Book Description:
Fine arts major, Candace Parker, grew up with a mother who thinks image is everything, and her daughter’s perfection will never be good enough. About to graduate college and pursue her dreams of becoming a professional ballerina, Candace decides it’s time to let go and have a little fun. But fun is short-lived when a brutal attack leaves her completely shattered.
The memories that consume and torment Candace are starting to destroy her when she meets Ryan Campbell, a successful bar owner. He feels instantly connected and tries to show her that hope is worth fighting for. But is Ryan harboring his own demons? As walls slowly begin to chip away, the secrets that are held within start to become painful burdens.
At what point do secrets become lies?
(17+) This book contains mature subject matter that is not suitable for those under the age of 17.
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My Thoughts:
I don’t even know what to say about this book other than, it
is AMAZING. Fading is an intense, emotional, heartbreaking and beautiful piece
of art that left me wanting more even after reading it. This book had me in
blubbering tears multiple times.
We start off with Candace, a dance major, who grew up in a
household where she was thought that image is everything. Her parents don’t agree
with her choices but she decides to pursue her dreams and become a ballerina
anyway. Candace needs things to be a certain way and organized, she needs to
have order and control. About to graduate, Candace decides to relax a little
and have some fun. After going out a few times with a guy (her parents choice for
her), Candace is brutally attacked.
I have never read a book like this before. It is utter perfection.
After reading the prologue, I knew the attack was coming but it didn’t take away
anything from when it actually happened. I was still left feeling devastated. When
Candace is in the hospital and the nurse tells Jase what happened, I was a
blubbering mess because I felt all of that pain.
The author, E.K. Blair did an excellent job portraying
different emotions throughout her writing. She has this way of making you feel
every torment or emotion Candace went through. Ms. Blair did a great job
writing about such a taboo subject without compromising the ugliness of the
situation. Sometimes I would think, if I were in the same situation, would I
shutdown emotionally? Would I blame myself? Would I be scared of doing
everything and anything? I found my answer to be yes on all three questions. This
is one way I know the author did an amazing job.
I really like the character growth, little by little, in
Candace throughout the book. It shows how strong she is. I absolutely loved the
other characters: Ryan, Jase and Mark. They were an AMAZING support system. Ryan
is by far my favourite character in the book. He pushed himself to the top of
my favourite book boys list. He is patient, kind, understanding, supportive,
loving, protective and possessive; everything I love in a book boy. The thing
that stood out for me about him was the small things he would do to help
Candace overcome her fears and grow stronger. He made her come out of her
comfort zone like going out in big crowds and surfing.
Fading is a beautiful story that shows you even through
complete darkness, love is extremely powerful. I am so happy I was given the
opportunity to read this book for review. Make sure you have a box of tissues
nearby because you will definitely need it.
My Rating:
5 out of 5 stars
Playlist for Fading:
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