Joey Madia, New Mystics Reviews

  (2026). ISBN: 978-1-7645894-0-6 No man is an island, entire of itself/Every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main . —John Donne, Devotions upon Emergent Occasions , 1624 In a polarizing world, where Othering has divided and not united, where difference is a liability instead of a strength in the eyes of (far too) many (especially those in power), it’s important to teach our children (while being role models) that everyone has a unique (hi)story, set of interests and goals, hopes and dreams, and they are all of equal value. Such recognition of the worth of diversity in our social circles is a pathway to seeing we can learn from others while learning about ourselves when we step out of our comfort zone and engage with those who are different than we are. This is the beautiful and timely message of No Bear Is an Island . Strength in numbers, communion in community, and the truest truth there is—we all could use a little empathy, help, and compassion to get us t...

  (2026 Little Studio Films). ISBN: 979-8995735335 There are few businesses with the unique combination of deep mystique, risk and reward, and stuck-in-your-throat cautionary tales as the film (and television) industry. The chance for fame and riches—which motivates many industry aspirants—or simply to make a consistent living doing what you love as a Creative (which has kept me in the game as an actor, director, and screenwriter for more than 36 years) often leads to high risks and unfulfilled dreams. Just as heartbreaking as an unproduced script or career-boosting role that ultimately doesn’t happen is financial loss, which, for some, can be nothing short of devastating. Although there are myriad books written by actors, directors, writers, and producers about the vacillations and hazards of the industry (I’ve read dozens), there are few that capture the ABCs of its financial aspects in such an organized, easy to read and absorb, case-study format as Alexia Melocchi’s Holly...

  (Next Chapter, 2025). ISBN: 979-8272238542 Five years ago, I was asked to review The Ghost of Villa Winter , the fourth book in a series written by the talented and prolific writer of thrillers, Isobel Blackthorn. I was deeply impressed by her ability to bring a locale to life, to make it an essential character in a well-crafted, page-turning mystery. Blackthorn does a great deal of research concerning the locales about which she writes (like Stephen King and Castle Rock, Maine), which draws the reader immediately and deeply into the story. What Happened at the Abbey (the first of a trilogy), although the locale, characters, and time period are far different than those of The Ghost of Villa Winter , offers the same opportunity for reader immersion through palpable atmospheres and authenticity of Time and Place. I am a fan (and writer) of thrillers, especially those with a Gothic setting and atmosphere, and the Scottish Highlands offer Blackthorn a perfect canvas and palett...