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Field of Sky
Field of Sky by Sarah Ferguson is the second book in the Southport series. The story picks up where book one left off and the reader is immersed in CeCe’s complicated world. CeCe returns to London after being forced by her parents to have a gap year in Australia. Which we later find out she was actually sent to Southport. We learn more about CeCe’s world, the pressure from her parents and her convoluted relationship with Jude. CeCe’s parents want her to marry for status and money and not for love. Reader’s follow CeCe as she tries to find what she really wants. Does she want to leave her status and money to be with Jude, or will she leave Jude behind to keep her inheritance?
Sarah Ferguson effortlessly pulls the reader into the intricate lives of her character’s. The obstacles they face feel authentic and I’m not sure if it was just because I was so invested in the characters from reading book one, but I felt like the just carried more emotional weight here. I would recommend reading book one as the author doesn’t spend a lot of time exploring each character’s background, which I didn’t mind because I was ready to dive right in.
Ferguson’s writing is eloquent and inspired, which helps to create characters that feel fresh even if they follow genre tropes. The story keeps the focus on the emotions and thoughts of the characters. I was really impressed with how there’s little need to explain the actions of the characters because there’s just enough details throughout the story for the reader to be able to understand what is going on, and again bringing the focus back to where it belongs; with the trauma, the empathy and the compassion that’s the beating heart of this novel.
I enjoyed the dark and moody theme that colors the story and readers looking for an evocative story with sophisticated writing that feels true-to-life will find themselves reveling in this story. The ending of the story is completely satisfying and I was thrilled to finally have some closure to CeCe and Jude’s relationship. When CeCe decides to run away from her problems she makes a friend named River. River’s character is such a great addition to the story and I can’t wait to read more about his character. Such a satisfying book to read!
ISBN: 978-0-6455162-9-6
Demon’s Land
Sixteen year old Jude is just trying to get through life while using photography as an outlet. He faces many hardships that a teenager shouldn’t have to face, from his mother leaving to a father who doesn’t understand him. Along with his only friends CeCe and Abel, they are just trying to make it and find their way through life. Jude struggles with telling CeCe how he really feels about her while CeCe tries to help Abel and Jude keep it together. On top of it all Abel has to deal with school bullies because he is gay and considered not normal. How will the three friends overcome the obstacles that life has given them?
Demon’s Land by Sarah Ferguson is an emotionally-charged coming-of-age story that utilizes sharp writing to elevate a contemporary literature story into something that is sentimental but powerful. Jude’s character is dark and brooding. He just wants someone to love him. I found his character to be well-crafted, relatable and endearing. His character gives hope to those who are going through hard times as he channels the same worries that we all have, but the author conveys those emotions in a way that feels sophisticated. I appreciated that CeCe’s character is the voice of reason and she genuinely cared for Abel and Jude. I enjoyed Abel’s character because he is not ashamed of being gay and Jude accepts him for who he is. This makes the novel a fantastically uplifting LGBT novel that feels authentic.
Fergusons is a fantastic storyteller with impactful writing. Her way with writing tells so much in such a short read that I didn’t have questions even though the ending leaves the reader hanging. There are serious topics that are explored throughout the story, but the author handles it beautifully. I felt the isolation and hopelessness that the characters felt and I was rooting for them the entire time.
Demon’s Land is a heart-felt and inspiring coming-of-age novel. I recommend this book to readers who are looking for a profound young adult story that deals with trauma in a way that feels grounded and poetic.
Pages: 120 | ASIN: 0645355992
Field of Sky
Field of Sky, by Sarah Ferguson and Micelle Worthington, is the second book in the Southport Series. This book picks up with Cecelia “CeCe” Wakefield returning to her London home from Australia. Once home, she is forced into a relationship with Gerald Wentworth. When CeCe feels stifled, she runs back to Australia and her boyfriend with a stolen credit card and meets a new friend along the way.
This emotionally-resonant novel contains a well-narrated story that follows CeCe who is trying to figure out who she is and what she wants while making a series of difficult and sometimes frivolous decisions along the way. I thought the plot was sentimental and focused on the emotional turmoil of the characters, which is used to drive the story forward, rather than using dramatic plot twists. The author does a great job of illustrating CeCe’s inner conflicts and how she handles situations involving jealousy, shame, family relationships, and whether she must decide what’s best for her or follow what her family and friends think is best for her.
While CeCe comes from a privileged upbringing, she may not feel relatable to readers initially, though once you get familiar with her dilemma and crisis of identity, she becomes more human and endearing. CeCe struggles with one of the most common challenges most people encounter in life, which is finding a path that leads to happiness and satisfaction, even if it means living outside of their comfort zone. The character development is fantastic, and I especially found River most relatable and unique.
The story’s overall theme is compelling and grounded, with a clear message: a happy ending for some people may not be the same for others. CeCe must first define who she is and what she wants, so she can find her home and place in society. The character’s drive to find her purpose in life is what kept me engaged throughout the book. I recommend Field of Sky for its layered, relevant and touching story.
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