Wild Thing (The Leeth Dossier Book 1) by L.J. Kendall

In Wild Thing, author L.J. Kendall plunges readers into a world where magic has re-emerged with chaotic consequences, and the rules of reality seem perpetually in flux.

The sadistic Doctor Harmon takes possession of his niece, Sara, with the intention of imbuing her with magical powers, but their years-long relationship quickly takes on a dark and perilous tone. He grooms her into a killer, yet her mind remains that of a child; she becomes a Huntress with a wild streak, preparing for a far greater battle to come, but also a sexualized object to be controlled. As she grows, her powers evolve, as does the horrific connection between the two core characters.

While the author attempts to justify many of the most sinister moments in the plot, the story often veers into graphic tangents and dark fantasies. Amidst the emotional carnage and the paranormal torture, there are some brilliant moments of writing, but it’s often overshadowed by the shock factor of this tangled plot. Kendall has a penchant for turning readers’ stomachs, and some of the visceral descriptions in this book push the limits of palatable.

The abusive relationship and violence on display in these pages isn’t always easy to stomach, but the book is powerful and well-constructed. As the launching point for what promises to be a long series, Kendall has boldly shown the type of dystopian fiction he prefers, and while the book may be too graphic or triggering for some readers, those who want this type of dark escape should buckle up for a brutal and psychologically challenging read.