"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.

Cristian 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."

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite