Still by Eniola Prentice

First I’d like to say, it was a great honor to have received Eniola Prentices’ request to review her debut novel. So, thank you so much for the privilege and congratulations again on your first book! I wish you every success both in your medical career and your book writing endeavors!

On to my review...

In Eniola Prentices’ novel, “Still,” it’s a fresh start in the lives of four young adults as they begin their medical school journey in the renowned Steldman College of Medicine. All four students share a common bond in that they are Nigerian. However, there is probably more to be said for their differences: Tayo is an alcoholic from a wealthy family; Nikky is a child prodigy with overbearing parents; Sola is a victim of her traumatic past and a dysfunctional home and; Ladi is a strong Christian whose faith enable him make lemonade with the lemons of life.

The story is told through the eyes of these enthusiastic medical students; we learn about their past, their transition into their new lives and get a glimpse of their hopes for the future. The intensity of medical school quickly spills into their personal lives and relationships...Friends and enemies are determined in the first few days of school, coping mechanisms are formed, secrets are unleashed and law of attraction come to play. You are right to be thinking: DRAMA!

Only a few pages into the story, we learn that Sola has a secret and this secret is a ticking time bomb with the potential to change the future for all of them. This is where the story reaches its climax for me. Naturally, I wanted to know the secret right away but don’t find out until the very end of the book. By then, I already formed a pretty good idea of what the secret might be so of course the suspense was deflated early on for me.

That said, Sola may have been my favorite of the main characters because there was some depth to her character and she seemed somewhat more mature than the others. Also, her journey of faith and seeming monologues with God are likely areas many can relate to. Finally, her mental health struggle is real so I definitely appreciate the author shedding some light on mental health issues given this is often a taboo topic in the African society.

Overall, I found the book somewhat half-baked and predictable. It was action packed in the sense there was so much going on but unfortunately the story and characters never evolved/developed enough to fully captivate the reader. I also don’t enjoy romance that much so the idea of a romance novel set in medical school was quite a leap for me. Nevertheless, I think “Still” is a story that asks some tough questions about forgiveness, God, faith and hope. So, I appreciate the overall message of the book and Prentices’ intent which I believe will come to light fully in the series to come. I hope there will be a clearer picture of faith and God’s redeeming grace!

Eniola is offering a giveaway to promote the release of her new book. Click Still raffle to enter for a chance to receive a free signed copy of Still , a $40 amazon gift card and a surprise gift :). Accepting entries until June 16th so hurry! ;)

Still is available on Amazon for only $2.99. Click here

Rating: 3 bows