BOOK REVIEW

| PURGATORY REIGN BY L.M. PRESTON |

YA|SCI-FI|PARANORMAL

www.lmpreston.com

| BOOK DESCRIPTION |
Something evil this way comes...sadly for it, Peter Saints awaits.

Peter Saint’s life stinks. But things are about to get much worse. First, his parents are murdered in front of him. Then another victim dies in his arms. 

Visions plague Peter with warnings that something wants him for a sinister cause. It desires the one thing that Peter refuses to give—his blood. Peter carries within him the one gift or curse that could unlock a secret to destroy the human race. 

On the run with Angel, a scruffy kid, Peter starts to unravel the mystery. It’s the one treasure the heavens sought to hide from the world. Unfortunately, when Peter finds the answer that he hopes will save the girl he loves, he opens the door to a great evil that happens to be salivating to meet him.

Prices/Formats: $3.99 ebook, $12.99 paperback
Ebook Release: February 16, 2013
Paperback Release: May 18, 2013
Publisher: Phenomenal One Press
ISBN: 9780985025137
Pages: 368

| REVIEW |
E-book received from author for review

Another surprising YA read! I seem to be reading more and more of them lately, which by the way is always a good thing.

Purgatory Reign revolves around the MC, Peter Saints, who currently lives in a rundown parish which caters for kids pretty much in the same situation he's in. He's lost both his parents and others close to him, in an unusual twist as he later finds out when he's forced to run. He's pretty much a loner, stands up for himself as one must in a world where trust isn't easily given and seems to be in constant trouble. Most of it though, he does purposely just to get a rise out of Pastor Finn.

One particular evening when Peter is not supposed to be out, in fact he's been punished - although this little fact doesn't deter him, he once again makes his way out to attend his favourite club, Jam House. To his irritation, Hanna, a waif he'd once taken pity on, starts calling him and following him. Desperate to get away, Peter runs across the street in the hope that she's somehow prevented from 'stalking' him. She's fatally wounded, but before she dies, she leaves Peter with a burning mark on his hand. However much Peter wanted to lose her, he in no way wanted her to die and this is something he feels responsible for throughout the story. It's the reason he hates making friends or being stupid enough to rely on anyone. They all seem to die - indirectly - by his hand. They don't, it's just how he feels.

Peter is rightly no longer interested in partying, and fast tracks it back to the parish where he collides with Pastor Finn. After another earful, Peter shouts that he's killed someone. When Pastor Finn sees his hand, there is nothing for Peter but to run and he is honest in telling Peter that he's not sure who's after him, but that an order by the name of Decretum Venia has been protecting him. Evil will be after him. With provisions in hand, he must find the next Sanctuary, and the next and the next. He can't stay in one place too long. Along the way he meets a boy by the name of Angel, a scrawny kid who is always covered up even in the hottest of days. Apparently Angel suffers from anaemia. There is a surprise twist here, and one I don't really want to elaborate on so's not to spoil it. 

Peter has powers, which were passed down from his parents as they belonged to the order, but then the story wouldn't be as  interesting or suspenseful if it didn't contain both good and evil and that's exactly what you have here. Peter and Angel come across yet another boy, Kyle, who also seems to be a loner and ends up joining their misshappen group. Peter, Angel and Kyle have all lost their parents in the strangest manner. Is it all connected? Are they all connected?

I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and although it wasn't jam packed and full of action on every single page it was suspenseful. Not every story needs to be too busy. It's a story of hurt, reflection, friendship, romance and ultimately one of survival. In regards to the romance, I must say that I thought the 'revelation' and what followed happened too quickly - within a couple of sentences. As soon as Peter understood what he was seeing, he was instantly in love. This part could have and should have taken a bit longer to play out, but I do get that he's always adored and loved being around girls. Still, love (and I'm sure love at first sight does happen) or the feeling that you are in love, should take a while to simmer before it's announced. As far as the dynamic between all three main characters is concerned, it was good and I can completely see these three clicking in real life. More importantly, they have each others backs.

All in all, this was a most enjoyable book. I liked it because it was different, and I especially liked it because colour is not an issue, just as it should be. Perfect! I'd say this was appropriate from the ages of sixteen and up, although if you don't like a cuss word here and there, you may be offended. Honestly though, I'm around kids from all ages and nothing in this book isn't something I haven't heard a fourteen-year-old mutter. Good job, Ms. Preston. Oh, and I love this cover.

SANDRA'S RATING: 4 STARS

PLEASE NOTE THAT PURGATORY REIGN WILL BE PARTICIPATING IN A BLOG TOUR OF WHICH MY DAY IS 7 MARCH, 2013. THERE WILL ALSO BE A GIVEAWAY, SO MAKE SURE NOT TO MISS IT.