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A review by rihoward
Hostile Saint by India R. Adams
5.0
I am not sure where to even start with this review. That seems to happen a lot when I read anything from this author. She never ceases to take me on a journey that is sure to stir up a maelstrom of emotions. I am always captivated by this author's innate ability to tap into my soul with her words but somehow, every time, she manages to do it. This book is an example of that gift.
I first had read about these amazing characters from the Institute anthology. That story was later redone as Hostile Illusions and from both versions, I was hooked. Her words are poignantly juxtaposed with heartbreak. Yet, it is always redemptive in a way because it also shows the power of love and hope. She is not afraid to tackle subjects that are uncomfortable because she knows the power of words and action. The back story and mystery that went on in this story and the reasons why behind it were horrifying for lack of a different word. Yet, that is the power because things like this are happening in the world.
From the first moment I met Lacey and Tate, I wanted to reach into my kindle and love them. I have been waiting for what seems like forever to finally see them find a sense of peace and happiness. Good Lord did they ever deserve it. I saw them briefly at the end of the Haunted Roads series and my heart soared because they were doing well. What I didn't know was their story of how they got to that point from Hostile Illusions. I finally got that backstory. I thought I was prepared for it but holy hell was this a bumpy ride. Even with some of the memories being talked about a second time, I still was not prepared for it. That is par for the course with this author though, she always takes me in a different direction than I was expecting.
As mentioned, this road is bumpy, like offroading on crack. Even though this story hurts to read in parts, it still was beautiful. I think that is one of the things that always leaves me in awe with this author is that she can always traverse the fine line of being TOO much without falling into the precipice of the abyss. There are truth and beauty in everything she writes. However, she doesn't sugarcoat the darkness and depravity of mankind. Watching these characters that have been through hell and back come back from what I imagine the 10th level of purgatory to be and find that they were, as the singer Pink says, "...not broken, just bent" is the greatest reward for not just Tate and Lacey or the secondary characters that stole my heart, but it is also a reward for me, the reader because it proves that love can heal, and these characters can do it together.
I am a firm believer in signs and this book had them. I like it when an author can do that because it makes the story feel that much more authentic which is remarkable considering this still is a work of fiction. The ending was a sucker punch on where she intends to take this story. Even though Tate and Lacey's story is over, I imagine I will be seeing them again in the future in a different book. The author sure tied together this book and a morsel of goodness that gives the idea of what is to come in the next book, and I just have to say that I am here for it.
I will give a warning that this book is heavy and has triggers. Proceed accordingly. For those out there willing to try it, I can say that the superb writing and amazing story and characters will not let you down in this book. just like with every book that this amazing author writes, she leaves me spellbound, and she always, without fail, changes the template of who I am by way of her words. She changes how I see the world around me. I am ever watchful. Kudos to this author.
I first had read about these amazing characters from the Institute anthology. That story was later redone as Hostile Illusions and from both versions, I was hooked. Her words are poignantly juxtaposed with heartbreak. Yet, it is always redemptive in a way because it also shows the power of love and hope. She is not afraid to tackle subjects that are uncomfortable because she knows the power of words and action. The back story and mystery that went on in this story and the reasons why behind it were horrifying for lack of a different word. Yet, that is the power because things like this are happening in the world.
From the first moment I met Lacey and Tate, I wanted to reach into my kindle and love them. I have been waiting for what seems like forever to finally see them find a sense of peace and happiness. Good Lord did they ever deserve it. I saw them briefly at the end of the Haunted Roads series and my heart soared because they were doing well. What I didn't know was their story of how they got to that point from Hostile Illusions. I finally got that backstory. I thought I was prepared for it but holy hell was this a bumpy ride. Even with some of the memories being talked about a second time, I still was not prepared for it. That is par for the course with this author though, she always takes me in a different direction than I was expecting.
As mentioned, this road is bumpy, like offroading on crack. Even though this story hurts to read in parts, it still was beautiful. I think that is one of the things that always leaves me in awe with this author is that she can always traverse the fine line of being TOO much without falling into the precipice of the abyss. There are truth and beauty in everything she writes. However, she doesn't sugarcoat the darkness and depravity of mankind. Watching these characters that have been through hell and back come back from what I imagine the 10th level of purgatory to be and find that they were, as the singer Pink says, "...not broken, just bent" is the greatest reward for not just Tate and Lacey or the secondary characters that stole my heart, but it is also a reward for me, the reader because it proves that love can heal, and these characters can do it together.
I am a firm believer in signs and this book had them. I like it when an author can do that because it makes the story feel that much more authentic which is remarkable considering this still is a work of fiction. The ending was a sucker punch on where she intends to take this story. Even though Tate and Lacey's story is over, I imagine I will be seeing them again in the future in a different book. The author sure tied together this book and a morsel of goodness that gives the idea of what is to come in the next book, and I just have to say that I am here for it.
I will give a warning that this book is heavy and has triggers. Proceed accordingly. For those out there willing to try it, I can say that the superb writing and amazing story and characters will not let you down in this book. just like with every book that this amazing author writes, she leaves me spellbound, and she always, without fail, changes the template of who I am by way of her words. She changes how I see the world around me. I am ever watchful. Kudos to this author.