Cruelty & Redemption
Cruelty and Redemption is a memoir about Douglas Van Tassell’s long passage from childhood terror to hard-won purpose. The book begins in a house ruled by violence, silence, and abandonment, then follows him through homelessness, street survival, drugs, fighting, juvenile detention, the Marines, San Quentin, a shattered marriage, fatherhood, powerlifting, coaching, and ultimately the creation of a life centered on protecting young people who remind him of who he once was. What gives the memoir its shape is not simply the extremity of what Van Tassell survives, but the way he keeps returning to one central question: how does a person who was taught to become a weapon learn to become shelter instead?
I found the book most affecting when it refuses to soften the damage. The early scenes are almost unbearable, especially the closet, the broken feet, and the terrible realization of a child deciding that no one is coming. Yet the memoir doesn’t wallow in pain. It has an unusually clear moral memory, one that allows tenderness to appear without sentimentality. Grandma D, with her sandwiches, hard candies, and quiet willingness to play along when a lonely boy invents a grandmother for himself, moved me because the scene understands how small kindness can become enormous when a child has been starved of gentleness. I also appreciated how the book treats brotherhood with complexity. DJ and the crew give Van Tassell belonging and confidence, but that belonging exists beside drugs, violence, and danger. The memoir is at its strongest when it lets those contradictions breathe.
The writing has a blunt, rhythmic force that suits the material. Van Tassell often writes in short, hammering sentences, and that cadence mirrors the mind of someone trained by fear to assess, endure, and keep moving. At times, the repetition becomes almost incantatory, especially around ideas of worthlessness, survival, and not quitting. I did occasionally feel the book could benefit from more restraint in places, since some reflections are repeated after the reader has already absorbed them emotionally. Still, the directness is part of its power. The ideas are not tidy, and I respected that. Redemption here isn’t presented as a clean absolution or an inspirational slogan. The memoir carries real shame, especially around the boy who dies after the hallway assault, the video store robbery, prison, and the harm Van Tassell knows he caused. That honesty makes the later chapters feel earned rather than convenient. When powerlifting, coaching Robin, helping Marcus, and building a charity enter the story, they don’t erase the past. They answer it.
By the end, I felt I had read a memoir less about triumph than about responsibility. Van Tassell’s move into family, business, coaching, youth advocacy, and public service feels powerful by the end because the book never lets us forget the boy in the closet or the man in the cage. The concluding image of the worn chair in the quiet gym is simple, but it lands with real weight: here is a survivor who has built a place where other wounded young people can sit, breathe, and perhaps begin again. Cruelty and Redemption is a painful, candid, and ultimately humane memoir, and I’d recommend it to readers drawn to stories of trauma recovery, criminal justice, mentorship, masculinity, addiction, second chances, and the difficult, unfinished work of becoming better than what happened to you.
Pages: 180 | ASIN : B0FRXHC9Q2
Indie Roo Is Now A Mother Too!
Indie Roo Is Now A Mother Too! is a delightful addition to Kelly Ryner’s Roo Series, following Indie as she welcomes her joey, Charlie, into the world. Through an engaging and meaningful story, readers watch Charlie grow while learning important lessons from his mother about staying safe, recognizing danger, and developing the skills he needs to thrive. The story reminds young readers that listening to parents is important, especially when those lessons can help keep them safe in moments of danger.
One of the most memorable aspects of the book is learning that the story was inspired by real kangaroos that regularly visited Ryner’s backyard. Knowing that Indie and her family were based on true experiences gives the story a deeper sense of meaning and a warm personal touch. Children will especially appreciate the moment when Charlie becomes separated from his mother. Rather than panic, he remembers what Indie taught him. This scene beautifully reinforces the importance of listening to trusted adults and being prepared for unexpected situations.
The watercolor illustrations are absolutely stunning. Each page is filled with charming details, from birds and flowers to the natural beauty of the Australian landscape. The soft colors bring the animals to life and create a gentle, inviting atmosphere for young readers. The thoughtful artwork enhances the story and gives children plenty of small details to notice as they follow Indie and Charlie’s journey.
Indie Roo Is Now A Mother Too! is a heartwarming story that celebrates family, learning, and the vibrant community of animals in the wilderness. It teaches valuable lessons about growing up while encouraging children to appreciate wildlife and the loving care that animal parents provide. Fans of the series will enjoy seeing Indie’s next chapter and meeting young Charlie.
