[Review & Giveway] The Hallowed Ones by Laura Bickle

My review of The Hallowed Ones by Laura Bickle. For the book synopsis & Laura's interview please go here.

**This is also my read for the Faterfest Read-A-Thon hosted by Kimba The Caffeinated Book Reviewer

THE HALLOWED ONES

By Laura Bickle

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Graphia

Release Date: September 25, 2012

The Hallowed Ones is one of the most heartfelt, gut wrenching novels I have ever had the pleasure to read. I became totally absorbed in it, not wanting to put it down. Some parts though were so delightfully creepy I just had to set it aside because I was too freaked out to read anymore.

The Amish way of life has always intrigued me. A group of people living without any modern conveniences, believing that it is God's will that they live like that. Laura did an awesome job of showing the reader a glimpse in to the Amish life. At first, I thought that The Hallowed Ones was really off to a slow start, but soon the picture revealed itself. I have to say, I soon fell in love with Laura Bickle’s characters and the world they live in. I can't imagine her leaving out one thing.

Katie, the main protagonist, captured my heart from the very beginning. She was strong, brave, and never backed down. Katie often caused waves when she feels an injustice was being done, whether it was to a fellow Amish or to someone from the Outside. Even when it went against everything her people believed in and often downright terrified her. Along the way, Kate struggled with those decisions.

Meet Katie and Elijah, they were once childhood friends about to set off on their Rumspringa—a point in an Amish’s life that they get to see what the Outside is like and decide if they want to come back after accepting the Amish way of life, being baptized into their faith. Before Katie and Elijah could leave the end of the world happen. Well, as far as they were concerned.  The Darkness started to take over. Evil in the form of horrifying vampires. This isn't the Edward Cullen all sparkly and sweet. These are ravenously, evil, awful monsters. The Elders denied that darkness had descended, but Katie knew better. She had seen them. Katie knew that it wouldn't be long before evil would be invited in. No matter how many times they turned a blind eye or what Katie did to convince them, the Elders wouldn't believe her. They said she was rebellious and wanted to cast her out.

I loved the use of faith and religion. Katie's faith is often tested. She finds herself constantly questioning the Elders and what was going on in the Outside. I thought that Katie's faith was pretty strong because it stands up to all the things thrown her way.

The romance was very subtle, but very sweet. Ensnared in tangled web of lies and hidden love, Katie feels unsure of how she wants to live her life. The Outside world beckons to her and she soon finds out that she won’t be able to return to her old ways.

The ending was wonderfully written and I have so many questions I want answered. My only hope is that there will be another and catch yet another glimpse into Katie’s world.

**I was given this eBook from Netgalley for a fair and honest review.

This book definitely deserves 5 masks!!

It's been such a joy and honor to have Laura here the last two days. She has graciously offered us an autographed copy of THE HALLOWED ONES  to be given away. Thanks Laura!! And good luck in ALL your future en devours! And I am looking forward to the release of The Outside !!

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