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Recommend this book:
Dragon Dodgers
Wounds in the Sky Prequels: Book 1
V. R. Cardoso
2015 Bronze Medal
98 Pages
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Fiction - Short Story/Novela
Reviewed by Lit Amri for Readers' Favorite
The surface is ruled by dragons, so people have to live in caves. Dragon Dodgers is the name of a group of Runners that carry messages across the surface for money. Led by Captain Targon, the Dragon Dodgers have been Surface Running for many years. Targon’s dream is to be filthy rich, and he believes he has found the job that will make it happen. Tired and yet to be paid, Targon’s Runners, however, are losing their patience.
Readers are introduced to a young Watcher named Enrig. The Watchers guard over a group of farmers who are brave enough to gather food from the surface during harvest season, before the dragons notice them. Yet Enrig's true intention is to be a Runner; being a Watcher is just a stepping stone. Dragon Dodgers (Wounds in the Sky Prequels: Book 1) by V.R. Cardoso has an excellent premise that grabbed my attention instantaneously. With deft prose and flawless narration, it was easy for me to immerse myself in the story.
I easily gravitated toward the characters; Enrig, Targon, and Anweh, just to name a few. Sick of dwelling in caves, Enrig longs to be on the surface, despite the danger. Targon, on the other hand, is struggling with his Runners, and keeping the vital details about the lucrative job from the Company makes it worse. The twist at the end is brilliant; I absolutely look forward to the next installment in the series. On the whole, fantasy fans should not overlook Dragon Dodgers; it will surprise you.
The surface is ruled by dragons, so people have to live in caves. Dragon Dodgers is the name of a group of Runners that carry messages across the surface for money. Led by Captain Targon, the Dragon Dodgers have been Surface Running for many years. Targon’s dream is to be filthy rich, and he believes he has found the job that will make it happen. Tired and yet to be paid, Targon’s Runners, however, are losing their patience.
Readers are introduced to a young Watcher named Enrig. The Watchers guard over a group of farmers who are brave enough to gather food from the surface during harvest season, before the dragons notice them. Yet Enrig's true intention is to be a Runner; being a Watcher is just a stepping stone. Dragon Dodgers (Wounds in the Sky Prequels: Book 1) by V.R. Cardoso has an excellent premise that grabbed my attention instantaneously. With deft prose and flawless narration, it was easy for me to immerse myself in the story.
I easily gravitated toward the characters; Enrig, Targon, and Anweh, just to name a few. Sick of dwelling in caves, Enrig longs to be on the surface, despite the danger. Targon, on the other hand, is struggling with his Runners, and keeping the vital details about the lucrative job from the Company makes it worse. The twist at the end is brilliant; I absolutely look forward to the next installment in the series. On the whole, fantasy fans should not overlook Dragon Dodgers; it will surprise you.
Recommend this book:
Home Again
Book 1--The Endless Love Series
Kathleen Shoop
2015 Silver Medal
96 Pages
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Fiction - Short Story/Novela
Reviewed by Bil Howard for Readers' Favorite
Turmoil turns to comfort as April Harrington escapes what many believe is an idyllic life and returns to the summer home of her childhood in Home Again. Kathleen Shoop brings to life a swirl of emotions after April leaves her would-be husband at the altar of a New York high society wedding and returns to the shores of Albemarle Sound in North Carolina. Finding the old home in disrepair, she considers how the grief over the recent loss of her brother, Andrew, in Vietnam has left her family in ruins. Also in ruins is Hale, her brother’s childhood friend who holds a deep secret from the final moments of Andrews’s life which still haunts him. As Hale sees April in a completely new light, he is drawn to her from something deep inside, though he tries to turn away and run from her as his guilt continues to eat at him. April is longing for the deep safety and comfort that Hale has always provided for her, but is struggling to get through to him. Will she be able to break through before he has to return to Vietnam when his leave is up?
Kathleen Shoop has painted a masterpiece of emotions and turmoil intertwined with the longing for simplicity in Home Again. The depth of conflict that both characters experience as they fight their distinct battles forms a dichotomy as their inner battles threaten to both tear them apart and draw them together. Their shattered lives and the disrepair of the house serve as parallel metaphors for the damages caused by neglect and the slow process of healing and repair. Profound, emotional and heart-warming, Home Again will draw you back to your own comfortable place and your own simpler time.
Turmoil turns to comfort as April Harrington escapes what many believe is an idyllic life and returns to the summer home of her childhood in Home Again. Kathleen Shoop brings to life a swirl of emotions after April leaves her would-be husband at the altar of a New York high society wedding and returns to the shores of Albemarle Sound in North Carolina. Finding the old home in disrepair, she considers how the grief over the recent loss of her brother, Andrew, in Vietnam has left her family in ruins. Also in ruins is Hale, her brother’s childhood friend who holds a deep secret from the final moments of Andrews’s life which still haunts him. As Hale sees April in a completely new light, he is drawn to her from something deep inside, though he tries to turn away and run from her as his guilt continues to eat at him. April is longing for the deep safety and comfort that Hale has always provided for her, but is struggling to get through to him. Will she be able to break through before he has to return to Vietnam when his leave is up?
Kathleen Shoop has painted a masterpiece of emotions and turmoil intertwined with the longing for simplicity in Home Again. The depth of conflict that both characters experience as they fight their distinct battles forms a dichotomy as their inner battles threaten to both tear them apart and draw them together. Their shattered lives and the disrepair of the house serve as parallel metaphors for the damages caused by neglect and the slow process of healing and repair. Profound, emotional and heart-warming, Home Again will draw you back to your own comfortable place and your own simpler time.
Recommend this book:
Riding the Dog
Sybil Rosen
2015 Gold Medal
148 Pages
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Fiction - Short Story/Novela
Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite
Riding the Dog is a short story collection written by Sybil Rosen. The title refers to the Greyhound Bus Lines which is, for many people, the means by which they travel across the country. In one story, the dog is how mothers, sisters, girlfriends and wives visit their imprisoned loved ones. In another, a somewhat naive woman travels to Nashville to attend a beauty school. A widow, whose plans to drive to her school reunion in a rented Cadillac convertible are shattered, mounts the steps of the bus with fear and a bit of confusion as to the strangers she'll be travelling with. Throughout the stories, there's a common theme of strangers travelling together, spending hours with elbows and legs sometimes touching and occasionally a sleeping head nestling on a neighbor's shoulder.
Sybil Rosen's short story collection, Riding the Dog, is a lyrical tribute to the people who travel by bus. Each story carries within its theme the varying emotions, hopes and dreams of the passengers, but by far the most striking thing found is the kindness of strangers and the need for some sort of human bonding that goes on within the cramped confines of the bus. The bus drivers sometimes seem almost godlike in their announcements and authoritarian deliberations, though there are a few tales where the driver seems to know and care for each of the souls within his bus. Rosen's prose commands attention. Her characters are finely drawn with all their quirks and oddities, and the reader can't help but get involved in their tale, no matter how short and fleeting. There's romance in the chance for a new start and nostalgia in the trips that head home, but mostly there is kindness, and it's a marvelous thing indeed. Riding the Dog is an accomplished and compelling work that is most highly recommended.
Riding the Dog is a short story collection written by Sybil Rosen. The title refers to the Greyhound Bus Lines which is, for many people, the means by which they travel across the country. In one story, the dog is how mothers, sisters, girlfriends and wives visit their imprisoned loved ones. In another, a somewhat naive woman travels to Nashville to attend a beauty school. A widow, whose plans to drive to her school reunion in a rented Cadillac convertible are shattered, mounts the steps of the bus with fear and a bit of confusion as to the strangers she'll be travelling with. Throughout the stories, there's a common theme of strangers travelling together, spending hours with elbows and legs sometimes touching and occasionally a sleeping head nestling on a neighbor's shoulder.
Sybil Rosen's short story collection, Riding the Dog, is a lyrical tribute to the people who travel by bus. Each story carries within its theme the varying emotions, hopes and dreams of the passengers, but by far the most striking thing found is the kindness of strangers and the need for some sort of human bonding that goes on within the cramped confines of the bus. The bus drivers sometimes seem almost godlike in their announcements and authoritarian deliberations, though there are a few tales where the driver seems to know and care for each of the souls within his bus. Rosen's prose commands attention. Her characters are finely drawn with all their quirks and oddities, and the reader can't help but get involved in their tale, no matter how short and fleeting. There's romance in the chance for a new start and nostalgia in the trips that head home, but mostly there is kindness, and it's a marvelous thing indeed. Riding the Dog is an accomplished and compelling work that is most highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Wrath
Prequel to Tredan's Bane
Lita Burke
2014 Honorable Mention
17 Pages
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Fiction - Short Story/Novela
Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite
Wrath, Prequel to Tredan's Bane is a fantasy short story written by Lita Burke. Tredan is a former Enchanter who runs a magical charms shop with his wife, Lanith. He has just received a new supply of charms, along with a warning from the Merchants' Guild that one charm reeks of Church magical essence, something that, as a Magic and Merchant guild member, Tredan can't sell. As Tredan unwraps what he believes to be a Pleasure Charm, he's dismayed to find an Enforcer's Compulsion Charm in his hands. Its message is dire: give up the forbidden journal Tredan wrote when he was an Enchanter. Tredan knows a visit from the Enforcer is due any minute now and feverishly tries to figure out a way to warn his wife of their problem and tell her not to return to the shop. His Divine had enspelled Tredan to forbid him revealing anything about that journal, so Lanith is unaware of its existence and of the danger they are in.
Lita Burke's short story is a beautifully crafted and exciting magical fantasy. I was amazed by how quickly I was drawn into the story. Burke brings a magical world to life with a deft and economic use of words and imagery that is really quite remarkable. It felt like I was watching Tredan carefully unwrapping the charms and fighting for his life against the Enforcer. Wrath, Prequel to Tredan's Bane, is an excellent stand-alone short story, but it has cast quite a spell on this reader, and I'm planning on reading Tredan's Bane to find out what happens next.
Wrath, Prequel to Tredan's Bane is a fantasy short story written by Lita Burke. Tredan is a former Enchanter who runs a magical charms shop with his wife, Lanith. He has just received a new supply of charms, along with a warning from the Merchants' Guild that one charm reeks of Church magical essence, something that, as a Magic and Merchant guild member, Tredan can't sell. As Tredan unwraps what he believes to be a Pleasure Charm, he's dismayed to find an Enforcer's Compulsion Charm in his hands. Its message is dire: give up the forbidden journal Tredan wrote when he was an Enchanter. Tredan knows a visit from the Enforcer is due any minute now and feverishly tries to figure out a way to warn his wife of their problem and tell her not to return to the shop. His Divine had enspelled Tredan to forbid him revealing anything about that journal, so Lanith is unaware of its existence and of the danger they are in.
Lita Burke's short story is a beautifully crafted and exciting magical fantasy. I was amazed by how quickly I was drawn into the story. Burke brings a magical world to life with a deft and economic use of words and imagery that is really quite remarkable. It felt like I was watching Tredan carefully unwrapping the charms and fighting for his life against the Enforcer. Wrath, Prequel to Tredan's Bane, is an excellent stand-alone short story, but it has cast quite a spell on this reader, and I'm planning on reading Tredan's Bane to find out what happens next.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/chewed-confessions&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/519cKYL98eL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description=In Chewed Confessions by Cheryl Kirwan, we follow several pieces of gum as they get chewed, and learn all about the people who chomp on them. The pieces of gum are personified into thinking, breathing, and reflecting "people" and can converse with each other about their day after they have been spat out and tossed away. Each piece has its own story...){kind=link}
Chewed Confessions
Cheryl Kirwan
2014 Bronze Medal
178 Pages
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Fiction - Short Story/Novela
Reviewed by Katelyn Hensel for Readers' Favorite
In Chewed Confessions by Cheryl Kirwan, we follow several pieces of gum as they get chewed, and learn all about the people who chomp on them. The pieces of gum are personified into thinking, breathing, and reflecting "people" and can converse with each other about their day after they have been spat out and tossed away. Each piece has its own story, as does the person who chewed it. While the people might not wish to confess their deepest, innermost thoughts to others, there isn't much they can hide from something quite literally right inside their own mouths.
I did not expect such interesting short stories to come from something as cute as the idea of what flavor gum they chewed. Told with a rather skeptical perspective, with some notes of warmth and the strength of human compassion, this story was as reflective of normal life as the evening news, perhaps more so because we get to see inside a character's head without bias, from an outside perspective - their gum. From the narcissistic online dater to the troubled construction company owner, we get to see clear flashes of these peoples' lives, thoughts, and days and it offered a unique glimpse into the human condition.
Cheryl Kirwan exhibits an in-depth knowledge about people's minds and habits that is, at times, very frightening! She knows what people do, how they do it, and why, and it made for a very entertaining piece because of this. Chewed Confessions is chick lit of another kind. It isn't fluffy and light; it's real and meaningful!
In Chewed Confessions by Cheryl Kirwan, we follow several pieces of gum as they get chewed, and learn all about the people who chomp on them. The pieces of gum are personified into thinking, breathing, and reflecting "people" and can converse with each other about their day after they have been spat out and tossed away. Each piece has its own story, as does the person who chewed it. While the people might not wish to confess their deepest, innermost thoughts to others, there isn't much they can hide from something quite literally right inside their own mouths.
I did not expect such interesting short stories to come from something as cute as the idea of what flavor gum they chewed. Told with a rather skeptical perspective, with some notes of warmth and the strength of human compassion, this story was as reflective of normal life as the evening news, perhaps more so because we get to see inside a character's head without bias, from an outside perspective - their gum. From the narcissistic online dater to the troubled construction company owner, we get to see clear flashes of these peoples' lives, thoughts, and days and it offered a unique glimpse into the human condition.
Cheryl Kirwan exhibits an in-depth knowledge about people's minds and habits that is, at times, very frightening! She knows what people do, how they do it, and why, and it made for a very entertaining piece because of this. Chewed Confessions is chick lit of another kind. It isn't fluffy and light; it's real and meaningful!
Recommend this book:
The Cistern Mission
A Short Story
Michael Dadich
2014 Silver Medal
82 Pages
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Fiction - Short Story/Novela
Reviewed by Lit Amri for Readers' Favorite
The once powerful Alliance of Azimuth is greatly threatened by Hideux and his Nightlander army. Rostand, spy for the Alliance, infiltrates the enemy’s base of Cistern on the moon Andromeda. While scouring the base for information, Kira Chand, a prisoner on the base and one of the Alliance's best trainees escapes. Like Rostand, she is on a mission to retrieve any information about the enemy and has a disturbing intel on Hideux. A mythical demon, Biskara, turns out to be Hideux’s father and the reason why Hideux is always one step ahead of Azimuth. An important discovery indeed, but both Rostand and Kira need to make a getaway from the enemy base and relay the message to their superior.
The Cistern Mission: A Kin Chronicles Short Story is the prequel to Michael Dadich’s The Kin Chronicles series. It is a novelette and an introduction to this series. Four first chapters of Book 1, The Silver Sphere, are also included to give potential readers – who would be excited and swayed by this prequel – some insights into the sci-fi/fantasy adventure that awaits them. Characters Malefic, Shelby Pardow, Zach Ryder and even a librarian, Walter Dempsey, are introduced to us. Prose is faultless. The action scenes are excellently written with just the right amount of suspense, excitement, and intrigue. Even though this novelette is aimed at YA readers, I think that mature sci-fi and fantasy fans will enjoy it immensely as well. I am intrigued and excited enough to follow the series and no doubt it will garner other prospective followers.
The once powerful Alliance of Azimuth is greatly threatened by Hideux and his Nightlander army. Rostand, spy for the Alliance, infiltrates the enemy’s base of Cistern on the moon Andromeda. While scouring the base for information, Kira Chand, a prisoner on the base and one of the Alliance's best trainees escapes. Like Rostand, she is on a mission to retrieve any information about the enemy and has a disturbing intel on Hideux. A mythical demon, Biskara, turns out to be Hideux’s father and the reason why Hideux is always one step ahead of Azimuth. An important discovery indeed, but both Rostand and Kira need to make a getaway from the enemy base and relay the message to their superior.
The Cistern Mission: A Kin Chronicles Short Story is the prequel to Michael Dadich’s The Kin Chronicles series. It is a novelette and an introduction to this series. Four first chapters of Book 1, The Silver Sphere, are also included to give potential readers – who would be excited and swayed by this prequel – some insights into the sci-fi/fantasy adventure that awaits them. Characters Malefic, Shelby Pardow, Zach Ryder and even a librarian, Walter Dempsey, are introduced to us. Prose is faultless. The action scenes are excellently written with just the right amount of suspense, excitement, and intrigue. Even though this novelette is aimed at YA readers, I think that mature sci-fi and fantasy fans will enjoy it immensely as well. I am intrigued and excited enough to follow the series and no doubt it will garner other prospective followers.
