Book Reviews

Dorrance authors are being reviewed by notable publications!

  • SESG Explorer by Christopher Loric was reviewed by The US Review of Books.
    “plays out like a military-minded Star Trek movie…The action sequences are well-written and show Loric at his best and most entertaining…Once the action starts, sci-fi lovers may easily get lost in the fun much like summers past when watching hits like Independence Day.”
  • A positive review for Watch Out For Elephants! by C. Ann Todd & C. Angela Todd by Kirkus Reviews:

    “This is very much a kid’s-eye view of the world, short on politics and sociology, focused instead on a luminous portrait of a warm family connection that persists through all the changes of scenery. The prose is limpid and evocative, alive with fresh, immediate perceptions and untempered longings. The result is a winsome picaresque that feels at home wherever its protagonists roam.A warm-hearted saga, full of entertaining, offbeat travelogue observations.”

  • A 5/5 star Review for Sent to Watch by David J. Lebenstein posted to OnlineBookClub.org:
    “This work offers fresh insight into the post-war political environment and societal expectations as someone knowledgeable about British history and historical fiction … This is the best fantasy book I’ve ever read. In my opinion, it was thrilling, entertaining, and instructive.”
  • BURIAL AT HOME PLATE: AN ODDBALL HISTORY OF THE PITTSBURGH PIRATES by Bob Fulton got a rave review from The Midwest Book Review: “An absolute ‘must read’ for the legions of Pittsburgh Pirate fans, “Burial at Home Plate: An Oddball History of the Pittsburgh Pirates” is a fun and informative read that is impressively well written, organized and presented. “
  • NATIVE AMERICAN MOVIE ACTORS by E. Dennis King received a great review by The Midwest Book Review: 
    “E. Dennis King fully honors and rescues from an undeserved obscurity those Native Americans who made western movies possible by creating those magnificent action scenes. It honors their courage, bravery, and willingness that helps tell through the means of cinema their part in settling the western frontier and fighting for what was theirs against all comers. Unique and fascinating, informative and exceptional, “Native American Movie Actors” is a seminal and unreservedly recommended…”

“Encouraging transformation in the search for inner peace, A Mindful Life is a thoughtful self-help book with personalized advice for releasing negativity and achieving success.” – Foreword Reviews

“A historical novel about a rescue mission in the Pacific theater of World War II… the reading experience is genuinely immersive throughout…consistently compelling look at a day of real-life naval heroism.” – Kirkus Reviews

“Bullying and body shaming are real problems for many children today, and they can have a lasting impact on the children they affect. Charlie the Champion not only teaches readers that bullying is not ok but also models practical CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) techniques, such as self-talk and body posture, that readers can use to boost their self-confidence and silence their inner (and outer) critics. The endearing animal characters make the story fun and relatable, and bright digital illustrations add color and movement. Charlie the Champion is a fun and instructive way to teach young readers how to stand up for themselves and follow their dreams.” – The Children’s Book Review

“I loved seeing Charlie grow from resignation that he would never win a race and would always be what the bullies said he was, to believe that he had value, was worthy of positive self-talk, and was capable of making his dream come true. The illustrations of Charlie and his world are vibrant, clear, and so much fun, with familiar animals and lovely settings that children will adore. Even as an adult, I felt motivated to speak more kindly to myself and work harder for my dreams after meeting Charlie. This is a fantastic educational book for early readers to tackle alone, but an even better one to read and discuss with the grown-ups in their lives.” – Reader’s Favorite Book Reviews

“As a horror novel, XOLO is replete with gory descriptions, atmosphere-shifting sequences, and well-developed characters that make you care what happens to them, thereby doing its genre justice. I would recommend this book to its audience. Even the most casual fans of horror are likely to find something to appreciate in XOLO.” – Independent Book Review

Of special and particular interest to its legions of fans, The Dukes of Hazzard series featuring a stunt car that was continually having to be replaced several times each season of the show, “The Man Behind the General” is illustrated throughout with black/white photography and highly recommended for personal, community, and academic library American Biography/Memoir and 20th Century American Television History collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists.” – Midwest Book Review

A Survival Guide for New Teachers is a must have for all new teachers. I was able to relate to each chapter of your book. Reading the information from another person’s perspective is wonderful.”
-Malissa Wright, Art Instructor

A Survival Guide for New Teachers by Dr. Cynthia Sanders-Mack is concise and apropos. She starts out with an incredible prayer for teachers, and she lays out a clear road map in the seven chapters to assist new teachers in becoming effective educators.”
-Gladys V. Moss, Educator

  • Spirituality, Racism, and the Phantom by James T. Hollin, Jr. was reviewed by OnlineBookClub: “The language is a mixture of everyday English and the technical jargon associated with the aviation industry. The author has gone as far as defining every aviation term he uses in the book. There is no better way to carry the reader along than this. The attention to detail in each of his encounters is impressive.”
  • Port of Refuge: Udaagamax by Dan Magone was reviewed by The Midwest Book Review: “With each chapter beginning with a full color illustration, “Port of Refuge: Udaagamax” is an impressively well written, organized and presented memoir that is an inherently fascinating and exceptionally informative read from first page to last.”
  • Dorrance science fiction novel Time Before Time by Dan DuBose and Beau DuBose was reviewed by OnlineBookClub.org: “Another thing that stood out for me about this book was how action-packed it was. The action-packed moments made the book interesting, engrossing, and hard to put down. I also liked how well-organized the scenes were. The organization and the short, engrossing chapters kept me glued as I waited to uncover the ending. All this enhanced my reading experience.”
  • Dorrance title Traitor by Steve Malik Swayne was reviewed by the Independent Book Review: “Traitor is a page-turner that reveals the dark corners of the human mind. At its core, Traitor is a revenge tale of pursuit, punishment, and the consequences of betrayal.” – Kathy L. Brown, The Independent Book Review
  • Dragon Sky by Matt Smith and Cliff Wise was reviewed by The Midwest Book Review: “An original, seminal and unique work by co-authors Matt Smith and Cliff Wise, “Dragon Sky”, while a fun and entertaining read from cover to cover, also has the underlying message that perseverance can see you through anything and everything — especially if you surround yourself with people who will support and inspire you.”
  • Escape Prisons of the Mind by Kaziah May Hancock was reviewed by The Midwest Book Review:  “An extraordinary life story by an extraordinary woman, “Prisons of the Mind” by Kaziah May Hancock is part cautionary tale, part emancipation celebration, and part compendium of artwork by an impressively talented portrait painter.”