Review: The Blessed

Title: The Blessed

Author: Tonya Hurley

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Source: Library

From the author of the New York Times bestselling ghostgirl series, the start to a captivating and haunting teen trilogy about three girls who become entangled with an enigmatic boy—a boy who believes he is a saint.What if martyrs and saints lived among us? And what if you were told you were one of them?

Meet Agnes, Cecilia, and Lucy. Three lost girls, each searching for something. But what they find is Beyond Belief.

My Thoughts:

The Blessed really took me by surprise! I knew that it was about a religious cult, so I knew it was going to be unique. I also knew that it was getting some very mixed reviews which honestly, made me want to read it for myself. People either loved it or hated it and I definitely loved it! As soon as I cracked it open and read the first few chapters, I was sucked in and I read the rest on the edge of my seat!

I loved the way the story was told. I normally don’t enjoy books that told from multiple perspectives but The Blessed pulled this off very well! I really liked the three main female characters Cecelia, Agnes and Lucy. These three girls are very different and each personifies a certain type of character. One is all hard core, rock ‘n roll and has the tough as nails persona that shows she not afraid of anything or anyone. Another is a socialite, using people for all their worth and throwing them away when she’s finished. And the third is a catholic schoolgirl struggling with loneliness and tries to take her own life. But fundamentally, they’re all looking for the same thing; they’re searing for a higher calling and for their place in life. Even though they’re all so different they’re still susceptible to the charismatic charm of a good looking guy. They all fall victim to his “preaching” and believe they have been individually selected by God.

Even though I really liked this book, I struggled to understand what was really going on. We’re they just having a spiritual experience or were they actually being moved by God. I don’t know. But it certainly piqued my interest and I would like to know more if there is going to be another book. This book is definitely not for everyone but I found it to be very engrossing and interesting to read. I have found that readers loved it or hated it. What did you think?