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Δόλωμα
Ένα τολμηρό, καθηλωτικό ντεμπούτο, από έναν συγγραφέα για τον οποίο θ' ακούσουμε να μιλούν ξανά και ξανά στο μέλλον.
Ένα νησί, έξι άνθρωποι, ένας ωκεανός τρόμου!
Κανείς δε θα έρθει να σας βοηθήσει. Αυτό το έχουμε εξασφαλίσει. Έξι άγνωστοι μεταξύ τους ξυπνούν σ' ένα απομακρυσμένο ερημονήσι στα Φλόριντα Κηζ, χωρίς κανείς τους να θυμάται πώς βρέθηκε εκεί. Σύντομα ανακαλύπτουν τι τους συνδέει: είναι όλοι εθισμένοι στην ηρωίνη. Καθώς αρχίζουν να νιώθουν τα πρώτα επώδυνα συμπτώματα της στέρησης, βλέπουν ένα γιοτ να έχει αγκυροβολήσει στα ανοιχτά.
Τέσσερις άντρες πάνω στο κατάστρωμα τους παρατηρούν ατάραχοι, ενώ στα νερά γύρω από το σκάφος τριγυρίζουν πεινασμένοι καρχαρίες.
Έτσι αρχίζει ένα επικίνδυνο παιχνίδι.
Οι έξι πρέπει να επιχειρήσουν το αδύνατο: να κολυμπήσουν μέχρι το αντικρινό νησί, όπου τους περιμένει μια ποσότητα ηρωίνης –ή να πεθάνουν προσπαθώντας. Όταν σχηματίζονται συμμαχίες, έρχεται αναπόφευκτα και η προδοσία. Όσο εντείνεται η μάχη για επιβίωση, τόσο πληθαίνουν τρομακτικά αυτά που διακυβεύονται –και τα κίνητρα εκείνων που τους έχουν αιχμαλωτίσει αρχίζουν τελικά να διαφαίνονται…
Ένα σκληρό βιβλίο, μια συνταρακτική εμπειρία. Για αναγνώστες με πολύ γερά νεύρα.
Ένα νησί, έξι άνθρωποι, ένας ωκεανός τρόμου!
Κανείς δε θα έρθει να σας βοηθήσει. Αυτό το έχουμε εξασφαλίσει. Έξι άγνωστοι μεταξύ τους ξυπνούν σ' ένα απομακρυσμένο ερημονήσι στα Φλόριντα Κηζ, χωρίς κανείς τους να θυμάται πώς βρέθηκε εκεί. Σύντομα ανακαλύπτουν τι τους συνδέει: είναι όλοι εθισμένοι στην ηρωίνη. Καθώς αρχίζουν να νιώθουν τα πρώτα επώδυνα συμπτώματα της στέρησης, βλέπουν ένα γιοτ να έχει αγκυροβολήσει στα ανοιχτά.
Τέσσερις άντρες πάνω στο κατάστρωμα τους παρατηρούν ατάραχοι, ενώ στα νερά γύρω από το σκάφος τριγυρίζουν πεινασμένοι καρχαρίες.
Έτσι αρχίζει ένα επικίνδυνο παιχνίδι.
Οι έξι πρέπει να επιχειρήσουν το αδύνατο: να κολυμπήσουν μέχρι το αντικρινό νησί, όπου τους περιμένει μια ποσότητα ηρωίνης –ή να πεθάνουν προσπαθώντας. Όταν σχηματίζονται συμμαχίες, έρχεται αναπόφευκτα και η προδοσία. Όσο εντείνεται η μάχη για επιβίωση, τόσο πληθαίνουν τρομακτικά αυτά που διακυβεύονται –και τα κίνητρα εκείνων που τους έχουν αιχμαλωτίσει αρχίζουν τελικά να διαφαίνονται…
Ένα σκληρό βιβλίο, μια συνταρακτική εμπειρία. Για αναγνώστες με πολύ γερά νεύρα.
272 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2012
17 people are currently reading
2609 people want to read
About the author
J. Kent Messum
5 books245 followersJ. Kent Messum is an author & creative writing instructor who always bets on the underdog. His first novel BAIT (August 2013, Penguin Books) won the 2014 Arthur Ellis Award for ‘Best First Novel.’ His second novel HUSK (July 2015, Penguin Books) was optioned for an international TV series by Warp Films in the UK.
Messum lives in Toronto with his wife, dog, and a pair of cats. He is currently working on his third and fourth novels. He teaches Creative Writing at the University Of Toronto, and is also a book critic for the New York Journal Of Books.
PRAISE FOR 'BAIT'
“Reading J. Kent Messum’s Bait is like taking a high dive into black water. What you find in its murky depths is disturbing, pulse-pounding and utterly surprising. An exhilarating debut.” –Megan Abbott, Edgar-Award-winning author of 'Dare Me' and 'The Fever'
“The stakes could be no higher in this crisply written, fast-paced novel that examines the shifting line between right and wrong, good and evil. Bait will keep readers turning pages late into the night.”
Lori Roy, Edgar-Award-winning author of 'Bent Road' and 'Until She Comes Home'
"Jaws meets Lord of the Flies meets Drugstore Cowboy! A powerhouse debut. The horror dawns on the reader as it dawns on the characters, making for a mesmerizing, one-sitting read." - Steve Ulfelder, Edgar-Award finalist author of 'Purgatory Chasm' and 'The Whole Lie'
"Bait reads faster than a feeding frenzy - I was hooked from the very first page. A terrific debut from a talented new writer!" - Daniel Palmer, author of 'Stolen' and 'Desperate'
"A brilliantly written novel. Bait makes Jaws look like a frolic in the pool." - DJ McIntosh, bestselling author of 'The Witch Of Babylon'
PRAISE FOR 'HUSK'
"Raw, visceral, powerful... may just make you question what it is to be human." - Nick Cutter, author of 'The Troop' & 'The Deep'
"Addictive and thrilling yet laced with such terrifying menace, J. Kent Messum’s HUSK is an absolute must-read! (5-Stars)" - Horror Cult Films
"Pacy and surprising, Husk is a showcase for a wild and frightening imagination." - Andrew Pyper, author of 'The Demonologist' & 'The Damned
Messum lives in Toronto with his wife, dog, and a pair of cats. He is currently working on his third and fourth novels. He teaches Creative Writing at the University Of Toronto, and is also a book critic for the New York Journal Of Books.
PRAISE FOR 'BAIT'
“Reading J. Kent Messum’s Bait is like taking a high dive into black water. What you find in its murky depths is disturbing, pulse-pounding and utterly surprising. An exhilarating debut.” –Megan Abbott, Edgar-Award-winning author of 'Dare Me' and 'The Fever'
“The stakes could be no higher in this crisply written, fast-paced novel that examines the shifting line between right and wrong, good and evil. Bait will keep readers turning pages late into the night.”
Lori Roy, Edgar-Award-winning author of 'Bent Road' and 'Until She Comes Home'
"Jaws meets Lord of the Flies meets Drugstore Cowboy! A powerhouse debut. The horror dawns on the reader as it dawns on the characters, making for a mesmerizing, one-sitting read." - Steve Ulfelder, Edgar-Award finalist author of 'Purgatory Chasm' and 'The Whole Lie'
"Bait reads faster than a feeding frenzy - I was hooked from the very first page. A terrific debut from a talented new writer!" - Daniel Palmer, author of 'Stolen' and 'Desperate'
"A brilliantly written novel. Bait makes Jaws look like a frolic in the pool." - DJ McIntosh, bestselling author of 'The Witch Of Babylon'
PRAISE FOR 'HUSK'
"Raw, visceral, powerful... may just make you question what it is to be human." - Nick Cutter, author of 'The Troop' & 'The Deep'
"Addictive and thrilling yet laced with such terrifying menace, J. Kent Messum’s HUSK is an absolute must-read! (5-Stars)" - Horror Cult Films
"Pacy and surprising, Husk is a showcase for a wild and frightening imagination." - Andrew Pyper, author of 'The Demonologist' & 'The Damned
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 231 reviews
July 11, 2024
will there be more sharks tonight? probably - it's SSSHHHHAAARRRKKK WEEEEEEKKKKKKK!!!
the best book pitting sharks against junkies of 2013!!
or ever.
when i first heard about this book, i was in the middle of making this weekly bn mystery email thing that i do for work, and i immediately knew i had to feature this title and i also knew i would have to read it. because - come on! so i made a whole NOOK channel around this book called "the killing games" (while, naturally, this was running through my head) and if you can think of any other books that are like this; either things like battle royale where there is an organized fight-to-the-death scenario, or something smaller-scale, where someone kills using very involved and controlled game-like set-ups (like the movie saw), give me a holler, i would both like to expand that channel and read some of them myself.
but bait.
i read this in a day. this is a book that is simple pure adrenaline fun, not a stick to your ribs kind of book. but it has a hell of a premise, and this puppy zooms.
six people wake up on a deserted beach of a remote island in the florida keys with no knowledge of how they got there. they have never met before, and despite their different races, ages, genders, and sexual lifestyles, they all have one thing in common: they are all serious heroin addicts who have demonstrated that they will do anything for a fix.
and here's their chance to extend the boundaries of "anything."
because also on that beach is a box with some food and water, and a letter instructing them that the only way off the island is to somehow get to a the next island, where another box will be waiting for them, with more food and water, and also - a lot of heroin. and also that their progress will be monitored.
they see a boat floating in the water with men on deck watching them, and despite their starting to feel the torments of withdrawal, they have no choice but to try to make the swim.
but the people on the boat aren't going to make it easy for them; this is not the first time they have played this game, and they have a bunch of sharks at the ready, with a taste for human blood.
oh, this is a most dangerous game, indeed!
the structure of the book is a chapter of beach-story leading into a chapter from the pre-beach backstory of one of the six junkies or their kidnappers. each chapter ends with a sentence that mirrors the first sentence of the subsequent chapter in a fun-gimmicky blurred-boundaries way, so we do get character development, and readerly sympathies, but it is best not to get too attached. this is very much a "six junkies enter, one junkie leaves" scenario.
so, gentlemen, take your bets.
come to my blog!
the best book pitting sharks against junkies of 2013!!
or ever.
when i first heard about this book, i was in the middle of making this weekly bn mystery email thing that i do for work, and i immediately knew i had to feature this title and i also knew i would have to read it. because - come on! so i made a whole NOOK channel around this book called "the killing games" (while, naturally, this was running through my head) and if you can think of any other books that are like this; either things like battle royale where there is an organized fight-to-the-death scenario, or something smaller-scale, where someone kills using very involved and controlled game-like set-ups (like the movie saw), give me a holler, i would both like to expand that channel and read some of them myself.
but bait.
i read this in a day. this is a book that is simple pure adrenaline fun, not a stick to your ribs kind of book. but it has a hell of a premise, and this puppy zooms.
six people wake up on a deserted beach of a remote island in the florida keys with no knowledge of how they got there. they have never met before, and despite their different races, ages, genders, and sexual lifestyles, they all have one thing in common: they are all serious heroin addicts who have demonstrated that they will do anything for a fix.
and here's their chance to extend the boundaries of "anything."
because also on that beach is a box with some food and water, and a letter instructing them that the only way off the island is to somehow get to a the next island, where another box will be waiting for them, with more food and water, and also - a lot of heroin. and also that their progress will be monitored.
they see a boat floating in the water with men on deck watching them, and despite their starting to feel the torments of withdrawal, they have no choice but to try to make the swim.
but the people on the boat aren't going to make it easy for them; this is not the first time they have played this game, and they have a bunch of sharks at the ready, with a taste for human blood.
oh, this is a most dangerous game, indeed!
the structure of the book is a chapter of beach-story leading into a chapter from the pre-beach backstory of one of the six junkies or their kidnappers. each chapter ends with a sentence that mirrors the first sentence of the subsequent chapter in a fun-gimmicky blurred-boundaries way, so we do get character development, and readerly sympathies, but it is best not to get too attached. this is very much a "six junkies enter, one junkie leaves" scenario.
so, gentlemen, take your bets.
come to my blog!
July 26, 2017
Six stolen junkies
an island their new home.
One tried to slip away,
never more to roam.
Five jonesin junkies,
a swimin in the sea.
Along comes a tiger shark,
as hungry as can be.
Four fearful junkies....
The abductors in this story wager with each other as to which junkie may best survive the sharks.
It was fun as a reader to play along.
My pick made it well over half way but alas... twas still a pick of doom.
"if he ever made it out alive, he would turn his damned life around, ask forgiveness... He'd go to rehab."
"the fin had climbed out of the water again, closer this time and moving toward them with more intent. "Shark!" she screamed."
""What was left?" he asked."
""Looks like an armpit got spit out again...""
an island their new home.
One tried to slip away,
never more to roam.
Five jonesin junkies,
a swimin in the sea.
Along comes a tiger shark,
as hungry as can be.
Four fearful junkies....
The abductors in this story wager with each other as to which junkie may best survive the sharks.
It was fun as a reader to play along.
My pick made it well over half way but alas... twas still a pick of doom.
"if he ever made it out alive, he would turn his damned life around, ask forgiveness... He'd go to rehab."
"the fin had climbed out of the water again, closer this time and moving toward them with more intent. "Shark!" she screamed."
""What was left?" he asked."
""Looks like an armpit got spit out again...""
November 15, 2016
Six heroin addicts wake up on an island in the Florida keys with no idea who they wound up there. The only thing standing between them and a top quality heroin fix on the next island is an expanse of shark-infested water...
When J. Kent Messum hit me up to review an ARC of this, I hesitated at first. Until I read about the sharks and the heroin, that is! Who doesn't like grim death sports? Welcome to the Heroin Games! May the odds be ever in your favor...
Jokes aside, this was pretty bad ass. While the characters weren't super-detailed, who the hell expects them to be? They're chum for a bunch of sharks!
The structure of the story added a lot to the experience, using shifting viewpoints and different points in time to tell the stories of the unwilling contestants before they wound up being shark bait for some sick bastards' amusement.
I felt like I was sitting right alongside the spectators on the boat, wondering who would be devoured next. I was wrong about who the last person standing would be, a nice surprise.
There's some serious gore in Bait. I let out a few audible groans during this, disturbing my dog. The suspense of the shark attacks was masterfully done. The ending was good and, as I said, a nice surprise.
Bait is a chum-spattered good time, a lot of fun in a time when we could all use some. Four out of five stars.
When J. Kent Messum hit me up to review an ARC of this, I hesitated at first. Until I read about the sharks and the heroin, that is! Who doesn't like grim death sports? Welcome to the Heroin Games! May the odds be ever in your favor...
Jokes aside, this was pretty bad ass. While the characters weren't super-detailed, who the hell expects them to be? They're chum for a bunch of sharks!
The structure of the story added a lot to the experience, using shifting viewpoints and different points in time to tell the stories of the unwilling contestants before they wound up being shark bait for some sick bastards' amusement.
I felt like I was sitting right alongside the spectators on the boat, wondering who would be devoured next. I was wrong about who the last person standing would be, a nice surprise.
There's some serious gore in Bait. I let out a few audible groans during this, disturbing my dog. The suspense of the shark attacks was masterfully done. The ending was good and, as I said, a nice surprise.
Bait is a chum-spattered good time, a lot of fun in a time when we could all use some. Four out of five stars.
March 7, 2017
I don't normally go out of my way to acquire very many paper copies of a book- but this time I felt it was very important. First I pestered selfish Dan 2.0 to give me his copy...and when he wouldn't budge I went all the way to the tippity top- and semi-stalked the author himself. And low and behold- he decided it was in his best interest to provide me a copy rather then have me hound him for the rest of his days...I will leave you be now...but I have to say this is an author to watch- I wouldn't have gone to this trouble if I didn't think he was worth stalking. He also provided me a copy of Husk ...which I will also be floating my review for along with this one...Thanks J!!!
BAIT is one of those novels I probably would have never come across if I hadn't joined Goodreads. It is a tad more gruesome and twisted than I would have dared to read a couple of years ago...So I would first like to say "THANKS GOODREADS"!! This was disturbingly fun. What that says about me...I don't know.
So we have a beautiful secluded Island. Looks pretty doesn't it? But what if you add this.
Still not scary? How about a few more hanging about?
Let's add a group of crazy dudes who take the game of survivor up a notch.
...and then of course the unwilling participants. Some heroin addicts.
Now we have ourselves one sick little book.
Six people wake up on a deserted island in the Florida Keys with no memory of how they got there. After a bit of chit chat and some keen observation they realize what they have in common. They are allll heroin addicts. As withdrawal starts to set in- the group notice a yacht anchored somewhat close by. On it four individuals who are definitely NOT coming to their rescue. As the castaways explore a little further they find a box with some "supplies" and a note...
Dear civilians,
Please know that no one will be coming to your aid. Much effort has been made to ensure this. Enjoy what has been provided, but also know that it is all the sustenance you shall receive here. Food and water will only get you so far, as there is something else you desire, and will continue to more and more as time passes. If you want the next hit, you will have to earn it. Your target is the island across the channel to the north, where another box of supplies awaits. This one also contains an allotment of the purest highest-quality heroin you will ever experience, guaranteed. Further instructions are in the next box, begin whenever you wish. You are being observed at all times.
BAIT was a little Jaws (one of my favorite movies!) a little Trainspotting and a little Surviving the Game- So if you don't mind a little gore, and the twisted scenario...you might want to dive into this quick-paced little gem.
BAIT is one of those novels I probably would have never come across if I hadn't joined Goodreads. It is a tad more gruesome and twisted than I would have dared to read a couple of years ago...So I would first like to say "THANKS GOODREADS"!! This was disturbingly fun. What that says about me...I don't know.
So we have a beautiful secluded Island. Looks pretty doesn't it? But what if you add this.
Still not scary? How about a few more hanging about?
Let's add a group of crazy dudes who take the game of survivor up a notch.
...and then of course the unwilling participants. Some heroin addicts.
Now we have ourselves one sick little book.
Six people wake up on a deserted island in the Florida Keys with no memory of how they got there. After a bit of chit chat and some keen observation they realize what they have in common. They are allll heroin addicts. As withdrawal starts to set in- the group notice a yacht anchored somewhat close by. On it four individuals who are definitely NOT coming to their rescue. As the castaways explore a little further they find a box with some "supplies" and a note...
Dear civilians,
Please know that no one will be coming to your aid. Much effort has been made to ensure this. Enjoy what has been provided, but also know that it is all the sustenance you shall receive here. Food and water will only get you so far, as there is something else you desire, and will continue to more and more as time passes. If you want the next hit, you will have to earn it. Your target is the island across the channel to the north, where another box of supplies awaits. This one also contains an allotment of the purest highest-quality heroin you will ever experience, guaranteed. Further instructions are in the next box, begin whenever you wish. You are being observed at all times.
BAIT was a little Jaws (one of my favorite movies!) a little Trainspotting and a little Surviving the Game- So if you don't mind a little gore, and the twisted scenario...you might want to dive into this quick-paced little gem.
October 29, 2016
Kids, if you ever thought about trying drugs grab up this book. You'll run so far away from them that you will leave your butt-hole behind.
Six heroin addicts find themselves unconscious on a deserted island. They start waking up and realize that something ain't right here. They have a box left with a few food items and a note that says that must swim to the next island in order to get that ever elusive next high.
Stone cold addicts that they are..you know they are gonna get to jonesing and head off that way.
Problem number one is...there is something in the water.
They are also informed that they are being watched.
This book reads all kinds of fast, you keep thinking surely the characters won't trade in their lives so easily for that next hit.
But.
Booksource: I did receive a copy of this book from the author, I promised him nothing. He knew I would love the hell out of this sickness. AND I DID!
Six heroin addicts find themselves unconscious on a deserted island. They start waking up and realize that something ain't right here. They have a box left with a few food items and a note that says that must swim to the next island in order to get that ever elusive next high.
Stone cold addicts that they are..you know they are gonna get to jonesing and head off that way.
Problem number one is...there is something in the water.
They are also informed that they are being watched.
This book reads all kinds of fast, you keep thinking surely the characters won't trade in their lives so easily for that next hit.
But.
Booksource: I did receive a copy of this book from the author, I promised him nothing. He knew I would love the hell out of this sickness. AND I DID!
July 19, 2017
Find all of my reviews at: http://52bookminimum.blogspot.com/
Needles are squicky, so I’m gonna ignore that part of the story and SHARK THE SHIT out of this review instead!!!!
Acouple of years long time ago I was just your average wife and mother who opted to read a lot of fluffy nonsense in my downtime. Then a bad influence came into my life . . .
Instead of reading stuff like Twilight, he encouraged me to read the darker side of fiction. When Mitchell saw there was a book all about smack/tar/chiba/horse (a/k/a heroin if you’re not a complete nutter like my pal), he was in. When he told me Bait also featured a supporting cast of characters in the form of sharks, I was in as well.
Bait is the story of six people, previously unknown to each other (but all of whom share the common bond of heroin addiction) who wake up on an island in the Keys. Battling withdrawal, they piece their stories together to figure out the hows, whys, whens, wheres, and whos of the circumstances that led up to ending where they did. Once that part of the puzzle is solved, the six are forced to make a terrifying decision . . . swim through shark infested waters to the next island where they will receive more drugs and a possible chance for survival or stay where they are and die.
And that’s where the getting gets good, my friends. Let’s face facts – we’re dealing with a bunch of addicts here. There’s not gonna be a whole lot going on in the character development department. The real stars of this show are the sharks! God I love sharks. They’re so cuddly and adorable . . .
Just me? Alrighty then.
Anywho, these suckers (the humans, not the sharks) are deep into the drug scene. There’s no way they aren’t going to try to get to the stash on the next island. You know what that means?
Wheeeeeeeeeeeee!
I pity the fool who has to go against these mother*&^%#s ‘cause they are HUNGRY!
Let’s hope all the humanfolk don’t end up served at my fave restaurant . . .
This book obviously isn’t for everyone. It is gritty and gory and everything foul that I like when choosing a book that everyone else will probably end up hating. I flagged a bunch of quotes and “memorable moments,” if you will, but now that I’m writing this up I’ve decided to skip it and only mention a couple of things. First – Messum has used this tactic of ending one chapter with the same sentence or idea that begins the next chapter. Call me a sucker for a good gimmick, but that one really worked for me and tied everything together very well. Second – as strange as this sounds, Bait could spark one of the best “book clubby” type of discussions of any book I’ve read recently. I love dealing with the question of what is right and what is wrong and who is good and who is evil. This book is one that will leave you with a strong opinion on those subjects.
Basically, if a book about junkies maybe getting eaten by sharks sounds like your idea of a good time, check out Bait. You probably won’t be disappointed. And hey, even if you don’t like it the bonus is it is really short and reads super fast.
And also? Dear Olympic Committee:
Yes, please. Consider this a formal request.
Needles are squicky, so I’m gonna ignore that part of the story and SHARK THE SHIT out of this review instead!!!!
A
Instead of reading stuff like Twilight, he encouraged me to read the darker side of fiction. When Mitchell saw there was a book all about smack/tar/chiba/horse (a/k/a heroin if you’re not a complete nutter like my pal), he was in. When he told me Bait also featured a supporting cast of characters in the form of sharks, I was in as well.
Bait is the story of six people, previously unknown to each other (but all of whom share the common bond of heroin addiction) who wake up on an island in the Keys. Battling withdrawal, they piece their stories together to figure out the hows, whys, whens, wheres, and whos of the circumstances that led up to ending where they did. Once that part of the puzzle is solved, the six are forced to make a terrifying decision . . . swim through shark infested waters to the next island where they will receive more drugs and a possible chance for survival or stay where they are and die.
And that’s where the getting gets good, my friends. Let’s face facts – we’re dealing with a bunch of addicts here. There’s not gonna be a whole lot going on in the character development department. The real stars of this show are the sharks! God I love sharks. They’re so cuddly and adorable . . .
Just me? Alrighty then.
Anywho, these suckers (the humans, not the sharks) are deep into the drug scene. There’s no way they aren’t going to try to get to the stash on the next island. You know what that means?
Wheeeeeeeeeeeee!
I pity the fool who has to go against these mother*&^%#s ‘cause they are HUNGRY!
Let’s hope all the humanfolk don’t end up served at my fave restaurant . . .
This book obviously isn’t for everyone. It is gritty and gory and everything foul that I like when choosing a book that everyone else will probably end up hating. I flagged a bunch of quotes and “memorable moments,” if you will, but now that I’m writing this up I’ve decided to skip it and only mention a couple of things. First – Messum has used this tactic of ending one chapter with the same sentence or idea that begins the next chapter. Call me a sucker for a good gimmick, but that one really worked for me and tied everything together very well. Second – as strange as this sounds, Bait could spark one of the best “book clubby” type of discussions of any book I’ve read recently. I love dealing with the question of what is right and what is wrong and who is good and who is evil. This book is one that will leave you with a strong opinion on those subjects.
Basically, if a book about junkies maybe getting eaten by sharks sounds like your idea of a good time, check out Bait. You probably won’t be disappointed. And hey, even if you don’t like it the bonus is it is really short and reads super fast.
And also? Dear Olympic Committee:
Yes, please. Consider this a formal request.
February 1, 2016
Posted at Shelf Inflicted
It’s been a lot of years since I missed my bus stop because I was so absorbed in a book.
Now that I take the bus to work every day, I mostly use that time to read, except when I’m playing Words With Friends or observing my fellow passengers.
This book was on my radar for a while and I kept putting it off because I was afraid it would be derivative and predictable. Thanks to my Goodreads friends’ reviews, I thought I’d take a chance and dive in. I’m so glad I did!
It’s the author’s fault I missed my stop and had to walk to work in the pouring rain. I wasn’t grumpy for long, since I knew the remainder of the book awaited me as soon as I got home.
This is a very disturbing, action-packed tale that explores the effects of drug addiction and withdrawal on people’s lives and the motivations of a mysterious group of people who have their own bizarre ideas on how to address the drug problem.
The author cleverly provides a backstory about each of the six addicts, including the events that led to their arrival on the island. They are troubled people and certainly not very likable, but I’ve always had a soft spot for addicts, and it bothered me a little that they were so desperate to get to that cache of heroin that they would risk becoming shark food.
Only, the story wasn’t so predictable as that. The bad guys and the sharks are not the only danger. There is much infighting among the six addicts, and I found myself trying to predict the order they would be killed and who would survive in the end.
Read this for the action and gore, or read it to see how poor choices and lack of empathy and respect for others wreck human lives. Either way, you won’t be disappointed.
It’s been a lot of years since I missed my bus stop because I was so absorbed in a book.
Now that I take the bus to work every day, I mostly use that time to read, except when I’m playing Words With Friends or observing my fellow passengers.
This book was on my radar for a while and I kept putting it off because I was afraid it would be derivative and predictable. Thanks to my Goodreads friends’ reviews, I thought I’d take a chance and dive in. I’m so glad I did!
It’s the author’s fault I missed my stop and had to walk to work in the pouring rain. I wasn’t grumpy for long, since I knew the remainder of the book awaited me as soon as I got home.
This is a very disturbing, action-packed tale that explores the effects of drug addiction and withdrawal on people’s lives and the motivations of a mysterious group of people who have their own bizarre ideas on how to address the drug problem.
The author cleverly provides a backstory about each of the six addicts, including the events that led to their arrival on the island. They are troubled people and certainly not very likable, but I’ve always had a soft spot for addicts, and it bothered me a little that they were so desperate to get to that cache of heroin that they would risk becoming shark food.
“He spoke no more, heart twisting in his chest the same as the others. They were beyond fucked up, emotionally wrecked and chemically imbalanced to the point where they were toxic to the hearts and souls of others they came in contact with. Their personal demons had come to roost with the skeletons in their closets, resulting in a rape that produced a broken bastard love-child in each of them. This love-child, born of heroin and regret, needed constant feeding. Sacrifice was the only thing it would eat.”
Only, the story wasn’t so predictable as that. The bad guys and the sharks are not the only danger. There is much infighting among the six addicts, and I found myself trying to predict the order they would be killed and who would survive in the end.
Read this for the action and gore, or read it to see how poor choices and lack of empathy and respect for others wreck human lives. Either way, you won’t be disappointed.
April 25, 2017
Six down and dirty junkies awaken on an island and find they are neck deep in a deadly game of survivor they never intended to play. All are plagued with relentless itching, all of them scratching incessantly. They are fighting severe cramping and extreme nausea. All that stands between them and their next fix is a short swim to an island across the way. All too soon, they find out those particular waters are swimming with sharks. Sharks! Ready yourself for gore galore. The war on drugs is fought here in a frightfully different way.
A signed copy was furnished by the author in exchange for a review. Thank you!
A signed copy was furnished by the author in exchange for a review. Thank you!
August 18, 2016
I'm floating this review from last summer to offer my congratulations to the author. BAIT is the 2014 recipient of the Arthur Ellis Award for Best First Novel.
Subtract the worst of SAW's gory torture-porn aspects, I also couldn't help be reminded of it as well -- oh yes ladies and gentlemen, BAIT is a winner, a white-knuckled page-turner with a gaping maw of shark's teeth ready to take a chomp out of your ass at any moment. I'd love to see this as a movie, and its length would have made it the perfect one hour Twilight Zone or Night Gallery episode.
The novel works so well because Messum takes some time (amidst the roiling action) to develop his cast of sad, deplorable and desperate characters. As readers, what are we to think of protagonists plagued by heroin addiction and the jagged guilt of dirty deeds?
The six victims who wake up stranded on a deserted beach are not the people we usually cheer for. It's hard to warm up to them, and unless you've suffered from addiction yourself, it's very hard to relate to them in any way. Despite this challenge, Messum takes what could have easily resulted in stereotypical junkies -- no archetypes or caricatures here -- and turns them into sympathetic characters, nicely fleshed out in a short period of time with minimal details.
On the surface, BAIT is a thrill-kill, adrenaline read, a man versus nature versus man extravaganza. But beneath the surface, there is deep water that runs, not just with sharks, but with thematic purpose tinged with social commentary and observations of the human condition -- our rage, our prejudices, our lack of empathy and understanding, our human ability to dehumanize ourselves and others around us. In some respects, this cautionary tale has an allegorical feel to it all, about justice and second chances and who deserves them.
As the dog days of September draw near, I can't recommend this book enough for a quick and satisfying read.
A free copy was provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
You know, the thing about a shark...he's got lifeless eyes. Black eyes. Like a doll's eyes. When he comes at ya, doesn't seem to be living... until he bites ya ~JAWS (1975)The perfect beach read (for my twisted tastes anyway) found as summer's door closes on the Sunday of Labor Day Weekend. The book's blurb describes BAIT as: "Survivor meets Lord of the Flies meets Drugstore Cowboy" and that's pretty accurate as blurbs go, with a side portion of Trainspotting to sweeten the deal.
Subtract the worst of SAW's gory torture-porn aspects, I also couldn't help be reminded of it as well -- oh yes ladies and gentlemen, BAIT is a winner, a white-knuckled page-turner with a gaping maw of shark's teeth ready to take a chomp out of your ass at any moment. I'd love to see this as a movie, and its length would have made it the perfect one hour Twilight Zone or Night Gallery episode.
The novel works so well because Messum takes some time (amidst the roiling action) to develop his cast of sad, deplorable and desperate characters. As readers, what are we to think of protagonists plagued by heroin addiction and the jagged guilt of dirty deeds?
The six victims who wake up stranded on a deserted beach are not the people we usually cheer for. It's hard to warm up to them, and unless you've suffered from addiction yourself, it's very hard to relate to them in any way. Despite this challenge, Messum takes what could have easily resulted in stereotypical junkies -- no archetypes or caricatures here -- and turns them into sympathetic characters, nicely fleshed out in a short period of time with minimal details.
On the surface, BAIT is a thrill-kill, adrenaline read, a man versus nature versus man extravaganza. But beneath the surface, there is deep water that runs, not just with sharks, but with thematic purpose tinged with social commentary and observations of the human condition -- our rage, our prejudices, our lack of empathy and understanding, our human ability to dehumanize ourselves and others around us. In some respects, this cautionary tale has an allegorical feel to it all, about justice and second chances and who deserves them.
As the dog days of September draw near, I can't recommend this book enough for a quick and satisfying read.
A free copy was provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 27, 2016
I received a free copy of this book for review from the author.
Can you imagine waking up on an island with a bunch of good-for-nothing junkies who almost immediately start going into withdrawal and puking all over the place? And your only way out is by swimming through waters infested with hungry sharks?
Still, it sounds more appealing than being on a season of Survivor.
So these smack-hounds wake up on a beach in the Florida Keys with no idea how they got there. There’s a small amount of food and water left there with a note that they can get more by swimming to the next island, and the bigger prize is a whole bunch of heroin if they can make it through the sharks. Will they try to swim for it or not?
Uh, I did mention that they are junkies and there’s heroin on that next island, right?
There are some stories idea that just sound so amazingly outrageous that you immediately want to check them out. Sharks vs. Junkies is one of those. Messum walks a fine line here of setting up an idea that could have been a movie on SyFy channel, adding enough depth of character and tragedy so that it doesn’t seem like a total cartoon, and then still delivering enough scenes of sharks devouring junkies that it satisfies the itch you got when you heard the idea. (You sick bastards!)
I’m not sure if this could have been sustained in a longer novel, but at 288 pages it hits the sweet spot of being tight enough to work without feeling rushed. Intercutting flashbacks of each character gives us a snapshot of their lives as addicts, and Messum makes them sympathetic by highlighting wasted potential but he doesn’t glamorize or excuse them.
I was a little less sold on the parts that shift to the men behind the whole Turn-Junkies-Into-Fish-Food scheme. There’s decent motivation provided, but I think the book may have worked a tad better if we knew nothing about them or why they were doing it until the very end where the final chapter provided an excellent opportunity for a bit of exposition to explain motives. Keeping them more mysterious might have tightened up the book even further and added more tension.
Still, it’s an intriguing and well written story that delivers on the concept it’s selling. It also reinforced my belief that nothing good happens in the ocean.
Finally, I owe J. Kent Messum some thanks. He had approached me about reviewing his newer book, and I turned him down because I’m just a dick like that. Then Dan told me about this book with sharks chewing on heroin addicts, and I’m only human so I wanted in on that action. I didn’t realize that this was by a writer I’d previously refused to review, but once we got that got sorted JKM was very gracious and cool enough to send me this along with his new one Husk which I’ll read and review soon.
Can you imagine waking up on an island with a bunch of good-for-nothing junkies who almost immediately start going into withdrawal and puking all over the place? And your only way out is by swimming through waters infested with hungry sharks?
Still, it sounds more appealing than being on a season of Survivor.
So these smack-hounds wake up on a beach in the Florida Keys with no idea how they got there. There’s a small amount of food and water left there with a note that they can get more by swimming to the next island, and the bigger prize is a whole bunch of heroin if they can make it through the sharks. Will they try to swim for it or not?
Uh, I did mention that they are junkies and there’s heroin on that next island, right?
There are some stories idea that just sound so amazingly outrageous that you immediately want to check them out. Sharks vs. Junkies is one of those. Messum walks a fine line here of setting up an idea that could have been a movie on SyFy channel, adding enough depth of character and tragedy so that it doesn’t seem like a total cartoon, and then still delivering enough scenes of sharks devouring junkies that it satisfies the itch you got when you heard the idea. (You sick bastards!)
I’m not sure if this could have been sustained in a longer novel, but at 288 pages it hits the sweet spot of being tight enough to work without feeling rushed. Intercutting flashbacks of each character gives us a snapshot of their lives as addicts, and Messum makes them sympathetic by highlighting wasted potential but he doesn’t glamorize or excuse them.
I was a little less sold on the parts that shift to the men behind the whole Turn-Junkies-Into-Fish-Food scheme. There’s decent motivation provided, but I think the book may have worked a tad better if we knew nothing about them or why they were doing it until the very end where the final chapter provided an excellent opportunity for a bit of exposition to explain motives. Keeping them more mysterious might have tightened up the book even further and added more tension.
Still, it’s an intriguing and well written story that delivers on the concept it’s selling. It also reinforced my belief that nothing good happens in the ocean.
Finally, I owe J. Kent Messum some thanks. He had approached me about reviewing his newer book, and I turned him down because I’m just a dick like that. Then Dan told me about this book with sharks chewing on heroin addicts, and I’m only human so I wanted in on that action. I didn’t realize that this was by a writer I’d previously refused to review, but once we got that got sorted JKM was very gracious and cool enough to send me this along with his new one Husk which I’ll read and review soon.
October 9, 2016
Bait receives a 4.5 rating from me.
Bait encompasses the lives of 6 heroin junkies that are the worst of the worse. Their heroin habit is bad and I mean horrible. Trading money, sex, and other degrading things for the drugs. This all changes when they wake up on a deserted island with no heroin and a box with water and a note.
The note tells them if they want more drugs they have to swim a mile to get it, to the next island. No problem right?! Spoiler alert... They have to swim with hungry sharks, blood thirsty sharks. Yum.
These six engulf on a harrowing adventure of survival and instincts to help them live.
Meanwhile an ex military man and his pals watch the horror unfold. Why are they doing this and what is their motive? Why watch people swim to safety while sharks prey upon them?
Bait is a highly addictive thriller that captivates you from the first page and leaving you with wanting more at the end. Great book! Highly recommend!!
Bait encompasses the lives of 6 heroin junkies that are the worst of the worse. Their heroin habit is bad and I mean horrible. Trading money, sex, and other degrading things for the drugs. This all changes when they wake up on a deserted island with no heroin and a box with water and a note.
The note tells them if they want more drugs they have to swim a mile to get it, to the next island. No problem right?! Spoiler alert... They have to swim with hungry sharks, blood thirsty sharks. Yum.
These six engulf on a harrowing adventure of survival and instincts to help them live.
Meanwhile an ex military man and his pals watch the horror unfold. Why are they doing this and what is their motive? Why watch people swim to safety while sharks prey upon them?
Bait is a highly addictive thriller that captivates you from the first page and leaving you with wanting more at the end. Great book! Highly recommend!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2019
Dear Mr. Trump,
I know you’re always on the lookout for creative new ways of tackling age-old issues. And, you clearly aren’t afraid of ruffling a few feathers or resorting to extreme measures. Therefore, in my view, it’s high time we adopt a radical new approach in our fight against the drug crisis plaguing America.
For your consideration, I present, Bait . . .
Six heroin addicts are in for the ultimate rude awakening when they come to dazed and confused and somehow marooned on a deserted island in the Florida Keys. After much bickering and finger pointing, they eventually calm down enough to discuss the troubling state of affairs and attempt to puzzle out the circumstances that have led to their predicament.
Searching the island they discover a trunk on the beach. Inside are few sandwiches and a note informing them that there will be no rescue, “much effort has been made to ensure this.” Instead, they have two options - remain where they are, starve to death and suffer through the debilitating effects of withdraw, or swim a mile to the next island where more food will be provided, along with a taste of the highest-quality heroin that money can buy, and a chance at a possible escape.
Please note, “You are being observed at all times.”
Seems like a no-brainer, even to a few hopheads. However, there is one minor concern - between them and the next island lies an ocean full of monsters with razor-sharp teeth!
So it goes. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Hope y’all have been working on your cardio . . .
This book was a lot of fun—a short little action-packed adventure that packed quite a wallop. It took a little time for me to become invested in the characters’ fate, but several flashbacks help to flesh out all the players. So kudos to the author, for providing just enough details for me to develop a vested interest in the lives of a few junkies. Once the stage was set, that latter half of the tale nicely ratcheted up the intensity.
I know a few of my friends were worried that a Debbie Downer like myself wouldn’t be able to see past a potentially ridiculous™ premise, enough to enjoy this story. But have no fear, I actually found the tormentors’ logic to be sound and their actions plausible. After their reasoning was laid bare, the story evolved from swimming a fool’s gauntlet into somewhat of a social commentary on the war on drugs.
Bottom line: If you’re looking for a quick little adventure and aren’t afraid of some gore, this book should provide a nice diversion from your day to day drudgery. However, if you’re unlucky enough to count a hard-core drug addict among your circle of friends or family, you may want to pray that our glorious leader never gets his grubby little paws on this book - lest he get any brilliant ideas.
Many thanks to the author for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Sorry it took me so long to get around to reading it.
I know you’re always on the lookout for creative new ways of tackling age-old issues. And, you clearly aren’t afraid of ruffling a few feathers or resorting to extreme measures. Therefore, in my view, it’s high time we adopt a radical new approach in our fight against the drug crisis plaguing America.
For your consideration, I present, Bait . . .
Six heroin addicts are in for the ultimate rude awakening when they come to dazed and confused and somehow marooned on a deserted island in the Florida Keys. After much bickering and finger pointing, they eventually calm down enough to discuss the troubling state of affairs and attempt to puzzle out the circumstances that have led to their predicament.
Searching the island they discover a trunk on the beach. Inside are few sandwiches and a note informing them that there will be no rescue, “much effort has been made to ensure this.” Instead, they have two options - remain where they are, starve to death and suffer through the debilitating effects of withdraw, or swim a mile to the next island where more food will be provided, along with a taste of the highest-quality heroin that money can buy, and a chance at a possible escape.
Please note, “You are being observed at all times.”
Seems like a no-brainer, even to a few hopheads. However, there is one minor concern - between them and the next island lies an ocean full of monsters with razor-sharp teeth!
So it goes. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Hope y’all have been working on your cardio . . .
This book was a lot of fun—a short little action-packed adventure that packed quite a wallop. It took a little time for me to become invested in the characters’ fate, but several flashbacks help to flesh out all the players. So kudos to the author, for providing just enough details for me to develop a vested interest in the lives of a few junkies. Once the stage was set, that latter half of the tale nicely ratcheted up the intensity.
I know a few of my friends were worried that a Debbie Downer like myself wouldn’t be able to see past a potentially ridiculous™ premise, enough to enjoy this story. But have no fear, I actually found the tormentors’ logic to be sound and their actions plausible. After their reasoning was laid bare, the story evolved from swimming a fool’s gauntlet into somewhat of a social commentary on the war on drugs.
Bottom line: If you’re looking for a quick little adventure and aren’t afraid of some gore, this book should provide a nice diversion from your day to day drudgery. However, if you’re unlucky enough to count a hard-core drug addict among your circle of friends or family, you may want to pray that our glorious leader never gets his grubby little paws on this book - lest he get any brilliant ideas.
Many thanks to the author for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Sorry it took me so long to get around to reading it.
October 26, 2016
Gerald Francis McCabe, he thought. That’s who I was-
He was struck from every angle and with every measure of force.
Blood bloomed thick around him. Tick did not resurface.
Nearby, beer bottles clicked, cigars burned, and significant money exchanged hands.
Six heroin addicts, strangers to each other, all from the seedy underbelly of Miami, find themselves stranded on a deserted island in the Florida Keys. They are jonesing for a fix and the only foreseeable way to get that is to swim to the next island.
But they are being watched, from a yacht anchored off shore, in open water.
No one is coming to your aid.
We have ensured this.
These are shallow waters, where thought can run deep, but do not think yourself safe. You are fodder.
So get that adrenaline flowing, this one has an unapologetic, relentless pace. Only a hundred yards to go……….move!
3.4 stars. We should keep an eye on this young man.
Not recommended for the faint of heart.
He was struck from every angle and with every measure of force.
Blood bloomed thick around him. Tick did not resurface.
Nearby, beer bottles clicked, cigars burned, and significant money exchanged hands.
Six heroin addicts, strangers to each other, all from the seedy underbelly of Miami, find themselves stranded on a deserted island in the Florida Keys. They are jonesing for a fix and the only foreseeable way to get that is to swim to the next island.
But they are being watched, from a yacht anchored off shore, in open water.
No one is coming to your aid.
We have ensured this.
These are shallow waters, where thought can run deep, but do not think yourself safe. You are fodder.
So get that adrenaline flowing, this one has an unapologetic, relentless pace. Only a hundred yards to go……….move!
3.4 stars. We should keep an eye on this young man.
Not recommended for the faint of heart.
Want to read
September 27, 2020Hey readers,
If you've already read BAIT and enjoyed it, don't forget my second novel HUSK is also available. It's a speculative thriller that currently holds a 95% approval rating and scores an average of 4.1 out of 5. If you're into stuff like Silence Of The Lambs or Black Mirror, grab yourself a copy.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
The US/Canada Kindle edition is only $2.99!
Cheers,
J. Kent Messum
If you've already read BAIT and enjoyed it, don't forget my second novel HUSK is also available. It's a speculative thriller that currently holds a 95% approval rating and scores an average of 4.1 out of 5. If you're into stuff like Silence Of The Lambs or Black Mirror, grab yourself a copy.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
The US/Canada Kindle edition is only $2.99!
Cheers,
J. Kent Messum
October 29, 2016
A really great book. Bait gets 5 out of 5 stars from me for a few reasons...
Firstly, there was never a dull page in this novel. 'Action-packed' is such a cliche term, but it describes this book perfectly. This novel really motors right from the prologue all the way to the epilogue. The novel was short, but it's also the kind of book you can't help but read very quickly. To be honest, I couldn't put the damn thing down once I started. Finished it in only a couple of sittings.
Secondly, I happen to really like shorter books. Lean, crisp, fast-paced storytelling really gets my attention and Messum's prose is considerably free of fat and pretense. This is some seriously talented writing that just feels effortless to a reader. It's the kind of novel you can knock out in a four-hour flight. I felt like I was strapped in for the ride for most of the book. It was over soon after it began, but man, what a trip!
Thirdly, I actually thought the whole premise was quite plausible (in a crazy fiction kind of way). There were some twists I saw coming, and some that completely surprised me. The documented brutality and criminal behavior U.S. servicemen over the years (Staff Sergeant Robert Bales murdering 16 Afghan civilians back in 2012, just one example), made me think that the villains and their motives weren't that far-fetched at all. The junkies themselves were crude and vulgar at times, but then again... they are junkies going through withdrawal. Addicts have a bad reputation, one that Messum seems to greatly understand. He gives the characters some context that plays a little on our sympathies, but he doesn't victimize them. My reactions to the characters (both protagonists & antagonists) were mixed, but I think that might have been the whole point...
I do need to caution readers: Bait is a very ADULT novel (I wouldn't recommend it for anyone squeamish or under 17... unless you want to be scared straight when it comes to drugs). It's incredibly visceral, violent, and gory at times. I think it's also a book you will either 'get' or you won't. Therefore, you will either love it or hate it. Messum offers an unflinching look at a very ugly side of society that most ordinary people would be quite happy to ignore or scurry from (and do). I read the whole thing as a sharp social commentary, one that observes the filthy underbelly of the human condition and certain fringes of society.
J. Kent Messum has certainly hooked my attention with his debut. Can't wait to see what this guy comes up with next.
Firstly, there was never a dull page in this novel. 'Action-packed' is such a cliche term, but it describes this book perfectly. This novel really motors right from the prologue all the way to the epilogue. The novel was short, but it's also the kind of book you can't help but read very quickly. To be honest, I couldn't put the damn thing down once I started. Finished it in only a couple of sittings.
Secondly, I happen to really like shorter books. Lean, crisp, fast-paced storytelling really gets my attention and Messum's prose is considerably free of fat and pretense. This is some seriously talented writing that just feels effortless to a reader. It's the kind of novel you can knock out in a four-hour flight. I felt like I was strapped in for the ride for most of the book. It was over soon after it began, but man, what a trip!
Thirdly, I actually thought the whole premise was quite plausible (in a crazy fiction kind of way). There were some twists I saw coming, and some that completely surprised me. The documented brutality and criminal behavior U.S. servicemen over the years (Staff Sergeant Robert Bales murdering 16 Afghan civilians back in 2012, just one example), made me think that the villains and their motives weren't that far-fetched at all. The junkies themselves were crude and vulgar at times, but then again... they are junkies going through withdrawal. Addicts have a bad reputation, one that Messum seems to greatly understand. He gives the characters some context that plays a little on our sympathies, but he doesn't victimize them. My reactions to the characters (both protagonists & antagonists) were mixed, but I think that might have been the whole point...
I do need to caution readers: Bait is a very ADULT novel (I wouldn't recommend it for anyone squeamish or under 17... unless you want to be scared straight when it comes to drugs). It's incredibly visceral, violent, and gory at times. I think it's also a book you will either 'get' or you won't. Therefore, you will either love it or hate it. Messum offers an unflinching look at a very ugly side of society that most ordinary people would be quite happy to ignore or scurry from (and do). I read the whole thing as a sharp social commentary, one that observes the filthy underbelly of the human condition and certain fringes of society.
J. Kent Messum has certainly hooked my attention with his debut. Can't wait to see what this guy comes up with next.
February 13, 2017
4.5 stars
A small group of unlucky souls are gathered up and deposited on an island, told with directions to go to the next adjourning land by crossing the dangerous inlets so they can receive their new doses of heroine, food and other essential goodies. They have to figure out how to work together - or work apart - to survive and get that next fix and avoid being shark bait.
Several of my friends have been reading this one, reviewing it highly, so I was happy to dive in - plus, Sharks? We are so fascinated by the swimming predators still. I blame JAWS.
These chompers aren't great whites, but it doesn't matter since a scary shark is a scary shark. The group have addiction and downward spiral in common. They've all hit rock bottom and done the nasty to survive there, which the men who are puppeteers know. Both groups are interesting. I can't warm up to killers who want to watch victims being torn apart by killer sea creatures, of course, but the villainous motivation is a plausible one that's not shallow. Drug addiction doesn't deliver the friendliness trait but some of victims have compassion while others just lack it.
The book is short - would have liked an even longer water romp - but it delivered the goods in a fast paced and hard to put down story. There's some mini flashbacks to give a show of who the characters are and how they ended up in this mess, which was needed to keep the book's characters three-dimensional. There's not a huge mystery as it's easy for them to figure out what's going on, but they have to depend on timing, plans and each other to see if they can survive this one.
I won't say whether anyone survived, but the ending was a nice conclusion and it leaves with that dangling hook on what will come next. Not a cliffhanger, but something to ponder.
Fast-paced and intriguing, this is a shark book cut above the rest, focusing on the group of heroin addicts more than just a B-fest killer shark rush. There's more than a few sharks munching - there's social stigma pondering, the banes of addiction and the merits of those struggling with it, a few creepy and suspenseful parts in the water (always a scary setting in itself). Suspense fans should definitely hunt this one down - it's a keeper.
An honest review has been dished out after receiving this book from the author
August 3, 2017
Well who knew sharks and heroin went together like peanut butter and jelly? This was fun!
He and the others, they were mere flecks of flesh on a blue body of unfathomable dimension. The deep would take them all, sucking skin tones and white bones into the liquid void to be crushed into nothingness.
Take six heroin addicts and throw them on an unknown island somewhere in the Keys. Add in a mysterious boat with people who are watching (and decidedly NOT helping), impending withdrawal, and a whole lot of motherfucking sharks. This is Bait, a deliciously bloody fun book!
Bait's sense of fun is its greatest strength - it's not all highfalutin or trying to tell a civil war allegory with tiger sharks (I don't think?) It's just a great energetic story. These stranded addicts will do anything for a fix - and when their next hit is just an island hop over, a little swim with the sharks starts to look better and better. Especially when they're given no other option.
It's just a little swim. How hard could it be?
People shoot / snort heroin. They vomit and curse quite a bit. They also get eaten and it is delightful. However, I will add that I was rooting for some of the characters too. I liked the chompy chompy parts of the book, but it's harder to love a book if you don't give a shit who survives and who becomes bait.
TITLE DROP!
The verdict? Bait is sharkilicious fun. I intended to read it for Shark Week 2017, but was late because I can't keep my reading on any sort of schedule. But really, just like there's not bad time to eat a PB&J, there's no bad time to read the world's best book about stranded heroin addicts vs a bunch o' sharks.
He and the others, they were mere flecks of flesh on a blue body of unfathomable dimension. The deep would take them all, sucking skin tones and white bones into the liquid void to be crushed into nothingness.
Take six heroin addicts and throw them on an unknown island somewhere in the Keys. Add in a mysterious boat with people who are watching (and decidedly NOT helping), impending withdrawal, and a whole lot of motherfucking sharks. This is Bait, a deliciously bloody fun book!
