Noel's Struggle

Much like the mythical phoenix that is reborn and rises from its own ashes, Noel's struggle is a flight like no other. It is a journey through savannas of grief, plateaus of trauma, and dunes of suspense—all leading into an oasis of healing.

Our protagonist, Noel, is an instantly likeable character navigating her early adulthood. One can't help but root for her from the very beginning.

Not long into the story, a twist—an antagonist, a vicious stalker—turns Noel's seemingly mundane life upside down, watching her every move as he delights himself with her discomfort. In the thrilling close encounters, the stalker looks for windows of opportunity to attain his malicious goals.

The story touches upon some uncomfortable themes of assault and perversion, a difficult aspect to get through but essential to highlight the severity of the moral depravity of the antagonist as well as the overall concept of what the antagonist represents.

Through her journey, Noel must navigate the complex nature of friendships and relationships in times of trauma and mental health crises. She navigates matters of trust, confidence, and sound decision-making in times of risk. It teaches key lessons in the importance of surrounding oneself with the right company and knowing when and how to communicate in times of need.

The title of the book suggests a tale of struggle, but what stands even more so than the struggle is the journey of healing and recovery. The book provides insightful details into the changing nature of Noel's self-image, the personal growth she experiences, and has profound dialogues which resonate with the reader and takes them on a journey of self-discovery and healing.

-- Candace Elizabeth Coats