Review: 4.5 star read
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 12 12, 2013
From the incredible prologue to the very last page, I was completely and totally captivated by In Another Life. Great characterization and stellar writing are hallmarks of a Cardeno C. story, but it is the very unique concept that makes this novella such an amazing experience.In Another Life opens with 18 year old Shiloh Raben’s suicide attempt and quickly flashes forward to the life he might have had. In this life, Shiloh meets Travis Kahn and they quickly fall in love and just as they are beginning their happily ever after, an unexpected event threatens their happiness. Then the story goes back in time to the aftermath of Shiloh’s suicide attempt where he “re-meets” Travis in the present and their romance begins again.Shiloh and Travis are exceptionally well-developed characters and I absolutely adored both of them. In the future relationship, Shiloh is endearing, a bit shy and when he is nervous, he tends to run off at the mouth. Travis is charming, confident and since he has been waiting a long time for the right man, their romance goes from zero to sixty in no time flat. There is a bit of an insta-love quality to their relationship in both the present and future, but in both instances, their feelings for each other are believable.Once the story returns to the present, Shiloh and Travis have an instant connection and their relationship develops quickly. Shiloh retains some of his memories of Travis, but they are a bit hazy with a dreamlike quality. Shiloh’s suicide attempt is not glossed over and the reactions of his parents and the treatment he receives are realistic.In Another Life is a beautifully written novella that delivers a powerful message of hope and love. It is never gloomy or depressing and Cardeno C. deftly blends reality with a hint of fantasy and the resulting story is compelling, thought-provoking and heartwarming.I received a complimentary copy for review.