Reviews for Awilda
"Where other authors promise something sexy, and delicious, then leave their readers wanting... Edward Medina delivers.
Edward Medina, author of It is Said and Murder of Crows, has taken his storytelling to a new level. It is also a move away from the youth adult genre, but then again Medina has never been comfortable with being labeled, according to his published interviews. His style has always been smooth and polished, but this latest work is so smooth it is intoxicating. I couldn't put it down, and have read it twice, since that bittersweet first night I encountered Awilda. I can understand why Medina couldn't let go off her. I hated leaving her.
Medina's command of language and vocabulary weaves a seamless tale. The tale is a journey through the mind of an incredibly dedicated vampire hunter specializing in a distinct type of vampire. Her day job as a librarian leaves her nights free to perfect her skills, while using the books she cares for to help her strengthen her mind and develop strategies. Awilda is no ordinary hunter having killed her first vampire at six. Her second when she was just thirteen. Buffy the Vampire Slayer has nothing on Awilda, who is patient, and disciplined, as well as gifted with a sixth sense when it comes to dispatching the undead.
Medina uses his knowledge of the Big Apple to create a rich urban story that doesn't play to the usual notes, where everything urban is about thugs, and gangs, or the uber-rich and polished. Awilda is a sophisticated tale in its layers which delicately unfold in this short-story. It would be a cliché to say that nothing is what is seems, but there is a twist to this delicious tale making the ending truly amazing, and one which I solemnly swear not to reveal. Independent authors like Medina need readers to support their work, and this project, as well as his others, genuinely deserves it."
Poet and Blogger, Lucinda Rose
"Delightfully, masterfully, twisted. What started as a slightly off-key 'girly' story subtley transmuted into an exploration of a most disturbing trait of the human psyche. Well met, Edward!"
Kathy Burley
"The New Yorker meets Playboy was my first thought about this clever, erotic, modern story. Rarely has a character so quickly mesmerized me as the elusive, sensual, bibliophile, Awilda. She is both protagonist and antagonist, lovable and tragic. This calculating vampire hunter attacks her prey in a most unusual fashion that captivates the reader. The author, Edward Medina, counters humorous quips with startling violence. There is an effortless lyrical rhythm to his story that practically sings off the page. And if that isn't enough temptation, you will be equally entertained by the two poems included as a gift for readers. The Emperor's Nocturne is a soulful, impassioned, love story that will seduce you. In it's companion piece, Peccadillo, the narrator's staccato voice will haunt you as he presents a disturbing portrait of a boy gone awry. As a fan of several different genres I recommend this book to... everyone!"
Belladonnalatte
"It takes rare talent to write about a sexy vampire killer and not have it be just another 'one of those books'. But this is not 'another one of those books'. Medina makes the character of Awilda real and far from a cliche. Fun, interesting, and a great story from a master storyteller!"
Carl H.
"I got drawn into Awilda's world. Mr. Medina has a way with words when describing things or persons. gets you straight into his world. I can't delve into the plot and spoil it for you but I can tell you, Awilda is a librarian during the day and a sexy vampire killer at night. What she actually is is a mystery we may never know as the story takes on a strange twist towards the end. A page turner. Get it."
Bolingo
"Look, I honestly don't get why Medina isn't on Amazon's front page more often. Everything I have read by him is pure delight. Get this, and then when you're done, read the rest of his works, I promise it will be worth it."
Kae
"I truly loved this short story and I hated for it to end. It had such a great flow to it and Awilda was so driven. Awilda attention to detail made you realize that she was a force to be reckoned with and her sassy attitude she was a sure win. Edward's attention to the small things in Awilda's life made this story a sure win and when she started to let her guard down, you could feel the tension in the air and the emotions going on inside Awilda. What a terrific story!!"
Amazon Reviewer
"The writing is crisp and concise, no unnecessary words. Awilda is, too. A killer in childhood, Awilda continues on that path in the guise of a librarian. By day, she reads about methods of killing vampires. By night, she stalks and kills one specific group ~ vampires who take emotional and sexual energy from their victims. It is this dichotomy, library girl and vampire killer, that makes Awilda so fascinating. She is beautiful, bright and deadly. But is she human?"
Babs Z.
"Awilda is innocence lost...a conflicted mind, plotting and cold...psychologically damaged, librarian by day and femme fatale by night. If you enjoy short stories, paranormal, vampires and insight into the contrasting dark world of a calculating, yet seductive killer, then AWILDA is worthy of your reading list. The author, Edward Medina, knows how to move through a story -- and has also provided a bonus by including poetry that fits well with it. An overall nice package for your relaxing summer's eve."
Author, Glenn Starkey
"Another fun read from Edward Medina! In typical form, his story is full of twists and turns one never sees coming. I'm off to read it again."
Amazon Reviewer
"Just a taste of adventure, balanced precariously between fantasy and cold, cruel reality, this story introduces the reader to a character so engaging that the final pages hit you like a punch to the gut."
I. Sweetman
"Yet again, Edward has given us an amazing gift! The descriptions and details he includes in all his writings make me feel as if I'm truly in a room, a place, or know a character. Once I start reading Edward's work, not only am I unable to put it down but I also need to read it again and again. His writing captures me and I nearly feel that I'm part of the story!"
Elyse
"Wonderful read! Enjoyed every bit of the story, and each of the poems. Keep up the fantastic work, Mr. Medina."
Elizabeth McCollough
"This is well-written and a fast read. It is rather dark though and therefore I think not for younger readers."
Leslie B. Kahle
"I have enjoyed all of Edward Medina's work and with the short stories, I'm always left wanting more... but in that good way."