Book Review: To Liv From the Ruin

To Liv, From the Ruin

By Adrienne Stewart Patton

Publisher: Adrienne Stewart Patton

Published: Nov. 17, 2013

ASIN: B00EW1BGIS

Amazon Synopsis:

An allegorical tale of exhilarating adventure, TO LIV FROM THE RUIN is a groundbreaking exploration of the darkness inside the human heart and a soul’s deep-seated need for God’s restorative light. 

When twenty-five-year-old Liv Raines decides to give up on life, she makes one last-ditch effort to find her way and consequently embarks on a revolutionary journey connecting her with her inner being. Here, she confronts the pain she hid under the surface of her life so long ago, pain that finally took its toll. 

With unparalleled courage, first time author Adrienne Stewart Patton captures the vulnerability of humankind and inspires us all with her work of fiction told from the inside out. 

A debut novel like none other, TO LIV FROM THE RUIN is highly imaginative, invitingly 

personal and beautifully unique. Patton’s poetic embrace of the light and dark characteristics of the human soul is nothing short of fascinating. 

TO LIV FROM THE RUIN is Book 1 of Adrienne Stewart Patton’s epic adventure series entitled, TO LIV FROM HERE. 

Book Links

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My Thoughts:

To Liv From the Ruin is a unique novel. I have to admit that I have a hard time with allegories, so this book was a big challenge for me. I had a hard time getting into this novel at the beginning at first, and wanted to give up for awhile, but I’m glad I persisted. I did understand the general gist of what was going on, and that was what kept me going.

Ms. Patton’s writing is highly imaginative and very descriptive. The images she creates are beautiful. Her characters are interesting and as the Pieces of Liv Raines, they truly become something more.

Watching the Pieces interact was like being able to watch a person going through an inner struggle and arguing with himself. Ms Patton made it easy to visualize that inner struggle by personifying each part of Liv’s psyche, soul, personality or whatever you want to call it. It was a truly fascinating way of showing her journey of self-discovery.

The prologue and epilogue add a great deal to understanding what is going on in the story, in that they give the story a frame to build upon. I’m glad that they are there for those of us who aren’t so good at understanding allegories so that we have a better understanding that what we are reading about isn’t meant to be taken quite literally.

I found it very interesting that not all of Liv’s pieces believed in The Scribe. It seems to me that To Liv From the Ruin is as much a story of spiritual journey as it is a journey of self-awareness.

Ms. Patton writes with great imagination. The world she creates in Liv’ heart or soul where the pieces live is beautiful and highly detailed, filled characters that you grow to care about. The world she creates is as fantastical as any dream, and indeed, sometimes I felt like I was walking through someone’s dream.

I enjoyed To Liv From the Ruin, and that is saying a lot because, as I said, allegories are not my cup of tea. I gave this novel 4 out of 5 stars.

Thank you to the author, Adrienne Stewart Patton, for providing a copy of her book in exchange for a fair and honest review. A positive opinion was not required. All thoughts are my own.

About the Author:

First-time author ADRIENNE STEWART PATTON is a Mississippi native who currently lives in North Carolina with her husband, their two sons and a yard full of lightning bugs.

Prior to publishing her debut novel, Adrienne wrote screenplays, short stories and the beginnings of numerous novels. She worked in the magazine industry as well as in advertising, which eventually sent her to New York, New York, the one residence her allergies approved.

She loves spending time at home with her family and watching the sunrise.

Author Links

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