What do you think?
Rate this book
Affinities
Andrew Goodwin hears voices. They wake him in the dead of night, lingering behind the walls, growing steadily more intense until they take control.
Making him captive in his own home.
These voices are real. Andrew doesn't know who they are or what they want, but every time he approaches the door, they somehow force him back. Whenever he wakes up in the daylight, they put him right back to sleep, making him live on stolen moments in the darkness.
Desperate, he records his own movements, and discovers his entire life is a lie – Andrew is somehow leaving the flat each day as though things were perfectly normal.
So why doesn’t he remember? Who is in control?
And why are there bruises and bloodstains all over his body?
Affinities is a fast-paced, mind-bending psychological thriller about a man whose very life is stolen from him. Because sometimes, you can't even trust yourself.
Making him captive in his own home.
These voices are real. Andrew doesn't know who they are or what they want, but every time he approaches the door, they somehow force him back. Whenever he wakes up in the daylight, they put him right back to sleep, making him live on stolen moments in the darkness.
Desperate, he records his own movements, and discovers his entire life is a lie – Andrew is somehow leaving the flat each day as though things were perfectly normal.
So why doesn’t he remember? Who is in control?
And why are there bruises and bloodstains all over his body?
Affinities is a fast-paced, mind-bending psychological thriller about a man whose very life is stolen from him. Because sometimes, you can't even trust yourself.
282 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 12, 2013
48 people are currently reading
184 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
September 30, 2023
Having found this title in the Read Now section of NetGalley, I just jumped in quickly because it said this was published in June 2023. Later I found out that this title was originally published in 2013 and that it is part one of a trilogy. In earlier reviews there is, besides the main character Andrew, talk of someone named Daniel, but Daniel has another name now, and I think it's more fitting.
Big surprise! And happiness, because I liked this one so much I put the other two titles on my 'want to buy for myself at Christmas' list.
What's so clever about this book is that is not obvious in what category it falls, so no matter whether you like horror, or a psychological thriller, you'll be surprised because there is something here for every reader. We start out with reading about Andrew, but before long it's clear there is much more to this story than just a man who wakes up every night at 3.14 not having the slightest idea why - and why he's so very tired and full of cuts and bruises. Slowly but surely we learn his story, and that of the other people that play a role here. But - not in a chronological order! And that for me is the strongest point in the book. There is no indicating in which year each chapter is set, or even what city or which month and so you have to find out for yourself how it all began and ends. Great, I really loved it.
Thanks to Netgalley and Hollis Thompson for this review copy.
Big surprise! And happiness, because I liked this one so much I put the other two titles on my 'want to buy for myself at Christmas' list.
What's so clever about this book is that is not obvious in what category it falls, so no matter whether you like horror, or a psychological thriller, you'll be surprised because there is something here for every reader. We start out with reading about Andrew, but before long it's clear there is much more to this story than just a man who wakes up every night at 3.14 not having the slightest idea why - and why he's so very tired and full of cuts and bruises. Slowly but surely we learn his story, and that of the other people that play a role here. But - not in a chronological order! And that for me is the strongest point in the book. There is no indicating in which year each chapter is set, or even what city or which month and so you have to find out for yourself how it all began and ends. Great, I really loved it.
Thanks to Netgalley and Hollis Thompson for this review copy.
January 18, 2015
Affinities is an unnerving, creepy psychological thriller. There is plenty of guesswork, with many twists and turns.
I opened up Affinities to make sure that the file conversion had worked and that I didn’t have a garble of script in front of me, intending to get a proper start on it in the morning. Well, chapter one had me gripped and I found myself at the end of it before reminding myself it was well after midnight and that I had work in the morning. I also wondered whether it was the kind of thing to be reading just before sleep!
Chapter one was unsettling, drawing on the common fear around what happens when I go to sleep? The scratching and scuffling noises which Andrew hears at night were truly frightening, rather than falling into the children’s night-time monsters category. Having not read the blurb, seen the cover or read any more of Hollis’ work, I wondered if I had picked up a horror, happy to return it in the morning.
I’m very pleased that I didn’t. The story unfolded quickly. Andrew Goodwin is a man whose life has come apart at the seams. The reader comes in when he is at his lowest, and strange noises haunt him at night. He realises that he is losing whole days of his life, sleeping through all daylight hours, and only managing to stay awake for a couple of hours every night.
I won’t say anything more about the clever plot, as the less informed a reader is (as I was), the more likely s/he is to enjoy the book. The reveals are well-timed and well-explained. Hollis allows his readers the odd prediction, timed perfectly so that they can pat themselves on the back for being so clever when they turn out to be right.
My only negative comment is that the first section of the book does tend to go on for a bit. I realise now that this is necessary - the blow-by-blow of Andrew’s waking hours is important so that later the reader can piece together his days and nights - but still, it did begin to drag. Alright, this is weird and frightening, something odd is happening to him and he’s afraid; I get it - what next? If that section had carried on for much longer with the questions not being answered, I would have been in great danger of skipping pages.
The quality of Hollis’ writing is excellent. His use of language flows well without feeling forced or repetitive. His depiction of paranoia is beautiful to behold, and very believable. Hollis’ roots in Wyndham and HG Wells are clear. Most of his characters are well rounded, with all their hard lines and soft curves. I haven’t got a good grasp of Isabel yet but I do notice that she will be further teased out in his second book of this series.
Affinities is Hollis’ first book in his Lifecycle Series. The second, Outshine, is due to be released later this year, and deals with some of the characters his readers met in Affinities.
All in all, wonderful work. I very much enjoyed reading the book and am thrilled to have been able to review it.
Big thumbs up, with four and a half stars out of five.
I opened up Affinities to make sure that the file conversion had worked and that I didn’t have a garble of script in front of me, intending to get a proper start on it in the morning. Well, chapter one had me gripped and I found myself at the end of it before reminding myself it was well after midnight and that I had work in the morning. I also wondered whether it was the kind of thing to be reading just before sleep!
Chapter one was unsettling, drawing on the common fear around what happens when I go to sleep? The scratching and scuffling noises which Andrew hears at night were truly frightening, rather than falling into the children’s night-time monsters category. Having not read the blurb, seen the cover or read any more of Hollis’ work, I wondered if I had picked up a horror, happy to return it in the morning.
I’m very pleased that I didn’t. The story unfolded quickly. Andrew Goodwin is a man whose life has come apart at the seams. The reader comes in when he is at his lowest, and strange noises haunt him at night. He realises that he is losing whole days of his life, sleeping through all daylight hours, and only managing to stay awake for a couple of hours every night.
I won’t say anything more about the clever plot, as the less informed a reader is (as I was), the more likely s/he is to enjoy the book. The reveals are well-timed and well-explained. Hollis allows his readers the odd prediction, timed perfectly so that they can pat themselves on the back for being so clever when they turn out to be right.
My only negative comment is that the first section of the book does tend to go on for a bit. I realise now that this is necessary - the blow-by-blow of Andrew’s waking hours is important so that later the reader can piece together his days and nights - but still, it did begin to drag. Alright, this is weird and frightening, something odd is happening to him and he’s afraid; I get it - what next? If that section had carried on for much longer with the questions not being answered, I would have been in great danger of skipping pages.
The quality of Hollis’ writing is excellent. His use of language flows well without feeling forced or repetitive. His depiction of paranoia is beautiful to behold, and very believable. Hollis’ roots in Wyndham and HG Wells are clear. Most of his characters are well rounded, with all their hard lines and soft curves. I haven’t got a good grasp of Isabel yet but I do notice that she will be further teased out in his second book of this series.
Affinities is Hollis’ first book in his Lifecycle Series. The second, Outshine, is due to be released later this year, and deals with some of the characters his readers met in Affinities.
All in all, wonderful work. I very much enjoyed reading the book and am thrilled to have been able to review it.
Big thumbs up, with four and a half stars out of five.
August 31, 2013
My first impression of Affinities by Chris Hollis, was that it was a well-paced, consistently written and intriguing novel.
A key feature of the writing in this novel is that the level of intrigue continually increases as the plot thickens. The story line to Affinities is unlike anything I have ever read before. In the initial chapters the character development is a slow but it is interesting, and revealed in an interesting way via one of the main character’s (Andrew Goodwin) memories. I’d have preferred a more substantial character description earlier I the novel- by chapter 7 I couldn’t remember if I knew what Andrew looked like or not. More details would have helped Hollis’ characters more relatable and believable. However, having said that from what I did know about Andrew (by chapter 7) I imagined him to be a very ‘normal’ and likeable person, which helped to make the plot even more intense and intriguing- those things just don’t happen to nice folk, do they?
The flow of this novel was great , Hollis is clearly skilled at conveying emotion to the reader. I could feel the panic when Andrew’s days went missing, and I could feel his pain when he suffered those blinding headaches.
Facing Ryan, thinking that he was the husband of his married girlfriend; was an unexpected and enjoyable twist. It was just one of the several intriguing sub-plots hidden within Affinities. Much more could have been made of the conversation they had, but the next plot twist I never saw coming- the sign of unwittingly brilliant chapters to come.
Readers hold on to your hats when you reach chapter 8! The stark revelation it contains about the two main characters Andrew and Daniel, I found it not only shocking but also chilling as well! As Affinities progressed it became increasingly more gripping, each time control passed between Andrew and Daniel I was pulled in just that little but further.
The confusion sub-character Isabel felt at the entire situation matched my own at times. Each time control was passed between Andrew and Daniel neither I as the reader; nor the characters within the novel knew which man we would be faced with. Just when you think the end will offer some reprieve from the thrills. Hollis lures you in with a brief lull from the insanity, before plunging you right back in with a cliff hanger that sent chills down my spine.
Affinities takes you on a rough, psychologically thrilling reading experience. As the events unfold you’ll find the pace quickens and your heart rate with it, which just adds to the thrill. Although the plot turned out to be nothing like I had imagined, it was far better and well worth the read. Hollis made lying by the pool on my summer holiday exciting!
© Gemma Feltham 31st August 2013
A key feature of the writing in this novel is that the level of intrigue continually increases as the plot thickens. The story line to Affinities is unlike anything I have ever read before. In the initial chapters the character development is a slow but it is interesting, and revealed in an interesting way via one of the main character’s (Andrew Goodwin) memories. I’d have preferred a more substantial character description earlier I the novel- by chapter 7 I couldn’t remember if I knew what Andrew looked like or not. More details would have helped Hollis’ characters more relatable and believable. However, having said that from what I did know about Andrew (by chapter 7) I imagined him to be a very ‘normal’ and likeable person, which helped to make the plot even more intense and intriguing- those things just don’t happen to nice folk, do they?
The flow of this novel was great , Hollis is clearly skilled at conveying emotion to the reader. I could feel the panic when Andrew’s days went missing, and I could feel his pain when he suffered those blinding headaches.
Facing Ryan, thinking that he was the husband of his married girlfriend; was an unexpected and enjoyable twist. It was just one of the several intriguing sub-plots hidden within Affinities. Much more could have been made of the conversation they had, but the next plot twist I never saw coming- the sign of unwittingly brilliant chapters to come.
Readers hold on to your hats when you reach chapter 8! The stark revelation it contains about the two main characters Andrew and Daniel, I found it not only shocking but also chilling as well! As Affinities progressed it became increasingly more gripping, each time control passed between Andrew and Daniel I was pulled in just that little but further.
The confusion sub-character Isabel felt at the entire situation matched my own at times. Each time control was passed between Andrew and Daniel neither I as the reader; nor the characters within the novel knew which man we would be faced with. Just when you think the end will offer some reprieve from the thrills. Hollis lures you in with a brief lull from the insanity, before plunging you right back in with a cliff hanger that sent chills down my spine.
Affinities takes you on a rough, psychologically thrilling reading experience. As the events unfold you’ll find the pace quickens and your heart rate with it, which just adds to the thrill. Although the plot turned out to be nothing like I had imagined, it was far better and well worth the read. Hollis made lying by the pool on my summer holiday exciting!
© Gemma Feltham 31st August 2013
October 21, 2014
My initial impression (the first few chapters) was of complete confusion, which I truly believe was the author’s intention and it worked! So well in fact, that every time I put the book down, I was constantly thinking about it. The predicaments that the characters are in are emotionally draining and the author’s ability to put the reader inside the characters’ minds is impressive, you can almost feel their anguish and confusion.
Andrew wakes in the middle of the night (night after night) to discover he cannot remember what has happened to him during the day, but he knows that something is happening. Then there’s Daniel, he does know what’s happening to Andrew during the day, well Andrew’s body at least. Initially the reader wonders if Andrew is schizophrenic, but the twists and turns lead the reader on an unexpected journey through the lives of the two men.
The intertwining of Daniel’s desire to live conflicts heavily with Andrew’s desire to get his life back but also interferes with the lives of others and leads to mystery and mayhem. A well written must read for any supernatural aficionado.
This book was provided to me for free for an honest and unbiased review (see all our reviews at http://www.bookexplosions.com/)
Andrew wakes in the middle of the night (night after night) to discover he cannot remember what has happened to him during the day, but he knows that something is happening. Then there’s Daniel, he does know what’s happening to Andrew during the day, well Andrew’s body at least. Initially the reader wonders if Andrew is schizophrenic, but the twists and turns lead the reader on an unexpected journey through the lives of the two men.
The intertwining of Daniel’s desire to live conflicts heavily with Andrew’s desire to get his life back but also interferes with the lives of others and leads to mystery and mayhem. A well written must read for any supernatural aficionado.
This book was provided to me for free for an honest and unbiased review (see all our reviews at http://www.bookexplosions.com/)
July 5, 2023
I loved the premise but didn't feel that was what I really got. I went into it expecting a thriller but it kind of fell flat in that respect, if anything it verged on some personality disorder type plot that turned out be more supernatural! I wanted to like it, i really did...... but its in no way a thriller and as a supernatural fan, it lacked the backbone or actual explanation for how and why this was happening, how common it was, how the mum knew and the wife didn't and I just had a lot more questions than answers. Its also very character based and not a lot really happens and again, personally I don't like books that waffle on about descriptions rather than having events actually happen. I loved the start and the utter confusion you go into the book with but when you're expecting this thriller and get a weird book about soul swapping then it's a bit disappointing. In saying that, if you go into it knowing it's character based and about these 2 competing souls then I'm sure you'd love it because it is such an original story and could be really fascinating
May 10, 2013
Affinities is a psychological thriller with a touch of the supernatural. Discussing this book without spoilers is a bit of a balancing act. Andrew, the main character, and eventually another point-of-view character, Ryan, are both having some nightmarish experiences they can’t explain and neither they nor the reader can understand. At first, it isn’t clear whether these are real or dreams. Are they delusions? Is some outside force that none of us understands responsible? As they (and we) put the pieces together, the question becomes, how can they be stopped?
This is the type of book I imagine would appeal most to horror fans. Not readers who are into blood and gore, but those who enjoy the psychological aspects of horror. It kept me off balance, along with the characters, the whole time. I was never certain where it was going or how it would conclude.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
This is the type of book I imagine would appeal most to horror fans. Not readers who are into blood and gore, but those who enjoy the psychological aspects of horror. It kept me off balance, along with the characters, the whole time. I was never certain where it was going or how it would conclude.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
November 6, 2013
Note: This review was completed by Patrick Sean Lee using a book that was donated to the site The Magnolia Blossom Review using a rubric developed by the owner of the site, L. Avery Brown. Patrick has given L. Avery Brown permission to post this review to Goodreads on his behalf. Thank you.
1. Book Title... 10 of 10.
For the Reviewer: Did it grab your attention right away? Was it ho hum? What do you think the author might consider for future book titles?
It’s simple; a one word description of the relationship(s) of the characters, especially Andrew’s and Daniel’s. The sub-title, or mini-blurb/log line gives the reader an intriguing invitation to flip the book over and read either reviews or a short synopsis.
2. Book Cover... 10 of 10.
For the Reviewer: Did it grab your attention? Was it ho hum? What do you think the author might consider for future book covers? Did it help make the title more effective?
It is well designed showing a face with piercing eyes with another face melted into the left that has a sinister appearance, mirroring the character of Daniel. The heavy blue coloring is popular these days, and elicits an icy feeling as the viewer gazes at it. A good way to format a cover. Chris’ name is fonted perfectly, fading slightly at the final “s”, another hint as to what’s inside the cover. Excellent job in design.
3. The First 500... 10 of 10.
For the Reviewer: Thinking of the first 500 (usually about 2 pages) words of the book, do you think the author provided enough incentive to urge the reader to continue? What stood out to you the most? Were you captivated after a couple of paragraphs? Did the 1st sentence grab you? Did you get to around the 500 word mark and didn't have a clue where the story was going?
Everyone agrees these are the most critical first few pages of any book. Can the author even compose an intelligible sentence? You’d be surprised how many indie authors cannot. Is mood set effectively? Hollis opens with a prologue, disparaged by many seasoned writers and teachers/agents. I love them. He begins, “Agony. It started in his head…” and by the conclusion, the hook is set. “…--the pain in his head was a stark warning.” Add to that his deft usage of one liners for emphasis, and the clever (we need clever as artists) deletion of the first letter in each chapter title, preceded by the chapter number, and I was struck by a writer who has given great thought to every opening detail.
4. Age Recommendation/Genre Classification... 10 of 10
For the Reviewer: This one is pretty straight forward - if the book is supposed to be for young teens and 'tweens does it hit the mark? Or is it entirely TOO mature? Is it really a suspense story or is it more of a romance with a few suspenseful moments?
I’m not certain if Hollis or others specified an appropriate age recommendation. I saw none at Amazon. I would rank it 16 and over. Spot-on concerning genre classification.
5. Presentation/Format... 9 of 10
For the Reviewer: Did the 'innards' of the book follow a clear, concise, standard format throughout the book? Or did you have a hard time keeping up with paragraphs or dialogue? Were multiple fonts used? Were they distracting?
The plot isn’t easy to follow, especially in view of the fact that one cannot be certain at various points whether Andrew actually committed an act, ie., the murder of Ryan, or whether he is truly in a dream state. It’s disconcerting at times on that level, but he goes on to explain in fine in-scene writing the events which have occurred earlier. Or which have not occurred. As I mentioned, his use of the popular one liners in paragraph structuring was done well. Didn’t seem redundant or overbearing, rather the opposite. As I also mentioned, however, his spell-check function must have been set at off, and for that small snafu, I must deduct one point.
6. Theme/Originality...(Definitely) 10 of 10
For the Reviewer: Was this book something you'd never read? Or was it formulaic and a 'rehash' of a popular tale/current 'pop' genre? If it was a retelling - did the author make it feel fresh and just different enough that it kept you involved?
Without giving away the plot, the loss of self in a dream state would be passé, but the obvious is not what really is in Affinities, and that is where Hollis separates himself from the pack. The idea of two “souls” or “entities” meeting—in this case colliding—following death is not new, but again Hollis makes it more than a relevant plot device. Not only are we given the point of view of Andrew; what drives him, we are given an intriguing look at his victim, Daniel. Especially pertinent is what drives this dangerous character. As in all great thrillers, the author keeps the reader guessing, assuming he/she has figured it all out, until wham! The wrap up leaves him smiling—sort of. “It’s over? Really?” Well, maybe.
