Literary Fiction | Chanticleer Book Reviews

The Somerset Awards for Literary & Mainstream Fiction: First in Category Winners

2016-12-17T12:15:42-08:00By Chanticleer|

The Somerset Awards recognize emerging new talent and outstanding works in the genre of Contemporary, Mainstream, and Literary Fiction; a division of Chanticleer Writing Competitions. This contest division is named after W. Somerset Maugham (1874- 1965), author of "The Moon and Sixpence," "Of Human Bondage," "Razor’s Edge," and other literary masterpieces. Maugham was trained and qualified as a medical doctor. He served in the Red Cross ambulatory corps in WWI, then was recruited in the British Secret Service.

An Editorial Review of “Unbroke Horses” by D. B. Jackson

2014-03-27T17:25:33-07:00By Chanticleer|

It is a powerful, un-blinking telling of the hard-fought war between the bravery of one who refuses to give up against the cunning cruelty of a malevolent trio of ruthless men. D. B. Jackson’s "Unbroke Horses" has carefully chiseled characters and is written with unflinching clarity in short, powerful chapters dominated by taut dialogue and hard hitting action. If you’re a Cormac McCarthy fan who appreciates western literary thrillers, this masterfully written novel is a must-read.

An Editorial Review of “The Black Pelican” by Vadim Babenko

2016-12-17T12:15:44-08:00By A. Libey|

“Each book is a separate universe, a cosmos with its own metrics. The only thing that makes sense in my life is nourishing these universes in my mind for years, and when they’re mature enough, converting them into written narratives, fixing their inner logic, setting the laws of their physics.” – Vadim Babenko

An Editorial Review of “The Memory Thief” by Emily Colin

2016-12-17T12:15:45-08:00By P Beason|

"The Memory Thief" is a beautifully written story, with evocative descriptions of a love for nature and adventure, a deep appreciation of friends and family, and heart-breaking expressions of regret and grief and lust and joy. This book is a haunting ghost story, but above all, it’s a memorable tale of how, even after a terrible tragedy, love lives on.

An Editorial Review of “Tea Leafing” by Weezie Macdonald

2016-12-17T12:15:46-08:00By S. J. Stanton|

What if you had to live life anonymously? Hide your job? Know your friends by pseudonyms? Meet Sam, Grace, Birdie, and Mary Jane: All are exotic dancers at the Pink Pussycat in Atlanta, Georgia. Life is good until one of their own is murdered. "Tea Leafing" is a fast-paced thriller written by an insider of the world of exotic high-end gentlemen's clubs. Told with a touch of humor.

POE: Nevermore by Rachel M. Martens – Horror, Paranormal, Thriller, Mystery

2024-05-01T12:54:32-07:00By Chanticleer|

Be warned, Poe: Nevermore is not a cozy mystery. Ms. Martens succeeds at painting dark, suspenseful, sometimes horrific pictures. It is the type of psychological horror that locking the doors and windows and reading with the lights on will not keep out. Marten’s Poe: Nevermore deliciously feeds these kind of cravings along with satisfying those with classical literary interests.

An Editorial Review of “A Simple Soul” by Vadim Babenko

2016-12-17T12:15:47-08:00By L. Costantino|

In this character-driven novel that delves deeply into the psyches of six flawed individuals seeking life’s meaning in post-Soviet Moscow, the most enigmatic character is Russia itself. "A Simple Soul" transcends genres and time as its characters move across the vast lands of Russia and its ever-changing socio-economic landscape. Prepare to be transported.

An Editorial Review of “Semmant” by Vadim Babenko

2013-07-18T11:42:39-07:00By S. J. Stanton|

Babenko has created a fascinating story, peopled with unbelievable characters in whom we believe nonetheless. He introduces emotions where we would not expect to find them, and keeps us rapidly turning the pages to learn the fate of his protagonist, a genius in cybernetics named Bogdan Bogdanov, who creates a gift for the world named Semmant.