Reviewed:
I rarely review unfinished stories. Too often, they begin strongly but lose momentum or rush toward an ending. I also tend to overlook authors with only one or two works to their credit. For Night School and its author, AshRynn, I am breaking both rules.
At the time of this review, Night School consists of just 11 chapters—but what chapters they are. Although this is AshRynn’s only listed work, the writing, character development, and dialogue are remarkably accomplished.
The story follows an Air Force captain and an international pop star who meet in a graduate military history class at UCLA, where the singer initially hopes to remain incognito. Both have distinct personalities and feel like real people. More importantly, they are people we come to care about.
Their careers create a compelling tension: the captain still has two years of service remaining, while the singer must navigate the demands of her life as a performer and songwriter. I look forward to seeing how they reconcile those commitments.
I have read many stories on this site but reviewed very few. I write when something truly impresses me. When a story falls short, I generally move on rather than discourage someone who has had the courage to share their work publicly. As a retired professor from an R1 research university, I understand the vulnerability of submitting one’s work for others to judge.
Chapter 8 deserves special mention. Its intimate scene is among the best I have read. This is an area many writers struggle with; AshRynn handles it exceptionally well.
Night School is becoming essential reading. If future chapters maintain the standard of the first 11, it could become a classic on this site.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.