Published by Simon & Schuster, Simon Pulse on October 15th 2013
Source: Publisher
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Ben could date anyone he wants, but he only has eyes for the new girl — sarcastic free-spirit, Ani. Luckily for Ben, Ani wants him too. She’s everything Ben could ever imagine. Everything he could ever want.
But that all changes after the party. The one Ben misses. The one Ani goes to alone.
Now Ani isn’t the girl she used to be, and Ben can’t sort out the truth from the lies. What really happened, and who is to blame?
Ben wants to help her, but she refuses to be helped. The more she pushes Ben away, the more he wonders if there’s anything he can do to save the girl he loves.
Intense! I must start with this word as it’s the only adequate word for this book and I honestly didn’t expect the level of true horror and sadness I experienced in this book!
Ben is such a wonderful boy!
He’s all tough on the outside and likes to talk big and appear like he’s the tough guy. But we experience Ben in such a different light that we soon discover that inside this tough shell there is a soulful and wonderful boy inside! I loved this contradictory picture we got from Ben as it perfectly reflects so many kids, teens but also grown ups – people who tempt to hind behind big talks! But what you see from the outside might not always reflect what goes on inside of someone !
Ani – carefree, artistic, quirky and unique!
Ani was just the perfect counterpart to Ben. She challenged his tough attitude and shell and showed him how life can be. She was this artistic and deep soul who was so outgoing and so quirky and bubbly that I loved this girl so much!
“Her energy was like a hot shower after running a marathon in an ice storm”
“She was so completely disarming. Like all the usual stupid crap about liking a girl didn’t apply with her”
When Ani changes after this one horrific party I was devasted. I wanted this wonderful girl back, just as much as Ben did. But her change was complete and it was real, and there was no turning back, just moving forward.
Brutal honesty
This book will make you gasp with it brutal honesty and just be aware that the author didn’t spare us with anything. She didn’t put on her soft gloves to spare us the horrible and excruciating details, but rather shocks us to the core.
I was crying so hard during the book and my eyes would pop out in utter shock about what is happening here.
As I will not go into detail all I can say that the author won me over with the brutal way she didn’t spare us anything and neither spared her characters.
This is a very brave book and I appreciate the route the author took so very much, as not every book will go down this route and would rather spare us some heartbreak and devastation.
This book affected me in so many ways that for days I wasn’t able to forget this story.
But in the midst of all these horrible things, there is hope at the end, even though I wasn’t able to see it for a very long time. For most of the book I wasn’t able to appreciate the wonderful characters like Ben who give this story so much soul and deepness that there is light after all.
The end might not be as we will hope during these excruciating hours we spend with these two kids – but when I turned the very last page I felt a sort of relief. It was an honest ending, brutally honest just like the rest but it was a genuine ending. One I could life with.
There is still so much to say about this book, like how wonderful Ben’s character was. The way Ben dealt with the horrific happenings was showing how much beauty is stuck inside this boy. I hope that every girl who experiences something similar has a friend like Ben at her side, even though nothing will make it better. I feel like knowing that there are kids like Ben out there – the world is a better place.
Bewitched Rating
Bottom Line
Fault Line by Christa Desir was intense and surprised with its brutal honesty. This is a story that will stay with you for a long time after closed the last page. In between all the horror there was also beauty and wonder in form of a strong young boy who wants to make it all better. His bravery and loyalty was wonderful to see! This is a story that will leave many people uncomfortable, yet I applaud the author for writing such a genuine and honest tale.
Even reading my review makes me go back to my feelings about this book.
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I don’t always do well with brutal honesty in books but this sounds pretty darned good! And poor Ani. That sounds sad.
Mary @ BookSwarm recently posted..Waiting On: THE UNFORGIVEN by Alyssa Day
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I’m just not sure about this one Danny! I fear it might just be a bit too hard for me to read, which sounds like a cop out I know. I just don’t want to go down this devastating road I don’t think, no matter how brilliant a story it ends up being. I know a happy ending with rainbows and what not would not be in any way fitting, but of course that’s what I’m going to want for them after everything they go through! I’m so glad this one affected you so strongly and left a memorable impression, I do love when that happens!
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I’m currently reading it and it’s already breaking my heart. I’m over half way done. Great book so far!
Stina Lindenblatt recently posted..Rockin’ the Reader Conventions
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Hi Danny,
I just reviewed this one and my review, much like yours, was gushing over the story this author has written! I enjoyed the powerful emotions that had captivated me while reading and definitely will be recommending this one to many!
Great review:)
Heather
Heather recently posted..Review & Interview: Fault Line by Christa Desir
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I love when the characters has this bad ass, never care exterior and then the author peels back the layers and we discover this really sweet guy. Wonderful review!
kimbacaffeinate recently posted..Halloween is a Charmed Time of Year by J.A. Garland
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Oooh, Danny I’m so glad you liked this one! I have it on my TBR, but there seem to be an influx of not-so-stellar reviews on it lately, so it’s been slowly working it’s way to the bottom of the pile. Which sucks because I loved the sound of it.
BUT you’ve confirmed that this one is definitely worth a go, so I’ll be getting it on my next haul 😀 I’m guessing I’m going to need to read this one in the safety of my bedroom where nobody can see me getting teary or hear me yelling at the pages? Lol
Allie @ Little Birdie Books recently posted..Review: Shatter Me {Tahereh Mafi}
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Wonderful review Danny of such and emotional and intense book! I sometimes shy away from these sorts, but know how much a good author and writing can make the reading experience just that- a experience that you feel & think about long after closing that book. I also really like the sound of Ben’s character too. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Kim { Book Swoon } recently posted..Waiting On Wednesday: Defy by Sara B. Larson
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I got chills just reading this review – definitely need to read it for myself. Emotional books are really draining for me, but I’d gladly take that step to read one like this!
Kayla @ The Thousand Lives recently posted..Fierce Reads Tour: Leigh Bardugo, Gennifer Albin, Jessica Brody, + Ann Aguirre
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