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A Wave of Breath
306 pages, Paperback
Published March 30, 2026
About the author
Tess Collins
13 books33 followersA coal miner’s granddaughter, Tess Collins was born and raised in a crater. Yes, really—a crater formed by the impact of an asteroid millions of years ago, where her hometown of Middlesboro, Kentucky was eventually built. Tess spent her younger years in a one-room Carnegie Library, reading around the room. She started with Blueberries for Sal and ended with War and Peace, at which point she thought, I want to do that.
That ambition took her to the University of Kentucky, where she majored in journalism and creative writing, and eventually to a Ph.D. from The Union Institute and University, with a focus on theatre management and producing. She is the author of eight novels and a non-fiction book on theater management. She now lives in San Francisco, where on a clear day she can see the Golden Gate Bridge, a long way from the crater, but exactly where she was always headed.
Visit her website at TessCollins.com/
BOOKS BY TESS COLLINS
FICTION
The Appalachian Trilogy:
The Law of Revenge
The Law of the Dead
The Law of Betrayal
The Midnight Valley Quartet:
Notown
The Hunter of Hertha
Shadow Mountain Saga:
Shadow Mountain
Other Fiction:
Helen of Troy
A Wave of Breath
Non-Fiction:
How Theater Managers Manage
That ambition took her to the University of Kentucky, where she majored in journalism and creative writing, and eventually to a Ph.D. from The Union Institute and University, with a focus on theatre management and producing. She is the author of eight novels and a non-fiction book on theater management. She now lives in San Francisco, where on a clear day she can see the Golden Gate Bridge, a long way from the crater, but exactly where she was always headed.
Visit her website at TessCollins.com/
BOOKS BY TESS COLLINS
FICTION
The Appalachian Trilogy:
The Law of Revenge
The Law of the Dead
The Law of Betrayal
The Midnight Valley Quartet:
Notown
The Hunter of Hertha
Shadow Mountain Saga:
Shadow Mountain
Other Fiction:
Helen of Troy
A Wave of Breath
Non-Fiction:
How Theater Managers Manage
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
August 1, 2026
A Wave of Breath is a beautifully written and emotionally compelling novel that explores the delicate balance between vulnerability, resilience, and hope with remarkable sensitivity. Tess Collins delivers a deeply human story that invites readers to slow down, reflect, and connect with characters whose struggles and triumphs feel authentic, heartfelt, and unforgettable.
One of the novel's greatest strengths is its emotional depth. Collins has a gift for portraying the complexities of human relationships and the quiet moments that often define our lives. Rather than relying on dramatic spectacle alone, she allows emotions to unfold naturally, creating characters who feel genuine and whose journeys resonate long after the final page. Their fears, hopes, and personal growth are portrayed with honesty, making it easy for readers to become emotionally invested in their stories.
The novel also excels in its exploration of healing and transformation. Throughout the story, Collins thoughtfully examines the ways people confront loss, uncertainty, and change while discovering unexpected strength within themselves. The narrative reminds readers that resilience is often found not in extraordinary acts but in the everyday decision to keep moving forward, even when life feels overwhelming.
Another standout quality is the author's elegant writing style. The prose is lyrical without becoming overwhelming, balancing vivid imagery with emotional clarity. Every chapter flows effortlessly, allowing readers to become fully immersed in both the atmosphere and the emotional lives of the characters. Collins writes with warmth, compassion, and insight, creating a reading experience that is both comforting and thought-provoking.
What makes A Wave of Breath especially memorable is its quiet wisdom. Beneath the engaging narrative lies a thoughtful meditation on love, identity, perseverance, and the enduring power of hope. The story encourages readers to embrace life's uncertainties while recognizing the strength that comes from compassion, connection, and self-discovery.
A Wave of Breath is a moving and beautifully crafted novel that combines emotional authenticity, memorable characters, and graceful storytelling. Tess Collins has written a heartfelt book that will resonate with readers who appreciate character driven fiction, inspiring journeys, and stories that celebrate the resilience of the human spirit. It is a novel that deserves to be discovered by a much wider audience.
One of the novel's greatest strengths is its emotional depth. Collins has a gift for portraying the complexities of human relationships and the quiet moments that often define our lives. Rather than relying on dramatic spectacle alone, she allows emotions to unfold naturally, creating characters who feel genuine and whose journeys resonate long after the final page. Their fears, hopes, and personal growth are portrayed with honesty, making it easy for readers to become emotionally invested in their stories.
The novel also excels in its exploration of healing and transformation. Throughout the story, Collins thoughtfully examines the ways people confront loss, uncertainty, and change while discovering unexpected strength within themselves. The narrative reminds readers that resilience is often found not in extraordinary acts but in the everyday decision to keep moving forward, even when life feels overwhelming.
Another standout quality is the author's elegant writing style. The prose is lyrical without becoming overwhelming, balancing vivid imagery with emotional clarity. Every chapter flows effortlessly, allowing readers to become fully immersed in both the atmosphere and the emotional lives of the characters. Collins writes with warmth, compassion, and insight, creating a reading experience that is both comforting and thought-provoking.
What makes A Wave of Breath especially memorable is its quiet wisdom. Beneath the engaging narrative lies a thoughtful meditation on love, identity, perseverance, and the enduring power of hope. The story encourages readers to embrace life's uncertainties while recognizing the strength that comes from compassion, connection, and self-discovery.
A Wave of Breath is a moving and beautifully crafted novel that combines emotional authenticity, memorable characters, and graceful storytelling. Tess Collins has written a heartfelt book that will resonate with readers who appreciate character driven fiction, inspiring journeys, and stories that celebrate the resilience of the human spirit. It is a novel that deserves to be discovered by a much wider audience.
June 11, 2026
Tess Collins has successfully taken her mystery writing skills to another level by changing genres in A Wave of Breath. This book is full of surprises and will keep you on your toes trying to figure out who is trustworthy and how in the world Brooklyn is going to overcome the next (and there WILL be a next one) obstacle in her way. There is no need for chapters in this novel as each section is well divided and aptly named by the author to keep your curiosity driven. Yes, there is an underlying love story that has its own important role, but this book is more focused on survival, planning, thinking two steps ahead, and quick problem solving when things don’t go your way. A Wave of Breath also explores relationship dynamics (familial, friends, enemies, romantic partners) and possible reasons of why some of the characters are they way they are based on their pasts. There is so much depth that I imagine if I read it again that I will pick up on many things missed the first time (“aha” moments). Oh, there’s plenty of fun embedded in there for us science nerds as well. I mean, we need honeybees for more than just pollination—you’ll have to read the book to find out what I’m talking about. The ending was unexpected and incredibly fitting. This is a job well done! “Sulis Lives”!
August 13, 2026
This book begins without any introduction or explanation and largely continues in this vein. At first I thought it was just a water shortage that set groups of individuals against each other, but the shortages extend to all resources in this apocalyptic view of the USA. Brooklyn previously worked as a journalist, but now all her efforts are concentrated on survival and finding her boyfriend Martin, a wealthy lawyer. Her journey takes her across different states, learning who can and cannot be trusted. Dixie Roman is the power hungry politican seeking to run the country. Behind him are experts in Artificial Intelligence who use brainwashing to not only establish a cult of submission but a blind fighting force. The lack of explanation comes in the form of motivation. Is it merely power? The relationship between Martin, Phillip and Bren is clarified in the end, but there is no substantial narrative to back it up, so it feels false. The use of flashbacks of the relationship between Martin and Brooklyn helps substantiate his character, but not the others. The book does not do a bad job of emphasising the risks of technology in the wrong hands, but I found the trekking across America pointless.
August 11, 2026
I wasn't expecting this book to blend so many genres together so seamlessly, but A Wave of Breath manages to balance post-apocalyptic survival, science fiction, suspense, and a heartfelt love story without any one element overshadowing the others.
At the center of the story is Brooklyn, whose determination to find Martin gives the novel its emotional heartbeat. Even with a devastated world and dangerous enemies closing in, her journey never loses sight of the personal stakes. The world-building is another standout.
There are plenty of action scenes, but they're balanced with quieter moments that flesh out the characters and their relationships. I also liked how the science fiction concepts added depth without becoming overwhelming or overly technical.
The pacing kept me turning the pages, and just when I thought I had the story figured out, it surprised me. The ending felt both satisfying and fitting for everything that came before.
At the center of the story is Brooklyn, whose determination to find Martin gives the novel its emotional heartbeat. Even with a devastated world and dangerous enemies closing in, her journey never loses sight of the personal stakes. The world-building is another standout.
There are plenty of action scenes, but they're balanced with quieter moments that flesh out the characters and their relationships. I also liked how the science fiction concepts added depth without becoming overwhelming or overly technical.
The pacing kept me turning the pages, and just when I thought I had the story figured out, it surprised me. The ending felt both satisfying and fitting for everything that came before.
August 12, 2026
A Wave of Breath by Tess Collins is a mix of survival, science fiction, mystery, adventure, and romance. At the center of the book is Brooklyn Tremain. Her determination to find Martin Siriso is what makes the story so emotional. She crosses a broken America, chasing the man she loves and refuses to let go of, even though she doesn’t know if he was lost in the chaos or running from those who thrive on it. Despite the world falling apart and enemies closing in, her journey always feels personal: and that’s what kept me hooked.
The ending struck me as both surprising and perfectly suited, leaving me fulfilled and highlighting the rich depth woven throughout the novel.
The ending struck me as both surprising and perfectly suited, leaving me fulfilled and highlighting the rich depth woven throughout the novel.
August 12, 2026
A WAVE OF BREATH by Tess Collins completely blew me away. It’s a beautiful mix of post-apocalyptic survival, science fiction, suspense, action, and fantasy, all wrapped around a deeply emotional love story.
What I really liked was how it mixed the big disaster with the small, human moments. There’s lots of action, suspense, and danger, but also quiet scenes where the characters and their relationships get room to grow. The story shows friendships, family ties, enemies, and romance, while also hinting at why some characters act the way they do. Those details add a surprising amount of depth.
What I really liked was how it mixed the big disaster with the small, human moments. There’s lots of action, suspense, and danger, but also quiet scenes where the characters and their relationships get room to grow. The story shows friendships, family ties, enemies, and romance, while also hinting at why some characters act the way they do. Those details add a surprising amount of depth.
August 11, 2026
This book is a beautiful blend of dystopian worldbuilding, science fiction, and adventure. But most importantly, it is a love story. It is the story of Brooklyn working to find her boyfriend in a world that was crumbling and going to pieces around her.
There were so many surprising twists and turns that made each page fun. I definitely was eager to keep reading to see what happened next. Despite the action taking place on each page, and there were a lot of them, the author was able to write the emotions so well that you are pulled in. This is a really good read
There were so many surprising twists and turns that made each page fun. I definitely was eager to keep reading to see what happened next. Despite the action taking place on each page, and there were a lot of them, the author was able to write the emotions so well that you are pulled in. This is a really good read
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews