About the Book:
On the same night she discovers she is pregnant, twenty-eight-year-old nurse Meg Richards’ husband is killed in an auto accident caused by a drunken teen. James Thomas, the teen, comes from one of the most influential families in the community. He’s a star athlete and glamour boy at the local high school.
Angered by her senseless loss, Meg blames God for what has happened and considers a decision that could change her life even further—until the D.A. intervenes.
The results of the brutal trial enrage Meg, leading her down a frightening path of retribution. When the opportunity for revenge comes unexpectedly, will Meg follow through? Or will the remnants of her faith lead her in a different direction?
My Thoughts:
I was really looking forward to this book. The concept was intriguing and the topic of vengeance is multi-layered, so I had high hopes. Plus, Ace Collins has authored a lot of books, most of them non-fiction, and this was the first novel of his that I've read.
I was a bit disappointed.
Meg was so angry and vengeful I just couldn't connect to her. It was almost as if she just wasn't really Meg, but an impostor. I couldn't relate to her pain, her struggle...I just didn't care.
In my opinion, we didn't get to see enough of James, the culprit. He enters the book near the middle or later, and he's more of a caricature at first. Kind of stiff and plastic, like Meg.
The background characters were more 'connectable' than the leads, which bothered me. But, I'd committed to reading the book, so I kept going even when I wanted to stop (or skip to the ending just to see how it finished).
I'm glad I didn't quit, because about three fourths of the way into the book I really began to enjoy it. Meg finally came to life...real life...after meeting with Nancy and leading her best friend Heather down the wrong path. And once James made his life changing choice, I really began to feel for him.
By the end, I loved both main characters. I don't know if the book was written to keep James and Meg at arm's length on purpose, but that was how it read for me. Again, excellent premise and great illustration of why vengeance is the Lord's. But huge disconnect on the emotion of the main character.
I received a copy of "Darkness Before Dawn" through Abingdon Press in exchange for an honest review. If the book was written to keep Meg at a distance through most of the story, then Ace succeeded. But, for me...mildly recommended.
Happy Reading!
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