Reviews in Brief

A swirling, beautifully penned novel. The level of the prose is where this novel truly shines. When the writing delves into the details of a particular room, or the intricacies of someone’s clothing or face, it is easy to feel transported, caught up in the pomp and circumstance of the enigmatic past. A love letter to another time, The Secret Diaries of Juan Luis Vives is both eloquent and accessible for all readers – an impressive balance that makes reading Ellis’ novel a richly rewarding escape.

A visceral and beautifully penned novel. The story is riveting and patiently told, with just the right amount of historical exposition to situate the reader and immerse us in Ben’s isolated world. The language itself, however, is where this narrative shines, as Arbogast writes with a deft and descriptive pen, stringing together themes that criss-cross the prose, creating a web of emotions and intentions that feel deeply authentic. Sorrow Ledge is an original Civil War story in an unexpected setting that is a dramatic and engaging delight.

A bizarre, mind-bending story. The descriptions are unique and the imagery is vivid, while the plot twist near the end of the book makes for a stunning turn. Readers are often encouraged to release their inhibitions and suspend their disbelief, but Oleksiw’s writing makes it easy to give in. Time’s Musicians is a suspenseful musing on existence, relationships, truth and purpose, offering a satisfying conclusion, along with plenty of profound questions that will persist long after reading the last page.

An entrancing slice of early, and eerie, Americana. As is the case in great American literature, the landscape itself is a character, encouraging readers to find a deep chair and escape the sultry Georgia heat, shaded by ancient boughs richly depicted on every page. Couching inventive fiction within such a visceral frame of nature makes this book a deeply immersive read. That is perhaps the most notable thing about the writing: it is elegant and enveloping, capturing colloquial charm and syrupy drawls with ease. The Winter Sisters is quite simply a pleasure to read; the characters are engaging and unique, the descriptions are intoxicating, and wisdom hangs heavy in each chapter.

While the first half of the novel is a study of an unpleasant character, Coles creates a page-turner in the second half of the book. The dialogue is honest and raw, and Coles’ writing gives resonance to each encounter. Coles crafts McDowell in such a manner that readers end up rooting for a character who was initially fairly loathsome. A thrilling story of redemption, McDowell succeeds with sharp writing, a great story and well-crafted characters.

Jay demonstrates a mastery of emotion and landscape. The scenes are visceral, the dialogue is sharp and believable, and the narrators are immediately engrossing. For history enthusiasts, the level of detail, cultural accuracy, and research feels immersive. The world of the past spills out naturally, drawing readers into the relationships between these characters. When We Were Brave is a vivid portrait of a time and place with characters who are immediately recognizable.