Today we'd like to take another look at one of the site's Hosted Authors, a popular writer with a lot of skills which she brings to bear on all her writing. Please enjoy this review by Fishwings on Running Far Afield.

Reviewer: Fishwings
Status: Complete
Words: 17,178

Libby Drew is a talented author; there is no doubt about that. After reading through the fast-paced, riveting “State of Mind,” I was eager to pick something else that she wrote up and so settled for “Running Far Afield.” I was more than just pleasantly surprised. “Running Far Afield” proved to be one of the best stories I have come across all year.

Aaron, a high school baseball player with a detached relationship with his appearance-focused, wealthy parents, had recently moved to Ridgton. There, he meets Chris, a mysterious but charming, juvenile delinquent of sorts, who proves to be equally as skilled at baseball as Aaron. Despite an initial awkward and rocky confrontation of sorts, Chris puts aside their differences and invites Aaron to join their team. Over time, a confusing yet intriguing attraction develops between them. It isn’t long before social norms, self-discovery, and parenthood explode and threaten the friendship they have.

After I read the first line of the story, “He felt untouchable,” I was already hooked. Utterly compelling would be one way to describe this story. The characters are well developed, fully fleshed out, real, breathing beings. Conversations felt natural and were a highlight of the story. The writing itself is top notch – Libby’s prose is complex and vivid, but not at all distracting. In addition, there is a graceful thematic unity tying the whole story together, and Libby even addresses several prevalent issues in today’s society with regards to social stigma. The combination of all these elements is what I thought really made this piece shine.

If you are a fan of quality romance with an epic story arc and resonating characters, then “Running Far Afield” may just be the story for you.

If you have already read the story, take a moment to drop Libby a review. I am sure she would love to hear from you.

I hope this review might interest you in reading a new story, if you haven't come across this short story before. If you'd like to share your thoughts on a favorite story you've read on GA, please contact Renee Stevens or Cia.