Official Review: Broken (I Live To Let You Shine)

[Batesblogger]

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Broken (I Live To Let You Shine)" by Kimmy Downing.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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This is a “Beauty and the Beast” unlike anything you will ever read.

The introduction catches the reader’s attention and holds it. Makes you question a few things, makes you wonder, and it makes you have to open this book and keep reading.

The novel is excellently written. Punctuation can be a little confusing for the reader if used to an American style, but the story is so captivating that punctuation and grammar become inconsequential. However, it is written perfectly.

Evenly flowing, fascinating the way the author has incorporated flash backs and memories into the story. The plot moves quickly, and is easy to follow. The story constantly leaves you wondering “what next?” The reader will feel horror, fascination, fear, love, all in equal measure. All at the same time. You will be unable to put this down until it is finished.

This story could have been quite seriously over done and clichéd, but the author does a fantastic job of doing just the opposite. Completely unexpected and with twists that are impossible to see coming. Takes a whole new look at Stockholm syndrome and mental illness caused by long term physical and emotional abuse. The reader will find themselves in love with a psychopath, and questioning the mental stability of the “hero,” while feeling sorry for the “villain,” yet happy to see him go.

There are only a few ambiguities. The reader is constantly unsure of Xander’s sexual orientation. In several instances he is referred to as gay, but in several others he is referred to as straight.

The epilogue at the end of this book is so thought provoking, you will need to read it several times and spend quite a few minutes just thinking. There is no clear black and white to these characters. Every one of them will make you hate them, make you love them, make you sick. But you will also relate to them. If you have ever been hurt, ever been in love, you will relate and understand them, connect with them on a level that makes it hard to let them go when the pages end.

Overall this is a stunning work of written art.

I rate this 4 out of 4.

On a personal note, I was unable to stop reading this. In fact, I sat down and read it in one sitting, and felt completely shell shocked when I was finished. It draws you in and captures you in a way that very few books have ever done. I am very much looking forward to reading more by this author in the future. I also feel so emotionally wrung out after reading this. It really takes it out of you.

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Buy "Broken (I Live To Let You Shine)" on Amazon

[Janiac02]

Sounds like a very interesting read. I pulled it up on Amazon and downloaded the free sample so I can get pulled into the story as well.

[Abeer M]

It sounds like an interesting story, but I would appreciate if you would have included a bit of description about the story. It would have been much more helpful.

[BookWorm07]

I read the blurb of the book and that along with your review was enough to convince me. Have downloaded the book and plan on reading it soon. Thanks for the review.