Wow, what an interesting story! I love how the author created this post apocalyptic world and centred it around communication and communities coming together and working together (something that the “before” world had lost sight of - sound familiar??)
It’s a big and long story, it took me a while to get through, but I enjoyed following Matthew and meeting all the people he came across in his travels. I purchased the second book so I can continue on with Matthew and see where his journey takes him (sounds like Toronto!!!! 🇨🇦🇨🇦)
Thank you to Jami Fairleigh, Kitsune Publishing, and NetGalley for a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

A delight. A story of hope that walks the twee line between YA and adult fiction that I'm happy to lap up. Oil and Dust is exactly as the blurb says it is. We need more stories like it and I'm eager to continue with Matthew, the Elemental Artist, and his found family.

There's some content that will trouble those sensitive to criticism of religious fanaticism and one scene involving sexual assault that will keep it off the shelf of the DoBetter GR group, but Oil and Dust is a mostly upbeat and pleasant tale that I'm happy to recommend.

4.5 stars rounded up.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with this book in exchange for my honest opinion. Oil and Dust is available for purchase now.

With Oil and Dust, words fail me. It is at times both familiar, yet utterly unique. It is a hopeful book, yet it still contains sorrow and longing, and a person with (in my opinion) a hole in his heart. One can’t have hope without darkness or loss, after all.

The world has changed. Both futuristic and reminiscent of the past, things are simpler. Bartering and sharing are the norm, with people working together and sharing what they need. Gone are greed, and the search for power. It is in this world that we find our main character, Matthew. Matthew is an artist of a different sort, and highly sought after. However, something is missing for him and this leads him to go on a journey, in search of his long-lost family.

The writing is wonderful, sometimes slow but never plodding. Instead, the author takes her time building a world rich in detail. As Matthew travels this world, it grows, becoming larger as his viewpoints shift. He also changes as he sees new places and experiences new perspectives. Matthew is the sort of character that I love to read about: he is supremely human, with human strengths and flaws, and his emotions are painted so clearly that I couldn’t help but feel exactly what he was feeling. I hoped for him, was sad for him, and wanted him to succeed. His character development is astounding.

The characters he encounters along his journey are equally well-developed and, while I loved them (Akiko in particular!) , it was their interactions with Matthew that really made them interesting to me. Despite the fascinating setting and the great side characters, at the end of the day it was Matthew himself that made this book the experience that it is.

Oil and Dust is a triumphant debut novel, memorable and touching. I highly recommend this gem of a book.

Really good stuff. Love the optimism contained in the book as well was the writing. Great characters, plus an engaging story. Combine all that, and it's a winner. Recommended.

I really appreciate the free review copy!!

I loved this subtle and (mostly) gentle novel about finding one's place in the world. The characters are beautifully created with affection and are each layered and fascinating. Their quests and desires make them stand out in a world of service and community. and I am rooting for them to all find happiness. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kitsune Publishing for allowing me to read this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. This is a great first book of a series. It has a full story within it but also skillfully leaves questions for the reader to want for the next book! The magic system is very connected to science over mystical aspects and as a science teacher, I appreciate the physics references to how the artist can affect change in the environment. I absolutely cannot wait for the next book. I am so intrigued by this world which is set in a possible future of Earth. The general political/religious aspects are very interesting and definitely speak to our current societal issues. Very good story, wonderful writing, and I can’t wait for the next book!

I have not read a book in YEARS that made me feel the way this book did. At once triumphant and blindingly optimistic, and also powerful and compelling.

Matthew is the epitome of what a hero should be (even if he doesn't see it himself). Strong and resolute in his journey to find his family (and himself), he ends up finding a new family that he realizes he would die to protect.

I nearly cried in the last few chapters of this book. Viciously realistic imagery, a breathtaking peace and believable characters that make you love (or hate) them, combine to make this one of my favorite books that I've had the privilege to read this year. Highly recommended (keep your tissues close). Eagerly awaiting the sequel!

Thank you to Jami Fairleigh, Kitsune Publishing and Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was such a lovely surprise! The writing made me feel like I was there every step of the way with the MC. I just love it when that happens!

The plot was well paced, even with all the detail and I found the story and magic unique and refreshing.

I am looking forward to the sequel!

This has the feel of a time far long ago, when actually it is very modern, futuristic even; it’s fascinating to see things come back around. It is a very unusual look at what our future could look like when it doesn’t contain hovercrafts and self-tying shoelaces.

It is full of such beautiful description that you can see the views, hear the horses hoofs, and taste the sumptuous feasts. It’s a long book but it doesn’t ramble or bore. There’s a lot of characters but you never feel lost. It’s twisty and turny but not confusing. Things are exposed to you in detail but it’s never patronising. It’s set in the future but without enough identifiable qualities to feel a part of it. It’s funny without being slapstick. It’s scary without being too horrific to read. It’s loving without being mushy. It’s an adventure without travelling too far. It’s violent without being too much.

I felt there was definitely a sense of CS Lewis about it, particularly at the end. I read a sequel is due in March 2022 and I’m already desperate to read it.