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Enigma
I’m the girl no one sees. The bum on the street corner you avert your eyes from. The child no one loved. The lost soul no one sees fit to save. A person could go crazy being that alone, but not me. I dug myself out of hell and carried the flames with me. Therapists would call me a pyromaniac if they ever found out my secret. I will always remain an enigma; the puzzle piece that just won’t fit.
Since I’m 18, I’ve decided to take charge of my life. Start over. Get a job…then disappear into the populace on my own terms. That was the plan. Until I ended up in Mullen, Nebraska and met Kyle King. He showed me a quiet peaceful life on a farm that was built with love and warmth. The kind of warmth even my precious fire couldn’t provide. Instead of dismissing me like the rest of the world, he chose to look right at me.
Maybe the world wasn’t so cruel.
Or maybe my downward spiral was just beginning.
Since I’m 18, I’ve decided to take charge of my life. Start over. Get a job…then disappear into the populace on my own terms. That was the plan. Until I ended up in Mullen, Nebraska and met Kyle King. He showed me a quiet peaceful life on a farm that was built with love and warmth. The kind of warmth even my precious fire couldn’t provide. Instead of dismissing me like the rest of the world, he chose to look right at me.
Maybe the world wasn’t so cruel.
Or maybe my downward spiral was just beginning.
277 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 25, 2016
1 person is currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
Danielle Bannister
28 books240 followersDanielle Bannister, a.k.a. Dani Bannister is a best-selling author who lives with her two children in Midcoast Maine along with her precious peppermint mocha creamer. She holds a BA in Theatre from the University of Southern Maine and her Masters in Literary Education from the University of Orono. When she's not on the stage, or on the page, you'll find her binge-watching Marvel Movies. As one does.
You can also join her newsletter at:
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http://https://bookhip.com/BZHAHJM
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You can visit her website at:
http://daniellebannister.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
May 29, 2020
I was really excited to read this book. I didn’t read the blurb, but I loved the cover and was intrigued. Plus Bannister is a trusted author, I know whatever she writes will be unique and refreshing. I am delighted to say I was not disappointed.
Sarah was a dark character. She was broken and beat down by life. She was, however, determined to change her situation, to improve herself. Her darkness is deep-rooted and hard to escape. It’s for this reason that when she meets Kyle she is reluctant to let herself feel anything for him. She doesn’t feel that she deserves it. Kyle is a genuinely good person, and she can’t comprehend how he could care for her. I loved their relationship, and how it grew slowly, and how the reader is able to see that Kyle’s intentions are pure, even though Sarah refuses to think she deserves anything good in her life.
There are a lot of rough moments in the book. Some very bad things have happened to Sarah, and continue to happen to her. Bannister handles these scenes perfectly. I found myself reading at a furious pace, desperate to know the outcome. The writing was so fluid that I lost track of time. I absolutely loved reading Kyle's POV. I think he may have made my heart ache more than Sarah.
I really can’t recommend this book enough. It is dark and unique, and unlike anything I’ve read before. I cannot wait to read more of this authors writing.
"I'm not giving up on you."
"I know," I said, tears stinging my eyes. "That's' why I'm giving up on you."
Sarah was a dark character. She was broken and beat down by life. She was, however, determined to change her situation, to improve herself. Her darkness is deep-rooted and hard to escape. It’s for this reason that when she meets Kyle she is reluctant to let herself feel anything for him. She doesn’t feel that she deserves it. Kyle is a genuinely good person, and she can’t comprehend how he could care for her. I loved their relationship, and how it grew slowly, and how the reader is able to see that Kyle’s intentions are pure, even though Sarah refuses to think she deserves anything good in her life.
There are a lot of rough moments in the book. Some very bad things have happened to Sarah, and continue to happen to her. Bannister handles these scenes perfectly. I found myself reading at a furious pace, desperate to know the outcome. The writing was so fluid that I lost track of time. I absolutely loved reading Kyle's POV. I think he may have made my heart ache more than Sarah.
I really can’t recommend this book enough. It is dark and unique, and unlike anything I’ve read before. I cannot wait to read more of this authors writing.
5 stars!!!
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April 24, 2016
I have read a few of Danielle's books. What they all have in common is they are unique. I have read about twin flames, a story about dating in ABC order, and now she has written something much darker. It's my favorite one. Not because it was dark but because it was meaningful. It really makes you think about what is going on when it comes to runaways...
This is Sarah's story. Its not an easy one to read but it's hers. At the age of eighteen she made the decision to start her life over. She was going to hitch her way to from New York to California. She didn't know what she was going to do once she got there but she just knew she couldn't stay where she was. She had to run, like she has been since she was fourteen. She learned how to numb herself at a young age and how to light a match at an even younger one. Fire was her addiction. Her calmness, and the only thing she felt anything for. Well, until she met Kyle...
She had her plan. But when an older man that for some reason wanted to help her without payment, her life was flipped upside down. He actually cared about her well-being and not what she could do for him while he was on the road. He brought her into his home. And when she first laid eyes on his son, Kyle, she felt safe. He didn't exactly want her around but soon, he wouldn't want her to leave. They found their rhythm during that first day. She actually felt comfortable, and could see herself being part of the family for the summer. But the minute she felt happiness, she saw him...Brad. The family member that could rip her apart.
Brad was the older brother that got whatever he wanted. Who ever he wanted. The cop of the family. The one that went to college instead of staying on the farm. But, he didn't have Kyle's kind eyes. His were darker. She wanted to run like she always had before but she wanted to stay a part of this family. She felt wanted. She never felt loved but if she ever could, she knew this family could do it. She just had to stay away from Brad for a few days while he visited. Easier said than done...
Like I said, this is Sarah's story. She writes her story and that is what you will be reading. It's not a sexy, lovey-dovey kind of story. It's a story of survival. It's a story about her scars, the ones that you can see and the ones hidden away. It's a dark and twisted one but there are layers to it. Kyle and Sarah are young but not immature. She has worked hard at not falling completely apart. And he has worked hard for his family and that is who is most important to him. Will Sarah be part of that family in the end or will she run?
Sarah is one tough fucking cookie!!! I would be in the corner of my room in a ball rocking back and forth if I was her. She might think she is broken but she is only bent. She might not believe she deserves happiness but she most certainly does. And Kyle...oh Kyle, he has such a big heart. And he definitely has his swoon-worthy moments.
Overall...it's a unique, dark, addictive read. I will warn you there are subject matters that might not be for you. Such as there is sex but it's not sexy.
Quotes:
“You’re sweet and all, but you need to know this: I’m one of the bad seeds.” He scoffed.
“Nah, you just haven’t been given the right soil to grow in, is all.”
Yet again, I had become someone to overlook; I was someone not worth speaking to. A mystery no one cared enough to try and unlock. I had become the garbage yet again.
Sometimes when you gamble, even if you win, you lose.
This is Sarah's story. Its not an easy one to read but it's hers. At the age of eighteen she made the decision to start her life over. She was going to hitch her way to from New York to California. She didn't know what she was going to do once she got there but she just knew she couldn't stay where she was. She had to run, like she has been since she was fourteen. She learned how to numb herself at a young age and how to light a match at an even younger one. Fire was her addiction. Her calmness, and the only thing she felt anything for. Well, until she met Kyle...
She had her plan. But when an older man that for some reason wanted to help her without payment, her life was flipped upside down. He actually cared about her well-being and not what she could do for him while he was on the road. He brought her into his home. And when she first laid eyes on his son, Kyle, she felt safe. He didn't exactly want her around but soon, he wouldn't want her to leave. They found their rhythm during that first day. She actually felt comfortable, and could see herself being part of the family for the summer. But the minute she felt happiness, she saw him...Brad. The family member that could rip her apart.
Brad was the older brother that got whatever he wanted. Who ever he wanted. The cop of the family. The one that went to college instead of staying on the farm. But, he didn't have Kyle's kind eyes. His were darker. She wanted to run like she always had before but she wanted to stay a part of this family. She felt wanted. She never felt loved but if she ever could, she knew this family could do it. She just had to stay away from Brad for a few days while he visited. Easier said than done...
Like I said, this is Sarah's story. She writes her story and that is what you will be reading. It's not a sexy, lovey-dovey kind of story. It's a story of survival. It's a story about her scars, the ones that you can see and the ones hidden away. It's a dark and twisted one but there are layers to it. Kyle and Sarah are young but not immature. She has worked hard at not falling completely apart. And he has worked hard for his family and that is who is most important to him. Will Sarah be part of that family in the end or will she run?
Sarah is one tough fucking cookie!!! I would be in the corner of my room in a ball rocking back and forth if I was her. She might think she is broken but she is only bent. She might not believe she deserves happiness but she most certainly does. And Kyle...oh Kyle, he has such a big heart. And he definitely has his swoon-worthy moments.
Overall...it's a unique, dark, addictive read. I will warn you there are subject matters that might not be for you. Such as there is sex but it's not sexy.
Quotes:
“You’re sweet and all, but you need to know this: I’m one of the bad seeds.” He scoffed.
“Nah, you just haven’t been given the right soil to grow in, is all.”
Yet again, I had become someone to overlook; I was someone not worth speaking to. A mystery no one cared enough to try and unlock. I had become the garbage yet again.
Sometimes when you gamble, even if you win, you lose.
May 16, 2016
Sarah will always remain an enigma; the puzzle piece that just won’t fit. Al King is a man always trying to save a lost soul. Al brings Sarah home to his farm in Mullen Nebraska, enter one Kyle King. Kyle and Sarah are thrown together, both bitter, angry and wanting something different for their lives. The King household is a little messed up and not in the way you think. Sarah is used to bad situations but longs to have a normal life with a loving family rather than just being invisible to the world.
Okay that’s the “top line” of this book however, the story is amazing. It’s gut wrenching and different and one I’ve never read before. I read a lot of books so I look for story lines that will just grab me and keep me. This is the first book I’ve ever read about a pyromaniac. (You learn this early in the first chapter) Sarah likes to set fires, she gets off on setting fires.
The story gets REALLY ugly before it gets beautiful. Sarah is caught between goodness and light and evil and darkness of the King family.
I’m pretty sure the next time I’m having a fire in my backyard; I’m going to think of Sarah.
Okay that’s the “top line” of this book however, the story is amazing. It’s gut wrenching and different and one I’ve never read before. I read a lot of books so I look for story lines that will just grab me and keep me. This is the first book I’ve ever read about a pyromaniac. (You learn this early in the first chapter) Sarah likes to set fires, she gets off on setting fires.
The story gets REALLY ugly before it gets beautiful. Sarah is caught between goodness and light and evil and darkness of the King family.
I’m pretty sure the next time I’m having a fire in my backyard; I’m going to think of Sarah.
August 9, 2016
This was an unexpectedly very good read. I wasn't sure about reading an abuse story but the author has done justice to her characters. It's well-written and quite interesting. It's a story of a girl, Sarah, who is an enigma to people around her but mostly because she has seen and experienced so much in her life that she is far beyond her years. She likes to keep to herself. When she arrives at Al's farm she is happily astonished to find kind hearted people. Making her believe that there is still some good in this world. Until Al's Son, Brad comes to visit. Now she wants to leave but can't. Kyle is so kind she had never expected her brother to be such a cruel person. She is in trouble once again... This time it might hurt her more than ever. Because going back to the dark place will not be so easy. This time she might not come back from all the misery it brings....
January 20, 2021
A gripping story of survival in the face of overwhelming odds. Sarah must believe she is worthy of love and respect before she can overcome her horrible past. Bannister depicts the darkest aspects of humanity but gives us the most important part too—hope. Brilliantly done!
May 25, 2016
About a year ago I read a book called Pulled by an author I've never heard of before. It's the first book in the Twin Flames Trilogy that I thought sounded really interesting. I completely DEVOURED those books. They were unique and nothing like I've ever read before. To this day they still remain one of my favorite series.
When I found out this book was coming out and it was going to be dark I HAD TO READ IT. This is another successful story by Danielle in my opinion. One that I won't forget. One that consumed my mind whenever I had to put it down. One that kept me on the edge of my seat.
This book starts off with runaway Sarah who also happens to be a pyromaniac. She meets Al who offers to let her stay and work at his barn. Enters Kyle. I love that man so much!!! Of course since he's so good there has to be someone who's the opposite. Enter his brother Brad, who I hated with a passion.
I thought Sarah was incredibly strong with everything she had to deal with that's been thrown at her in life. I felt like my heart was literally breaking reading what she had gone through. As I said before, I LOVED Kyle. He was so sweet and the perfect hero. Kyle's parents had their own little love story that I thought was incredibly sweet.
I can't wait to see what Danielle writes next!! I know I'll be reading it!!
Warning: There are some graphic dark scenes that might not be for you
July 10, 2017
I wish Brad wasn't just shot. I wish his whole family figured out what a piece of shit he was before he died so he knew what the girls went through-- well shame wise.
It's not fair that he got out of this by just being shot and dying. No I wanted that fucking asshole to suffer. 3.5 stars and a big fuck you to people like Brad. May they all burn in hell like they deserve.
Sarah made me mad too, she should've just told Kyle what was going on. Pulling my hair by the roots, but I still enjoyed this book.
I really didn't know what I was gettin myself into when I first started.
It's not fair that he got out of this by just being shot and dying. No I wanted that fucking asshole to suffer. 3.5 stars and a big fuck you to people like Brad. May they all burn in hell like they deserve.
Sarah made me mad too, she should've just told Kyle what was going on. Pulling my hair by the roots, but I still enjoyed this book.
I really didn't know what I was gettin myself into when I first started.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2016
3.5 STARS! This was a very interesting read that has some pretty emotional and dark situations but I wouldn't say overall it was a true dark read at least IMO. You have Sarah who had a meth head mom who used her to pay for her drug addiction which resulted in Sarah growing up being used and abused and on top of that Sarah is a pyromaniac who uses fire as a way to calm her down and live with the cards that life has dealt her. Sarah is also a runaway who uses her body as her only form of currency when certain situations arise. Then you have Kyle who is a true country boy and gentleman whose father picks up Sarah at a truck stop and brings her to their farm to help out over the summer. Meeting Kyle and being on the farm brings up memories, emotions and hope that Sarah usually avoids at all cost and is eventually her downfall and rock bottom especially when she meets Brad, Kyle's sick and twisted cop brother that uses Sarah's past against her and blackmails her for his sick pleasure. Bad things happen, lies are told and Sarah takes the fall. This is a story of being able to come to terms with your past and learning to love yourself and trust in the love when no one has ever loved you or been kind to you. A few typos here and there which were a bummer but overall decent read with interesting characters and plot. I'll definitely read more books by this author.
July 7, 2016
This was my first book from this author and from looking at her sweet smiling face on her author profile I would have never guessed such a dark, twisted, and thrilling story could come from someone who looks so sweet...I LOVE IT!!!
I almost felt like this was a dark lifetime movie (you know the kind where the female has some deep dark hidden past and a creeper following her,threatening her new life and those in it) meets hallmark sweet romance. That girl meets boy next door and discovers her strength and value through their bonding kind. It had depth and meaning beyond the typical storylines you find these days. I love a book that makes you think, reflect, cry, laugh and happily sigh when the moment just feels right. This made me do all of that and more!
My only "what if" moment of the whole book was the ending. What if it went differently, what would of happened, and how would it have left me feeling...I don't want to say too much but I can't help to think that this author had my heart in her hands and she had all the powers in her words to do with it as she pleased. Seriously! Her talent to capture your imagination and emotions page after page is phenomenal.
5 *WINK* READ
Book Flirts by Jessi
Http://bookflirtsbyjessi.blogspot.com
Www.facebook.com/bookflirts
@bookflirtsjessi
Bookflirtsbyjessi@yahoo.com
I almost felt like this was a dark lifetime movie (you know the kind where the female has some deep dark hidden past and a creeper following her,threatening her new life and those in it) meets hallmark sweet romance. That girl meets boy next door and discovers her strength and value through their bonding kind. It had depth and meaning beyond the typical storylines you find these days. I love a book that makes you think, reflect, cry, laugh and happily sigh when the moment just feels right. This made me do all of that and more!
My only "what if" moment of the whole book was the ending. What if it went differently, what would of happened, and how would it have left me feeling...I don't want to say too much but I can't help to think that this author had my heart in her hands and she had all the powers in her words to do with it as she pleased. Seriously! Her talent to capture your imagination and emotions page after page is phenomenal.
5 *WINK* READ
Book Flirts by Jessi
Http://bookflirtsbyjessi.blogspot.com
Www.facebook.com/bookflirts
@bookflirtsjessi
Bookflirtsbyjessi@yahoo.com
May 24, 2016
"I'm not giving up on you."
"I know," I said, tears stinging my eyes. "That's' why I'm giving up on you."
Enigma by Danielle Bannister caught me off guard when I started reading. I went into this book with one expectation and received something totally different but well worth it!
Sarah is a runaway....if you can really call her that. Looking for a fresh start in California she begins hitch hiking her way across the country when she meets Al. Al has an affinity for helping runaways after the loss of his own daughter. He proposes a business arrangement that Sarah cannot refuse.
Sarah doesn't have friends or attachments and she likes it that way...it's all that she has known. But when she meets Kyle everything begins to slowly change for her, including her outlook on the world. But the secrets that she keeps will drive a wedge that she may not be able to undo between her and whatever is slowly (and I mean slowly) brewing between her and Kyle.
Will the mistakes and decisions that Sarah makes throughout her journey to her new beginning be the end or the beginning for her? Will Kyle still look at her the same when he discovers the truth? You need to read to find out.
3.5 stars
"I know," I said, tears stinging my eyes. "That's' why I'm giving up on you."
Enigma by Danielle Bannister caught me off guard when I started reading. I went into this book with one expectation and received something totally different but well worth it!
Sarah is a runaway....if you can really call her that. Looking for a fresh start in California she begins hitch hiking her way across the country when she meets Al. Al has an affinity for helping runaways after the loss of his own daughter. He proposes a business arrangement that Sarah cannot refuse.
Sarah doesn't have friends or attachments and she likes it that way...it's all that she has known. But when she meets Kyle everything begins to slowly change for her, including her outlook on the world. But the secrets that she keeps will drive a wedge that she may not be able to undo between her and whatever is slowly (and I mean slowly) brewing between her and Kyle.
Will the mistakes and decisions that Sarah makes throughout her journey to her new beginning be the end or the beginning for her? Will Kyle still look at her the same when he discovers the truth? You need to read to find out.
3.5 stars
May 27, 2016
Wow, this one is a must read!! It's a drop everything and read now book. Danielle Bannister is one the authors that I just one click whatever she publishes. This one by far is my favorite book by her. I was hooked into the story immediately and didn't want to put it down. I got so into reading it that I lost rack of time and my kids may have missed the school bus. :) So, when you pick this one up to read, make sure that you have plenty time to read it.
Sarah is an amazing character. She is troubled and has her demons. She's a pyromaniac and is drawn to the flame. She's drifting through life when she meet a trucker named Al. Al is amazing and has a huge heart. He bringing her home to his farm to help for the summer. Al has two sons Luke and Brad. Luke is working on the farm. He's sweet and nice. You can feel the pull between them. Brad shows up. Brad is very surprising. I thought he was going to be more like Luke. Brad definitely surprised me. With Brad the story takes a different turn then I thought it would.
This one is a definite one click. It's a different and unique story that will not disappoint.
Sarah is an amazing character. She is troubled and has her demons. She's a pyromaniac and is drawn to the flame. She's drifting through life when she meet a trucker named Al. Al is amazing and has a huge heart. He bringing her home to his farm to help for the summer. Al has two sons Luke and Brad. Luke is working on the farm. He's sweet and nice. You can feel the pull between them. Brad shows up. Brad is very surprising. I thought he was going to be more like Luke. Brad definitely surprised me. With Brad the story takes a different turn then I thought it would.
This one is a definite one click. It's a different and unique story that will not disappoint.
November 17, 2016
This book was so addicting. I read it in one session, kids and dinner be damned, much like Sarah and the flame, I couldn't take my eyes off of it. Yes, it was dark, it's supposed to be. It dealt with some very dark topics, but without the dark, we cannot truly appreciate the light at the end. The MC, Sarah is such a complex and tormented character and the author does a great job of letting the reader into her mind and showing us what she is thinking. This book makes you think about different possibilities and the what ifs of life. What if this or what if that. Great read and it is a teen read. Even the sexual scenes are implied and not explicit, not for younger teens (middle grades) due to subject matter but the high school crowd would be appropriate.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
November 13, 2016
So dark
This book is not for the faint of heart. I even had to put it down and take a break from it. If you can deal with some very dark subject matter (rape is the main item but there is other stuff too) then give it a read.
This book is not for the faint of heart. I even had to put it down and take a break from it. If you can deal with some very dark subject matter (rape is the main item but there is other stuff too) then give it a read.
August 3, 2016
This book is absolutely amazing. Sarah's story is heartbreaking and beautiful. I couldn't put it down.
September 1, 2016
This was such an emotional book. The life Sarah has lived though and than what she has to go through with Brad and Kyle. So sad.
October 1, 2017
Enigma was the first of Danielle Bannister's books I have had the pleasure of reading. Because of Enigma, I'm a fan. This book was so well woven with character building, suspense and storytelling. Her writing style felt almost like it was being read to me.
This book has been accurately described as addicting. It cannot be described in conventional terms as it doesn't fit neatly into a box. That is one thing I loved. It's non formulaic, unpredictable and brilliantly told.
I won't ruin anything by telling parts of the story. I'll simply say it's unconventionally dark. It's moving. It's sweet and compelling.
This writer is going places.
This book has been accurately described as addicting. It cannot be described in conventional terms as it doesn't fit neatly into a box. That is one thing I loved. It's non formulaic, unpredictable and brilliantly told.
I won't ruin anything by telling parts of the story. I'll simply say it's unconventionally dark. It's moving. It's sweet and compelling.
This writer is going places.
April 15, 2019
Wow! I loved it. This was a rather dark story but it was riveting. I read it in one sitting. I liked the depth to the main character Sarah. I have read almost everything Danielle has written and I am amazed at the scope of her stories - they are all unique and extremely well written. I highly recommend this book, but be forewarned that once you read it, you will want to read everything written by Danielle Bannister.
September 6, 2022
Wow!! What a amazing story. Living a life of a kid who didn't fit in and turning 18 and taken over her own life and starting over is what she did She wasn't expecting to meet a kind and Loving man named Kyle He showed her what it was like to be loved and cared for.
Loved this book!!
Loved this book!!
January 28, 2018
Great Story
This was an enjoyable book. Kind of dark, but ever hopeful. Quick and easy read. You’ll get your money’s worth.
This was an enjoyable book. Kind of dark, but ever hopeful. Quick and easy read. You’ll get your money’s worth.
November 19, 2019
Wow! I am lost for words after reading this one. It was one hell of an emotional roller coaster, a well written roller coaster might I add. It was a good read!
September 23, 2020
This was such an enjoyable read fueled by fire. A fire that burned within Sarah was the same fire that kept her going, but also haunted her.
Having such a rough go with life, Sarah was not used to people treated with kindness. The King family made her feel like actual royalty treating her like a person and accepting her into their family so quickly. Much like every family, there is always a bad egg, but Sarah feels it is just that same fire following her through life. The fire burning away at her, punishing her.
A dark read, but engrossing and highly entertaining.
Having such a rough go with life, Sarah was not used to people treated with kindness. The King family made her feel like actual royalty treating her like a person and accepting her into their family so quickly. Much like every family, there is always a bad egg, but Sarah feels it is just that same fire following her through life. The fire burning away at her, punishing her.
