HAPPY LAUNCH DAY TO A-M MAWHINEY!
FUGITIVE RIFTS LAUNCHES TODAY – 01 AUGUST 2025!
I received an ARC of this novel from the author, in exchange for an honest review, which I have provided below.
Brilliant author A-M Mawhiney spins an intoxicating, dynamic web of evocative prose, gripping plot, brilliant characterization, poignant family matters, youthful aspirations, and ultimately hope, in the wonderful present-near-future fiction novel, ‘Fugitive Rifts’.
Set on Canada’s beautiful west coast (a favourite location of mine), the novel follows four teenagers who have unique points of view. On the surface, they are quite normal and typical young adults. One possesses an arrogant brashness born of wealth and privilege; another is a basketball star who is disciplined and committed to her sport, and has aspirations for further greatness; another a bashful but brilliant academic; and the fourth is an easygoing and charismatic charmer who is a fabulous mediator. But these teens who seem to have some much in their favour, and so many advantages, are dealing with earth-shattering issues, concealing dark and foreboding secrets, and facing adversity at every turn.
Yet, bonded together by their high school debate team, these characters, from disparate backgrounds, come together despite their different circumstances, and grapple with confounding big picture world concerns such as climate change, domestic violence, being unhoused, and more.
Nonetheless, this quartet demonstrates what friendship, perseverance, kindness, intelligence, faith, and cohesion can accomplish in the face of fear, pain, grief, loss, and overwhelming odds.
The book commemorates the power of the human spirit, the ability to respect and cherish each other, to care for our fragile environment/ecosystem, and discover simple yet lasting solutions to profound problems. The message seems to be: our youth is our hope, and our future – we are in the best of hands with them. It is a very poignant, uplifting, and impactful message indeed.
As with any book by Mawhiney, it is absolutely beautifully crafted, with redolent, moving writing that enthralls. It will pull powerful emotions out from the depths of readers – don’t be surprised if you shed a tear. I certainly did.
The unification between all living things, nature, and all of our surroundings, comes to the forefront in this wonderful, spellbinding coming-of-age novel that should not be missed, and an incredible 5-star read!
Buy Fugitive Rifts:
https://books.friesenpress.com/store/title/119734000527190905/A-M-Mawhiney-Fugitive-Rifts
Add Fugitive Rifts to Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/239141205-fugitive-rifts
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