Page 25 - Reader's House Magazine Issue 52

NOVEL • STORY • LITERATURE
EDITOR’S CHOICE
DEADSIDE REAPERS
by Debbie Cassidy
Thrilling, witty, and addictive! Deadside Reapers delivers sharp dialogue, intense action, and unforgettable characters in a brilliantly crafted urban fantasy world.
Debbie Cassidy’s Deadside Reapers box set is an exhilarating urban fantasy trilogy packed with action, humour, and a touch of the supernatural. Bringing together Reaper Unexpected, Reaper Uninvited,
and Reaper Untamed, this collection introduces us to a world where ghosts roam freely, reapers wield immense power, and one woman finds herself caught in the middle of it all.
The protagonist, a spirited soul relocation agent,
is just trying to do her job—until she inadvertently inherits the scythe of one of Lilith’s favoured reapers. This twist throws her into the path of three powerful and furious reapers, leading to a whirlwind of
danger, intrigue, and undeniable chemistry. Cassidy masterfully balances intense action with witty banter, making for a fast-paced and addictive read.
The world-building is a standout feature, painting a vivid picture of Necro City and the supernatural hierarchy that governs it. The concept of Soul Savers Inc. is both intriguing and refreshingly original, blending the corporate and the macabre seamlessly. Fans of strong heroines will appreciate the lead’s tenacity, while those who enjoy a slow-burn romance and sizzling tension won’t be disappointed by the dynamic between her and the reapers.
With its sharp dialogue, gripping plot twists, and
a dash of dark humour, Deadside Reapers is a must- read for urban fantasy lovers. Cassidy delivers an engaging adventure that keeps readers hooked from start to finish. If you enjoy a blend of supernatural drama and sass, this box set is well worth picking up.
FREEDOM LESSONS
by Eileen Harrison Sanchez
A powerful, heartfelt novel that captures the complexi- ties of race, identity, and courage with authenticity, grace, and emotional depth.
Set against the backdrop of 1969 rural Louisi- ana, Freedom Lessons offers a poignant and deeply human narrative of integration, race, and resilience. Drawing from her personal experiences as a teacher during the civil rights era, Eileen Harrison Sanchez crafts a compelling story through the alternating voices of Colleen, an optimistic white newcomer; Evelyn, a seasoned Black teacher; and Frank, a high school football player shouldering the weight of his family’s grief and survival.
What makes this novel resonate is its authenticity. The integration of schools is not just a historical event—it becomes a lived, messy, and emotional reality for each character. Colleen’s journey is especially affecting as her initial naivety gives way to deeper understanding and difficult moral choices. Evelyn’s perspective is equally powerful, challeng- ing assumptions and revealing the complexities behind seemingly simple acts of resistance. Frank’s story adds a youthful, raw layer of truth, showing the psychological toll systemic injustice can take.
Sanchez avoids caricature and instead offers nuance and heart. Her prose is simple yet evocative, perfectly suited to a story where small choices carry enormous weight. While the novel is steeped in a specific time and place, its questions—about justice, belonging, and what it means to do the right thing— are strikingly relevant today.
Freedom Lessons is a moving, thought-provoking novel that sheds light on an often overlooked mo- ment in American history, reminding readers of the personal cost of change and the courage it demands.
THE HEART OF A SOLDIER
by Eleanor Alspaugh
A deeply moving and impeccably researched trib- ute to courage, resilience, and love amidst the horrors of World War II.
Eleanor Alspaugh’s The Heart of a Soldier: Letters from 1st Sergeant George Donald is a
deeply moving and meticulously crafted historical non-fiction work. Through a treasure trove of letters, the book offers a profoundly personal glimpse into the life of Sergeant George Donald, a soldier of the famed Sixth Armoured Division during the Second World War. His correspondence, often written under the duress of battlefield conditions, reveals a man of remarkable courage, humility, and devotion to both duty and family.
The letters, penned almost daily over the course of four years, capture not only the harrowing reali- ties of war but also the enduring love that sustained Donald. His heartfelt words, full of vivid storytell- ing, bring to life the trials of General Patton’s Third Army as it pressed from Normandy to the German Alps. They highlight his exemplary leadership, recognised by a Silver Star, a Purple Heart, and a Bronze Star, and underscore the human side of a soldier grappling with the horrors of combat.
Alspaugh complements her father’s narrative with well-researched historical context, enriching the letters with insights into the broader scope of World War II, especially the challenges faced by the “Super Sixth.” Her effort makes this book more than a collection of letters; it becomes a poignant tribute to the resilience of soldiers and their families.
Rich in historical detail and emotional depth, this book is essential for anyone with an interest in mil- itary history or a desire to connect with the human stories embedded within it. Highly recommended.
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