Friday, October 5, 2012

[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 !!




a Rafflecopter giveaway

20 comments:

Laura Bickle said...

I'm so happy that you enjoyed THE HALLOWED ONES! Thanks for taking the time to read and review - much appreciated!

There will be a sequel book, called THE OUTSIDE, that will be coming out in spring 2013. Just finishing up on it now!

Kimberly @ Caffeinated Reviewer said...

I cannot wait to read this. Awesome giveaway. Hope you are able to read a few more books during the read-a-thon and enter some of the challenges.

Jessica @ a GREAT read said...

OOh nice review! I was curious about this one when I heard about it earlier this year! I love all kinds of vampires so this might be a read for me! Great giveaway too!

Nina said...

Sounds like a fabulous book. I really want to read it and it's on the tbr list. :) Great review. The Amish community always intrigued me. Very interesting.

J'adore Happy Endings

Michelle @Mom With A Kindle said...

Thanks Laura!! It was an awesome read! I really enjoyed it. And a huge THANK YOU for visiting and letting me "entertain " you!! LOL!! (100's of emails!) :D
Michelle

Angie said...

I really want to read this one! I should have grabbed it when it was up on Netgalley, but I judged it by its cover, assuming it was just another Amish fiction book! *slaps forehead*

Angie @ Pinkindle Reads & Reviews

Laura Bickle said...

Thank YOU! It's been a lot of fun! :-D

Laura Bickle said...

Thanks, kimbacaffeinate! Hope you enjoy. :-)

Laura Bickle said...

It was a lot of fun to write, Jessca@a!

Laura Bickle said...

Thanks for including me in your TBR list, Nina!

Laura Bickle said...

Hee...lots of horror elements! Hope you enjoy, Angie!

Vivien said...

So looking forward to reading this one. I've read some really rave reviews for it. Sounds really unique and refreshing!

Laura Bickle said...

Thanks, Vivien! I'm so excited to get this book out into the world! :-)

Laura Bickle said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Somewhere Only We Know said...

Great pick! This one looks really good and it's obvious you enjoyed it!

Check out my Fraterfest Goals.

Sandy @ Somewhere Only We Know

Laura Bickle said...

Thanks for stopping by, Sandy! :-D

Ana Lucía said...

This book sounds great! Love your review. I've heard it's perfect for Halloween time ;)

Laura Bickle said...

Thanks, Ana! It's got a lot of horror elements...which I can't resist at ANY time of year. ;-)

Anonymous said...

This book sounds so interesting and intriguing! I kept umm-ing and ahh-ing about it because I'm not that interested in the Amish but I've decided to give it a go because it sounds pretty awesome actually. Scary? Yes please! I'm so sick of the sappy love stories that have so much potential but turn into a romance rather than the awesome book it could have been.

Chrystal said...

Great review. This book is on my wishlist and I think my BFF has a copy with my name on it that I am going to borrow at Christmas. ;)