A review by oceanwriter
Shadow of the Taj by Lara Bernhardt

dark emotional sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Wow… this was the heaviest book I've read in a while. It was almost too much for me at times but I am so glad I stuck with it. This is a heartbreaking story that is so tragically based on the global human trafficking crisis. Leslie's instant love, concern, and willingness to do whatever it takes to save Raveena's life is admirable. I wanted to hop on a plane to India and save a child myself.

Another thing I really enjoyed was Leslie's struggle with her faith. I wasn't sure what direction this plotline was going at first with so many negative comments about her parents' faith (particularly her mother's), but it ended up being a journey. The question posed is one I think most Christians struggle with at one point or another. While the answer doesn't come in this life, we get to watch Leslie go through these tests and find her own relationship with God. This isn't something I see often in fiction, especially with such real and horrific situations surrounding it.

This story was rich in characters, plot, and side-plots. 'One more chapter' before bed continuously became five more chapters. This might be wishful thinking, but I hope someday there will be a follow-up book.

Thanks to BookSirens for providing a free review copy. I have since purchased a physical copy of the book for myself.
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