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Slippery Things
Jaded high school Junior and detention hall regular Larissa Locke has a recurring dream in which creatures sneak into her bedroom at night to perform experiments and extract her blood. Tiny scars on her arm suggest that perhaps she isn't just dreaming. But wait! If she's really the victim of blood-sucking alien intruders, then why is her bedroom window still locked each morning?
156 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 15, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
November 24, 2015
Fafa's Book Corner (Wordpress)
Fafa's Book Corner (Blogger)
I received this E-ARC via the author in exchange for an honest review. Back in late September I got an email from the author on whether or not I would be willing to read his book. I was pretty excited as this was the first email I have received from an author. I did some research and found very appealing reviews on Amazon. So I said yes. I am happy to tell you that I enjoyed it.
The book is narrated in third person and in Larissa's point of view. The book begins with Larissa in the assistant principals office. She dumped manure in Christy's locker. After constant probing from Mr. Miller Larissa explains that Christy had slept with her boyfriend. Mr. Miller suspends her for a week and makes an appointment with the social worker for her at the school.
Larissa's father is not at all pleased by her recent track record. To make sure she doesn't just sleep in for the rest of the week he wakes her up in the morning and has her do some chores.
That night Larissa has a nightmare that feels far to familiar. She is in her room and four men are there. She is strapped to her bed with a syringe in her arm. One of the men explains her that she is helping them and that if she doesn't fuss it will be painless. After a few weeks of this happening she realizes that these men are aliens posing as famous golf players. And they need her blood for survival.
Here's some backstory on Larissa's character. Prior to the beginning of the book Larissa's mother was put in a hospital for trying to burn their house down. Her mother and her father would always get into fights and then she started acting out of character. To the point where she nearly burnt her family's house down. That is why Mr. Miller assumes that Larissa may have a mental illness.
Larissa is a very relatable character. I understood the situation she was in and felt bad for her. It was awful that she for the most part was alone with the alien situation. I liked how she grew in this book. She does do some reflecting on her life and the choices she made. Another I liked was how she didn't run back to her ex-boyfriend when he started trying to apologize to her. I've seen that sometimes that happens in YA and it is silly. There actually isn't any romance in this, so that was refreshing.
Considering the size of the book (it is really small) I was surprised that there were good relationships between the characters. I liked Larissa's brother and father. I enjoyed reading about her relationship with them. Melissa whose Larissa's best friend was nice as well. Although I did prefer Larissa's neighbor Brittany over her.
One thing in which I was happy that was brought up in this book is something I like to call the 'Perfect person' syndrome. Melissa was extremely jealous of Brittany because she was pretty and had her life together. Thus making her 'Perfect'. I hate how people assume that some people are perfect when in fact no one is. I was glad that was brought up in this book.
I liked how the author wrote believable teenagers. The voices were all well done and I especially loved the beginning of the book. Even with Christy that was believable and there are people like her and all the other teenagers in high school.
The twists were not predictable. Some of them actually surprised me. I liked how different the aliens were in this book. I should warn you though that there isn't a lot of world building for the alien world in this book.
I only had two problems with this book. I really didn't like how it was all up to Larissa to stop the aliens. I understood why she didn't tell anyone because she thought that they would think she's like her mother. But it was a lot of stress on her and very annoying. There is a fairly good alien and it really surprised me the little help he provided. He basically bumped all the weight on her. At times I was bored this could actually be in part that I was really tired while reading this. Nonetheless I still liked this.
Overall this was a unique Sci-Fi book! It would make an awesome movie. If anyone is looking for a fast, and unique, Sci-Fi story then I would highly recommend this.
Fafa's Book Corner (Blogger)
I received this E-ARC via the author in exchange for an honest review. Back in late September I got an email from the author on whether or not I would be willing to read his book. I was pretty excited as this was the first email I have received from an author. I did some research and found very appealing reviews on Amazon. So I said yes. I am happy to tell you that I enjoyed it.
The book is narrated in third person and in Larissa's point of view. The book begins with Larissa in the assistant principals office. She dumped manure in Christy's locker. After constant probing from Mr. Miller Larissa explains that Christy had slept with her boyfriend. Mr. Miller suspends her for a week and makes an appointment with the social worker for her at the school.
Larissa's father is not at all pleased by her recent track record. To make sure she doesn't just sleep in for the rest of the week he wakes her up in the morning and has her do some chores.
That night Larissa has a nightmare that feels far to familiar. She is in her room and four men are there. She is strapped to her bed with a syringe in her arm. One of the men explains her that she is helping them and that if she doesn't fuss it will be painless. After a few weeks of this happening she realizes that these men are aliens posing as famous golf players. And they need her blood for survival.
Here's some backstory on Larissa's character. Prior to the beginning of the book Larissa's mother was put in a hospital for trying to burn their house down. Her mother and her father would always get into fights and then she started acting out of character. To the point where she nearly burnt her family's house down. That is why Mr. Miller assumes that Larissa may have a mental illness.
Larissa is a very relatable character. I understood the situation she was in and felt bad for her. It was awful that she for the most part was alone with the alien situation. I liked how she grew in this book. She does do some reflecting on her life and the choices she made. Another I liked was how she didn't run back to her ex-boyfriend when he started trying to apologize to her. I've seen that sometimes that happens in YA and it is silly. There actually isn't any romance in this, so that was refreshing.
Considering the size of the book (it is really small) I was surprised that there were good relationships between the characters. I liked Larissa's brother and father. I enjoyed reading about her relationship with them. Melissa whose Larissa's best friend was nice as well. Although I did prefer Larissa's neighbor Brittany over her.
One thing in which I was happy that was brought up in this book is something I like to call the 'Perfect person' syndrome. Melissa was extremely jealous of Brittany because she was pretty and had her life together. Thus making her 'Perfect'. I hate how people assume that some people are perfect when in fact no one is. I was glad that was brought up in this book.
I liked how the author wrote believable teenagers. The voices were all well done and I especially loved the beginning of the book. Even with Christy that was believable and there are people like her and all the other teenagers in high school.
The twists were not predictable. Some of them actually surprised me. I liked how different the aliens were in this book. I should warn you though that there isn't a lot of world building for the alien world in this book.
I only had two problems with this book. I really didn't like how it was all up to Larissa to stop the aliens. I understood why she didn't tell anyone because she thought that they would think she's like her mother. But it was a lot of stress on her and very annoying. There is a fairly good alien and it really surprised me the little help he provided. He basically bumped all the weight on her. At times I was bored this could actually be in part that I was really tired while reading this. Nonetheless I still liked this.
Overall this was a unique Sci-Fi book! It would make an awesome movie. If anyone is looking for a fast, and unique, Sci-Fi story then I would highly recommend this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 4, 2015
First of all, thank you so much to Lane for providing me a review copy of your book! Of course, I got the copy in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked this short story. I usually don't read sci-fi books but the premise really spoke to me and it was a very fun and quick read.
What really got me to like this book was the main protagonist Larissa. She was such a fun and relatable character! I loved how she handled the situation with the aliens. Also, speaking of aliens, why hasn't anyone thought of some story like this sooner? This was literally one of the few original sci-fi books.
Lastly, the main idea behind the book really made it a good book and that is very hard to achieve because when you only have 156 pages it's hard to write a whole story with character development and all that still going on. I mean just the fact that Baker managed to fit that kind of unique story into 156 pages is amazing. When I first saw how short really the book was I thought that this could never be just one book but I thought the length and all the actions were just enough.
If you're looking for a short sci-fi read then this is perfect, I highly recommend this to anyone liking aliens and sci-fi in general!
Overall Rating: 4/5
I really liked this short story. I usually don't read sci-fi books but the premise really spoke to me and it was a very fun and quick read.
What really got me to like this book was the main protagonist Larissa. She was such a fun and relatable character! I loved how she handled the situation with the aliens. Also, speaking of aliens, why hasn't anyone thought of some story like this sooner? This was literally one of the few original sci-fi books.
Lastly, the main idea behind the book really made it a good book and that is very hard to achieve because when you only have 156 pages it's hard to write a whole story with character development and all that still going on. I mean just the fact that Baker managed to fit that kind of unique story into 156 pages is amazing. When I first saw how short really the book was I thought that this could never be just one book but I thought the length and all the actions were just enough.
If you're looking for a short sci-fi read then this is perfect, I highly recommend this to anyone liking aliens and sci-fi in general!
Overall Rating: 4/5
September 10, 2015
Review on Husbandandhusband.net on 09/11/15
December 11, 2015
Jaded high school Junior and detention hall regular Larissa Locke has a recurring dream in which creatures sneak into her bedroom at night to perform experiments and extract her blood. Tiny scars on her arm suggest that perhaps she isn't just dreaming. But wait! If she's really the victim of blood-sucking alien intruders, then why is her bedroom window still locked each morning?
- - - - -
Rating: 3.5/5 Stars
Quick Reasons: intriguing, horrifying story; interesting characters; awkward writing in some places; almost too fast-paced plot; unique, fascinating ideas/twists; overall promising debut from the author
I received a copy of this read in exchange for an honest review. Huge thanks to Lane Baker for this opportunity! (This in no way altered how I read/reviewed this book)
When Lane Baker first contacted me about a possible read-for-review exchange, I did my research...and immediately became excited about this book. What started as a screenplay (and won pretty stellar recogntion in the entertainment industry) was then crafted into this short novel. After watching the book trailer (you can find it here, if interested: http://slipperythings.net/ ) I knew I HAD to read this book—the blurb was just too intriguing to pass up.
I wasn't too disappointed, in the end. The characters, Larissa especially, were interesting and full of attitude. While I think they fall just a bit flat (I didn't really care about them—they felt more like props than people) they were fun to read about and watch traverse the world Lane Baker created here. I wish there had been more interaction between Larissa and the other characters, though—she really shone when speaking or reacting to others, but most of this book took place more in Larissa's head than out in the world (which, I mean, given the plot makes sense.)
The plot is intriguing, as well—and often times horrifying. The idea of such creatures creeping through the sewers, after such an important and integral part of our lives... I can tell you, I won't be leaving the toilet seat up before bed after this! It gives me the shudders just thinking about it. It, too, falls flat at times though—where I was expecting a ton of action and kick-butt awesomeness, I instead was given more of Larissa's thoughts. Even the scenes where action does take place didn't last long—a blip of a sentence, a small amount of description, and they were over, which was disappointing.
Regardless, the ideas and story that Lane Baker experimented with for this read are unique. I haven't read a book quite like this one, which is saying something; the author went out of his way to put his own voice, and spin, on the things happening across the pages, which made it easier to slip into the world and story. There are some grammatical issues and typos throughout, but they didn't bother me enough to need more than just this small mention. There were also some...perhaps the best thing is to descibe them as colloquialisms? that I'm not sure EVERY reader will understand, though they're small enough as to be easy to figure out for most.
Overall, this was a fun, quirky read from a promising author. While there were a few small blips in grammar and the writing, and the characters/story seem a bit disfunctional at times, I enjoyed stepping into this world and watching the characters fight against this invading evil. The unique ideas and themes throughout really helped to bring the world to life for me. I'd recommend to lovers of sci fi/fantasy, alien abductions, and quirky characters. I can't wait to see what Lane Baker comes up with next!
- - - - -
Rating: 3.5/5 Stars
Quick Reasons: intriguing, horrifying story; interesting characters; awkward writing in some places; almost too fast-paced plot; unique, fascinating ideas/twists; overall promising debut from the author
I received a copy of this read in exchange for an honest review. Huge thanks to Lane Baker for this opportunity! (This in no way altered how I read/reviewed this book)
When Lane Baker first contacted me about a possible read-for-review exchange, I did my research...and immediately became excited about this book. What started as a screenplay (and won pretty stellar recogntion in the entertainment industry) was then crafted into this short novel. After watching the book trailer (you can find it here, if interested: http://slipperythings.net/ ) I knew I HAD to read this book—the blurb was just too intriguing to pass up.
"Larissa stood and snatched the paper, relieved the charade was finally over. "Have a fabulous day," she said. "And I mean it; the haircut looks fierce. Meow."
I wasn't too disappointed, in the end. The characters, Larissa especially, were interesting and full of attitude. While I think they fall just a bit flat (I didn't really care about them—they felt more like props than people) they were fun to read about and watch traverse the world Lane Baker created here. I wish there had been more interaction between Larissa and the other characters, though—she really shone when speaking or reacting to others, but most of this book took place more in Larissa's head than out in the world (which, I mean, given the plot makes sense.)
The plot is intriguing, as well—and often times horrifying. The idea of such creatures creeping through the sewers, after such an important and integral part of our lives... I can tell you, I won't be leaving the toilet seat up before bed after this! It gives me the shudders just thinking about it. It, too, falls flat at times though—where I was expecting a ton of action and kick-butt awesomeness, I instead was given more of Larissa's thoughts. Even the scenes where action does take place didn't last long—a blip of a sentence, a small amount of description, and they were over, which was disappointing.
"How on earth did you get away with that?" she begged to know.
"I was dumb enough to think my dad would never notice," Larissa said. "But he did. Grounded for a week."
"Wow. I wish I had the balls to do something like that."
"Yeah? Balls can sometimes weigh you down."
Regardless, the ideas and story that Lane Baker experimented with for this read are unique. I haven't read a book quite like this one, which is saying something; the author went out of his way to put his own voice, and spin, on the things happening across the pages, which made it easier to slip into the world and story. There are some grammatical issues and typos throughout, but they didn't bother me enough to need more than just this small mention. There were also some...perhaps the best thing is to descibe them as colloquialisms? that I'm not sure EVERY reader will understand, though they're small enough as to be easy to figure out for most.
Overall, this was a fun, quirky read from a promising author. While there were a few small blips in grammar and the writing, and the characters/story seem a bit disfunctional at times, I enjoyed stepping into this world and watching the characters fight against this invading evil. The unique ideas and themes throughout really helped to bring the world to life for me. I'd recommend to lovers of sci fi/fantasy, alien abductions, and quirky characters. I can't wait to see what Lane Baker comes up with next!
January 27, 2016
I would like to thank the author for letting me read the book in exchange for an honest review :D
After Reading:
Well. That certainly was a refreshing read. I swear I could have finished it, if my exams did not get in the way. I enjoyed the story quite a bit, and it was a break from all of the romance and uber-fantasy that I have been reading for the past weeks. It was not romance heavy, but rather fact heavy. And every bit of detail adds more to the senses, because it lets you visualize the story well. It may just be 156 pages, but it gave it the best shot it has.
Final Thoughts
Finally. A book without heavy romance, and a book that focuses more on family ties. The pace of this book was really fast, considering the fact that it was only 156 pages. It was amazingly crafted, with the science fiction aspect far more entertaining and careful with detail. The part where it focused on the protagonist’s family was the best part. Definitely one of the few things some YA books lack in.
When it comes to the characters, one could not look for a more badass teen than in Larissa Locke. Now here’s a girl who knows how to handle it all without losing it. Her attitude is what gives the story its tone and color. It was headstrong, yet vulnerable all at the same time. She tries to keep herself sane, despite the fact that she has aliens visiting her house every night. And that aspect of her personality made me want to read more. Here’s a heroine who acts smart and does things her way in the most sensible way possible. It is like when you imagine yourself in the same scenario, you will most probably do what she did.
Now the reason that I gave this book a 3.5 rating is because the action was too movie-ish for me. The pace, the cuts to different points, was all too fast. Plot wise, it is somehow unique. But the series of events were all cut-out like a movie. It’s good for the imagination, but it lacks the feeling of satisfaction in reading.
After Reading:
Well. That certainly was a refreshing read. I swear I could have finished it, if my exams did not get in the way. I enjoyed the story quite a bit, and it was a break from all of the romance and uber-fantasy that I have been reading for the past weeks. It was not romance heavy, but rather fact heavy. And every bit of detail adds more to the senses, because it lets you visualize the story well. It may just be 156 pages, but it gave it the best shot it has.
Final Thoughts
Finally. A book without heavy romance, and a book that focuses more on family ties. The pace of this book was really fast, considering the fact that it was only 156 pages. It was amazingly crafted, with the science fiction aspect far more entertaining and careful with detail. The part where it focused on the protagonist’s family was the best part. Definitely one of the few things some YA books lack in.
When it comes to the characters, one could not look for a more badass teen than in Larissa Locke. Now here’s a girl who knows how to handle it all without losing it. Her attitude is what gives the story its tone and color. It was headstrong, yet vulnerable all at the same time. She tries to keep herself sane, despite the fact that she has aliens visiting her house every night. And that aspect of her personality made me want to read more. Here’s a heroine who acts smart and does things her way in the most sensible way possible. It is like when you imagine yourself in the same scenario, you will most probably do what she did.
Now the reason that I gave this book a 3.5 rating is because the action was too movie-ish for me. The pace, the cuts to different points, was all too fast. Plot wise, it is somehow unique. But the series of events were all cut-out like a movie. It’s good for the imagination, but it lacks the feeling of satisfaction in reading.
December 15, 2015
Looking for something totally crazy and unique? You've got it.
SLIPPERY THINGS is about a girl who realizes her family is being visited by aliens on a nightly basis - aliens who don't care for their well-being. Larissa comes up with a plan to get rid of the aliens, all the while wondering if she's hallucinating the whole thing, but the plan backfires when the aliens go after her neighbors and friends. This story has a really fun concept implemented with relatable and interesting characters.
The book's downfalls are its insistence on being wordy and using obtuse and unnatural teen language and narration. There is also a frustrating lack of character development and depth, though the book is so short that there isn't really room for much of that. The overall plot is well-conceived and interesting enough, but teens may be frustrated by the inability to determine whether the protagonist is crazy or the aliens are actually real. However, I thought this issue, which permeates the entire story, is concluded well enough in the end and teens should find the resolution satisfying.
The Verdict: A positively strange book that falls a little short, but would still be interesting to reluctant readers in particular.
SLIPPERY THINGS is about a girl who realizes her family is being visited by aliens on a nightly basis - aliens who don't care for their well-being. Larissa comes up with a plan to get rid of the aliens, all the while wondering if she's hallucinating the whole thing, but the plan backfires when the aliens go after her neighbors and friends. This story has a really fun concept implemented with relatable and interesting characters.
The book's downfalls are its insistence on being wordy and using obtuse and unnatural teen language and narration. There is also a frustrating lack of character development and depth, though the book is so short that there isn't really room for much of that. The overall plot is well-conceived and interesting enough, but teens may be frustrated by the inability to determine whether the protagonist is crazy or the aliens are actually real. However, I thought this issue, which permeates the entire story, is concluded well enough in the end and teens should find the resolution satisfying.
The Verdict: A positively strange book that falls a little short, but would still be interesting to reluctant readers in particular.
January 15, 2016
Slippery Things is a quick page turner about aliens. Larissa Locke is a realistic teenage girl lead who I can picture making the same decisions in her shoes. Despite its length and some awkward dialogue, it works very well in pacing the story and creating vivid description of the character and their setting. Plus, it also does a good job at revealing the aliens and their motives. Its definitely worth a read.
Full review: https://klling.wordpress.com/2015/12/...
Full review: https://klling.wordpress.com/2015/12/...
September 7, 2015
Wow! Imagine H.P. Lovecraft meets the Breakfast Club.
May 26, 2016
Very very interesting. I liked this book because you could not see what was coming around the corner. It kept me turning the pages.............I could not put it down.
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