Children of the Enemy by DJ Swykert

Title: Children of the Enemy
Author: D.J. Swykert
Available from: Amazon

I was asked by the author to read/review this book and received a copy of the book in exchange.

This is a well-written book and the characterization, especially Ray, is compelling. From the minute Jude St. Onge encounters Ray, I was fascinated by Ray, his actions and his motivations. He’s like an archangel gone off course, bringing mercy, redemption and fiery justice all at once.

This book is not for the faint of heart, however. It’s raw, and at times very violent. The story wouldn’t ring true otherwise; the author solemnly shows the reader that people like Swallow exist and they do things most of us don’t even want to think about.

The story is well paced and moves at a fairly good clip through the events, giving the reader the opportunity to take a good look at the window into the lives of the characters and the events as they unfold. It wasn’t a can’t-put-it-down read for me, but I also wanted to keep reading, and I was surprised when I realized I was almost done.

I have to say something about this cover. It’s the only thing about the book that’s really ugly; try not to judge the book by it. Maybe the author means for it to be ugly, because it’s kind of an ugly story he’s telling. Overlook it – the writing is better than the amateurish cover.

I finished the book hoping that Ray actually will be able to take Edward fishing in the summer. If you really like a raw, edgy story that’s character driven, then I can absolutely recommend this book.