Title: Struck (Struck #1)
Author: Rachel Langley
Narrator: Jelyne Harris
Link: https://www.audible.com/pd/Struck-Audiobook/B083F7QWGN
Summary
The headline read: A Deserted Town: Where Are the Missing?
The missing. That’s what their friends and family had become.
Laney and Leela are identical twins, except for a birthmark and two very different personalities. Home for the summer after college graduation, they go on a camping trip with their two younger siblings. When they return home, they find the town empty. Everyone is missing, including their parents and Laney’s boyfriend, Hollister.
Besides some strange marks on the ground caused by a lightning storm, there aren’t any clues, and without any leads on the disappearances, the police leave the town isolated and closed off. Laney falls into despair, and Leela is not sure how much longer they can remain in their home, hiding from the authorities.
When a mysterious man named Curwen arrives, claiming he wants to help them, Laney and Leela aren’t sure how to proceed. He decides to tell them the truth even though it is forbidden – he works for the leader of an underground resistance, and he knows what’s happened to their friends and family. Curwen offers to help the twins on a mission to rescue their parents and Hollister – a mission that could cost them their lives. They must decide whether to trust him or risk being separated from their loved ones forever.
My Review
5/5 Stars
When twins Laney and Leela go camping to their favorite spot with their siblings, all is right in the world. Until they return home the next day and realize that everyone in their town has gone missing. With very little clues as to what happened, they stick at home, desperate for answers. When a mysterious man shows up in their yard, they have plenty of questions and he has all the answers.
This was such an immersive fantasy with a fantastic worldbuilding concept. The idea of traveling through lightning is brilliant. I also loved the backstory of the King and the curse though the ending left me wanting more. I really hope there’s some kind of sequel or novella about Lela and her decision because there are so many questions I still have that went unanswered.
Every character had a distinct personality, the twins especially. I liked Cory’s personality the most though. He had an adorable little brother impression, and the way the author wrote him was adorable. Of all the characters though, I think the one I related to most was Leela. She was the easiest to understand, and I found myself rooting for her the most. Especially when Laney was being difficult.
This was a shorter listen, but definitely worth giving your full attention to. I didn’t expect any of what came, and I’m very glad I gave this story, and author, a chance.
Narration was as wonderfully done as the story.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
