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Break Her
"The moment she woke up, her nightmare began..."
What would you do if you awakened to find a dangerous stranger in your house? In your bed, next to you? Now your home has become your prison, and your body, a battlefield. How would you hold onto your sanity, your self-esteem, your very soul against someone determined to annihilate all three?
In the psychological thriller BREAK HER, one woman will find herself in this almost unthinkable situation, and one man will discover that he has finally come up against someone unlike any of those he has destroyed before.
On the surface, this intruder has all the advantages: strength, weapons, ruthlessness. The only way he can lose is if he finds himself responding to his victim on a human level. The only way she can win is if she rips away the protective lies she’s told herself, the hard shell of indifference she’s hidden in, and becomes again what she has not been since she lost everything that mattered to her, years ago: human.
Warning: Includes graphic depictions of rape, sex, and violence and is for readers over the age of 18 only.
What would you do if you awakened to find a dangerous stranger in your house? In your bed, next to you? Now your home has become your prison, and your body, a battlefield. How would you hold onto your sanity, your self-esteem, your very soul against someone determined to annihilate all three?
In the psychological thriller BREAK HER, one woman will find herself in this almost unthinkable situation, and one man will discover that he has finally come up against someone unlike any of those he has destroyed before.
On the surface, this intruder has all the advantages: strength, weapons, ruthlessness. The only way he can lose is if he finds himself responding to his victim on a human level. The only way she can win is if she rips away the protective lies she’s told herself, the hard shell of indifference she’s hidden in, and becomes again what she has not been since she lost everything that mattered to her, years ago: human.
Warning: Includes graphic depictions of rape, sex, and violence and is for readers over the age of 18 only.
223 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 8, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 629 reviews
October 16, 2017
It's been weeks since I finished this book and I'm still trying to digest it. I can say with confidence that this book was one of the most disturbing books that I've ever read...and I read a LOT of dark, disturbing content. Where do I even begin with this one?
First of all, this book is definitely not for everyone. It is full of offensive, twisted content that many readers will not be able to stomach. The book focuses on the repeated rape, degradation and abuse of the female protagonist over a series of days, as the perpetrator tries to break her mind, body and soul.
Unlike most of the dark stories that I read, this book was not erotica in any shape or form. It was raw, brutal and grim. If I had to classify it, I'd say it was more of a psychological suspense than anything. Expect to be appalled, and even terrified, by the content of this book.
That said, I have to give credit to the author for crafting such a unique story. It was unlike anything that I've ever read before. The author doesn't attempt to romanticize the situation or make the bad guy endearing in any way, shape or form.
At the same time, the book manages to be compelling. The battle of wills between the rapist and the victim - who both remain unnamed for the entirety of the book - was highly intriguing. This was an exploration of the human psyche and the lengths that one will go to survive.
Aside from the victim's determination, the author also explores the rapists sinister motivations. Nothing is held back. I cringed while reading this and had to take several breaks in order to finish it. The brutality and graphic nature was overwhelming, lending to the realistic feeling of this story. Even for me, this content was shocking.
The story begins when the victim wakes up mid-rape. That opening sets the stage for what is to come. She soon realizes that in order to survive this horrific ordeal that she must outsmart her attacker. In this case, that means pretending to be a willing party to the repeated rapes.
The rapist has never encountered a victim like her before. Even as he is trying to break her down, he grows to admire her strength and wit. As much as he is capable of feeling for her, he does in his own sick way. Rapist and victim grow to have a sort of "respect" for each other in many ways, even as they are determined to destroy one another.
Over time, there are tidbits from the victim's past that are shared with readers, but never enough to understand why she was targeted for this crime. Possible motives are hinted at, but no concrete answers are ever provided. That was frustrating for me. After everything, I wanted to know definitively who was responsible for the rape by hire.
Virtually no information is ever provided about the rapist. Other than the fact that he was hired to rape and break her, we're left in the dark. That was also an irritation for me, as I was dying to know exactly what could make a person like him tick. I waited and waited, but it never came to light. Perhaps that is fitting, as there often isn't a sound explanation for such senseless crimes.
I went back and forth over whether I absolutely hated this book or loved the brilliance of it. It definitely was not an enjoyable read. In fact, it was downright painful most of the time. Yet, it was incredibly interesting. In the end, I settled on 3 stars. It could have gone either way. This definitely isn't one that I'd recommend to everyone, but undoubtedly some will be equally intrigued by this exploration of the human psyche in such a horrifying situation.
First of all, this book is definitely not for everyone. It is full of offensive, twisted content that many readers will not be able to stomach. The book focuses on the repeated rape, degradation and abuse of the female protagonist over a series of days, as the perpetrator tries to break her mind, body and soul.
Unlike most of the dark stories that I read, this book was not erotica in any shape or form. It was raw, brutal and grim. If I had to classify it, I'd say it was more of a psychological suspense than anything. Expect to be appalled, and even terrified, by the content of this book.
That said, I have to give credit to the author for crafting such a unique story. It was unlike anything that I've ever read before. The author doesn't attempt to romanticize the situation or make the bad guy endearing in any way, shape or form.
At the same time, the book manages to be compelling. The battle of wills between the rapist and the victim - who both remain unnamed for the entirety of the book - was highly intriguing. This was an exploration of the human psyche and the lengths that one will go to survive.
Aside from the victim's determination, the author also explores the rapists sinister motivations. Nothing is held back. I cringed while reading this and had to take several breaks in order to finish it. The brutality and graphic nature was overwhelming, lending to the realistic feeling of this story. Even for me, this content was shocking.
The story begins when the victim wakes up mid-rape. That opening sets the stage for what is to come. She soon realizes that in order to survive this horrific ordeal that she must outsmart her attacker. In this case, that means pretending to be a willing party to the repeated rapes.
The rapist has never encountered a victim like her before. Even as he is trying to break her down, he grows to admire her strength and wit. As much as he is capable of feeling for her, he does in his own sick way. Rapist and victim grow to have a sort of "respect" for each other in many ways, even as they are determined to destroy one another.
Over time, there are tidbits from the victim's past that are shared with readers, but never enough to understand why she was targeted for this crime. Possible motives are hinted at, but no concrete answers are ever provided. That was frustrating for me. After everything, I wanted to know definitively who was responsible for the rape by hire.
Virtually no information is ever provided about the rapist. Other than the fact that he was hired to rape and break her, we're left in the dark. That was also an irritation for me, as I was dying to know exactly what could make a person like him tick. I waited and waited, but it never came to light. Perhaps that is fitting, as there often isn't a sound explanation for such senseless crimes.
I went back and forth over whether I absolutely hated this book or loved the brilliance of it. It definitely was not an enjoyable read. In fact, it was downright painful most of the time. Yet, it was incredibly interesting. In the end, I settled on 3 stars. It could have gone either way. This definitely isn't one that I'd recommend to everyone, but undoubtedly some will be equally intrigued by this exploration of the human psyche in such a horrifying situation.
October 30, 2012
And now for something completely different!
I think it’s safe to say that I have never read anything quite like this devastating novel before. This is Dark, Darker and Darkest – the non-con novel to rule them all. It’s not in the least bit erotic – it’s brutal and cruel and yet also taut and compelling. I felt like I was reading an existentialist Albert Camus novel – a deep exploration of the psychological anatomy of a rape.
This is purely a two-hander – only the rapist and his victim appear in this story. They have no physical descriptions, we don’t know their ages and they are not named, they are just him and her, he and she – we get to know them through what they say, what they feel and their actions throughout the novel. There's actually a distinct lack of any descriptions which I feel is deliberate on behalf of the author. Objects in the house are mentioned but never described and I feel that this is done to sharpen our focus on what is happening. Nothing else matters. It's all about what is happening between them.
She is being raped to order and wakes to find him already deep inside her right at the beginning but her rapist is ordered to deal out more than just physical and sexual torture – he is ordered to and personally desires to destroy her psychologically but she is made of much sterner stuff than he could possibly ever have anticipated. During her first rape he tells her it will only be over when she comes and she shocks him by finding temporary respite deep within her mind and detaching herself emotionally from the situation and is able to orgasm. He considers her a worthy opponent and readies himself for the fight ahead.
From this moment, a battle royale commences. He has never met anyone quite like her before and they are locked in mortal combat to the bitter and twisted end. She has a staggering strength of mind and even though she recognises her own physical powerlessness, she clings on to hope that her particular collection of personality traits are the perfect set to deal with someone like him and the situation she is now in. They engage in intellectual fencing, a mockery of romance as she remains helpless but yet unbroken. She clings onto the belief that she can out think and out emote him.
Her gregarious rapist is smug and self-assured and completely convinced that he is ingenious and creative enough to break through the protective, intellectual padding of her tormented mind, to force the buried feelings right to the surface, to get her to the point where the physical pain he is inflicting will extend into her mind, to push her to that final moment of destruction. He considers himself a rape artist and is convinced he will he get her to the point when her crushed hope will finally push her into despair to become just a dead soul in a co-operative body where there is no beginning and no end, just an eternal painful presence under his dominion.
There was a moment in the book which chilled me to the bone, put fear in my heart and froze my blood – when he leaned over and whispered in her ear ‘Checkmate’! I swear all I could hear at that moment was the frantic pounding of my own heart as the tears poured down my face.
There's a very profound question at the centre of the novel to ponder - why is rape considered to be an incurable wound? What makes rape the very worst thing that can happen to a woman? If a woman is raped - is this worse than if she beaten to within an inch of her life? It did make me stop and think but I came up with no answers. At least not yet - I am still thinking about it.
This is an astonishingly good novel. B.G. Harlen – I don’t even know if they’re a man or a woman but I bow down at their feet. Their stunning way with words, the cruel way with which they screwed with my brain – I feel emotionally wrung out, totally devastated after finishing this story. I know I’ve read something really quite extraordinary.
You might wonder why I’ve started such a serious review of such a serious book with a quote from Monty Python but it does fit the novel – despite everything that goes down, they do quote movies to each other and there is some grim humour to be found here amongst the horror. I cried as I read this, I recoiled at the imagery but I could not put it down. I'm not sure I'll ever get over it.
5 star total mindf*ckery
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May 13, 2013
I wouldn't read it again, but I found it to be: brutal, compelling, and psychologically sound.
I stayed up all night to finish this book and then had trouble sleeping. The material is raw and it digs into real fear.
Although I thought the book was too long, went into too much depth during violent scenes and not deep enough into character motivations or plot, I was engrossed. I couldn't look away from the horror I was reading and so I tip my hat to the author.
I can tell the author knows quite a bit about human nature and psychology and I found myself saying things like: "Yes. Exactly." Toward that end, certain things were affirmed for me and I learned a few others. Shame is an absurd emotion when confronted with circumstances beyond our control. It makes people weak when they should be strong. I like that.
