Gave the first 17 pages a go, and I'm not sure I will like The Maidens. There are many problems and issues from the very beginning. The prologue does a fantastic job of providing the hook, definitely wanted more after. However, the first few pages make it seem like such a problem that Mariana still loves the dead Sebastian, it seemed more like a break up scenario than loosing someone because they passed away. The major problem comes when Mariana is conducting a group therapy session and one member stays behind afterwards to show her self inflicted wounds on his torso. Boundaries had been crossed but for a therapist to say 'but how does it make me feel to see your wounds' and throw a first aid kit at them? Sorry, but I cannot suspend my belief enough to think this even remotely possible. And I read plenty of thrillers and sci fi when you need to suspend belief in order to enjoy the novel, but this is a belief I guess I can't suspend. A therapist would not act like that. Not sure I will be picking this one up.