Tierney MacDonald

Persephone for a New Generation

How do I even begin? This story combines mythology, realism, and fantasy effortlessly, balancing humour, romance, and horror with all the grace of a master. Despite the divine forces shaping her destiny, Ness's power comes not from her nature-wielding abilities, but from her courage and autonomy. Ness depends on Hades as much as he depends on her, making their partnership an equal one, which is refreshing to see in a fantasy romance. Even the background characters feel incredibly alive (haha), and the author's ability to balance all the different elements is a point of strength. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to try to find Book Two.

Snappy, Quirky, and altogether Hysterical

Mindbender is a story about a regular guy, doing regular things, who gets thrown into a situation he barely understands. At least, of course, that is what I got out of the first chapter. During my reading, I was also blessed with a unique and interesting plot, a hook that was - by the narrator's own admission - fairly clumsy, amazing characterization, and moments that had me curled up on the floor crying with laughter. I am incredibly intrigued by this story, and I can't wait to see how the plot progresses. Beautifully done!

I'm not crying...

The Anomaly is terrifying in what can only be described as its simplicity. A perfect mix of horror and sci-fi, this story was horrifying, touching, and all together heartbreaking. Despite the fact that I knew almost nothing about the protagonist, Anomaly, I was completely drawn into her existence. The descriptions of the setting, the other characters, and the program in general are poignant and vivid, and the dystopian existence faced by the characters seems eerily real. Though I did not see that particular ending coming, the clerk's kindness almost made up for the absolute sob fest I enjoyed after finishing the story. I'm very interested in the clerk's motivations... is she herself an anomaly, or does everyone outside of the program think like the clerk does? In short, The Anomaly is a vivid, soft stab to the chest, and I defy you not to shed a tear at the end. Beautifully done!

A legendary sequel

Death and the Maiden has continued in the best possible way, with an intricate political twist and the continuation of the romance that the last book got so right. Hadrian and Nessa's love-annoy-love rollercoaster of relationship brings a welcome uncertainly to an (ideally) inevitable conclusion, while the minor characters continue to bring fresh life to the plot. Though the title of Great Sinner Queen is a direct juxtaposition of Little Saint Bride, the skill with which Larissa has woven this tale is the same, if not better, than her last.

Unforgettable

Like the narrator of the piece, I shan't be forgetting this short, sweet, melodious piece. It's amazing how much beautiful imagery and tone can be contained in so short a piece. Every detail is sharp, crisp, and poignant, and the author wastes no words. The setting is communicated effectively without being overly descriptive, and the sound is wonderfully portrayed. A perfect, little magically real fable: I highly recommend it.

Everything You'd Ever Want from Modern Fantasy

I am nearly at a loss for words.

The Knight in Stainless Steel is an epic, heart-warming journey through history and high school, with spot on humour, incredibly characterization, and gorgeous description. Tense, powerful, and witty, this story is everything you would ever want from a fantasy, and everything you would want from a romance. The combination is stunning. Now, please excuse me while I go and scroll with great excitement through this author's profile.

Well, I won't be sleeping tonight.

Wow. How do I even begin to review this story? Eerie, haunting, and vivid, The Dancer is a horror story at its most terrifying. I am so legitimately freaked out, and well done to the author! If you're looking to be absolutely terrified, this short story is the place for you.