In recent years, a wave of Young Adult novels have swept the world, and the movie industry. “Harry Potter”, “Twilight”, “Hunger Games”, and “Divergent” – to name a few – have had major success, and seem to appeal to all ages, not just the “young adult” demographic.
I have no doubt that Sarah Fine’s “Guards of the Shadowlands” is the next smash hit.
In the first book of the series, “Sanctum”, we meet 17 year old Lela Santos. In order for me not to give away any spoilers, here is a description from author Sarah Fine’s website:
“A week ago, seventeen-year-old Lela Santos’s best friend, Nadia, killed herself. Today, thanks to a farewell ritual gone awry, Lela is standing in paradise, looking upon a vast gated city in the distance – hell. No one willingly walks through the Suicide Gates, into a place smothered in darkness and infested with depraved creatures. But Lela isn’t just anyone – she’s determined to save her best friend’s soul, even if it means sacrificing her eternal afterlife.
As Lela struggles to find Nadia, she’s captured by the Guards, enormous, not-quite-human creatures that patrol the dark city’s endless streets. Their all-too human leader, Malachi, is unlike them in every way except one: his deadly efficiency. When he meets Lela, Malachi forms his own plan: get her out of the city, even if it means she must leave Nadia behind. Malachi knows something Lela doesn’t – the dark city isn’t the worst place Lela could end up, and he will stop at nothing to keep her from that fate.”
While this is considered a “Young Adult” novel, there are some dark topics that these stories center around, including suicide, addiction, rape, and murder. Although these topics are hard for many to deal with, the author does a fantastic job presenting them in a respectful and acceptable manner.
To be honest, when I was searching for my next novel to read and came across “Sanctum”, I wasn’t too appealed by the description. I have dealt with suicide of loved ones, and it is incredibly hard for me to hear about. However, I decided thanks to it’s excellent reviews and ratings, I’d give it a shot. I read it in one sitting! I was captivated by the story and characters, and the love story between Lela and Malachai is honestly the best I’ve ever read.
As soon as I read the last sentence of “Sanctum”, I rushed back to the Kindle Store for “Fractured”, the second book of the series. It picks up where the first book leaves off, and continues with this whirlwind storyline. It takes crazy turn after crazy turn, and just when you think you know what’s coming, the exact opposite happens. Fair warning: have a box of tissues next to you. Some parts can be tearjerkers.
Of course as soon as I was finished with “Fractured”, back to the Kindle Store I went. I found the third and final book, “Chaos”, and was ecstatic. Then realized it had a release date of October 7th, 2014. However, Sarah Fine has her readers in mind. She released the 23-page short story “Captive: A Guard’s Tale From Malachai’s Perspective”. Here we get to read what went on in Malachai’s head the first time he met Lela. Although it was a great read, it leaves you wanting more.
Readers who pre-order “Chaos”, will receive a credit for another short story, “Vigilante: A Guard’s Tale From Ana’s Perspective”.
I recommend these books to anyone interested in a captivating and fresh storyline. Don’t let the “young adult” category fool you – it’s an amazing read for any adult!
You can purchase the “Guards of the Shadowlands” series at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and IndieBound.
Have you started the series yet? I’d love to read your own reviews below!