Vivid

by Ana Raine

When Akai visits Grand Rapids for the holidays, he finds more than just his courage.


Akai has had a troubled past, growing up in and out of different foster homes. Despite being an adult, he cannot forget his best friend growing up. When Akai visits Grand Rapids in a last ditch effort to find his long lost friend, he is determined to finally sled without backing out. But when he meets Collins, there is more than just courage at stake.

ebook

First published December 11, 2014

About the author

Ana lives in Michigan where when it’s not snowy and wet, there are beautiful state parks and lakes to visit. When she was eighteen, she married her best friend and they live with their two cats, Mason and Misaki. Ana has celiac disease, but that hasn’t stopped her from learning how to cook and bake so she can eat tasty treats. Fudge, enchiladas, and anything involving yucca/cassava are her absolute favorite.

Ana has studied in Osaka, Japan where she learned about theater and drama. She would love to go back after she is sure her Japanese is efficient enough. Ana loves anything to do with foxes, especially Arctic foxes. One day, Ana will find a way to incorporate her love of foxes into a novel, but until then, she’ll stay focused on fairies, shape shifters, and mythology.

Feel free to stop by her blog for tasty recipes, freebies, and more.

Reviews

[Inked Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful, poignant story, short enough to read in one sitting. I was instantly drawn to the main character, Akai. He's someone I felt like I wanted to know better.

The whole story unfolds nicely, with enough information that we get to know Akai but not to the point where it feels like too much. The whole thing has a wistful, longing quality to it.

I thought the theme of sledding was interesting, especially the way it drew the past and the present together nicely. Akai was able to confront his own fears and feelings. It made a nice metaphor for the emotional ride Akai was on from the start.

The whole story built nicely toward the relationship between Akai and Collins. Even though readers will draw the obvious conclusions, Akai doesn't, and the pleasure is in seeing him finally figure things out.

I really enjoyed this and look forward to reading other work by Ms. Raine.

I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.

5 stars

[A.M. Leibowitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful, poignant story, short enough to read in one sitting. I was instantly drawn to the main character, Akai. He’s someone I felt like I wanted to know better.

The whole story unfolds nicely, with enough information that we get to know Akai but not to the point where it feels like too much. The whole thing has a wistful, longing quality to it.

I thought the theme of sledding was interesting, especially the way it drew the past and the present together nicely. Akai was able to confront his own fears and feelings. It made a nice metaphor for the emotional ride Akai was on from the start.

The whole story built nicely toward the relationship between Akai and Collins. Even though readers will draw the obvious conclusions, Akai doesn’t, and the pleasure is in seeing him finally figure things out.

I really enjoyed this and look forward to reading other work by Ms. Raine.

[Fi Brit · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This is a very sweet story and even though it was short, I cared enough about the characters to get a few happy tears. My reason for the lower star rating is that I ended up feeling rather short changed. The story was just begging to be expanded. Just a little more background, a better explanation for Akai forgetting his friend's name etc.... This story has the potential to be something great and would benefit from a re write.