Until Summer Comes Around: Glenn Rolfe
Reviewed By Steve Stred
Thank to Netgalley and Flametree Press for sending this my way! Really appreciate it.
Glenn Rolfe has been a favorite of mine since I first read ‘Land of Bones.’ To this day the story ‘Simon’ has stuck with me and even yesterday I was thinking about it as me and my son went for a walk and the rain had brought worms out to play. His book ‘The Window’ was one of my favorite reads of 2018 and at the time I called it a ‘future classic.’ It was really outstanding.
Now, Rolfe returns with his 80’s inspired coming-of-age story, which I was excited for since it was announced.
What I liked: Am I becoming a softy in my advanced age? It hit me somewhere in the middle of this book that I loved Rocky and November’s love story. I wanted her to be at the pier each and every time he went looking for her! The story is super straight forward; it’s summer, Rocky’s best friend Axel heads to England with his family, leaving Rocky bummed about what to do. Then he sees an out-of-towner. They connect and then carnage ensues. The absolute highlight for me was these two falling in love. Rolfe nailed that young-love pining that comes from the magic of knowing you only have two months together.
What I didn’t like: I’m tapped out on Vampires, which is hilarious because two of the four books I’m reading at the time of writing this are about Vampires. I also found I’ve fallen out of enjoyment of the rash of 80’s pop culture reference heavy books, movies, and TV shows. Maybe blame it on ‘Stranger Things’ and the abomination that was ‘IT Chapter 2.’ Saying that, I knew what I was getting into with the synopsis and that this was set in 1986.
On the other side, I found Rocky’s parents to be throw away characters, so when one of them became involved near the ending, I didn’t have any connection or sorrow over it.
Why you should buy it: Rolfe is a fantastic writer and this definitely captured the feeling and essence of young, summer love. This could’ve been set in any decade really and the spark that Rocky and November caught would make for a stellar read. I loved seeing their arc and how it progressed as things played out.
Definitely one you all should check out!
Until Summer Comes Around
When fifteen-year-old Rocky Zukas meets a mysterious dark-haired girl named November, his world is forever changed. The young couple falls under the spell of summer love, but not everyone approves. November’s brother, Gabriel, is the keeper of the family’s secret, and big brother is always watching, growing more sinister as his bloodlust gets the best of him. Directing his attention to Rocky’s family, Gabriel aims to make sure little sister knows who is in charge.
You can buy Until Summer Comes Around from Amazon UK & Amazon US
Steve Stred
Steve Stred writes dark, bleak horror fiction.
Steve is the author of three novels, a number of novellas and four collections.
He is proud to work with the Ladies of Horror Fiction to facilitate the Annual LOHF Writers Grant.
Steve is also a voracious reader, reviewing everything he reads and submitting the majority of his reviews to be featured on Kendall Reviews.
Steve Stred is based in Edmonton, AB, Canada and lives with his wife, his son and their dog OJ.
You can follow Steve on Twitter @stevestred
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