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! X and I by S. K. Nicholas When S. K. Nicholas announced the X and I snippets on his blog were to become a novel, I stopped reading them. … Continue reading Top 10 Indie Books: X and I, S. K. Nicholas
Konstantin by Tom Bullough is a moving and an evocative tale of ambition, adversity and the beauty of science. Spanning from his childhood to the birth of his first child, we follow Konstantin’s life and the moments which shaped him; which propelled his desire to unpick the seemingly impossible task of travelling into space. Bullough’s … Continue reading Review of Konstantin, Tom Bullough
This week on My Screaming Twenties celebrates the recent release of The Black Naught, Kindra M. Austin's newest novel. An interview with the incredible Kindra M. Austin KRISTIANA: The Black Naught is your seventh published book, how has publishing changed for you over the years? What do you know now which you wish you … Continue reading An interview with Kindra M. Austin
This week on My Screaming Twenties celebrates the recent release of Kindra M. Austin's newest novel, The Black Naught. chapter one: Birds/Bleeding Hearts Talk to me. I want to hear your thoughts. Am I asleep? Am I dreaming? Tell me a story. Or tell me about today. Is that really you I hear? Begin … Continue reading A sneak peek into The Black Naught by Kindra M. Austin
Reading This Brutal House in June 2020 was incredibly timely. Govinden engrosses us in the world of Vogue balls and the African American and Latin American queer community which made them what they are. The narrative focuses on the House Mothers and their desire for justice as the young people they refer to as the … Continue reading Review of This Brutal House, Niven Govinden
Originally published on Reedsy Discovery. The Rocky Orchard is Monier’s fourth novel and a testament to her experience and craft. Monier captures Mazie, the novel’s protagonist, exceptionally. From four years old to her late twenties, Mazie’s characterisation is realistic and charts her growth as a young woman; whilst still reminding us all of the traits … Continue reading Review of The Rocky Orchard, Barbara Monier
STRESS IS AN OPEN DOOR "She is sat at the bus stop, arms crossed, when I reach her. Her eyes lift to mine as she hears my scattered breaths and clunky steps. I see in hers a hate and kindness I cannot untangle. Necklace chains of every emotion she must have felt in the last … Continue reading The Dee Diaries #5
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
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
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
