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Recommend this book:
Becoming Glitch
Daniel Sayre
2023 Finalist
458 Pages
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Fiction - New Adult
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Becoming Glitch is a work of fiction penned by Daniel Sayre in the paranormal and supernatural adventure subgenres. It is suitable for mature teen and adult readers and is especially aimed at the New Adult reading niche. In this thrilling tale with all the makings of a fantastic superhero adventure, we follow the generally mediocre Andy, who suddenly experiences a series of wildly unpredictable events that change his life when he catches a cold with a supernatural twist. Can he freeze time, and if so, should he? Andy may not have time to figure it out before his skills are needed to save himself from impending danger.
Daniel Sayre has crafted a superb and truly heroic tale for fans of the New Adult reading niche to enjoy. It was wonderful to see the everyman-type of protagonist elevated and challenged by the supernatural happenings all around him. Andy makes for a highly likable central figure the more we see him grow and develop during the trials of the plot. I also really liked the way that the paranormal elements of the work were interwoven with everyday life. This felt eerily realistic, as though this other world of superhumans could easily be operating in plain sight right beside our own. The pace was well maintained to keep things exciting throughout. This was hugely helped by the dialogue-driven scenes with lots of awkwardly humorous hero banter and shifts of attitude when people encountered Andy for the first time. I would certainly recommend Becoming Glitch for superhero fiction fans everywhere as a highly enjoyable read.
Becoming Glitch is a work of fiction penned by Daniel Sayre in the paranormal and supernatural adventure subgenres. It is suitable for mature teen and adult readers and is especially aimed at the New Adult reading niche. In this thrilling tale with all the makings of a fantastic superhero adventure, we follow the generally mediocre Andy, who suddenly experiences a series of wildly unpredictable events that change his life when he catches a cold with a supernatural twist. Can he freeze time, and if so, should he? Andy may not have time to figure it out before his skills are needed to save himself from impending danger.
Daniel Sayre has crafted a superb and truly heroic tale for fans of the New Adult reading niche to enjoy. It was wonderful to see the everyman-type of protagonist elevated and challenged by the supernatural happenings all around him. Andy makes for a highly likable central figure the more we see him grow and develop during the trials of the plot. I also really liked the way that the paranormal elements of the work were interwoven with everyday life. This felt eerily realistic, as though this other world of superhumans could easily be operating in plain sight right beside our own. The pace was well maintained to keep things exciting throughout. This was hugely helped by the dialogue-driven scenes with lots of awkwardly humorous hero banter and shifts of attitude when people encountered Andy for the first time. I would certainly recommend Becoming Glitch for superhero fiction fans everywhere as a highly enjoyable read.
Recommend this book:
Ride
Zachary Ryan
2023 Honorable Mention
341 Pages
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Fiction - New Adult
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Ride is a work of fiction in the women’s fiction, interpersonal drama, and music subgenres. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience and was penned by author Zachary Ryan. The storyline follows two sisters, Alayna and Morgan, who are brought back together by the death of their mother, and in turn, are both forced to examine the paths their lives have taken since Morgan left town to pursue her dreams, and Alayna’s aspirations were cut to shreds. Morgan’s fame and fortune aren’t all they're cracked up to be, but Alayna’s seemingly settled life is also fraught with pain. What follows is an emotive and powerful tale of trying to reconcile and pick up the pieces of a broken family mired in grief.
Author Zachary Ryan has lovingly crafted a powerful story about family dynamics, pressures, and dreams that will make a superbly engrossing read for any fan of women’s fiction. For me personally, Morgan’s story was the more gripping because I really related to her sense of loss after loss and the hopelessness that engenders, but there’s also just as much care and emotion put into the narration and dialogue around Alayna’s clash between obligation and aspiration. I was also really moved by the use of Lana Del Ray’s lyrics and emotion as an inspiration basis for the characters and their shared trauma, as I am a big fan of her music anyway and it made me want to play it all again. Overall, I would certainly recommend Ride to fans of family dramas and highly atmospheric, emotive writing.
Ride is a work of fiction in the women’s fiction, interpersonal drama, and music subgenres. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience and was penned by author Zachary Ryan. The storyline follows two sisters, Alayna and Morgan, who are brought back together by the death of their mother, and in turn, are both forced to examine the paths their lives have taken since Morgan left town to pursue her dreams, and Alayna’s aspirations were cut to shreds. Morgan’s fame and fortune aren’t all they're cracked up to be, but Alayna’s seemingly settled life is also fraught with pain. What follows is an emotive and powerful tale of trying to reconcile and pick up the pieces of a broken family mired in grief.
Author Zachary Ryan has lovingly crafted a powerful story about family dynamics, pressures, and dreams that will make a superbly engrossing read for any fan of women’s fiction. For me personally, Morgan’s story was the more gripping because I really related to her sense of loss after loss and the hopelessness that engenders, but there’s also just as much care and emotion put into the narration and dialogue around Alayna’s clash between obligation and aspiration. I was also really moved by the use of Lana Del Ray’s lyrics and emotion as an inspiration basis for the characters and their shared trauma, as I am a big fan of her music anyway and it made me want to play it all again. Overall, I would certainly recommend Ride to fans of family dramas and highly atmospheric, emotive writing.
Recommend this book:
Reign
Rivermont Royals Book 1
E.J. Knox, Elizabeth Stevens
2023 Bronze Medal
402 Pages
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Fiction - New Adult
Reviewed by Stephanie Chapman for Readers' Favorite
Reign by E.J. Knox is the first book in the Rivermont Royals series. The Royals tormented Eden and her best friend Sam. The Royals were a group that held superiority in school, doing what they wanted without repercussions for their actions. Beckett was the leader of the group and had never paid attention to Eden. On the first day of school, Eden was stunned when Jaeger and Fox acted like gentlemen toward her. Fox even paid her compliments and sat next to her in several classes. In her free hours, Eden went to the library where Beckett attempted to seduce her. Jaeger hinted that Fox and Beckett were vying for her attention. However, while in the locker room, Eden overheard that she was part of a Royal power struggle based on a bet.
E.J. Knox provided an exceptional description of the characters and their personalities. Jaeger was the most open person, although I found it hard to believe what he said to Eden. The character list at the start of the book helped see the rank of each student. Rowan was the scariest character in the entire group. Beckett confused me with his actions. Each scene was full of detail, and there was never a dull moment. I found every page intriguing and watched how the lives of the role-players developed. Despite some of the darker moments, I found the dry humor entertaining. My favorite line in the entire book was Eden’s response to Abby: "Welcome to Rivermont, where all the eye candy has the personalities of caustic soap." I would laugh if somebody said that to me. I am eager to read the sequels of Reign.
Reign by E.J. Knox is the first book in the Rivermont Royals series. The Royals tormented Eden and her best friend Sam. The Royals were a group that held superiority in school, doing what they wanted without repercussions for their actions. Beckett was the leader of the group and had never paid attention to Eden. On the first day of school, Eden was stunned when Jaeger and Fox acted like gentlemen toward her. Fox even paid her compliments and sat next to her in several classes. In her free hours, Eden went to the library where Beckett attempted to seduce her. Jaeger hinted that Fox and Beckett were vying for her attention. However, while in the locker room, Eden overheard that she was part of a Royal power struggle based on a bet.
E.J. Knox provided an exceptional description of the characters and their personalities. Jaeger was the most open person, although I found it hard to believe what he said to Eden. The character list at the start of the book helped see the rank of each student. Rowan was the scariest character in the entire group. Beckett confused me with his actions. Each scene was full of detail, and there was never a dull moment. I found every page intriguing and watched how the lives of the role-players developed. Despite some of the darker moments, I found the dry humor entertaining. My favorite line in the entire book was Eden’s response to Abby: "Welcome to Rivermont, where all the eye candy has the personalities of caustic soap." I would laugh if somebody said that to me. I am eager to read the sequels of Reign.
Recommend this book:
Call Her Janie
A scintillating romantic suspense with a shocking twist
S.R. Fabrico
2023 Silver Medal
348 Pages
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Fiction - New Adult
Reviewed by Courtnee Turner Hoyle for Readers' Favorite
In Call Her Janie by S.R. Fabrico, Lizzie Levine thought she had the life she wanted. She was a busy executive with successful projects, and she loved her boss—both at work and in private—and he showered her with gifts and attention. However, when she found out she was pregnant, she discovered his true personality, which deeply hurt her. After losing their baby, Lizzie moves to her brother and sister-in-law’s home in Southport, South Carolina, and she enjoys the town and the people. She meets Josh, who pursues her, even though she tries to push him away. Just as she begins to develop strong feelings for him, she finds her life may be in danger, and she hopes to piece together the mystery about her stalker before the situation turns deadly.
S.R. Fabrico has built a beautiful community of characters that readers will never forget. The intense mystery surrounding Lizzie’s delicate past is laced with intrigue, while her future holds love, forgiveness, and acceptance. The story showcases the resilience and understanding of love and contrasts with the idea of love that Lizzie once believed. The mystery at the book's heart is revealed in layers, surprising readers with the story's depth. Fabrico has established a solid connection to the characters and has also included a preview of the second book in the series. Call Her Janie is a fantastic selection for readers who enjoy deep mysteries with friends-to-lovers romance.
In Call Her Janie by S.R. Fabrico, Lizzie Levine thought she had the life she wanted. She was a busy executive with successful projects, and she loved her boss—both at work and in private—and he showered her with gifts and attention. However, when she found out she was pregnant, she discovered his true personality, which deeply hurt her. After losing their baby, Lizzie moves to her brother and sister-in-law’s home in Southport, South Carolina, and she enjoys the town and the people. She meets Josh, who pursues her, even though she tries to push him away. Just as she begins to develop strong feelings for him, she finds her life may be in danger, and she hopes to piece together the mystery about her stalker before the situation turns deadly.
S.R. Fabrico has built a beautiful community of characters that readers will never forget. The intense mystery surrounding Lizzie’s delicate past is laced with intrigue, while her future holds love, forgiveness, and acceptance. The story showcases the resilience and understanding of love and contrasts with the idea of love that Lizzie once believed. The mystery at the book's heart is revealed in layers, surprising readers with the story's depth. Fabrico has established a solid connection to the characters and has also included a preview of the second book in the series. Call Her Janie is a fantastic selection for readers who enjoy deep mysteries with friends-to-lovers romance.
Recommend this book:
Flickering Heart
Sara Browne Series Book 1
Tricia LaRochelle
2023 Gold Medal
374 Pages
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Fiction - New Adult
Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite
Flickering Heart is Tricia LaRochelle’s debut offering in her Sara Browne Series. Eighteen-year-old Sara Brown is a survivor, but she is not living. PTSD grips her so tightly that she separates herself from the people around her. Sorrow is her ever-loyal companion, yet she tries to exhaust all means to rebuild after the only family she has ever known is gone forever. She tries to break down the walls she has built around her as she enters college life. Scott Williams comes along—a distraction that she doesn’t need while getting rid of her dark days. Scott, however, will add something new to her life. It is something new that feels therapeutic but turns into a nightmare when Scott’s own past begins its unlawful entry into Sara’s life.
Flickering Heart does have some of the tropes commonly associated with the romance genre, but I strongly recommend that you give this book a try. Tricia LaRochelle understands what makes an effective romance story work. She doesn’t just offer a girl-meets-boy setup. What she assembles is an interesting pair of characters with flaws that make them distinct, relatable, and utterly human. She handles Sara’s traumatic past with sensitivity and keen attention to its emotional and psychological components, which makes Sara a convincing and fascinating case study in PTSD. Whatever reservations Sara feels about Scott is something that you understand and not to be dismissed as a girl’s typical fickle-mindedness. Scott, on the other hand, may appear like your typical poster boy, but the dynamics of his relationship with Sara in comparison to the past he has built makes him intricate and someone whose true intentions you want to truly know. It’s a romantic relationship filled with complications and it's these complications that will make you want to find out what happens to Sara and Scott in the end.
Flickering Heart is Tricia LaRochelle’s debut offering in her Sara Browne Series. Eighteen-year-old Sara Brown is a survivor, but she is not living. PTSD grips her so tightly that she separates herself from the people around her. Sorrow is her ever-loyal companion, yet she tries to exhaust all means to rebuild after the only family she has ever known is gone forever. She tries to break down the walls she has built around her as she enters college life. Scott Williams comes along—a distraction that she doesn’t need while getting rid of her dark days. Scott, however, will add something new to her life. It is something new that feels therapeutic but turns into a nightmare when Scott’s own past begins its unlawful entry into Sara’s life.
Flickering Heart does have some of the tropes commonly associated with the romance genre, but I strongly recommend that you give this book a try. Tricia LaRochelle understands what makes an effective romance story work. She doesn’t just offer a girl-meets-boy setup. What she assembles is an interesting pair of characters with flaws that make them distinct, relatable, and utterly human. She handles Sara’s traumatic past with sensitivity and keen attention to its emotional and psychological components, which makes Sara a convincing and fascinating case study in PTSD. Whatever reservations Sara feels about Scott is something that you understand and not to be dismissed as a girl’s typical fickle-mindedness. Scott, on the other hand, may appear like your typical poster boy, but the dynamics of his relationship with Sara in comparison to the past he has built makes him intricate and someone whose true intentions you want to truly know. It’s a romantic relationship filled with complications and it's these complications that will make you want to find out what happens to Sara and Scott in the end.
Recommend this book:
Letting Go
The Defiant Sisters Duet- Book1
Jacquie Biggar
2023 Gold Medal
226 Pages
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Fiction - New Adult
Reviewed by Maria Victoria Beltran for Readers' Favorite
Letting Go: The Defiant Sisters Duet, Book1 by Jacquie Biggar is a compelling coming-of-age story of sisters Renee and Izzy Thomas. When their father committed suicide, both lost their innocence and they begin separate journeys that led to transformation. Renee left town, went to college, and stayed away from Izzy, their mother, and little brother Benjamin for two years. She also left behind a romantic relationship with Simon. Izzy, on the other hand, stayed home and took care of Benjamin and their ailing mother. When their mother died, Renee came back to make amends and face her past. Izzy made it clear that she was not welcome home. Her little brother barely knows her and is coping with the loss by withdrawing from the world. Simon is about to get married to the mayor’s daughter.
Jacquie Biggar’s Letting Go deals with family tragedy, love, and restoration. Regretting her decision to run away from her past, Renee is back home to face the past and the ramifications of her decision. The narrative is told from the points of view of Izzy, Renee, and Simon, and provides readers with the innermost thoughts of the main protagonists. The author brings us into the hearts and minds of the characters as they shed their youthful innocence and become more aware adults, which makes Letting Go an intimate and emotional read. This is a story that will tug at every reader’s heart.
Letting Go: The Defiant Sisters Duet, Book1 by Jacquie Biggar is a compelling coming-of-age story of sisters Renee and Izzy Thomas. When their father committed suicide, both lost their innocence and they begin separate journeys that led to transformation. Renee left town, went to college, and stayed away from Izzy, their mother, and little brother Benjamin for two years. She also left behind a romantic relationship with Simon. Izzy, on the other hand, stayed home and took care of Benjamin and their ailing mother. When their mother died, Renee came back to make amends and face her past. Izzy made it clear that she was not welcome home. Her little brother barely knows her and is coping with the loss by withdrawing from the world. Simon is about to get married to the mayor’s daughter.
Jacquie Biggar’s Letting Go deals with family tragedy, love, and restoration. Regretting her decision to run away from her past, Renee is back home to face the past and the ramifications of her decision. The narrative is told from the points of view of Izzy, Renee, and Simon, and provides readers with the innermost thoughts of the main protagonists. The author brings us into the hearts and minds of the characters as they shed their youthful innocence and become more aware adults, which makes Letting Go an intimate and emotional read. This is a story that will tug at every reader’s heart.
Recommend this book:
The Essence of Nathan Biddle
J. William Lewis
2022 Finalist
440 Pages
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Fiction - New Adult
Reviewed by Jose Cornelio for Readers' Favorite
The Essence of Nathan Biddle: A Novel by J. William Lewis is an engrossing coming-of-age story with an interesting protagonist. It has been a year since Nathan Biddle died, and life hasn’t been easy for young Kit Biddle, his cousin, who thinks the death was inconceivable in any sane world. Uncle Nat has committed a grave evil in the name of some omnipotent Being, a story similar to Abraham’s, only it is not justifiable. Kit thinks too much for his age and the question he can’t answer is this: “If an omnipotent being could stop an evil, what is the moral difference between ordering the evil and permitting it?” But neither the ocean nor his mind can provide answers to the questions that occupy his thoughts. He is a fretter, and when he gets something on his mind, he can’t let it go. In a thoughtless moment and after a huge disappointment, he steals a maintenance truck and drives on the highway, getting into an accident that will change his life in many ways and alter his sense of reality.
Philosophical, evocative in style, and intellectually exciting, The Essence of Nathan Biddle is a novel with strong existential themes. The young protagonist is depicted as a loner, someone who gets absorbed in his own thoughts. While at Bridgewater Academy, he feels awkward, staying away from groups and team sports, but he joins the track team because he likes to run and it is something he can do alone. His inner world is superbly written and the reader finds it easy to follow his thoughts, expressed in bursts of consciousness that are captivating. The transformation that happens in him after the accident as he heals is cathartic. J. William Lewis is a great storyteller and The Essence of Nathan Biddle is a classic with characters that are real and relatable. The relationships are intelligently written and readers will enjoy watching Kit as he grows through these relationships, with both boys and girls, and how his relationship with Anna pushes him to the brink of despair. The prose is exquisite, lyrical in style, and delightful. It is a compelling novel with strong philosophical themes and psychological depth; one of those books that are hard to put down.
The Essence of Nathan Biddle: A Novel by J. William Lewis is an engrossing coming-of-age story with an interesting protagonist. It has been a year since Nathan Biddle died, and life hasn’t been easy for young Kit Biddle, his cousin, who thinks the death was inconceivable in any sane world. Uncle Nat has committed a grave evil in the name of some omnipotent Being, a story similar to Abraham’s, only it is not justifiable. Kit thinks too much for his age and the question he can’t answer is this: “If an omnipotent being could stop an evil, what is the moral difference between ordering the evil and permitting it?” But neither the ocean nor his mind can provide answers to the questions that occupy his thoughts. He is a fretter, and when he gets something on his mind, he can’t let it go. In a thoughtless moment and after a huge disappointment, he steals a maintenance truck and drives on the highway, getting into an accident that will change his life in many ways and alter his sense of reality.
Philosophical, evocative in style, and intellectually exciting, The Essence of Nathan Biddle is a novel with strong existential themes. The young protagonist is depicted as a loner, someone who gets absorbed in his own thoughts. While at Bridgewater Academy, he feels awkward, staying away from groups and team sports, but he joins the track team because he likes to run and it is something he can do alone. His inner world is superbly written and the reader finds it easy to follow his thoughts, expressed in bursts of consciousness that are captivating. The transformation that happens in him after the accident as he heals is cathartic. J. William Lewis is a great storyteller and The Essence of Nathan Biddle is a classic with characters that are real and relatable. The relationships are intelligently written and readers will enjoy watching Kit as he grows through these relationships, with both boys and girls, and how his relationship with Anna pushes him to the brink of despair. The prose is exquisite, lyrical in style, and delightful. It is a compelling novel with strong philosophical themes and psychological depth; one of those books that are hard to put down.
Recommend this book:
The Secrets We Conceal
A gripping, women's fiction about child sexual abuse, healing and how love conquers all
S.R. Fabrico
2022 Honorable Mention
362 Pages
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Fiction - New Adult
Reviewed by Jennifer Ibiam for Readers' Favorite
It was in the fall of 1985 that Laura’s woes began. She was only nine years old, the last child of loving parents who traveled. Laura always stayed at her cousin’s place whenever her parents went on their trips, but it soon became a nightmare. Her cousin’s dad, Uncle Max, returned from active duty with obscene intentions. He sexually assaulted Laura until everything about her felt useless and tainted. Who could she tell? Who would believe her? Laura bottled up the pain and took her anger out on teachers, academics, men, and everyone else. Then, out of the blue, the most irritating yet daring man showed up with enough love to attract the saints. Will Laura’s demons stand in the way of love? Find out in The Secrets We Conceal by S. R. Fabrico.
After some years in the medical profession, a few things still scare or horrify me. Child sexual molestation/assault and defilement, especially by family members, are some of the things that give me chills. I cannot imagine the powerlessness, panic, betrayal, and defeat felt by the victim. The Secrets We Conceal by S. R. Fabrico made my heart ache for Laura. She was a warrior! I cried every time Max hurt her and kept praying not to fail my children. Child molestation and sexual abuse often occur with the most trusted people. However, the victim doesn’t just forget. There are ripple effects that manifest even in adulthood. This book is an awakening to parents. We must endeavor to prioritize our kids, be approachable, pay more attention to them, and take every mood change seriously. Fabrico is a fantastic storyteller with a captivating writing style. I loved the dialog flow, character development, and plot. This book was very educative, and I hope to read Susie’s story. Great job!
It was in the fall of 1985 that Laura’s woes began. She was only nine years old, the last child of loving parents who traveled. Laura always stayed at her cousin’s place whenever her parents went on their trips, but it soon became a nightmare. Her cousin’s dad, Uncle Max, returned from active duty with obscene intentions. He sexually assaulted Laura until everything about her felt useless and tainted. Who could she tell? Who would believe her? Laura bottled up the pain and took her anger out on teachers, academics, men, and everyone else. Then, out of the blue, the most irritating yet daring man showed up with enough love to attract the saints. Will Laura’s demons stand in the way of love? Find out in The Secrets We Conceal by S. R. Fabrico.
After some years in the medical profession, a few things still scare or horrify me. Child sexual molestation/assault and defilement, especially by family members, are some of the things that give me chills. I cannot imagine the powerlessness, panic, betrayal, and defeat felt by the victim. The Secrets We Conceal by S. R. Fabrico made my heart ache for Laura. She was a warrior! I cried every time Max hurt her and kept praying not to fail my children. Child molestation and sexual abuse often occur with the most trusted people. However, the victim doesn’t just forget. There are ripple effects that manifest even in adulthood. This book is an awakening to parents. We must endeavor to prioritize our kids, be approachable, pay more attention to them, and take every mood change seriously. Fabrico is a fantastic storyteller with a captivating writing style. I loved the dialog flow, character development, and plot. This book was very educative, and I hope to read Susie’s story. Great job!
Recommend this book:
Katie, Bar the Door
Ruth Hull Chatlien
2022 Bronze Medal
479 Pages
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Fiction - New Adult
Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite
Katie, Bar the Door: A Novel by Ruth Hull Chatlien is a story filled with realism and humanity, following a young woman on her journey to find a foothold in a world that has mercilessly broken her. Yes, Katie is broken. She has suffered a lot from childhood. As a child, she has been religiously stifled, treated as bad in school by Mrs. Loiseaux, who accuses her of making Jesus die. She has experienced loss in the family, been sexually shamed, and bullied. Follow her on this journey as she seeks love and meaning. In a world where she struggles to be herself, can she find love and inner freedom?
This is a brilliantly written story filled with realistic themes and readers will enjoy the way the author allows the humanity and the struggles of the protagonist to shine through the writing. Ruth Hull Chatlien writes in captivating prose and creates a world that readers can relate to. It is one that most of us are familiar with. Relationships are impeccably written and readers will enjoy the family dynamics as the author builds the relationships between Katie and her parents and as she explores her emotional depth in the context of disturbing situations in which she finds herself. Characters like Joe and Marietta are written with ingenuity and I particularly enjoyed how the author handles the effect of Joe’s death on Marietta. Katie, Bar the Door: A Novel is the story of someone who struggles to be herself in a world that forces her to be like others; it is deftly accomplished with unusual expertise.
Katie, Bar the Door: A Novel by Ruth Hull Chatlien is a story filled with realism and humanity, following a young woman on her journey to find a foothold in a world that has mercilessly broken her. Yes, Katie is broken. She has suffered a lot from childhood. As a child, she has been religiously stifled, treated as bad in school by Mrs. Loiseaux, who accuses her of making Jesus die. She has experienced loss in the family, been sexually shamed, and bullied. Follow her on this journey as she seeks love and meaning. In a world where she struggles to be herself, can she find love and inner freedom?
This is a brilliantly written story filled with realistic themes and readers will enjoy the way the author allows the humanity and the struggles of the protagonist to shine through the writing. Ruth Hull Chatlien writes in captivating prose and creates a world that readers can relate to. It is one that most of us are familiar with. Relationships are impeccably written and readers will enjoy the family dynamics as the author builds the relationships between Katie and her parents and as she explores her emotional depth in the context of disturbing situations in which she finds herself. Characters like Joe and Marietta are written with ingenuity and I particularly enjoyed how the author handles the effect of Joe’s death on Marietta. Katie, Bar the Door: A Novel is the story of someone who struggles to be herself in a world that forces her to be like others; it is deftly accomplished with unusual expertise.
Recommend this book:
The Swords of Blood and Gold
JCR Paulino
2022 Silver Medal
308 Pages
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Fiction - New Adult
Reviewed by Steven Robson for Readers' Favorite
The Swords of Blood and Gold by J. C. R. Paulino casts its spell of mysticism over a broad horizon of adventure, anchored around two swords of incredible power. These immortal tools have traversed centuries, wielding death and destruction on their journey to sustain one entity; an entity driven to maintain itself no matter what the cost may be. Jon Sherman is an attractive 28-year-old guy with an exhilarating career as an ocean treasure hunter. He knows nothing about worlds of mythical powers and unfathomable entities; that is until his company is brutally attacked on an otherwise normal Monday afternoon. This catalyst propels Jon into a race with destiny, forcing him to confront not only unknown dangers but also his belief system and understanding of reality. Whether he survives this convoluted journey is the only question, and you will be compelled to read through to the explosive climax to discover the answer.
J. C. R. Paulino’s The Swords of Blood and Gold is a high-quality mythical adventure steeped in some truly engrossing Chinese legends. I found the plot to be well-paced, intriguing, and fresh without being overpowered by excessive convolution and complexity. The characters were quite palpable and unique in personality, and the relationships were crafted supremely well. This was particularly so with the relationship between Jon and Natalie; the pace and at times awkwardness that flowed between these two was very on point. In fact, the first intimacy between these two was handled in one of the best ways I have ever read. All told, The Swords of Blood and Gold is a thoroughly enjoyable read, suitable for every reader with a sense of adventure and magic within their heart. A remarkable, first-class book.
The Swords of Blood and Gold by J. C. R. Paulino casts its spell of mysticism over a broad horizon of adventure, anchored around two swords of incredible power. These immortal tools have traversed centuries, wielding death and destruction on their journey to sustain one entity; an entity driven to maintain itself no matter what the cost may be. Jon Sherman is an attractive 28-year-old guy with an exhilarating career as an ocean treasure hunter. He knows nothing about worlds of mythical powers and unfathomable entities; that is until his company is brutally attacked on an otherwise normal Monday afternoon. This catalyst propels Jon into a race with destiny, forcing him to confront not only unknown dangers but also his belief system and understanding of reality. Whether he survives this convoluted journey is the only question, and you will be compelled to read through to the explosive climax to discover the answer.
J. C. R. Paulino’s The Swords of Blood and Gold is a high-quality mythical adventure steeped in some truly engrossing Chinese legends. I found the plot to be well-paced, intriguing, and fresh without being overpowered by excessive convolution and complexity. The characters were quite palpable and unique in personality, and the relationships were crafted supremely well. This was particularly so with the relationship between Jon and Natalie; the pace and at times awkwardness that flowed between these two was very on point. In fact, the first intimacy between these two was handled in one of the best ways I have ever read. All told, The Swords of Blood and Gold is a thoroughly enjoyable read, suitable for every reader with a sense of adventure and magic within their heart. A remarkable, first-class book.
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