Abandoned Grace: An Interview with Devin Andersen

by Marissa Honeycutt

As an author, I know that characters often take on lives of their own. But what would you do if you received a phone call from someone you thought only existed in the pages of your book?
That is exactly what happened to me, Marissa Honeycutt, author of The Life of Anna.
Imagine my complete shock when I was called upon to perform an extraordinary and revolting task: travel to Russia to speak to one hailed by many as their all-time favorite villain. No one begins life as an evil son of a...well, you know, including Devin. Believe it or not, there was a time when our villain was a young man in love.
So what happened? Join me as I delve deep into the mind of Devin Andersen, to find out how the man became the monster.

***Please note this is not a stand-alone story. If you don't like spoilers, don't read this until you read The Life of Anna.

Genres: Dark, Paranormal, Dark Romance, Paranormal Romance, Suspense, Romance, Fantasy

65 pages, ebook

Published September 27, 2016

About the author

Hi Everyone!

I'm an indie author that likes to write books that will make you feel! Dark is my primary genre with touches of romance, paranormal, political conspiracy, suspense, and thriller. I love meeting new readers, so feel free to touch base with me and introduce yourself!

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MY BOOKS

The Life of Anna
Enslaved (The Life of Anna, #1)
Entwined (The Life of Anna, #2)
Embraced (The Life of Anna, #3)
Ensnared (The Life of Anna, #4)
Emerged (The Life of Anna #5)

You can also read the entire story in one book: The Life of Anna: The Complete Story

Side story to The Life of Anna
Abandoned Grace

Finding Sabrina
Master of My Body (Finding Sabrina #1)
Master of My Heart (Finding Sabrina #2)
Master of My Life (Finding Sabrina #3)

Stand-Alone
Distorted Hope
Gluttony
For the Love of Music

Reviews

[Crystal (Crystalreads2) · Rating 5 out of 5]

When The Life of Anna ended, I had questions, and as dark as it is (one of the darkest books I have ever read), I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to Anna and Alex. I mean, Alex is just too swoon-worthy, and I questioned him so many times. But he won me over. Somehow this book slid under my radar, and I newly discovered it.

Abandoned Grace gives you Devins POV, the manipulative, narcissistic psychopath, just pure evil, and one of the darkest villains I have ever read. The book shows how he ended up being so evil. I almost, and I mean almost, just a silver felt terrible for him. But he made his choices in life.

The book starts off a letter to the readers from the author and turns dark. Yes, in my dark scale, this series continues to be black. It was nice to see Anna years later and how she is in her life, and the book sets the tone for the next series, Finding Sabrina. Kudos to the author for keeping my attention to two series; usually, by now, I am bored and give up. But now she sucked me in, and I couldn't be happier.

[D.L. Howe · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off can I just say how clever this whole premise is. I love that her characters came to life and called to do an interview. I fucking love that. But god forbid Devin truly become real, unless of course I had him at my mercy. (Sorry, I have stated in the past that I’m a vengeful little creature.)

I have absolutely no sympathy for Devin, in fact it’s a joy to see him suffering. And glimpsing into his past only proved he would be a monster with it without the influence of outsiders.

I’m glad that Anya had Trevor, without him she would have suffered a fate as bad as her daughter. I do wish that there would be a story similar to theirs because the immortals are so interesting. I’d love to see a character like Sebastian be the H.

It’s a great little segue between The Life of Anna and Finding Sabrina.

[Steph's Romance Book Talk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Marissa, you start off by making me think you were writing a love letter to your readers about the evilest, dirtiest, DEVIL I have ever read about. You made me almost have compassion for the DEVIL, how did you do that? I want MORE, need MORE!! I was emotionally wrecked by The Life of Anna and your interview with the DEVIL, himself just opened my mind back to the darkness making me want to know MORE!!! I truly hope that these characters speak through you again because that is one tunnel of darkness I would travel willingly.

The specific video review: https://youtu.be/6IQKsuFnFZE

For other video reviews check out my YouTube Channel: Stephanie Uncensored
https://www.youtube.com/c/stephanieun...

[WendyW ~ Girls Just Wanna Have Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abandoned Grace is a different and refreshing approach than what you typically see from an author. It is a unique perspective to have the author amidst the story, involved and interacting with the characters.

Marissa has reacquainted us with those characters that we all fell in love with, and loved to fall in hate with, in The Life of Anna series. I was quickly reminded of how much of a sick and twisted fuck Devin Anderson was. The brutality and depraved debasement that Anna endured in the series comes back to the forefront of your memories. But the focus of this book is not Anna, this book is about Devin and the turn of events that happened in his youth that cultivated him into the monster he is today.

Abandoned Grace is an enlightening view into Devin’s mind that provides answers to some impertinent questions and also expands on motivations behind some of the heinous acts in the series. There are brief interactions with Alex, Anna, and Peter but the spotlight belongs to the Evil master himself.

You will not find the level of perversion or darkness that was abundant in Anna’s books, but Marissa leaves you at the end of this book with the premise of more. There is also an astonishing disclosure that eludes to a shocking and ghastly revelation.

My only critique of this book is there is not nearly enough. It is a perfect intro of what one might hope will turn into an integrated and unabridged prelude to the life of Anna. I have missed these characters and this book has inspired me to re-read this series and re-experience the harrowing nightmare of The Life of Anna.

[Di Covey/TwistedBookReviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marissa Honeycutt brought "The Life of Anna" full circle. I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book. Devin, he's one of the most terrifying villains I've come across. But, for some reason I needed something, a look into his twisted mind.

Told from the authors perspective. What a different approach, I loved this idea. Marissa takes a journey to Russia, a dark journey into the past with Devin. Just reading about the characters gave me chills. As a huge fan of this series, it was like a reunion of sorts. I had goosebumps galore. I'm not going into details, because this story is short and I don't want to give spoilers. If you want to know the start of Devin, I'd totally recommend this one. Plus, there's a few shocking twists that will leave you wondering what's next.

[Maria (Ri) · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 I never want this series to end stars

This was just a short book that gave insight into Devin from The Life of Anna series. It continues its dark theme. I am not sure why I love that series as much as I do considering how dark it is but its unlike anything that I have ever read. I never want it to end. I'm looking forward to it continuing with the Elder-Mistress.

[Diana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hope this is just part one. If not, then this book will leave more questions than it answers. The premise sounded intriguing, the author becoming a part of the story in order to find answers about what made Devin the way he was. There was even a slight sense of urgency because a super elder mistress was missing, and Devin's mind was thought to hold the key to this possible abduction. We learn a bit about Devin's past and how he grew up, however, the story is unresolved. We learn nothing about the super elder mistress, who is only mentioned briefly at the beginning, and then hear nothing else. This story does let us know that there were forces behind Devin becoming the power hungry sadist he eventually became, and we know that Kaveh and another "immortal" are to blame, but we don't get much further than that. There is possibility though, and there were quite a few surprises that I didn't see coming. This could be the opening to a great story if there is more to come, which I *hopefully* believe there will be, but I guess we will wait and see. I'm rating this 3 Stars for the promise of things to come, and because it is a novella; however, my rating will change if this is all we get. I'm hoping for some divine intervention. ;-) Also....I still don't feel sorry for Devin. I may understand him a tiny bit better, but no sympathy here.

[Purple-pinky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wanted to give this book so much more than five stars.
it was so unique. The way the author brought the story to life. It was a touch of genius to make herself one of those much loved character.
Marissa. That was one hell of a read. To start with I felt safe. Reading the story with you in it. It was like bring fantasy to life. Combining the two worlds.
Then it started to get serious. I worried for you. I was back into the Life of Anna. Staring into a pensive (Harry Potter) Watching the destruction of Anna's life, before it began. This has to be one of the most consuming reads for me. Totally believable.
It gave me an understanding into Devlin's behaviour. The choices he still made were wrong. It did however, give me an insight as to why he behaved as he did. There are still questions to be answered. Cannot wait to read more.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant added addition to The Life of Anna Series's ~ Loved getting an insight to Devin in his younger days and why he became the twisted evil devil he did.

The only downside for me was this book was too short !

Cannot wait for more new dark reads coming from Marissa Honeycutt.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Marissa for the insight into Devin’s young life and the precursor to the events that lead to “The Life of Anna”.

Also, I hope that you are “deemed worthy”; I know there is more to tell.

My fingers are crossed!!

[osomanybooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

What???
What!!!
*screams!!!!!!*
Marissa, I need more... you can't do this to me!!
What an amazing reunion, through the eyes of the author!! I'm so jealous 😁

I loved it!!!

[Alda Horne-Thacker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tease!!

Would have given five stars but this was a serious tease! Not long enough! I’m not sure what it says about me but I am so engrossed in following Anna story and this whole crew of characters!

[KimTae · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was a good read...I was just expecting more from it. What happened to Anya's father?

They already know the man above Kaveh is Vamar, so what's the hold up...?

And when did Devin and Marissa first meet? Now I have to go back and do a little searching.

I guess Devin suffered enough, huh?

Too many questions, but I'm sure there will be more to this story this year. *Fingers Crossed*

[Shelby · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received a free copy to read for Wicked Reads*

Abandoned Grace was a little snippet into the pre-Anna life of Devin Andersen. This quick read will be better appreciated if read after The Life of Anna series (and what a dark journey it was)!
I loved, loved, loved this. I loved everything about it: the way it was written, the subject matter itself, the glimpse it gave us of a young Devin/evil mastermind.
Even better was the foreshadowing that their may be some MORE stories about these characters that I've come to either totally love or deeply despise!

Is there anyway that Devin could be redeemed? Personally, I think not but that's not to say we can't possibly understand his motivations to become what he is.

This was a crazy good addition to one of my favorite series!

[✰ Charlie ✰ Chisholm · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Provided and Reviewed by We’ve Licked that book blog

I like the way this book was done, as the Author brings it to life with herself as one of the characters in the book and is off to Russia to interview one of the most hated characters in her books life of Anna series.

Join Marissa on this journey to get inside the head of Devin who became the Monster we all hated.

It was great to get some insight to Devin’s past and why he was the way he was. I might understand him a little better after reading, but I still hate him and nope I don’t think that will ever change.

You don’t get the darkness you found in Anna’s books but it still kept me turning the page. If you loved the Life of Anna series. You really should read this one.

I kind of understand why he is the way he is after reading.

I loved that we got to hear from Anna, Alex again.

***Please note this is not a stand-alone story. If you don't like spoilers, don't read this until you read The Life of Anna.

[Ruthie Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~

Oh, wow, what a brilliant idea ... and seriously freaking scary too. You really must read the stories which precede this interview to get the full force of what emerges, and what might be in the future.

The series was an incredibly intense read, and this just brought back all the memories and shivers down my spine ... more to come - I say bring it on, but with goosebumps of fear and dread. (I was utterly compelled to read everything, even though I am an abject coward - addictive is an understatement)

I love clever twists, and Ms Honeycutt never fails to deliver - this may be the most devious of them all! Obviously I should give this 5* but Devin prevented me.

[Polly Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read the previous books by this wonderful author I could not wait to start this new short read, I easily feel back into the world of Anna and Alex and instantly loved this book , I will not spoil this book by giving any details in this review if you loved the life of Anna and needed to know why Devin was the way he was then you need to read this book , thank you Marissa for giving us more of the story

[Groovy · Rating 2 out of 5]

this was a waste of time. It didn't really reveal anything about Devin. I thought it was going to be Devin's side of the story, but it was just a short explanation about one part of Devin's life that didn't include anything about Anna.

[Just Jese · Rating 2 out of 5]

Short and Boring

I read all of the Anna books before reading this SHORT story.
I don’t understand how the Author thought it was okay to ingrate her self into the story and make claims about how she interviewed the characters in the story and embellished certain areas.... when the original books don’t make any mention of it being told in third person. This was just odd.
Once again, I’m shocked at how the women are treated and there still isn’t any hint of change or working to become a stronger role model of sorts to prevent the sufferings from happening again.
The backstory of Anna’s mom and grandmother or beyond tragic, but again it’s written for more shock value than anything else. If Anya was brutally raped at a Gathering... how on earth did Devin ingrate himself enough into their lives in the future that he was able to have access to Anna? Yes we’ve seen instances of memory manipulation, but Trevor was an immortal who could read minds and sense emotions. It made little to no sense overall.
If Kevah was given explicit orders to orchestrate all of this... why was he punished in the end?
This entire story just served as some sort of vehicle to introduce her next series that is supposed to serve as a companion series of sorts. I’m overall... unimpressed.

[Louise Seraphim Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anybody who knows what I like to read, knows I will hands down recommend The Life of Anna series to any curious or die hard dark readers. I absolutely loved that series, I've not been able to find anything in the dark genre that comes anywhere near to the level that series is on.

When I saw Abandoned Grace was heading out soon, I quickly jumped on the pre-order button. I had no clue what it was about, just that it was Devin's short story. I didn't really care all that much, I just wanted more from the world of Anna.

Before I begin, you really do need to have read the rest of the series, although you can read it as an intro to the series, I personally think you would get more out of it, having read the main series first, it's far easier to understand, and think back on what has happened in the main story.

So, I didn't realise this was a novella to start with, but it didn't make all that much difference to me, but I didn't expect it to be quite as short as it was, I would of liked to have read more, not that it's a complaint, as I got quite stuck in, and would of liked to have had more to read. But anyway, aside from that it's a story that is told in a completely new and extremely confusing pov. It's told as if the author is actually really in the story, and interviewing one of her characters, yeah I know, confusing. I did have to really pay attention in that first chapter or two, but luckily it moved on quite quick. It then changes to memories of the Devin, and how he came to be what and who he is, and a particular chapter of his life. Obviously what everyone who knows the story, is dying to read, so it was very exciting.

Devin is obviously one of those characters who just can't help himself, no matter how much he is portrayed to possibly be different at the start, from what he ends up like, by the time he is with Anna. You can't help but notice the signs. He was never quite right, and I don't think he actually stood much chance with all the influences of others. It didn't make me like him anymore, but he is certainly entertaining and unpredictable, and I love that.

I have also been left with a few questions, which is a bit tricky as I'm not entirely sure I'll ever get answers, unless there is going to be another book from this series.

So, if you have read The Life of Anna series, I definitely recommend this novella, it was HUGELY entertaining, and I can't help but be completely sucked into anything from this series.

[Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

The concept for this book is interesting. The author, Marissa, goes to interview Devin. Anna and Alex are interested in finding out why Devin became a villain. In the hopes of stopping future Elders from becoming the same way. The story is really short, it took me maybe 4-5 hours to read.

I don’t believe it’s necessary to read this book…it doesn’t really elaborate any on Anna and Alex’s life together. The backstory for Devin is intriguing, however, I found it really lack-luster. Anna’s story was interesting, it kept my attention…Devin’s felt unimportant. The significant parts were already divulged in Anna’s story.

I was interesting in going back into the world, which is why I choose to read Devin’s story…but you could just read The Life of Anna and not miss anything if you choose not to read this book.

[Stephanie Furlan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5-3.75 stars

It’s been a few years since I read The Life of Anna series. To this day it is one of my favorites. That being said, I liked Abandoned Grace. It was good to catch up.

I took points away because the whole Marissa inserting herself into the story as if it was real was totally stupid. This should have been a regular fiction story. Marissa could have given us a quick novella to show us what the characters were up to. Also I’m still not sure I get the whole missing girl angle. Is this to make way for a spin-off series? If not then who cares?

[Terri West · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an amazing idea to write this insight into the mind of Devin Anderson, it almost makes Anna's story a reality. I was an emotional wreck by the time I finished The Life of Anna and it was really, really good to meet up with the characters again. My problem now is that where does this leave our latest heroine, Sabrina? (If you've started that series you will understand what I mean) I fear for her and can't wait for the 3rd book in the series.

Thanks you Marissa for an amazing experience.

[Lydia Langston · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked that we got some of Devin’s POV but to be honest, my brain feels dirty now. Major kudos to Marissa for writing one of THE most (if not the most) diabolical character to ever be written in literary history. I also really enjoyed how fun it was that Marissa wrote herself into the book and interacted with her characters. I don’t know if I necessarily needed to read this but it was interesting. I certainly liked the way it wrapped up with a nice little fucked up bow for Devin. I’m really excited for this next trilogy the ending of the book alluded to.

[Shelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the perfect ending to Life of Anna, or perhaps, the perfect bridge between Life of Anna and her next series.
We finally get to see "behind the curtain" of the monster that was Devin. We get to see where it all began and why. It answered a few questions, and it raised a few more!
I love everything Marissa Honeycutt has written, and this was no exception. I can't wait for her to finish her next series!

[Lutfiyyah H. Al-Amin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hanging On

This certainly has me hanging on for the next installment and left me with questions from this read. What ever happened to Anya's father after her mother died? Where did Anya get her immortality from if not from her parents? And if it came from her parents, why weren't they in a better position in life? I felt these could have been answered unless the answers play a role in the next installment. I anxiously await.

[Dejia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought I would be done after reading this! I had zero intention of jumping back into Marissa Honeycutt’s twisted ass world. Alas, I’ve been had…again! This author is good at grabbing my attention and holding it hostage. The concept of this novella was unique. This little peek into Devin’s past wasn’t enough for me BUT I guess it wasn’t supposed to be. In the end, I’ve been teased into reading her Finding Sabrina series.

[Jessica Stoye · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not worth the read. It goes over a small piece of Devin's past, and honestly I'm not a fan of "they're all real, and I, the author, have to help them save the day" it doesn't give much more than a small back story to Devin and how he got set on his path of distraction. Didn't add anything to what we already knew. But at the very end she sets it up for the next series and states this book coincides with the finale of finding Sabrina.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

***HELP ME***
I need more...
I need more than more...
I need to see babies...
**sighs**
This was the most interesting epilogue I have ever had the pleasure of reading but I was so expecting to see A and A have a little more of what they dreamed of. Please tell me that this is not the end!!! Schatzi needs her fairy tale *wipes a tear* Marissa, this has to be the most amazing experience...please give us a little more!!!

[Nettie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

This kinda leaves you hanging. It was a good story and I would have liked to have read more of her thoughts and where things are going to go. She just stopped!! Leaving the reader wondering what's going to happen and I she going to follow up with another story containing this information along with Alex and peters findings.