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Oculus #1
Oculus (Volume 1) by J. L. Mac
Most people only believe in what they can see. Born without the most basic gift of sight, I rely on my other senses to guide me. Yet, what I believe in most is a phantom that resides in my dreams. Under the blanket of twilight, I smell him. I feel him. I hear him. I taste him. But above all else, I see him. And I want him. I have no evidence that he’s real. But if he isn’t, why do I wake with the taste of him on my lips? I long for someone who doesn’t exist and even if he does, he’s forbidden, dangerous. He’s from a different world, a frightening place beyond the walls that protect me. The Dark Lands, a broken world beyond the reach of the corporate control is what’s outside the gate. A lawless hellhole full of death and chaos, where savagery thrives under the cloak of darkness.The irony is that my phantom, the one I want so badly, seems driven to destroy everything I’ve ever known.
Paperback
First published December 29, 2015
5 people are currently reading
225 people want to read
About the author
J.L. Mac
18 books1,816 followersAuthor, J.L. Mac is the USA Today Bestselling Author of the Wrecked series and several other titles. Beginning with her debut novel in January 2013, J.L. Mac has self-published nine novels to date. When J.L. was five years old, she came home from school and told her mother that she was ready to quit just as soon as her kindergarten year was complete. When her mother asked why she wanted to quit school when she had only just begun, J.L. simply told her mother that she could now read and write and that was all she needed. Though she did not quit school, she turned out to be right. Having successfully written and published nine novels in seven years, J.L. has become a household name in the Indie community with multiple bestsellers, audio editions and foreign editions of numerous titles. J.L. Mac lives in El Paso, Texas with her husband and four children.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 29, 2015
I stomped my foot and held my breath until I received an ARC of this book and it was totally worth it! I was hooked from the very first page and my heart didn't stop racing until it was over. Sic and Iris are two of my new favorite characters and I cannot wait to see what happens next with them. A fast-paced, exciting and excellent story for dystopian fans.
December 29, 2015
4.25 Made for Each Other Stars
Peanut Butter and Jelly. Nuts and Bolts. Cookies and Milk. Things that are made for each other. But what if rum never met Coke? Would each feel incomplete? Would Sugar dream of Spice knowing that a part of itself was missing? And when they did met, would Orange Juice recognize Vodka as its soulmate?
Iris was born blind. In a world where the only bargaining chip you have is your time. Time to give to the Corps. Working for the man. But when you are blind. You have very little to give. Iris is confused by her dreams. Dreams of a man with blue eyes.
Seeing him is painful. That's what I know above everything else.
Sic was born to be a weapon. He knows his only purpose it to kill. His only escape is the girl he sees in his dreams A girl he knows he can never have.
Sometimes I hate the fact that they hadn't made me more of a monster. Being a killer with human emotions seems like a much crueler fate than simply being a killer.
Sic uses his skills to help the Resistance. He is drawn to the one place he shouldn't go. When Sic and Iris meet, there are sparks. And explosions. And gunfire. Love is not easy in the future.
He's a stranger and an old friend. A guardian and a ghost. A lover and a murderer.
I am not a huge dystopian reader but I was pulled into the world created by Ms Mac and Mr Pace. They have given us a place we could easily fall into. A place where Iris is not the only one blinded to what is going on around her.
The desire to get things back to normal as soon as possible often blinds people to the dangers they still face.
Not to get too political here, but that is seems to be a universal truth. Normal is what we all crave. Won't we do just about anything - forget anything - to get back to normal? Iris and Sic are not happy with their normal. But what lengths will they go to break the cycle? Or will the cycle break them?
Oculus is the first in the series. You don't get an ending but the read is enough to make you want the second.
Peanut Butter and Jelly. Nuts and Bolts. Cookies and Milk. Things that are made for each other. But what if rum never met Coke? Would each feel incomplete? Would Sugar dream of Spice knowing that a part of itself was missing? And when they did met, would Orange Juice recognize Vodka as its soulmate?
Iris was born blind. In a world where the only bargaining chip you have is your time. Time to give to the Corps. Working for the man. But when you are blind. You have very little to give. Iris is confused by her dreams. Dreams of a man with blue eyes.
Seeing him is painful. That's what I know above everything else.
Sic was born to be a weapon. He knows his only purpose it to kill. His only escape is the girl he sees in his dreams A girl he knows he can never have.
Sometimes I hate the fact that they hadn't made me more of a monster. Being a killer with human emotions seems like a much crueler fate than simply being a killer.
Sic uses his skills to help the Resistance. He is drawn to the one place he shouldn't go. When Sic and Iris meet, there are sparks. And explosions. And gunfire. Love is not easy in the future.
He's a stranger and an old friend. A guardian and a ghost. A lover and a murderer.
