Am I saying that this relationship should not have occurred at all, no. Is she wise beyond her years, is she legally an adult, is she more than capable of making her own choices and decisions, yes. These books aren't about good guys, but Bear to me is a guy that underneath his rough exterior and bad-assery would think heavily on the fact that this girl is still so young. Now typically I am not too bothered by age, but I guess what bothered me is how little it seemed to bother Bear. Backing up a little to what I just said, here was one of my major sticking points in giving this book a 5 star review.Thia is 18 to Bears 28. She, like Bear (although he would never admit to such a thing) has an open and giving heart. I also loved that her strength, was tempered by a very real vulnerability and kindness. She, even at ten years old had a strength to her that she would carry forward into her 'adult' years that surpasses most peoples abilities. Man I loved the pluck of this little girl. We are taken back 7 years prior and to the day that fate brought Abel (Bear) McAdams into Cynthia (Thia, not Cindy) Andrews life. I don't want to give you details about what happens with her family and how exactly it is that she finds herself in need of Bear's help and protection as it is such an integral part of the story and you need it to be laid out in front of you during your read.as is often heard in books, (and actually drives me a bit mad so I can't believe I am going to say this.) 'it is not my story to tell.' It may be the mother in me that both struggles with the situation and yet sees knowingly how it all came to be. Yes Bear's past was brutal.the things that he lives through.well, I don't even know how he is still functioning even if his idea of 'living' is wasting away his days with women, drugs, and alcohol.but Thea's past and present are heart breaking.

If you think that Bear's past was painful you will find that Thia's could be considered much worse. If you read King and Tyrant you had to know getting into Bear's story was going to be all of those things, what you didn't know was how much Thia herself would affect you.

Lawless frazier