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Asylum #2
White Walls
Adelaide Carmichael knows that she's lost her mind.
She's aware that she's being sent to The Oakhill Institution, but she's been told that she's being sent there to get better. She's been told that the staff is there to help.
And it doesn't take Adelaide long to discover that she was very, very wrong about The Oakhill Institution. Patients roam the halls like zombies. Electric currents vibrate through the plaster walls. Patients are fed sedatives like mashed potatoes and now Adelaide knows one thing for sure, she wants out.
And she'll do whatever she can to escape.
Excerpt~
I used to climb the giant willow tree in my back yard. It was like a game for me and mommy because she'd always come looking for me. The funny thing is that she always knew where I was but she played along anyway. I was perched above her head in the tree, trying to contain my laughter and she was below, her forearm positioned against her forehead. She squinted out into the field full of yellowed, dead grass. Then she said, “Little bird! Where did you fly to?”
The orderlies’ footsteps thunder in my ears and sound off in sync with my hammering heartbeat.
I've never pushed myself so hard in my entire life. I'm winded. Starting to feel exhausted.
Don't stop now.
Don't stop now.
It's just a few more feet.
I am almost there.
I feel the orderlies’ breath down the back of my neck and feel the tug as his fingertips grasp the edge of my hospital gown. I wrench away though, finding a second wind when I'm at the edge of the forest.
Busting through the thicket at the entrance to the forest, I hear Aurora's frantic shouts in my head.
Run, Adelaide! Run!
The sound of her voice is the only thing that keeps me going. Knowing that she wanted me to escape, and get out even if she couldn't is the only thing keeping the burning sensation inside of my lungs from spreading and dousing the rest of my body in flames.
Run, Adelaide! Run!
I will run, Aurora, I will.
I will run for you.
And me.
I won't stop.
I promise.
I'll keep going just like you wanted me to.
I'll keep running until I can't anymore.
She's aware that she's being sent to The Oakhill Institution, but she's been told that she's being sent there to get better. She's been told that the staff is there to help.
And it doesn't take Adelaide long to discover that she was very, very wrong about The Oakhill Institution. Patients roam the halls like zombies. Electric currents vibrate through the plaster walls. Patients are fed sedatives like mashed potatoes and now Adelaide knows one thing for sure, she wants out.
And she'll do whatever she can to escape.
Excerpt~
I used to climb the giant willow tree in my back yard. It was like a game for me and mommy because she'd always come looking for me. The funny thing is that she always knew where I was but she played along anyway. I was perched above her head in the tree, trying to contain my laughter and she was below, her forearm positioned against her forehead. She squinted out into the field full of yellowed, dead grass. Then she said, “Little bird! Where did you fly to?”
The orderlies’ footsteps thunder in my ears and sound off in sync with my hammering heartbeat.
I've never pushed myself so hard in my entire life. I'm winded. Starting to feel exhausted.
Don't stop now.
Don't stop now.
It's just a few more feet.
I am almost there.
I feel the orderlies’ breath down the back of my neck and feel the tug as his fingertips grasp the edge of my hospital gown. I wrench away though, finding a second wind when I'm at the edge of the forest.
Busting through the thicket at the entrance to the forest, I hear Aurora's frantic shouts in my head.
Run, Adelaide! Run!
The sound of her voice is the only thing that keeps me going. Knowing that she wanted me to escape, and get out even if she couldn't is the only thing keeping the burning sensation inside of my lungs from spreading and dousing the rest of my body in flames.
Run, Adelaide! Run!
I will run, Aurora, I will.
I will run for you.
And me.
I won't stop.
I promise.
I'll keep going just like you wanted me to.
I'll keep running until I can't anymore.
147 pages, ebook
First published June 25, 2012
24 people are currently reading
1970 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Hammond
29 books1,088 followersLauren Hammond knew from a young age that she was born to be a writer. After publishing her first novel in 2007, she then went on to write several screenplays and a few award winning poems.She aspires to be a positive role model for young people who have a pencil, a piece of paper, and a dream. Never give up on your dreams, you might wake up one day and regret not pursuing them.She has two more novels in the works, as well as some film projects
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 248 reviews
April 11, 2018
2.5 Stars
I wasn’t a huge fan of the first book in this trilogy but I couldn’t resist that beautiful cover and read it, well it was a mistake. When I started reading it, it made me confused with the before and after chapters (before and after of what exactly) because this after doesn't refer to now (the now that previous book ended there). So it took a while for me to understand what the author meant. And then I was really sick of hearing Damien’s name! And most of the story was something like a repeat of what I knew from the first book so I skipped and skimmed (a lot). Told in single POV, 1st person. It’s the second installment in the "Asylum" trilogy and it can’t be read as a standalone. Hope you enjoy it more than me!
I wasn’t a huge fan of the first book in this trilogy but I couldn’t resist that beautiful cover and read it, well it was a mistake. When I started reading it, it made me confused with the before and after chapters (before and after of what exactly) because this after doesn't refer to now (the now that previous book ended there). So it took a while for me to understand what the author meant. And then I was really sick of hearing Damien’s name! And most of the story was something like a repeat of what I knew from the first book so I skipped and skimmed (a lot). Told in single POV, 1st person. It’s the second installment in the "Asylum" trilogy and it can’t be read as a standalone. Hope you enjoy it more than me!
February 10, 2017
4.5 STARS
“White Walls” is the second installment in Lauren Hammond series “Asylum”.
First thing first, you should know this series is written out of order. What happens in this installment took place before the events in book 1. Like the first book in the series, “White Walls” was captivating, intense, mysterious, suspenseful, haunting, depressing and so much more. It goes without saying that once again this author blew my mind.
Like in the first book we have here a “Before” and an “After”. We get to know what happened with Addy after the events in book1 and how she became a patient in the asylum and also how she escape from the asylum the first time she was there and also how she met Dr. Watson.
Dr. Elijah Watson is fantastic. He is tortured by his past, blaming himself for his mother death. Growing up with a father who blame him for his wife's death and maybe hating him wasn’t easy. He is damage and lost, being convinced he can’t love or care for someone, but when he meets Addy, something inside him changed. She fascinates him. He is mesmerized by her. He is drawn to her. She’s like no other. Addy feels a strong connection with “the blonde angel”. She’s attracted to him, but at times he confuses her. She can’t read him.
Damien’s visits never stop. He reminds her every time he was supposed to be her only love. Abby doesn’t know what to do. She feels guilty, conflicted and she doesn’t know what to choose – the past or the present and possibly a future with the man who helped her in every way.
I really felt for Addy. To be in her mind was fascinating. The author did a great job portraying her character. It was devastating to read how she tries to survive in a place full of darkness. Once again, she is a fighter, she only knows she needs to survive. Her freedom is the most important thing for her. She is smart, strong, but at times she is fragile. Elijah was great from the beginning. Even if he tries not to be involved, he just can’t stay away. I loved how he tries to give Addy everything she missed and how he save her from herself and from others. Their relationship was great, but I would have liked to be more developed. At times it felt a little rushed. Maybe because the book was shorter than the first, so I really wished this installment to be longer. I just wanted to know more!
Overall, a captivating read!
“White Walls” is the second installment in Lauren Hammond series “Asylum”.
First thing first, you should know this series is written out of order. What happens in this installment took place before the events in book 1. Like the first book in the series, “White Walls” was captivating, intense, mysterious, suspenseful, haunting, depressing and so much more. It goes without saying that once again this author blew my mind.
Like in the first book we have here a “Before” and an “After”. We get to know what happened with Addy after the events in book1 and how she became a patient in the asylum and also how she escape from the asylum the first time she was there and also how she met Dr. Watson.
“Slowly, even though he doesn't realize it, Elijah is giving me so much than he ever could and he's not even spending money. He's using time. Some people think time is a waste. But not to me. Time is a gift.”
Dr. Elijah Watson is fantastic. He is tortured by his past, blaming himself for his mother death. Growing up with a father who blame him for his wife's death and maybe hating him wasn’t easy. He is damage and lost, being convinced he can’t love or care for someone, but when he meets Addy, something inside him changed. She fascinates him. He is mesmerized by her. He is drawn to her. She’s like no other. Addy feels a strong connection with “the blonde angel”. She’s attracted to him, but at times he confuses her. She can’t read him.
