When I first read its summary, I thought that Fading, by E.K. Blair, was one of those novels that I would have strong feelings about it. I would either love it or hate it. Even when I started reading it, I wasn’t sure how I’d end up feeling about it.
And you know what? My initial impression was right; I did have strong feelings about the book. So strong, in fact, that I had a hard time putting it down.
Sure, Candace Parker’s life isn’t perfect. But she has some amazing friends, one more year of college, and is on her way to a successful career as a professional dancer. That is, until a brutal attack leaves her life in pieces. Now she’s struggling to find herself again, and questioning who she can trust.
I’m not going to lie, Fading definitely has some pretty dark elements. It’s not going to be for everyone.
But, if Candace’s attack isn’t the type of thing to prevent you from reading a novel, then you should check this one out. I felt Blair did a fairly good job of writing not only the attack itself, but also how Candace and the people in her life dealt with it. I haven’t experienced such a thing myself, but it seemed like a realistic reaction to me.
I think what really hooked me throughout the novel were the questions in my head. There were certain things that I was sure were going to happen (and most of them did), but I didn’t know when or how they would happen. And I really wanted to find out.
When I finished the novel, I was left wanting more. So I immediately went and bought the next two in the series, which tell the story from Jase’s and Ryan’s points of view. I’m hoping I’ll enjoy them just as much.
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Goodreads summary
Can a guilty conscience keep wounds from healing?
Fine arts major, Candace Parker, grew up with a mother who thinks image is everything, and her daughter’s perfection will never be good enough. About to graduate college and pursue her dreams of becoming a professional ballerina, Candace decides it’s time to let go and have a little fun. But fun is short-lived when a brutal attack leaves her completely shattered.
The memories that consume and torment Candace are starting to destroy her when she meets Ryan Campbell, a successful bar owner. He feels instantly connected and tries to show her that hope is worth fighting for. But is Ryan harboring his own demons? As walls slowly begin to chip away, the secrets that are held within start to become painful burdens.
At what point do secrets become lies?
(17+) This book contains mature subject matter that is not suitable for those under the age of 17.
Miranda Burski 
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