I am not a huge dystopian reader but I was pulled into the world created by Ms Mac and Mr Pace. They have given us a place we could easily fall into. A place where Iris is not the only one blinded to what is going on around her.
The desire to get things back to normal as soon as possible often blinds people to the dangers they still face.
Not to get too political here, but that is seems to be a universal truth. Normal is what we all crave. Won't we do just about anything - forget anything - to get back to normal? Iris and Sic are not happy with their normal. But what lengths will they go to break the cycle? Or will the cycle break them?
Oculus is the first in the series. You don't get an ending but the read is enough to make you want the second.
December 25, 2015
Their first collaboration and I was hooked
I took a #sicday this Christmas and really enjoyed this first book by Mac and Pace. A world that will capture your attention from page 1. Vivid descriptions, captivating characters and a story that is unique and different I look forward into reading more of this series...the ending...just WOW!
I took a #sicday this Christmas and really enjoyed this first book by Mac and Pace. A world that will capture your attention from page 1. Vivid descriptions, captivating characters and a story that is unique and different I look forward into reading more of this series...the ending...just WOW!
December 29, 2015
all the secrets and lies!!
I'm not normally a post apocalyptical reader but, hot damn, this was a good book! I love all of the deception and lies. The way that you can't trust anyone....
well, I just love it all!
I'm not normally a post apocalyptical reader but, hot damn, this was a good book! I love all of the deception and lies. The way that you can't trust anyone....
well, I just love it all!
December 12, 2015
My life is over.
January 13, 2016
I'm finding that I love a good dystopian novel. I really wouldn't think I was a fan, but it seems that I really dig most of them that I read. Of course, I only read the ones recommended to me. I can imagine that there are some pretty crappy ones out there.
Luckily, Oculus is far from crappy. It tangles a futuristic dystopian world with a sweet romance to make an overall enjoyable read.
I would have loved to give this five stars, but a couple of things prevented me from the higher rating. Firstly, the usage/grammar mistakes were a bit too frequent to overlook. (There weren't so many that they ruined the experience, though.) Usually, grammatical issues are a big deal for me, but these weren't glaringly obvious or grossly negligent errors. They were things only an Grammar Guru/English teacher would catch, both of which I happen to be.
Secondly, the narrative seemed to drag in places, elaborating points that didn't need to be. Other spots seemed rushed. The rushed places left me a bit confused, causing me to re-read to see if I missed something. That usually frustrates me, but here, it really just gave me a chance to absorb the necessary information. I didn't miss anything the first time, but I needed time to put bits together. I don't mind working to figure things out, but this just felt a bit clunky. It probably could be explained by the two authors with different writing styles.
Regardless of my picky nature, the story was awesomely intriguing. I hope they get the next book out soon. Spring would be great.
Luckily, Oculus is far from crappy. It tangles a futuristic dystopian world with a sweet romance to make an overall enjoyable read.
I would have loved to give this five stars, but a couple of things prevented me from the higher rating. Firstly, the usage/grammar mistakes were a bit too frequent to overlook. (There weren't so many that they ruined the experience, though.) Usually, grammatical issues are a big deal for me, but these weren't glaringly obvious or grossly negligent errors. They were things only an Grammar Guru/English teacher would catch, both of which I happen to be.
Secondly, the narrative seemed to drag in places, elaborating points that didn't need to be. Other spots seemed rushed. The rushed places left me a bit confused, causing me to re-read to see if I missed something. That usually frustrates me, but here, it really just gave me a chance to absorb the necessary information. I didn't miss anything the first time, but I needed time to put bits together. I don't mind working to figure things out, but this just felt a bit clunky. It probably could be explained by the two authors with different writing styles.
Regardless of my picky nature, the story was awesomely intriguing. I hope they get the next book out soon. Spring would be great.
December 28, 2015
Having read books by Pace and Mac before I expected a great read. As their first time working together I think they nailed it! I was sucked in quickly and read it almost entirely in one very lazy day.
Gripping and entertaining dystopian adventure. The Corps is the governing power requiring employees to work for "time" basically making them slaves. People of The Resistance live on their own without a government. At some point Sicarius, Sic, was created as a weapon. Iris, the blind girl, is finally realizing how important it is for her make independent decisions and have her own mind. The two of them meet in dreamland without realizing how real they are. A true dystopian story with a developed storyline and powerful characters. The descriptions were clear enough that I had no trouble "seeing" the story play out as if I were watching a movie. As a mom I would let my mature teenage child read this and have no problems trusting he/she could handle the content. Be prepared for a cliffhanger because their story is far from over. As a book reviewer I was given an early release copy for my honest opinion.
