Critic Reviews:
Sinful Purity
Reviewed by J’Nel Wright for IndieReader
Standen’s story personifies the age-old dilemma of exploring how far one is willing to go in the name of faith, power and obedience. While the plot provides a rather sensational ending and a grim life story for our heroine, this notion that the faithful will avoid sinful free agency—or else, has been a regular fixture in the church for centuries. This belief in “knowing what’s best for you in spite of you” is a mainstream practice in a number of modern households. The message pulled from SINFUL PURITY poses the question: Are the dangers of sin nestled in the folds of free agency or the halting denial of it?
Reviewed By Bil Howard for Readers' Favorite
In Sinful Purity, K. A. Standen expertly contrasts the issues of bondage and freedom on two different levels: the institutional and the inner spiritual. It is a story filled with deep inner tension as Liz works her way out of the darkness of hidden childhood and into the light of freedom. The plot is thoughtful and well-developed and the reader will feel the inner conflict and tension that grips Liz. It is almost impossible to put this book down as the reader pursues each of the suspenseful twists and turns which Liz faces as she unravels the identity that lies beneath. This is a thought provoking masterpiece which will serve the reader well as it questions the deeper truths of bondage and freedom. An honest book. Highly recommended reading.
Reviewed by Lit Ami for Reader's Favorite
In terms of suspense and mystery, Sinful Purity hits the ground running. I was transfixed, starting from the story's prologue itself. Walking in a cold and rainy night, the protagonist's emotional and bloodied physical pain expressed through the haunting and beautiful prose swiftly evoked my curiosity. The fascination was instant and I was eager to start chapter one. Coupled with the right amount of angst, romance, and even humor, it definitely gives a great boost to the well-developed characters. From start to finish, the plot keeps me on the edge, as K.A. Standen keeps it tight, leaving no room for me to guess in advance about what will come next. By the time the story comes to an end, with far greater power than it started, Standen has done the work of showing the readers how a great story can still linger in one's mind and will not be easily forgotten.
Reviewed By Samantha Rivera for Readers’ Favorite
Mary Elizabeth has never liked her life at Mary Immaculate Queen Orphanage and, when she’s given a chance to explore the world outside by attending university, she’s thrilled. I loved the way that Mary Elizabeth (or Liz as her friends call her) seemed to grow and change as she met new people and had new experiences. It was amazing to see her and Zack become such an amazing and loving couple. I couldn’t help but absolutely adore them and feel so connected to their story. Anyone who reads Standen’s book will be completely caught up in everything that happens. I can guarantee there are plenty of twists and turns throughout this story that you definitely won’t see coming. I couldn't get enough of Sinful Purity and just couldn’t seem to put it down.
Reviewed By Jack Magnus for Readers’ Favorite
K.A. Standen's Young Adult thriller Sinful Purity is a fast-paced and exciting read. This is a coming-of-age novel that will keep you glued to the page and wondering what will happen next. The prologue clues you to the fact that bad things happen, but, throughout the story, it's clear that life in the orphanage is stifling and dehumanizing. I winced reading Liz's tortured responses to Brett's attention and later her college friends' overtures, and smiled as her life seemed to get on track in the best of all possible ways. While this is listed as a Young Adult book, I think that adult readers who enjoy thrillers or mysteries will enjoy Sinful Purity as much as I did.
Reviewed By Lorena Sanqui for Readers’ Favorite
When I first started reading Sinful Purity I thought it was going to be a simple and straightforward book. There were friendships and college, there was love and romance. The usual in young adult or new adult books. But then there was religion, conspiracy, betrayal, and murder. And I thought this is definitely better than all the YA books I have read so far. It was amazing the way K.A. Standen told the story of Liz and her life in and after the orphanage. This is definitely a 5 star book. I’m kind of sad with the way it ended; good thing Liz’s story will continue in Sinful Relations.
Sinful Relations
Reviewed by Patricia Day for Readers' Favorite
All good tales have their share of good folk and bad. This story is no exception. Sinful Relations by K.A. Standen is a delightfully enjoyable and well written book. It is an easy read with much humor too, despite the sadness of Sarah’s life. I loved the humor amid what is otherwise a tragic story. The outcome was great. I loved this book and would recommend it without hesitation.
Sinful Purity
Reviewed by J’Nel Wright for IndieReader
Standen’s story personifies the age-old dilemma of exploring how far one is willing to go in the name of faith, power and obedience. While the plot provides a rather sensational ending and a grim life story for our heroine, this notion that the faithful will avoid sinful free agency—or else, has been a regular fixture in the church for centuries. This belief in “knowing what’s best for you in spite of you” is a mainstream practice in a number of modern households. The message pulled from SINFUL PURITY poses the question: Are the dangers of sin nestled in the folds of free agency or the halting denial of it?
Reviewed By Bil Howard for Readers' Favorite
In Sinful Purity, K. A. Standen expertly contrasts the issues of bondage and freedom on two different levels: the institutional and the inner spiritual. It is a story filled with deep inner tension as Liz works her way out of the darkness of hidden childhood and into the light of freedom. The plot is thoughtful and well-developed and the reader will feel the inner conflict and tension that grips Liz. It is almost impossible to put this book down as the reader pursues each of the suspenseful twists and turns which Liz faces as she unravels the identity that lies beneath. This is a thought provoking masterpiece which will serve the reader well as it questions the deeper truths of bondage and freedom. An honest book. Highly recommended reading.
Reviewed by Lit Ami for Reader's Favorite
In terms of suspense and mystery, Sinful Purity hits the ground running. I was transfixed, starting from the story's prologue itself. Walking in a cold and rainy night, the protagonist's emotional and bloodied physical pain expressed through the haunting and beautiful prose swiftly evoked my curiosity. The fascination was instant and I was eager to start chapter one. Coupled with the right amount of angst, romance, and even humor, it definitely gives a great boost to the well-developed characters. From start to finish, the plot keeps me on the edge, as K.A. Standen keeps it tight, leaving no room for me to guess in advance about what will come next. By the time the story comes to an end, with far greater power than it started, Standen has done the work of showing the readers how a great story can still linger in one's mind and will not be easily forgotten.
Reviewed By Samantha Rivera for Readers’ Favorite
Mary Elizabeth has never liked her life at Mary Immaculate Queen Orphanage and, when she’s given a chance to explore the world outside by attending university, she’s thrilled. I loved the way that Mary Elizabeth (or Liz as her friends call her) seemed to grow and change as she met new people and had new experiences. It was amazing to see her and Zack become such an amazing and loving couple. I couldn’t help but absolutely adore them and feel so connected to their story. Anyone who reads Standen’s book will be completely caught up in everything that happens. I can guarantee there are plenty of twists and turns throughout this story that you definitely won’t see coming. I couldn't get enough of Sinful Purity and just couldn’t seem to put it down.
Reviewed By Jack Magnus for Readers’ Favorite
K.A. Standen's Young Adult thriller Sinful Purity is a fast-paced and exciting read. This is a coming-of-age novel that will keep you glued to the page and wondering what will happen next. The prologue clues you to the fact that bad things happen, but, throughout the story, it's clear
that life in the orphanage is stifling and dehumanizing. I winced reading Liz's tortured responses to Brett's attention and later her college friends' overtures, and smiled as her life seemed to get on track in the best of all possible ways. While this is listed as a Young Adult book, I think that
adult readers who enjoy thrillers or mysteries will enjoy Sinful Purity as much as I did.
Reviewed By Lorena Sanqui for Readers’ Favorite
When I first started reading Sinful Purity I thought it was going to be a simple and straightforward book. There were friendships and college, there was love and romance. The usual in young adult or new adult books. But then there was religion, conspiracy, betrayal, and murder. And I thought this is definitely better than all the YA books I have read so far. It was amazing the way K.A. Standen told the story of Liz and her life in and after the orphanage. This is definitely a 5 star book. I’m kind of sad with the way it ended; good thing Liz’s story will continue in Sinful Relations.
Sinful Relations
Reviewed by Patricia Day for Readers' Favorite
All good tales have their share of good folk and bad. This story is no exception. Sinful Relations by K.A. Standen is a delightfully enjoyable and well written book. It is an easy read with much humor too, despite the sadness of Sarah’s life. I loved the humor amid what is otherwise a tragic story. The outcome was great. I loved this book and would recommend it without hesitation.
