Title: “Crossed” – A Dark and Twisted Tale of Obsession and Redemption
“Crossed,” the fifth book in Emily McIntire’s Never After series, is a haunting and provocative tale of a holy man’s descent into darkness and the beautiful mystery who may be his salvation or his damnation. Narrated by [narrator’s name], this audiobook is a dark and twisted addition to the series that will leave listeners both captivated and unsettled.
The story follows Father Cade Frederic, a priest brought up in the streets of Paris who has dedicated his life to the church. However, beneath the surface, a monster lingers, a sickness that bleeds darkness and feeds on the damned. When Cade is tasked to become the priest in Festivale, Vermont, a town both beautiful in architecture and riddled with despair, his sickness sings, demanding he rid the place of evil.
Enter Amaya Paquette, Festivale’s beautiful mystery. By day, she cares for her younger brother; by night, she transforms into Esmeralda, dancing for greedy eyes and shameless lips. Although she longs for love, Amaya shies away from companionship, afraid of being abandoned again.
When Father Cade lays eyes on Amaya, he finds himself ensnared, convinced she’s using witchcraft to lure him to her. Consumed by his obsession, he can’t eat, breathe, or think unless it’s of her. Temptation proves a devastating mistress, and Cade decides Amaya will be his demise, even if it means killing the only woman he might ever love.
McIntire’s writing is as dark and evocative as ever, painting a vivid picture of a town steeped in despair and the two lost souls who find each other amidst the shadows. The descriptions of Festivale and its inhabitants are rich and detailed, immersing listeners in a fully-realized world that feels both familiar and wholly unique.
The characters in “Crossed” are complex and multi-layered, with their own unique motivations and desires. Father Cade is a particularly intriguing character, torn between his devotion to the church and the darkness that consumes him. McIntire explores Cade’s inner turmoil and the choices he makes with great skill and nuance, creating a character that is both sympathetic and deeply flawed.
Amaya, too, is a fascinating character, with a past that has left her scarred and a present that is filled with both hope and despair. McIntire does an excellent job of building the tension and chemistry between Amaya and Cade, creating a sense of anticipation and unease that keeps listeners on the edge of their seats.
The narration by [narrator’s name] is superb, capturing the dark and unsettling tone of the story with great skill. [He/She] brings the characters to life with distinct voices and personalities, adding an extra layer of depth and emotional resonance to the listening experience.
One of the strengths of “Crossed” is its ability to explore the nature of obsession and the thin line between love and madness. McIntire delves into the darkest corners of the human psyche, examining the ways in which desire can twist and corrupt even the most devout of souls. The result is a story that is both deeply unsettling and utterly compelling, with themes that will stay with listeners long after they have finished listening.
However, it’s important to note that “Crossed” is not for the faint of heart. The book deals with heavy themes such as abuse, trauma, and sexual violence, and some listeners may find the content triggering or disturbing. McIntire does not shy away from exploring the darker aspects of human nature, and the story can be intense and emotionally draining at times.
Despite these challenges, “Crossed” is ultimately a compelling and thought-provoking book that pushes the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of dark romance. McIntire’s writing is both beautiful and unsettling, and her ability to create fully-realized characters with complex motivations and desires is impressive.
As the fifth book in the Never After series, “Crossed” can be enjoyed as a standalone novel, but readers who are familiar with the previous installments will appreciate the connections and references to the larger story arc. The ending is both satisfying and open-ended, leaving listeners eager to see what McIntire has in store for the next installment.
In conclusion, “Crossed” is a must-listen for fans of dark romance and anyone who enjoys a good twisted tale of obsession and redemption. Emily McIntire has created a story that is both beautifully written and emotionally challenging, filled with complex characters and themes that will stay with listeners long after they have finished listening. The audiobook, brought to life by the talented narration of [narrator’s name], is an immersive and unforgettable experience that pushes the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of dark fairy tales.
So why not give “Crossed” a listen? With its perfect blend of dark magic, psychological depth, and emotional resonance, this audiobook is sure to keep you enthralled from beginning to end. Just be sure to brace yourself for a journey that is as haunting and provocative as it is ultimately rewarding.
