06/29/2026 Guest Reviews by Kerry E.B Black: WAKENHYRST by Michelle Paver

Candace Nola
Jun 29
1 min read

Today, we have another guest review from local Pittsburgh author, Kerry E.B. Black! Check out her thoughts on her most recent read below! I just added this one to my TBR. You should too!

WAKENHYRST

by Michelle Paver

In the early 1900’s, a dreadful man rules his little United Kingdom dominion outside of the fen with little regard for his family or staff in Michelle Paver’s Gothic coming-of-age novel Wakenhyrst. The lead is a Maud, who reveals the story through innocent eyes.

This novel’s villain is undoubtedly the misogyny of the time, encapsulated in the father who becomes obsessed with a discovery in the parish church and the work of an ancient, female mystical thinker. Learning his justification for his behaviors sickened me, but Maud is an intelligent character who perseveres despite heartbreaking and horrifying circumstances.

The story is partially told through epistolary entries as well, lending insight into madness and menace.

Get it here:

https://www.amazon.com/Wakenhyrst-Michelle-Paver/dp/1788549570

More about Kerry E.B. Black

Kerry E.B. Black writes from an over-stuffed little house situated along a fog-enshrouded river in the land where Romero's Dead roamed. Her children think she's dull, and their dogs agree, but the family cats, Poe and Hemingway, feel differently. The felines find a kinship with their nocturnal buddy and encourage Kerry to write.

2 Comments

firecerrt2331

Jul 07

Looking for a no-nonsense writing coach – any recommendations? I've been trying to improve my business writing but most courses feel either too academic or just basic grammar stuff. I need someone who understands how to actually connect with readers and make messages stick. Has anyone found a good writing teacher online?

Korry Worie

Jul 07

Replying to

I stumbled across someone who's been a huge help for me. He's been writing since childhood – literally making magazines out of construction paper and crayons when other kids were playing with toys. Over the years he's written over 400 articles for managers, professionals, and entrepreneurs, plus four books that have sold more than 25,000 copies. What I appreciate is that he doesn't just teach theory; he's actually been in the trenches and knows how to craft messages that get read and shared. He's helped people from all sorts of backgrounds, even reps from Brazil's top football media have reached out to him. His approach is practical and engaging, not dry or preachy. If you want to learn from someone…