Finding Paraíso: An Aêvum Story

by Lillian E. M. Garza

Ignacio, a young copper miner in 1917, is deported with his family from their home during a strike at the mine in Bisbee, Arizona. Thrown into the chaos of life as refugees, his father reveals an unusual family heirloom with a mysterious story about a mythical place that could be their Paraíso, their Paradise. Determined to find this magical world for his family, Ignacio swears to take on any obstacle, but he soon realizes some burdens may be too much to bear.

136 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 7, 2019

Reviews

[C. Tarradell · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 5 Stars

For me, perhaps what was most jarring about this book was the amount of emotion that was packed into it's small frame. I mean, just north of 100 pages? As a writer, more specifically a writer of Fantasy, a genre dominated by Bible-length sagas, I've always tried to make my books long and easy to lose yourself in. Somehow, Lillian has done that and more in a book a third of the size of mine. With a writing style akin to Hemingway's Iceberg Theory (in my opinion, at least), Lillian's debut novel is packed with raw emotion, magical fantasy, mysterious mysticism, and an undeniably health dose of history.

Honestly, what more do you need? If you don't check this out, you're just being picky. 😉

Definitely a must read. See my blog for the full review!

[Boris Slocum · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of the more entertaining indie titles I've read recently. It's a story about cruelty and oppression in the American Southwest in the early 20th century and about what people are willing to do in order to find a better life. The story is, in turns, both heart wrenching and uplifting, and the characters are well-crafted and appealing. The writing is good and, despite few knots in the text, so is the Editing.

The book is the first in what appears to be a continuing tale. But don't let that put you off. It works fine as a stand alone. I'll be honest, it didn't end how I expected. Kudos.

I recommend.

[Brian White · Rating 4 out of 5]

I give this book four out of five stars for its endearing cast, engaging story, and enduring hope. I was circling around 3 because of its grammatical and structural issues, but the story itself squeezed that extra star out of me. You can't help but latch onto Ignacio as he does everything he can to guide his family and friends to a place beyond the persecution they had all suffered. I recommend this story, flaws and all, especially if you've ever dared to hope for a better life.

[Katrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing read for those looking for adventure

I had such fun reading this book and couldn't put it down. An emotional and harrowing story filled with wonder and tragedy. Finding Paraiso was easily the best read of 2019!