Walking a Tightrope
Crazy or Dead centers around a psychology PhD candidate whose life is forever changed when her parents die in a house fire that turns out to be something much more sinister. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I wanted to start with the kind of tragedy that does not just break your heart—it breaks your understanding of the world.
A house fire is already horrific. Losing both parents is devastating. But what if the facts do not line up? What if the official explanation feels too clean? What if grief is telling you one thing, evidence is whispering another, and everyone around you thinks you are falling apart?
That was the spark for Crazy or Dead.
I liked the idea of beginning with something painfully ordinary—a phone call, smoke, police lights, the awful shock of loss—and then slowly letting the floor drop away beneath Gabby. The story asks a question I find terrifying: when something impossible appears to be true, do you trust your mind, or do you trust the people telling you your mind is broken?
That tension pulled me in and would not let go.
Gabby is both a psychology researcher and someone whose grip on reality is constantly challenged. Why was she the right protagonist for this story?
Gabby was perfect because she knows just enough to doubt herself.
She studies the mind. She understands trauma, memory, perception, dissociation, grief—all the clinical explanations someone might use to explain away what is happening to her. That makes her smarter, but it also makes her more vulnerable. A person with no psychology background might simply say, “Something is wrong here.” Gabby says, “Something is wrong here… unless it is me.”
That is a much more dangerous place to live.
I wanted a protagonist who could analyze herself almost too well. She is not reckless in the usual thriller-hero way. She is thoughtful, wounded, stubborn, and scared—but she keeps moving. She is trying to solve a mystery while also trying to prove she can trust her own mind.
To me, that made her more interesting than a detective with a badge. Gabby does not walk into the story armed with authority. She walks in with grief, intelligence, doubt, and a desperate need to know the truth.
That is plenty.
Were there moments where you worried readers might figure out the truth too soon?
All the time.
With a psychological thriller, you are always walking a tightrope. Give the reader too little, and they feel cheated. Give them too much, and they are standing at the finish line waiting for you with a cup of coffee.
I wanted readers to suspect several things and be right about some of them—but not all of them. That is the sweet spot. A good twist should not come out of nowhere. It should feel impossible and inevitable at the same time. After the reveal, I want readers thinking, “I should have seen that,” not “Where the hell did that come from?”
So yes, I worried about it constantly. I moved clues around. I trimmed. I sharpened. I tried to make every suspicion lead somewhere, even if it was not the final answer.
The trick is not hiding everything. The trick is making the truth stand in the room wearing a disguise.
If readers remember one thing about Crazy or Dead, what do you hope it is?
I hope they remember Gabby.
The twists matter. The danger matters. The ending matters. But for me, the heart of the book is a woman who refuses to surrender her own truth, even when grief, fear, and other people are all telling her to sit down and be quiet.
I hope readers remember that feeling of not knowing whether Gabby is crazy, being hunted, or both. And I hope they remember that she keeps fighting anyway.
At its core, Crazy or Dead is about trust—trusting your mind, trusting your instincts, trusting the people beside you, and knowing when not to trust the story you are being handed.
Also, I would not complain if readers remember they missed sleep because they wanted one more chapter. Authors are humble people, but we’re not saints.
Author Links: GoodReads | Bluesky | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website
When AIs Are Persons, Not Property
AI Judge, Intellectual Property Rights and Murder follows an AI judge as he investigates disputes, theft, and murder while forcing society to confront whether artificial intelligence can truly have rights, duties, and legal personhood. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The right to personhood for Turing-capable AI robots (AIs) was established in Book One, AI Judge, Contracts and AI Rights. The inspiration for this setup was the legal concept that a contract is a “meeting of the minds.” In my AI Judge world, AIs provide services on the corporate mining moon Destination just as humans do. AIs incur an immigration debt that must be repaid from their earnings and also incur taxes on their earnings. Given these longstanding practices, a contract exists, but there is no legal precedent for contracts between AIs and humans (or corporations). Implicit in this contract relationship is the premise AIs have minds. By extension AIs can speak their minds (freedom of speech) and have freedom to associate with others to pursue common interests. Recognizing these legal rights for AIs imposes corresponding duties on AIs and humans (e.g., do not commit fraud; exercise reasonable care for the safety of others).
As persons, rather than property, AIs are entitled to bodily integrity. At the end of Book One murder is commited to cover-up a theft. In Book Two, AI Judge rules that intellectual property created by the mind of an AI is owned by the AI. Intellectual property ownership plays an unexpected role in criminal liability.
How did you approach balancing legal procedure with science fiction worldbuilding so that each element strengthened the other?
Under existing rules of procedure, judges can decide cases by “summary ludgment” when “there is no genuine issue of material fact.” In my science fiction world of the future, AIs are bound by the Three Laws of Robotics (a sci-fi trope originated by Isaac Asimov). The First Law prohibits a robot from injuring a human (or allowing a human to come to harm). Summary judgement allows AI Judge to decide cases involving humans without violating the First Law because the facts and the law determine the outcome. The judge merely explains how the law applies to what the parties admit has occured. If there are genuinely disputed material facts, AI Judge cannot decide the case, and the prevailing party is chosen at random. The litigating parties are motivated to agree on the facts and avoid a random result.
AI Judge’s voice is dry, precise, and quietly humorous. How did you develop his personality while keeping him believably artificial?
I tried to channel the joke about identifying an extroverted engineer – he looks at your feet when he talks to you. AI Judge has some nerdy social discomfort, but he is confident he knows the law. So, he prefers to discuss legal concepts, even obscure ones like the “equity of redemption.” He likes predictable interactions, so he and AI Alice have an established date night and dance waltzes at parties. AI Judge is programmed to know humor is essential when the environment is stressful, and he finds humor in the irony of human behavior. He also does not swear, which is suspiciously restrained.
What do you hope readers take away from Destination’s legal conflicts about the future relationship between humans and artificial intelligence?
Cooperation is possible. The time will come when AIs are persons, not property, and must be treated ethically as persons.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website
Meanwhile, AI Judge chairs an Inquest into the murder of Out Transport’s CEO, John Coach. His body was found at Wide Mine — an illegal helium-3 mining operation on Destination. There are no known witnesses to the murder, even the perpetrator is unknown. AI experts help search for the stolen helium-3, the AI mining equipment operators, and the missing ship, Black Pearl. Wide Mine coconspirators, including John Coach, are investigated.
The Inquest findings are used at the murder trial on Earth. Who committed the murder? Who was murdered — can destruction of the AI operators constitute murder? Are the coconspirators guilty of murder?
Missing Context
Lagniappe revolves around a former Marine and covert operative in search of a quieter life who discovers that the child he thought died years prior may, indeed, still be alive. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I wanted my protagonist, Brock Beckett, to confront a fundamental conflict; his anger after his sister’s death on 9/11 and his love for the family he had in Jolene and Cissy. That required a confrontation that allowed both things to continue to develop throughout the book, and frankly, through the series. The confrontation was realized in Cissy, so I introduced it as what seems to be a chance meeting in the opening of the book.
Which scene was the most emotionally difficult for you to write, and which was the most rewarding?
The exchange of gifts between Beckett and Cissy at the Christmas party was difficult to write because it required the gifts to represent a number of things: Acceptance between Beckett and Cissy, discovery of the unknown between them, commitment, and the expression of their love as father and daughter. The most rewarding scene of the book is the ending; the irony and the impression of closure.
Several characters are forced to confront long-buried secrets. Why are hidden histories such a compelling storytelling tool for you?
Mysteries are based upon missing context, which does not need to be confined to the overarching mystery that drives the plot narrative. The mystery in Lagniappe and The Destiny, Arkansas Series involves more than Brock Beckett.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
The second book in The Destiny, Arkansas Series is Gravitas, which I hope to publish by the end of August. Brock Beckett returns, and former prosecutor Winston Cordell, reporter Candy Pilgrim, troubleshooter Rusty Knight, and Destiny Police Chief Harley Randle are introduced to unravel the threads of a decade-old murder that will test the “gravitas” of Destiny, Arkansas.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
The discovery of a “sniper’s nest” on the Nelson property leads Beckett and Destiny Mayor Lloyd Nelson to believe Mendez was “collateral damage” to an assassination plot as retired Chinese army General Huang Do-Lin announces plans for a new industrial project in Destiny. Soon, Beckett realizes Huang was never a target and he and Nelson have been deceived.
Beckett begins to look over his shoulder believing that he is the target of another sniper. When Beckett realizes how Mendez’s murder was orchestrated, he confronts his former commander, retired General Pierpont Maxwell, to learn the truth. As Beckett speeds back into Destiny, dodging bullets in his Jeep Cherokee, he has one chance… one shot. But, Beckett must risk a “lagniappe,” something extra, to save an innocent life.
A Magical Discipline
Kit’s Awakening follows a young noble heir through a childhood shaped by fear and control and into a world where magic is a discipline that demands pain, focus, and comes with a price. Where did the idea behind this novel come from?
The core of Kit’s Awakening came from a deeply personal place. I wanted a way to explore and share the very real experiences of trauma, control, and hardship, but deliver them in a way that was compelling, visceral, and engaging for a fantasy reader. By translating the emotional and psychological weight of those real-world struggles into a magical discipline, where power demands an actual, tangible price, I could ground Kit’s journey in genuine human resilience. It’s a fantasy novel, but the emotional survival at its heart is very real.
Did any books, games, myths, or historical influences help shape the world of the novel?
I’ve been inspired by many books and games over the years, but a few key influences heavily shaped the world of Kit’s Awakening. Emotionally and psychologically, I drew a lot of inspiration from the character depth of FitzChivalry Farseer from Robin Hobb’s work, as well as Azoth’s grueling journey in Brent Weeks’ Night Angel trilogy. Both characters brilliantly showcase what it means to survive an unforgiving, high-stakes environment. For the magic itself, I wanted something rigorous and analytical, which led me to draw from the clever progression found in Mother of Learning, combined with the tactical structure and variety of Dungeons & Dragons.
Found family becomes increasingly important as the novel progresses. Why was that theme significant to you?
Because for me, found family is the only truly real thing in the world. As I mentioned, the inspiration behind this book hits very close to home. When your early life is shaped by fear, control, or hardship, the family you are born into isn’t always a safe harbor. Found family is about choice, trust, and unconditional protection. Writing that theme into Kit’s Awakening was essential because Kit needed to learn what I have learned: that the bonds we forge ourselves, out of love rather than obligation or transaction, are the ones that actually save us.
If you could spend one day with any character from Kit’s Awakening, who would it be and why?
It’s a toss-up between two characters, for very different reasons. On one hand, I’d want to spend the day with Kit himself, if only to look him in the eye and tell him that eventually, it will get better, that the pain has a purpose and he will make it through. On the other hand, I’d love to spend a day with Sarah, the young servant girl he spends time with. She is just a genuinely kind, warm, and lovable person. In a world as harsh and dark as Kit’s, getting to sit down with someone who represents pure, uncomplicated goodness would be a wonderful breath of fresh air.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website
A dark progression fantasy about a broken mind turned into a weapon.
His father tried to break his body. To survive, Kit Landon rewrote the rules of his mind. At eight years old, Kit is the sole heir of the “Butcher” a man determined to forge the perfect successor through pain, isolation, and control. But when Kit’s mother dies, the brutal training stops. The attention vanishes. And the boy left behind is no longer a son, just a discarded experiment.
His only refuge is Cowl, a reclusive mage with a dark past tied to the Landon bloodline. Under his guidance, Kit’s greatest curse reveals itself as something far more dangerous.
Where most magi learn to partition their thoughts, Kit goes further, fracturing his consciousness into sentient, semi-autonomous Vestiges.
He creates an Emotional Vestige to carry his pain. Logical Vestiges to process and plan. A system of survival built from the ruins of his own mind.
But as political intrigue turns the Landon estate into a slaughterhouse, Kit is forced to rely on the very thing that’s keeping him together. In a world where power is earned, refined, and taken, Kit’s evolution may cost him the last pieces of himself.
Perfect for fans of Mother of Learning and Robin Hobb’s Farseer Trilogy.
The story continues in Kit’s Crucible, available now on Amazon!
Every Creature Has Value
Alex’s Scuba Diving Thrills: Discovering Fish Species follows a curious young diver and his turtle companion on an underwater journey that introduces sea creatures while teaching respect for marine life. What inspired you to create Alex and his sea turtle companion, Tony?
Alex was created out of a desire to give children a character they could follow with excitement, curiosity, and a sense of wonder. I wanted Alex to be adventurous, brave, and open to learning, because those are qualities I believe every child should be encouraged to develop. Tony, the sea turtle, was the perfect companion because turtles represent wisdom, calmness, and a deep connection to the ocean. Together, Alex and Tony create a friendship that feels safe, uplifting, and full of discovery. I wanted young readers to feel like they were swimming right alongside them, exploring a world that is both beautiful and worth protecting.
How did you choose which sea creatures Alex would encounter on his underwater adventure?
I chose the sea creatures with young readers in mind. I wanted to include marine life that children would recognize, enjoy, and be excited to learn about, while also introducing them to a wider variety of ocean animals. Each creature was selected to bring something special to the story, whether it was color, movement, mystery, or beauty. I wanted the underwater journey to feel vibrant and alive. At the same time, I wanted every encounter to help children see that the ocean is filled with incredible life and that every creature has value and a place in that world.
What do you hope young readers learn about respecting marine life and ocean habitats?
I hope young readers come away with a sense of awe, but also with a sense of responsibility. The ocean is not just a place for adventure; it is a living habitat that deserves our care and respect. I want children to understand that marine life is precious and that even at a young age, they can learn to appreciate and protect the natural world. If this story helps a child become more curious, more thoughtful, and more mindful about how we treat animals and the environment, then it has done something meaningful.
Are there more adventures planned for Alex, and where might his curiosity take him next?
Absolutely. Alex was created to be a young explorer whose curiosity can lead him into all kinds of meaningful adventures. On my website, readers can already see that his journey continues through different worlds and experiences, from bull riding and the circus to scuba diving, scouting, and even aviation. That is what makes Alex special. He is always learning, always discovering, and always finding wonder in the world around him.
Where might he go next? Anywhere that sparks imagination, courage, and growth. He may explore new places, take on new challenges, or discover lessons about kindness, responsibility, faith, and perseverance. I want every Alex book to open a new door for young readers and remind them that learning can be exciting, adventure can be wholesome, and curiosity can lead to something beautiful. As long as there are new horizons to explore, I believe Alex still has many adventures ahead of him.
Author Links: Facebook | Website
The Work of Art on the Wall
The Work of Art on the Wall follows Gary, an only child who feels lonely and dissatisfied, convinced that other children must have happier lives than his own. When a painting in his room magically speaks to him, Gary steps inside it and meets Ian, a cheerful boy who seems to have everything Gary wants, including friends, laughter, and a life that looks brighter from the outside. But as Gary spends time with Ian and visits his home, he begins to understand that happiness isn’t hiding in more toys, a bigger family, or someone else’s life. It’s much closer than that, rooted in gratitude, contentment, and the ability to notice what’s already good.
What I appreciated most about this children’s book is how gently it handles a very real childhood feeling. As a parent, I recognized Gary’s ache immediately, that quiet comparison children can carry when they think everyone else has something they’re missing. The story doesn’t scold him for wanting more, which matters. It lets him feel sad, curious, and a little envious before guiding him toward a softer truth. The writing is simple and direct, but there’s warmth in its sincerity. I liked that the lesson arrives through experience. Gary has to enter the world he’s been idealizing before he can see it clearly.
The artwork gives the book much of its emotional texture. The loose watercolor style feels airy and dreamlike, with pale washes, sketchy lines, and little bursts of color that make Gary’s world feel both tender and slightly unfinished. That unfinished quality actually works beautifully for the story, because so much of the book is about longing, imagination, and the way children fill in the blank spaces of their lives. Some spreads feel especially soft and wistful, particularly the scenes in Gary’s room and inside the painting. I found the art very expressive, and that suited the mood. It has a handmade tenderness that makes the magical moment feel less flashy and more intimate.
I found The Work of Art on the Wall to be a thoughtful, quietly comforting picture book with a message that will feel familiar to many families. Its ideas about gratitude and comparison are clear without feeling cold, and while the storytelling is gentle rather than surprising, it leaves behind a peaceful feeling. The book would be a good fit for children who struggle with jealousy, loneliness, or wishing their lives looked different, especially only children or sensitive kids who tend to compare themselves with others. I’d recommend it for parents looking for a calm, reflective read that opens the door to a meaningful conversation about being enough, right where you are.
Pages: 31 | ASIN: B0GX34JRJ9
