Meyer’s second poetry collection, Tempest, is an absolute joy to read. A departure from the Gothic, horror style of Haunt, Tempest cradles its reader in bittersweet nostalgia and Meyer’s storytelling and surrealism come into their stride. In the preface, Meyer talks about the dichotomy between the beauty of imagery and underlying pain often conveyed in … Continue reading Review of Tempest, Ryan Meyer
The Fortunes by Peter Ho Davies shares four stories from varied Chinese American perspectives. Each story, spanning two hundred years, explores and charts the relationship between China and America, how those who have immigrated or have been born in America attempt to find a home in America while struggling to call China home. Davies captures … Continue reading Review of The Fortunes, Peter Ho Davies
This review was first published on Reedsy Discovery. Taking on a text which has been translated again and again for centuries is no mean feat; especially when walking in the footsteps of a scholar like Tolkein. But, Carnabuci’s translation, I believe, successfully bridges the gap between early, Latinised translations of Beowulf and Heaney’s somewhat prosaic … Continue reading Review of Beowulf: A Verse Translation, Andrew Carnabuci
Reading Expulsion by Perkovich was like uncovering a time capsule, of a person, time and place, I never knew I had buried so deep in the sand. From beginning to end, Perkovich’s imagery is sustained and vivid and her words pull you from yourself and ask you to sit at a table with your ghosts. … Continue reading Review of Expulsion, Emily Perkovich
The Path of the Tapir by Michael Jarvis is a novel of suspense exploring grief and the fatal consequences of the wrong paths crossing. The majority of the narrative follows Phil Millege, a private investigator, hired by a Palm Oil company to settle the issue of the mysterious deaths of two American tourists on their … Continue reading Review of The Path of the Tapir, Michael Jarvis
History of Present Complaint by HLR cleverly interweaves the terrifying past with the equally frightening present. HLR’s debut is brave and raw as she stoutly refuses to shy away from the palatable. This collection of poetry and prose transgresses boundaries and will evoke a deep-seated grief and ache within any reader. HLR’s work focuses on … Continue reading Advance Review of History of Present Complaint, HLR
"stepping boldly and bravely / into the glaring unknown."[Floodlights] Moonglow on Mercy Street is John Biscello's newest poetry collection which reflects on the past year and showcases Biscello's wondrous talent for poetry and storytelling. Part one of this collection is beautifully kind to the reader: 'bless your broken softly' [How the Light Gets In]. 'Birthing … Continue reading Advance Review of Moonglow on Mercy Street, John Biscello
I veritably failed at keeping up with posting my top ten indie books from 2020... So, instead of dedicating a daily post to the remaining six books and most likely forgetting again, I have listed them below with links to my full reviews. Enjoy! she's come undone by Nia Mora Who Says You Can't Play … Continue reading Top 10 Indie Books
I Saw Myself Alive in a Coffin, Kait Quinn's second poetry collection, begins with a wonderful author's note detailing Quinn's honest intentions. Through her experience with depression, grief and suicidal ideation, Death and thinking about death became ever present in Quinn's consciousness and so in her poetry too. And yet, Quinn does not seek to … Continue reading Advance Review: I Saw Myself Alive in a Coffin by Kait Quinn
To celebrate my ten favourite indie/self-published books of 2020, over the next 10 days I will reshare my reviews of these wonderful books and links to buy them! The Virtue of Doubt by Jillian Richardson Jillian Richardson’s The Virtue of Doubt is fresh and different yet harnesses poetry and playwriting with the skill of the … Continue reading Top 10 Indie Books: The Virtue of Doubt, Jillian Richardson
