Ask 26-year-old artist Cid Walker how he’s feeling and you’ll likely get a snarl, or a glare, but not a real answer. Cid’s soul is so damaged from a brutal and savage ex-fiancé that trusting anyone is out of the question.Two classmates try to get his attention; Barry and Kellen. Barry is only 18 and a very naïve, sweet boy-next-door type who is young, needy, and anxious to get involved with the … with the mysterious artist. He wants to be with Cid more than anything, but his efforts fail.
Kellen, all of 22, is as snarky as Cid is at first, but soon manages to get across to him. Kellen understands why Cid is acting out because Kellen is also keeping his soul and psyche intact with mere Band-Aids after being attacked a few years ago.
Add in a stalker that won’t take ‘no’ for an answer and you have Cid’s life at the moment. Who can get through his broken heart?
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CID by S.L. Danielson is a heart-wrenching read that kept me turning the pages. I did have to have my tissues handy for this read, it is a heart-breaking beautiful read.
Cid: one of the more complicated characters I have ever read. He has so many layers I doubt my description will do him justice. He is prickly, honest, and has a true heart of gold. He is gorgeous and shy, along with complicated. He also is a little old school and artistic to his core.
Barry: he is young, naïve, and like a puppy sometimes just overly friendly. But I loved his energy. He is a good person, but he cannot understand what he has not experienced yet. Not a lot of insight into others. Felt very young at heart.
Kellen: surly, a redhead with attitude. He is strong, has great insight into others. Has experienced life more mature for that experience. He is forged in steel is what comes to mind. He still retains his kind heart.
To all this mix we add a stalker. Who by the way is creepy as heck. This is a college-aged story with a lot of depth. This is not a story that you binge read. I would need a break every now and again, but it is memorable and well worth the read. I really love stories with true heart and soul, and this is one. Highly recommend this story and cannot wait for more from this author in the future.
Five Shooting Stars and Recommended Read
Meet Cid. From the outside, you see a 26 years old art student, with lilac hair and eyes, standoffish and snarky. What nobody sees, though, is how broken his mind and soul really are. Or how afraid he is of being touched, of crouds or of any kind of social interaction.
Cid’s life ,revealed throughout the book, is heartbreaking. It’s also disheartening to watch his reactions to sweet Barry. Cid is lonely and having a new friend is good for him,but when Barry stars pushing for more it ends in tears for both of them,because Cid can’t give him more than friendship (good thing for Barry that he later finds love with Frank- I’m really glad for that).
You’d think that poor Cid has suffered enough…but no,because he also gets sexually assaulted. This part right here brought me to tears, seeing him loose the will to live. Really,how can one survive so much pain without wanting to just give it all up?
Now is Kellan’s moment to come to the rescue. Fierce,loyal, caring,protective Kellan,who’s the only one to see right behind Cid’s snappy attitude…only because he’s lived and survived the same pain. Talking about their experiences is what strengthens their connection,Kellan’s support bringing hope to Cid’s battered heart…and love blossoms. It was about time,if you ask me,because never two men needed some light and happiness in their lives as much as them.
CID by S.L. Danielson is a rough,emotional wringer. Saddening and overwhelming, yes,but such a beautiful story to read.