I think that Paige Weaver is an underestimated author. I came across Promise Me Darkness and Promise Me Light last year or so (2013), and I could not read them fast enough. I love the tv show, The Walking Dead, primarily because it makes me think about what I would do in similar circumstances. These two previous books were the same for me, as they made me think about what could happen, and really made me wonder what I would do in a similar situation. Sweet Destruction is not the same premise, certainly, but it has that same gritty and raw feel that pulls you in. Samantha and her brother, Bentley, have grown up poorer than poor. They live in a trailor that other people seem to look down on, and they have suffered so much abuse and neglect that they are truly survivors. They are also joined by Cole Walker, who becomes Bentley's, or Bent's, best friend, but he becomes Samantha's nemesis. Their attraction and connection with one another is so apparent, but they fight it with every thought and breath because of their tough past and the decisions that were made in that past. Walker, raised by an alcoholic and abusive dad, himself, has always taken care of himself, first, and then he takes care of himself, again. The only weak spot that he really has is Samantha - but no one, even her, knows that. When you throw in a drug cartel, dirty cops, and street racing, this book is definitely not your typical NA type book. Please read it and give Sam and Walker their due! I guess the story was good but it was missing something, I thought it would be more dark and emotional. I think it all went down too fast, they were kids getting in trouble at one momment and then they hated each other's guts but were always in love with one another and then it was all over. I must write this, Cole reminded me of Ryder everytime and he did something sweet, like stealing things from a pharmacy when Sam was sick, or food when she was hungry, or looking out for her even when she thought he hated her.I think, the reason it doesn't get the 5 stars is because my eyes are still very much dry, and not hurting from crying like a two year old. Because, everytime I read Promise Me Darkness, I'm crying my eyes out. And I know its a different book and all, but I think what represents Weaver its her emotional writting. But that's my opinion, so perhaps I'm the crazy one and this book was perfect and I was looking for some reason to cry " being a woman and all that " as my grampa would say (hahaha).So for the readers out there who like Paige's work, I recommend it. Hope she's got something in storage for us, because even though I don't always like it, she's got one hell of an imagination, and great books to prove it.
What do You think about Sweet Destruction (2000)?
You can never go wrong with reading paige weaver's amazing books!!!!!
—annce
Sam was lucky to have Bentley and Cole in her life!!!
—bailey
