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Experiment in Terror #3
Dead Sky Morning
With the Experiment in Terror show finding some success, amateur ghost hunters Perry Palomino and Dex Foray embark on their most terrifying investigation yet. A tiny, fog-shrouded island in the rough strait between British Columbia and Washington State has held a dark secret for decades: It was a former leper colony where over forty souls were left to rot, die and bury each other. Now a functioning campground, Perry and Dex spend an isolated weekend there to investigate potential hauntings but as the duo quickly find out, there is more to fear on D’Arcy Island than just ghosts. The island quickly pits partner against partner, spiraling the pair into madness that serves to destroy their sanity, their relationship and their very lives.
370 pages, Paperback
First published October 12, 2011
163 people are currently reading
3892 people want to read
About the author
Karina Halle
123 books19.6k followersKarina Halle is a screenwriter, former music & travel journalist, and the New York Times bestselling author of Grave Matter, Blood Orange, & The Royals Next Door, as well as 80 other romances across all sub-genres, ranging from spicy rom coms to gothic horror and dark fantasy. Needless to say, whatever you're into, she's probably written an HEA for it.
When she's not traveling, she, her husband, and their pup Perry, split their time between a possibly haunted 120 year-old house in Victoria, BC, and their condo in Los Angeles.
When she's not traveling, she, her husband, and their pup Perry, split their time between a possibly haunted 120 year-old house in Victoria, BC, and their condo in Los Angeles.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 898 reviews
March 1, 2013
5 CAPTIVATING AND HIGHLY ENTERTAINING STARS.
Let me start off by saying that Dead Sky Morning was by far the scariest installment of the Experiment In Terror series yet (and at the same time also my favorite one so far)...
When I started reading it, I thought I was in for a relaxing read
As they were moving closer and closer to the abandoned island, I became more and more agitated
Ghosts were starting to show up, voices were being heard, and I was getting jumpier by the second
Then there were some sweet scenes in a tent...
But all too quickly things started to get scary again and Dex and Perry (and me!) were all starting to freak out more and more and I was like
After that, there were just so many emotions, and I have to ask the author
Still, all I can say is: this book was
If you haven't read this series yet, READ IT!!!
...moving on to the next part!!!
October 25, 2022
Reread October 2020
“I have your back, OK? Don’t forget that. I won’t let you.”
The third installment in the Experiment in Terror series, Dex and Perry head to a haunted island in Canada hoping to catch footage of a ghost leper colony. Isolated on the island together, Dex and Perry begin to slowly slide into paranoia and mistrust of each other while a threat looms in the background, waiting to pounce.
“In all of our experiences together, there always was that moment that I could have turned back and I never ever did. Even if it scared me to the core, to the very soul and fiber of my being, I still went forward into the unknown. Some may call that brave. I don't think I'd call it that. Stubborn beyond repair seemed more fitting.”
While I love the first two books in the series, for me, this is the book where things finally begin to take off. It’s incredibly scary, scarier than Darkhouse and Red Fox. And I feel it sets in motion the events of the rest of the series. There’s also more romance involved in this book and I am so beyond excited to reread book four, you have no idea.
It’s been maybe seven years since I first read this book and it’s funny how some moments are crystal clear in my memory, and other scary parts that I must have repressed haha. Overall a fantastic book and I wish more of my friend would read this series. Hence why I am reviewing it years later.
“What if I really am alone?”
“Baby, you aren’t alone. I’m here.”
“I have your back, OK? Don’t forget that. I won’t let you.”
The third installment in the Experiment in Terror series, Dex and Perry head to a haunted island in Canada hoping to catch footage of a ghost leper colony. Isolated on the island together, Dex and Perry begin to slowly slide into paranoia and mistrust of each other while a threat looms in the background, waiting to pounce.
“In all of our experiences together, there always was that moment that I could have turned back and I never ever did. Even if it scared me to the core, to the very soul and fiber of my being, I still went forward into the unknown. Some may call that brave. I don't think I'd call it that. Stubborn beyond repair seemed more fitting.”
While I love the first two books in the series, for me, this is the book where things finally begin to take off. It’s incredibly scary, scarier than Darkhouse and Red Fox. And I feel it sets in motion the events of the rest of the series. There’s also more romance involved in this book and I am so beyond excited to reread book four, you have no idea.
It’s been maybe seven years since I first read this book and it’s funny how some moments are crystal clear in my memory, and other scary parts that I must have repressed haha. Overall a fantastic book and I wish more of my friend would read this series. Hence why I am reviewing it years later.
“What if I really am alone?”
“Baby, you aren’t alone. I’m here.”
June 13, 2013
"Where are we?”
“This is the Island of Death. This is purgatory. This place has a dark soul of its own. And it will drown you in its depths.”
Dex and Perry alone on a creepy island..Spending a secluded weekend trying to capture any ghostly sightings on film but they are in for more than they bargained for..
There is something about the island which instills fear and doubt into the pair and it soon becomes apparent that there is more to fear than just the ghosts...
Both Perry and Dex become increasingly more paranoid and soon begin to turn on one another..
Something on the island is trying to tear them apart and it may very well succeed unless they can start trusting each other again...
Dex and Perry themselves have a love-hate relationship with each other... You can tell that they love each other, but they are both afraid of what that might entail..
The sexual tension that is constantly between the two is unbelievable.There is one sexy-time scene in this story that it was pretty amazing!!It left me wanting more!!!
I loved the story itself and how Karina used the ghost story and mystery.I was pulled into this book,as I have been this entire series. Everything moves along so well and so fast I was on the edge of my seat for most of the book!!
May 25, 2013
“This is the Island of Death. This is purgatory. This place has a dark soul of its own. And it will drown you in its depths.”
5 TERRIFYING Stars
Off the coast of Vancouver, eerily silent in the Pacific Ocean, shrouded in mist, lies the D'Arcy Island. A national monument that witnessed horror like no other. It's the setting for a new episode in a thrilling new web series, Experiment in Terror, that gains in popularity and fans. This will be one hell of an episode to watch for, if the hostess and her cameraman, manage to survive filming it...
“Red sky at morning, sailors take warning. Red sky at night, sailor’s delight”
Dead Sky Morning is for me the best installment yet, in the mindblowing Experiment in Terror series by the amazing Karina Halle. It manipulates all your feelings, bluring the line between reality and fantasy, delivering pure terror. A scary as hell book, that still manages to make you laugh and cry within a sentence. It's disconcerning to get so much worked up from a book, but you can't help it. It chilled my blood...
The haunting atmosphere of the island and the helplessness that you can't escape, quickly gets to you. The forest and the sea, suffocate and drive you mad... Literally.
The ghosts are also more "alive" than ever. All the interactions were so much realistic and horrifying. Fear and repulsion aren't strong enough words to describe it.
And our heroes fall deeper and deeper...
Perry is in love with her partner. She can't really help it.
"I hated what he was doing to me, but I loved him. I hated my feelings, but…I loved him. I hated that he could just look at me like that and I couldn’t think of anything else."
But she also faces some hard truths about herself, of what she is capable and what is really at stake. Her life, her sanity and her soul.
She can't count on her family. Like always, they aren't here for her. But what about Dex? Will be her partner? Her Anchor? Her soul-mate?
Dex is at a breaking point...
“I really hate you sometimes,” I blurted out. He shrugged. “I don’t blame you. I hate myself too sometimes. Often.
Hell, I swear he broke in this book, right in front our eyes. But that was just the first layer. I dread the next. The mystery around him deepens with every page and the infuriatingly sexy man finds a place inside our heart.
Our favourite couple deals with a HUGE pile of sh*t in this book. I mean A LOT. My gran always says, when it rains it pours and it sure does. Right now, having finished the book, I'm drained and..
Addictive and exhilarating Experiment in Terror, is a must read. In this particular book something happens that gets the ball really rolling. Big revelations and uncontrollable emotions. A force of nature has been unleashed...
This review can be found on my blog: infinity-of-time.blogspot.com also known as...
October 11, 2014
*5 Stars!*
Dead Sky Morning has certainly amped up the intensity! This chilling installation takes everything I love about this series and dramatically enhances it. The terror, the flirting, the fun, the steam, the danger, and the twisted scenarios are all fearlessly catapulted to new heights. Dex and Perry take their skills to Canada's Island of Death—where secrets will be revealed, fates will be challenged, and every motive gets questioned; including their own...
Zombie-lepers, creepy ghosts, and crazed raccoons have nothing on these two and their roller-coaster connection. We are given more insight into both Dex and Perry's lives, but there's much that still remains a mystery. Their unofficial romance was definitely turned up a few notches, but the sweet tension of life complicating love is still there.
The writing is truly phenomenal; offering scenes so engaging and vivid that you sort of lose yourself in their presence. Subtle but effective foreshadowing and metaphors allow the story to feel layered and lively. There's tons of action, and never any long, wordy narrations to serve as fillers; everything is purposeful and interesting.
This author does an amazing job sustaining a raw, palpable tension without causing the reader's interest to falter; giving just enough for us to bite, before pulling back again. I love the angst, I love the building anticipation, and I love the suspense of not knowing exactly where this story will go next.
But I have my theories...Excellent read!
Book Stats:
▪ Genre/Category: Paranormal/Horror
▪ Steam Caliber: Moderate. A definite incline.
▪ Romance: Building, but tension-filled.
▪ Characters: Still as lovable as ever. More insight in this installation.
▪ Plot: Characters head to an Island of Death. Steam and terror taken up a notch.
▪ Writing: Engaging and fun. Witty dialogue.
▪ POV: 1st Person: Heroine
▪ Cliffhanger: Yes. Open for more story.
▪ Next Installment: Follow up.
Dead Sky Morning has certainly amped up the intensity! This chilling installation takes everything I love about this series and dramatically enhances it. The terror, the flirting, the fun, the steam, the danger, and the twisted scenarios are all fearlessly catapulted to new heights. Dex and Perry take their skills to Canada's Island of Death—where secrets will be revealed, fates will be challenged, and every motive gets questioned; including their own...
This is the Island of Death. This is purgatory. This place has a dark soul of its own. And will drown you in its depths.
Zombie-lepers, creepy ghosts, and crazed raccoons have nothing on these two and their roller-coaster connection. We are given more insight into both Dex and Perry's lives, but there's much that still remains a mystery. Their unofficial romance was definitely turned up a few notches, but the sweet tension of life complicating love is still there.
I have never wanted someone so badly before, mentally and physically, that I was afraid my body might act without any instructions from me.
The writing is truly phenomenal; offering scenes so engaging and vivid that you sort of lose yourself in their presence. Subtle but effective foreshadowing and metaphors allow the story to feel layered and lively. There's tons of action, and never any long, wordy narrations to serve as fillers; everything is purposeful and interesting.
This author does an amazing job sustaining a raw, palpable tension without causing the reader's interest to falter; giving just enough for us to bite, before pulling back again. I love the angst, I love the building anticipation, and I love the suspense of not knowing exactly where this story will go next.
But I have my theories...Excellent read!
Book Stats:
▪ Genre/Category: Paranormal/Horror
▪ Steam Caliber: Moderate. A definite incline.
▪ Romance: Building, but tension-filled.
▪ Characters: Still as lovable as ever. More insight in this installation.
▪ Plot: Characters head to an Island of Death. Steam and terror taken up a notch.
▪ Writing: Engaging and fun. Witty dialogue.
▪ POV: 1st Person: Heroine
▪ Cliffhanger: Yes. Open for more story.
▪ Next Installment: Follow up.
January 18, 2013
6 mind-blowing stars
An Open Letter To Karina Halle,
Hi!
I think your books are hazardous to my health.
There. I said it.
*glances over at the clock and confirms that it's nearly 3am.*
I need my sleep. I really, really do. But ever since I started reading your Experiment in Terror series a few days ago, I have been a woman on a mission. And it seems my mission is to read your books as fast as possible. I feel like some kind of drug addict, unable to kick the habit. I keep telling myself that I'm going to pace myself...slow down and make the books last. That I can stop anytime I want to. But no. I find myself sitting on my couch at 2am...again...unable to put my Kindle down because I *have* to know what happens next. I don't know why I'm surprised. I haven't made it to bed before 3am since the night I started Darkhouse.
Well played Ms Halle. Well played.
Dead Sky Morning was of course completely and utterly brilliant. On every level. I could sit here and go on and on about all the little things I loved about it. The truly creepy...no, downright frightening atmosphere of the setting (an abandoned island that used to be a leper colony), the insane tension that built throughout the book. The chemistry between Dex and Perry that almost burned my fingers right off my Kindle(corny, but come on...it's 3am. Cut me some slack), the truly terrifying images that are forever embedded in my brain...
Oh wait. I guess I did just sit here and go on and on about all of that. Silly me.
But you know what the craziest part about all of this is? Even though I am exhausted and feeling more than a little loopy right now. And even though I will spend another day in zombie-mode at work tomorrow. Despite all that, you know what?
Yeah. It was worth it.
So thank you, Ms Halle. Thank you for making me stay up most of the night reading your fan-freaking-tastic books. Thank you for creating the crazy, twisted world that encompasses the EIT universe. And thank you most of all for dreaming up Dex Foray & Perry Palomino (okay, maybe a little bit of an extra thank you for Dex. :P). I can't think of two better fictional characters to spend a few sleepless nights with.
Yours truly (and deliriously),
Holly
Read more of my reviews at my blog: http://ravingbookaddict.blogspot.com
An Open Letter To Karina Halle,
Hi!
I think your books are hazardous to my health.
There. I said it.
*glances over at the clock and confirms that it's nearly 3am.*
I need my sleep. I really, really do. But ever since I started reading your Experiment in Terror series a few days ago, I have been a woman on a mission. And it seems my mission is to read your books as fast as possible. I feel like some kind of drug addict, unable to kick the habit. I keep telling myself that I'm going to pace myself...slow down and make the books last. That I can stop anytime I want to. But no. I find myself sitting on my couch at 2am...again...unable to put my Kindle down because I *have* to know what happens next. I don't know why I'm surprised. I haven't made it to bed before 3am since the night I started Darkhouse.
Well played Ms Halle. Well played.
Dead Sky Morning was of course completely and utterly brilliant. On every level. I could sit here and go on and on about all the little things I loved about it. The truly creepy...no, downright frightening atmosphere of the setting (an abandoned island that used to be a leper colony), the insane tension that built throughout the book. The chemistry between Dex and Perry that almost burned my fingers right off my Kindle(corny, but come on...it's 3am. Cut me some slack), the truly terrifying images that are forever embedded in my brain...
Oh wait. I guess I did just sit here and go on and on about all of that. Silly me.
But you know what the craziest part about all of this is? Even though I am exhausted and feeling more than a little loopy right now. And even though I will spend another day in zombie-mode at work tomorrow. Despite all that, you know what?
Yeah. It was worth it.
So thank you, Ms Halle. Thank you for making me stay up most of the night reading your fan-freaking-tastic books. Thank you for creating the crazy, twisted world that encompasses the EIT universe. And thank you most of all for dreaming up Dex Foray & Perry Palomino (okay, maybe a little bit of an extra thank you for Dex. :P). I can't think of two better fictional characters to spend a few sleepless nights with.
Yours truly (and deliriously),
Holly
Read more of my reviews at my blog: http://ravingbookaddict.blogspot.com
August 19, 2013
Dex and Perry head off to Canada, to a small island off the coast that used to be home to a colony of lepers and is now a state park. Of course, there are rumors of ghosts...and it doesn't help that the island is hard to anchor at due to the winds and riptides. But naturally, that won't stop Dex and Perry.
I've decided that I'm going to break this review up into two parts: #1) the ghost story and #2) the relationship in order to do it justice. So let's start with the ghost story first.
WHAT IN THE HECK ARE DEX AND PERRY THINKING? I swear, they really need to get their acts together. And just when I was thinking they were doing that in the second book by having a third party with them, they decide to go to an isolated island by themselves...camping...and in November?
I'm really hoping that they get some help, some advice, some knowledge or just someone to help them with any further ghost stories because they really don't know what they are doing! And that's almost scarier than the ghost stories.
I do think that Perry is opening up to what she can do and what she's done in the past and we've also found out more about Dex and his past. They are starting to get things out in the open...finally. I really hope from this point on that they prepare themselves better for their adventures and not just with knowledge.
Again, this ghost story wasn't as scary for me as it was creepy. I mean lepers, come on....that's creepy enough without talking about skin falling off, limbs shriveling or getting eating off by RATS (!!), pus, sores and what not. On top of that, the lepers were just buried any ol' place which means everywhere. Then, you have this weird island with its dead spots, uninhabited buildings, coffins, crazy deer and who knows what was wrong with those raccoons!!
The worse part for me was how the island was affecting Dex and Perry and how they treated each other. That I did not like at all. It really kills me too because KH just ends the book with very little discussion between them about what happened.
But that's getting into the second part which is the relationship.
Holy Crap on Toast...What in the heck happened??
A whole hellava lot happened, that's what. I just couldn't believe all the huge plot twists that went on.
I love the progression of Dex and Perry's relationship but I don't like how it happened. I don't like that Dex has a girlfriend...that just has to stop or we just need to get to the bottom of things. Something has to give.
The revelations were killing me even though I loved the games Dex and Perry played. It was just what they needed or else I don't think they ever would've disclosed so much...and maybe it was the drinking too.
And I'm finding myself being a little mad at Dex. He needs to step up and be mature about some things...or really just his life in general. And Perry needs to demand getting more information...I really hate how Dex leaves her in the dark! Not just with the job but with Miss Anonymous...I have a sneaky feeling that Dex knows who it is!
As I mentioned above, things got a bit dicey between the two of them and a lot of harsh words were said. On top of that, they both found out some things for sure about each other. I need to see how this affects their relationship. I do love them together and they just seem right for each other. How they will get there is another story.
So overall, part two makes part one bearable for me and the book just draws you in and before you know it, you're done in no time. It's a good, albeit frustration, balance and as always leaves me wanting more Dex and Perry!
Favorite quotes:
♥ "You're like a sexy...bunny."
♦ “Wow, I have got to step up my game. You are out…bad–@ssing me right now.”
♥ "You know I’d do anything for you. You mean…so much to me.”
♦ “That is the most ghetto birthday cake I have ever seen.”
♦ “Well, I thought I was being poetic by saying I could be your anchor. But if you want to make this perverted, you know I’m game.”
I've decided that I'm going to break this review up into two parts: #1) the ghost story and #2) the relationship in order to do it justice. So let's start with the ghost story first.
WHAT IN THE HECK ARE DEX AND PERRY THINKING? I swear, they really need to get their acts together. And just when I was thinking they were doing that in the second book by having a third party with them, they decide to go to an isolated island by themselves...camping...and in November?
I'm really hoping that they get some help, some advice, some knowledge or just someone to help them with any further ghost stories because they really don't know what they are doing! And that's almost scarier than the ghost stories.
I do think that Perry is opening up to what she can do and what she's done in the past and we've also found out more about Dex and his past. They are starting to get things out in the open...finally. I really hope from this point on that they prepare themselves better for their adventures and not just with knowledge.
Again, this ghost story wasn't as scary for me as it was creepy. I mean lepers, come on....that's creepy enough without talking about skin falling off, limbs shriveling or getting eating off by RATS (!!), pus, sores and what not. On top of that, the lepers were just buried any ol' place which means everywhere. Then, you have this weird island with its dead spots, uninhabited buildings, coffins, crazy deer and who knows what was wrong with those raccoons!!
The worse part for me was how the island was affecting Dex and Perry and how they treated each other. That I did not like at all. It really kills me too because KH just ends the book with very little discussion between them about what happened.
But that's getting into the second part which is the relationship.
Holy Crap on Toast...What in the heck happened??
A whole hellava lot happened, that's what. I just couldn't believe all the huge plot twists that went on.
I love the progression of Dex and Perry's relationship but I don't like how it happened. I don't like that Dex has a girlfriend...that just has to stop or we just need to get to the bottom of things. Something has to give.
The revelations were killing me even though I loved the games Dex and Perry played. It was just what they needed or else I don't think they ever would've disclosed so much...and maybe it was the drinking too.
And I'm finding myself being a little mad at Dex. He needs to step up and be mature about some things...or really just his life in general. And Perry needs to demand getting more information...I really hate how Dex leaves her in the dark! Not just with the job but with Miss Anonymous...I have a sneaky feeling that Dex knows who it is!
As I mentioned above, things got a bit dicey between the two of them and a lot of harsh words were said. On top of that, they both found out some things for sure about each other. I need to see how this affects their relationship. I do love them together and they just seem right for each other. How they will get there is another story.
So overall, part two makes part one bearable for me and the book just draws you in and before you know it, you're done in no time. It's a good, albeit frustration, balance and as always leaves me wanting more Dex and Perry!
Favorite quotes:
♥ "You're like a sexy...bunny."
♦ “Wow, I have got to step up my game. You are out…bad–@ssing me right now.”
♥ "You know I’d do anything for you. You mean…so much to me.”
♦ “That is the most ghetto birthday cake I have ever seen.”
♦ “Well, I thought I was being poetic by saying I could be your anchor. But if you want to make this perverted, you know I’m game.”
May 14, 2013
WHAT A RIDE THAT WAS!!!!!! UNBELIEVEABLE!!!!!!!!! FAN-FUCKING-TASTIC!!!!!!!!
...and here it is...
The Island of the Dead
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Dex and Perry's D'Arcy Island family album...
Perry at Zach's...
![]()
Dex in all his swooniness...
![]()
the Mary Contrary...and our little Zodiac...
![]()
the entrance bay...
![]()
our first day on the beach...
![]()
our campsite...
![]()
the dead mossy forest...
![]()
the killer raccoon family...
![]()
the caretakers cottage...
![]()
Dex checking out the lovely graffiti...
![]()
I have never...
![]()
the flash-mob deer...
![]()
Mary's dead orchard...
![]()
more killer racoons...
![]()
my birthday cake...
![]()
zombie lepers...
![]()
the old coffin...
![]()
our view from the cliff...
![]()
our departure sunset...
![]()
No review I could write would do this wild ride any justice!!! Just know that it was AMAZING!!!!!
5 UNBELIEVABLY CREEPY STARS!!!!!!!!!
...and here it is...
The Island of the Dead
Dex and Perry's D'Arcy Island family album...
Perry at Zach's...
Dex in all his swooniness...
the Mary Contrary...and our little Zodiac...
the entrance bay...
our first day on the beach...
our campsite...
the dead mossy forest...
the killer raccoon family...
the caretakers cottage...
Dex checking out the lovely graffiti...
I have never...
the flash-mob deer...
Mary's dead orchard...
more killer racoons...
my birthday cake...
zombie lepers...
the old coffin...
our view from the cliff...
our departure sunset...
No review I could write would do this wild ride any justice!!! Just know that it was AMAZING!!!!!
5 UNBELIEVABLY CREEPY STARS!!!!!!!!!
October 21, 2015
*** 5 Island of Dead Stars***
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
“Red sky at morning, sailors take warning."
"Red sky at night, sailor’s delight”
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
“This is the Island of Death. This is purgatory. This place has a dark soul of its own. And it will drown you in its depths.”
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
Dex once again, has found a perfect location for them to film the next episode of Experiment In Terror. It is at D'Arcy Island off the coast of Victoria, British Columbia. The island seems to be inhabited by the ghosts of the ill people that died there. Once they set foot on the island, the ghosts that haunt seem anything but dead, in fact, they look to be very much alive.
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“No. It’s always been like this. I know it has been. I feel like I can’t tell what’s a dream. What’s real. I’m going crazy. I have to be. What if all the world is inside of my head?”
--Perry
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This one was definitely THE BEST of the series so far! I completely devoured it and in doing so, scared the hell of myself. There was so much going on. Perry starting seeing things around the island and it frustrated me so much that Dex couldn't see it too. I hated what the island was doing to both of them. It was messing up with their minds, as well as my own. I felt like I was turning mad, just like Perry was feeling. The lepers, Reverend John, Mary, racoons, and the child terrified me! I wanted them to LEAVE the island before they even got on it. It was the creepy!!
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
Perry-- "What if I really am alone?"
Dex-- "Baby, you aren't alone. I'm here."
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
Dex and Perry have seemed to have gotten closer and the sexual tension was at an all time high. I was über excited because I have been wanting them to get closer since this series started. There was one scene in particular that was intensely hot! I loved it! But I also kinda wanted it to end. This was because some more revelations were made in this book. We get to know a little bit more about both Perry and Dex. But now, I really want them to hopefully get together now, that some things are out in the open. I'm hoping that happens soon... like in the next book. *fingers crossed*
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"You know I'd do anything for you. You mean... so much to me."
--Dex
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I loved the way this one was written. I found myself being held captive by the scary story. I could feel my heart beating faster in many parts of the book. It was so good. I am glad I stuck around because I have become totally addicted to the series. I can't wait to read the next one!!
March 10, 2013
Okey dokey then...I was already addicted to the series after book two. Honestly, books one and two got four stars from me, but I wanted to give them five just because I think my subconscious could feel the awesome-ness leaking from future books. Those two just built the tension, set the stage, and left me wanting more.
THIS BOOK was amazing!!! Seriously, Karina Halle has this mind boggling ability to draw out the beginning of a story until you're craving release...be it sexual or another type of stimulation. This talent is readily apparent already in regard to the Experiment in Terror series, but she also does it anew with each installment. At the end of Dead Sky Morning, I was strung so tight, I couldn't function in life until I finished the book.
Okay, so Perry and Dex are headed to Canada to investigate and film an island that is reputed to be haunted by the ghosts of Chinese lepers. These poor people were sent to live far away from civilization and other than monthly supply barges, promptly forgotten. Basically, they were sent there to die. Aside from an priest and a woman that choose to live among these lost souls and aid them in their plight, the world simply doesn't exist beyond their rotting bodies and a basic will to survive for as long as their disease allowed. And now, they haunt any who stop foot on the island, the place of their banishment....
[image error]
Of course, Dex and Perry must travel dangerous waters; literally and spiritually, in order to get footage for their internet ghost hunting show. Only, as we dedicated EIT fans already know, Dex and Perry are already somewhat haunted in their own right. Their residence is a lonely tent on a beach,
[image error]
braving the weather and the unknown of the island for the two days that they PLAN on staying to film. Looks nice an cozy, right? Especially all snuggled up to the Delicious Dex... (Did you catch that PLAN back there?)
When wild animals start doing weird things and the ghosts make their arrival known, it's hard to tell what's real and what's not.
[image error]
[image error]
Problem is, for Perry, it's all real. Real enough to kill her.
This installment was almost sad for me. More of each of Dex and Perry is revealed in bits and pieces. But instead of bringing them closer, the revelations seem to add to their mistrust of each other. It's a long haul for these two to trust anyone at all, but even more so each other, I think because each of them knows how much they could mean to each other if they could just give in to their attraction, to the something that draws them together...this invisible line made almost visible by their inner demons and the creepy clown lady's strange messages. Plus, they're just MEANT for each other! They compliment each other, and it's so apparent to the outside observer! Their wit and sarcasm toward one another is awesome...
"You know, Perry, sometimes I get this uncanny impression that you are flirting with me."
It was true. I let myself feel awkward for exactly 2.5 seconds before I said, "You think the waitresses at Denny's flirt with you, Dex."
That was also true. And I didn't blame them.
"Because they do," he finally said. "Who can resist this handsome mug?" He stroked his broad jaw and I tried my hardest not to nod along.
"Complete with rapist facial hair," I added.
"Touche," he said..."
and
"Really brings out your eyes," Dex said, standing behind me, meeting my gaze in the mirror's reflection. It was almost romantic. Then he said, "They aren't as angry as usual."
Haha...she totally knocked that nasty 'stache, yes she did. I think I love her. She can see past the awkward and unattractive parts of Dex unlike most modern heroines. Dex and Perry are perfectly flawed and perfect for each other.
If you haven't yet been all that scared by the creepy crawlies and ghosties so far, that may change in this book. Let me just say that tough badass ghost hunter Perry, after all of her antics thus far, literally passes out with fright during one scene in this book. And aside from the obvious scary part including ghosts, this book was EEEEEEEEEEEEEWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!! Nasty, gory ick!!!!
[image error]
And also scary as hell!!! Action packed and oh, yeah...are you like me and completely sexually frustrated with the aching slow-ness of Dex and Perry's obviously lust-fully delicious tension? Well, without giving away TOO much, I can say that your wait is...kinda sorta maybe over...a little bit?!?! But not really. **Insert maniacal laghter**
This is my favorite of the series so far...each book is exponentially better than the last. And I can say that with the utmost authority, as I've read up to book five at this point. I can't seem to slow down long enough to gather my thoughts for coherent reviews. It's safe to say at this point, however, that this is shaping up to be one of my favorite series EVER!!!
THIS BOOK was amazing!!! Seriously, Karina Halle has this mind boggling ability to draw out the beginning of a story until you're craving release...be it sexual or another type of stimulation. This talent is readily apparent already in regard to the Experiment in Terror series, but she also does it anew with each installment. At the end of Dead Sky Morning, I was strung so tight, I couldn't function in life until I finished the book.
Okay, so Perry and Dex are headed to Canada to investigate and film an island that is reputed to be haunted by the ghosts of Chinese lepers. These poor people were sent to live far away from civilization and other than monthly supply barges, promptly forgotten. Basically, they were sent there to die. Aside from an priest and a woman that choose to live among these lost souls and aid them in their plight, the world simply doesn't exist beyond their rotting bodies and a basic will to survive for as long as their disease allowed. And now, they haunt any who stop foot on the island, the place of their banishment....
[image error]
Of course, Dex and Perry must travel dangerous waters; literally and spiritually, in order to get footage for their internet ghost hunting show. Only, as we dedicated EIT fans already know, Dex and Perry are already somewhat haunted in their own right. Their residence is a lonely tent on a beach,
[image error]
braving the weather and the unknown of the island for the two days that they PLAN on staying to film. Looks nice an cozy, right? Especially all snuggled up to the Delicious Dex... (Did you catch that PLAN back there?)
When wild animals start doing weird things and the ghosts make their arrival known, it's hard to tell what's real and what's not.
[image error]
[image error]
Problem is, for Perry, it's all real. Real enough to kill her.
This installment was almost sad for me. More of each of Dex and Perry is revealed in bits and pieces. But instead of bringing them closer, the revelations seem to add to their mistrust of each other. It's a long haul for these two to trust anyone at all, but even more so each other, I think because each of them knows how much they could mean to each other if they could just give in to their attraction, to the something that draws them together...this invisible line made almost visible by their inner demons and the creepy clown lady's strange messages. Plus, they're just MEANT for each other! They compliment each other, and it's so apparent to the outside observer! Their wit and sarcasm toward one another is awesome...
"You know, Perry, sometimes I get this uncanny impression that you are flirting with me."
It was true. I let myself feel awkward for exactly 2.5 seconds before I said, "You think the waitresses at Denny's flirt with you, Dex."
That was also true. And I didn't blame them.
"Because they do," he finally said. "Who can resist this handsome mug?" He stroked his broad jaw and I tried my hardest not to nod along.
"Complete with rapist facial hair," I added.
"Touche," he said..."
and
"Really brings out your eyes," Dex said, standing behind me, meeting my gaze in the mirror's reflection. It was almost romantic. Then he said, "They aren't as angry as usual."
Haha...she totally knocked that nasty 'stache, yes she did. I think I love her. She can see past the awkward and unattractive parts of Dex unlike most modern heroines. Dex and Perry are perfectly flawed and perfect for each other.
If you haven't yet been all that scared by the creepy crawlies and ghosties so far, that may change in this book. Let me just say that tough badass ghost hunter Perry, after all of her antics thus far, literally passes out with fright during one scene in this book. And aside from the obvious scary part including ghosts, this book was EEEEEEEEEEEEEWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!! Nasty, gory ick!!!!
[image error]
And also scary as hell!!! Action packed and oh, yeah...are you like me and completely sexually frustrated with the aching slow-ness of Dex and Perry's obviously lust-fully delicious tension? Well, without giving away TOO much, I can say that your wait is...kinda sorta maybe over...a little bit?!?! But not really. **Insert maniacal laghter**
This is my favorite of the series so far...each book is exponentially better than the last. And I can say that with the utmost authority, as I've read up to book five at this point. I can't seem to slow down long enough to gather my thoughts for coherent reviews. It's safe to say at this point, however, that this is shaping up to be one of my favorite series EVER!!!
July 23, 2013
Dex and Perry Rock!!!!!!!
This was the best book in this series, so far!!!!
I loved it from start to finish....simply awesome!!!!!!!
The island was crazy spooky...perfect!!! By far it was the spookiest book of the 3. Dex and Perry reveal a little more to one another with each book and I'm loving them more and more as these books continue!!
I'm starting to have a Dex fetish.....I love his crazy ass!!
I can't wait to start book 4 tonight!!!!
February 28, 2013
SO AMAZING!!!!!!!
5 MIND BLOWNING STARS!!!!!!
I loved this book!!!! I can't get enough of this series!!! I never want it to end!!! If you haven't checked it out yet. You should definitely do it soon!!! On to the next book!!!
5 MIND BLOWNING STARS!!!!!!
I loved this book!!!! I can't get enough of this series!!! I never want it to end!!! If you haven't checked it out yet. You should definitely do it soon!!! On to the next book!!!
June 26, 2017
★★★½
Dead Sky Morning is the third installment in Karina Halle's paranormal/horror series titled Experiment in Terror. To date, I have only read the first three books and this happens to be my least favorite; however, highly anticipated progress was made in the main characters' slow-going romantic tension so I had to bump it up another star just for that. The plotline in Dead Sky Morning was much slower in my opinion than the first two books but the first scene puts readers in immediate suspense mode and the paranormal activity that takes place is truly horrific. Also, Ms. Halle provides a life lesson/perspective for her readers as she has created an insecure heroine who is very slowly but surely learning to not allow abusive blog comments to negatively impact her. Overall, I am loving this series and am excited to finally be working my way through it. I plan to take it slow and savor each one. Check it out!
My favorite quote:
“Honestly kiddo? You’re beautiful. You use your weight as an excuse but you’re just all woman. Not every woman has to look like a stripper. Or a model. Or Megan Fox. You’re petite, have a tiny waist, a fantastic rack, a devastating ass…what the hell more do you want? You should know it. Everyone else knows it…that’s why you’re getting all these asinine comments. Can’t you just see that it’s just jealously that’s ripping these people apart?”
Karina Halle's Experiment in Terror series includes the following installments as of June 2017:
1-Darkhouse
2-Red Fox
2.5-The Benson
3-Dead Sky Morning
4-Lying Season
5-On Demon Wings
5.5-Old Blood
5.7-The Dex-Files
6-Into the Hollow
6.5-And With Madness Comes the Light
7-Come Alive
8-Ashes to Ashes
9-Dust to Dust
Dead Sky Morning is the third installment in Karina Halle's paranormal/horror series titled Experiment in Terror. To date, I have only read the first three books and this happens to be my least favorite; however, highly anticipated progress was made in the main characters' slow-going romantic tension so I had to bump it up another star just for that. The plotline in Dead Sky Morning was much slower in my opinion than the first two books but the first scene puts readers in immediate suspense mode and the paranormal activity that takes place is truly horrific. Also, Ms. Halle provides a life lesson/perspective for her readers as she has created an insecure heroine who is very slowly but surely learning to not allow abusive blog comments to negatively impact her. Overall, I am loving this series and am excited to finally be working my way through it. I plan to take it slow and savor each one. Check it out!
My favorite quote:
“Honestly kiddo? You’re beautiful. You use your weight as an excuse but you’re just all woman. Not every woman has to look like a stripper. Or a model. Or Megan Fox. You’re petite, have a tiny waist, a fantastic rack, a devastating ass…what the hell more do you want? You should know it. Everyone else knows it…that’s why you’re getting all these asinine comments. Can’t you just see that it’s just jealously that’s ripping these people apart?”
Karina Halle's Experiment in Terror series includes the following installments as of June 2017:
1-Darkhouse
2-Red Fox
2.5-The Benson
3-Dead Sky Morning
4-Lying Season
5-On Demon Wings
5.5-Old Blood
5.7-The Dex-Files
6-Into the Hollow
6.5-And With Madness Comes the Light
7-Come Alive
8-Ashes to Ashes
9-Dust to Dust
October 5, 2015
Buddy read continues with my adorable VILDA !
Final rating: 5/5 stars
NOW THIS DESERVES 5 SCARY STARS.
Oh and this book - i have been warned that it was scary - but holly mother of aliens, this was terrifying in some parts O_o (well not for me as much as it was for characters). This time, it is also a question of sanity and trust. Perry and Dex literally crumble, fall apart, and break. I have never seen them this way before and it was kind of new perspective.... I felt so much while reading this book - i was angry, scared and i had a good laugh - so it makes DSM the best EIT book so far.
This time, Dex and Perry go to investigate the Chinese Leper colony island - this time there will be only two of them. Nobody goes on that island, it's cursed and it's terrifying.
And there is no escape.
Perry and Dex both drastically change in this book, they need to trust each other more than ever......but what happens when its hard to believe?
____________________________________________
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
____________________________________________
MY EXPERIMENT IN TERROR REVIEWS:
◉ Darkhouse (Experiment in Terror, #1)
◉ Red Fox (Experiment in Terror, #2)
◉ The Benson (Experiment in Terror, #2.5)
◉ Dead Sky Morning (Experiment in Terror, #3)
◉ Lying Season (Experiment in Terror, #4)
◉ On Demon Wings (Experiment in Terror, #5)
◉ Old Blood (Experiment in Terror, #5.5)
◉ The Dex-Files (Experiment in Terror, #5.7)
◉ Into the Hollow (Experiment in Terror, #6)
◉ And With Madness Comes the Light (Experiment in Terror, #6.5)
◉ Come Alive (Experiment in Terror, #7)
◉ Ashes to Ashes (Experiment in Terror, #8)
◉ Dust to Dust (Experiment in Terror, #9)
This review can be found on my blog: infinity-of-time.blogspot.com also known as...
Final rating: 5/5 stars
“Red sky at morning, sailors take warning. Red sky at night, sailor’s delight”
NOW THIS DESERVES 5 SCARY STARS.
“In all of our experiences together, there always was that moment that I could have turned back and I never ever did. Even if it scared me to the core, to the very soul and fiber of my being, I still went forward into the unknown. Some may call that brave. I don't think I'd call it that. Stubborn beyond repair seemed more fitting.”
Oh and this book - i have been warned that it was scary - but holly mother of aliens, this was terrifying in some parts O_o (well not for me as much as it was for characters). This time, it is also a question of sanity and trust. Perry and Dex literally crumble, fall apart, and break. I have never seen them this way before and it was kind of new perspective.... I felt so much while reading this book - i was angry, scared and i had a good laugh - so it makes DSM the best EIT book so far.
This time, Dex and Perry go to investigate the Chinese Leper colony island - this time there will be only two of them. Nobody goes on that island, it's cursed and it's terrifying.
And there is no escape.
Perry and Dex both drastically change in this book, they need to trust each other more than ever......but what happens when its hard to believe?
“No. It’s always been like this. I know it has been. I feel like I can’t tell what’s a dream. What’s real. I’m going crazy. I have to be. What if all the world is inside of my head?”
____________________________________________
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
____________________________________________
MY EXPERIMENT IN TERROR REVIEWS:
◉ Darkhouse (Experiment in Terror, #1)
◉ Red Fox (Experiment in Terror, #2)
◉ The Benson (Experiment in Terror, #2.5)
◉ Dead Sky Morning (Experiment in Terror, #3)
◉ Lying Season (Experiment in Terror, #4)
◉ On Demon Wings (Experiment in Terror, #5)
◉ Old Blood (Experiment in Terror, #5.5)
◉ The Dex-Files (Experiment in Terror, #5.7)
◉ Into the Hollow (Experiment in Terror, #6)
◉ And With Madness Comes the Light (Experiment in Terror, #6.5)
◉ Come Alive (Experiment in Terror, #7)
◉ Ashes to Ashes (Experiment in Terror, #8)
◉ Dust to Dust (Experiment in Terror, #9)
This review can be found on my blog: infinity-of-time.blogspot.com also known as...
June 16, 2013
This third installment takes place in Canada, on D’arcy Island, also known as The Island of Death.
What used to be a colony for Chinese lepers, is now a slight seclude campers island, where only a few people dare to go, and that is believed to be haunted by all the lepers that died there.
Maybe they never left, not even after their deaths.
When Perry starts to see things that aren’t supposed to be there, she soon finds out the real story behind all the history lessons and the legends… and that story is much darker and dangerous than she ever would think.
Sometimes it’s better when the truth remains a secret.
The more time they spend in the island, more things start to change. The isolation, the strange events, the sounds, the suspicions… all of that starts to weight on them and they start to turn against each other.
Maybe that’s the purpose of all that’s happening… but the more they drift apart, less the chance of getting out of there alive.
Or getting out of there at all.
This book was even more awesome than the previous ones. Yes, it is possible.
And it was definitely scarier than the others. (Still not enough to prevent me from sleeping at night, thank God!)
The plot is thickening and their relationship is getting more complex by the minute. Secrets about both of them continue to be revealed and there are a lot of things that they can’t hide anymore. All this leads them to make things from which they can’t go back anymore. (Damn you, Karina Halle, for making us suffer like that!)
Basically, another great book. Yeah, that’s pretty much it.
To the next one, now! ;)
What used to be a colony for Chinese lepers, is now a slight seclude campers island, where only a few people dare to go, and that is believed to be haunted by all the lepers that died there.
Maybe they never left, not even after their deaths.
When Perry starts to see things that aren’t supposed to be there, she soon finds out the real story behind all the history lessons and the legends… and that story is much darker and dangerous than she ever would think.
Sometimes it’s better when the truth remains a secret.
The more time they spend in the island, more things start to change. The isolation, the strange events, the sounds, the suspicions… all of that starts to weight on them and they start to turn against each other.
Maybe that’s the purpose of all that’s happening… but the more they drift apart, less the chance of getting out of there alive.
Or getting out of there at all.
This book was even more awesome than the previous ones. Yes, it is possible.
And it was definitely scarier than the others. (Still not enough to prevent me from sleeping at night, thank God!)
The plot is thickening and their relationship is getting more complex by the minute. Secrets about both of them continue to be revealed and there are a lot of things that they can’t hide anymore. All this leads them to make things from which they can’t go back anymore. (Damn you, Karina Halle, for making us suffer like that!)
Basically, another great book. Yeah, that’s pretty much it.
To the next one, now! ;)
August 6, 2013
My favorite ghost hunters have return to make another installment for their Experiment in Terror video blog. They embark on a trip to a haunted old leper colony in British Columbia, Canada, where forty Chinese lepers were left to rot, die and bury each other.
The banter between Perry and Dex was at an all time high:
Perry and I share the same philosophy:
To add to the ambiance of this book I read it late at night in bed with my husband sleeping next to me. His hand was rested on my leg and during an intense scene his hand involuntarily squeezed my leg. Let me just say it took everything I had to not scream and jump out of bed.
SERIES:
Must be read in order. Continuing story.
Novellas:
(#2.5)(#5.5)(#5.7)(#6.5)
125th book of 2013
The banter between Perry and Dex was at an all time high:
"I guess we'll find out soon if the carpet matches the drapes."
"There is no carpet in this place. All hardwood."
Perry and I share the same philosophy:
"I guess when you expect the worse it's always pleasant surprise if everything ends up going smoothly."Unfortunately, that was not the case for this duo. The 'Island of Death' tried to add them to its collection of dead people.
To add to the ambiance of this book I read it late at night in bed with my husband sleeping next to me. His hand was rested on my leg and during an intense scene his hand involuntarily squeezed my leg. Let me just say it took everything I had to not scream and jump out of bed.
SERIES:
Must be read in order. Continuing story.
Novellas:
(#2.5)(#5.5)(#5.7)(#6.5)
125th book of 2013
July 24, 2013
This series just keeps getting better and better! I am HOOKED! I just love Karina Halle, and am thrilled to know she is from my old stomping grounds of Vancouver BC! What a delight it was to read about Dex and Perry being in Vancouver! This book will always be extra special to me because of that. I was able to recognize some of the places they were around; Stanly Park, good old Granville St.! It just adds some warmth in a story when the characters you love so much are actually written in to a place you think of as home! In fact, I will be taking my daughter there this weekend, and believe me; Dex and Perry will be on my mind!
Moving on, I have got to say that this installment was pretty darn freaky! I was absolutely terrified in some spots. Dex and Perry head off to an Island that has been "haunted" for some time. This Island was where people who suffered from leperosy were sent to be isolated from the world. Of course, this is where they stayed and eventually died; which leaves this place hugely unsettled. As with all of these stories, there ends up to be more involved in the whole scenario and we find out that there wasn't just the leperosy sufferers that stayed there. As always, there is more than meets the eye and there are some pretty interesting reveals throughout the book. It sure had a "Blair Witch Project" feel to this story. Maybe it was the camping in a tent with horrors happening outside; but as with that movie..this story scared the pants off of me most of the time!
An added bonus was that Dex and Perry grow ALOT closer this time. Their bond is becoming more and more solid; however, there are some secrets about Dex that come to light..and believe me, they are some doozy's! I am loving the mystery surrounding him, and how we learn just little bits with each new book that comes next. Dex isn't alone in his secrets and reveals; Perry has her own "baggage" and we learned more about her as well. I love the relationship between Dex and Perry because I find that it is a realiztic one. They don't just fall for one another and then it is over and done with. Karina Halle is basically teasing us with bits and pieces of their attraction, and slowly realing us right in.If and when they ever give in to how they truly feel; it will be explosive..I just know it..I can honestly say that I am crossing my fingers for it to happen; but who knows what is in store for them.
I will be moving right along to #4, as I just can't get enough of this series! I can't help but love it, and I continue to love the humor that is present in each and every story. I think thats what makes this so much more enjoyable. We may have to endure some pretty gruesome scenes; but the humor helps balance it out so it isn't just a scary book. There is so much more to it than that. I have labeled Karina Halle as a brilliant writer, and she hasn't disappointed me yet..and truly I don't think she ever will! I highly recommend this series, and feel that everyone who loves to read should give this one a shot! Moving onward!!! *dancing happily over to Amazon!*
Moving on, I have got to say that this installment was pretty darn freaky! I was absolutely terrified in some spots. Dex and Perry head off to an Island that has been "haunted" for some time. This Island was where people who suffered from leperosy were sent to be isolated from the world. Of course, this is where they stayed and eventually died; which leaves this place hugely unsettled. As with all of these stories, there ends up to be more involved in the whole scenario and we find out that there wasn't just the leperosy sufferers that stayed there. As always, there is more than meets the eye and there are some pretty interesting reveals throughout the book. It sure had a "Blair Witch Project" feel to this story. Maybe it was the camping in a tent with horrors happening outside; but as with that movie..this story scared the pants off of me most of the time!
An added bonus was that Dex and Perry grow ALOT closer this time. Their bond is becoming more and more solid; however, there are some secrets about Dex that come to light..and believe me, they are some doozy's! I am loving the mystery surrounding him, and how we learn just little bits with each new book that comes next. Dex isn't alone in his secrets and reveals; Perry has her own "baggage" and we learned more about her as well. I love the relationship between Dex and Perry because I find that it is a realiztic one. They don't just fall for one another and then it is over and done with. Karina Halle is basically teasing us with bits and pieces of their attraction, and slowly realing us right in.If and when they ever give in to how they truly feel; it will be explosive..I just know it..I can honestly say that I am crossing my fingers for it to happen; but who knows what is in store for them.
I will be moving right along to #4, as I just can't get enough of this series! I can't help but love it, and I continue to love the humor that is present in each and every story. I think thats what makes this so much more enjoyable. We may have to endure some pretty gruesome scenes; but the humor helps balance it out so it isn't just a scary book. There is so much more to it than that. I have labeled Karina Halle as a brilliant writer, and she hasn't disappointed me yet..and truly I don't think she ever will! I highly recommend this series, and feel that everyone who loves to read should give this one a shot! Moving onward!!! *dancing happily over to Amazon!*
May 11, 2013
That was... That was...
