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Cryptic Clockwork: A Journey of Words Through Loss and Finding Hope
"The tragic and heartbreaking beginning of loss and memory speaks to those who have ever lost someone truly special in our hearts, while the hope that the author found after years of neglect and abusive relationships will easily speak to the spark of hope we all hold in our hearts in the darkest of times." -Anthony Avina
Essential for fans of Nikita Gil and Ocean Vuong, Cryptic Clockwork is a love letter to life from a young boy who had known little joy from it. From losing his parents at a young age, to suffering ongoing abuse at the hands of his adoptive family and later an ex-boyfriend, Renley writes through these experiences with incredible immediacy and presence. It’s a brutally raw exploration of grief and love, as he searches for a way out of the cycle, to find his way home.
It is a book about life. It is about loss. It is about love. But ultimately, Cryptic Clockwork is about healing and resilience in the face of impossible circumstances. It is about retaining one’s softness, even in a harsh world.
Written with unflinching honesty, this is one youth finding his voice after a lifetime of being silenced in a powerful debut by a boy taken too soon.
Essential for fans of Nikita Gil and Ocean Vuong, Cryptic Clockwork is a love letter to life from a young boy who had known little joy from it. From losing his parents at a young age, to suffering ongoing abuse at the hands of his adoptive family and later an ex-boyfriend, Renley writes through these experiences with incredible immediacy and presence. It’s a brutally raw exploration of grief and love, as he searches for a way out of the cycle, to find his way home.
It is a book about life. It is about loss. It is about love. But ultimately, Cryptic Clockwork is about healing and resilience in the face of impossible circumstances. It is about retaining one’s softness, even in a harsh world.
Written with unflinching honesty, this is one youth finding his voice after a lifetime of being silenced in a powerful debut by a boy taken too soon.
- GenresPoetry
180 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 19, 2021
9 people want to read
About the author
Renley N. Chu
5 books10 followersRenley lost both his parents in a fire that permanently damaged his vocal cords and lungs at the age of five, leaving him unable to speak.
On May 18, 2021, he was adopted by Tiffany Chu and her husband, and changed his legal name to Renley Nicolas Chu.
About a week after his eighteenth birthday, Renley suffered a severe attack leading to lung and heart failure; he passed away 3 days before he would have left for the U.S.
Renley’s last wish to come home was fulfilled on June 1, when his ashes were brought to San Diego.
Rest in Peace, Renley Chu (May 2003 - May 2021)
On May 18, 2021, he was adopted by Tiffany Chu and her husband, and changed his legal name to Renley Nicolas Chu.
About a week after his eighteenth birthday, Renley suffered a severe attack leading to lung and heart failure; he passed away 3 days before he would have left for the U.S.
Renley’s last wish to come home was fulfilled on June 1, when his ashes were brought to San Diego.
Rest in Peace, Renley Chu (May 2003 - May 2021)
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 23, 2021
[I received an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.]
I honestly don't think that I have the words to describe this book. It's raw and heartbreaking but at the same time beautifully written and thought-provoking.
It started off on such a strong note that carried on till around the middle of the book when it started to lose a bit of its momentum. However, things got back on track soon and the ending was emotional yet powerful.
CW: mention of suicide, abusive/toxic relationship, loss of parents.
I honestly don't think that I have the words to describe this book. It's raw and heartbreaking but at the same time beautifully written and thought-provoking.
It started off on such a strong note that carried on till around the middle of the book when it started to lose a bit of its momentum. However, things got back on track soon and the ending was emotional yet powerful.
CW: mention of suicide, abusive/toxic relationship, loss of parents.
August 5, 2021
This book is filled with deeply intimate and emotional words that describe a truly incredible journey. You can truly see the author’s soul come out and I loved how I felt close to the emotions behind the writing through just how honest the language is. There’s an elegance to Cryptic Clockwork that feels refined, and I enjoyed the way this book was formatted— it made the narrative and the speaker’s journey easy to follow. I’d definitely recommend this book!
July 2, 2021
An ARC of Cryptic Clockwork was shared with me by its publication team and I don't really have any words for it. The writer was at an age that many would consider immature or childish. He was just 18. But you wouldn't be able to tell that from the book. The things he's been through, the horrors he's experienced in such a short time- it's unthinkable. You can see all of Renley's pain as you read along, you can feel it. But, the most incredible thing is that he never let all his horrible experiences get to him, to corrupt him, to harden him into something he wasn't. Instead, he kept his heart open, his soul pure. He was always kind, always helpful, always willing to do anything in his power to make sure that others would never have to suffer the way he has. In the book, you can see how most of his struggles revolve around trying to be a better person; he constantly thrived to be a better version of himself, to ;et his demons bring him down and turn him into just the sort of people that have hurt him time and time again. This book is heartbreaking, but in a way its also very inspiring. It teaches you to be better. Always try to be better than you currently are. To not return brick with brick, but with love. To always keep your heart open, no matter what. And I think that's a beautiful sentiment. Beautiful, like Renley himself was.
June 18, 2021
Cryptic Clockwork is a read unmatched by any other in its dreaminess and intelligence.
Every line of dialogue and every section of description studies in a way I favor; the sentence structure various but styled consistently throughout the book. I loved every piece in its own way, and it's definitely hard to pick a favorite, so I won't. The emotion and elegance floating through every page makes you think and theorize, but they are all written in the way that readers won't have to think too hard nor will they be spoon-fed everything. I believe that that's one of the important things to consider in labeling a book as great, and so this is as such.
Let's talk about the emotion a bit more. I found so many, some of which I do not have terms for and that puts Cryptic Clockwork's quality up even more. From the tips of love to the deepest melancholy, this book is so honest and transparent that you can't not love it yourself. Each piece of poem and prose qualifies as something so excellent; and after every one, you have to sit back and think about the magnificence of what you just read.
I will definitely read this book again.
Every line of dialogue and every section of description studies in a way I favor; the sentence structure various but styled consistently throughout the book. I loved every piece in its own way, and it's definitely hard to pick a favorite, so I won't. The emotion and elegance floating through every page makes you think and theorize, but they are all written in the way that readers won't have to think too hard nor will they be spoon-fed everything. I believe that that's one of the important things to consider in labeling a book as great, and so this is as such.
Let's talk about the emotion a bit more. I found so many, some of which I do not have terms for and that puts Cryptic Clockwork's quality up even more. From the tips of love to the deepest melancholy, this book is so honest and transparent that you can't not love it yourself. Each piece of poem and prose qualifies as something so excellent; and after every one, you have to sit back and think about the magnificence of what you just read.
I will definitely read this book again.
June 29, 2021
Ren's "Cryptic Clockwork" is a beautiful, brilliant masterpiece. His story is not for the faint of heart, but that is what makes it so brutally honest. There are tragedies, traumas, and sorrows depicted throughout, from beginning to end. Each piece of his writing evokes a vivid emotion as we, the readers, glimpse into thoughts, feelings, and memories.
As I was reading, I found that I needed to take breaks to soak in all his words. There were many moments of sadness and grief for him, and moments when I cheered him on as he revealed himself bit by bit through each writing piece. I really enjoyed seeing his personal growth and realizations. He wrote from his heart and has such a way with words that it's difficult for me to describe. It's just beautiful.
While his life ended much too soon, I am so grateful that, through his writings, he left behind his voice for us to enjoy. I am thankful I got a chance to read his book and I will forever be impacted by how raw and vulnerable and deep his story is. I would definitely re-read this again.
As I was reading, I found that I needed to take breaks to soak in all his words. There were many moments of sadness and grief for him, and moments when I cheered him on as he revealed himself bit by bit through each writing piece. I really enjoyed seeing his personal growth and realizations. He wrote from his heart and has such a way with words that it's difficult for me to describe. It's just beautiful.
While his life ended much too soon, I am so grateful that, through his writings, he left behind his voice for us to enjoy. I am thankful I got a chance to read his book and I will forever be impacted by how raw and vulnerable and deep his story is. I would definitely re-read this again.
August 1, 2021
Reading Cryptic Clockwork is like solving a puzzle. You collect a small piece of the puzzle with each chapter., and each little piece gives you a glimpse of the story. As you gather all the clues you piece together the whole picture of the author's inner journey through his troubled life.
The writing is authentic and honest. The author let us into his mind and laid bare everything, his thoughts, inner dialogues, rants against the world, and things he didn't get a chance to say to those around him. Each poetic prose carries every emotion he felt straight to the heart.
This book is a beautiful tribute to a young man who went through so much pain and suffering but stayed so pure and kind. An intimate journey through all the pain and sadness endured, but also the glimmer of hope and joy right before his untimely death. Hopefully it will encourage those who are suffering that there is hope and to keep holding on through it all.
The writing is authentic and honest. The author let us into his mind and laid bare everything, his thoughts, inner dialogues, rants against the world, and things he didn't get a chance to say to those around him. Each poetic prose carries every emotion he felt straight to the heart.
This book is a beautiful tribute to a young man who went through so much pain and suffering but stayed so pure and kind. An intimate journey through all the pain and sadness endured, but also the glimmer of hope and joy right before his untimely death. Hopefully it will encourage those who are suffering that there is hope and to keep holding on through it all.
June 13, 2021
Note- I was provided with an ARC of Cryptic Clockwork by the author's lovely publishing team!
This book was brilliant and heartbreakingly raw, and I knew it the moment I read the preface. A collection of writing that has an uniqueness to all its pieces and manages to keep a thread of unity throughout the book is rare, but I found that in Cryptic Clockwork. The prose pieces and the stories that they told were brimming with emotion, and the poetry was like a smattering of constellations. I loved every moment of reading this collection, even when it brought pain and sorrow.
The author brings a sense of emptiness through his words, yet when you've finished reading, you feel inexplicably whole. I would insert quotes from the pieces in here, but then we would be here all year- each phrase you read invokes a different emotion. Justin is talented at a level some of us might not ever be able to comprehend, and I've been honored to read Cryptic Clockwork.
This book was brilliant and heartbreakingly raw, and I knew it the moment I read the preface. A collection of writing that has an uniqueness to all its pieces and manages to keep a thread of unity throughout the book is rare, but I found that in Cryptic Clockwork. The prose pieces and the stories that they told were brimming with emotion, and the poetry was like a smattering of constellations. I loved every moment of reading this collection, even when it brought pain and sorrow.
The author brings a sense of emptiness through his words, yet when you've finished reading, you feel inexplicably whole. I would insert quotes from the pieces in here, but then we would be here all year- each phrase you read invokes a different emotion. Justin is talented at a level some of us might not ever be able to comprehend, and I've been honored to read Cryptic Clockwork.
January 18, 2022
Renley’s writing has always been out of this world. He was able to convey his life through a series of metaphorical phrases and deep engines that always kept me wondering, ‘what if.’ This book didn’t only touch my heart but my soul as well. Cryptic Clockwork is a whirlwind of tough decisions, hardships, and the beautiful yet disastrous world of ours. I would read this over and over and over again; i’d still be brought to tears every single time.
July 31, 2021
This book was deep, raw, and emotional. Through the written word the author copes with pain and trauma, and along this journey we see growth. I liked the poems and prose style of writing the author used. This story made me sad, and at times was hard to read, but some passages were really beautiful.
*warning for those who like to know: loss, abuse, suicide, toxic relationship
Homosexuality
*warning for those who like to know: loss, abuse, suicide, toxic relationship
Homosexuality
August 25, 2021
A touching journey that spans the darkest struggles, perseverance, friendship, love, and loss. Poetic and honest, insightful and meaningful.
Most of the pieces of writing stand well on their own, and I found a lot of meaning in thinking of them as individual items of prose, in addition to being part of the larger context.
Most of the pieces of writing stand well on their own, and I found a lot of meaning in thinking of them as individual items of prose, in addition to being part of the larger context.
September 7, 2021
Somewhere between poetry and prose, Cryptic Clockwork is a melodic and melancholy collection of stories that provides glimpses into the ticking of humanity - the ordinary moments of sorrow, identity, wistfulness, companionship.
July 28, 2021
The Review
This was quite an incredible and moving read. The author was truly talented, having found a way to expertly and subtly traverse the complex emotions of his own heart and mind and somehow managed to tie his experiences into the greater experience of life overall. The tragic and heartbreaking beginning of loss and memory speaks to those who have ever lost someone truly special in our hearts, while the hope that the author found after years of neglect and abusive relationships will easily speak to the spark of hope we all hold in our hearts in the darkest of times.
The writing was quite eloquent in its approach. The balance of poetry and prose was profound in this autobiographical work of art, and the way the author seemed to tap not only into our own emotions but into complex emotions that really defies definition really showcased the complexity of his own mind and heart, showing what a true writer and creative soul he was.
The Verdict
A heartfelt, thought-provoking, and memorable book of poetry and prose, author Renley N. Chu’s “Cryptic Clockwork” is a must-read autobiography. The beauty and heart that shines through in this narrative are impossible to ignore, and while fans will be hard-pressed to not have a tear in their eye, they will definitely have difficulty putting the book down as well. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
This was quite an incredible and moving read. The author was truly talented, having found a way to expertly and subtly traverse the complex emotions of his own heart and mind and somehow managed to tie his experiences into the greater experience of life overall. The tragic and heartbreaking beginning of loss and memory speaks to those who have ever lost someone truly special in our hearts, while the hope that the author found after years of neglect and abusive relationships will easily speak to the spark of hope we all hold in our hearts in the darkest of times.
The writing was quite eloquent in its approach. The balance of poetry and prose was profound in this autobiographical work of art, and the way the author seemed to tap not only into our own emotions but into complex emotions that really defies definition really showcased the complexity of his own mind and heart, showing what a true writer and creative soul he was.
The Verdict
A heartfelt, thought-provoking, and memorable book of poetry and prose, author Renley N. Chu’s “Cryptic Clockwork” is a must-read autobiography. The beauty and heart that shines through in this narrative are impossible to ignore, and while fans will be hard-pressed to not have a tear in their eye, they will definitely have difficulty putting the book down as well. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
September 18, 2021
I was given an ARC of Cryptic Clockwork by the publication team, and I genuinely don't believe any review will be able to describe just how touching and emotional this book really is.
Cryptic Clockwork is a majestically written story about Renley’s journey and is filled with such raw poetry and prose. Each emotion is portrayed so strongly, making you believe you can almost see through the writer's eyes, and whilst reading, I was often torn between wanting to read faster to know what will come next and wanting to pause every moment or so to be able to soak in the message being conveyed.
This book is an entire journey on its own and has been very inspiring to me, I would definitely recommend that you give it a read.
Cryptic Clockwork is a majestically written story about Renley’s journey and is filled with such raw poetry and prose. Each emotion is portrayed so strongly, making you believe you can almost see through the writer's eyes, and whilst reading, I was often torn between wanting to read faster to know what will come next and wanting to pause every moment or so to be able to soak in the message being conveyed.
This book is an entire journey on its own and has been very inspiring to me, I would definitely recommend that you give it a read.
July 1, 2021
I have no words to describe the beauty and eloquence of this book. The emotions are written so clearly that you can't help but feel them as well. As the title suggests, this collection contains hidden messages throughout, and although there are many, they all convey one message from my perspective: Hope. Although most of the short stories and poems portray all the turmoil and hardships Ren went through, they have a hint, a glimpse of the hope that life will continue to become better.
"Remember that hope is a good thing, Red, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies."
Ren's words are good things, and just as Stephen King wrote, no good thing ever dies.
"Remember that hope is a good thing, Red, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies."
Ren's words are good things, and just as Stephen King wrote, no good thing ever dies.
August 30, 2021
Being a non writer, I was struck by how simultaneously simple yet eloquent Cryptic Clockwork was. Sometimes I can never find the words to accurately describe how I am feeling, but you know that sensation of reading something that is spot on to an emotion you have felt before? It's like being understood. Friendship, love, and loss are things everyone has experienced- yet it speaks directly to you, and you feel like the author has been in your shoes. It was sad and raw and pulled me in all sorts of emotional directions.
October 28, 2021
I don't think I'll ever have the words to describe what this book means to me but it's one of the most authentic and raw pieces ive ever read in my entire life.
Reading through this was a journey and a whirlwind of emotions, i saw renley experience some of the things he wrote about and the way he expressed his emotions is so admirable and unreal. Going through all of this he had managed to gain the strength to pour his heart out to the world and that's just something so powerful.
Cryptic clockwork is hauntingly beautiful, it's heartbreaking and the simple honesty it carries within itself is incredible. He had the pure courage to find it in himself to get through it all and remain one of the most amazing soul i had the pleasure of knowing.
Ren was kind, he was smart, he was helpful and so, so much more. This book is going to keep his essence preserved for as long as anyone finds it upon themselves to pick it up.
Reading through this was a journey and a whirlwind of emotions, i saw renley experience some of the things he wrote about and the way he expressed his emotions is so admirable and unreal. Going through all of this he had managed to gain the strength to pour his heart out to the world and that's just something so powerful.
Cryptic clockwork is hauntingly beautiful, it's heartbreaking and the simple honesty it carries within itself is incredible. He had the pure courage to find it in himself to get through it all and remain one of the most amazing soul i had the pleasure of knowing.
Ren was kind, he was smart, he was helpful and so, so much more. This book is going to keep his essence preserved for as long as anyone finds it upon themselves to pick it up.
April 29, 2023
As in Melody of Your Heart, the author's writing style and capacity for lyrical prose is developed well beyond others of his age. Both books are beautiful, with this one focusing on personal essays and letters written over, I believe, about an 18-month period. Truly, the literary world lost a shining light too soon.
The only reason I'm not rating this higher is because there's no context to most of the essays. While the editor does provide some background on the author that can be picked up in few of the earlier pieces, most of them, despite speaking of heartfelt longing and loss, don't have as much impact as I think they could if the reader was aware of some of the backstory.
The only reason I'm not rating this higher is because there's no context to most of the essays. While the editor does provide some background on the author that can be picked up in few of the earlier pieces, most of them, despite speaking of heartfelt longing and loss, don't have as much impact as I think they could if the reader was aware of some of the backstory.
September 10, 2021
I was an arc reader for this book, and when I say that it was one of the most gorgeous pieces of writing I've ever read, I'm not exaggerating. i cried (like, quite a bit), smiled, and I was in awe throughout the entire book. it was an emotional roller coaster, and I'm genuinely so grateful I was able to be an arc reader for it (even though my review is a tad bit late). it was raw and heartbreaking and honest, and so, so beautiful.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews