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Recommend this book:
Sally Field Can Play The Transsexual
or, I Was Cursed By Polly Holliday
Leslie L. Smith
2015 Finalist
294 Pages
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Fiction - Cultural
Reviewed by Kathryn Bennett for Readers' Favorite
Sally Field Can Play The Transsexual: or, I Was Cursed By Polly Holliday by Leslie L. Smith is a story of humor, loss and inspiration. David Matthers is a gay man who is an escort with a habit of keeping responsibility in the rear view mirror or, at the very least, a little bit ahead of him; the same goes for emotion. When his friend and mentor Robert dies from AIDS, he must face emotion and struggle with the loss. The situation is made more confusing for David because his friend left him a large sum of money. On a journey across the country to his sick mother, David will talk with Robert's ghost and meet a variety of entertaining characters that challenge him and his thought process.
This is a book that offers a lot of insight into the struggles of not just being gay in America today (yes, there is still a struggle) but of life in general and coping with loss. There was a great deal of humor that blunted some of the more emotional parts, but everything in this book flows together and offers a long and emotional look at many different issues. Author Leslie L. Smith has done a fantastic job in writing this book, making it engaging and something that you want to read and connect with. I was pleasantly surprised with how often I found myself smiling and then feeling an emotional connection with the events going on. I would recommend this book to any of my friends.
Sally Field Can Play The Transsexual: or, I Was Cursed By Polly Holliday by Leslie L. Smith is a story of humor, loss and inspiration. David Matthers is a gay man who is an escort with a habit of keeping responsibility in the rear view mirror or, at the very least, a little bit ahead of him; the same goes for emotion. When his friend and mentor Robert dies from AIDS, he must face emotion and struggle with the loss. The situation is made more confusing for David because his friend left him a large sum of money. On a journey across the country to his sick mother, David will talk with Robert's ghost and meet a variety of entertaining characters that challenge him and his thought process.
This is a book that offers a lot of insight into the struggles of not just being gay in America today (yes, there is still a struggle) but of life in general and coping with loss. There was a great deal of humor that blunted some of the more emotional parts, but everything in this book flows together and offers a long and emotional look at many different issues. Author Leslie L. Smith has done a fantastic job in writing this book, making it engaging and something that you want to read and connect with. I was pleasantly surprised with how often I found myself smiling and then feeling an emotional connection with the events going on. I would recommend this book to any of my friends.
Recommend this book:
Lady of the Manor
Adrian Heflin
2015 Finalist
285 Pages
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Fiction - Drama
Reviewed by Jessyca Garcia for Readers' Favorite
Lady of the Manor by Adrian Q. Heflin is my favorite kind of book. Not since V.C. Andrews’ book, Flowers in the Attic, have I read about so much family drama and so many secrets. The story follows the lives of the Creek family. Rosemary Creek, the evil matriarch, forces her son and his family to live with her in her manor in order to stay in her will. The manor is home to thirty years of dark family secrets. Every member of Rosemary’s family, as well as the whole town, hates her with a passion but is too scared to go against her orders.
I thought Lady of the Manor was a fantastic, drama filled book. Reading about another family’s drama always makes me appreciate my own family. Especially after reading about all of Rosemary Creek’s dark secrets. My favorite thing about this book was all of the secrets. Some of those secrets were absolutely shocking, which made it hard to put down the book in case another secret was coming. Heflin is a genius when it comes to putting twists and turns in a story. I loved how Heflin gave every character a background story telling where they came from. I also liked that every character in this book had a secret.
Lady of the Manor is the type of book that I will read over again just to make sure that I did not miss any secrets. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who is a V.C. Andrews fan. I am talking about the original V.C. Andrews, not the ghost writer who is far too innocent for my tastes. There is no reason why this book should not be on a best seller list.
Lady of the Manor by Adrian Q. Heflin is my favorite kind of book. Not since V.C. Andrews’ book, Flowers in the Attic, have I read about so much family drama and so many secrets. The story follows the lives of the Creek family. Rosemary Creek, the evil matriarch, forces her son and his family to live with her in her manor in order to stay in her will. The manor is home to thirty years of dark family secrets. Every member of Rosemary’s family, as well as the whole town, hates her with a passion but is too scared to go against her orders.
I thought Lady of the Manor was a fantastic, drama filled book. Reading about another family’s drama always makes me appreciate my own family. Especially after reading about all of Rosemary Creek’s dark secrets. My favorite thing about this book was all of the secrets. Some of those secrets were absolutely shocking, which made it hard to put down the book in case another secret was coming. Heflin is a genius when it comes to putting twists and turns in a story. I loved how Heflin gave every character a background story telling where they came from. I also liked that every character in this book had a secret.
Lady of the Manor is the type of book that I will read over again just to make sure that I did not miss any secrets. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who is a V.C. Andrews fan. I am talking about the original V.C. Andrews, not the ghost writer who is far too innocent for my tastes. There is no reason why this book should not be on a best seller list.
Recommend this book:
The Cause
Roderick Vincent
2015 Finalist
330 Pages
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Fiction - Dystopia
Reviewed by Samantha Coville for Readers' Favorite
Isse Corvus takes center stage in Roderick Vincent's The Cause as he finds himself involved in a secret revolution. He has two choices. Join the team and hack into the NSA, fighting against an American government that has taken away individual freedom. Or he can die. In this book inspired by George Orwell's 1984, Corvus will have to decide between life as a slave, life as a criminal, or to feign loyalty to The Cause only to abandon it later. At some point he has to wonder if the way of the illegals is better. And at some point in this novel, you, the reader, has to wonder how far away this future is. The author asks you to take a look at the government in his 2022 and compare it to the government of our 2014. Is it better? Is it worse? Is it really any different? Or are they one and the same?
I simply adore books like this. They make you do the one thing that it seems people don't do enough: think. Not only do we have this thrilling novel of intrigue, politics and freedom, but Roderick Vincent also gives us a little time to set aside and consider what the character is doing and if we ourselves would take the same action in that situation. The writing is top notch with great descriptions and a fascinating plot that moves at a quick pace. The characters could be drawn up a bit better, given a little more flesh and blood. But The Cause gives you the goosebumps as you consider this: has it already begun?
Isse Corvus takes center stage in Roderick Vincent's The Cause as he finds himself involved in a secret revolution. He has two choices. Join the team and hack into the NSA, fighting against an American government that has taken away individual freedom. Or he can die. In this book inspired by George Orwell's 1984, Corvus will have to decide between life as a slave, life as a criminal, or to feign loyalty to The Cause only to abandon it later. At some point he has to wonder if the way of the illegals is better. And at some point in this novel, you, the reader, has to wonder how far away this future is. The author asks you to take a look at the government in his 2022 and compare it to the government of our 2014. Is it better? Is it worse? Is it really any different? Or are they one and the same?
I simply adore books like this. They make you do the one thing that it seems people don't do enough: think. Not only do we have this thrilling novel of intrigue, politics and freedom, but Roderick Vincent also gives us a little time to set aside and consider what the character is doing and if we ourselves would take the same action in that situation. The writing is top notch with great descriptions and a fascinating plot that moves at a quick pace. The characters could be drawn up a bit better, given a little more flesh and blood. But The Cause gives you the goosebumps as you consider this: has it already begun?
Recommend this book:
The Universe Builders
Bernie and the Putty
Steve LeBel
2015 Gold Medal
396 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Stephen Fisher for Readers' Favorite
The Universe Builders: Bernie and the Putty by Steve LeBel is an epic science fiction novel about creation, and a race of shimmering gods that use something called universe putty to help mold worlds, and such. Get it? Kind of like Silly Putty, but on steroids. The story begins with Bernie, growing up in the shadow of his father, Simeon, one of the most renowned universe builders with three best universe awards. After his parents divorce, his father abandons Bernie and his mother. Forced to live in poverty, Bernie grows up with minimal friends. Billy is the bully that plagues Bernie his whole life, especially after Bernie came to his friend Suzie’s rescue. After Bernie graduates from school with a universe building degree, he applies for a builder's job, and lands a probational position with The Business. As an average student the odds are against Bernie from the start, especially when he finds out that his nemesis, Billy, is in the cubicle next to his. Billy’s uncle is the boss. Bernie is given a trial project of building a universe and if he passes, he gets a permanent position. Billy is out for revenge from day one, and sets out to sabotage any chances Bernie has.
Steve LeBel does a magnificent job of creating a race of gods that are, above all else, human, except for being immortal creators that is. Steve’s writing style pulls you into the story with a sense of humor that often occurs in the last line of a chapter. You simply cannot help laughing out loud, while turning the page to start the next chapter. Although this is an epic sci-fi novel, it is a marvelous story that will touch you in more ways than you would ever expect. The Universe Builders is smart, witty, creative, and captivating like nothing I have ever read before. Almost impossible to put down. Awesome!
The Universe Builders: Bernie and the Putty by Steve LeBel is an epic science fiction novel about creation, and a race of shimmering gods that use something called universe putty to help mold worlds, and such. Get it? Kind of like Silly Putty, but on steroids. The story begins with Bernie, growing up in the shadow of his father, Simeon, one of the most renowned universe builders with three best universe awards. After his parents divorce, his father abandons Bernie and his mother. Forced to live in poverty, Bernie grows up with minimal friends. Billy is the bully that plagues Bernie his whole life, especially after Bernie came to his friend Suzie’s rescue. After Bernie graduates from school with a universe building degree, he applies for a builder's job, and lands a probational position with The Business. As an average student the odds are against Bernie from the start, especially when he finds out that his nemesis, Billy, is in the cubicle next to his. Billy’s uncle is the boss. Bernie is given a trial project of building a universe and if he passes, he gets a permanent position. Billy is out for revenge from day one, and sets out to sabotage any chances Bernie has.
Steve LeBel does a magnificent job of creating a race of gods that are, above all else, human, except for being immortal creators that is. Steve’s writing style pulls you into the story with a sense of humor that often occurs in the last line of a chapter. You simply cannot help laughing out loud, while turning the page to start the next chapter. Although this is an epic sci-fi novel, it is a marvelous story that will touch you in more ways than you would ever expect. The Universe Builders is smart, witty, creative, and captivating like nothing I have ever read before. Almost impossible to put down. Awesome!
Recommend this book:
The Secret of Mago Castle
Rebecca Tinkle
2015 Gold Medal
368 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - Epic
Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite
The Secret of Mago Castle is a metaphysical novel written by Rebecca Tinkle. Noah, Toby, Leuters and Angeline are looking for something, even if they don't know it. Noah is a doctor who's been diagnosed with a serious heart condition. Toby is in the stock market and has an ability that's made his life a prosperous, but meaningless one. Leuters has just been released from prison for the sin of finding and promoting a universal wellness product. Angeline is an actress who has not found her place and also has a secret skill. Noah's journey begins on the day before his heart surgery, when he walks into a lecture on life's spiritual significance, given by a woman named Suna. She informs him that she had been waiting for him, and their meeting would change his life.
Rebecca Tinkle's metaphysical fantasy, The Secret of Mago Castle, is an absorbing and uplifting story set in the red hills surrounding Sedona, Arizona. The author quickly introduces each of her characters and involves the reader in their stories. I was intrigued with the author's use of Korea's history in plotting this book, and found her presentation of the Korean creation myth to be marvelous and very inspirational. The Secret of Mago Castle gives you a lot to think about, even if you never visit Sedona or are inclined to meditation. Reading this book made me feel positive and empowered, and after reading it, I'm still feeling that way. I'm also eager to learn more about the Budoji and the history of ancient Korea. I enjoyed reading The Secret of Mago Castle. It's a marvelous story and is highly recommended.
The Secret of Mago Castle is a metaphysical novel written by Rebecca Tinkle. Noah, Toby, Leuters and Angeline are looking for something, even if they don't know it. Noah is a doctor who's been diagnosed with a serious heart condition. Toby is in the stock market and has an ability that's made his life a prosperous, but meaningless one. Leuters has just been released from prison for the sin of finding and promoting a universal wellness product. Angeline is an actress who has not found her place and also has a secret skill. Noah's journey begins on the day before his heart surgery, when he walks into a lecture on life's spiritual significance, given by a woman named Suna. She informs him that she had been waiting for him, and their meeting would change his life.
Rebecca Tinkle's metaphysical fantasy, The Secret of Mago Castle, is an absorbing and uplifting story set in the red hills surrounding Sedona, Arizona. The author quickly introduces each of her characters and involves the reader in their stories. I was intrigued with the author's use of Korea's history in plotting this book, and found her presentation of the Korean creation myth to be marvelous and very inspirational. The Secret of Mago Castle gives you a lot to think about, even if you never visit Sedona or are inclined to meditation. Reading this book made me feel positive and empowered, and after reading it, I'm still feeling that way. I'm also eager to learn more about the Budoji and the history of ancient Korea. I enjoyed reading The Secret of Mago Castle. It's a marvelous story and is highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
The Vagabond's Son
Prelude to a Legacy
L.F. Falconer
2015 Finalist
318 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - Epic
Reviewed by Trisha Dawn for Readers' Favorite
L.F. Falconer's The Vagabond's Son: Prelude to a Legacy tells the story of Adalanto and his adventures. The early years of his life were filled with darkness as he lost his mother before he could even remember memories about her. He grew up with a father who had done nothing but make his existence miserable. One day, after a violent confrontation, Adalanto was able to break free from his father. He ended up in a town called Alasdor and was soon taken in by Kenadoren and his family, despite the former's mysterious background. However, just when things were going well for him, things turned bad and he had to flee once more. Because of hopelessness brought about by being a vagabond's son, he tried to end his own life. By some divine intervention, Adalanto was stopped. A group of hunters stumbled upon him afterwards and thus began Adalanto's new adventures once again. From that time on, he was able to make great discoveries about himself and the entire kingdom.
There's as much to say as to feel about The Vagabond's Son: Prelude to A Legacy. L.F. Falconer created a very believable world and I was hooked. As I read my way through the chapters, the more I felt part of Adalanto's world. It also felt like I was actually there. I cried with him when things got rough. I cheered for him when things were on his side. My interest didn't wane right through to the end of the book. I even want to jump straight into the next novel.
In addition to that, I was impressed at how Falconer was able to introduce old social issues while coming up with a story of a magical world and its inhabitants. It may not seem like a good mix, but this one was fused harmoniously. Not only was I enjoying all of the adventure, it also made me think of how much these social issues can really affect some people in society. It made me realize that it still happens nowadays and that no matter how open or accepting we are now, there's still a lot of discrimination and judgement being thrown at everyone everywhere. After reading it, I noticed that I have become more cautious of my actions and perceptions toward others. Overall, The Vagabond's Son: Prelude to a Legacy is a must-read. This is one to watch out for.
L.F. Falconer's The Vagabond's Son: Prelude to a Legacy tells the story of Adalanto and his adventures. The early years of his life were filled with darkness as he lost his mother before he could even remember memories about her. He grew up with a father who had done nothing but make his existence miserable. One day, after a violent confrontation, Adalanto was able to break free from his father. He ended up in a town called Alasdor and was soon taken in by Kenadoren and his family, despite the former's mysterious background. However, just when things were going well for him, things turned bad and he had to flee once more. Because of hopelessness brought about by being a vagabond's son, he tried to end his own life. By some divine intervention, Adalanto was stopped. A group of hunters stumbled upon him afterwards and thus began Adalanto's new adventures once again. From that time on, he was able to make great discoveries about himself and the entire kingdom.
There's as much to say as to feel about The Vagabond's Son: Prelude to A Legacy. L.F. Falconer created a very believable world and I was hooked. As I read my way through the chapters, the more I felt part of Adalanto's world. It also felt like I was actually there. I cried with him when things got rough. I cheered for him when things were on his side. My interest didn't wane right through to the end of the book. I even want to jump straight into the next novel.
