Gray After Dark: A Thriller

Really good. Kept my attention. Glad everyone didn’t die at the end.

Ironically, I read 2/3 of this book on my way to and while in the “wilderness”. I actually went to explore and thought better of it. Lord knows I’d never survive a story like this, and certainly not my feet (IYKYK). This was such a great read! I just love Ihli’s writing style and how easily I connect to her stories. The last 1/3 of the book couldn’t be put down. The character development was A+ and I thought the ending really brought it all full circle (don’t skip Rayna’s bonus story-After The Dark!). After reading a few of Ihli’s books now, I’m not sure I’ll ever be disappointed. One of my favorite authors for sure.

A little slow out of the gate but it picked up nicely and didn't let off the gas. Miley's personal growth through the horrific ordeal she was going through was amazing. She never lost her fire and ultimately used it to her advantage. I also liked how she pulled Mary (Rayna) out of her simple acceptance of thier shared situation. The bonding of the two women was what enabled them to escape. Brent's never ending drive to find Miley was admirable albeit a little unbelievable.. Being in the woods for 4 weeks with only rations for maybe 2.. I get his devotion to the women he loves but come on, that was a bit of a stretch. But he did find her and it aided in the dramatics of the final standoff, with Miley being able to rescue him in return. The author's notes at the end were interesting and the bonus story focusing more on Rayna was sweet.

I couldn’t put the book down for the second half of the story. The anticipation of not knowing when Brent would find Miley and what he would find when he got there, kept me guessing. I found Brent’s dedication to finding Miley both admirable and unbelievable in today’s society. Moreover, Wes was more surprising since he barely knew Miley and yet stayed with Brent. Which made Wes’s death that much more tragic. You could argue that Mary was the most critical character in Miley’s development. Mary could see through Mary what her life would be like if she stayed with those men. I was incorrect in my prediction that Mary would get killed and that would be Miley’s turning point to finally escape. I found the internal struggle of Miley very believable. She knew she either could be “tame” like Mary and submit to this new life, let herself die, or make a run for it and possibly get killed. Not knowing which route would be less painful was exhausting even to myself as the reader. Made me think about what I would do in that situation. The thoughts Miley had while trying to dissociate made me so sad for her. The story of how she lost her mother had me crying thinking about my own mom. I fully understood why Miley tried to put her mind anywhere else, but the present. Sometimes that’s the only way to get through terrible parts in your life. I found it hilarious that it ended up being a chicken that brought Miley and Brent together. I found it even more poetic that it was Annabelle since that was the name of Mary’s first deceased baby. It was like Annabelle was trying to lead them to freedom. I had a hard time with Mary’s fertility issues, but there is a warning at the beginning of the book. I’m glad it ultimately ended with those sick bastards dead. Miley and Brent went on to win a medal in the Olympics and had their daughter. That was so precious and I loved that for them.

To be honest, it started out slow but, oh boy. That didn’t last long! It’s loosely based on true events which made it even more terrifying. And if you’ve seen the bear versus man question going around on social media, this will reaffirm the common answer you hear from women.