Piercing Through the Darkness

by Emerald Barnes

It’s on the edge of her memory like a word on the tip of her tongue, but Kandi can’t remember what it is to save her life.

Despite being a cop, Jimmy can’t protect Kandi from the one thing that haunts her. She’s in danger and doesn’t even know it. After it happened, her brain repressed her memories of the accident, and now, she’s taking a Biology class under a man who wants to see her dead. The memories have started coming back, and it feels like she’s miles away from him. How can he protect her when she doesn’t even know she needs protecting?

Can these characters pierce their way through the darkness?

*This is novella-length, around 23,000 words.*

141 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 22, 2011

About the author

Emerald Barnes resides in a small town in Mississippi and has the accent to prove it. She’s an auntie, a youth leader, a little bit of a nerd, a reader, a writer, and a family-oriented person. God is number One in her life, and she thanks Him continuously for His love and favor.

​She’s also addicted to tv and binge-watching shows, and she has a thing for superheroes.

Reviews

[Michael Fierce · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my Goodreads friends invited me to a Free Giveaway for a Kindle version of Piercing Through the Darkness by Emerald Barnes.

It was the first Giveaway I ever attended here and I'm very glad I did!

I have to admit that I don't read many Mystery & Suspense novels but the book had a great title - haven't I read those words in the Bible somewhere? - and I could tell right off the bat that, Emerald Barnes was really cool so, I wanted to give it a try.

Helping to pull me into reading this was this fantastic cover used for the Paperback edition:



To break down a Mystery & Suspense short story would be absolutely redonkulous because it would completely ruin the mystery, the suspense, and the fun! so I won't do that.

What I can and will say is that it is about student, Kandi Moore, and her teacher, Jonathan Chandler.

And after introducing us to the pained but mostly likeable Jonathan Chandler, it moves into Kandi Moore's first day of class with said teacher.

An immediately creepy circumstance takes place right in the middle of roll call. After that, many questions roamed through my mind as I was trying to pick through what was the reasoning for the change in Jonathan's character, though I had my suspicions, and where this was all going to go.

And that's about all I'm going to say about the story itself.

Piercing Through the Darkness is easy to read and, while not surprising plotwise, I was definitely holding my breath for fear of what could and just might happen by the end. So that was a HUGE plus for me.

I had to know what was going to happen so I read it all in one sitting.

What I was really suprised to note was that it's the first fiction of dark material I've read where, as a reader, I felt sympathy for each and every character, even the minor one's, and thought that was a perfect little bit of originality.

Emerald Barnes is a fine writer and I look forward to following her flowering career.

* I think the photo on the Kindle version done by Hannah Plunkett is just as fantastic as the one on the Paperback edition, so it's no suprise why both were used. Really cool!

Recommended for lovers of Mystery & Suspense!

[Katy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jonathan Chandler’s life was torn apart when his wife and young daughter were killed in an automobile accident the previous fall. He continued to sleep-walk through his life – performing his job as a science teacher at the college and helping the students due to a sense of obligation, and wanting to keep himself busy, rather than any desire to do his job anymore. It was still early in the semester and new students were still filtering in through drop/adds; this morning he had printed out a new roster, and was calling out roll when a certain name hit him like a punch to the gut: Kandi Moore. There she was, bright-eyed and happy – she didn’t deserve this happiness, not after what she had done to him. Chandler become obsessed with the idea of revenge and starts stalking the oblivious Kandi.

Kandi, as it turns out, doesn’t remember the incident. Her best friend, Jimmy, is very concerned that she has ended up in Chandler’s class, because he doesn’t know Chandler is going to react to her. Kandi only know that Chandler seems to hate her, but can’t figure out why.

As the tangled webs of their interlocking fates weave together, how will it all end?

This story was quite engrossing, and I read it eagerly. Ms. Barnes has a great deal of potential, if this book is anything to judge by, and I think we’ll see some great things from her. The only detriment to this book being as perfect as it could be was that it needed further editing – it had been pretty well proofread, but there were a great number of grammatical mistakes, and sentences that read along the lines: She gave the ticket to her, and she smiled as she thanked her for it. While the writer knows exactly who each of the people are, it isn’t clear to the reader, and as a result it is easy to get lost among all the pronouns. I think with some good content editing, this book could be something really stellar – as it is, it is very good and I can recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good romantic suspense.

