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Jenna
To protect her sister, Jenna endures a living hell at the hands of her mother and ‘uncles’. But when the boys at her school think they can treat her the same, they are dead wrong. From the author of ‘Wrong Place, Wrong Time’ comes ‘Jenna’; a harrowing tale of abuse and bloody revenge. WARNING 18+ NOT FOR THE EASILY OFFENDED.
181 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 16, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
May 18, 2025
This was a really intense and powerful story. Jenna literally made me want to weep for all that she'd been put through. And, even as I experienced that vindication and closure alongside her as she went after her abusers and tormenters, I still just wanted to give her a hug. To tell her that I was sorry for all that she'd experiences, and that she deserved better. And the way her trauma was written by Tom Stearns was spot on. The way Jenna was raised in this horrible living situation, being exposed to nonstop drugs, molestation, rape, an unloving and abusive mother, and all the worst things that could happen to a child. And not feeling like she deserved to be loved by anyone, namely Adam. Yet somehow she cared for Hermione, most likely because she saw her younger sister as herself. And she would do anything to try and control what her sister was exposed to, in an attempt to help herself process her own trauma in a way. So kudos to the author for diving deep and doing all of these psychological principles justice. The other thing was that usually in revenge-based stories, you are pumped up and ready for the victim to take charge and hurt those who wronged them. Here, you see how troubled and mislead, and even vulnerable, all of the abusers were. They were all humanized and not just treated as natural born abusers. So while they all pay penance for their sins, you are conflicted as to how to feel about it all. So this story is definitely one that'll keep your mental gears churnin' and burnin,' as you examine how everything plays out. But this was my first experience with Tom Stearns and it blew me away!
July 11, 2021
Great !!!
I couldn’t put it down, but I had to , I need to sleep after all 😏
" Jenna " is a very good Revenge book.
It’s not for sensitive readers , there are lot of triggers !
I highly recommend it !!
I couldn’t put it down, but I had to , I need to sleep after all 😏
" Jenna " is a very good Revenge book.
It’s not for sensitive readers , there are lot of triggers !
I highly recommend it !!
May 30, 2021
Well that was bloody brilliant!! This is my first book by Tom Stearns and in no way will it be my last. Although the content was extremely disturbing, I could not put this book down. It was very real, very brutal and heart breaking too. An awesome tale of revenge after horrific abuse. I'm hoping there is/will be a sequel, because I have a feeling it will be just as good as this one, if not better!! 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
June 4, 2021
Brilliant
This book!!!.. This book made me sad for Jenna then it made me angry for Jenna then I was cheering Jenna on like I was at a football match.
I have absolutely no sympathy for the men and boys in this story karma is b***h with a shaved head and steel toe caped boots..
The writing the characters and the story were brilliant I read the whole thing in on sitting. I'm ready for more Tom Stearns now.
This book!!!.. This book made me sad for Jenna then it made me angry for Jenna then I was cheering Jenna on like I was at a football match.
I have absolutely no sympathy for the men and boys in this story karma is b***h with a shaved head and steel toe caped boots..
The writing the characters and the story were brilliant I read the whole thing in on sitting. I'm ready for more Tom Stearns now.
October 28, 2021
'A story of abuse, neglect and revenge.'
Jenna lives with her mother, Carrie and Hermione, her younger sister. As life is hard and money and food are in short supply, their home is regularly visited by a series of 'uncles' who are invited back by her drug-taking and alcoholic mum for partying and sexual favours. Although Jenna has no option but to do as mum asks, she is hell-bent on protecting Hermione from the sexual perversion and horrors that she herself regularly has to endure.
School for Jenna is hardly any better, giving sexual favours to boys for money, but she has accepted this as a sad, but unavoidable, part of her normal everyday life. And then one day she is raped and physically and emotionally abused by a group of 4 boys from school. At the end of her tether, as matters have seriously spiralled out of control, she convinces herself to take matters into her own hands and is determined to take her revenge upon her aggressors and abusers.
A good, cleverly constructed, strong storyline which managed to deal sensitively with the intensely powerful subject matter without ever spilling over into the world of the unacceptable and which ultimately delivered a compulsive, 'enjoyable' read which just seemed to just leap off the pages. Lots of small comments and observations littered throughout that really hit home describing the desperately sad situation of Jenna's despair and gave the story that added chilling feeling of authentic believability. However, perhaps the ending, planned by a young and wronged, vulnerable teenage girl, was just slightly overly clean, convenient and tidily well ordered, going to plan without a hitch, but it certainly did ultimately dispatched the rightful, powerful punch of 'on-the-street' justice and retribution.
Will definitely be reading more from this highly talented author.
Recommended.
Rating: 4.2 stars.
Jenna lives with her mother, Carrie and Hermione, her younger sister. As life is hard and money and food are in short supply, their home is regularly visited by a series of 'uncles' who are invited back by her drug-taking and alcoholic mum for partying and sexual favours. Although Jenna has no option but to do as mum asks, she is hell-bent on protecting Hermione from the sexual perversion and horrors that she herself regularly has to endure.
School for Jenna is hardly any better, giving sexual favours to boys for money, but she has accepted this as a sad, but unavoidable, part of her normal everyday life. And then one day she is raped and physically and emotionally abused by a group of 4 boys from school. At the end of her tether, as matters have seriously spiralled out of control, she convinces herself to take matters into her own hands and is determined to take her revenge upon her aggressors and abusers.
A good, cleverly constructed, strong storyline which managed to deal sensitively with the intensely powerful subject matter without ever spilling over into the world of the unacceptable and which ultimately delivered a compulsive, 'enjoyable' read which just seemed to just leap off the pages. Lots of small comments and observations littered throughout that really hit home describing the desperately sad situation of Jenna's despair and gave the story that added chilling feeling of authentic believability. However, perhaps the ending, planned by a young and wronged, vulnerable teenage girl, was just slightly overly clean, convenient and tidily well ordered, going to plan without a hitch, but it certainly did ultimately dispatched the rightful, powerful punch of 'on-the-street' justice and retribution.
Will definitely be reading more from this highly talented author.
Recommended.
Rating: 4.2 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2019
Really enjoyed this one! Some of these shorter horror reads on kindle can be lacking in character development, but I think the author did a really great job. I very much felt sorry for the protagonist and I think she was a good person despite everything she ended up doing, she was just extremely broken.
February 11, 2023
heartbreaking
This is such a sad story, to think there are children out there who actually live this way… I read this in one short sitting, I couldn’t put it down. I love stories of revenge, and although it is a lot more tame than things I usually read, it did not disappoint.
This is such a sad story, to think there are children out there who actually live this way… I read this in one short sitting, I couldn’t put it down. I love stories of revenge, and although it is a lot more tame than things I usually read, it did not disappoint.
May 6, 2020
This is the first book I have read by Tom Stearns. At first, the story frustrated me. It's very dialogue driven, which isn't a bad thing. Some of the slang used in the dialogue was confusing. It took me a while to figure out 'INNIT'.
After a few chapters, I got used to how the characters spoke.
The story itself is tough to read (in a good way). Not too much bothers me... Turns out I have a heart when it comes to reading about underage girls being essentially pimped out by their MUM. Finally, Jenna gets tired of how practically everyone in her life mistreats her. Even though she is an angry girl (rightfully so), I loved the way she protected her younger sister.
This is a tale of revenge. That's the good stuff I like to read about.
The ending was superb. I don't want to give anything away, but I have to say that this is a horror book with a wonderful ending
After a few chapters, I got used to how the characters spoke.
The story itself is tough to read (in a good way). Not too much bothers me... Turns out I have a heart when it comes to reading about underage girls being essentially pimped out by their MUM. Finally, Jenna gets tired of how practically everyone in her life mistreats her. Even though she is an angry girl (rightfully so), I loved the way she protected her younger sister.
This is a tale of revenge. That's the good stuff I like to read about.
The ending was superb. I don't want to give anything away, but I have to say that this is a horror book with a wonderful ending
December 5, 2021
Brilliant
Brilliantly written didn't think a man could write a girl's perspective but Mr Stearns did
Will be reading all of his books please brilliant author please write another Jenna story
Brilliantly written didn't think a man could write a girl's perspective but Mr Stearns did
Will be reading all of his books please brilliant author please write another Jenna story
August 1, 2022
This book was awesome! I am a fan of extreme horror, and this delivered. Jenna was such a great character. She's a total badass. If you enjoy extreme horror or books about exacting justice where it is due, you will like this.
May 21, 2019
Gripping
A young girl who takes anything thrown at her without any thought about herself and only to protect her little sister from the same fate .
Jenna finally decided to take no more and takes revenge on all the people who have wronged her .
A young girl who takes anything thrown at her without any thought about herself and only to protect her little sister from the same fate .
Jenna finally decided to take no more and takes revenge on all the people who have wronged her .
January 25, 2021
I almost did not read this book because of the warning on its cover. It is not that the warning scared me. It was that the warning existed. I hate books with warnings on the cover. It tells me that either the author is trying to sell books to the "extreme" crowd, or that the author does not trust its readers to make informed decisions based on the book's title, description, reviews, and the writer's other books.
