⚠️Credence Thoughts⚠️

A few days behind updating my thoughts on this book. I finished Credence on the 28th. It took me roughly 7 hours to finish it over the course of 2 days.

Within the 560 pages that make up Credence, we meet Tiernan de Haas, Jake Van den Berg and his two sons: Kaleb and Noah. After losing her parents, 17 year old Tiernan is sent to live with her estranged family. It’s pretty clear early on that there is a great deal of emotional damage within all characters. These issues get touched and worked on throughout the book. However, I feel like Kaleb’s character development happened very much out of our site as it’s not a focus, it just happens. And some of the character development we get from Tiernan happens during time gaps too. One chapter she’s a wreck, the next she’s okay.

I did enjoy reading her coming to terms with her hatred for her parents and finally “telling them”. In this book, the antagonist isn’t your typical characters. It seems to be more the trauma each individual went through. While Holcomb and CiCi cause some strife, it’s still mainly the trauma that makes up a lot of the issues within the pages.

Overall, the book is a nice read and ends on a decent note. I would recommend this for someone to read but I myself would not reread it.

What did you think of Credence?

#honestbookreview #books #lemon8diarychallenge #lemon8challenge #fyp

2024/12/31 Edited to

... Read moreIn 'Credence', Penelope Douglas weaves a complex narrative centered on emotional resilience and trauma. The protagonist, Tiernan, grapples with the aftermath of her parents' death, a theme that resonates with many young adults facing similar challenges. The unique setting of remote mountains in Colorado adds an isolative backdrop that intensifies the emotional turmoil experienced by the characters. Readers witness not just a story of loss, but also the healing process that follows, particularly as Tiernan navigates her conflicting feelings towards her estranged family. This journey towards self-discovery is especially poignant, as it reflects the real struggles associated with grief and acceptance. Moreover, character arcs such as Kaleb's, while subtle, are integral in portraying the underlying message that healing is not always linear. The book avoids typical antagonist tropes, instead presenting trauma itself as a formidable force that each character must confront. This nuanced approach to storytelling not only enriches the narrative but also invites readers to reflect on their own experiences with trauma and recovery. While some may find the pacing varied, with certain developments occurring off-page, it ultimately serves to mirror the real-life complexities of personal growth. For those seeking a contemporary romance that intertwines heavy themes with character studies, 'Credence' proves to be a compelling read.

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