Saturday 11 February 2012

Darkness To Light - Reviews!

Ah, half term holidays at last! Words cannot describe how much I value this little reprieve from the manic-ness of my life. Sure, I have a large History essay and a shorter but infinitely more difficult essay for Spanish (plus the need to read a LOT of books, most of whom I doubt I will be terribly fond of), but hey ho, I can sleep again! And being able to access the internet is always useful too :)

And what a better way to start this holiday than by seeing a pair of absolutely wonderful reviews of my newly published story?

This one here was the first one, from my bestest buddy and supremely awesome collaborator, Cathryn Leigh:
"I think the best thing about it is that it describes so many struggles. Finding faith, kicking an addiction, breaking from a violent cycle... all those dark places people find themselves. And it is so true that it's not until you realize you're missing something, and you struggle to find that something, that someone else can help you find the something. And I think that something is the ability to live, live, not exisit, live..."


Words cannot describe how happy this made me - I so desperately wanted my story to show what I felt at the time (for those of you who don't know, Darkness To Light is a tale based on personal experience), and knowing that it had - even if it was just for one person - made everything so worthwhile.


The second review is from the UK Amazon page, by the reviewer known only as "Newshoeaddict". Here's what they said:
"I whizzed through this over the last two days in 10/15 minute intervals. Easy reading of some brilliantly written short stories. Some funny, some dark and disturbing, all with a great intro by Saffina herself.

There are three stand-out stories for me. 'Toe' is brilliant. Brilliantly written and very obviously, true to life, really gets you thinking how losing a limb/digit would make you feel, even amusing in places. Liked the one about the husband and killing him off too. Well-written again and quite funny, but the real winner here in this collection by a mile is the one by the young writer, Charley. It is deep, very dark and really hooked me from the off. She has a very unique writing style and it is brilliant considering her age. One to watch out for.

This book is great and a real bargain! Highly recommended."



I cannot stop re-reading this. Literally. It makes me so utterly happy - as far as I know, I'm the only first-time author in the whole anthology, and someone thought what I wrote was one of their favourites. I think I gave my little brother a heart attack when I SQUEEEEEEE!-d this morning after reading it.


But enough of my egotistical ranting - I'll go back to proper posting now, honest! 


Before I go, though, a special thank you to you, my lovely readers, for all your comments and support and well-wishing. My life would be a sadder place without you all :)



- Charley R

6 comments:

  1. GOL (giggles out loud) actually it was more an Ernie Te he he... But anyway.

    *Huggles* My mom totally agrees with my review, by the way, and she's worked a rape crisis center, and we won't go into the dark blotch on our live that was DE...

    Anyway that second review is better to me, but probably because I didn't write it. Plus that Newshoeaddict is right. We are going to have to watch out for you, because I think you will go far!

    (And I'll be hanging on the your cape, which I'll have sneakily reinforced, being your tailor and all...) *giggles*

    :} Cathryn

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh yeah, you told me about that. Send my respects to your mum - she's an incredible woman, and I'm very glad my story was appreciated :)

      Of course! Except you won't have to hang onto my cape - you can run and try and keep up with Mim and I once you get yourself published!

      Delete
  2. Stop it, you're making me jealous ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sorry. I'm a little overenthusiastic sometimes. You know I love you *hugs*

      Delete
  3. I can't even being to wipe the grin off my face.... of course it was amazing, it's YOU! And anyway, I'm SO HAPPY FOR YOU I CAN'T EVEN TAKE IT!!!!! Heehee. reading those reviews made ME giddy xD

    You rock, girl! :D :D :D :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. *tacklehugs* I'm so glad you think that - you awesome person :)

      Delete