A powerful story of the aftermath of a sexual assault, told in dual perspective. What Erica thought was a budding romance with Thomas turned out to be the worst night of her life, one she was unable to remember because she blacked out. This should be a 4.5 star rating. I originally felt that the story was dragging out the whole “what happened that night” but once the story hit its stride, I couldn’t put it down. Erica’s anxiety and fear of confronting the boy she loved and the boys who committed this heinous attack against her coming oozing across the page. Thomas’ guilt eats at him until his older brother convinces him to do the right thing, not what their father, who only believes this will affect HIS life. The surprise support from someone who Erica didn’t believe really liked her and the realization that it’s OK to tell the truth, as painful as it is. The story also including some incredible comic drawings of Erica’s alter-ego, superhero Erica Strange, who, through the drawings helps her to fight her way from the sharks to the shore. TW: Suicide, sexual assault, anxiety ( )

Before grabbing up this book, the reader needs to be aware that it hits dark and serious themes. The triggers (sexual assault, attempted suicide, verbal assault, and physical assault) are the center theme and are approached openly and with honesty.

Erica wakes up to find herself in a bedroom after a party with words scribbled on her entire body, not only cruel terms but the names of several guys she knows. Ashamed and not sure how to handle the situation, she hides it as best she can. But it soon becomes clear that this isn't going to work. Some of the guys are more than willing to stab with reminders of what happened, and her best friend is acting strange. Worse yet, her boyfriend seems to have been a part of it...a guy, she was positive was incapable of such a terrible act. But while this assault is more than she can already handle, it's only the beginning.

The book is written from two points of alternating views: Erica and her boyfriend, Thomas. The first page hits with Erica waking up to discover she's been assaulted by several people. The scene hits raw and harsh, and with the confusion and humiliation to make it break the heart. Thomas' opening chapter, the next one, clashes wonderfully with Erica's as he rushes through his next day totally oblivious to what he and his friends had done. The reader learns to know each of these characters as the tale delves deep into their thoughts and emotions, building well-done depth.

The pacing keeps everything moving, while still allowing both characters to develop. Their views and thoughts change as they face dark truths and deal with things as more and more comes to light. Erica's thoughts and actions are more than understandable, and the cruelty she faces is more than harsh. There were a few aspects (more on Thomas's end), which didn't transition quite right, but the intensity is still strong and leaves an impact. The author does a great job at letting the pressure build little by little, allowing the reader to know that it is only a matter of time before everything comes apart.

Erica's interest in creating a graphic novel/comic also adds a unique touch. These illustrations are sprinkled in at just the right time. And while not humorous, they do add a bit of much needed release, and still deepen the emotional predicament Erica finds herself in at the same time.

This is a well written read which packs a punch. ( )