Gripping and entertaining dystopian adventure. The Corps is the governing power requiring employees to work for "time" basically making them slaves. People of The Resistance live on their own without a government. At some point Sicarius, Sic, was created as a weapon. Iris, the blind girl, is finally realizing how important it is for her make independent decisions and have her own mind. The two of them meet in dreamland without realizing how real they are. A true dystopian story with a developed storyline and powerful characters. The descriptions were clear enough that I had no trouble "seeing" the story play out as if I were watching a movie. As a mom I would let my mature teenage child read this and have no problems trusting he/she could handle the content. Be prepared for a cliffhanger because their story is far from over. As a book reviewer I was given an early release copy for my honest opinion.
December 26, 2015
I need more! Oculus blew me away, I was hooked from the beginning and feel so empty now that I have to wait for book 2. The characters are captivating, selfless, the story is descriptive and unique. It's written in duel POV so you are getting two sides of the same story and feeling double the emotion. Sic and Iris are the perfect match, they were designed to complement each other and they do. The storyline isn't like any dystopian books I have read and keeps you captive until the end when al you are saying is "more, I need more!" Great story and I look forward to finding out more from Sic and Iris!
December 29, 2015
I need more! Oculus blew me away, I was hooked from the beginning and feel so empty now that I have to wait for book 2. The characters are captivating, selfless, the story is descriptive and unique. It's written in duel POV so you are getting two sides of the same story and feeling double the emotion. Sic and Iris are the perfect match, they were designed to complement each other and they do. The storyline isn't like any dystopian books I have read and keeps you captive until the end when all you are saying is "more, I need more!" Great story and I look forward to finding out more from Sic and Iris!
Review by Raychel
Review by Raychel
December 14, 2015
Ok, so I finished this book about 9 hours ago and am just now getting my thoughts in line.
I am a fan of LG Pace's work, but had never read J.L. Mac's work. I will be looking more into her work.
Be ready. This book grabs you and brings you into this world...ours years from now. Reading about it, you can picture everything. The settlements and survivors on the outside.
And Sic and Iris?? They are the perfect match. Instantaneous by design, and selfless.
Again, be ready. You will become immersed into this world, and when it ends, you WILL be wanting more.
I am a fan of LG Pace's work, but had never read J.L. Mac's work. I will be looking more into her work.
Be ready. This book grabs you and brings you into this world...ours years from now. Reading about it, you can picture everything. The settlements and survivors on the outside.
And Sic and Iris?? They are the perfect match. Instantaneous by design, and selfless.
Again, be ready. You will become immersed into this world, and when it ends, you WILL be wanting more.
January 8, 2016
I wasn't sure about this book at first, it's not the kind of books I read, but I always give a book a chance. I LOVED Oculus and the characters in it. It draws you in and you won't want to stop reading until you are finished. The ending was a little disappointing, however I feel like this story will go on! I don't think this is the last of Iris and Sic.
November 23, 2015
Simultaneously eloquent and stark. Dystopian fans are sure to enjoy it. Can't wait for the next book in the series!
December 28, 2015
2.5 -3 stars
"So suffers all who prey upon the innocent.”
Oculus is a standalone, NA, Dystopian novel by Authors J. L. Mac and L. G. Pace III that I have looked forward to reading since the announcement of its soon-coming was made earlier this year.
Told in dual points of view, the story began with freshness, as the authors wrote from both Sic and Iris's point of view. They were distinctly different in how they expressed themselves; Sic being more straightforward, with an edge of reality and harshness, and Iris's words spinning with such finery that it could be made into poetry. Her thoughts of Sic made me feel and see him in ways that were somewhat unreal, given her own ability to notice those physical qualities of a person. Additionally, the initial pages offered unique foreshadowing, character quotes, and plot that held my attention. However, as the story progressed, my interest level decreased and was dim as the end came into sight. I felt as though it slowly fizzled and finished with an ending that lacked the initial finesse and intrigue I experienced in the opening pages.
"You were made to be a subtle instrument and a blunt tool. Subtle will keep you safe. Only be blunt when you have no other choice..."
"So suffers all who prey upon the innocent.”
Oculus is a standalone, NA, Dystopian novel by Authors J. L. Mac and L. G. Pace III that I have looked forward to reading since the announcement of its soon-coming was made earlier this year.
Told in dual points of view, the story began with freshness, as the authors wrote from both Sic and Iris's point of view. They were distinctly different in how they expressed themselves; Sic being more straightforward, with an edge of reality and harshness, and Iris's words spinning with such finery that it could be made into poetry. Her thoughts of Sic made me feel and see him in ways that were somewhat unreal, given her own ability to notice those physical qualities of a person. Additionally, the initial pages offered unique foreshadowing, character quotes, and plot that held my attention. However, as the story progressed, my interest level decreased and was dim as the end came into sight. I felt as though it slowly fizzled and finished with an ending that lacked the initial finesse and intrigue I experienced in the opening pages.
