Title: The Enemy
Author: Sarah Adams
First published August 29, 2020
258 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 3.89
Overview
It has been over a decade since I’ve laid eyes on him. Twelve years since he bested me in a game of wits using a strategy that I never even knew was permissible.
But tonight, I’m ready to revive the battle. Ryan Henderson has returned to town for our closest friends’ wedding, and I intend to make it clear just how little he affects me – or his failed attempt to kiss me after graduation.
A lot has transformed since our quarrelling days. I’m now a flourishing bakery owner, and I plan to flaunt every luscious aspect of my life before his unattractive face.
Just one snag: his face is stunning. He was not supposed to look like this or pursue me like an irresistible missile.
I must remain steadfast until the wedding is over, and Ryan retreats to whatever parallel universe he originated from. His attention towards me is nothing but an extension of the games we played during high school…
right? However, the longer he remains, the more I begin to question if I am mistaken and his tender smile and heated focus are authentic.
Perhaps it is not a game. Ha! Who am I kidding?
This is Ryan we’re discussing. Obviously, it’s a game.
A game known as war. And this time, I plan to emerge victorious.
Editoral Review
In her debut novel, The Enemy, Sarah Adams delivers a thrilling and emotional journey through the trials and tribulations of a young woman struggling to survive in a post-apocalyptic world. Set in an unspecified future, the story follows our protagonist, Lila, as she navigates the dangers of a world where a deadly virus has wiped out the majority of humankind, leaving behind only a small group of survivors.
Adams has a talent for weaving intricate and detailed descriptions of the setting, characters, and conflicts without losing the momentum of the story. With a sharp and precise prose, she creates a vivid and immersive world that is both terrifying and beautiful.
As Lila sets out on a perilous journey to find safety and a new home, we are introduced to a cast of characters that are complex, flawed, and incredibly compelling. The novel tackles themes such as survival, loss, grief, and the power of human connection.
Through Lila’s struggles, we witness the resilience and courage of the human spirit, as well as the destructive effects of fear and hatred. The Enemy also offers an insightful commentary on the human condition, raising important questions about our relationship with the natural world, our societal structures, and our moral responsibilities.
One of the strengths of Adams’ writing is her ability to create an intense and gripping atmosphere that keeps the reader engaged throughout the whole novel. The pacing is spot-on, with just the right balance of action, suspense, and introspection.
The story builds up to a climactic finale that is both heart-wrenching and satisfying. Although The Enemy is a work of fiction, the themes it explores have a significant historical and cultural relevance, especially in light of recent events.
The novel serves as a reminder of our vulnerability as a species, and the importance of empathy, solidarity, and mutual aid. It also highlights the dangers of divisiveness, prejudice, and extremism, and the devastating consequences they can have on our societies and our planet.
Overall, The Enemy is an impressive debut that showcases Adams’ talent as a writer and storyteller. It is a gripping and thought-provoking novel that offers both entertainment and substance.
It is recommended for fans of post-apocalyptic fiction, survival stories, and character-driven narratives. The Enemy deserves a rating of 4.5 out of 5, and it is a must-read for anyone who is looking for a powerful and inspiring book in these challenging times.
