E.S. Barrison's Blog, page 25

Last Memoria – Book Review

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Book Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3.5 / 5 stars)

Memories are sacred. The memori claim to know this, but they continue to steal them. Sarilla is vehemently aware of this as well. King Renford has ordered her to steal memories, more than she can count, and each one has hung heavily on her soul. Meanwhile, Falon is determined to get his memories back…and he will make Sarilla help him, whether she wants to or not.

In a gripping adventure that takes Sarilla and Falon down a path of memories, we’re introduced to this unique idea of the Memori. They take memories, determined to get back their inherita (or their history), by sending out tendrils of black vine into the kingdom. Horrific and deadly, it tears apart the landscape, leaving anyone who encounters it an empty shell.

And this is the essence of the story: without our memories, who are we? And when we loose a memory, is worth fighting to get it back? Or should we move on and create our own identity?

I loved the concept and the discussion of how memory ties us all together. The memori are a unique entity, positioned as both friends and foe when looked at from both side. They want their history back, but they also threaten humanity. There is no black and white in this battle. Everything is gray. It is always interesting to read a story muddling the lines between dark and light. In the end, it leaves you wondering…who can you trust?

While I loved the concept and the overarching plot, unfortunately I found the execution to be a disservice to the novel. The first half of the novel is told from Sarilla’s point of view, and with good reason due to who is telling the story, before switching over to Falon’s point of view. Really now, writing this review, I realize more why it starts this way. But, I find that for us to really understand this memoria and Falon’s struggles with his memory, the story might have been better off just told from Falon’s single point of view (perhaps starting at the point where he lost his memories). It would have given us a chance to get to know his friends better, and when certain disheartening moments occurred, we would have felt the pain. As is the essence of memories, so much of the novel is a reflection instead of placing the readers in the actual plot. Any novel like this that bounces between memories will either be executed well or be executed poorly. While I wouldn’t say this was the worst execution of the story, the story definitely struggled in the beginning because of it.

Since I did get a chance to talk with Rachel Emma Shaw a few months ago, I do understand her process on writing the novel. It was written as an audio adaptation, and upon reading it, I can see how it would work as an audio book. Some day I might listen to at least a few pieces of the audio book, since has piqued my interest.

That being said, I am curious to see what the second book in the duology will hold. Will Sarilla come to terms with who she is? Will memories finally be free? I do want to find out, so I am eagerly awaiting that book’s release for sure.

If you enjoy fast paced dark fantasy with a romantic and horror element, I encourage you to check out Last Memoria.

And remember…everyone lies.

What’s it about?

There’s nothing Sarilla hates more than stealing memories, but the king forces her to, just so he can keep his subjects in line. She wants to escape to where nobody knows what she is or what she can do, but her plans go awry when she runs into someone she would much rather forget.

Falon has a six-month void in his memories that he’s desperate to restore. He doesn’t know why they were taken or what they contained, nor why the man he loves is acting so cagily about what happened during that time. He hopes to use Sarilla to get back what was stolen from him and isn’t interested in why she’s so desperate to escape. She will help him get back what he’s lost, whether she wants to or not.

Join Sarilla and Falon in this twisted tale about how sometimes good intentions aren’t enough to keep the darkness at bay

last memoria on Goodreads

Burning Embers – Book Review

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Book Rating: ★★★★☆ (4 / 5 stars)

Her whole life, Feia has been bullied and treated poorly at the Temple of Light, until one day she unleashes a dangerous spirit gift deep within her core: fire. That, coupled with the odd dreams she’s having about destruction in the Spire, sends her on a journey across the realm to prevent inevitable destruction. With the help of a hunter, Rhyode, and her dear friend, Vesta, Feia attempts to reach the Spire to prevent the destruction…as well as discover the truth about herself.

In a classic adventure fantasy, Fiona Jeeves takes us on Feia’s adventure to the Spire. The world building is carefully woven into the story, giving us a sense of who the Sisters of Light are, why certain people have spirit gifts, and who and what wants Feia captured and killed. It adds depth to Feia’s travels, and keeps the reader engaged throughout the entire story. The world that Jeeves built is well though out, making a very typical story unique in its own right.

On top of Jeeve’s fantastic world building, she is able to construct action scenes that really bring the reader into the moment. Fast paced, but with enough details, we not only get a sense of the action, but also a sense of Feia’s feelings and emotions, leading to how she herself perceives the battle and reacts to it. This is not easy to do, and I wanted to take a moment to compliment Jeeve’s this. For a brief moment, I was there with Feia amid the action, and my heart raced as each arrow flew and each defense fell.

Through the constant action, the reader is also made acutely aware of each of the character’s personalities: Vesta, the motherly, Rhyode, the brooding, and Feia, the typical perplexed and noble-hearted protagonist. While I do wish we could have sat with the characters away from the action, watching them banter or talk like young adults typically do, I still understood these characters at their core.

I think my only hang up on this novel was how rushed the ending felt compared to the first 65% of the book. The moment Feia and her companions arrive in the Spire it is constant revelation after revelation, without much time to build suspense or let it breathe. I would have preferred a longer encounter with the Spire Lord, especially with how he was built up throughout the story.

That being said though, while I wouldn’t call Burning Embers revolutionary, it is certainly an amazing start to The Shadow Returns series. We’re introduced to a world filled with spirits and power, and while I want to learn more about both Feia and Rhyode’s abilities, I anticipate I’ll discover much more in the next book.

So if you’re looking for a fantasy adventure that will set your life ablaze, look no further. This book is definitely worth the read.

Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

What’s it about?

After years of bullying it is time for Feia to break free. A young woman haunted by nightmares of her homeland destroyed she seeks to prevent a terrible tragedy. Leaving behind all that she knew, she sets out to protect a family that abandoned her as an infant. Guided by visions of a future that no one believes and with a dangerous gift growing within, Feia has to learn that the most powerful thing in any world, is learning to love and accept who she is. Those who have the power to do that, have the power to do anything.

A young adult fantasy, with danger, romance and a desperate need for self-discovery.

Burning Embers on Goodreads

The Magic Misfits: The Minor Third – Book Review

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Book Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5 stars)
Audio Book Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5 Stars)
Total Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.25/5 stars)

The talent show is approaching, but tensions between the Magic Misfits are high. With Callaghan’s threat on the horizon, Theo Stein-Meyer feels the stress between his friends. They’re constantly bickering, and when a famous ventriloquist arrives, and a girl named Emily asks to spend time with their little group, the Magic Misfits are threatened to be torn apart.

In the third book, we once again join the Magic Misfits. But things aren’t quite so magical with them. They keep arguing and disagreeing, and their tensions are clearly high. Theo desperately wants to be the peace keeper between his friends, and with his oldest friend, Ridley, constantly triggering the disagreements, it leaves him between a rock and a hard place. It doesn’t help that everything is colliding at the same time: his siblings want him to participate in their talent show act, he’s experiencing his first crush, and there is a ventriloquist setting up creepy dummies throughout town. But these tensions are necessary; friendship isn’t always completely happy. There will be fights, and this will show children that sometimes fights are OK. In fact, they might even be healthy to keep the friend group stronger.

This book deals with some darker prospects that the previous book: there’s a devious villain, disturbing ventriloquists and dummies, and betrayal that was not evident in the previous books. Once again, Neil Patrick Harris has woven a tail that is both entertaining and engrossing, for adults and children alike! Each piece that led to the twist is constructed in detail, and I am sure once the identity of the notorious Callaghan is revealed, all the pieces will come together.

Yet, with the tensions, some of the magic is lost. The conflicts are constantly in repeat, as arguments among friends often are, which became tedious in parts. Overall it doesn’t detract from the story, but I think having a falling out and seeing them come back together slowly might have led to less repetition. But…that isn’t always happens in the real world.

I really do recommend this series to both adults and children alike. It is so much fun, with a wide array of diversity and characters. Mostly anyone will be able to connect with these misfits.

That being said, I am eagerly awaiting the last installment in September! I’ve already preordered the audio book and I am so excited!

What’s it about?

Theo Stein-Meyer loves being part of the Magic Misfits. Armed with his trusty violin bow, he completes the team with his levitation skills, unflappable calm, and proper manners. But when a girl named Emily begins to spend time with the group, Theo is surprisingly drawn to her. She seems to understand the pull he feels between music and magic, between family and friends.

Then a famous ventriloquist arrives in town, and the Misfits are sure he (and his creepy dummy) are up to no good. With their mentor, Mr. Vernon, suddenly called away and tension simmering among the friends, can they come together to stop another member of the villainous Emerald Ring? It’s time for Theo to make a choice about where–and with whom–he belongs.

Join the Magic Misfits as they discover adventure, friendship, and more than a few hidden secrets in this unique and surprising series. Whether you’re a long-time expert at illusion or simply a new fan of stage magic, hold on to your top hat!

The Magic Misfits: The Minor Third on Goodreads

The Magic Misfits: The Second Story – Book Review

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Book Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5 stars)
Audio Book Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5 Stars)
Total Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.25/5 stars)

Leila has been enjoying life ever since her fathers adopted her. She has a group of magical best friends – Carter, Theo, Ridley, Izzy, and Ollie – and better yet, she lives above a magic shop! This is everything she could have dreamed of as one of the Magic Misfits! But, when a psychic comes to town and begins unveil her father’s past, Lelia is caught in a whirlwind of secrets that makes her question who she is and where she belongs. As new dangers work their way into her personal life, it threatens to expose her secret…and maybe lose her family and friends in the process.

Once again, we are whisked away by Neil Patrick Harris’s storytelling (even if the narration is performed this time by actress Christina Hendricks). Hendricks does a phenomenal job with the audio book, but it did lack of the charm that Harris put into the first one. This could be due to some of the elements in the first book such as the barber shop quartet and other musical elements, as well as Harris’s ability to pull off different voices. That being said, Hendricks still did fantastic job getting us into Leila’s head versus the first book with Carter.

The story itself is another enjoyable ride, this time not just observing magic, but examining how cruel circumstances leave someone with lasting trauma. We explore Leila as she holds tight to secrets of who her birth parents were, as well as her anxiety and frustrations over her father’s own secrets. Her friends are her rock though, and through all her frustrations, they are there each in their own ways: empathetic Carter, blunt but loyal Ridley, compassionate Theo, and the joking twins Izzy and Ollie. While even at the end, Leila is still keeping her secrets, she knows then that she has her friend’s ears. And that is the lesson, overall, in this story: your friends are there for you, through thick and thin.

This story was slightly less magical than the first. But that doesn’t mean it wasn’t good. We already met all these characters, so the initial excitement has waned. Instead, we’re diving deeper into who they are as individuals. The first book let us meet them through Carter’s eyes, experience the excitement, and ride with it. In this second book, Leila has already been surround by magic for years, so instead we are in a quest for self discovery instead.

While the book does ride on some tropes that have been done before (such as in the musical Annie), it didn’t hinder my enjoyment. In fact, I didn’t even anticipate the twist at the end of the book until Leila started to consider it. I thought something completely different about one of the key characters (who I won’t give away), and while some of my hunches were correct, the last one was a pleasant surprise.

I also appreciate, while all these books could be read as a stand alone (which kids will enjoy), there is an underlying plot taking place that older children and adults will enjoy. As the pieces fall together, I am excited to see what mischief these misfits get into next.

So I guess it’s onto the next audio book for me!

What’s it about?

Growing up in an orphanage, Leila was bullied for being different. She turned her hardship into skill by becoming an escape artist–a valuable trait when you belong to a group of magical best friends. But when a famous psychic comes to town, Leila and her pals can’t escape the big mystery heading their way. Whether chasing mad monkeys or banishing ghosts from haunted hotels, these six friends will do their best to keep their home of Mineral Wells safe–but can they protect themselves?

Join the Magic Misfits as they discover adventure, friendship, and more than a few hidden secrets in this delightful new series. Whether you’re a long-time expert at illusion or simply a new fan of stage magic, hold onto your top hat!

The Magic Misfits: The Second Story on Goodreads

The Magic Misfits – Book Review

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Book Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5 stars)
Audio Book Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5 Stars)
Total Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5 stars)

As people get older, magic often loses it spark. This is the case for Carter. After his parents “disappear” in their final vanishing act, Carter is forced onto the streets with his distant Uncle Sly. But life with Sly is short of being wonderful and magical; no, it’s obscene and heart-wrenching. When Carter has enough, he flees, and hops on a train to the town of Mineral Wells. While this town is every Carter has dreamed of, there is something rotten afoot with a group of carnies heralded by B.B. Bosso. Can Carter and his new friends foil Bosso’s plans?

In a fun, enchanting novel written by actor Neil Patrick Harris, we are shipped off into Carter’s journey not only to escape his uncle, but also to rediscover his love and passion for magic. Is magic real, or is it all a trick? That is for you as the reader to decide. But, this story is magical all the same. Each character is so uniquely defined, that both children and adults will find themselves drawn into this book. While Carter is the typical protagonist, you have the elusive Mr. Vernon, his daughter the adventurous Leila, and her friends, the kindhearted Theo, skeptical Riley, and the twin comedians Otto and Izzy. Each one pulls you into the story, and you’ll be cheering for them to out B.B. Bosso at the end.

While the story itself is mostly predictable, as most children’s stories are to adults, the way Harris provides a diverse cast, likable characters, and an intriguing plot about magic, trickery, and friendship makes this story all the better. Listening to this as an audio book really brought it to life as well; Neil Patrick Harris is a performer, and if you are familiar with him you know he cannot only just act, he can sing and enchant the imagination. That being said though, even if you read the book, I think you will still be captivated by the storytelling.

I cannot wait to get my hands onto the other books in the series! I listened to it all in one day, and I have no doubt I’ll feel the same about the remaining books.

So whether it is you or your kids who need a little bit of magic, why not join this band of misfits? You won’t be sorry.

What’s it about?

When street magician Carter runs away, he never expects to find friends and magic in a sleepy New England town. But like any good trick, things change instantly as greedy B.B. Bosso and his crew of crooked carnies arrive to steal anything and everything they can get their sticky fingers on.

After a fateful encounter with the local purveyor of illusion, Dante Vernon, Carter teams up with five other like-minded illusionists. Together, using both teamwork and magic, they’ll set out to save the town of Mineral Wells from Bosso’s villainous clutches. These six Magic Misfits will soon discover adventure, friendship, and their own self-worth in this delightful new series.

(Psst. Hey, you! Yes, you! Congratulations on reading this far. As a reward, I’ll let you in on a little secret… This book isn’t just a book. It’s a treasure trove of secrets and ciphers and codes and even tricks. Keep your eyes peeled and you’ll discover more than just a story–you’ll learn how to make your own magic!)

The Magic Misfits on Goodreads

The Stone Thieves and the Honourable Order of Inventors – Book Review

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Book Rating: ★★★★☆ (3.8 / 5 stars)

Forget everything you think you know.

Sam thought his father worked in the boring patent office in London, pushing papers and stamping documents. After his father brings him to work one day, Sam discovers that the patent office is far more than he ever thought. It turns out, his father is one of the Few, aiming to protect humanity from risky inventions that threaten to take over the world. After an attack occurs in a room that shouldn’t exist, Sam is offered a “summer internship” of sorts to begin his induction process into the Few. With his new friends, Joe, Fedor, and Veronique, they are tasked to become the new generation of the Few…or their families will be cast out for good.

In a fast paced adventure, filled with well defined characters, unique technology, and a blend of sci-fi with fantasy, we enter the world of the Few. Everything we think we know is turned on its head. Immortality exists. People can be modified. You can “fold” to different locations. And the world is not quite as small as people think. Eddy Telviot creates a unique sci-fi world that has not been explored in these lengths.

Telviot’s knowledge of technology, patents, and science shine in this book. He has put a lot of thought into all these elements, and it shows! Equally, he also has done a great job defining the four main characters. Sam is the traditional protagonist, with a hero complex and self-righteous desire to protect his friends. Fedor is the stereotypical “strong man” with a heart of gold. Joe is the standard smart, little nerd with big glasses but a hidden toughness. Then there is Veronique, who only pretends to be aloof, but is actually very attentive to her place in the world. They form a great rag-tag team, and their strengths and weaknesses come together to excel as a cadre.

While the story gripped me from beginning to end, I realized while reading this that books written in third-person omnipresent need to be done a certain way for me to love them. While the writing in this book was well done, sometimes I struggled to figure out who’s perspective we were in, or the perspective switched too quickly. It almost read as if it were ultimately designed to be a graphic novel. In fact, I can even picture it as such. As a graphic novel, the reader would be able to see all the technology, as well as get those momentary glimpses into the antagonist’s lives, the side characters, and so forth.

Even so, the plot does not get lost despite the constant shifts. It is a wonderful induction into the world of the Few and the Fabulous Arrangement of Atoms. The ending will leave you wanting more.

So do you want to become one of the Few? Why not check out The Stone Thieves and the Honourable Order of Inventors! You’ll have a fun, action packed time!

Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

What’s it about?

Escape into a world you never knew existed.

There is a book which has shaped the course of history. For thousands of years, a secret society of inventors have guarded it. From the Greeks and Persians to mighty Hannibal and the formidable Caesars of Rome. Viking raiders. Crusaders. Even Genghis Khan and the Conquistadors sought it. Yet none have come close to finding it, until now.

Taking a seemingly innocent summer apprenticeship, fifteen-year-old Sam is drawn into the mysterious world of The Few. He and three new friends are chosen to be trained in forgotten arts by this ancient order of inventors, whose existence is shrouded in dark science, marvellous modifications and incredible creations. It’s the beginning of an epic and relentless adventure that will blur the boundaries of their reality – full of action, gadgets and intrigue.

The stakes are high and The Few must adapt if they are to survive this new threat, for Ms Keller and Harbinger Robotics are poised for victory. They have learned of a scroll which will lead them to the book and, with it, change the world forever…

The Stone Thieves and the Honourable Order of Inventors on Goodreads

Feature Friday: Avalon Roselin

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Today I am excited to feature author Avalon Roselin, author of the Stellar Eclipse series as well as an array of other books. I’ve had the opportunity to read all of Avalon’s works…and I definitely recommend you check them out! You can read my reviews here.

As an independent author, Avalon Roselin’s goal is to explore as many different genres a shecan! Her focus right now is on an urban fantasy/thriller-mystery series, and herplans for future books include a magical school story, an animal fiction drama, and a sci-fi romance with robot characters. She hopes to have a wide range of stories under her belt eventually!

Why did you choose indie publishing?

After reviewing my publication options, going indie made the most sense to me. I’m a bit of a control freak, especially when it comes to cover design/illustrations. My books also tend to blur genre lines, and while this certainly isn’t unheard of in the world of traditional publishing, it would make marketing my book harder for a traditional publishing house. I figured I might as well save everyone the headache and do it myself!

Are you working on any projects at the moment?

My current project is the Stellar Eclipse series. Originally we planned to have four “main series” books, but after recent discussions we’ve cut that down to three. I was going to take a break from the series after Dark Lightning comes out–so, release the first two books, take a break, then release the last two–but since we’ve rearranged some things, I’ll be finishing the main trilogy before I work on anything else. Since Dark Lightning ends on a major cliffhanger, I think this is definitely best for fans of the series too. Getting to make decisions like this for myself is another big reason why I love being an indie author!

What is your writing routine like?

Day to day, my writing routine starts in the evening, after I’ve taken care of all my chores and other work for the day. I listen to music to pump myself up before I sit down to write, then try to get at least 500 words out. I use my bullet journal to track my ideas, word counts, and any writing I’m especially proud of. That last piece is very important to my process–reflecting on my work and highlighting what I liked about it that day leaves me with positive feelings toward writing that make it easier to come back and do it again the next day!

If you could give one piece of advise to your past -self about writing, what would it be?

Give yourself permission to “write it wrong.” Sometimes I’ll be in the middle of a scene and realize it’s not going to work for the story, but I’ll finish the scene anyway just to get it out there, then cut and paste it to a separate file. Even if the scene doesn’t make it into the book, I still count it toward my word count goal and consider it a win. Sometimes the only way to find out what’s going to work is to write the wrong thing first. All writing is valuable in its own way.

Any shout outs?

I would be absolutely nothing without my team! This team consists of my creative consultant/illustrator R. Hamlin, content editor J. Rudolph, and line editor J. Smith. They do so much to help each and every book I write be the best it can be, and their feedback often leads me to further realizations on how I can improve as a writer. I’m very grateful for all their hard work!

And remember, Stellar Eclipse: Dark Lightning comes out TOMORROW!

Follow Avalon Roselin

Books

ALiCE

Christopher Robinson didn’t deserve what happened to him.  Then again, almost no one does…

Christopher was a simple man with a simple goal: to make sure his charges at Woodrow Children’s Asylum were as healthy and happy as possible.  Not an easy task, and running out of medicine on the stormiest night of the year didn’t make it any easier.

The car accident made it impossible.

Now stranded on a nearly-deserted island with no clue as to how or why he and one of his patients were brought there, Christopher’s goal has changed: get the child and himself out of Wonderland.  Faced with the cruel inhabitants of the island and his own dwindling sanity, Christopher must find a way to escape before he becomes a victim of one of the island’s many lunatics… or joins them.

Like Falling Stars

Once Upon a Time, there was an Amnesiac and a Faerie Prince…

All Ann wanted was to go home; all Nicolas wanted was to be left alone. However, when Ann woke up in the woods with no memory of her past, fate brought them together—and friendship soon bound them to each other.

Facing their uncertainties about the future side-by-side, their desires become less clear. There is no guarantee that Ann will like the person she used to be, and Nicolas may never see her again if he lets her go. Even in fairy tales, happy endings are not easy to come by. Ann and Nicolas will have to decide how much their friendship is worth if they want a true Happily Ever After.

Stellar Eclipse: Cloudless Rain

Murder is no unusual phenomenon in Marina Delta, a fact former investigators Baltan and Eureka know all too well. But when Eureka brings home a wounded child bearing the mark of an infamous serial killer they put behind bars fifteen years ago, it’s clear that this is no ordinary crime.

Baltan thought his days as a detective were done, and taking on the case will mean dealing with a demon they both would rather leave behind. However, with a bloodthirsty cult mobilizing again, a child with no past in their custody, and only days to stop the most devastating tragedy of their time, taking action is their only choice.

Caught between family, duty, life, and death, Baltan and Eureka will have to decide what they’re willing to sacrifice—and who they’re willing to sacrifice for.

Stellar Eclipse: Dark Lightning

An unexpected journey into the wilderness can test even the strongest bonds…

Nearly a year has passed since the slaughterhouse raid. Eureka should be happy now that he and Baltan are Azzie and Lleuwellyn’s legal guardians, but he can’t shake the feeling that a storm waits on the horizon.

When Eureka’s brother arrives with news that Kwoltan Gera was attacked and asks for help, Eureka knows he can’t turn away–especially after the search for their missing tribe leads them to a reclusive Azure village where trust is hard to come by and war looms overhead.

Old grudges and past failures follow close, and they may have deadly consequences for Eureka’s family.

Currently, I am not accepting any more applications for Feature Friday. Follow me for updates regarding when I will be reopening the application. Until then, signing off.

E.S. Barrison

The Time Keeper – Book Review

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Book Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3.5/5 stars)
Audio Book Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5 Stars)
Total Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.25/5 stars)

We’re always counting. The seconds. The minutes. The hours. The years.

But it wasn’t always like that. Thousands of years ago, Dor began to count, and time as we know it began. But creating time has been both a curse and a blessing, and Dor is thus transformed into Father Time himself, forced to listen as people continue to ask for more time, faster time, and slower time. In order to break his curse, he has to help two unlikely individuals: Sara Lemon, a love struck teenager who wants time to move faster, and Victor Delamonte, a big-wig business owner who just wants to live forever.

In a compelling narrative, we are taken through time to Dor’s childhood, as well as back to the present, where Sara and Victor contemplate time. It illustrates humanity’s obsession with time. What would it be like if we didn’t tell time? Would we enjoy these moments more? Would we revel in the sunsets? These are the topics Mitch Albom asks through The Time Keeper.

Dan Stevens’s narration of the audio book makes the story even more compelling. While at times the whimsical narrative could become repetitive and slow, Dan Stevens made it entertaining and kept my attention.

The overall story is a wonderful analysis on humanity. Most of the book is compelling, realistic, and a true look at how teenagers fall desperately in love, and greedy old men area always for more. The last chapters were a tad cliche though, reminiscent of stories like A Christmas Carol, seeing the future which may or may not be totally accurate. But Dor does in fact get what he deserves in the end, after an eternity of emptiness, and that is enough to provide a satisfactory ending.

So don’t waste time, but don’t rush through; The Time Keeper is a honest look at humanity. When you finish it, you might just stop counting the seconds and a live a little.

What’s it about?

In Mitch Albom’s exceptional work of fiction, the inventor of the world’s first clock is punished for trying to measure God’s greatest gift. He is banished to a cave for centuries and forced to listen to the voices of all who come after him seeking more days, more years.

Eventually, with his soul nearly broken, Father Time is granted his freedom, along with a magical hourglass and a mission: a chance to redeem himself by teaching two earthly people the true meaning of time.

He returns to our world–now dominated by the hour-counting he so innocently began–and commences a journey with two unlikely partners: one a teenage girl who is about to give up on life, the other a wealthy old businessman who wants to live forever. To save himself, he must save them both. And stop the world to do so.

Told in Albom’s signature spare, evocative prose, this remarkably original tale will inspire readers everywhere to reconsider their own notions of time, how they spend it, and how precious it truly is.

The Time Keeper on Goodreads

From the Roof of My Mouth – Book Review

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Book Rating: ★★★☆☆ (2.8 / 5 stars)

Ryan has been desperately in love with Nakoa for years. But Nakoa is a mess; an addict, self-loathing, and cynical, Nakoa holds onto his past and believes Ryan is only holding onto some selfish desires. For ten years though, Ryan has held out for Nakoa. But, with new opportunities emerging and friendships being torn away, Ryan needs to decide if he should continue holding out for Nakoa or move on with his life.

Wonderfully written, Reese Weston plants us in Ryan and Nakoa’s life. We wrap ourselves in Ryan’s emotions, riding on his anxieties over Nakoa as well as his nonchalance and uncertainties about most other things in his life. This paints an accurate picture of how an all consuming love for someone – or something – can dominate a person’s life. Many of us have felt this before: experiencing unrequited love, feeling heart broken, or swearing life is falling a part. Weston rides on this emotion throughout the story, and the readers will latch onto these feelings.

While the story itself is wonderfully written and keeps the reader engaged, personally it wasn’t for me. The toxicity of Nakoa’s and Ryan’s relationship bothered me, and for the most part I hoped that Ryan would give up on Nakoa and find someone else. There was an obsessive nature to it, and while other characters often pointed out how unhealthy it was, they frequently were cast in the antagonistic role. While this is completely realistic to how someone in Ryan’s position might react, I never saw that growth in Ryan. In fact, I still didn’t know much about Ryan by the end of the book…just that he was in love with Nakoa.

This may be due to how the story is fundamentally about Nakoa: it’s about his struggles with addiction, his emotional uncertainty, and coming to terms with his past. Ultimately, it is Ryan love and their deep connection that helps him change though. This is one trope that I’ve never really enjoyed. While yes, it is realistic for love from a significant other or a friend to initiate change, to have Nakoa suddenly transform after years of holding back because of Ryan felt somewhat like a cop-out. Some people will enjoy this transformation though, especially if they are fans of the trope where love cures the deepest wounds.

Despite the story being a tad repetitive though, it did keep my attention and kept me wrapped in Ryan’s emotions. Even if the story wasn’t for me, Weston’s writing was impressive overall.

So if you want a 10-year-long slow burn with drama, desperation, and close friendship, check this book out. The writing will capture you and before long, you’ll be deep in Ryan’s feelings for Nakoa as well.

What’s it about?

Sometimes, Ryan still feels like he’s sixteen, sitting in a classroom staring at the marks on Nakoa’s arms, trying to figure out the enigma of a young man slumped in the desk next to him.

Ten years, they’ve known each other, and Ryan wonders how much of Nakoa he really knows. Ten years, Ryan’s been in love with him, and still, Nakoa’s holding his truths hostage.

So does Ryan. He’s been in love with Nakoa for ten years, but the words have never passed Ryan’s lips. He might not know it, but Nakoa’s the most important thing to Ryan. Even if it means wanting for more for the rest of his life, Ryan’s content to keep things as they are, afraid pushing at all will push Nakoa over the edge completely and he’ll never see him again.

From the Roof of My Mouth on Goodreads

The Mist Keeper’s Apprentice – 99 cent sale!

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