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Things We Inherit: A Novel
When 22-year-old Joy Hayes realizes that the voice inside her head isn't her own, the battle begins for control of the young woman's mind, body, and soul.
After surviving years of childhood trauma, and a battle against cancer, life has led Joy into a dead-end accounting job—a purgatory of cubicles and beige walls. But then she meets Buttercup, an inner voice that is not her own—a sarcastic and mocking force with dark thoughts and powers beyond Joy's wildest imagination.
Embracing her newfound sense of power, Joy begins to wonder, with this unseen companion by her side, is it possible to win the heart of her best friend, Ethan, a nerdy but handsome engineering student?
But as Joy searches for happiness, she fails to realize that she's slowly losing herself to this darker force as the malevolent entity seeks to right the bigger wrongs in Joy's life. Tapping into Joy's repressed thoughts, Buttercup sets out to deliver justice—even if it means taking possession of the young woman's body to punish those deemed to be a threat.
After a lifetime of victimization at the hands of others, will Joy become a victim of her own mind, giving into Buttercup's darkest desires? Or will the young woman have the strength to seize control over her inner demon and repair her divided mind?
After surviving years of childhood trauma, and a battle against cancer, life has led Joy into a dead-end accounting job—a purgatory of cubicles and beige walls. But then she meets Buttercup, an inner voice that is not her own—a sarcastic and mocking force with dark thoughts and powers beyond Joy's wildest imagination.
Embracing her newfound sense of power, Joy begins to wonder, with this unseen companion by her side, is it possible to win the heart of her best friend, Ethan, a nerdy but handsome engineering student?
But as Joy searches for happiness, she fails to realize that she's slowly losing herself to this darker force as the malevolent entity seeks to right the bigger wrongs in Joy's life. Tapping into Joy's repressed thoughts, Buttercup sets out to deliver justice—even if it means taking possession of the young woman's body to punish those deemed to be a threat.
After a lifetime of victimization at the hands of others, will Joy become a victim of her own mind, giving into Buttercup's darkest desires? Or will the young woman have the strength to seize control over her inner demon and repair her divided mind?
- GenresHorror
314 pages, Paperback
Published May 28, 2023
7 people are currently reading
1211 people want to read
About the author
Draven Aurora
3 books47 followersDraven's early life was a hot mess, but during her childhood in West Texas she learned to solder, grew a deep and unwavering hatred for roosters, and participated in everything from one act play to the school's science team. She graduated Valedictorian from her high school, which is made less impressive by only having twelve in her graduating class.
She attended the University of Texas at Austin, majoring in rhetoric and writing and minoring in business. She had every intention to go to law school, which she would have hated, until she was diagnosed with cancer at 20. After beating cancer and graduating, she took a nice, quiet office job in Austin and began writing her first book.
Draven enjoys writing dark, contemporary fantasy/paranormal novels with strong, complicated female leads. Although she loves a happy ending in the romance novels she reads (ironically her favorite genre), she makes no promises for those she writes.
She currently lives in Austin with her fiance, cat, and an overwhelming number of books and video game systems. In her free time she enjoys playing video games, drinking fancy lemonades, watching rugby, and exploring renaissance festivals.
She attended the University of Texas at Austin, majoring in rhetoric and writing and minoring in business. She had every intention to go to law school, which she would have hated, until she was diagnosed with cancer at 20. After beating cancer and graduating, she took a nice, quiet office job in Austin and began writing her first book.
Draven enjoys writing dark, contemporary fantasy/paranormal novels with strong, complicated female leads. Although she loves a happy ending in the romance novels she reads (ironically her favorite genre), she makes no promises for those she writes.
She currently lives in Austin with her fiance, cat, and an overwhelming number of books and video game systems. In her free time she enjoys playing video games, drinking fancy lemonades, watching rugby, and exploring renaissance festivals.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
June 10, 2023
A chilling, psychological horror tale.
I loved this book! It is psychological horror at its best. This is a very dark tale of vigilante justice. If you've ever felt like you've had one of those days where everything that can go wrong does (mentally, physically, financially, health-wise, work-wise, etc), and then that day turns into consecutive weeks, months, and years; you start to get the general tone of this book. It's easy to desire revenge against those who've wronged you, but what if you had the power to get revenge and no one could ever pin it on you? How hard would you fight to keep your anger in check? Would you still turn the other cheek?
Before reading the book, please take the time to read the trigger warnings given in the front of the book!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I loved this book! It is psychological horror at its best. This is a very dark tale of vigilante justice. If you've ever felt like you've had one of those days where everything that can go wrong does (mentally, physically, financially, health-wise, work-wise, etc), and then that day turns into consecutive weeks, months, and years; you start to get the general tone of this book. It's easy to desire revenge against those who've wronged you, but what if you had the power to get revenge and no one could ever pin it on you? How hard would you fight to keep your anger in check? Would you still turn the other cheek?
Before reading the book, please take the time to read the trigger warnings given in the front of the book!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 21, 2023
UPDATE: I originally got this as an e-book, but I loved it so much I bought it in print. :)
This book SHATTERED me but in the best possible way. Beautifully crafted and heart-wrenching, “Things We Inherit” asks the question, “what if we could get revenge on all those who have done us wrong?” And is revenge really all that great?
Joy’s journey through this novel is well thought out. Intertwining present with past, the reader slowly uncovers how Joy’s childhood shaped who she is.
The characters are so real. It’s a breath of fresh air to read a book with a female protagonist who isn’t a carbon copy of every other protagonist on the market. She’s imperfect, she’s witty, she’s broken, she's a nerd, and I love her. The setting, the rest of the characters, the world that is built up in this novel is genuine. The heartbreaking relationships between Joy and her family, and the heartfelt ones between her and her friends, and the one that is a mix of both between Joy and Ethan... it is entirely spectacular and real and I cannot stop thinking about these characters.
I think my favorite part of this novel was the themes. The motif of “control” that comes with the presence of Buttercup is poignant, asking if it’s fair for someone to hold back after years of hurt and abuse. I personally loved the themes about deserving love. After years of feeling conflicted about how unlucky she was or how it was all her fault, Joy’s arc of coming to terms with the fact that she is worthy really spoke to me.
NOTE: If you are looking for a happy ending, do not read this book! It was heartbreaking and I was sobbing every other chapter at the end of the novel. Even though it hurt, it was 100% worth it. I FEEL SEEN. And the cliffhanger? I will be coming back for book 2! It really can’t come soon enough.
I received an ARC copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book SHATTERED me but in the best possible way. Beautifully crafted and heart-wrenching, “Things We Inherit” asks the question, “what if we could get revenge on all those who have done us wrong?” And is revenge really all that great?
Joy’s journey through this novel is well thought out. Intertwining present with past, the reader slowly uncovers how Joy’s childhood shaped who she is.
The characters are so real. It’s a breath of fresh air to read a book with a female protagonist who isn’t a carbon copy of every other protagonist on the market. She’s imperfect, she’s witty, she’s broken, she's a nerd, and I love her. The setting, the rest of the characters, the world that is built up in this novel is genuine. The heartbreaking relationships between Joy and her family, and the heartfelt ones between her and her friends, and the one that is a mix of both between Joy and Ethan... it is entirely spectacular and real and I cannot stop thinking about these characters.
I think my favorite part of this novel was the themes. The motif of “control” that comes with the presence of Buttercup is poignant, asking if it’s fair for someone to hold back after years of hurt and abuse. I personally loved the themes about deserving love. After years of feeling conflicted about how unlucky she was or how it was all her fault, Joy’s arc of coming to terms with the fact that she is worthy really spoke to me.
NOTE: If you are looking for a happy ending, do not read this book! It was heartbreaking and I was sobbing every other chapter at the end of the novel. Even though it hurt, it was 100% worth it. I FEEL SEEN. And the cliffhanger? I will be coming back for book 2! It really can’t come soon enough.
I received an ARC copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 16, 2023
DNF at 21% - I won the Kindle version of this book from a Goodreads giveaway so I wanted to give it a chance, but I found I was trying to force myself to read this rather than actually enjoying it.
July 7, 2023
Things We Inherit, the first book in the Things We Inherit series by Draven Aurora, is a gripping tale that explores the battle for control over a young woman's mind, body, and soul. Joy Hayes, a survivor of childhood trauma and cancer, finds herself faced with a new challenge when she realizes that the voice inside her head, named Buttercup, is not her own.
Trapped in a dead-end accounting job, Joy's life lacks purpose and excitement. However, the arrival of Buttercup, a sarcastic and powerful inner voice, changes everything. With newfound abilities and a companion who pushes her to embrace her power, Joy becomes determined to win the heart of her best friend, Ethan. But little does she know that Buttercup harbors darker intentions.
As Joy seeks happiness and connection, she becomes blind to the fact that she is slowly losing herself to Buttercup's malevolent influence. The entity, tapping into Joy's repressed thoughts, takes control of her body to carry out its own twisted version of justice against those it deems threats.
Draven Aurora skillfully delves into the complexities of trauma, identity, and the battle between light and darkness within one's own mind. The author paints a vivid picture of Joy's struggle as she grapples with her inner demon, questioning whether she will become a victim of her own thoughts or find the strength to reclaim control and mend her fractured psyche.
Things We Inherit is a thought-provoking and suspenseful journey that captivates readers from start to finish. Draven Aurora's storytelling prowess shines as the narrative navigates the blurred lines between reality and the inner workings of the mind. Readers will be drawn into Joy's world, feeling the weight of her past and the urgency of her present.
This book explores themes of resilience, self-discovery, and the power of the human spirit. As Joy battles with her inner demons and faces the consequences of her choices, readers will be left pondering their own capacity for self-redemption and the lingering effects of past trauma.
Things We Inherit is a compelling and emotionally charged story that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series. Draven Aurora's exploration of the human psyche, combined with a captivating plot and well-developed characters, makes this book a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and introspective narratives.
Trapped in a dead-end accounting job, Joy's life lacks purpose and excitement. However, the arrival of Buttercup, a sarcastic and powerful inner voice, changes everything. With newfound abilities and a companion who pushes her to embrace her power, Joy becomes determined to win the heart of her best friend, Ethan. But little does she know that Buttercup harbors darker intentions.
As Joy seeks happiness and connection, she becomes blind to the fact that she is slowly losing herself to Buttercup's malevolent influence. The entity, tapping into Joy's repressed thoughts, takes control of her body to carry out its own twisted version of justice against those it deems threats.
Draven Aurora skillfully delves into the complexities of trauma, identity, and the battle between light and darkness within one's own mind. The author paints a vivid picture of Joy's struggle as she grapples with her inner demon, questioning whether she will become a victim of her own thoughts or find the strength to reclaim control and mend her fractured psyche.
Things We Inherit is a thought-provoking and suspenseful journey that captivates readers from start to finish. Draven Aurora's storytelling prowess shines as the narrative navigates the blurred lines between reality and the inner workings of the mind. Readers will be drawn into Joy's world, feeling the weight of her past and the urgency of her present.
This book explores themes of resilience, self-discovery, and the power of the human spirit. As Joy battles with her inner demons and faces the consequences of her choices, readers will be left pondering their own capacity for self-redemption and the lingering effects of past trauma.
Things We Inherit is a compelling and emotionally charged story that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series. Draven Aurora's exploration of the human psyche, combined with a captivating plot and well-developed characters, makes this book a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and introspective narratives.
June 29, 2023
After I finished this book, I really didn’t know what to do with myself. Things We Inherit is a dark, fantasy story that shows conflict within the human mind and heart. The fight to seek justice for yourself while trying to remain “true yourself” isn’t for the feint of heart. Would you try to keep pleasing others while wearing a mask or finally let your inner demons light the world on fire?
Other than a few punctuation errors, I would say that Ms. Aurora’s debut novel is certainly an angsty success. She is a bold and brave writer for writing about real life events in her life and incorporating them into Things We Inherit. I will say that this book may be triggering for some people so definitely read the content warning at the front of the book. If I could, I would want to give Joy and Draven Aurora a hug. Not out of pity or sympathy, but for being so strong even if neither of them thinks that they are (I do think both would be disgusted by the idea of a hug). Also, I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Please check out Things We Inherit and show love and support to Draven Aurora!
Other than a few punctuation errors, I would say that Ms. Aurora’s debut novel is certainly an angsty success. She is a bold and brave writer for writing about real life events in her life and incorporating them into Things We Inherit. I will say that this book may be triggering for some people so definitely read the content warning at the front of the book. If I could, I would want to give Joy and Draven Aurora a hug. Not out of pity or sympathy, but for being so strong even if neither of them thinks that they are (I do think both would be disgusted by the idea of a hug). Also, I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Please check out Things We Inherit and show love and support to Draven Aurora!
June 29, 2023
I love when movies, shows, and when any form of entertainment provides an audience with an unexpected twist. This book definitely had that, in my opinion. I also feel that this novel echoes the feelings and thoughts that individuals that have experienced trauma often share with a supernatural spin. Such a vulnerable novel that explores generational trauma, self-worth, love, abandonment, and other poignant emotions. One of my favorite parts of this novel was admiring the healing power of a companion that sees and accepts you fully, it’s so corny and commonsensical, but I think that’s something each of us craves and longs for in our lifetime - something that’s really a treasure. Excited to read more from this author, please give us another novel! :)
August 1, 2023
Paranormal/fantasy/thriller? I’m just unsure of what exactly this was supposed to be.
Being honest, this is not the type of book I’m likely to pick up and be excited to read. I was lucky enough to win this in a giveaway. I felt for Joy, growing up with the kind of trauma she did. I was feeling it was a 4-5 star read right up until the end. Not because of the way it ended as much as now abruptly it ended. We jump back & forth from Joy’s past to her present. Everything building its way toward an explanation that just suddenly comes and ends the book all at once.
Being honest, this is not the type of book I’m likely to pick up and be excited to read. I was lucky enough to win this in a giveaway. I felt for Joy, growing up with the kind of trauma she did. I was feeling it was a 4-5 star read right up until the end. Not because of the way it ended as much as now abruptly it ended. We jump back & forth from Joy’s past to her present. Everything building its way toward an explanation that just suddenly comes and ends the book all at once.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 21, 2024
I found myself pondering how different the outcomes might have been if Joy hadn't come from such a troubled family. The love she nearly captured, the trust she might have held onto. The first time I read this book, it moved me to tears.
August 26, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. I liked the characters and the snarky attitude of Joys “inner voice”. It was a rollercoaster of emotions and allowed you to connect with the characters.
July 4, 2023
Omg!!!!! So good
July 7, 2023
This book had me second guessing the impulsive thoughts in my head. Joy is better than me because the things me and Buttercup would’ve done together…
This story was very interesting to me and I think a lot of people could relate to it. Having this dark thing inside you that you try to suppress. Joy didn’t have the luxury.
The dynamic is interesting to say the least. Buttercup completing Joy’s dark whims without a clear go ahead, but hesitating on the things she needed most…
Almost out to sabotage her the same way Joy believed most of her family was against her. Until she fully embraced Buttercup.
I really enjoyed this story. And though tragic, I really enjoyed the ending and I can’t wait to see what the next book brings!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This story was very interesting to me and I think a lot of people could relate to it. Having this dark thing inside you that you try to suppress. Joy didn’t have the luxury.
The dynamic is interesting to say the least. Buttercup completing Joy’s dark whims without a clear go ahead, but hesitating on the things she needed most…
Almost out to sabotage her the same way Joy believed most of her family was against her. Until she fully embraced Buttercup.
I really enjoyed this story. And though tragic, I really enjoyed the ending and I can’t wait to see what the next book brings!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews