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
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
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
They said the pieces would never fit. My edges were too pointy, too different. I said I didn’t mind if it meant looking for years, in all sorts of places, be it bars, parks, forests or beaches, to find all the parts of me. I was desperate to learn where I’d belong, how much I’d … Continue reading Jigsaw (from All The Lonely People)
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
Wish I didn't dwell where the wild things are, wasn't spellbound by their coats of matted hair and the cowardice they dispel. You say I shouldn't wallow, but I haven't been well. Dog that broke its legs chasing rabbits and cars, fell in a hole the world left ajar. Wish I was … Continue reading Dancing with Monsters – Nicholas Gagnier & Kristiana Reed
Founding Fathers is the debut novel from Nicholas Gagnier, following the release of his novella Leonard the Liar in July 2018. As debuts go, in fact as novels go, it is stunning. Parts One, Two and Three flawlessly weave the stories of multiple people together to culminate in a narrative coming full circle. Except some … Continue reading Foreword for Founding Fathers, Nicholas Gagnier
Let me begin honestly. There is no hiding the love I have always had for Nicholas Gagnier’s work; whether that be his poetry or being a beta reader for his novel Founding Fathers, due to be released in the summer of 2019. However, this also meant I approached reading Leonard the Liar with a preconceived … Continue reading Review of Leonard the Liar, Nicholas Gagnier
Originally posted on Indie Blu(e). Swear to Me, an anthology of struggle and survival from Nicholas Gagnier, is a triumphant reveal of lonely hearts which aren’t so lonely after all. It appears a slim book of poetry when in fact it is the friend checking in on you. The friend who makes you a hot … Continue reading Review of Swear of Me, Nicholas Gagnier
I remember thinking there was nothing to live for, steering into that abhorrent skid. I remember the good old days, but kid, rose-coloured glasses betray them, every single time. I remember you asking how the world had gotten me so down, why I couldn't smile without the unintended frown, so I asked … Continue reading I Remember – feat. Nicholas Gagnier