Damien’s visits never stop. He reminds her every time he was supposed to be her only love. Abby doesn’t know what to do. She feels guilty, conflicted and she doesn’t know what to choose – the past or the present and possibly a future with the man who helped her in every way.
I really felt for Addy. To be in her mind was fascinating. The author did a great job portraying her character. It was devastating to read how she tries to survive in a place full of darkness. Once again, she is a fighter, she only knows she needs to survive. Her freedom is the most important thing for her. She is smart, strong, but at times she is fragile. Elijah was great from the beginning. Even if he tries not to be involved, he just can’t stay away. I loved how he tries to give Addy everything she missed and how he save her from herself and from others. Their relationship was great, but I would have liked to be more developed. At times it felt a little rushed. Maybe because the book was shorter than the first, so I really wished this installment to be longer. I just wanted to know more!
Overall, a captivating read!
June 30, 2012
The second book in the Asylum Trilogy. And I feel like I should let everyone know that this is not a YA novel. It is a New Adult. There are some graphic scenes and language and you should be at least 16 years of age to read it.
It is true that this series is written out of order. This book showcases Addy's first trip to Oakhill and how she came to meet the stunning yet mysterious, Dr. Watson. Then the third book will pick up where we left off with Insanity....
And I may....
May...
Write a fourth book.
But, I've got to see where my mind takes me with the third one first :)
UPDATE~ White Walls is up on Amazon, so I'm told... And I just want to mention that I will be taking it down... I know I know...
It's been brought to my attention that there are some errors that I need to correct. So... If you've already bought you copy. I am very sorry about that.
I just wanted to keep you all in the loop and let you know how much I appreciate your support.
NEWS ~ YES I've come to the come to the conclusion that there is no way I'll be able to wrap this series up with three books...so YES... I'll be writing a fourth book.
It is true that this series is written out of order. This book showcases Addy's first trip to Oakhill and how she came to meet the stunning yet mysterious, Dr. Watson. Then the third book will pick up where we left off with Insanity....
And I may....
May...
Write a fourth book.
But, I've got to see where my mind takes me with the third one first :)
UPDATE~ White Walls is up on Amazon, so I'm told... And I just want to mention that I will be taking it down... I know I know...
It's been brought to my attention that there are some errors that I need to correct. So... If you've already bought you copy. I am very sorry about that.
I just wanted to keep you all in the loop and let you know how much I appreciate your support.
NEWS ~ YES I've come to the come to the conclusion that there is no way I'll be able to wrap this series up with three books...so YES... I'll be writing a fourth book.
June 16, 2013
Oh gees!
I'm already acting like a mad woman again just writing this, I am BOUNCING up an down and STILL biting my nails even though there is now nothing to bite.
Yeah, could say I'm anxious. But thats not the right word! I am so excited! I can't wait to devour this book like the first one.
I've already rated it five stars because I know this series does not deserve anything less!
Okokokok! So Ive finally read it- YAY!!
And my gosh it was worth the wait *roll my eyes* obviously it's Miss Hammond's book is it not!?
Well, I didn't get the answers I was hoping for but I know she's keeping us in suspense for book 3 will reveal all;)
I don't know if I'll still be sane when the final book is released in January but I was driven to insanity by insanity itself so nothing new.
This series has made me CRAZY.Crazy in suspense, anxiousness and definitely crazy in L-O-V-E.
We get to know Adelaide much much better. It starts off with her fathers trial and drifts back and forth from when she escaped to when she first came in.
So you know how she meets and kindles her relationship with Elijah or Dr Watson, how she begins her friendship with Aurora her 'roommate' to her escape from the institute.
Yes yes there is another bombshell to leave you in the same state the ending of insanity did and my crazy behaviour begins all over again.
I have to ask does anyone else LOVE the way she's set it out?
Giving us insanity and then going back to the beginning in white walls and then giving us the ending in the last book!
I don't know what I'll do when this series ends!
I've learned that Miss Hammond is truly an amazing author and she is pure genius
She knows how to keep you waiting in suspense and taking you on an emotional roller coaster that's one heck of a ride!
The day I give Lauren any less than five stars is the day the world ENDS.
I'm already acting like a mad woman again just writing this, I am BOUNCING up an down and STILL biting my nails even though there is now nothing to bite.
Yeah, could say I'm anxious. But thats not the right word! I am so excited! I can't wait to devour this book like the first one.
I've already rated it five stars because I know this series does not deserve anything less!
Okokokok! So Ive finally read it- YAY!!
And my gosh it was worth the wait *roll my eyes* obviously it's Miss Hammond's book is it not!?
Well, I didn't get the answers I was hoping for but I know she's keeping us in suspense for book 3 will reveal all;)
I don't know if I'll still be sane when the final book is released in January but I was driven to insanity by insanity itself so nothing new.
This series has made me CRAZY.Crazy in suspense, anxiousness and definitely crazy in L-O-V-E.
We get to know Adelaide much much better. It starts off with her fathers trial and drifts back and forth from when she escaped to when she first came in.
So you know how she meets and kindles her relationship with Elijah or Dr Watson, how she begins her friendship with Aurora her 'roommate' to her escape from the institute.
Yes yes there is another bombshell to leave you in the same state the ending of insanity did and my crazy behaviour begins all over again.
I have to ask does anyone else LOVE the way she's set it out?
Giving us insanity and then going back to the beginning in white walls and then giving us the ending in the last book!
I don't know what I'll do when this series ends!
I've learned that Miss Hammond is truly an amazing author and she is pure genius
She knows how to keep you waiting in suspense and taking you on an emotional roller coaster that's one heck of a ride!
The day I give Lauren any less than five stars is the day the world ENDS.
December 15, 2012
I'm so happy and frustrated right now. Happy because White Walls was fantastic and it provided answers for so many questions I had in Insanity and frustrated cuz, well, there are other unanswered questions in this book that only Beautiful Nightmares hold the answers to. And I have to WAIT for Beautiful Nightmares to come out. Great! Just. Frickin'. Great. -_- At the rate I'm adding good books to my to-be-released shelf, I myself might just become mad. Mad I tell you. Mad!
Ok, so, White Walls is also told from Adelaide's POV but it is more like a prequel to Insanity than a sequel. Like Insanity, it too switches times but in this book, it's switched from before she escapes to after she escapes. It tells us the story about her and "Damien" and why he came back....
“I can’t believe you’re here.”
“Of course I’m here,” he tells me. “Don’t you remember what I said?” We gaze into each other’s eyes and he touches my cheek. “I said that I’d follow you anywhere.”
“I won't let you die, Addy.” There's a pause. “No,” he murmurs. “I'm right here with you. It's you and me, my love. Forever.”
and it tells us the story about why he had to leave....
“Just come say goodbye to me, Addy.” I know he realizes he’s fading now, too. “Just come say goodbye to me before I go.”
White Walls also tells us the story about how Adelaide met Elijah and how two damaged people try to make the best of life again-no matter how hard it may be. How they come to realise that what they need may just be each other...
“When a person is born nobody stands in the delivery room with a sign that says life is easy”
“Also, when you're born no one can prepare you for what kind of life you'll lead. No one could have prepared me for my father to snap, murder my mother, beat me bloody for eight years straight, and then try to shoot me, killing the only boy I'd ever loved instead.
No one could have prepared me for that.
No one.
The one, vital thing I've learned through everything I've gone through is my life is what I make of it.”
“All I wanted was comfort. And warm arms. And loving words. All I wanted was to know someone was there.
To care.
To watch over me.”
“Something else tells me that we me just be what each other needs to keep each other from falling apart.”
“And as his arm snakes around my waist and he presses into me harder, I know this moment is perfect. It’s perfect because we’re just two vulnerable, people with cracked hearts that need healed and broken pasts that need mended.”
“I know we’re not perfect.
We’re messed up in more way than one.
I know we both have issues”
“Yes. We both have issues.
And I know that if we want to overcome all of our issues the only way we’ll be able to do it, is together.”
and that sometimes...
“Fly away little bird,” she says. Her voice is soft yet chilling. “Fly away.”
“It gets better, Elijah. But I can promise you, if you spend all of your time alone. All of the pain and the misery will eat you alive.”
....the only thing you really can do...
...is let go...
“Sometimes I wonder if I'll always feel this way or if eventually I'll be able to say that I lived and loved and it was magnificent and at the same time tragic, but it was my past”
“I'm thankful every day that I met Damien. That he whisked me away in his convertible to a world of possibilities. A world where I wasn't just the daughter of the town drunk. A world where I wasn't just a girl with a miserable life. We loved each other. We had hope”
“I have a moment where I finally realize that the aching heart, the longing, the grief, the insanity…
I finally get it after all these months.
That all of those things combined are what letting go feels like.”
White Walls is truly beautifully written, heart-wrenching and haunting novel which had me crying and grieving for all that was lost and yet at the same time, become happy for all that was gained from the pain. White Walls shows us that people will come and go in life, some stay and some won't but they all leave a mark, no matter how big or how small it may be; positive or negative. We learn from them and they learn from us. It's life. You can't choose who stays or who goes but you can make the best of your time with them...
“Time is a gift. Something to be treasured and never taken for granted. Something that's more precious than any dollar a person could spend. Why?
Because you never know how much time a person has left.
It can be taken away in an instant.
In a heartbeat.”
...because you never know when they'll be gone.
If you haven't already read Lauren Hammond's amazing Asylum series, I suggest that you do it now. It is beautiful and the author delivers messages through her brilliant writing and I don't think it's something you would want to miss. The second book is even better than the first one so please don't stop at Insanity and have second thoughts about White Walls cuz it really is a wonderful read. So, have fun reading the Asylum series if you haven't already.
Ok, so, White Walls is also told from Adelaide's POV but it is more like a prequel to Insanity than a sequel. Like Insanity, it too switches times but in this book, it's switched from before she escapes to after she escapes. It tells us the story about her and "Damien" and why he came back....
“I can’t believe you’re here.”
“Of course I’m here,” he tells me. “Don’t you remember what I said?” We gaze into each other’s eyes and he touches my cheek. “I said that I’d follow you anywhere.”
“I won't let you die, Addy.” There's a pause. “No,” he murmurs. “I'm right here with you. It's you and me, my love. Forever.”
and it tells us the story about why he had to leave....
“Just come say goodbye to me, Addy.” I know he realizes he’s fading now, too. “Just come say goodbye to me before I go.”
White Walls also tells us the story about how Adelaide met Elijah and how two damaged people try to make the best of life again-no matter how hard it may be. How they come to realise that what they need may just be each other...
“When a person is born nobody stands in the delivery room with a sign that says life is easy”
“Also, when you're born no one can prepare you for what kind of life you'll lead. No one could have prepared me for my father to snap, murder my mother, beat me bloody for eight years straight, and then try to shoot me, killing the only boy I'd ever loved instead.
No one could have prepared me for that.
No one.
The one, vital thing I've learned through everything I've gone through is my life is what I make of it.”
“All I wanted was comfort. And warm arms. And loving words. All I wanted was to know someone was there.
To care.
To watch over me.”
“Something else tells me that we me just be what each other needs to keep each other from falling apart.”
“And as his arm snakes around my waist and he presses into me harder, I know this moment is perfect. It’s perfect because we’re just two vulnerable, people with cracked hearts that need healed and broken pasts that need mended.”
“I know we’re not perfect.
We’re messed up in more way than one.
I know we both have issues”
“Yes. We both have issues.
And I know that if we want to overcome all of our issues the only way we’ll be able to do it, is together.”
and that sometimes...
“Fly away little bird,” she says. Her voice is soft yet chilling. “Fly away.”
“It gets better, Elijah. But I can promise you, if you spend all of your time alone. All of the pain and the misery will eat you alive.”
....the only thing you really can do...
...is let go...
“Sometimes I wonder if I'll always feel this way or if eventually I'll be able to say that I lived and loved and it was magnificent and at the same time tragic, but it was my past”
“I'm thankful every day that I met Damien. That he whisked me away in his convertible to a world of possibilities. A world where I wasn't just the daughter of the town drunk. A world where I wasn't just a girl with a miserable life. We loved each other. We had hope”
“I have a moment where I finally realize that the aching heart, the longing, the grief, the insanity…
I finally get it after all these months.
That all of those things combined are what letting go feels like.”
White Walls is truly beautifully written, heart-wrenching and haunting novel which had me crying and grieving for all that was lost and yet at the same time, become happy for all that was gained from the pain. White Walls shows us that people will come and go in life, some stay and some won't but they all leave a mark, no matter how big or how small it may be; positive or negative. We learn from them and they learn from us. It's life. You can't choose who stays or who goes but you can make the best of your time with them...
“Time is a gift. Something to be treasured and never taken for granted. Something that's more precious than any dollar a person could spend. Why?
Because you never know how much time a person has left.
It can be taken away in an instant.
In a heartbeat.”
...because you never know when they'll be gone.
If you haven't already read Lauren Hammond's amazing Asylum series, I suggest that you do it now. It is beautiful and the author delivers messages through her brilliant writing and I don't think it's something you would want to miss. The second book is even better than the first one so please don't stop at Insanity and have second thoughts about White Walls cuz it really is a wonderful read. So, have fun reading the Asylum series if you haven't already.
April 19, 2013
"We're all mad here."
~ Lewis Carroll - Alice in Wonderland
...and end review. That about sums it up.
This really should have been a prequel. To go back to the "before" while in the middle of a trilogy seems strange.
Very small spoilers ahead (nothing earth shattering).
Am I the only one who thinks Dr. Watson reads like a creeper? By the end of the book we do actually find out the explanation of why he was acting strangely - but it only works up to a certain point. Did this explanation let him off the hook for lying next to a patient in her hospital bed in order to provide comfort? If he had been any other profession than a doctor, I might have forgiven it. Although, I guess he can get away with whatever he wants because he owns an entire village (really...he owns all of the buildings in a village).
His character (not to be confused with Sherlock Holmes' assistant) had me curious back when I was reading Insanity. Now, I am no longer curious. Adelaide's eyes are so beautiful to him...only his mother and some actress chick have had that shade.
It's elementary, my dear Watson : Stacia thinks you're creepy.
I get it - all mad, all mad, all mad. Everyone had mommy and daddy issues. Speaking of mommy and daddy...every time Adelaide called her parents mommy and daddy I had this mentally disturbed image of a young child being sexualized. This chick loves being touched in her nether regions but she speaks like an infant. It's all too much for me to wrap my brain around.
And Damien...the kid who is the inspiration for all of the horrendous wet dreams. Nope, I'm not even going to go there.
For a book about crazies, at least the crazy part was handled accurately. Unfortunately, I'm not seeing the appeal in lust and pining and longing and missing IN A BOOK ABOUT CRAZIES.
I complained about the needing and burning in book 1, but it all went to a completely uncomfortable level here, and not in a way that's deliciously creepy like in a horror story. Dr. Watson had no business doing half of what he did. It's really too bad because I sensed promise when I'd reached the end of the last book. Unfortunately, all of my hopes were dashed when I realized that bad behavior would be explained away by a new (and un-shocking) plot twist.
Surprisingly enough though... there are two things which will probably be enough of a reason for me to read the third installment. The books are relatively short and twisted-ly entertaining, even if the character behaviors push my buttons.
3 stars for entertainment value. 1 star for characters I don't like. 2 stars average.
July 13, 2012
Lauren Hammond, I don't know whether to punch your face or hump your writing hand! This series is such a trip! I've enjoyed every single second! This review is going to be short because White Walls is short. Too damn short! I need more; I demand more. If I have to wait too long for book three, I just may be reading it from a padded room!
White Walls isn't as much of a mind f--k as Insanity until the very end when Lauren Hammond violates your mind!
Speaking of violation, I adore Elijah Watson! Damien who? My only complaint was the intimacy wasn't as hot or intense as the scenes in Insanity, but they were totally hot in their own way; even a little domineering. Elijah Watson definitely has an alpha male banging on the closet door trying to get out. I can't wait to learn his story!
I couldn't have asked for more from this sequel (except maybe a few more pages). This series has the ability to mess with your mind and f--k with your soul. Prepare for a ride of intense emotions that will excite you to the point where you will never feel the same again!
White Walls isn't as much of a mind f--k as Insanity until the very end when Lauren Hammond violates your mind!
Speaking of violation, I adore Elijah Watson! Damien who? My only complaint was the intimacy wasn't as hot or intense as the scenes in Insanity, but they were totally hot in their own way; even a little domineering. Elijah Watson definitely has an alpha male banging on the closet door trying to get out. I can't wait to learn his story!
I couldn't have asked for more from this sequel (except maybe a few more pages). This series has the ability to mess with your mind and f--k with your soul. Prepare for a ride of intense emotions that will excite you to the point where you will never feel the same again!
August 11, 2016
♦ 4.5 STARS. ♦
"This place makes the sane people crazy and the slightly crazy people insane."
Again, this was a very intense, emotionally powerful read. Adelaide's story is just so sad and often a bit depressing to read…just when things seem to be getting better, something happens to make it all fall apart again. In this second part of the series we do get to know more about her life outside of the asylum during a time where she seemed to have finally found peace and happiness .
Apparently books one and two are written out of order, so everything that happened in this book took place before the events that transpired in book one. Could things get any more confusing??? Anyway, hopefully book three will bring some much needed clarity and answers, because I could really use them right about now...
February 4, 2015
Oh dear Lord! As soon I started reading this I began crying my eyes out. All the pain and agony and torment that Adelaide went through in Insanity came rushing back and I was suddenly relieving it all with her. Every fear, every hurt, every anguish, every moment of love and every moment of hope. This book is breathtakingly beautiful. Insanity had me gutted and weeping hysterically for weeks, and although I started off the same way with White Walls, I began to feel that suddenly Adelaide could have a chance at life. A chance at finding her peace and purpose, and a chance at love, again. To forgive and love herself, and to love and be loved my another.
The story, this time, takes place just after the devastating event that obliterated Adelaide into her insane state. And, then it alternates to the events that took place on her escape that led to her meeting and falling in love with Dr Elijah Watson. So, it takes place before Insanity. We are able to take a glimpse back to discover how Adelaide got to the Asylum, and how she met Elijah. Man, oh man, oh man. Here is a guy who is also swept in mystery and living in pain conflicted on him from his childhood. He shields himself from everyone by keeping up a cold front, until Adelaide happens to stumble into his Emergency Room, and his life changes for the better, or so we hope. He is drawn to this girl, who is battered, and bruised and severely traumatised and broken, both physically, mentally and emotionally. She reminds him of himself not so long ago, and soon enough he cannot resist assisting her in getting a head start in life.
In the meantime, Adelaide cannot help but feel things for Elijah she never thought possible, again. She only ever loved one man in her life, and he was gone now. It was really hard to experience her grief and in trying to let Damien go. Especially, since he was constantly visiting her and reminding her of the promise he made that he will always be with her no matter what. And, the guilt and constant conflict she had going on inside her head, relieving that terrible and horrendous day when her father killed the only boy who ever loved her. Damien was a constant reminder of her past, and this Damien was not the same, sweet, loving boy who would want her to move on with her life and be free. Instead, the new Damien was mean, and ghost of man who would never be. It was very sad and heartbreaking to see him in this way and I was hoping and praying that he would move on too. For Adelaide's sake, as well as my own. Poor Damien and poor Adelaide.
But, amongst all this gloom, and haunting, and sadness, was the flicker of hope, and happiness, and love. It felt like a new beginning, in which both Adelaide and Elijah so desperately needed. The beginning of something wonderful, something beautiful, something amazing, and something brilliant. The clouds were breaking and rays of light flickered down and caressed their souls. I cannot wait to read the next book in this insanely haunting love story.
The story, this time, takes place just after the devastating event that obliterated Adelaide into her insane state. And, then it alternates to the events that took place on her escape that led to her meeting and falling in love with Dr Elijah Watson. So, it takes place before Insanity. We are able to take a glimpse back to discover how Adelaide got to the Asylum, and how she met Elijah. Man, oh man, oh man. Here is a guy who is also swept in mystery and living in pain conflicted on him from his childhood. He shields himself from everyone by keeping up a cold front, until Adelaide happens to stumble into his Emergency Room, and his life changes for the better, or so we hope. He is drawn to this girl, who is battered, and bruised and severely traumatised and broken, both physically, mentally and emotionally. She reminds him of himself not so long ago, and soon enough he cannot resist assisting her in getting a head start in life.
In the meantime, Adelaide cannot help but feel things for Elijah she never thought possible, again. She only ever loved one man in her life, and he was gone now. It was really hard to experience her grief and in trying to let Damien go. Especially, since he was constantly visiting her and reminding her of the promise he made that he will always be with her no matter what. And, the guilt and constant conflict she had going on inside her head, relieving that terrible and horrendous day when her father killed the only boy who ever loved her. Damien was a constant reminder of her past, and this Damien was not the same, sweet, loving boy who would want her to move on with her life and be free. Instead, the new Damien was mean, and ghost of man who would never be. It was very sad and heartbreaking to see him in this way and I was hoping and praying that he would move on too. For Adelaide's sake, as well as my own. Poor Damien and poor Adelaide.
But, amongst all this gloom, and haunting, and sadness, was the flicker of hope, and happiness, and love. It felt like a new beginning, in which both Adelaide and Elijah so desperately needed. The beginning of something wonderful, something beautiful, something amazing, and something brilliant. The clouds were breaking and rays of light flickered down and caressed their souls. I cannot wait to read the next book in this insanely haunting love story.
October 31, 2013
** 3 " MORE UNANSWERED QUESTIONS" STARS***
I'm slightly disappointed in this one. Okay, White Walls did answer 1 question BUT it added 3 more!. Shall we do the math? 1-3= -2 ... How the HELL ??!!!
This vague review is not my fault( this time). Explaining the story will ruin Insanity, which is a HUGE NO-NO ... I will say, I like the way Elijah clears a desk ** *RAOR**....... and did anyone else notice that Damien sure can hold a grudge? I do have a theory about Adelaide's story. If your interested, CLICK IT--->
Mrs. Lauren Hammond, I am very much enjoying your work but.. .**insert Cuban accent here**
.. "You have a lot of explaining to do." I need Beautiful Nightmares NOW!
July 24, 2012
Well, once again Lauren Hammond managed to completely mess up my head and leave me hanging by a thread screaming "WHAT??!!!"!! White Walls was another addicting, mind-bending, terrifying ride written by this amazing author, she just never ceases to amaze me!
I was surprised when I started reading this, because I figured it would pick up where Insanity left off. Instead, we are taken back to two separate points in Addy's past, both of which helped to partially clear up the baffling confusion that was her situation in the first book. It's written in "before" and "after" settings, as in before her escape from the institution and after. It got a bit confusing trying to keep up since for the entirety of White Walls we're technically talking about 'before' what happened in the first book, but I think the confusion actually was an awesome idea. I almost felt like I was losing it right along with Addy at times just trying to figure out what she was seeing, what was going on, and what had or hadn't happened yet based on the time setting!!
With the 'before' chapters, we get a glimpse into Addy's arrival at the institution and how she initially deals with seeing Damien's ghost, and it was so incredibly heartbreaking. The wounds were still so raw, and it just tore her apart knowing that, even though he seemed so real, he wasn't really with her. As she tries to cope and get past everything, denying the Damienn in her head, I was in tears as Hammond described the crushing blow it was to both Addy and her imaginary love (I know, it sounds weird, but just go with it). We also got to see how a coherent Addy analyzed what was going on around her and how she figured out a way to work around the never-ending drugs and treatments they used to keep the patients doped up. I liked seeing the flashes of a strong and clear-minded Addy even in the midst of all the insanity.
I was so glad that the mystery behind Elijah was cleared up in this book, because I wasn't sure what to make of him in Insanity. I was completely enamored with Damien after reading the first book, even my slight fascination with the sexy doctor wasn't enough to push me in Elijah's direction. I'm still confused about the steamy scenes in the first book, whether it was all in her head or it was actually Elijah I may never know! But it intrigued me enough to be very excited when he was introduced in White Walls, and Hammond did not disappoint!! He intrigued me from the start, and when he started showing a tender side for Addy despite his terrible bedside manner, I was hooked! He was a brooding, domineering, sexy, successful older man that had me Fifty Shades of hot and bothered, and the tension between him and Addy as he tried to help her get on her feet made my heart race!!!
My mind was a little more open after reading the first book in this series, which had me catching little blips of clues left and right. Whether or not I'm onto something will be unclear until the last book in the series comes out, but it definitely seemed like Hammond was leaving cookie crumbs for us to follow in order to see behind some bigger picture. I have some theories, and I can't wait to see if any of them are on the mark or if maybe my mind has been exposed to too much time in the asylum!! =) I will be anxiously awaiting the 3rd book in this series (especially after this ending which just ripped my heart out!!!), and I highly recommend it to anyone willing to step out of the sane world for awhile!!
I was surprised when I started reading this, because I figured it would pick up where Insanity left off. Instead, we are taken back to two separate points in Addy's past, both of which helped to partially clear up the baffling confusion that was her situation in the first book. It's written in "before" and "after" settings, as in before her escape from the institution and after. It got a bit confusing trying to keep up since for the entirety of White Walls we're technically talking about 'before' what happened in the first book, but I think the confusion actually was an awesome idea. I almost felt like I was losing it right along with Addy at times just trying to figure out what she was seeing, what was going on, and what had or hadn't happened yet based on the time setting!!
With the 'before' chapters, we get a glimpse into Addy's arrival at the institution and how she initially deals with seeing Damien's ghost, and it was so incredibly heartbreaking. The wounds were still so raw, and it just tore her apart knowing that, even though he seemed so real, he wasn't really with her. As she tries to cope and get past everything, denying the Damienn in her head, I was in tears as Hammond described the crushing blow it was to both Addy and her imaginary love (I know, it sounds weird, but just go with it). We also got to see how a coherent Addy analyzed what was going on around her and how she figured out a way to work around the never-ending drugs and treatments they used to keep the patients doped up. I liked seeing the flashes of a strong and clear-minded Addy even in the midst of all the insanity.
I was so glad that the mystery behind Elijah was cleared up in this book, because I wasn't sure what to make of him in Insanity. I was completely enamored with Damien after reading the first book, even my slight fascination with the sexy doctor wasn't enough to push me in Elijah's direction. I'm still confused about the steamy scenes in the first book, whether it was all in her head or it was actually Elijah I may never know! But it intrigued me enough to be very excited when he was introduced in White Walls, and Hammond did not disappoint!! He intrigued me from the start, and when he started showing a tender side for Addy despite his terrible bedside manner, I was hooked! He was a brooding, domineering, sexy, successful older man that had me Fifty Shades of hot and bothered, and the tension between him and Addy as he tried to help her get on her feet made my heart race!!!
My mind was a little more open after reading the first book in this series, which had me catching little blips of clues left and right. Whether or not I'm onto something will be unclear until the last book in the series comes out, but it definitely seemed like Hammond was leaving cookie crumbs for us to follow in order to see behind some bigger picture. I have some theories, and I can't wait to see if any of them are on the mark or if maybe my mind has been exposed to too much time in the asylum!! =) I will be anxiously awaiting the 3rd book in this series (especially after this ending which just ripped my heart out!!!), and I highly recommend it to anyone willing to step out of the sane world for awhile!!
February 9, 2013
I have absolutely fallen in love with this series.
White Walls does not confound you like Insanity does. I can't summarize the plot without giving anything away. I will try though... Adelaide has spent roughly 5 years in the Oakhill Institution. White Walls provides us a glimpse of how she first came to the asylum and some time in between those 5 years when she managed to
In Insanity, I spent 80% of the book clueless and feeling utter disbelief in the last 20%. You don't go through the same bewildering journey in White Walls. Much is explained yet much remains unknown.
And since I did not spend the majority of my time perplexed, I took notice of other things. I realized that the writing was exquisite.
I am the hot to his cold. The happy to his sad. He's always brooding and mysterious. I am nothing like him. We are opposites in every way.
Slowly, even though he doesn't realize it, is giving me so much than he ever could and he's not spending money. He's using time. Some people think time is a waste. But not to me. Time is a gift. Something to be treasured and never taken for granted. Something that's more precious than any dollar a person could spend. Why? Because you never know how much time a person has left. It can be taken in an instant. In a heartbeat. Am I'm determined to never waste a second of mine.
I know this feeling. I know it all too well. I've felt it before. It feels like you're falling from a cliff. The air is sucked from your lungs and your stomach bottoms out. Your heart wo't stop racing and your skin puckers at the thought of someone wrapping their arms around you.
I.WANT.BEAUTIFUL.NIGHTMARES.SO.SO.BAD. Count me in with the long list of people who are harassing Lauren Hammond for Beautiful Nightmares.
White Walls does not confound you like Insanity does. I can't summarize the plot without giving anything away. I will try though... Adelaide has spent roughly 5 years in the Oakhill Institution. White Walls provides us a glimpse of how she first came to the asylum and some time in between those 5 years when she managed to
In Insanity, I spent 80% of the book clueless and feeling utter disbelief in the last 20%. You don't go through the same bewildering journey in White Walls. Much is explained yet much remains unknown.
And since I did not spend the majority of my time perplexed, I took notice of other things. I realized that the writing was exquisite.
I am the hot to his cold. The happy to his sad. He's always brooding and mysterious. I am nothing like him. We are opposites in every way.
Slowly, even though he doesn't realize it, is giving me so much than he ever could and he's not spending money. He's using time. Some people think time is a waste. But not to me. Time is a gift. Something to be treasured and never taken for granted. Something that's more precious than any dollar a person could spend. Why? Because you never know how much time a person has left. It can be taken in an instant. In a heartbeat. Am I'm determined to never waste a second of mine.
I know this feeling. I know it all too well. I've felt it before. It feels like you're falling from a cliff. The air is sucked from your lungs and your stomach bottoms out. Your heart wo't stop racing and your skin puckers at the thought of someone wrapping their arms around you.
I.WANT.BEAUTIFUL.NIGHTMARES.SO.SO.BAD. Count me in with the long list of people who are harassing Lauren Hammond for Beautiful Nightmares.
July 20, 2012
Officially one of my top 2 series of the year.
Im finished and my god, just like book one Insanity, White Walls is completely amazing, wonderful and perfect. I read from Lauren Hammond, that these books are written out of order and this book is about Addy and her first visit to the asylum. It really does just fit in so perfect that way. We get to read about when Addy first meets the most gorgeous and delicious Dr Elijah Watson. Now that I see the connection between Adelaide and Elijah, I have to say, I love them two even more than I loved her with Damien. I thought he was the one. NOOOOO Dr Watson, he is the bomb. He has stolen my heart now. LOOOOOVE him. There is a passion and connection that you just can feel between Adelaide and Elijah.
Adelaide says it best, "Its perfect cause we're just two vulnerable people with cracked hearts that need healed and broken pasts that need mended."
Elijah is one of those, intense, complicated, tortured types, who had a heartbreaking childhood, similar to Addy, as we find out. He tries to resist love, thinking it will never be, and doesn't see a future with a woman, until Adelaide comes along.
Adelaide. She is just one of the most engaging book characters, and I completely adore her. It was just so wonderful in this book, to see her off the pharmaceutical sundae and living life the way it should be. Free. "I am a canary again, wings spread, with endless blue sky ahead of me."
I almost burst when I read the author had decided that she will write a fourth book.
This series is just brilliant and I recommend it to all of my goodreads friends. I promise you will love it.
