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My name is Cristian Carrington and I find joy in immersive stories, whether they unfold in the realms of Skyrim and God of War or on the silver screen. This love for rich narratives deeply influences my writing, as does the most significant inspiration in my life – my wife.
'Forever & Always' is a testament to our journey together. I crafted this story to resonate with her, embedding subtle clues that only she would understand. It was both a personal challenge and an experiment – to write a story in a genre she typically doesn't prefer and make her fall in love with it. Spoiler alert: it was a success!
When I'm not weaving tales, I treasure spending time with my wife, exploring new places and experiences together. My journey into writing 'Forever & Always' reflects not only our bond but also my commitment to pushing the boundaries of my creative expression. It's a story that's close to my heart, and I hope it will captivate and inspire readers as much as it has done for us.
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
Forever & Always by Cristian Carrington is set on a tropical island surrounded by the vast sea, where Lono, a skilled fisherman, falls in love with Laka, leading to a blossoming relationship. They live amongst uncontacted people, but their idyllic lives are disrupted by the arrival of unfamiliar ships and the mysterious Jezebel, introducing both treasures and suspicions among the islanders. Strange occurrences, headaches, and surreal experiences unsettle the community, culminating in a night of harrowing events. Lono, acting as a middleman, is put in the position that he never, in his worst nightmare, thought might unfold, and in a fight to protect his people, he must also navigate horrific loss and betrayal. Even if his efforts are successful, the prospect of being forever haunted by the echoes of darkness remains.
Christian Carrington brings a great deal of emotion and depth to Forever & Always, which might be surprising given the compact nature of the story. The plight of uncontacted people and their vulnerability are front and center through the eyes and experiences of Lono, and the way the story unfolds is heartbreaking. The style of writing is straightforward and accessible, and the development of the characters is exceptionally well done. The standout to me is the descriptive moments, both beautiful and less so, from the gems being described as having "patterns swirling across their surfaces in an endless dance," to Carrington's narrative of the foul smell and red hue of the water, all of which provides a sensory experience for readers. Overall, this is a wonderful and thoughtful story that I am certain will touch everyone who reads it.
