Appetite for Innocence by Lucinda Berry - Rating: 3.5/5⭐️
A serial rapists goes after virgin teenage girls. Stocking their entire lives on social media and until he gets the timing right to take them. Holding them in his basement until he’s ready to take the innocence.
Once in captivity, we get the heartbreaking story that flips from being captive to the hospital after escaping as it follows two of his victims’ stories that they had to endure.
LIKES:
👍🏾 The story was plausible and informative. The author did a great job handling a difficult subject matter. Mostly in being able to see the traumatic deep routed scars that are left on a person after something like this emotionally, mentally, and physically.
👍🏾 The main characters were beautifully written. My heart ached for Ella. I’ve never wanted to burst out into tears so hard for someone in a book like this. John was the perfect villain. He was disgusting and revolting. And Sarah made me want to yank her by her hair with her Stockholm Syndrome. She was the perfect side kick and villain to finish out the story. It all added these multiple layers to the reality of the situation.
👍🏾 The pacing was kept well throughout especially with the short chapters and flipping between narratives and timelines.
DISLIKES:
👎🏾 I found the ending rushed when it came to John. I wish the book explored more about the kidnapper’s motive and background though, since the means and opportunity to commit the crime were so detailed.
👎🏾 There were a couple times the story dragged a bit, I think more towards the end with the girls coming home. A lot of repetition and parts that could’ve been taken out that wouldn’t affected the overall story. I also wouldn’t consider it exactly a thriller.
👎🏾 Jocelyn, especially as a mother, annoyed the hell out of me. How do you tend to every physical and emotional need of another child over your own? Especially after you lost her for MONTHS. I got the sympathy, but I can’t imagine not hanging onto everything my kid needs over forcing her into it all.
Overall, I would definitely check all the trigger warning before getting into it, but a good fast read!
Graphic: Rape, Panic attacks/disorders, Medical trauma, Sexual content, Gun violence, Sexual violence, Abortion, Gore, Drug use, Pregnancy, Stalking, Emotional abuse, Kidnapping, Death of parent, Pedophilia, Death, Gaslighting, Grief, Physical abuse, Child abuse, Self harm, Violence, Blood, Infertility, Injury/Injury detail, Mental illness, Suicide attempt, Adult/minor relationship, Slavery, Torture, Sexual assault, Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Abandonment, Child death, Murder, Miscarriage, Vomit, Addiction, Alcohol, Medical content, Sexual harassment, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Toxic relationship