Vain Empires

Vain Empires
Brandilyn Collins
(Challow Press)
ISBN: 978-0692723111
June 2016/338 pages/$14.99
They were stuck on this remote island, all of them. Trapped in this reality show. No way to stop whatever came next. No way at all.

Six people arrive on a remote island--contestants in the “reality show of the century,” Dream Prize. The winner will be the person who learns the most facts about the others and gains the most viewer votes. Sounds simple. But the three men and three women soon discover nothing is as expected.

They are alone on the island. Cameras surround them, filming twenty-four hours a day. And their challenge? Discover which of the Seven Deadly Sins each contestant, including themselves, represents.

Turns out each person has a damning secret--one that could ruin his or her life. Those secrets are about to be revealed on live television.

And this is only the beginning of the twists in the game.

Multilayered in plot and rich with meaning, Vain Empires is a strong choice for book clubs. Discussion questions included.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Brandilyn Collins is a best-selling novelist known for her trademark Seatbelt Suspense®--fast-paced, character-driven suspense with myriad twists and an interwoven thread of faith. She also writes insightful contemporary novels, often laced with humor. Her first book, A Question of Innocence, was a true crime published by Avon in 1995. Its promotion landed her on local and national TV and radio, including the Phil Donahue and Leeza talk shows. Brandilyn's awards for her novels include the ACFW Carol Award (three times), Inspirational Readers' Choice, the Inspy, Christian Retailer's Best Award (twice), and Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice. Learn more on her website and connect with her on Facebook.


MY THOUGHTS

I am not a fan of reality shows, but I am a fan of books written by Brandilyn Collins, so I absolutely had to buy a copy of Vain Empires. Collins is a brilliant novelist who always impresses me with her ability to create a spellbinding tale filled with hidden layers and complex characters. As captivating as the story is from a suspense angle, the portrayal of human nature and behavior is even more compelling as the characters endeavor to protect their own secrets while attempting to identify each of the other contestants' Deadly Sin. I am a pretty astute reader but I was caught completely off guard by the twist at the end. A great book to read, reread, ponder, and discuss, Vain Empires belongs at the top of your summer TBR list! Don't miss it!

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