Jake

Jake #1

by Victor Peter

A Twisted Psychological Thriller of Madness and Betrayal

When Reality Unravels, the Monsters You Create May Be More Real Than You Think…

What would you do if the world around you crumbled—and the villains you invented came to life?

Jake, once a rising star in the literary world, is now a man on the edge of madness. His mother’s death shattered him, grief clouding his every thought. Then came the rejections, each one a stab to his pride and sanity. But it was the ultimate betrayal that broke him—his trusted agent, Mark, twisted his words, stole his ideas, and took everything from him.

The pain of betrayal has unlocked something dark within Jake.

Now, the characters he created—once confined to the pages of his stories—are haunting his every waking moment. Victor Black, the cold-blooded villain. The Butcher, pure evil incarnate. Eliza Nightshade, deadly and seductive. The eerie Twins, laughing in the shadows. And Mr. Snuggles, the sarcastic talking cat, now a chilling figure of Jake's spiraling mind, stalking him with yellow eyes and a grin that promises terror.

But these aren’t just figments of his imagination anymore…
They’re real.
And they want something from him.

248 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 16, 2024

Reviews

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jake isn’t my normal type of read. Having said that, this was a book I couldn’t put down. It follows a writer (Jake) who is dealing with a few things, one of them being a friend who steals his work and claims it as his own. Jake is also haunted by the multiple serial killers he wrote about and at times the lines between fiction and reality were blurred, not just for Jake but also for the reader. This is a book that will keep you intrigued and on edge. I definitely enjoyed it!

[VDKeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jake was once the darling of the literary world, a prodigious talent whose words captured the hearts and minds of readers everywhere. But the death of his mother shattered his fragile foundation, and betrayal delivered the final blow. His trusted agent, Mark, twisted Jake’s words, stole his ideas, and reaped the rewards of his genius. Stripped of his career, his reputation, and his sanity, Jake now teeters on the edge of madness.

The story follows Jake as he retreats into isolation, battling his inner demons and grasping at fragments of his former self. Desperation turns to obsession as Jake plots his reckoning with Mark, setting the stage for a chilling confrontation that forces him to confront not only his betrayer but also the deeper truths about himself.

Peters’ prose is razor-sharp, sculptured with deliberate intensity. The writing is dense, almost claustrophobic, mirroring Jake’s descent into madness.

Jake is a masterfully crafted protagonist—flawed, tortured, and heartbreakingly human. Peters doesn’t shy away from exposing Jake’s darkest thoughts, yet he imbues him with a vulnerability that makes his struggles profoundly relatable. Jake’s bitterness and self-loathing are tempered by glimpses of the brilliant mind he once was, making his descent all the more tragic.

Victor Peters’ Jake is a brutal, beautifully sculpted tale of artistic ruin and redemption. With its searing prose, haunting characters, and incisive exploration of human frailty, it stands as a gripping commentary on the dark side of genius. This is not an easy read, but for those willing to dive into its depths, Jake offers a literary experience that is as devastating as it is unforgettable.

[Josette Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

The mind is an amazing part of humans that we know so little about. Trauma causes strange things to occur when our mind tries to deal with the aftermath. This is the premise of the book Jake. A down and out author has the lingering affects from a traumatic experience during his childhood. The reference ‘I was just a kid’ is scattered throughout the story. He has these voices that the reader believes are in his head but as the novel progresses, it would seem the voices are beginning to come alive. This novel is something I have never read before. The characters, as described by the author, were very dangerous. The voices/characters have a constant ability to influence Jake’s actions. Things begin to become even more dangerous as the characters start appearing in the real world. Jake actually thinks he needs to either escape from them or take them out. As the reader, I followed along, totally engrossed with the story. Then toward the end the reader discovers what is really going on….i was shocked. I did not expect the outcome but then it all made sense. Kudos to the author for keeping the suspense going as well as the fear that Jake was either going to get caught or his time was up. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read for sure!

[Ali O · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jake by Victor Peter
🌟🌟🌟🌟
This is a very interesting and intense psychological thriller. Jake has crossed over to the world of insanity and his daily life is no longer controlled by just one person.
This book has an original and unique storyline, with lots of darkness and revenge. It’s deep plot with lots of crazy twists, thrills and kills!
I did find some parts in the middle to be a bit repetitive, but the story overall definitely grabbed me and sucked me in!
The author did a very good job with the writing and character development.

Thank you to Victor Peter for an arc of this creative and dark thriller!
*It comes out October 16th*

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Madness, Insanity, Dark, Twisted, Haunting, Evil, Chilling, Terrifying, Death, Grief, and Betrayal. What more could you ask for in a book?
Poor Jake is a writer on the edge and then his mother dies and slowly Jake starts to lose his mind.....or does he?
Jake, after suffering through all of his losses and suffering through the pain of all of the betrayals has unlocked something in Jake.
Instead of the children's rhyme The Butcher, The Baker, and The Candlestick Maker, Jake has The Butcher, Nightshade, Mr. Snuggles, and Black so you better watch your back for Mr. Snuggles is his cat!
This book is fast-paced, thrilling, dark, twisty, terrifying, and evil, and I need more!
The suspense is great and makes your heart beat faster and your palms sweat while you're reading, 248 pages of excitement and I loved it!

[Aussie · Rating 5 out of 5]

- this!!!!!!! "Dedicated to those who dare to explore the darkest corners of the mind—may you find both terror and truth within these pages."
- this book is perfect for Spooky season.
- I devoured  this book on a stormy night a day it was the perfect time to read this book
- I literally love it !
- the mind is such an extraordinary part of human that we know so little bout
- I know traumas  can cause strange things that can occur when our mind that tries to deal with the aftermath
-  This author  has done such an amazing  job on this book and have  the knowledge  of the affects from a traumatic experiences  that happen in his childhood
- I love the references " I was just a kid" that is scattered  throughout the story
- Jake have these voices in his head but as the novel progresses and it seem that the voices are beginning  to come alive
- i never read a novel like this before but it was amazing to have this experience
- I love how the author describes  the characters  as they are described as very dangerous
- with Jake voices and characters, they have the ability  to be able to influence Jake's actions
- he starts to think weather he needs to escape from them or take them out
- I got so engrossed  with the story and the ending of the story  I discover  what was really going on and it just shocked  me  but it definitely made sense
- I love the suspense  that was found in this book

[Liz Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an intentional rollercoaster of a read - sometimes giving you a mild glimpse of vengeance, while other times taking you more deeply into the details of the gore and thrill of the kill, sometimes providing a clear indication of the truth, while other times sucking you into the confusion of the character's own distortions and lack of a grasp of the his own world. The clues provided within the story are fun to pick up as you read along, giving the reader a moment to question what they just read, followed by an ah-ha moment of insight, while still sometimes wondering if you even know what is real or not for this character in spite of the most recent clue. There is a bit of repetitiveness throughout the book that may bother some readers. However, it all has a purpose and provides what I experienced as an accurate depiction of the repetitiveness and loss of reality in the main character's own experience, allowing you to take his journey with him instead of just reading about it with your own clarity. I look forward to getting to know the other characters through the upcoming books!

[Stormy Shadows · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jake by Victor Peter
Publish Date: expected on October 15th, 2024
3.75⭐️

Thanks to the author for this arc. This is definitely not the psychological thriller I usually like. We follow writer Jake and in his mind he has his characters he has created talk to him and they won’t leave him alone. He gets revenge for his so called friend Mark stealing from him and he goes on killing sprees and the more we get into the book the more Jake loses his mind. He doesn’t know what’s real and what’s not anymore. I did enjoy his characters of his creation in his mind taunting him and talking to him and I did like the killings but it was so repetitive. It’s always going around in circles and it’s like it’s never going to end. I’m not personally a fan of that but I was hooked from the beginning. I enjoyed it but it annoyed me too. I wanted more from this but if you like those types of psychological thrillers where it goes in circles and it is repetitive for a reason then this is your book! Plot was great, story was great and characters too.

[Chayna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first psychological thriller, and wow. This book kept me on my toes and wanting to know what was real, and what was in his head. The author kept me guessing the entire time until the very end when I realized what really happened. If you love psychological thrillers, you’ll definitely like this book. I highly recommend.

