Constellations of Scars

by Melissa Eskue Ousley

[Quirky Cat]

Melissa Eskue Ousley's latest novel, Constellation of Scars, is a novel with one of the most unique premises I have ever read.

Amelia is what her mother calls blessed, while she considers herself cursed. You see, every month, pearls sprout from her back. Given that her family needs the money, her mother is happy to collect the pearls and sell them.

Amelia would prefer they never come back, as each time they do, they cause nothing but pain – literally. Even their removal doesn't ease her pain much, as they leave behind nothing but scars. Worse, she lives in constant fear of somebody wanting her as their golden goose. Only to realize that she has already become exactly that.

Constellation of Scars is without a doubt one of the most chilling novels I've read in quite a long time. Amelia's story, while it sounds extraordinary, is actually terrifying. Imagine how it must feel to have something so beautiful yet painful stem from your skin. And worse, to then be held captive because of it.

It hits hard, and it gets worse the more you think about it. There's no escaping her reality, especially as Melissa Eskue Ousley did such a fantastic job of setting the scene. Almost too well, in some instances.

Knowing the truth of what is happening here makes the title extremely evocative. And okay, it also ups the terrifying level a bit, at least for me. That, combined with the unique idea, left me completely engrossed in this tale right up to the end.

Thanks to Midnight Tide Publishing and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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