Pious

A Moving Tale of Deception & Catharsis that Leaves You Wanting More...

Pious, the debut novel by Kenn Bivins, is an unyielding rollercoaster ride of drama and suspense! Just when the well-crafted characters appear to be `familiar' (i.e. the next door neighbor, the young married couple, the ex con) - the story takes unexpected turns, that implore you to read on. The author not only creates a tale that speaks to the very human qualities of deception & judgment, he goes a step further, by challenging us to both understand the 'why' behind our behaviors and question our ability to forgive - touching even the most dubious reader on a personal level. The characters, worthy of our care, and the use of descriptive prose, rivaling the most revered works of art, coalesce to offer the reader a poignant story of self-exploration, forgiveness, faith and redemption - creating a page turner that no one should miss.

"Life can truly begin after a fire when all is seemingly lost. All of the unnecessary has been burned away."
-Carpious Mightson, PIOUS

Highly Recommended

Carpious 'Pious' Mightson has left his life of crime behind him. He has a rewarding job, goes to church faithfully and is nurturing a budding relationship with his girlfriend. When two people from his past moves makes an appearance in his present day life, he will do anything to keep the life he's worked hard to establish.

Great read and highly recommend!! Bivins told a page turning and attention keeping story from beginning to end. Once I finished reading I couldn't help but wonder, how I would've reacted in the same situation...

Five star read!!

I would recommend this book because of the twist it's thrown in there,and the drama that plays through out the book.Pious lived a complicated life,and was living a tranquil one on Mechi Lane,but that facade might be broken by a new neighbor that's move on the block,and not to mention his ex-wife.You have to read the book to find out what happens to Pious.....You'll be surprised...

Highly Recommend-Great story of redemption

I really enjoyed this book, it was truly a story of redemption, judgement and self-righteousness! I am looking forward to more books from Kenn!

A strong debut

Disclosure: I received a copy of "Pious" from the author through a Goodreads First Reads giveaway. Rating: 3.5 stars. "Pious" is an interesting story about the picture-perfect community of Mechi Lane, the consequences of secrets, and ultimately the rewards of forgiveness. Carpious Mightson is seen as a pillar of virtue and hard work in his neighborhood; his neighbors and those close to him trust him and see him as a good, God-fearing man. Everything changes when Ian Kaplan, a registered sex-offender, moves into the neighborhood and Carpious is volunteered to confront him and quietly suggest he take up residence somewhere else. It turns out that Ian knows far more about Carpious's past than he wants his neighbors to find out and when a few secrets (and people) from the past threaten Carpious's seemingly perfect life, everything begins to spiral out of control. Kenn Bivins has written a great first novel, a compelling and strong debut. It's definitely a page-turner. The only thing that irked me when it came to the writing is that the story is written in the present tense - the whole thing. The story was gripping enough that I sometimes didn't notice; at other times, it made for some awkward-sounding passages. Still, a recommended read.

Perceptions

Mechi Lane is a quiet, peaceful, family-friendly subdivision. It's a place where neighbors know each other's names. It's a place where children can play freely with no worries. It's also a place where a convicted murderer lives, unknown to his neighbors. Years ago Carpious Mightson took a life and subsequently spent many years in prison. The Carpious of old is a stark contrast of the gentle giant his neighbors have come to know and love. All is good until Mechi Lane gets a new neighbor, Ian Kaplan, a registered sex offender that shares something in common with Carpious. Carpious has been living a lie and the introduction of Mechi's newest neighbor forces him to take a hard, long look at his life.

With his first novel, Kenn Bivins has a definite mark in the win column. This is a compelling tale told through the mind-set of a man, flawed and profoundly human, plagued by the demons of his past. Bivins' characterization of Mechi Lane and its inhabitants are vivid. The reader almost feels like a voyeur. Not filled with the elements you'd find in your typical 'page-turner,' it is a gripping page-turner nonetheless. "Pious" qualifies as a strong and impressive debut.

Reviewed by: Toni
4.5 stars

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.