This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Calm. Down. Dear. is a work of fiction in the thriller, psychological drama, and suspense genres. It is best suited to adult readers owing to the presence of strong language and scenes of sex and violence. Penned by author Stacy Walsh, the story delves into the life of Sam, who seeks acceptance, love, and commitment. Meeting Casey at Westside State University, Sam believes he's found his ideal partner. However, as the years pass in a world where women hold the power, Sam finds himself chained to an unsafe partner. The narrative explores the dynamics of a society where traditional gender roles are reversed, delving into Sam's struggles as he grapples with his diminishing self-worth and sanity. The book questions the limits of endurance in the face of societal oppression and the toll it takes on an individual's psyche.
Author Stacy Walsh takes on some huge concepts with great success in a gripping and intelligent novel, immersing me in Sam's tumultuous journey. Walsh intricately portrays the shifting power dynamics, building a convincing world where traditional norms are upended by taking familiar tropes and playing on them in reverse. This contextualizes Sam's internal turmoil all the more and the psychological toll of his circumstances is palpable thanks to some very effective narrative and descriptive skill, evoking much empathy and reflection. I also really enjoyed the scene building and descriptions, which added new layers of atmosphere and details to the settings and matched the mood of each scene really well. Walsh's exploration of Sam's descent into madness is haunting, shedding light on the fragility of self-worth amidst oppressive structures. Overall, Calm. Down. Dear. is a compelling commentary on gender, power, and the human psyche, leaving a lasting impression on readers.
