This page covers the birth and development of my fourth book, 'THE PRICE OF WORTHLESSNESSNES - PETRA'S STORY'

Petra and her storyline were born in July 2021. I knew she was to be the victim of sex trafficking, which meant I needed to do extensive research to be sure of my facts. I finally started to write in November of the same year but was not ready to involve my editorial group until January 2022. Petra's story was going great guns for a few months until it suddenly came to a halt at chapter 15. Something was wrong! I knew this because my lovely, loyal and honest Editorial Group told me so. The plot had somehow lost its way. I had lost my way. Petra didn't know whether she was coming or going! (What do you mean Petra's not a real person? Maybe not, but she is real in my head and I could feel her distress!).

I stopped writing ... for weeks ... not a single word hit the manuscript. Was Petra to fade into oblivion and never meet her public?

NO NO NO! How could you even think such a thing?

One early morning in February 2022 I felt a tingle in my fingers. No, it wasn't the freezing cold weather outside. They were trying to tell me something. They wanted to type, and they refused point blank to stop tingling until they were allowed to rush across the keyboard of my laptop and rewrite the whole fifteen chapters (not all at once of course). But guess what. They had added a prologue.

What? I don't do prologues ... I mean, who calls it a prologue when it could just as easlily be called chapter 1? I looked, and then looked again. Yes, this was definitely a prologue and could no way be called a chapter. I looked at my dancing fingers and had to admit that they were right. I saw Petra in the corner of my mind with a knowing grin across her face. Okay! I give in. The prologue made all the difference. The prologue can stay.

And so, we were off again and speedily reached Chapter 27. We were all on board - my fingers, Petra and my editorial group. Thanks Joanie, John, Sandra, Elaine, Sammie, and Janet for patiently re-reading and feeding back on Petra version 2. It was then full steam ahead ... and maybe another published book by the end of the 2022.

By September 2022, not only had Petra's story now got an official title:'THE PRICE OF WORTHLESSNESS - PETRA'S STORY'; Not only was it completed and approved by my editorial group (THANK YOU GUYS); Not only had I edited it several times myselft (AND NO DOUBT MISSED SEVERAL TYPOS); Not only was my BOOK COVER DESIGN nearly completed by my professional designer DANNY MCBRIDE of www.mcbride-design.co.uk

BUT ...

It was now in the hands of my professional editor, Abbey Richards of Jericho Writers who was, no doubt, putting it through its paces ... 

Eeeeek!!!

Then, on 13th October at 10.58am ... TING ... an email arrived from Abbey with her in depth editorial review report attached.

My stomach did a few somersaults. Could I summon up the courage to open and read her report? It took a few minutes, but in the end I knew I had to open it. After all, better the devil you know - at least that's how it's supposed to be.

I read through the report quickly. Oh no! It must be useless. So much work to do on it. I closed the report and watched TV instead. I couldn't concentrate ... Over a year of work wasted ... I knew I was no good at this ... clearly I shouldn't be writing ... I'm giving it up and concentrating on something else.

I went to bed feeling quite depressed that night. For a few days, I avoided going back and reading the report more closely. Then on day 3, I was ready to look again. This time, I read it closely and took it all in. I realised how thorough Abbey had been. I saw she had my best interest at heart. I read words of encouragement. I determined to make all the changes she suggested and make my book sparkle. And that's what I did. And it worked! All thanks to you, Abbey Richards. You have my heartfelt thanks.

Now read the reviews below to see what I mean.

PROFESSIONAL EDIT BY ABBY DAVIES OF JERICHO WRITERS

CLIENT NAME: Gloria Eveleigh

MSS TITLE: The Price of Worthlessness – Petra’s Story

EDITOR NAME: Abby Davies

REPORT PREPARED DATE: October 2022

INTRO:  

Thank you for sending your novel to Jericho Writers for review. I know it is incredibly difficult to receive criticism, however constructive, and I applaud your bravery and hope you find my feedback useful.

Firstly, I must congratulate you on your writing achievements thus far! Your phonics stories look like great fun and self-publishing is no mean feat. I also need to say that I have great admiration for your efforts to keep the issue of abuse high and to, in this novel, inform people about human sex trafficking and the short and long-term effects of sexual abuse. This is a vital yet sensitive subject that you handle well. It is an issue that needs more exposure, and you are fighting to do that which is amazing. I am so sorry that you have suffered in this way and congratulate you on your incredible courage in attacking this head-on and striving to help others.

I have now had a chance to read and digest the manuscript. Petra’s story is harrowing and educational. It gives the reader an insight into how sex traffickers groom and handle people and explores levels of corruption. In this tale, the reader learns of the psychological impact of such abuse on victims and how this sort of trauma can manifest in different ways and cause varied reactions from everyone involved.

You have a strong plot relayed in a chronological format. The structure is straightforward and easy to follow, and you have a good number of characters – not too many for the reader to cope with. Petra is an appealing main character ...

