As the story begins, Erin's parents inform her and her younger sister, Kasey-Ray of the family's impending move to their parent's hometown of Galladale. Urban gives a heartrendingly accurate portrayal of a young girl on the cusp of womanhood, ostracized by society for a birthmark that stains the left side of her face.
Erin has only known love and acceptance from her immediate family. From both schoolmates and society at large, Erin has only ever heard she is ugly, deformed, and not worth befriending, cementing her low opinion of herself. While her sister bemoans in full dramatic fashion how she'll be leaving all of her friends, Erin is cautiously hopeful the move will bring friends at the end.
The opposite proves true as the girls finish the year in a new school. Immediately, a classmate threatens her for catching the attention of Sean, a handsome young man two years older. She's told both not to look at him and to stay away. The torment continues, culminating in an excruciating beating that leaves Erin injured and unable to move.
Erin doesn't understand what this beautiful boy could possibly see in her when he could have any girl for the asking. Painfully confused about what is happening, Erin challenges Sean and her parents to explain. Out of this comes truths about her family she could never have imagined, friends she never believed she'd have, and a love she never thought to experience.
Is she strong enough to believe in herself? Will she learn to control the fire or will someone die from the anger born of her pain?
A beautiful story that parallels how society judges others based on appearance. Heartrending and hopeful with a touch of the paranormal. I would read anything she wrote. Five stars.
This book is avaiable free at Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
I love this review :) xx
ReplyDeleteThank you.
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