REVIEWS

"This suite of fairy tale-inspired short stories provided a highly engaging read. The pieces were all very well-written and the author displayed a natural grasp for successful pacing, description, dialogue, and other elements of good short storytelling. "

EDITORIAL REPORT, InHouse Publishing

"Andrew's writing and his second book is just as good, maybe even better than the first. I'm a big fan of Andrew's writing and his second book is just as good, maybe even better than the first! Every story is riddled with suspense, twists and intriguing characters. More please Andrew"

AMAZON REVIEW

"Excellent read for Andrew's first book. It was a pleasure to read and although each character has an almost ethereal representation, I feel that the reader can identify in part with them. There is a message from life in each story so I consider that a deeper meaning exists beyond the little story. It is reminiscent of Aesop's Fables."

PATRICIA LILLEYMAN

"Amazing. My absolute favourite story is Death and the little girl. Andrew's ability to evoke such an ominous character as Death to be so sentimental and empathetic is inspiring stuff. Can't wait for the next one."

AMAZON REVIEW

"Andrew O'Connell has once again created a memorable cast of characters, each firmly rooted in a recognisable human sphere in spite of their other-worldly encounters. Contrary to the grim theme of the tales, they often leave you feeling uplifted rather than despondent, and as well as entertaining you while you read them, they keep you guessing, questioning and pondering after you've put them down. The thread of love that binds the varying fables together is aptly chosen by O'Connell, whose love for his craft and his characters is apparent on every page. It's great to hear more of this unique voice in short fiction."

READER REVIEW

"I was fortunate enough to meet this Fabulist (aka Author) on a train in Australia and bought his book with the last cash in my wallet.
He signed it for me which was a big bonus .... until I started reading his work and found a much bigger bonus.
Andrew has crafted fables from a place of adventure.
His book EVENTYR is one I am enjoying bit by bit. ... more and more.
It gives the reader things to ponder with surprise behind each corner.... familiar in the unfamiliar treatment to take the reader away from the mundane and into a place less expected and more enjoyed.
I am anticipated each of the Unlikely Conversations yet read each a few times before advancing to the next.
The collaboration with illustrator Lika works a treat.... she has captured the feel of the tales Andrew has woven.
Andrew's book would work really well as an animated series .... so animators get on to it.:)
My wallet is lighter for very good reason.
Buy the book and have the adventure."

AMAZON REVIEW

(extract) “…an excellent read. It is written with an insightful sensitivity and the stories are of inspiring people, connecting in adventures with imaginative fanciful characters, including a mermaid, a marionette, an adorable dog, two sweet little red robins and more. There is a moral to each of these stories that come across in a very subtle form.

Most of us are short of time in our daily lives and if you are like me and love reading, it's so convenient. I can pick up a book like Andrew's book in my lunch hour or when traveling on the Manly Ferry. The magic is I can read the whole story in maybe half an hour and I get to know the characters, the plot and the climax. This is very satisfying. It's a great way to keep your literate and imaginative mind alive.”

Caroleann (Reviewer for WeekendNotes.com)

https://www.weekendnotes.com/eventyr-12-tales-of-unbreakable-friendship-book-review/

(extract) “…Andrew’s expository writing style suits an epistolary format, and while I’m sure the concept of a soul-stealing dentist has occurred to many a patient as their molars get scraped, in this story it is fresh and haunting, told from the perspective of both the dentist and his victim, as he grows to become the thing that tormented him.

Lika Kvirikashvili’s illustrations of black ink splatters that suggest the occasional animal or face are perfectly suited to the unspecified dread that sets the tone of these stories. With both we are left trying to discern something recognisable in the horror of what the blurb describes as “human experiences we normally prefer to shun: fear disgust, terror, and the uncanny.”

Emily Smith (Reviewer Magazine 6000)

https://magazine6000.com/review/snapshots-of-darkness-eventyr-12-tales-of-dread-and-horror/