In addition to that, I was impressed at how Falconer was able to introduce old social issues while coming up with a story of a magical world and its inhabitants. It may not seem like a good mix, but this one was fused harmoniously. Not only was I enjoying all of the adventure, it also made me think of how much these social issues can really affect some people in society. It made me realize that it still happens nowadays and that no matter how open or accepting we are now, there's still a lot of discrimination and judgement being thrown at everyone everywhere. After reading it, I noticed that I have become more cautious of my actions and perceptions toward others. Overall, The Vagabond's Son: Prelude to a Legacy is a must-read. This is one to watch out for.
Recommend this book:
Breaking the Nexus
The Mythrian Realm, Book 1
Lindsay Avalon
2015 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Fantasy - Urban
Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite
Breaking the Nexus is the first book in Lindsay Avalon's romantic fantasy series, The Mythrian Realm. Denver's got a serial killer haunting its streets, and homicide detective Connor Flynn is on the case. While his days are spent looking for clues, his nightly dreams have been taking him to bizarre and otherworldly places. When another mutilated corpse is found in an alley, Connor's faced with a person of interest who has no idea why she's covered with the victim's blood or how she got into the alleyway. Her name is Sha Phoenix, and she has neither any identification nor a cellphone. When Connor brings her in for questioning, she's unable to give him any useful information, though she does raise a few eyebrows at the station when she levitates a metal table in the interview room.
Lindsay Avalon's urban/epic romantic fantasy, Breaking the Nexus: The Mythrian Realm, Book 1, is an original and exciting novel that adroitly combines the police procedural and fantasy genres. While most of the action in this book takes place in Denver, the reader gets tantalizing glimpses of Sha's world, the Mythrian Realm, where her job seems to parallel Connor's role as a police detective. Both of them are fighters and champions, and it's a lot of fun to see how these two well-matched and competent characters work and play together. While the mystery takes precedence in this outstanding debut offering, the author includes some steamy, yet tasteful, erotic moments when Connor and Sha have a bit of downtime at his cabin. I had a marvelous time reading this book. I loved the blending of genres and especially appreciated Avalon's strong female lead. And yes, I'm quite curious about Sha's mystical realm and expect that I'll find out a bit more about it in the next book of the series. Breaking the Nexus: The Mythrian Realm, Book 1 is most highly recommended.
Breaking the Nexus is the first book in Lindsay Avalon's romantic fantasy series, The Mythrian Realm. Denver's got a serial killer haunting its streets, and homicide detective Connor Flynn is on the case. While his days are spent looking for clues, his nightly dreams have been taking him to bizarre and otherworldly places. When another mutilated corpse is found in an alley, Connor's faced with a person of interest who has no idea why she's covered with the victim's blood or how she got into the alleyway. Her name is Sha Phoenix, and she has neither any identification nor a cellphone. When Connor brings her in for questioning, she's unable to give him any useful information, though she does raise a few eyebrows at the station when she levitates a metal table in the interview room.
Lindsay Avalon's urban/epic romantic fantasy, Breaking the Nexus: The Mythrian Realm, Book 1, is an original and exciting novel that adroitly combines the police procedural and fantasy genres. While most of the action in this book takes place in Denver, the reader gets tantalizing glimpses of Sha's world, the Mythrian Realm, where her job seems to parallel Connor's role as a police detective. Both of them are fighters and champions, and it's a lot of fun to see how these two well-matched and competent characters work and play together. While the mystery takes precedence in this outstanding debut offering, the author includes some steamy, yet tasteful, erotic moments when Connor and Sha have a bit of downtime at his cabin. I had a marvelous time reading this book. I loved the blending of genres and especially appreciated Avalon's strong female lead. And yes, I'm quite curious about Sha's mystical realm and expect that I'll find out a bit more about it in the next book of the series. Breaking the Nexus: The Mythrian Realm, Book 1 is most highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
The Love Duology
Richard Schwindt
2015 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Fantasy - Urban
Reviewed by Tracy A. Fischer for Readers' Favorite
Two love stories intertwine in Richard Schwindt’s new book, The Love Duology. Made up of two related novellas, Love Stacey and Love Susan, Schwindt’s work is impressive in his ability to create realistic stories about strong women with somewhat fantastical backgrounds. In Love Stacey, Professor Stacey Trout, an amazingly bright mathematician without a memory of her own history, meets an older man who disappears almost as suddenly as he appeared in her life, but also leaves her his home and his diary. In Love Susan, Dr. Susan Call, psychologist, needs Stacey’s help in figuring out the issues of a challenging patient, Andrew, with a very unique set of issues.
I understand that author Richard Schwindt wrote The Love Duology as a part of the International 3-Day Novel contest, in which authors are challenged to write a complete novel in a 72-hour time period. What makes his work even more impressive is that Mr. Schwindt actually wrote two complete stories in this time frame, both unique and interesting on their own. The author’s creativity and ability to meld together the genres of fiction, mystery, sci-fi and even a bit of mysticism is astounding. I would highly recommend this work to any reader who loves a well-crafted short story, who is open to a merging of genres in a fantastic mix, and anyone interested in seeing just what type of wonderful work can be produced in a very, very short amount of time. The Love Duology is a worthwhile and fun read, and one you won’t want to put down!
Two love stories intertwine in Richard Schwindt’s new book, The Love Duology. Made up of two related novellas, Love Stacey and Love Susan, Schwindt’s work is impressive in his ability to create realistic stories about strong women with somewhat fantastical backgrounds. In Love Stacey, Professor Stacey Trout, an amazingly bright mathematician without a memory of her own history, meets an older man who disappears almost as suddenly as he appeared in her life, but also leaves her his home and his diary. In Love Susan, Dr. Susan Call, psychologist, needs Stacey’s help in figuring out the issues of a challenging patient, Andrew, with a very unique set of issues.
I understand that author Richard Schwindt wrote The Love Duology as a part of the International 3-Day Novel contest, in which authors are challenged to write a complete novel in a 72-hour time period. What makes his work even more impressive is that Mr. Schwindt actually wrote two complete stories in this time frame, both unique and interesting on their own. The author’s creativity and ability to meld together the genres of fiction, mystery, sci-fi and even a bit of mysticism is astounding. I would highly recommend this work to any reader who loves a well-crafted short story, who is open to a merging of genres in a fantastic mix, and anyone interested in seeing just what type of wonderful work can be produced in a very, very short amount of time. The Love Duology is a worthwhile and fun read, and one you won’t want to put down!
Recommend this book:
Kahtar: Warrior of the Ages
A Covenant Keeper Novel Book 1
S.R. Karfelt
2015 Finalist
300 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - Urban
Reviewed by J. C. Steel for Readers' Favorite
SR Karfelt’s Kahtar: Warrior of the Ages opens with a speeding ticket awarded by a part-time police chief to a woman on her way to a new life. Beth White has just left a highly successful, jet-setting career as an investor to buy an old house that she found a picture of in a library book, and start a shop in it. She doesn’t quite know why she feels so strongly attracted to this particular house. She also doesn’t know why the community of Willowyth seems determined to make her leave when she feels more at home there than anywhere else. Even being arrested and racking up four traffic tickets in half an hour aren’t enough to change her mind. In fact, for some reason, arrest from the Willowyth Police Chief could almost qualify as an incentive to stay.
Kahtar: Warrior of the Ages is a fantastic opening book to the series, featuring engaging characters and a plot line that made me sorry to step out of it. SR Karfelt expertly creates a world within a world of Covenant Keepers, living beside the modern world, invoking touches of the folklore of the faery land of Underhill woven in with Christian mythology. The characters are plausible and well-developed, drawing you in to share Beth’s frustration and Kahtar’s conflict, personifying a collision of cultures between the punk rock of the new world and the ancient and hidden traditions of the Arcs. I can’t recommend this book highly enough; humour, action and an enticing world make it an entrancing read.
SR Karfelt’s Kahtar: Warrior of the Ages opens with a speeding ticket awarded by a part-time police chief to a woman on her way to a new life. Beth White has just left a highly successful, jet-setting career as an investor to buy an old house that she found a picture of in a library book, and start a shop in it. She doesn’t quite know why she feels so strongly attracted to this particular house. She also doesn’t know why the community of Willowyth seems determined to make her leave when she feels more at home there than anywhere else. Even being arrested and racking up four traffic tickets in half an hour aren’t enough to change her mind. In fact, for some reason, arrest from the Willowyth Police Chief could almost qualify as an incentive to stay.
Kahtar: Warrior of the Ages is a fantastic opening book to the series, featuring engaging characters and a plot line that made me sorry to step out of it. SR Karfelt expertly creates a world within a world of Covenant Keepers, living beside the modern world, invoking touches of the folklore of the faery land of Underhill woven in with Christian mythology. The characters are plausible and well-developed, drawing you in to share Beth’s frustration and Kahtar’s conflict, personifying a collision of cultures between the punk rock of the new world and the ancient and hidden traditions of the Arcs. I can’t recommend this book highly enough; humour, action and an enticing world make it an entrancing read.
Recommend this book:
The Notorious Dream of Jesús Lázaro
A Novel
Terence Clarke
2015 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
Check current price
Fiction - General
Reviewed by Tracy Slowiak for Readers' Favorite
Sweeping. Beautiful. Striking. I could go on, but one word descriptions of a book, especially one as wonderful as The Notorious Dream of Jesús Lázaro, would not suffice. This masterful work by author Terence Clarke follows the titular artist, Jesús Lázaro, on his journey to complete his master work, murals that he feels called to complete on the exterior of the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption in San Francisco. The Archbishop that oversees the Cathedral, Ruben Mullins, and the Pope himself, refuse to allow Jesús his desire. But when a miraculous and painful sign from God is visited upon the Archbishop himself, he realizes that he must allow the murals to be painted, however unconventional they may be. The decision leads to chaos in the streets of San Francisco, concern from the echelons of the Vatican, and perhaps attention from God Himself.
Sometimes, as a reviewer, one feels that they may not be able to do a book justice in the short amount of time one has to write a review. This is one of those times. Terence Clarke’s novel, The Notorious Dream of Jesús Lázaro, follows an artist in the creation of his life’s masterpiece. Mr. Clarke, in writing this saga, has completed his own literary masterpiece. I simply cannot recommend this book more highly. It would appeal to any lover of fiction, the art world, or simply great writing. I loved, loved, loved this book and I cannot wait to read more of Terence Clarke’s work.
Sweeping. Beautiful. Striking. I could go on, but one word descriptions of a book, especially one as wonderful as The Notorious Dream of Jesús Lázaro, would not suffice. This masterful work by author Terence Clarke follows the titular artist, Jesús Lázaro, on his journey to complete his master work, murals that he feels called to complete on the exterior of the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption in San Francisco. The Archbishop that oversees the Cathedral, Ruben Mullins, and the Pope himself, refuse to allow Jesús his desire. But when a miraculous and painful sign from God is visited upon the Archbishop himself, he realizes that he must allow the murals to be painted, however unconventional they may be. The decision leads to chaos in the streets of San Francisco, concern from the echelons of the Vatican, and perhaps attention from God Himself.
Sometimes, as a reviewer, one feels that they may not be able to do a book justice in the short amount of time one has to write a review. This is one of those times. Terence Clarke’s novel, The Notorious Dream of Jesús Lázaro, follows an artist in the creation of his life’s masterpiece. Mr. Clarke, in writing this saga, has completed his own literary masterpiece. I simply cannot recommend this book more highly. It would appeal to any lover of fiction, the art world, or simply great writing. I loved, loved, loved this book and I cannot wait to read more of Terence Clarke’s work.
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