Sarah Fine - Sanctum

There are books which are Okay but you're able to let go and live on your miserable mundane life. Then there are some stories which capture your attention, snap you out of your comfy bubble and make you feel rather dizzy for a couple of few more days.

Then there're worlds in which you're completely lost being unable to tell the difference between reality and a whole new universe coming to life in your head. You're there with the characters feeling the exact same emotions they live through. As if you had dozens of hot true love and your heart was broken more than in real life. One time you scream, the other time you weep–an endless circle. Then you wail for the reason that it's all over. The pages have run out and there's nothing left but an endless void that cannot be filled. Well, that's this book for me...

Life isn't taken for granted

Lela and Nadia are inseparable since Lela moved to another faster parent of many in Rhode Island. Lela has learnt some tough lessons during the juvie (kick-ass girl) which explains how impossible it is for someone getting through the concrete wall she built around her. Except for Nadia. She has faith in Lela that she could do better in life and she's worth the effort to make her a decent citizen of society. They have a pretty strong bond. On the other hand, Nadia isn't all smiles and fun, either. Deep down she has sorrow feelings hidden even from her bestie. Once she decided to take control and end her life by her own hands. Who could blame her? Life could be shitty sometimes. But Lela takes the blame and follows her best friend into death even though inadvertently. We all know there are no such a thing like a coincidence, don't we?

The Suicide City–Heaven turned out to be pretty damn disappointing

Lela knows exactly where she ended up—the beautiful Countryside of peace and eternal happiness. But how could she live happily ever after if she was the one letting Nadia down? After she cared about her when no one did spare a second thought? Lela has the guts to head the suicide city 'where the only things that grew were the festering wishes of the dead, sorrowful people trapped there.'

I wonder her courage (or stupidity?) to go through hell for her. I doubt my own blood would do that for me, so she has certainly big shoes to fill in. Here comes a strong female lead who can take care of herself finally and helly yeah no need for man action. I give my thumb up!

"This was the shining moment, the one where I proved I was worth the time she’d spent on me."

Off the beaten track

She gets into hot water by messing with the Guards. She's definitely made as welcome as a dog on a putting-green. No point in stirring up trouble if she'd like to get off with a whole skin. Her chances of finding Nadia and dragging her to the Countryside are running pretty low since Malachi (hurray!) is intended to get her out of the hapless city of sorrow to which she doesn't belong. He’d spent the last several decades in a walled city of cement and steel and slime (without any feminine charms to comfort him–poor thing), so he's obviously not in the mood of coming to silly selfless girls' aid who don't give a damn for their own safety but he makes a lenient exception. The guy hasn't had a wide range of fun so I can't blame him falling for the first pretty eyes he's encountered in the last seventy years. I keep my eyes on him though.

Battle array

Malachi Captin of the Dark City is in charge of eliminating the Mazakins—evil spirits arriving straight from hell and in the meantime they're busy occupying the bodies of the wretched citizens. By wielding staff and a lethal scimitar he certainly makes a pretty terrifying first impression. It explains why she can't take her eyes of the smoking hot body of his. In my mind at least...

"I am here. I will do what they ask me to do, and I will do it well."

Despite the waste land where nothing good grow there, something is growing between them which makes both of them vulnerable and willing to make mistakes which they cannot afford. Or else they have to pay a high price. Kind of woozy since they're already dead. I should tell it's not fair suffering more after death, is it? Wasn't the first time enough? What about the jumping-on-fluffy-clouds and angle-kissed-cherub bullshit? I put in a claim for damages.

Second chances

They don't seem to have the ball at their feet. Even though they have a bright future to live out in the Countryside Lela's rather willing to sacrifice her soul in exchange of Nadia's well-being. Craaaazy...What a selfless busy-bee.

In return she's appointed a Guard with Malachi sticking to her like glue. He won't go anywhere without her which doesn't hurt really. Even if he's missed his chance of living happily ever after outside the Suicide City's wall. (If only someone did that for me!) How nice that they have found each other in hell. Maybe the miserable folks like us stand a chance after all....

"I cannot help but fear that I lose a piece of myself every single time. Still, I will do what I can, perhaps until there is nothing left of me."

After reading

Hampered respiration

Songs

Hurts - Some Kind of Heaven

Movie

I wish it was made into a movie! I've recently come across Matthew Daddario whose dark presence matches that of Malachi. Lela should be someone who is badass enough for this role. Any touch-me-not is below the line.

Rating

5 out of 5