I just read 25 chapters in the last few days. I nearly quit reading after 4,5,6,7,8 chapters but for some reason kept reading. Finally, chapter 9 and Julian escaped and the story lighten somewhat. I was totally hooked on the story after that chapter.
@vanalas you have created some of the nastiest villains ever. You have written them and I want to kill them all off, slowly and painfully. Your writing of the evil pieces of shit is absolutely fantastic. I usually do not hate characters to this degree but I cannot help it. Great story, unforgettable characters, and imaginative plot @vanalas. Thank you!