Beautiful

Cara is a seventeen-year-old high school senior who bears both physical and emotional scars. Homeless and with a haunting past, she navigates a life filled with challenges, and violence, and carries deadly secrets. A violent home invasion takes place while Cara is alone with a younger girl. While she succeeds in killing the two intruders, the coroner thinks mere humans can't inflict the kind of injuries left after the violent encounter. Now, Cara must watch over her shoulder as an FBI agent, a suspicious detective, and a Russian mob boss have eyes on her. Can you protect the secret she has kept for all her life or will she face the consequences of letting it out? 

Adolph's storytelling is captivating from the very beginning, introducing readers to Cara's world with vivid descriptions. The short chapters, the timely paragraph breaks, and the pithy sentences make the story breezy and enjoyable. The aftermath of a violent home invasion leaves Cara targeted by dangerous elements. The coroner's revelation that the injuries inflicted seem inhuman sets the stage for a narrative that blends the harsh realities of life with an undercurrent of something otherworldly. Cara emerges as a multidimensional protagonist, exhibiting strength and vulnerability in equal measure. Her internal struggles and the mysterious events surrounding her draw readers into a compelling web of intrigue.

The novel skillfully touches on themes of identity, trauma, and the enduring impact of violence. The contrast between Cara's traumatic past and her attempts to forge a new life is portrayed with sensitivity, offering readers a nuanced understanding of her character. As the plot unfolds, Adolph introduces elements of mystery and suspense, and these keep readers reading on, looking forward to what happens next in the story. Beautiful by Eric Adolph is a nuanced, balanced, and deftly plotted story with an unforgettable, deeply flawed, and loveable protagonist. From the gorgeous writing to the intriguing plot, this tale comes across as an expertly accomplished literary gem.