Question A

[Jonetta]

We opted to read the trilogies preceding this series first. However, Lucy’s trauma was summarized here. Would that have been sufficient for you to understand the character? Is your opinion different because you read her story earlier? If so, in what ways? If not, why not?

[Anita]

I am glad we read the trilogies. Experiencing the stories first hand makes this book so much better. It's been a few months and the summarization is great, but reading it first hand was better.

[Christina T]

Because I read the trilogy involving Lucy's background I can't unsee it but I did read the cross over book in the Max Revere series and it was rehashed there as well even though it was super detailed as the crossover case was involving other things. I was a bit annoyed at the rehashing in that particular book because it was mentioned so many times. I thought the rehashing in this one was relevant and not overdone as this directly involved Lucy's past. I really think if someone would just pick up this book they would be satisfied with learning her history second hand.

With that said I'm very happy to have read the trilogy first because the secondary characters (Patrick, Dillon, Kate, etc) were better explained to me. Knowing Kate's background and knowing what makes her tick made her abrupt actions more understandable. Without that info I'm not sure I would have liked her.

[Karen ♐]

I am so glad that we read the trilogies before starting this series. Not only do we have a better idea of what Lucy went through but the background on all the supporting characters. I guess if we hadn't read the other books, this would have been enough background but we wouldn't have all the details those other books provided.

[Jonetta]

I agree, Christina and Karen. It never occurred to me that so many secondary characters would be as important in the reading journey leading up to this series.

[Anita]

I had no idea either. It seems that a lot of the secondary characters carries through the trilogies and into this series.

[Robin]

I agree with everyone. We probably could have read this book on its own and had enough information about what happened to Lucy six years ago to not get lost. But, I think reading the previous books and knowing what happened to Lucy and the other characters made for a richer experience.

[Melissa]

Reading the previous books gives the reader a huge advantage going into this series. Her ordeal is summarized, but it doesn't give the reader the whole story.

[Anita]

You don't feel what happened to her with a summary to way you do when you read the book and it actually is happening.

[Jonetta]

I’m still haunted by those scenes...*shudder*

[Anita]

Me, too. One of the reasons reading the trilogies make this series so much . . . more.

[Charlene]

I'm glad we read the other books first; the horrors were still in Lucy's mind and a brief summary would not be nearly as good as having read the previous books.

[Sharon]

I didn't read the trilogy, but I may go back and read them this month if I have time. Lucy's capture upset me. I knew or had a feeling from the start where the author was going which made me anxious waiting. I'm wondering if it will be worse if I know her history.

Regarding Lucy, I understand her with what I learned in this book. It isn't unusual for the first book in the series to give a little information and flesh out the main character in future books. If I didn't know there was a prequel, I would expect more in the future.

The ancillary characters frustrated me a little in this book. My guess is they are bigger characters in the trilogy.