I read it simply because the description intrigued me, and I am glad I did so. What I got was a fast-paced thrilling read about sexual abuse and revenge. It may not be extreme enough for the "extreme" crowd, but it is disturbing in many different ways and . . . it is well-written with just a few minor quibbles. Typically those involve the use of question marks.
Stearns, in his afterword, says he hopes he did not come off as exploitive. He did not. He walked the line, and I would not have minded if he crossed over. He understood that the story, and not the scenes, were important.
The book does not need a warning, but what you as a reader should realize is that if sexual abuse of children in fiction is something that deeply upsets you, stay away. That is your warning. In a review. Where it belongs.
I read it simply because the description intrigued me, and I am glad I did so. What I got was a fast-paced thrilling read about sexual abuse and revenge. It may not be extreme enough for the "extreme" crowd, but it is disturbing in many different ways and . . . it is well-written with just a few minor quibbles. Typically those involve the use of question marks.
Stearns, in his afterword, says he hopes he did not come off as exploitive. He did not. He walked the line, and I would not have minded if he crossed over. He understood that the story, and not the scenes, were important.
The book does not need a warning, but what you as a reader should realize is that if sexual abuse of children in fiction is something that deeply upsets you, stay away. That is your warning. In a review. Where it belongs.
November 9, 2019
This was my first read by Tom Stearns and Jenna really blew my mind. For those of you easily triggered, please be cautious that this book is a difficult read.
Jenna hasn’t known a typical life, and there’s a definite personality split with this girl through the traumas she’s faced. Jenna is a sister who would walk over hot coals for her little sister and protect her from the horrors that have in tune created her alter ego “Bad Jenna”.
This was a relatively short book but admit to having to take breaks with it given the horror within. I also wanted more background and perhaps even a glimpse into future Jenna but the authors note highlighted that there may be more to come in the future. Hopefully from there, I’ll get a better feel for not only Jenna but this author too.
Jenna hasn’t known a typical life, and there’s a definite personality split with this girl through the traumas she’s faced. Jenna is a sister who would walk over hot coals for her little sister and protect her from the horrors that have in tune created her alter ego “Bad Jenna”.
This was a relatively short book but admit to having to take breaks with it given the horror within. I also wanted more background and perhaps even a glimpse into future Jenna but the authors note highlighted that there may be more to come in the future. Hopefully from there, I’ll get a better feel for not only Jenna but this author too.
June 26, 2019
Very good read
This is the first of Toms books i have read and I really enjoyed it. I liked the storyline and how Jenna sort her revenge and how it all worked out with not just getting the initial lot but the makings too. I would of loved to of read about Jenna from a bit younger age but can understand how that could of been difficult at the same time. But a good read with a nice revenge ending.
This is the first of Toms books i have read and I really enjoyed it. I liked the storyline and how Jenna sort her revenge and how it all worked out with not just getting the initial lot but the makings too. I would of loved to of read about Jenna from a bit younger age but can understand how that could of been difficult at the same time. But a good read with a nice revenge ending.
February 25, 2021
The brutal prequal to the Awakening in which you learn how Jenna descended into the depravity that is expressed in adulthood.
To say I enjoyed this book would be wrong. However, it was a fascinating insight into the though patterns that could come from such horror.
Another book that I would not recommend to anyone that has not read some splatterpunk before enduring this. To do so would be remiss of me.
To say I enjoyed this book would be wrong. However, it was a fascinating insight into the though patterns that could come from such horror.
Another book that I would not recommend to anyone that has not read some splatterpunk before enduring this. To do so would be remiss of me.
July 2, 2023
simplistic view of child abuse
This book is an easy read despite the topic, chapters flow and the characters are relatively well established, however it lacks substance and only touches on the complexi relationship between groomer/s-abuser and child. We barely get background details on the other main characters. It’s like reading HELLO magazine, the stories are based on facts but lack depth.
This book is an easy read despite the topic, chapters flow and the characters are relatively well established, however it lacks substance and only touches on the complexi relationship between groomer/s-abuser and child. We barely get background details on the other main characters. It’s like reading HELLO magazine, the stories are based on facts but lack depth.
April 19, 2020
Second time around
I remember picking this book up before, but I barely made it past the first chapter. Now that I re-read it from the beginning, I see that I just misunderstood what I had read.
This turned out to be a really good story. Vengeance doesn't always have to be physically brutal - and Jenna is a smart one.
I'm going to read Wrong Place, Wrong Time next.
I remember picking this book up before, but I barely made it past the first chapter. Now that I re-read it from the beginning, I see that I just misunderstood what I had read.
This turned out to be a really good story. Vengeance doesn't always have to be physically brutal - and Jenna is a smart one.
I'm going to read Wrong Place, Wrong Time next.
December 30, 2020
DO NOT READ UNLESS SOCIOPATHIC. Horrifically graphic and nightmare-inducing. The author is clearly a sexual sadist and obsessed with sodomy and graphic descriptions of torture and murder through anal rape with objects. I tried to skim over it best I could but it’s abhorrent. Fuck you for my nightmares. Fuck you for making me wade through the swamp of British white teash slang every other word. And holy shit the spelling and grammar. Atrocious.
June 22, 2021
I love Jenna! She's one tough bitch but she had to go through hell to get that way. This book definitely had some difficult scenes but nothing was done in a gratuitous way. It was necessary for us to see these dark moments to fully understand Jenna and why she went down the path she did. I absolutely hope to see more of her and give this book 5/5 vengeful skulls 💀
July 23, 2021
This is one of those "what the fuck did I just read" books. I felt so bad for jenna, heart broken in fact. Especially when Adam tells her how he feels and she's so suspicious of why anyone would love her. The author does a brilliant job of keeping the pace, making you feel jennas emotions, just everything, a tough, but great read.
August 15, 2021
Good read
I liked the book and the character Jenna who you just feel sorry for but who does get some revenge. Wish everyone had got their comeuppance but maybe there will be more from Jenna in the future so we can see this happen? I hope so. I read it in one sitting as it’s not the longest book but I do enjoy it.
I liked the book and the character Jenna who you just feel sorry for but who does get some revenge. Wish everyone had got their comeuppance but maybe there will be more from Jenna in the future so we can see this happen? I hope so. I read it in one sitting as it’s not the longest book but I do enjoy it.
October 1, 2021
Headache
I had to stop reading about halfway through. It was giving me a headache trying to translate some of the words. It was awful what she went through, especially at the hands of someone who is supposed to love her unconditionally and protect her from bad people. The contents were just enough to figure out what happened without going too far.
I had to stop reading about halfway through. It was giving me a headache trying to translate some of the words. It was awful what she went through, especially at the hands of someone who is supposed to love her unconditionally and protect her from bad people. The contents were just enough to figure out what happened without going too far.
December 3, 2019
I'm glad she got revenge , evn though it could never heal her emotional & psychological scars .
I hated the " Mother " .
I'm glad she gave Adam a chance .
I hope she gets custody of her Sister & never talk to the " Mother " again .
I hated the " Mother " .
I'm glad she gave Adam a chance .
I hope she gets custody of her Sister & never talk to the " Mother " again .
April 5, 2020
Jenna
This is my first time reading from this author and I was impressed. I enjoyed Jenna getting her revenge on those who did her wrong but I wish more was done to her mother and some of the others. I would recommend this book and I hope to see a sequel.
This is my first time reading from this author and I was impressed. I enjoyed Jenna getting her revenge on those who did her wrong but I wish more was done to her mother and some of the others. I would recommend this book and I hope to see a sequel.
October 21, 2020
Not sure
I'm not too sure about this one. It wasn't badly written but I just didn't feel much about the whole thing if I'm honest. I didn't feel for the characters as much as I felt I should and can't say I particularly enjoyed the story as a whole.
I'm not too sure about this one. It wasn't badly written but I just didn't feel much about the whole thing if I'm honest. I didn't feel for the characters as much as I felt I should and can't say I particularly enjoyed the story as a whole.
January 26, 2021
Amazing
Utterly fantastic book. By far the best book I've read in a long time and without doubt the best book I have read this year. Fantastic storyline characters and descriptive writing style. This book is a gem folks.
Utterly fantastic book. By far the best book I've read in a long time and without doubt the best book I have read this year. Fantastic storyline characters and descriptive writing style. This book is a gem folks.
June 13, 2022
Quite graphic and disturbing but not exploitive. This was well written and believable. Like others on here I am hoping for a follow up and would like to see how the story would progress. In a nutshell it’s a darker and very British teenage I spit on your grave.
February 8, 2023
It was hard to put down
I gave this book 5 stars, because it never lulled, it is well written and it took a twist that I never expected. Jenna has gone through so much for a school age girl. I loved the way that she fought for her little sister's innocence.
I gave this book 5 stars, because it never lulled, it is well written and it took a twist that I never expected. Jenna has gone through so much for a school age girl. I loved the way that she fought for her little sister's innocence.
November 8, 2019
Revenge is a dish best served😘
Great read I found the payback delightful and wouldn’t mind seeing a part 2! I mean that list is long so it would have to be interesting!!!
Great read I found the payback delightful and wouldn’t mind seeing a part 2! I mean that list is long so it would have to be interesting!!!
Read
May 29, 2020It was a bit twisted and sick but I still enjoyed reading it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews