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
“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
Mercy Road is the third novel from Nicholas Gagnier I have read, and I have come to realise his storytelling is nothing less than addictive. The verb ‘devoured’ is probably the best way to describe how I read Mercy Road. This story is fast paced yet, to paraphrase Gandalf the Grey, everything happens precisely when … Continue reading Review of Mercy Road, Nicholas Gagnier
Everyone has the capacity to write. Some people write uplifting messages in greeting cards. Some people write hilarious commencement speeches. Some people write like their entire existence depends on it and in doing so etch their soul into the stars. After reading Composition of a Woman, Ray convinced me she was the latter. The Myths … Continue reading Review of The Myths of Girlhood, Christine E. Ray
Without a doubt, A Journal For Damned Lovers Volume 2 reveals S. K. Nicholas’ growth as an exceptional writer. He gives the reader even more of himself in this second volume and does not shy away from sharing the darkest thoughts, memories and dreams through this inner monologue. Styled as journal entries this volume oscillates … Continue reading Review of A Journal For Damned Lovers Vol 2 – S. K. Nicholas
I have admired and been inspired by Candice Daquin’s writing since being introduced to her almost a year ago. So, when the bundle of books I bought for Christmas all arrived, I picked up Pinch The Lock right away and finished it the very same day it had landed on my doorstep. Poem after poem … Continue reading Review of Pinch The Lock, Candice Daquin
Originally published on Blank Paper Press Gagnier’s Swear To Me, his first collection explicitly addressing mental health was a triumph. It united writers from across the globe and there was a raw honesty within the pages which helped me feel less alone as I read it. Gagnier calls us ‘legion’ and here, as ‘all the … Continue reading Review of All The Lonely People, Nicholas Gagnier
