The first round of the Speculative Fiction Indie Novella Championship (SFINCS) is drawing to a close, and it’s time to present our semi-finalists. Over the last few months, our team has read and considered nineteen different books, and we’ve whittled them down to five that we want to forward to round two.
In this case, “we” refers to Team TBR, and you can find out more about us and the books we read in the first round here.
This week, we’ll share one of our semi-finalists each day, in no particular order, until all five have been revealed. Reviews are not required in this round, but each book needs to be read by at least two team members. Our semi finalists were all read by at least three team members.
The previously announced semi-finalists are:
- The Drowned Heir, by Jennifer R. Donohue
- Reap, Sow, by S.H. Cooper
- The Nome King & The Shroud, by Tim Pratt
Now, it’s time for…
Semi-Finalist Thursday:
A Second Life Worth Living, by Karen Lucia
Our Comments:
Sue
The opening pages of this novella were horrifically disturbing. I found them very impactful and was a little concerned I might be reading something too dark for my tastes. However, I persevered, and I am so glad that I did.
Tabitha
The writing style of A Second Worth Living is brutally honest and filled with emotion. The story does not hesitate to show the darker parts of humanity and ignorance while also creating relatable characters.
Nils
This could easily be a parallel to a myriad motivational tales about having an epiphany and turning your life around after a near death experience, but it’s not. A Second Life Worth Living takes a different angle.
Nils has not yet written a review (shame on you, Nils)
Book Description
Bennet Smith has already died once. He has no interest in a repeat act.
Caught in the crossfire of an increasingly violent revolution, Ben’s first death doesn’t stick. His bones ache. His body still feels phantom pains. Wrongfully killed, he should return ready to fight alongside the revolutionaries striving for change. Instead, he wants no part of it.
Bennet Smith is no hero. He has never been a hero. He has never wanted to be a hero. All Ben has ever wanted is to keep his head down, fly under the radar, and pass completely unnoticed. Death didn’t change that.
