This definitely felt like a second book in a series. There were bits of history that eventually put together some of the pieces but I felt like I was missing something for a lot of it. The characters are fun, though, and the plot is interesting.

Through the Tears keeps you entertained and has a interesting storyline. I could not put it down. Interesting characters and well written.

This book gets a running start in terms of action! From the very first words, the reader is thrown into a world in which a violent beast has just killed or possibly snatched a human. The human who has disappeared is Eamon and his partner Rafe is hell-bent on finding him.

This world which is clearly adjacent to ours is an interesting place. Rafe is a Rin; a human-like species that “drinks” energy/life force. Over time, the Rin have formed an agreement with the humans from whom they drink. There are strict rules about the feedings, and it quickly becomes apparent that Rafe and Eamon’s relationship is unusual. Eamon and Rafe have bonded; it’s rare, but it happens. So, when Eamon disappears and Rafe can no longer read his thoughts, he is still convinced he is alive because he hasn’t felt his death.

A quick note… the feeding that happens can be of a sexual nature to the person who is being fed from. It’s not necessarily the case for the Rin. The author presents a world in which it seems the characters are on a spectrum of sexuality, not unlike what one might call “gray” as in “gray asexuality”. I really loved the way that all the characters in the novel were accepting of the diversity within their groups! What a lovely world that would be to inhabit! Anyway…

The two main characters embark upon simultaneous battles on their sides of the “tear” that the reader learns is responsible for Eamon’s disappearance. In the original world, Rafe embarks upon a journey to track down one of the invading monsters and attempt to deduce how they are moving between worlds. He’s at such a loss without his partner that he’s single-minded to the point of almost not caring about himself.

There is a lovely friendship between Rafe and his friend/colleague, Kiran. While Rafe is bordering on acting irrational as he tracks and, ultimately, captures another monster, Kiran is at his side. With his partner gone, Rafe is left with the very real possibility of starving. As a last resort, he feeds from Kiran and it becomes clear how convoluted these type of feeding relationships could be. The Rin experience emotional/thought feedback when they are feeding and it is the ultimate in intimacy.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the tear, Eamon has been rescued by Beah. Beah is another interesting character. Beah fled his village and has been living alone in a cave when he stumbled across Eamon. The two team up to head back to Beah’s village in the hopes that there may be someone there who is able to help Eamon return to his home.

If this review seems a little odd, it might be because I’m trying not to ruin the plot for you! There are some interesting reveals and getting Eamon home is much more complicated than it may seem at first!

This book is packed full of fighty-monster action, wonderfully intriguing mysteries and a diverse cast of characters! I may be hopeful, but I think the end was set up in such a way that the author may be looking to write a sequel! I’d vote for that!!