A dark read, but engrossing and highly entertaining.
May 26, 2016
What an emotional ride! I've never read a book by this author before, but wow, I want more! I devoured this story in a day it was so good. Sarah is a lost soul who fears there's no redemption for her problems. When she's picked up by a trucker who is a bleeding heart for lost souls, and she agrees to work on his farm for the summer which changes her life forever.
This isn't an easy going read. It has difficult situations and mature themes, including rape. It delves into the darkness of people we see everyday and dissects the inner workings of a girl who's flaws and desperation have swelled into monsters she can no longer control. But when she meets Kyle her whole world turns upside down, which could be good or bad. The story keeps you guessing what's going to happen, makes you hate certain characters, and dives deep into the each one's dark worlds until it threatens to pull you down into the muck of it all too. The writing is solid and absolutely engrossing.
It's a breathtaking read that literally will cling to your thoughts way after you finish reading it. So good!
This isn't an easy going read. It has difficult situations and mature themes, including rape. It delves into the darkness of people we see everyday and dissects the inner workings of a girl who's flaws and desperation have swelled into monsters she can no longer control. But when she meets Kyle her whole world turns upside down, which could be good or bad. The story keeps you guessing what's going to happen, makes you hate certain characters, and dives deep into the each one's dark worlds until it threatens to pull you down into the muck of it all too. The writing is solid and absolutely engrossing.
It's a breathtaking read that literally will cling to your thoughts way after you finish reading it. So good!
May 17, 2016
Enigma is the second book I have read by author, Danielle Bannister. This is the story of Sarah, an 18 year old pryromaniac on the run, who wants to get to California to start fresh. Kyle is a true country boy, working on his family's small farm. Sarah meets Al, a santa looking trucker, who offers to give her a ride to California, if she spends the summer helping out on his family farm in Mullen, Nebraska. You see Al has a weakness for wanting to help runaways, as his deceased daughter, Molly, was one. This book is a story about true love. When lightening strikes (in more than one way!) and you know this person is meant to be your true love. Was it love at first sight for both? What happens when Kyle's brother, Brad, shows up? You need to read to find out!!! Danielle Bannister did a wonderful job on this story. I just adored Al! His devotion to his beloved Annabelle was beautiful to read. The subject of mental illness was well written. I routed for all the characters, except one!! This was a beautiful story interspersed with some dark themes. Great books!!!!!
May 28, 2016
~~I received this in exchange for my honest opinion~~
This is the first book that I have read by Danielle, and I can tell you right now that it isn't going to be the last. From the very first page I was enthralled with the story. Sure you read about runaways all the time, but what you don't read about is the subject in this book (at least I don't read about it). There are some situations in this book that are not suitable for persons under 18, and there could be some triggers, but all-in-all, this book is amazing.
Danielle makes sure you are hanging on every word that she writes. She makes sure you see what is going on. You smell the farm, you see the barn and the farm house. You see the river and feel the excitement that is going through everyone. You also feel the pain, and feel the heartache that is in this book. Don't worry, I am not going to give anything away. This book has a raw nature to it. You want to go and consul everyone in the book. I recommend you get this book!
This is the first book that I have read by Danielle, and I can tell you right now that it isn't going to be the last. From the very first page I was enthralled with the story. Sure you read about runaways all the time, but what you don't read about is the subject in this book (at least I don't read about it). There are some situations in this book that are not suitable for persons under 18, and there could be some triggers, but all-in-all, this book is amazing.
Danielle makes sure you are hanging on every word that she writes. She makes sure you see what is going on. You smell the farm, you see the barn and the farm house. You see the river and feel the excitement that is going through everyone. You also feel the pain, and feel the heartache that is in this book. Don't worry, I am not going to give anything away. This book has a raw nature to it. You want to go and consul everyone in the book. I recommend you get this book!
October 23, 2016
I won a paperback copy of this book from a giveaway and I was excited to read it because I had not read a book from this author before. This book was a fantastic read and I’m already looking for my next read from this author. Sarah Brickle has never had an easy life but she needs a change; a change of scenery and a chance at life, but quickly learns that no matter where she goes, good and evil exist everywhere. Kyle King is doing what he can to help his family and his brother Brad wants nothing to do with helping take care of the farm or his family. However, Brad has returned for a short period of time and wreaks havoc on everyone and everything around him. Dark secrets will come out and they will destroy everything everyone thought they knew. This book was not at all what I thought it would be; it was better than I could have imagined. I enjoyed the storyline and the characters and I look forward to reading more books from this author.
April 17, 2016
Enigma was another amazing book by Danielle Bannister. I loved reading about Kyle and Sarah and how they could potentially find love when least expecting it. Sarah is a girl who never quite fit in, not with friends or her family. At 18 she decided to start her life over and make her way to California. On her way she ended up meeting a trucker that brought her to his farm in Mullen, Nebraska. There she met Kyle and a potential life she could enjoy. That is until things started turning dark. I thought this book was great and well written. Danielle Bannister did a great job of making you care for the characters and want the best things to happen to them. This is a great book that I recommend everyone reads.
May 25, 2016
This is my first read by Danielle Bannister and i thoroughly enjoyed it. Sarah will always be an enigma and is on the run wanting to go to Cali for a new start. Sarah meets Al who offers her a ride to Cali if she spends the summer helping out on his family ranch. Al has a small weakness for helping runaways and lost souls. Kyle King makes Sarah feel safe but he doesn't want her around at the same time he didn't want her to leave. Sarah slowly feels herself becoming a part of the family and happy. But that all changes when Kyle's brother shows up.
This book is about survival and working to get past the scars and hurt that are kept hidden from everyone. Will Sarah find her place within the King family or will she end up doing what she knows best and run?
This book is about survival and working to get past the scars and hurt that are kept hidden from everyone. Will Sarah find her place within the King family or will she end up doing what she knows best and run?
May 26, 2016
Enigma is not for everyone. If you are looking for Susie Sunshine and Casper Milktoast, you have come to the wrong place. For me a good book is one that makes you feel. A great book makes you feel and want to react. Enigma is that kind of book. You cannot read it without it having an emotional impact on you. There were times in this book that I wanted to reach in and do bodily harm to one of the characters. I will not rehash the storyline. It is one that you need to read to feel and understand. Danielle Bannister has done it again. She has made me fall in love with her writing and her characters all over again.
August 23, 2016
I don't know where to start because I went into this book not knowing what I was heading into, and I think it should be the same for you.
What I can say though, is this book gave me feels. Not in a crying sort of way. I truly felt so much sympathy for this poor girl. Danielle certainly knows how to write about a tortured soul. I've read many dark reads with tormented characters and yet there's just something about this character that captured me.
I don't want to give anything more away, so if your looking for a bit of a dark read with a twist that comes from left field and a silver lining, then this book should be the next thing you pick up!
What I can say though, is this book gave me feels. Not in a crying sort of way. I truly felt so much sympathy for this poor girl. Danielle certainly knows how to write about a tortured soul. I've read many dark reads with tormented characters and yet there's just something about this character that captured me.
I don't want to give anything more away, so if your looking for a bit of a dark read with a twist that comes from left field and a silver lining, then this book should be the next thing you pick up!
August 6, 2016
I received this book through the Dog Days of Summer reading challenge.
This was a new author to me. I am so glad I got to read this book. I was taken a on a wildly emotional ride. The things Sarah has had to survive through are horrendous. Meeting All seamed like the best thing to happen to her, that is until it turned into it's own personal hell. Unable to confide in All or Kyle she if forced to deal with her worst nightmare.
Wonderful story telling. This will not be the last book I read by this author.
This was a new author to me. I am so glad I got to read this book. I was taken a on a wildly emotional ride. The things Sarah has had to survive through are horrendous. Meeting All seamed like the best thing to happen to her, that is until it turned into it's own personal hell. Unable to confide in All or Kyle she if forced to deal with her worst nightmare.
Wonderful story telling. This will not be the last book I read by this author.
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