Category: reviews

Barda by Ngozi Ukazu Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A fierce warrior on a hellish planet discovers the possibility of hope and love in author Ngozi Ukazu’s “Barda” from DC Comics.

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The Synopsis

Join New York Times bestselling writer-artist Ngozi Ukazu (Check, Please!) as she takes readers on an unforgettable journey of self-discovery, deep friendships, and first loves!Darkseid is…and life on Apokolips is tough—but then, it is hell, after all. And no one knows this better than Barda, Granny Goodness’s right-hand warrior. But Barda has a secret…she is in love. Or she is drawn to the idea of it, anyway, whether it be the beauty of a flower; her affection for her closest friend, Aurelie; or the mysterious and fierce enemy warrior Orion, who isthe only match for Barda’s strength.When Granny decides Barda is becoming too soft, she assigns Barda a task that might be more than she can handle—to break the seemingly unbreakable Scott Free. And as Barda questions why Scott has such hope and what he might have done to provoke such hatred from Granny, she finds herself drawn to him in a way she never expected.The only thing is, we do not speak of love on Apokolips…

The Review

As a longtime fan of DC Comics, getting to see a story centered around Barda was fantastic. The lore behind Apokolips and its ruler, Darkseid, is intricately woven into the fabric of DC Comics, and seeing life on the planet and how Darkseid is both feared and revered by its citizens and servants come to life on the page was chilling. The muted tones of the artwork did an excellent job of capturing the gritty, darker tone and atmosphere of Apokolips. At the same time, the brighter moments on other worlds and between Barda and Scott served as a firm reminder of the glimmers of hope that emerged as a defining aspect of Barda’s character.

The heart of this graphic novel lies in the character development and themes, particularly the idea of hope in a hopeless place. The evolution of Barda, from a fierce warrior and leader of the Furies to a strong soldier who experiences love and kindness for the first time in her life, made this a compelling narrative to get lost in. The duality of Barda as a character, embracing both her fierce strength and her growing love, not only serves as a bridge between her people and the New Gods on New Genesis, but also as a vivid example of both leadership and heroism in the face of fascism. Her love and heart, as well as the inspiration Scott Free brings to life, made the theme of hope so powerful in this story.

The Verdict

Thoughtful, memorable, and entertaining, author Ngoni Ukase’s “Barda” is a must-read graphic novel and a great deep dive into an excellent DC Comics character. The mythos surrounding the New Gods, Darkseid, and Apokolips was greatly expanded upon, and the twists and turns in the narrative help elevate the emotional and hopeful tones of the story as a whole. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Ngozi Ukazu is a DC Comics artist, New York Times-bestselling graphic novelist, and the creator of comics like Check, Please!, BUNT!, and the forthcoming graphic novel FLIP. She graduated from Yale University with a degree in Computing in the Arts, and since 2020 her cartoons have appeared in The New Yorker.

https://www.ngoziu.com/

https://www.instagram.com/ngoziu

Eyal Erlich Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn music review, Music Reviews, reviewsLeave a comment

When a great band or artist comes around with a unique sound and a heartwarming voice, it doesn’t matter where the band comes from. Great music transcends borders, barriers, and languages. In artist Eyal Erlich, listeners can rest assured that a striking and powerful voice is ready to make a splash for international listeners. 

Hailing from Israel, the artist has made a name for themselves in the country, performing small, intimate shows that showcase a range of songs that are both heartfelt and engaging from the get-go. The artist does an incredible job of embodying what makes the singer/songwriter genre of music so great. The music feels personal, speaks to the everyday person living life, and explores what it means to be human in an ever-evolving world. 

The soft melodies are the first thing that draws listeners in. The songs themselves, which include “Already In”, “All in All”, “Jenny”, and my personal favorite, “I Wish I Knew”, all strike a balance between soft/classic rock, with narrative-driven lyrics that evoke the singer-songwriter vibes of the artist. The song “I Wish I Knew” in particular is a powerful song of love and loss, and the yearning we all feel to go back to the times in a relationship when that love was stronger and more deeply felt, but how too often pain and love lost on both sides make that an impossible future. 

