My son is a good man.I know what you think about him, because I know what he’s done, but you have to understand that it’s not his fault.He was something of a misanthrope in his youth and that can be attributed to his father.Please understand that I will take the blame for my part in wrecking his soul, but it’s so hard to resist a boy so sweet.He’s always loved me most of all and I took advantage … me most of all and I took advantage of that.
Until you feel what I felt in his arms don’t judge me too harshly.
Don’t hate my son for the sins of his mother.
I betrayed his trust.
I made him into the man he’s become.
God help me.
This is my confession.
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Love these stories and the way she manages to take us to such dark places. The glimpse into his past explains a lot about why he is the way he is. Cannot wait to read more about this twisted family.
Pater’s origins are, at last, revealed. And, it’s clear that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. The inner working of Olson’s literary mind scare me… But, only in a good way! (If there can be such a dichotomy.)
3.75 Stars
As a young woman, Taylee made a choice that irrevocably changed her path. Now, she is devoted to her son, Luke, but her love isn’t unconditional.
“He knows that he has to love me because no one else will. Nor will they love him – not like I do. Not ever like I do.”
In starting Sparks, I was expecting solid insights into what shaped Luke. Taylee is a complex character and I would have liked to know more about why she made certain decisions throughout the storyline. The dynamic between Taylee and Luke is disturbingly curious, with each having their own set of problematic behavior. I definitely would have preferred to descend more into the darkness, but now understand how it all began.
Although this book is labeled a prequel, I would read it after Inferno and Cinere. If I’d known Pater/Luke’s background prior the full effect Yolanda wanted us to experience would have been minimized.
Learning about Luke’s childhood and what turned him into Pater makes you realize that this man was f*cked from the beginning. His mom was mentally unstable and her primary source of affection and love was her son.
“I’m not a sick woman, but it feels like an illness has taken over me, making me cave him in ways that I never did his father. He’s so willing to learn – so keen on making his mother happy, and it’s like a drug.”
Mommy’s proclivities for familial carnal relations are exactly what Luke/Pater craves as an adult.
Now that we know more let’s move on to the final chapter and meet Darby as an adult.
Man… I love when authors go back and start from the beginning. More clues are dropped. More questions are answered. This story is utterly twisted. I knew that things weren’t going to end HEA. There would be a few wtf moments that has you questioning yourself as well as the characters. If you have read the others works (Inferno and Cinere), then you need to read Sparks. Every twisted tale has a beginning.
Well, I guess all I can say is down the rabbit hole I go because this is definitely going to be a mindf*@k for sure! This short quick read gives you a glimpse of what’s to come, WTH….. on to Inferno I go!
WOW I am so fascinated with these books and this one we meet Taylee Lukes Mother and how it all started and let me tell you it was full of a lot of shocking moments and intense all at the same time so prepare for whats to come because I never expected it and I loved that these characters can put you on the spot with a word or a look, just fantastic.
Just when I think I’m done and I can’t read any more from this family, I’m surprised by how pulled into their stories I am. This early view was amazing, and no matter how much it turned my stomach, I can’t say anything bad about it.
One warning – if you haven’t read Inferno, check that one out first. It brings a whole new meaning to this story.