Bait's sense of fun is its greatest strength - it's not all highfalutin or trying to tell a civil war allegory with tiger sharks (I don't think?) It's just a great energetic story. These stranded addicts will do anything for a fix - and when their next hit is just an island hop over, a little swim with the sharks starts to look better and better. Especially when they're given no other option.
It's just a little swim. How hard could it be?
People shoot / snort heroin. They vomit and curse quite a bit. They also get eaten and it is delightful. However, I will add that I was rooting for some of the characters too. I liked the chompy chompy parts of the book, but it's harder to love a book if you don't give a shit who survives and who becomes bait.
TITLE DROP!
The verdict? Bait is sharkilicious fun. I intended to read it for Shark Week 2017, but was late because I can't keep my reading on any sort of schedule. But really, just like there's not bad time to eat a PB&J, there's no bad time to read the world's best book about stranded heroin addicts vs a bunch o' sharks.
August 23, 2015
Bait is the debut novel by Jamie Kent Messum and is a quite gripping look at heroin addiction, isolation, desperation and how far you’d swim for a fix, how far you’d really go when death comes calling.
Six strangers wake up on the beach of an island in the Florida Keys, stolen away from their shitty lives and for reasons unknown. All they have is a box with instructions to swim the one mile over to the next island and the only way to get their next high.
Someone watches them from a boat offshore, this is a game and our six strangers are the entertainment because in this mile stretch of water is something that would stop just about anyone from even wanting to get their feet wet.
The strength of the story is with the characters, we first meet them on the island and then travel back to the past, when there was a semblance of normality, at least in their lives anyway, to see how they were chosen. My favourite character was Ginger, a hard ass bitch who occasionally shows a glimmer of compassion through the tough exterior.
'The sweet, the funk, the illicit stuff infused with her blood, attaching to receptors, swallowing her bio-chemistry in a warm, satin lined mouth. A hit hadn't been this good or strong in years. Felt like she was having her cherry popped for the first time.'
So druggies take on jaws for their next bit of action, winner gets the best quality taster known to man, or shark, game on.
Also posted at http://paulnelson.booklikes.com/post/...
Six strangers wake up on the beach of an island in the Florida Keys, stolen away from their shitty lives and for reasons unknown. All they have is a box with instructions to swim the one mile over to the next island and the only way to get their next high.
Someone watches them from a boat offshore, this is a game and our six strangers are the entertainment because in this mile stretch of water is something that would stop just about anyone from even wanting to get their feet wet.
The strength of the story is with the characters, we first meet them on the island and then travel back to the past, when there was a semblance of normality, at least in their lives anyway, to see how they were chosen. My favourite character was Ginger, a hard ass bitch who occasionally shows a glimmer of compassion through the tough exterior.
'The sweet, the funk, the illicit stuff infused with her blood, attaching to receptors, swallowing her bio-chemistry in a warm, satin lined mouth. A hit hadn't been this good or strong in years. Felt like she was having her cherry popped for the first time.'
So druggies take on jaws for their next bit of action, winner gets the best quality taster known to man, or shark, game on.
Also posted at http://paulnelson.booklikes.com/post/...
June 16, 2016
Having strained my wrist after reading the large tome "Matterhorn" I was looking for something light and easy to hold for my next book. "Bait" was feather light and the synopsis sounded exciting so I eagerly began reading this tale of horror.
6 junkies are kidnapped and placed on a deserted island while their tormentors watch their struggles from a near by yacht. Reminiscent of the TV reality show "Survivor" but much darker since this will truly be a life or death struggle and there can only be 1 winner.
The first day is pure agony as the junkies start having withdrawals from heroin. A trunk containing a few sandwiches and water also contains a letter with further instructions. They have to swim to the next island in the Florida Keys where they will be giving a supply of heroin as well as food and water.
As the hours pass and their agony increases they agree to swim together to the next island since it only looks to be a mile away. Knowing that a fix is near at hand they brave the waters with the agreement that they will look out for each other.
They're halfway there and determined to achieve their goal when unwelcome visitors arrive. That's right, a huge tiger shark arrives and he's very hungry apparently as he starts to stalk the guy behind the other swimmers. Their tormentors on the yacht are thrilled and start filming the whole scene and making bets.
The author makes his junkie characters so real and believable that it's difficult to read about their agony and death by shark but you'll be cheering for them the whole way.
It's possible that they even survive this ordeal...but my lips are sealed.
6 junkies are kidnapped and placed on a deserted island while their tormentors watch their struggles from a near by yacht. Reminiscent of the TV reality show "Survivor" but much darker since this will truly be a life or death struggle and there can only be 1 winner.
The first day is pure agony as the junkies start having withdrawals from heroin. A trunk containing a few sandwiches and water also contains a letter with further instructions. They have to swim to the next island in the Florida Keys where they will be giving a supply of heroin as well as food and water.
As the hours pass and their agony increases they agree to swim together to the next island since it only looks to be a mile away. Knowing that a fix is near at hand they brave the waters with the agreement that they will look out for each other.
They're halfway there and determined to achieve their goal when unwelcome visitors arrive. That's right, a huge tiger shark arrives and he's very hungry apparently as he starts to stalk the guy behind the other swimmers. Their tormentors on the yacht are thrilled and start filming the whole scene and making bets.
The author makes his junkie characters so real and believable that it's difficult to read about their agony and death by shark but you'll be cheering for them the whole way.
It's possible that they even survive this ordeal...but my lips are sealed.
March 26, 2019
Junkies are stuck on an island and sobriety is hunting them. Their only chance to get high is to swim through shark infested water. Needless to say they choose...poorly and there is a lot of gnashing of teeth. The author does a good job particularly in the bits where people are getting eaten by sharks. There was one bit where a guy got eaten by a shark that was awesome.
September 7, 2013
Shark-infested waters.
A group of hopeless drug addicts.
A bunch of ex-soldiers with questionable motives.
The purest dope you'll ever find.
I'm not really interested in reading about a couple junkies fight for heroin, but I was intrigued with the possible conflicts that could come with this. Oh, the drama! Oh, the transformation of oneself as they fight for survival and for their health and sanity! And I love thrillers, too, so that's akin to killing two birds with one stone. However, upon turning the last page, I was left not only with utter disappointment, but with a horrible migraine as well. I've watched a lot of movies in my twenty years of existence, and while a lot of them were A+, there were a bunch of B-rated movies as well that included awkward dialogue, poor cinematography, godawful camerawork, obvious and poorly done CGI affects, rushed storyline, gaping plotholes... and sad to say, if Bait were to be made as a film, it would join that sad category.
I read a lot of Young Adult, but I do indulge myself in some dark Adult books from time to time, and more often than not, they're well done and leave me shaking to the core. But Bait was just... I don't know. It's weird and uncomfortable; the characters are deplorable and unlikeable; the premise didn't really make any sense; the reasons the bad guys did what they did was shaky and ridiculous; the pacing was awful and choppy. It reminded me so much of those horror movies where instead of getting scared, you just laugh at everything because of the over-the-top acting, the clumsy execution and the fake blood that look like red goo.
I understand that this is a novel about a hopeless and desperate bunch of people. Even though in real life I don't like this kind of individuals very much — the ones that are so screwed up in the head and would gladly ruin everything else just to get high for a night — I took it in stride in this novel in hopes that I'd be able to read something good. But the personalities of the characters, one-dimensional they may be, were just so uncomfortable to read. They were absolutely unlikeable. Characters don't have to be unlikeable, but in my opinion, the reader must at least be able to sympathize with them, or at least connect to them somehow. But I couldn't here, especially not when the men in this novel were outrageously sexist. They called the women "cunts" and "bitches" and talked about having sex with them like that's all they're good for. One of the women tried to encourage a boy to swim the heck out of the water and got slapped that her head turned all the way, and when she fought back and injured him in the process, she got blamed, got called named, was wished dead, and was even PUNCHED by the macho guy that her jaw was broken! AND THE REST? Well, they didn't care. They didn't bat an eyelid. How the fuck am I going to sympathize with these deplorable people? It was so hard reading that, reading how the males objectified the females and hurt them without any hesitation for questionably reasons. LIKE WTF. NOPE. NOTHING TO DO HERE.
The villains, the ones that kidnapped the supposed "dregs" and made them pit against each other for the "purest" heroin, are absolutely one-dimensional and bland. Their reasons didn't make any sense to me, and felt so random and contrived that I actually laughed out loud. I wish I could lay thm out here and show to you guys how far-fetched and ridiculous they were, but I'll restrain myself. I just think they were just too flat and decided to do the evil thing just for the heck of it. I wish there were more complexity, but as usual, it took the "Wahaha! I'm evil because I feel like it!" route and that's just too lazy, imo.
And the dialogue! The dialogue was the reason why I felt this book was like a B-rated movie. I felt it was very vulgar (lots of boob and dick words, but I guess that's normal in an adult book? But it seemed like it was overdone here) and it had an air of "trying hard to be witty but yup, no." I thought the narration was better, but the dialogue was just... UGH.
The pacing was a bit off, too. The first fifty percent was composed of the past 24-48 hours of the characters prior to their kidnapping — how they were leading their lives, how they came to this point, why they were kidnapped — and the rest of it became one huge fast-forward that it didn't give any more chance to flesh out the characters. It was action, after action, after action, then insert "wahahaha!" of the villains there, then action, after action, after action... I guess if you like that, maybe you'll enjoy this book, but it felt absolutely rushed to me. It could've been longer and made me feel sorry for the characters, but nope, it didn't happen.
And the ending? -_- Whatever.
At least it was short. That saved me a lot of time, and I guess a lot of rage if things weren't going to get any better. Do I recommend this? Not at all. But if you like a beach read to pass the time and don't mind unlikeable characters, juvenile dialogue, and the like, to read a situation about addicts getting their next fix, then why not. You know my answer to that, though.
A group of hopeless drug addicts.
A bunch of ex-soldiers with questionable motives.
The purest dope you'll ever find.
I'm not really interested in reading about a couple junkies fight for heroin, but I was intrigued with the possible conflicts that could come with this. Oh, the drama! Oh, the transformation of oneself as they fight for survival and for their health and sanity! And I love thrillers, too, so that's akin to killing two birds with one stone. However, upon turning the last page, I was left not only with utter disappointment, but with a horrible migraine as well. I've watched a lot of movies in my twenty years of existence, and while a lot of them were A+, there were a bunch of B-rated movies as well that included awkward dialogue, poor cinematography, godawful camerawork, obvious and poorly done CGI affects, rushed storyline, gaping plotholes... and sad to say, if Bait were to be made as a film, it would join that sad category.
I read a lot of Young Adult, but I do indulge myself in some dark Adult books from time to time, and more often than not, they're well done and leave me shaking to the core. But Bait was just... I don't know. It's weird and uncomfortable; the characters are deplorable and unlikeable; the premise didn't really make any sense; the reasons the bad guys did what they did was shaky and ridiculous; the pacing was awful and choppy. It reminded me so much of those horror movies where instead of getting scared, you just laugh at everything because of the over-the-top acting, the clumsy execution and the fake blood that look like red goo.
I understand that this is a novel about a hopeless and desperate bunch of people. Even though in real life I don't like this kind of individuals very much — the ones that are so screwed up in the head and would gladly ruin everything else just to get high for a night — I took it in stride in this novel in hopes that I'd be able to read something good. But the personalities of the characters, one-dimensional they may be, were just so uncomfortable to read. They were absolutely unlikeable. Characters don't have to be unlikeable, but in my opinion, the reader must at least be able to sympathize with them, or at least connect to them somehow. But I couldn't here, especially not when the men in this novel were outrageously sexist. They called the women "cunts" and "bitches" and talked about having sex with them like that's all they're good for. One of the women tried to encourage a boy to swim the heck out of the water and got slapped that her head turned all the way, and when she fought back and injured him in the process, she got blamed, got called named, was wished dead, and was even PUNCHED by the macho guy that her jaw was broken! AND THE REST? Well, they didn't care. They didn't bat an eyelid. How the fuck am I going to sympathize with these deplorable people? It was so hard reading that, reading how the males objectified the females and hurt them without any hesitation for questionably reasons. LIKE WTF. NOPE. NOTHING TO DO HERE.
The villains, the ones that kidnapped the supposed "dregs" and made them pit against each other for the "purest" heroin, are absolutely one-dimensional and bland. Their reasons didn't make any sense to me, and felt so random and contrived that I actually laughed out loud. I wish I could lay thm out here and show to you guys how far-fetched and ridiculous they were, but I'll restrain myself. I just think they were just too flat and decided to do the evil thing just for the heck of it. I wish there were more complexity, but as usual, it took the "Wahaha! I'm evil because I feel like it!" route and that's just too lazy, imo.
And the dialogue! The dialogue was the reason why I felt this book was like a B-rated movie. I felt it was very vulgar (lots of boob and dick words, but I guess that's normal in an adult book? But it seemed like it was overdone here) and it had an air of "trying hard to be witty but yup, no." I thought the narration was better, but the dialogue was just... UGH.
The pacing was a bit off, too. The first fifty percent was composed of the past 24-48 hours of the characters prior to their kidnapping — how they were leading their lives, how they came to this point, why they were kidnapped — and the rest of it became one huge fast-forward that it didn't give any more chance to flesh out the characters. It was action, after action, after action, then insert "wahahaha!" of the villains there, then action, after action, after action... I guess if you like that, maybe you'll enjoy this book, but it felt absolutely rushed to me. It could've been longer and made me feel sorry for the characters, but nope, it didn't happen.
And the ending? -_- Whatever.
At least it was short. That saved me a lot of time, and I guess a lot of rage if things weren't going to get any better. Do I recommend this? Not at all. But if you like a beach read to pass the time and don't mind unlikeable characters, juvenile dialogue, and the like, to read a situation about addicts getting their next fix, then why not. You know my answer to that, though.
February 27, 2019
What can I say about this fast paced novel? Check out the synopsis:
No one is coming to your aid. We have ensured this. Six strangers wake up on a remote island in the Florida Keys with no memory of their arrival. They soon discover their common bond: all of them are heroin addicts. As the first excruciating pangs of withdrawal make themselves felt, the six notice a yacht anchored across open water. On it lurk four shadowy figures, protected by the hungry sharks that patrol the waves. So begins a dangerous game. The six must undertake the impossible—swim to the next island where a cache of heroin awaits, or die trying. When alliances form, betrayal is inevitable. As the fight to survive intensifies, the stakes reach terrifying heights—and their captors’ motives finally begin to emerge.
How could any horror lover resist that description? Who is watching our plucky group of addicts from that yacht? What possible reason could they have for doing such a thing? You'll have to read BAIT to find out!
After reading HUSK by Messum late last year, I became an instant fan. BAIT only solidifies my fandom.
I can't say too much about this tale with out being spoiler-y or redundant. I will say that I had a blast with it, and being as fast paced and action packed as it was, (during the second half), it didn't take long for me to blow through it. It was bloody, unpredictable and a few sharks were harmed in the making of the novel.
Recommended, especially for fans of SHARK WEEK!
Get your copy here: https://amzn.to/2SrC4op
*I received a paperback copy of this book with no strings attached, and the author was kind enough to sign it for me.*
No one is coming to your aid. We have ensured this. Six strangers wake up on a remote island in the Florida Keys with no memory of their arrival. They soon discover their common bond: all of them are heroin addicts. As the first excruciating pangs of withdrawal make themselves felt, the six notice a yacht anchored across open water. On it lurk four shadowy figures, protected by the hungry sharks that patrol the waves. So begins a dangerous game. The six must undertake the impossible—swim to the next island where a cache of heroin awaits, or die trying. When alliances form, betrayal is inevitable. As the fight to survive intensifies, the stakes reach terrifying heights—and their captors’ motives finally begin to emerge.
How could any horror lover resist that description? Who is watching our plucky group of addicts from that yacht? What possible reason could they have for doing such a thing? You'll have to read BAIT to find out!
After reading HUSK by Messum late last year, I became an instant fan. BAIT only solidifies my fandom.
I can't say too much about this tale with out being spoiler-y or redundant. I will say that I had a blast with it, and being as fast paced and action packed as it was, (during the second half), it didn't take long for me to blow through it. It was bloody, unpredictable and a few sharks were harmed in the making of the novel.
Recommended, especially for fans of SHARK WEEK!
Get your copy here: https://amzn.to/2SrC4op
*I received a paperback copy of this book with no strings attached, and the author was kind enough to sign it for me.*
September 12, 2013
Four men and two women wake up on a deserted island in the Florida Keys. It doesn't take long for them to find the common thread that they all have: an addiction to heroin that rules their lives. Off the coast on board a boat, their sadistic kidnappers observe them, waiting for the game to start and placing their bets. Facing gut-wrenching withdrawal symptoms, all these strangers can piece together is what they find in a letter inside a chest with some food and water--orders to swim to the next island where the promise of the purest heroin they've ever had will be their reward.
As they grow sicker, tempers flare, fists are thrown, obscenities are screamed, alliances are formed. Soon they have no choice but to listen to the demons inside their head. Swimming for the other island sounds like a plausible idea. Little do they know that the waters are full of sharks that have a taste for humans thanks to their kidnappers, so they circle the island, waiting for the first body to enter the water...
Bait is a gritty, fast-paced horror novel. The first part of the book allows you to get to know these unfortunate souls in alternating chapters of their time on the island and the few days leading up to their abduction. Their lives aren't pretty, and addiction isn't a comfortable thing to read about. Messum does a great job of portraying these things in a realistic way without being too cliche or outlandish. It simply is what it is: criminal, dirty, desperate, and oftentimes hopeless.
This isn't simply a story about bad versus good, not when the protagonists have done a decent amount of bad things in their addicted lives. Bait is shades of grey and black, a social commentary on good people done wrong and turning against the establishment in the worst way possible. Who is worthy of redemption, and who actually has a chance to make it out alive?
I give Bait a four out of five. Great character development with excellent pacing and tone. The amount of violence and gore is appropriate for this type of book, because essentially it's a shark attack book when it comes down aspects of it, so it may not be for everyone but I loved the raw viscerals and grittiness. This is one book that is pretty true to life, and that makes it so much more of an emotionally intense read. I can't wait to see what J. Kent Messum writes next, and hopefully it's a bit longer because this book flew by in no time at all.
Copy provided for review by TLC Book Tours and Penguin in exchange for honest review.
(Also posted on Bewitched Bookworms)
As they grow sicker, tempers flare, fists are thrown, obscenities are screamed, alliances are formed. Soon they have no choice but to listen to the demons inside their head. Swimming for the other island sounds like a plausible idea. Little do they know that the waters are full of sharks that have a taste for humans thanks to their kidnappers, so they circle the island, waiting for the first body to enter the water...
Bait is a gritty, fast-paced horror novel. The first part of the book allows you to get to know these unfortunate souls in alternating chapters of their time on the island and the few days leading up to their abduction. Their lives aren't pretty, and addiction isn't a comfortable thing to read about. Messum does a great job of portraying these things in a realistic way without being too cliche or outlandish. It simply is what it is: criminal, dirty, desperate, and oftentimes hopeless.
This isn't simply a story about bad versus good, not when the protagonists have done a decent amount of bad things in their addicted lives. Bait is shades of grey and black, a social commentary on good people done wrong and turning against the establishment in the worst way possible. Who is worthy of redemption, and who actually has a chance to make it out alive?
I give Bait a four out of five. Great character development with excellent pacing and tone. The amount of violence and gore is appropriate for this type of book, because essentially it's a shark attack book when it comes down aspects of it, so it may not be for everyone but I loved the raw viscerals and grittiness. This is one book that is pretty true to life, and that makes it so much more of an emotionally intense read. I can't wait to see what J. Kent Messum writes next, and hopefully it's a bit longer because this book flew by in no time at all.
Copy provided for review by TLC Book Tours and Penguin in exchange for honest review.
(Also posted on Bewitched Bookworms)
August 4, 2013
By no means is BAIT an 'easy' or comfortable read; the readers emotions are taken through a roller coaster of anger, bereavement, desperation, and relief, with a final unsettling knot left in the pit of the stomach. Don't get me wrong, I was engrossed by this page turner and would recommend it to anyone in need of a good shake, however it would come with fair warning this is not for the faint of heart.
As the story unfolds the reader is given glimpses of how each person fell victim to their current lifestyle, bridging the gap between lowlife scum and unwilling prey. The writing is fluid and ambitious, with careful attention paid to maintaining an honest take on the characters involved. At times the dialogue is harsh and seemingly 'vulgar'(as one commenter chose to put it), though this should be expected; each is a heroin addicted junkie that's faced with struggling to stay alive... on a deserted island as withdrawal symptoms kick in, with no food or water, no idea of how they even got there, a collection of other addicts to deal with, surrounded by shark infested waters, all while being tormented by onlookers whose only goal is to see them suffer or die. I doubt anyone in their right mind would be able to maintain a polished vocabulary in that type of situation, let alone someone who's hitting rock bottom at the same time.
If J Kent Messums' intention was to leave the reader feeling unhinged, with lingering thoughts of the characters (and all they've endured) sunken deep within the mind, not to mention a slight fear of the open water, he achieved it. A fantastic debut. I'm definitely looking forward to future works from this author.
As the story unfolds the reader is given glimpses of how each person fell victim to their current lifestyle, bridging the gap between lowlife scum and unwilling prey. The writing is fluid and ambitious, with careful attention paid to maintaining an honest take on the characters involved. At times the dialogue is harsh and seemingly 'vulgar'(as one commenter chose to put it), though this should be expected; each is a heroin addicted junkie that's faced with struggling to stay alive... on a deserted island as withdrawal symptoms kick in, with no food or water, no idea of how they even got there, a collection of other addicts to deal with, surrounded by shark infested waters, all while being tormented by onlookers whose only goal is to see them suffer or die. I doubt anyone in their right mind would be able to maintain a polished vocabulary in that type of situation, let alone someone who's hitting rock bottom at the same time.
If J Kent Messums' intention was to leave the reader feeling unhinged, with lingering thoughts of the characters (and all they've endured) sunken deep within the mind, not to mention a slight fear of the open water, he achieved it. A fantastic debut. I'm definitely looking forward to future works from this author.
November 3, 2017
Ένα σπαρακτικό, εξαίσιο θρίλερ, με μπόλικες "δόσεις" ωμού ρεαλισμού! Αν θέλουμε να περπατήσουμε στα σκοτεινά σοκάκια της ανθρώπινης ψυχής, τότε σίγουρα έχουμε ανάγκη από περισσότερα βιβλία του J. Kent Messum.
August 25, 2016
This is it folks.....the perfect book to drag along with you on your next trip to the beach!!
Okay perhaps it may give you nightmares of being eaten alive by sharks but that's really not so bad.
Seriously though, what a book! I freaking loved this! I had no idea what this book was about, who the author was, I didn't even bother reading the synopsis when I bought it. The cover drew me in and so it came home with me that day. If I didn't have to sleep and do life things, I'd say this can be finished in a day easily, 2 at most. It's a quick read and definitely a page turner.
When I started reading this, that short story The Most Dangerous Game by Richard Connell came to mind. What J. Kent Messum gives us here is a story that could comfortably live in that realm. Although we're not exactly talking about human hunting human in Bait, there is that element within.
This is definitely a game for the group of men orchestrating everything going on in the background and nothing short of a living nightmare for the selected players. Showcasing an obvious spotlight of the grimy drug culture that plagues many of our cities in the US and around the world, this story focuses on the seedy underground in Miami. Plucking seemingly random junkies from their rock bottom lives and throwing them into a hellish game for amusement sake and self righteous reasons, the events that play out in Bait are terrifyingly believable. You'll be guessing what happens next, what will happen at the end, who's behind this, and then your mind will get blown. You will find yourself rooting for the bad guys....and possibly planning your next vacation to the mountains.
After finishing this, I was so wishing for this to be made into a film. Trust me, once you read it, you'll jump on that train with me! ;) I haven't picked out actors and actresses who would fit the roles yet....okay so maybe a few. Go ahead, add it to your TBR list and thank me later (unless you hate it for some unknown reason, then don't thank me).
Also look out for his 2nd book
. I know I'm tracking it down real soon.
Happy reading and always look below surface, you never know what's lurking there.
Okay perhaps it may give you nightmares of being eaten alive by sharks but that's really not so bad.
Seriously though, what a book! I freaking loved this! I had no idea what this book was about, who the author was, I didn't even bother reading the synopsis when I bought it. The cover drew me in and so it came home with me that day. If I didn't have to sleep and do life things, I'd say this can be finished in a day easily, 2 at most. It's a quick read and definitely a page turner.
When I started reading this, that short story The Most Dangerous Game by Richard Connell came to mind. What J. Kent Messum gives us here is a story that could comfortably live in that realm. Although we're not exactly talking about human hunting human in Bait, there is that element within.
This is definitely a game for the group of men orchestrating everything going on in the background and nothing short of a living nightmare for the selected players. Showcasing an obvious spotlight of the grimy drug culture that plagues many of our cities in the US and around the world, this story focuses on the seedy underground in Miami. Plucking seemingly random junkies from their rock bottom lives and throwing them into a hellish game for amusement sake and self righteous reasons, the events that play out in Bait are terrifyingly believable. You'll be guessing what happens next, what will happen at the end, who's behind this, and then your mind will get blown. You will find yourself rooting for the bad guys....and possibly planning your next vacation to the mountains.
After finishing this, I was so wishing for this to be made into a film. Trust me, once you read it, you'll jump on that train with me! ;) I haven't picked out actors and actresses who would fit the roles yet....okay so maybe a few. Go ahead, add it to your TBR list and thank me later (unless you hate it for some unknown reason, then don't thank me).
Also look out for his 2nd book
. I know I'm tracking it down real soon. Happy reading and always look below surface, you never know what's lurking there.
March 8, 2014
I started this book today and I couldn't put it down until i finished it. Several heroin addicts are kidnapped and left on a stranded island. They are left instructions regarding what they need to do next. The story reminded me a lot of The Manhattan Hunt Club.
I believe the under the story are questions about social classes, beliefs and values. Who has the right to label someone else's worth? Who has power to instill their values and beliefs on others and should they do it if they believe they are helping the human race? Does everyone deserve another chance? All thought provoking questions. Excellent book.
I believe the under the story are questions about social classes, beliefs and values. Who has the right to label someone else's worth? Who has power to instill their values and beliefs on others and should they do it if they believe they are helping the human race? Does everyone deserve another chance? All thought provoking questions. Excellent book.
August 6, 2013
Excellent read! I work for a publishing house and review a lot of modern writers, but I can’t remember when I was this much impressed. If you don’t faint at a mention of an f-word and want to read something breathtaking, BAIT is the book for you. It will give you an insight into the mind of an addict and of a person who hates addicts, and will help you understand both. This book will keep you in suspense till the very end, and even after you’ve finished reading!
November 29, 2020
Αποτελεσματικό σύγχρονο θρίλερ επιβίωσης. Δεν βαρέθηκα ούτε σελίδα.Γρήγορο-βρώμικο-Δυνατό!
January 28, 2014
PJV Quickie: The horror in BAIT is not for the faint of heart. J. Kent Messum took a risky gamble starring vulgar, racist, heroin addicts and if you’re easily offended I suggest you put this book back on the shelf.
Review: BAIT is unique in the fact that it terrifies the reader in multiple levels. BAIT is about a group of heroin addicts dumped on a tiny island in the Florida keys and directed to swim across shark infested waters for their next fix…and meal. Each addict gets their own POV and flashbacks of the events leading up their abductions. Although there are multiple POVs, it is balanced by not having subplots.
The characters are complex; the action is gory (not overdone); therefore, the story is fairly straightforward. The tension of the present day story never offers any relief. Even when the characters aren’t doing anything, there’s that ever present threat of something terrible about to happen. Most of the time from the characters themselves. They don’t get along well. The flashbacks are equally as heart-wrenching. However, besides their love for heroin, the truly sad connection between the characters is the lack of friends and family to care enough to get them proper help.
None of the characters ever truly overcome their unlikeable status. The ruthless, selfish decisions made by them are plenty reason to hesitate before ever friending them on Facebook, let alone inviting them into your home. Frankly, the fact that I want to root for them to overcome these impossible odds despite hating them as people for the decisions they have made — that is a remarkable feat. Kudos to the author. Even the villains have their moments where you can empathize with why they do what they do without agreeing with their psychopathic decisions.
The second layer of horror is that, as a reader, you end up rooting for the survival of characters, who on the street you wouldn’t give two shits about. Why is it that we have no qualms about letting the homeless and drug-addicted fight a losing battle, yet when a handful of ex-military decide to entertain themselves with the throwaways of America, there’s a moral dilemma? Being addicted to drugs doesn’t make the person any less human. It doesn’t make their lives disposable. The question I had for myself after reading the story of these characters: Am I just as heartless as the villains? No…there definitely is a difference between negligent homicide and first degree murder. I’m not the one pulling the trigger. I’m on the sidelines watching them drown.
It’s rare that I find a book that delivers message about morals without dampening the entertainment factor of the book. I think that only thing that will disappoint me with J. Kent Messum is if he doesn’t write another horror book. I have not one complaint about the setup or execution of this brilliant novel. Horror fans will enjoy BAIT. My Little Pony fans might need a HAZMAT suit to survive both characters and story.
(Won in a Goodreads giveaway.)
This review first appeared at Parajunkee: http://www.parajunkee.com/2014/01/28/...
Review: BAIT is unique in the fact that it terrifies the reader in multiple levels. BAIT is about a group of heroin addicts dumped on a tiny island in the Florida keys and directed to swim across shark infested waters for their next fix…and meal. Each addict gets their own POV and flashbacks of the events leading up their abductions. Although there are multiple POVs, it is balanced by not having subplots.
The characters are complex; the action is gory (not overdone); therefore, the story is fairly straightforward. The tension of the present day story never offers any relief. Even when the characters aren’t doing anything, there’s that ever present threat of something terrible about to happen. Most of the time from the characters themselves. They don’t get along well. The flashbacks are equally as heart-wrenching. However, besides their love for heroin, the truly sad connection between the characters is the lack of friends and family to care enough to get them proper help.
None of the characters ever truly overcome their unlikeable status. The ruthless, selfish decisions made by them are plenty reason to hesitate before ever friending them on Facebook, let alone inviting them into your home. Frankly, the fact that I want to root for them to overcome these impossible odds despite hating them as people for the decisions they have made — that is a remarkable feat. Kudos to the author. Even the villains have their moments where you can empathize with why they do what they do without agreeing with their psychopathic decisions.
The second layer of horror is that, as a reader, you end up rooting for the survival of characters, who on the street you wouldn’t give two shits about. Why is it that we have no qualms about letting the homeless and drug-addicted fight a losing battle, yet when a handful of ex-military decide to entertain themselves with the throwaways of America, there’s a moral dilemma? Being addicted to drugs doesn’t make the person any less human. It doesn’t make their lives disposable. The question I had for myself after reading the story of these characters: Am I just as heartless as the villains? No…there definitely is a difference between negligent homicide and first degree murder. I’m not the one pulling the trigger. I’m on the sidelines watching them drown.
It’s rare that I find a book that delivers message about morals without dampening the entertainment factor of the book. I think that only thing that will disappoint me with J. Kent Messum is if he doesn’t write another horror book. I have not one complaint about the setup or execution of this brilliant novel. Horror fans will enjoy BAIT. My Little Pony fans might need a HAZMAT suit to survive both characters and story.
(Won in a Goodreads giveaway.)
This review first appeared at Parajunkee: http://www.parajunkee.com/2014/01/28/...
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