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Recommend this book:
Elizabeth
Obstinate, Headstrong Girl
Tessa Dare, Joana Starnes, Amy D'Orazio, Jenetta James, Christina Morland, Karen M Cox, Beau North
2021 Finalist
370 Pages
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Fiction - Anthology
Reviewed by Heather Stockard for Readers' Favorite
Elizabeth: Obstinate, Headstrong Girl by Tessa Dare, Joana Starnes, Amy D'Orazio, et al. is a collection of short stories that retell, in part, Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. Written by ten different authors, the stories place Elizabeth Bennet and her friends and family in various time periods, including Austen’s own, and in various circumstances. Each story presents a different take on Elizabeth and Darcy’s romance. Some authors place them in modern times and places, while others leave them in Regency England. Elizabeth is, in one story, a stage actress in the 1930s, and in another, a waitress working her way through college in modern Oklahoma. The stories set in Regency England often explore alternate paths Elizabeth and Darcy’s courtship could have taken.
This anthology comes from the pens of ten established and talented romance authors, many of whom have published Austen-related works before. The stories are all beautifully written. Each one feels true to the time in which it is set. The language and speech patterns all feel authentic and natural, which can be a difficult thing to accomplish. In all the stories, both Lizzie and Darcy are, for the most part, well-drawn and realistic. The supporting cast of Jane, Bingley, Collins, the Bennet family, Georgiana, etc. are used well too. It isn’t Jane Austen and hardcore Austen fans might not appreciate some of the liberties that were taken with the personalities and time periods, but less picky readers will appreciate and enjoy Elizabeth: Obstinate, Headstrong Girl for what it is: a fun and interesting collection of stories that take a different look at characters we all know and love.
Elizabeth: Obstinate, Headstrong Girl by Tessa Dare, Joana Starnes, Amy D'Orazio, et al. is a collection of short stories that retell, in part, Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. Written by ten different authors, the stories place Elizabeth Bennet and her friends and family in various time periods, including Austen’s own, and in various circumstances. Each story presents a different take on Elizabeth and Darcy’s romance. Some authors place them in modern times and places, while others leave them in Regency England. Elizabeth is, in one story, a stage actress in the 1930s, and in another, a waitress working her way through college in modern Oklahoma. The stories set in Regency England often explore alternate paths Elizabeth and Darcy’s courtship could have taken.
This anthology comes from the pens of ten established and talented romance authors, many of whom have published Austen-related works before. The stories are all beautifully written. Each one feels true to the time in which it is set. The language and speech patterns all feel authentic and natural, which can be a difficult thing to accomplish. In all the stories, both Lizzie and Darcy are, for the most part, well-drawn and realistic. The supporting cast of Jane, Bingley, Collins, the Bennet family, Georgiana, etc. are used well too. It isn’t Jane Austen and hardcore Austen fans might not appreciate some of the liberties that were taken with the personalities and time periods, but less picky readers will appreciate and enjoy Elizabeth: Obstinate, Headstrong Girl for what it is: a fun and interesting collection of stories that take a different look at characters we all know and love.
Recommend this book:
Ekleipsis
How far would you go to obey your instincts?
Tamel Wino
2021 Finalist
178 Pages
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Fiction - Anthology
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
Ekleipsis: How far would you go to obey your instincts? by Tamel Wino is a compilation of short stories in the horror genre, each reading independently. Wino provides five stories in total, all character-driven and each terrifying in its own way. The Other Son walks us through the seemingly mundane life of a man turning fifty who is shocked as he walks into his own home. Closing Costs places a sexy realtor between a husband and wife client with delicious detail. When in Doubt has a soldier bringing his work home and into another man's kitchen. The Has-Been is about a coach whose vices weigh heavily on his liver and also something quite heavy in his trunk, and All In gives a Mr. Stone the gamble of a lifetime.
Tamel Wino is able to shock with the opening story, The Other Son, with a twist that comes almost out of nowhere after the lead really just meanders through his day. I found myself trying to figure out where it might go and had an incredibly emotional reaction to its conclusion. Is that good or bad? Is that the intent? From a literary standpoint, it is exactly as it should be. But where the first story of the anthology is a slow, creaky climb to the top of the roller coaster, the following four are a stomach-in-throat thrill ride that begins straight off the curve. My favorite was All In on account of it feeling wonderfully tense with descriptions of a woman named Molly that were incredible. Can I say electrifying? I'm going to say electrifying. The horror shelf is an ambitious place for a debut author to start but if Ekleipsis is where Wino has set the bar, I am excited to see what comes next.
Ekleipsis: How far would you go to obey your instincts? by Tamel Wino is a compilation of short stories in the horror genre, each reading independently. Wino provides five stories in total, all character-driven and each terrifying in its own way. The Other Son walks us through the seemingly mundane life of a man turning fifty who is shocked as he walks into his own home. Closing Costs places a sexy realtor between a husband and wife client with delicious detail. When in Doubt has a soldier bringing his work home and into another man's kitchen. The Has-Been is about a coach whose vices weigh heavily on his liver and also something quite heavy in his trunk, and All In gives a Mr. Stone the gamble of a lifetime.
Tamel Wino is able to shock with the opening story, The Other Son, with a twist that comes almost out of nowhere after the lead really just meanders through his day. I found myself trying to figure out where it might go and had an incredibly emotional reaction to its conclusion. Is that good or bad? Is that the intent? From a literary standpoint, it is exactly as it should be. But where the first story of the anthology is a slow, creaky climb to the top of the roller coaster, the following four are a stomach-in-throat thrill ride that begins straight off the curve. My favorite was All In on account of it feeling wonderfully tense with descriptions of a woman named Molly that were incredible. Can I say electrifying? I'm going to say electrifying. The horror shelf is an ambitious place for a debut author to start but if Ekleipsis is where Wino has set the bar, I am excited to see what comes next.
Recommend this book:
T Is for Time Travel
A collection of timely short stories
Stanlei Bellan
2021 Honorable Mention
132 Pages
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Fiction - Anthology
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
T Is for Time Travel: A collection of timely short stories is a work of fiction in the science fiction, action, and time travel adventure sub-genres, and was penned by author Stanlei Bellan. The work is intended for the general reading audience and contains a collection of ten stories around the theme of time, history, and sci-fi and fantasy concepts. Short and sharp with strong concepts and memorable characters, these stories are ideal as coffee break readers, but also delve into some really interesting ideas that will leave you thinking long after you’ve finished with them. What results is a highly engaging collection that readers are likely to return to and want to relive again.
Author Stanlei Bellan has crafted a cohesive and beautifully styled work of fiction that works wonderfully as a showcase to introduce new readers to this author. I felt that each story was its own masterpiece in character work, delivering beautiful sketches of unique personalities strewn across time. A particular favorite of mine was Grida from ‘Time To Light’, who had a gritty realism that beautifully juxtaposed the ethereal goings-on of the story. ‘Better Luck Next Time’ was also a standout for me, which delivers intense pacing, very dynamic dialogue, and a harrowing atmosphere from start to finish. I am confident that whatever your taste, you’ll find a favorite in this varied and consistently high-quality collection of works. Overall, I would highly recommend T Is for Time Travel to fans of accessible short stories, impactful science fiction, and fantasy, and of course, time travel fiction enthusiasts everywhere.
T Is for Time Travel: A collection of timely short stories is a work of fiction in the science fiction, action, and time travel adventure sub-genres, and was penned by author Stanlei Bellan. The work is intended for the general reading audience and contains a collection of ten stories around the theme of time, history, and sci-fi and fantasy concepts. Short and sharp with strong concepts and memorable characters, these stories are ideal as coffee break readers, but also delve into some really interesting ideas that will leave you thinking long after you’ve finished with them. What results is a highly engaging collection that readers are likely to return to and want to relive again.
Author Stanlei Bellan has crafted a cohesive and beautifully styled work of fiction that works wonderfully as a showcase to introduce new readers to this author. I felt that each story was its own masterpiece in character work, delivering beautiful sketches of unique personalities strewn across time. A particular favorite of mine was Grida from ‘Time To Light’, who had a gritty realism that beautifully juxtaposed the ethereal goings-on of the story. ‘Better Luck Next Time’ was also a standout for me, which delivers intense pacing, very dynamic dialogue, and a harrowing atmosphere from start to finish. I am confident that whatever your taste, you’ll find a favorite in this varied and consistently high-quality collection of works. Overall, I would highly recommend T Is for Time Travel to fans of accessible short stories, impactful science fiction, and fantasy, and of course, time travel fiction enthusiasts everywhere.
Recommend this book:
Body Language
Short Stories
Marylee MacDonald
2021 Bronze Medal
222 Pages
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Fiction - Anthology
Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite
Body Language: Short Stories by Marylee MacDonald is a collection of satisfying short stories, each leaving the reader feeling as though they have just consumed a well-baked cookie. The stories are gorgeous and depict a wide range of characters as they follow their natural instincts. These are stories to be read with the heart and not the mind. The collection starts with the story of John and Sally. John has fancied Sally since they were young, but circumstances never allowed him to marry her. Both grew up and married. Then suddenly, Sally shows up at John’s place and makes an unusual request. The characters and the stories in this collection include a bartender struggling to keep sober, a composer dealing with loss, and many others.
The beauty in these stories is in the language, the humorous descriptions, and the realism that runs through each of them. They are short and loaded with those elements that entice the reader. The narrative voice is strong, absorbing, and the author’s handling of points of view is just superb. The humor fills every page, and most often, it is as situational as it is verbal. Like the terrific descriptions such as John capturing the sensation he had when he first saw Sally: “Seeing her all-American good looks, my knees began to cave.” It is a feeling that is so akin to our experience of love at first sight that every reader can relate to it. Marylee MacDonald is one of those authors who have mastered the art of the short story and who understand the elements that create excitement when readers pick up such stories. There is a world to explore in those stories, humanity to touch in each of them, and an emotional ride that fills the reader with a rare sense of familiar experience.
Body Language: Short Stories by Marylee MacDonald is a collection of satisfying short stories, each leaving the reader feeling as though they have just consumed a well-baked cookie. The stories are gorgeous and depict a wide range of characters as they follow their natural instincts. These are stories to be read with the heart and not the mind. The collection starts with the story of John and Sally. John has fancied Sally since they were young, but circumstances never allowed him to marry her. Both grew up and married. Then suddenly, Sally shows up at John’s place and makes an unusual request. The characters and the stories in this collection include a bartender struggling to keep sober, a composer dealing with loss, and many others.
The beauty in these stories is in the language, the humorous descriptions, and the realism that runs through each of them. They are short and loaded with those elements that entice the reader. The narrative voice is strong, absorbing, and the author’s handling of points of view is just superb. The humor fills every page, and most often, it is as situational as it is verbal. Like the terrific descriptions such as John capturing the sensation he had when he first saw Sally: “Seeing her all-American good looks, my knees began to cave.” It is a feeling that is so akin to our experience of love at first sight that every reader can relate to it. Marylee MacDonald is one of those authors who have mastered the art of the short story and who understand the elements that create excitement when readers pick up such stories. There is a world to explore in those stories, humanity to touch in each of them, and an emotional ride that fills the reader with a rare sense of familiar experience.
Recommend this book:
Dewdrops
Dan Flanigan
2021 Bronze Medal
171 Pages
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Fiction - Anthology
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
Dewdrops by Dan Flanigan is a compilation of two short stories and a short-fiction style novella. Each of the three works is independent and read as stand-alones but the themes that weave through the trio do tie in similarities. Some Cold War Blues follows Jack, a child with parents who are indifferent at best, his coping mechanisms, and a clique of local bullies called “the Hoodies” who are hell-bent on stealing the small joys forged in difficult circumstances from Jack and his friends. Dewdrops provides a series of vignettes as a counselor named Ray holds sessions with inpatient addicts in a rehab facility. As the patient experiences transcend the walls of Ray's safe space, a realistic picture of addiction forms. Finally, On The Last Frontier brings together a community in the face of ham-fisted government interference with the potential to destroy an Alaskan populace already teetering on the edge.
Dan Flanigan is a master of description, writing with vivid imagery and style in Dewdrops. The two short stories were definitely my favorite, laced with sarcasm and perfect depictions of two groups in different countries who both face wintery and oppressive forces in entirely different ways, with a generational divide that closes in as bullying rears its head. The characters in Dewdrops are terrifyingly authentic. Flanigan provides a peek into the lives of ordinary, troubled people in circumstances and environments that do little to strengthen their positions even when their resolve is steady. I love stories that feel as though they are rooted in a credible foundation. Flanigan delivers in every way.
Dewdrops by Dan Flanigan is a compilation of two short stories and a short-fiction style novella. Each of the three works is independent and read as stand-alones but the themes that weave through the trio do tie in similarities. Some Cold War Blues follows Jack, a child with parents who are indifferent at best, his coping mechanisms, and a clique of local bullies called “the Hoodies” who are hell-bent on stealing the small joys forged in difficult circumstances from Jack and his friends. Dewdrops provides a series of vignettes as a counselor named Ray holds sessions with inpatient addicts in a rehab facility. As the patient experiences transcend the walls of Ray's safe space, a realistic picture of addiction forms. Finally, On The Last Frontier brings together a community in the face of ham-fisted government interference with the potential to destroy an Alaskan populace already teetering on the edge.
Dan Flanigan is a master of description, writing with vivid imagery and style in Dewdrops. The two short stories were definitely my favorite, laced with sarcasm and perfect depictions of two groups in different countries who both face wintery and oppressive forces in entirely different ways, with a generational divide that closes in as bullying rears its head. The characters in Dewdrops are terrifyingly authentic. Flanigan provides a peek into the lives of ordinary, troubled people in circumstances and environments that do little to strengthen their positions even when their resolve is steady. I love stories that feel as though they are rooted in a credible foundation. Flanigan delivers in every way.
Recommend this book:
Valley of the Dogs
Dark Stories
James Musgrave
2021 Silver Medal
147 Pages
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Fiction - Anthology
Reviewed by Joel R. Dennstedt for Readers' Favorite
“This framework of bone protruded against his olive complexion like a demon attempting to escape its elastic cage.” This impeccably written simile demonstrates the incredible level of creative intelligence and literary skill one finds in the superb collection of short stories authored by James Musgrave in Valley of the Dogs. Intelligence and skill permeate and inform each story, imbuing all with the kind of refreshing energy and interest necessary to qualify this achievement as a true renovation and celebration of an otherwise (somewhat) moribund genre of fiction. The golden era of short story writing often seems lost in a past made hazy by the high-tech sponsored emasculation of attention spans and the elevation of hyper-short, sparsely limpid flash fiction into a respectable replacement for adulation. Musgrave shows this new emperor is also without clothes. Rejoice.
Valley of the Dogs by James Musgrave does not resurrect those golden days of short story writing, but it certainly reinstates the field’s dignity and stature, even while adhering to a more concisely told tale – an understandable concession to the modern mind. What these stories lack in unduly protracted exposition is more than compensated for by their acute perfection of voice and quality of expression. Repetitively, each story reeks of editorial precision and literary skill. They are remarkable, really. Franz Kafka and George Gershwin collaborate on Broadway – with inevitably Kafkaesque results. Insanity explored from the inside makes sanity look crazy. Suicide prevention works both ways. Plots like these, so novel as to seem utterly unique, make Valley of the Dogs a collection to be savored, saved, and saluted.
“This framework of bone protruded against his olive complexion like a demon attempting to escape its elastic cage.” This impeccably written simile demonstrates the incredible level of creative intelligence and literary skill one finds in the superb collection of short stories authored by James Musgrave in Valley of the Dogs. Intelligence and skill permeate and inform each story, imbuing all with the kind of refreshing energy and interest necessary to qualify this achievement as a true renovation and celebration of an otherwise (somewhat) moribund genre of fiction. The golden era of short story writing often seems lost in a past made hazy by the high-tech sponsored emasculation of attention spans and the elevation of hyper-short, sparsely limpid flash fiction into a respectable replacement for adulation. Musgrave shows this new emperor is also without clothes. Rejoice.
Valley of the Dogs by James Musgrave does not resurrect those golden days of short story writing, but it certainly reinstates the field’s dignity and stature, even while adhering to a more concisely told tale – an understandable concession to the modern mind. What these stories lack in unduly protracted exposition is more than compensated for by their acute perfection of voice and quality of expression. Repetitively, each story reeks of editorial precision and literary skill. They are remarkable, really. Franz Kafka and George Gershwin collaborate on Broadway – with inevitably Kafkaesque results. Insanity explored from the inside makes sanity look crazy. Suicide prevention works both ways. Plots like these, so novel as to seem utterly unique, make Valley of the Dogs a collection to be savored, saved, and saluted.
Recommend this book:
Backstories
The stand-out most original book of the year
Simon van der Velde
2021 Gold Medal
120 Pages
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Fiction - Anthology
Reviewed by Astrid Iustulin for Readers' Favorite
As much as I consider myself an avid reader, there are still books that can surprise me with something new. Backstories by Simon van der Velde is one of those books. A collection of short stories set in the Sixties and Seventies between the United States and the United Kingdom, Backstories gives us accounts of abuse and violence against members of ethnic or sexual minorities. The stories do not present fictional or unknown characters but real people, although their identities are not revealed. The episodes date back to an era in which these people were not yet famous. It is through reading the stories that we can find clues to identify them. Therefore, it is up to the curious reader to find out who they are. With these intriguing elements, Backstories is a book that deserves to be read.
When a book manages to combine several elements successfully, the result is always amazing. This is the case in Backstories. Simon van der Velde has the ability to combine social issues with the mystery about the identity of the protagonists, something that cannot but fascinate readers. I particularly enjoyed the detective work I had to do, but, of course, the strong point of Backstories is how it deals with social issues. Guessing who is who is useful for keeping readers' attention alive, but is especially valuable for delivering the message of the stories. Backstories is truly a one-of-a-kind book, and I look forward to a new collection by van der Velde with its original and engaging features.
As much as I consider myself an avid reader, there are still books that can surprise me with something new. Backstories by Simon van der Velde is one of those books. A collection of short stories set in the Sixties and Seventies between the United States and the United Kingdom, Backstories gives us accounts of abuse and violence against members of ethnic or sexual minorities. The stories do not present fictional or unknown characters but real people, although their identities are not revealed. The episodes date back to an era in which these people were not yet famous. It is through reading the stories that we can find clues to identify them. Therefore, it is up to the curious reader to find out who they are. With these intriguing elements, Backstories is a book that deserves to be read.
When a book manages to combine several elements successfully, the result is always amazing. This is the case in Backstories. Simon van der Velde has the ability to combine social issues with the mystery about the identity of the protagonists, something that cannot but fascinate readers. I particularly enjoyed the detective work I had to do, but, of course, the strong point of Backstories is how it deals with social issues. Guessing who is who is useful for keeping readers' attention alive, but is especially valuable for delivering the message of the stories. Backstories is truly a one-of-a-kind book, and I look forward to a new collection by van der Velde with its original and engaging features.
Recommend this book:
A Dash of Romance
Romantic Encounters: An Anthology (Book 1)
Paullett Golden
2021 Gold Medal
337 Pages
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Fiction - Anthology
Reviewed by Peggy Jo Wipf for Readers' Favorite
A Dash of Romance draws the reader into the lives of Percival Randall and Abigail Walsley as they attempt to untangle the lie that binds them. This is the first book in the Romantic Encounters series by Paullette Golden. Abby knows better, but she spoke a little lie to get out of a horrible marriage proposal. Only this lie bound her to Percival, unbeknownst to either of them. They hope to get out of this engagement with the least amount of damage to their characters. Percival hopes to win the hand of a lady in high society within the time span his father set for him. Abby wishes to continue her writing and charity work, while a husband would only complicate things. Can they end this without getting too entangled?
What I immediately noticed about A Dash of Romance by Paullette Golden is that she is several levels above your average author. Her writing depicts a plot that keeps the reader in suspense about how the characters can free themselves of an engagement without tarnishing their names. The storyline runs smoothly while it throws in flash fiction to show the reader a fictional view of what Abby perceives as a hero. The wit and humor between Abby and Percy is refreshing, causing the reader to laugh with them. I love the story within the story, and the advice column was clever. Overall, Paullette Golden guides her characters through intricate circumstances and mistaken identity. She constructed an engaging romance that holds your attention in their conflict.
A Dash of Romance draws the reader into the lives of Percival Randall and Abigail Walsley as they attempt to untangle the lie that binds them. This is the first book in the Romantic Encounters series by Paullette Golden. Abby knows better, but she spoke a little lie to get out of a horrible marriage proposal. Only this lie bound her to Percival, unbeknownst to either of them. They hope to get out of this engagement with the least amount of damage to their characters. Percival hopes to win the hand of a lady in high society within the time span his father set for him. Abby wishes to continue her writing and charity work, while a husband would only complicate things. Can they end this without getting too entangled?
What I immediately noticed about A Dash of Romance by Paullette Golden is that she is several levels above your average author. Her writing depicts a plot that keeps the reader in suspense about how the characters can free themselves of an engagement without tarnishing their names. The storyline runs smoothly while it throws in flash fiction to show the reader a fictional view of what Abby perceives as a hero. The wit and humor between Abby and Percy is refreshing, causing the reader to laugh with them. I love the story within the story, and the advice column was clever. Overall, Paullette Golden guides her characters through intricate circumstances and mistaken identity. She constructed an engaging romance that holds your attention in their conflict.
Recommend this book:
Death Do Us Part
J. L. Salter and Charles A. Salter
2020 Finalist
186 Pages
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Fiction - Anthology
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Death Do Us Part is a short story collection filled with mystery and suspense, which was penned by author duo J. L. Salter and Charles A. Salter. Comprising ten stories in total, the collection hinges on themes of action, tension and mysteries to be solved, and is accessible for all readers due to some very mild and non-graphic adult references. The stories vary in their individual content, for psychologically mind-bending tales of identity during the Vietnam War through to violent political coups, science-fiction themed rescue missions and bang up to date technological murder mysteries. What results is a highly accomplished collection that was a pleasure to read from start to end.
Author duo J. L. Salter and Charles A. Salter have accomplished a truly striking collection here with not a single dud amongst the ten fantastic tales which are on offer. My particular favorite was That ASMR Girl, a relatively short tale compared to some of the others, but conceptually brilliant and told with a narrative mastery that smacks of the likes of Raymond Carver. There is a talent for getting the humanity out of these characters, even in the short form, so that we as readers become immediately invested in the new people we are introduced to, just before the heat is cranked up on them. Structurally speaking, the stories are well-timed and well-paced to deliver a quality punch with a fully satisfying conclusion as well. Overall, Death Do Us Part is a bold collection of truly original stories, told by a pair of excellent writers.
Death Do Us Part is a short story collection filled with mystery and suspense, which was penned by author duo J. L. Salter and Charles A. Salter. Comprising ten stories in total, the collection hinges on themes of action, tension and mysteries to be solved, and is accessible for all readers due to some very mild and non-graphic adult references. The stories vary in their individual content, for psychologically mind-bending tales of identity during the Vietnam War through to violent political coups, science-fiction themed rescue missions and bang up to date technological murder mysteries. What results is a highly accomplished collection that was a pleasure to read from start to end.
Author duo J. L. Salter and Charles A. Salter have accomplished a truly striking collection here with not a single dud amongst the ten fantastic tales which are on offer. My particular favorite was That ASMR Girl, a relatively short tale compared to some of the others, but conceptually brilliant and told with a narrative mastery that smacks of the likes of Raymond Carver. There is a talent for getting the humanity out of these characters, even in the short form, so that we as readers become immediately invested in the new people we are introduced to, just before the heat is cranked up on them. Structurally speaking, the stories are well-timed and well-paced to deliver a quality punch with a fully satisfying conclusion as well. Overall, Death Do Us Part is a bold collection of truly original stories, told by a pair of excellent writers.
Recommend this book:
Shackles and More Gripping Tales
James Hanna
2020 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Anthology
Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite
I learned about James Henna when I first read his hilarious novel, Call Me Pomeroy, and have been on the lookout for anything he writes because of the humor in his writing and the exceptional characters. Shackles and More Gripping Tales is a collection of his short stories and they are some of the finest I have read. Character-driven and infused with the author’s signature for humor and tight prose, they present well-developed and gorgeous characters and put them into real-life situations.
James Henna is brilliant when it comes to creating tension. Each story starts with a strong premise, which introduces the tension and it builds up pretty quickly. The reader gets quite a lot in a few paragraphs and it is interesting to notice the seamless blend between the different elements; action that is written into the descriptions of characters, the colorful settings, and the strong plot elements. The humor, of course, is one of the strongest elements of this collection. The sense of desperation and despair opens the book when the protagonist considers her ingratitude: “Weren’t the two daughters God gave us enough? He lived almost a year after Doctor Diver diagnosed his brain tumor—wasn’t that enough? Why must we set our hearts on things that must be limited? The Lord gives, the Lord takes—we should let it go at that.” Shackles and More Gripping Tales is a delectable read, stories that bring laughter and that force the reader to think about the crudity of the human condition. Great characters, gorgeous writing, and unique plot points.
I learned about James Henna when I first read his hilarious novel, Call Me Pomeroy, and have been on the lookout for anything he writes because of the humor in his writing and the exceptional characters. Shackles and More Gripping Tales is a collection of his short stories and they are some of the finest I have read. Character-driven and infused with the author’s signature for humor and tight prose, they present well-developed and gorgeous characters and put them into real-life situations.
James Henna is brilliant when it comes to creating tension. Each story starts with a strong premise, which introduces the tension and it builds up pretty quickly. The reader gets quite a lot in a few paragraphs and it is interesting to notice the seamless blend between the different elements; action that is written into the descriptions of characters, the colorful settings, and the strong plot elements. The humor, of course, is one of the strongest elements of this collection. The sense of desperation and despair opens the book when the protagonist considers her ingratitude: “Weren’t the two daughters God gave us enough? He lived almost a year after Doctor Diver diagnosed his brain tumor—wasn’t that enough? Why must we set our hearts on things that must be limited? The Lord gives, the Lord takes—we should let it go at that.” Shackles and More Gripping Tales is a delectable read, stories that bring laughter and that force the reader to think about the crudity of the human condition. Great characters, gorgeous writing, and unique plot points.
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