Daley-Ward is a writer I have been longing to read since I began to explore contemporary poetry and fiction. She has often been cited as an inspiration so I jumped at the chance to read and review her newest release. In The Terrible, Daley-Ward recounts her coming-of-age experience; the trials, tribulations and mistakes, using the … Continue reading Review of The Terrible, Yrsa Daley-Ward
The River in the Trees by Jacqueline O’Mahony really is a special read; think Cecelia Ahern but grittier and subtle in how it weaves Ellen and Hannah’s stories together. O’Mahony’s use of dual narrative is a triumph as it showcases the parallels which exist between lives even one hundred years apart. It allows The River … Continue reading Review of The River in the Trees, Jacqueline O’Mahony
Austin has, yet again, created a masterpiece. All the Beginnings of Everything is a sensational collection which spans what feels like a lifetime. Separated into seven parts, Austin explores more in this collection than I feel she ever has done before; without sacrificing her trademark style. Her words remain sharp, raw and honest. Part one … Continue reading Review of All the Beginnings of Everything, Kindra M. Austin
Originally published on Reedsy Discovery. Florian’s Boys is a bizarre, coming of age story which explores the potency of history, loneliness and the desire to belong in the world. It focuses on the university experience of James Burrows, a history student who loses his best friend Jack to a girl and struggles to find love … Continue reading Review of Florian’s Boys, Matt Browne
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