You employ a clear narrative style ... 

There is potential here. You have an emotive story and immersive dialogue. Your manuscript is well-presented and it’s clear that you have worked incredibly hard on your submission....

REVIEWS AND AWARDS

MAINCREST MEDIA AWARD

FICTION BOOK AWARD JUDGING CRITERIA

PLOT: The story is original, engaging and well-paced. The book follows a clear, logical narrative arc. The writing

is concise and includes just enough information to make a reader want to continue reading and stretch their

imagination.

CHARACTER: The author’s portrayal of the characters is memorable and believable. The characters have a

strong reason for existence and their goals and motivations have been well established. The characters strengths,

weaknesses, backstory and conflicts evoke a strong emotional response in the reader.

THEME: The book has a strong, unifying theme. The book presents new, original ideas or topics. The book

appeals to the reader in an emotional or logical manner. The theme is relevant to the author’s genre of writing.

STYLE: The author’s word choice, sentence fluency, voice and tone have been well established. The author uses

descriptive imagery where appropriate. The author’s use of language enhances the overall reading experience.

APPEAL TO TARGET AUDIENCE: The target audience of the book is clear and the contents of the book is in

line with other highly regarded books in its genre. The book has a professional interior layout, typeface and/or

illustrations. The book includes relevant front and back matter to explain key elements of the plot, characters and

setting to enhance a reader’s overall experience. The book is free from grammatical, spelling, and/or punctuation

errors.

BOOK SUBMISSION

BOOK TITLE:

The Price of Worthlessness - Petra's story

AUTHOR NAME:

Gloria Eveleigh

SCORE

PLOT: 4 / 5

CHARACTER: 4 / 5

THEME: 4 / 5

STYLE: 4 / 5

APPEAL TO TARGET 4 / 5

AUDIENCE:

With a score of 20 out of 25, this book has been selected for a Maincrest Media Book Award

in the Religion (Christian) category.

FEEDBACK: The Price of Worthlessness: Petra's story follows a 14-year old girl named Petra who is lured into a sex trafficking ring after starting a new high school. Eveleigh’s portrayal of Petra and her experiences is heart breaking and emotional. The book can be difficult to read at times because of what Petra has to go through –seeing her transition from a young, innocent child to the shocking conditions she must face in her exploitation. As Eveleigh shares Petra’s harrowing experiences, readers will quickly realize the frightening truth that these terrible things could have happened to any child, showcasing how sex trafficking is more of a problem than most people realize. An important story with an important message.

THE BOOK COMMENTARY

Spirituality & Inspiration

The Price of Worthlessness - Petra's story

Category:Spirituality & Inspiration

Author:Gloria Eveleigh

 Buy on Amazon Buy Locally 

• Publisher: Gloria Eveleigh on KDP
• Publication Date: January 4, 2023
• Number of Pages: 362
• ISBN-10: 1513699415
• ISBN-13: 9781513699417
  

The Price of Worthlessness - Petra's Story by Gloria Eveleigh is a novel whose strength is in the powerful message it conveys. Fourteen-year-old Petra has been the in-door kind of kid who prefers to play with her siblings than be outside with her age mates. She has confidence issues and overhearing her parents talk about her not going out is not even pleasant. When she meets Marvin, a twenty-eight-year-old man, she believes her world is about to change — for the better. Her world changes, and in a direction she never could have imagined. Now she is trapped in a world of sex trafficking and hemmed in with no means of escape. Will she be able to keep her sanity and survive the trauma and can she escape from her abusers?

The Price of Worthlessness is a heartbreaking story that strongly exposes the dangers that lurk in the corners of the lives of young girls. Gloria Eveleigh injects realism into the depiction of the protagonist, writing her into a world that readers can relate to. While the world-building isn't vividly drawn, The Price of Worthlessness - Petra's Story is character-driven and the author excels in exploring the psyche of the young female protagonist, exposing her inner world with internal dialogues and streams of consciousness while painting a dazzling portrait of the world of sex trafficking. From the opening pages, readers are greeted with a scene where a woman reports a rape that happened on a date arranged by the victim's teacher. That immediately introduces the theme of abuse. Petra is a young innocent girl who simply wants to outgrow her introverted personality and be outgoing. She is deeply flawed and believable. Falling for the wrong guy becomes her tragic flaw, a phenomenon that is common everywhere. Eveleigh has crafted a story that parents and adults should read, a story that is as enlightening as it is engaging. It is a young girl's struggle to survive in a world of sexual abuse and readers will admire her inner strength and resilience as she faces the ordeal. It is suspenseful and filled with thought-provoking moments, a story with strong and intelligently developed themes. 

Reviewed By: Romuald Dzemo

Reviewed Date: March 31, 2023

Category: Spirituality & Inspiration

ON-LINE BOOK CLUB - 1

Review of The Price of Worthlessness

Post by Stephanie Runyon » 09 May 2023, 20:11

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Price of Worthlessness" by Gloria Eveleigh.]

4 out of 5 stars

Share This Review

Gloria Eveleigh’s novel The Price Of Worthlessness addresses human trafficking from the point of view of Petra. After seeing her popular sister garner approval from her family, Petra joins the netball club. The netball coach, Mr. Ahmed, takes a personal interest in Petra, and the fourteen-year-old stays after practice. One afternoon, Mr. Ahmed tells her that his friend Marvin wants to get to know her better. The following Wednesday, Petra meets Marvin, a twenty-eight-year-old man. Despite their age difference, Marvin convinces Petra to keep their relationship secret. Events at Marvin’s apartment led to multiple men raping the young girl. Petra tells the police. All of her forensic evidence disappears. Two months pass before Petra disappears after school. Marvin abducts her, and the story details her life in a sex trafficking ring.

There are a few parts of this book that I find unbelievable. I understood Petra was young and naive, but a man twice her age wanting to have a serious relationship with her is odd. She knew it was wrong because she didn’t want her parents to find out. I saw several times that she could have easily escaped. It was frustrating to see how she didn’t take advantage of those opportunities.

I appreciated the format of the story. The book starts in December 2005, when Petra was fourteen. It progressed in monthly increments until February 2008, when she was eighteen. It described the steps of grooming Petra in great detail. The sexual acts were vague, with a focus on Petra’s emotions. There were several moments where the story would take an abrupt turn, which kept me engrossed all the way to the conclusion.

I am confident in rating The Price Of Worthlessness 4 out of 5 stars. Human trafficking is a horrible crime, but the multiple warning signs in the story were obvious. I felt Petra’s family should have picked up on their daughter’s sudden change in behavior. I am honestly skeptical that any young teen would seriously think an adult loved them. The story Marvin told Petra about the rapes was absurd. I encountered only a few errors and felt this book’s editing was professionally done.

I recommend this novel to readers interested in the psychological effects and the processes criminals used to imprison their victims. The number of people involved in human trafficking is shocking. They explored the lack of prosecution for crimes in depth. This book is not appropriate for younger readers because of the serious content and the violence involved. 

READERS' FAVOURITE -1
5 out of 5 stars

The Price of Worthlessness Petra's Story
Gloria Eveleigh
Fiction - Social Issues

Appearance: 5

The appearance of a book can make a significant impact on the experience of a reader, whose enjoyment is often enhanced by an enticing cover, an intriguing table of contents, interesting chapter headings, and when possible, eye-catching illustrations.

Plot:5

The characters of a book should be well defined with strengths and flaws, and while they do not have to be likable, the reader does have to be able to form a connection with them. The tone should be consistent, the theme should be clear, and the plot should be original or told from a unique perspective. For informative books -- those without plot and characters--this rating refers primarily to your concept and how well you presented it.

Development: 5

Development refers to how effectively you told your story or discussed your topic. The dialogue should be realistic, the descriptions should be vivid, and the material should be concise and coherent. Organization is also a key factor, especially for informative books -- those without plot and characters. The order in which you tell your story or explain your topic and how smoothly it flows can have a huge impact on the reader's understanding and enjoyment of the material.

Formatting: 5

Formatting is the single most overlooked area by authors. The way in which you describe scenes, display dialogue, and shift point of view can make or break your story. In addition, excessive grammatical errors and typos can give your book an amateurish feel and even put off readers completely.

Marketability: 4

Marketability refers to how effectively you wrote your book for your target audience. Authors may include content that is above or below the understanding of their target reader, or include concepts, opinions or language that can accidentally confuse or alienate some readers. Although by its nature this rating is very subjective, a very low rating here and poor reviews may indicate an issue with your book in this area.

Overall Opinion: 5

The overall starred rating takes into account all these elements and describes the overall reading experience of your reviewer. This is the official Readers' Favorite review rating for your book.

Review:

By Tiffany Ferrell for Readers' Favorite

"The Price of Worthlessness: Petra's Story by Gloria Eveleigh relates the sad tale of a young girl who was sick and tired of being compared to her boy-crazy older sister. When the fourteen-year-old began dating 28-year-old Marvin, she didn’t say a word. Her parents didn’t know that after playing netball she went to this man’s flat where they engaged in sexual activity. Convinced that Marvin loved her, Petra was in shock when two men sexually assaulted her while in his company. What she didn’t know is that this man was grooming her and that she was about to be trafficked. This became her reality when she was suddenly taken from her family and put in a trafficking ring. Moving from place to place and being used by others for her body, Petra prayed that she could go home to her family whom she knew missed her greatly.

The Price of Worthlessness completely blew my mind. I liked how this book addresses sex trafficking which is something we hear about but never read about - the experiences that the victims go through when they are being sold to strangers for sex. We get a firsthand view of the red flags that Petra was too naive to figure out until it was too late. It was disturbing to realize that Marvin was grooming her to fulfill a role in a trafficking chain. My heart broke for Petra who at only 14 should never have had to endure this, but it is a reminder that this isn’t happening to just one person. A lot of young boys, girls, and teens are brought into these rings, and their families never hear from them again. Gloria Eveleigh has done a wonderful job and I look forward to reading more of her work."

