper level. The other noteworthy quality is the prose. Good writing is conversational but clever. A person should not need a dictionary to read a book, but a strong use of vocabulary, when no other words say it better, is what authors strive for. Kain nails it, “…plunging him into emotional catatonia unassuaged by the app on his phone the meditation guide gave him.” Despite the difficult subject matter, this book is artfully written, entertaining, and intriguing. Whether reading for pure entertainment or as therapy, this one is a must-read.

RECOMMENDED by the US Review

Watch Out for the Elephants!

by C. Angela Todd and C. Ann Todd
Dorrance Publishing Company

book review by Barbara Bamberger Scott

“Dear reader, I am sure you realize our way of life was a most enriching experience, but it wasn’t easy to say goodbye to a country and friends.”

The Todd sisters offer a shared autobiographical look at their unique childhood, spent mostly outside America as daughters of the eleventh black man to be inducted into the United States Foreign Service in 1945. James and his wife, Norma, enthusiastically accepted this remarkable opportunity, embarking for Egypt where Angela would be born. Later, they would be stationed in Israel, Ann’s birthplace. An early lesson in racial inequality occurred when Angela and her parents visited America on home leave. Her father warned her to speak only in Arabic when they went to a restaurant in the South. She recalls that instead of being ostracized by the locals for their skin color, they were welcomed heartily as “foreigners.”

In adapting to the many countries where their father worked, the two girls gained fluency in several languages, immersing themselves in cultures that ranged from the urban atmospheres of Germany, Austria, and Canada to the crowded streets and unfamiliar landscapes of Zambia, Indonesia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and India. Angela and a school friend once had lunch with Pablo Picasso, and Ann recalls spilling red nail polish on a white dress because a monkey jumped at her.

The narrative clearly shows that the girls were raised by determined and dedicated parents. The authors absorbed a strong moral code, pursued higher education, and both now work in fields that allow them to assist others less fortunate. They have helpfully arrayed their memoir with the aid of cartoon “portraits” to denote which of them is recounting an episode. Their book also contains letters from their father, corroborative documents, and photographs of the people they met and the atmospheres they imbibed in their thirty-five years of continual, exhilarating travel and transition. Their recollections may enhearten readers to step outside ordinary bounds and boldly go forth to embrace diverse cultures and new horizons.

RECOMMENDED by the US Review

Start Over As Your Real Self: And Balance Everything to be Happy

by David F. Marks, PhD

book review by Carol Anderson, D.Min., ACSW

“The purpose of life is to live a life of purpose.”

Marks’ book focuses on mental health and healthy life practices. The fifty-four short chapters include topics related to fostering creativity, coping with emotions, balancing life, the mind-body connection, self-acceptance, forgiveness, and self-care. Some of the ideas for healing include journaling, art and music, mindfulness, visualization, humor and laughter, participating in hobbies, being in solitude, meditation, being in nature, taming the inner critic, and deep breathing. The teaching utilizes a “Balance Theory” regarding human behavior and how to change this behavior, along with an examination of scientific findings containing an exploration of the “social nature” of humans. The work is a self-reflective guide with exercises to complete in each chapter, which adds to the focus of not just reading the book but being immersed in it.

With a focus on psychological well-being, the author’s book is presented with significant information on the topic and is written in a nicely organized format, which makes it easy to read and follow. There are visual diagrams which, along with the exercises, add another dimension to the work. It is professionally written, although there are some quotations and facts that are not cited. The author’s background is as a teacher and researcher, and his other professional writings help expand upon the work. Overall, this is a good foray into how to grow through the basics of balancing one’s life, techniques to achieve such a balance, and how to enjoy reading and working through the numerous exercises towards a healthier self, the real self. It will be especially valuable for those new on the path to self-discovery.

RECOMMENDED by the US Review

Storm Surge

by Stephen Reger

book review by Mari Carlson

“What happens to one of us… happens to all of us.”

In 1618-1619, as a civil war between Protestants and Catholics comes to a head across Europe, two formidable sisters, Vanessa and Sarlatova, and their entourage head to Vienna to report atrocities against Catholics that they’ve witnessed. Ferdinand, the archduke and their father, is the leader of Stormsong, a Catholic group defending the throne, but with the emperor dying, Ferdinand assumes control. However, not everyone makes the same assumption about his succession of power. Protestants and others contesting Ferdinand for one reason or another band together, in some cases outnumbering the Catholic stronghold. As the sisters learn more about their father and the political situation during their journey, their goals change. Meanwhile, Ferdinand sends various parties in search of his daughters. But is it for good or ill?

This second book of a trilogy opens with the disclaimer that the history as it has thus far been reported is wrong. Instead of correcting mistakes and, in fact, deliberately misdating and misnaming some historical events and characters for the sake of streamlining the story, the truth the book tells readers is that history is personal. History’s relevance is brought to the fore by setting sweeping social, religious, and military movements alongside a narrative of two sisters gaining knowledge about their past and their identities. Through vibrant, superlative, and contrasting personalities, the story brings history’s impact to life, not only for these protagonists but also for readers compelled by their struggles and triumphs.

The book’s conflict centers around the sisters’ magical powers. Setting aside whether magic is real or not, the book’s use of the supernatural is thrilling and intriguing. For her outspoken ability to cause storms with her song, Sarlatova is called a witch, among other put-downs. Vanessa’s powers, on the other hand, emerge over the course of the book. She becomes a heroine by overcoming that which keeps her from expressing her powers. She is a source of conflict and strife. She is frustratingly stubborn and used to getting her way as the heiress to an archduke but yet also generous and fair. Her immersive and mesmerizing, if not magical, combination of qualities keeps readers’ attention.

The two sisters’ bickering over their differences reflects the larger context in which they fight. The story, though, focuses on reconciliation. While most of the action takes place in descriptive passages, dialogue advances the novel’s philosophical underpinnings. With entertaining accents and idiosyncrasies, characters discuss forgiveness, moral obligations, and God-given (magical) gifts. Their jaunty conversations contemporize an ancient tale. Against the backdrop of factions planning and battling, the main plot remains focused on Vanessa’s change of heart about her abilities as she experiences forgiveness from her sister and the others in her traveling party.

Other storylines interlock with Vanessa’s. The parallel woes of a baker accused of witchcraft, a desperate rabbi, and abused siblings, among other mysterious personages, bring Vanessa closer to transformation in their relationships with her. At times, the number of interwoven subplots and bits of historical data about imperial troops, religious orders, and politics is dizzying. However, everything manages to be held together by Vanessa’s storyline. Toggling between threads in short chapters, this long book reads quickly. Clever segues weave the segments together. The tone is driving, with pictures of wanton brutality meted out by both warring sides met with equally strident expressions of love. Toward the end, the plots dovetail, and the writing becomes chantlike and rhythmic, with repeated phrases mirroring the forces marching toward the site of the archduke’s secret weapon. The novel ends on a precipitous note that works to bait readers toward the final book in the trilogy.

Mystic Prince

by M. A. Richter
Alexander Publishing

book review by Joyce Jacobo

“You made that choice of your own free will. I want you to flourish and fulfill your potential.”

Prince Khael Stratton is a mystic who seeks to deepen his knowledge of such arts to help those in need. Following a mission, he reports to the city of Cambridge—ruled over by his brother—and has a close encounter with a pickpocket who steals his signet ring. Alongside his bodyguard, Grant, the prince manages to track down the young woman, Vixen, who suffers from a foggy memory while demonstrating a great talent for skills associated with assassins. Prince Khael finds it an odd happenstance in a time when a terrorist group known as the Chelevkori are making active attempts to eliminate the royal family for a perceived wrongdoing by his grandfather, Loren, and it is further compounded by reports that tyrannical rule has seized the city of Skemmelsham over which he rules. Prince Khael forges a contract with Vixen, and with Grant, they go on a journey to liberate the city.

This novel features a lot of interesting worldbuilding, with distinctions made between the mystic arts and magic and a solid exploration of how the political tensions evolved between the groups involved. It is also very much a love story between Prince Khael and Vixen as they seek to uncover more about her past and deal with the complications of building a relationship amid their unique circumstances. In a fantasy world where most of the corrupt guards seem focused on carnal pleasures at the first opportunity, the ties between the prince and Vixen are notable for their being respectful and patient towards each other. The action scenes are also done well and flow along at a fast pace. One of the most powerful messages in the story, however, is in expressing the dangers of having history twisted to indoctrinate communities and manipulate people. It is very relatable in that respect and a decent start to what will clearly become a much larger fantasy series.

RECOMMENDED by the US Review

Creager: The War Paint Killer Saga

by L. Hanson

book review by Philip Zozzaro

“This is just the beginning; I can feel it in my bones.”

Bedford Township has seen its share of ups and downs as a community, from prosperity to near desertion. In 2012, the announcement of the construction of a new dam has led to rejuvenation. However, a new problem has arisen with new arrivals as crime has begun to skyrocket. Detective Ben Creager and his partner, Ritch, are experiencing this phenomenon firsthand with each new crime scene to explore. The crimes are becoming more brazen, from daylight shootouts between thieves and security guards to the string of murders that appear almost ritualistic in nature. Creager’s skills are put to the test, as is his mental health, since he has never fully recovered from a near-fatal car crash in his youth. As the 911 calls keep coming in, Bedford Township’s future may be in doubt.

Bedlam has begun to consume the suburban Bedford Township as the book begins, and the possibility of it reaching epic proportions provides much of the thrills. Although he is the primary character, Ben Creager is only one of many interesting characters who figure prominently throughout the book. For instance, his partner, Ritch, is developed as a solid supporting character who ably backs up the protagonist when not actively seeking out the next paramour in his life. Meanwhile, Creager’s friend Boggs works as a radio DJ and may aid in getting a serial killer to surface unless the killer gets to him first. As the protagonist’s friend, he serves as a plot device that not only raises the stakes for Creager to solve the case but also increases the overall suspense in the book. Ben’s support system is his wife, Sheri, a doctor with endless patience and the kindest of hearts. The author balances aspects of melancholy with humor, romance, and suspense. In short, the story proves entertaining in every conceivable way.

RECOMMENDED by the US Review

We Used to Dance: Loving Judy, My Disabled Twin

by Debbie Chein Morris
She Writes Press

book review by Barbara Bamberger Scott

“What I really wish is to have a memory of how we danced… hand in hand, and feet to feet.”

Morris shares a poignant, sometimes painful memoir of the time spent with her twin sister, Judy. Born first, Judy was soon recognized to have cerebral palsy, probably a result of damage to her brain before she emerged from their mother’s womb. Yet the author’s early childhood memories indicate that the two shared a remarkably communicative relationship. Though incontinent and burdened with cognitive impairments, her twin was able to enjoy the special attention of those who loved her. A special memory for Morris was of dancing with her sister to the merriment of other family members.

Judy received the home-based therapies and special equipment available at the time, providing needed assistance to their mother, who had three other children to watch after. Inevitably, as Morris’ journal entries vividly attest, such measures were insufficient. Judy became increasingly vulnerable, creating distress and alarm among those who loved her. She would gradually move from home care to full-time, facility-based supervision that neither her aging mother nor her concerned siblings could have offered. Still, Morris and others held out hopes, visiting as often as possible to sustain genuine family cohesion.

Morris, who chose the field of early childhood education for her career path, here shows her skills as an introspective observer, sensitively communicating her feelings to her readership. Especially emotive are her journal entries encompassing her visits with Judy and consultations with family during crucial episodes that might last days at a time with the outcomes unknown but possibly grim. Along with dread and self-doubts in her private contemplations, Morris strove to find positive aspects for each situation. Readers with family challenges will recognize and empathize with Morris’ frank, tender outpourings and will value her work as freely offered for comfort and deeper comprehension.

Murder in Concrete

by Arthur Coburn
The Wild Rose Press

book review by Kat Kennedy

“You students are like our concrete, strong enough to weather troubles that would undo most people.”

In his farewell speech to graduating seniors in the small town of Concrete, the principal describes the graduates as “strong enough to weather troubles that would undo most people.” Charlie can’t fathom how she will have to put that theory to the test. But that same day, her panicked father tells her to immediately leave Concrete without going home. Charlie soon discovers her mother has been murdered. Then, her father’s body is pulled from a nearby river. After her parents’ horrible deaths, she suffers from PTSD, which causes hallucinations and disorientation. She decides to attend university, but her unnerving hallucinations cause her to shy away from others. It also seems she is being followed, and she fears whoever killed her parents is after her. By chance, she discovers her father is alive. Charlie’s search for answers lands her on a movie set, which begins a rollicking adventure with colorful characters.

This is one of those novels that has the reader invested from the first. Losing both parents in a matter of hours, the protagonist sets off on a dangerous quest for truth. Coburn’s handling of Charlie’s psychological problems brought on by her parents’ deaths is spot-on, with Charlie slipping from the present to the past in a frightening, and sometimes public, reaction to her delusions. Though struggling with the results of trauma, Charlie remains a strong character determined to find the truth regardless of the danger. This leads to some nail-biting scenes and unexpected plot twists. The author does a wonderful job of building the plot into a surprising ending. Many interesting details are included in the narrative about the movie business. This novel delivers on characterization as well as plot. Appropriate for both young adult and older readers, this one is excellent from start to finish.

RECOMMENDED by the US Review