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Recommend this book:
Still, the Sky
Tom Pearson
2023 Bronze Medal
180 Pages
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Fiction - Mythology
Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite
Still, the Sky by Tom Pearson is his latest collection of poetry that delves into popular mythological classics, notably the tales of Icarus and the Minotaur. In the poet’s own words, he has endeavored to complicate the otherwise rigid and often minimal representations of the Minotaur and Icarus, which are often simply rendered either as a monster or a child of hubris. This results in compelling figurative representations, an explosion of social, artistic, emotional, and intellectual expressions that carve their meaning in a fusion of written and visual art. It gives clearer meaning to age-old characters. In Fragments of Icarus, for example, Icarus’s tragedy is deemed not as a remembrance of failure, but rather as an autobiography of imprisonment.
This collection is highly accessible in terms of readability when compared to other poetry inspired by the classics. The anthology may not exactly be easy reading for some, but Tom Pearson conveys through his creations the impression that he is a poet with a strong, intelligent, and lyrical voice. From a critical standpoint, this is not the type of poetry that you can easily read and digest its metaphorical undertones in one sitting. Pearson creates a world that bridges age-old classics and his contemporary ideas. His striking imagery aside, Pearson’s poetry is best brought to life when deconstructed one poem at a time. The fluidity of his verses makes each of his poems a joy to read. Still, the Sky is highly recommended for lovers of both classical and contemporary verse.
Still, the Sky by Tom Pearson is his latest collection of poetry that delves into popular mythological classics, notably the tales of Icarus and the Minotaur. In the poet’s own words, he has endeavored to complicate the otherwise rigid and often minimal representations of the Minotaur and Icarus, which are often simply rendered either as a monster or a child of hubris. This results in compelling figurative representations, an explosion of social, artistic, emotional, and intellectual expressions that carve their meaning in a fusion of written and visual art. It gives clearer meaning to age-old characters. In Fragments of Icarus, for example, Icarus’s tragedy is deemed not as a remembrance of failure, but rather as an autobiography of imprisonment.
This collection is highly accessible in terms of readability when compared to other poetry inspired by the classics. The anthology may not exactly be easy reading for some, but Tom Pearson conveys through his creations the impression that he is a poet with a strong, intelligent, and lyrical voice. From a critical standpoint, this is not the type of poetry that you can easily read and digest its metaphorical undertones in one sitting. Pearson creates a world that bridges age-old classics and his contemporary ideas. His striking imagery aside, Pearson’s poetry is best brought to life when deconstructed one poem at a time. The fluidity of his verses makes each of his poems a joy to read. Still, the Sky is highly recommended for lovers of both classical and contemporary verse.
Recommend this book:
Skies of the Empire
Book 1 of the Dreamscape Voyager Trilogy
Vincent E. M. Thorn
2023 Honorable Mention
431 Pages
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Fiction - Mythology
Reviewed by Matt Lebois for Readers' Favorite
Adventure takes to the ‘Skies of the Empire’. In this adult fantasy novel from Vincent E.M. Thorn, humans live a life aloft to remain safe from the omnipresent threat of the Fae. Humans thrive in airborne cities anchored to mountaintops by protective iron, and some people live and work on airships, completely untethered. The first mate on the Dreamscape Voyager, Cassidy Durant is one day forced to commit a capital offense against her empire: making an agreement with a Fae. This act exposes her to new threats, but with the support of her captain and crewmates, it will lead to unexpected outcomes. Meanwhile, Zayne, mercenary and captain of the Scorpion, has his own mission, one that will have far-ranging effects for the entire empire, if not the whole world. When Cassidy and Zayne cross paths, more than just sparks will fly.
The opening chapter, featuring an airship battle with a dragon, left me breathless and full of questions about this new high fantasy setting. I loved the worldbuilding, with new details presented naturally through the characters’ experiences: the 26-hour days; food sources in a sky-bound world, where farming is the most dangerous profession; iron being literally more valuable than gold; the many uses for parts of dragons; songs, history, and technology all well thought-out. While the main conflict and stakes were slow to emerge, I found the setting continually intriguing, and the camaraderie of Cassidy and her “found family” crew was consistently a joy to read and held my interest while darker events were slowly unfolding. Younger readers should be aware that this book contains swearing and acknowledges the existence of sex, but otherwise I think all ages will thrill at this adventure. Sequel, please!
Adventure takes to the ‘Skies of the Empire’. In this adult fantasy novel from Vincent E.M. Thorn, humans live a life aloft to remain safe from the omnipresent threat of the Fae. Humans thrive in airborne cities anchored to mountaintops by protective iron, and some people live and work on airships, completely untethered. The first mate on the Dreamscape Voyager, Cassidy Durant is one day forced to commit a capital offense against her empire: making an agreement with a Fae. This act exposes her to new threats, but with the support of her captain and crewmates, it will lead to unexpected outcomes. Meanwhile, Zayne, mercenary and captain of the Scorpion, has his own mission, one that will have far-ranging effects for the entire empire, if not the whole world. When Cassidy and Zayne cross paths, more than just sparks will fly.
The opening chapter, featuring an airship battle with a dragon, left me breathless and full of questions about this new high fantasy setting. I loved the worldbuilding, with new details presented naturally through the characters’ experiences: the 26-hour days; food sources in a sky-bound world, where farming is the most dangerous profession; iron being literally more valuable than gold; the many uses for parts of dragons; songs, history, and technology all well thought-out. While the main conflict and stakes were slow to emerge, I found the setting continually intriguing, and the camaraderie of Cassidy and her “found family” crew was consistently a joy to read and held my interest while darker events were slowly unfolding. Younger readers should be aware that this book contains swearing and acknowledges the existence of sex, but otherwise I think all ages will thrill at this adventure. Sequel, please!
Recommend this book:
Beyond the Father
Gods on Trial, Book 1
Opëshum (Opeshum) Patroz
2023 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Mythology
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
Beyond the Father is the first book in the Gods on Trial series by Opëshum Patroz. Set in Xżyber, the smallest planet of the strange Warget Solar System, where the powerful suppressed the weak, and chaos thrived in the heart of the planet. The resources weren’t enough to sustain everyone, and a war was brewing just around the corner. The military leaders were preparing for an attack from the North while King Thio and his Queen Evaline were dreaming of moving away from the Central Kingdom. Everyone was struggling to survive, but was that possible?
Intricate and complicated in the best way possible, Beyond the Father had me entertained and wanting more. I can read a good epic fantasy, but my standards are very high when a story is categorized as epic fantasy/science fiction. Author Opëshum Patroz created a fascinating and curious universe where life after death was possible and cyborg-like “humans” existed. The story felt as if it was purposefully complex, and I loved that! The multiple POVs and a whole army of characters should have overwhelmed me, but they didn’t. I was lost in Xżyber’s intricacies and its four regions as it fought to survive. The characters were vital to the story and revealed secrets that Patroz hid. I had a great time connecting the dots and then flipped when Patroz threw a curve ball out of nowhere. I enjoyed King Thio’s dilemma and Prince Anglid’s quest, but characters like Liara and Dugar had my attention. A few simple yet powerful characters became my eyes and ears for what was happening on the ground level. I hope author Opëshum Patroz carries many of these characters forward into the next novel in the series because I will be waiting to meet them again.
Beyond the Father is the first book in the Gods on Trial series by Opëshum Patroz. Set in Xżyber, the smallest planet of the strange Warget Solar System, where the powerful suppressed the weak, and chaos thrived in the heart of the planet. The resources weren’t enough to sustain everyone, and a war was brewing just around the corner. The military leaders were preparing for an attack from the North while King Thio and his Queen Evaline were dreaming of moving away from the Central Kingdom. Everyone was struggling to survive, but was that possible?
Intricate and complicated in the best way possible, Beyond the Father had me entertained and wanting more. I can read a good epic fantasy, but my standards are very high when a story is categorized as epic fantasy/science fiction. Author Opëshum Patroz created a fascinating and curious universe where life after death was possible and cyborg-like “humans” existed. The story felt as if it was purposefully complex, and I loved that! The multiple POVs and a whole army of characters should have overwhelmed me, but they didn’t. I was lost in Xżyber’s intricacies and its four regions as it fought to survive. The characters were vital to the story and revealed secrets that Patroz hid. I had a great time connecting the dots and then flipped when Patroz threw a curve ball out of nowhere. I enjoyed King Thio’s dilemma and Prince Anglid’s quest, but characters like Liara and Dugar had my attention. A few simple yet powerful characters became my eyes and ears for what was happening on the ground level. I hope author Opëshum Patroz carries many of these characters forward into the next novel in the series because I will be waiting to meet them again.
Recommend this book:
Ark of the Apocalypse
The Magellan ll Chronicles
Tobin Marks
2023 Gold Medal
430 Pages
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Fiction - Paranormal
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Ark of the Apocalypse is a work of fiction in the science fiction and fantasy subgenres and it forms the opening novel of the Magellan ll Chronicles. The work is best suited to adult and mature teen readers owing to some moderate use of adult language, and it was penned by author Tobin Marks. After planet Earth is left desolate and waterless by the ravages of pollution, war, and the callousness of humankind, the arkship the Magellan II transports what’s left of humanity’s brightest hopes to a new constellation to start a better life. But here in the Draco constellation, the promise of water brings with it dangerous reptilian life that seems hauntingly familiar to humanity’s own draconic mythology.
Author Tobin Marks has much to offer in this insightful and thought-provoking story, and it’s a joy to read a work that balances plenty of action-packed adventure with interesting core messages about the destructive nature of humanity. Fans of fantasy will appreciate the blend of influences within this space opera setting, which deftly incorporates dragons into the storyline with lore and descriptive logic that make perfect sense in context. The travelers aboard the Magellan II are a huge variety cast as we see a colony develop over time, and Marks gives each one a unique perspective from which to continue the overall journey of humanity itself. Fans of big-picture science fiction will love Ark of the Apocalypse for its well-thought-out worldbuilding, scientific ingenuity, and lasting message for our future.
Ark of the Apocalypse is a work of fiction in the science fiction and fantasy subgenres and it forms the opening novel of the Magellan ll Chronicles. The work is best suited to adult and mature teen readers owing to some moderate use of adult language, and it was penned by author Tobin Marks. After planet Earth is left desolate and waterless by the ravages of pollution, war, and the callousness of humankind, the arkship the Magellan II transports what’s left of humanity’s brightest hopes to a new constellation to start a better life. But here in the Draco constellation, the promise of water brings with it dangerous reptilian life that seems hauntingly familiar to humanity’s own draconic mythology.
Author Tobin Marks has much to offer in this insightful and thought-provoking story, and it’s a joy to read a work that balances plenty of action-packed adventure with interesting core messages about the destructive nature of humanity. Fans of fantasy will appreciate the blend of influences within this space opera setting, which deftly incorporates dragons into the storyline with lore and descriptive logic that make perfect sense in context. The travelers aboard the Magellan II are a huge variety cast as we see a colony develop over time, and Marks gives each one a unique perspective from which to continue the overall journey of humanity itself. Fans of big-picture science fiction will love Ark of the Apocalypse for its well-thought-out worldbuilding, scientific ingenuity, and lasting message for our future.
Recommend this book:
The Stories We Cannot Tell
Leslie A. Rasmussen
2023 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Realistic
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
The Stories We Cannot Tell by Leslie A. Rasmussen is the story of two 30-something women who were brought together by fate. Katie was a devout Christian woman who became pregnant out of wedlock. Unhappy and desperate, Katie had no idea what she would do now. On the other hand, Rachel and her husband were ecstatic when they found out she was pregnant. The Jewish couple was desperate when they discovered something wrong with their baby. They weren’t the only ones, though. Katie also found out something was wrong with her baby too. Katie and Rachel found each other in a support group and a friend in each other. As their pregnancies progressed and their complications increased, Katie and Rachel were left to make the toughest decisions.
