Book Worm Review: The works of Xavier Axelson
I know it’s been a while since I’ve reviewed anything not strictly “horror” but this time around I have a special treat. Still in the spirit of the Halloween season…I bring you the supernatural with a bit of a romantic bent. Now, just a note, these tales by Xavier Axelson feature male/male relationships. If that’s not for you, then feel free to move along. Personally I find the expressions of a deep and abiding love to be a beautiful thing in any tale and these are no exception. So if you’re still with me, and I hope you are, read on….
What does one say when they realize their child is gone? Better yet, what does one say when that child returns, but is different?
This is the question Pryor must ask himself after his daughter, Lily, is dragged into the woods by a wolf and her body is never found. It isn't until he sees a wolf in the woods with eyes that resemble Lily's that he feels hope. And then something is whispered from deep within the woods, a promise for him to see Lily again.
One day...
But which day and for how long?
And then Pryor meets Ned, a silversmith who brings out desires that Pryor hasn't felt in years and helps him hatch a plan to keep Lily with him.
Now the question isn't about how much time Pryor will have with Lily, it's about how far he'll go to keep her with him.
Lily was my introduction into the literary world of Xavier Axelson and I was intrigued from the first words. Axelson’s grasp and expression of the wealth of human emotions that Pryor experiences are a living, tangible thing. From his overwhelming grief to acceptance and learning to live again, Axelson has created a powerful glimpse into the life of those who have loved and lost. There is an incredible depth of passion between Pryor and Ned, which adds a depth of intimacy and connection between these characters. While this is a supernatural tale, there is minimal focus on supernatural elements but rather a focus on the emotional and mental aspects of those left behind to move on with life. Overall, he has written an intriguing tale that wonderfully illustrates that sometimes no matter how much you love something, you have to let it go.
PURCHASE:
Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Lily-Xavier-Axelson-ebook/dp/B00KME5SWO/
Barnes & Noble
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lily-xavier-axelson/1108474208?ean=2940149327850
Seventh Window Publications
http://www.seventhwindow.com/paranormal/29-lily-ebook-9780989606035.html
With Earthly Concerns we see the internal struggle of Anson, who has previously had his heart broken by Barrett and yet still sets aside the emotional pain he faces in helping someone in need. Like Lily we see a character who is facing the grief and emotional upheaval of the loss of a child to supernatural means. Here, however, the focus is on the psychic Anson and his experiences as he searches for answers in the disappearance of young Hillary. His psychic visions and sensations are fascinating and drive the tale. Through the emotionally and supernaturally perilous situation that the characters face, the ultimate moral of this tale is that sometimes in life you get a second chance to make things right and to be happy.
Overall, both of these stories offer readers a look inside the mental and emotional struggles that we all face in life. These are wonderful tales of life and love to be found, even amidst the grief and pain that life and tragedy can bring.
PURCHASE:
Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Earthly-Concerns-Xavier-Axelson-ebook/dp/B007JCCC0I
Barnes & Noble
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/earthly-concerns-xavier-axelson/1109480565
Seventh Window Publications
http://www.seventhwindow.com/index.php?main_page=product_music_info&cPath=&products_id=42
Xavier Axelson is a writer and columnist living in Los Angeles. Xavier's work has been featured in various erotic and horror anthologies. Longer written works include The Incident, Velvet, and Lily. Xavier covers Fringe Culture for the Los Angeles Examiner. Connect with Xavier on his website at www.xavieraxelson.com, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/xaviersaxel and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/XaviersAxel.
Praise for Xavier Axelson’s work
“This book was an excellent short read. It has a little bit of everything. Lost love, tragedy, paranormal beings, and the hint at a second chance.” Close Encounters with the Night Kind “I really liked the psychic element to the story, sometimes in books that just isn't done very well or done in a very cliché way, but I found it came across very well in this read.” Book Devotee Reviews “Axelson writes from the emotions and in doing so he draws the reader in. It is close to impossible not to react to his stories.” Reviews by Amos Lassen
Giveaway!!!
Enter to win either a copy of Lily (2 e-book format to giveaway) or a copy of Earthly Concerns (2 e-book format to giveaway). Anyone may enter. Questions can be referred to Erin Al-Mehairi, Publicist, Hook of a Book Media, [email protected].
Enter at this link:
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/MjMxYWEzMGI1ZDE2MGYyYTgzYjk4NzVhYzhmMTdmOjI0/