Advance Reviews Praise “Beautiful and Terrible Things”

The first advance reviews of my forthcoming novel Beautiful and Terrible Things are in, and they offer high praise!

Sending “Advance Reader Copies” (also called “Advance Review Copies”) out to publishing trade magazines and media before a book is published is a time-honored tradition in the process of publishing a novel. The idea is that publishing experts can offer unbiased, professional opinions to help readers decide whether or not to pick up a book for themselves.

Of course, these days, reviews from other readers who are not industry professionals have become as important — maybe more important — to many people. Online reviews by consumers are the equivalent of digital word-of-mouth advertising, in my opinion. And word-of-mouth has always been the most powerful form of marketing.

Either way, reviews matter, more than ever these days. (Hint hint: Be sure to review or at least rate any books you read; you’ll be doing the authors a huge favor.)

But enough marketing talk. On to the reviews!

Here are highlights from the first two advance reviews of Beautiful and Terrible Things in the trade press:

Indies Today

With a bustling contemporary backdrop, a sobering dose of stark realities, and a kaleidoscopic cast that is both flawed and fascinating, Beautiful and Terrible Things reads like a rousing anthem for social evolution.

From embarrassing habits to shameful memories, the hyperrealistic characters are elegantly portrayed.

A potent juxtaposition of things painful to bear and inspiring to behold, Beautiful and Terrible Things is an eloquent novel that fully lives up to its name.

Read the full review here.

Literary Titan

Stevens’s prose is lyrical and rich, capable of drawing readers deeply into the emotional landscape of the story—from introspective quietude to the fervor of protests and activism, the authenticity and emotional resonance of each scene are palpable.

Beautiful and Terrible Things is not just a story about overcoming adversity but also a reflection on the intrinsic beauty that can be found in life’s most formidable moments. It challenges readers to consider the enduring impact of human connections and the personal strength that can emerge from hardship.

This novel remains with you, a testament to the indomitable human spirit and the complexities of life it navigates.

Read the full review here.

What’s Next

Beautiful and Terrible Things will be published in July. I’ll be sending discount codes and Bonus Materials to my followers before then.

And if you missed the release of the official video trailer for the book, or want more information and a description, hop on over here.