7. Description/Enhancement... 9 of 10.
For the Reviewer: Did the author use descriptive language and 'all those extra little things' to make it the best it could be? Did you feel it was too sparse in description? Did the author go OVER board with the description?
Hollis writes lean. Although his descriptions are adequate, I would have preferred at times that he extended the scenes a tad to allow more for more atmosphere.
8. Intrigue... 10 of 10 (Maybe 11)
For the Reviewer: Did you want to turn the next page because it was SO good? (10) Was it interesting but you didn't quite have an urge to keep reading? (5) Did you think 'I wonder if we have Twinkies in the pantry? Mmmmm, Twinkies' while you read? (1)
This is the area where Affinities shines. We are led to believe, over and over, that A is the bad guy/girl. B is a victim, only to have the rug pulled out as the plot thickens.
9. Grammar/Mechanics... 8 of 10
For the Reviewer: Was the book pretty darn flawless? (10) Did you see more that 5 or 10 'jump out' at you mistakes in grammar or the actual mechanics (verb tense, noun/pronoun agreement, misued words) ? (5) Did you feel it was a chore to read because it was riddled with errors? (1)
*Patrick received a draft Word doc. version of the book and was uncertain as he read whether the version he read represented the final draft or an earlier one, but indeed, it did. This was confirmed after he went to Amazon and compared pages.
I mentioned earlier that uncorrected typos diminished the professionalism of the story. In the arena of indie authors, only those with deeper-than-normal pockets can afford the luxury of an editor. But Beta-readers are not so difficult to come by. Chris Hollis would have done well, when his eyes were crossed because of over and over and over reads, to elicit the comments of fellow writers. Surely one (or all) of them would have spotted the errors, making the final draft of Affinities nearly perfect. Which leads me to comment again that character development, intrigue, and imagination in the fast-paced format he chose set the small oopses into background importance in the scale of things.
10. Overall Impression... 9 of 10
For the Reviewer:When all is said in done - did you enjoy the book? Would you recommend it to others?
I discount typos because I was so struck by plot. The writing for my tastes—and this is a subjective thing—is a bit too lean. Deduct a point. As I read, I like to use my imagination, surely, but especially in the opening of scenes I prefer to be knocked out by detail. I’m a Byatt fan. If she sets a reader in a field, you are intimately aware of everything it contains, down to the bugs in the grass by the time she introduces action. It’s my opinion that Hollis could easily have added an additional 50 pages by lengthening various scenes visually, or in other sensory ways. But then perhaps the moody, dangerous feeling and forward movement of the plot would have been weakened? We always try to second-guess the author. Affinities is striking. A must read for fans of on-the-edge-of-your seat storytelling.
Is there anything else about the book that you'd like to mention?
Patrick's Final Thoughts on Affinities...
Chris Hollis has crafted a “psychological thriller” novel on a par with Hitchcock and Flynn in my estimation.
Andrew Goodwin has lost his life—literally—at least for spare moments, after a serious automobile accident. But worse, he finds himself catapulted into a frightening existence dominated by dreams he cannot seem to escape, voices that threaten him for reasons he has no clue about, shadows that appear. He is stuck in a nightmarish nighttime world, unable to even leave his flat. Some thing or someone has taken him prisoner, and the reader is taken on a twist and turn ride in which reality and terror wait at every turn as he battles to regain his life. In the process Andrew meets someone whose life he inadvertently ended, and from that point onward the story takes off at breakneck speed as the connection between two “souls” is clarified. Sort of. We never know for certain until the final scenes are laid out masterfully in this superb blend of “is this real, or all in his head?” novel.
The Bestowing of the Blossoms...
There's no doubt about it - Patrick was taken with this book. And he's not a hard fellow to please, either. That should tell you something right there! In the end, The Magnolia Blossom Review is delighted to announce that Chris Hollis's Affinities has earned 98 of 100 points (or 99 if you count that '11' Patrick thinks it deserves for originality) - that is AWESOME and it's earned the book a bouquet of 5 Magnolia Blossoms! Great work, Chris. We wish you the very best of luck as you go forward with this book and the many others we are sure you're working through in your head and on paper right now!
1. Book Title... 10 of 10.
For the Reviewer: Did it grab your attention right away? Was it ho hum? What do you think the author might consider for future book titles?
It’s simple; a one word description of the relationship(s) of the characters, especially Andrew’s and Daniel’s. The sub-title, or mini-blurb/log line gives the reader an intriguing invitation to flip the book over and read either reviews or a short synopsis.
2. Book Cover... 10 of 10.
For the Reviewer: Did it grab your attention? Was it ho hum? What do you think the author might consider for future book covers? Did it help make the title more effective?
It is well designed showing a face with piercing eyes with another face melted into the left that has a sinister appearance, mirroring the character of Daniel. The heavy blue coloring is popular these days, and elicits an icy feeling as the viewer gazes at it. A good way to format a cover. Chris’ name is fonted perfectly, fading slightly at the final “s”, another hint as to what’s inside the cover. Excellent job in design.
3. The First 500... 10 of 10.
For the Reviewer: Thinking of the first 500 (usually about 2 pages) words of the book, do you think the author provided enough incentive to urge the reader to continue? What stood out to you the most? Were you captivated after a couple of paragraphs? Did the 1st sentence grab you? Did you get to around the 500 word mark and didn't have a clue where the story was going?
Everyone agrees these are the most critical first few pages of any book. Can the author even compose an intelligible sentence? You’d be surprised how many indie authors cannot. Is mood set effectively? Hollis opens with a prologue, disparaged by many seasoned writers and teachers/agents. I love them. He begins, “Agony. It started in his head…” and by the conclusion, the hook is set. “…--the pain in his head was a stark warning.” Add to that his deft usage of one liners for emphasis, and the clever (we need clever as artists) deletion of the first letter in each chapter title, preceded by the chapter number, and I was struck by a writer who has given great thought to every opening detail.
4. Age Recommendation/Genre Classification... 10 of 10
For the Reviewer: This one is pretty straight forward - if the book is supposed to be for young teens and 'tweens does it hit the mark? Or is it entirely TOO mature? Is it really a suspense story or is it more of a romance with a few suspenseful moments?
I’m not certain if Hollis or others specified an appropriate age recommendation. I saw none at Amazon. I would rank it 16 and over. Spot-on concerning genre classification.
5. Presentation/Format... 9 of 10
For the Reviewer: Did the 'innards' of the book follow a clear, concise, standard format throughout the book? Or did you have a hard time keeping up with paragraphs or dialogue? Were multiple fonts used? Were they distracting?
The plot isn’t easy to follow, especially in view of the fact that one cannot be certain at various points whether Andrew actually committed an act, ie., the murder of Ryan, or whether he is truly in a dream state. It’s disconcerting at times on that level, but he goes on to explain in fine in-scene writing the events which have occurred earlier. Or which have not occurred. As I mentioned, his use of the popular one liners in paragraph structuring was done well. Didn’t seem redundant or overbearing, rather the opposite. As I also mentioned, however, his spell-check function must have been set at off, and for that small snafu, I must deduct one point.
6. Theme/Originality...(Definitely) 10 of 10
For the Reviewer: Was this book something you'd never read? Or was it formulaic and a 'rehash' of a popular tale/current 'pop' genre? If it was a retelling - did the author make it feel fresh and just different enough that it kept you involved?
Without giving away the plot, the loss of self in a dream state would be passé, but the obvious is not what really is in Affinities, and that is where Hollis separates himself from the pack. The idea of two “souls” or “entities” meeting—in this case colliding—following death is not new, but again Hollis makes it more than a relevant plot device. Not only are we given the point of view of Andrew; what drives him, we are given an intriguing look at his victim, Daniel. Especially pertinent is what drives this dangerous character. As in all great thrillers, the author keeps the reader guessing, assuming he/she has figured it all out, until wham! The wrap up leaves him smiling—sort of. “It’s over? Really?” Well, maybe.
7. Description/Enhancement... 9 of 10.
For the Reviewer: Did the author use descriptive language and 'all those extra little things' to make it the best it could be? Did you feel it was too sparse in description? Did the author go OVER board with the description?
Hollis writes lean. Although his descriptions are adequate, I would have preferred at times that he extended the scenes a tad to allow more for more atmosphere.
8. Intrigue... 10 of 10 (Maybe 11)
For the Reviewer: Did you want to turn the next page because it was SO good? (10) Was it interesting but you didn't quite have an urge to keep reading? (5) Did you think 'I wonder if we have Twinkies in the pantry? Mmmmm, Twinkies' while you read? (1)
This is the area where Affinities shines. We are led to believe, over and over, that A is the bad guy/girl. B is a victim, only to have the rug pulled out as the plot thickens.
9. Grammar/Mechanics... 8 of 10
For the Reviewer: Was the book pretty darn flawless? (10) Did you see more that 5 or 10 'jump out' at you mistakes in grammar or the actual mechanics (verb tense, noun/pronoun agreement, misued words) ? (5) Did you feel it was a chore to read because it was riddled with errors? (1)
*Patrick received a draft Word doc. version of the book and was uncertain as he read whether the version he read represented the final draft or an earlier one, but indeed, it did. This was confirmed after he went to Amazon and compared pages.
I mentioned earlier that uncorrected typos diminished the professionalism of the story. In the arena of indie authors, only those with deeper-than-normal pockets can afford the luxury of an editor. But Beta-readers are not so difficult to come by. Chris Hollis would have done well, when his eyes were crossed because of over and over and over reads, to elicit the comments of fellow writers. Surely one (or all) of them would have spotted the errors, making the final draft of Affinities nearly perfect. Which leads me to comment again that character development, intrigue, and imagination in the fast-paced format he chose set the small oopses into background importance in the scale of things.
10. Overall Impression... 9 of 10
For the Reviewer:When all is said in done - did you enjoy the book? Would you recommend it to others?
I discount typos because I was so struck by plot. The writing for my tastes—and this is a subjective thing—is a bit too lean. Deduct a point. As I read, I like to use my imagination, surely, but especially in the opening of scenes I prefer to be knocked out by detail. I’m a Byatt fan. If she sets a reader in a field, you are intimately aware of everything it contains, down to the bugs in the grass by the time she introduces action. It’s my opinion that Hollis could easily have added an additional 50 pages by lengthening various scenes visually, or in other sensory ways. But then perhaps the moody, dangerous feeling and forward movement of the plot would have been weakened? We always try to second-guess the author. Affinities is striking. A must read for fans of on-the-edge-of-your seat storytelling.
Is there anything else about the book that you'd like to mention?
Patrick's Final Thoughts on Affinities...
Chris Hollis has crafted a “psychological thriller” novel on a par with Hitchcock and Flynn in my estimation.
Andrew Goodwin has lost his life—literally—at least for spare moments, after a serious automobile accident. But worse, he finds himself catapulted into a frightening existence dominated by dreams he cannot seem to escape, voices that threaten him for reasons he has no clue about, shadows that appear. He is stuck in a nightmarish nighttime world, unable to even leave his flat. Some thing or someone has taken him prisoner, and the reader is taken on a twist and turn ride in which reality and terror wait at every turn as he battles to regain his life. In the process Andrew meets someone whose life he inadvertently ended, and from that point onward the story takes off at breakneck speed as the connection between two “souls” is clarified. Sort of. We never know for certain until the final scenes are laid out masterfully in this superb blend of “is this real, or all in his head?” novel.
The Bestowing of the Blossoms...
There's no doubt about it - Patrick was taken with this book. And he's not a hard fellow to please, either. That should tell you something right there! In the end, The Magnolia Blossom Review is delighted to announce that Chris Hollis's Affinities has earned 98 of 100 points (or 99 if you count that '11' Patrick thinks it deserves for originality) - that is AWESOME and it's earned the book a bouquet of 5 Magnolia Blossoms! Great work, Chris. We wish you the very best of luck as you go forward with this book and the many others we are sure you're working through in your head and on paper right now!
March 28, 2013
Summary Judgment: A well-crafted thriller about a man who wakes up every night, unable to recall what he did during daylight.
Chris Hollis’ second book, Affinities: Life Cycles One, turns on a major revelation partway through the story, one that I don’t intend to spoil. Therefore be warned that I can’t provide a very clear idea what this book is about. I can say that it’s carefully plotted with a creative premise, believable characters, and genuine moments of fear (at least for this reader). It’s a page-turner.
Affinities opens with Andrew Goodwin, a Briton trying to rebuild his life after divorce and injury, quickly trapped in a novel dilemma. Beset by headaches and disturbing dreams, Andrew keeps waking in the middle of the night to spooky noises that disappear as he rises to investigate. Hollis is effective at establishing an unsettling atmosphere. The setting helps; it is always night, Andrew is in an unfamiliar new flat, and he is nearly always alone. Andrew’s outlook becomes significantly more worrying when he discovers he is not waking multiple times during the night, but rather waking anew each night. His days have apparently disappeared. After efforts to force himself awake with multiple alarm clocks fail, Andrew realizes he is not sleeping through the day, but instead rising and leading a life that his nighttime self is unable to recall.
Andrew’s escalating attempts to escape this plight form the framework for the beginning of the story. I found myself trying to imagine what I would do in the same situation – call a friend, call the hospital, go to the police – Hollis has not left many threads dangling. Eventually, new developments unfurl: Andrew wakes outside his flat, discovers mysterious syringes of adrenaline, and receives strange messages from his presumed captor. By this point, Andrew’s agency has been reduced to that of a video game character. He wakes in a new setting, with only a few actions available to him, and efforts to leave the “level” inevitably result in his falling asleep and resurfacing somewhere else.
By this point, I was hooked. Hollis writes with a clean style that doesn’t get in the way, with short (even one word) sentences frequently dividing up the paragraphs to emphasize significant moments.
Like this.
The prose is occasionally leavened with dry understatement, but for the most part this is a story of characters trying to overcome significant (and creative) obstacles. There are tense moments, particularly a scene on a lake where psychological danger meets physical. There are also scenes of violence, with details of gut-wrenching injury and fear.
In general, however, the thrill of the story emanates from the skill with which the reader is placed into the heads of characters forced into strange and sinister situations. The characters are confused, as are we, and the approaches they take to understand just what is going on are believable. While the demands of the plot tends to dominate, Hollis has not neglected character development, and by the end of the story we have a good idea of what the main protagonists are like, as well as most of the small supporting cast.
My primary concern after selecting the book based on two hours of reading was that it would (as my wife calls it) “pull a JJ Abrams”: great set-up, disappointing follow-through. I was pleasantly surprised that this was not the case. As the story unfurls, the book’s plot is revealed to be a carefully designed apparatus with interlocking parts. Toward the end of the book I found myself returning to earlier sections to see how Andrew’s nighttime awakenings were tied into concurrent development revealed later. I left the book satisfied, but with a lingering sense of unease.
Chris Hollis’ second book, Affinities: Life Cycles One, turns on a major revelation partway through the story, one that I don’t intend to spoil. Therefore be warned that I can’t provide a very clear idea what this book is about. I can say that it’s carefully plotted with a creative premise, believable characters, and genuine moments of fear (at least for this reader). It’s a page-turner.
Affinities opens with Andrew Goodwin, a Briton trying to rebuild his life after divorce and injury, quickly trapped in a novel dilemma. Beset by headaches and disturbing dreams, Andrew keeps waking in the middle of the night to spooky noises that disappear as he rises to investigate. Hollis is effective at establishing an unsettling atmosphere. The setting helps; it is always night, Andrew is in an unfamiliar new flat, and he is nearly always alone. Andrew’s outlook becomes significantly more worrying when he discovers he is not waking multiple times during the night, but rather waking anew each night. His days have apparently disappeared. After efforts to force himself awake with multiple alarm clocks fail, Andrew realizes he is not sleeping through the day, but instead rising and leading a life that his nighttime self is unable to recall.
Andrew’s escalating attempts to escape this plight form the framework for the beginning of the story. I found myself trying to imagine what I would do in the same situation – call a friend, call the hospital, go to the police – Hollis has not left many threads dangling. Eventually, new developments unfurl: Andrew wakes outside his flat, discovers mysterious syringes of adrenaline, and receives strange messages from his presumed captor. By this point, Andrew’s agency has been reduced to that of a video game character. He wakes in a new setting, with only a few actions available to him, and efforts to leave the “level” inevitably result in his falling asleep and resurfacing somewhere else.
By this point, I was hooked. Hollis writes with a clean style that doesn’t get in the way, with short (even one word) sentences frequently dividing up the paragraphs to emphasize significant moments.
Like this.
The prose is occasionally leavened with dry understatement, but for the most part this is a story of characters trying to overcome significant (and creative) obstacles. There are tense moments, particularly a scene on a lake where psychological danger meets physical. There are also scenes of violence, with details of gut-wrenching injury and fear.
In general, however, the thrill of the story emanates from the skill with which the reader is placed into the heads of characters forced into strange and sinister situations. The characters are confused, as are we, and the approaches they take to understand just what is going on are believable. While the demands of the plot tends to dominate, Hollis has not neglected character development, and by the end of the story we have a good idea of what the main protagonists are like, as well as most of the small supporting cast.
My primary concern after selecting the book based on two hours of reading was that it would (as my wife calls it) “pull a JJ Abrams”: great set-up, disappointing follow-through. I was pleasantly surprised that this was not the case. As the story unfurls, the book’s plot is revealed to be a carefully designed apparatus with interlocking parts. Toward the end of the book I found myself returning to earlier sections to see how Andrew’s nighttime awakenings were tied into concurrent development revealed later. I left the book satisfied, but with a lingering sense of unease.
April 8, 2013
It isn't very often that I begin a review this way, but I have to do it this time: You gotta read this book! I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked this up. There have been a lot of books classified as psychological thrillers that have really been a let down. This one is anything but.
From the beginning of this novel you get the idea that something above average is going on with the main character, but you aren't quite sure what. By the middle, there is a rather shocking reveal of information that ties the first and second halves of the book together (which I will not hint at for fear of a spoiler.) This is one Hell of a ride!
The character development in this novel is amazing. You not only get a sense of who the characters are physically speaking, but they each have unique traits that allow them to play their part in the story with perfect accuracy. I felt, after reading to the halfway point of the book, like these were people that I knew and it made me care what happened to them and pulled me in to the story more fully. In some places, you almost feel like you are experiencing the same things they are.
I was impressed by the way Chris Hollis uses his character's reactions to build suspense. Rather than just telling the reader what happens, he shows you through the confusion and terror of his creations. i enjoyed this aspect, as I don't see it very often in thrillers.
When you read this book, you forget about anything and everything else that is going on in the world around you and become totally absorbed in the struggles of the characters. The writing is edgy and exciting and shows that this author has real talent for his chosen genre. To put it simply, this is a book that you don't want to miss.
I love books that keep you guessing and make you wait to find out the answers until the very end, and this book pulled that off in a fantastic way. If you have read a lot of books that you could figure out within the first twenty minutes of reading and it annoys you, pick up this one. You might just doubt your own sanity by the time you have finished.
I received a free copy of this book in order to give a review. My opinions are my own.
From the beginning of this novel you get the idea that something above average is going on with the main character, but you aren't quite sure what. By the middle, there is a rather shocking reveal of information that ties the first and second halves of the book together (which I will not hint at for fear of a spoiler.) This is one Hell of a ride!
The character development in this novel is amazing. You not only get a sense of who the characters are physically speaking, but they each have unique traits that allow them to play their part in the story with perfect accuracy. I felt, after reading to the halfway point of the book, like these were people that I knew and it made me care what happened to them and pulled me in to the story more fully. In some places, you almost feel like you are experiencing the same things they are.
I was impressed by the way Chris Hollis uses his character's reactions to build suspense. Rather than just telling the reader what happens, he shows you through the confusion and terror of his creations. i enjoyed this aspect, as I don't see it very often in thrillers.
When you read this book, you forget about anything and everything else that is going on in the world around you and become totally absorbed in the struggles of the characters. The writing is edgy and exciting and shows that this author has real talent for his chosen genre. To put it simply, this is a book that you don't want to miss.
I love books that keep you guessing and make you wait to find out the answers until the very end, and this book pulled that off in a fantastic way. If you have read a lot of books that you could figure out within the first twenty minutes of reading and it annoys you, pick up this one. You might just doubt your own sanity by the time you have finished.
I received a free copy of this book in order to give a review. My opinions are my own.
July 13, 2013
Andrew Goodwin hears voices in the middle of the night. These voices are keeping him trapped in his own home. When he tries to leave or call for help, he can’t. He is convinced he’s been kidnapped and being held hostage, but it’s impossible to prove since he hasn’t seen anyone. In fact, he isn’t even given a chance to stay awake for any length of time.
If there was only some way he can get his life back and find out who is doing this to him and why, but his moments of consciousness are few and far between. One day he wakes up with bruises and blood all over him, making him more and more desperate. He becomes a prisoner of his own body.
This is an extremely difficult book to summarize as I didn’t want to give anything away. It's a compelling and captivating story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I didn’t want to stop reading until I knew what was going on and the reasons for this. Just when I thought I figured it out, it turns out I was wrong.
The characters are well written and larger than life. The storyline is clever, intriguing and fascinating. It’s a book of suspense, drama and even a little of the paranormal mixed in to create a blend that readers will find gripping. I can’t say enough good things about this book – another author to add to my “must read” list!
FTC Disclosure: The author provided me with a copy of this book for an honest review. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
If there was only some way he can get his life back and find out who is doing this to him and why, but his moments of consciousness are few and far between. One day he wakes up with bruises and blood all over him, making him more and more desperate. He becomes a prisoner of his own body.
This is an extremely difficult book to summarize as I didn’t want to give anything away. It's a compelling and captivating story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I didn’t want to stop reading until I knew what was going on and the reasons for this. Just when I thought I figured it out, it turns out I was wrong.
The characters are well written and larger than life. The storyline is clever, intriguing and fascinating. It’s a book of suspense, drama and even a little of the paranormal mixed in to create a blend that readers will find gripping. I can’t say enough good things about this book – another author to add to my “must read” list!
FTC Disclosure: The author provided me with a copy of this book for an honest review. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
January 14, 2015
This book is awesome. I am now reading part 2 called Outshine Lifecycle part 2. At first i didn't understand quite what was happening, but i couldn't put it down because it was so strange, unlike anything I'd read before.
Then as the book goes on and it became obvious what was happening it scared the heck outta me. I don't want to spoil anything but, it's like death wasn't what you would expect. Andrew Goodman is the main character of the book and some extraordinary things happen after a horrific car accident that of course changes his life, but not in ways you might expect.
The characters are written in a way that makes you really identify with some things and truly make you sympathetic and on the edge of your seat for them.
I found this book to be really haunting. It really makes you think, what if, after you read it. And i think of the song Afraid by the Neighborhood (which is a haunting song; to me) when I read this book.
One of the best head game thrillers I have ever read and in fact i have already reread this book. I read sometimes 2 books a week so i read a lot. This should be a young adult and up book. The content may be hard for younger folks to understand. It is not bloody or really sexual but, some of it may be disturbing to some.
Then as the book goes on and it became obvious what was happening it scared the heck outta me. I don't want to spoil anything but, it's like death wasn't what you would expect. Andrew Goodman is the main character of the book and some extraordinary things happen after a horrific car accident that of course changes his life, but not in ways you might expect.
The characters are written in a way that makes you really identify with some things and truly make you sympathetic and on the edge of your seat for them.
I found this book to be really haunting. It really makes you think, what if, after you read it. And i think of the song Afraid by the Neighborhood (which is a haunting song; to me) when I read this book.
One of the best head game thrillers I have ever read and in fact i have already reread this book. I read sometimes 2 books a week so i read a lot. This should be a young adult and up book. The content may be hard for younger folks to understand. It is not bloody or really sexual but, some of it may be disturbing to some.
May 27, 2014
Andrew wakes up at the same time two nights in a row, disoriented, with no memory of how he passed his day. He begins to fight for lucid moments, his weariness keeping him captive in his own home. This is not Andrew's first taste of hardships, he experienced a devastating car wreck two years before that caused him to have to learn to walk again.
This psychological thriller is definitely an exciting page-turner, well written and edited. You find yourself sympathizing with the main character and hoping he will win in the end. There were a few moments that didn't quite fit in with the flow of the book for me, and the ending was pretty far-fetched, but it was unexpected, which is rare for me. All in all, very good read from a self-published author.
This psychological thriller is definitely an exciting page-turner, well written and edited. You find yourself sympathizing with the main character and hoping he will win in the end. There were a few moments that didn't quite fit in with the flow of the book for me, and the ending was pretty far-fetched, but it was unexpected, which is rare for me. All in all, very good read from a self-published author.
Read
December 9, 2014Andrew Goodwin is hearing voices, losing time, and doesn’t know what is going on. He’s having run-ins with people he doesn’t know and he cannot account for how they know him. AFFINITIES starts off with an air of anticipation, slowly building up speed until the reader is faced with a shocking reality. Andrew finds out he is not alone in his head, not alone in his body, and now the other resident wants to take over permanently. While we find out when this transfer happens, we’re not really given details on how it occurred. AFFINITIES is a paranormal / psychological drama with a special twist at the end. AFFINITIES is an interesting tale, with a unique premise which I can see being explored in further depth in future novels.
September 2, 2013
The second I read the synopsis I knew that I needed to read this book. In my mind there is nothing better than a great psychological thriller and Chris Hollis certainly does not disappoint. This book will have you breaking into cold sweats, and you still do not want to stop reading... you have to know what is going to happen next. I've been disappointed by psychological thrillers in the past, but Affinities is certainly not one of them. Be sure to check out Chris Hollis' work. I became an immediate fan.
August 12, 2021
Affinities is pacey and involving, I literally couldn't put this down! Characters are well written and draw you into a plot full of twists and turns. An intriguing premise that pans out in a different way to how I expected, I spent my time trying to second guess what was going to happen (always the sign of a well formed story for me as it really gets me involved!) Loved this book!
October 1, 2014
A great psychological thriller. It starts with a bit of a slow burn but once you get to the second half you'll have trouble putting it down. Even though this is the start of a series (Lifecycle 1)it ends nicely with most questions answered but just enough left open to encourage you to read the next book. No abrupt cliffhanger ending that leaves you unfulfilled.
March 31, 2015
It was a good book. Lots of twists to hold the reader's interest. Hollis has a winner here
September 14, 2023
In Affinities, readers are immediately captivated as our lead character, Andrew Goodwin, awakens from the aftermath of a devastating car crash. The distressing signs that follow—nightly sweat-soaked awakenings and a puzzling amnesia about recent events—hint at a narrative that transcends simple post-traumatic stress. Mysterious whispers, unsettling blood markings, and unaccounted-for bruises on Andrew's skin craft an eerie tableau of a reality that's darker and more perplexing.
The book's initial chapter, though complex, soon finds its pace, ensnaring both its characters and readers into its intricate mystery. It's a rare experience to find a narrative that elicits such a visceral response. With each unpredictable plot twist, I felt an uncanny connection to the story, as though I was experiencing Andrew's turbulent psyche firsthand. Thompson showcases his ability to craft a clever narrative, spinning a tale rich in suspense and riddled with intrigue. It was only with the introduction of subtle supernatural elements that I found a moment's respite to put the book down.
Affinities is more than just a story; it's a journey. In a world of routine and responsibilities, it offers a thrilling departure into the depths of fear and the human mind. For fans of psychological horror and crime thrillers, this book is a must-read. My anticipation is already piqued for its sequel, Outshine: Lifecycle 2.
The book's initial chapter, though complex, soon finds its pace, ensnaring both its characters and readers into its intricate mystery. It's a rare experience to find a narrative that elicits such a visceral response. With each unpredictable plot twist, I felt an uncanny connection to the story, as though I was experiencing Andrew's turbulent psyche firsthand. Thompson showcases his ability to craft a clever narrative, spinning a tale rich in suspense and riddled with intrigue. It was only with the introduction of subtle supernatural elements that I found a moment's respite to put the book down.
Affinities is more than just a story; it's a journey. In a world of routine and responsibilities, it offers a thrilling departure into the depths of fear and the human mind. For fans of psychological horror and crime thrillers, this book is a must-read. My anticipation is already piqued for its sequel, Outshine: Lifecycle 2.
June 19, 2023
Andrew hears voices. The voices begin to take over and control his body. They cause him to sleep all day long. He is only awake in the middle of the night. However, it is clear that he is also leaving his residence during the day. How? Who is making him do so?
This was an odd book. As others have stated, the first bit of the book really leaves the reader confused. However, based on the ratings from others, I thought this was going to be a lot more exciting! I found the book boring and did not care for any of the characters. I contemplated not finishing it at times. The description of the book is misleading, as well as the genre. I honestly would not classify this as a thriller. It lacked suspense, exciting twists or turns, or any plot lines that left me wanting more. If you are looking for a thriller, this is not it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hollis Thompson for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
This was an odd book. As others have stated, the first bit of the book really leaves the reader confused. However, based on the ratings from others, I thought this was going to be a lot more exciting! I found the book boring and did not care for any of the characters. I contemplated not finishing it at times. The description of the book is misleading, as well as the genre. I honestly would not classify this as a thriller. It lacked suspense, exciting twists or turns, or any plot lines that left me wanting more. If you are looking for a thriller, this is not it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hollis Thompson for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 8, 2023
I wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading this & now that I've finished I'm still a little confused.
Although I enjoyed it I'm not sure what it was all about to be honest: someone dies and then comes back in someone else's body, but that person isn't aware of what's happening and has no control over it. I found it quite confusing at times, but hoped, by the end it would all become clear: it didn't. It's a real shame I can't give more stars because it really had potential.
I just reviewed Affinities by Hollis Thompson. #NetGalley
[NetGalley URL]
Although I enjoyed it I'm not sure what it was all about to be honest: someone dies and then comes back in someone else's body, but that person isn't aware of what's happening and has no control over it. I found it quite confusing at times, but hoped, by the end it would all become clear: it didn't. It's a real shame I can't give more stars because it really had potential.
I just reviewed Affinities by Hollis Thompson. #NetGalley
[NetGalley URL]
March 6, 2017
Off the Beaten Path
Wow, such a different style of writing. Very good and timelines that were easy to follow once I understood the goal. All the characters were defined well. I really was intrigued by the book and could not stop thinking about the book when I had to take a break from reading. Definitely recommend this for an awesome read.
Wow, such a different style of writing. Very good and timelines that were easy to follow once I understood the goal. All the characters were defined well. I really was intrigued by the book and could not stop thinking about the book when I had to take a break from reading. Definitely recommend this for an awesome read.
February 21, 2024
For fans of the abstract where reality and illusion blend, and the illusion may actually be reality - this will keep you hooked. Took me a bit to get into it - so don't give up - it is worth it and moves fast once you get into it.
January 19, 2019
It’s tough for me to write a review of this book without spoilers.
It was thrilling, creepy, mysterious and very unique. I kept wondering what was happening to the main character and my guesses were always wrong. It made me surprised again and again.
It was really entertaining!!
It was thrilling, creepy, mysterious and very unique. I kept wondering what was happening to the main character and my guesses were always wrong. It made me surprised again and again.
It was really entertaining!!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews