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The Grid #1
Candyman: A Story from The Grid
How does the dark half of a split personality win the girl? It's Madness.
You don't know I exist. Don't feel bad. No one knows I exist. Except him and he's an asshole. Sure, everyone thinks he's a hero but I know better. Because I live in his head. You see, he's not the hero everyone thinks he is. Sure, he'll own up to being gun slinger in the Old West. No problem ticking off the big bounty on his head and how many bodies hit the dirt at the end of his smoking gun.
Will he tell it's because of me he didn't die? No.
Because I'm the flaw he doesn't want to show. The dark, killer side. The one that keeps us both alive.
And that's how it would have always been.
Until her...
I swear she knew I was there.
And the bastard just had to break her heart.
For that, he's going to pay.
Even if it means we're both going to die.
You don't know I exist. Don't feel bad. No one knows I exist. Except him and he's an asshole. Sure, everyone thinks he's a hero but I know better. Because I live in his head. You see, he's not the hero everyone thinks he is. Sure, he'll own up to being gun slinger in the Old West. No problem ticking off the big bounty on his head and how many bodies hit the dirt at the end of his smoking gun.
Will he tell it's because of me he didn't die? No.
Because I'm the flaw he doesn't want to show. The dark, killer side. The one that keeps us both alive.
And that's how it would have always been.
Until her...
I swear she knew I was there.
And the bastard just had to break her heart.
For that, he's going to pay.
Even if it means we're both going to die.
ebook
First published November 28, 2013
71 people are currently reading
237 people want to read
About the author
Jas T. Ward
25 books476 followersAbout the Author
Born and raised in Texas, Ward is a mixed bag of creativity spinning tales of paranormal, urban fantasy and even dark romance and horror; wrapped within a love story.
She’s been dared by her readers to write a few contemporary romances but even those reads have characters that are real and twisted by their creator. It did, however, spawn her romance tag line: Romance - The Ward Way.
Mother of three diverse and independent bold children, Ward prides herself for being the “Queen Niche’ Bitch” which is a handy way of saying she sucks writing to market.
But her readers don’t seem to mind.
Ward can be contacted via:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorJasTWard
Website: http://authorjastward.com
Email: Hello@authorjastward.com
Born and raised in Texas, Ward is a mixed bag of creativity spinning tales of paranormal, urban fantasy and even dark romance and horror; wrapped within a love story.
She’s been dared by her readers to write a few contemporary romances but even those reads have characters that are real and twisted by their creator. It did, however, spawn her romance tag line: Romance - The Ward Way.
Mother of three diverse and independent bold children, Ward prides herself for being the “Queen Niche’ Bitch” which is a handy way of saying she sucks writing to market.
But her readers don’t seem to mind.
Ward can be contacted via:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorJasTWard
Website: http://authorjastward.com
Email: Hello@authorjastward.com
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
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November 9, 2023🎁 Books 1 & 2 in the Series are FREE on Amazon & on iBooks today (9/5/2020)! 🎁
March 6, 2015
Imagine your very existence hinged on the fact that you were the voice inside someone else’s mind. You felt alive, you had emotions, you had thoughts and you had desires but you had no control over the body you occupied and you were just a means to an ugly reality, a way to filter out the bad. You were just a passenger in someone else’s life and a tool used to kill, maim and destroy. Once you did your job you were pushed back into a dark hole and left alone to watch the world pass you by through someone else’s eyes.
That’s what life for Reno Sundown was like. A voice manifested inside a young boy’s mind in order to help that young boy control the dark madness that resided inside of him and help him deal with the ugly and painful parts of the world. Reno is an unusual guy and how he came to existence is a fascinating story. I knew there was fandom love for Reno Sundown so I was quite curious to see what the buzz was about and discover why fans loved this character so much. I now fully understand after reading how Reno came to be and his journey from being a voice inside of Jess’s mind to a man of his own why he has so many fans. Sign me up for the Reno fan club!
Jas T. Ward weaves a complex story through the point of view of Reno the hero who has a heart of gold and a scary dark side. The novella sets up the backstory and the premise for the Shadow-Keeper series and the main character starring in that series, Reno. If you’re going to read the Shadow-Keeper series (which I highly recommend) you really must read Reno Sundown’s story first so sit back, grab some candy and enjoy the journey. It’s an exciting tale that will have you wondering if it would be so bad to have your own badass and funny mental passenger.
Copy provided for review.
Reviewed by Joy for Crystal's Many Reviewers
That’s what life for Reno Sundown was like. A voice manifested inside a young boy’s mind in order to help that young boy control the dark madness that resided inside of him and help him deal with the ugly and painful parts of the world. Reno is an unusual guy and how he came to existence is a fascinating story. I knew there was fandom love for Reno Sundown so I was quite curious to see what the buzz was about and discover why fans loved this character so much. I now fully understand after reading how Reno came to be and his journey from being a voice inside of Jess’s mind to a man of his own why he has so many fans. Sign me up for the Reno fan club!
Jas T. Ward weaves a complex story through the point of view of Reno the hero who has a heart of gold and a scary dark side. The novella sets up the backstory and the premise for the Shadow-Keeper series and the main character starring in that series, Reno. If you’re going to read the Shadow-Keeper series (which I highly recommend) you really must read Reno Sundown’s story first so sit back, grab some candy and enjoy the journey. It’s an exciting tale that will have you wondering if it would be so bad to have your own badass and funny mental passenger.
Copy provided for review.
Reviewed by Joy for Crystal's Many Reviewers
August 13, 2021
I don't think I have ever read a book like this before. Totally unique world building and characters and I'm dying to know more about this world! I have to say I'm totally in love with Reno! He just hits all my buttons. I find it so interesting that what should be the bad guy in this situation is the good guy. I was so intrigued by Reno and hoping for him to win his battle. As for Jess... the good guy.. the hero in this book... I totally despised him. I found him to be cruel and petty and that makes for no hero in any book! I can't wait to dive into the next book in the series and learn more about Reno and Emma
August 29, 2021
i had a real hard time with this book! he lives inside the mans head but no one knows why. than he meets her and wants out. its a strange story and hard to follow
May 30, 2015
Wow! What a ride. I have to read the next one now. The voice, the very concept, I absolutely loved this! The pacing was awesome and the writing was great. I laughed out loud a few times. This book is a prequel to the full length novel and Im so glad I got to read this. I've never read anything like this before...so original
Everyone should read this! Now!
Everyone should read this! Now!
August 17, 2017
Ahh, a big no from me - too much chitter chatter and not enough 'sense' for me.
May 12, 2020
Jes had a voice in his head that came forth and took over when he needed him. He was a breaker that was under the management of Bounce. Jes and Reno Sundown were best friends until they weren’t. And then Jes kept him locked up and made it unbearable for them both. Strange and interesting subjects that lead you into a unique world.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 8, 2021
Even though this is a super short read, I DNF at 28%. As a reader I don't need to be told things over and over again (and in instances within minutes of each other) and I don't like being told to make a note of something because, odds are, I'll remember it anything I need to know in a book that can be read in an hour. While I always leave honest reviews, I rarely leave negative ones, but this book was incredibly annoying. I thought it was a fantastic idea, though!
August 20, 2022
Loved this quick read.
“I was sent to handle the bad, the painful, and the most horrible that might come back this kid’s way.”
Ms. Ward has a very clever way with words, bringing Reno Sundown’s personality split to life.
Well written and edited, fast paced, this intro to The Grid Series was witty and entertaining. The world with Breakers and supernatural beings is very easy to dive into.
“I was sent to handle the bad, the painful, and the most horrible that might come back this kid’s way.”
Ms. Ward has a very clever way with words, bringing Reno Sundown’s personality split to life.
Well written and edited, fast paced, this intro to The Grid Series was witty and entertaining. The world with Breakers and supernatural beings is very easy to dive into.
May 1, 2020
It Grabbed My attention and focus so strong I could not put it down. A word of advice when you get your copy. Grab a snack, a comfy seat, kick back and relax. You will not be moving until you finish this bad boy here. Remarkable job. Thanks for sharing.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 4, 2020
This is the 1st book I've read written by Jas T. Ward; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
November 28, 2020
This is my kind of series
Although this book touches on the Breakers and Jess, it introduces the character of Reno Sundown. The circumstances the bring about his existence are spine chilling and heartbreaking but the mystery of who he will become has me firmly hooked. I can't wait to see where Ms. Ward will take me from here.
Although this book touches on the Breakers and Jess, it introduces the character of Reno Sundown. The circumstances the bring about his existence are spine chilling and heartbreaking but the mystery of who he will become has me firmly hooked. I can't wait to see where Ms. Ward will take me from here.
June 20, 2021
Intriguing!
I loved the POV this story was told in. At first, it was a tad confusing but it all became clear about halfway through the book. The battle of wills between these two was electric. Neither compromising on how to coexist as one and ultimately each getting what they wanted but at a steep price. Wonderful adventure!
I loved the POV this story was told in. At first, it was a tad confusing but it all became clear about halfway through the book. The battle of wills between these two was electric. Neither compromising on how to coexist as one and ultimately each getting what they wanted but at a steep price. Wonderful adventure!
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October 2, 2024I was excited to read this as it involves someone with split personality, but this was a no for me. I guess I didn't take the book description seriously enough because I didn't expect the main character to die and this book to take on a fantasy genre. I was hoping for something more realistic so I DNF'd at 30% when it mentioned gods and immorality. Whoops.
December 30, 2024
I thought I was going to really enjoy this book, and initially, I kind of liked the way it was written. But it wasn't for me like I thought it would be. A premise like this really captured my attention, but I didn't like how fast-paced it was, and by the end, I felt like the entire story was unnecessary, as the two of them ended up separated anyway.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 21, 2017
Psychologically entertaining! From the first page I was intrigued and got pulled into this entities struggle. I can't wait to find out what happens next.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc from the author.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc from the author.
May 2, 2020
This is the story of Jess and his alter ego Reno. It’s an amazing journey so far to learn the background of how it all started and all the inner workings. I enjoyed this story and will be reading the next one. I received an arc of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 15, 2020
The story line and character work were great. The book had a smooth flow to it. This book kept me entertained from beginning to end. I look forward to more from this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 4, 2021
Good narration. Good story
The first couple of chapters I wasn't sure I would like this book. But it really grew on me and the more I listened to it the more I enjoyed the storyline. I hope there is more to come with Reno.
The first couple of chapters I wasn't sure I would like this book. But it really grew on me and the more I listened to it the more I enjoyed the storyline. I hope there is more to come with Reno.
April 29, 2022
Strange book, but I listened to in audio books,
The narrator and author are new to me.
I was happy to leave an honest review,
It wasn't what I was expecting it to be.
Good job done both of you 👏🏾 👍🏾
The narrator and author are new to me.
I was happy to leave an honest review,
It wasn't what I was expecting it to be.
Good job done both of you 👏🏾 👍🏾
February 16, 2019
There's a lot, a lot going on in Jess', I mean Sundown's ... I don't know what I mean, but there is a lot going on behind those eyes. I am so excited about this series...let the games begin!
July 22, 2020
Not my thing. Sorry!
September 18, 2020
I couldn't put this down. It was so different to anything else I've read. I enjoyed it. Be patient with Reno's ramblings, it's worth it.
October 19, 2020
WHOA - What did I just read? Can't wait to read more of this unique and captivating series.
August 4, 2018
- Reviewed another edition ~
I honestly didn't know what to expect when I started to read this, but I am so glad that I did. I love the Candyman and it has now become my most favorite series to date. Once I started, I couldn't put it down. I would recommend that you read first before diving into the rest of the books in the series.
An epic read :)
~~~~~~~
I need a Candyman pick me up and again I love this novella, one of my favorite series ever.
------
Re-reading once again because Murder is coming soon and I wanted a refresher on the series. Love Candyman.
I honestly didn't know what to expect when I started to read this, but I am so glad that I did. I love the Candyman and it has now become my most favorite series to date. Once I started, I couldn't put it down. I would recommend that you read first before diving into the rest of the books in the series.
An epic read :)
~~~~~~~
I need a Candyman pick me up and again I love this novella, one of my favorite series ever.
------
Re-reading once again because Murder is coming soon and I wanted a refresher on the series. Love Candyman.
October 15, 2016
Wow what a book!
I didn't really know what to expect from this book after reading the shadow keeps series, but wow what a book.
It was great learning Sundown's (Jess's name for him) side of it, he was the bad side or split personality of Jess that had helped him from when his mum died he was the voice in his head that kept him from going mad, he could do everything except he didn't have a body, he would talk to Jess but he needed to feed the madness by hurting others and he helped Jess right through to him dying and being given a 2nd chance of going to heaven after proving that he was worthy at being a breaker and doing good rather than evil but for how long no one knew, they had already been doing it for 150 years.
Jess and Sundown fell out and Sundown refused to talk to Jess or help him, this book explains why and what happened in the run up to Sundown getting his own life, name of Reno, and body.
It was well written and showed from when Sundown was first in existence and his destiny started although the only people that knew about him were Jess and eventually Bounce. It was great to read Sundown's side of it. Well worth a read even if you haven't read the series yet.
I didn't really know what to expect from this book after reading the shadow keeps series, but wow what a book.
It was great learning Sundown's (Jess's name for him) side of it, he was the bad side or split personality of Jess that had helped him from when his mum died he was the voice in his head that kept him from going mad, he could do everything except he didn't have a body, he would talk to Jess but he needed to feed the madness by hurting others and he helped Jess right through to him dying and being given a 2nd chance of going to heaven after proving that he was worthy at being a breaker and doing good rather than evil but for how long no one knew, they had already been doing it for 150 years.
Jess and Sundown fell out and Sundown refused to talk to Jess or help him, this book explains why and what happened in the run up to Sundown getting his own life, name of Reno, and body.
It was well written and showed from when Sundown was first in existence and his destiny started although the only people that knew about him were Jess and eventually Bounce. It was great to read Sundown's side of it. Well worth a read even if you haven't read the series yet.
February 10, 2025
I honestly didn't know what to expect when I started to read this, but I am so glad that I did. I love the Candyman and it has now become my most favorite series to date. Once I started, I couldn't put it down. I would recommend that you read first before diving into the rest of the books in the series.
Current Review
This is definitely one of those books that you can keep coming back to for a little pick me up of The Grid Series. An amazing story and definitely one of my favorite books by Jas T. Ward.
Current Review
This is definitely one of those books that you can keep coming back to for a little pick me up of The Grid Series. An amazing story and definitely one of my favorite books by Jas T. Ward.
November 20, 2015
I am kicking myself in the arse right now seeing as I kept putting off reading any of Jas T Ward's books until now. This was my first and I love Reno! This was a very unique book, different from any other I have ever read. I am excited to dive further into Shadow-Keeper series. Her writing style is also unique and something I liked. Reno, just like the rest of us gets distracted and off track and I love how she kept that up throughout the book.
June 14, 2020
I honestly didn't know what to expect when I started to read this, but I am so glad that I did. I love the Candyman and it has now become my most favourite series to date. Once I started, I couldn't put it down. I would recommend that you read first before diving into the rest of the books in the series.
An epic read :)
~~~~~~~
I need a candyman pick me up and again I love this novella, one of my favorite series ever.
An epic read :)
~~~~~~~
I need a candyman pick me up and again I love this novella, one of my favorite series ever.
October 14, 2016
An unusual tale told from the side of a child's split personality (the bad side). Whom Jess (the young boy) names his dark internal side 'Sundown'. This kind of threw me a little, but once I got used to the idea I was hooked in. I started the next book immediately.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews