Chapter by Chapter

An Amish community and vampires? There was no way I could pass this up. I had to see how this could possibly pan out.I will admit that I have always been a little curious about the way of life in an Amish community. Author, Laura Bickle, does an amazing job describing the day to day chores of what needs to be done in the life of a “Plain”, which is the term the Amish call themselves. It was very interesting to see how the community works together and pulls together during distressing times. I have also been very curious about the time in an Amish teenagers life where they get to experience Rumspringa. Rumspringa is when the youth in an Amish community get to experience live outside of the community and find themselves. A time where they can what it is they yearn to do, experience the things that they have been daydreaming about before committing themselves to the church and the Amish community.It is on the cusp of main protagonist, Katie’s Rumspringa that the world has been over taken by a Darkness that is killing everyone in the world and interfering with her chance at freedom. After witnessing an evil that was onboard of a crashed helicopter, and seeing firsthand what this Darkness can do, Katie must figure out how to keep her community safe.After the Elders have declared that no one shall leave or enter the gates of the community, Katie comes across an Outsider, Mr. Hottie that goes by the name of Alex, who is injured just outside of the communities boundaries. Although the Elders have forbidden Katie to provide any help for Alex, Katie goes against the rules and takes Alex under her wing and helps him get back on his feet.Not only does Katie have to worry about the flesh eating, blood draining evil that has befallen all of mankind, Katie must also deal with the consequences of the Elders and the community should they find out that she has allowed Alex to come into the community.Although The Hallowed Ones does talk a lot about God and faith, it was a necessary topic that needed to be brought up frequently, as it is what is keeping them alive…for now. And helloooo…reference to Buffy the Vampire Slayer? Awesome! *high voice*Not for the faint of heart, Laura Bickle’s vampires are lethal, deadly, fast, and scary as all hell. The first encounter that Katie has with them in town was heart stopping! The descriptions of their speed, their ruthlessness, and violence was done to perfection. I was scared for Katie and her entire community knowing that these creatures were lurking just beyond the fence.The character building done in The Hallowed Ones was done in a way that I couldn’t help but feel emotionally connected with these characters. Forced to believe whatever Bishop spews at them, but knowing that something is not right, and not able to stand up for themselves and fight. But not Katie. She is such a headstrong and brave character. The mixture of strength and innocence found in Katie was one of the reasons that I loved this book. I found myself wanting to yell and scream at different characters due their sheer blindness and ignorance. It was like the blind leading the blind. To me that shows a great writer if I can get so emotionally charged while reading a book.The twists found within the book related to the plot AND the characters was addictive. The Hallowed Ones had an ending that I didn’t see coming, and a bittersweet ending. I do wish that there was more said in the end, maybe an epilogue to give me more of what has happened. But it is because of this ending that I am eagerly anticipating a sequal!Fans of Apocalyptic reads, vampires, horror, and a twist to a coming of age tale will love The Hallowed Ones, and will easily find a new favorite author with Laura Bickle.