
The story takes place in the present on a remote farm. Initial setting begins in a barn where the main character Jacob is having a vision brought on with the help of “The Collector.” The journey starts as the reader is cast into the lives of a fanatical cult called The Shared Heart. A zealot named Alda Lam runs things on the surface and speaks for the voice of The Great Collector. Around 80 people or so make up this cult whose goal is to bear witness, while working towards the harvest. There is a sinister feeling to this cult where screams in the night occur, pain is administered to those who are known as ‘Dregs.’ The author, Craig Stewart does a good job of alluding to the unhallowed, dangerous exploits of this cult. He doesn’t come out and just spoon feed the reader, but uses subtle reasoning from the actions, behaviors, and words used around and with Jacob by other characters who reside at the camp. The novels first part is to allow the reader the opportunity to assess the nature of this sect which seems to prey upon those in society who have been shunned or have emotionally fallen between the cracks and are very vulnerable. However, as time progresses, some of the people there get instilled with false memories of why they chose to go or simply were taken. Just as Jacob is succumbing to the unknown intent of his path with the sect, he himself is kidnapped by very familiar people.
Jacob’s fiancé emerges in the dark of night with the help of her brother at The Sacred Heart community. They kidnap Jacob from his trappings and take him back to their home they bought together before things went south. Nina, his fiancé begins the task of trying to ‘deprogram’ Jacob from the brainwashing of the cult. Sit back, because the author throws a lot of wrenches in her efforts. Steward bombards Nina with the nosey neighbor who makes it his business to try and know her business. Nina is in constant duress for hiding Jacob, dealing with her nightmares, no support system other than her love for Jacob, mysterious vans driving around, Jacob’s sanity and the efforts at deprogramming him. It all boils up in the second part of the story.
The third and fourth part of the story hinges on The Harvest. The Dregs, Alda and The Collector are not going to let Jacob go so easily without a fight. It is the battle of Nina’s life to stop events which have been set in motion. Craig Stewart ramps up the suspense and ghastly exchange of evil intent mixed with blood as the final curtain falls. Will Nina save Jacob and escape from The Shared Heart or will The Collector get his ‘harvest?’ Good luck navigating this labyrinth of pain and hope for escape. Stewart allows the reader to take moments to reflect, “What would I do if I was in their shoes?” If you like to be caught in a novel which makes it hard to breath for fear you won’t escape, dial this one up.
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