"You were made to be a subtle instrument and a blunt tool. Subtle will keep you safe. Only be blunt when you have no other choice..."
December 29, 2015
What a ride! I was completely sucked in from the beginning and totally felt immersed into this new world. The connection between the main characters was a beautiful thing to witness. The love, the selflessness...the chemistry!
This book will surely keep you intrigued and dying to know what's coming next! Especially with an ending like that! Holy hell!
I love J.L. Mac's books and hadn't read anything by L.G. Pace so I was looking forward this collaboration and reading a genre they don't typically write in! Let me tell you they knocked it out of the park! This was one suspenseful, sexy dystopian story you don't want to miss. I cannot wait to see what's next for these two!
This book will surely keep you intrigued and dying to know what's coming next! Especially with an ending like that! Holy hell!
I love J.L. Mac's books and hadn't read anything by L.G. Pace so I was looking forward this collaboration and reading a genre they don't typically write in! Let me tell you they knocked it out of the park! This was one suspenseful, sexy dystopian story you don't want to miss. I cannot wait to see what's next for these two!
January 15, 2016
What a great book! I do not read Dystopian very often but this one is fantastic! I am amazed at the creativity the authors have with this story line.
We get to follow Iris in the compound not knowing everything is about to change. She is dreaming about a boy that she feels she must know but does not remember him. This boy is Sic who is beyond the compounds walls trying to take down the leaders. Sic has also been dreaming about Iris and he has this pull to find her once he is in the compound. Go get the book to find out the rest, it will be worth it!
We get to follow Iris in the compound not knowing everything is about to change. She is dreaming about a boy that she feels she must know but does not remember him. This boy is Sic who is beyond the compounds walls trying to take down the leaders. Sic has also been dreaming about Iris and he has this pull to find her once he is in the compound. Go get the book to find out the rest, it will be worth it!
December 14, 2015
I am a fan of both of these authors and they did not disappoint!
Now, I'm not going to lie, I was really confused in some parts, but once the final edits are done, this is going to be an epic series. I can't wait for the next part of Iris and Sic's journey.
Now, I'm not going to lie, I was really confused in some parts, but once the final edits are done, this is going to be an epic series. I can't wait for the next part of Iris and Sic's journey.
January 23, 2016
Great story idea. Looking forward to the second in the series.
September 1, 2017
It's wasn't too bad. Until the ending. Whoever said it was a stand alone HEA is a lying liar who lies through their lie hole. Ugh.
March 18, 2016
MY GOD! I loved this book! Can't wait to read the next one in this series!
May 26, 2017
Not sure how to feel...
But leaning towards pissed that it ended the way it did. Does this mean there will be another...it just seemed so open ended. Other than that, the writing was great and the premise was unique.
But leaning towards pissed that it ended the way it did. Does this mean there will be another...it just seemed so open ended. Other than that, the writing was great and the premise was unique.
June 13, 2017
It's a mindfuck one. I'll never recommend this to anyone. It's a nice book, the author convey everything clearly as he expected. But sometimes we'll feel am I drunk or something? It's great just for a change. And I liked the concept
December 29, 2016
I love a great read that takes me out of "the box"..THIS is one of those reads.
Dystopian. A world rebuilt. A new world run by corruption and those that fight against it.
Riveting, edge of your seat. I loved Sic! He was made to be a monster but he is anything but. Lethal, strong, smart and human. "I may be a Talpa-made animal designed for violence, but at least I’m damn good at it." <-- I loved his "matter of fact" mind.
Iris is strong and confident, even in her disability.
In a world of chaos these two find something rare...they are something rare..and this is just the start of their journey. It is raw and feels so very real. I fell into this world and didn't want to crawl out. My heart ached for Sic and it bled for Iris.
The ending...holy crap....I need more. I can't wait to see what this world holds for these amazing characters.
Dystopian. A world rebuilt. A new world run by corruption and those that fight against it.
Riveting, edge of your seat. I loved Sic! He was made to be a monster but he is anything but. Lethal, strong, smart and human. "I may be a Talpa-made animal designed for violence, but at least I’m damn good at it." <-- I loved his "matter of fact" mind.
Iris is strong and confident, even in her disability.
In a world of chaos these two find something rare...they are something rare..and this is just the start of their journey. It is raw and feels so very real. I fell into this world and didn't want to crawl out. My heart ached for Sic and it bled for Iris.
The ending...holy crap....I need more. I can't wait to see what this world holds for these amazing characters.
December 30, 2015
DNF @ 40%.
The story did not hold my interest.
The story did not hold my interest.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews