Aleshia Robinson begins her e-book series with Alcatraz, The Lost Pearl published by Authenticity Print. Reciting the story from her first person POV, Katherine Boydstein's life transforms from idyllic to traumatic, tragic, lost, and recovered. Deciding the name of Alcatraz fits her changed existence, her life entails all that the name implies.
The story itself is a bit difficult to review because of spoiler revelations which would be unfair to readers. Alcatraz is a short novel filled with the angst of a 14 year old girl who experiences in a relatively short period of time more than any young person should have to know in a lifetime. About midway through the story she turns 15 and begins a journey that takes her to a Hollywood tattoo parlor where her gifted art skills are eventually put to use, although the transition from a gifted natural young artist to a tattoo artist needs some development.
In a story which involves investigating the religions of the world, Alcatraz can't escape the supernatural influences occurring at unlikely stops along the way of her life's journey. And, although the various individuals who fill her head with information about different religions encourage her to experience them for herself, none of them match the undefined sense of being pursued by the unnamed god who continues to ring true for her, the One whose eyes follow her.
This is where the story bogs down because it morphs into textbook definitons and descriptions of many religions becoming treatises and testimonies from characters practicing their particular faiths, composing the bulk of the latter half of the book. During this time we get glimpses of Alcatraz's intense search for truth while conforming to the meaningless escapes of her acquired friends.
There are some minor contradictions missed in the story along with the typical typos found in e-books. The strengths in the book come with Aleshia's ability to capture the nuances of a 14 year old girl who is transformed by trauma and tragedy, adapting as a 15 year old to the hardness of life thrust upon her and to the choices she makes, and with her strong voice, Aleshia Robinson captures the pain and purpose of a young girl whose world is shattered by the uncontrolled menaces of life. Given a hopeful ending, this story concludes with the logical question, "What's next?"
Aleshia Robinson intends her novels to minister to those who've experienced the savaging and hurtful episodes in life and recommends the lovegodandtattoos series for ages 18 and up.
Find out more about Aleshia Robinson here:
http://www.lovegodandtattoos.com/
Father, you know Aleshia's heart and soul, and you've given her gifts and talents to express those hard things people can experience in this life. I pray you would continue to refine her skills and give her more stories to tell as you bless her life lived for you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
Into the Fire 
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