Wayne Terry engages in horrifying, shameful actions and soon regrets them, leaving the reader perplexed. It is eventually revealed that he suffers from depression and personality disorders, which soon play a critical role in a scheme involving supernatural, invisible powers. Undoubtedly and unfortunately, one thing still haunts him: his past involving his mother and Monique, the only girl he had ever loved. Monique, a twenty-six-year-old student, moved in with them, with his mother claiming she was there to help cope with the absence of Wayne's father. Unbeknownst to him, there was more to it than met the eye. A domino effect is unleashed when Wayne overhears Joanne Middleton and her daughter Samantha laughing, triggering an unpleasant memory.
Circle of Innocents: It Must Remain Unbroken… is a suspenseful paranormal thriller by Stephen D. Curtis. The book introduces readers to a supernatural realm, pitting The Truth against The Puppeteer, a supervillain, and his followers, The Faithless. Wayne unwittingly crosses paths with individuals The Puppeteer is interested in. When Detective Chief Inspector Chris and his son Andy enter the scene, ‘The Circle’ begins to take shape. Chris’s mother, Anne, is also a key figure in the novel, among others. Harley, Joanne and Samantha’s German shepherd, also plays a significant role. Wayne’s use of his work pseudonym, Joshua Gains, alongside his real identity, adds to the suspense. Once Wayne makes a pact with The Puppeteer, there is no turning back, as failure promises unimaginable punishment. Fortunately, another powerful entity, Zambaya, is present to counterbalance The Puppeteer. Stephen D. Curtis meticulously develops each character, ensuring they play crucial roles in the narrative.Cold and calculating, the entity continued to regard him with interest, for here was an unfortunate crying out for its assistance, a potentially useful tool in the quest to unhinge the Great Plan, a worm at a tipping point, and surely open to the right kind of persuasion.
- Circle of Innocents: It Must Remain Unbroken…
I enjoy novels that are as thought-provoking as they are entertaining, and this one exceeded my expectations on both fronts. The convergence of the two families and the ensuing interactions were difficult to foresee. Questions arise about Chris, Joanne, Samantha, and Andy, with potential romantic entanglements creating tension. The Puppeteer’s constant interference and unrelenting determination and the resulting harm add a layer of terror, as his appearances are unpredictable. The author also addresses pertinent issues, such as the decline of in-person conversations in public and private spaces, illustrated by a scene on a London-bound train where passengers are engrossed in their mobile phones. Here, the author remarks that the art of conversation was drawing its last breath, and I found this to be very true, as it does not happen in such public spaces alone but also at homes.
I particularly appreciated the ending, especially Wayne’s ending, as he is portrayed both as a victim and a perpetrator. This duality makes his conclusion satisfying, and I am eager for a sequel to see how The Puppeteer and his hordes continue their plan. Zambaya, Chris's guardian angel and part of The Truth, appears at crucial moments, providing reassurance. Without giving too much away, the ending will certainly please all readers. There was nothing I disliked about the book. Due to the unique narration and captivating plot, I rate the book five out of five stars. Circle of Innocents will appeal to avid readers of supernatural thrillers. However, it contains instances of sexual violence and strong language, which may not be suitable for all readers.
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Circle of Innocents
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