Oliver takes readers on an unforgettable emotional journey in her poignant latest novel. Struggling to come to terms with his wife and son’s death, Ken has become a recluse. When some neighborhood kids attempt to rob his house, his single decision sets off a chain of events, leading to Ken meeting a young man Mykel. As the two grow closer, Ken finds himself abandoning his grief, changing not only Mykel’s life in the process but also his own. Oliver deftly weaves themes of grief, trauma, adolescent angst, love, and personal discovery to tell a deeply moving story. The third-person omniscient narrative alternates between Ken’s ongoing story, with snippets of his tragic past sprinkled throughout. The author deftly creates an honest and likable protagonist in Ken. Readers will find themselves rapt with anticipation and filled with compassion for the grieving man’s journey to love and happiness. Through Ken and Mykel’s story, Oliver deftly shows how a person’s single decision can shape communities and people’s lives. Brilliant." The Prairie Book Review.
Five out of Five stars
"Kay A. Oliver delivers a superb tale with plenty of positive and inspiring moments that balance the tragic circumstances of the lives touched upon within the characters of this intimate drama. Ken provides an accurate portrayal of a person crushed by tragedy. Despite the harrowing, raw, emotional narrative, Oliver balances his hard life with increasing moments of joy, pathos, and hope. The tale feels like a release from grief, with every day getting just a little better if we remember to let light, love, and other people back in. I really enjoyed the dialogue, which did a lot to carry the plot forward in a natural style, especially concerning Mykel. I recommend Road to Elysium to fans of realistic fiction; readers who have experienced loss will relate." - ReadersFavorite.com
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WINNER First Place Bookfest Spring 2023 in three categories:
- First Place for Fiction > Historical - Fictional Biography,
- First Place for Fiction > Literary - Coming of Age, and
- First Place for Fiction > YA - Boys & Men.
Inspired by a true story.
A man who had all he ever wanted, unexpectedly finds himself shattered and broken due to a single tragedy. Ken has come to know his sorrow as he clings closely to his painful memories. Giving his life over to his heartache, Ken sees the world as a cold, hard place to live. He settles on the fact that he may never again find the same happiness he once knew.
When some neighborhood kids decide to rob his house. This fateful event sets off a chain of repercussions that Ken could not have predicted. It leads to meeting Mykel, a young man, in a very unconventional way. This leads Ken to make an instant, profound choice. As their friendship grows, Ken sees something in Mykel. Ken begins to redirects his personal focus to the young man and not his self-pity. Not realizing it, that momentary decision will affect countless lives in many unforeseen ways.
"Gratifying, touching, and thoroughly absorbing…
Oliver takes readers on an unforgettable emotional journey in her poignant latest novel. Struggling to come to terms with his wife and son’s death, Ken has become a recluse. When some neighborhood kids attempt to rob his house, his single decision sets off a chain of events, leading to Ken meeting a young man Mykel. As the two grow closer, Ken finds himself abandoning his grief, changing not only Mykel’s life in the process but also his own. Oliver deftly weaves themes of grief, trauma, adolescent angst, love, and personal discovery to tell a deeply moving story. The third-person omniscient narrative alternates between Ken’s ongoing story, with snippets of his tragic past sprinkled throughout. The author deftly creates an honest and likable protagonist in Ken. Readers will find themselves rapt with anticipation and filled with compassion for the grieving man’s journey to love and happiness. Through Ken and Mykel’s story, Oliver deftly shows how a person’s single decision can shape communities and people’s lives. Brilliant." The Prairie Book Review.
Five out of Five stars
"Kay A. Oliver delivers a superb tale with plenty of positive and inspiring moments that balance the tragic circumstances of the lives touched upon within the characters of this intimate drama. Ken provides an accurate portrayal of a person crushed by tragedy. Despite the harrowing, raw, emotional narrative, Oliver balances his hard life with increasing moments of joy, pathos, and hope. The tale feels like a release from grief, with every day getting just a little better if we remember to let light, love, and other people back in. I really enjoyed the dialogue, which did a lot to carry the plot forward in a natural style, especially concerning Mykel. I recommend Road to Elysium to fans of realistic fiction; readers who have experienced loss will relate." - ReadersFavorite.com