I know we all make mistakes, but I was mortified to realize I missed my date on this one. So, I apologize to everyone involved! But I feel I was rightfully punished by the abrupt cliff the ending dropped me off of!
About the Book
In the intricate dance of fate, Mina, a diligent high school senior, is abruptly torn from her ordinary life by an underground criminal organization, thrusting her into an unfamiliar and challenging world. Oliver, a man who has recently emerged from the shadows of abandonment, grapples with the harsh reality of Mina’s abduction. The unexpected loss of their intense love jeopardizes Oliver’s newfound hope for a better life, even as their extraordinary connection ignites amid peril and enigma.
Can Oliver and Mina rewrite destiny’s script? Is the radiant beacon of their blossoming connection bright enough to guide them through a world steeped in uncertainty? Or will they forever wander as seekers of the elusive symphony of joy?
My Thoughts
My heart is still pounding, and I keep trying to reach for the book because of the absolute feeling of unresolved tension! That’s some good writing, and I sure hope there is a next book because I will be waiting ever so (un)patiently to find out what happens next!
This book is not for the faint of heart. There is a content warning of violence and dark themes, but I think that is a warning intended to avoid spoilers. On slide five, I’ve included a more extensive warning that is as spoiler-free as possible.
It’s been a few years (heh) since I was 16. I feel like this book might be a little mature, even for a 16-year-old, but I might be misremembering. It is very violent, includes very mature themes, and is just so intense. The romance scenes get spicier than I’d prefer my teen to read – of course, my kid is six right now, so it’s speculative. If it weren’t marketed as a YA Thriller, I would be raving. So, I’ll start that now.
The storyline was fast-paced and carried me along from start to finish. It was captivating, and I needed to know what was going to happen right up to the end. We get the answers to some questions, but so many are left open. There are twisting roads and paths that lead to so many confusing avenues. This is one of those thrillers that really prove that we don’t need supernatural monsters to scare us. Humans are plenty scary enough.
I didn’t get to read the first book, but I’ll go back to read it. People said this could be read alone, but I felt like I missed a lot.
I am so grateful to the author and LBT for including me in the tour, and I can’t wait to read more!
Who’s It For?
This book is classified as a YA Thriller for ages 16 and up. I’m not a parent of a teenager, so I’m not entirely sure how appropriate that age assessment is. I can say it is a very intense book and includes many triggers. I’ve listed as many of them as I can remember, and I feel like I probably missed some. It is not for the faint of heart, and it is by no means a light-hearted, easy read. It has extremely dark themes and topics, and the storyline is not hopeful for the majority of the time so that it could be harmful to some people’s mental health.
Content Warnings: Attempted Sexual Assault, Graphic Violence, Torture (Physical and Psychological), Kidnapping, Brainwashing, Human Trafficking, False Imprisonment, Adult Situations, Adult Language, Child Abuse, Child Abandonment
About the Author
Emilia Ares is an Armenian-American actress best known for American Horror Story and Bosch, co-producer of Burden and author of Love and Other Sins. Emilia graduated from UCLA with her Bachelor’s in Economics and a Minor in Russian. A California native, Emilia lives in Los Angeles with her husband, children, and 13 thriving plants. She is passionate about storytelling, community, and supporting organizations like NCMEC and RAINN. To find out more, visit emiliaares.com.
Links
Amazon US: https://a.co/d/gFMg00W
Amazon UK: https://amzn.eu/d/5yu5vMp
Bookshop US: https://bookshop.org/a/25511/9798990383920
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/213823804-love-and-other-cages
Author’s Website: https://www.emiliaares.com
As a Bookshop.org (US) Affiliate, I may earn on qualifying purchases. Bookshop.org purchases support local, independent bookshops. My chosen affiliate bookshop is Tubby & Coo’s Traveling Bookshop, a local, queer-owned bookshop in New Orleans.
Published by Amorina Carlton. Award-winning American author, Amorina Carlton, is currently working on her first novel. You can find more about her published work and works in progress on the home page. She also serves as the PR/Marketing Lead for Ravens and Roses Publishing, and reviews books, mostly by other indie authors, here and on Bookstagram.