Fifty years ago the Commander came into power and murdered all who opposed him. In his warped mind, the seven deadly sins were the downfall of society. He created the Hole where sinners are branded according to their sins and might survive a few years. At best.
Now LUST wraps around my neck like blue fingers strangling me. I’ve been accused of a crime I didn’t commit and now the Hole is my new home.
Darkness. Death. Violence. Pain.
Now every day is a fight for survival. But I won’t die. I won’t let them win.
The Hole can’t keep me. The Hole can’t break me.
I am more than my brand. I’m a fighter.
My name is Lexi Hamilton, and this is my story.
Source: .Mobi provided by Netgalley & publisher in return for an honest review (this in no way affected my honest review)
Review: A society torn apart from war tries to rebuild itself into a utopia without any of the 7 deadly sins tainting its citizens. Imagine living in a gilded cage of wealth and comfort, but one accusation of any of the deadly sins will send you to The Hole. The Hole is where all those physically branded by their sin live, die, and try to survive against all odds.
Lexi is accused falsely of lust, is branded, and thrown into The Hole. Her branded sin causes even more hardships and death for those that bear it. For reasons that aren’t revealed until the end of the book, Lexi is given a fairly bearable job at The Hole’s only hospital under the guidance of a kindly doctor. She has an assigned proctor, Cole, which is unusual for anyone in the Hole. They grow into a relationship fraught with sadness, hopefulness, and turmoil. As the story progresses, both of their secrets are revealed while the world around them literally goes to hell.
Between the fight for their freedom and bringing down the Commander, the twists and turns in their dystopian novel will keep the reader engaged until the very end. I was left flipping the last page of my Kindle, hoping there was something to keep me going until the next novel.
Abi Ketner Is a registered nurse with a passion for novels, the beaches of St. John, and her Philadelphia Phillies. A talented singer, Abi loves to go running and spend lots of time with her family. She currently resides in Lancaster, Pennsylvania with her husband, triplet daughters and two very spoiled dogs.
Melissa Kalicicki received her bachelor's degree from Millersville University in 2003. She married, had two boys and currently lives in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Aside from reading and writing, her interests include running and mixed martial arts. She also remains an avid Cleveland sports fan.
