Sassy Reviews

January 17, 2026

Writers of the Future, Volume 38

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Writers of the Future, Volume 38 presented by L. Ron Hubbard
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This collection brings together various winning stories by new writers, complemented by works from legendary authors such as Frank Herbert, L. Ron Hubbard, and David Farland himself. This balance between fresh perspectives and established masters gives the volume a rich sense of continuity.

The stories range widely in tone, theme, and setting: from monster-filled worlds that question the morality of hunting and violence, to intimate, emotionally charged tales about family, trauma, and identity; from time travel to myth-infused historical fantasy. This diversity keeps the reading experience engaging, ensuring that nearly every reader will find something that resonates with them.

Several standout stories explore the human cost of power and progress, often through deeply personal lenses. Rather than relying solely on spectacle, many authors focus on character-driven narratives, grounding their speculative concepts in relatable emotions such as grief, fear, hope, and love.

The inclusion of illustrations by winners of the Illustrators of the Future contest adds another layer of depth to the book. The artwork enhances the atmosphere of each story, offering visual interpretations that complement the written word. Under the art direction of Echo Chernik, the illustrations maintain a cohesive quality while still reflecting the unique styles of individual artists.

Overall, Writers of the Future, Volume 38 is a strong and thoughtfully curated anthology.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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January 17, 2026

Of Witches and Vampires

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Of Witches and Vampires 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Tricia Copeland ✍️
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Told primarily through Lilith’s perspective, the story reimagines her not as a demon, but as a powerful, sensitive, and fiercely independent being who longs for companionship, creativity, and purpose. Her exile from Eden is not born of evil, but of emotional neglect and the refusal to live a life devoid of passion and connection.

Lilith’s loneliness, love, grief, and resilience are portrayed well. Her relationships with Eve, with her children, and with Lucious are complex, revealing the cost of immortality.

The origin story of vampires is handled with creativity. Copeland focuses less on horror and more on identity, survival, etc, making the supernatural elements feel meaningful.

Readers who enjoy immersive mythology and character-driven fantasy will find the journey rewarding. The language used in the book is easy to follow. It is a short read that one could read in a single sitting. The world building is impressive with a smooth narration.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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January 16, 2026

North of Broken & Furever Home

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: North of Broken & Furever Home 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Holly B. Gutwillinger ✍️
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The story alternates between Renley, a middle-aged woman navigating loss, identity, and a shifting family dynamic, and Sully, a young dog struggling to survive in a harsh, unforgiving world. This dual perspective is one of the novel’s greatest strengths. Renley’s chapters are deeply relatable, filled with the exhaustion of caregiving, the ache of unfulfilled purpose, and the longing to belong to something meaningful. Sully’s voice, on the other hand, is raw, innocent, and heartbreaking, offering a powerful reminder of resilience and loyalty in the face of fear and abandonment.

The parallels between Renley’s internal struggles and Sully’s fight for survival are handled with care, reinforcing the novel’s central theme: healing often begins when we open ourselves to love again, especially the kind that asks for nothing in return.

Animal lovers will find this book especially moving, but the story resonates far beyond that audience. Anyone who has felt lost, unseen, or “north of broken” will recognize themselves in these pages.

North of Broken & Furever Home is a heartfelt, soul-soothing read about second chances, chosen family, and the profound ways humans and animals save one another. This book is a beautiful reminder that sometimes, finding a forever home starts with finding yourself.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

January 16, 2026

Nearly Departed in Deadwood

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Nearly Departed in Deadwood 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Ann Charles ✍️
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Nearly Departed in Deadwood is a fast-paced story set in the historic town of Deadwood, South Dakota. The novel introduces readers to Violet Parker, a single mom and a struggling real estate agent.

As young girls begin disappearing from Deadwood, Violet is already under pressure to sell a house within three weeks or risk losing her job. Just when things couldn’t get worse, she lands a listing for a crumbling Victorian home with secrets of its own.

Between a trigger-happy property owner, a sabotaging coworker, creepy anonymous messages, and a dangerously attractive stranger, Violet’s life quickly spirals into chaos. The storyline is so intriguing that it kept me on the edge of my seat.

Deadwood feels vivid and alive, almost like a character itself. Violet Parker is a standout protagonist making it easy for readers to root for her from the very first chapter.

Fans of cozy mysteries with a darker edge, strong female leads, and small-town secrets will find this book a great read. By the final page, you’ll be eager to get your hands on the next book by the author.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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January 16, 2026

The Tail of Doug & Todd: A Golden Bond

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Tail of Doug & Todd: A Golden Bond 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Alexandra M. Longfellow ✍️
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The Tail of Doug & Todd: A Golden Bond by Alexandra M. Longfellow is a delightful and adventurous tale centered on two lovable dogs, Doug and Todd. Doug, a golden retriever, enjoys peaceful naps and delicious treats. His calm routine is turned upside down when his human parents surprise him by bringing home Todd, a small, fluffy puppy.

Todd is eager to become Doug’s best friend, but Doug finds himself longing for his quiet days. He worries about sharing his space, his favorite slipper, etc. Todd’s playful energy keeps Doug constantly on his paws, testing his patience and emotions. Will Doug ever get his peaceful life back, or will he learn to welcome Todd as part of the family?

This heartwarming story is beautifully written and highly relatable, especially for siblings. Older children, in particular, will connect with Doug’s feelings when a new family member arrives. The book gently teaches valuable lessons about friendship, adjustment, and acceptance. Alexandra M. Longfellow has done a wonderful job crafting a meaningful and engaging story for young readers.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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January 16, 2026

The Rescue of Minnie Engel

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Rescue of Minnie Engel 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: William Tirre ✍️
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The Rescue of Minnie Engel tells a powerful story of a family torn apart by war and hatred, and the desperate journey to reclaim what remains.

Minnie’s capture is horrifying and emotional, setting the tone for a story that does not romanticize the Old West. Instead, it presents a raw portrait of survival from Minnie’s terror and resilience to her brother Matthias’s struggle to balance duty, grief, and faith. The ideological divide between the Engel brothers adds depth, showing how the Civil War fractured not just a nation, but families themselves.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its diverse cast. From former soldiers and outlaws to cowboys, freed Black frontiersmen, etc, the rescue party feels authentic. Each character brings a unique background and motivation.

The storyline asks difficult questions about morality, justice, and cultural conflict, while reminding the reader that courage and compassion can exist even in the darkest circumstances. This is a thoughtful historical novel that will appeal to readers who enjoy character-driven stories.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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January 16, 2026January 16, 2026

Interview with author Alexandra Longfellow

Q1. Please introduce yourself so that the readers will get to know you better.

Hi! I’m Alexandra Longfellow, a mom, wife, lifelong book lover, and proud dog mom to two golden retrievers named Doug and Todd. By day, I tell real-world stories as a U.S. Air Force Public Affairs professionals. By night (and especially at bedtime), I love creating stories filled with heart, humor, and a whole lot of love. If there’s a dog nearby or a book in my hand, I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.

Q2. What is the inspiration behind your book The Tail of Doug & Todd: A Golden Bond?

Doug and Todd inspired the book simply by being themselves. Doug is the wise, older brother who knows all the rules, and Todd is the joyful whirlwind who learns them as he goes. Watching their bond grow (through tail wags, patience, and plenty of mischief) felt like a story that needed to be told. I wanted to capture that magic and share it with families everywhere.

Q3. When did you realize you want to be an author?

I realized I wanted to be an author when I noticed how powerful stories are, especially the ones we read aloud together. Stories can calm busy minds, spark imagination, and turn ordinary moments into special memories. Once I saw that, I knew I wanted to create stories that children would ask for again and again.

Q4. Please tell us something about your book The Tail of Doug & Todd: A Golden Bond.

The Tail of Doug & Todd: A Golden Bond is a cozy, heartfelt story about two dogs learning how to share love, space, and life together. It’s about growing bonds, gentle lessons, and discovering that family isn’t just about who was there first It’s about choosing each other every day.

Q5. For which age group is your book The Tail of Doug & Todd: A Golden Bond?

The book is perfect for children ages 2–10, but it’s really written for lap reading. It’s the kind of story meant to be read with a child tucked under one arm and maybe a dog curled up at your feet.

Q6. What is your favorite quote?

“One day you will read books you once loved to someone you love.”
It’s a beautiful reminder that stories don’t just stay on the page, they become part of our lives.

Q7. What do you like the most about your country?

I love the sense of possibility. The idea that stories, dreams, and creativity can come from anywhere (and that everyone has a voice worth hearing) is something I truly value.

Q8. What suggestion do you want to give to parents of little readers regarding a reading habit?

Keep it fun! Let kids pick the books, read the same story for the hundredth time, use silly voices, and don’t rush. Reading should feel like a treat, not a chore; and the memories you create will last far longer than the lesson itself.

Q9. What does literary success look like to you?

Literary success is hearing a child say, “Read it again!” or seeing a book get a little worn from being loved. If my story becomes part of someone’s bedtime routine, that’s the greatest reward I could ask for.

Q10. Lastly, who is your inspiration in life and why?

My biggest inspirations are my family, and yes, that includes Doug and Todd. They remind me every day that love is loyal, patience matters, and joy can be found in the simplest moments… especially when tails are wagging.

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January 15, 2026

The Laundryman

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Laundryman 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Dwayne Brenna ✍️
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The Laundryman is set in late-19th-century Canada. The novel follows two North-West Mounted Police officers tasked with investigating the murder of a Chinese laundryman in the small frontier town of Prince Albert.

The novel’s perspective, largely filtered through Surgeon Virgil Montgomery, offers a compelling moral lens. Montgomery’s observations contrast sharply with the brutal realities he encounters. His uneasy partnership with Corporal Belvedere adds depth to the narrative.

Beyond its crime-fiction framework, The Laundryman confronts uncomfortable historical truths. The story is well paced without any dull moments in it. The twists and turns in the story made it a gripping read.

The Laundryman is a haunting, intelligent novel that blends mystery with historical realism and moral inquiry. The storyline kept me hooked till the last page. The narration is smooth and strong. I am definitely interested in reading more books by the author in the future.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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January 15, 2026

The Moth and Other Tantalizing Tales

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Moth and Other Tantalizing Tales 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: James L. Hill ✍️
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The Moth and Other Tantalizing Tales is a thought-provoking collection that blends speculative fiction, horror, and social commentary into a series of unsettling yet deeply engaging stories.

In stories like “Cold Storage,” the author confronts themes of immortality, medical ethics, etc using vivid imagery and a haunting narrative voice to question whether survival is always a blessing.

The titular story, “The Moth,” stands out for its eerie atmosphere and symbolic depth. Hill demonstrates a strong command of suspense, allowing dread to build gradually.

Stories like “Antibody” and “The Path to Freedom” feel especially timely, drawing on themes of pandemics, government control, and societal breakdown.

Overall, The Moth and Other Tantalizing Tales is a compelling collection for fans of dark fiction, science fiction, and psychological horror. The author has done a great job in this book. The language used is easy to follow with a smooth narration. Go ahead with this book without any second thoughts.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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January 15, 2026

Aisha’s Secret

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Aisha’s Secret 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Zachary Hagen ✍️
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Aisha’s Secret is set in the vibrant city of Easima in Makan Alsahir. The story follows Aisha, a skilled thief known as the “Oiled Hand,” whose life on the margins is shaped by loss, poverty, and an unbreakable bond with her loyal dog, Habibi.

From the opening pages, the novel pulls readers into a sensory world filled with jeweled aristocrats, bustling bazaars, desert winds, and whispered dangers. Aisha is a well written protagonist. She is resourceful, sharp-witted, and emotionally grounded. Her motivations are never rooted in greed, but in survival and love.

The plot takes a fascinating turn when Aisha accidentally frees Qadira, a djinn bound by ancient laws and limited magic. What follows is not a simple wish-fulfillment fantasy, but a thoughtful exploration of consequences. Each wish carries weight, revealing that magic cannot easily erase grief, injustice, or social inequality.

Overall, Aisha’s Secret is a well written, character-driven fantasy that will appeal to readers who enjoy magic with limits, strong female leads, and stories where emotional truth matters more than spectacle. I am impressed by the author’s vivid imagination in world building.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

Book is available on Amazon