Comets: A Novel

by B.L. Bierley, Colt Phillips (Illustrator), C. Jackson (Photographer)

How does it feel to be a young girl at the mouth of hell? Kara Maness can tell you. In the book, Comets, we meet Kara just before she becomes the victim of sexual and psychological abuse at the hands of her stepfather, Terry Garrett. Forcing her to change her last name is just the first of many things he takes from young Kara. Her mother is willfully blind to what is going on around her. From the earliest signs to the daily pattern of abuse, Kara struggles to escape with the help of fantastical dissociation with a unicorn headed comet—a fiery ride that removes her from the vulgar reality of what is happening to her physical body. In coping with the abuse, and Terry's threats to kill her in very violent ways if anyone finds out, Kara turns her pain inward by cutting comets on into her skin for the comfort of healing and to give herself proof that things will get better. Through everything, Kara is quietly determined to overcome her childhood tormentor and lead a normal life.

Eventually, Kara begins to mature, challenging Terry’s authority and threatening his hold on her simply by growing up. He is enraged by her bid for freedom with a first date. Realizing that the ugly truth is about to be revealed Terry reacts violently and disappears without a trace. It is through the help of a mis-matched group of friends that Kara is able to begin her life anew after the truth of her struggle is revealed. But Terry may still get the final say when he returns years later to reclaim what was taken from him. A realistic portrait, from Kara’s methods of coping with the most brutal experiences no one should have to endure, to the crippling fear of what lurks around every corner, to the healing that must take place in the aftermath, “Comets” is a journey through a life showing one young woman’s strength in not only surviving but also striving toward a life she deserves.

410 pages, ebook

First published July 10, 2012

About the author

B.L. Bierley is the author of the Penwood Legacy series of Regency romantic fiction. The third novel in the series, "Good Liberties of Love" debuted on May 24, 2013. Bierley is also known for her contemporary literature: "What Happens in Vague Us" and "Comets: A Novel" published in 2012. Her young adult, Unknown Paradise series was released in February of 2013 beginning with, "Not the Angel You Know." The second book of the series, "With the Devil You Deal" is set to be released sometime later this year. You can follow her blog here on her author page or on her website at http://www.blbierley.com. You can also follow her on Twitter @BLBierley.

B.L. lives with her husband, daughter and son in Alabama.

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mostly narrative, with dialogue sprinkled in occasionally. Dark subject matter - very graphic descriptions of abuse. Not romanticized at all.

Portrait of a survivor surrounded by good friends who lift her and support her through physical and emotional recovery.