Lowlands

by Adam Cosco

Lowlands unfolds in a world teetering on the edge, reeling from a series of apocalyptic underground explosions. For Grace and Tom, confined within their apartment block, survival means adapting to a new reality where the terror of the unknown inches closer each day. As foreboding visions tangle with the secrets they’ve long buried, Grace is forced to confront her own past—and the dark forces that manipulate humanity from the shadows.

Rich with atmospheric dread, Lowlands is a haunting exploration of the razor-thin boundary between faith and reason, reality and nightmare, and the seductive lure of hope when all else is lost.

183 pages, ebook

Published January 27, 2025

About the author

Adam Cosco is an award-winning author and filmmaker whose work dives deep into the shadows of the human psyche. A graduate of the prestigious American Film Institute, Adam cut his teeth in Hollywood before turning his focus to novels—crafting stories that blend horror, psychological suspense, and dark satire.

His novels—Little Brother, Say Goodbye to Jonny Hollywood, Lowlands, The Heart of a Child, and his latest mind-bending thriller The Dream Killer—have captivated readers with their atmospheric dread and sharp psychological insight.

Fearless, provocative, and impossible to ignore, Adam Cosco writes the kind of stories that leave a mark.

Reviews

[Ga.selle (Semi-hiatus) Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

"They are alone here, helpless in the depths of the crater, and the demons press in, drawing close enough that they can see the full horror of their faces—gnarled, hollow-eyed, and filled with a gleeful malice that promises only suffering."



Dystopian / apocalyptic ... Supernatural elements like astral projection and having the 'shine' ...plagues..
lockdown situation..virus..demons..body horror..and more...
This was an intriguing and enjoyable albeit short read.

3.5✨


Thanks to the publisher, Booksirens..I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kate Victoria RescueandReading · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m still not entirely sure about everything I just read, but I liked the overall premise and author’s prose.

This was definitely a unique apocalyptic tale, nothing quite like anything else I’ve read out there. We follow Grace, who seems to have psychic abilities, and her partner Tom. Underground explosions rock the world and instigate panic among the populace.

Ordered to quarantine inside their apartment, some of what this couple experiences felt very similar to what happened during Covid for many readers (isolation, fear, misinformation, panic, etc).
There is a strange disease only affecting some people, and monstrous figures begin stealing them away in the night.

The beginning was a bit confusing, I felt like I was on Book 2 of series and missed the character intros- we are thrust into the action and are expected to follow along as characters’ histories are referenced briefly and hinted at. I would’ve loved to get more background on Grace and Tom from the get go.

The ending spins this story on its head, leaving a lot of questions, and a lot for me to think about. I generally prefer more information in the stories I’m reading, with less ambiguous endings. I wasn’t 100% sure I understood Ash & Grace’s purposes and the companies they worked for even after some of the reveals.

All in all, I do love end of the world thrillers, and this one surprised me… more than once. Definitely check this one out!

Thank you to BookSirens & the author for a copy!

[Well Read Beard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am going to be writing a review for this one, and will be posting that on Amazon as well. For now, here is my video review. Hit subscribe!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHO-u...

[Jade Frank · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5*

This is my second Adam Cosco story.

This one is somewhat dystopian/apocalyptic and we mainly follow a couple, Grace and Tom, trying to survive and navigate their relationship in this new world. The story highlights well the fragility of humans and how easy they fall into dark desires and impulses, particularly when in stressful situations.

I really think the dark side of humanity is explored very cleverly through the story, however, I wish there was a little more to it, perhaps more to allow us to get to know the characters more first, to make the story more impactful.

[Jenni · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
Lowlands is an intriguing tale that intertwines various elements. The primary theme centres around a dystopian world, encompassing a wide array of related subgenres. This story blends paranormal elements with a touch of science fiction, all while incorporating psychological and religious themes, resulting in a tapestry of horror. Lowlands unravels its intricacies layer by layer.
Set in a world that has descended into chaos, the story depicts an apocalyptic scenario unlike any other. In this environment, survival is uncertain, and death can sometimes appear as a merciful outcome.
The pacing of the story is slow going so slow, building tension as it progresses. I contemplated giving up, but I persevered, and all was revealed in the end. Just when readers feel they have a grasp on the plot, unexpected twists emerge. These surprises occur multiple times throughout the book, adding to its fragmented nature.

[Daniel Nobles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure where this story would take me. Starting with what was surely going to be a survival/dystopian story morphs into so much more. Do you know what and who you stand for? The story goes deep with twists and turns in every chapter!

[Desiree Gamboa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lowlands by Adam Cosco is another absolute win. This may be a shorter novel, but don’t let the length fool you,…it’s dense, layered, and incredibly satisfying. Every page carries weight, and the story unfolds with a precision that makes it impossible to put down.

Cosco somehow weaves together horror, government intrigue, science, love, betrayal, and thriller elements into a dystopian world that feels both chilling and believable. The pacing is tight and fast, yet nothing feels rushed. Each element is given just enough room to breathe, creating a story that feels complete and impactful by the final page.

I finished this feeling fully sated, impressed by how much depth and emotion was packed into such a compact narrative. Saying more would give too much away, but if you’re looking for a dystopian thriller that delivers tension, heart, and unease in equal measure, this one is absolutely worth your time. Highly recommend.

[Shanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Synopsis - A couple is confined to their apartment building after a series of underground explosions rock the world. Strange things start happening around them. Making them wonder if this is the end.

This grabbed me right from the beginning and didn't let go. Twists and turns at every chapter left me guessing and wondering what was going to happen next. The ending was a shocking surprise, and I loved it.

[Jenny Reeve]

I was drawn to this book by the title and description. I must say, I have never read a story such as this before. The style is unusual and it took me a good while to really get into. Mostly, because of the strangeness of the story. However, I persevered and I am pleased I did.

Intriguing and very descriptive throughout. The story begins slowly, maybe a little too slowly in all honesty. It was difficult to understand the concept for most of the book. It is only when reading the final two or three chapters , that I truly understood what was happening and why the story unfolded so gradually.

I received an advance review copy of this book for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I would recommend the book, but you do need to take into account that the story takes its time. Bear with it though, it is well worth it.

[Paula Sayers · Rating 4 out of 5]

A couple is confined to their apartment block when it seems the apocalypse has hit. Several explosions take place and they must figure out how to survive. What is real and what is vision? This was a fast paced read.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my God!!!!! This book was absolutely amazing!! I was hooked from the beginning, and I couldn't put it down. Well done Adam Cosco on a fantastic story.

[Cameron Magee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of awesome ideas for such a short book. Some really cool scenes w terrific pacing. Enjoyed it!

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adam Cosco is a new to me author. Lowlands is a post apocalypse novel about surviving after a world ending event. The characters deal with the aftermath, mysterious diseases and demons throughout the story. The book is informative and descriptive.

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adam Cosco absolutely freaking nailed it with this horror novella. It was brilliant. Horrible. So clever.

I have a personal major ick when it comes to pregnancy, and there were times reading this book where I felt utterly discomfited. So grim. The writing was brilliant.

The paranormal elements were really cool; I loved the seeing ability. The ending of this book - it was hinted at throughout, and it was fantastic.

It's very hard to say anything without spoilers, so I'll just say that it's well worth reading!

[Kammie]

this book is very intense , i hated to see it end , but this author definately made me a fan and cannot wait to read other books. My feelings for this book made me want to research more on the topic. Thank you .. Very descriptive in all areas of the book .

[Shelby · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review
Rating: 4.5
There was a good amount of chaos. It told a really good story and made me interested in how things would end. I love a good apocalyptic story.

[Milt Theo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adam Cosco's "Lowlands" is one of those books you'd better go blind into, since every ten pages or so a new twist comes up, the story takes a surprising turn or an unexpected revelation is made known, almost always without any fuss or preparation. The story is completed piece by piece, like a giant puzzle, and many horror tropes are employed in parallel, until the final picture emerges and they all blend into each other, uncovering the underlying premise of the book, which, honestly, is a bit of a shocker.

Adam Cosco has managed the rare feat of combining apocalyptic horror and paranormal horror with both sci-fi and religious horror, with a very strong dose of psychological horror on top. The result is a multi-track tale, revolving around a couple, Tom and Grace, who find themselves in the middle of a mysterious series of happenings, explosions and plagues, weird signs that seem to predict the end of the world. But then we realize that Tom is a doctor with some important connections, and Grace once worked (and may still be working) for a government agency. And she's a psychic! Well, that's as far as my spoiling of the plot goes - and this is just the first thirty pages of the book!

I was intrigued by the writing style: Cosco adopts a mostly descriptive kind of writing, almost echoing the descriptions found in a screenplay, bringing in the psychological element only when absolutely required. This put me in some distance from the characters, so I confess I found none of them relatable. But when I reached the end I realized this was almost certainly intentional: the true nature of the supernatural and paranormal aspects driving the plot forward, though central to the story, is meant to stay hidden until the very end - and then one understands why the character of Grace especially, seemed to act and exist on another level; there are so many secrets in the story! Plus the title of the book finally made sense.

Special mention should be made of the several triggers lingering throughout the book. Unfortunately, it's not possible to mention most of them without spoilers. Finally, the imaginative visuals in the story (most impressively, the disease of translucent skin, and the associated sexual scene) deserve high praise. Fascinating drawings are added to the book as well, and they were highly appreciated.

In sum, this is a terrific book, and if you can handle the slow pacing and the frequent, but abruptly given, revelations, you'll enjoy it immensely. I certainly did!

[Sam Veltre · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Lowlands" is a unique and intriguing blend of dystopian, paranormal, science fiction, psychological, and religious horror. The story unfolds in a post-apocalyptic world rocked by mysterious explosions and strange occurrences, trapping a couple, Tom and Grace, within their apartment building. The narrative initially presents itself as a survival story, but quickly morphs into something much deeper, exploring themes of identity and purpose amidst a world descending into chaos. Reviewers praise the author's ability to weave together multiple horror tropes, creating a multi-layered tale filled with unexpected twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the very end.

The book's pacing is deliberately slow, building tension gradually. This initially caused some reviewers to consider abandoning the book, as the strangeness of the story and the difficulty in grasping the underlying concept made it challenging to become fully immersed. However, those who persevered found the payoff worthwhile. The slow burn allows for a gradual unveiling of the story's complexities, with crucial revelations and explanations occurring in the final chapters, making the earlier ambiguity understandable and ultimately satisfying. This fragmented approach, akin to assembling a puzzle, contributes to the overall sense of mystery and intrigue.

Adam Cosco's writing style is described as descriptive and almost screenplay-like, focusing on visual imagery and only delving into the psychological aspects of the characters when absolutely necessary. This approach creates a sense of distance from the characters, which, as reviewers note, appears to be intentional. The secrets surrounding the supernatural and paranormal forces driving the plot are carefully guarded until the end, explaining the detached nature of the characters, particularly Grace, who operates on a different level. The book also contains several trigger warnings, though most cannot be mentioned without revealing spoilers. Despite the slow pacing, "Lowlands" is ultimately recommended for readers who enjoy complex, multi-layered horror stories with shocking reveals and are willing to invest the time to fully appreciate the unfolding narrative.

[Neena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cosco’s latest novel is a chilling exploration of survival, fear, and the unraveling of humanity in the face of apocalyptic devastation. A series of mysterious explosions ravages the earth, plunging humanity into chaos. Trapped in their apartment, Grace and Tom confront a world consumed by fear and an oppressive, suffocating haze. Yet the horrors outside pale in comparison to the sinister visions invading Grace's mind. Something ancient stirs in the shadows, waiting. As Grace unravels long-buried secrets, she realizes the darkness isn’t just outside—it’s far closer than she dared imagine.

Cosco's prose is precise and evocative, painting vivid, unsettling images of ordinary life distorted by unrelenting fear. The characters are drawn with raw authenticity, their flaws and fears exposed as they navigate the breakdown of their environment. Grace’s descent into haunted introspection contrasts with Tom’s attempts to maintain rationality, creating a tension that propels the story forward. Cosco excels in building claustrophobic tension, and his recurring imagery of shadows and translucency amplifies the pervasive dread, grounding the speculative elements in tangible fear. The book's speculative aspects—unexplained explosions, physiological changes, and societal disintegration—are layered with ambiguity, leaving room for reflection without overshadowing the human drama. The pacing alternates between quiet unease and bursts of visceral action, and the harrowing depictions of looting, violence, and eerie transformations add depth to the narrative’s themes.

At its core, the book is a profound exploration of humanity under duress. It examines the fragility of order, the shifting nature of trust, and the lengths people will go to survive. Yet amid the bleakness, glimmers of hope persist. Moments of connection and resilience provide emotional weight, underscoring the enduring spirit of the characters. Fans of speculative fiction and psychological thrillers will find much to admire in this chilling, thought-provoking tale of survival and transformation. This is un-put-downable.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 - 3.5 Stars

‘ A deafening explosion shatters the stillness, ripping through the calm like a brutal wound. Grace flinches, her body jolting as a massive plume of jet-black smoke mushrooms into the sky just miles away. It rises in a dark, ominous cloud, swallowing the horizon, blotting out the sun’s light in thick, inky layers.
Sirens scream in the distance, sharp and panicked, as the shockwave barrels forward, a monstrous wall of soot and debris surging toward her like a dark, unstoppable avalanche.
“Grace, get in!” Tom’s voice snaps her back, raw and urgent. He lunges for her, pulling her inside, slamming the sliding door shut just as the black, sooty fog smothers the glass. The building shudders, rattling violently, car alarms blaring in chaotic dissonance as the impact reverberates through the structure.
Inside, the room plunges into near darkness. The smoke outside has swallowed the daylight, transforming the world beyond the windows into a pitch-black void. Grace stands frozen, staring at the glass of the sliding door, now opaque and reflective, casting back only her own pale, stunned expression. ’

Lowlands by Adam Cosco is a post-apocalyptic survival story with some dystopian elements, a touch of the supernatural, horror, twists, secrets, mystery, drama, twisty details, and so much more.
I love a gripping post-apocalyptic story and this one grabbed my attention from the moment I saw the great cover, while Mr. Cosco’s dynamic and descriptive writing style set the scene with tension and dramatic touches, while also adding a mysterious vibe to his storyline.
As this is a shorter story, I did expect that it would have a faster pace- but I found that it was quite slow to really ‘get-going’, leaving me wondering where we were headed, and how everything would play out in the end. It was a little frustrating at times, and I had LOTS of questions- and it wasn’t until right towards the end where everything slid into place and finally started to make sense- but now I understand the ‘slow’ build-up 😊
There’s definitely more going on than first meets the eye, making for an intriguing read.
Happy Reading…

Thank you, Adam Cosco!

[Rebel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lowlands by Adam Cosco is one of those books that stayed with me long after I turned the final page. What initially seems like a traditional apocalyptic narrative quickly evolves into something far more personal, mysterious, and terrifying.

I’ve always been drawn to stories where the true horror is not just what’s outside, but what’s inside—the psychological unraveling of characters as they grapple with their own fears, doubts, and hidden truths. Lowlands brilliantly blends the chaos of an apocalyptic event with the intimate, suffocating isolation of Grace and Tom’s apartment. The world outside is a fog of fear, but what happens inside their cramped walls is even more haunting. As Grace’s visions intensify, you start to wonder if the true threat is not just the disaster unfolding around them, but the deep-seated darkness within Grace herself.

The atmospheric tension in this book is palpable. It’s rare to find a story that can evoke such a deep sense of dread, even when it’s set in such a confined, almost claustrophobic space. The book kept me on edge, never quite sure whether the horrors Grace was experiencing were real or figments of her imagination. Cosco masterfully weaves the suspense of her visions with the unraveling of her past, making it clear that the true enemy might not be the apocalypse itself, but the terrifying truths we bury deep within ourselves.

Grace’s journey—her search for answers, her struggle between faith and reason, and her attempts to protect her sanity—felt raw and human. The emotional depth Cosco gives his characters, especially Grace, made the supernatural elements even more unsettling. You truly feel for them as they try to survive, not just against the world outside, but against the fears and memories that come creeping back.

Fans of The Sixth Sense and Signs will find a kindred spirit in Lowlands. It’s an apocalyptic tale with heart, suspense, and that perfect blend of terror that makes you question everything—your environment, your reality, and the very nature of fear itself.

[Shannen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book I had picked up by this author, so I wasn’t sure what I was in for. The cover looked interesting, and the synopsis sounded wonderful, so I gave it a try. This turned out to be a gripping and atmospheric apocalyptic thriller that delves into the psychological and supernatural as humanity grapples with the aftermath of a series of catastrophic underground explosions. I really loved the flow of the story as it pulled you in ever so slightly until the point of no return. We get to follow Grace and Tom as they navigate a world drowned in a suffocating fog of fear and uncertainty. The true horror, however, lies not only in the desolate outside world but also in the visions that haunt Grace’s mind—visions that suggest something ancient, something lurking just beyond their walls.

The author masterfully blends suspense with eerie supernatural elements, creating a narrative that plays on both primal fear and existential dread. The tension builds steadily, drawing readers deeper into the mysterious darkness that surrounds Grace as she unravels secrets long buried. Themes of faith, reason, and the cost of hope are explored with nuance, raising thought-provoking questions about the human psyche and the price of survival. This is a story that lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned. Atmospheric and haunting, it is a tale that taps into our deepest fears while offering a chilling meditation on the nature of fear itself. I highly recommend picking this one up and getting lost in it for the weekend!

[Joanne Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adam Cosco’s Lowlands is a gripping and atmospheric descent into psychological and existential horror, set in a world unraveling at the seams. From the first page, Cosco masterfully immerses readers in a bleak, claustrophobic setting, where unseen forces—both supernatural and psychological—erode the barriers between reality and delusion.

At its core, Lowlands follows Grace and Tom, a couple confined within their apartment block as the world outside is ravaged by unexplained underground explosions. Their isolation becomes a crucible for paranoia, fractured memories, and the resurfacing of long-buried secrets. As Grace grapples with unsettling visions and the slow collapse of rationality, Cosco crafts a narrative thick with dread, balancing cosmic horror with deeply personal revelations.

The novel’s strength lies in its ability to blur the lines between existential dread and the supernatural. Cosco’s prose is both poetic and unrelenting, creating an atmosphere that is as immersive as it is unsettling. The themes of faith, reality, and the insidious nature of fear are woven seamlessly throughout, leaving readers questioning what is truly real.

For fans of slow-burning psychological horror, Lowlands delivers an unforgettable journey into darkness. Cosco’s storytelling lingers long after the final page, a testament to his ability to craft a world where the greatest horrors lie not only in the unknown—but within ourselves.

[Kair · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lowlands by Adam Cosco is a haunting apocalyptic tale of survival against unknown demons. The book is about what happens after a series of explosions around the world force people to isolated in their homes to avoid getting a mysterious disease. There are also mysterious demons who seem to be keeping track of people and taking away those who have committed horrible crimes. The main characters of the book are Tom, a doctor, and Grace who works for a special government agency. Grace also has special powers, which she keeps a secret from Tom, that seem to protect her from the mysterious disease. The book did remind me of the quarantine of 2020 with all the fear, confusion, and misinformation that the world faced. The book has quite a few unexpected twists and turns that surprised me, and did not end how I expected. Lowlands was a different type of genre than I usually read, but it did keep me engaged and wanting to find out what happens next. The book did jump from one scene to another a bit, and was confusing in parts, but I believe this was done purposely to keep the reader guessing as to what is really going on. If you like apocalyptic supernatural storylines, I think you will enjoy this story.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Challis · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars!

Lowlands had a really interesting premise that, once it got going, gave me major COVID days quarantine vibes with a dash of apocalyptic terror. So, terrifying for the most part! Something good to read about, yet horrific to think about actually living through.
The writing itself was something I quite enjoyed while reading. It was haunting and eerie, and Adam Cosco's prose was very fitting for the mood of increasing disaster. The word choices were very descriptive and atmospheric, which helped the base of horror that the author gives us.
I had a little trouble getting fully immersed into the story, the beginning was a little bit slow, giving just enough to keep the reader questioning as to what's happening and curious to keep going. That was what kept me going even thought I was not yet gripped by it.

Overall I think you would enjoy this book if you're into kind of psychologically terrifying apocalypse-type stories that keep you guessing and get you thinking about its message long after finishing reading.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Roxsanne Lesieur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grace and Tom are a couple with a comfortable life, jobs they enjoy and an apartment they love and all is going well, that is until the explosions start, filling the sky with black smoke and toxic fumes. These explosions start in one place and then one day, they all set off consecutively around the world and the devastation that they bring means that nobody is allowed outside and so like the rest of the world Tom and Grace begin their lockdown.

As happens with most cooped up couples, the air is tense and the fear, worry and creeping dread consume them, but it's not just the atmosphere which is tense, both Tom and Grace have their secrets to hide, secrets telling of a dark past and when combined with an unknowable future, things start to fracture.

Will Tom and Grace be able to survive in this apocalyptic world, or will the hidden move out of the shadows and into the light and wreak as much havoc as the toxic smoke outside? This is a story which explores the time between an apocalyptic event and the aftermath when people come to terms with the event and confront their own darkness as they navigate the new world which has been created.

[Jim Donohue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is, by far, Adam Cosco's most ambitious work and once again he hits it out of the park. I have read quite a few of Cosco's books and the dude keeps getting better and better. This apocalyptic tale tells the story of Tom and Grace, who find themselves stuck in their apatment after a series of subterrainian explosions.
Tom knows they're in trouble. Tom knows they need to figure out what is causing certain reactions in people.
What Tom does not know is that Grace possesses certain powers.
The beginning is a bit slow, which is not a negative, unless you don't a slow start. I happen to like the building of a story, where we get to know the people we're reading about before the twists and turns.
And there ARE twists and turns here.
One of Cosco's strength is in character development, and this is no exception.
There's ample action throughout, and an ending that will make you sit up and take notice.
The book also contains wonderful illustrations that help tell the story.
This is a 5 Star read for me. Kudos to Adam Cosco for another winner.

[Diana | Indie Book Addict · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lowlands is set in a world on the brink of collapse, following a series of catastrophic underground explosions that have sent society into disarray. The book presents a bleak, dystopian world, focusing on the aftermath of these apocalyptic events. The author’s writing style is rich in detail, immersing readers in a vividly described setting.

While the world-building is impressive, I found the pacing of the story to be a bit slow at times, especially in the earlier part. The plot unfolds in a way that keeps you intrigued, but it takes its time to build momentum. In the end, I'd say the reveal makes it worth it.

The main characters kicked up some feelings. Tom left me with a feeling of disgust instead of empathy, which might have been intentional given the grim nature of the narrative. Shame on you, Tom. Grace, on the other hand, definitely stood her ground and had more composure than I would have had when it came to Tom.

If you’re a fan of dystopian fiction and enjoy a slower story with twists that keep you guessing, Lowlands is a solid read.

[Kerry carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very unique and interesting read. It is set in a apocalyptic world. When explosions take place over the world Grace and her partner Tom are forced to isolate themselves. Seperating themselves from the world and all their neighbours felt like a flash back to a pandemic we went through ourselves. It was similar in the sense of panic, confusion, misinformation and just the sense of not knowing if we were safe or not.
It seems that Grace has some psychic abilities which means she can see all the darkness that is surrounding everyone.
With the explosions, strange illnesses that are only affecting certain people, a confusion between what is real and what is not and people going missing there are so many questions that need answered.
This is an action packed story which shows how the human race reacts to crisis and danger, both in a negative and positive way. I did enjoy this unique read. It gripped me right from the beginning and I couldn't put it down.

[Yvonne Derrig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Curiously Thought-Provoking and Intriguing

Adam Cosco pulled me into this world of intrigue with the first few sentences. As I read, I was questioning everything, wondering where this was going, knowing there was more to it than the picture the words I read painted. This book was thoroughly thought-provoking, even as I read the last sentence, questions still swirled through my mind. Is this story about a higher power or being? Is there another story beneath this one that is being told? I almost feel like there is a double entendre in this story… Like what I’m reading is only a scratch at the surface of the real story begging to be told. Grace and Tom are the main characters, but Ash, Layla, Leo, Peter, Victor, and Reese play an integral part in the story and plot. I don’t want to give any spoilers because this is a story that needs to be read and digested by each person individually. Somebody, anybody, please read this so I can talk through this with you!