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Heartless
An ancient blood sacrifice.
An Aztec holy man, determined not to lose his dead sex slaves, regardless of the cost or consequences.
And a trio of young people thrown together on a lonely Ohio road five centuries later, bring a shocking act of treachery full-circle. Before one steamy late-summer night is over, two young women and one young man will become linked forever in a reality far more horrifying than anything they’ve experienced in their worst nightmares. Or yours
An Aztec holy man, determined not to lose his dead sex slaves, regardless of the cost or consequences.
And a trio of young people thrown together on a lonely Ohio road five centuries later, bring a shocking act of treachery full-circle. Before one steamy late-summer night is over, two young women and one young man will become linked forever in a reality far more horrifying than anything they’ve experienced in their worst nightmares. Or yours
- GenresHorror
148 pages, Mini Hardcover
First published December 4, 2011
1 person is currently reading
81 people want to read
About the author
Allan Leverone
65 books139 followersAllan Leverone is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of nine novels, including the dark thriller, MR. MIDNIGHT, named by Suspense Magazine as one of the "Best Books of 2013."
A 2012 Derringer Award winner and 2011 Pushcart Prize nominee, Allan lives in Londonderry, NH with his wife of more than thirty years, three grown children and one beautiful granddaughter.
Connect at www.allanleverone.com, at Facebook and on Twitter, @AllanLeverone.
A 2012 Derringer Award winner and 2011 Pushcart Prize nominee, Allan lives in Londonderry, NH with his wife of more than thirty years, three grown children and one beautiful granddaughter.
Connect at www.allanleverone.com, at Facebook and on Twitter, @AllanLeverone.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
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April 24, 2017This hardcover copy is marked PC of 150 copies and is signed by Allan Leverone.
June 14, 2013
Reminded me very much of a Konrath book I recently read, but with a decidedly original twist. Absolutely loved it!
January 31, 2012
This is now Leverone's second novella with Delirium, and I found this one to be significantly better than his first, DARKNESS FALLS.
I thought that the story was an intriguing one and always enjoy a tale where a scumbag has the tables turned on him... certainly quite the conte cruel for our main character, Gary Newton (run-of-the-mill serial killer).
I also liked that Leverone used two different character perspectives to tell the same story. My only issue though is that we have a third character that never has the story told through her perspective (Audrey). I think this would have added an additional intriguing layer to the story.
Likewise, while I certainly appreciate the author's ironic approach in developing the Gary character, his matter of fact approach at describing Gary's utter callousness to humanity felt a wee bit caricatured... to the point of keeping the reader almost entirely disconnected from the character.
I would direct really any author who wants to write a story from the perspective of the serial killer to Rex Miller's THE SLOB. The character development for this kind of character was masterfully handled by Miller. Granted though, perhaps Leverone's serial killer might better be equated to another farcical tale about a serial killer by Jeff Strand, "Socially Awkward Moments with an Aspiring Lunatic".
Perhaps Leverone was looking for a balance between horror and satire. Whatever the case, this tale worked for me and I enjoyed it.
I thought that the story was an intriguing one and always enjoy a tale where a scumbag has the tables turned on him... certainly quite the conte cruel for our main character, Gary Newton (run-of-the-mill serial killer).
I also liked that Leverone used two different character perspectives to tell the same story. My only issue though is that we have a third character that never has the story told through her perspective (Audrey). I think this would have added an additional intriguing layer to the story.
Likewise, while I certainly appreciate the author's ironic approach in developing the Gary character, his matter of fact approach at describing Gary's utter callousness to humanity felt a wee bit caricatured... to the point of keeping the reader almost entirely disconnected from the character.
I would direct really any author who wants to write a story from the perspective of the serial killer to Rex Miller's THE SLOB. The character development for this kind of character was masterfully handled by Miller. Granted though, perhaps Leverone's serial killer might better be equated to another farcical tale about a serial killer by Jeff Strand, "Socially Awkward Moments with an Aspiring Lunatic".
Perhaps Leverone was looking for a balance between horror and satire. Whatever the case, this tale worked for me and I enjoyed it.
January 13, 2012
While the pros and cons of the publishing industry's unavoidable transition to the digital age can be debated, one wonderful trend emerging is that shorter works like novellas and short stories are becoming more prominent and relevant again in the marketplace. This development benefits a quality writer like Allan Leverone and readers of his work, because his short-form stories are of the finely tuned, edge-of-your-seat, read-it-in-one-sitting variety.
His most recent, "Heartless," is a clever take on the serial-killer story with a twist of good old-fashinoned horror and a splash of history thrown in for good measure. Leverone seemlessly weaves in a 500-year-old sacrificial Aztec ritual into a modern-day game of cat-and-mouse between a sadistic man and two mysterious, beautiful women. And just when you think you know what is happening, Leverone pulls the rug out from under you, leaving your mouth hanging open and your brows raised.
Allan Leverone is evolving as a writer and he continues to impress, writing in several different genres and exploring very different types of stories, all of which are entertaining and deeply satisfying.
His most recent, "Heartless," is a clever take on the serial-killer story with a twist of good old-fashinoned horror and a splash of history thrown in for good measure. Leverone seemlessly weaves in a 500-year-old sacrificial Aztec ritual into a modern-day game of cat-and-mouse between a sadistic man and two mysterious, beautiful women. And just when you think you know what is happening, Leverone pulls the rug out from under you, leaving your mouth hanging open and your brows raised.
Allan Leverone is evolving as a writer and he continues to impress, writing in several different genres and exploring very different types of stories, all of which are entertaining and deeply satisfying.
February 9, 2012
This is the story of Gary, a very suspect type of character who kidnaps two young girls with the idea of commiting nefarious things with them. But these two young girls are not what they first appear to be. Over the course of one night Gary is going to find out that he may have bitten off more than he can chew.
Again the author did not disappoint with this novella. This was perhaps a bit more sinister than previous books but still a fantastic read that pulls no punches and packs a lot into a little space. I read it in two sittings because I simply could not put it down. Gary was a totally odious character, and I found myself hoping he would get his comeuppance. There was simply nothing to like about him at all! Janelle and Audrey were totally believable as the helpless victims - but with a huge secret. When the secret was revealed it hit me for a loop as I did not see it coming!
Lovers of Allan's books or dark horror will love this. Even if you have never read any of Allan's books, give this one a go. It's a novella so a nice quick read - you won't be able to put it down, I promise!
Again the author did not disappoint with this novella. This was perhaps a bit more sinister than previous books but still a fantastic read that pulls no punches and packs a lot into a little space. I read it in two sittings because I simply could not put it down. Gary was a totally odious character, and I found myself hoping he would get his comeuppance. There was simply nothing to like about him at all! Janelle and Audrey were totally believable as the helpless victims - but with a huge secret. When the secret was revealed it hit me for a loop as I did not see it coming!
Lovers of Allan's books or dark horror will love this. Even if you have never read any of Allan's books, give this one a go. It's a novella so a nice quick read - you won't be able to put it down, I promise!
January 27, 2012
After reading a few of Allan Leverone's short stories and one of his books, I can say that he is a great new voice in suspense thrillers for me. In fact, I have mentioned to several of my friends that he can definitely hold his own with the likes of Stephen King or Edgar Allen Poe. I love the way that he develops both his characters and the story itself and things unfold. In both Heartless and Darkness Falls, which I reviewed earlier, we think we know the characters and which way the story is going to develop, only to have the end remind us that things are never what they seem, at least not in suspense thrillers. In this story, the stunning twist at the end will make you sit up and say "WHAT!?"
Great job, Allan. Yet another success.
Great job, Allan. Yet another success.
July 8, 2012
1.5 Stars
A guy named Gary likes to kidnap girls and kill and rape them. He meets Audrey and Janelle eating ice cream and they end up giving him a ride to the vehicle he says, ran out of gas. How totally unbelievable, but the girls go along with it. The girls are in the front seat and Gary, the dumbass is in the back, daydreaming about previous deeds and the author has Gary reflecting on how awesome he is a a rapist and killer. All too soon A and J realize that Gary is not telling the truth and from here on the the book becomes totally preposterous. The tables get turned and Gary is the one at the mercy of the women who are... heartless. These read was sorely lacking any type of build-up or suspense. Very predictable and too simple. The ending where everything is explained about the "virgin sacrifices" sunk this ship. The writing itself was okay so, I'll be generous. Not for me~
A guy named Gary likes to kidnap girls and kill and rape them. He meets Audrey and Janelle eating ice cream and they end up giving him a ride to the vehicle he says, ran out of gas. How totally unbelievable, but the girls go along with it. The girls are in the front seat and Gary, the dumbass is in the back, daydreaming about previous deeds and the author has Gary reflecting on how awesome he is a a rapist and killer. All too soon A and J realize that Gary is not telling the truth and from here on the the book becomes totally preposterous. The tables get turned and Gary is the one at the mercy of the women who are... heartless. These read was sorely lacking any type of build-up or suspense. Very predictable and too simple. The ending where everything is explained about the "virgin sacrifices" sunk this ship. The writing itself was okay so, I'll be generous. Not for me~
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2011
OMGG!! Another Al Leverone winner!!! I had times when I literally was holding my breath while reading this. This book in its' 56 pages was absolutely mesmerizing with its' cat and mouse game. The biggest game was trying to figure out who was the cat and who was the mouse. This author is AMAZING to me. Def. one of my top 10 discovered authors in 2011. If you haven't read him yet, do yourself a favor and do it.
February 6, 2014
This is his 2nd book I have read and it didn't disappoint. I think I enjoyed even more than Darkness Falls. It had a vibe of tv episodes I've watched from Masters of Horror, Tales from the Crypt, or Fear Itself. I wish this would be made into a short story tv episode as well. It would be interesting to see.
September 1, 2012
Creepy But Oh So Good!
Another gripping, hold your breath story by recently discovered Allan Leverone.
I read this in one sitting because I just couldn't put it down.
Surprising twists and turns that you least expect with an "Oh No!" ending.
Looking forward to his next book.
Another gripping, hold your breath story by recently discovered Allan Leverone.
I read this in one sitting because I just couldn't put it down.
Surprising twists and turns that you least expect with an "Oh No!" ending.
Looking forward to his next book.
November 26, 2013
A fun little tale of ominous events coming full-circle, in the most ancient of ways. Plus, it's the perfect length for an afternoon or evening read. Recommended!
Heartless
Heartless
December 27, 2011
This was a very good short novella. It kept me interested from the very first page and never let go! It had lots of twists and turns and I look forward to reading more from Al. Great job!!!
December 19, 2011
A fast paced novella with some very interesting twists. Great pacing to keep your interest and for a short read it is packed with quite a few surprises. I enjoyed this read!
December 18, 2011
Very Creepy and well done story of cat and mouse. I started this before I went to bed and finished it before I fell asleep. I highly recommend as it did creep me out.
July 26, 2016
This is a tense and spooky story that packs a lot into very few pages; Janelle and Audrey could easily have filled a full-length novel with their grim adventures.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews