Ricochet

Ricochet by Carmel March

For Gemma, the hardest part about traveling across southern Africa looking for an infamous criminal wasn't the constant danger, the long days, or even working undercover. It was pretending not to have feelings for her partner, who was not only endearingly complicated and frustrating, but also her new pretend husband. 
Banner Credit: Ali

Melissa Thinks: Unsurprisingly, Carmel March has bestowed upon us another addicting story.
Gemma and Boone are back and better than ever in this sequel to Vertigo. Just as action-packed as it's prequel, Ricochet promises to be a well-developed look into the lives of two CIA agents as they take on their next mission in South Africa. Chapter one starts only a handful of days after the events of Vertigo with the winsome couple once again having to pretend to be married in order to complete their undercover operation. Despite the fact that Vertigo ended with them finally getting together, Gemma and Boone have yet to talk about exactly what happened that night and their feelings for one another. So, once again, we find ourselves waiting patiently for the two to realize they're meant to be together.

I can't say I'm surprised that this story was suggested the second it was posted, because Carmel March is one of the greatest authors on Fictionpress currently. The reason she's so amazing, you may be wondering, is because her stories include everything anyone could ever want: deeply developed characters, thrilling action/adventure, idyllic romance, and earnest dialogue. It's also important to mention that this story is intense in nature; its constructed with long chapters (that I devour so quickly, I have to reread them later to savor the experience) packed with excitement and sexual tension.

Carmel states in an author's note that while Vertigo was about the build up of Gemma and Boone's relationship, Ricochet is the development and strengthening of it. Within the first few chapters we get a strong sense of the story's tone and pacing, which lends to the author's intended focus on her character's relationship.

Recommended for fans of On the Run and Close Protection.

The Mourning Sword

The Mourning Sword by Fairyfern

Allary, reluctant princess of Orcad and cousin to the King, takes a journey to Almeirím, the city of Elves, in order to honor an ancient tradition that may save her country from a bloody war.
Banner Credit: Arden

Melissa Thinks: It's been awhile since I've found a high fantasy story on Fictionpress that stole me away quite like "The Mourning Sword". Allary is a headstrong girl who lives a life of relative peace beside her cousin, and King of the human kingdom of Orcad, Fenn. With the tension between Orcad and the neighboring Elvenkingdom rising, it seems one little mistake could bring the two species to war; so when Fenn becomes sick and can't journey to the Elven city of Almeirím in accordance with tradition to take part in King's Week, Allary, as princess of Orcad, must take his place.

Don't you just love when you're so emotionally invested in a story that you get those butterflies in your stomach? Your world falls away and you can become completely involved with an amazing story? That's what "The Mourning Sword" was like for me. There were so many memorable components of the story. Most importantly, the world building was incredibly on point. It's easy to drown in endless facts that you don't care about, or even find yourself craving a deeper explanation in fantasy novels, but that is not the case here. There is an immense amount of knowledge thrown at the reader, but it works so well both because we are learning as Allary learns and the content is incredibly interesting to digest.

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Cinder Creek

Cinder Creek by SophieInPink
When the always-responsible, always-practical Sloane Lennox's father dies, the only way to keep her siblings together is to move in with an insufferable new guardian. Soon, Sloane must contend with a growing attraction to him, despite her better judgment. She fights hard not to care for him only to realize he is likewise battling feelings for her.
Banner Credit: Sarah

Melissa Thinks: I have waited a long while for this story to be long enough for me to review; I cannot say I’m disappointed with what I’ve found within “Cinder Creek”. It’s definitely reminiscent of a story I reviewed early on in my ADoR days by this same author, SophieInPink.

When her father dies, seventeen-year-old Sloane is left to care for her three younger siblings. This is nothing new considering she’s been doing it since she was twelve, their alcoholic father not willing to care for them properly. Of course, Sloane is still a minor and by law is not able to gain custody. On top of that, due to debt left behind by her deceased father, the Lennox’s childhood home is about to be repossessed.

Just as Sloane is about to lose all hope, John steps in. John is the stepbrother of Sloane’s long dead mother, Gracie. The only living relative of the children, John must either step up as their guardian or leave them to be split up by the foster system, despite the fact that he’s only twenty-three. The Lennox children weren’t expecting him to say yes, neither were they expecting him to invite them to live with him in his cramped two-bedroom home on the outskirts of town. This is where the story really begins, as Sloane has to learn how to work together with John to raise the kids.

SophieInPink has a way with words; her narration leaves little to be desired and her plot, though cliché, is mended by the reader’s love of her characters. Sloane is a mature and strong character. Both her willingness to do anything for her siblings and her hardened resolve give her substance. Even though the romance between Sloane and John is a slow build, I found each chapter enjoyable – every character interaction worth the time. Not all authors can say this, for I often see novels in which there is nothing natural about the way relationships progress.

Chai and a Pinch of Salt

Chai and a Pinch of Salt by bulletproof.cupid

It's funny the things you learn about a person after they die. I loved him once. Could I love him again? -Young Sofia has just come back to Pakistan, lured by her father's death. Can she overcome her grief? Moreover, can she trust herself not to fall in love with the one person she can never have? Love has never been so tempting. The tale of a girl and her once-upon-a-time servant.
Banner Credit: Atramento

Melissa Thinks: In the ongoing fictional story "Chai and a Pinch of Salt", the reader is immersed in a culture that we don't often read about on FictionPress or even in published novels. Sofia returns to Pakistan after the sudden death of her father. Here she lives with her many cousins, her uncle, the servants, and her childhood best friend Zafar. The theme of family is pervasive throughout the text and, although romance does not play a large part in this story, it does exist within it. Sofia deals with the loss of her father, a man she was just beginning to know, and the grief that comes with his death. She's faced with the aftermath of her departure from Pakistan 15 years earlier; how her father has seemingly moved on, how her childhood friend is very much a different boy, and how life in Pakistan compares to her life in London.

Beautiful flowing descriptions help to reel the reader in. Once you start, it's hard to stop reading as the delicate writing keeps you addicted. I honestly enjoy learning about Pakistani culture, language, and customs from this story and it feels like the author tries hard to teach you about the main character's life without being too invasive. Even though there's a depressive nature to the plot, bulletproof.cupid is adept at slipping in little pieces of humor to amuse her readers. Sofia has a strong voice and is an attractive character, yet is flawed, which is one of the best things about the story. Reading about her emotions - her anger, loss, jealousy, guilt, gives her life and gives the story a defining quality.

I only have one complaint, and it's not really a complaint, but the chapters are about 2k words long each and I just find myself craving more at every end I come to. Although the grammar could use some tweaks, the author is seemingly very open to critique and constructive criticism, so I encourage everyone to help this budding author out.

auld lang syne

auld lang syne by dear-llama
After Nik left four years ago, the group splintered. But now he's back, forcing a reunion between six ex-friends who could've been strangers, but not quite. Temporarily goaded into close proximity, old hatchets get unburied and unresolved tensions rise again. And, as Tamy comes to realise, four years can change everything but the things that matter.
Banner Credit: Atramento

Marta Thinks: ‘Auld Lang Syne’ is a poem written by Scottish poet, Robert Burns and literally can be translated as “old long since” - though the more grammatically correct version would be “long long ago”. That fits in neatly with this particular story, in which the present is tainted by the past, and no matter how long ago the events took place, they have a singular impact on the unfolding events. The premise can be described as straight-forward: Nik and Tamy used to date, and they hung with a group of friends (Nadine, Lux, Wolf and Ansel). Nik left for China, somewhere along the line they broke up - and he never visited like he promised - and Nadine, Lux and Wolf believe Tamy cheated on Nik with Ansel. So far so good. So far so clear.

Or not. Because it’s obvious pieces of the puzzle is missing - why did Tamy and Nik break up exactly? Why do Nadine and Lux hate each other? What is Nik truly trying to achieve? And: is there something else that is being hidden? Tamy is a protagonist who is easy to empathise with and her personality easily stands out. Through her eyes, the dynamics of the other characters can be seen as well: it’s not always Tamy and insert another person; there are other elements at play. And that’s never an easy task.

This story has only five chapters, but dear-Ilama’s writing capabilities are hard to deny, and the 31K words she has written so far are definitely worth reading.

Lunch atop a Skyscraper

Lunch atop a Skyscraper by justmaybe
"What's wrong, Vi, is that you've got the hots for your boss. Your admittedly delectable, but emotionally unavailable, supermodel-dating, completely inappropriate-to-fall-for boss."
Banner Credit: Ali

Ali Thinks: Violet is as the summary says: extremely attracted to Andrew Williams, her (ridiculously hot) boss. And hey, I don't blame her! What started out as a call from her best friend Marina about a assistant job for a photographer turned into a lot more than Vi was ever expecting. She was warned about the last assistant, who was fired for constantly making a move on Andrew, and Violet would never dare be the same, but constantly convincing herself that she doesn't have any feelings for him is futile, especially with him treating her the way he does. This is the geek and hot guy cliche at its best, and I'm not gonna lie, I'm head over heels.

What I love the most about 'Lunch atop a Skyscraper' is that I can tell how much thought justmaybe put into it. Violet and Andrew both have strong distinctive personalities, but so do the supporting characters like each of their siblings, Marina, and even Abigail, Andrews mysterious ex-something (who you'll probably want to not like but actually have no animosity towards). She makes the plot as interesting as her characters, and I'm sure I'm not the only one who happily spent her Saturday afternoon smiling at how cute Violet is and how cute Andrew obviously thinks she is.

Though probably around halfway finished, this story will reel you in, and you won't be able to stop reading until there isn't anything left. But don't worry, I'll be right there with you waiting ever so patiently for the rest of Violet and Andrew's story to fold out, because I'm sure it's gonna be fantastic.

Holy the Dark

Holy the Dark by lookingwest

Achitophel was once a shaper poet before a war between his people and witches drove him to desertion. Trapped in an urban sprawl with a human woman and the prince of witches, he's never felt so homesick. Worst of all, the prince has been turned vampire. Chances of fleeing the city alive are dwindling. 
Banner Credit: Melissa

Melissa Thinks: The thing about Holy the Dark that is so weirdly genius is how the point of view switches; each chapter alternates between five characters. It sounds like a lot to handle, and at first I was unsure on whether I could carry on, but the thing about HtD is that the characters - although written with the same idyllic haunting of a voice - all have different roles in the story; different perspectives and attributes that the author defines for you.

The setting, dialogue, and the plot points are all very chilling, like nothing I've ever read in a supernatural story before. I appreciate how in-depth the characters are, even though it means less action. Although sometimes the writing can be vague and confusing, which is my only criticism for the story in whole.

More Than Anyone

More Than Anyone by templeton21

For some reason, the instant Ben and Olivia meet, they hate one another. Every time they're in the same room, all they seem to do is fight and trade insults. But according to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, hot hate is twin brother to hot love.
Banner Credit: Amy

Marta Thinks: Out of every single cliché possible, Hate/Love is the most difficult to write. How can someone go from extreme hatred to extreme love, and be realistic while doing so? It seems to be an impossible task, but apparently not for templeton21. Her story "More Than Anyone" is written with such freshness and clarity that it's obvious to see she's definitely written her cliché very well.

Ben and Olivia, the two main characters, do truly hate each other, but it's not an unrealistic, unfounded hatred, nor is it exaggerated. They're also mature, confronting their feelings when necessary and confessing if needed. Their two POVs make us feel for them, instead of detracting from the story.

I also have to mention the beautiful background of vivid and memorable side characters; without them the story wouldn’t be as funny and original as it is. Luckily, templeton21 had the foresight to include them, and she is definitely reaping results.

throttle and base

throttle and base by ellison
i wanted to burn bright, a falling star. but i'm disintegrating in the clouds of your breath, bone-thin, exhausted & starving for control.
Banner Credit: Ali

Marta Thinks: I've read this poem I don't know how many times, and yet I'm still entranced by it every time I read it, picking out new imagery, making it linger in my mind, and letting the melodic words roll off my lips. ellision writes beautifully, and what is particularly amazing about it is that she doesn't add words because they sound nice, but because they make sense. I love that.

"throttle and base" is meant to be a collection, but even though ellision may never add any other poems, this stand-alone is lovely on its own.

Penumbrae

Penumbrae by seredemia
As a typical princess, Jenna is spoilt and wishes for adventure and action in her life. Somehow, her wish is granted during her seventeenth birthday and she is suddenly thrown into a world of brutal reality and dark curses. Alongside her childhood friend, a grumpy thief, and a magical elf, Jenna must now find a way to get her life back before the darkness takes everything away.
Banner Credit: Brenda

Marta Thinks: Click on the link. You may look at the number of chapters (54) and its status (incomplete) and the last time it was updated (4/13/13) and run away, thinking it's not worth your time. You'd be wrong, incredibly wrong. Because, despite everything that goes against it, despite it having numerous characters, and long chapters, it works. And it works incredibly well.

The story almost seems like a cliché in the beginning, with a princess, Jenna and her best friend, Eiden, and an arranged marriage on the horizon. But it's part of its magic. seredemia lets everything seem so done-before, when actually the story is complex, woven across characters and events - both belonging to the and present, so that a beautiful embroidery comes together. It tells a tale that you certainly don't want to miss; that you’d be crazy to miss out on.

Scrapyard Sally

Scrapyard Sally by Findus

Pinstriped yuppie scumbag Felix Hern is scheming to get his greedy lily-whites on Sally's debt-ridden scrapyard. But Sally Sullivan eats snooty city-boys for breakfast. Or she would, if he weren't already all over her bacon. 

Banner Credit: MajordlyFantastic

Rosie Thinks: From reading just the summary, I could tell that this story was going to have personality - and I was right. Sally is such a well characterised MC, utterly hilarious and so unique. The story opens with Sally and her Sun Tzu-spouting friend Dino playing 'fat-boy smackdown', and that definitely set the tone for this truly one-of-a-kind story. Sal Sullivan (ie, Sally) is the proud owner of a scrapyard inherited from her late father. Unfortunately, thanks to her dad's debts, it's about to go into forclosure - and this is where Felix Hearn comes in, with his city slicker ways. Sally, very concisely, describes him as a 'blood-sucking corporate sleazebag'. Their interactions are amazing, superbly written, and I just love how Felix deals with Sally.

Every character in this story stands out to me. Honestly, Findus is brilliant at characterisation and manages to create unique personalities for even the minor characters. Sally's character is out-of-this-world-amazing, and so Findus without a doubt deserves the SKoW award won for Best MC Portrayal (Judge's Pick).

I love how this story avoids so many overused cliches. Example one: hot girl dresses MC up for a date, MC astounds everyone with hidden beauty. This cliche starts off, but definitely does not end in the usual way. The only problem I found was that for some strange reason, chapter 5 was posted again as chapter 8. Everything else - the writing, grammar, punctuation - was pretty much spot on. The writing is super quirky but it certainly draws you in and makes sure you may attention to the smallest details. This story is hilarious, eccentric, and so distinctive - I'll definitely be following it from now on!

Folie à Deux

Folie à Deux by Mr. Ree

Rayleigh Cavenaugh and Alex Laymen dated for almost their entire senior year in high school, but it didn't end too well for them. Seven years later, Rayleigh starts working for the same magazine as Alex, and white she's reluctant to be anything more than colleagues, or at best, friends, Alex isn't about to let her slip through his fingers again.

Banner Credit: Casey

Marta Thinks: Folie à Deux. In other words, madness shared by two people. That makes sense; after all, being in love is the same as
being crazy. But at the moment, it’s unfortunately more like Folie à Un. Because, despite Alex's best efforts, Rayleigh isn't budging into the romance section of their relationship (for now).

But she must – and she will, because it’s easy to tell that Alex and Rayleigh are meant to be. You can tell this from their current interactions, and also from the flashbacks that have been provided. I’m not a big fan of flashbacks, but it worked well here, and didn’t detract from the story at all.

Also, their relationship comes across so well. They’re really likeable and well-rounded characters. You can tell that you’d definitely get along with them if they were real.

Well-written stories are so hard to come by, funny ones even less (and this is definitely funny!), so it’d be a shame to miss out on this exciting romance.

Chicanery

Chicanery by Scheherzade

"I hear you two at night. I hear your cries to a deity and his moaning. Do you love him?" he asked, his jaw tight and his eyes ablaze. "Because if you do, we have a conundrum. Here I am, a fool, breaking the law for you, risking treason for you, slaying dragons for you and yet I'm being pitted against some foreign bastard." 
Banner Credit: Amy

Marta Thinks: A love triangle done well is a love triangle you don't want to miss out on. You'll find yourself unsure of who you want Vita to be with - the devoted Rabka or the manly Gray. And once you finally decide, Scheherzade pulls out a new twist or a new POV, and find yourself unsure all over again. Does this mean it’s good? Yes. Add in castles, Crown Princes, thieves and a whole new world now. Does this mean it’s good? No. It means that now you've got yourself a winner.

I don’t know why this story isn’t more well-known. It should be. It has to be. And now that you know about its exsitance, you'd be crazy not to read it. Not read Chicanery would mean denying yourself an amazing story. And you don't want to be doing that, do you?

Absolution

Since the posting of this review, this story has been removed from FictionPress by the author.

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Knowing Audrey

Knowing Audrey by Wallflower.x

She runs her black nails through her blonde hair and rests her arms over her head for a moment. She could tell him the truth, she could blurt out that she's really only three years older than he is. She sighs, "How old do you want me to be?"
Banner Credit: Casey

Rosie Thinks:  Daniel is sitting on a pier, looking for inspiration for his story, when he meets mysterious, beautiful and broken Audrey. Audrey is completely shattered inside, letting life pass her by rather than living in it. Her house is a mess, she works as a stripper, her ex-boyfriend is abusive, yet she can't help but start up a tentative friendship with the boy she dubs Daniel. Daniel's growth throughout the story is slow but there, and amazing to watch. The way he develops both physically and mentally, from a boy into a man, was superbly written and gradual.

This story is utterly beautiful and only got more bewitching as I read on. I was obsessively glued to it for the last few chapters! I love how the story unfolds before your eyes. You're told nothing upfront. Instead, Wallflower.x slowly gives it away, showing and not telling. In her writing, the author has found a perfect balance between poetic and straightforward. At times, the words flowed and created beautiful images, while at others it was to the point and blunt. This suited the story unbelievably well - it's a poetic story about a not so poetic topic.

Wallflower.x has a knack of really getting inside a character's head and translating their feelings onto paper. Her writing is so beautiful and emotive that I was utterly engrossed and felt her character's emotions as if they were my own. The plot is completely unique and unpredictable, which kept me hooked on what was happening, especially since the author had a knack of ending a chapter at a crucial point. I can really only describe this story as beautiful - the plot, the characters, the writing - and urge anyone looking for an emotional read to give it a chance.

Convict's Blood

Convict's Blood by Highway Unicorn
"A dying man once told me that those who have the blood of the convicted are destined to live a life of adventure." The long life of a Australian woman who travels throughout Europe and America in search of adventure and escape. Abandon by her Pa, Alice is forced to give her hand to Adam Jones, the cowboy with the horns. Her only choice now is to run away to America and find freedom
Banner Credit: Melissa

Rosie Thinks: 'Convict's Blood' is extremely unique in the way it is set in colonial Australia. The way that Highway Unicorn portrayed the tensions between the Aborigines and the settlers was emotive - she showed, rather than told. It starts off with a young girl called Alice, and follows her journey as she grows up and discovers more about her self and life in the 20th century.

The powerful story-telling really draws you in and makes you feel what Alice is feeling. Alice's voice is descriptive but still has that youthful innocence appropriate for her age. I quite liked how the whole story reflects the way that she talks and can imagine that it will develop as she grows. I felt that the Australian backdrop was written perfectly and captures the culture really well. However, Highway Unicorn referred to some of the men as 'cowboys' and in my opinion, I felt this was a bit too American, as they aren't really called cowboys in Australia. Other than that, though, the story does an amazing job of portraying its characters and setting. With only 6 chapters so far, it has established a solid plot line and is definitely one you should watch out for.

The Classics of Love

The Classics of Love by xoxluurve
She was everything he wasn't, nothing he ever needed, someone he didn't deserve. But it didn't matter. Watching her serenade him, eyes bright with humour and something so tender it made his heart ache – he decided he wanted her anyway.

Banner Credit: Ali

Rosie Thinks: I don't know why I've taken so long to read this story, especially since xoxluurve is one of my favourite authors - don't make the same mistake as me! I'm going to have an honest moment here and say that at the beginning, I didn't like the two main characters. Maybe it was because I usually fall in love with xoxluurve's characters so quickly and wasn't used to it taking a bit longer here! But, as the story went on, I slowly understood the reasons behind their two personalities and as xoxluurve unveiled the workings of Xavier and Artemis' minds (beautiful names, by the way), I grew to really like them both. They're three dimensional - they behave certain ways because of how their lives have been shaped.

Artemis is insanely smart but likes to keep to herself, especially in the elite school she attends. Xavier is at the other end of the spectrum and, on the surface, has it all: looks, brains and an athlete. But he is more than just a little rude and comes up with sometimes obtuse justifications for his behaviour. Both of them, together are just... I can't find the words to describe how much I loved their interactions! With these two, it is most definitely not love at first sight (which is why this is also in the hate/love category!).

The beginning of the first chapter, while a bit slow, serves to set up Artemis's setting and her as a character. Her inner monologues really helped to establish her personality and her views. There is a little bit of mystery weaved into the story, particularly in Xavier's life. xoxluurve gives you tiny hints that have you guessing and reading on furiously to find out the answers. I love how as the story went on, it became more than just the relationship between Artemis and Xavier. The family dynamics that xoxluurve wrote were so realistically dealt with and heartbreaking. I have to add here that there is something about the title that I just love - I can't explain it, but it just rolls of my tongue! Overall, it was a story that slowly reeled me in and now has me addicted, especially since Xavier and Artemis' relationship is so uncliche and cute!

Chill Pill

Chill Pill by Thornton
Ben's got his hands full after discovering his girlfriend's "little problem." When Bridgette's ex barges in to the rescue, life gets even more complicated.

Banner Credit: Helen

Marta Thinks: Meet Ben. Meet his girlfriend, Bridgette. Meet Dave, Bridgette’s ex. Result: an incredibly original story that you wish you were creative enough to have thought of. However, Thornton irrefutably does a better job than anyone could have ever done. Her story is wonderfully written, with its strengths mainly lying in its well-rounded characterization and compelling dialogue. It is literally impossible for someone to not grin madly whilst reading each chapter. What’s more it’s written in such a simple and straightforward way that makes it easy and enjoyable to read.

But don’t let this fool you. Chill Pill can initially appear like a light story but it also has a stronger storyline: the detoxing of drug addict. This situation makes the story realistic which creates a greater appeal – accuracy is what you what to find in every single story in order to make it somewhat relatable. Thornton clearly realized this and executed this part of the plot perfectly.

Do I really need to say that this is a story everyone should read or is it obvious enough?

The Art of Faith

The Art of Faith by NightWhisper25
I was exactly the kind of girl this shouldn't happen to: devoutly Catholic, learned in my faith, and confident in my beliefs. At least, that was the case until God's worst weather blew Meg into my life, making me question everything I believed about love, faith, right, and wrong

Banner Credit: Ali

Ariana Thinks: Someone once told me that there are two types of stories: one in which ordinary people have extraordinary experiences, and another in which extraordinary people have ordinary experiences. "Art of Faith" fits into neither of those categories. Rather, NightWhisper25 portrays the beautiful simplicity of two very ordinary people going through very ordinary events. What makes "Art of Faith" so interesting is the extraordinary relationship between these two people. Meg and Naomi, the protagonists, meet by pure coincidence; yet their friendship grows until it transcends both religion and sexual preference. In many stories, the characters jump straight into relationships. This is definitely not the case with Naomi and Meg- NightWhisper25 takes time in fleshing out the emotions involved in building a friendship as well as the events that help lead to it. It is easy to understand why Naomi and Meg become friends. It is even easier to grow invested in Meg and Naomi's relationship.

On top of portraying a stunningly realistic friendship, "Art of Faith" also elaborates on the minor details of its character's lives: the relationship between Naomi and her mother, Meg's cultural identity, and Naomi's interest in art, all serve to add to the overall beauty of the story. NightWhisper25 strikes a perfect balance between her dialogue and narrative, as well. I never felt bored by her narrative- every piece was so wonderfully written that I found myself entranced with NightWhisper25's writing style. The dialogue was, as aforementioned, incredibly realistic, and never once did I find myself cringing at corny lines or overused cliches. Moreover, the POV switches in "Art of Faith" weren't confusing and repetitive like they often are in many other stories.

NightWhisper25 is definitely an author to look out for, and her story "Art of Faith" is one of the best I have read. Truly a masterpiece, "Art of Faith" will leave you both incredibly satisfied and desperate for another chapter. Give "Art of Faith" a chance- I promise, you will be just as blown away as I am.

Vespertine

Since the posting of this review, this story has been removed from FictionPress by the author.

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