"Clifford Liles examines the fragility of human existence through his adventures with sonnet form. The poems consider relationships, technology, nature, and climate change and show us ‘The Thin Veneer’ over potential peril, the ‘Fourteen lines of fracture’ of the sub-title. He demonstrates a keen eye for the fresh, sometimes startling image. His deft handling of subtle metaphor and skilful attention to sound and rhythm make this collection a pleasure to read."
— Angela France