Summer Wrap-Up 2026: Book Talk, YouTube, Friends & New Projects

It’s been a while since my last update, and the biggest reason is work. Summer is one of the busiest times of the year for my department, and things won’t slow down anytime soon. Despite the packed schedule, a lot has been happening with Polar Press Presents, my YouTube channel, and my writing projects. I have book news to share, but first, I want to celebrate a recent feature and a couple of shout-outs.


Author Daze Evander created a phenomenal and unique world in Carriers of Eunoia. That world continues to grow in The Portal of Metal Island. Check out my review for Carriers of Eunoia, its synopsis, and the synopsis for The Portal of Metal Island below. Then click on the links to follow Daze as her WIELDErVERSE expands.

Carriers of Eunoia kicks off the Eunoia Trilogy with an explosive blend of powers, factions, and non-stop action. Evander crafts a rich, immersive world where every chapter crackles with energy and intrigue. The story centers on a dynamic cast: Amira, Zekiel, Anon, Saige, Zayika, and Omar. What truly sets this book apart is the depth of its characters. Vivid flashbacks reveal their lives before Eunoia. These moments make their struggles and growth feel more real and compelling.

Without giving too much away, I have to shout out Hippo. Hippo’s a side character who’s as unique as they come. There’s also a particular scene involving wings that absolutely soared with adrenaline and emotion. If you enjoy detailed world-building, a diverse cast, powerful abilities, and cinematic action, Carriers of Eunoia is a must-read. It’s a wild ride—and just the beginning.

“Amira, Zekiel, Anon, Saige, Zayika, and Omar are chosen to compete, communicate, and strategize in order to survive their toughest battle: confronting the past in order to save their future and get back to Earth. Each are given magical abilities which reflect the most integral parts of their personalities, strengths, and mental weaknesses. The mind is a powerful place, but what happens when you have to escape it?”

“Theia arrives on Metal Island, bound for a mysterious destination that demands her teleportation command. Her task is to seize the chaotic compound while Elijah, the Librarian, Avana, and Zekiel do the same in magic-specific places. Meanwhile, Arcadia defies the Frontier’s orders, forging new portals and spreading word of their plan to destroy every text in Old Crow Library. Her plans to stop them risk rewriting time itself through the power of water if she doesn’t get Theia’s help in time.”


Have you ever wondered how much of what you see on social media is actually real? Do Bookstagram influencers really read every book they post about, or is there more happening behind the scenes? If you’ve ever questioned the authenticity of online book reviews, you’re not alone. As an author, I’ve had the opportunity to work with several book influencers over the years. Many are passionate readers who genuinely support authors. However, a few experiences left me wondering if they had actually read my book.

In some cases, the review felt disconnected from the story. It seemed as though the reviewer had only skimmed the book. Other times, it appeared the reviewer relied solely on the back-cover blurb before posting a public review. You may spend months or even years writing a novel. Because of that, it’s easy to tell when someone truly engages with your story. It’s just as easy to spot when someone is simply creating content for social media.

That raises an important question: How authentic are the book reviews we trust online? BookTube, Bookstagram, and social media are filled with book recommendations. However, it can be difficult to know which reviews are truly honest. While every reviewer has their own perspective, I can confidently recommend two creators who consistently stand out.

Chandler and Beth are passionate readers who share thoughtful and honest book reviews. Their engaging discussions reflect a genuine love of reading. If you’re looking for trustworthy opinions, they can help you choose your next TBR pick.

They don’t simply tell you whether they liked a book; they explain why. Their reviews are balanced, insightful, and thoughtful, highlighting both strengths and weaknesses while respecting the work and its audience. They cover everything from bestsellers to indie novels and hidden gems. Their passion for reading shines through in every review. Chandler and Beth read with intention and look beyond the surface of each story.

Quick reactions often dominate online book discussions, but Chandler and Beth offer something more meaningful. Their honesty, consistency, and love of books have helped them build a growing community.


It’s been a few years since I last published a book, and I haven’t shared much about my current writing project until now. For the past two (maybe even three) years, I’ve been quietly working on a romantasy novel, blending fantasy, romance, and the kind of character-driven storytelling I’ve always loved. Progress has been slower than with my previous books, but this time that’s been intentional. Rather than rushing to meet self-imposed deadlines, I’ve chosen to let the story develop at its own pace, giving it the time and attention it deserves.

That decision came after a difficult realization. For years, I put immense pressure on myself to constantly write, publish, and maintain a strong presence on social media. Eventually, that relentless cycle led to creative burnout. Writing, which had always been my escape, started to feel like an obligation, and social media became something I dreaded instead of enjoyed.

While I’m still not particularly fond of being online, stepping away gave me the space to reconnect with why I became an author in the first place. Working on this new romantasy book has reminded me that the best stories aren’t created under pressure. They’re created through passion, patience, and a genuine love for the craft.

This time, I approached the writing process differently. Instead of rushing toward a finish line, I slowed down and embraced the creative journey. I spent countless hours researching the world and its details, bouncing ideas off trusted friends (especially Chandler, whose feedback has been invaluable), and writing whenever inspiration struck. Some weeks, I didn’t write a single paragraph because I was focused entirely on plotting and developing the story. Other weeks, I filled page after page. There were even days when my only accomplishment was writing a single sentence.

To some, that pace might seem unusual, but it was exactly what I needed. By permitting myself to create without deadlines, I rediscovered the joy of writing. For the first time in a long while, there’s no pressure to publish, no stress about keeping up with expectations, and no constant worry about what’s next. It’s simply me, my imagination, and a story that’s growing naturally into something I’m incredibly proud of.

Will this romantasy novel ever be published? I sincerely hope so. Will it be soon? I hope that answer is yes as well. What I do know is that this book has become something deeply personal, and with every chapter, it’s beginning to feel just as special to me as Dark Days. If readers connected with that story, I truly hope they’ll one day experience the same connection with this one.


Creating content for Polar Press Presents has allowed me to connect with people from all over the world, discover incredible music across every genre, and build a community around authentic conversations and shared passions. Whether I’m reacting to new songs, revisiting classic albums, talking about books, or simply sharing my thoughts, YouTube has become a creative outlet that reminds me why I enjoy making content in the first place. More than anything, it’s simply made me happy.

If you’d like to support an independent author, small press publisher, and growing creator, one of the easiest and completely free ways to help is by visiting Polar Press Presents on YouTube. Watch a video that catches your interest, leave a comment, and subscribe to the channel. Every view, like, comment, and subscription helps the channel grow, introduces more people to my books and projects, and allows me to keep creating the content I love. Your support truly means more than you know.


Thank you so much for stopping by, and I hope you check out and follow Beth and Chandler! As well as find your next just with them, but with Daze and the WIELDERVERSE. The support means more than I can say, and I am forever grateful for not just a purchase, but for simply stopping by.

Did you miss the last post? Click here ~ Pick Your Poison. Click the links below to follow D.W. Saur and be part of the journey!

Published by dwsaur

Author of Metal Like Me (2019) and Dark Days (2020)

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