[Steve Osten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow

That was just plain crazy. The book end the way it should have. One step over the edge of nothing. I enjoyed and hatred it at the same time. If you want to read a story of crazy this book is it.

[Cayman Nyc Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jake is a ride that's like a rollercoaster, so many twists and turns you will not see the next thing coming! This book is a standalone although there will be other books to highlight the other characters. No crazy cliffhanger ending here. If you like a thriller where the main character has a fractured mind this is for you.

[Teresa Tavener · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic read

This book had me so engrossed. The writing was spectacular! I felt the madness. I can't wait for the next chapters in this madness

[Rachel Browning · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Jake” by Victor Peter is a relatable and engaging look at identity, self-discovery, and mental health. The story follows Jake as he navigates personal challenges and societal pressures, diving deep into his struggles with anxiety and self-doubt. While the writing feels authentic and captures the ups and downs of Jake’s journey, it can feel a bit repetitive at times. However, the well-drawn characters add depth and make his experiences impactful. With a smooth flow and a mix of introspection and plot twists, “Jake” is a heartfelt read that resonates with anyone trying to find their way while dealing with mental health issues. Overall, it’s a good read worth picking up.

[Sorell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m struggling to find the right words to do this book justice. It left me feeling things I can’t quite articulate, like the words are just out of my reach.

Jake is far from your typical psych thriller. It is creepy, heavy on the psychological, and incredibly dark. At the same time I found it very sad.

It’s a very thought provoking book that, at times, had me feeling somewhat uncomfortable. It was confronting in ways I did not expect, oftentimes leading me to put it down and question both my own and society’s pre-conceived notions of and unconscious bias towards mental health challenges.

We join Jake in the darkest and bleakest corner of his mind as he descends further and further into madness, a black hole of torment, fear, and paranoia that he can’t escape from.

During brief lucid moments we learn about trauma, grief, loss, and betrayal, and how deep hurt can impact on one’s mind and sense of self.

Victor Peter writes beautifully and handles delicate subject matters with grace and understanding. He has a way of drawing you in so that you are one with Jake, deep inside his madness and heartbreak - so much so that you also begin to question what is real and what is a manifestation of his fractured mind.

For the fans of twists and turns, this book gives you plenty, but they are delivered uniquely and not in the manner that we’ve come to expect from the more traditional formulas we tend to see applied. Personally I’m not fussed if a book has “a twist that I didn’t see coming” as for me it is the world building, the atmosphere and tension, and the character depth and interactions. It’s about the storytelling and the substance and Victor absolutely nails it in this book.

I highly recommend you read this, but go in prepared. It is heavy stuff. Without a doubt though, it is a 5 star read. Definitely one that lingers in your thoughts long after the final page. Thank you Victor.

[Sofi Fuentes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jake: A Wild Ride Through a Fractured Mind

If you like books that mess with your head, Jake is definitely for you. It’s the story of a writer named Jake who’s dealing with a lot—his mom’s death, constant rejection of his work, and his own mind starting to turn against him. What makes this book so intense is that Jake can’t figure out if the terrifying things happening around him are real or just his imagination, and as the reader, you feel just as confused as he does—in the best way possible.

The story keeps you on edge. Jake’s characters come to life in the creepiest ways, and the way the author blends his mental breakdown with the spooky elements makes it hard to put the book down. Every page feels like it’s pulling you deeper into Jake’s unraveling mind. It’s the kind of thriller where you’re never sure what’s going to happen next, which makes it a real page-turner.

That said, Jake can get pretty dark. There’s some heavy stuff in here—mental health struggles, violence, and moments where reality and fiction blur so much, you almost feel like you’re losing your grip right along with Jake. But if you’re into thrillers that dive deep into someone’s mental state and keep you guessing, this is a solid pick.

In short, Jake is creepy, gripping, and super intense. It’s the kind of book that sticks with you long after you’ve finished, making you wonder if maybe Jake’s story could happen to anyone.

[Ag · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wellllll. I think I have found a new rising star in the world of psych horror books. Or more like a star that has been around for three books already, and now I’m binge-reading them, with a promise of 3 more books coming soon-ish.
If you are looking for a book that just throws you straight into the sheer madness without much ado, then you may have found your next favorite read. Also, dark. Also, violent. Also, unhinged. And, yep, not a single mentally stable MC in sight. The book demands a reader who is not only intrigued by thrillers but also appreciates the intricacies of the mind. Of a broken mind, in this case. This one most definitely isn’t a book for those who want a quick snack of popcorn with some easy McFreida seasoning that will go down easily, will be loved by everyone, and will make you feel better about yourself. Yet if you want unhinged unraveling, then Jake is your guy. Jake will happily serve you a large serving of a hot platter of violence and inner demons that will cater to your inner discomfort of confronting uncomfortable truths.
Just be prepared for the relentless ticking of the clock and the shadows that lurk within. And thank me later.

[Stacey Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jake is a twisted, chaotic, wild ride that claws at the edges of horror and thriller, pulling you into something sad, claustrophobic, and utterly unhinged. I’m a cat person, but this book? This isn’t your cozy feline tale—it’s a descent into something darker, stranger.

Reading Jake felt like watching a train wreck in slow motion. You don’t want to look, but you can’t look away. The tension builds with a creeping sense of dread, then erupts in moments that are equal parts surreal and terrifying. There’s grief here, yes, and madness—emotions curled tight like a hissing animal in a corner.

Victor Peter doesn’t just blur the line between sanity and delusion—he smashes it, leaving readers trapped in a mental maze with no clear exit. The result is disturbing, compelling, and unlike anything else I’ve read. If you're up for a story that spirals, bites, and leaves you questioning reality, Jake delivers.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Robin Kegg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jake was a well-written, beautifully paced book that gets bonus points for its originality and engaging narrative. I would probably have read it straight through to be honest, but a family emergency forced me to briefly put it down! I was back at it though, the first possible opportunity I got! As an avid reader for many, many years, there comes a point when many books begin to seem like other ones you’ve read numerous times before. It is a genuine pleasure when you finally run across something that is unique—doubly so when the writing is competently done! Jake exceeded my expectations on both counts. I did receive the digital ARC file in exchange for an honest review, which is not something I frequently do anymore. All too often, I feel like ARC reviewers feel somewhat obliged to pad their reviews for a variety of reasons, which I can’t bring myself to do. So it’s a particularly rewarding experience when the book is as genuinely well-written, original, and enjoyable as “Jake” was! I am already looking forward to read what the author publishes next!

[Nikki B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book made me realize something. I think I'm a little naive and uneducated in understanding how the mind of a mentally unstable person works. I will be doing further research on that in the future because this book had me asking myself a lot of questions. With that being said, this story was a page turner. I just wanted to keep going to see what would happen next. It made me wonder if a person would recognize when their mind is slipping and they are starting to lose grasp of reality. Jake was feeling betrayed by everyone and at times, when he was able to convince himself that maybe this person is going to betray him, the voices in his head would convince him otherwise. This was dark and a little unhinged. The twist at the end was a little surprising, but I think it was the perfect way to end this story. Also, the Butcher absolutely horrifies me.

[Tina Transformation · Rating 5 out of 5]

Victor Peter’s Jake is a relentless psychological thriller that throws you into the chaos of a mind unraveling. The story doesn’t just follow Jake’s descent into madness—it makes you feel it. The narrative bounces around in a way that mirrors Jake’s fractured psyche, and while it can leave you feeling disoriented and unmoored, that’s part of the book’s brilliance. It puts you directly into Jake’s shoes, experiencing the confusion and terror as he battles the very creations he once brought to life.

This disjointed storytelling isn’t a flaw; it’s a tool. It amplifies the tension and keeps you questioning what’s real. The rapid shifts and twists create an almost visceral sense of unease, making you feel like you’re losing your grip on reality alongside the protagonist. It’s unsettling, but in the best way possible—it’s the kind of crazy that keeps you glued to the page.

[Mary Schultz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Travel into the downward spiral of man who is losing his mind as he appears to have a psychological breakdown or is he a serial killer? This novel has all the eerie feels of a thriller with the psychological twists of a man whose mind has run amuck. Follow Jake has he travels the streets haunted by voices of those he has created and those he has hunted and try to determine for yourself what is real and what is not. You will feel Jake’s madness inside you as you read every word and it almost becomes a part of you, the reader. That’s how good a job the writer does. From the beginning, this book had me trying to figure out what exactly was going on and not until the last page, did I finally come to grips with what actually occurred. A thrilling novel and a 5 star read. On to Hunter (Jake #2) for me!

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

⚠️ one does not simply turn the pages of this book you flip them to get to the next page faster ⚠️

I normally read dark romances but some thrillers peak my interest. This book was one of those thrillers. As you read this story you follow Jake. The book starts off normal but you quickly realize that this book is not just another read for you. No you often wonder if you are losing your mind along with Jake. This book is not to be read but to be experienced. As you get deeper into the book you can't help but wonder what is real and what isn't in the story. Only to come to the end and find out you knew all along how this was going to end. Your brain was just so busy linking it all together so you don't realize you already know the end. It was truly an amazing read by Victor Peter.

[Brittany Fox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jake is one mentally intense rollercoaster ride. I started to question my own sanity while reading Jake and his journey through life. There were many lines that I would read and they would repeat themselves making me feel like I wasn't making progress but then the whole thing would shift and the drop would come making you rethink what you read the path Jake just took. The ending chapter puts this entire book into perspective. What a ride Victor puts you on while navigating Jake's life. I very much would recommend this book if you can handle the multiple story lines and different directions this book takes you on. Tik Tok tik tok!

[Margaret Hamnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This entire story reads like the last twenty pages and the ultimate climax of a thriller all the way through.
The writing is unusual and some parts are repeated and used in a slightly strange way and it makes you feel like you’re losing your mind alongside the main character. I loved the story written from the crazy point of view and not knowing what was real and what wasn’t and the ending certainly fit perfectly.
I felt like I was rushing through this each time I picked it up and just wishing I could read faster to find out what exactly was going on.
Loved it. Real mind bending stuff.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Jake" by Victor Peter is a fast paced edge of your seat book. This book will have you guessing throughout the whole thing. This book takes you on a wild ride through the mind.
Jake loved the stories his mom read him growing up. But now the stories are coming to life for Jake. He sees the main characters of the stories in his head and they lead him to act out his darkest fantasies. As Jake starts to act on those fantasies he doesn't know what is true or not.
This book creeps into the corners of your mind and has you questioning everything.

[Nadia Nguyen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very captivating read! When I think of psychological thrillers, this type of story is what comes to mind. It’s dark and makes you think about what you’re reading. The author did a great job of setting up the main character. I will say it wasn’t the easiest read just because there are many pieces of the story you have to keep track of but does come altogether nicely. It was a bit repetitive to some parts of the story; however, I enjoyed the overall read and his creative writing style with concepts that are outside the norm!

[Stephenie Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I rarely ever write written reviews but this book actually triggered some strong emotions in me and not the pleasant kind. Jake had me spiraling with him. Even when I finished the book my mind was in overdrive rethinking how well Victor Peter had put unhinged into words. There is a huge difference between saying someone was losing their minds and then actually describing it. I have anxiety now. I am going to find a way to unwind. Maybe a nice children’s book like Winnie the Pooh. Great job sir!!!

[Matthew Farmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do you like crazy?

I'm not sure WTF I just read but what a wild ride! There is some repeating but I think the author did this on purpose to show MMC decent into madness, it did get repetitive in some chapters but having worked on a psych ward, I could understand it. I also didn't think the ending brought closure to the story, for those 2 things, I gave 4 ⭐... now the rest of the book was just wild and had me rereading as I was sure I missed something! As this is a series, I will be checking out the rest...

[Anna Ouellette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jake is a gripping psychological thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat! The story dives into the mind of a writer who’s haunted by his own creations, and the twists are brilliant. I loved how the lines between reality and madness blur. The characters are unforgettable, especially Mr. Snuggles, the darkly funny cat. If you enjoy books that mess with your mind and keep you guessing, this one is a must-read!

[Inman Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jake is a gripping exploration of madness, grief, and revenge. The story follows Jake as he grapples with the betrayal of his agent, the death of his mother, and the terrifying realization that the villains he created in his stories are now haunting him in real life. The vivid descriptions bring each character to life, from the calculating Victor Black to the eerie, sarcastic Mr. Snuggles. This is more than a psychological thriller—it’s an emotional journey that will leave you breathless.