Anyway, this book is definitely a mindfuck. I don't recommend it for anyone who doesn't have a strong stomach. This is NOT a romance. No one is redeemed. There is nothing beautiful to hold on to throughout the story. There is only survival. There is only the struggle to win no matter the consequence.
I stayed up all night to finish this book and then had trouble sleeping. The material is raw and it digs into real fear.
Although I thought the book was too long, went into too much depth during violent scenes and not deep enough into character motivations or plot, I was engrossed. I couldn't look away from the horror I was reading and so I tip my hat to the author.
I can tell the author knows quite a bit about human nature and psychology and I found myself saying things like: "Yes. Exactly." Toward that end, certain things were affirmed for me and I learned a few others. Shame is an absurd emotion when confronted with circumstances beyond our control. It makes people weak when they should be strong. I like that.
Anyway, this book is definitely a mindfuck. I don't recommend it for anyone who doesn't have a strong stomach. This is NOT a romance. No one is redeemed. There is nothing beautiful to hold on to throughout the story. There is only survival. There is only the struggle to win no matter the consequence.
April 3, 2016
OH MY GOD !! What the hell did i just read ! I had so many ‘shaking my head’ moments, it one of those books "you want to stop reading but can't put it down" it was impossible for my Weird side to let it go , it had the most disgusting scene in it I've ever read, The way the main character responded to the situation she was in was quite disturbing too. ,i really liked it, the plot was great the twist even better ,The book had lots of violence in it , lots of humiliation and kinky fuckery lots of blood and disturbing actions ! i had really hard time reading it but it was worth it
Cut to the here and now. Drunk, drugged, knocked out, beaten, tied up, raped, ridiculed, pressured, threatened, invaded, kissed, fucked, widowed, deprived, grieved, unchilded. Helpless. Though still unbroken.
the end was mindblowing , it was really unexpected turn of events
He managed to speak. “You know, you never asked who they were. Or why they wanted to hurt you.”
“I know who, and I know why,” she said. “You’re the one who doesn’t.”
“What are you?”
“You should have asked that question sooner.”
Cut to the here and now. Drunk, drugged, knocked out, beaten, tied up, raped, ridiculed, pressured, threatened, invaded, kissed, fucked, widowed, deprived, grieved, unchilded. Helpless. Though still unbroken.
the end was mindblowing , it was really unexpected turn of events
He managed to speak. “You know, you never asked who they were. Or why they wanted to hurt you.”
“I know who, and I know why,” she said. “You’re the one who doesn’t.”
“What are you?”
“You should have asked that question sooner.”
November 4, 2012
Review posted at: Swept Away By Romance
I sat down to write the review for Break Her by B. G. Harlen, and I first thought, oh, I could write for *days* on how I feel about this book. It would be an endless stream-of-consciousness review, disjointed thought following disjointed thought. But then, I immediately followed that with, no, there is *nothing* I can say about this book. How do I put words to an experience that cratered my mind?? How do I reconcile the enormity of the hold this story has had (and, still has) on me with the near-constant cringing of my moral compass?!
My need to purge some of the feelings this book engendered won out.
The story itself is graphically and excruciatingly painful. This review is the only warning you'll get from me. Consider very carefully what your limits are and any triggers you may have before deciding to read this. Break Her is about the torture of sustained rape and the ultimate, intense psychological battle of wills between perpetrator and victim. Two characters in all, strangers to each other, neither named by the author (though, name or not, the female lead became more real to me than I can express). A time period of a day and a half. Oh, what can happen in a day and a half.
So, what did I experience while reading? Here are some thoughts, disjointed or otherwise.
This was a difficult, distressing read. I read in bits and pieces over several days, taking many breaks. So many times I wondered, why do I keep going back?! Why don't I just stop? You will want to stop, and, at the same time, you won't. Unquestionably, there is genius storytelling at work here.
I have never, not ever, read anything quite like this. Very early on, I felt sure that I knew exactly what it was I needed to take away from this heinous and remarkable combination of words. I thought, ah, I know what the author is trying to convey. This here? This is exactly the larger message. Mmmm, right. Until it wasn't. I went round and round and back and forth with myself so many times, I was dizzy. At multiple points in this story, I found myself questioning not only myself, but both characters, the author, the world at large. Granted, we all read through life filters of our own making. And, mine tend to be serious and somewhat intense on an ordinary day. Reading this was no ordinary day, not for me. Far from it, in fact. So, there is no doubt that what I took from Break Her, what I've kept with me, is strongly impacted by my life experiences and beliefs.
Toward the end, as the relentless attack reached a new low point, I would swear that I could *actually* feel some of what the victim was experiencing. I can't begin to tell you how that feeling has stayed with me. Part of me thinks I would do anything to get rid of it, to forget it. But, I have to say, I also believe that this is what makes Break Her a must-read for those who can handle it. Because, that feeling, the fact that I can't forget it? It makes rape REAL. It gives me a graphic but essential look inside the harsh reality of the crime. And, for me? For me, that is a lifetime guarantee that I will NEVER take the act of rape lightly, agree with those who seek to 'redefine' it, nor will I ever believe I have the right to judge *any* victim/survivor of this loathsome crime or try to legislate the decisions to be made arising from possible consequences. That alone makes this well worth reading, in my opinion.
This is a horrible, terrible, gripping reading experience that, ultimately, is a story of the fierce desire and will to survive. The almost unnatural but awe-inspiring strength of this woman is the real triumph in this story. There are other points made and questions posed in the telling of Break Her, and legitimately so. For me, though, what I've laid out here is what I choose to take away from this experience.
Whatever arguments can and will be made regarding content, I don't believe anyone will be able to deny the amazing talent in this author's writing. This cannot be a debut author. I just don't believe it. Whoever this author may be, I hope there is much more to come. May I put in my request now for some slightly lighter fare with the next book? My emotionally exhausted self would be eternally grateful.
5 Dark & Twisty Stars!!
I sat down to write the review for Break Her by B. G. Harlen, and I first thought, oh, I could write for *days* on how I feel about this book. It would be an endless stream-of-consciousness review, disjointed thought following disjointed thought. But then, I immediately followed that with, no, there is *nothing* I can say about this book. How do I put words to an experience that cratered my mind?? How do I reconcile the enormity of the hold this story has had (and, still has) on me with the near-constant cringing of my moral compass?!
My need to purge some of the feelings this book engendered won out.
The story itself is graphically and excruciatingly painful. This review is the only warning you'll get from me. Consider very carefully what your limits are and any triggers you may have before deciding to read this. Break Her is about the torture of sustained rape and the ultimate, intense psychological battle of wills between perpetrator and victim. Two characters in all, strangers to each other, neither named by the author (though, name or not, the female lead became more real to me than I can express). A time period of a day and a half. Oh, what can happen in a day and a half.
So, what did I experience while reading? Here are some thoughts, disjointed or otherwise.
This was a difficult, distressing read. I read in bits and pieces over several days, taking many breaks. So many times I wondered, why do I keep going back?! Why don't I just stop? You will want to stop, and, at the same time, you won't. Unquestionably, there is genius storytelling at work here.
I have never, not ever, read anything quite like this. Very early on, I felt sure that I knew exactly what it was I needed to take away from this heinous and remarkable combination of words. I thought, ah, I know what the author is trying to convey. This here? This is exactly the larger message. Mmmm, right. Until it wasn't. I went round and round and back and forth with myself so many times, I was dizzy. At multiple points in this story, I found myself questioning not only myself, but both characters, the author, the world at large. Granted, we all read through life filters of our own making. And, mine tend to be serious and somewhat intense on an ordinary day. Reading this was no ordinary day, not for me. Far from it, in fact. So, there is no doubt that what I took from Break Her, what I've kept with me, is strongly impacted by my life experiences and beliefs.
Toward the end, as the relentless attack reached a new low point, I would swear that I could *actually* feel some of what the victim was experiencing. I can't begin to tell you how that feeling has stayed with me. Part of me thinks I would do anything to get rid of it, to forget it. But, I have to say, I also believe that this is what makes Break Her a must-read for those who can handle it. Because, that feeling, the fact that I can't forget it? It makes rape REAL. It gives me a graphic but essential look inside the harsh reality of the crime. And, for me? For me, that is a lifetime guarantee that I will NEVER take the act of rape lightly, agree with those who seek to 'redefine' it, nor will I ever believe I have the right to judge *any* victim/survivor of this loathsome crime or try to legislate the decisions to be made arising from possible consequences. That alone makes this well worth reading, in my opinion.
This is a horrible, terrible, gripping reading experience that, ultimately, is a story of the fierce desire and will to survive. The almost unnatural but awe-inspiring strength of this woman is the real triumph in this story. There are other points made and questions posed in the telling of Break Her, and legitimately so. For me, though, what I've laid out here is what I choose to take away from this experience.
Whatever arguments can and will be made regarding content, I don't believe anyone will be able to deny the amazing talent in this author's writing. This cannot be a debut author. I just don't believe it. Whoever this author may be, I hope there is much more to come. May I put in my request now for some slightly lighter fare with the next book? My emotionally exhausted self would be eternally grateful.
5 Dark & Twisty Stars!!
November 4, 2013
4 thought-provoking stars!
This isn't a love story. No Stockholm Syndrome type of thing. There's rape of all forms. Physical rape, emotional rape, mind rape. I wasn't even in the story, but I felt like my brain cells were getting sucked out by this C.R.A.Z.Y. dude. I, however, didn't find this book to be a thriller. I think my reaction was supposed to be this...
Instead, this was my reaction (for the most part)...
I'm pretty messed up. The female character is repeatedly raped and I couldn't stop laughing. =_= The "banter" between the two is funny. Dry, sarcastic, witty humor = my favorite. The reasons why this was a 4 star read for me and not 5 was because the beginning was a little slow, and that ending?! Jeez...I had to reread four times to get what DAFAUQ happened. I really hope BG Harlen writes a sequel though! It'd be...interesting.
Don't want to say more because the shock, ew, and haha factors need to be fully experienced without me giving away anything. Just go read the book.
Last but not least!! Jahy is the ULTIMATE sweetie!!!!!!!! Thank you for the book and the recommendation!
Ode to Jahy:
This isn't a love story. No Stockholm Syndrome type of thing. There's rape of all forms. Physical rape, emotional rape, mind rape. I wasn't even in the story, but I felt like my brain cells were getting sucked out by this C.R.A.Z.Y. dude. I, however, didn't find this book to be a thriller. I think my reaction was supposed to be this...
Instead, this was my reaction (for the most part)...
I'm pretty messed up. The female character is repeatedly raped and I couldn't stop laughing. =_= The "banter" between the two is funny. Dry, sarcastic, witty humor = my favorite. The reasons why this was a 4 star read for me and not 5 was because the beginning was a little slow, and that ending?! Jeez...I had to reread four times to get what DAFAUQ happened. I really hope BG Harlen writes a sequel though! It'd be...interesting.
Don't want to say more because the shock, ew, and haha factors need to be fully experienced without me giving away anything. Just go read the book.
Last but not least!! Jahy is the ULTIMATE sweetie!!!!!!!! Thank you for the book and the recommendation!
Ode to Jahy:
May 15, 2014
"I've been fucked up the ass by Fate. What do you think you can do to me with your little, fucking penis?"I went straight to bed after finishing this one thinking, if I sleep on it, I will be able to write a review. But hell if I know how to put my thoughts to words. I mean...
have I just read?
This is not a book about sex, love, lust, etc., nothing erotic here. There's plenty of sex, but non consensual, it's rape, and not only physical but also emotional and mind fucking. It's a story about breaking a heroine, whatever it takes. This book is hard, the best kind of psychological mind game, and sometimes I just felt like my brain could not process all of what was happening. I had to go back and reread the conversations between MCs to fully understand them.
"You are either blowing my mind, or you're just trying to blow my mind."
Nameless hero, he is pure fucking devil. I can't even fathom the enormity of his evil actions. He keeps doing it and doing it and doing it and doing it....all the while talking to heroine and playing this mind chess game. Anything to break her, make her worthless, non-existent, humiliated, humbled, fucked up.
"I'm the worst thing you'll ever know."(...)At some point I was thinking that he can't possibly get worse, can he? And I was reading and was shocked and was waiting what his brutal mind will come up with next.
"You could never in your life say: I've seen the worst."
Heroine, same as with hero, we don't know much about her, who she is, why and who would want her to be broken. The questions were accumulating in my head, the curiosity unendurable. We got some answers along the story but the mystery is there till the very end and even then.... well I guess it was supposed to be that way. But damn if I'm not still wondering about it. She is aware of her situation, of being at his mercy and she has to think, plot, precede and react to stay sane and alive. And she's damn good at it.
"Drunk, drugged, knocked out, beaten, tied up, raped, ridiculed, threatened, invaded, kissed, fucked, , deprived, grieved, . Helpless. Though still unbroke. For whatever that was worth."I was in awe of heroine's intelligence and artistry of playing with his mind. She went through what she had to go through, it was horrible, terrifying, hurtful, both physical and emotional, but in the end it was the mean to win.
Oh, yes, the heroine was one badass motherfucker, like Uma, badass motherfucker.
I would recommend it to all of you who like dark, twisted, mindfucking, thougths provoking books.
Buddy read with my lovely friend Bev **Read like a Champion**
May 14, 2014
* * * * *5 EPIC Stars* * * * *
This is the story of a man who is hired to break the female lead character.
"She couldn’t move. And she really wanted to, because as she quickly became aware of herself, she realized that this man’s penis was deep inside her."
How does no name psycho plan to do it? By raping her...I don’t think so he does so much more than that. He attacks her emotionally and mentally.
It is pretty hard to explain because this book is about rape and abuse, but like always I found myself impressed and laughing at the banter between these two.
“You’re a very impressive person in your own right, but you’re no Charlie Sheen”
Don’t get me wrong it is serious and heartbreaking at times, but the female was so Badass…she deserves the Pulp Fiction wallet…
In the end…
I am so hyped I probably won’t sleep tonight. I want to shout from the roof top: READ THIS BOOK!! It is crazy awesome…
Lastly…you only thought it was checkmate bitch.
Loved buddy reading with my lovely friend Mysza!! Thanks for recommending Jahy - my BW you always know a winner for me!
This is the story of a man who is hired to break the female lead character.
"She couldn’t move. And she really wanted to, because as she quickly became aware of herself, she realized that this man’s penis was deep inside her."
How does no name psycho plan to do it? By raping her...I don’t think so he does so much more than that. He attacks her emotionally and mentally.
It is pretty hard to explain because this book is about rape and abuse, but like always I found myself impressed and laughing at the banter between these two.
“You’re a very impressive person in your own right, but you’re no Charlie Sheen”
Don’t get me wrong it is serious and heartbreaking at times, but the female was so Badass…she deserves the Pulp Fiction wallet…
In the end…
I am so hyped I probably won’t sleep tonight. I want to shout from the roof top: READ THIS BOOK!! It is crazy awesome…
Lastly…you only thought it was checkmate bitch.
Loved buddy reading with my lovely friend Mysza!! Thanks for recommending Jahy - my BW you always know a winner for me!
April 2, 2015
Most reviews have stated this is a dark, disturbing read, and it definitely is; however, if (like me) you have read other books in this "genre" you may not find it as disturbing as some reviews have mentioned...Or maybe I'm just cold and desensitized? Alas, I digress.
Regardless, the manner in which the author explores the human psyche is brilliant. I found the nameless female in the story to be fascinating--her actions, her thought process, her intelligence, her relentless sense of self-preservation--fascinating.
Also, they way in which the author made the reader experience almost mirror the female's was extraordinary. The lack of details (e.g. names, physical descriptions, character pasts, detailed back story) really made you focus on what was happening in the now of the story, just as the female was forced to focus on the now of her circumstances.
Further, whenever the female did discuss or think about her past (still without names or too many details) it served to provide the reader with the same existential, almost dream-like state the female was experiencing also.
Some reviews stated it dragged on too long through the middle, and I agree; however, I think that also served to give the reader the same sense of desperation the female was experiencing--"is this ever going to end?"
Overall, I felt that this was a compelling, thought provoking read; however, you've definitely got to be in the mood for it.
Regardless, the manner in which the author explores the human psyche is brilliant. I found the nameless female in the story to be fascinating--her actions, her thought process, her intelligence, her relentless sense of self-preservation--fascinating.
Also, they way in which the author made the reader experience almost mirror the female's was extraordinary. The lack of details (e.g. names, physical descriptions, character pasts, detailed back story) really made you focus on what was happening in the now of the story, just as the female was forced to focus on the now of her circumstances.
Further, whenever the female did discuss or think about her past (still without names or too many details) it served to provide the reader with the same existential, almost dream-like state the female was experiencing also.
Some reviews stated it dragged on too long through the middle, and I agree; however, I think that also served to give the reader the same sense of desperation the female was experiencing--"is this ever going to end?"
Overall, I felt that this was a compelling, thought provoking read; however, you've definitely got to be in the mood for it.
June 29, 2013
Darkest, mind fuck I've ever read....need to process it. I shouldn't like it as much as I do, of that I'm sure...Wow.
Ok, after a xanax and a shower, and a few hours sleep....
This book is about rape. Pure and simple. It is brutal at points.....but the author did an amazing job.
You only know them as "him" and "her" (although, strange enough, I felt the need to name her so when she saw "dawn through the window", she became Dawn to me) We only get to know her (and him) through the conversations they have. (and they are some f'ed up conversations)
She had a tragic life, no two ways around it, my heart broke for her through the whole book. And yet, for as much tragedy we do learn about her there is a lot you don't know...the author alludes to a lot...but doesn't tell you. (urked me in some parts-because I want to know damnit!)
He is just a sick, psycho bastard.
The word "Checkmate" will always give me chills.
If this is disjointed, I'm sorry, but that is what this book did to me. Just amazing. I've never read anything like it, and I am not sure I ever will again.
I would of liked more details about her, especially at the end. I do understand why the author did what she did. It made you focus on the brutality of the situation. I will be haunted by this book for some time to come. No doubt about it.
I took breaks and thankfully did this in a buddy read. (Thanks so much Rose and MK! I never would of read this book without you) When I hit 90% I truly went for a walk and geared myself up for the ending. I knew it was going to be intense and I wasn't wrong.
I don't believe this is a rookie author, but if so, kudos.. BIGTIME kudos. If you have another pen name please let us know because your writing is phenomenal.
Ok, after a xanax and a shower, and a few hours sleep....
This book is about rape. Pure and simple. It is brutal at points.....but the author did an amazing job.
You only know them as "him" and "her" (although, strange enough, I felt the need to name her so when she saw "dawn through the window", she became Dawn to me) We only get to know her (and him) through the conversations they have. (and they are some f'ed up conversations)
She had a tragic life, no two ways around it, my heart broke for her through the whole book. And yet, for as much tragedy we do learn about her there is a lot you don't know...the author alludes to a lot...but doesn't tell you. (urked me in some parts-because I want to know damnit!)
He is just a sick, psycho bastard.
The word "Checkmate" will always give me chills.
If this is disjointed, I'm sorry, but that is what this book did to me. Just amazing. I've never read anything like it, and I am not sure I ever will again.
I would of liked more details about her, especially at the end. I do understand why the author did what she did. It made you focus on the brutality of the situation. I will be haunted by this book for some time to come. No doubt about it.
I took breaks and thankfully did this in a buddy read. (Thanks so much Rose and MK! I never would of read this book without you) When I hit 90% I truly went for a walk and geared myself up for the ending. I knew it was going to be intense and I wasn't wrong.
I don't believe this is a rookie author, but if so, kudos.. BIGTIME kudos. If you have another pen name please let us know because your writing is phenomenal.
August 24, 2014
*** 41/2 " ROYALLY FUCKED UP" STARS***
HOLY SHIT!! .. WTF!...No seriously ....
*W-H-A-T *T-H-E* F-U-C-K *did I just read?
I'm at a lost for words and I'm someone whom never shuts the hell up. B.G. Harlen I don't know whether to applaud your brilliance or schedule you an appointment with my psychiatrist J/K people...... To call this story unique is an understatement..
If you are looking for something different and can handle your brain being ripped from your skull, stomped to an inch of its life, then shoved back in through your nostril, this is the perfect book for you... PEACE OUT!
For more reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
HOLY SHIT!! .. WTF!...No seriously ....
*W-H-A-T *T-H-E* F-U-C-K *did I just read?
I'm at a lost for words and I'm someone whom never shuts the hell up. B.G. Harlen I don't know whether to applaud your brilliance or schedule you an appointment with my psychiatrist J/K people...... To call this story unique is an understatement..
If you are looking for something different and can handle your brain being ripped from your skull, stomped to an inch of its life, then shoved back in through your nostril, this is the perfect book for you... PEACE OUT!
For more reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
May 18, 2016
Jesus Christ! I don't actually know what to say here...I'll use the word, I believe Michelle did in her review of this book.
MINDFUCK!!!!!
I'm totally worn out and I need a drink, or two, or more...
Seriously, I can NOT, willingly, praise this book, unless you really want to be mind fucked!!!
and now on December, 18, 2015, I've had a change of heart regarding this book, cause i think that if it stays with you for a long time,(as it obviously stayed with me, (I'm not even sure that's a good thing in this case LOL) no matter in what context, the purpose of the story was accomplished.
It's kinda like propaganda, that has a purpose to provoke, to evoke and stay imbeded into the subconsciousness of the public.
So any publicity is good publicity cause it achieved its purpose - it got noticed, it got attention...people talked about the subject, people reacted...in other words it stayed memorable. in one way or the other.
At this point it doesn't really matter if you liked it or hated it, it matters that you noticed it.
and I certainly noticed this story, it troubled me for sometime, I don't condone the act itself that was presented in the book, cause its vile and the most horrible thing that can happen to one being - to be degraded and violated at the expense of a calculated project and someone's cruel intentions. In fact it's condemnable in every. single. aspect!!!
BUT
As the violation proceeds I found the gratification in the heroines psychological strength and I held on to that like a drowning (wo)man...and the end was a turning point for me to comprehend this book.
I liked the form of it, it's a thriller , a very good one , in fact BUT cause of the sexual violation that actually surpasses my hard limits, I can not give it higher than 3.75 stars.
August 13, 2017
what the hell did I just read
I like writing my reviews right after I finish reading the story to keep the emotions fresh, but right now i'm completely mind-blown and I can't form any decent thought!
And that ending though! i was not expecting that, i need more explanations or else my soul won't rest
Reading this book was a different experience, It's one hell of an experience.
This is one of the darkest novels that i have ever read , It's so dark and brutal, it had some disgusting unimaginable scenes.
DEFINITELY DON'T READ THIS IF YOU HAVE A WEAK STOMACH
I struggled going through this, i actually tried reading this book last year but couldn't get myself to do it because of the horrific events, but now i did, and i was left completely mind-blown
and speechless ( yet I'm writing this right now)
I'm really struggling to put my feelings and thoughts into words.
This book is dark dark,
so
why didn't i have a problem with it unlike some other similar books?
Simply because the horrible acts in this book are not done under the pretext of erotica, its not meant to romanticize rape or make it appealing,
It's done for the sole purpose of torture and destruction in this story, not out of fake love and caring motives.
This book actually shows how horrible and violating rape is, it doesn't make it look like an act of affection and intimacy.
So it was the same as reading about physical torture or killing or fights, really horrid ones.
In this story nothing existed except the rapist and his victim, no other details about them except some of her previous memories,
Other than that the author doesn't give anything, I actually enjoyed this idea because i was too engrossed in the events.
It also helped keep the story interesting, i wasn't able to put this book down since i opened it, we didn't get any boring descriptions or unnecessary details, the events and conversation kept rolling until the last second.
This story is a psychological battle between her and him, he lets her know from the start that this wont end for her until she is broken,
she tells him that she had worse and will see worse in the future so he can't break her,
She knows who she is and what she is capable of and she isn't hiding it.
"It's good to know who you are. And to have no illusions"
This brings out an unspoken challenge, who will outlast the other
will he sucsseed in what he does best, on his life long career?
or will she be the exception that he never imagined meeting?
She is strong and made of hard material, her mind is strong and unbreakable
and she has complete control over herself, its so rare to see similar characters like her in books, she is clever and smart, she is manipulative and plays tricks on him,
yet she is always honest
She even plays tricks on herself to better control her mind
which i found so brilliant. i loved her and i have so much respect for her.
There are many moments in this book where she left me speechless and dumbfounded.
"How cold blooded was she? Enough to scan inside herself and identify the most likely ways he could destroy her Then she would feed him the clues. This, she reminded herself, was why she was going to win. Because he was hard, but she was cold.
He fed on humanity, he needed it. She pretended she still had some. "
This isn't a romantic book, not erotic, not funny.
It's gruesome and dark and fucks with your mind, its a battle between two messed up human beings.
But i absolutely loved it, its so rare to come across something so different and outstanding.
And the author has such an amazing way with words, their witty conversations never ceased to amaze me.
The characters were also very deep yet with no details around them, the only way of knowing them is through reading, and analyzing their words and actions.
And again, THAT ENDING, what?! what was that?! it's like I was surprised yet I was hoping for it all along
This book might not sit well with some people, but I'm giving it 5 deserved stars,
The story was brilliant, the writing was so good, the characters are so complex and fun to read about, the plot twist was indeed mind blowing. There is nothing i can complain about when it comes to this book.
And i deeply enjoyed it,
And i would recommend it for people who don't mind horrific details and events.
I like writing my reviews right after I finish reading the story to keep the emotions fresh, but right now i'm completely mind-blown and I can't form any decent thought!
And that ending though! i was not expecting that, i need more explanations or else my soul won't rest
Reading this book was a different experience, It's one hell of an experience.
This is one of the darkest novels that i have ever read , It's so dark and brutal, it had some disgusting unimaginable scenes.
DEFINITELY DON'T READ THIS IF YOU HAVE A WEAK STOMACH
I struggled going through this, i actually tried reading this book last year but couldn't get myself to do it because of the horrific events, but now i did, and i was left completely mind-blown
and speechless ( yet I'm writing this right now)
I'm really struggling to put my feelings and thoughts into words.
This book is dark dark,
so
why didn't i have a problem with it unlike some other similar books?
Simply because the horrible acts in this book are not done under the pretext of erotica, its not meant to romanticize rape or make it appealing,
It's done for the sole purpose of torture and destruction in this story, not out of fake love and caring motives.
This book actually shows how horrible and violating rape is, it doesn't make it look like an act of affection and intimacy.
So it was the same as reading about physical torture or killing or fights, really horrid ones.
In this story nothing existed except the rapist and his victim, no other details about them except some of her previous memories,
Other than that the author doesn't give anything, I actually enjoyed this idea because i was too engrossed in the events.
It also helped keep the story interesting, i wasn't able to put this book down since i opened it, we didn't get any boring descriptions or unnecessary details, the events and conversation kept rolling until the last second.
This story is a psychological battle between her and him, he lets her know from the start that this wont end for her until she is broken,
she tells him that she had worse and will see worse in the future so he can't break her,
She knows who she is and what she is capable of and she isn't hiding it.
"It's good to know who you are. And to have no illusions"
This brings out an unspoken challenge, who will outlast the other
will he sucsseed in what he does best, on his life long career?
or will she be the exception that he never imagined meeting?
She is strong and made of hard material, her mind is strong and unbreakable
and she has complete control over herself, its so rare to see similar characters like her in books, she is clever and smart, she is manipulative and plays tricks on him,
yet she is always honest
She even plays tricks on herself to better control her mind
which i found so brilliant. i loved her and i have so much respect for her.
There are many moments in this book where she left me speechless and dumbfounded.
"How cold blooded was she? Enough to scan inside herself and identify the most likely ways he could destroy her Then she would feed him the clues. This, she reminded herself, was why she was going to win. Because he was hard, but she was cold.
He fed on humanity, he needed it. She pretended she still had some. "
This isn't a romantic book, not erotic, not funny.
It's gruesome and dark and fucks with your mind, its a battle between two messed up human beings.
But i absolutely loved it, its so rare to come across something so different and outstanding.
And the author has such an amazing way with words, their witty conversations never ceased to amaze me.
The characters were also very deep yet with no details around them, the only way of knowing them is through reading, and analyzing their words and actions.
And again, THAT ENDING, what?! what was that?! it's like I was surprised yet I was hoping for it all along
This book might not sit well with some people, but I'm giving it 5 deserved stars,
The story was brilliant, the writing was so good, the characters are so complex and fun to read about, the plot twist was indeed mind blowing. There is nothing i can complain about when it comes to this book.
And i deeply enjoyed it,
And i would recommend it for people who don't mind horrific details and events.
Read
December 28, 2020dnf @15%
he raped her. and now, they are discussing favourite movies. she hasn't shed a tear. if anything, they are having playful banter and it feels consensual rather than rape to me. the girl isn't showing any bloody fucking emotions!!!!
after he rapes her, she goes, are you done? you wanna do that again? and even something like i'm not gonna give him a reaction bc i know thats what he wants.
i'm sorry, but thats just unbelievable. no-one can be prepared to be raped. but the way she is acting, it seems like she was.
I am honestly mind blown. not from the darkness or the filth bc they were practically non-existent but by the way this book is written. utterly unbelievable.
"I'm going to have to send you a thank you card afterwards" he said, "thanking you for making this my most entertaining rape, probably ever"
i-
he raped her. and now, they are discussing favourite movies. she hasn't shed a tear. if anything, they are having playful banter and it feels consensual rather than rape to me. the girl isn't showing any bloody fucking emotions!!!!
after he rapes her, she goes, are you done? you wanna do that again? and even something like i'm not gonna give him a reaction bc i know thats what he wants.
i'm sorry, but thats just unbelievable. no-one can be prepared to be raped. but the way she is acting, it seems like she was.
I am honestly mind blown. not from the darkness or the filth bc they were practically non-existent but by the way this book is written. utterly unbelievable.
"I'm going to have to send you a thank you card afterwards" he said, "thanking you for making this my most entertaining rape, probably ever"
i-
November 8, 2012
Writing: 5 stars for the intense and intelligent writing.
Emotions: 5 stars - It brought extremely intense emotions. I have never read anything like this.
Characters: 3 stars - Only the roles of Rapist and Victim feature in this story and we are given nothing on them, which yes served a purpose but left so many questions unanswered!
Overall story taking in my feelings of the ending: 3 stars
Content: Un-rateable: Extremely graphic depictions of rape, sex, and violence that is not for the faint-hearted and I struggled. This was a very difficult read for me.
Do I subscribe to shock value? Do you?
I couldn’t help thinking about this question, as I read this story, freaking myself out by being unable to put it down as the obscene depravity actually caused me to feel sick to my stomach. Okay I’ll be honest with you, I actually was sick….once. Let’s get it all out there…this entire story is psychologically beyond anything I have ever known or read about rape. It scared me, I cried, it pulled me way past my boundary, my safety….right over the edge into the darkest place I have ever been thrown by a story. I questioned myself, I questioned issues raised in this book making something irrational make sense as in “what is the worst thing that could happen to me...how do I compare, and in relation to what and who?”
The writing is exceptional and intelligent. If this had not been the case I would never have finished it. The brilliance of the writing made me turn every page, much like an endurance test at times as I needed to know how this macabre storyline was going to end. Don’t get me wrong I asked myself continuously why on earth I was still reading and at times I had to stop. However, at no point could I stop thinking about this story whilst reading, which made me pick it right back up. Do I fully understand why? No….no I actually don’t.
As a reader there is no gentle easing into the crux of the storyline. Our female lead wakes up with her rapist right from the get go. In fact she wakes up whilst in the act of being raped.
On the whole, your focus is solely and purely on the actions of the rapist and his victim over two days of hell on earth.
It’s a psychological battle of wills between a psychopath and his victim. A victim; who questions with defiance yet with the respect necessary for her situation.
We do not get to know anything about the rapist and his victim other than the fact that he was hired to break her psychologically into nothing. In relation to what they look like, their names or who or what they really are, we remain clueless.
We know them as the rapist/he and the victim/her. It is purely about the actions and the consequent feelings and emotions. The writing here is so cleverly played because it makes the actions super magnified; there is nothing else, we see and feel only that. The emotions intensified because your complete focus is taken up by that. Brutal!
The strength and the hope right at the core of our victim is staggering…she puts up a fight with her words; her cunning, her personality is her ultimate strength. The back and forth; the battle of wills, to put it mildly and for want of a more accurate expression, between the rapist and the victim blew my mind!
The rapist is arrogant, egotistical and has no boundaries. He believes himself to be flawless, a rape artist. A mastermind in breaking and stripping his victim of her rational thought through physical pain extending into the core of her being. Destroying her hope and her self-preservation; driving her into a shadow and extreme soul destruction.
The ending was anticlimactic. The possible ending being what I kept on reading to know. I was left un-satisfied. A small victory sure, but I needed…no craved more. I needed more than one of my many questions answered. I did not feel satisfied; rather I felt cheated.
One word will haunt me for a long time to come: Checkmate
To me; this song; these lyrics paints an emotional picture of this story…I had it playing in my head as I was reading:
Pearl Jam - Footsteps
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cf1l7L...
Emotions: 5 stars - It brought extremely intense emotions. I have never read anything like this.
Characters: 3 stars - Only the roles of Rapist and Victim feature in this story and we are given nothing on them, which yes served a purpose but left so many questions unanswered!
Overall story taking in my feelings of the ending: 3 stars
Content: Un-rateable: Extremely graphic depictions of rape, sex, and violence that is not for the faint-hearted and I struggled. This was a very difficult read for me.
Do I subscribe to shock value? Do you?
I couldn’t help thinking about this question, as I read this story, freaking myself out by being unable to put it down as the obscene depravity actually caused me to feel sick to my stomach. Okay I’ll be honest with you, I actually was sick….once. Let’s get it all out there…this entire story is psychologically beyond anything I have ever known or read about rape. It scared me, I cried, it pulled me way past my boundary, my safety….right over the edge into the darkest place I have ever been thrown by a story. I questioned myself, I questioned issues raised in this book making something irrational make sense as in “what is the worst thing that could happen to me...how do I compare, and in relation to what and who?”
The writing is exceptional and intelligent. If this had not been the case I would never have finished it. The brilliance of the writing made me turn every page, much like an endurance test at times as I needed to know how this macabre storyline was going to end. Don’t get me wrong I asked myself continuously why on earth I was still reading and at times I had to stop. However, at no point could I stop thinking about this story whilst reading, which made me pick it right back up. Do I fully understand why? No….no I actually don’t.
As a reader there is no gentle easing into the crux of the storyline. Our female lead wakes up with her rapist right from the get go. In fact she wakes up whilst in the act of being raped.
On the whole, your focus is solely and purely on the actions of the rapist and his victim over two days of hell on earth.
It’s a psychological battle of wills between a psychopath and his victim. A victim; who questions with defiance yet with the respect necessary for her situation.
We do not get to know anything about the rapist and his victim other than the fact that he was hired to break her psychologically into nothing. In relation to what they look like, their names or who or what they really are, we remain clueless.
We know them as the rapist/he and the victim/her. It is purely about the actions and the consequent feelings and emotions. The writing here is so cleverly played because it makes the actions super magnified; there is nothing else, we see and feel only that. The emotions intensified because your complete focus is taken up by that. Brutal!
The strength and the hope right at the core of our victim is staggering…she puts up a fight with her words; her cunning, her personality is her ultimate strength. The back and forth; the battle of wills, to put it mildly and for want of a more accurate expression, between the rapist and the victim blew my mind!
The rapist is arrogant, egotistical and has no boundaries. He believes himself to be flawless, a rape artist. A mastermind in breaking and stripping his victim of her rational thought through physical pain extending into the core of her being. Destroying her hope and her self-preservation; driving her into a shadow and extreme soul destruction.
The ending was anticlimactic. The possible ending being what I kept on reading to know. I was left un-satisfied. A small victory sure, but I needed…no craved more. I needed more than one of my many questions answered. I did not feel satisfied; rather I felt cheated.
One word will haunt me for a long time to come: Checkmate
To me; this song; these lyrics paints an emotional picture of this story…I had it playing in my head as I was reading:
Pearl Jam - Footsteps
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cf1l7L...
September 2, 2013
I really liked this book. I don't think it was at all what I was expecting. From what I heard others say about it I guess I was expecting to be really creeped out and upset about a lot of it. I really enjoyed this authors writing style. It was smart and they tied in so many references to pop culture. I really enjoyed the "Her" character as well. She was really smart and rational and definitely a survivor. There wasn't really a shock and awe factor for me though because even he said he felt that the people who hired him made a mistake in choosing her to be broken. Through out she said what her plan was and even when things were getting pretty awful there the fact that she was still capable of thinking about whether she was going to make it through or not was a sign that she still wasn't broken.
What bothered me the most was all of the rape. Not the act of rape itself. I was expecting that. But that he could go for hours and then turn back around and go again. I understand that people get off on pain but I just find it difficult to believe that his junk would not have been just as ripped and ragged as hers, despite him using toys as well.
What I liked most was the dialogue between the two. I would imagine it would take two very intelligent people to play this kind of game for that long. I also liked his opening move not in a OMG that was awesome kind of way but as far as creepy torturer rapist killers go that is a seriously effective opener. Makes me thankful that I'm a light sleeper and keep a bat next to my bed! If you're in the mood for some fucked up shit this is your book!
What bothered me the most was all of the rape. Not the act of rape itself. I was expecting that. But that he could go for hours and then turn back around and go again. I understand that people get off on pain but I just find it difficult to believe that his junk would not have been just as ripped and ragged as hers, despite him using toys as well.
What I liked most was the dialogue between the two. I would imagine it would take two very intelligent people to play this kind of game for that long. I also liked his opening move not in a OMG that was awesome kind of way but as far as creepy torturer rapist killers go that is a seriously effective opener. Makes me thankful that I'm a light sleeper and keep a bat next to my bed! If you're in the mood for some fucked up shit this is your book!
November 13, 2012
This was a dark read... like in pitch black dark. There is absolutely nothing romantic about the book & no Stockholm Syndrome. This is a psychological thriller and you may need counselling after finishing this book.
A professional rapist is hired to crush the victim's spirit and break her down mentally. The book starts with the victim waking up while the intruder is busy raping her and she is held down so that she can barely even breathe. Imagine the horror!
This whole book is played out in about 48 hours while he wears her down physically & psychologically and about how the victim tries everything in her power to survive.
They physical scenes are brutal and unimaginable... she is raped severely and repeatedly and often times forced to 'enjoy' and partake in the whole process to avoid further punishment.
The book is not just about the physical aspects - there is a battle of the wills and lots of verbal sparring going on. The victim is one strong woman and her personality and ability to stay calm, plan and think is her strength. She is the embodiment of the Survivor slogan: Outwit, Outlast, Outplay.
Never has one word in a book haunted me like Checkmate. I thought my friggen heart is going to stop right there!
The book very well written and thought provoking, but I am not exactly thrilled with the end. There are so many questions that remain unanswered.
A professional rapist is hired to crush the victim's spirit and break her down mentally. The book starts with the victim waking up while the intruder is busy raping her and she is held down so that she can barely even breathe. Imagine the horror!
This whole book is played out in about 48 hours while he wears her down physically & psychologically and about how the victim tries everything in her power to survive.
They physical scenes are brutal and unimaginable... she is raped severely and repeatedly and often times forced to 'enjoy' and partake in the whole process to avoid further punishment.
The book is not just about the physical aspects - there is a battle of the wills and lots of verbal sparring going on. The victim is one strong woman and her personality and ability to stay calm, plan and think is her strength. She is the embodiment of the Survivor slogan: Outwit, Outlast, Outplay.
Never has one word in a book haunted me like Checkmate. I thought my friggen heart is going to stop right there!
The book very well written and thought provoking, but I am not exactly thrilled with the end. There are so many questions that remain unanswered.
September 29, 2013
*Psychological, Mind fuckery stars*
Now this is straight up
Holy hell that was crazzzzyyyyyyyyyyyyy
I am at a loss for words due to the graphic nature of this book. So this review basically is just a little mini rant about how I felt while reading it and how that ending is not justifiable or by any means justice...
Break Her is a woman's psychological journey in which she is held captive within a 36 hour time frame in her own home by a rapist. She must endure, outsmart, and outthink her assailant to benefit her unyielding situation. But little does she know that her assailant is just as manipulative, and cunning as herself.
The story focuses soley on their interactions in the house whether its a conversation or a rape. (You will be glad to know that the rape scenes are not detailed or descriptive by any means.)
We slowly uncover the many facets of the heroine and why she is able to endure such horrific things done to her. Break Her, is a slow churning, dark gritty read that will leave you speechless.
As many of you know, I'm a dark read junkie so when I came upon the synopsis, I knew this would be good... Little did I know how morbid and evil this man can be all while plastering a grin or smile on his face.. Makes you realize that EVIL comes in many shapes and sizes and when you least expect it.
You come to understand why the heroine is the way she is..COLD, CONNIVING, & CALCULATED but it's not due to her current situation.. No, it's due to prior life experiences that have altered her humanity..
My complaint was the heroine's inner dialogue. It would get confusing at times. I wasnt sure if she was talking to herself or to the rapist. Also the ending.. WTF was that?! I want answers as to who, what, where & why someone was paid to see her break... But my least favorite scenarios in this book are the rape scenes and not because it's the rape itself but because of the constant never ending sex he had with her.. It was just too much...
If you like dark reads you will enjoy this psychological tale of soul vs. soul. My rating doesn't reflect the brutality of it, it reflects how I felt while reading it.. Which ultimately was disconnected..
“Just in case you were thinking, on some level, that there was even the slightest bit of enjoyment in it for me. That I found a strange sort of freedom in your vicious embrace. Your embrace. There is no freedom there. There is only what has to be done.”
Now this is straight up
Holy hell that was crazzzzyyyyyyyyyyyyy
I am at a loss for words due to the graphic nature of this book. So this review basically is just a little mini rant about how I felt while reading it and how that ending is not justifiable or by any means justice...
Break Her is a woman's psychological journey in which she is held captive within a 36 hour time frame in her own home by a rapist. She must endure, outsmart, and outthink her assailant to benefit her unyielding situation. But little does she know that her assailant is just as manipulative, and cunning as herself.
The story focuses soley on their interactions in the house whether its a conversation or a rape. (You will be glad to know that the rape scenes are not detailed or descriptive by any means.)
