Joey Madia, New Mystics Reviews

 (Self-published, 2022). ISBN: 978-1-387-73383-5 A novel is a cannon, a short story is a rifle . —Edgar Allan Poe, “The Philosophy of Composition” Short story writing is no easy task. I don’t want to overwhelm this review with quotes, but writing short stories is a bit like what Mark Twain famously said in a letter: “I apologize for such a long letter—I didn't have time to write a short one.” Unity of action—another contribution from Poe—is key. A singular focus, be it thematic, place-based, or on the psychology and actions of a single character, drives the narrative, giving it the power and precision of the rifle rather than the broad field of play of the cannon. I have written 19 books, more than 20 plays, thousands of poems, and eight screenplays, yet I have only written four short stories. Those writers who made it their stock in trade—Nathaniel Hawthorne, Washington Irving, O Henry, Ambrose Bierce, and of course, Edgar Allan Poe—have my utter admiration. Many (many) of the...

 (Jr Publishing, 2025). ISBN: 9798992173307 I received this book as an ARC and first reviewed it for Reedsy Discovery. The Anvil's Whisper is the story of a humble blacksmith and swordsmith named Yordan whose life is turned upside down through a serious of visions and mysterious encounters that lead him into exploration of his spiritual beliefs as mirrored and amplified by myriad religions and spiritual systems that come into conflict in the world in which he lives. The book employs all of the best fantasy tropes, from the blacksmith as metaphor to symbolic beasts, to ideas of fate and destiny and the juxtaposition of authoritarian rule and the life of the simple farmer and artisan in traditional fantasy times. There’s a spoiled prince, alluring peasant girls and warrior women, and a cast of interesting characters from a broad economic and cultural spectrum. There are scenes of violence and torture and moments of deep philosophy and contemplation and plenty of symbolism enrichi...

 (Pisgah Press, 2023). ISBN: 978-1-942016-81-6 Amongst the masses of every generation, there are those who possess such a strong Vision, clear Voice, and dedication to the betterment of humankind that they rise above the noise with a message of Hope, Love, and Enlightenment to which we all should pay attention. Reverend Michael J. S. Carter, who shepherds a flock of Unitarian Universalists (UUs) in western North Carolina, is one of those rare individuals who possess both strength of Conviction and depth of Humility. If you watch the History Channel’s Ancient Aliens , you may have seen Rev. Carter. He is easy to spot—a rare African American voice in the world of UFOlogy and the paranormal. Having an actor’s training (he has led many intersecting, cumulatively synergistic lives), Rev. Carter has a pleasant voice, soothing cadence, and commanding presence. He knows of what he speaks. I first met my Reverend Brother several years ago, through a mutual colleague in UFOlogy. I ...