Review: Terrifying.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 07 17, 2013
Oh. My. God.Lord Have Mercy.Somebody...give me a light comedy to read next. QUICK.I finished this at 4:45 this morning. I couldn't put it down towards the end. Prior to that? I'd been reading it for a few days, putting it down often, because I needed a freaking break...even though I was anxious to know what was going to happen next. This book is intense. In a SCARY, HORRIFIC way. There are no paranormal monsters, but worse. There are human psychopaths. The only way I was able to get through it in one piece was because the friend, who suggested the book, said there was a HEA. Well, hallelujah for that, because if a book ever needed one--this one did. For a minute there, I thought this book would end along the lines of the movie Funny Games. I was terrified of that. Kate, the "chosen" one, had been through so much, she NEEDED a happy ending. My heart ached and bled for her. Throw in how she cared for Tommy/Sammy, and I was outdone. Thank goodness for the HEA.I don't want to say too much, because I don't want to spoil it for you. I just thought you needed to know about the HEA before you tackle this one too. You may be inclined to say "hell no" a few times throughout. Know that it ends well.I read for entertainment and escapism. I was entertained in a blood-pumping, heart-racing, fist-clenching, teeth grinding sort of way. And I don't mean it was sexy or arousing. No. NEVER in this book. This is not a Kitty Thomas kidnapping by a hot stud where the woman has multiple orgasms during BDSM play. NO. NO. NO. But I was there in the action the whole time, and it affected me physically and emotionally. That's why I had to put it down occasionally.I read a lot of off-the-wall stuff. I don't have a weak stomach. Not much bothers me. My threshold is waaaay higher than most people, I think. BUT I, as we all do, have a trigger button. There are a few things that really get to me (I know you're shocked) like nothing else can. I almost reached that here. I had to get reassurance from my friend that it was not going to cross that line before I could move on. Really. I was affected. Want an example? Okay. I took my children (3 and 5 y/o) to an indoor playground, and I could NOT take my eyes off them. I'm typically sheltering when it comes to them, but on this occasion, I had CHOSEN in the back of my mind. I was worried. Overly paranoid. No lie. If you read this, you'll know why.So was I entertained while reading this book? Yes! The same as I would be with a train wreck or sinking ship or airplane crash. Was I able to escape reality? NO. This book screwed up my reality a bit. But I'd been warned. My friend had said she'd had nightmares about it and that it was frightening. She was right. I accepted the challenge. 'Cause how can you turn down a book that promises to keep you up at night and makes you think about it long after it's over? I can't.Did I mention that I loved it? I hated the things that happened in this story, but I love how the author told it. It's incredibly engrossing. I loved the switch in POVs to give a well-rounded picture. Subtle plot points throughout the book meshed together well in the end. I also loved that the heroine is tough. She is a survivor who made me constantly think, "What would I have done in that situation?" I'd hope I could be as strong as Kate. You never know. I can only hope I'm NEVER in a situation like this.5 stars, because it's a gut-wrenching ride that I will never forget. Make sure you're okay with graphic violence before you endeavor.