The song “Already In” is a great song that showcases the powerful draw of love, whether at first sight or in that first meeting, and how that kind of powerful connection can draw a person in quickly and blindly, sometimes for good, and other times for naught. The song “Jenny” was a powerful song about that initial loss in a relationship. At the same time, “All in All” changed the tone of the song list with a grittier tone to the guitar riffs, showcasing the price of pursuing fame and what a person would do to be with the person they love most. The storytelling and melodic atmosphere each of these songs creates pierces the soul and stays with the listener long after these tracks end.

All in All (no pun intended), artist Eyal Erlich is a powerful vocalist and great musician that people should be listening out for. The emotional, compelling lyrics lend a great narrative tone to the overall music, and the steady, melodic rhythms will stay with audiences as the artist strives to bring their first full album to life in the coming years. If you haven’t yet, check out each of these tracks as they are performed live on the artists’ YouTube page, and be sure to follow the artist and stream their music now.

All in all https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhVb7uMee_M

Jenny https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uA2BYNJnX4I

Already in https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pi6OpSKzfo

I wish I knew https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ci-Zb2iuOa4

https://www.instagram.com/eyalerlichmusic/

https://www.facebook.com/EyalErlichMusic

My Land, My Nile by Maria Zeinab Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A queen dredges up the past as a young woman must discover her origins and her destiny in author Maria Zeinab’s “My Land, My Nile.”

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The Synopsis

For centuries, the river has witnessed kingdoms rise and fall, heroes crowned and crushed. From the golden days of the 10th century to the fading edges of 1970s Sudan, the Nile has held its secrets until now.

Born of two bloodlines Nubian and Abyssinian young Nabra-Isat carries a legacy she doesn’t yet understand. When tragedy strikes, her enigmatic uncle Bantus, a modern-day Kushite king, whisks her away from the only home she’s ever known to the quiet corridors of Geneva.

Before she leaves, a mysterious woman named Tamaya Sufra, with ties to the sacred Nile crocodiles, gives Nabra a gift relic of her past, and a promise:

“You, my child, were born by the Nubian Lake. And you will return. You are the fire rising from the water.”

But the river has all the ancestral stories stored, and picks one in particular that follows Nabra. The story of Queen Gudith-Isat.

Now, as the queen begins to stir the past, Nabra must uncover who she is and what she was born to reclaim.

The Review

This was such a rich and compelling book of mythology, history, and culture. The interwoven stories in this novel mesh together so seamlessly, and the author’s emphasis on Nubian culture and mythology, especially the sacred nature of the crocodiles to the people of that region, was both fascinating and engaging as a reader. The imagery and atmosphere the author brought to life on the page were so artistic and creative, and allowed the reader to feel transported across time and legends through the ancestral lands in which this novel takes place.

The powerful themes the author brought to life in this book, as well as the rich character dynamics and growth the narrative takes, make this a thrilling book to delve into. The author manages to awaken the reader’s senses powerfully with the detail that went into depicting each chapter, with the reader able to visualize colors and hear the tones that each scene brought to life. The way the story shifts between different eras and times and even mythological stories allowed the threads of fate to be clearly woven through these characters and make their arcs feel more pronounced and enthralling. In contrast, the exploration of loss, both of the people closest to us and the loss of land and identity, was profoundly felt throughout this expansive narrative.

The Verdict

Memorable, heartfelt, and engaging, author Maria Zeinab’s “My Land, My Nile” is a must-read historical fiction, mythological, and drama-driven novel. The twists and turns the story takes, the detailed history and culture this story brought to life, and the balance of both the losses and the beauty found in this region of the world made such an impact on the reader that it will drive them to learn more about this area and the people who call it home. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy on September 2nd, 2025 or preorder your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Maria (Zeinab) is originally Nubian from the North of Sudan. She grew up between the Middle East and Europe. This diverse background gave her a broad perspective to draw from in storytelling.Her writing delves deeply into themes of identity, cultural displacement, and the sense of belonging.

http://amazon.com/gp/product/B0FH2Q9KQT/ref=x_gr_bb_kindle?caller=Goodreads&tag=x_gr_bb_kindle-20

Forked Accents by Osadolor Osayande Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Author Osadolor Osayande shares a collection of poems that speak to the cost immigrants face with their accents in the book “Forked Accents.”

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The Synopsis

Forked Accents is a piercing collection of poems that examines the subtle, relentless effect of accents—the way they tell the stories of what we have been through, and how, in distant lands, immigrants slowly absorb the often-self-inflicted belief that their accents must be cast off to belong. These poems trace the shame, the shedding, the slow and latent erasure of self—yet they also carry the crucial promise of self-preservation. Forked Accents does not invalidate the cost of accent authenticity; it acknowledges its weight. But it leans close, and whispers: your accent is a scarred inheritance—wounded, resilient, and entirely whole. This is the redemptive anthem you’ve been waiting for—a tender echo calling you back to yourself

The Review

This was such a powerful and moving collection of poetry. The raw emotion and the visceral imagery the author pours into each page were felt strongly as the reader delved deeper into the book. The poems themselves felt very narrative in nature, with the author speaking directly to the reader through their poems and conveying the experiences and emotions behind those experiences that immigrants often feel when acclimating to another country and their customs.

In a time when immigration has become such a volatile topic of discussion, there is a need to shine a light on the hardships and struggles immigrants face, and the need to showcase why supporting and accepting immigrants into society has never been more critical. The poems in this book reflect the need so many immigrants have to survive in a world that is often too narrow-minded or unaccepting of anyone deemed “different”, and that survival usually comes at the cost of their own identity and culture. The world would be a far more beautiful place if we celebrated our differences and the cultures that define and strengthen them, including their accents, and how those accents tell a story unique to the speaker.

The Verdict

Heartfelt, emotionally-driven, and thoughtful, author Osadolor Osayande’s “Forked Accents” is a must-read collection of poetry. The twists and turns each poem takes the reader on this engaging story of immigration and survival will stay with readers. The poems inspire readers to have meaningful conversations, and the beautiful imagery of each poem will leave a lasting impression. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Osadolor Osayande is a Nigerian poet and storyteller with two poetry collections to his name. He won the Brigette Poirson Poetry Contest (2020), was shortlisted for the Albert Junger’s Poetry Contest, and the much esteemed Babishai Niwe Poetry Prize. His works have been published by top-tier journals such as the AFRICAN WRITER and KALAHARI REVIEW.

Through his works he strives to shed light on how to remain preserved in a world steeped in the drawbacks of transactional relationships, champion love as the highest truth, and how to ultimately arrive at the full stature of authentic self-esteem. He believes that the world needs more of the curative touch of artistic language and is here to contribute his quota to this much needed healing.

https://www.instagram.com/osadolorosayande21?igsh=eGtmc2NjaWs5bjM0

END (The Dying of the Light Book One) by Jason Kristopher Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

The sole survivor of a zombie outbreak in a small town must work with an elite unit to face an even deadlier threat in author Jason Kristopher’s “END”, the first in The Dying of the Light series.

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The Synopsis

When 1,500 people die in Fall Creek’s zombie outbreak—including his fiancée—bookseller David Blake becomes the sole survivor. His escape catches the attention of AEGIS, an elite military unit that’s been secretly fighting the undead since 1873.

The truth is terrifying: walkers have been here for over a century. The government has been lying. And now the infection is evolving—turning victims in minutes instead of hours.

Recruited as a civilian consultant, David joins Major Kimberly Barnes and her squad of hardened soldiers. But as outbreaks multiply and humanity teeters on the edge, he discovers the walking dead might be the least of their problems.

The Review

I am a big fan of zombie apocalypse, dystopian-level horror novels, and this book was such a unique and compelling new direction to take the genre. Immediately, I was drawn into the massive world-building that the narrative takes, sharing a creative direction of taking the outbreak of zombies back hundreds of years, and showing the sudden evolution of the virus that brings about the apocalypse. How government agencies have tried to hide this outbreak for years added a fun conspiracy element to this horror thriller that will stay with readers. 

The depth of character development really was the driving force behind this story. The chemistry between the two protagonists, David and Kim, and their individual losses and traumas from their experiences made this such an emotionally driven narrative, and it helps balance out the novel with the heavy action sequences and horror elements. The detail the author poured into this story, too, from the different outbreak classifications and military systems, to the differing types of zombies and how the virus reacts in other people, made this feel like a cinematic quality experience in novel form.

The Verdict

Intense, character-driven, and entertaining, author Jason Kristopher’s “END” is a must-read zombie horror meets conspiracy thriller novel and a grand first entry in the Dying of the Light series. The twists and turns the story takes, the heartfelt and emotional balance to the action, and the unique ending that is both bleak and yet hopeful in many ways, make this a compelling zombie horror novel to get lost in. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Jason Kristopher is the award-winning author terrifying readers with zombies in THE DYING OF THE LIGHT, thrilling them with 1940s noir in LOCO MOCO, and harrowing them with boy-meets-gryphon-meets-robot adventure in WHEN IRON WAKES. With the love of his life and the dog that rescued him by his side, he plots his next traumatizing stories from Florida beaches.

The Fire in our Heads

Gods of a New World by Ryan Melsom Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Two people from very different walks of life must come together to stop the wealthy elite from becoming living gods in author Ryan Melsom’s “Gods of a New World.”

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The Synopsis

The trillionaires were powerful enough to reshape the world, but it wasn’t enough. Now they want more . . .

In a world where trillionaires assisted by powerful AIs call themselves gods, a world where miracles are engineered and secret technology is wired into the very air, James Kessler and Maree Shell stumble upon a conspiracy that defies possibility: the new gods’ plan to encode their consciousness into the world and seize control of reality itself, to literally become the gods they have so far only pretended to be.

From the world’s gleaming new AI-crafted cities to the crumbling ruins of the old ones, the two unlikely allies, one a childhood survivor of the Bad Times and the other a privileged daughter of wealth, must run a gauntlet of hostile AIs, vengeful modern-day gods, and mysterious ancient deities, desperately trying to disrupt the plans of the most powerful people who have ever lived. Nothing less than the fate of free will itself hangs in the balance.

A mind-bending cyberpunk thriller of rebellion and redemption, Gods of a New World is a visceral dive into the soul of a world on the brink.

The Review

This was such a powerful and thought-provoking cyberpunk read. The novel finds a way of folding in profound questions of theology and the human condition into an action-driven sci-fi thriller that leaves readers completely engrossed in the detailed world the author has crafted, as well as the visceral mythos of the tech and gods, both the old and the new, brought to life on the page. The imagery in the author’s writing makes this feel like a mix of Blade Runner and The Running Man, showcasing a world of advanced AI and wealthy elitists who see themselves as living gods and making technology that could eerily bring that thought to life.

What stood out, aside from the incredible character development, especially with James and his journey to protect those he loves, was the amazing conversation that bridged the gap between modern technology and ancient theology and belief systems as a whole. The concepts surrounding the ancient gods and how their connection to humanity faded, as well as how those with money and power envision themselves modern gods and how perhaps the universe itself is an ancient run technology far beyond our understanding and how AI could tap into something similar to that kept readers on the edge of their seat as the story developed.

The Verdict

Thrilling, compelling, and captivating, author Ryan Melsom’s “Gods of a New World” is a must-read cyberpunk sci-fi thriller. The twists and turns in this narrative and the deep, rich mythology this story brings to life will stay with readers long after the novel ends. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Ryan Melsom has never stopped dreaming about new ways he could get ideas out of his head and into the world. He holds a PhD in literature from Queen’s University and has long been fascinated with the interplay between culture, technology, spirituality, spaces, and human nature. Through the years he has explored these topics through numerous creative media, including two works of fiction, academic writing, experimental web spaces, music projects, blogging, and a black belt in karate. He grew up in Kamloops, British Columbia, and now lives in Ottawa, Canada with his wife and two boys.

welcome

Kingdom Of Embers (Kingdom Journals Volume 1) By Tricia Copeland Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A teenage girl with a hidden destiny must work with the full-grown, living version of her childhood imaginary friend to break a curse in author Tricia Copeland’s “Kingdom of Embers”, the first book in the Kingdom Journals series.

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The Synopsis

2020 Readers’ Choice Gold Medal Winner & 2019 Colorado Independent Publishers Association EVVY Award for Fantasy

Her pale skin and weird diet make her a target at school. If only they, and she, knew the truth…

Seventeen-year-old Alena Scott is tired of pretending to be something she’s not. As an outlawed vampire-witch hybrid, she’s forced to abide by the oppressive secrecy imposed by her Vampire Chancellor mother. But she’ll have to ignore the rules when she comes face-to-face with a handsome, full-grown version of her childhood imaginary friend.

Shocked that he recognizes her as his own pretend play pal, the two embark on a quest to solve the mystery of their fantasized companionship. And as they unravel their entwined destinies, Alena realizes she holds the key to a curse which could free them all—or condemn witchkind to eternal suffering.

Can Alena and her impossibly familiar partner reverse an ancient spell before they’re sent to a mortal grave?

Kingdom of Embers is the first book in the enthralling Kingdom Journal YA urban fantasy series. If you like intriguing characters, shadowy magic, and a fresh twist on modern vampire storylines, then you’ll love Tricia Copeland’s heart-stopping tale.

Buy Kingdom of Embers to embrace a prophetic fate today!

The Review

What a rich and enthralling YA Supernatural Romance novel! The story was so fantastic, taking readers to a more grounded setting of Los Angeles and Southern California as a whole while infusing shadowy, paranormal elements into the narrative. The balance of action and magic with the more grounded high school experiences and emotional dynamics between the characters made this story feel cinematic at its core. 

The drive of this story was in the character development of the cast, especially the protagonist, Alena. The duality of her identity both as a vampire and witch hybrid, and as a supernatural being living amongst high schoolers, was a fabulous juxtaposition, and being able to see her grow her gifts while also learning to balance her life as a senior in high school with the weight of the world literally on her shoulders was both engaging and relatable for so many readers. It allowed the reader to connect with Alena’s overall journey.

The Verdict

Memorable, entertaining, and thoughtfully crafted, author Tricia Copeland’s “Kingdom of Embers” is a magical YA supernatural romance and a must-read book. The twists and turns in the narrative help elevate the thrilling world-building and mythos the author has crafted for this YA series, and the breathtaking imagery in the author’s writing delivered a narrative that could easily be fit onto the big screen. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Young adult fiction author Tricia Copeland believes in finding magic. She believes magic infuses every aspect of our lives and each of us create our own brand of magic. Whether transforming hearts, lives, numbers, ideas, art, music, or simply enjoying nature, we discover magic every day. She aims to write stories that show what is possible when one commits to finding their own version of magic. With urban fantasy and paranormal young adult titles, you’re sure to find a magical character and story line to love within her books.

Whether you’re looking for a fun romance, inspiring story of strength, fantasy, paranormal, or a dystopian sci-fi, you’ve come to the right place. Award-winning author Tricia Copeland grew up in Georgia but now calls Colorado home. If she’s not on the trail you can find her creating magical stories at www.triciacopeland.com.

And So I Took Their Eye by Ben C. Davies Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

The discovery of a body begins a chain reaction connecting people around the world in author Ben C. Davies’ short story collection, “And So I Took Their Eye.”

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The Synopsis

The discovery of a body on the black-sand beaches of Guatemala sparks a chain of events that ripple across the globe.

From an Italian tailor crushed under the weight of his father’s legacy to a mother challenging local snobbery on the cricket fields of England, a vengeful Bolivian priest chasing Che Guevara’s ghost, to a Bay Area therapist blind to his own advice, the lives of a seemingly unconnected group of strangers become fatefully entangled in murder, arson, betrayal, and love. These stories examine abuses of power in a world fractured by inequalities. As their characters confront brutal truths, morality blurs, forcing them to question the meaning of belonging and the lengths they’ll go to carve out their place in an unforgiving world.

Guided by the ancient creed of ‘an eye for an eye’, Ben C. Davies’ And So I Took Their Eye is a gripping collection of interlinked stories exploring what happens when justice is taken into your own hands—and ultimately, what it means to be human.

The Review

This was such a compelling and gripping short story collection. Each story felt very atmospheric, drawing the reader into the culture clash that occurs when tourists and travelers enter a country not their own and bring their sense of righteousness and superiority instead. The dynamic character development and the way the author was able to keep the stories interconnected with one another without sacrificing the unique stories each character experiences made this a memorable collection.

What hit home was the theme the author brought to life in this anthology, which was the fine line between justice and vengeance. The world is so full of increased attacks on things like immigration. There have been increased waves of aggressiveness from people, especially where toxic masculinity is concerned. This book brings these elements into the stories of the anthology to showcase how far people can be pushed, and what happens when people push back. The opening and closing stories especially really captured these themes while also adding mystery, intrigue, and exploring the ways trauma can impact a person.

The Verdict

Thought-provoking, enthralling, and mesmerizing, author Ben C. Davies’s “And So I Took Their Eye” is a must-read short story collection. The twists and turns each story takes, how the author weaves each tale together so seamlessly, and the deep study of the human condition and how the lines between justice and revenge can become so blurry at times make this a memorable collection that will stay with readers long after the final page. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Ben C. Davies is a Californian-based author whose debut short story collection, And So I Took Their Eye, will be published by Bridge House Publishing in 2025. Originally from the UK, his short fiction has appeared in journals such as The Fiery Scribe Review, Left Brain Media, and Downtime Review, while his articles have been featured in Electric Literature, Work, Huck, and Lost.

He serves as an editor for the Ginosko Literary Journal, is a member of the San Francisco Writers Grotto, and is currently at work on his debut novel, Black Sand. In addition to his writing,

https://www.bendaviesauthor.com/

Chasing Through Time by Tara Hodgson Review 

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Two teenage girls separated by two decades connect, and one must find a way to help the other before it is too late in author Tara Hodgson’s “Chasing Through Time.”

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The Synopsis

In the tumultuous world of high school, Emma grapples with a devastating breakup, a damning social media scandal that threatens her reputation, and an overwhelming sense of isolation. Her parents are distant, she has no true friends, and her despair deepens with each passing day.

One fateful night during a sudden snowstorm, Emma forges a connection with Sarah, a girl who navigates the treacherous high school terrain of 2001. In this improbable friendship, they bond through the digital ether, supporting each other’s struggles at the same school, in the same town, while separated by two decades.

The friendship becomes a lifeline for both girls. Their lives bear striking similarities, yet the differences are equally profound. While Sarah is spared from the perils of social media, she gains self-assurance and begins to discover herself. In contrast, Emma’s struggles intensify as she faces dire consequences for her actions online and misguided romantic entanglements.

Sarah watches helplessly as Emma’s life unravels, yearning to help but bound by the constraints of time. Emma’s perilous descent accelerates, and the danger of not receiving the help she desperately needs looms large. Sarah, trapped twenty years in the past, must find a way to intervene before it’s too late.

This gripping tale of bridging the gap between eras explores the enduring power of human connection, the complexities of teenage life, and the lengths to which a stranger will go to save a life.

The Review

Incredibly compelling and emotionally thought-provoking, this novel is full of heart and drives the reader to revisit one of life’s most difficult stages: the teenage years. The struggles of growing up and slowly moving from childhood to adulthood already make being a teenager difficult for many. Still, the added pressures of bullying make life so difficult for teenagers as well. The author brought this to life in visceral yet essential detail, making the use of imagery in their writing style so crucial to fully engaging in the characters’ arcs. 

This novel was very character-driven, with the author capturing both eras of the book, the early 2000s and 2020s, in vivid detail. The experiences both protagonists had in their personal lives, and the way they were able to connect through time became the emotional crux of this narrative, shining a beaming light on the dangers of online bullying and mental health struggles so many teenagers go through, and allowing readers to journey through the process of human connection and the fight against alienation and loneliness as a whole.

The Verdict

Emotionally heartfelt and thoughtful in delivery, author Tara Hodgson’s “Chasing Through Time” is a must-read YA drama meets metaphysical fiction novel. The story felt like a YA version of the film Frequency, connecting two people who desperately need each other and discovering themselves in the process. The twists and turns the narrative takes and the thought-provoking themes will keep readers engaged until the book’s final chapter. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Tara has called herself a teacher of teenagers for 17 years and is now thrilled to call herself a published author as well.

When she isn’t teaching or writing, she is reading. She loves all genres of books, but especially YA Contemporary, Fantasy, and Dystopian.

She spends her downtime walking, camping, boating, and at home with her family and animals.

http://www.tarahodgson.ca/