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The Sin #2
Refuge
The small town of Refuge is the perfect hideaway for Patrick Lahm and the Freys. Nestled in the heart of Maine and miles away from the Kurtain Motel, Refuge promises both tranquility and ease of mind. The mundane routine of working in the local post office and buying groceries is all Patrick could hope for. For the first time in his life, things are finally looking up.
But one can only escape from his sins for so long. Occasional nightmares, visions of the dead and a priest hell-bound on confessions leave the survivors feeling that it is only a matter of time before the darkness catches up. With Jimmy by his side, Patrick watches as the walls of reality crumble around him, and he quickly realizes that there can be no rest for the sinful.
No matter how far they run.
But one can only escape from his sins for so long. Occasional nightmares, visions of the dead and a priest hell-bound on confessions leave the survivors feeling that it is only a matter of time before the darkness catches up. With Jimmy by his side, Patrick watches as the walls of reality crumble around him, and he quickly realizes that there can be no rest for the sinful.
No matter how far they run.
Audible Audio
First published September 17, 2016
104 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
About the author
A.I. Nasser
47 books84 followersAt the age of four, Ahmed I. Nasser’s parents decided that the best way to keep a hyperactive child occupied was to teach him how to read and constantly bombard him with books. Since then, the world of imagination has constantly consumed him. He quickly decided that the only way to feel fulfilled was to spend his time writing one story after the other, even opting out of a career as a pediatrician, despite ten years of struggling through med-school.
Influenced by Stephen King, Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett, he has been writing since the age of 12 while travelling the world with his family. Now, finally settled in Egypt, he divides his time between teaching Middle School English Literature and finding the best ways to scare his family and friends.
Instagram:
theainasser
Influenced by Stephen King, Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett, he has been writing since the age of 12 while travelling the world with his family. Now, finally settled in Egypt, he divides his time between teaching Middle School English Literature and finding the best ways to scare his family and friends.
Instagram:
theainasser
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 13, 2020
I try to express only my most honest opinion in a spoiler-free way. Unfortunately, there is still always a risk of slight spoilers despite my best efforts. If you feel something in my review is a spoiler please let me know. Thank you.
Patrick, Jimmy, and Tara now live in a place called Refuge where they try to move on with there lives. But Patrick is having nightmares and see those that have died everywhere. Meanwhile, the rest of them remain at the motel fighting for there lives. Seems as though none of them will be free.
I read the first book of this series quite a long time ago, and it took me a while to remember character and things that happened in the last book. Honestly, not my favorite. I'm glad it was short. The ending happened so fast that I almost missed it, and I was halfway through before things got even a little interesting. It wasn't awful but I've had better. Still deciding whether I'm going to finish the series. 2.5 stars.
Patrick, Jimmy, and Tara now live in a place called Refuge where they try to move on with there lives. But Patrick is having nightmares and see those that have died everywhere. Meanwhile, the rest of them remain at the motel fighting for there lives. Seems as though none of them will be free.
I read the first book of this series quite a long time ago, and it took me a while to remember character and things that happened in the last book. Honestly, not my favorite. I'm glad it was short. The ending happened so fast that I almost missed it, and I was halfway through before things got even a little interesting. It wasn't awful but I've had better. Still deciding whether I'm going to finish the series. 2.5 stars.
December 5, 2016
Review: REFUGE by A. I. Nasser
(THE SIN #2)
In my review of the first in this trilogy, KURTAIN MOTEL, I raved about how enjoyable and imaginative a story it is. REFUGE keeps the bar high. Those of our characters who escaped the Kurtain Motel find asylum and a settled home in Refuge, Maine, a seemingly pleasant small community where everything is just fine. Or is it?? With Rev. Clancy and his constant "confession" harping (he makes Sinclair Lewis's Reverend Dr. Elmer Gantry look like an angel) and the commencement of unending revelations, protagonist Patrick Lahm and his cohorts remain on the edge of destruction. REFUGE continues the same heart-in-mouth thrill ride of KURTAIN MOTEL.
(THE SIN #2)
In my review of the first in this trilogy, KURTAIN MOTEL, I raved about how enjoyable and imaginative a story it is. REFUGE keeps the bar high. Those of our characters who escaped the Kurtain Motel find asylum and a settled home in Refuge, Maine, a seemingly pleasant small community where everything is just fine. Or is it?? With Rev. Clancy and his constant "confession" harping (he makes Sinclair Lewis's Reverend Dr. Elmer Gantry look like an angel) and the commencement of unending revelations, protagonist Patrick Lahm and his cohorts remain on the edge of destruction. REFUGE continues the same heart-in-mouth thrill ride of KURTAIN MOTEL.
October 22, 2017
I received this book as a gift from the publisher (Audiobook edition).
Refuge is the second of three books in The Sin series and continues the story from Kurtain Motel. Patrick Lahm manages to escape from the Kurtain Motel and finds himself in the Town of Refuge. While he believes he is free and clear of the horrors he left behind, things begin to go south for him. He sees people in town that he clearly remembers seeing being killed at the motel. Things just don't add up.
Along with Jimmy Frey, who also escaped the motel with his mother (or so we are led to believe), Patrick seeks answers and a way to escape from Refuge. As the story progresses, more secrets are revealed and we are soon taken on a wild ride with Patrick and Jimmy as they attempt their escape.
I strongly suggest that you read this series in order. Otherwise there will be too much confusion. Refuge is every bit as creepy as Kurtain Motel and I can't wait to begin the final chapter of this series.
Refuge is the second of three books in The Sin series and continues the story from Kurtain Motel. Patrick Lahm manages to escape from the Kurtain Motel and finds himself in the Town of Refuge. While he believes he is free and clear of the horrors he left behind, things begin to go south for him. He sees people in town that he clearly remembers seeing being killed at the motel. Things just don't add up.
Along with Jimmy Frey, who also escaped the motel with his mother (or so we are led to believe), Patrick seeks answers and a way to escape from Refuge. As the story progresses, more secrets are revealed and we are soon taken on a wild ride with Patrick and Jimmy as they attempt their escape.
I strongly suggest that you read this series in order. Otherwise there will be too much confusion. Refuge is every bit as creepy as Kurtain Motel and I can't wait to begin the final chapter of this series.
May 7, 2025
Definitely recommend reading this series pretty closely together as you'll be hella confused just picking up book 2 (after a long time, in my case)
I completely forgot the events in book 1, so it took me a minute to get into it. I would say that's my fault for the low review. 😅
I completely forgot the events in book 1, so it took me a minute to get into it. I would say that's my fault for the low review. 😅
September 25, 2017
Patrick, Jimmy and his mom, barely escaped the Kurtain Motel with their lives and went on the run from the Sin eater. They found a tiny town called Refuge, and it seemed perfect for them. But nothing is as it seems and Patrick's normal life is about to come crashing down again!!
Now this was some seriously twisty read. The plot was awesome!!! We start with seeing Patrick having a good life. He is working in the Post Office and life is good, but the priest gives him the creeps and seems to be obsessed with getting people to "confess". Something about this seems very familiar to Patrick but he isn't sure what. Meanwhile we get glimpses back into the Kurtain Motel. Initially this is a little confusing but it starts to come together and you find your mind blown. I really didn't see that coming!!!
Again, we have the same characters with others thrown in, but this time it felt like we got more debt to them and got to know them a little better. They were more developed and I was able to become more invested in them. Plus I liked getting to know Jimmy more!! I was also so happy to see Patrick live a good, happy life. He has grown on me and I was rooting for him!!
In all, this was an awesome read. I loved the setting and how mysterious and intriguing Refuge and the people were. The twist was great too and I can not wait to see what happens next!!
Thom Bowers did a better job with this one because the majority of the story revolves around Patrick and Jimmy. He brought the characters and atmosphere to life and knows how to tell a creepy tale!
I was voluntarily provided this audiobook for free from the author, narrator, or publisher. This in no way affected nor influenced my thoughts.
Now this was some seriously twisty read. The plot was awesome!!! We start with seeing Patrick having a good life. He is working in the Post Office and life is good, but the priest gives him the creeps and seems to be obsessed with getting people to "confess". Something about this seems very familiar to Patrick but he isn't sure what. Meanwhile we get glimpses back into the Kurtain Motel. Initially this is a little confusing but it starts to come together and you find your mind blown. I really didn't see that coming!!!
Again, we have the same characters with others thrown in, but this time it felt like we got more debt to them and got to know them a little better. They were more developed and I was able to become more invested in them. Plus I liked getting to know Jimmy more!! I was also so happy to see Patrick live a good, happy life. He has grown on me and I was rooting for him!!
In all, this was an awesome read. I loved the setting and how mysterious and intriguing Refuge and the people were. The twist was great too and I can not wait to see what happens next!!
Thom Bowers did a better job with this one because the majority of the story revolves around Patrick and Jimmy. He brought the characters and atmosphere to life and knows how to tell a creepy tale!
I was voluntarily provided this audiobook for free from the author, narrator, or publisher. This in no way affected nor influenced my thoughts.
February 1, 2020
I really enjoyed the second installment of The Sin series. I felt it did a good job at further explaining what was going on, while also throwing in some twists the caught me completely by surprise. It did a good job of pulling me into the story and made it difficult to put down. I have already bought #3 and plan on reading it over the next couple of days.
Now the reason for only 4 stars instead of 5.
This book continues the story of the first in a different setting and scenario; however, dedicates chapters to expounding on the situation in the first book. Some of this was necessary for the shaping of the story line, but a decent amount of it could have been included in the first without changing how the story unfolds. I felt that these chapters made the book feel more like a part 2 of the first rather than a book 2 in the series. Plus, these 'flashback' chapters actually require you to remember the first book situation like you are currently reading the first book and make it difficult to follow at times.
Bottom line, it feels like it would be better suited as a part 2 of the first rather than book 2 in the series, but still a good, unique story that makes you want to keep reading.
Now the reason for only 4 stars instead of 5.
This book continues the story of the first in a different setting and scenario; however, dedicates chapters to expounding on the situation in the first book. Some of this was necessary for the shaping of the story line, but a decent amount of it could have been included in the first without changing how the story unfolds. I felt that these chapters made the book feel more like a part 2 of the first rather than a book 2 in the series. Plus, these 'flashback' chapters actually require you to remember the first book situation like you are currently reading the first book and make it difficult to follow at times.
Bottom line, it feels like it would be better suited as a part 2 of the first rather than book 2 in the series, but still a good, unique story that makes you want to keep reading.
June 30, 2022
Okay, book 2 of A.I. Nasser’s Sin series is just as creepy as the first book. Three people have escaped the Kurtain Motel. They end up in a town called Refuge. I am a strong believer that names in books are often a story in themselves. It made me wonder why the author would name the town Refuge. Just when they think they have their lives returning to normal the creep factor is turned up once again. We still have a theme of “confessing their sins” running throughout this series. This author knows how to make everything about his book creepy. Definitely one of my favorite horror authors. Now on to the third book in this series.
June 4, 2020
This is book number two in the series. It is a fast read, with a continued storyline with interesting characters. The characters are well described and continue to draw you into the story. Jommy and his Mom barely escape the motel with Patrick and settle in the town of Refuge. It feels like a abnormal town, nothing seems right. This book gets twisted and you have to read or listen to it to see how it turns out. You have a Priest that gives the characters the creeps. Give this book time and it comes together and will maintain your interest. The narration is great. Enjoy this book as I did.
November 12, 2020
While I didn't feel this story was as good as Kurtain Motel, I still liked it. The fact that it was a continuation of the story from Kurtain Motel helped. Patrick, Jimmy and his mom managed to escape Kurtain Motel to a town called Refuge, Maine. The question is....what is Refuge really about? Did they escape or manage to land in another nightmare place? Confess is the continued theme in both stories. People needing to confess their sins, but at what price and why???
I'm looking forward to listening to the last book, Purgatory.
I'm looking forward to listening to the last book, Purgatory.
November 29, 2018
Make sure you read this book after Kurtain Motel... Actually pretty closely after since the story continues and if you don't keep the characters fresh in your head, this book can be a bit confusing. I'm excited to see where this trilogy goes so I will be reading Purgatory promptly so I can keep everything fresh. I enjoy the characters but without reading Kurtain Motel there is no character building with just this book. You definitely need the first book.
March 26, 2020
It was a quick read and it had some interesting elements but I felt like there were some missed opportunities for "more" - such as Cameron. Also the Rev. Clancy character just felt very one-dimensional. The writing was interesting enough for me to finish and want to read book 3 but I liked the first book better.
August 13, 2023
Refuge seems to be the perfect place to hide away from the terror of the Kurtain Motel, but Patrick is about to discover a horrifying truth.
While you might think you are leaving the motel, think again - you might just be stuck in a recurring nightmare, just waiting for you to make a mistake, and take your soul.
Great read!
While you might think you are leaving the motel, think again - you might just be stuck in a recurring nightmare, just waiting for you to make a mistake, and take your soul.
Great read!
August 30, 2020
Things are starting to fall into place for this series. I'm glad I kept reading, and the ending of this 2nd book has me excited to continue onto the 3rd. There was definitely more character development that I felt was lacking in the 1st book. I'm liking this more as I continue the series.
February 17, 2017
Wow
Another great book in the series. I can't wait to find out what happens in the third book. Love your writing.
Another great book in the series. I can't wait to find out what happens in the third book. Love your writing.
August 13, 2018
Too off-the-wall...
for my tastes. I gave it my best shot but just couldn't stay engaged and quit trying a little over half way through.
for my tastes. I gave it my best shot but just couldn't stay engaged and quit trying a little over half way through.
September 5, 2019
I really enjoyed this follow up to Kurtain Motel and immediately downloaded the next book, Purgatory, to read!
October 2, 2022
3.5/5
September 17, 2018
Nasser always has a good tale to share!
I enjoyed this series quite a lot. Unfortunately, due to my own fault I read two and three out of order. So it messed up the storyline some. Not the Author's fault whatsoever, but it did mess up the experience of book two. I am sure it would have been a five star read otherwise.
I enjoyed this series quite a lot. Unfortunately, due to my own fault I read two and three out of order. So it messed up the storyline some. Not the Author's fault whatsoever, but it did mess up the experience of book two. I am sure it would have been a five star read otherwise.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews