I signed up for an ARC when I saw the premise for this new book by Marlena on Instagram.
About the Book
Beware the Gray People
Each Seeking, the magic that protects the town of Carra must be renewed, which means the children of the Exalted Family must go into hiding. Whether through disguise or bribe, through trusted friends or perfect hiding places, every child of the Priest family must avoid capture for the full day of The Seeking.
When things go wrong with the renewal, it’s up to seventeen-year-old Dahlia, the middle child of the Priest family, and her girlfriend, Bisa, to escape Carra and find the magical beings responsible for the protection. They must learn who would require such a cruel game every year and if the protection of the Gray People is really worth such a price.
What they will discover is far worse.
Check it out on Goodreads.
My Review
Dahlia’s anger keeps her alive through each horrible Seeking – and when this one goes horribly wrong, it is what keeps those dear to her alive, too. Her girlfriend and the two little boys do their part to keep her human.
The Gray People are fascinating and terrifying. Mother is going to haunt my nightmares…
Some stuff in the timeline doesn’t completely make sense (e.g. “last night” referring to before the Seeking happened, yet she’d spent that night hiding yet again) which could be interpretation or lack of clarity.
A thrilling dystopian dark fantasy edging on horror (if you happen to fear spiders and giant bugs) that keeps you intrigued until the very end. If you liked “The Hunger Games”, you’ll like this book.
*I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest opinion.
Trigger warning: children being hunted, violence, gore, giant flesh-eating bugs and spiders, nightmare creatures eating minds.
Have you read anything by this author? What do you think of Dahlia?
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Although I don’t love horror, I did like the Hunger Games so might like this one. Thanks for sharing it with us!
You’re welcome 🙂