Review: Dark, Devastating, Gritty, and Addictive!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 02 4, 2014
My Thoughts:I have read many Stories by Jessica Sorensen.  I have learned that her prose flow beautifully, her characters are complex and multilayered, and the plots in her stories often deal with dark, realistic, and heartbreaking topics.  Her stories always take me to a dark place.  They have a way of pulling me in and completely hooking me.  The Nova Series, is by far the darkest of all of her stories.  It deals with the harsh realities, ugliness, and consequences of drug addiction.In Saving Quinton, we get both Nova and Quinton's dual perspectives.  Nova has  been working on her recovery, and is in a place where she knows that she wants to heal, and live a happy life.  She no longer drinks or does drugs, and she has finally dealt with her deceased boyfriend, Landon's, suicide.  Nova is doing well in college, and works for a suicide hotline.  She has gotten even closer to her mother, and has befriended, Lea, a young woman who she met at support group for people who have lost loved one's to suicide.  Lea is a great friend and room mate.  Nova can't stop thinking and worrying about Quinton.  He changed her life last summer, and they had a strong connection with one another.  Nova, with the help of Lea searches for Quinton.  She is determined to find him and save him from his drug addiction.  She feels like she failed Landon and is determined that this time she is determined to succeed in saving Quinton.  However, when she finds Quinton, she realizes that saving him is going to be the challenge of a lifetime.Quinton is in a very dark place in his life.  He is a drug addict living with other hardcore addicts, and dealing drugs, so he can get the money for his much needed fix.  Quinton wants to die.  The guilt of his deceased girlfriend, Lexi, and cousin, Ryder, consumes him.  He loathes himself, and often wishes that death would just take him.  It doesn't help that he lives with his cousin Tristan, a drug supplier, Dylan, and Dylan's addict girlfriend, Delilah, who are all addicted to Heroin.  Quinton's drug of choice is crystal meth.  He refuses to use Heroin, because he's not a fan of needles.  Quinton's days blend one in to another, he's never hungry, sleeps with countless women, and only cares about where his next fix is coming from.  When he is coherent (for very short intervals,) all he thinks about is how he's responsible for Lexi and Ryder's deaths, and Nova, the girl he connected with last summer.  He still has strong feelings for her, but knows that she is too good for him, and deserves better than him.When Nova ends up tracking Quinton down, she is shocked to see the filthy, drug infested apartment that he lives in, as well as what a horrible state he is in.  Quinton is shocked to see her.  He is happy to see her, but at the same time, knows that he must push her away, because he doesn't want her getting involved in his situation.  He wants her to be safe and happy, and has no inclination to get clean.  However, Nova is determined, and she does not plan on leaving Las Vegas or giving up on Quinton until she helps him.  Along the way, there will be heartbreak, danger, breakdowns, and Nova fears that the emotional tole in saving Quinton, might end up breaking her.Saving Quinton was an excellent sequel in the Nova series.  It was dark, gritty, intense, and full of suspense, and plot twists.  This story was very fast paced.  It was difficult to read at times, because it was heavy on my heart.  Ms. Sorensen did an excellent job of depicting the harsh realities, dangers, and ugliness that exists in the life of a drug addict.  I could visualize everything, and could feel the inner pain, guilt, and struggle of Quinton.  I could also feel the determination, love, loyalty, and perseverance emanating from Nova.  The ending was a to be continued, but it left me with a lot of hope.  Things haven't been resolved yet, but at least I see a bit of light at the end of the tunnel.  Ms. Sorensen did an excellent job in developing the main characters; Quinton, and Nova, and making me care about them.  The plot completely hooked me from the very beginning, to the very end, ands I am so excited and hopeful for the last installment, Nova and Quinton: No Regrets, which comes out April 15, 2014!My Rating:I give Saving Quinton, by Jessica Sorenson, 4 Dark, Devastating, Gritty, and Addictive Stars!  Be prepared for a very heavy and emotional sequel when you pick this story up.  It is a real eye opener, and for someone that is ignorant when it comes to drugs, I feel a lot more educated and well informed.  For a realistic story about drug addiction, hope, and the healing power of love, read the Nova Series!  You will never forget it!*To Read More Book Reviews, Visit A Bookish Escape!