At What Cost, Silence: The Texian Trilogy, Book 2

Adrien Villere feels different from other boys, so he hides his feelings. Tragedy and loss lead him to seek solace from his mentor, Jacob Hart, but his betrayal results in secret abuse. This sets off a chain of actions, and neither Adriens sister, Bernadette, nor his closest friend, Isaac, can turn him. The novel explores two contrasting plantation families in a society with strict rules and public opinion. Papa Paien Villere guards secrets that could destroy his family, and Adriens love for Lily's sister leads to an affair with her.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 17 October 2023
Publisher: She Writes Press

Adrien Villere, a young man, feels like he doesn't quite fit in with other boys. He has been bottling up his emotions and fears for years, but eventually, tragedy and loss push him to seek solace from his mentor, a young neighbor named Jacob Hart. However, Jacob's betrayal of Adrien's trust leads to secret abuse, setting off a series of events that neither Adrien's wise sister, Bernadette, nor his closest friend, Isaac, can control.

At What Cost, Silence explores the lives of two contrasting plantation families in a society where strict rules of belief and behavior are enforced, and public opinion can determine an entire life. The Villeres, while less brutal than the Harts, are no less divided. Papa Paien Villere, the absent father, holds several secrets that he has kept from everyone, including one that could bring down his entire family.

Years after Jacob's betrayal, Adrien falls deeply in love with his former mentor's erotically precocious and beautiful young sister, Lily. Lily's father has arranged her marriage to a wealthy older man, but Adrien's feelings for her grow stronger. What will happen if Lily's violent brother discovers Adrien and Lily's clandestine affair? Will Adrien help Isaac, an enslaved Black man, escape as promised? Will Bernadette find the unconventional life she desires? Or will their entire world come crashing down as states secede and war looms closer?

The novel delves into the complexities of human relationships, the consequences of betrayal, and the search for redemption. It raises important questions about the nature of power, privilege, and the price of silence. Through its vivid characters and gripping plot, At What Cost, Silence offers a thought-provoking exploration of the human experience in a time of great change and upheaval.

Weight: 470g
Dimension: 140 x 216 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781647426033