The First book in the Infinity Squared Series. Don't think. Just run. When what lies ahead is less fearful than what lies behind, and west-coast unknowns less terrifying than east-side tragedies, there is no choice other than the one through the window at the end of a third-floor police station corridor. Without another thought, the girl runs. Her jump will take her to the street below, to encounters with humanity that will both shock and save her, to the girl she becomes the one who knows how to fight, but also survive, even shine, in the darkest places. She does not go unnoticed. The mob boss, the ruler of Vegas, has seen her. But she is not ready to be seen. And this time there is no corridor, and no window.
Indigo Lost is the first book in an eight-book series; I really had no idea what to expect when I picked up this book, I was just drawn in by the title and the cover. I certainly did not expect, nor was I prepared for, this book’s brutal opening! We meet this innocent young girl who, along with her mother and sister, suffer under a violent reign of terror unleashed by her father. I won’t detail it, but just know that some of the content is hard to read.
“Inside the head of blonde curls, hope wrestled with despair in an unending war.”
And then the direst of things happen to this young girl, so she runs. I cannot begin to tell you how powerful this opening storyline was. And this is what makes you invested in this plot, you know her beginnings, and you’re firmly on her side throughout her journey.
Fast forward, this young girl, now known as Mysty, ends up in Vegas where she meets mob boss, Donny Capello. In a strange turn of events, they welcome her into their mob family. I loved the whole mob family, their protectiveness of Mysty really warmed my heart. I really enjoyed journeying with Mysty through the years, as we meet her as a young girl and watch her blossom into a teenager. I also really loved the character of Mysty, a strong and likeable young lady who survives when the odds are stacked against her, and this plot has a flicker of fantasy to make her exceptional (in short, the ability to run faster and jump higher, smarter beyond her years).
In a separate storyline, we have Daryl Blackwood, the richest and most sort after bachelor who, despites his billions, fills unfilled and alone. I did not like Daryl one bit, he is a womaniser and so full of himself – and I didn’t care one bit for the many sexual encounters we were privy too, with descriptive detail, sometimes less is more. Anyway, you just know, these two storylines will soon merge.
Where I struggled a bit was, while I was enjoying reading this book, I felt it took way too long for the plot to move forward – it was like the middle of the book was on a loop and when the plot did finally take a step forward, it was too near the end of the book. Which has its pros and cons, it made the ending a little underwhelming because you were really hoping to see some of what’s to come played out in this book, but it has set up the next book in this series perfectly – you just know events are going to take off in the next book. Being the first book of eight may explain the slow plot progress. That’s not to say the pace of the book is slow though, because it isn’t, action and thrills are aplenty in this book, along with some funny moments too.
Indigo Lost displayed the worst and the best of human nature, with characters to love and characters to despise. Overall, I enjoyed this book and think this series has great potential – blending crime, romance, coming-of-age and fantasy – there’s something for everyone to love, and incorporating so many different genres explains why there were parts I loved and parts I wish were displayed differently. So much took place in this book, it’s impossible to address it all, but I am certainly invested enough in Mysty’s life to pick up the next book.
*My thanks to Authoright for providing me with a copy of this book*
In her short life, Indigo has known violence and pain. Her father is controlling and abusive often just looking for a reason to beat his wife and children. But one day things go too far and his wife and daughter die. Indigo is taken in but has already learned that she can only rely on herself so she runs, out a third floor window. Indigo learns she has some special abilities.
Then we meet Donny Capello. He is an up and coming mob boss and is plotting how he is going to gain some real power in Las Vegas. But then he finds himself saved by Indigo. He is determined to find her. But is he really as bad as he seems? Indigo can’t escape as easily as she did before.
I really loved this story. You have the heartbreaking story of a young girl that has know abuse and death by her father. But she has managed to get by until she catches Donny’s eye. I can’t help but hope for the best for Indigo. I loved Donny, he is a tough guy but he does have a heart of gold. But in his line of work you know both of them are going to be mixing with the worst of the worst.
There is lots of action, painfully true abuse, and an amazing story that will wrap you up and leave you wanting more at the end. I saw that this is the first book in a planned eight book series and I can’t wait to get my hands on books two.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review of this book.
Indigo Lost follows the story of a young girl, Mysty, running from both her abusive father and, by relation, her past. Gradually, the protagonist of the story finds herself drawn into, initially unwillingly, the orbit of Vegas mob boss Donny Capello and begins to rebuild her life while discovering and honing her secret talents and skills. Elsewhere, incredibly wealthy and snide antagonist, Daryl Blackmoor, lives in a picture of excess. No stranger to nights of debauchery, Daryl's access to a fortune most could only dream of has left him accustomed to getting what he wants, when he wants, regardless of the price tag.
In the initial phases of the novel, Summers excellently establishes and contrasts the destitute nature of a young Mysty's home life with the luxurious nature of Daryl's, cementing both as key characters and driving forces, whilst highlighting the differences in their lives and characters - Daryl, arrogant and self-assured, and Mysty, plucky but incapable of taking action to gain control of her own life and defend the things that are important to her.
Things start to change rapidly, however, for Mysty as she finds herself alone, travelling across the country with no real destination in mind, and for Daryl, as he suddenly finds himself orphaned and heir to a multi-million dollar business empire.
In a novel aimed at a target demographic of young adults and older, and in my experience, it is refreshing to have the opportunity to read the story not only of a female protagonist but also to have the opportunity to watch her growth in age, and subsequently develop in a way not necessarily consistent with other character growth arcs from other authors.
In line with a stellar character development arc throughout the book, Summers also introduces many rich and welcome side characters. From members of the Vegas mob, right down to the full-time hired escorts of Blackmoor, Summers never fails to build on their natures, giving each individual a unique personality and flair. Each side character largely remains tied to their primary sphere of influence, which results in a rich and immersive reading experience, while also ensuring that side characters never overpower interest in the primary trio (Mysty, Donny, and Daryl).
Such an approach also allows for vivid and immersive world-building. Many of the books I have personally read have had plots based in a world subject entirely to the confines of the mind of their authors. Novel series such as Harry Potter, The Lord Of the Rings, and The Nevernight Chronicle include at maximum some basic elements of our natural world, preferring instead to focus on the fantastical and whimsical. In contrast, Summers' decision to set her novel in our real-world creates a grounding, grittier experience for the reader, all the while never sacrificing the depth and richness of her world by actively investing time into her characters and how they interact with each other.
As the novel progresses, Indigo Lost subtly reveals themes of right and wrong, sexism, power, and abuse thereof, and relationships (not necessarily restricted to the romantic kind). Is it wrong to seriously injure someone to protect those you love? Does access to wealth absolve you of morally gray, or even morally destitute decisions? Does your sex or gender actively play a role in how you are perceived and treated? Most of all, why?
Overall, Indigo Lost was an absolute pleasure to read. Incredibly well-paced, even without chapters to act as waypoints, I never experienced a dull moment. Every detail described in the book in some way or other finds itself being recalled later down the line and used to further enhance the plot or actions being taken at the moment of recall. A thoroughly enjoyable experience, evocative of emotion in ways books rarely tend to be, and recommended as a must-read.
Such a fantastic story! I’m literally obsessed. Can’t wait to read to the others! Finally something good to come out of this lockdown, I can just read :)
Action filled story that follows a girl who managed to escape from an abusive household, and grew into an all-round badass that will take you with her onto her adventures. Sprinkled with some romance, fantasy, humour and moments of friendships, it will sure keep your eyes glued to the pages until you are on the last chapter and begging for more!