Recommend this book:
The Shadow Prince
The Prequel to Mortal Enchantment
Stacey O'Neale
2014 Gold Medal
102 Pages
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Fiction - Short Story/Novela
Reviewed by K T Bowes for Readers' Favorite
Rowan is an elemental of royal descent. He is young, handsome, and at the peak of his adolescence. Wandering in the mortal world, Rowan is exercising his elemental fire gift, growing up and enjoying life, when he is apprehended by his best friend, Marcus, who delivers a call to return home to Avalon at the bidding of Rowan's mother, a cruel and manipulative queen. Faced with no choice but to obey, Rowan arrives at the fire court, eager to find out if the rumours are true and his mother intends to hand over the crown to him. He is wary of her spite and is mortified to discover that she has made Marcus his guardian, a dreadful form of bondage that she knows will upset her son. The rumours are true and as Rowan's coronation is planned, the queen delivers her final blow. In order to succeed, Rowan must slay the only daughter of Taron, the elemental who has been the kindest to him throughout his young life.
In The Shadow Prince, Stacey O'Neale has delivered an action packed, adrenaline filled ride, which is the perfect prequel to the Mortal Enchantment series. From the very beginning, the pace is set at fast forward, drawing the reader through myriad tense and exciting moments. The character of Rowan is particularly well drawn, inviting sympathy and compassion from the reader for the dreadful life into which he has been unwittingly born. He is loveless, openly inviting the disdain of his mother, eventually suffering dreadful pain and humiliation at her hands, and the reader cannot help but find him likeable and take a personal interest in his plight. The hint of romance to come is nicely done, irrevocably linking Rowan and Taron's daughter, even though they don't meet properly until the very end of the prequel. There is so much conflict in this story, that the characters move from one crisis to another, keeping the reader galloping happily along to the end, eager then for the next instalment in the series.
Rowan is an elemental of royal descent. He is young, handsome, and at the peak of his adolescence. Wandering in the mortal world, Rowan is exercising his elemental fire gift, growing up and enjoying life, when he is apprehended by his best friend, Marcus, who delivers a call to return home to Avalon at the bidding of Rowan's mother, a cruel and manipulative queen. Faced with no choice but to obey, Rowan arrives at the fire court, eager to find out if the rumours are true and his mother intends to hand over the crown to him. He is wary of her spite and is mortified to discover that she has made Marcus his guardian, a dreadful form of bondage that she knows will upset her son. The rumours are true and as Rowan's coronation is planned, the queen delivers her final blow. In order to succeed, Rowan must slay the only daughter of Taron, the elemental who has been the kindest to him throughout his young life.
In The Shadow Prince, Stacey O'Neale has delivered an action packed, adrenaline filled ride, which is the perfect prequel to the Mortal Enchantment series. From the very beginning, the pace is set at fast forward, drawing the reader through myriad tense and exciting moments. The character of Rowan is particularly well drawn, inviting sympathy and compassion from the reader for the dreadful life into which he has been unwittingly born. He is loveless, openly inviting the disdain of his mother, eventually suffering dreadful pain and humiliation at her hands, and the reader cannot help but find him likeable and take a personal interest in his plight. The hint of romance to come is nicely done, irrevocably linking Rowan and Taron's daughter, even though they don't meet properly until the very end of the prequel. There is so much conflict in this story, that the characters move from one crisis to another, keeping the reader galloping happily along to the end, eager then for the next instalment in the series.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/orange-karen&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51qvU54OHzL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description=Karen DeLabar, nicknamed “Orange Karen,” was a healthy, athletic woman just three weeks shy of her 30th birthday when Toxic Shock Syndrome tried to steal her life. As an active member of the Twitter community, Karen had positively impacted the lives of hundreds of people who were shocked to hear of the young woman’s illness. "Orange Karen: Tr...){kind=link}
Orange Karen
Tribute to a Warrior
Compiled By: Christina Esdon Edited By: Susan Ethridge, Jennifer Gracen, Steven Luna, and K.D. McCrite
2013 Bronze Medal
400 Pages
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Fiction - Short Story/Novela
Reviewed by Tania Staley for Readers' Favorite
Karen DeLabar, nicknamed “Orange Karen,” was a healthy, athletic woman just three weeks shy of her 30th birthday when Toxic Shock Syndrome tried to steal her life. As an active member of the Twitter community, Karen had positively impacted the lives of hundreds of people who were shocked to hear of the young woman’s illness. "Orange Karen: Tribute to a Warrior" is an outpouring of love and respect from the online community for this woman who refused to stop fighting, proving that online friendships are not a fallacy. At the news of her struggle, Karen’s Twitter followers banded together to create this wonderful anthology. All proceeds go directly to pay for Karen’s medical expenses. The tales, which all contain the theme of “orange,” consist of a variety of genres, including mystery, fantasy, comedy, romance, and horror.
"Orange Karen: Tribute to a Warrior" is an exciting collection, and you will want to devote your time to reading each story within. Every story poses a new and interesting realm to explore, and each story will have you turning the page for more. It is intriguing to see in how many different ways the theme of “orange” can be used in these tales. The imagination of this writing community is endless, and readers are going to be pleasantly surprised by what this collection has to offer—alien invasions, sorcerers and dragons, heart-warming romances, and so much more. It is with sincere joy that I proudly support this collection of fascinating stories. Order a copy today. You won’t be disappointed.
Karen DeLabar, nicknamed “Orange Karen,” was a healthy, athletic woman just three weeks shy of her 30th birthday when Toxic Shock Syndrome tried to steal her life. As an active member of the Twitter community, Karen had positively impacted the lives of hundreds of people who were shocked to hear of the young woman’s illness. "Orange Karen: Tribute to a Warrior" is an outpouring of love and respect from the online community for this woman who refused to stop fighting, proving that online friendships are not a fallacy. At the news of her struggle, Karen’s Twitter followers banded together to create this wonderful anthology. All proceeds go directly to pay for Karen’s medical expenses. The tales, which all contain the theme of “orange,” consist of a variety of genres, including mystery, fantasy, comedy, romance, and horror.
"Orange Karen: Tribute to a Warrior" is an exciting collection, and you will want to devote your time to reading each story within. Every story poses a new and interesting realm to explore, and each story will have you turning the page for more. It is intriguing to see in how many different ways the theme of “orange” can be used in these tales. The imagination of this writing community is endless, and readers are going to be pleasantly surprised by what this collection has to offer—alien invasions, sorcerers and dragons, heart-warming romances, and so much more. It is with sincere joy that I proudly support this collection of fascinating stories. Order a copy today. You won’t be disappointed.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/book-of-samuel&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/518KuqK7PGL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description="Book of Samuel" by James Robinson is a family drama that unfolds at Georgia. The family of Samuel Johnson is stranded at Savannah airport. The eight hours in the airport is a kind of revelation of his family's behavior. He sees a different side of his parents and his wife. The story, though short, manages to convey an excellent story, a lot of dra...){kind=link}
Book of Samuel
The Johnson Family Chronicles
James Robinson Jr
2013 Silver Medal
84 Pages
Check current price
Fiction - Short Story/Novela
Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite
"Book of Samuel" by James Robinson is a family drama that unfolds at Georgia. The family of Samuel Johnson is stranded at Savannah airport. The eight hours in the airport is a kind of revelation of his family's behavior. He sees a different side of his parents and his wife. The story, though short, manages to convey an excellent story, a lot of drama and emotions through very deft narration. It was difficult for me to believe a writer could pen such a nice book in just about 70 pages. The story is fast-paced. It keeps the reader going without getting bored.
For me the book "Book of Samuel" evoked a lot of emotions. It kind of highlights the drama that is associated with any family and how at times it raises its ugly head especially when it is not required and when the family is put together and have nothing to do. The dialogues are crisp and sharp. The author manages to portray an effective character sketch of all the characters. The language is simple but as you read through the book, the characters and their nuances are felt. I think it speaks about the skill of the writer because the lesser the pages, the more difficult it is to describe. The eight hour layover at Savannah airport is dramatic for the whole family of Dr. Samuel Johnson. Will Dr. Johnson be able to resolve the matter or will it continue once they reach their home?
