Escape

Horrorscape # 4

by Nenia Campbell

It's been one year since Val beat Gavin at his own game...

She buried her old life and her old name, but memories from her dark past dog her at every corner--and some of those memories have teeth. The public wants her blood. Her enemies want her life. And Val just wants to forget. So she escaped to the city, where even the hunted can blend in with steel and concrete.

But dead bodies don't stay buried. And hanging pawns can be promoted to queens.

Genres: Dark, Horror, Dark Romance, Thriller, Contemporary, Adult, Abuse

364 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 18, 2020

About the author

Nenia Campbell is a dark romance author who lives in San Francisco, California. When she's not writing, or reading, she can be found roaming the city or curled up with her void cat. She collects romance novels older than she is and loves a villain with flair.

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Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ça fait mal mais tu le veux.

Everything comes to a head in Horrorscape’s nail-biting conclusion.

I don’t want to give too much away here because the uncertainty is one of this story’s best features. Tied with Fearscape for favorite book in the series.

Read if you like:
♟️hunting people for sport
♟️dysfunctional families
♟️twisted games
♟️really dark romance
♟️high stakes chess
♟️intimate portrait of San Francisco
♟️descent into madness
♟️irredeemable, villainous mmcs
♟️serial killers


There are so many excellent lines in this book/series, but here are a few choice quotes:

"I want you to suffer for me."
"I already have."
"But you misunderstand. I don't want to watch you abase yourself, as amusing as that might be. I want to hurt you. That is the price of salvation, my dear—violent, agonizing surrender. To me."

-

“I’ve always thought that when you kill someone with a knife, when you look into their eyes—” his gaze bored into hers like a platinum drill “—in that instant, you own them forever. It’s one of the most difficult things to do. Making that mental step to kill someone with your hands. But then, maybe it’s that intimacy you crave.”

-

"I hate you," she told him. "I'll never stop hating you."
He touched her cheek lightly before sitting down. "I know."

-

"You're a vile nut job," Val was saying. "Misogynistic, psychotic, cruel—"
"Don't make me blush," he murmured.

-

"I don't want your forgiveness." His lips pressed against her temple with the finality of a gun. He slid his hand out of her hair, making her skin prickle from scalp to nape. "Just your soul."

-

Are you frightened? he had asked her, but she had been frightened for so long, it was almost as if he had asked her if she could remember how to breathe.

[Maria]

THERE IS ANOTHER BOOK!!

Okay, wow, shit, sweet lord, holy mary mother of god! THERE IS ANOTHER BOOK AND I AM ONLY FINDING OUT ABOUT IT NOW

Are my prayers being answered??

And don't even get me started on the cover, that perfection cannot be expressed eloquently through the use of the words in the english language.

I just spent the last ten minutes jumping up and down in joy and doing a happy dance and I am sure this book will not disappoint, all I need is a release date and I can shove myself into a hole waiting for that day.

I know I said that I had died at the end of the previous book but goddamn call a priest for my resurrection and satan cos I'm gonna need to get the name of the person who sold their soul for this book and thank them.

As you can see, I am pretty excited for the release of this book...

UPDATE: 1st OCTOBER 2014

It has been five months since I originally found out about my probable cause of death, but since then NOTHING! I MEAN ABSOLUTELY NOTHING no release date no teasers NOTHING

[Heather ~*dread mushrooms*~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was not a huge fan of this series in the beginning, but I read it anyway, because Nenia is a friend of mine and I enjoy reading her work. Our friendship has no bearing on my rating (just look at my review for Horrorscape if you're skeptical).

I'm happy to say this final volume blew the other three out of the water. The writing is polished and descriptive—Campbell's writing is always improving, and this is among her best work. The story itself is intense and amazing. The psychology was SO well done, and Val's plight is more heartbreaking than ever before.

This is a long book, but I enjoyed every minute reading it. It's quite bleak, but I'm into that kind of thing. It's also very smutty, which I also like. Erotic horror is a much overlooked genre, in my opinion—one that's hard to do correctly—but Campbell is good at it, and it's clear she enjoys writing it.

I don't want to say too much, because my favorite parts of the book are the parts full of spoilers. But I will say that the ending was so fitting. Just perfect for the series. And if Campbell ever gets the notion to write a spinoff about certain characters, I'll be all over it.

Previously:

I BETA READ THIS BOOK. And it was amazing.

But I'm not reviewing until I've read the final copy, and I'm not reading the final copy until I've reread the ENTIRE SERIES.

[Fre06 Begum]

I always try to be honest in my reviews so it upsets me that I felt this way about this book by one of my favourite author’s. Whilst I loved the whole Gavin thing I wasn’t too thrilled with h’s behaviour. I don’t think I actually liked the h’s character in this book she seemed too weak. Honestly the whole Luca thing just killed it for me. I think for me personally that was my major turn off and I just couldn’t get passed it. I need to think about this a bit more before rating because as I said the whole Gavin thing really worked for me but the Luca thing did not.

[Carmela · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I asked for "villain-gets-the-girl" type of story. This is exactly what I meant.

[Beatrix · Rating 5 out of 5]

But she knew. Deep down, in the blackened recesses of whatever remained of her soul, Val knew. It was him. Always him. Tainting her like the poison she couldn´t get enough of. Past, present, and future. Everything came down to him.

I think at this point, after 4 amazing books in this series, we as fans, can only say to the author: thank you! This was everything I hoped for and more.
I remember reading Terrorscape (book #3) and being amazed by the writing, but this one is my new favorite of the series, a fitting conclusion.

I wanted you the moment I saw you run. You´re everything I want. Not a rose, but a desert flower, enduring scorching heat to flower in darkness with a rare and singular beauty. My night-blooming cereus, bristling with spines.

You were my greatest work. I made you into what you are.

¨

The rest of my review under a spoiler tag because I can´t contain myself.
The book felt both a sequel and a fresh start. When it begins we see Val in a big city all alone starting over, I think the author captured the vibe of a life in the big city perfectly.
I liked all the new characters but of course my favorite was the psycho Gavin and his dynamic with Val. I loved the portrayal of Val´s inner struggles, I think Nenia Campbell really does it well, presenting us the inner mind of the victim and their thought processes. The sexual chemistry between them was the best.
The only flaw I can find to this book is that I wish we saw more of Gavin & Val after she conceded to him. To see how did their daily life function. Overall, I liked the ending in Terrorscape, had the series ended with that book, I would have been completely fine with that, but I love this ending too!

Because you know, deep down, that only I can make you feel this way.

[Arlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy crap! This was good!

Nenia Campbell must be a witch, because how else would you explain this story that seriously felt like it was custom written for me! And I found out Escape came out just as I was finishing with book #3 too! I call that a f***ing witchcraft!

I'm sorry if majority of this review is a massive spoiler, but I have to unleash my inner fangirl.

Okay, I have to admit I had my doubts about this book at first, like what's it even going to be about with Gavin being dead and what-not. But fairly soon after we get introduced into Val's new life, there is Ilya and I'm like, uhmkay, new badass alpha and a Russian on top of that? Come to mama.

But oh no! Luca next enters the story and that is the exact moment I say to myself I know where this is going and I'm loving it! After that I was pretty much hooked and so invested in that book that I couldn't put it down.

50% in and bam! Another plot twist! Gavin's alive and kicking (even though I was suspecting it from the very beginning or more like hoping) and omfg can you not, my fragile heart can't take so many plot twists at this point.

And I'm sitting there like damn, which one of these mofos I'm rooting for again?

But nah, we all know who's the true mofo here, haha, don't we?


So anyway, Escape was a true masterpiece, I loved every single page and I'm very pleased to know the Horrorscape series got the perfect ending it deserved.

[adayonthegrandcanal]

LATEST UPDATE
I had just finished re-reading this trilogy for the umpteenth time after it's been so long not reading fictional stories. And lawwrd, how much I miss this trilogy. I wonder when the author gonna update about this book (Escape). Because I freaking wonder what happen to Val?!?!?! Is she pregnant? Does Gavin's sister looking out for Val (out for blood perhaps)?!?
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Why, oh why, Nenia, Gavin have to (I cant say the word; biggest spoiler from the previous book)?!! Ok seriously I need to cool down, so when was the release date of the fourth book in this series? Please don't fuck with my mind. I hate to admit this, but really I loved, luved, looooooved Gavin. He's the perfect character that I've been searching for after all this time. Secretly, I wish he would be able to love Val and have a happy life. But nah, I forgot he's a beast. But still, *sobs*. Nenia, come on hug me! I just fucking love you and your story.

[Madison C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

AHHHHH !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
^ That's how this book made me feel. Some of my updates while I read were gibberish involving lots of exclamation points and/or keyboard smashes. That's exactly how I feel about this entire book (in a good way).

Okay, 5 stars. I'm out-- bye.

Just kidding. I have lots to say, but the tl;dr is definitely "!!! ;lkjagl;kjag AHHH". I finished Escape late last night and still don't really have my thoughts together, but I'll try my best. This is the last book in the Horrorscape series. If you haven't read the books, go read all of them in order. Do not spoil yourself. Also if you've read the first three, but not this, I really recommend going in blindly. There's a big spoiler that makes it difficult to review, so most of this review will be under one blanket spoiler tag (DON'T read it if you haven't read the book).

The Horrorscape series is honestly one of my favorite book series. I had a blast rereading the first three books right before this. They're so intense and so well-written. I originally read Terrorscape right after it was released. At that point, it was supposed to be the end of the series (and I believe for a while after Escape was announced, Nenia was saying it'd be a novella to wrap things up). So, a good bit of my shock when reading Escape comes from six years of thinking this series was over and ended one way, only for everything to be completely flipped around and expanded in this novel-- in the best way. Lord, I was not prepared.

Everything I loved about the first three books was present in Escape. The writing was fantastic, I could visualize everything really well, the pacing was good, the characters grew (a surprising amount), and more. I applaud Nenia for not only staying so consistent with her writing style for the series, but also for making each book better than the last. Not many series can do that. Escape might just be my favorite... I love all of them, though. This book follows Val three years after Terrorscape. Gavin may be gone, but his family has some unfinished business. She really just wants everyone to leave her alone but runs into trouble with a few different characters (including some new ones).

The first half feels like it's in black and white, while the second half feels full of color. There are twists all along, but a significant one halfway through completely changes the playing board. That's all I'm really going to say without spoilers, but it was so enthralling and I'm so so happy with how this book ended. I was okay with Terrorscape's ending and thought it made a lot of sense, but the ending to Escape is so brilliant (and cruel) and fits the series perfectly. It's a must-read if you liked the first three.

For my rambly unfiltered thoughts:
Okay, wowwww. I had a theory that Gavin survived, but I thought he planned to test Val by having her kill him (there was a line about the dumpster being open after she murdered him, and I was like "MAYBE HE DID THAT"). I was incorrect about him planning it, but I was pretty shook that he did actually survive. I nearly lost my mind when he was the one in her apartment.

I genuinely did enjoy the first half of Escape. I thought it was smart to show Val surviving on her own, without any real threat of Gavin coming back. And the only way to do that was to have her think she killed him in Terrorscape. It was fascinating to see how broken she was and how, even three years later, she was still struggling so much. It felt like the entire thing was in black and white and Val was kind of just going through the motions of existing, while not really enjoying any of it. Maybe she could have been in a better place if she accepted help, but she pushed everyone away and secluded herself. I think it's important to read this book without spoilers, because had I known Gavin was coming back, I would have rushed to the second half. But I enjoyed reading blissfully unaware and seeing how Val was going to live her life in the aftermath of Gavin. She was written realistically and all of her choices made sense.

After Gavin came in, everything completely changed. Though Val wasn't happy to see him (or was she deep down??), her entire demeanor and thought process changed. Suddenly, she was feeling emotions-- yes, mostly negative ones, like fear and loathing, but emotions nonetheless. And I felt more passion between her and Gavin in this book, too. They had strong chemistry in the first two books, but it seemed to dip a little on Val's end in Terrorscape (rightfully so, because he finally caught her and completely destroyed her life), but then bounced back to Horrorscape levels here. What Val feels for Gavin is almost certainly a stockholm syndrome-like lust, but there's still so much passion and attachment there. The first half of the book showed that she can't really feel anything strongly without him (or at least without medical help)... so is she better off, in a really twisted way, with him?

I enjoyed seeing the Mecozzi family so much. Luca and Val's fling was interesting. I was really intrigued by Celeste and would love to read more about her. The entire messed up sibling dynamic was a lot of fun to read about. One of my only minor critiques with Escape is that Anna-Maria came off as a little too evil. I wasn't sure if she had a personality beyond wanting Gavin and hating Val. But then again, her family is so messed up that I don't think she was completely unrealistic. Gavin killing her was so brutal and in-line with his character.

Val and Gavin both had a lot of growth in this one. Val has grown substantially in each book throughout the series, but here she definitely completed her evolution into a cold, isolated individual. I was surprised by how drawn to Gavin she was, even in his death. Though, after all of his abuse, it made sense that she was still bonded to him. Gavin grew into a more deadly, focused version of himself. But I think he also grew to care about Val. Not in a romantic way, but more in the manner that you care about the house you put a 50k downpayment on and remodeled exactly to your wishes. Where as he was completely okay with killing Val in Horrorscape and Terrorscape, here, I couldn't really imagine him ever wanting to end her life... and he nearly vocalizes as much to her. In their three-year absence from one another, they both seemed to grow even more bonded.

And then... that ending. My god. I read the last sentence and literally uttered "fuck." like four times at the screen. Ahhhhh it was so good. I mean, it was so twisted and dark and shocking and insane. But it fit with the series so well. I was floored, because I never in a million years expected Gavin to actually get Val-- alive and well and even in matrimony. Like, the antagonist never wins in most media. And going from a world where he was dead and she got away to an ending where he wins and she's trapped... shit. It was so gloriously disturbed, and I don't think the series should have ended any other way. I kept wondering why the cover had the white queen overtaking the black king, since Val always picked black. I assumed it meant maybe she died and Gavin lived... but no, this ending was so much better. I would have liked maybe another chapter or two that showed their life after the hunt, but Nenia described everything so well in the epilogue that I can easily picture what happened, so I'm not upset.

5 stars! I'm sad to see this series end, but ecstatic that it went out on such a great, brave note. I would love to see more about the Meccozis in the future... maybe a novella about Celeste with a cameo from the other siblings?? But even if the universe is never revisited, I'm certainly a happy camper. Thanks to Nenia for writing such an engrossing series! I'm not sure any other books have made me yell and gasp and shiver so much. <3 <3 <3

[Hearteater · Rating 3 out of 5]

God, this fucking series... I don't know what I thought I was getting myself into when I started the first one, but I don't think it was this. No fault of the author, of course - she made no effort to hide how dark it would get, I think I was just too much of an optimist. 😅 I was complaining about the first two books not going as hard as I hoped (I forgot to write a review of book 3, but that's where it truly went off the rails), so I guess I got my wish...!

This review will probably be all over the place because I had a really hard time deciding how I feel about it, and I stupidly waited several months to post.

With that in mind, this genre is not really my usual cup of tea, but still an absolutely entertaining shitshow in its own right.

I kind of stumbled upon it while reading "The Forbidden Game" series, thinking it would be somewhat similar in tone. However, Gavin and Julian are really not comparable. While Julian is potentially what you'd label as "evil" and tries to kill Jenny and company after her betrayal, it's hard not to believe that he does love her in his own fucked-up way (plus he isn't human, so it's easier to make excuses). I definitely prefer him over Gavin.

I'm normally into fantasy or "dark" fantasy (I love heavy horror elements) that weave in enemies-to-lovers romance. I don't mind if the bad guy isn't completely redeemed and still does bad things, as long as he doesn't do them to his girl... I like bad guys who would do anything for the one they love, not those who torture them and have no actual feelings of love or affection.

Cue our main man, Gavin...😩 I kept (naively) trying to convince myself that, despite all the shit that happened in the other books, maybe he'd eventually have a little love for our stupid, fucked-up girl, Val. While he does decide he doesn't really want to kill her, he straight up admits he does not love her, he just wants to possess her like an item. This is basically the antithesis of what I love in a story. If he'd never fully addressed his feelings, I could have pretended to be blissfully ignorant, but they both admit he doesn't and probably never will love her. Is he even capable of love anyway? Doubtful.

I kind of wish the previous book had been the canon ending, since Gavin gets the absolute stabbing he's been asking for and Val actually bucks up, but I get why the author continued, and I did find this final installment thoroughly entertaining.

The absolute spiral that Val has gone down as we progress has been hard but also darkly amusing to witness. The fact that Gavin has destroyed her so completely that she now actively craves it, and specifically him, could not be any more perfectly fucked. Add in the conclusion of them getting married, playing house, and even a possible baby... The author is devious and I kind of love it. There was one particular quote from Val's dream in the beginning, which I was actually cackling out loud during. I had several moments like this where things were just going so terribly that I couldn't help but hope it got worse, and she delivered. Living the rest of her life as an object for him is the only ending this thing could really have.

Would I ever read this series again? Nope. Would I recommend it to anyone else? Very unlikely. Will it stick in my brain and turn my stomach into knots for a while? Yes... absolutely yes.
3 stars because the book made me kind of miserable but also entertained.

[Winter Ashby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is by far one of the best book i have ever read...this is officially my favorite series now. I have been waiting for the last one for three years. I have nothing but admiration for nenia. I love gavin. I love val. I wish i could turn myself into val and escape into these gothic dark romance. I just love it so much. This book will always be close to my heart. What can i say, i love my dark deranged heroes and gavin is perfect example of that.

[eclipsiis]

THERE IS MORE! THERE IS MORE!

I may be having a heart attack...

[Amanda Marie ❤'s Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 "really liked it" stars!

Aaah- a satisfying (in its innate unsettling-ness) end to an absolutely crazy series!

This author can write. I will admit, I am so glad to be reading this in the Kindle app because there are quite a few words used that I don't typically see (like hirsute vs hairy). I can't come up with any others, but I know I had to look up at least ten words from this book, which is very unusual for me. Still, I considered it an unexpected lesson in expanding my vocabulary. Not that I am likely to tell my husband he has a hirsute chest, but whatever. :)

For the first half of this book I really couldn't figure out if Luca was gaslighting Val, if Val was slowly going mad and taking us with her, or if Gavin had somehow skirted death to come back and taunt her. It made all of the scenes that much more interesting because I didn't know. And the author did not help me out- Val hears voices, Luca is stone-cold to the point that you have no idea if he is lying or not. We weren't going to know until the author decided to tell us. We just had to give in to that; accept it.

Sound familiar? ;)

I thoroughly enjoyed this series. The male characters opposite Val are all attractive and virile in their own ways, in spite of the bad things they do. Even the worst one is somehow made darkly erotic, like a dirty secret. "Is it okay if I'm turned on by this? Maybe I just won't tell anyone." As a reader I felt the same questioning shame that Val felt for being a bit attracted to a total monster.

Dark romances often have Heroes who kill, but generally it is in the line of their work, or perhaps to defend/protect someone they care about. That is not the case here. There are multiple characters in this series who kill for the enjoyment of it; the thrill. It made it different, and made me question my own mind, wondering why I wasn't more disgusted with these characters. I am still unable to explain that. Because single me would do bad, bad things to some of her characters, let me tell you.

I definitely recommend this series (which does end with an HEA, fyi) for fans of dark romance. It is a sincere mind f#ck, and one that truly stands out.

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[Cifa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series so much, and I can’t explain why. It’s a cumulation of every single thing I would consider a not-for-me subject, yet I devoured it in days.

BDSM. Psychopath/Sociopathic Love Interests. Defeated Protagonists. Dark Romances/Erotica.

Why I think I liked this:
• The ‘hero’ is never ever redeemed, and I really liked that. We aren’t ever told that his shitty past validates his serial killer tendencies. He is just an...enigmatic serial killer and you feel so messed for being so addicted to what he’ll do next, how he functions, that you can’t help but read on.
• The heroine never loses her original spark. She never romanticized him as caring. She is always keenly aware of the fact that he is a psychopath with no ability to feel. She is also resilient and smart. I like how she picks up of Gavin’s little psychopathic ticks and keeps herself reminded of his true nature.
• Gavin’s family is bat shit crazy and I enjoyed it

Gavin is just such a sauve bastard that he managed to make me feel pangs of begrudging interest for this unhinged motherfucker, and let me tell you, it makes you feel all fucked in the head, and it’s brilliantly done. He is not merely just a ‘bad guy’ but physically incapable of emoting (has an anti-social personality disorder) like other humans, and that’s what makes his actions so mesmerizing, the way he melds his sauve charm with this distinct lack of feeling. I haven’t read about anyone quite like him yet.

I really enjoyed the pacing for the story too. Pacing is something you never really notice unless it’s poorly done, but in this case, the sequencing of the events was brilliant. My eyes were glued to my kindle from start to finish.

I think what made this novel work is that the author, Nenia Campbell is aware of the questionable aspects of villain-heroine attractions. We never forget that Gavin is a mad man, and she doesn’t romanticize it or gloss over his transgressions. She makes you aware of the fucked-upness of the situation, which only adds to the intrigue of the events, and...I fucking love it. I love it. My head is sooo confused but I credit that to the brilliance of the author.

So excited for the next installation!

[Katarina]

Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! :D :] F.ck YEAH :D I can't wait ...I'm so freaking happy :D Nenia Campbell you're the BEST :D <3

[Erin Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I swear this book was well worth the wait! I don’t wanna give away too much, but what I will say is this book bought everything full circle with a ending that I wasn’t expecting. It was countless twist and turns. I saw a different side of Val but everything needed to happen the way it did. Thank you sooooo much for this! I can’t wait to read it over and over again like I did the first books!!

[Alisa]

I love these covers! And these books.

[Jaimie Edmond]

WHEN is this coming out? I'm dying here :(

[HanieGem · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is going to be a sort of series review, especially for Terrorscape and Horrorscape which I haven’t reviewed individually. Reading these books felt like a whole life experience in itself, and it is a sad day to see it end, but the last book in this series does not disappoint. From Fearscape to Escape, I have enjoyed watching this series develop in the quality in writing, maturity of characters, and in the intensity of plot . Escape is much, much darker than the first two of the series, but more than lived up to my expectations- which following Terrorscape, which I loved, is a hard act to follow!

One of the things I adore about this series is the atmosphere. In Terrorscape, the feeling of moving to a new place is perfectly captured, meeting new people and yet feeling detached and adrift- when I read it during my first year of uni, I could identify with that feeling and it stayed with me whenever I reread it. In Escape, the atmosphere is just as immediate and real. You can feel the emptiness that living alone in a large city can bring, and the relationships at work and between flat-mates are painted with equal starkness. This is part of what makes Escape a heavier read, because you feel along with Val- the good, but mostly the bad and the ugly. Yet, although Nenia shows Val's emotions in great detail, the heavier parts are well-balanced with action and for most of the book, I was torn between wanting to read on and fear of what the next page would bring.

This moves me onto the character who I love to hate...or is it hate to love? He murders, makes plans to murder Val, controls and threatens her. Many times, his actions as well as words are repulsive. Val points out in the series that he is a psychopath and incapable of loving her. But right along with Val, the reader is enthralled by Gavin through out the series, despite all reason. This is only heightened in this book, where we are shown more of his family and background and break through some of the mystery that surrounds him. It is absolutely fascinating how Nenia makes half his family seem so revolting that we are relieved when the original villain turns up to save Val in an almost heroic fashion (even though Val was only put in danger because of him). In Terrorscape, I loved how Val had the strength to stab him, and I rooted for her to move on with her life. But, Gavin is such a compelling, unpredictable character whose I missed his presence for the first half of the book, and to see him back, whether redemption was possible or not.

Val changed throughout the series too, but one thing that niggled me was how quickly Val seemed to switch between defiant and hopeless. I could understand why, but I had hoped that she would be happier after killing Gavin in Terrorscape. She changed her appearance to seem more bad-ass, but it was painful to see how life didn’t get better for Val even after Gavin was gone - as although Gavin might have been the reason for Val’s detachment from life, she only became more haunted without him. It almost seemed as if Val was happier with Gavin, or at least she felt more. Although I would have liked Val to have more influence over Gavin by the end of the book, the ending, bleak as it was, made sense, and I am so glad that Nenia was brave enough to write it this way- I can't think of a single other book I have read that ended in this way, but I wish there were more bittersweet endings like this!


This is a series I will read again and again. They may not be easy reads-the content is pretty dark- but this series is so beautifully written, unique and haunting, and I was hooked until the very end. I look forward to reading more of Nenia's works although I will miss the characters in this series. I hope Nenia produces more unofficial or official Horrorscape-related writing- the characters are too good to let go of! even though I feel like I know how it would go, I'd like to see more of how Val settles into the Meccozzi family, whether she forges friendship bonds with Celeste and Leona, how the meeting between Val and Gavin’s mother went, what Gavin is like as a father, if Val ever gains more power in their relationship especially if there are kids, if Val's parents ever find out that she is married? For now, I am going to scour the internet to see if I can find any fanfiction of this series to fill the void!
Song choice:
Howl- Florence and the machine, A Little Death- The Neighbourhood, Dead Man’s Bones- the room where you sleep, Young Heretics- I know I’m a wolf, Hometown smile

[Mer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Nenia!!!

I had been cycling through my favorite books lately so naturally I came back to my tried and true horrorscape trilogy mentally preparing myself to have the same book hangover I get every time I read it. Low and behold there was this beautiful amazing surprise waiting for me!

This made my heart so happy and gave me the closure I was dying for at the end of book 3.

My only concern was, Val was pregnant in Horrorscape book 3 but there was no mention of that in Escape. I would LOVE a follow up even if it's just a novella about "them" a few years down the line...

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Young girls chased after bad boys for the same reason that riders broke wild horses; they wanted the rush of taming something, of bringing that raw energy to heel.

I've waited for this book for so long, and what can I say? I can now confirm that every second I waited was worth it. I loved this series so dearly and couldn't put this book down for the life of me. Campbell is most definitely the true mastermind here.

Some girls just weren’t meant to escape.

Now that I've finished a book that I love, I'm going to wallow in my misery and wonder what in seven hells I do now

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was everything I hoped it would be and more. I appreciate how we get a longer look at Val’s conflicting feelings. We get bits and pieces of it in the other books and finally Val is forced to face those feelings head on.

I loved a lot of things in this book. I personally love scary movies and books and out of all four books this one has me looking over my shoulder!

[Bar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is that kind of series that you hate a little because it ruins the others from the genre for you (or at least those that arent written by the same author).

I thought that binge-rereading the series will at least give me a little peace, satisfaction and fulfillment, but no- all the way, while enjoying all these smaller and bigger things that i have either forgotten or not noticed, i couldnt stop thinking that when i m done with the "final epilogue" for Gavin and Val, i will be still desperate for more. Of course the series wraps up really nicely, the epilogue being the cherry on top etc. But i just cant help it. They ve ruined me for others like them (perhaps because i havent encountered yet any fictional dark-romance couple that could be half their equals) and i would gladly read anything. Fingers crossed for even a small glimpse of Galerian (my final verdict for the ship name) in "Wildcape".

There is still so much i wish we ve seen! Val interacting with Mecozzi family after that ending, for example.

At some point, i m gonna reread the series again. And again, and again... (All the while hoping the author will eventually decide to give all the Mecozzis their own books)

((Btw still softly sad about Ilya. He won me with that yaichnitsa))

If Gavin or Val thinks that he doesnt love her, does it make them unreliable narrators, or me an unreliable reader?

---------------------------

First impression:

Ultimate post-Terrorscape mood (at least now that we know how this story ends and i made peace with book 3) :



Every time i think i know Val and Gavin (Gaval? hmmm) it turns out they still have something surprising inside their heads.

Of all Gavin's kills i only regret one Ilya. He got like? few minutes in this, but he stole a piece of my heart. Okay i may be sorry for Blake too, but... ILYA!

i will always want some more of Mecozzi family. (Did Val ever met The Mother?)

if only all thrillers were like this... i'd read more of them


i'm so glad i faithfully stayed away from any other books by Nenia Campell - i'll have something to cure my Gavin-withdrawal symptoms. (or i can... reread?)

(l.j.smith should read this series and realise she made HUGE mistake with killing-off Julian. never forget)


and after this bad, bad movie that TROS is, it's just so. damn. good. to know that at least Gavin Mecozzi is living happily (murderous) ever after.

[Lizzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

i stayed up til 1am to read this and i still dont know how to process this. for one, im reading the conclusion of something i originally read over a decade ago - and two im !!!!

this book balanced between disturbing, entertaining, "what the fuck", ready-or-not-vibes, and i flew through it. god, poor val. that was pretty bleak. super bleak.

i think my favourite part of this book - weirdly enough - was when val boldly talked about gavin's eyes at the end. how they're empty. and he fucking all but conceded to the fact but still had this charming tone? chillllllling. i found this book really found a groove at showing gavin's duality; the practiced charm and you know, his psychopathic qualities lmao. it was always a sharp reminder that nicked you as much as it reminded val - that made you go "yeah, run".

listen - gavin must have god-like powers. you can't tell me otherwise. just look at what he did in horrorscape and then how he manages to pop up EVERYWHERE. how else did he also survive a KNIFE TO THE THROAT AND A DUMPSTER TOSS I-

another huge component of this story was exploring gavin's family... which was interesting. i just still can't imagine a 16 y/o gavin moving to cali alone to work in a pet store, but i digress. although, im still fucking screaming about him shooting anna maria. i mean we knew it was coming but THEN IT WAS IN HER POV?! MY DUDE. CRAZY.

val: wait ur not gonna help me survive ur crazy fam?
gavin: ill be right there ok
val: nearly dies on multiple occasions
gavin: chillin'
me:

this is how it went in my head tbh

also me: gavin has a job???????????

i honestly have no idea how to really sum up my feelings on this book. that epilogue was... bleak, lmao. for whatever reason, the last 25% of this book i thought things might have skewed a bit differently?

in any case this was a twisty, dark and entertaining read - unapologetic in its storytelling. i enjoyed this actually a bit more than terrorscape, so im happy with this ending. my brain is still !!!!

I HAVE LOTS IF THOUGHTS

[Maia · Rating 3 out of 5]

TBH, I am very upset. I kinda hated this book but I kinda liked it as well and now IDK how to feel.

I don't wanna talk to anyone because I am so depressed after reading the ending. It wasn't a bad ending nor was it a good one. IT WAS EXTREMELY DISPLEASING!!

The epilogue promises a never-ending loop of the hunter and hunted game(or maybe just the predator ravishing the prey, forever), with a miserably unhappy and broken h who's going to eventually live out her life without any love or affection. That's that, the end.

Is it just me or does that sound like the perfect backstory of the parents of a tortured hero in a dark romance?
The one where the hero doesn't believe in love because he thinks that makes one weak, just like his mother was, who loved his father until she met her demise.

Nah, seriously. That is what this feels like to me.

Unless of course, if we get another book with our sweet H Gavin(note the sarcasm), miraculously turning a bit more human and developing feelings for Valerian.
I'd have been very happy if he was more than just a shell of a man. I would have given the book 4 stars or maybe be even 5 stars if the ending was a bit more wholesome.

But well, what do I do now? I have to go and find a dark romance with a better ending than the one in this.
Probably a bodice-ripper.
Contemporary romances ain't doing it for me these days.

Huff!

[EmmaReadsToooMuch · Rating 5 out of 5]

*REREAD NOVEMBER 2021*
Several weeks spent DNFing every book I read- clearly just needed to reread the best series ever.
Thank you Nenia- reading drought broken.



Oh my god.
I have been waiting YEARS for this book. And it did not disappoint.
I love this story. It’s just so creepy and dark and so damn FUCKED UP- in the most brilliantly addictive way.
To this day I have yet to find another book so disturbing and no other story has ever managed to make such a truly heinous character so intriguing and compelling.
The writing style and character development has improved with each instalment of the series- the prose, language and characters in this book were all, in a word, perfected.
This was an amazing conclusion to one of my all time favourite series. My only negative is how depressed I am now that the ride is over.

[Samantha]

OMG!OMG! How can I dont know anything about this book! Sh*t! I'm so nervous and excited right now!



But whatthehell, damn! I actually missed Gavin so freaking much! I wanna read him again and I wanna learn what happened after everything and you're giving me all of my wishes Nenia? I'm shaking my little (ok not so little but whatever!lol) butt right now woohooo!YES!!!

[100sweet · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolute stunning conclusion to this series! The writing is excellent but you won't be able to appreciate this story if you didn't read the previous books. I was glued to this book from beginning to end. Wow, just wow.

[Jana (The Booksnob)]

It has a cover now!

LOVELY!

[Mashal · Rating 5 out of 5]

When is this book coming out!? Have been waiting for so long!