We slowly uncover the many facets of the heroine and why she is able to endure such horrific things done to her. Break Her, is a slow churning, dark gritty read that will leave you speechless.
As many of you know, I'm a dark read junkie so when I came upon the synopsis, I knew this would be good... Little did I know how morbid and evil this man can be all while plastering a grin or smile on his face.. Makes you realize that EVIL comes in many shapes and sizes and when you least expect it.
You come to understand why the heroine is the way she is..COLD, CONNIVING, & CALCULATED but it's not due to her current situation.. No, it's due to prior life experiences that have altered her humanity..
My complaint was the heroine's inner dialogue. It would get confusing at times. I wasnt sure if she was talking to herself or to the rapist. Also the ending.. WTF was that?! I want answers as to who, what, where & why someone was paid to see her break... But my least favorite scenarios in this book are the rape scenes and not because it's the rape itself but because of the constant never ending sex he had with her.. It was just too much...
If you like dark reads you will enjoy this psychological tale of soul vs. soul. My rating doesn't reflect the brutality of it, it reflects how I felt while reading it.. Which ultimately was disconnected..
May 15, 2014
I honestly don't know what to write about this...For once, a book has rendered me speechless.
I'm still processing WTF happened....did it end the way I hoped? FUCK NO!
I do have to say though that this book is full of psychological and philosophical thoughts on captivity, rape, abuse and love in which your brain will work overtime trying to come to terms with the MCs' words.
I'm still processing WTF happened....did it end the way I hoped? FUCK NO!
I do have to say though that this book is full of psychological and philosophical thoughts on captivity, rape, abuse and love in which your brain will work overtime trying to come to terms with the MCs' words.
December 17, 2012
Every once in a rare while, a book comes along that succeeds in all departments--characterization, narration, ideology, execution. One that's so skillfully woven, the end effect is an unforgettable and powerful experience.
This is that rare book.
If anyone can create tolerance for a terrifyingly brutal rapist, B.G. Harlen can. Sweet mother, this is an exquisitely wretched story, one that is worth reading more for its thought-provoking journey than its final destination. It is certainly no fast-paced thriller. Rather, its a slow-burn analytical look at depravity personified and the strength of the human mind through the viewpoints of two characters: Him and Her. No names. No sense of time or location. Just the villain, the heroine, and their soul-shredding exploration of each other. The blend of her detachment and his confidence results in a psychological battle of confounding depth.
How do you break a person? Do you take away hope? What if she's never experienced hope in her life?
If you want to be titillated and repulsed on a corrosively erotic level, this will knock you out of the park. Reading it, you will feel stimulated, horrified, and eventually, purged.
Resist the urge to pass this up because it's too dark. This mind-blowing rabbit hole is worth it.
This is that rare book.
If anyone can create tolerance for a terrifyingly brutal rapist, B.G. Harlen can. Sweet mother, this is an exquisitely wretched story, one that is worth reading more for its thought-provoking journey than its final destination. It is certainly no fast-paced thriller. Rather, its a slow-burn analytical look at depravity personified and the strength of the human mind through the viewpoints of two characters: Him and Her. No names. No sense of time or location. Just the villain, the heroine, and their soul-shredding exploration of each other. The blend of her detachment and his confidence results in a psychological battle of confounding depth.
How do you break a person? Do you take away hope? What if she's never experienced hope in her life?
If you want to be titillated and repulsed on a corrosively erotic level, this will knock you out of the park. Reading it, you will feel stimulated, horrified, and eventually, purged.
Resist the urge to pass this up because it's too dark. This mind-blowing rabbit hole is worth it.
November 10, 2012
WHAT. THE. FUCK. WHAT THE FUCK! OH...MY..WHAT THE FUCK. WHAT IN THE HELL DID I JUST FINISH READING! WHY....IN ALL OF SANITY DID I JUST FINISH READING THAT....WTF.
After a whole night of marinating and trying to come up with something to write about this book..I have come to the conclusion that this review, as well as my mind are going to be a jumbled mess. I apologize in advance fellow readers.
Break Her is the story of a battle of power between a man and a women. The man is the closest thing to the devil there is, and she is simply..emotionally...numb. We start the book out with the most intense beginning I have read in a long time. He is inside her...raping her...as soon as she wakes up. He is there for the fucked up fun, for the power and the dominance that rape entails; he is so convinced that he will break her soul and her body but she sort of fights back. She makes it her goal to make him feel...something...anything...and care for a second so that when he closes his eyes she has a way out.
This book is one of those WTF books that you can't believe actually exists, but that you are grateful for. I have to say that because the book contains very philosophical and psychological aspects that make the reader go to an uncomfortable place to analyze terrible situations. This is necessary as human beings: analyzing and thinking about the horrors of the world, but we often stop and ignore them because they make us cringe, Well, folks...this book made all of my internal and external organs cringe in unison throughout the entire thing. I felt dirty. I still feel dirty. I feel guilty. I feel disgusted. I feel enlightened. I feel...so many things at once that I can't even describe it.
The author is a magician with words, with situations, with pain. This is a book about rape. About murder. There are no nice moments between the pages of this book. What it does is make us question why we perceive things to be bad. Why is rape such a bad thing? Is it because it is an invasion of our most intimate place. Is it because society tells us that that we should guard our bodies and that they are ours to control. Or is it the very aspect that rape revolves around the involuntary submission of power. Is that what makes rape the worst thing that could happen to a women...to a man. We question the morality of the book and of ourselves as we read along. There were various times where I had fights with myself, and my conscience. There are some...you could say "funny" moments in this book, and yes, I laughed because the humor was there, but right after I laughed I asked myself why...why was I laughing at something so vile? I questioned my sanity, my morality...I questioned my principles...and that ladies and gentlemen is the pure magic of this book.
The characters are not given names. They are simply identified by pronouns, but you still get emotionally attached in the weirdest way. The guy...the HE...the man doing the raping, the beating, the emotional torturing is so...honest in what he does. Yes, he is a criminal who does unspeakable things, but he knows what he is, he knows, which makes it so much more spine chilling. There were times where I actually sympathized with him. A little corner of my mind that for some reason I could not control kept wishing that a happily ever after could surface. That he would see the error of his ways and that she could forgive such a terrible thing and they would ride off into the sunset.
Yes, I know it's sick...but I couldn't help it. Happy endings are engraved in my soul...so you see...how I had to fight with my instincts. I wanted to hate this guy...and eventually I did...but at a certain point in the book...there was a glimmer of hope that maybe everything was not as bad as it was described. Of course, it was....and his actions became so unforgivable..that even I could no longer hold on to the hope. I felt so damn guilty at thinking...at even fathoming that she could forgive him...for I have been taught that rape is an unforgivable act..I have been told....but I know if I ever lived through it I could not master up enough energy to forgive...so why in the hell was I expecting it from her....WHY?...I don't know....I suppose I will never know..
She is...odd...she is stripped from the normal fear that a women would feel in her circumstances. She comes up with a plan early on and throughout we get to learn about her life, her child and her husband. We find out why she is so numb. I wouldn't say strong, because strong isn't what she is...it is hard to describe. She fights this guy with kindness. She repeats to him that she forgives him several times after he brutally rapes her...and this really bothers him...hell it really bothered me. She consents to sex with him a couple of times trying to take the power away...somewhere along the way...she manages to get into his skin. In the end I wondered if her actions...her crying...her trembling...was all calculated...did she plan out even the slightest detail..was she actually the one in control?...This is also something that I don't know.
The end left me...it left me so damn confused. I knew it was coming. I knew how this was going to end, we know pretty early on. But the fact that it happened and that I read what I read and that I had to fight against my own self as I read this is the most interesting experience of it all. How do you get past that...I don't know....I have no idea...I suppose it's human nature to want to feel something and feel something else. That pull was a strong one...and now I am...relieved...I guess I could say...Relieved that it is over...and relieved that I actually read something that made me question everything I stand for...because how do you know if what you stand for is the right thing....if you are never exposed to the opposite. Just like good cannot exist without bad...good and bad...those lines are so damn blurry in this book.
After a whole night of marinating and trying to come up with something to write about this book..I have come to the conclusion that this review, as well as my mind are going to be a jumbled mess. I apologize in advance fellow readers.
Break Her is the story of a battle of power between a man and a women. The man is the closest thing to the devil there is, and she is simply..emotionally...numb. We start the book out with the most intense beginning I have read in a long time. He is inside her...raping her...as soon as she wakes up. He is there for the fucked up fun, for the power and the dominance that rape entails; he is so convinced that he will break her soul and her body but she sort of fights back. She makes it her goal to make him feel...something...anything...and care for a second so that when he closes his eyes she has a way out.
This book is one of those WTF books that you can't believe actually exists, but that you are grateful for. I have to say that because the book contains very philosophical and psychological aspects that make the reader go to an uncomfortable place to analyze terrible situations. This is necessary as human beings: analyzing and thinking about the horrors of the world, but we often stop and ignore them because they make us cringe, Well, folks...this book made all of my internal and external organs cringe in unison throughout the entire thing. I felt dirty. I still feel dirty. I feel guilty. I feel disgusted. I feel enlightened. I feel...so many things at once that I can't even describe it.
The author is a magician with words, with situations, with pain. This is a book about rape. About murder. There are no nice moments between the pages of this book. What it does is make us question why we perceive things to be bad. Why is rape such a bad thing? Is it because it is an invasion of our most intimate place. Is it because society tells us that that we should guard our bodies and that they are ours to control. Or is it the very aspect that rape revolves around the involuntary submission of power. Is that what makes rape the worst thing that could happen to a women...to a man. We question the morality of the book and of ourselves as we read along. There were various times where I had fights with myself, and my conscience. There are some...you could say "funny" moments in this book, and yes, I laughed because the humor was there, but right after I laughed I asked myself why...why was I laughing at something so vile? I questioned my sanity, my morality...I questioned my principles...and that ladies and gentlemen is the pure magic of this book.
The characters are not given names. They are simply identified by pronouns, but you still get emotionally attached in the weirdest way. The guy...the HE...the man doing the raping, the beating, the emotional torturing is so...honest in what he does. Yes, he is a criminal who does unspeakable things, but he knows what he is, he knows, which makes it so much more spine chilling. There were times where I actually sympathized with him. A little corner of my mind that for some reason I could not control kept wishing that a happily ever after could surface. That he would see the error of his ways and that she could forgive such a terrible thing and they would ride off into the sunset.
Yes, I know it's sick...but I couldn't help it. Happy endings are engraved in my soul...so you see...how I had to fight with my instincts. I wanted to hate this guy...and eventually I did...but at a certain point in the book...there was a glimmer of hope that maybe everything was not as bad as it was described. Of course, it was....and his actions became so unforgivable..that even I could no longer hold on to the hope. I felt so damn guilty at thinking...at even fathoming that she could forgive him...for I have been taught that rape is an unforgivable act..I have been told....but I know if I ever lived through it I could not master up enough energy to forgive...so why in the hell was I expecting it from her....WHY?...I don't know....I suppose I will never know..
She is...odd...she is stripped from the normal fear that a women would feel in her circumstances. She comes up with a plan early on and throughout we get to learn about her life, her child and her husband. We find out why she is so numb. I wouldn't say strong, because strong isn't what she is...it is hard to describe. She fights this guy with kindness. She repeats to him that she forgives him several times after he brutally rapes her...and this really bothers him...hell it really bothered me. She consents to sex with him a couple of times trying to take the power away...somewhere along the way...she manages to get into his skin. In the end I wondered if her actions...her crying...her trembling...was all calculated...did she plan out even the slightest detail..was she actually the one in control?...This is also something that I don't know.
The end left me...it left me so damn confused. I knew it was coming. I knew how this was going to end, we know pretty early on. But the fact that it happened and that I read what I read and that I had to fight against my own self as I read this is the most interesting experience of it all. How do you get past that...I don't know....I have no idea...I suppose it's human nature to want to feel something and feel something else. That pull was a strong one...and now I am...relieved...I guess I could say...Relieved that it is over...and relieved that I actually read something that made me question everything I stand for...because how do you know if what you stand for is the right thing....if you are never exposed to the opposite. Just like good cannot exist without bad...good and bad...those lines are so damn blurry in this book.
February 3, 2020
I didn't know I was getting into a psychological experience of mind-fuck. B.G. Harlen has weaved a web of astounding savagery of personality.
The story is of a matter, a He and a She - captor and captive. We don't get any names, description, situation or reason from the story. He is good at sexually harassing both men and women; that is his profession. Someone sent him to her. She doesn't panic like a captive should,
“What’s really interesting here,” he said, “is how rapidly and rationally you’ve adjusted to this situation. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen that before. Where’s the normal human response? Where’s the stupidity?”
She is scared, have been used, manipulated, psychologically played by this man,
"It’s not a question of saying it, not even to oneself. It’s just a feeling of lightness and of cohesion when a person accepts who she is, flaws and all, mistakes and all. Something this man could never do."
There are lots of conversation between them. The dialogues are executed in such a way that may have your head spinning. This is an exceptional novel. Brutality, rape, violence is a major part. This book may be considered as taboo, people might hesitate to express about what they feel. In the end my heart was heavy. There is no HEA but the outcome in the end was "checkmate".
This book has done a proper work. The author needs to be applauded for this unique creation of extraordinary work, it is clear she has done an impressive psychological study. The book is not for everyone. If you're in mood to go beyond your reading bound, this book is a must try.
Highly recommended.
Triggers: abuse, BDSM, rape, psychological drama, captivity.
The story is of a matter, a He and a She - captor and captive. We don't get any names, description, situation or reason from the story. He is good at sexually harassing both men and women; that is his profession. Someone sent him to her. She doesn't panic like a captive should,
“What’s really interesting here,” he said, “is how rapidly and rationally you’ve adjusted to this situation. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen that before. Where’s the normal human response? Where’s the stupidity?”
She is scared, have been used, manipulated, psychologically played by this man,
"It’s not a question of saying it, not even to oneself. It’s just a feeling of lightness and of cohesion when a person accepts who she is, flaws and all, mistakes and all. Something this man could never do."
There are lots of conversation between them. The dialogues are executed in such a way that may have your head spinning. This is an exceptional novel. Brutality, rape, violence is a major part. This book may be considered as taboo, people might hesitate to express about what they feel. In the end my heart was heavy. There is no HEA but the outcome in the end was "checkmate".
This book has done a proper work. The author needs to be applauded for this unique creation of extraordinary work, it is clear she has done an impressive psychological study. The book is not for everyone. If you're in mood to go beyond your reading bound, this book is a must try.
Highly recommended.
Triggers: abuse, BDSM, rape, psychological drama, captivity.
November 4, 2012
This is NOT a romance. Not erotica. Not a love story of any type or description. WHAT. SO. EVER. Anyone who picks this up expecting yet another version of 50 Shades, only darker and more BDSM-ey, is in for the shock of their life.
Break Her is a psychological thriller unlike any I've read in recent memory. The protagonist is pitted against a villain that defies description (by me, anyway). He is completely without conscience, a pure psychopath. Fuck the nicey-nicey personality disorder titles they give that stuff nowadays; this guy is a complete fucking psycho.
I'm not going to say much about the story - that would give it away. It is tautly written, fast-paced and mesmerizing. I couldn't put it down. Nor could I look away, even when the author was describing assaults so brutal that I literally couldn't imagine getting through it.
(WARNING: Anyone with any kind of sexual assault triggers or history shouldn't touch this book with a barge pole. Any merit to the discussion of rape and its use and effect contained in the book is miniscule compared to the graphic descriptions that accompany it.)
I was riveted while reading this book - my whole body held tense, almost literally on the edge of my seat. At times I was laughing out loud, other times open-mouthed speechless, one time bawling like a baby.
The writing was excellent - the author kept me guessing through the whole book. Small details slowly revealed, tension building and releasing all the way through until the end.
And the end! Holy shit. I didn't realize I was holding my breath until I let it out in one big gust. The author does such a job of keeping the reader off balance that at least one point I thought it WAS going to turn into a bent version of 50 Shades.
Thank God it didn't, but the way the author confirms it is with one word near the end of the book that sent my stomach dropping all the way to my toes.
If you can stomach the subject matter and the violence this is one of the best books I've read this year.
Break Her is a psychological thriller unlike any I've read in recent memory. The protagonist is pitted against a villain that defies description (by me, anyway). He is completely without conscience, a pure psychopath. Fuck the nicey-nicey personality disorder titles they give that stuff nowadays; this guy is a complete fucking psycho.
I'm not going to say much about the story - that would give it away. It is tautly written, fast-paced and mesmerizing. I couldn't put it down. Nor could I look away, even when the author was describing assaults so brutal that I literally couldn't imagine getting through it.
(WARNING: Anyone with any kind of sexual assault triggers or history shouldn't touch this book with a barge pole. Any merit to the discussion of rape and its use and effect contained in the book is miniscule compared to the graphic descriptions that accompany it.)
I was riveted while reading this book - my whole body held tense, almost literally on the edge of my seat. At times I was laughing out loud, other times open-mouthed speechless, one time bawling like a baby.
The writing was excellent - the author kept me guessing through the whole book. Small details slowly revealed, tension building and releasing all the way through until the end.
And the end! Holy shit. I didn't realize I was holding my breath until I let it out in one big gust. The author does such a job of keeping the reader off balance that at least one point I thought it WAS going to turn into a bent version of 50 Shades.
Thank God it didn't, but the way the author confirms it is with one word near the end of the book that sent my stomach dropping all the way to my toes.
If you can stomach the subject matter and the violence this is one of the best books I've read this year.
May 12, 2014
I’m really torn about this book. I felt like being whiplashed. The book was a mindfuck, but I can’t decide it was a good or bad type of mindfuck. Absolutely not romance, not even erotic. It's rape: plain and simple (and brutal).
The characters had no names and we don’t know how they looked like. We practically know nothing about the location. We practically know nothing about the rapist. Throughout the book we got to know more about the victim but still everything were vague. I had an idea who she was, but who exactly she worked for? Who hired him and why? I'm sure these were all intentional by the author but it didn't work for me. Everything felt too detached to me and too many questions than answer.
I think the book dragged too long. I was intrigued with the opening but then it quickly fizzled. It only really picked up at the very end. Overall I like the concept, but it didn’t really work as well as it could have been. It just lacking the X factor.
The characters had no names and we don’t know how they looked like. We practically know nothing about the location. We practically know nothing about the rapist. Throughout the book we got to know more about the victim but still everything were vague. I had an idea who she was, but who exactly she worked for? Who hired him and why? I'm sure these were all intentional by the author but it didn't work for me. Everything felt too detached to me and too many questions than answer.
I think the book dragged too long. I was intrigued with the opening but then it quickly fizzled. It only really picked up at the very end. Overall I like the concept, but it didn’t really work as well as it could have been. It just lacking the X factor.
avoid
August 10, 2023Self note
Not romance. Not a darker 50 shades of black.
It’s a thriller. Mentioning this because this book was recommended on the Reddit romance forum. Wtf.😑
Spoiler huge spoiler
She kills the H. It was be killed or kill kind of situation. 😦
Not romance. Not a darker 50 shades of black.
It’s a thriller. Mentioning this because this book was recommended on the Reddit romance forum. Wtf.😑
Spoiler huge spoiler
She kills the H. It was be killed or kill kind of situation. 😦
April 5, 2016
For some reason this book has been all over my Goodreads news feed recently with various versions of WHAT THE HECK type reviews so when I wanted a book for my train journey yesterday I downloaded this one to see basically what the fuss was about.
I have to give it 5* but at the same time tell you to be very careful before deciding whether to read it or not. Break Her made me equal parts desolate and angry, it is an incredibly tough read but will push you to think about the unthinkable. It might take you somewhere you don't want to go. I was literally shaking by the end of this book and there was nothing good about my sleep last night.
B G Harlen has ignored any boundaries you may have thought existed when writing about violence against women. "Break Her" tells the story of a brutal and sustained rape, it is told in graphic detail and it never lets up. There is nothing erotic about this book, there is no quarter given, there are no nods to convention allowed in the visceral writing. So consider that before you start reading, understand that this author is not going to allow you any excuses to look away and for a lot of people it will go too far.
It is not gratuitious. The graphic detail serves only the story. You have to know it to grasp the reality. This novel is about survival. The characters don't have names. They are "he" and "she" there are no descriptions, no age given, even the scene of the event has little background It is simply two people locked in battle, he is determined to break her, she is determined to walk away mind intact. It is a mental battle, a physical battle, insights given into both sides - it will challenge your assumptions on every level, will make you question things you thought were beyond question and leave you with no answers whatsoever to help you work out how you feel.
The ultimate resolution is surprising, both expected and unexpected. What is more surprising is that occasionally this book may even make you smile. You won't want to but you might anyway. I have never read a book like this, layer upon layer of the most horrific reality with a touch of irony well placed to allow room to breathe. It is clever on so many levels that I could not possibly describe them all, and even now I'm not sure what to make of it. Devastating and compelling. Thought provoking and terrible. One thing I do know is that B G Harlen is one hell of a writer. And obviously completely unafraid to test the limits on an emotive subject.
Break Her is dark, darker and just when you thought it couldn't go further it throws you over the edge. As the final, brutal and unrelenting finale approached I felt battered, emotional and tearful. Its likely I'll feel that way for a while. There are books about rape, of course in crime fiction violence against women, including rape, is everwhere a subject that is much discussed. What "Break Her" does is show you the devastation without external influences, no police, no mystery, no whodunnit whydunnit - just the total, utter devastation. And asks how far you might go to survive.
I'm not going to recommend it or not recommend it. I think that I would not like that responsibility. But hopefully the review at least helps you decide whether you could or should read it.
I have to give it 5* but at the same time tell you to be very careful before deciding whether to read it or not. Break Her made me equal parts desolate and angry, it is an incredibly tough read but will push you to think about the unthinkable. It might take you somewhere you don't want to go. I was literally shaking by the end of this book and there was nothing good about my sleep last night.
B G Harlen has ignored any boundaries you may have thought existed when writing about violence against women. "Break Her" tells the story of a brutal and sustained rape, it is told in graphic detail and it never lets up. There is nothing erotic about this book, there is no quarter given, there are no nods to convention allowed in the visceral writing. So consider that before you start reading, understand that this author is not going to allow you any excuses to look away and for a lot of people it will go too far.
It is not gratuitious. The graphic detail serves only the story. You have to know it to grasp the reality. This novel is about survival. The characters don't have names. They are "he" and "she" there are no descriptions, no age given, even the scene of the event has little background It is simply two people locked in battle, he is determined to break her, she is determined to walk away mind intact. It is a mental battle, a physical battle, insights given into both sides - it will challenge your assumptions on every level, will make you question things you thought were beyond question and leave you with no answers whatsoever to help you work out how you feel.
The ultimate resolution is surprising, both expected and unexpected. What is more surprising is that occasionally this book may even make you smile. You won't want to but you might anyway. I have never read a book like this, layer upon layer of the most horrific reality with a touch of irony well placed to allow room to breathe. It is clever on so many levels that I could not possibly describe them all, and even now I'm not sure what to make of it. Devastating and compelling. Thought provoking and terrible. One thing I do know is that B G Harlen is one hell of a writer. And obviously completely unafraid to test the limits on an emotive subject.
Break Her is dark, darker and just when you thought it couldn't go further it throws you over the edge. As the final, brutal and unrelenting finale approached I felt battered, emotional and tearful. Its likely I'll feel that way for a while. There are books about rape, of course in crime fiction violence against women, including rape, is everwhere a subject that is much discussed. What "Break Her" does is show you the devastation without external influences, no police, no mystery, no whodunnit whydunnit - just the total, utter devastation. And asks how far you might go to survive.
I'm not going to recommend it or not recommend it. I think that I would not like that responsibility. But hopefully the review at least helps you decide whether you could or should read it.
October 31, 2012
Well it certainly isn't for the faint hearted! (Not sure if my heart has got back to a normal rhythm yet after reading it. Very heavy stuff. I'll be honest I cried, felt nauseous even when I wasn't reading it and my mind could not think of anything else, even now I've got to the end!
BE WARNED THIS REVIEW DOES CONTAIN VERY SLIGHT INSIGHTS INTO THE BOOK- as I couldn't think of any other way to describe it.
Most of the way through the book I did think 'why am I reading this?' But then I wanted to read further. This made me question my sanity for being hooked on it!
If you are thinking of reading it I would suggest you don't do what I did and read it without having a break with another book in between, as I think that would have helped. The scenes described are brutal and unrelenting at times and turned my stomach in knots, especially as many were often so unexpected.
Can i just say- Becs did a brilliant review of this book which really explains it in a far better way than I will.
The story kicks off straight away! So there is no let up or background information. The dialogue can get quite heavy at times as there are a lot of psychological ideas discussed between the two characters (who are not named). The thing I found hardest to cope with was the unexpected sudden changes in his calm demeanour. When you least expected it the calmness in him would disappear, often once she said something that would touch a nerve within him. It was the consequences that were hard to read which shocked me to the core.
She is a very strong character and the author portrays this well with the words used. She manages at times to turn his feelings around which sometimes he accepts. It's when he feels his guard being lowered he fights back with ugly results. His ultimate goal is to 'break her' and all credit to her I'd have broke from the first page! As stated in the book he was using 'something that felt so good (sex) and turning it into a weapon, a devastating weapon.'
I was slightly annoyed with the sarcastic banter between the characters. I think the reason for me feeling this way was due to the seriousness of the situation she was in. However I came to accept it as it did show her strength of character and by the end of the book I could understand the reasons she could do this.
The book does quote lots of movies which can be annoying if you haven't watched them, but I was still able to understand the basics behind the comments.
The ending (don't worry I'm not going to give anything away) didn't satisfy me in some respects. I did think there was going to be a different ending, even a twist and within the last few chapters she describes one thing (in her delirium) which I thought would have ended the story in a better way, but this wasn't the case.
To end with a quote from the book which explains how this book made me feel...
"What did Sarah Connor say in The Terminator? 'God you can go crazy thinking about all this' "
I think I will be going crazy for a long time yet thinking about this book. Definitely need a lighter read after this one.
BE WARNED THIS REVIEW DOES CONTAIN VERY SLIGHT INSIGHTS INTO THE BOOK- as I couldn't think of any other way to describe it.
Most of the way through the book I did think 'why am I reading this?' But then I wanted to read further. This made me question my sanity for being hooked on it!
If you are thinking of reading it I would suggest you don't do what I did and read it without having a break with another book in between, as I think that would have helped. The scenes described are brutal and unrelenting at times and turned my stomach in knots, especially as many were often so unexpected.
Can i just say- Becs did a brilliant review of this book which really explains it in a far better way than I will.
The story kicks off straight away! So there is no let up or background information. The dialogue can get quite heavy at times as there are a lot of psychological ideas discussed between the two characters (who are not named). The thing I found hardest to cope with was the unexpected sudden changes in his calm demeanour. When you least expected it the calmness in him would disappear, often once she said something that would touch a nerve within him. It was the consequences that were hard to read which shocked me to the core.
She is a very strong character and the author portrays this well with the words used. She manages at times to turn his feelings around which sometimes he accepts. It's when he feels his guard being lowered he fights back with ugly results. His ultimate goal is to 'break her' and all credit to her I'd have broke from the first page! As stated in the book he was using 'something that felt so good (sex) and turning it into a weapon, a devastating weapon.'
I was slightly annoyed with the sarcastic banter between the characters. I think the reason for me feeling this way was due to the seriousness of the situation she was in. However I came to accept it as it did show her strength of character and by the end of the book I could understand the reasons she could do this.
The book does quote lots of movies which can be annoying if you haven't watched them, but I was still able to understand the basics behind the comments.
The ending (don't worry I'm not going to give anything away) didn't satisfy me in some respects. I did think there was going to be a different ending, even a twist and within the last few chapters she describes one thing (in her delirium) which I thought would have ended the story in a better way, but this wasn't the case.
To end with a quote from the book which explains how this book made me feel...
"What did Sarah Connor say in The Terminator? 'God you can go crazy thinking about all this' "
I think I will be going crazy for a long time yet thinking about this book. Definitely need a lighter read after this one.
November 3, 2012
Okay Dani sweetheart, never say I don't do anything for ya :/
REVIEW
What the hell... I really didn't know how to rate this book. It is not that the writing style is bad and the story itself could be intriguing with the mind games they played but the erotic scenes were a bit too much for me to handle. Yes, I admit that!
After reading the first pages I got a feeling of nauseousness. I guess that's a rather normal reaction to the book. But after a while I caught myself laughing. The book is so disturbing that it is just ridiculous.
When I was about halfway I got bored... Basically it was a continuous repetition: the guy wanted her to do something, she got upset for a second, made a click in her head and they were busy again for a bit. Seriously, how often can a man get back into action without using Viagra?! Another thing that annoyed the crap out of me: all the talking. He just didn't shut up! If I were the woman, I think he would've broke me down alone with his endless babbling.
After finishing it I can't help myself but wonder who was the most crazy: the rapist or the woman? I guess that's one positive point cause at least the book has me thinking about that.
REVIEW
What the hell... I really didn't know how to rate this book. It is not that the writing style is bad and the story itself could be intriguing with the mind games they played but the erotic scenes were a bit too much for me to handle. Yes, I admit that!
After reading the first pages I got a feeling of nauseousness. I guess that's a rather normal reaction to the book. But after a while I caught myself laughing. The book is so disturbing that it is just ridiculous.
When I was about halfway I got bored... Basically it was a continuous repetition: the guy wanted her to do something, she got upset for a second, made a click in her head and they were busy again for a bit. Seriously, how often can a man get back into action without using Viagra?! Another thing that annoyed the crap out of me: all the talking. He just didn't shut up! If I were the woman, I think he would've broke me down alone with his endless babbling.
After finishing it I can't help myself but wonder who was the most crazy: the rapist or the woman? I guess that's one positive point cause at least the book has me thinking about that.
July 12, 2023
Yani ben bu kitapta sayfalarca hiçbir şey anlamadan vakit geçirdim gibi hissediyorum. Adam profesyonal tecavüzcü, o da nasıl meslekse. Kadını yıldırmak, kafayı yedirtmek için tutuluyor - kim tutuyor anlamıyorsunuz da sonunda. Kadın ise hepten kafadan kontak, bu kadar olaya - sürekli tecavüz, dayak, bağlanma vs. - içindeki mazoşist hepten kendini gösteriyor ve sonunda ne oluyor biliyor musunuz? Kendini tekrardan buluyor, hayata çiçek böcek şeklinde bakıyor, atlıyor arabaya gidiyor felan. Ha adamı uzuuuun felsefik muhabbetleri sırasında kafaya almayı başarıyor (siz çoğunda uyumak istiyorsunuz), adamın minik bir hatası ile onu öldürüyor. Yani komple bir WTF!!! Kendini buluyor ya hayret bişe. Ay 2 yıldız vermiştim, vazgeçtim 1 vereceğim, böyle bir kurgu yok yani. Ya stockholm felan sandım bunu ama ııııh. Okumayın.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2012
Holy Shit balls...
This book had me at the edge of my seat. It's a very DARK book. Total mind fuck if you want to call it. It's brutal, psychological thriller. No romance in this what so ever so it's def not for the faint hearted.
Within the first page she is being raped by a professional rapist. Unnamed characters everything is she/he. No reasoning why he was hired to break her down. This goes on for about 2 days.
But I could not help but to love this book. I was hooked and wanted to continue to see what happens next. This is worth the pain.
This book had me at the edge of my seat. It's a very DARK book. Total mind fuck if you want to call it. It's brutal, psychological thriller. No romance in this what so ever so it's def not for the faint hearted.
Within the first page she is being raped by a professional rapist. Unnamed characters everything is she/he. No reasoning why he was hired to break her down. This goes on for about 2 days.
But I could not help but to love this book. I was hooked and wanted to continue to see what happens next. This is worth the pain.
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