A review by women_using_words
Schuss by E.J. Noyes

hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

As I opened this book and nestled into the story of Gemma and Stacey, it struck me that E.J. Noyes is a fearless writer. Why do I say that? Well, she sees a story and she goes after it with gusto. Most importantly, she serves her stories well by using literary devices and techniques that make her storytelling impressionable. No one can pigeonhole her. Her themes are wide ranged, dipping into story worlds filled with lovely ladies from the paranormal to army surgeons, airline pilots and equestrians. Her novels demonstrate that her creative mind has no limits or restraints. She lets the story lead her to make solid choices for the benefit of her characters and their arcs, even when it enters challenging territory and takes her away from her beloved first person POV comfort zone.

Besides understanding her craft well, one of Noyes’s biggest strengths is her ability to conduct relevant and reliable research for story development. She does her homework when building her story worlds. The payoff is big; it makes for a believable and relatable storyline. This book is no different. Schuss is captivating because Noyes puts the reader there. They understand the nuances of being a professional skier. The story world and world building is spot-on. Readers shouldn’t be surprised; she did the same in Gold, the springboard novel for Schuss. Her attention to detail gives the the setting, as well as the characters, texture and dimension. 

Another strength is her ability to get to the foundation of a character’s emotion. We see it here with Gemma and Stacey. Readers understand each woman’s POV because Noyes shows readers why they feel the way they do. In fact, she’s a master of the “show, don’t tell” rule of writing. She uses scenes and dialogue effectively, giving readers a window to the minds and hearts of these characters. It’s the catalyst for why readers care about Gemma and Stacey. Noyes makes their story matter and readers are all-in. 

Final remarks…

I appreciate so much about Gemma and Stacey’s story. This is technically a young adult romance but because of Noyes’s skill level as a writer, she brings an element of maturity to it that makes it appealing for all. It’s solidly written and a great sister book to Gold. I’d encourage fans of contemporary sapphic fiction to plop it into their TBR pile ASAP. It won’t disappoint.

Strengths…

  • Well-developed storyline
  • Likable characters 
  • Touching and tender romance
  • Interesting story world with great world building