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Doppelganger
Oasis Utterson and Elliot Warlow endeavor to remake Dr. Jekyll’s formula and prove that it is safe in order to secure funding for their Institute of Lysology, an institute created by the late Jekyll and his husband, John Gabriel Utterson, to further the understanding of the soul.
Of course, no one is willing to be the test subject of such experimentation. So Elliot decides to test it on himself.
Elliot uncovers his past traumas through his soul and Oasis must balance Elliot’s life against the growth of her Institute.
Of course, no one is willing to be the test subject of such experimentation. So Elliot decides to test it on himself.
Elliot uncovers his past traumas through his soul and Oasis must balance Elliot’s life against the growth of her Institute.
143 pages, Paperback
First published October 18, 2023
2 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
September 13, 2023
I received an ARC of this novella. All opinions are my own.
I was so intrigued by the Jekyll and Hyde aspect of this story and it did not disappoint! My favorite and most chilling line of the story states “I had discovered the threshold of control.” It was so perfect because you could see the insanity behind the thought process. There was NO control and the story continued to prove why Elliot was in over his head. HE became his own nightmare.
You felt empathy for all parties involved, knowing they could’ve handle the disagreements better but realizing being human is having the ability to mess up and keep pushing forward.
The only thing I want too sure about was the romance between Elliot and Oasis. Of course, the attraction was there and their dependence on each other (both good and bad) but I didn’t see the proposal as the next phase for them. With how the book ended, I guess it isn’t lol.
Fitz was definitely my favorite character though. I resonate with him and his need to be reborn like a Phoenix from the ashes. Though he was more impulsive, he was also more authentic with his ambitions and self image.
I highly recommend and commend S.L. Phanes.
I was so intrigued by the Jekyll and Hyde aspect of this story and it did not disappoint! My favorite and most chilling line of the story states “I had discovered the threshold of control.” It was so perfect because you could see the insanity behind the thought process. There was NO control and the story continued to prove why Elliot was in over his head. HE became his own nightmare.
You felt empathy for all parties involved, knowing they could’ve handle the disagreements better but realizing being human is having the ability to mess up and keep pushing forward.
The only thing I want too sure about was the romance between Elliot and Oasis. Of course, the attraction was there and their dependence on each other (both good and bad) but I didn’t see the proposal as the next phase for them. With how the book ended, I guess it isn’t lol.
Fitz was definitely my favorite character though. I resonate with him and his need to be reborn like a Phoenix from the ashes. Though he was more impulsive, he was also more authentic with his ambitions and self image.
I highly recommend and commend S.L. Phanes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2023
Loved the book
I've been looking for a Jekyll and Hyde type story from the Jekyll and Hyde type character pov and this was perfect🙏
I've been looking for a Jekyll and Hyde type story from the Jekyll and Hyde type character pov and this was perfect🙏
May 5, 2024
⭐️ 3.5/5
“I craved control and rationalized my haste because of it.”
In this sequel to Jekyll and Hyde, Dr. Jekyll’s daughter Oasis and her colleague Elliot are trying to save their institute studying the soul by perfecting Jekyll’s research. As Elliot consumes more of the formula, he begins seeing Fitz, the embodiment of his soul. Reality starts to blend with his nightmares as he falls deeper down the same path as Dr. Jekyll.
I absolutely recommend this book for the right reader. This was outside my normal genre but I tried it anyway and I’m glad I did! It was a quick read that I finished in a night and gave me a lot to think about in regard to addiction and consciousness. I was confused about quite a few aspects of the plot but maybe I was supposed to feel that way? And also I’ve never read Jekyll and Hyde and this book definitely assumes you already have.
If you enjoy dark academia and horror that’s mostly psychological, this Jekyll and Hyde retelling/sequel is for you.
I received a copy of the book for review purposes, but my views are my own.
“I craved control and rationalized my haste because of it.”
In this sequel to Jekyll and Hyde, Dr. Jekyll’s daughter Oasis and her colleague Elliot are trying to save their institute studying the soul by perfecting Jekyll’s research. As Elliot consumes more of the formula, he begins seeing Fitz, the embodiment of his soul. Reality starts to blend with his nightmares as he falls deeper down the same path as Dr. Jekyll.
I absolutely recommend this book for the right reader. This was outside my normal genre but I tried it anyway and I’m glad I did! It was a quick read that I finished in a night and gave me a lot to think about in regard to addiction and consciousness. I was confused about quite a few aspects of the plot but maybe I was supposed to feel that way? And also I’ve never read Jekyll and Hyde and this book definitely assumes you already have.
If you enjoy dark academia and horror that’s mostly psychological, this Jekyll and Hyde retelling/sequel is for you.
I received a copy of the book for review purposes, but my views are my own.
December 16, 2023
I write this as someone who's never read the Jekyll and Hyde prequel story, so I'm viewing it as a standalone.
Without getting much into spoilers, this book is amazing. The characters are very strong. They're complex and three-dimensional, practically jumping out of the page. I particularly liked the writing style. The plot is well-paced, and I felt like I couldn't put the book down. Everything to do with the lore and worldbuilding was also fascinating to read about.
Strongly recommend.
Without getting much into spoilers, this book is amazing. The characters are very strong. They're complex and three-dimensional, practically jumping out of the page. I particularly liked the writing style. The plot is well-paced, and I felt like I couldn't put the book down. Everything to do with the lore and worldbuilding was also fascinating to read about.
Strongly recommend.
May 6, 2024
3.75 ⭐️
This novella was a short but interesting read.
Elliot and Oasis are trying to recreate Dr. Jekyll's formula and when no one volunteers to be the test subject, Elliot becomes one.
The experiments lead to the uncovering of Elliot's past trauma which takes shape of his alter ego Fitz.
Now they have to make sure Elliot doesn't end up like Dr. Jekyll.
If I'm being honest, the scientific stuff regarding the dosages and their function were not explained clearly, but the drama kept me fully invested in the book. It was short enough that I finished it in one sitting.
Elliot and Oasis' relationship was very sweet and the little banter they had in between the scenes was adorable! I was not expecting the cliffhanger though, I thought it was the end!
I was really sad with how things seemed to end and then BAM! CLIFFHANGER!!!
I can't wait to read what happens next in Elliot and Oasis' journey.
Thank you Xander Phanes and Bryson Publishing for providing me with a copy!
This is my honest review 💜
This novella was a short but interesting read.
Elliot and Oasis are trying to recreate Dr. Jekyll's formula and when no one volunteers to be the test subject, Elliot becomes one.
The experiments lead to the uncovering of Elliot's past trauma which takes shape of his alter ego Fitz.
Now they have to make sure Elliot doesn't end up like Dr. Jekyll.
If I'm being honest, the scientific stuff regarding the dosages and their function were not explained clearly, but the drama kept me fully invested in the book. It was short enough that I finished it in one sitting.
Elliot and Oasis' relationship was very sweet and the little banter they had in between the scenes was adorable! I was not expecting the cliffhanger though, I thought it was the end!
I was really sad with how things seemed to end and then BAM! CLIFFHANGER!!!
I can't wait to read what happens next in Elliot and Oasis' journey.
Thank you Xander Phanes and Bryson Publishing for providing me with a copy!
This is my honest review 💜
October 3, 2023
I was an ARC reader on this project and all opinions are my own.
I was also given the pleasure of editing earlier versions of this book, and I must say that I'm overjoyed at how far it's come. Not that it was subpar before, but this is just astounding! I enjoyed it from cover to cover.
First off, this story carries on a lovely tradition from the Jekyll and Hyde story and gives it due reverence. I enjoyed the dynamic between Elliot and Fitz, who serves as a similar dynamic to the story's predecessors, and the tension as Elliot becomes more and more addicted, almost like a drug, is a textbook example of narrative tension. And besides that and the adventure therein, the external adventure--involving the Ceremony and the ticking clock it represents. When the ball starts rolling in this story, you won't be able to put it down!
I was also given the pleasure of editing earlier versions of this book, and I must say that I'm overjoyed at how far it's come. Not that it was subpar before, but this is just astounding! I enjoyed it from cover to cover.
First off, this story carries on a lovely tradition from the Jekyll and Hyde story and gives it due reverence. I enjoyed the dynamic between Elliot and Fitz, who serves as a similar dynamic to the story's predecessors, and the tension as Elliot becomes more and more addicted, almost like a drug, is a textbook example of narrative tension. And besides that and the adventure therein, the external adventure--involving the Ceremony and the ticking clock it represents. When the ball starts rolling in this story, you won't be able to put it down!
October 10, 2023
S.L. Phanes does a great job with character development and creating an intriguing plot in this novella. The imbedded symbolism is also used very well. At it's heart Doppleganger presents a very realistic depiction of addiction.
My only contention with this novella is that it still feels like it'd benefit from one more round of developmental edits. The author feels impatient with a lot of the scene transitions, so the novella is a little jerky at times.
My only contention with this novella is that it still feels like it'd benefit from one more round of developmental edits. The author feels impatient with a lot of the scene transitions, so the novella is a little jerky at times.
January 26, 2024
Doppelganger provides a new spin to the classic Jekyll and Hyde concept. Oasis and Elliot are working on perfecting the formula used by Dr. Jekyll. Elliot becomes the first test subject for the new formula and this is when we meet Fitz, the manifestation of Elliot’s soul. Elliot fears losing control over Fitz and does what he must in an attempt to gain back the control which ultimately leads to his downfall.
I personally really enjoyed the relationship between Oasis and Elliot and would love to see what comes next for them. I also enjoyed the dynamic between Elliot and Fitz throughout the book.
Doppelganger really shows what it means to be human. There is love, tension, conflict, obsession, and addiction. I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read more from the author.
I personally really enjoyed the relationship between Oasis and Elliot and would love to see what comes next for them. I also enjoyed the dynamic between Elliot and Fitz throughout the book.
Doppelganger really shows what it means to be human. There is love, tension, conflict, obsession, and addiction. I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read more from the author.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews