Lyrical, tense, and unforgettable…
Beech’s second installment in the Marcosta Island series explores the intersection of community, ambition, and the fragility of heritage. Set in 1997, the novel follows Mayor Jake Crawford as he confronts a significant threat to his island home: billionaire developer Derek Nielsen’s plan to transform Marcosta into a resort, endangering its cultural identity and unspoiled landscape. Jake’s unlikely hope comes from famed director Adrien Satorri, whose interest in filming a local war hero’s story offers a potential way to disrupt Nielsen’s ambitions. However, as the film project unfolds, Jake finds himself sinking deeper into personal and professional turmoil, leading to unforeseen and devastating consequences.
Beech’s prose is sharp and evocative, bringing the windswept beauty of Marcosta Island to life. The island itself becomes a living, breathing character, with its landscapes and inhabitants rendered with meticulous care. The pacing strikes a perfect balance between moments of introspection and escalating drama, keeping readers invested. Jake emerges as a passionate but deeply flawed protagonist whose resolve to preserve Marcosta’s way of life is constantly tested. The secondary cast is equally compelling. The narrative deftly weaves personal and political stakes, diving deep into the richly developed lives of characters bound by both love for their island and fear of its uncertain future. Beech doesn’t shy away from exploring the darker side of ambition, showing how even the best intentions can lead to unintended consequences. The novel skillfully integrates the meta-narrative of filmmaking; Satorri’s movie becomes more than just a plot device—it serves as a reflection on the power of storytelling itself, raising questions about how media shapes society and the preservation of history.
A deeply engaging and elegantly crafted novel that entertains while prompting readers to reflect on the complexities of community, history, and the power of storytelling in shaping our lives.
Pub date September 23, 2024
Pentabeech LLC
ISBN 979-8991635721
Price $20.99 (USD) Hardcover, $13.99 Paperback, $2.99 Kindle edition, $0.00 Kindle Unlimited