"Book of Samuel" by James Robinson is a family drama that unfolds at Georgia. The family of Samuel Johnson is stranded at Savannah airport. The eight hours in the airport is a kind of revelation of his family's behavior. He sees a different side of his parents and his wife. The story, though short, manages to convey an excellent story, a lot of drama and emotions through very deft narration. It was difficult for me to believe a writer could pen such a nice book in just about 70 pages. The story is fast-paced. It keeps the reader going without getting bored.
For me the book "Book of Samuel" evoked a lot of emotions. It kind of highlights the drama that is associated with any family and how at times it raises its ugly head especially when it is not required and when the family is put together and have nothing to do. The dialogues are crisp and sharp. The author manages to portray an effective character sketch of all the characters. The language is simple but as you read through the book, the characters and their nuances are felt. I think it speaks about the skill of the writer because the lesser the pages, the more difficult it is to describe. The eight hour layover at Savannah airport is dramatic for the whole family of Dr. Samuel Johnson. Will Dr. Johnson be able to resolve the matter or will it continue once they reach their home?
Recommend this book:
Voluntary
Goodbye World
Aaron B. Powell
2013 Gold Medal
38 Pages
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Fiction - Short Story/Novela
Reviewed by Lee Ashford for Readers' Favorite
“Voluntary” by Aaron Powell is a short, powerful vignette of one possible near-future dystopia. Earth has been polluted, abused, over-populated, and just generally degraded beyond the point at which it can sustain the life it is expected to support. In a desperate attempt to stem the tide of decline, nations around the world have come up with various means of reducing their population; means which would have been unthinkable a generation earlier. In China, all the prisoners were executed. There was talk of holding a lottery, whereby the poorer Chinese citizenry would choose who could live and who should die. In America, death theaters have been established, wherein anybody can “volunteer” to commit a peaceful, painless suicide while watching a movie, in exchange for government promises of some kind of special consideration for the survivors of those who die. Some are promised a higher education for their children, or perhaps a special job/career in exchange for the parent voluntarily removing himself from the population.
This short story is extremely compelling. Although such a course of action seems absurdly unthinkable now, the reader must nevertheless consider the possibility that some day – perhaps someday in the not too distant future – Earth’s overall condition may be degraded to the point that this may well be considered as a viable option. What makes this story feel so real is the emotion expressed by the two main characters who have volunteered. Their comments and thoughts are as realistic as any you or I might have. They shake their heads in wonder at how the world ever got to be in this position. They realize mistakes have been made, but find it hard to comprehend how the mistakes could have cumulatively led to this. “Voluntary” is a hard-hitting, emotion-filled drama that will bring a tear to your heart, if not to your eyes. I give this my highest recommendation.
“Voluntary” by Aaron Powell is a short, powerful vignette of one possible near-future dystopia. Earth has been polluted, abused, over-populated, and just generally degraded beyond the point at which it can sustain the life it is expected to support. In a desperate attempt to stem the tide of decline, nations around the world have come up with various means of reducing their population; means which would have been unthinkable a generation earlier. In China, all the prisoners were executed. There was talk of holding a lottery, whereby the poorer Chinese citizenry would choose who could live and who should die. In America, death theaters have been established, wherein anybody can “volunteer” to commit a peaceful, painless suicide while watching a movie, in exchange for government promises of some kind of special consideration for the survivors of those who die. Some are promised a higher education for their children, or perhaps a special job/career in exchange for the parent voluntarily removing himself from the population.
This short story is extremely compelling. Although such a course of action seems absurdly unthinkable now, the reader must nevertheless consider the possibility that some day – perhaps someday in the not too distant future – Earth’s overall condition may be degraded to the point that this may well be considered as a viable option. What makes this story feel so real is the emotion expressed by the two main characters who have volunteered. Their comments and thoughts are as realistic as any you or I might have. They shake their heads in wonder at how the world ever got to be in this position. They realize mistakes have been made, but find it hard to comprehend how the mistakes could have cumulatively led to this. “Voluntary” is a hard-hitting, emotion-filled drama that will bring a tear to your heart, if not to your eyes. I give this my highest recommendation.
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