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Embers of Starlight
***This book contains non-gratuitous scenes of sex without consent, drug usage, and violence***
"My life has been a hurricane, but he was the eye of the storm. For a moment in time, he was my clarity and my peace."
In my short twenty-four years of life, I've experienced passionate love and crushing heartbreak. My first love became the one who got away. I thought I made all the right choices, but in the end, those same decisions led me down a path I wasn't sure I'd ever be able to come back from. When betrayal rears its ugly head, I get forced into the dangerous world of sex trafficking. I accepted that I would die there.
Will my fight for survival, turned to a path of vengeance, become my undoing?
Genre: New Adult Romantic Suspense / Dark Realistic Fiction
"My life has been a hurricane, but he was the eye of the storm. For a moment in time, he was my clarity and my peace."
In my short twenty-four years of life, I've experienced passionate love and crushing heartbreak. My first love became the one who got away. I thought I made all the right choices, but in the end, those same decisions led me down a path I wasn't sure I'd ever be able to come back from. When betrayal rears its ugly head, I get forced into the dangerous world of sex trafficking. I accepted that I would die there.
Will my fight for survival, turned to a path of vengeance, become my undoing?
Genre: New Adult Romantic Suspense / Dark Realistic Fiction
Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2015
15 people are currently reading
637 people want to read
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December 24, 2015
4 Believe in Your Gut Stars * * * *
~~~~~ Updated - Now with 3 Parts ~~~~~
Last year at this time, I read the first edition of Embers of Starlight. It was a stand alone story and left the readers with a huge cliffy causing us to desperately want to know what would happen next to our main characters. Ms. De Leon decided to put all of the books together under the original title allowing the new readers to have immediate access to the complete story of courage and strength.
By doing this, all of the pieces of the puzzle are given; they are needed, but may slow the pace...especially during the middle section. With all of the added material however, getting to the wanted conclusion becomes an engrossing ride.
This subject matter is serious. Unfortunately, all of the detailed research used in this book is real.
It is important we all remember this and continue to support those who have been touched by it.
The review below is on the first section of the book and still holds true today.
~~~~ Original Review ~~~~~
You know that feeling you get... the one that is deep inside that is telling you to pay attention? We all have them... men, women.. it doesn't matter... when your gut starts ringing alarms... we should pay attention. But for some reason....we don't... and this is a tale of not hearing the alarm.
This book has two strong stories which are woven together perfectly for me. We are able to see the development of our gal, Tula... her way of becoming the person she is... where her insecurities fester and for whom her heart beats... we see the blooming of friendship... a kinship between her and another, Sam... both quirky... a bit of rebels and both pulled towards each other, unaware of the foundation of love which is their base...for they are friends... right? This part of the tale has major significance and does not go unnoticed by the reader... just filed away.
Our gal and guy go their separate ways... him to Special Forces, she to college. She is no longer the high school goth outcast... she has no history to live down... here she is fresh, young and open to so many new experiences... To hear she is attractive... to be seen by handsome eyes of a much older guy... to be swept away by sweet, flirty talk. This is all so new and touches her esteem... she feels special and cared for...yet when this man who is charming her, dining her and saying all the flowery things in her ear kisses her...her gut is saying...wait, it isn't right... it does not hit you the way that it should...Dismissed.. her head is turned or distracted and she puts it aside...
As things would happen...Tula reconnects once again with her school friend, Sam... only to finally understand her real feelings for him... He, too, realizes what he feels but is convinced he cannot give Tula what she needs... Both do not listen to their gut...both dismiss the alarms screaming from their hearts... what takes place after sets the course of their lives...He goes forward to the service in Special Forces... she goes onto marry Mr. Charming.....and we watch, gasping and screaming to her to pay attention....
This book should be given to all young women everywhere...for the life lessons taught are real and serious. The way Ms. De Leon presents the scenario of regular woman and what could happen is an engaging, caring and yes, an entertaining look on life, and what can happen when you are targeted by others. It happens every day... it is real and not just in the fiction we read... and it is important to get the message out to those who could become victims.
There is romance, sweet romance in this book... there are moments which sing and should be savored... so all is not so very dark as to scare the reader away... but there is evil... important and critical to the story... so it must be mentioned. It re-enforces the need to listen to your inner voice... and to stay connected to others and not become isolated. To get an education of some kind...to work be able to fend in this world and to be careful who you trust.
I was so engrossed in this story, it was over before I realized it... the ending was twofold... satisfying in where it was...but it is a cliffy and I cannot wait to see the next part. I will be waiting, ready to find out what is next, because my gut is telling me... it will be fantastic.
A gifted copy was provided by author for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
~~~~~ Updated - Now with 3 Parts ~~~~~
Last year at this time, I read the first edition of Embers of Starlight. It was a stand alone story and left the readers with a huge cliffy causing us to desperately want to know what would happen next to our main characters. Ms. De Leon decided to put all of the books together under the original title allowing the new readers to have immediate access to the complete story of courage and strength.
By doing this, all of the pieces of the puzzle are given; they are needed, but may slow the pace...especially during the middle section. With all of the added material however, getting to the wanted conclusion becomes an engrossing ride.
This subject matter is serious. Unfortunately, all of the detailed research used in this book is real.
It is important we all remember this and continue to support those who have been touched by it.
The review below is on the first section of the book and still holds true today.
~~~~ Original Review ~~~~~
You know that feeling you get... the one that is deep inside that is telling you to pay attention? We all have them... men, women.. it doesn't matter... when your gut starts ringing alarms... we should pay attention. But for some reason....we don't... and this is a tale of not hearing the alarm.
This book has two strong stories which are woven together perfectly for me. We are able to see the development of our gal, Tula... her way of becoming the person she is... where her insecurities fester and for whom her heart beats... we see the blooming of friendship... a kinship between her and another, Sam... both quirky... a bit of rebels and both pulled towards each other, unaware of the foundation of love which is their base...for they are friends... right? This part of the tale has major significance and does not go unnoticed by the reader... just filed away.
Our gal and guy go their separate ways... him to Special Forces, she to college. She is no longer the high school goth outcast... she has no history to live down... here she is fresh, young and open to so many new experiences... To hear she is attractive... to be seen by handsome eyes of a much older guy... to be swept away by sweet, flirty talk. This is all so new and touches her esteem... she feels special and cared for...yet when this man who is charming her, dining her and saying all the flowery things in her ear kisses her...her gut is saying...wait, it isn't right... it does not hit you the way that it should...Dismissed.. her head is turned or distracted and she puts it aside...
As things would happen...Tula reconnects once again with her school friend, Sam... only to finally understand her real feelings for him... He, too, realizes what he feels but is convinced he cannot give Tula what she needs... Both do not listen to their gut...both dismiss the alarms screaming from their hearts... what takes place after sets the course of their lives...He goes forward to the service in Special Forces... she goes onto marry Mr. Charming.....and we watch, gasping and screaming to her to pay attention....
This book should be given to all young women everywhere...for the life lessons taught are real and serious. The way Ms. De Leon presents the scenario of regular woman and what could happen is an engaging, caring and yes, an entertaining look on life, and what can happen when you are targeted by others. It happens every day... it is real and not just in the fiction we read... and it is important to get the message out to those who could become victims.
There is romance, sweet romance in this book... there are moments which sing and should be savored... so all is not so very dark as to scare the reader away... but there is evil... important and critical to the story... so it must be mentioned. It re-enforces the need to listen to your inner voice... and to stay connected to others and not become isolated. To get an education of some kind...to work be able to fend in this world and to be careful who you trust.
I was so engrossed in this story, it was over before I realized it... the ending was twofold... satisfying in where it was...but it is a cliffy and I cannot wait to see the next part. I will be waiting, ready to find out what is next, because my gut is telling me... it will be fantastic.
A gifted copy was provided by author for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
February 6, 2016
As far as stories with captivity/sex-trafficking themes go, this book was pretty mediocre. It started off strong, but quickly fizzled into an implausible action/adventure, with the heroine transforming into GI Jane and single-handedly taking on a ship full of sex traffickers. It didn't ring true to me.
While this book does deal with some pretty dark topics, such as sex trafficking, rape, etc. the book itself doesn't really delve into these topics. The author provides just enough details to give the reader the gist of what happened, without any graphic, explicit details. The story spends a lot of time toeing the line without really crossing over into the dark elements of this story. So, if you're expecting a truly dark story, you might be disappointed.
The heroine, Tula, is incredibly strong and endures things that no one should ever have to. However, I never felt a connection with Tula. Perhaps, it was because she spent a large part of the story emotionally detached from the events around her, and therefore the reader.
The fact that the story didn't go into detail about what actually happened to Tula, and thereby didn't allow the reader to experience her raw emotions, probably contributed to this detachment also. Instead, these traumatic events seemed very impersonal, rote and clinical, versus the raw, gutting, events that you would expect in such a story. There's no doubt that she's been traumatized, but you know it because you're told so, not because you feel it.
Tula's life circumstances leading up to her captivity were tragic. She went from being a naive, hopeful girl to an abused, exploited wife in the bat of an eye. She settled for a loveless marriage in order to secure financial stability for herself and her mother. Only, she discovered too late that nothing comes for free and the price was more than she was willing to pay.
As her marriage disintegrates, Tula finds herself in a harrowing situation. Just when she has neared the end of her rope, her past love comes to the rescue. From that point forward, the story seemed to devolve into an unrealistic action story. Tula goes into training to get revenge on those that harmed her. For me, the story lost me at that point. I kept reading, but my heart wasn't in it.
Overall, I give this story 3 out of 5 stars. It was "okay" but definitely not one of my favorites in this genre. If I liked stories with more of an action/adventure theme, I might have liked this one more. However, there were just too many inconsistent and implausible elements in this story for me.
While this book does deal with some pretty dark topics, such as sex trafficking, rape, etc. the book itself doesn't really delve into these topics. The author provides just enough details to give the reader the gist of what happened, without any graphic, explicit details. The story spends a lot of time toeing the line without really crossing over into the dark elements of this story. So, if you're expecting a truly dark story, you might be disappointed.
The heroine, Tula, is incredibly strong and endures things that no one should ever have to. However, I never felt a connection with Tula. Perhaps, it was because she spent a large part of the story emotionally detached from the events around her, and therefore the reader.
The fact that the story didn't go into detail about what actually happened to Tula, and thereby didn't allow the reader to experience her raw emotions, probably contributed to this detachment also. Instead, these traumatic events seemed very impersonal, rote and clinical, versus the raw, gutting, events that you would expect in such a story. There's no doubt that she's been traumatized, but you know it because you're told so, not because you feel it.
Tula's life circumstances leading up to her captivity were tragic. She went from being a naive, hopeful girl to an abused, exploited wife in the bat of an eye. She settled for a loveless marriage in order to secure financial stability for herself and her mother. Only, she discovered too late that nothing comes for free and the price was more than she was willing to pay.
As her marriage disintegrates, Tula finds herself in a harrowing situation. Just when she has neared the end of her rope, her past love comes to the rescue. From that point forward, the story seemed to devolve into an unrealistic action story. Tula goes into training to get revenge on those that harmed her. For me, the story lost me at that point. I kept reading, but my heart wasn't in it.
Overall, I give this story 3 out of 5 stars. It was "okay" but definitely not one of my favorites in this genre. If I liked stories with more of an action/adventure theme, I might have liked this one more. However, there were just too many inconsistent and implausible elements in this story for me.
December 12, 2015
4.5 STARS
The prologue of this book gave me chills. there are four distinct parts to this story. The first part is Tula's--our heroine--past. Tula was 17 when she met Samson, or Sam in her last year of high school. They hit it off and became close but never crossed that line that seemed to taunt them. Sam's plan was to enlist in the special forces, while Tula just wanted to finish college and start working. Their lives were going in different directions but they always stayed close. Until they didn't. And both their lives were changed in irrevocable ways.
The three other parts are best categorized as before Tula's involvement in the sex trade, her experiences during, and her life post sex trade.
While in college, Tula meets the charming, Adrian Valentine. A whirlwind romance ensues and while Tula desperately fights her innermost feelings for the love of her past, she jumps headlong into a relationship with Adrian.
Over the course of 5 years, tula's life undergoes some serious trauma including learning things about Adrian that completely upend her world. She hasn't spoken to Sam in years, feels isolated and when she finally tries to do the right thing, the worst possible scenario happens. This leads into Tula becoming one of the many missing/presumably dead women that get forced into sex trafficking.
So yes, this book is about trafficking, but it was done differently and that gave it an edge above other captor books I've read. For one, Tula wasn't a stupid girl, she honestly tried to do the right thing and through strange circumstances found herself in a vulnerable position. I loved her and truly believed what happened to her could happen to anyone. The other reason this book stood out was because of its realistic nature. Many captive/trafficking books I've read often romanticize the heroines position while being trafficked. This book showed the grim reality of the sex trade. It emphasized the dirty, gritty and often excruciatingly violent nature of the flesh market. Reading about some of Tula's experiences made me want to scream and cry. It's deplorable the things done to these women and children.
The last part of this book encompasses Tula's bounce back into normal society. The beautiful prologue hints at this and to prevent spoilers, I won't dwell on exactly how she escaped. But I will say her choices, although regrettable at first, still managed to turn into the best decisions of her life. Tula had been through hell, but slowly she gets herself back and discovers a love meant from the beginning. However, vengeance becomes a new reason to fight and ultimately break the chains of imprisonment, in any form.
This book needless to say, was amazing. It's maturity, poignancy and message of hope were done perfectly. My only points to critique were the middle, that seemed slow as compared to the rest of the book, and Tula's lack of withdrawal symptoms post rescue. Otherwise, a strong and well written story.
The sex trade is very real, very dangerous and very disregarded in the media. There's an actual stretch of road in Alberta, Canada that extends into British Columbia, called HIGHWAY OF TEARS. It's a highway that has been fraught with disappearances, kidnappings and murders of young indigenous women, for many years. It's horrifying to think a place like that exists in my backyard. The sad part is, it never got the media coverage it needed, almost like it was brushed under the carpet. But now, more people know and will be aware.
I highly recommend this incredible book. There's suspense, loads of romance, betrayal, vengeance, hope, love and new beginnings. I loved Tula. She was a strong and relatable heroine. Adored Sam, and his unwavering support and infinite love for Tula. I liked seeing snippets of indigenous culture and how that helped to make Tula whole again. There were so many characters that made this book great. The epilogue was wonderful and showed how hope can help achieve absolutely anything. Loved this.
**Arc kindly provided by the author for review **
The prologue of this book gave me chills. there are four distinct parts to this story. The first part is Tula's--our heroine--past. Tula was 17 when she met Samson, or Sam in her last year of high school. They hit it off and became close but never crossed that line that seemed to taunt them. Sam's plan was to enlist in the special forces, while Tula just wanted to finish college and start working. Their lives were going in different directions but they always stayed close. Until they didn't. And both their lives were changed in irrevocable ways.
The three other parts are best categorized as before Tula's involvement in the sex trade, her experiences during, and her life post sex trade.
While in college, Tula meets the charming, Adrian Valentine. A whirlwind romance ensues and while Tula desperately fights her innermost feelings for the love of her past, she jumps headlong into a relationship with Adrian.
Over the course of 5 years, tula's life undergoes some serious trauma including learning things about Adrian that completely upend her world. She hasn't spoken to Sam in years, feels isolated and when she finally tries to do the right thing, the worst possible scenario happens. This leads into Tula becoming one of the many missing/presumably dead women that get forced into sex trafficking.
So yes, this book is about trafficking, but it was done differently and that gave it an edge above other captor books I've read. For one, Tula wasn't a stupid girl, she honestly tried to do the right thing and through strange circumstances found herself in a vulnerable position. I loved her and truly believed what happened to her could happen to anyone. The other reason this book stood out was because of its realistic nature. Many captive/trafficking books I've read often romanticize the heroines position while being trafficked. This book showed the grim reality of the sex trade. It emphasized the dirty, gritty and often excruciatingly violent nature of the flesh market. Reading about some of Tula's experiences made me want to scream and cry. It's deplorable the things done to these women and children.
The last part of this book encompasses Tula's bounce back into normal society. The beautiful prologue hints at this and to prevent spoilers, I won't dwell on exactly how she escaped. But I will say her choices, although regrettable at first, still managed to turn into the best decisions of her life. Tula had been through hell, but slowly she gets herself back and discovers a love meant from the beginning. However, vengeance becomes a new reason to fight and ultimately break the chains of imprisonment, in any form.
This book needless to say, was amazing. It's maturity, poignancy and message of hope were done perfectly. My only points to critique were the middle, that seemed slow as compared to the rest of the book, and Tula's lack of withdrawal symptoms post rescue. Otherwise, a strong and well written story.
The sex trade is very real, very dangerous and very disregarded in the media. There's an actual stretch of road in Alberta, Canada that extends into British Columbia, called HIGHWAY OF TEARS. It's a highway that has been fraught with disappearances, kidnappings and murders of young indigenous women, for many years. It's horrifying to think a place like that exists in my backyard. The sad part is, it never got the media coverage it needed, almost like it was brushed under the carpet. But now, more people know and will be aware.
I highly recommend this incredible book. There's suspense, loads of romance, betrayal, vengeance, hope, love and new beginnings. I loved Tula. She was a strong and relatable heroine. Adored Sam, and his unwavering support and infinite love for Tula. I liked seeing snippets of indigenous culture and how that helped to make Tula whole again. There were so many characters that made this book great. The epilogue was wonderful and showed how hope can help achieve absolutely anything. Loved this.
**Arc kindly provided by the author for review **
December 14, 2015
I'm updating my review as I've read Embers of Starlight in three separate parts. (Ashes to Flame & Blood of My Blood has been added to complete this amazing standalone. So yaaaaaay no cliffhangers!
Wow...incredible....amazing...spine tingling, horrifically dark! The storyline is so intense, it's in your face raw and real! You're hanging on the edge of your seat, screaming "You stupid...stupid little girl"! While encouraging Talula not to give up, remain strong and shit will work it's way out! This remarkable heroine is one of those girls you cheer for right from the start. A teenager caring for her mentally challenged mom finds outs early in life never second guess yourself.
She should have pulled the plug on Adrian Valentine and their farce of a wedding. Her heart belonged to another, a man she'd loved as a child. Sampson.
In Ashes to Flame: Talula's life is permanently altered, forever changed.
I admire her strength, courage and bravery. She struggles daily, reconciling her former life from a human trafficked victim. She's aged beyond years as the veil of innocence is striped away and abuse is born. Samson has lived a lifetime of regrets of what should of been, what could have been between them. He'll have to mend Tula's shattered spirit one sliver at a time in the most traditional way, with unconditional love. But first he has to find her.
Blood Of My Blood:
Astonishing conclusion for a epic book. Yes my friend you made me cry, rail against Adrian and the other smug bastards that helped carryout his sinister acts. May they all rot in hell.
Touching on Human Trafficking the way Sonia De Leon has, has left me in awe. She didn't glamorize, romanticize or take away the severity. This amazing author showed how inhuman and ugly the subject is. Too many times I've read novels where the victim falls for their captors and became an insta-lovefest, Embers of Starlight isn't one of them! Five star read, wanna know more....buy the book! Enjoy!
Wow...incredible....amazing...spine tingling, horrifically dark! The storyline is so intense, it's in your face raw and real! You're hanging on the edge of your seat, screaming "You stupid...stupid little girl"! While encouraging Talula not to give up, remain strong and shit will work it's way out! This remarkable heroine is one of those girls you cheer for right from the start. A teenager caring for her mentally challenged mom finds outs early in life never second guess yourself.
She should have pulled the plug on Adrian Valentine and their farce of a wedding. Her heart belonged to another, a man she'd loved as a child. Sampson.
In Ashes to Flame: Talula's life is permanently altered, forever changed.
I admire her strength, courage and bravery. She struggles daily, reconciling her former life from a human trafficked victim. She's aged beyond years as the veil of innocence is striped away and abuse is born. Samson has lived a lifetime of regrets of what should of been, what could have been between them. He'll have to mend Tula's shattered spirit one sliver at a time in the most traditional way, with unconditional love. But first he has to find her.
Blood Of My Blood:
Astonishing conclusion for a epic book. Yes my friend you made me cry, rail against Adrian and the other smug bastards that helped carryout his sinister acts. May they all rot in hell.
Touching on Human Trafficking the way Sonia De Leon has, has left me in awe. She didn't glamorize, romanticize or take away the severity. This amazing author showed how inhuman and ugly the subject is. Too many times I've read novels where the victim falls for their captors and became an insta-lovefest, Embers of Starlight isn't one of them! Five star read, wanna know more....buy the book! Enjoy!
July 2, 2019
"Remember you are alive because of the love of a thousand people."
A love story which takes the reader into the dark, evil, and thoroughly depraved world of human sex trafficking. It is difficult to read in some parts, and yet so important in it's message.
The International Labor Organisation estimates that there are 20.9 million victims of human trafficking world wide. 26% of them are very young children and 55% are female (2015 figures).
This is the story of one such girl and how she found herself trapped in this $150 billion industry and how true love gave her the strength to survive it.
Sonia de Leon writes beautifully and at times I felt her words and expressions were poetry disguised as narrative:
" We fall asleep in a mire of what ifs and a tangle of sheets, temporarily cocooned from the ever-unfolding paths of our separate futures."
This book pulls you in and makes you think twice about what you would do. Could do. Should do. It compares and contrasts the beauty of true love with the destructive force of power. And it lingers in it's message to vulnerable, lonely women and the people who love them.
My only problem was with the unrealistic main character. While tremendously likeable, I struggled with her absurdly tragic background
A love story which takes the reader into the dark, evil, and thoroughly depraved world of human sex trafficking. It is difficult to read in some parts, and yet so important in it's message.
The International Labor Organisation estimates that there are 20.9 million victims of human trafficking world wide. 26% of them are very young children and 55% are female (2015 figures).
This is the story of one such girl and how she found herself trapped in this $150 billion industry and how true love gave her the strength to survive it.
Sonia de Leon writes beautifully and at times I felt her words and expressions were poetry disguised as narrative:
" We fall asleep in a mire of what ifs and a tangle of sheets, temporarily cocooned from the ever-unfolding paths of our separate futures."
This book pulls you in and makes you think twice about what you would do. Could do. Should do. It compares and contrasts the beauty of true love with the destructive force of power. And it lingers in it's message to vulnerable, lonely women and the people who love them.
My only problem was with the unrealistic main character. While tremendously likeable, I struggled with her absurdly tragic background
December 22, 2015
This book took me on an emotional roller-coaster ride. First lets look at the cover. It in no way gives a clue as to what the reader will experience once we open it. And I wouldn't have it any other way. That's one of the things that's great about this story. The surprising plot that unfolds.
What started out looking like a high school romance of friends to lovers turned into something deep and dark. Human trafficking is a serious problem, and De Leon handles it with deft and sensitivity. But even as the reader is horrified by the depravity of man, we're comforted by a very beautiful love story between two unforgettable characters.
Sam and Tula....
What can I say but hot damn! Tula is a model for how strong heroines should be written. While she was victimized she refused to be a victim. While she was kicked down many times, she got right back up and fought back. And Sam is her perfect match. He's what a hero should be. Tough, sensitive, caring, and wise. He knew how to get through to Tula and was patient enough to give her what she needed at the proper time--physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
With all that in mind, this epic story has earned a place on my keeper shelf. Well done, Ms. De Leon.
What started out looking like a high school romance of friends to lovers turned into something deep and dark. Human trafficking is a serious problem, and De Leon handles it with deft and sensitivity. But even as the reader is horrified by the depravity of man, we're comforted by a very beautiful love story between two unforgettable characters.
Sam and Tula....
What can I say but hot damn! Tula is a model for how strong heroines should be written. While she was victimized she refused to be a victim. While she was kicked down many times, she got right back up and fought back. And Sam is her perfect match. He's what a hero should be. Tough, sensitive, caring, and wise. He knew how to get through to Tula and was patient enough to give her what she needed at the proper time--physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
With all that in mind, this epic story has earned a place on my keeper shelf. Well done, Ms. De Leon.
February 12, 2015
Unsatisfying, did I read a different book?
Tula
Sam
Okay first: don't get me wrong, I actually love the premise and the start of this book.
It was sweet and all until she cheated with her boyfriend. Okay I know Sam is all that but that doesn't mean you can cheat on your boyfriend. (Even if he turned to be a psychopath, later on)
I don't think the author did her homework about women being trafficked. She was held captive for 4 months and was abused by her husband proir to being sold, surely there's more effect on her than being distrustful to mEn and police. I'm not telling her to feel traumatised but she should at least show some sign of breaking.
And that bring me to the writing style, the way it was written didn't feel as if I wanted to sympathise with Tula. I feel detached to her at the latter part of the book, when the abused started. Sure it was detailed and such but writing is also feeling, and author lost me after Adrian became abusive.
I was teary eyed about Sam and Tula , the author perfectly captured the bittersweet moment. Like this one
The first part of the book was amazing, no doubt to that.
But I think the brothel part were a little over the top. The author did a poor job on it. She failed to deliver it the message, if she had one.
“If you kiss me, and it's amazing, I'd have to live the rest of my life without ever feeling that again.”
Tula
“Sometimes you think you want something more than anything in the world, and when you finally get it, you realize it's not what you want at all.”
Sam
Okay first: don't get me wrong, I actually love the premise and the start of this book.
It was sweet and all until she cheated with her boyfriend. Okay I know Sam is all that but that doesn't mean you can cheat on your boyfriend. (Even if he turned to be a psychopath, later on)
I don't think the author did her homework about women being trafficked. She was held captive for 4 months and was abused by her husband proir to being sold, surely there's more effect on her than being distrustful to mEn and police. I'm not telling her to feel traumatised but she should at least show some sign of breaking.
And that bring me to the writing style, the way it was written didn't feel as if I wanted to sympathise with Tula. I feel detached to her at the latter part of the book, when the abused started. Sure it was detailed and such but writing is also feeling, and author lost me after Adrian became abusive.
I was teary eyed about Sam and Tula , the author perfectly captured the bittersweet moment. Like this one
“I'll see you again one day, Tula. We'll be older. Wiser. And we'll always have the memories of the one night we were able to belong to one another.” Sam places his hands on either side of my head. “I expect to see laughter lines here and here.”
He kisses the outer corners of my eyes. “You're going to tell me all about your life, and I'll see how happy you are. And so your happiness will be my happiness.”
The first part of the book was amazing, no doubt to that.
But I think the brothel part were a little over the top. The author did a poor job on it. She failed to deliver it the message, if she had one.
Want to read
September 20, 2018💝FREE on Amazon today (9/20/18)!💝
Blurb:
"My life has been a hurricane, but he was the eye of the storm. For a moment in time, he was my clarity and my peace."
In my short twenty-four years of life, I've experienced passionate love and crushing heartbreak. My first love became the one who got away. I thought I made all the right choices, but in the end, those same decisions led me down a path I wasn't sure I'd ever be able to come back from. When betrayal rears its ugly head, I get forced into the dangerous world of sex trafficking. I accepted that I would die there.
Will my fight for survival, turned to a path of vengeance, become my undoing?
Blurb:
"My life has been a hurricane, but he was the eye of the storm. For a moment in time, he was my clarity and my peace."
In my short twenty-four years of life, I've experienced passionate love and crushing heartbreak. My first love became the one who got away. I thought I made all the right choices, but in the end, those same decisions led me down a path I wasn't sure I'd ever be able to come back from. When betrayal rears its ugly head, I get forced into the dangerous world of sex trafficking. I accepted that I would die there.
Will my fight for survival, turned to a path of vengeance, become my undoing?
January 22, 2015
(I'll be referring to the protagonist as the MC to give myself some distance. Bear with me, please. It's an amazing read, but a difficult one.)
*deep breath*
Wow. I actually waited a a couple of days before writing the review, because I was that affected by this story. It starts as another well-done YA/NA-feel book, in first-person POV. De Leon deftly handles the awkwardness of a friendship/romance that might be, and the inclusion of the mental health issue was handled well. As someone who has lived mental health issues with a loved one, I can definitively say that she got both the mania and the hopeful periods between episodes exactly right. The author expresses emotion beautifully.
As the story unspooled, I found myself reading faster and faster. The story is quick, as mistakes pile on mistakes, as life carries the MC along (exactly as real life tends to do). At one point toward the end, I realized that my back was hurting and had to force myself to uncurl because I had rolled around my kindle in a tight, tense ball. Yeah. It's that good. It's COMPELLING.
Now, for the trigger warning portion of this review... When I was given the ARC, it was in a fast flurry of communications. The trigger warning was actually the last thing she sent--she'd forgotten it. When I read the message, my heart fell. I'd agreed to read, and as an author, I understand the importance of read & reviews. But I'm also a survivor, on multiple levels (child and adult), and I DO NOT READ CAPTOR/ASSAULT STORIES. Ever. EVER. I debated whether or not I'd do it for almost a week. I finally decided I'd give it a try and bow out if it became too much for me.
It was intense. It was graphic. It was stomach-roiling. It made me cry.
And it was an amazing story. What is included is not gratuitous, and is certainly not glorified. But it is factually presented, and it is important to know...to witness...that this is a truth of the world. I especially appreciated the inclusion of the information given at the close of the book.
I won't say more, because I'm always aware of spoilers, but it was a gorgeous, heart-breaking story. There IS a cliffhanger (I enjoy them, so not a problem), and it's not a little one (*laugh*), so go in aware of that. The end was still satisfying ( I think I made a sound that was a cross between a relieved gasp and an "OOOO" because someone is about to get theirs!), and I'm eager to read the next installment of the story!
I HIGHLY recommend Embers of Starlight.
***I was given an ARC for an honest, unbiased review.***
*deep breath*
Wow. I actually waited a a couple of days before writing the review, because I was that affected by this story. It starts as another well-done YA/NA-feel book, in first-person POV. De Leon deftly handles the awkwardness of a friendship/romance that might be, and the inclusion of the mental health issue was handled well. As someone who has lived mental health issues with a loved one, I can definitively say that she got both the mania and the hopeful periods between episodes exactly right. The author expresses emotion beautifully.
As the story unspooled, I found myself reading faster and faster. The story is quick, as mistakes pile on mistakes, as life carries the MC along (exactly as real life tends to do). At one point toward the end, I realized that my back was hurting and had to force myself to uncurl because I had rolled around my kindle in a tight, tense ball. Yeah. It's that good. It's COMPELLING.
Now, for the trigger warning portion of this review... When I was given the ARC, it was in a fast flurry of communications. The trigger warning was actually the last thing she sent--she'd forgotten it. When I read the message, my heart fell. I'd agreed to read, and as an author, I understand the importance of read & reviews. But I'm also a survivor, on multiple levels (child and adult), and I DO NOT READ CAPTOR/ASSAULT STORIES. Ever. EVER. I debated whether or not I'd do it for almost a week. I finally decided I'd give it a try and bow out if it became too much for me.
It was intense. It was graphic. It was stomach-roiling. It made me cry.
And it was an amazing story. What is included is not gratuitous, and is certainly not glorified. But it is factually presented, and it is important to know...to witness...that this is a truth of the world. I especially appreciated the inclusion of the information given at the close of the book.
I won't say more, because I'm always aware of spoilers, but it was a gorgeous, heart-breaking story. There IS a cliffhanger (I enjoy them, so not a problem), and it's not a little one (*laugh*), so go in aware of that. The end was still satisfying ( I think I made a sound that was a cross between a relieved gasp and an "OOOO" because someone is about to get theirs!), and I'm eager to read the next installment of the story!
I HIGHLY recommend Embers of Starlight.
***I was given an ARC for an honest, unbiased review.***
February 28, 2015
*ARC REVIEW FROM ABIBLIOPHOBIA ANONYMOUS BOOK REVIEWS BLOG*
"The most sacred things in life require darkness: birth, lovemaking, and death."- Talula
Sometimes we get books that will knock us on our butt. They'll have us still thinking about them days later. They'll stay with us, and Embers of Starlight is one of those book's for me.
I didn't quite know what this book was when I was asked to review. Reading the prologue, it got me. Hit me in the gut. I had a know what will happen with this girl. Know her story, and we get to know it.
In Embers of Starlight you'll get to know Talula, Samsom and Adrian. The story takes place over year's.
Sam is Talula's best friend. They have feelings, but Sam can't give her what her or her mother needs, not like Adrian can.
"I'll see you again one day, Tula. We'll be older. Wiser. And we'll always have the memories of the one night we were able to belong to one another."- Samson
Adrian was the perfect man. Wealthy, Will give Talula the financially stable life she needs. Love... Well, maybe she can learn to love him.
Talula. God, my heart hurts for this amazing character. Her once night in shining armor will turn into the devil that she didn't know existed.
"I suffer loss and experience hardship, I'm satisfied with starlight that lit my dark existence. It's been enough."- Talula
Her happy life will fall apart. She's at his mercy. I want to hurt Adrian! God, do I want to.
I'm not going to give stuff away, you NEED to read this book! One thing I can say about this author, her writing is out of this world. Her words suck you in. She knows how to write, and with the scenes that are brutal, she doesn't have to give us the soul crushing details. We can just imagine what happens to Talula.
I seriously can't wait to see where the next book takes these characters. Will the broken, lost Tallulah find her way back to herself?
"The most sacred things in life require darkness: birth, lovemaking, and death."- Talula
Sometimes we get books that will knock us on our butt. They'll have us still thinking about them days later. They'll stay with us, and Embers of Starlight is one of those book's for me.
I didn't quite know what this book was when I was asked to review. Reading the prologue, it got me. Hit me in the gut. I had a know what will happen with this girl. Know her story, and we get to know it.
In Embers of Starlight you'll get to know Talula, Samsom and Adrian. The story takes place over year's.
Sam is Talula's best friend. They have feelings, but Sam can't give her what her or her mother needs, not like Adrian can.
"I'll see you again one day, Tula. We'll be older. Wiser. And we'll always have the memories of the one night we were able to belong to one another."- Samson
Adrian was the perfect man. Wealthy, Will give Talula the financially stable life she needs. Love... Well, maybe she can learn to love him.
Talula. God, my heart hurts for this amazing character. Her once night in shining armor will turn into the devil that she didn't know existed.
"I suffer loss and experience hardship, I'm satisfied with starlight that lit my dark existence. It's been enough."- Talula
Her happy life will fall apart. She's at his mercy. I want to hurt Adrian! God, do I want to.
I'm not going to give stuff away, you NEED to read this book! One thing I can say about this author, her writing is out of this world. Her words suck you in. She knows how to write, and with the scenes that are brutal, she doesn't have to give us the soul crushing details. We can just imagine what happens to Talula.
I seriously can't wait to see where the next book takes these characters. Will the broken, lost Tallulah find her way back to herself?
February 9, 2015
This is the first book I've read by this author but it certainly won't be the last. I need book two now... Like now pretty please. I should have known as it was book one that it could end in a cliffhanger but like I always do I just jumped in and growled at the kindle when Id finished.
This is Tulas story. She hasn't had an easy childhood. When she meets Sam he's brightens up her life and becomes a great friend. He tells her he doesn't think he's good enough for her. She marries Adrian. What a horrid man he is. All sweet and when he turns in her he certainly shows his true self. Just when Tula thinks she can get out her life crumbles around her in a big way and she goes through hell. My heart went out to Tula. I really wanted Sam to ride in on a white horse!!
I really can't say much more about the story. If sex trafficking and marital rape is a taboo subject for you then Id advise you to skip this story. If your like me and love a dark read then I recommend you give this book a try. Be warned theres a cliffhanger!
This is Tulas story. She hasn't had an easy childhood. When she meets Sam he's brightens up her life and becomes a great friend. He tells her he doesn't think he's good enough for her. She marries Adrian. What a horrid man he is. All sweet and when he turns in her he certainly shows his true self. Just when Tula thinks she can get out her life crumbles around her in a big way and she goes through hell. My heart went out to Tula. I really wanted Sam to ride in on a white horse!!
I really can't say much more about the story. If sex trafficking and marital rape is a taboo subject for you then Id advise you to skip this story. If your like me and love a dark read then I recommend you give this book a try. Be warned theres a cliffhanger!
February 8, 2015
There is no humanly possible way to survive a wound that has torn out your entire heart. – Chapter 10
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Wow. Embers in Starlight blew. Me. Away. Let me start by saying Sonia de Leon is one of the most brilliant writers I have ever had the pleasure of reading—she weaves a story that finds its way into your heart and you are hanging off every word she has written, anxious to know what happens next. I also truly commend her for writing a story of such a fragile and traumatic theme. I can imagine this was no easy feat, but she pulls it off so beautifully, you can’t help but feel as if she was born to write Tula’s story—no matter how tragic.
Bright lights shine in my face. This won’t do. The most sacred things in life require darkness: birth, lovemaking, and death. I groan and lift my hand to shadow my eyes. – Prologue
Tula has been in love with Sam for years, but because he is her best friend and he’s planning on enlisting in the Special Forces, she squelches her growing feelings for him and goes on with her life like normal. She even begins dating another guy—Adrian—and attempts to go on with life like normal. When Sam comes home for their prom, things between them heat up and intensifies.
…he drops his jacket and pulls me into his arms, engulfing me, nearly smothering me as his mouth meets mine. His lips are soft, his mouth sweet, and this kiss feels like home. It’s familiar and foreign. Endless, but somehow not enough. I want to crawl inside of his skin and merge with him, so that whatever this is could last forever. We kiss and we kiss, and that feeling I’ve been searching for all along is rushing through me in torrents. – Chapter 6
I now completely understand the difference between having sex and making love. How else can this perfect melding of mind, body, and spirit be described? – Chapter 8
After one incredible night together—and despite how desperately he loves her—Sam’s demeanor changes and he convinces Tula that she needs to stay with Adrian. A year later, she finds herself married with two voicemail messages from Sam asking her not to go through with the wedding.
He’s letting me go, little by little. I can feel it. There are times when out of nowhere, thoughts of him assail me. I’m flooded with memories so vivid that I ache for his touch. Deep inside, I know that on some unfathomable level, we are connected. I can’t explain it, nor can I prove it. But I truly believe that just like the effects of the sun can be felt from millions of miles away, I can feel him. And I know he’s letting me go. – Chapter 9
The marriage starts out relatively okay with a few red flags here and there. However, it soon spirals into a life of abuse, guilt, regret, and hiding away from everyone—including her best friend, Solei. The first time he rapes her, everything in her mind toward him—and their marriage—changes.
I can’t even begin to process what he is doing. He has taken an act of love, and has turned it into an act of power. There is no moving forward from this. – Chapter 11
One day while visiting her mother, Tula is confronted by her mother’s doctor regarding a strange phone call he received from Adrian where he asked multiple questions about Tula’s mother’s mental illness and if it could be hereditary. The doctor has caught on that there is abuse in the home, and she attempts to offer Tula some advice on getting out.
“You will never be able to better a sociopath because they are incapable of empathy—the one trait that makes typical human beings to make the right choices. Cover your tracks. Don’t look back. And don’t ask anyone for help, because they will be left as a fodder if it is ever discovered that they helped you.” – Chapter 12
Tula is disheartened by the advice as she knows getting away from Adrian would be no simple task. While working to try to get evidence against her husband, she literally runs into Sam, who is back from the service.
How is it, after all these years, I still respond so strongly to the sight of him? There is an unconscious process that takes place in all of our bodies which is the result of a familiar movement being repeated over time. Our muscles memorize the neural paths created with these activities. The heart muscle in my chest clenches as I recognize him, remember him, and involuntarily fall back in love with him. I experience a sensation of tripping, then stumbling—and I fall so hard—but I am left still standing on solid ground. – Chapter 13
Tula finally finds the evidence she feels she needs against Adrian—messages from his phone selling young girls to potential buyers. She quickly realizes that her husband is a huge part of sex-trafficking, and she prints out the messages and makes a beeline straight to the police station. Once there, the police officer seems to brush off the messages, and he criticizes her for claiming her husband has been raping her, telling her it’s her duty to give her husband sex whenever he wants it. She is appalled, but still she presses on. He leaves the room for a moment, and when he returns, he is asking her to follow him. She obliges, and while he is taking her down several hallways, deeper and deeper in the precinct, she becomes uneasy. She no sooner asks where he is taking her than she feels someone grab her by the hair and the next thing she knows, she’s in a vehicle where her husband is driving. He ties her up and snaps a quick picture; types up a text message, lies about her age and says she’s younger than what she is, and sets a price for her.
“You better hide, you disgusting bastard. Change your name, sell your house, but hide. Because when I survive this, I’m coming for you first.” – Chapter 14
Soon, Tula finds herself in a sex-trafficking ring, locked up in a room with another young woman, trying to prepare herself for whatever horror is awaiting her.
I try to mentally prepare myself for whatever my future holds, because I’m hell bent on survival, but how do you prepare yourself for rape? Easy, my inner voice says, don’t fight it and then it’s just sex. – Chapter 15
Tula begins to lose her fight. She feels used up, heartbroken, and frankly, ready to die, just so she could escape the hell she is in.
My once dynamic soul feels as fragile and destructible as a spider’s web, held together only by tiny, silky threads. – Chapter 17
The story ends with Sam finding her and rescuing her, taking her to a hotel to recuperate. She misinterprets his good deed as wanting to use her body, and he tries to reassure her that he had been searching for her for months. The last few lines of this novella describe Tula’s distrust in men and police officers, both of which Sam is. Needless to say, I can’t wait for the next installment in this series! If I could give it 6 stars, I would!
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Wow. Embers in Starlight blew. Me. Away. Let me start by saying Sonia de Leon is one of the most brilliant writers I have ever had the pleasure of reading—she weaves a story that finds its way into your heart and you are hanging off every word she has written, anxious to know what happens next. I also truly commend her for writing a story of such a fragile and traumatic theme. I can imagine this was no easy feat, but she pulls it off so beautifully, you can’t help but feel as if she was born to write Tula’s story—no matter how tragic.
Bright lights shine in my face. This won’t do. The most sacred things in life require darkness: birth, lovemaking, and death. I groan and lift my hand to shadow my eyes. – Prologue
Tula has been in love with Sam for years, but because he is her best friend and he’s planning on enlisting in the Special Forces, she squelches her growing feelings for him and goes on with her life like normal. She even begins dating another guy—Adrian—and attempts to go on with life like normal. When Sam comes home for their prom, things between them heat up and intensifies.
…he drops his jacket and pulls me into his arms, engulfing me, nearly smothering me as his mouth meets mine. His lips are soft, his mouth sweet, and this kiss feels like home. It’s familiar and foreign. Endless, but somehow not enough. I want to crawl inside of his skin and merge with him, so that whatever this is could last forever. We kiss and we kiss, and that feeling I’ve been searching for all along is rushing through me in torrents. – Chapter 6
I now completely understand the difference between having sex and making love. How else can this perfect melding of mind, body, and spirit be described? – Chapter 8
After one incredible night together—and despite how desperately he loves her—Sam’s demeanor changes and he convinces Tula that she needs to stay with Adrian. A year later, she finds herself married with two voicemail messages from Sam asking her not to go through with the wedding.
He’s letting me go, little by little. I can feel it. There are times when out of nowhere, thoughts of him assail me. I’m flooded with memories so vivid that I ache for his touch. Deep inside, I know that on some unfathomable level, we are connected. I can’t explain it, nor can I prove it. But I truly believe that just like the effects of the sun can be felt from millions of miles away, I can feel him. And I know he’s letting me go. – Chapter 9
The marriage starts out relatively okay with a few red flags here and there. However, it soon spirals into a life of abuse, guilt, regret, and hiding away from everyone—including her best friend, Solei. The first time he rapes her, everything in her mind toward him—and their marriage—changes.
I can’t even begin to process what he is doing. He has taken an act of love, and has turned it into an act of power. There is no moving forward from this. – Chapter 11
One day while visiting her mother, Tula is confronted by her mother’s doctor regarding a strange phone call he received from Adrian where he asked multiple questions about Tula’s mother’s mental illness and if it could be hereditary. The doctor has caught on that there is abuse in the home, and she attempts to offer Tula some advice on getting out.
“You will never be able to better a sociopath because they are incapable of empathy—the one trait that makes typical human beings to make the right choices. Cover your tracks. Don’t look back. And don’t ask anyone for help, because they will be left as a fodder if it is ever discovered that they helped you.” – Chapter 12
Tula is disheartened by the advice as she knows getting away from Adrian would be no simple task. While working to try to get evidence against her husband, she literally runs into Sam, who is back from the service.
How is it, after all these years, I still respond so strongly to the sight of him? There is an unconscious process that takes place in all of our bodies which is the result of a familiar movement being repeated over time. Our muscles memorize the neural paths created with these activities. The heart muscle in my chest clenches as I recognize him, remember him, and involuntarily fall back in love with him. I experience a sensation of tripping, then stumbling—and I fall so hard—but I am left still standing on solid ground. – Chapter 13
Tula finally finds the evidence she feels she needs against Adrian—messages from his phone selling young girls to potential buyers. She quickly realizes that her husband is a huge part of sex-trafficking, and she prints out the messages and makes a beeline straight to the police station. Once there, the police officer seems to brush off the messages, and he criticizes her for claiming her husband has been raping her, telling her it’s her duty to give her husband sex whenever he wants it. She is appalled, but still she presses on. He leaves the room for a moment, and when he returns, he is asking her to follow him. She obliges, and while he is taking her down several hallways, deeper and deeper in the precinct, she becomes uneasy. She no sooner asks where he is taking her than she feels someone grab her by the hair and the next thing she knows, she’s in a vehicle where her husband is driving. He ties her up and snaps a quick picture; types up a text message, lies about her age and says she’s younger than what she is, and sets a price for her.
“You better hide, you disgusting bastard. Change your name, sell your house, but hide. Because when I survive this, I’m coming for you first.” – Chapter 14
Soon, Tula finds herself in a sex-trafficking ring, locked up in a room with another young woman, trying to prepare herself for whatever horror is awaiting her.
I try to mentally prepare myself for whatever my future holds, because I’m hell bent on survival, but how do you prepare yourself for rape? Easy, my inner voice says, don’t fight it and then it’s just sex. – Chapter 15
Tula begins to lose her fight. She feels used up, heartbroken, and frankly, ready to die, just so she could escape the hell she is in.
My once dynamic soul feels as fragile and destructible as a spider’s web, held together only by tiny, silky threads. – Chapter 17
The story ends with Sam finding her and rescuing her, taking her to a hotel to recuperate. She misinterprets his good deed as wanting to use her body, and he tries to reassure her that he had been searching for her for months. The last few lines of this novella describe Tula’s distrust in men and police officers, both of which Sam is. Needless to say, I can’t wait for the next installment in this series! If I could give it 6 stars, I would!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 31, 2015
Embers of Starlight
Embers of Starlight is a fictional account of a very serious and culturally relevant topic. I won’t summarize the book spoil it for other readers, but please do read the description/blurb carefully as this book/topic might not be for everyone.
Positives: Very strong, smooth writing. Couldn’t find any grammatical errors or typos. The author’s voice easily carried me through the book, despite the sensitive topic, and kept me actively engaged. It also kept me emotionally engaged. The dialog was very well done. The plot is strong, but can be overwhelming for sensitive people. The cover is very lovely.
Negatives: This book is a little short, and the plot arc rises, hits the peak, and falls almost too quickly, which leads me to the very abrupt end, which was foreshadowed in the prologue. I almost think the prologue is a little too much, but that’s just me. The abrupt ending was disconcerting. I wondered if the author forgot to add the remaining pages, but a sequel was noted on the very last page. The only other issue was the main character. She was all over the place; a strong woman, then suddenly a weak woman too terrified to seek help, then she was brave, then suddenly she was giving up on herself and spiraling deeper into trouble concerning the sensitive subject. I wanted to slap her and tell her to pick herself up and be strong, but I think part of the point of this fictional account is that some women just can’t do that, so I will let it go.
Summary: A very well written, compelling book that takes a fictional look at a very real topic and pulls it off.
4 stars
Embers of Starlight is a fictional account of a very serious and culturally relevant topic. I won’t summarize the book spoil it for other readers, but please do read the description/blurb carefully as this book/topic might not be for everyone.
Positives: Very strong, smooth writing. Couldn’t find any grammatical errors or typos. The author’s voice easily carried me through the book, despite the sensitive topic, and kept me actively engaged. It also kept me emotionally engaged. The dialog was very well done. The plot is strong, but can be overwhelming for sensitive people. The cover is very lovely.
Negatives: This book is a little short, and the plot arc rises, hits the peak, and falls almost too quickly, which leads me to the very abrupt end, which was foreshadowed in the prologue. I almost think the prologue is a little too much, but that’s just me. The abrupt ending was disconcerting. I wondered if the author forgot to add the remaining pages, but a sequel was noted on the very last page. The only other issue was the main character. She was all over the place; a strong woman, then suddenly a weak woman too terrified to seek help, then she was brave, then suddenly she was giving up on herself and spiraling deeper into trouble concerning the sensitive subject. I wanted to slap her and tell her to pick herself up and be strong, but I think part of the point of this fictional account is that some women just can’t do that, so I will let it go.
Summary: A very well written, compelling book that takes a fictional look at a very real topic and pulls it off.
4 stars
May 27, 2019
"The best kind of love isn't the crashing, passionate waves of the ocean, or the roaring, consuming power of a waterfall. It's not thunder, lightning, or blazing forest fires. The sunset, truest love is like the river: calm, steady, and never stops flowing."
Beautiful writing. The pace was quick in areas it needed to be, and slower in the areas that mattered. From what I understand, this is the author's debut novel, and she did a beautiful job with an ending that came full circle.
I look forward to reading more of her work!
Beautiful writing. The pace was quick in areas it needed to be, and slower in the areas that mattered. From what I understand, this is the author's debut novel, and she did a beautiful job with an ending that came full circle.
I look forward to reading more of her work!
February 25, 2015
I was given this arc for my honest review. This book was a really good book and takes you into what could happen to women and children that are part of the sex trafficking that is not heard about very often. Tula is a very bright girl that ends up with a very wrong guy for her. Adrian is rich, shows her that he can give her anything and everything that she needs and uses his money to be able to show her that he needs her. Sam might not have the money and able to give her everything that she needs but is really the guy she should be with. You read the beginning of the book and Adrian seems to be a complete different guy then what he really is. It takes two years for it to change and show how he really is around her. She ends up somewhere that she does not know how to get out of since he is being abusive and find out that other people are part of it in the end. This is a great story about love and how to find your actual true love in the end. This was a great story and now I can not wait for the second book to come out because I will definitely have to read the story to find out what is going on with Tula and Sam. Great way to leave it as a cliffhanger for the next book because then you are going to want to keep moving on to the next book. Great job to the writer and can not wait for the next one.
December 31, 2015
Actual rating - 3-3.5
This was quite a quick read but not an easy read. It is a book of two halves.
The first half is a love story, turning into a love triangle of sorts. It ends on a happy note, but it quickly turns ugly in the second half of the book.
There are heart breaking moments in this book which were difficult to read for me. I realise that they were essential to the story, but I just found them difficult to get through.
The second part is where the dark subject matter comes into it, and it's the one I had most problems with, even though the darkest parts of the story only account for 25% of the whole book. Don't get me wrong, I knew the subject matter when I first was asked to read the book. That isn't where my problem lay. I felt that the last part of the book was very rushed in some parts, especially after the love story being so slow burning.
It is due to the rushed nature of the latter part of the story my rating came down. I just feel that the author missed out on giving the reader even more insight into the other characters involved. I would have liked to see more of the other girls' stories and what brought them into the life they are being forced to live.
The ending promises more to come, and I will definitely be reading the next part of this story.
This was quite a quick read but not an easy read. It is a book of two halves.
The first half is a love story, turning into a love triangle of sorts. It ends on a happy note, but it quickly turns ugly in the second half of the book.
There are heart breaking moments in this book which were difficult to read for me. I realise that they were essential to the story, but I just found them difficult to get through.
The second part is where the dark subject matter comes into it, and it's the one I had most problems with, even though the darkest parts of the story only account for 25% of the whole book. Don't get me wrong, I knew the subject matter when I first was asked to read the book. That isn't where my problem lay. I felt that the last part of the book was very rushed in some parts, especially after the love story being so slow burning.
It is due to the rushed nature of the latter part of the story my rating came down. I just feel that the author missed out on giving the reader even more insight into the other characters involved. I would have liked to see more of the other girls' stories and what brought them into the life they are being forced to live.
The ending promises more to come, and I will definitely be reading the next part of this story.
March 4, 2015
This book starts with very much the standard YA format, but what you get is so very different. I was hooked from the very first shockingly brutal page. Through Tula - a well developed and easy to love main character, Sonia De Leon delves headfirst into some very difficult topics. Mental illness, bereavement, domestic abuse - both emotional and psychical - rape, sex trafficking and drug use. Certainly not easy subjects to read and perhaps too many for one book, however the author carries you along completely gripped with this story and has a very easy to read style of writing. Given some of the subject matter it almost seems contradictory to say how much I enjoyed this book, but be warned it is certainly not for the faint hearted or easily offended and does end on a cliff hanger. The ending of the book leaves you no option but to eagerly anticipate the sequel.
If you are looking for a highly emotional dark read then this is the book for you!
Favorite Quote
My delusions live in hope, and if there is one thing I have learned about suffering, it's that hope is the one factor lying between victory and defeat. This journey called life is a twisted and sometimes torturous road, but there can be so much joy along the way. I vow to search for that joy, and to bask in every moment of happiness within my grasp.
If you are looking for a highly emotional dark read then this is the book for you!
Favorite Quote
My delusions live in hope, and if there is one thing I have learned about suffering, it's that hope is the one factor lying between victory and defeat. This journey called life is a twisted and sometimes torturous road, but there can be so much joy along the way. I vow to search for that joy, and to bask in every moment of happiness within my grasp.
December 23, 2015
Review updated. I was given an ARC from the author for an honest review. Let me just say that I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars because it's just that good! This book made me laugh and it made me cry. Tula is a young woman but she's had so much happen in her life. She marries who she thinks is the person who is convenient for her. The things her husband puts her through just breaks my heart. Sam her best friend and Tula is who I was rooting for. With Sam and Tula you instantly feel the chemistry! This book does deal with a very hard subject but I highly recommend this book! So the review needs some updates because the amazing author provided me with the ARCs for Ashes To Flames and Blood Of My Blood. Both stories deserve 5 stars!! I was so excited to read the continuation of Embers Of Starlight. Tula once again grabbed my heart and didn't let go of it. It was so great to see her turn into this amazing and strong woman. And Sam *sighs* is definitely one of my favorite book boyfriends. I loved how he helped Tula along the way and was there for Tula when she needed someone the most. These books are a must read!! Highly recommended!!
December 22, 2015
I went into this book completely blind and I am so glad I did. I was able to start this read with almost the same innocence as Tula and Sam. Just as I was settling into what was seemingly a lighthearted ya romance between Tula and Sam, the plot slowly turned to something much darker and far more sinister. The Innocence of youth was shattered by a nightmarish reality that I was incapable of imagining. Reading what Tula lived through nearly broke me. There is no hiding the brutal reality of Human Trafficking but the author handled the subject matter with sensitivity and respect. Yes, the tough scenes were uncomfortable, as they should be, but never excessive and absolutely necessary to the story. Ultimately, this is a story of strength and survival, of living through darkness and still finding the light! The characters were flawless and the story captivating and balanced.
February 12, 2015
This book was one of those stories that was hard for me to read. The story was dark, there's no denying that, but it was also compelling. No matter what happened to the main character, I couldn't stop reading. I'm surprised I liked the book as much as I did. I don't usually read books with dark subject material, but this book is amazing and I couldn't put it down. It was a beautiful book.
I recommend this book! I'm not going to say more about it because I don't want to give away any spoilers. My last comment is this: This book is great and I think a lot of people will enjoy the storyline. So many twists and it's a real page turner!
I recommend this book! I'm not going to say more about it because I don't want to give away any spoilers. My last comment is this: This book is great and I think a lot of people will enjoy the storyline. So many twists and it's a real page turner!
February 11, 2015
Tula falls in love with her "ideal" man, or so she thinks. As their relationship continues, it dissolves into abuse and then criminal actions. Will Tula make it out alive?
A short, emotional read. I feel there were missed opportunities to develop the characters. Parts of the narrative seemed rushed at points, but overall, a decent novella. Looking forward to seeing how the next instalment develops.
A short, emotional read. I feel there were missed opportunities to develop the characters. Parts of the narrative seemed rushed at points, but overall, a decent novella. Looking forward to seeing how the next instalment develops.
February 12, 2015
I waited for a while to get my hands on this book. While this book is a fairly short read, it will grab you from the very beginning and leave you gaping when it is done. The end is a major cliffhanger so be warned but the sequel is set to come out very soon so I'm okay with that. Tula and Sam and all the characters were very well developed and the pain and joy throughout was nearly palpable. It's a dark read but worth every word.
December 9, 2015
This is the 3rd book in the Trafficked series. It is a good read that pulls together elements from the previous books and completes the series. The violence and the abuse in the first two books made them very hard to read but also made me have to know what happens with the characters. This book gives you satisfaction with the characters but is slightly predictable.
December 26, 2015
The blurb on this story hooked me, but really the story missed its potential - it could have been really good.
The plot was good, however, the writing was bad and the story development was not good. It was shallow and didn't connect emotionally.
Disappointing. I give it 1.5 stars - the '.5' for the potential.
The plot was good, however, the writing was bad and the story development was not good. It was shallow and didn't connect emotionally.
Disappointing. I give it 1.5 stars - the '.5' for the potential.
January 14, 2015
Wow! You really feel like your Tula's shadow. The descriptions/details were very well written, I felt like I was there. I was rooting for Sam & Tula since the beginning. The end has a bit of a cliffhanger, but I wasn't disappointed with the ending. Can't wait for book 2!
April 3, 2015
FML @ that cliffhanger!!
Gonna rock back and forth in my corner til the next book comes out! Please feel free to shout me or poke me when it is released
Gonna rock back and forth in my corner til the next book comes out! Please feel free to shout me or poke me when it is released
January 27, 2017
Wow this book was pretty intense I must say. Tula needs her revenge !
March 5, 2017
3.5 Stars
I enjoyed this book, however towards the middle I was getting very bored with it. Part of my boredom could be related to how far-fetched/unrealistic some of the events in the book seemed though everything fell together at the end. I felt parts of the book were really drawn out while other parts (the more exciting) were condensed. Overall I enjoyed it, but it definitely wasn't a book I couldn't put down.
I enjoyed this book, however towards the middle I was getting very bored with it. Part of my boredom could be related to how far-fetched/unrealistic some of the events in the book seemed though everything fell together at the end. I felt parts of the book were really drawn out while other parts (the more exciting) were condensed. Overall I enjoyed it, but it definitely wasn't a book I couldn't put down.
Want to read
February 9, 2015ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
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