AFTERMATH
by Clara Kensie
Publication Date: November 1, 2016
Published by Merit Press
Pages: 282
Source: Irish Banana Tours
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Synopsis
Charlotte survived four long years as a prisoner in the attic of her kidnapper, sustained only by dreams of her loving family. The chance to escape suddenly arrives, and Charlotte fights her way to freedom. But an answered prayer turns into heartbreak. Losing her has torn her family apart. Her parents have divorced: Dad's a glutton for fame, Mom drinks too much, and Charlotte's twin is a zoned-out druggie. Her father wants Charlotte write a book and go on a lecture tour, and her mom wants to keep her safe, a virtual prisoner in her own home. But Charlotte is obsessed with the other girl who was kidnapped, who never got a second chance at life--the girl who nobody but Charlotte believes really existed. Until she can get justice for that girl, even if she has to do it on her own, whatever the danger, Charlotte will never be free.
My Thoughts
My from the gut review: I cried many times while reading AFTERMATH and had to keep reminding myself that this was a fictional abduction. But the reality is this does happen and it happens too often. I was thankful that, as a reader, I was eased into the horrors of Charlotte's time in captivity. I didn't have to make assumptions because the details were there, but they weren't unbearably graphic. I didn't feel like a voyeur of this traumatic event waiting to know all of the shocking details. I have to thank the author for that because, to be honest, this story did haunt my dreams. I had nightmares, and it always amazes me when books make their way into my dreams.
With all that Charlotte had to endure, there is beauty in this story because of Charlotte and her love for her family, her love for her sister, and her need for truth and peace for The One Before and for herself. There is beauty in Alexa's love and protection for Charlotte. Even with the years of separation and heartache and pain, their connection was the strongest after Charlotte returned.
This story was a difficult read because of the many emotions I felt and I'm okay with that. I think something would be wrong with me if I wasn't affected as deeply as I was. Stories like Charlotte's need to be told and readers need to read them. A friend is already reading it based on my recommendation. I can't wait until I can discuss it with her because it is certainly a book that I will be thinking about for quite a while.
Disclaimer: I received this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review. I was not compensated in any way other than the e-ARC provided. Thoughts and opinions are my own.
ABOUT CLARA KENSIE:
Clara Kensie grew up near Chicago, reading every book she could find and using her diary to write stories about a girl with psychic powers who solved mysteries. She purposely did not hide her diary, hoping someone would read it and assume she was writing about herself. Since then, she’s swapped her diary for a computer and admits her characters are fictional, but otherwise she hasn’t changed one bit.
Today Clara is a RITA© Award-winning author of dark fiction for young adults. Her super-romantic psychic thriller series, Run To You, was named an RT Magazine Editors Pick for Best Books of 2014, and Run to You Book One: Deception So Deadly, is the winner of the prestigious 2015 RITA© Award for Best First Book.
Clara’s latest release is Aftermath, a dark, ripped-from-the-headlines YA contemporary in the tradition of Room and The Lovely Bones. Aftermath is on Goodreads’ list of Most Popular Books Published in November 2016, and Young Adult Books Central declared it a Top Ten Book of 2016.
Clara’s favorite foods are guacamole and cookie dough. But not together. That would be gross.
Find Clara online:
Tour Schedule:
1/5: Novel Ink - Review
1/6: Fiction Fare - Q&A
1/11: Gabriella M Reads - Q&A
1/12: Novelgossip - Review
Giveaway:
1: A "Do It Double" Aftermath tote bag from Blu Bear Bazaar. Inspired by Aftermath's message to "Do it double, because some can't do it at all," Blu Bear Bazaar designed beautiful artwork for it and printed it on tote bags and throw pillows. Blu Bear Bazaar is generously donating a portion of all Aftermath product proceeds to RAINN and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Click here for more information.
2: Choice of TWO books from Clara's collection of YA novels. Clara will give the winner a list of the YA novels in her collection, and the winner can pick two. Some of the books are signed by the author.*US/CAN for the above prizes. If the winner is international, the prize will be substituted by a book from Book Depository up to $18.00, winner's choice.
Good luck, and happy reading!!!
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