It’s my day to take part in the og tour for Badlands by Gary Kruse on behalf of Rachel’s Random Resources. Thanks to Rachel and Darkstroke Books for my copy of the book to take part.
Surf. Sand. Smugglers. Murder.
Willow has run as far as she can
From her home.
From the friends she betrayed.
From the family who betrayed her.
From her own name.
But a cry for help will bring her back.
Back to face her family.
Back to face the sins of her past.
Back to face the darkness at the heart of Cornwall.
In the search for her sister, Willow will face deception and betrayal, before she’ll find love – and herself.
But will she uncover how close the enemy is, or will she become another victim of the Badlands?
I love my hobby! I get introduces to such fantastic books constantly, and I do count myself lucky. Badlands by Gary Kruse is one if them such books. A dark, gritty and sometimes violent thriller that is set in Cornwall.
We meet Willow a young woman who is emotionally traumatised and returning to her home that she fled with no intention to return. Then she receives a coded message that can only be her sister has Willow travelling half way round the world to get to her. Willow is a complex character who still feels so guilty for leaving her sister so has no second thoughts about going back to find her. She finds her journey is much harder than she anticipated, and her loyalty and love for her sister is plain to see. The fact that there is major manipulation, corruption and betrayal in play makes this a journey that nothing is as it first seems and Willow is in a race against time. Can she work out the truth behind the smile and mirrors in time?
I warmed to Willow immediately and found myself rooting for her all the way. She has a no nonsense way along with not dancing around anyone, she is such a straight talker, blunt some would say, but I liked it. Her search has her questioning if she ever knew her sister. I was enthralled in her search.
The story is told from various points of view which means the reader get to know each of the characters and how they experience the events throughout. I always like a book when it’s told this way and the author has done it so skillfully that in increases the tension and suspense.
Gary Kruse has developed characters that make you think twice, some are likeable but you are second guessing their motives throughout. They all added a depth to the story which just increased the intrigue too. The setting of this book is so well described. Cornwall is always a gorgeous place but the author actually puts you there the imagery is spot on. I always love a good sense of place.
A story of multiple layers that all connect together bit by bot as the story begins to reveal its secrets. Such an expertly spun story with themes that are so relevant.
I loved this twisty, emotional and dark tale that held me to it until I had finally got all the answer to my questions that were raised while reading it. I really felt like I couldn’t leave the book alone, it was such an addictive storyline with a conclusion that isn’t one you could guess. I won’t say anymore that’s for you to find out. Just know it is well worth buying, a highly recommended read from me.
Purchase Link http://mybook.to/badlandsdarkstroke
Author Bio
Gary Kruse is a multi-genre writer of flash fiction, short stories and novels. He lives with his family in Hornchurch on the Essex/London border.
He began writing as a teenager after seeing the Craft in the cinema and wondering what would happen if the coven of witches from the Craft came face to face with the Lost Boys (the vampires, not Peter Pan’s crew!).
His work has appeared online and in print anthologies and his short story “Mirror Mirror” was shortlisted in the WriteHive 2021 Horror competition, and subsequently featured in the “Duplicitous” anthology.
His short story “Hope in the Dark” won first place in the November 2021 edition of the Writers’ Forum Short Story competition.
His debut novel “Badlands” is published through Darkstroke on 21st January 2022.
Social Media Links
https://www.twitter.com/@KruseGowerWrite
https://www.instagram.com/@gowerkrusewrites
sharonbeyondthebooks.uk 