Stephen Aryan is a Fantasy author from the UK. His debut Battlmage was published in 2015, and since then, he has traditionally published several series: Age of Darkness and Age of Dread. The latest series is the Quest for Heroes duology. The latest published novel is Blood Dimmed Tide, the sequel to Judas Blossom. The Novella New York Minute is Stephens’ first foray into self-publishing.
After years of being a cop, and now a private investigator, there’s little that surprises Cole Blackstone. But when someone working for Karl Dolman, the most notorious crime boss in the city asks for his help, Cole is caught off guard, and more than a little afraid.
Dolman’s daughter, Selina, has gone missing. To prevent a gang war that will tear the city apart, Cole must find her. But the job is being made more difficult as everyone is interfering, cops and criminals, and no one wants him to succeed.
Together with his childhood friend, Bracken Hart, the two men must navigate the depths of the city’s underworld for answers. In a race against the clock, Cole needs to find out what happened to Selina, and who is responsible, before the streets run red.
While I typically immerse myself in Fantasy and Sci-Fi, I couldn’t pass up the chance to read Stephen’s new novella. As a fan of his work, I’m always eager to support authors I admire, and I’m so glad I took this opportunity. Although my experience with the noir genre is limited, this story, set in a unique version of New York, masterfully captures the essence of noir without relying heavily on its alternate world. The noir setting and Cole being a rugged unflinching PI really fit the setting.
Stephen has brilliantly condensed a novel’s worth of narrative into this novella. The pacing is exhilarating, and despite its length, the character development of Cole and Bracken is impressive. I found myself deeply invested in Bracken’s journey, particularly as Stephen skillfully portrays his struggles and emotions. There were moments when I felt truly connected to Bracken, experiencing his challenges alongside him. Cole, too, had a captivating presence that added depth to the story. I can’t wait to read more about these characters.
The fight scenes are expertly crafted; through Stephen’s vivid descriptions, I could almost feel the tension and adrenaline. The world-building is seamlessly woven throughout the narrative, avoiding any intrusive info dumps while introducing a rich and intriguing environment. I was particularly drawn to the wilds and am eager for more adventures featuring our favorite PI in that realm.
In summary, this novella is a brilliant page-turner that you won’t want to miss. If you like Grimdark, Noir, or gritty PI stories, dive in now!
You can purchase New York Minute from Amazon and check out Stephens’ other works on his website
