Review: Fearless, Unapologetic Talent.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 04 29, 2014
I remember a time when I would pick up a book and could just read without immediately thinking "this is indie" or "who is the publisher?"… but now it stands out in just about everything I put my hands on. Quite often, many independent writers assume the role of wild child in the lit world. A place where the possibilities are endless with discipline being defined by the holder of the pen and not what's been decided in a contract. Or the extreme where rules are simply taboo. Then there are some traditionally published authors choosing to exist within the structured course set before them. Occasionally the traditional authors venture over to the other side with their self-published work, seeking a place that will allow their imaginations room to run wild and free… where their editors cannot turn their nose up or frown. And it's divided the story on the page.Nia Forrester amazes me as a writer. As a fan of her work, I have watched a damn good writer become extraordinary. A few months ago, I declared Afterwards to be her best. That was until I read Afterburn. Afterburn left me speechless and content. It's been a long time since a book has been able to do both. I'm positive that I am not the only one feeling this way after reading this novel.What Nia Forrester also accomplished with Afterburn was that she didn't give in to the trap authors fall into, writing a story for the reader. She made a conscious decision to tell the story. I don't think that resonated, so please let me repeat that one more time. Nia Forrester did not let ego, pleas or reader expectations guide this story's path. She did the one thing that defines what a real author is - Nia Forrester told the story.Why is this such a big feat? Afterwards was a great love story. She took us further into the lives of Chris Scaife and Robyn Crandell and let us watch them fall for each other. Afterburn was bold enough to show the rest of that story, the real afterwards… the tests and defining moments that don't just make couples, but showcase character. Nia Forrester was not afraid to go to some very unexpected places, moments that bring out every emotion a reader probably hasn't experienced in quite some time. In Afterburn, she went there and did one heck of a job.And that whole indie vs. traditional thing I mentioned did not occur one single time while reading Afterburn. Nia Forrester delivered a complete novel full of all the ingredients that bring out great fiction. This is what I look for when I pull out one of my classic novels, but Nia took it to present day. I didn't feel one ounce of immaturity in the author's voice (now a few of the characters… that's a different story). I didn't sense her wavering or doubt. Not once did she look over her shoulder to see what the reader could be thinking or if we could keep up. And when the heat became intense, Nia did not write drama - she authored life.Nia Forrester is an author that the indie world must be proud of and traditional publishers should nod their appreciation. Afterburn took down the barrier between the two worlds of creative license and politics to remind the reader of what great fiction is made of. Fearless, unapologetic talent.