Originally published on Reedsy Discovery. There is no denying Muchmore can write, and write within a variety of genres. When I first began reading Black Flowers I was looking for something which moved through the poems and short stories; the religious allusions, the appearance of the devil and the evil of mankind. Yet, I soon realised it … Continue reading Review of Black Flowers, Jesse Muchmore
First published on Reedsy Discovery When I read a poetry collection, my desire is to know the poet by the time I read the final piece. I crave an insight, a journey, no matter how small, something I can recognise because I have seen it before in my reflection; and allow it to move me. … Continue reading Review of The Glenmore Sessions, Joseph Fulkerson
“My reflection in the train window settles/between the trees/beyond the glass/lining the field of gold.” In itself, the opening of the title poem speaks of forlorn reluctance, wishes, and wonders. It must be because there’s something so powerful and intimate about one’s reflection; we study ourselves and pick up every nuance, whether we want to … Continue reading Advance Review of Between the Trees, Kindra M. Austin
“For the first time, I saw a way out and it was beautiful.” Many known poets were older, for the simple reason, by the time they become known they are either dead or have lived many years. Kristiana Reed is one of those exceptionally gifted writers who like Mary Shelley, was able to find her … Continue reading Advance Review of Between the Trees, Candice Daquin
First published on Reedsy Discovery Cherney’s novel is a beautifully written account of Saskia Soyer’s downward spiral after her father’s death. The writing is fluid and buoyant; taking you from one part of Saskia’s story to the next. It isn’t an easy ride, however, as moments like Saskia’s encounters with Rick, substance abuse and Grey, … Continue reading Review of Happy as Larry: A New York Story of Cults, Crushes and Quaaludes, Kaethe Cherney
The first word that comes to mind when reading Reed's work- which is not limited to her customary free verse, but prose and shorter poems like “Hope”, - is haunting. At the same time, that seems a primitive, schoolyard adjective. Haunting are the ghost stories we told our younger siblings and friends in hopes of … Continue reading Advance Review of Between the Trees, Nicholas Gagnier
First published on Reedsy Discovery Polgar’s writing is intelligent and this is evident across all nine of the short stories in the collection. His historical and socio-political knowledge is vast and attuned to the human condition; these stories explore the headiness of love, base human desire, our past and the way it defines us, fantasy … Continue reading Review of The Path of Least Time & Other Stories, Antoine Polgar
Although you could consider Dead’s Haven from Nicholas Gagnier a stand alone novel, I personally believe reading at least Founding Fathers beforehand is the best way to approach reading Dead’s Haven. Having read Leonard the Liar, Founding Fathers and Mercy Road, the appearance of Alex Halford, Samantha Wallace, Rupert Smith, Olivia, Hale with long hair … Continue reading Review of Dead’s Haven, Nicholas Gagnier
There is poetry at the heart of everything Biscello writes. I read his novel Nocturne Variations earlier this year and became enamoured with his poetic style. Therefore, Arclight was nothing less than a joy to read. Broken into seven sections, Arclight is structurally balanced with three line thoughts and longer poems which are the pinnacle … Continue reading Review of Arclight, John Biscello
Syrdal’s Pantheon is a modern novel but of epic proportions; seeking to harness the same storytelling power of Homer’s Odyssey or Virgil’s Aeneid. I found the first two chapters/books a fascinating exploration of the human condition and the daily battles we face, framed in fantasy. The novel as a cohesive whole was perhaps lost on … Continue reading Review of Pantheon, Eric Syrdal