[Sandra "Jeanz" · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's something there on the edge of her memory like a word on the tip of her tongue, but Kandi can’t remember what it is to save her life. Kandi is also starting to have weird nightmares that seem to feel so very real to her. Jimmy is a cop and even he can’t protect Kandi from the one thing that haunts her. Kandi is in danger and she doesn’t even realise it yet.. After the tragic car accident happened, her brain repressed her memories of it, and now, she’s has just switched classes at school and is now taking a Biology class under a man who wants to see her dead. Kandi's memories have started coming back in the form of nightmares and occasionally during the day in a weird de ja vu way. Kandi feels like she is miles away from Jimmy, she feels safe when she is with Jimmy. But can Jimmy protect her from her biology teacher when Kandi doesn’t even know she needs protecting from him? Will the biology teacher harm Kandi? Why does the biology teacher hate her so much? Why can't she remember what has happened?
This is quite a short story but very enjoyable. I enjoyed seeing the tragic accident from both points of view, from Kandi's when she finally remembers it and of course the devastation that her biology teacher Mr Chandler went through and is still going through now because of it. This story has actually made me want to read more by the author as I liked her style of writing. The story was at a steady pace throughout so it held your attention all the time.

[Spencer Brokaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently read Piercing Through the Darkness by Emerald Barnes. I love the book and I plan on reading more books by the author. It was a great read. It combined action with a little bit of romance. This is a book I plan on keeping in my Kindle collection. I liked the words that the author used. It didn't have a lot of description, but enough to where you could picture things the way you wanted to envision them.


It was the perfect amount. In a book I don't like too much description because I don't feel like I get to use my imagination. The characters were very believable. It was fun to read and I hated when I had to put the book down. It was one of those books where you could keep reading and not know you had read a second chapter. Its a real page turner. I give it ***** Stars!

[Alyssa Ivy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A suspenseful story that immediately pulls you in, Piercing Through the Darkness is a fast paced read that was hard to put down. Interesting characters, and an engaging plot make this book an exciting read that shouldn’t be missed.

[Dalya Moon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast-paced and brimming with tension, this novel will appeal to fans of Jodi Picoult.

[Gloria Antypowich · Rating 4 out of 5]

WOW! What suspence!!

A tragic accident tore Jonathan Chandler's life apart when his wife and young daughter were killed the previous fall. His life carried on, even though he would have welcomed the comfort of death. He performed his job as a science teacher at the college, but his job was just a vehicle he used to keep himself busy so he could make it through the crushing emptiness of each day. Nothing had meaning.

Then a new studentshowed up in his class.He felt sucker punched when he read her name; Kandi Moore. She was the driver of the car that had killed his family, shattered his life, and stolen his will to live.

There she was, carefree and beautiful. How could she be happy after the carnage she had caused. How dare she show up in his class? Chandler becomes obsessed, driven by his pain and anger. The desire for revenge becomes a constant presence and he starts stalking the unaware Kandi.

Kandi, doesn't remember the accident. It was so horrific that her mind has repressed the memory. Those close to her have withheld the truth in an attempt to protect her from the horrible reality, fearing that she could not cope with it. She has no idea that her life has touched Chandler’s in such a tragic way. She only knows that he seems to hate her, but she can't figure out why. She certainly never imagines that she could be in real danger from him.

Emerald portrayed the aftermath of the tragic accident from both points of view, creating empathy and compassion for both characters. Their lives were interwoven in a terrible web. I became emotionally involved with both of them. I feared for Kandi, but in the end my heart bled for Johnathan Chandler and what he had become.

Emerald Barnes has great talent--now I want to know what happens to these two people after the dramatic conclusion of this novella.

You'll find Emerald at
http://ebarnes23.wordpress.com

I recommend this book to any one who enjoys well written heart pounding suspence!

[Margaret Tidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

You start the book following the teacher and all you know is that something happened to his wife and daughter a year before and that they passed away. They a girl transferred into one of his classes and he recognizes her because she was the person who killed his family. The girl is named Kandi and she has no idea why the teacher hates her. You find out soon enough that she has no memory of what her evening knowing the teacher or of hurting his family. Through the whole book you are getting more pieces of the past but you don't find out how she hurt his family until the last few pages of the book. I fell in love with the characters and I also loved how you didn't know in the beginning of the book what happened to Mr Chandlers family. I kept me so interested because I wanted to know what happened to his family and I also wanted to see if she would ever remember who he was and what she did to his family. I would give this book 5 stars. If you like mystery books you will love this one!

[Tammy Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

From page one Piercing Through the Darkness is one suspense ride after another. Emerald Barnes does not disappoint in keeping each thrill going. This may only be 141 pages but let me assure you it does not lack in detail in anyway. Piercing has every bit the feel and materiel as a larger novel. I was hooked from the very beginning and did not put it down. I loved the characters they seemed very real and genuine I had no trouble relating to any of them. This short story sure delivered quite the punch in my opinion. I only hope Emerald Barnes will delight the reading world with more of her work in the near future.

[Karen Siddall · Rating 3 out of 5]

I so enjoyed the story and now I want more. I liked *all* the characters and wanted to know more about them. I certainly hope to see more stories by Emerald Barnes! I was delighted to receive a copy of this book as a Goodreads First Reads winner.

[Wendy Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story grips you from the start and doesn't let go. I love suspense and this delivered. The author does a great job of bringing you into each characters corner of the story and his or her emotional world. You feel for *everyone* in this book. I highly recommend this novella!

[Rick Gillispie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good story about loss. You feel for both people. The author did a great job of making you feel the pain of loss. Looking forward to more books from this author.

[Lynn Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

YA Suspense, Thriller, Christain Fiction


Kandi doesn't understand why her collage professor hates her. She can't remember ever meeting him before joining his class. But then some memories are better off forgotten... or are they?


Jonathan Chandler can't believe his eyes when Kandi strolls into his classroom. Why on earth would she take his class? Was it to make him feel even more miserable? To punish him more? She had already taken away what meant the most to him in the world. And to make matters worse she was happy. He wanted to kill her on the spot.


When Jimmy, Kandi's best best friend and love of his life finds out that Kandi has Jonathan Chandler as a teacher he becomes extremely worried about her. He remembers her dark past and comes to the conclusion that she needs to remember too before something bad happens to her.


This is a great book that emphasises on how the mind works; especially when the human psyche can't handle a bad crisis and needs to let go for a while.

[Julie Powell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story is about guilt and pain and the struggle in overcoming loss in varying ways.

It is an interesting read to see more than one point of view and to understand both sides of the 'event'. I won't say too much so as not to spoil it for others, but it left me feeling that I wasn't sure whose side to take...although it may depend on what the reader brings to it and their life experiences.

An easy to read style and not badly written, if in need of development, both in character depth and plot.

Worth a look.

[Kristy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written but fairly depressing...

[Nicole Rogers · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a solid 3 star read for me, the idea behind the book is great a different. With that said it seemed a little rushed and the story jumped a little to frequently from one character to another. I found it a little difficult to keep up with whose POV I was reading.

It was super easy though to get involved with Kandi. I could just imagine starting my school years in a new place away from my family and the person I loved. Also Jimmy and Kandi’s relationship was on of love on both ends but afraid that their feelings were one sided. We start out with Johnathan looking at a picture of his wife and daughter that he lost about a year ago and how devastated he was. Then we move onto Kandi and starting a new school and Johnathan is her biology teacher. Unbeknown to Kandi the man whose family she took in a tragic car accident. Kandi’s mind to help her heal and overcome the accident had completely shut that incident out.

This is when the story gets interesting and at times confusing. Johnathan has some very twisted dreams and thoughts surrounding Kandi. Kandi is also dealing with strange dreams, that she discusses with Jimmy. Jimmy being her best friend and wanting to be more has begun to fear she is remembering the accident and is fearful of what could happen once she does. Jimmy is also extremely afraid if what might be going on in Johnathan’s head in regards to Kandi.

As the book begins to find an ending you see many people struggle with what is right and wrong and what can happen when you allow people to forget important events in their lives. For me it was more about how time and get away from you and you have to live it to the fullest. I also felt so strongly for Johnathan because you have to wonder are these the thoughts that run through someone’s mind when they lose their family. All and all it was a good book I just felt that it could have been better had the story been developed a little more. I truly enjoy darker reads and this book has that potential to get under your skin. So if you are looking for a more twisted none fairy tale style read I would suggest it.

[Rachelle Ayala · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful psychological study of unresolved grief and despair. This book was short but suspenseful. Jonathan's life has been ruined by a careless driver, his wife and young daughter dead on the road. He's trying to deal with his grief and live a normal life.

Imagine his shock when the woman who caused his pain enrolls in a Biology class he teaches. He can no longer bury his emotions and fantasizes revenge.

Meanwhile Kandi, the woman who fell asleep at the wheel, has no memory of the tragic events. A protective family friend who happens to be a policeman watches over her, but she doesn't understand why he is so overbearing and concerned about her safety.

Things explode when Jonathan can no longer control his emotions. Will Kandi recover her memory in time to escape? And where is the policeman when she needs him?

I liked the voice of this story. The author did a great job of separating the three voices: Jonathan, the crazed professor, Kandi, the student, and Jimmy the policeman. Their inner voices were authentic and distinct. Since this was a novella, things were resolved a little too quickly, there was a lack of subplot to enhance tension, and the main plot was fairly predictable. But this book works great for the young adult/teen crowd, and I heartily give it a 5 star rating.

[Two Nerds With Words · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reviewer: Bex
Rating: 3 out of 5 Fairies

Piercing through the Darkness follows the lives of Kandi and Jonathan, as they both embark on a journey of pain, letting go and dealing with a past that haunt them. This YA psychological thriller, is filled with well-developed tension and characters that are easy to understand and follow. The plot structure moves at a pace with significant highs and lows, allowing the reader to pause for breath before the action builds up again.

There were many moments that took me by surprise and had me doing a double take. It was this aspect of the book that I especially liked. At times, I felt that the narrative was a little too simplistic, and I would have liked the characters to have extra depth, especially considering the emotions evident in this book. As an adult reader, a more sophisticated style and language choices would have helped my to become better absorbed. No doubt, however, younger readers will find the style more than appropriate, and will readily get caught up in the author's writing.

Piercing through the Darkness is an enjoyable read, suitable for younger readers looking for a short read that will heighten their pulse rates.

Disclosure: This book was provided by the author in exchange for an HONEST and not necessarily positive review.

[Stefanie Pristavu · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is not a bad book. I just think more time could have been spent on it and the characters fleshed out more. Tension was there, but could have been even grater if the story didn't just jump from one event to the other without giving the reader the time to let things sink in.
I was a bit confused about what Kandi's condition actually was, since people don't normally just forget things.
Jimmy's overprotectiveness felt a bit overbearing at times and I'm not sure how none of the two realized what's going on, given their ages. I would have bought that if they were in high school.

Other than that, engaging and an overall entertaining read.

[Sue Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emotional Read.
A story of a man’s struggle with grief, after losing his family. His sadness deepened into anger as every day he tortured himself with their memories. You can almost feel his pain as the author takes you into his tormented mind as he half-heartedly goes about his daily work as a teacher.
Along comes Kandi into his class one day, sweet and innocent, but creeped out by Mr Chandler and his unfriendly attitude towards her. As the story flows, the author cleverly interweaves their lives, taking you on an emotional roller-coaster where you know there can be no winners in this sad situation.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and read it in a couple of days.

[Sally Beaudean · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this book to be somewhat disappointing. The story line has merit and is certainly believable; however, a major conflict remains unresolved, Although the book is categorized as Christian fiction, the characters do not really reflect a dependence on faith. One or two mentions of prayer -- that's about it. It's a quick read, and it has potential, but I wouldn't recommend it.

[Elfie West · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked it a lot. Really pulled me in right away. Definitely will read again.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

A strange tale where all are in pain

[Sylvia Stein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Book and I loved it. Emerald Barnes is one talented Author and this story and the journey of each of the characters was so amazing. As a reader I could really connect to this story.

[Terri · Rating 1 out of 5]

1/2 star. A waste of time. Totally predictable. Don't know why I kept reading, but at least it was short

[Choco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful psychological study of unresolved grief and despair. This book was short but suspenseful. Jonathan's life has been ruined by a careless driver, his wife and young daughter dead on the road. He's trying to deal with his grief and live a normal life.

Imagine his shock when the woman who caused his pain enrolls in a Biology class he teaches. He can no longer bury his emotions and fantasizes revenge.

Meanwhile Kandi, the woman who fell asleep at the wheel, has no memory of the tragic events. A protective family friend who happens to be a policeman watches over her, but she doesn't understand why he is so overbearing and concerned about her safety.

Things explode when Jonathan can no longer control his emotions. Will Kandi recover her memory in time to escape? And where is the policeman when she needs him?

I liked the voice of this story. The author did a great job of separating the three voices: Jonathan, the crazed professor, Kandi, the student, and Jimmy the policeman. Their inner voices were authentic and distinct. Since this was a novella, things were resolved a little too quickly, there was a lack of subplot to enhance tension, and the main plot was fairly predictable. But this book works great for the young adult/teen crowd, and I heartily give it a 5 star rating.