This novel is a tale of friendship, comfort, found family, and acceptance. Women feel very vulnerable and exposed while pregnant. The insecurities they feel, the intensity of emotions, and the heightened senses can overwhelm a woman. Somehow, Leslie A. Rasmussen portrayed every emotion a woman goes through while pregnant and it was all told in clear detail. I felt bad for Rachel and Katie. They were both on different spectrums of pregnancy. One was happy about her baby, and the other was terrified. They struggled in their own ways, and Rasmussen ensured readers heard them clearly. I was devastated halfway through the story and was on the verge of tears. Rachel and Katie found comfort in each other and became the support they needed to survive. The pace was perfect and allowed readers to get close to the protagonists early on. The descriptions were realistic and emotion-evoking. I had a hard time putting The Stories We Cannot Tell down, to be honest. I loved it and highly recommend it.
The Stories We Cannot Tell by Leslie A. Rasmussen is the story of two 30-something women who were brought together by fate. Katie was a devout Christian woman who became pregnant out of wedlock. Unhappy and desperate, Katie had no idea what she would do now. On the other hand, Rachel and her husband were ecstatic when they found out she was pregnant. The Jewish couple was desperate when they discovered something wrong with their baby. They weren’t the only ones, though. Katie also found out something was wrong with her baby too. Katie and Rachel found each other in a support group and a friend in each other. As their pregnancies progressed and their complications increased, Katie and Rachel were left to make the toughest decisions.
This novel is a tale of friendship, comfort, found family, and acceptance. Women feel very vulnerable and exposed while pregnant. The insecurities they feel, the intensity of emotions, and the heightened senses can overwhelm a woman. Somehow, Leslie A. Rasmussen portrayed every emotion a woman goes through while pregnant and it was all told in clear detail. I felt bad for Rachel and Katie. They were both on different spectrums of pregnancy. One was happy about her baby, and the other was terrified. They struggled in their own ways, and Rasmussen ensured readers heard them clearly. I was devastated halfway through the story and was on the verge of tears. Rachel and Katie found comfort in each other and became the support they needed to survive. The pace was perfect and allowed readers to get close to the protagonists early on. The descriptions were realistic and emotion-evoking. I had a hard time putting The Stories We Cannot Tell down, to be honest. I loved it and highly recommend it.
Recommend this book:
The Movement
Time Corrector Series Book 2
Avi Datta
2023 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Science Fiction
Reviewed by Keith Mbuya for Readers' Favorite
The genius CEO of AI company Quantum World and a time corrector, Dr. Vincent Abajian had just brought his long-lost love Akane Egami back into his life, but at what cost? Akane had been lost in a time turbulence for over three decades since 1991. It was during this time that Vincent met Emika, whom he later realized had Akane’s soul trapped inside her. In a bid to separate Akane from Emika, Vincent had gone back in time to alter the current reality. Although he now had Akane back, he had lost fragments of his memory involving Emika, with whom he shared a past. It turns out that Emika is still in love with Vincent and is hiding a big secret from him. What secret, and what will happen once Vincent recovers his memory? On the other hand, Vincent’s new powerful adversary Vandal plans to sabotage Quantum World’s new AI invention, the Neurolink. As if that is not enough, Vandal is hell-bent on destroying everything Vincent has accomplished and everyone he loves. Get yourself Avi Datta’s The Movement: Time Corrector Series Book 2 to find out what transpires.
Avi Datta’s The Movement is just what you should be looking for if you love a science fiction novel with a touch of mystery, action, and romance. Featuring the savvy Dr. Abajian, Datta once again delivers a compelling tale. I strongly recommend that you read the first installment of this series to fully appreciate the story. Datta hatches an intriguing plot, giving vivid descriptions that bring the scenes to life. He alternates the narration between the past and present, while at the same time switching the action between designated characters. This gave the storyline a complicated but beautiful flow. Datta spices the narration with humor, adventure, thrills, and suspense, keeping readers enthralled throughout the reading experience. The emotion in his words allowed me to experience his wonderfully developed cast’s feelings. I pitied Markus. He gave Emika all the love and care he could, but she didn’t choose him. She was obsessed with Vincent and Markus should have realized that. I loved the book and am looking forward to the next installment of this amazing series.
The genius CEO of AI company Quantum World and a time corrector, Dr. Vincent Abajian had just brought his long-lost love Akane Egami back into his life, but at what cost? Akane had been lost in a time turbulence for over three decades since 1991. It was during this time that Vincent met Emika, whom he later realized had Akane’s soul trapped inside her. In a bid to separate Akane from Emika, Vincent had gone back in time to alter the current reality. Although he now had Akane back, he had lost fragments of his memory involving Emika, with whom he shared a past. It turns out that Emika is still in love with Vincent and is hiding a big secret from him. What secret, and what will happen once Vincent recovers his memory? On the other hand, Vincent’s new powerful adversary Vandal plans to sabotage Quantum World’s new AI invention, the Neurolink. As if that is not enough, Vandal is hell-bent on destroying everything Vincent has accomplished and everyone he loves. Get yourself Avi Datta’s The Movement: Time Corrector Series Book 2 to find out what transpires.
Avi Datta’s The Movement is just what you should be looking for if you love a science fiction novel with a touch of mystery, action, and romance. Featuring the savvy Dr. Abajian, Datta once again delivers a compelling tale. I strongly recommend that you read the first installment of this series to fully appreciate the story. Datta hatches an intriguing plot, giving vivid descriptions that bring the scenes to life. He alternates the narration between the past and present, while at the same time switching the action between designated characters. This gave the storyline a complicated but beautiful flow. Datta spices the narration with humor, adventure, thrills, and suspense, keeping readers enthralled throughout the reading experience. The emotion in his words allowed me to experience his wonderfully developed cast’s feelings. I pitied Markus. He gave Emika all the love and care he could, but she didn’t choose him. She was obsessed with Vincent and Markus should have realized that. I loved the book and am looking forward to the next installment of this amazing series.
Recommend this book:
The Defense of the Commonwealth
John J Spearman IV
2023 Silver Medal
312 Pages
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Fiction - Science Fiction
Reviewed by Bernadette Longu for Readers' Favorite
The Defence of the Commonwealth by John J. Spearman IV is pure science fiction at its best. The author takes the reader on a journey through space and how the new Commonwealth was born. There are so many characters that march through the pages of the book but the ones that count the most are King William VIII, his daughter Queen Charlotte who inherited the throne, Captain Perseverance, Ester Andrews, Admiral Freshly, Commander Ken Berger, Captain Hank Boyd, Commander St John Powell, Advocate Alex Papadopoulos, Mr. Gilchrist, advisor to the Queen, and Samantha, Mr. Gilchrist's housekeeper and confidant.
The Defence of the Commonwealth shows how human nature does not change, even in the year 2527 when new discoveries are made to help the ships in space. There is still corruption and underhanded work and trying to get the better of everyone and everything and don’t forget the greed. The author has taken present wars and turned them into a space war with the exact same parties in the most interesting way. It took a bit of time to get into the story, especially with all the technical knowledge that was relayed. But as you read, you realize why this is relevant and very important to the plot. I eventually understood the need for all the technical knowledge although it was a bit daunting. Once I got past that, I realized why the author had included it and that it is a very important part of the story.
The Defence of the Commonwealth is a serious but light-hearted tale of the future with all of humankind’s greed, inactivity, and apathy. The twist in the tale at the end is delightful and leaves room for the reader’s imagination to take flight. Thank you for an eye-opening book. I really enjoyed reading it.
The Defence of the Commonwealth by John J. Spearman IV is pure science fiction at its best. The author takes the reader on a journey through space and how the new Commonwealth was born. There are so many characters that march through the pages of the book but the ones that count the most are King William VIII, his daughter Queen Charlotte who inherited the throne, Captain Perseverance, Ester Andrews, Admiral Freshly, Commander Ken Berger, Captain Hank Boyd, Commander St John Powell, Advocate Alex Papadopoulos, Mr. Gilchrist, advisor to the Queen, and Samantha, Mr. Gilchrist's housekeeper and confidant.
The Defence of the Commonwealth shows how human nature does not change, even in the year 2527 when new discoveries are made to help the ships in space. There is still corruption and underhanded work and trying to get the better of everyone and everything and don’t forget the greed. The author has taken present wars and turned them into a space war with the exact same parties in the most interesting way. It took a bit of time to get into the story, especially with all the technical knowledge that was relayed. But as you read, you realize why this is relevant and very important to the plot. I eventually understood the need for all the technical knowledge although it was a bit daunting. Once I got past that, I realized why the author had included it and that it is a very important part of the story.
The Defence of the Commonwealth is a serious but light-hearted tale of the future with all of humankind’s greed, inactivity, and apathy. The twist in the tale at the end is delightful and leaves room for the reader’s imagination to take flight. Thank you for an eye-opening book. I really enjoyed reading it.
Recommend this book:
The Intrepid
Dawn Of The Interstellar Age
Arnie Benn
2023 Bronze Medal
502 Pages
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Fiction - Science Fiction
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
The Intrepid: Dawn of the Interstellar Age by Arnie Benn revolves around the first human expedition to the Alpha Centauri star system, a mission undertaken by an international team of exceptional individuals, during an era of global unity and abundance. Strangely, they discover another vessel, seemingly from their own solar system, equipped with weaponry on the habitable planet they were sent to explore. This puzzling discovery leads to a disagreement between the two mission crews, escalating tensions and pushing them toward a potential nuclear confrontation. The perplexity of their findings provokes profound questions about humanity's origins, existence, and destiny in the universe, and the situation becomes critical as communication with Earth is impossible due to the vast interstellar distance.
Arnie Benn's The Intrepid: Dawn of the Interstellar Age very much balances hard science fiction's technicality with a tightly woven and relatable narrative. Benn has a talent for handling intricate scientific concepts and integrating them into the storyline without wandering off into weeds of jargon and overexplaining which, frankly, in and of itself sets him apart from other contemporary authors. And there's a glossary! I love the discovery elements, the fantastic characters that are all well-developed, and the world-building that bridges the gap between Benn's imagination and ours as his readers. We are set for the next book in what is a solid start to a new series and I am really looking forward to seeing where we go next. I have no doubt others will feel the same. Very highly recommended.
The Intrepid: Dawn of the Interstellar Age by Arnie Benn revolves around the first human expedition to the Alpha Centauri star system, a mission undertaken by an international team of exceptional individuals, during an era of global unity and abundance. Strangely, they discover another vessel, seemingly from their own solar system, equipped with weaponry on the habitable planet they were sent to explore. This puzzling discovery leads to a disagreement between the two mission crews, escalating tensions and pushing them toward a potential nuclear confrontation. The perplexity of their findings provokes profound questions about humanity's origins, existence, and destiny in the universe, and the situation becomes critical as communication with Earth is impossible due to the vast interstellar distance.
Arnie Benn's The Intrepid: Dawn of the Interstellar Age very much balances hard science fiction's technicality with a tightly woven and relatable narrative. Benn has a talent for handling intricate scientific concepts and integrating them into the storyline without wandering off into weeds of jargon and overexplaining which, frankly, in and of itself sets him apart from other contemporary authors. And there's a glossary! I love the discovery elements, the fantastic characters that are all well-developed, and the world-building that bridges the gap between Benn's imagination and ours as his readers. We are set for the next book in what is a solid start to a new series and I am really looking forward to seeing where we go next. I have no doubt others will feel the same. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
The Undulating Shadows
A Scifi Suspense Thriller
DC Eastman
2023 Finalist
268 Pages
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Fiction - Science Fiction
Reviewed by Eduardo Aduna for Readers' Favorite
DC Eastman's The Undulating Shadows is a well-crafted sci-fi horror thriller that follows the intertwined destinies of three orphans as their lives are haunted by a deadly specter. Justin and Raven, both still reeling from tragedies that have left them utterly alone, meet the brilliant and driven Albert. The three form an unlikely bond amidst the dangers of the orphanage, one that will be tested as they unravel the mystery of the sinister shadow that has woven its way into the fabric of their existence.
It is a rare talent that can make their debut novel self-restrained enough to satisfy yet expansive enough to warrant another foray into a wider universe. DC Eastman writes with detailed yet confident strokes, painting characters that resonate with the underdog in each of us. Indeed, each character’s experiences and thoughts felt like a familiar memory, and each tragedy that befell them felt like a punch in the gut. The first few chapters were difficult to get through as Eastman expertly leverages empathy to make each scene vivid and visceral. The second half showcases the breadth of his knowledge base as he creates a gentle reminder that what we consider fiction now may not be that far removed from the scientific realities impacting our lives today. It is hard to pigeonhole The Undulating Shadows into one specific niche since it overlaps various genres and does so in a way that stays true to its characters and story. A well-written debut deserves a sequel and it would be a joy to see how our protagonists stack up against new and more insidious threats. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel.
DC Eastman's The Undulating Shadows is a well-crafted sci-fi horror thriller that follows the intertwined destinies of three orphans as their lives are haunted by a deadly specter. Justin and Raven, both still reeling from tragedies that have left them utterly alone, meet the brilliant and driven Albert. The three form an unlikely bond amidst the dangers of the orphanage, one that will be tested as they unravel the mystery of the sinister shadow that has woven its way into the fabric of their existence.
It is a rare talent that can make their debut novel self-restrained enough to satisfy yet expansive enough to warrant another foray into a wider universe. DC Eastman writes with detailed yet confident strokes, painting characters that resonate with the underdog in each of us. Indeed, each character’s experiences and thoughts felt like a familiar memory, and each tragedy that befell them felt like a punch in the gut. The first few chapters were difficult to get through as Eastman expertly leverages empathy to make each scene vivid and visceral. The second half showcases the breadth of his knowledge base as he creates a gentle reminder that what we consider fiction now may not be that far removed from the scientific realities impacting our lives today. It is hard to pigeonhole The Undulating Shadows into one specific niche since it overlaps various genres and does so in a way that stays true to its characters and story. A well-written debut deserves a sequel and it would be a joy to see how our protagonists stack up against new and more insidious threats. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel.
Recommend this book:
Where the Lilacs Bloom Once Again
Friddie’s Story
Roni Rosenthal
2023 Gold Medal
203 Pages
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Fiction - Religious Theme
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Based on real-life events, Where the Lilacs Bloom Once Again is the story of the trials and tribulations of a Jewish family during World War II in Romania. Author Roni Rosenthal delves into her family history by following the life of Friddie Stoleru, a young rebellious Jewish woman living in Bucharest, Romania, in the 1930s, who audaciously refused to marry the young man her parents had selected for her. Friddie travels to the town of Eforie Nord, where she meets a charismatic perfumer named Freddy. Soon, she succumbs to his charms and marries him while carrying his child. However, after his sudden disappearance, Friddie's life turns upside down as she is charged with treason and spends the next decade in prison and forced labor camps. During that time, her Uncle David and his family perish in the massacre of Iași.
Showcasing the horrors suffered by Jewish families during World War II, Where the Lilacs Bloom Once Again is one of those stories that tend to get lost in the annals of history. Roni Rosenthal gives an unflinching account of the lives of her family members during a time in Europe when discrimination and the persecution of Jewish people were at their peak in the first half of the 20th century. The struggle for survival is something everyone, as humans, should be able to relate to, and this is what the narrative focuses on the most. Friddie's continued resilience against appalling atrocities makes her an inspiring figure, and readers are bound to sympathize with her plight. A gem of a book for history buffs.
Based on real-life events, Where the Lilacs Bloom Once Again is the story of the trials and tribulations of a Jewish family during World War II in Romania. Author Roni Rosenthal delves into her family history by following the life of Friddie Stoleru, a young rebellious Jewish woman living in Bucharest, Romania, in the 1930s, who audaciously refused to marry the young man her parents had selected for her. Friddie travels to the town of Eforie Nord, where she meets a charismatic perfumer named Freddy. Soon, she succumbs to his charms and marries him while carrying his child. However, after his sudden disappearance, Friddie's life turns upside down as she is charged with treason and spends the next decade in prison and forced labor camps. During that time, her Uncle David and his family perish in the massacre of Iași.
Showcasing the horrors suffered by Jewish families during World War II, Where the Lilacs Bloom Once Again is one of those stories that tend to get lost in the annals of history. Roni Rosenthal gives an unflinching account of the lives of her family members during a time in Europe when discrimination and the persecution of Jewish people were at their peak in the first half of the 20th century. The struggle for survival is something everyone, as humans, should be able to relate to, and this is what the narrative focuses on the most. Friddie's continued resilience against appalling atrocities makes her an inspiring figure, and readers are bound to sympathize with her plight. A gem of a book for history buffs.
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