FIGHTING ABSOLUTION by KATE McCARTHY

‘…the problem with shooting stars is that they burn too quick. Too bright. Too fast. And far, far too hard.’

Fighting Absolution by Kate McCarthy gave us chills. It was sheer perfection and the ultimate book love experience. Stunningly written and incredibly realistic, this story drew every single emotion out of us. Our hearts felt everything this brilliant Author clearly intended for us to feel. We loved Fighting Redemption and were surprised that it was possible to love Fighting Absolution even more. Both can be read as standalone’s however, we urge you to read both if you haven’t already.

‘I’ve never felt more alone than I do right now, never longed more for the spot by the fence with Bear, his voice deep and comforting. Instead, I’m here – on the front line in one of the world’s most harsh and hostile environments – by choice.’

We cannot begin to describe how breath-taking yet heart-breaking this book is, how utterly captivating it is in its ugly and tragic reality. The tremendous and detailed research Kate McCarthy clearly carried out massively showed, also it ensured that we felt like we were in the midst of war with the brave souls fighting for the freedom of others.

“You’re tough. And it pays to be a tough son of a bitch, Jamie. The world belongs to the strong. Go and get it.”

Jamie Murphy is all alone in the world after losing her father, who was her anchor. The only person who really cared that she was alive. It hardens her, as she adopts an impenetrable shield which hides her broken pieces and ultimately keeps people at an arm’s length. That is until an ‘unseen’ boy on the other side of her foster home fence, manages to breakthrough. The intense friendship which forms over a short time -yet lasts but mere moments- is cemented by a mutual understanding of feeling lost and feelings of loneliness. Our Bear and Little Warrior had an incredible impact on each other, one which was unbreakable in their heart of hearts. A stronger and deeper love is hard to find.

‘Damn him and his noble heart, always trying to do the right thing.’

Jamie is at a crossroads and is heartbroken when Bear disappears from the other side of the fence before she even got the chance to see him face to face. Just where does Jamie belong, and just who is she meant to be? Joining the army in order to find herself, as well as her purpose in life, our Little Warrior goes from strength to strength showing how incredible she truly is in the eye of the storm and adversity. However, her shield is still going strong preventing her from truly living -that is- until tragedy and revelations obliterate her shield little by little. Sometimes, what we thought we’d lost paves a path to surprising happiness filled with a love that slowly mends the broken.

‘Jamie is my best friend, and I’m in love with her. How am I supposed to let her go?’

Fighting Absolution will stay with us as we struggle to let this story go. The characters safe in our hearts for a long time to come. The emphasis on friendship, loyalty, hardship, compassion, and love was outstanding and gave us goosebumps at times. Without question, this will be a top favourite read of 2019, one we will never forget. We closed this book with tears rolling down our cheeks and a smile on our faces from the sheer intensity of emotions we experienced whilst reading.  You do not want to miss this epic read! Little Warrior and Bear, theirs was a story we never wanted to end…

‘All I do know is that when I push him away, he doesn’t leave, and it feels like a lifeline.’
“Don’t cry, Little Warrior.”