Apr 3, 2025 | Editors' Blog, Editorial reviews, International Review of Books, Literary, YA
The Wake of Expectations by Javier De Lucia is perfect for readers who appreciate emotionally intense, unconventional coming-of-age stories that reward patience with a raw and resonant exploration of identity, adolescence, and the messy realities of growing up.
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Which line stood out from all the others in the book?
So many relationships over the years, some positive, others negative. Some to do with coming-of-age adolescent behavior, definitely, as well as misguided attempts to achieve certain goals (getting laid, etc). One sentence in particular begins the start of one semi-friendship: “There were moments of genuine camaraderie over the years, but the friendship usually was tenuous at best”. (I’d probably call it superficial).
General Summary for Context:
This novel brims with characters—friends, flings, frenemies, and fleeting encounters—woven through a narrative that spans years of change and growth. At the center of it all is Cal, our dry-witted narrator, who’s just learned that his parents have won the lottery (cue envy), and that he’s been accepted into his dream college. You’d think he’d be celebrating. But no—Cal is too busy reflecting.
Told in his signature self-deprecating tone, Cal’s story is less about triumph than it is about navigating the chaos of life: parties, heartbreaks, awkward encounters, moments of connection and confusion. The novel unfolds as a patchwork of seemingly insignificant events that, together, chart the messy process of growing up.
Some might call it a coming-of-age story. To me, it feels more like a rude awakening—especially when, after a rollercoaster of emotional highs and lows, Cal finds himself asking, “Wait… what happened to the money?”
Concise Review:
This is a highly original and engaging journey into the life of one (seemingly average?) young man. At first, I struggled to keep track of the many people he meets and how they shape—or slip through—his life. The sheer number of encounters can feel dizzying, and initially, I felt the main character lacked depth. But as the story unfolded, I realized that might be the point: he’s still figuring himself out, stumbling through a maze of interactions, often awkward, sometimes tender, and frequently tinged with confusion.
Coming from a family of all girls, I may simply be more familiar with the emotional dramas of growing up female. The adolescent male experience portrayed here—hormonal, uncertain, occasionally crass—felt unfamiliar and, at times, jarring. But it’s also raw and honest in a way that’s hard to look away from.
This isn’t a tidy coming-of-age tale—it’s messier, funnier, and sometimes more frustrating. But it’s real. Maybe that’s what makes it resonate, even if it takes a moment to adjust to the rhythm of the world the author has created.
General Thoughts on the Novel:
Initially, the sheer volume of characters and shifting relationships made the narrative somewhat difficult to follow. However, once I began keeping a mental ledger of who was who and how each individual related to the protagonist, the story gradually drew me in. The emotional turbulence, the fleeting connections, and the often-conflicted decisions began to cohere into something compelling.
In particular, I found myself deeply frustrated—perhaps even incensed—by the events toward the end, particularly the loss of the money (a mild spoiler, though its impact is central to the story’s arc). That sense of frustration underscored how emotionally involved I had become. I wanted to shake certain characters, to urge them into self-awareness and maturity. In doing so, I realized the narrative had achieved something significant: it had made me care.
This is not a conventional coming-of-age tale. It is raw, sometimes chaotic, and frequently disorienting. But beneath that surface lies a poignant meditation on adolescence, identity, and the often-painful process of growing up. Once emotionally invested, the story resonates with clarity and meaning—and that, perhaps, is the clearest indication that it is a work of real merit.
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Mar 13, 2025 | Editors' Blog
Rules for Eternity by John Hunter is perfect for for critical thinkers, philosophy enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the interplay between natural laws, societal rules, and the grey areas where interpretation shapes our understanding of order and freedom.
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Which line stood out from all the others in the book?
Too many to list here, but I’ll try. Each sentence is as fascinating as the one before it, and the one that comes after it. “The astronomical distances and huge travel times suggest the near impossibility that two civilizations from different star systems might ever be able to interact.” If this is indeed the case, are we spending billions of dollars chasing our tale.
General Summary for Context:
A Thought-Provoking Exploration of Life’s Big Questions
This book delves into questions that are typically reserved for philosophers, scientists, astronomers, and physicists—people who naturally gravitate toward the complexities of existence. As an average, everyday person (though I like to think of myself as reasonably intelligent), I hadn’t often considered how simply existing means following certain rules and laws.
What surprised me most was learning that while some of these rules are absolute, others can be bent or even broken. The author wisely cautions against venturing too far into realms beyond human comprehension, suggesting instead a more grounded approach: analyzing what we can understand and philosophizing our way to a partial, yet valuable, grasp of the bigger picture.
This book challenges the reader to think critically about the unseen forces shaping our reality. While it doesn’t promise all the answers, it offers a thoughtful perspective on how to make sense of the world around us.
Concise Review:
This book presents numerous scenarios, each attempting to explain complex ideas in a logical and accessible way. It poses intriguing questions: Which rules are absolute and must be followed without question? Which ones can be safely bent or broken? Are there “grey areas” where interpretation and personal judgment come into play?
The author explores not only the natural laws that govern our existence but also the societal rules that bind us together. The book makes a compelling argument that for a society to thrive, its rules must be clear and understandable. When rules become too ambiguous or difficult to grasp, society risks fragmentation, eroding the very foundation of communication and cooperation among its people.
This book encourages readers to reflect on the balance between order and freedom, challenging us to think critically about the structures that shape our lives. It’s a thought-provoking read for anyone interested in understanding the boundaries of both physical laws and societal norms.
General Thoughts on the Novel:
A Fascinating Journey Through Complex Ideas
I could go on and on (and on), but I hope I’ve provided a glimpse into the truly captivating ideologies and insights this book offers. Each sentence and every paragraph introduces fresh ideas, thought-provoking concepts, and nuanced explanations about the universe and the roles we play within its grand structure.
The author masterfully challenges readers to explore ideas they may never have considered before—ideas that, upon reflection, deserve our attention. This book is not just a collection of theories but a guide to seeing the world through a different lens.
I highly recommend this thought-provoking and enlightening read to anyone ready to expand their understanding of the universe and their place in it. It’s a book that sparks curiosity and invites deep contemplation—an experience not to be missed.
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Find the book here on Amazon!
Mar 4, 2025 | Editors' Blog, 1st pages, Contemporary, Mystery, Paranormal
Life was good. Dorothy and I danced the days away. I had enough money to party without worrying about the wolf at the door. And, Dorothy… well, Dorothy was Dorothy. I’ve never known another woman like her. To say that she followed my lead wouldn’t be accurate; she was miles ahead. We joined everything; Dorothy even joined the local women’s football club. And she was good. I can’t remember seeing a better player.
And don’t get the wrong idea about Dorothy: she was pretty. So pretty that I was the envy of the neighbourhood. Would Dorothy like to come to this? Would Dorothy like to come to that? Well, she always would, but I always came too. Dorothy only wanted to go if I went, even if it was to cheer from the sidelines.
And, although I don’t like to make a big thing of it, I was handsome in a rugged sort of way – and I liked the girls (my word, how I did), but why should I look further than my Dorothy? And why should she look further than me? Exactly: we were happy, fulfilled and, although I’m repeating myself, life was good. Edmund and Dorothy Goodchild were envied the town over. You’d expect that, wouldn’t you?
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We admitted Dorothy Goodchild in December, just before Christmas. It was really sad, a time of revelry – but it wasn’t a happy time for Dorothy or for her husband. I gather she’d always been the belle of the ball. But, now, she wasn’t. You could tell she had been a great beauty, but now, she was very pale. And she stared straight ahead of her. And she rarely spoke, mostly nodded or shook her head. Just that staring, washed-out face; it was unnerving, really, but I never thought that she suffered. Her husband suffered more. If you asked her about the ‘good times’ – that’s how her husband referred to them – she’d smile but never speak about them. Yes, her calm, lifeless beauty seemed as if it were a mask fitted on the wrong face. It was more appropriate to a dancing queen – which she had been.
She came to Old Lodge Nursing Home in December, as I said. I don’t know what caused the stroke. Some people bounce back from a stroke – my father did. Dorothy didn’t. She spoke, when she did, from the side of her mouth and her face slanted sort of sideways.
But Edmund’s love for her shone through. The other guests of the home loved him. He would come in every day as if they would never be separated – and perhaps they never will. Of course, he could never look after her at home, but he seemed to be separated from her only at night. Perhaps it would have been nice if they could have had a room together. But he was hardly a suitable person for a nursing home, even if his wife was.
Edmund was a popular visitor in more than one way. He was very good-looking. My word, some of our guests couldn’t take their eyes off him, the female ones that is. But everyone admired his devotion; they thought he could hardly have had any life of his own. I mean, what did he do when he got home? Make himself some tea – baked beans or boiled eggs would have been about the limit, I guess, and he always had his lunch in the home. He ate well.
He was often in the kitchen. He shouldn’t have been of course, but no one felt they wanted to tell him that. I remember he advised them what would be best for his wife. Surprisingly, the cooks didn’t seem to mind that, but he did it so politely. He was quick to tell them they knew their job and he was just a troublemaker. He wasn’t, and they didn’t think he was. As I say no one took exception.
I remember one girl – a very pretty girl – that he always spoke to. She was actually one of the nursing staff, but she had heard that Dorothy liked scones. Apparently, her sister had made them for her – and they were special ones. He told the girl how to make them. His sister-in-law had told him.
And the girl was frequently with Dorothy, and she gave her the scones she had made. She made them nearly every day. But, funnily enough, I never saw Dorothy eating them. But then I had other guests to look after; I couldn’t be around Dorothy all the time. I saw Edmund eating them; yes, I did, several times. Anyway, who cares about the scones?
Dorothy began to go out in her wheelchair. That was a good sign: well, Edmund took her out, and the girl who made scones went with them. What a rock he was for Dorothy. Although she did not show much pleasure in the “walks”, well, in anything really.
The other guests were really concerned for him. Well, maybe they just loved Edmund and didn’t think he had much of a life. Which, he didn’t of course.
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I know they think I am a vegetable, that I don’t think, speak – or dream. But I do. Very definitely, I do all those things. I wake up in the morning, knowing that Edmund will arrive and I… well, I think, this is another day without promise, without a future for me.
I do remember our wonderful days together, at a time when he was everything to me when I was everything to him. It was because we meant everything to each other that life meant so much. Now, it seems, he continues to mean a great deal to those around him – to the guests and to the pretty girl who makes him scones – yes, I don’t deceive myself that she makes them for me.
But he does not arrive with delight, seeing me as his morning awakening. How could he, and how could I blame him for that? I am not what I was – and he is the same to others. But to me he is just always there, always at my side. It is almost as if (this sounds terrible I know) he would make me happier by leaving me alone for a while. Perhaps for a long while. It would disappoint all those in the home, including the nurses and, of course, the guests as they are called. And I know he is sacrificing his life for me. But…’
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The days became longer and stretched as if all were one long day for Edmund – coming in, sometimes, as early as seven o’clock in the morning, when he would get breakfast cooked by the kitchen staff. And, when Dorothy was made ready, he took her out, increasingly with the girl nurse who admired him as much as anybody – more perhaps. Maybe the relief of having someone to talk to relieve his burden of an unresponsive wife, although he never showed any signs of that burden. He just chatted, very friendly, to the girl and continued to live his sterile existence.
Well, that was until the day the nursing home experienced the only major event since my husband and I had taken it over.
They had come back from their walk and the girl had gone off to make scones – and I noticed she had made some other cakes – perhaps to whet Dorothy’s appetite. I don’t know whether it did or not but that wasn’t the important matter. What caused such anxiety – and horrified me – was that Edmund looked very pale. Very poorly.
I hadn’t paid them much attention until Dorothy slumped back in her chair – and Edmund grasped his throat. Our medical staff rushed to them. But Dorothy just looked asleep. Edmund was clearly very sick indeed.
**********
‘Why didn’t he listen? Perhaps he hadn’t put his hearing aids in. He was so careless about that, and I kept telling him he would get something wrong as a result.
I watched it all; well, of course I did. My future life depended on it. I liked Edmund, but even more, I liked the idea of a comfortable life with someone who was obviously very fond of me… I couldn’t help feeling that he was sick of coming in every day. I wondered if he did it to see me. Of course, he couldn’t make that obvious.
And now? Well, the scones and cakes that were to provide me with a future husband had deprived me of one. And Dorothy? I don’t think she even ate one, although she put on one of her usual dying swan acts. I hadn’t wanted it to appear that Edmund and I were becoming close – although we were – but I had clearly told him not to eat any of the scones or cakes that day.
If it had been Dorothy, no one would have worried too much. No great investigation would have been made – it all would have been put down to her weak heart. That was what I was relying on anyway.
‘But, in my final days at the nursing home – there weren’t many before they took me away – Dorothy seemed a new person. She even began to walk unaided. And I heard that she was thinking of leaving the nursing home and going back to the home she had shared with Edmund. Without Edmund it would have been a colourless place. But, maybe Dorothy had changed the way she thought about her husband – although that wasn’t justified. His devotion was genuine. Why should he not enjoy the company of a pretty girl who apparently adored him. Because I am pretty, and many men would have loved to marry me.
But I won’t be when I get out of this hole.
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Read Events in Edmund Terrace by John Bennett on Amazon.
Jan 14, 2025 | Editors' Blog, Editorial reviews
We recommend Skeleton Trail for readers of sci-fi and gaming-inspired stories who enjoy unique concepts, immersive world-building, and a blend of action, mystery, and engaging characters.
General Summary for Context:
A unique and captivating story about Sam, who unexpectedly wakes up in a strange and unfamiliar world resembling the video games he adores. Confused and determined, Sam embarks on a thrilling quest to understand how he ended up in this virtual reality and, more importantly, how to win the game and return to the real world.
With its intriguing concept and well-paced narrative, this tale masterfully combines mystery, adventure, and a touch of nostalgia for gaming enthusiasts. A thoroughly enjoyable read for anyone who loves immersive and imaginative storytelling!
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Concise Review:
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Its unique concept sets it apart and makes it a truly captivating read. The integration of video game elements into the storyline adds an innovative and exciting layer that will appeal to gamers and non-gamers alike. The characters are richly developed and compelling, each contributing to the story in meaningful ways.
The world-building is exceptional, vividly bringing the game-like setting to life and immersing readers in its intricacies. The well-balanced pacing ensures the story flows smoothly, maintaining suspense and keeping the reader engaged from start to finish. This is a must-read for fans of creative, genre-blending fiction with a fresh perspective.
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General Thoughts on the Novel:
Undoubtedly one of the most unique books I’ve encountered in the sci-fi genre! This story masterfully combines a variety of engaging elements, from immersive gameplay and fascinating sci-fi concepts to an intriguing layer of conspiracy that keeps the reader guessing.
The writing is sharp and polished, bringing to life a cast of likable, well-drawn characters that are easy to connect with. The narrative held my attention from start to finish, with its perfect balance of action, mystery, and thoughtful world-building.
It’s a compelling read that not only entertains but also leaves you eager to dive into the next instalment of the series. Highly recommended for fans of innovative and multifaceted sci-fi!
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Skeleton Trail: The Gunfighter by Kevin Higgins is available on Amazon.
Jan 8, 2025 | Editors' Blog
Which line stood out from all the others in the book?
A great drama, full of spectacle; that was what Kit had said he should write. But the trouble was that he could not for the life of him think of a story. A dozen or more times he had put pen to paper and begun to sketch out a plot, only to be defeated after an hour or two, left with a few incoherent scribbles that led nowhere.
General Summary for Context:
This historical fiction novel delves into the formative years of the Bard, offering a captivating blend of history and imaginative speculation. Fleeing the familiar confines of Stratford, a young Shakespeare becomes enmeshed in the vibrant yet perilous world of Elizabethan England. Through encounters with actors, spies, and conspirators, the story vividly portrays the challenges and intrigues that shaped his early life.
The novel masterfully intertwines adventure with historical depth, painting a richly detailed backdrop of an era filled with danger and opportunity. By exploring how these experiences could have influenced Shakespeare’s later masterpieces, the book provides a fresh and thought-provoking perspective on the origins of his genius.
For fans of history and literature alike, this book offers a thrilling glimpse into the untold story of one of the world’s greatest playwrights. It’s an engaging read that not only entertains but also invites readers to consider how life’s trials and triumphs can inspire timeless art.
Concise Review:
This imaginative historical novel delves into the enduring mystery of Shakespeare’s “lost years,” set against the turbulent backdrop of late 16th-century England. During the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, an era rife with political intrigue, religious conflict, and a flourishing cultural renaissance, the young Shakespeare flees Stratford under mysterious circumstances. His journey entwines him with a troupe of wandering actors, cunning spies, and shadowy conspirators operating in the perilous world of Elizabethan England.
The novel masterfully captures the cultural and political tensions of the period, painting a vivid portrait of Shakespeare’s potential formative experiences. Through a speculative and thrilling narrative, the story invites readers to imagine how these adventures might have shaped the Bard’s iconic plays and sonnets.
With its meticulous historical research and a gripping, imaginative storyline, this book offers a fascinating tale of survival, ambition, and the transformative power of art. It’s a must-read for Shakespeare enthusiasts and anyone intrigued by the mysteries of his early life.
General Thoughts on the Novel:
The author masterfully blends evocative prose with historical depth, creating a storyline that is both immersive and engaging. The narrative intertwines Shakespeare’s personal growth with his exposure to the turbulent world around him, suggesting how his encounters with betrayal, power struggles, and human folly may have inspired the timeless masterpieces he later created.
Set in Elizabethan England, the novel intricately depicts the political tensions, rigid social hierarchies, and the gritty realities of 16th-century life. The story follows a young William Shakespeare fleeing Stratford under shadowy and challenging circumstances. His journey introduces him to a vivid cast of ruffians, spies, and conspirators, drawing him into a world of danger and intrigue. These formative experiences are woven seamlessly into a speculative biography that fills gaps in Shakespeare’s life with a richly imagined narrative, balancing entertainment with historical plausibility.
One of the standout aspects of the novel is its focus on theater, the arts, and their connection to the broader cultural landscape of the era. The author vividly portrays Shakespeare not as a legendary figure, but as a vulnerable, resourceful young man navigating a complex world. This humanizing approach makes his story relatable while highlighting the transformative power of art.
The novel’s central themes—power, survival, artistry, and transformation—mirror the conflicts and complexities that appear in Shakespeare’s later works. I also appreciated the thoughtful connection between the title and the storyline, reflecting both the symbolic and literal themes of the book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and highly recommend it to anyone intrigued by Shakespeare’s “lost years.” It offers a captivating interpretation of the experiences that might have shaped the world’s greatest playwright, providing both insight and entertainment. A truly remarkable blend of historical fiction and speculative biography, this book is a must-read for history enthusiasts and lovers of literary drama alike.
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Dec 17, 2024 | Editors' Blog, Editorial reviews
We recommend A New America for readers who enjoy political dystopias, cautionary tales like 1984 or The Road, and thought-provoking narratives exploring media, truth, and societal upheaval.
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Which line stood out from all the others in the book?
I find it surprising so many of us can reach across psychological lines of demarcation and sympathize with even the most corrupt and malevolent.
General Summary for Context:
Set in a world strikingly similar to our own, where global governments have been overthrown, a journalist embarks on a journey to a newly-formed nation carved out of the former United States. Tasked with reporting on this fledgling country’s struggle for survival, he uncovers an isolated society grappling with severe shortages and the cascading consequences of being cut off from the rest of the world.
Amid the chaos of political upheaval, the journalist stumbles upon a story far more profound—one that could redefine his understanding of truth and power. Through this gripping narrative, the author delves into pressing contemporary themes such as fake news, fear-mongering, political instability, and the far-reaching influence of public opinion.
Thought-provoking and deeply relevant, this novel is a compelling exploration of the fragile balance between power, perception, and the human spirit.
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Concise Review:
Frustrated by overregulation and governments that refuse to listen, people around the globe rise up in unprecedented protests, toppling regimes left and right. What begins as a groundswell of frustration with political corruption and manipulation evolves into an unlikely revolution—a worldwide movement that reshapes the very fabric of society.
Amid this upheaval, a journalist sets out to uncover the truth behind a new nation formed in the heart of the former United States. But as he crosses the border, the stark reality hits him like a chilling wind: this fledgling country feels eerily post-apocalyptic. Isolated and cut off from the rest of the world, its people struggle to survive without the conveniences and connections so many take for granted.
What begins as a straightforward story quickly shifts gears when the journalist stumbles upon a discovery with far-reaching implications. As he navigates the harsh political landscape, the challenges of this fractured world mirror the turbulence in his own personal life, deepening the story’s emotional resonance.
The narrative is interspersed with news articles and flyers, lending a raw sense of authenticity and grounding the fictional events in a strikingly realistic world. Through this lens, the book examines the fallout of global political collapse and the ripple effects on ordinary lives. It masterfully explores timely and pressing themes such as fake news, the importance of accurate media reporting, and the staggering influence of news outlets in shaping narratives and public opinion.
This is not a light or escapist read—it is a thought-provoking, chilling exploration of a world on the brink. With hauntingly vivid prose, it compels readers to ask, ‘What if?’ and leaves them pondering the delicate balance between order, chaos, and the stories that define our reality.
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General Thoughts on the Novel:
“A New America: The State of Independence” is a thought-provoking novel that dives deep into the “what ifs” of a nationwide revolution. What would happen if people rose up en masse? How would governments respond? How would the media cover it, and how would it impact everyday lives?
This is not a lighthearted tale. With its striking parallels to real-world events, the story carries a powerful emotional weight, immersing readers in a narrative that feels raw and unsettlingly real. As the plot unfolds, it challenges readers to confront difficult questions about power, politics, and the human condition.
The book’s authenticity and emotional depth leave a lasting impression, moving you and sparking reflection long after you turn the final page.
I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys political intrigue grounded in a believable, realistic world. This is a story that will stay with you, forcing you to think critically about the fragile balance of society.
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A New America: The State of Independence is available on Amazon.