This book was mind-blowing! It left me breathless, scared, creeped out and of course craving more. It was by far the best in the series so far.
“This is the Island of Death. This is purgatory. This place has a dark soul of its own. And it will drown you in its depths.”
Perry and Dex take up a new "ghost hunting" expedition on an island just off the coast of Vancouver. The island used to be a leper "dump ground" and is now rumored to be haunted by those nameless souls.
It was supposed to be a simple job, get on the island, camp there one night, film something worth playing for their show and go home but nothing is that simple, they don't call it the Island of Death without a reason. Once again a simple filming job turns into a run for their lives but can they run fast enough?
Perry will start seeing things that Dex can't. Out of the blue she will get a new "friend" but can she trust her? After all are the dead friendly? And what about the accusations she makes against Dex? Can she be right?
What happens when even your "insane" partner starts to think you are going crazy? What happens when you are the only one who can see the things lurking in the dark? Can you trust your own mind? What if he is right and the whole thing is just a big hallucination your sick mind has come up with?
Perry will try to warn Dex but will he listen before it's too late for them? The island itself has turned against them and the malevolent forces on it aren't about to let them leave their island alive.
This book was so scary at certain points that at times I thought of shutting it and trying again in daylight but curiosity kept me reading. Karina Halle has done excellent work in the building of the mystery. The anxiety levels keep rising until you think you can't take any more but still you keep going!
I still don't like Dex but it doesn't take away anyting from the awesomeness of this book although it did leave me a little bit frustrated in the "romance" aspect, it is true that it only hightened my curiosity for the next one.
I can't wait to read what's to follow...
This book was mind-blowing! It left me breathless, scared, creeped out and of course craving more. It was by far the best in the series so far.
“This is the Island of Death. This is purgatory. This place has a dark soul of its own. And it will drown you in its depths.”
Perry and Dex take up a new "ghost hunting" expedition on an island just off the coast of Vancouver. The island used to be a leper "dump ground" and is now rumored to be haunted by those nameless souls.
It was supposed to be a simple job, get on the island, camp there one night, film something worth playing for their show and go home but nothing is that simple, they don't call it the Island of Death without a reason. Once again a simple filming job turns into a run for their lives but can they run fast enough?
Perry will start seeing things that Dex can't. Out of the blue she will get a new "friend" but can she trust her? After all are the dead friendly? And what about the accusations she makes against Dex? Can she be right?
What happens when even your "insane" partner starts to think you are going crazy? What happens when you are the only one who can see the things lurking in the dark? Can you trust your own mind? What if he is right and the whole thing is just a big hallucination your sick mind has come up with?
Perry will try to warn Dex but will he listen before it's too late for them? The island itself has turned against them and the malevolent forces on it aren't about to let them leave their island alive.
This book was so scary at certain points that at times I thought of shutting it and trying again in daylight but curiosity kept me reading. Karina Halle has done excellent work in the building of the mystery. The anxiety levels keep rising until you think you can't take any more but still you keep going!
I still don't like Dex but it doesn't take away anyting from the awesomeness of this book although it did leave me a little bit frustrated in the "romance" aspect, it is true that it only hightened my curiosity for the next one.
I can't wait to read what's to follow...
February 24, 2023
Reread time again! Perhaps this is too soon after "Red Fox", but I really want to see if maybe this series perks up for me. Is the magic completely gone?
Bullet Review:
It’s official - the magic is dead.
This was agonizingly painful to get through, from the atrocious grammar/editing to the awful characters to the sluggish pace to the questionable actions of these supposedly adult characters.
Full review:
Dex and Perry have relationship drama for 200 pages until finally, when they are on D'arcy's Island (after a rousing game of drunken Never Have I Ever), they are spooked. Lots of screaming and running back and forth across the island ensue.
About 10 years ago, I quit this series the first time at book 4, tired of the slut shaming, the cheating, the toxic relationship. I had been loving the series up to that point, but I needed a break. Last year, I got a kick of nostalgia and wanted to reread one of the few books I related to at the time, where I really felt a connection to the main character. That turned out slightly differently than I expected.
Yet I continued to book 2, which was not an improvement (in my opinion of course). Inside I was dreading getting to book 4, knowing that's where Old Me quit.
Last night, I "white knuckled" read to the end just so I can sit here and draw the line. This is where I part ways with the series. I wish Halle and her fans well; I'm proud she managed to make 10+ books out of this series and have a prolific writing career. But I don't hate read or snark read much anymore; I've found it doesn't give me enjoyment and just makes me despise reading. I would rather focus my attention to the heaps of books I have that I may enjoy better.
But I write these reviews for me, to get the jumbled thoughts in my head out in a streamlined fashioned, so for the last time for the Experiment in Terror series, let's elaborate on what drove me to quit the series here.
I feel somewhat like a broken record (can I use this expression anymore or did I lose a bunch of people at the out of date simile?), but basically this book was everything I disliked about Red Fox + 1 million:
Grammar? Absolutely dreadful - I feel so bad at how the editor did Halle dirty here. I have a slew of status updates about the grammar from the confusion between "lay" and "lie" to misplacing "only" and drastically changing the meaning of the sentence to repeating words that were obviously changed in editing such as "My view was started starting". I get I'm weird for fixating on this, but I agonize over the grammar in my reviews, and I daresay, it's better than the book I paid money for.
Canadian/British culture instead of American ones? Yup - Perry somehow knows New York's hockey team but doesn't care or follow hockey. (Hockey isn't that big here in the US; I think if she knew a couple of American football teams or had a boyfriend who loved hockey, it would make more sense)
Stream of pop culture references? I managed to stop citing each and everyone, just by sheer willpower to finish this book before the next millennium.
People sustaining multiple injuries and somehow managing to survive without immediately going to the ER? Absolutely - Perry gets hit on the head, Dex's nose is broken, Perry's wrists are cut, both of them go into freezing cold water multiple times and still come out with all their appendages, and the list goes on.
Constant use of ableist slurs, especially as insults? Oh yeah, it's bad in this book - everyone is the s-word, an r-word or "crazy" or "a nutter". I get I say "crazy" in the common vernacular, but I am trying to do better, especially in the world around me. No one here cares - a shame because both Perry and Dex have a slew of mental health issues.
Using "gay" as an insult? Well, why not!
How about taking a horrific tragedy about Chinese lepers and twisting it to make the two white missionaries the only people with names and stories and making everyone else a mindless zombie? Sure - white people are the only ones who do anything in the world. #obvioussarcasm
As bad as all these are, the absolute worst continues to be Dex and Perry themselves. I keep trying to describe how awful of people they are, and I feel like I fail to convey how really, truly awful these people we are forced to follow are. So, here we go, round 2 or 3 of my trying desperately to get my thoughts out in a semi-streamlined fashion:
Dex routinely gives Perry mixed signals - one minute he's coy and flirty, the next it's suddenly "I can't kiss you, that would be inappropriate". One minute he's "I have your back" and the next he doesn't believe her when she says she sees ghost - even though this is book 3! One minute, he's like "This series needs you" but does he ever meet with her to go over ideas for their series? Work with her to give her the background she needs to write her script? At one point Perry even admits he has her by the neckhold. Dex is absolutely the worst and every status update I read from Old Me saying I want to kiss him after smacking him makes me literally want to hurl.
And yet Perry is an awful person, because she falls in lust (I refuse to call this love) within TWO MONTHS of knowing him (she is still finding out HUGE plot points of his history), she cannot say anything that is on her mind (partly because of her own inability to communicate due to being immature and poorly equipped and party because Dex is horrible and wouldn't believe her), she uses personal details to be mean during fights, her first response is usually anger, she slut shames and fat shames women even when she has never met them (Jennifer) and she never is proactive about any of the background work for these episodes (what is it that Perry even does on this series? She does barely any research, doesn't write her own scripts, doesn't film, only seems to obsess over online comments about her weight, which is basically confirmed to be 130 pounds - what a whale of a 5'2" girl (not)).
I am not so stupid or neurodivergent to say I don't understand two broken people getting together. I do get it. But these aren't just broken people - these are people with serious problems that need serious mental health (therapy, drugs, etc.). No, really. They are toxic to everyone around them - notice how few friends either of them have and the terrible relationships they have to the few around them.
Dex has a girlfriend, but when he finds out she's pregnant, he has no issues going to a strip club with his coworker. What?! He also constantly flirts with Perry, despite having a girlfriend, and at one point they do get intimate. And afterwards, instead of being a mature adult, he treats Perry like trash. So this cheating emotionally inept sleaze is supposed to be the man I want to pair with the protagonist? She deserves better than a cheating louse who can't be honest about his feelings when he's 10 years her senior!
Perry has no friends to speak of. The last few books, where she met old college "friends", she basically trash talked them and insinuated they were shallow. She has had one boyfriend, but she's over him, but she's still mad at him. This time around, she doesn't slut shame every woman she meets, but that's solely because there aren't many characters in this entry. She has a terrible relationship with her parents - as someone who came from a very complicated nuclear family, I won't put too much blame on Perry herself here. But I will say, her inability to be honest with her family and their inability to actively support her makes it clear she doesn't have the greatest background for being an emotionally healthy person.
"But", I hear you saying, "It was the island making them do it." Really? Where was that made clear? I've read multiple stories about people getting a strange pull from the beyond to behave in ways out of their character. None of Perry's or Dex's actions were so extreme or different from their terrible characterizations that I couldn't believe them doing it. Nothing Perry said in her internal dialogue indicated that it was the island - and no, I don't think a character saying, "Look at what this place is doing to you" is enough justification for "the island made me do it".
So much of this book is just excuses for Perry and Dex to flirt but never talk about their feelings, to be in close quarters, but never go "all the way". It's an agonizing mess of "unresolved sexual tension" and one that I really wasn't prepared for when I see that the series is supposedly called "Experiment in Terror". To be honest, this reminds me of another book I read in 2012 that I loved but I despised in the 2020's: Wild Space. A lot of angry people screaming at each other, experiencing constant, mind-numbing physical pain, but never saying their true feelings.
It really isn't until Chapter 10 that the spooks come out in full force, and the book is 20 chapters long (the latter chapters are the shorter ones). To give credit where it is due, I think the spooks had a potential to be really good. Potential, because I really ascribe to the thought that the best horror is more than just jump scares and gore. Good horror is building dread - and up until Perry's first conversation with Mary, we had that building dread. Unfortunately, once that happens, once the barrier is broken between natural and supernatural, the horror just fizzles and we are left with two awful people running around an island.
The last part, one that I'm not sure I quite have words for: I really am struggling to understand the paranormal/supernatural in this world. What caused the island to be haunted? Was it really people not taking responsibility for their actions? If I deny culpability in my life "I didn't take out the trash, no one asked me", does that mean I haunt people? Is that why Old Roddy haunted the lighthouse? What made the ghosts and zombies come out to play - was it Perry's mere presence? Or would they have done that anyway? In the first book, you can ignore these questions; the second book was more about shapeshifters, so it wasn't relevant. But by this point, I have questions, and the answers were not very fulfilling.
I still think I did a terrible job of really getting into the meat of what made this series like wool or chalk on my skin. At the end of this, I want to be clear: Karina Halle can write whatever book she wants. That's totally her prerogative. And it is mine to read, to finish, to quit, and to review whatever I want as well.
Once upon a time, I really enjoyed some of the Experiment in Terror series. It was escapism for a poor, sad, lonely young woman who was still trying to find herself. When I started this reread, I wanted to rekindle the magic and finish the series. I got about halfway through this book when I realized I wasn't enjoying myself and committed to ending my journey here. I'm learning more every day what I love and what I don't - and this was a "don't". This was a chore to get through, and I can’t imagine dragging myself through more of the toxic relationship of Dex and Perry with half-assed spooks thrown in for shizz and giggles.
Bullet Review:
It’s official - the magic is dead.
This was agonizingly painful to get through, from the atrocious grammar/editing to the awful characters to the sluggish pace to the questionable actions of these supposedly adult characters.
Full review:
Dex and Perry have relationship drama for 200 pages until finally, when they are on D'arcy's Island (after a rousing game of drunken Never Have I Ever), they are spooked. Lots of screaming and running back and forth across the island ensue.
About 10 years ago, I quit this series the first time at book 4, tired of the slut shaming, the cheating, the toxic relationship. I had been loving the series up to that point, but I needed a break. Last year, I got a kick of nostalgia and wanted to reread one of the few books I related to at the time, where I really felt a connection to the main character. That turned out slightly differently than I expected.
Yet I continued to book 2, which was not an improvement (in my opinion of course). Inside I was dreading getting to book 4, knowing that's where Old Me quit.
Last night, I "white knuckled" read to the end just so I can sit here and draw the line. This is where I part ways with the series. I wish Halle and her fans well; I'm proud she managed to make 10+ books out of this series and have a prolific writing career. But I don't hate read or snark read much anymore; I've found it doesn't give me enjoyment and just makes me despise reading. I would rather focus my attention to the heaps of books I have that I may enjoy better.
But I write these reviews for me, to get the jumbled thoughts in my head out in a streamlined fashioned, so for the last time for the Experiment in Terror series, let's elaborate on what drove me to quit the series here.
I feel somewhat like a broken record (can I use this expression anymore or did I lose a bunch of people at the out of date simile?), but basically this book was everything I disliked about Red Fox + 1 million:
Grammar? Absolutely dreadful - I feel so bad at how the editor did Halle dirty here. I have a slew of status updates about the grammar from the confusion between "lay" and "lie" to misplacing "only" and drastically changing the meaning of the sentence to repeating words that were obviously changed in editing such as "My view was started starting". I get I'm weird for fixating on this, but I agonize over the grammar in my reviews, and I daresay, it's better than the book I paid money for.
Canadian/British culture instead of American ones? Yup - Perry somehow knows New York's hockey team but doesn't care or follow hockey. (Hockey isn't that big here in the US; I think if she knew a couple of American football teams or had a boyfriend who loved hockey, it would make more sense)
Stream of pop culture references? I managed to stop citing each and everyone, just by sheer willpower to finish this book before the next millennium.
People sustaining multiple injuries and somehow managing to survive without immediately going to the ER? Absolutely - Perry gets hit on the head, Dex's nose is broken, Perry's wrists are cut, both of them go into freezing cold water multiple times and still come out with all their appendages, and the list goes on.
Constant use of ableist slurs, especially as insults? Oh yeah, it's bad in this book - everyone is the s-word, an r-word or "crazy" or "a nutter". I get I say "crazy" in the common vernacular, but I am trying to do better, especially in the world around me. No one here cares - a shame because both Perry and Dex have a slew of mental health issues.
Using "gay" as an insult? Well, why not!
How about taking a horrific tragedy about Chinese lepers and twisting it to make the two white missionaries the only people with names and stories and making everyone else a mindless zombie? Sure - white people are the only ones who do anything in the world. #obvioussarcasm
As bad as all these are, the absolute worst continues to be Dex and Perry themselves. I keep trying to describe how awful of people they are, and I feel like I fail to convey how really, truly awful these people we are forced to follow are. So, here we go, round 2 or 3 of my trying desperately to get my thoughts out in a semi-streamlined fashion:
Dex routinely gives Perry mixed signals - one minute he's coy and flirty, the next it's suddenly "I can't kiss you, that would be inappropriate". One minute he's "I have your back" and the next he doesn't believe her when she says she sees ghost - even though this is book 3! One minute, he's like "This series needs you" but does he ever meet with her to go over ideas for their series? Work with her to give her the background she needs to write her script? At one point Perry even admits he has her by the neckhold. Dex is absolutely the worst and every status update I read from Old Me saying I want to kiss him after smacking him makes me literally want to hurl.
And yet Perry is an awful person, because she falls in lust (I refuse to call this love) within TWO MONTHS of knowing him (she is still finding out HUGE plot points of his history), she cannot say anything that is on her mind (partly because of her own inability to communicate due to being immature and poorly equipped and party because Dex is horrible and wouldn't believe her), she uses personal details to be mean during fights, her first response is usually anger, she slut shames and fat shames women even when she has never met them (Jennifer) and she never is proactive about any of the background work for these episodes (what is it that Perry even does on this series? She does barely any research, doesn't write her own scripts, doesn't film, only seems to obsess over online comments about her weight, which is basically confirmed to be 130 pounds - what a whale of a 5'2" girl (not)).
I am not so stupid or neurodivergent to say I don't understand two broken people getting together. I do get it. But these aren't just broken people - these are people with serious problems that need serious mental health (therapy, drugs, etc.). No, really. They are toxic to everyone around them - notice how few friends either of them have and the terrible relationships they have to the few around them.
Dex has a girlfriend, but when he finds out she's pregnant, he has no issues going to a strip club with his coworker. What?! He also constantly flirts with Perry, despite having a girlfriend, and at one point they do get intimate. And afterwards, instead of being a mature adult, he treats Perry like trash. So this cheating emotionally inept sleaze is supposed to be the man I want to pair with the protagonist? She deserves better than a cheating louse who can't be honest about his feelings when he's 10 years her senior!
Perry has no friends to speak of. The last few books, where she met old college "friends", she basically trash talked them and insinuated they were shallow. She has had one boyfriend, but she's over him, but she's still mad at him. This time around, she doesn't slut shame every woman she meets, but that's solely because there aren't many characters in this entry. She has a terrible relationship with her parents - as someone who came from a very complicated nuclear family, I won't put too much blame on Perry herself here. But I will say, her inability to be honest with her family and their inability to actively support her makes it clear she doesn't have the greatest background for being an emotionally healthy person.
"But", I hear you saying, "It was the island making them do it." Really? Where was that made clear? I've read multiple stories about people getting a strange pull from the beyond to behave in ways out of their character. None of Perry's or Dex's actions were so extreme or different from their terrible characterizations that I couldn't believe them doing it. Nothing Perry said in her internal dialogue indicated that it was the island - and no, I don't think a character saying, "Look at what this place is doing to you" is enough justification for "the island made me do it".
So much of this book is just excuses for Perry and Dex to flirt but never talk about their feelings, to be in close quarters, but never go "all the way". It's an agonizing mess of "unresolved sexual tension" and one that I really wasn't prepared for when I see that the series is supposedly called "Experiment in Terror". To be honest, this reminds me of another book I read in 2012 that I loved but I despised in the 2020's: Wild Space. A lot of angry people screaming at each other, experiencing constant, mind-numbing physical pain, but never saying their true feelings.
It really isn't until Chapter 10 that the spooks come out in full force, and the book is 20 chapters long (the latter chapters are the shorter ones). To give credit where it is due, I think the spooks had a potential to be really good. Potential, because I really ascribe to the thought that the best horror is more than just jump scares and gore. Good horror is building dread - and up until Perry's first conversation with Mary, we had that building dread. Unfortunately, once that happens, once the barrier is broken between natural and supernatural, the horror just fizzles and we are left with two awful people running around an island.
The last part, one that I'm not sure I quite have words for: I really am struggling to understand the paranormal/supernatural in this world. What caused the island to be haunted? Was it really people not taking responsibility for their actions? If I deny culpability in my life "I didn't take out the trash, no one asked me", does that mean I haunt people? Is that why Old Roddy haunted the lighthouse? What made the ghosts and zombies come out to play - was it Perry's mere presence? Or would they have done that anyway? In the first book, you can ignore these questions; the second book was more about shapeshifters, so it wasn't relevant. But by this point, I have questions, and the answers were not very fulfilling.
I still think I did a terrible job of really getting into the meat of what made this series like wool or chalk on my skin. At the end of this, I want to be clear: Karina Halle can write whatever book she wants. That's totally her prerogative. And it is mine to read, to finish, to quit, and to review whatever I want as well.
Once upon a time, I really enjoyed some of the Experiment in Terror series. It was escapism for a poor, sad, lonely young woman who was still trying to find herself. When I started this reread, I wanted to rekindle the magic and finish the series. I got about halfway through this book when I realized I wasn't enjoying myself and committed to ending my journey here. I'm learning more every day what I love and what I don't - and this was a "don't". This was a chore to get through, and I can’t imagine dragging myself through more of the toxic relationship of Dex and Perry with half-assed spooks thrown in for shizz and giggles.
August 26, 2014
5 INSANITY STARS! ★★★★★
“This is the Island of Death. This is purgatory. This place has a dark soul of its own. And it will drown you in its depths.”
If I have to summarise my review for this book into one sentence, it would be this:
It just keeps getting better and better.
Firstly I was like this:
And then mostly I was like this:
Also those Perry & Dex moments we had in this book:
Wandering lepers and killer raccoons be damned! MY LIFE IS COMPLETE RIGHT NOW. LET ME LOVE YOU KARINA HALLE ♥♥♥
“This is the Island of Death. This is purgatory. This place has a dark soul of its own. And it will drown you in its depths.”
If I have to summarise my review for this book into one sentence, it would be this:
It just keeps getting better and better.
Firstly I was like this:
And then mostly I was like this:
Also those Perry & Dex moments we had in this book:
“I don’t know what’s real. How can I tell what’s real anymore? What’s real, Dex? Tell me what’s real.”
He put his hand on my face and looked at me with the most magnetic, impassioned spark in his dark eyes.
“I’m real. This is real.”
Wandering lepers and killer raccoons be damned! MY LIFE IS COMPLETE RIGHT NOW. LET ME LOVE YOU KARINA HALLE ♥♥♥
January 29, 2017
This relationship between Perry and Dex is making my heart ache.. So frustrating.
August 2, 2012
This was my favorite book thus far in the 'Experiment in Terror' series. The setting was awesome, the sexual tension and tent scene - out of control, and for the first time in the series I was seriously nervous for Perry and Dex...like heart racing, breathing heavy, couldn't read fast enough nervous. The conclusion to the book was so explosive that I had to read the first two chapters of 'Lying Season' (despite the fact that I was burning the midnight oil) just to make sure everything was going to be okay. I could not put this book down. It had me zoned out of the real world and totally focused on Dex, Perry and D'Arcy Island. Loved it! If you haven't started reading this series yet, you're going to want to start. Now.
July 27, 2014
“This is the Island of Death. This is purgatory. This place has a dark soul of its own. And it will drown you in its depths.”
Spooky, huh? Yep, that it is! Vengeful ghosts, lepers from the 1800s, vicious racoons, Creepy Clown Lady and one freaky-as-all-hell baby make for one creepy, creepy read!!! But the main focus of this book isn’t actually the spook, it very much concentrates on the relationship between Dex and Perry, and OMG, what an intense ride!!!!!
Our crazy ghost-hunting duo travel to Vancouver, and spend some very interesting *wink* time in the city before heading out on their next job. I loved watching the two of them spend time together doing normal(ish) things. Of course the flirting, banter and UST continues to be off the charts, and that just adds to the awesome.
And soon enough Dex and Perry are sailing off to D’Arcy Island, an old leper colony from the 1800s to investigate the goings on. With the two of them alone on a deserted island, sleeping in a tent, and under huge stress from their spooky surroundings, the emotions are running high and IT.IS.INTENSE! The good, the bad, the WTF, and the OMFG! It’s all there – and not necessarily in that order.
Dex is very much all over the place in this story. And a lot of the time I was left wondering what was going on with him, and what could he possibly be thinking to act the way he does and say the things he says!
“I hope next time you feel – well, retarded – about yourself, you’ll remember that I think you’re…”
I looked up into his eyes. They were drunk, yes, but still absolutely mesmerizing.
He didn’t finish his sentence. Instead he said, “Sorry I licked your face.”
Weird! But also bizarrely charming. He actually opens up a bit, and we get some of his backstory, which goes some way to explaining him, and then there is other stuff going on for him which forms a major part of the storyline as well, and watching his reaction to all of that, plus the changes in his relationship with Perry was sensational! I absolutely love Dex! He’s such a complex character! He is still snarky and sarcastic, and then suddenly he’ll be really sweet, caring and protective. And when he whipped out the “baby”, I was totally gone!
“What if I really am alone?”
“Baby, you aren’t alone. I’m here.”
Swooooooooooooooooon!!!
The chemistry between Dex and Perry in this book is freaking INSANE!
With all of this emotion and turmoil going on, the ghost story takes a back seat there for a while, but it’s there and bubbling away in the background. And any unintentional ‘forgetting’ about this part of the story is made up for in the last few chapters which are freaky, spooky, totally cringe-worthy, and had me on the edge of my seat. Oh the horror!!!! I’ll be sleeping with lights on tonight, that’s for sure!
I am absolutely loving this crazy ride, and have no intention of stopping yet. I’m going straight on to the next book to get my fix! Totally and utterly hooked!
Spooky, huh? Yep, that it is! Vengeful ghosts, lepers from the 1800s, vicious racoons, Creepy Clown Lady and one freaky-as-all-hell baby make for one creepy, creepy read!!! But the main focus of this book isn’t actually the spook, it very much concentrates on the relationship between Dex and Perry, and OMG, what an intense ride!!!!!
Our crazy ghost-hunting duo travel to Vancouver, and spend some very interesting *wink* time in the city before heading out on their next job. I loved watching the two of them spend time together doing normal(ish) things. Of course the flirting, banter and UST continues to be off the charts, and that just adds to the awesome.
And soon enough Dex and Perry are sailing off to D’Arcy Island, an old leper colony from the 1800s to investigate the goings on. With the two of them alone on a deserted island, sleeping in a tent, and under huge stress from their spooky surroundings, the emotions are running high and IT.IS.INTENSE! The good, the bad, the WTF, and the OMFG! It’s all there – and not necessarily in that order.
Dex is very much all over the place in this story. And a lot of the time I was left wondering what was going on with him, and what could he possibly be thinking to act the way he does and say the things he says!
“I hope next time you feel – well, retarded – about yourself, you’ll remember that I think you’re…”
I looked up into his eyes. They were drunk, yes, but still absolutely mesmerizing.
He didn’t finish his sentence. Instead he said, “Sorry I licked your face.”
Weird! But also bizarrely charming. He actually opens up a bit, and we get some of his backstory, which goes some way to explaining him, and then there is other stuff going on for him which forms a major part of the storyline as well, and watching his reaction to all of that, plus the changes in his relationship with Perry was sensational! I absolutely love Dex! He’s such a complex character! He is still snarky and sarcastic, and then suddenly he’ll be really sweet, caring and protective. And when he whipped out the “baby”, I was totally gone!
“What if I really am alone?”
“Baby, you aren’t alone. I’m here.”
Swooooooooooooooooon!!!
The chemistry between Dex and Perry in this book is freaking INSANE!
With all of this emotion and turmoil going on, the ghost story takes a back seat there for a while, but it’s there and bubbling away in the background. And any unintentional ‘forgetting’ about this part of the story is made up for in the last few chapters which are freaky, spooky, totally cringe-worthy, and had me on the edge of my seat. Oh the horror!!!! I’ll be sleeping with lights on tonight, that’s for sure!
I am absolutely loving this crazy ride, and have no intention of stopping yet. I’m going straight on to the next book to get my fix! Totally and utterly hooked!
May 26, 2013
5 Emotion Packed Stars!
Dead Sky Morning was by far the most emotional, scary, and gruesome of the Experiment in Terror books that I have read so far. I was put through the ringer on this one but it was totally worth it!
In this book, Perry and Dex explore Death Island, an island that used to be inhabited by a Chinese leper colony. Before I read this book, I knew a little about leprosy but let me tell you, the descriptions in this book had me cringing.
Before they even arrive on island, Dex and Perry are both stressed out. Perry is dealing with parental issues and is also having self esteem issues arising from hateful people posting comments on their blog. Dex, on the other hand, receives a phone call right before they go to the island that completely freaks him out. I think the stress from their normal lives really affected their trip to Death Island. The stress, the isolation, as well as the scary shit that happens during their excursion really tests their friendship as well as their trust in each other.
Even though Dex and Perry's relationship takes a lot of strain in this book, there are a lot of heartfelt moments as well.
Perry: "I know I didn't know him that well - but I loved what I did know. And what I didn't know drove me crazy like some book that you can't stop reading, just to see how it ends, just to see if your hunches were right."
***
Dex: "You've got a beautiful face," he continued, his voice a register lower. The roughness of it made the hairs on my arms stand up. "Gorgeous eyes. I mean I've rarely seen eyes like yours. Fuck. It's like looking out at the ocean, trying to read it as the weather's changing. Perfect lips. The most adorable freckles and the tiniest little nose. You're like a sexy...bunny."
There was also a lot of funny banter between the two:
Dex to Perry: "Wow, I have got to step up my game. You are out...bad-assing me right now."
Though this book isn't for the faint of heart, I would totally recommend this book to anyone who has enjoyed the previous EIT books :)
A Dex quote that I thought was really insightful and in which I can totally relate to:
"You're better off learning how to not give a shit about what other people think of you. Whether it's what some strangers on the internet think, whether it's what your old classmates think, or what I think or what your parents think, in the end, no one's opinion should matter but your own."
Dead Sky Morning was by far the most emotional, scary, and gruesome of the Experiment in Terror books that I have read so far. I was put through the ringer on this one but it was totally worth it!
In this book, Perry and Dex explore Death Island, an island that used to be inhabited by a Chinese leper colony. Before I read this book, I knew a little about leprosy but let me tell you, the descriptions in this book had me cringing.
Before they even arrive on island, Dex and Perry are both stressed out. Perry is dealing with parental issues and is also having self esteem issues arising from hateful people posting comments on their blog. Dex, on the other hand, receives a phone call right before they go to the island that completely freaks him out. I think the stress from their normal lives really affected their trip to Death Island. The stress, the isolation, as well as the scary shit that happens during their excursion really tests their friendship as well as their trust in each other.
Even though Dex and Perry's relationship takes a lot of strain in this book, there are a lot of heartfelt moments as well.
Perry: "I know I didn't know him that well - but I loved what I did know. And what I didn't know drove me crazy like some book that you can't stop reading, just to see how it ends, just to see if your hunches were right."
***
Dex: "You've got a beautiful face," he continued, his voice a register lower. The roughness of it made the hairs on my arms stand up. "Gorgeous eyes. I mean I've rarely seen eyes like yours. Fuck. It's like looking out at the ocean, trying to read it as the weather's changing. Perfect lips. The most adorable freckles and the tiniest little nose. You're like a sexy...bunny."
There was also a lot of funny banter between the two:
Dex to Perry: "Wow, I have got to step up my game. You are out...bad-assing me right now."
Though this book isn't for the faint of heart, I would totally recommend this book to anyone who has enjoyed the previous EIT books :)
A Dex quote that I thought was really insightful and in which I can totally relate to:
"You're better off learning how to not give a shit about what other people think of you. Whether it's what some strangers on the internet think, whether it's what your old classmates think, or what I think or what your parents think, in the end, no one's opinion should matter but your own."
October 17, 2015
After falling in love with Perry & Dex and EIT series in previous books, I had pretty high expectation when I started reading Dead Sky Morning. And I am happy to say that my expectation were not just met, they were exceeded. I am officially huge fan of Experiment in Terror series!!!
So much has happened in this book. I liked that I got some "normal" stuff before heading towards actual adventure. Family problems, ice-hockey game, drunk talking...everything was there. And clown lady was in her creepiest-self. She always leaves me with more questions than answers but I kind of look forward to her appearences. I have a feeling that she may be a good character, but you can be sure with nothing in this series.
Dex was once again ridiculously charming. He was in his best mysterious-self, with plenty of absurd and snarky comments, always 1 step forward and 2 steps back considering his "relationship" with Perry. It made Perry feel confused, I was confused and I am sure other readers will be too. But Dex is what makes this book one of the most interesting and original book I have ever read. He can be sweet, crazy, perverted or caring. Sometimes I really did not know what to think, but I was definitely fascinated by it all.
And spooky level in this book? Well, I would go crazy if I was in Perry's and Dex's shoes. Everything about the hunted island gave me creeps. I did not like how it changed behaviour of Perry and Dex, but I could not blame them after everything they had to go through. Dead Sky Morning is the best but also the scariest part of this series so far.
Perry's feelings for Dex were in full mode in this book and I cannot wait what will happen in next instalment!!!
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So much has happened in this book. I liked that I got some "normal" stuff before heading towards actual adventure. Family problems, ice-hockey game, drunk talking...everything was there. And clown lady was in her creepiest-self. She always leaves me with more questions than answers but I kind of look forward to her appearences. I have a feeling that she may be a good character, but you can be sure with nothing in this series.
Dex was once again ridiculously charming. He was in his best mysterious-self, with plenty of absurd and snarky comments, always 1 step forward and 2 steps back considering his "relationship" with Perry. It made Perry feel confused, I was confused and I am sure other readers will be too. But Dex is what makes this book one of the most interesting and original book I have ever read. He can be sweet, crazy, perverted or caring. Sometimes I really did not know what to think, but I was definitely fascinated by it all.
And spooky level in this book? Well, I would go crazy if I was in Perry's and Dex's shoes. Everything about the hunted island gave me creeps. I did not like how it changed behaviour of Perry and Dex, but I could not blame them after everything they had to go through. Dead Sky Morning is the best but also the scariest part of this series so far.
Perry's feelings for Dex were in full mode in this book and I cannot wait what will happen in next instalment!!!
"I just loved the guy. I know I didn't know him that well - but I loved what I did know. And what I didn't know drove me crazy like some book that you can't stop reading, just to see how it ends, just to see if your hunches were right."
MORE REVIEWS ON MY BLOG
November 16, 2013
4 Captivating and Equally Frustrating Stars!
This is the Island of Death. This is purgatory. This place has a dark soul of its own. And will drown you in its depths.
Dead Sky Morning certainly amped up the drama! This creepy installation took me on a roller coaster of emotions. It was terrifying, creepy, steamy, funny, dangerous, and twisted! Dex and Perry take their cameras and go to the Island of Death-where appearances are deceiving, secrets are uncovered, trust will be lost, passion will consume, and friendships will be tested....
Dex and Perry are alone on the Island of Death, a creepy island that was once inhabited by an abandoned leper colony, who are believed to haunt the island. Spending a secluded weekend together seems easy enough, but they are in for more than they ever bargained for, for these spirits don't want them to leave....
Realizing that something is seriously off with the island, they have to stick together, but paranoia and anger quickly turn the pair against each other. They'll have to start trusting each other again, or the island will succeed in turning them against each other..
You can tell that Dex and Perry have feelings for each other. But here's where the story started to upset me. I have a love/hate relationship for Dex that is preventing me from giving the book 5 stars. HE DRIVES ME CRAZY! He never opens up to Perry, he doesn't leave his girlfriend, he plays with Perry's head then changes his mind. He needs to grow up, and I'm starting to get tired of all his back and forth that he does. I love Perry, but she needs to start saying, "Screw you, I'm done." When Dex and Perry finally get together, I hope she makes him work for it!
All in all, another really good installment. Overall, I love this series, and I love these quirky characters. I can't wait to keep reading!
***I would recommend this series to others!***
This is the Island of Death. This is purgatory. This place has a dark soul of its own. And will drown you in its depths.
Dead Sky Morning certainly amped up the drama! This creepy installation took me on a roller coaster of emotions. It was terrifying, creepy, steamy, funny, dangerous, and twisted! Dex and Perry take their cameras and go to the Island of Death-where appearances are deceiving, secrets are uncovered, trust will be lost, passion will consume, and friendships will be tested....
Dex and Perry are alone on the Island of Death, a creepy island that was once inhabited by an abandoned leper colony, who are believed to haunt the island. Spending a secluded weekend together seems easy enough, but they are in for more than they ever bargained for, for these spirits don't want them to leave....
Realizing that something is seriously off with the island, they have to stick together, but paranoia and anger quickly turn the pair against each other. They'll have to start trusting each other again, or the island will succeed in turning them against each other..
'And Dex. I couldn’t let Dex go. It was no secret I was in love with him, no matter how hard I tried to push my feelings down or rationalize it in some logical way. I just loved the guy.'
You can tell that Dex and Perry have feelings for each other. But here's where the story started to upset me. I have a love/hate relationship for Dex that is preventing me from giving the book 5 stars. HE DRIVES ME CRAZY! He never opens up to Perry, he doesn't leave his girlfriend, he plays with Perry's head then changes his mind. He needs to grow up, and I'm starting to get tired of all his back and forth that he does. I love Perry, but she needs to start saying, "Screw you, I'm done." When Dex and Perry finally get together, I hope she makes him work for it!
"I hated what he was doing to me, but I loved him. I hated my feelings, but…I loved him. I hated that he could just look at me like that and I couldn't think of anything else."
“What if I really am alone?” “Baby, you aren’t alone. I’m here.”
All in all, another really good installment. Overall, I love this series, and I love these quirky characters. I can't wait to keep reading!
***I would recommend this series to others!***
May 5, 2013
4.5 STARS
He looked terrified, to say the least, but he stood his ground. "No, we have to go back, Perry."
"We have to go back? What the f*ck, this isn't an episode of Lost, Dex!"
I'm thinking, inviting Dex and Perry to your dinner party would probably be both the best and worst idea you could ever come up with.
Mr. Random Guest 1 (MRG1): I had the most interesting day at work today....
Dex or Perry: Yeah? Did it involve you getting chased by dead Chinese lepers while trapped in The Island of Death in the middle of a storm?
MRG1: Well no, but...
Dex or Perry: Great, finish your fish, b*tch.
And we're only on the 3rd book.
Finally the book worthy of taking residence in the horror shelf. I think my minor complaint in the past 2 books has been the mostly middling paranormal aspect of this unique series. Being the feature that sets this apart from all the rest, it was becoming a potential source of frustration. I've felt the spookiness of Darkhouse was a bit juvenile while the supposedly chilling moments in Red Fox ended up funny (I'm not even sure if that was intentional). Luckily, Dead Sky Morning brought up its game and it was pretty intense.
In this episode of EIT, Dex and Perry head off to Vancouver to an island that served as a leper colony where the inflicted were left to die and bury themselves. The history behind it was pretty solid and intriguing and there was some strange symmetry on how the island played a hand at revealing some of the characters' pasts to each other while both Dex and Perry discovered the island's gruesome backstory themselves. I think Dex took the cake on this book and I finally understand what the fuss is over this complex, damaged man. We get a glimpse on what could only be the endless depth that is Declan Foray and it's pretty compelling.
And going to The Church of Dex might not be such a bad idea.
I'm not going to prattle on and on about how great this book was and how emotionally invested I already am with both leads. I think at this point, even after that ret-con stunt the author pulled at the end (naughty, naughty), I can't possibly quit this series for a breather...
... even for a lap dance.
I realized we were about to pass the point of no return. Something was going to happen.
He looked terrified, to say the least, but he stood his ground. "No, we have to go back, Perry."
"We have to go back? What the f*ck, this isn't an episode of Lost, Dex!"
I'm thinking, inviting Dex and Perry to your dinner party would probably be both the best and worst idea you could ever come up with.
Mr. Random Guest 1 (MRG1): I had the most interesting day at work today....
Dex or Perry: Yeah? Did it involve you getting chased by dead Chinese lepers while trapped in The Island of Death in the middle of a storm?
MRG1: Well no, but...
Dex or Perry: Great, finish your fish, b*tch.
And we're only on the 3rd book.
Finally the book worthy of taking residence in the horror shelf. I think my minor complaint in the past 2 books has been the mostly middling paranormal aspect of this unique series. Being the feature that sets this apart from all the rest, it was becoming a potential source of frustration. I've felt the spookiness of Darkhouse was a bit juvenile while the supposedly chilling moments in Red Fox ended up funny (I'm not even sure if that was intentional). Luckily, Dead Sky Morning brought up its game and it was pretty intense.
In this episode of EIT, Dex and Perry head off to Vancouver to an island that served as a leper colony where the inflicted were left to die and bury themselves. The history behind it was pretty solid and intriguing and there was some strange symmetry on how the island played a hand at revealing some of the characters' pasts to each other while both Dex and Perry discovered the island's gruesome backstory themselves. I think Dex took the cake on this book and I finally understand what the fuss is over this complex, damaged man. We get a glimpse on what could only be the endless depth that is Declan Foray and it's pretty compelling.
And going to The Church of Dex might not be such a bad idea.
I'm not going to prattle on and on about how great this book was and how emotionally invested I already am with both leads. I think at this point, even after that ret-con stunt the author pulled at the end (naughty, naughty), I can't possibly quit this series for a breather...
... even for a lap dance.
I realized we were about to pass the point of no return. Something was going to happen.
March 18, 2012
Nothing less than a 5 star for the spooky awesomeness that this book is .... Hell , I'd give it a ten if i could !!!!!!
I need to breathe first though , because honestly I actually felt like I was a part of the madness that was D'Arcy islands . Sheeesh , just sooo many freakin emotions running here and there right now !!! * Huffs * lets get on with this review , before I get the instant urge to pick up book 4 - lying season and ravish it .
Cover speak : H-A-U-N-T-I-N-G !!!! Just one look at it , and it feels as though you are the one stuck on the island and trying to figure out a way to get out of there . The Red Sky Morning making it equally creepy !!! * Shudders*
Things i LOVED about this book :
Everything about this book was mind boggling and twisted . Not in the 'hated it or that I wanted to throw my laptop off the table (although there might have been a point where I wanted to - and the thought lasted only for a little while ) 'kind of way !! It was mind freaking good ! Good enought to give you a braingasm ! Oh god , what am I talking about ...
This book has to be my fav in this series so far . The uexpected turn of events , Perry and Dex's relationship , the ghosts on the island , everything about this book was waaay beyond what I was expecting and definitely had a lot of 'WOW' factor to it . Some shocking truths are revealed , further mystifying the whole situation - as if it was'nt mysterious enough already . And I think that is what I love about Karina Halle's writing style , like we know that there is some major pot full of secrets filled to the rim waiting to pour out , but no its not gonna happen . We are just going to get in doses . And whew what affect they have !!! A little about Perry and a little about Dex and yet the question remains : WHO OR WHAT EXACTLY ARE THESE TWO ??? Not to forget that weird Clown like lady , who is she ??? . Questions , questions and a lot of questions . I cant wait to find the answers to these and see how things turn out !!!
This series is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED !!!!
I need to breathe first though , because honestly I actually felt like I was a part of the madness that was D'Arcy islands . Sheeesh , just sooo many freakin emotions running here and there right now !!! * Huffs * lets get on with this review , before I get the instant urge to pick up book 4 - lying season and ravish it .
Cover speak : H-A-U-N-T-I-N-G !!!! Just one look at it , and it feels as though you are the one stuck on the island and trying to figure out a way to get out of there . The Red Sky Morning making it equally creepy !!! * Shudders*
Things i LOVED about this book :
Everything about this book was mind boggling and twisted . Not in the 'hated it or that I wanted to throw my laptop off the table (although there might have been a point where I wanted to - and the thought lasted only for a little while ) 'kind of way !! It was mind freaking good ! Good enought to give you a braingasm ! Oh god , what am I talking about ...
This book has to be my fav in this series so far . The uexpected turn of events , Perry and Dex's relationship , the ghosts on the island , everything about this book was waaay beyond what I was expecting and definitely had a lot of 'WOW' factor to it . Some shocking truths are revealed , further mystifying the whole situation - as if it was'nt mysterious enough already . And I think that is what I love about Karina Halle's writing style , like we know that there is some major pot full of secrets filled to the rim waiting to pour out , but no its not gonna happen . We are just going to get in doses . And whew what affect they have !!! A little about Perry and a little about Dex and yet the question remains : WHO OR WHAT EXACTLY ARE THESE TWO ??? Not to forget that weird Clown like lady , who is she ??? . Questions , questions and a lot of questions . I cant wait to find the answers to these and see how things turn out !!!
This series is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED !!!!
June 10, 2013
"Red sky at morning, sailors take warning. Red sky at night, sailor's delight."
The perfect setting for a horror story? An isolated and empty island that is reputed to be haunted off the coast of Vancouver in the winter.
"Are you getting cold feet? So you're scared?" "Yeah! It's called Island of Death for a reason and it obviously doesn't want us here."
A haunted island? Why? How? Well the island is a former leper colony, one that received forcibly moved Chinese immigrants with leprosy away from all society. These men were isolated from medical treatment and had no access to resources but were simply left to die. The island is open to camping and explorers now, but visitors report feelings of extreme saddness and depression when they visit. So a haunted island. Mix into the story the main character being on this island alone with a work
colleague that you have a complex relationship with and on top of all this - no cell phone! This is the set-up for Dead Sky Morning. Karina Halle tops the spook and horror factor of Darkhouse and Red Fox and takes it up ten notches. The set-up for this story is so damned scary and perhaps the richness of the setting comes from the fact that this island - D'Arcy Island - and its horribly sad history is true. For readers who want to read more about the very ugly and cruel history the Greater Victoria Public Library has a brief article on D'Arcy Island.
The draw of Experiment in Terror is Dex and Perry. Their relationship. Their interactions. Their humor. Their tension and their flirting. I finished Red Fox and had to keep going, I had to know what would happen with Dex and Perry. The book and the series is not "just" a romance but the romance is the driving force of the story line. Readers -- me -- need to know where Dex and Perry will land.
You know Perry, sometimes I get this uncanny impression that you are flirting with me.
What makes these characters so important to me as a reader is that they have real problems and real desires. They eat food, they worry about their weight - - they find themselves in inappropriate situations and they don't always make the best choices. They drink, they feel shame and they worry about what certain people think of them. Perry has to worry about her job and her parents. All very real stuff. I like to have a beer or several so to read about characters who do too is well, fun. Dex crosses some lines in this book. I can see where these lines might make some readers uncomfortable or upset. To me I thought what Perry thought - If anything, it made Dex seem more like a man. Just a man.
"What's real Dex? Tell me what's real."
Fighting off ghosts and not knowing if Perry is going crazy or not .... walking to the outhouse alone at night -- mysterious sightings in the woods -- horrific nightmares-- Halle sets up a story line where I as a reader began to question what the characters were experiencing. Every book in this series seems to build on what happened before in terms of character development and character history but also, Halle's stories are becoming more intricate and detailed. I loved Darkhouse and Red Fox, but Dead Sky Morning brings the series to an entire new level. It is a new level of writing, a new level for the characters and a new level for scary.
If you like stories with strongly written but flawed characters, then read this series. If you like stories that incorporate romance, sexual tension with paranormal story lines and both themes are strong driving factors in the book, then read this series.
To read more of this review and others like it check out Badass Book Reviews
March 5, 2015
I dont know what to say..really i dont.....
one minute i was reading this blood wrenching,heart stopping terrorizing climax with a bunch of leapers rotting & caskets of coffins floating by the sea......and the next im staring at a
initally the books started off, slow compared to its first two installments...
with both our leads, perry and dex aiming to spend some time and experience a bit of 'normalictiy' behind the scenes...the fist 50% of the book started off being a bit too casual and unweird for me.. :p
BUT by the time it passed half way ? the plot took off a full speed jumping from one incident to another so quickly that i was left wondering what the hell just happened ?
the emotional fights and the trust-me-i-want-to-trust-you game was left me exhausted by the end,with my mind stuffed with more question and no answers...and yet i was crazy enough to enjoy it....
recommended :to all fans of the series and fans of the T.V SERIES 'THE RIVER'.
I Found them to be very similar ,in so many aspects....
one minute i was reading this blood wrenching,heart stopping terrorizing climax with a bunch of leapers rotting & caskets of coffins floating by the sea......and the next im staring at a
initally the books started off, slow compared to its first two installments...
with both our leads, perry and dex aiming to spend some time and experience a bit of 'normalictiy' behind the scenes...the fist 50% of the book started off being a bit too casual and unweird for me.. :p
BUT by the time it passed half way ? the plot took off a full speed jumping from one incident to another so quickly that i was left wondering what the hell just happened ?
the emotional fights and the trust-me-i-want-to-trust-you game was left me exhausted by the end,with my mind stuffed with more question and no answers...and yet i was crazy enough to enjoy it....
recommended :to all fans of the series and fans of the T.V SERIES 'THE RIVER'.
I Found them to be very similar ,in so many aspects....
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