Im finished and my god, just like book one Insanity, White Walls is completely amazing, wonderful and perfect. I read from Lauren Hammond, that these books are written out of order and this book is about Addy and her first visit to the asylum. It really does just fit in so perfect that way. We get to read about when Addy first meets the most gorgeous and delicious Dr Elijah Watson. Now that I see the connection between Adelaide and Elijah, I have to say, I love them two even more than I loved her with Damien. I thought he was the one. NOOOOO Dr Watson, he is the bomb. He has stolen my heart now. LOOOOOVE him. There is a passion and connection that you just can feel between Adelaide and Elijah.
Adelaide says it best, "Its perfect cause we're just two vulnerable people with cracked hearts that need healed and broken pasts that need mended."
Elijah is one of those, intense, complicated, tortured types, who had a heartbreaking childhood, similar to Addy, as we find out. He tries to resist love, thinking it will never be, and doesn't see a future with a woman, until Adelaide comes along.
Adelaide. She is just one of the most engaging book characters, and I completely adore her. It was just so wonderful in this book, to see her off the pharmaceutical sundae and living life the way it should be. Free. "I am a canary again, wings spread, with endless blue sky ahead of me."
I almost burst when I read the author had decided that she will write a fourth book.
This series is just brilliant and I recommend it to all of my goodreads friends. I promise you will love it.
December 4, 2012
Any book that keeps me up half the night just to finish it gets at least four stars in my opinion. White Walls is the second book in the Asylum series. It continues thru the story of Addy and her time in the insane asylum,....chapters separating from before and after her breakdown. A lot of this book was a serious repeat of the "before" stuff that was in book one which was kind of a waste for me. But the "after" finally gave us some answers that drove me crazy in book one, This book is written within the mind of a person with serious mental issues....delving deep into her subconscious thoughts, hallucinations, voices she hears. It's nuts at times. You feel like you're losing your mind with her. The bulk of this story continues from the bomb that drops at the end of book one so in trying not to spoil that book, my review is vague. I'm hooked now. Anxiously awaiting the third book in the series.
April 16, 2013
Huh...Of course if you read the first book you will know this is not how the story ends. This book gave us the background needed for a lot of the first book to make sense. This took us through the journey of Adelaide's first stay at the Asylum. It took us through her break, her grief and her getting out. We get to see how she met Elijah. This book wasn't as "crazy" as the first one. Her madness in this one had a background and made sense. And then there is the teaser at the end. That can only lead us to stay number two. I wish I had some idea when that next book would be out, we really are left hanging out to dry with this one. Overall, so far so good and I am enjoying the story.
October 29, 2013
Do not even tell me her father was released!! Or it could be she has gone crazy again.
the more I think about it the more like "girl interrupted'
Then a dash of sixth sense:
And maybe just a small amount of Beautiful Mind
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the more I think about it the more like "girl interrupted'
Then a dash of sixth sense: And maybe just a small amount of Beautiful Mind
December 28, 2012
Well damn. This book went backwards instead of forwards - it's all about what happened the first time Addy was in the asylum and how she met Elijah. The feel of this one was much different then Insanity. There was an atmosphere of hope, where Insanity felt like it was all about despair. In some ways it felt like a filler book - like a way to fill in some of the blanks before you get to what happens to Addy after she starts to remember (at the end of the first book). I will definitely be looking for the last book. I just need to see Addy finally get out of the asylum and get her HEA.
November 11, 2013
White Walls was another great addition to this series! It was off to a slow start but picked up steam throughout the dramatic tale. While some of my questions were laid to rest, I found myself even more puzzled at the end of book two.
My mind is left spinning in circles! Thank goodness part three comes out next week!!!
My Rating: 4 Stars!
My mind is left spinning in circles! Thank goodness part three comes out next week!!!
My Rating: 4 Stars!
November 10, 2013
This is a short read, that answered some questions, but left me with many more. A very unique, entertaining story and I am anxiously waiting for book 3 to be released.
November 8, 2013
Can't wait for book three!!
January 10, 2015
Some people think time is a waste. But not to me. Time is a gift. Something to be treasured and never taken for granted. Something that's more precious than any dollar a person could spend. Why? Because you never know how much time a person has left. It can be taken away in an instant. In a heartbeat. And I'm determined to never waste a second of mine. - Adelaide
*spoiler alert*
La serie Asylum ha sido un perfecto descubrimiento. Una de las cosas que más disfrute del libro anterior fue como la autora me llevo de la mano a través de la narración, haciéndonos cómplices de los pensamientos de Adelaide. Muchas veces me ha pasado que no disfruto tanto estar en la cabeza de un personaje por demasiado tiempo, ya que me entran esas ganas de tomarme un respiro y ver otros puntos de vista en la historia. Aquí no he sentido eso en ningún momento y conste que moriría por saber que piensa Elijah. Sin embargo, en la vida misma nunca llegamos a conocer todos los “fantasmas” que se ocultan en la mente de cada uno; y es por eso, que me sigue sentando tan bien vivir a través de los ojos de Adelaide. Los personajes femeninos como ella hacen falta en más libros YA. Su vida no ha sido fácil y allí está ella luchando contra todo, incluso a veces a contracorriente. Adelaide no debe ser digna de lástima, ella es una verdadera guerrera y me ha encantado conocerla.
En White Walls tenemos la oportunidad de ver todo con algo de claridad. Al fin conocemos como se desarrolló la historia entre Elijah & Adelaide, y tengo que decir que AMO a ese hombre. Cuando lo conocí en Insanity fue esa clase de personaje por el cual llegas a sentir mil cosas odio, miedo, dudas, cariño. Obviamente así es como lo ve la propia Addy; el caso es que el personaje de Elijah se va abriendo poco a poco ante nosotros y nos hace tener esa ansiada sensación de esperanza.
Elijah Watson es esa gota de agua en el desierto de Adelaide. Un hombre cargado de misterio y seguridad; convirtiéndose en otro gran acierto de la historia. Por otro lado, la lucha psicológica de Adelaide en permitirse amar nuevamente es increíble. Vivir con el fantasma de Damien es un plus para todos los que disfrutamos analizar la psicología de los personajes. El final es algo inconcluso (como tenía que ser) y nos deja con muchas preguntas que estoy segura serán contestadas de la mejor manera en Beautiful Nightmares; porque si algo tengo que decir es que series como éstas deben existir más a menudo. MUERO por el siguiente y es obligatorio escribirlo.
July 3, 2012
Ohhhhhh my God, is it possible that I'm still crying! even though the ending wasn't all bad and torturing like the first?!
Thank God I prepared my self this time and brought tissues with me before starting this one, and I clearly used them all!!
This book is heart-wrenching, I swear all this agony, and anguish, broke my heart into tiny little peices.
It's really well written in a way that makes u feel Adelaide's pain like it's ur own, the ache of losing Damien is surreal and her struggle of finding a better life, to forget and move on is a heart breaking you struggle with her, you cry with her,especially when Damien's ghost hunts her and tells her that she promised to never let go, God!!!
Now about Elijah, wooooooow, I never imagined his first encounter with Adelaide!!I never imagined that this is how their story began!! it's GREAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT!!! really I loved that Adelaide found someone who understands excatly what she's been through! and he helped through it all.
God this book is sooo messed up!! and I can't believe there is another! I have to wait for the next one!! damn I was reading and really I was afraid that I will reach the end only to end up on another cliffhanger cuz I know there is another book, and it's just pure torture , I swear it is.
I don't think a book has evertouched me as this one and Insanity has.
Thank God I prepared my self this time and brought tissues with me before starting this one, and I clearly used them all!!
This book is heart-wrenching, I swear all this agony, and anguish, broke my heart into tiny little peices.
It's really well written in a way that makes u feel Adelaide's pain like it's ur own, the ache of losing Damien is surreal and her struggle of finding a better life, to forget and move on is a heart breaking you struggle with her, you cry with her,especially when Damien's ghost hunts her and tells her that she promised to never let go, God!!!
Now about Elijah, wooooooow, I never imagined his first encounter with Adelaide!!I never imagined that this is how their story began!! it's GREAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT!!! really I loved that Adelaide found someone who understands excatly what she's been through! and he helped through it all.
God this book is sooo messed up!! and I can't believe there is another! I have to wait for the next one!! damn I was reading and really I was afraid that I will reach the end only to end up on another cliffhanger cuz I know there is another book, and it's just pure torture , I swear it is.
I don't think a book has evertouched me as this one and Insanity has.
February 9, 2013
4.5 stars
Love, love, love this series! This was a great prequel to Insanity. We find out a few answers to some unanswered questions from Insanity. We get to know Elijah in this one and I love his character! I really like the way the author brings everything together with before and after. I can't wait for the third book!
Love, love, love this series! This was a great prequel to Insanity. We find out a few answers to some unanswered questions from Insanity. We get to know Elijah in this one and I love his character! I really like the way the author brings everything together with before and after. I can't wait for the third book!
August 31, 2014
No paro de decir lo mucho que AMO esta saga. Es perfecta. Los personajes. La historia. La manera en que la autora escribe. TODO.
Elijah... MY GOD.. amo demasiado a ese hombre. Y Addy??? la tipa ha pasado por todo, su vida fue una pesadilla, la ven como loca, ella siente que esta loca pero aun asi logra sobreponerse a todo eso.
Necesito saber como todo esto acaba. NECESITO el ultimo libro.
Elijah... MY GOD.. amo demasiado a ese hombre. Y Addy??? la tipa ha pasado por todo, su vida fue una pesadilla, la ven como loca, ella siente que esta loca pero aun asi logra sobreponerse a todo eso.
Necesito saber como todo esto acaba. NECESITO el ultimo libro.
July 16, 2012
Review to come once I get over the emotional roller coaster that is this book !!
November 12, 2013
4-4.5 C.R.A.Z.Y. Stars!!! What is going on...My mind is all fu#@ed up and I love it!!!
August 12, 2013
I have a little crush on dr Elijah Watson...
April 1, 2013
Adelaide has gone crazy... but is it due to the stress caused by realizing her past or is the asylum and all of the stuff they pump into her on a daily basis?
"The sad reality hits me. I'm going to die in this room with white padded walls. I'm going to die, stuffed into a straightajcket like meat and rice into a pepper. And there's not a damn thing I can do to prevent it from happening."
We now understand that before Adelaide made her second appearance in the asylum, that she knew she was slowly losing it. No one sees and talks to a dead person, do they? But she does. She talks to Damien and Damien talks back. That's the making of crazy right there.
'"I can't believe you're here."
"Of course I'm here," he tells me. Don't you remember what I said?" We gaze into each other's eyes and he touches my cheek. "I said that I'd follow you anywhere."'
Now its time to come to grips with her past... She understands that the only way she'll have a future is if she can move on from her past because right now, she's stuck. So she listens to her new friend, Aurora and stops taking her meds - and comes up with a plan to escape.
"I have a moment where I finally realize that the aching heart, the longing, the grief, the insanity... I finally get it after all these months. That all of those things combined are what letting go feels like."
Yes, Adelaide needs to let go of the past in order to have a future. Although its heart-wrenching just thinking about her forgetting about Damien, she has to. He was the one that loved her unconditionally and wanted her to be happy, even if he wasn't around... so letting go of her imaginary Damien is something she hopes the real Damien wont be upset about.
The good thing is, Adelaide did achieve getting out (which we knew from the last novel). The bad thing is, she ends up in a position where her life is put in the hands of someone else, yet again. This time its a beautiful stranger, her angel.
We finally get our backstory on Elijah Watson! He is a swoon worthy doctor and a ladies man! But he has a secret past just like Adelaide, which is something that brings the two of them closer together. Every time Adelaide encounters him she feels something... and it isn't until later that she realizes what exactly that is...
"It feels like you're falling from a cliff. The air is sucked from your lungs and your stomach bottoms out. Your heart won't stop racing, and your skin puckers at the thought of someone wrapping their arms around you. Yes, I know this feeling..."
All I've gotta say after reading this is, WOW! Adelaide is a strong, willful woman. She's faced so much in her life that no one would blame her for breaking and remaining broken but that isn't what she does. No. She gets up, faces forward, and moves on. And even when she does move on, she gets the shit end of the stick and ends up having to go through more turmoil and she still doesn't stop fighting. She has a strong will to survive. She has to make her life mean something because both her mom and Damien lost theirs. I cried for this character. She made my heart ache with both happy and sad emotions. I hated all the wrong thats been done to her and I wanted to jump into the story and fix things for her so she wouldn't have to be strong anymore. Although she states that she doesn't want a Knight in shining armor to save her, I was glad when one popped in because that made her life a little bit easier (so I was able to breathe while reading her tale.)
I cannot wait for the third novel in this series! I wanna hear about their daughter! I wanna hear why she landed up back in the asylum! And I definitely wanna see more of the relationship that began to bloom between Elijah and Adelaide.
"The sad reality hits me. I'm going to die in this room with white padded walls. I'm going to die, stuffed into a straightajcket like meat and rice into a pepper. And there's not a damn thing I can do to prevent it from happening."
We now understand that before Adelaide made her second appearance in the asylum, that she knew she was slowly losing it. No one sees and talks to a dead person, do they? But she does. She talks to Damien and Damien talks back. That's the making of crazy right there.
'"I can't believe you're here."
"Of course I'm here," he tells me. Don't you remember what I said?" We gaze into each other's eyes and he touches my cheek. "I said that I'd follow you anywhere."'
Now its time to come to grips with her past... She understands that the only way she'll have a future is if she can move on from her past because right now, she's stuck. So she listens to her new friend, Aurora and stops taking her meds - and comes up with a plan to escape.
"I have a moment where I finally realize that the aching heart, the longing, the grief, the insanity... I finally get it after all these months. That all of those things combined are what letting go feels like."
Yes, Adelaide needs to let go of the past in order to have a future. Although its heart-wrenching just thinking about her forgetting about Damien, she has to. He was the one that loved her unconditionally and wanted her to be happy, even if he wasn't around... so letting go of her imaginary Damien is something she hopes the real Damien wont be upset about.
The good thing is, Adelaide did achieve getting out (which we knew from the last novel). The bad thing is, she ends up in a position where her life is put in the hands of someone else, yet again. This time its a beautiful stranger, her angel.
We finally get our backstory on Elijah Watson! He is a swoon worthy doctor and a ladies man! But he has a secret past just like Adelaide, which is something that brings the two of them closer together. Every time Adelaide encounters him she feels something... and it isn't until later that she realizes what exactly that is...
"It feels like you're falling from a cliff. The air is sucked from your lungs and your stomach bottoms out. Your heart won't stop racing, and your skin puckers at the thought of someone wrapping their arms around you. Yes, I know this feeling..."
All I've gotta say after reading this is, WOW! Adelaide is a strong, willful woman. She's faced so much in her life that no one would blame her for breaking and remaining broken but that isn't what she does. No. She gets up, faces forward, and moves on. And even when she does move on, she gets the shit end of the stick and ends up having to go through more turmoil and she still doesn't stop fighting. She has a strong will to survive. She has to make her life mean something because both her mom and Damien lost theirs. I cried for this character. She made my heart ache with both happy and sad emotions. I hated all the wrong thats been done to her and I wanted to jump into the story and fix things for her so she wouldn't have to be strong anymore. Although she states that she doesn't want a Knight in shining armor to save her, I was glad when one popped in because that made her life a little bit easier (so I was able to breathe while reading her tale.)
I cannot wait for the third novel in this series! I wanna hear about their daughter! I wanna hear why she landed up back in the asylum! And I definitely wanna see more of the relationship that began to bloom between Elijah and Adelaide.
March 13, 2013
You can read this and other reviews at MadisonSays
*If you haven't read Insanity. Please do not read this review! It may contain spoilers.
I’m putting it all out on the table. I didn’t think White Walls could live up to Insanity. I thought for sure it would fall short in some way. Sequels aren’t usually as good as the original, right? In this case it was just as good, maybe even better.
Insanity focused on Adelaide’s life growing up and her second stay at Oak Hill Asylum. In White Walls we finally learn about her infamous escape, what happened during her first stay at Oak Hill, her first encounters with Damien’s “ghost, and how she meets and falls head over heels for Elijah Watson.
“I’m thankful every day that I met Damien. That he whisked me away in his convertible to a world of possibilities. A world where I wasn’t just the daughter of the town drunk. A world where I wasn’t just a girl with a miserable life. We loved each other. We had hope. Now we have nothing.”
Adelaide has to be one of the strongest characters I’ve come upon. She’s been beaten and scared, lost the love of her life and her mother to her drunk of a father’s bad temper and is fighting for her sanity. She’s over come so much and still somehow finds the courage to open up her heart to another man knowing that nothing in life is guaranteed. Knowing there is a chance she’ll end up losing him too. She’s just an amazingly brave woman.
Elijah. What can I say about Elijah? He’s cold and distant, yet not. I realize this makes little to no sense, but it’s just how he is. He fights his feelings, hides his past and fears he’ll never find someone to love and accept him the way he is. Broken. That changes when he meets Adelaide. She changes him. They both change each other - gluing the pieces back together with love and patience.
“Slowly, even though he doesn’t realize it, Elijah is giving me so much more than he ever could and he’s not even spending money. He’s using time. Some people think time is a waste. But not to me. Time is a gift. Something to be treasured and never taken for granted. Something that’s more precious than any dollar a person could spend.”
This entire series has just knocked my socks off. It’s been fan-freakin-tastic. It was slightly depressing to learn that the third book in the series hasn’t made it to publication yet. It seems this has been an issue for some time now. I sure hope it’s resolved soon because I NEED to know what happens between Adelaide and Elijah. Will she remember how and why she fell in love with him? Will she remember her daughter, Willow? Can she let go of Damien again? All these questions are swirling around in my head. I. Need. Answers.
If it isn’t obvious by now, I most definitely recommend this book and well as its predecessor. Read them. Love them. I absolutely know you will!
*If you haven't read Insanity. Please do not read this review! It may contain spoilers.
I’m putting it all out on the table. I didn’t think White Walls could live up to Insanity. I thought for sure it would fall short in some way. Sequels aren’t usually as good as the original, right? In this case it was just as good, maybe even better.
Insanity focused on Adelaide’s life growing up and her second stay at Oak Hill Asylum. In White Walls we finally learn about her infamous escape, what happened during her first stay at Oak Hill, her first encounters with Damien’s “ghost, and how she meets and falls head over heels for Elijah Watson.
“I’m thankful every day that I met Damien. That he whisked me away in his convertible to a world of possibilities. A world where I wasn’t just the daughter of the town drunk. A world where I wasn’t just a girl with a miserable life. We loved each other. We had hope. Now we have nothing.”
Adelaide has to be one of the strongest characters I’ve come upon. She’s been beaten and scared, lost the love of her life and her mother to her drunk of a father’s bad temper and is fighting for her sanity. She’s over come so much and still somehow finds the courage to open up her heart to another man knowing that nothing in life is guaranteed. Knowing there is a chance she’ll end up losing him too. She’s just an amazingly brave woman.
Elijah. What can I say about Elijah? He’s cold and distant, yet not. I realize this makes little to no sense, but it’s just how he is. He fights his feelings, hides his past and fears he’ll never find someone to love and accept him the way he is. Broken. That changes when he meets Adelaide. She changes him. They both change each other - gluing the pieces back together with love and patience.
“Slowly, even though he doesn’t realize it, Elijah is giving me so much more than he ever could and he’s not even spending money. He’s using time. Some people think time is a waste. But not to me. Time is a gift. Something to be treasured and never taken for granted. Something that’s more precious than any dollar a person could spend.”
This entire series has just knocked my socks off. It’s been fan-freakin-tastic. It was slightly depressing to learn that the third book in the series hasn’t made it to publication yet. It seems this has been an issue for some time now. I sure hope it’s resolved soon because I NEED to know what happens between Adelaide and Elijah. Will she remember how and why she fell in love with him? Will she remember her daughter, Willow? Can she let go of Damien again? All these questions are swirling around in my head. I. Need. Answers.
If it isn’t obvious by now, I most definitely recommend this book and well as its predecessor. Read them. Love them. I absolutely know you will!
August 18, 2012
Again, this book didn't fail to amaze me. I actually think it's better than the first one. The plot is just so amazing. Truly unique, brilliant and thought provoking. I couldn't stop reading till the end. Though there were still some errors, I actually didn't mind it while reading at all. The emotions were just raw, I could actually feel it. I was a little confused with the 'before' and 'after' divisions that makes me wonder where I'm really reading at. And yeah, it makes me feel crazy too but in a good way.
Poor Addy. She's one of the characters that I would never forget. Out of the books I've read, her story is one of the most haunting. There were just too many things that happened in her life. I wasn't surprised that she would begin to lose her mind. Honestly, I cried for her. You can't blame me for crying over a fictional character. It's just that her emotions for me were brilliantly said. It gives me a roller coaster of emotions which is fantastic. It is rare for a book to really make the readers feel things just by reading it. It's certainly fulfilling to find out things about Addy. Can I just say that I love Elijah? Although there were scenes which were awkward for me, I really love them both. I am happy about Addy and Elijah being together. They truly deserve each other. I thought Addy wouldn't be able to love another after Damien. I'm really happy she did. Both Elijah and Addy desperately needed a spark of hope that they would only get by opening their deepest secrets to someone. I'm so glad they found each other.
The thing about her father's trial for me is a great idea. I despise him. Really. Everything is his fault. I never thought I'd hate another character like this again. Why?! Why is he like that?!! I want to strangle the life out of him for everything that he did with Addy and her mother. Damn it. Him still existing is not acceptable. He destroyed Addy. Really, really destroyed. Poor Addy. It breaks my heart whenever she thinks of what could have been if Damien wasn't killed or if she died instead of him. I love Elijah but I just miss the sweet Damien. Addy is grieving too much that the new Damien appeared. He was manipulative and really obsessive.
And about Addy's first escape. Too sad. Now I know what Aurora was talking about in the first book.
There were still things that weren't answered in this book and I still have theories that I needed to prove. Why is Aurora in the asylum? Why won't Addy's father die? *coughs* What happened to Addy? How much of what I'm reading is really true? This is why it would be a big pain to wait for the next book. But I know it would be worth it though. I can't wait for the next book!! Aaaa-mazing!
Poor Addy. She's one of the characters that I would never forget. Out of the books I've read, her story is one of the most haunting. There were just too many things that happened in her life. I wasn't surprised that she would begin to lose her mind. Honestly, I cried for her. You can't blame me for crying over a fictional character. It's just that her emotions for me were brilliantly said. It gives me a roller coaster of emotions which is fantastic. It is rare for a book to really make the readers feel things just by reading it. It's certainly fulfilling to find out things about Addy. Can I just say that I love Elijah? Although there were scenes which were awkward for me, I really love them both. I am happy about Addy and Elijah being together. They truly deserve each other. I thought Addy wouldn't be able to love another after Damien. I'm really happy she did. Both Elijah and Addy desperately needed a spark of hope that they would only get by opening their deepest secrets to someone. I'm so glad they found each other.
The thing about her father's trial for me is a great idea. I despise him. Really. Everything is his fault. I never thought I'd hate another character like this again. Why?! Why is he like that?!! I want to strangle the life out of him for everything that he did with Addy and her mother. Damn it. Him still existing is not acceptable. He destroyed Addy. Really, really destroyed. Poor Addy. It breaks my heart whenever she thinks of what could have been if Damien wasn't killed or if she died instead of him. I love Elijah but I just miss the sweet Damien. Addy is grieving too much that the new Damien appeared. He was manipulative and really obsessive.
And about Addy's first escape. Too sad. Now I know what Aurora was talking about in the first book.
There were still things that weren't answered in this book and I still have theories that I needed to prove. Why is Aurora in the asylum? Why won't Addy's father die? *coughs* What happened to Addy? How much of what I'm reading is really true? This is why it would be a big pain to wait for the next book. But I know it would be worth it though. I can't wait for the next book!! Aaaa-mazing!
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