READERS FAVORITE - 2

5 out of 5 stars

The Price of Worthlessness Petra's Story
Gloria Eveleigh
Fiction - Social Issues

Appearance: 5
The appearance of a book can make a significant impact on the experience of a reader, whose enjoyment is often enhanced by an enticing cover, an intriguing table of contents, interesting chapter headings, and when possible, eye-catching illustrations.

Plot: 5
The characters of a book should be well defined with strengths and flaws, and while they do not have to be likable, the reader does have to be able to form a connection with them. The tone should be consistent, the theme should be clear, and the plot should be original or told from a unique perspective. For informative books -- those without plot and characters--this rating refers primarily to your concept and how well you presented it.

Development: 5
Development refers to how effectively you told your story or discussed your topic. The dialogue should be realistic, the descriptions should be vivid, and the material should be concise and coherent. Organization is also a key factor, especially for informative books -- those without plot and characters. The order in which you tell your story or explain your topic and how smoothly it flows can have a huge impact on the reader's understanding and enjoyment of the material.

Formatting: 5
Formatting is the single most overlooked area by authors. The way in which you describe scenes, display dialogue, and shift point of view can make or break your story. In addition, excessive grammatical errors and typos can give your book an amateurish feel and even put off readers completely.

Marketability: 5
Marketability refers to how effectively you wrote your book for your target audience. Authors may include content that is above or below the understanding of their target reader, or include concepts, opinions or language that can accidentally confuse or alienate some readers. Although by its nature this rating is very subjective, a very low rating here and poor reviews may indicate an issue with your book in this area.

Overall Opinion: 5
The overall starred rating takes into account all these elements and describes the overall reading experience of your reviewer. This is the official Readers' Favorite review rating for your book.

Review:
by K.C. Finn for Readers’ Favorite

"The Price of Worthlessness: Petra's Story is a work of fiction in the social issues, emotional drama, and coming-of-age subgenres. It is best suited to mature teen and adult readers owing to strong themes such as sex trafficking and abuse. Penned by author Gloria Eveleigh, in this intense drama that highlights real-world dangers and is based on real incidences of the events described, we follow the life of fourteen-year-old Petra. As high school becomes trickier and her family life and responsibilities increase the pressure, Petra tries to branch out at school. But in doing so, she is introduced to Marvin, twice her age and charming enough to embroil the naïve youngster in a horrible sex trafficking ring.
Author Gloria Eveleigh gives a voice to the voiceless in this work of fiction that is so realistically developed that it’s hard not to think of it as fact. There are so many girls like Petra who are susceptible to this kind of manipulation and abuse, and the author conveys the psychological techniques that Marvin and those like him utilize so harrowingly well to draw impressionable minds into their clutches. Although Petra’s tale is deeply saddening in her experiences, I think it’s also a powerfully cathartic work that explores how one can forgive oneself for ending up in this situation, apportion blame where it actually belongs, and learn to heal from the psychological and physical damage of being immersed in this horrible illegal trade. Overall, The Price of Worthlessness is a powerful work that readers keen on exploring realistic social issues will appreciate."

REVIEW BY H.TAYLOR ON AMAZON.CO.UK

VINE VOICE

5.0 out of 5 stars Emotional read

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 1 April 2023

Verified Purchase

The Price of Worthlessness by Gloria Eveleigh is the second book I have read by this author. Both of the books I have read of hers focused on different types of abuse and are also based on true stories with her giving the victims the safe space to voice their stories. Sadly there are more stories just like the ones that Gloria has written about that never get heard, however as an abuse survivor herself she knows about the stigma attached to speaking out which then protects the abuser. Gloria’s goal is to break down the invisible walls so that abusers can no longer hide behind them. I was interested to discover this is her recent book as well.

In this book the reader meets Petra a 14 year old good girl that found herself starting high school (Senior school to the Brits). Due to all her Junior school friends going to another school, she had hardly any friends and was alone most of the time. When not at school she was at home a lot looking after her younger brother. However she overhears her Mum and Aunt talking about her and after this decides to do what she can to stop them worrying so signs up to join the netball team. The coach/teacher starts to show her attention that a 14 year old girl that doesn’t interact with boys all that much finds herself slightly attracted to him and wanting to please him. He then introduces Petra to 28 year old Marvin that preys on her vulnerability & naivety. Sadly Petra finds herself on a slippery slope to a dark hole where she’s trapped in a sex trafficking network.

This truly is a heartbreaking read but also an eye opener on just how easy it can be for young vulnerable kids to get in with the wrong crowd. Just be warned this book may contain triggers for some people. Although this was a hard read it really was interesting, congrats on another good book!

ON-LINE BOOK CLUB - 2

READERS FAVORITE - 3

5 out of 5 stars

The Price of Worthlessness - Petra's Story
Gloria Eveleigh
Fiction - Social Issues

Appearance: 5
The appearance of a book can make a significant impact on the experience of a reader, whose enjoyment is often enhanced by an enticing cover, an intriguing table of contents, interesting chapter headings, and when possible, eye-catching illustrations.

Plot: 5
The characters of a book should be well defined with strengths and flaws, and while they do not have to be likable, the reader does have to be able to form a connection with them. The tone should be consistent, the theme should be clear, and the plot should be original or told from a unique perspective. For informative books -- those without plot and characters--this rating refers primarily to your concept and how well you presented it.

Development: 5
Development refers to how effectively you told your story or discussed your topic. The dialogue should be realistic, the descriptions should be vivid, and the material should be concise and coherent. Organization is also a key factor, especially for informative books -- those without plot and characters. The order in which you tell your story or explain your topic and how smoothly it flows can have a huge impact on the reader's understanding and enjoyment of the material.

Formatting: 5
Formatting is the single most overlooked area by authors. The way in which you describe scenes, display dialogue, and shift point of view can make or break your story. In addition, excessive grammatical errors and typos can give your book an amateurish feel and even put off readers completely.

Marketability: 5
Marketability refers to how effectively you wrote your book for your target audience. Authors may include content that is above or below the understanding of their target reader, or include concepts, opinions or language that can accidentally confuse or alienate some readers. Although by its nature this rating is very subjective, a very low rating here and poor reviews may indicate an issue with your book in this area.

Overall Opinion: 5
The overall starred rating takes into account all these elements and describes the overall reading experience of your reviewer. This is the official Readers' Favorite review rating for your book.

Review:

by Emma Megan for Readers' Favorite

The Price of Worthlessness by Gloria Eveleigh tells the harrowing story of Petra Lamont, a fourteen-year-old girl. It begins when Petra joins the netball club to make friends and stop her parents from worrying. Petra has fragile self-esteem and never feels special. Petra feels flattered when her new teacher, Mr. Ahmed, shows some interest in her. Unexpectedly, one day, Mr. Ahmed asks if she wants to date his friend, Marvin, who once saw and liked her. Petra accepts as she was taught to trust and obey her teachers but soon learns that Marvin is twenty-eight. Petra knows her parents won't be happy about it. Therefore, she decides to keep her relationship with Marvin a secret. However, what she experiences next makes Petra feel guilty, humiliated, unclean, helpless, ashamed of herself, and cheap.

No story about abuse and trauma is easy to read, and The Price of Worthlessness is no exception. It contains many dark turns and disturbing information about grooming, rape, sex trafficking, sexual exploitation, kidnapping, and emotional blackmail that isn’t for the faint-hearted but is much needed. This book can be a helpful tool for parents dealing with children affected by sexual abuse or for young girls who went through abuse or are being groomed for sexual exploitation but don't know it yet. Gloria Eveleigh reveals grooming patterns that are hard to recognize and overcome. It also offers a profoundly important message to those sexually abused—that the abuse isn't their fault. A must-read novel that will break your heart in many ways.

ON-LINE BOOK CLUB - 3

Review of The Price of Worthlessness

by 759alex » 17 May 2023, 11:42

Following is a volunteer review of "The Price of Worthlessness" by Gloria Eveleigh.

4 out of 5 stars

The Price of Worthlessness by Gloria Eveleigh is the story of a young teen girl, Petra, age fourteen, whose life takes a different direction after she believes she has found true love and finds herself in the middle of human sex trafficking. Seeing that her dad, mom, and Auntie Alison are worried about her weird behaviors, Petra decides to join the netball club at school to please them. Her netball teacher, Mr. Ahmed, connects with her and informs her that his friend, Marvin, is interested in her. When Petra meets Marvin, who is twenty-eight years older than her, their relationship kicks off, as Petra is in love with him. Petra keeps the relationship secret from her family and friends, as she is convinced by her boyfriend, Marvin. She is raped several times at Marvin's apartment and reports the cases to the police, but her evidence is pulled down. Marvin kidnaps her from school, and Petra is trapped in a sex trafficking network. Will she manage to escape?
The kind of love, support, and care Petra receives from her parents, especially her mom, was interesting, and I admired it. Gloria Eveleigh describes the abuse people undergo in human sex trafficking and their lives after that, as seen by Petra's experience of delayed reactions and trauma. I give credit to the author for exposing that and how they can be assisted.
The author's writing style was excellent, and the plot was good as well. The author exposes people in authority who have failed to play their roles and responsibilities, but instead participate in coordinating and being members of sex trafficking. For example, Mohammed Ahmed, a teacher at West Sussex High School, and Chief Inspector Craigen of the West Sussex Police are involved in coordinating and working with an extensive sex trafficking network.
The flaw I didn't like was the part where Petra was raped twice at Marvin's apartment but feared complaining because Marvin would dump her. I mean, who does that? Even if you love somebody that much, you are raped, and your boyfriend accuses you of being the one seducing the person who raped you. When the incident happens again in his apartment, you fear to complain, which is unbelievable. The Price of Worthlessness was exceptionally edited. I will give it 4 out of 5 stars. A star deduction was due to the flaw commented on above.
I recommend this book to parents, mature adults, and the police force to understand the tricks criminals use to conduct human sex trafficking. Horrible crimes such as human trafficking and rape should be heavily condemned in society, and those involved should receive severe punishment. 

ON-LINE BOOK CLUB - 4

Review of The Price of Worthlessness

by Monika Klimczak » 17 May 2023, 13:47

Following is a volunteer review of "The Price of Worthlessness" by Gloria Eveleigh.

5 out of 5 stars

“I have swept away your offences like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me for I have redeemed you” (Isaiah 44:42 NIV UK)

The Price of Worthlessness by Gloria Eveleigh describes few years of life of a young girl who is trapped in a sex trafficking network with little to no hope of ever escaping. It’s a heart-breaking story about survival and inner strength that is born of indescribable experiences.
It was my first encounter with Gloria Eveleigh’s book and even though I knew that everything she writes is based on true stories and I’ve read the book description, I was not prepared for the onslaught of emotions I experienced. 
In all the honesty, it was extremely difficult to read this book. Not because of the style or the language – which were on point, but because every word rang true. I was so immersed into the story that I could feel the pain, the confusion and the guilt of the main character. My perception of this book was so strong that at times I literally felt nauseated. Notwithstanding, it was terrifyingly beautiful to watch the heroine through her struggles and witness her growth despite everything she went through.
This book touches so many important topics. From the depravation of mankind, susceptibility of young minds to manipulation to the power of positivity, love and family. It made me come to the eye-opening realization that paying attention to the people around me and taking action when I see something disturbing could make a huge difference in someone’s life.  
Although it was a really great book that deserves a 5/5 rating, I would recommend for everyone interested in reading to be cautious. For some it may trigger painful memories and for others it can cause many a sleepless night. 

READERS FAVORITE - 4

5 out of 5 stars

The Price of Worthlessness Petra's Story
Gloria Eveleigh
Fiction - Social Issues

Appearance: 5

The appearance of a book can make a significant impact on the experience of a reader, whose enjoyment is often enhanced by an enticing cover, an intriguing table of contents, interesting chapter headings, and when possible, eye-catching illustrations.

Plot:5

The characters of a book should be well defined with strengths and flaws, and while they do not have to be likable, the reader does have to be able to form a connection with them. The tone should be consistent, the theme should be clear, and the plot should be original or told from a unique perspective. For informative books -- those without plot and characters--this rating refers primarily to your concept and how well you presented it.

Development: 5

Development refers to how effectively you told your story or discussed your topic. The dialogue should be realistic, the descriptions should be vivid, and the material should be concise and coherent. Organization is also a key factor, especially for informative books -- those without plot and characters. The order in which you tell your story or explain your topic and how smoothly it flows can have a huge impact on the reader's understanding and enjoyment of the material.

Formatting: 5

Formatting is the single most overlooked area by authors. The way in which you describe scenes, display dialogue, and shift point of view can make or break your story. In addition, excessive grammatical errors and typos can give your book an amateurish feel and even put off readers completely.

Marketability: 4

Marketability refers to how effectively you wrote your book for your target audience. Authors may include content that is above or below the understanding of their target reader, or include concepts, opinions or language that can accidentally confuse or alienate some readers. Although by its nature this rating is very subjective, a very low rating here and poor reviews may indicate an issue with your book in this area.

Overall Opinion: 5

The overall starred rating takes into account all these elements and describes the overall reading experience of your reviewer. This is the official Readers' Favorite review rating for your book.

Review:

by Tiffany Ferrell for Readers' Favorite

The Price of Worthlessness: Petra's Story by Gloria Eveleigh relates the sad tale of a young girl who was sick and tired of being compared to her boy-crazy older sister. When the fourteen-year-old began dating 28-year-old Marvin, she didn’t say a word. Her parents didn’t know that after playing netball she went to this man’s flat where they engaged in sexual activity. Convinced that Marvin loved her, Petra was in shock when two men sexually assaulted her while in his company. What she didn’t know is that this man was grooming her and that she was about to be trafficked. This became her reality when she was suddenly taken from her family and put in a trafficking ring. Moving from place to place and being used by others for her body, Petra prayed that she could go home to her family whom she knew missed her greatly.

The Price of Worthlessness completely blew my mind. I liked how this book addresses sex trafficking which is something we hear about but never read about - the experiences that the victims go through when they are being sold to strangers for sex. We get a firsthand view of the red flags that Petra was too naive to figure out until it was too late. It was disturbing to realize that Marvin was grooming her to fulfill a role in a trafficking chain. My heart broke for Petra who at only 14 should never have had to endure this, but it is a reminder that this isn’t happening to just one person. A lot of young boys, girls, and teens are brought into these rings, and their families never hear from them again. Gloria Eveleigh has done a wonderful job and I look forward to reading more of her work.

ON-LINE BOOK CLUB - 5

Review of The Price of Worthlessness

By ella Dorothy » 18 May 2023, 11:13

Following is a volunteer review of "The Price of Worthlessness" by Gloria Eveleigh.

5 out of 5 stars

The Price of Worthlessness by Gloria Eveleigh is a captivating historical fiction novel centred around Petra Lamont's life. It explores various themes, prompting readers to reflect on the profound realities of the human experience. Petra, a 14-year-old girl, struggles with insecurities about her appearance in comparison to her confident older sister. Concerned for her well-being, her parents encourage her to join the school's netball club, hoping it will boost her self-confidence and help her make friends.
As Petra's life begins to improve through her involvement in the club, she encounters Marvin, mysterious 28-year-old man, introduced by her teacher. Intrigued, Petra embarks on a transformative journey that challenges her perceptions and reshapes her entire existence.
Gloria Eveleigh skilfully delves into the haunting and widespread problem of sexual trafficking in her compelling novel. She exposes the grim realities and destructive consequences it inflicts on both individuals and communities. With great sensitivity and understanding, the author skilfully unravels the intricate layers of this issue, providing insight into the harrowing experiences endured by victims and the strength they muster to seek justice and recovery.
I have no criticisms of this book; the author's adept storytelling skills establish a profound connection between readers and the characters, evoking empathy and a strong emotional investment in their journeys. Moreover, the novel presents a captivating narrative that holds readers' interest from beginning to end. The intricately woven plot, well-developed characters, and unexpected twists create a sense of anticipation, making it difficult to stop reading. Each chapter serves a purpose, unveiling new layers of the story and deepening the reader's comprehension of the characters' motivations and challenges. I highly recommend this book to social justice advocates, fans of historical fiction, and individuals seeking stories of resilience and triumph.
I gave this book a rating of 5 out of 5 stars due to its ability to prompt readers to scrutinize their beliefs, values, and perspectives. By tackling challenging truths and social issues, it encourages personal growth and expanded horizons. The book serves as a catalyst for profound conversations and introspection, fostering empathy and understanding for those who have endured trauma and injustice. The book was exceptionally well-edited and error-free. 

ON-LINE BOOK CLUB - 6

Review of The Price of Worthlessness

By Adebayo Precious Esther, 14 May 2023, 07:16

5 out of 5 stars

[Following is a volunteer review of "The Price of Worthlessness" by Gloria Eveleigh.]

"The Price Of Worthlessness is the title of Gloria Eveleigh's brilliant treatise on the effects of human sex trafficking. I chose this novel, The Price Of Worthlessness, as my selection since I enjoy fiction books. The description of the book caught my attention.

The Price Of Worthlessness, by Gloria Eveleigh, is a succinct account of how sex trafficking significantly impacted Petra's life. Petra, a young girl in this book, The Price Of Worthlessness, encountered several difficulties right out of high school. When Petra was fourteen years old, she was secretly seeing Marvin, a guy who was twenty-eight years old. Unfortunately, Marvin was a human sex trafficker, and he and his friends raped Petra. He abducted Petra and sold her to another human sex trafficker, Thomas Cambourne. Thomas Cambourne mistreated her physically, intellectually, emotionally, and sexually. When she sought to leave him, he eventually sent her to a manicure and massage business. Her life underwent a dramatic transformation.

The first aspect of this book, The Price Of Worthlessness, that I enjoy is the genuine affection that Petra's family showed her in every situation she found herself in. The romantic connection was amazing. My favorite aspect of this book, The Price Of Worthlessness, is how Reverend Terence Oakley supported Petra and her family in numerous ways. He was such a great person. This book, The Price Of Worthlessness, by Glory Eveleigh, was superbly written. I commend her.

Nothing about this book, The Price Of Worthlessness, bothered me. When Petra arrived at the manicure and massage shop, she was able to witness the genuine love that Chelsea and her friends had for her. They had a close friendship. And how Petra sought out trauma counseling for her mental health on the advice of Doctor Adams, which she did. That was a fantastic motivator. I would undoubtedly read the next book in this series.

The Price Of Worthlessness, by Gloria Eveleigh, receives a rating of 5 out of 5 stars. The fiction book is tremendously fascinating, masterfully written, exciting, engrossing, and instructive. I noticed no faults in this fiction book, The Price of Worthlessness, which I believe was professionally edited. This fictional book, The Price Of Worthlessness, by Gloria Eveleigh, was beautifully written.

I advise enthusiasts of fiction novels to read The Price Of Worthlessness. The Price Of Worthlessness, by Gloria Eveleigh, is a fantastic work of fiction that is well worth reading from beginning to end." 

ON-LINE BOOK CLUB - 7

Review of The Price of Worthlessness
by SirKoech 20 May 2023, 12.51

4 out of 5 stars

(Following is a volunteer review of "The Price of Worthlessness" by Gloria Eveleigh.)

When it was said the good ones are not yet born, it seemed senseless, but when a reader interacts with The Price of Worthlessness by Gloria Eveleigh, the phrase has some sense in it since Marvin, a friend proposed to Petra by her teacher, had other intentions for a girl he doubled in age.

Amidst the surging rates of inflation, terrorism, unending wars, and the like, something else is slowly eating up our society. Sex trafficking is a vice that takes place in so many countries through so many channels that question the legitimacy of the judicial system and all those systems aimed at protecting innocent children. 

Marriage comes out as just an official event, which does not justify sexual chastity, as the thriving of these businesses depends on the market, which I can confidently say is highly filled with married individuals who choose to venture out for whatever reasons. The world is portrayed as being a very hostile place that urges one to tread with caution to avoid getting ensnared in all the traps that are set to capture unaware subjects.

Family, in a way, stands out as the only piece of life that one can always count on, no matter what life throws our way. It is also quite obvious that people should not rush when it comes to relationships but wait, or rather, study their partners, to avoid being caught up in unwanted, toxic, and even life-threatening relationships. I disliked how human beings can be so inhumane especially men.

I give the book 4 out of 5 stars. This is because I noticed a number of grammatical errors, which put the book under professional editing. It also made use of some derogatory terms that demean human value. I would recommend the book to youth in order to give them a heads-up of how terrible a misplaced step can land them in hell, literally. 

Online Book Club - 8

Review of THE PRICE OF WORTHLESSNESS

By Onmeya Shakeep 4^th June 2023

4 out of 5 stars

[Following is a volunteer review of "The Price of Worthlessness" by Gloria Eveleigh.]

Petra Lamont is a 14-year-old middle child; she is different from her 17-year-old sister, Ann. She is shy and likes to spend her time studying. Unlike Ann, who is flocked by boys fighting to date her, she never had a boyfriend. She didn't feel as special as Ann or her younger brother, Tim. So when she meets Marvin through her netball teacher, she falls for his charms and compliments, ignoring all the red flags about his behaviour, including his interest in dating a 14-year-old teenager while he is 29.

Finally, feeling special after having a boyfriend, Petra hides her relationship with Marvin from her family, afraid they will force her to break up with him. With Marvin in her life, Petra starts lying to her parents, using drugs, and drinking alcohol. Marvin confesses his love for her and convinces her to get intimate with him. He grooms her and guilt-trips her into doing his bidding. She knows it is wrong to date Marvin and to indulge him in his activities, but she believes she can't live without him in her life. On the other hand, Marvin succeeds in gaining Petra's trust and her obedience. He can finally execute his plan without failure, ensuring a dark future for her and money for him. 

The Price Of Worthlessness: Petra’s Story by Gloria Eveleigh is a suspense fiction novel. It narrates the sad story of Petra and the horrors she faced in her teenage years. I experienced a turmoil of emotions between sadness, horror, happiness, sympathy, anger, hope, and suspense while reading this book. The author's writing style is impressive; she wrote the book from a third-person perspective, giving me insight into the main character's thoughts and feelings, which helped me understand them, especially Petra. Although this book discusses the heavy topic of sex trafficking and abuse, I admire the author for narrating it in such an outstanding manner. She managed to convey all the experiences and emotions of the abuse scenes accurately without having to go through the gruesome details, which I find extremely impressive.

Also, the turn of events that the author managed to surprise me with was that I thought the story was the typical hero saving the girl in distress plot, but she proved me wrong. My favourite character, surprisingly, wasn't Petra; it was Terrence Oakley. I admired his tolerance, forgiveness, compassion, and understanding personality. I believe he has what we call a heart of gold. It was admirable how he used his bad experiences to protect and help others from suffering the same fate, not to mention how he never judged Petra or ignored her turmoil.

I admired Petra's strength, even though I thought most of her actions were very stupid and her way of thinking was shallow, considering how smart she was supposed to be. But I believe her young age made her make immature decisions, as the development of her character and maturity became evident as she aged. However, I didn't like the way she abandoned her friends and didn't ask about their well-being or try to help rescue them. It made me very disappointed in her, especially after she decided she would think of her friends' happiness and try to make their lives easier, just like they did with her.

I enjoyed reading this book immensely. So, I believe it deserves 4 out of 5 stars. Although I disapprove of Petra's behaviour, there was nothing to dislike about the book. However, the book could use a round of proof reading, as I encountered more than 10 errors. For this reason, I had to deduct a star; otherwise, I would have happily given it the highest rating.

I recommend this book to all fiction fans. However, I believe readers who find the subject of abuse, violence, and sex trafficking too much for them should avoid it, even though there are no graphic scenes. For this reason, I also think it is more suitable for mature audiences. 

READERS FAVORITE - 5

5 out of 5 stars