* I got this book at NetGalley. NetGalley books are available free of charge, but reviews are encouraged.
Amazon Product Description:
Two years ago, Brenna did the unthinkable. She witnessed the aftermath of a murder and accused her only true friend--the first boy she ever loved--of being a killer.
Now sixteen, Brenna returns to Oklahoma only to discover that Isaac "White Bird" Henry isn't in juvie. The half-breed outcast is in a mental hospital, frozen in time, locked in his mind at the worst moment of his life. And when Brenna touches him, she's pulled into his hellish vision quest, seeing terrifying demons and illusions she doesn't understand.
Feeling isolated and alone, she's up against the whole town, targeted by bullying former classmates, a bigoted small town sheriff, and a tribe who refuses to help one of their own. But when Brenna realizes she's as trapped by the past as White Bird is, this time she won't turn her back on him. She's the only one who can free them both.
Even if she has to expose her secret--a "gift" she's kept hidden her whole life.
My thoughts:
Wow! I don't even know where to start or what to say about this remarkable story. I finished reading it with tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat.
I have a friend who likes to ask me, "Bev, what have your read lately that was profound and thought provoking?" to which I usually answer, "Nothing Doug, you know I read fluff for pleasure." If he was to ask me today, my answer would be different. This story touched my heart and I will remember it always.
I usually talk about characters and world building and such when I write a review, but with this book... you truly MUST read it yourself and experience the power of what Jordan Dane has written. I think this book should be read by everyone. It encompasses so much in the worlds of so many.
So, for this one - here are some of my favorite quotes...
(Location 2818) Things that came from Joe always seemed important. Like White Bird, the man didn't waste words. "Stop questioning the tests that are put in your path. You're given only what you can handle. And those tests - making mistakes and figuring stuff out - that's what makes you stronger."
"Quit looking back, Brenna. The only thing you can change is what's ahead of you."
(Location 3200) "A journey takes time." The boy shrugged and looked him square in the eye. "And I guess the lessons we learn best, they come from the journey, not the destination."
(Location 3306) He looked tall and strong, the way he used to, but somewhere along the way, without me, he'd stepped into the shoes of a man.
