Title: A Christmas Caroler
Author: John Amory
Genre: Young Adult / Holiday
ISBN: 978-1-61040-620-8
Length: Novelette (42 pages)
Publisher: Prizm Press, Torquere Press (December 4th, 2013)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5~4 Hearts
Reviewer: Thommie
Blurb: Jeremy Walsh is a high school senior who’s got big plans for his future — namely, to perform at Carnegie Hall. But before he can get there, he needs to secure the solo in his renowned high school choir’s Christmas concert and get into college. Everything seems to be on track until a cute new student, Zach Brooks, shows up, and ruins all of Jeremy’s plans by snatching the solo out from under him. With his college auditions looming and the Christmas concert fast approaching, Jeremy has more on his plate than he can handle. Can the magic of the Christmas season bring Jeremy and Zach together?
Product Link: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=4082
Review: Ah, a Young Adult title from Prizm Press and one I enjoyed a lot I must say. In a slightly short space, as this story rounds up just forty-two pages, the author manages to give us a nice Christmas themed little drama. Yes, of course, there is some drama, the characters are teenagers in their senior year at high school, and there is a little bit of fighting over a solo there. But I’m rushing ahead; let me introduce you to these lovely characters first.
Jeremy; he has a dream and it starts with winning his solo for his High School’s Christmas concert, it follows by winning the audition for his college of preference, wooing everybody in his way, and ends with him performing at Carnegie Hall. If only Zach didn’t existed.
Zach; new kid in school, joins the coir to earn some new friends but ends up with people hating him. Yes, he’s talented and has a voice to blow your mind, but he ends up getting the solo and stealing the beginning of Jeremy’s dreams.
Amber, Jeremy’s best friend, a member of the choir, and also tried for the solo. She has a mouth that has no boundaries and a mind to tell things as they are, so you can imagine her role here.
Hunty, also known as Mr. Hunt; he’s the choirs director and a big influence for young students, especially gay students.
So what happens when you’ve been eyeing your target for three years and a newbie snatches it up right out of your hand? What happens when said newbie is a lonely kid in a new place and very fun to hang out with? What happens when despite you wanting to hate said newbie you just can’t and end up being good friends? Serious questions all of them, but the biggest of them all is: What happens when he gives you your first kiss and then vanishes on you?
Teenage drama at its prime, yet somehow I loved every single line. I thought it would be angsty and overbearing, thankfully I was wrong because in this short story you have a good growth of characters that are fairly depicted and manage to transport you a bit back in the times you were their age too. There also is a subtle romance brewing here that runs a bit on the background and even as things end in a happy note and with Christmassy feelings of generosity and wonders, you’re left to wonder how things will pan out for this duo in the future.
I enjoyed this read. It was a bit different from the others I’ve read that are holiday-themed and I must say it was quite invigorating. And it also made me hit YouTube and listen to some nice songs. Just the same I wish to read more of this couple in the future, so there dear author, make it happen.
Heh, I’m not too demanding am I? Recommended!