Book Review for The Heart of Chenoa by Crede Noir

I received this book for free. This does not impact my review in any shape or form.

The Heart of Chenoa, by Crede Noir, is a dramatic coming-of-age novel about four teenagers fighting for themselves and each other, no matter what comes their way. Indigo had just recently run away from her abusive boyfriend. She decides to go to the small town of Chenoa, where she enrolls in high school to finish her high school degree. From there, she meets Brooke, Gerald, and Jayceon, high school outcasts who understand Indigo more than she realizes. 

The book has a lot of potential. Indigo, in particular, was precious, and I appreciated the support system she found the moment she walked away from Troy. The romantic sub-plots appeared enticing, and the entire town was reminiscent of a gothic, inspirational YA novel, beckoning Indigo with secrets teeming in comforting shadows. You can tell the author endeavored to flesh out each of his characters, and even though it might’ve taken attention away from Indigo and her friends, his actions made the story more interesting. 

Which is why I’m so disappointed. Oftentimes, Crede was telling me things that had happened rather than showing me. I felt like I was reading an exposition of the characters rather than seeing what they’re seeing or feeling any of their emotions. Some plot points didn’t belong (Brooke and her sudden attraction to Paige being one of them). Most of the conflicts were forced, and while I love a good supernatural mystery, the genre didn’t blend well with the touching story Crede was trying to tell through Indigo and Jerald. What could’ve been a wonderfully thrilling story about overcoming obstacles became a convoluted, paranormal mess with more loose ends than needed.

Additionally, I couldn’t help but notice several issues with pacing, POV whiplashes, and different formats that make me think this is a rough draft rather than a final copy.

So for now, I’m giving this book a 2 out of 5 stars.