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Evol
What doesn't kill you..."I will do whatever it takes to keep us together. Nothing can keep us apart. You're mine now." She'd love him just as he loved her. She had to. She didn't have a choice. In love and happily living the life she always dreamed of, Venna Caldwell doesn't know she is the object of a secret obsession. Until one night when she's home alone and her stalker finally acts on his fantasies, dragging her into a sadistic nightmare that she barely escapes. Running for her life, from a man who will never stop hunting her, Venna reaches out to her estranged half-brother, grasping desperately at what little hope she has left. How far will she go to keep out of the clutches of the unrelenting monster that's hungry for her? With her ability to grab the reader by the shirt collar, Jess Wygle delivers a fast-paced and intensely psychological thriller that will make you think twice about the people around you.
512 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 31, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 3, 2016
My Rating: 3½ / 5 Stars
This was quite a lengthy read, but I have to say it was also worth it. I love the characters, how well-developed they are. Venna, our protagonist, showed the most character traits throughout the novel as she went through the five stages of grief after being tortured and abducted by her crazed stalker, Merrick.
The ending of the story was beautifully haunting, wrapping it up in a way that both showed Venna’s strengths as well as giving the piece a circular feeling that showed just how far each character had come. It almost played out like a movie, keeping me right on the edge of my seat.
I loved the story idea, and I really wanted to rate this work higher, but I felt that there were a lot of unnecessary conversations and scenes. The pace was really, really slow and the dreams Venna had were repetitive, and at some points in the story, it was hard to tell what were dreams, and what was real. I found myself skimming through a majority of the book without it even affecting the plot.
Even so, I would recommend the book because the plot really is compelling, even if it does take it a while to get to the point.
This was quite a lengthy read, but I have to say it was also worth it. I love the characters, how well-developed they are. Venna, our protagonist, showed the most character traits throughout the novel as she went through the five stages of grief after being tortured and abducted by her crazed stalker, Merrick.
The ending of the story was beautifully haunting, wrapping it up in a way that both showed Venna’s strengths as well as giving the piece a circular feeling that showed just how far each character had come. It almost played out like a movie, keeping me right on the edge of my seat.
I loved the story idea, and I really wanted to rate this work higher, but I felt that there were a lot of unnecessary conversations and scenes. The pace was really, really slow and the dreams Venna had were repetitive, and at some points in the story, it was hard to tell what were dreams, and what was real. I found myself skimming through a majority of the book without it even affecting the plot.
Even so, I would recommend the book because the plot really is compelling, even if it does take it a while to get to the point.
May 13, 2013
LOVE THRILLERS? YOU'LL LOVE EVOL!
The following is both a review of the book Evol by Jess Wygle as well as an interview with the author.
The 'Scores' listed based on a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being outstanding and at the end of the review, all the scores are totaled and 'Magnolia Blossoms' are awarded. 90-100pts = 5 blossoms; 80-89pts = 4 blossoms; 70-79pts = 3 blossoms 60-69pts = 2 blossoms; and anything below 60pts = 1 blossom.
I hope you enjoy the review/interview.
Cordially,
L. Avery Brown
www.whenasouthernwomanrambles.com
www.magnoliablossomreview.blogspot.com
www.brownhouseprintworks.blogspot.com
ABOUT THE BOOK-Evol by Jess Wygle is a thrill ride of a story about Venna Caldwell, an actor with a penchant for musical theatre on the cusp of the role of her life as the beautiful and talented Christine Daae in Phantom of the Opera. But her world gets turned upside down when she is kidnapped and held prisoner by a crazed stalker who wants her all for himself. After weeks of captivity she's rescued from the Hell she's been through and even though her family and fiancé assure her she is safe Venna knows her captor will come after her again. She also knows that his warped sense of love and devotion will do nothing but put the people she loves dearly in great harm. Eventually her worst fears come true and Venna has to flee her home and friends in London, England. The only person she can turn to is her half-brother, Dorian, in the United States with whom she's shared very little time. It was a risky move, as Venna doesn't know whether he'll even want to help her. But he does. And so, too, does his best friend, Lane. Within hours of her arrival, her kidnapper finds her and now she, Dorian, and Lane have to run. This story is filled with enough ups, downs, twists, and turns to keep a reader turning the pages to find out what happens in this harrowing tale of obsession turned deadly by a man whose 'love' is pure 'evol'.
Looking at the book directly…
1.Book Title. 10 of 10.
It's simple and yet deep. The title, Evol, not only involves nifty stylistic word play in turning 'Love' into 'Evol' but it also gives the reader an immediate sense that there is something off, twisted, and discomforting about the way the 'love' is perceived.
2. Book Cover 10 of 10
We've all heard the phrase 'don't judge a book by its cover'. But for this book it would be perfectly fine because the cover is so telling. The jagged heavily outlined red lettering for the word Evol with the 'E' flipped and the large male hand angrily gripping the much smaller female hand that is outstretched as if desperately searching for a way to get free - notice the way the middle finger is bent like she's willing to claw her way beyond the door or the wall upon which it is placed. Put all those things together and the image alone is disturbing and yet intriguing as it leads the reader to wonder who is it that has her? If he 'loves' her why does he have to hold her so forcefully? Yes. It's a terrific cover.
3. First 500... 8 of 10
I can't exactly put my finger on it but for some reason this is, perhaps, the one thing about Evol I wasn't 'in love with'. I'm not sure if it's because the intensity of the opening wherein the reader gets a peek into the twisted mind of a man obsessed with a woman in the first half is a complete 180 from the very sedate somewhat generic introduction of the woman who, it's safe to assume is the unnamed her/she about whom he is obsessed, is presented. It felt sort of like running to the edge of a cliff looking down and then sitting down with your back turned away from the abyss.
Maybe it has something to do with the fact that the her/she isn't actually named in either the 'intense' crazy guy POV first half OR until well beyond the first 500 words. As a reader, I don't want to be told who the bad guy is right up front but as far as the woman with whom he is obsessed, I want to know who she is straight away. I want to know right away that the her/she is a woman named Venna. I want to read that 2nd part and know in my bones, even though the identity of the her/she hasn't been technically revealed, that she's Venna because when she's 'properly introduced' I'll feel that little tug in my heart knowing Oh, no. It IS her!
4. Is the age recommendation right? 10 of 10
Evol is listed as being appropriate for ages 16+ and I think that's a spot on assessment. Any younger and the intensity of some of the scenes could easily turn from thrilling to terrifying. As the mother of a 15 year old girl who's very bright and well-read, I know this is the sort of story that she is not yet emotionally ready to deal with the severity of the things that were done to the character Venna while she was imprisoned and which are discussed in flashbacks throughout the story.
5. Presentation and Format. (8 of 10)
I'd like to start this off by saying that I read this book, in its entirety, on my iPhone which has a rather small screen. That having been said, when I first started reading the book I kept waiting for a chapter break so I could not only stop but also so I could shift gears. But that didn't happen. Instead, I felt like I was constantly stuck in 2nd gear (almost like being on a roller coaster that goes up-up-up without ever really going down...after a while, the mounting tension becomes laborious as one wonders where's the heart pounding drop?)
There are 'section breaks' that were somewhat randomly interrupted by a series of asterisks set apart from the body of the text. Likewise, there are asterisks used at the very beginning of some paragraphs (though not set apart from the body) which signal a shift in momentum, location, character, etc.
6. Theme and originality. 10 of 10
Evol is one of those stories where the concept has 'been done' (i.e., crazed fan abducts the person with whom they are obsessed) HOWEVER, it must be noted that it goes beyond the typical story line in that there aren't police/agents 'hot on the trail' of the assailant. Nor does the victim return to their everyday life only to have it thrown into upheaval later on. Rather, Evol is a story wherein the antagonist gets away and never stops pursuing his obsession. He literally follows her from one continent to another. He's not a sloppy nut job either. He's meticulous and terrifying. In fact, there isn't one redeeming quality about him. What's more, Venna never gave in to him unlike what most victims will do in the name of self-preservation. She's stubborn and no matter what he did to her she never gave up that part of her that made her want to stay alive. Which is exactly what the nut job whose obsessed with her thinks will happen. (Essentially, I think he thinks Venna will suddenly see what he's willing to do 'in the name of love for her' and will sympathize with him but Venna doesn't strike me as the type of woman to fall into the Stockholm Syndrome classification of abduction victims)
7. Description and Enhancement. 10 of 10
Is clear to see that Jess Wygle took a great deal of care to create believable characters, locations, and situations. Sure some of the stuff is a bit 'out there' (for instance the 'trac...' WAIT! I can't tell you about it because it would spoil something pretty nifty during the climax!) But what's a good thriller without a few 'holy cow' moments thrown in? Wygle also took great care to describe the more violent moments of Venna's imprisonment without being so graphic that it's a turn off to readers but graphic enough that it conjures mental images and emotions that can move readers.
8. Intrigue. 10 of 10
This story is definitely intriguing. It's also harsh. For some people it might be too harsh because of the subject matter. But it's important to keep in mind that this is one of those 'on the edge of too much to handle' stories that Wygle could have taken too far with just a few words here or there but she's done a terrific job of weaving a tale with just enough thrills that there's an air of reality to it.
9. Mechanics 8 of 10
For the most part, Evol is a sound story so far as it comes to the mechanics behind the way the words are strung together. There are a few spots where commas are missing, he's that should be she's, and some rather oddly worded sentences.
10. Overall Impression 10 of 10
When it comes down to brass tacks, Evol by Jess Wygle is a delightfully thrilling read. It's one of those 'take it to the beach' (or by the pool, or wherever you like to relax and read) sort of books that's a real page turner especially if you like suspenseful stories. So, the next time you're looking for something exciting to read check out Evol available today on your eReader priced between $3.69 and $3.99 depending on the service you use!
And finally for the bestowing of the Magnolia Blossoms...
I'm so pleased to say the Jess Wygle's Evol earned 94 points which give it a very strong 5 blossoms!
READ THE FULL REVIEW - INCLUDING AN INTERVIEW WITH JESS WYGLE AT www.magnoliablossomreview.blogspot.com
The following is both a review of the book Evol by Jess Wygle as well as an interview with the author.
The 'Scores' listed based on a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being outstanding and at the end of the review, all the scores are totaled and 'Magnolia Blossoms' are awarded. 90-100pts = 5 blossoms; 80-89pts = 4 blossoms; 70-79pts = 3 blossoms 60-69pts = 2 blossoms; and anything below 60pts = 1 blossom.
I hope you enjoy the review/interview.
Cordially,
L. Avery Brown
www.whenasouthernwomanrambles.com
www.magnoliablossomreview.blogspot.com
www.brownhouseprintworks.blogspot.com
ABOUT THE BOOK-Evol by Jess Wygle is a thrill ride of a story about Venna Caldwell, an actor with a penchant for musical theatre on the cusp of the role of her life as the beautiful and talented Christine Daae in Phantom of the Opera. But her world gets turned upside down when she is kidnapped and held prisoner by a crazed stalker who wants her all for himself. After weeks of captivity she's rescued from the Hell she's been through and even though her family and fiancé assure her she is safe Venna knows her captor will come after her again. She also knows that his warped sense of love and devotion will do nothing but put the people she loves dearly in great harm. Eventually her worst fears come true and Venna has to flee her home and friends in London, England. The only person she can turn to is her half-brother, Dorian, in the United States with whom she's shared very little time. It was a risky move, as Venna doesn't know whether he'll even want to help her. But he does. And so, too, does his best friend, Lane. Within hours of her arrival, her kidnapper finds her and now she, Dorian, and Lane have to run. This story is filled with enough ups, downs, twists, and turns to keep a reader turning the pages to find out what happens in this harrowing tale of obsession turned deadly by a man whose 'love' is pure 'evol'.
Looking at the book directly…
1.Book Title. 10 of 10.
It's simple and yet deep. The title, Evol, not only involves nifty stylistic word play in turning 'Love' into 'Evol' but it also gives the reader an immediate sense that there is something off, twisted, and discomforting about the way the 'love' is perceived.
2. Book Cover 10 of 10
We've all heard the phrase 'don't judge a book by its cover'. But for this book it would be perfectly fine because the cover is so telling. The jagged heavily outlined red lettering for the word Evol with the 'E' flipped and the large male hand angrily gripping the much smaller female hand that is outstretched as if desperately searching for a way to get free - notice the way the middle finger is bent like she's willing to claw her way beyond the door or the wall upon which it is placed. Put all those things together and the image alone is disturbing and yet intriguing as it leads the reader to wonder who is it that has her? If he 'loves' her why does he have to hold her so forcefully? Yes. It's a terrific cover.
3. First 500... 8 of 10
I can't exactly put my finger on it but for some reason this is, perhaps, the one thing about Evol I wasn't 'in love with'. I'm not sure if it's because the intensity of the opening wherein the reader gets a peek into the twisted mind of a man obsessed with a woman in the first half is a complete 180 from the very sedate somewhat generic introduction of the woman who, it's safe to assume is the unnamed her/she about whom he is obsessed, is presented. It felt sort of like running to the edge of a cliff looking down and then sitting down with your back turned away from the abyss.
Maybe it has something to do with the fact that the her/she isn't actually named in either the 'intense' crazy guy POV first half OR until well beyond the first 500 words. As a reader, I don't want to be told who the bad guy is right up front but as far as the woman with whom he is obsessed, I want to know who she is straight away. I want to know right away that the her/she is a woman named Venna. I want to read that 2nd part and know in my bones, even though the identity of the her/she hasn't been technically revealed, that she's Venna because when she's 'properly introduced' I'll feel that little tug in my heart knowing Oh, no. It IS her!
4. Is the age recommendation right? 10 of 10
Evol is listed as being appropriate for ages 16+ and I think that's a spot on assessment. Any younger and the intensity of some of the scenes could easily turn from thrilling to terrifying. As the mother of a 15 year old girl who's very bright and well-read, I know this is the sort of story that she is not yet emotionally ready to deal with the severity of the things that were done to the character Venna while she was imprisoned and which are discussed in flashbacks throughout the story.
5. Presentation and Format. (8 of 10)
I'd like to start this off by saying that I read this book, in its entirety, on my iPhone which has a rather small screen. That having been said, when I first started reading the book I kept waiting for a chapter break so I could not only stop but also so I could shift gears. But that didn't happen. Instead, I felt like I was constantly stuck in 2nd gear (almost like being on a roller coaster that goes up-up-up without ever really going down...after a while, the mounting tension becomes laborious as one wonders where's the heart pounding drop?)
There are 'section breaks' that were somewhat randomly interrupted by a series of asterisks set apart from the body of the text. Likewise, there are asterisks used at the very beginning of some paragraphs (though not set apart from the body) which signal a shift in momentum, location, character, etc.
6. Theme and originality. 10 of 10
Evol is one of those stories where the concept has 'been done' (i.e., crazed fan abducts the person with whom they are obsessed) HOWEVER, it must be noted that it goes beyond the typical story line in that there aren't police/agents 'hot on the trail' of the assailant. Nor does the victim return to their everyday life only to have it thrown into upheaval later on. Rather, Evol is a story wherein the antagonist gets away and never stops pursuing his obsession. He literally follows her from one continent to another. He's not a sloppy nut job either. He's meticulous and terrifying. In fact, there isn't one redeeming quality about him. What's more, Venna never gave in to him unlike what most victims will do in the name of self-preservation. She's stubborn and no matter what he did to her she never gave up that part of her that made her want to stay alive. Which is exactly what the nut job whose obsessed with her thinks will happen. (Essentially, I think he thinks Venna will suddenly see what he's willing to do 'in the name of love for her' and will sympathize with him but Venna doesn't strike me as the type of woman to fall into the Stockholm Syndrome classification of abduction victims)
7. Description and Enhancement. 10 of 10
Is clear to see that Jess Wygle took a great deal of care to create believable characters, locations, and situations. Sure some of the stuff is a bit 'out there' (for instance the 'trac...' WAIT! I can't tell you about it because it would spoil something pretty nifty during the climax!) But what's a good thriller without a few 'holy cow' moments thrown in? Wygle also took great care to describe the more violent moments of Venna's imprisonment without being so graphic that it's a turn off to readers but graphic enough that it conjures mental images and emotions that can move readers.
8. Intrigue. 10 of 10
This story is definitely intriguing. It's also harsh. For some people it might be too harsh because of the subject matter. But it's important to keep in mind that this is one of those 'on the edge of too much to handle' stories that Wygle could have taken too far with just a few words here or there but she's done a terrific job of weaving a tale with just enough thrills that there's an air of reality to it.
9. Mechanics 8 of 10
For the most part, Evol is a sound story so far as it comes to the mechanics behind the way the words are strung together. There are a few spots where commas are missing, he's that should be she's, and some rather oddly worded sentences.
10. Overall Impression 10 of 10
When it comes down to brass tacks, Evol by Jess Wygle is a delightfully thrilling read. It's one of those 'take it to the beach' (or by the pool, or wherever you like to relax and read) sort of books that's a real page turner especially if you like suspenseful stories. So, the next time you're looking for something exciting to read check out Evol available today on your eReader priced between $3.69 and $3.99 depending on the service you use!
And finally for the bestowing of the Magnolia Blossoms...
I'm so pleased to say the Jess Wygle's Evol earned 94 points which give it a very strong 5 blossoms!
READ THE FULL REVIEW - INCLUDING AN INTERVIEW WITH JESS WYGLE AT www.magnoliablossomreview.blogspot.com
April 11, 2013
24 year old Venna Caldwell had been acting at Bromley Little theater since she was 12. May 13th would have been her 19th starring role. Though this time it would be different, she will be performing as Christine from The Phantom of the Opera. She would soon marry the love of her life Luke and have a family with him. She was living what everyone would call the perfect life. But just weeks before her performance on her first night of house-sitting her parents house while they went to a retirement supper with the president, she disappears mysteriously. The police thinks she ran away. She would have never been found if it wasn't for a patrol officer who was send to check out an abandon place that had lights on and a car in the parkway. Venna was thankful she was found but she knew it wasn't over. Her captor wasn't going to stop there. She knew he would come get her. He was dangerous and would stop at nothing until he would have her back.
Not long after getting out of the hospital Venna's whole life fell apart her whole family was taken away from her. she was powerless she couldn't do anything to save any of them. She knew she had no choice but to run away from London. Her captor was smarter than the police. With no one else to turn to she decides to seek help from Dorian her estranged half-brother hoping he would help her. Not even a day after her arrival Dorian, Lane (dorian's brother-in-law) and Venna will have to flee but no matter how far they run or where they hide he would always find her, he is always one step ahead of them just waiting for his chance to take Venna back. Now she has to put herself together again, heal the scars he left her physically and mentally. This time she will fight back she will not let him take her even if she has to die fighting.
First of all I really recommend this book to everyone. It doesn't matter what genre they're into, Evol is a book you have to check out. Everything in this book was so realistic, I could actually see it all happening right in front of me. Evol was so hard to put down. I had my eyes glued to this book all the way to the end and was always so nervous wanting to know what was going to happen next literally biting my nails. Evol is the kind of book that you will want to read again soon and will keep you thinking about it weeks after you finished reading it.
When I started reading this book I was hooked from the first page. As the author introduced Venna Luke, Lilly and Venna's parents and told us a little bit about every one of them I just knew I was going to love this people. So I can't say who my favorite character was only because I just fell in love with them all.
Venna our heroin was so strong even though she didn't think she was. She wasn't only being chased by this psycho but also by the nightmares she had from going through such a traumatic situation. Honestly I would have been just like her after going through something like that, maybe even worst so I totally understood why she was always panicking and on guard. I never felt she was weak or was I ever annoyed by her actions at any point at all.
Dorian: he was just WOW! I'd like to think that there are other people out there even strangers that would risk their life's for another person as much as he did. He didn't care at all how long he had to be on the run or about leaving everything behind he would even give his life for a half-sister he never even spend any time with. I just loved his relationship with Venna and Lane. He is a true knight in shinning armor.
I was also surprised about Lane's interest and connection towards Venna as soon as he met Venna. It was truly unexpected and I was even more shocked that he too would die for her even though he had seen her only once in his life before she arrived at Dorian's doorstep to ask for help. I just fell in love with his character.
With all that said hoping I didn't say too much, Evol was so believable so realistic to me it felt like watching a movie and the ending was just perfect. It was the perfect way to end a truly amazing book totally worth reading over and over again.
Not long after getting out of the hospital Venna's whole life fell apart her whole family was taken away from her. she was powerless she couldn't do anything to save any of them. She knew she had no choice but to run away from London. Her captor was smarter than the police. With no one else to turn to she decides to seek help from Dorian her estranged half-brother hoping he would help her. Not even a day after her arrival Dorian, Lane (dorian's brother-in-law) and Venna will have to flee but no matter how far they run or where they hide he would always find her, he is always one step ahead of them just waiting for his chance to take Venna back. Now she has to put herself together again, heal the scars he left her physically and mentally. This time she will fight back she will not let him take her even if she has to die fighting.
First of all I really recommend this book to everyone. It doesn't matter what genre they're into, Evol is a book you have to check out. Everything in this book was so realistic, I could actually see it all happening right in front of me. Evol was so hard to put down. I had my eyes glued to this book all the way to the end and was always so nervous wanting to know what was going to happen next literally biting my nails. Evol is the kind of book that you will want to read again soon and will keep you thinking about it weeks after you finished reading it.
When I started reading this book I was hooked from the first page. As the author introduced Venna Luke, Lilly and Venna's parents and told us a little bit about every one of them I just knew I was going to love this people. So I can't say who my favorite character was only because I just fell in love with them all.
Venna our heroin was so strong even though she didn't think she was. She wasn't only being chased by this psycho but also by the nightmares she had from going through such a traumatic situation. Honestly I would have been just like her after going through something like that, maybe even worst so I totally understood why she was always panicking and on guard. I never felt she was weak or was I ever annoyed by her actions at any point at all.
Dorian: he was just WOW! I'd like to think that there are other people out there even strangers that would risk their life's for another person as much as he did. He didn't care at all how long he had to be on the run or about leaving everything behind he would even give his life for a half-sister he never even spend any time with. I just loved his relationship with Venna and Lane. He is a true knight in shinning armor.
I was also surprised about Lane's interest and connection towards Venna as soon as he met Venna. It was truly unexpected and I was even more shocked that he too would die for her even though he had seen her only once in his life before she arrived at Dorian's doorstep to ask for help. I just fell in love with his character.
With all that said hoping I didn't say too much, Evol was so believable so realistic to me it felt like watching a movie and the ending was just perfect. It was the perfect way to end a truly amazing book totally worth reading over and over again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2013
The Adventures Within blog & RABT tour host
What a sick, demented, crazy, lunatic are some of the words that ran through my mind while reading this book, including some that would make even my grandma have a heart attack. My biggest fear in the whole entire world is having someone I love and care for get taken away from me by some insane psychopath. Bringing kids into this world is the greatest joy in the world but growing up all you wish to do is protect them and pray to God that nothing should ever happen to them. So I can just imagine what Venna's mom, dad and Fiance felt when they couldn't find her. And once she was back to safety even she knew it wasn't going to last.
This is the first and most powerful book that has made me jump out of my seat full of rage wanting to get my hands on Merrick, I seriously cannot understand how a person can be so sick in the head that they would do something so vicious especially disgusting and still think that it's okay to do it. Reading the book was like watching a horror movie you didn't know what was going to happen next but you knew it wasn't going to be good.
Being in Merricks head hearing his thoughts and reading his part of the story made me sick to my stomach, I've always seen profilers in movies, tv shows going into the mind of the subjects but I never thought a book would make someone experience that also. It made me feel like I was his accomplice, it felt so real.
Venna is a fighter she had to go through so much pain and abuse not just physically, mentally but emotionally. It broke her down, and it got to the point where she couldn't walk into her own place without freaking out, every closed door, every noise freaked her out. But having Dorian there made her feel safe like nothing could happen to her in his presence, although Lane also took part in protecting her she didn't feel as safe in his care like she did with Dorian.
I loved the book it was fast paced and well written, I enjoyed the thriller part of it, as well as the romantic parts too, last but not least the fighting 'scenes' were fantastic I was literally jumping up and down like a cheerleade
What a sick, demented, crazy, lunatic are some of the words that ran through my mind while reading this book, including some that would make even my grandma have a heart attack. My biggest fear in the whole entire world is having someone I love and care for get taken away from me by some insane psychopath. Bringing kids into this world is the greatest joy in the world but growing up all you wish to do is protect them and pray to God that nothing should ever happen to them. So I can just imagine what Venna's mom, dad and Fiance felt when they couldn't find her. And once she was back to safety even she knew it wasn't going to last.
This is the first and most powerful book that has made me jump out of my seat full of rage wanting to get my hands on Merrick, I seriously cannot understand how a person can be so sick in the head that they would do something so vicious especially disgusting and still think that it's okay to do it. Reading the book was like watching a horror movie you didn't know what was going to happen next but you knew it wasn't going to be good.
Being in Merricks head hearing his thoughts and reading his part of the story made me sick to my stomach, I've always seen profilers in movies, tv shows going into the mind of the subjects but I never thought a book would make someone experience that also. It made me feel like I was his accomplice, it felt so real.
Venna is a fighter she had to go through so much pain and abuse not just physically, mentally but emotionally. It broke her down, and it got to the point where she couldn't walk into her own place without freaking out, every closed door, every noise freaked her out. But having Dorian there made her feel safe like nothing could happen to her in his presence, although Lane also took part in protecting her she didn't feel as safe in his care like she did with Dorian.
I loved the book it was fast paced and well written, I enjoyed the thriller part of it, as well as the romantic parts too, last but not least the fighting 'scenes' were fantastic I was literally jumping up and down like a cheerleade
February 21, 2023
Would have ranked higher for me if not for the whole 'pregnancy thing' and the brother's friend being such a judgmental piece of shit about it. Like I understand he goes through great lengths to help her, unbelievable lengths for someone who is essentially a stranger. But the way he treated her when she wanted to terminate a pregnancy that would have otherwise left her forever linked to the monster that was chasing her, to the lunatic that had held her captive, tortured her, raped her-was beyond reprehensible. His judgmental behavior, guilting, and eventual abandonment of her was unforgivable to me. And the fact that he eventually came back means nothing, because he only 'forgave her' because she didn't have an abortion, and instead miscarried. It was a poor choice on the author's part, having her miscarry instead of deliberately terminate the pregnancy and having Lane act that way. It implies, even if indirectly, that Venna would be wrong for having an abortion. And anyone who honestly believes that, even in these circumstance, is as cruel and ignorant as Merrick.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2017
Definitely worth it!
I went into this book not really expecting much. I honestly have it a chance only because I read that it was simular to Phantom of the Opera. But I didn't have any hope that it would be a page turner.
But that is exactly what I got. I could not put this down. Yes, there are grammar mistakes, more than I'd like, and it is a bit hard to follow when it jumps from a past memory to the present. But a clever reader should be able to tell the difference.
This book is dark and suspenseful. It is not for everyone. But if you are a fan of dark books, I would give it a read.
While reading I was able to feel the emotional journey the characters went through. I felt her pain, fear, loneliness, desperation, and above all her will to survive.
Glad I took a chance a bought this book.
I went into this book not really expecting much. I honestly have it a chance only because I read that it was simular to Phantom of the Opera. But I didn't have any hope that it would be a page turner.
But that is exactly what I got. I could not put this down. Yes, there are grammar mistakes, more than I'd like, and it is a bit hard to follow when it jumps from a past memory to the present. But a clever reader should be able to tell the difference.
This book is dark and suspenseful. It is not for everyone. But if you are a fan of dark books, I would give it a read.
While reading I was able to feel the emotional journey the characters went through. I felt her pain, fear, loneliness, desperation, and above all her will to survive.
Glad I took a chance a bought this book.
May 22, 2013
Dnf.
For a story set in London, I was surprised at the language used by some English characters, very 'American' as opposed to British English. Some scenes were badly researched, and I found the constant flashbacks difficult to read. A couple of points confused me, though I might well be mistaken and I stand to be corrected if so.
I might have persevered, but Venna came over too much as the perfect, virginal Mary Sue at the start and I could not summon up any real concern for her.
For a story set in London, I was surprised at the language used by some English characters, very 'American' as opposed to British English. Some scenes were badly researched, and I found the constant flashbacks difficult to read. A couple of points confused me, though I might well be mistaken and I stand to be corrected if so.
I might have persevered, but Venna came over too much as the perfect, virginal Mary Sue at the start and I could not summon up any real concern for her.
March 25, 2013
As a person who enjoys a good horror/thriller, whether it be reading or watching, I enjoyed Evol immensely. Although a bit scary at times, it was in a good way. The hard part was going to bed after reading the book. The story seemed so real. I wasn't sure if it's because it was or because I watch so many of those Discovery ID shows that I thought it was real.
Jess Wygle managed to write a story that seemed so real it was frightening. The story was well written and there was a lot of attention given to the details in the story. I believe that made it so easy to read and so enjoyable.
Whether you like thrillers or not, you will definitely enjoy Evol
Jess Wygle managed to write a story that seemed so real it was frightening. The story was well written and there was a lot of attention given to the details in the story. I believe that made it so easy to read and so enjoyable.
Whether you like thrillers or not, you will definitely enjoy Evol
March 25, 2013
You can find the full review at Genuine Jenn
If you are looking for a "keep you on the edge of your seat" kind of book you will love this one. It starts off fast in the suspense/thriller area with Venna being kidnapped from her parents home. Every time you think Venna has gotten away her "kidnapper" is right behind her. Jess builds a great line of characters, character that are very easy to like or in Merrick's case dislike. I like the authors flow and keeping her readers wanting to know more and see what will happen next.
If you are looking for a "keep you on the edge of your seat" kind of book you will love this one. It starts off fast in the suspense/thriller area with Venna being kidnapped from her parents home. Every time you think Venna has gotten away her "kidnapper" is right behind her. Jess builds a great line of characters, character that are very easy to like or in Merrick's case dislike. I like the authors flow and keeping her readers wanting to know more and see what will happen next.
February 2, 2013
Jess writes a thriller that you can't put down because you're too worried what might happen if you do. After I finished Evol, I was looking behind me everywhere I went and checking the corners of my apartment for at least a week, until I had to finally convince myself that it was "just a book". Even if you're not a fan of thrillers, you're still going to like this because it's dramatic, it's emotional, and there's even a little romance in there ;)
February 23, 2013
Now this is a Thriller! Usually only watching a scary movie can evoke the kind of fright that this story did. Amazon job by Jess Wygle in creating a novel that feels so real to the reader.
The writing was superb and the attention to detail was part of the reason everything seemed so real.
Jess manages to take the reader through a barrage of other emotions besides fright and they will find themselves submerged in the world and feeling every single things that happens to Venna.
The writing was superb and the attention to detail was part of the reason everything seemed so real.
Jess manages to take the reader through a barrage of other emotions besides fright and they will find themselves submerged in the world and feeling every single things that happens to Venna.
March 20, 2013
Jess pens "Evol" a thriller filled with emotion that is really hard to put down. WOW...her writing is so fantastic that I was actually a bit nervous while reading it, which is something that is very hard to do to me. A long novel which I finished in about 3 hours and highly recommended to all thriller/horror fans...just be sure not to read it before bed.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the author which was provided for an honest review.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the author which was provided for an honest review.
March 24, 2013
All I can say is thank God that's over!
Review to come.
Review to come.
February 24, 2014
Odd book, it was good. Creepy for sure.
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