“If you’re reading this: HELP! I’ve been kidnapped. Me and my big sister stayed together after our parents died. We weren’t bothering anybody. But some mean government agents came anyway, and split us up. Now I’m a prisoner on this space ship. The agents won’t even say where we’re going. I hate them. And things have started to get a bit weird. Nullspace is supposed to be empty, but when I look out of the skywindows I can see … something. Out there. And I think it wants to get in here. With us. My name is Clarissa. I am ten years old. And they will all be sorry when my big sister comes to rescue me.
Lost Tales of Solace are short side-stories set in the Lost Solace universe.”
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources and the author for my e-copy of this book and my spot on this blog tour.
Review of Clarissa by Karl Drinkwater
My rating: 4/5
Clarissa is one of the short stories accompanying the main story in Lost Solace universe, but similarly to Grubane, it can be read as a standalone. I had the pleasure of being on the book tour for Grubane last year, and you can read my full review here.
Though set in the same universe as Grubane, Clarissa is a very different story. Again told in the first-person narration, Clarrisa allows us for another glimpse into the world of Lost Solace, this time through the eyes of 10-years old Clarissa, who’s kidnapped and separated from her older sister.
I really enjoyed how vivid and strong imagery was in Clarissa. All feelings bubbled strongly in our main character, and she’s been focusing on details, almost like trying to distract herself from the awful and stressful situation she was in. But those vivid and strong descriptions made this novella feel more real and the danger more immediate. I think that was my favourite aspect of this short story.
I will be reading shortly Ruabon – another novella in Lost Tales of Solace series – as well as the main story, Lost Solace, so more reviews coming soon!
Who is the book for: I would recommend this novella for sci-fi fans. You can get your copy here.
For those interested in knowing more about the author:
Karl Drinkwater is originally from Manchester but lived in Wales for twenty years, and now calls Scotland his home. He’s a full-time author, edits fiction for other writers, and was a professional librarian for over twenty-five years. He has degrees in English, Classics, and Information Science.
He writes in multiple genres: his aim is always just to tell a good story. Among his books you’ll find elements of literary and contemporary fiction, gritty urban, horror, suspense, paranormal, thriller, sci-fi, romance, social commentary, and more. The end result is interesting and authentic characters, clever and compelling plots, and believable worlds.
When he isn’t writing he loves exercise, guitars, computer and board games, the natural environment, animals, social justice, cake, and zombies. Not necessarily in that order.
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