Review: Excellent Plot-Driven Novella. . .
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 10 30, 2012
I don't generally give 5-star reviews, but I believe Barrymore Tebbs earned this one.I wasn't sure what I expected from this novella.  When I cruise the daily free indie choices, I'm usually looking merely to be entertained for a terrific value.  I don't expect truly above-par writing, professional editing and a true feel for craft.Barrymore Tebbs delivered all that and more with this short novella.  The story is plot-driven with enough adequate prose to create the scene, place, and ambiance of the era while not being overly flowery or formal.  The characters are deftly drawn so the reader is able to easily conjure them mentally.  Conversation flows well but is not pointless.  In other words, no words are wasted here.This is not a horror story.  There is no blood and gore.  This isn't even supernatural, really.  It's more along the lines of "just possible", if that makes sense - and that is what makes this novella a true success.  It's hard to even call it fantasy, because the world in the story is so well-drawn you feel as if you could possibly walk into it.I notice the blurb does mention some sexuality and that this is for mature readers, so as not to possibly confuse this with a bedtime fairy tale for small folk.  There are, in fact, two sexual interludes.  Sometimes in paranormal-type novels these can be extraneous and gratuitous.  Not so here.  Both are very well done and sensitively handled.  The first is dreamlike in nature and the second is rather frenetic.  Both fit the scenes within the story and help to set the pace and understanding of what is going on.The ending is a subtle little turn of the screw that you find yourself thinking about later.  Very interesting.If you are looking for something intelligent, artistic without being pretentious, then this is a perfect novella.  I am very, very much looking forward to Barrymore Tebbs continued endeavors.Bravo sir.