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The Killing Cure #1
The Killing Cure: Drink
Childhood friendship turns to love in this dark reimagining of the fountain of youth. In 1919, Charlie returns from WWI and gives his heart to Julia. As their love story begins, tragedy strikes when Julia contracts a deadly illness. On her deathbed, dreams of a future together shatter, but Charlie refuses to give up, convincing Julia to drink from a vial of “healing waters” his war buddy swore would bring spontaneous healing.
Julia's miraculous recovery brings hope, but the water's murderous side effects snuff out the couple’s short-lived joy. Can Charlie help Julia fight the water's call to kill? All their efforts may be in vain when Julia has to choose between running from the curse or embracing it in order to save Charlie.
Journey with Julia and Charlie through a love story that spans a hundred years and an age-old curse that spans more and worse, puts Charlie’s life and Julia’s soul at risk.
Julia's miraculous recovery brings hope, but the water's murderous side effects snuff out the couple’s short-lived joy. Can Charlie help Julia fight the water's call to kill? All their efforts may be in vain when Julia has to choose between running from the curse or embracing it in order to save Charlie.
Journey with Julia and Charlie through a love story that spans a hundred years and an age-old curse that spans more and worse, puts Charlie’s life and Julia’s soul at risk.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 24, 2015
44 people are currently reading
111 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
March 14, 2016
"The Killing Cure: Drink" by C.S. Kendall is the first installment in "The Killing Cure" series, which follows the lives of Julia and Charlie from the moment he returns from World War I in 1919.
I personally find it difficult to pigeon-hole this series as it does have romantic and paranormal aspects, as well as dark / horror elements, although none of them are extreme. You will not find any gushy romance or gore here. The closest I can think of is a "dark mystery thriller with a paranormal premise".
I would also suggest starting off with the prequel short-story"Guardian: The Killing Cure Origins" as I felt this did add to my enjoyment of this first full length installment.
One thing is for sure - C.S. Kendall had me once again hooked, and I consumed all 186 pages of this story in one sitting.
"The Killing Cure: Drink" has a fairly limited host of characters, and it is easy to follow, although at times I found myself having to read some sentences twice.
Ginny's point of view kicks off the narrative, which then switches between the first person journal written by Julia recounting her life with Charlie.
Despite its supernatural element "The Killing Cure: Drink" deals primarily with the relationships between its well drawn protagonists and the choices they have to make. How far would you go for love and how would you deal with the consequences of your choices?
A word of warning: this book is part of a series, which is intended to be read in order, and therefore it ends on a cliffhanger. The next installment, The Killing Cure: Heal has just been released and it is being offered for FREE until Monday 14 March 2016! In fact, you can also grab this book and the prequel completely FREE! You truly cannot ask for better than that!
I personally find it difficult to pigeon-hole this series as it does have romantic and paranormal aspects, as well as dark / horror elements, although none of them are extreme. You will not find any gushy romance or gore here. The closest I can think of is a "dark mystery thriller with a paranormal premise".
I would also suggest starting off with the prequel short-story"Guardian: The Killing Cure Origins" as I felt this did add to my enjoyment of this first full length installment.
One thing is for sure - C.S. Kendall had me once again hooked, and I consumed all 186 pages of this story in one sitting.
"The Killing Cure: Drink" has a fairly limited host of characters, and it is easy to follow, although at times I found myself having to read some sentences twice.
Ginny's point of view kicks off the narrative, which then switches between the first person journal written by Julia recounting her life with Charlie.
Despite its supernatural element "The Killing Cure: Drink" deals primarily with the relationships between its well drawn protagonists and the choices they have to make. How far would you go for love and how would you deal with the consequences of your choices?
A word of warning: this book is part of a series, which is intended to be read in order, and therefore it ends on a cliffhanger. The next installment, The Killing Cure: Heal has just been released and it is being offered for FREE until Monday 14 March 2016! In fact, you can also grab this book and the prequel completely FREE! You truly cannot ask for better than that!
August 16, 2017
-I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Killing Cure, by C.S. Kendall, is a dark romance about doing whatever it takes to save the person you love, even if it means losing yourself in the end.
Ginny is a well-respected nurse who works at a retirement home. She is known for her kindness and compassion, and looks out for the patients under her care, as well as their families. One day, she notices a book near an elderly woman, and decides to read it. She reads about a young woman named Julia, an aspirating doctor who decides to marry her childhood friend, Charlie. In an unfortunate twist of events, Julia is stricken down with tuberculosis. As she’s wasting away, Charlie urges her to drink a special water that is said to cure any ailment, no matter how serious. Innocence decays in this gripping romance, and Kendall shows beautifully that love and insanity are truly one in the same.
I loved Julia and Charlie. Julia’s fall from sanity, as she slowly succumbs to her murderous impulses, was torturous and beautifully eerie. But despite that, Charlie refused to leave her, though even Julia herself told him she was no good for him. It shows how devoted he is to her, that he really will follow her to the ends of the earth if need be. Kendall also leaves something to be said about their love with the cure he gave Julia. He was so desperate to save her he was willing to accept anything at that point. What’s more, Julia returns the favor, murdering those just like her if it means seeing Charlie again.
Thus, Kendall deals with true love in a way we’re all familiar with. After all, though some might say otherwise, people would risk anything to see their loved ones safe. It’s that sort of thinking that made Juliet kill herself to join Romeo, or Tristan to rush after Isolde, or even Titus to kill his beloved son to relieve him of his suffering. It’s this sorrowful cycle that forces us to see the thorns growing in an enchanting garden, or the shadows lurking within a beautiful wedding.
Because of this, I would give this a rating of a 4.7 out of 5 stars. The tragedy surrounding Julia and Charlie was reminiscent of the wonderful, evanescent love stories we know so well. Beginning with the same desperation, the two lovers begin their descent unto madness, until finally, they’re trapped in a cycle of chasing each other but never catching one another. I’d recommend this book to fans of The Last Valentine and Lara’s Journal.
The Killing Cure, by C.S. Kendall, is a dark romance about doing whatever it takes to save the person you love, even if it means losing yourself in the end.
Ginny is a well-respected nurse who works at a retirement home. She is known for her kindness and compassion, and looks out for the patients under her care, as well as their families. One day, she notices a book near an elderly woman, and decides to read it. She reads about a young woman named Julia, an aspirating doctor who decides to marry her childhood friend, Charlie. In an unfortunate twist of events, Julia is stricken down with tuberculosis. As she’s wasting away, Charlie urges her to drink a special water that is said to cure any ailment, no matter how serious. Innocence decays in this gripping romance, and Kendall shows beautifully that love and insanity are truly one in the same.
I loved Julia and Charlie. Julia’s fall from sanity, as she slowly succumbs to her murderous impulses, was torturous and beautifully eerie. But despite that, Charlie refused to leave her, though even Julia herself told him she was no good for him. It shows how devoted he is to her, that he really will follow her to the ends of the earth if need be. Kendall also leaves something to be said about their love with the cure he gave Julia. He was so desperate to save her he was willing to accept anything at that point. What’s more, Julia returns the favor, murdering those just like her if it means seeing Charlie again.
Thus, Kendall deals with true love in a way we’re all familiar with. After all, though some might say otherwise, people would risk anything to see their loved ones safe. It’s that sort of thinking that made Juliet kill herself to join Romeo, or Tristan to rush after Isolde, or even Titus to kill his beloved son to relieve him of his suffering. It’s this sorrowful cycle that forces us to see the thorns growing in an enchanting garden, or the shadows lurking within a beautiful wedding.
Because of this, I would give this a rating of a 4.7 out of 5 stars. The tragedy surrounding Julia and Charlie was reminiscent of the wonderful, evanescent love stories we know so well. Beginning with the same desperation, the two lovers begin their descent unto madness, until finally, they’re trapped in a cycle of chasing each other but never catching one another. I’d recommend this book to fans of The Last Valentine and Lara’s Journal.
May 14, 2020
Wasn’t sure what I was getting myself into, but the journey has been interesting. I thought I saw the ending coming but was surprised when I reached the end of this journey. But it doesn’t truly end with the drink. I cannot wait to get the next installment! Lovely characters and engaging storyline.
November 27, 2017
I won a signed copy of this book during a Goodreads giveaway. I am under no obligation to leave a review or rating and do so voluntarily. So that others may also enjoy this book, I am paying it forward by donating it a local library.
April 3, 2020
loved it, hard to put down
April 6, 2022
The whole story dynamic works
Really good read. A different kind of story that I really enjoyed. The characters meshed really well together with the storyline.
Really good read. A different kind of story that I really enjoyed. The characters meshed really well together with the storyline.
February 11, 2020
I enjoyed the fountain of youth aspect of the book. I’ve never read a story that featured the FOY, let alone twisted into something sinister. This does build slowly, drawing you into the character’s love story, then, BAM. It ends in a cliff hanger, so don’t bother if you can’t handle that. It’s not fair to an author to low ball rate them for a cliffhanger. Some of us like that excitement ;) I’m excited to read the next book in the series.
November 26, 2019
There is a new expanded edition coming out next week, available via amazon. Excited!
Also, since I’m now re-reading, I have to say I forgot how good the twist is in this book!
Also, since I’m now re-reading, I have to say I forgot how good the twist is in this book!
March 6, 2016
When we first meet Julia and Charlie it is 1919, Charlie is just getting back from the war. Julia and he have been friends since they were children so she doesn’t understand why she is so hurt when he is met by another woman at the train station. She is also mad the he never wrote her while he was gone. They finally have it out with each other and discover that their feelings for each other go far beyond friendship. But just when they are finding their love for each other Julia gets sick with consumption. Charlie, not being able to stand the idea of losing her, begs her to drink a vial of water he got from a fellow soldier. The soldier told Charlie that the water would grant eternal life and healing.
After Julia drinks from the water, she is not only healed but she feel completely rejuvenated. The problem is, she is changing. Her temper is on a short fuse and there are voices in her head telling her to do harm and even kill. She tries to resist but it becomes to late when another woman tries to take Charlie away from her.
Julia and Charlie start to think that there is something wrong with the water and they go on a journey to find out more about the water and if there is anything that can be done to fight the horrible side effects.
This story is so intriguing. I love the idea that to have everlasting life you have to take life in exchange. When I say I love the idea What I really mean is the moral dilemma. If you knew that drinking the water would turn you into a monster of sorts, would you choose to drink it anyway or would you choose to die instead? Would you still love the person even though they were changing into a killer? What would you think of yourself for giving the water to your loved one?
If you like a book that makes you think then this is the book for you! I highly recommend it.
After Julia drinks from the water, she is not only healed but she feel completely rejuvenated. The problem is, she is changing. Her temper is on a short fuse and there are voices in her head telling her to do harm and even kill. She tries to resist but it becomes to late when another woman tries to take Charlie away from her.
Julia and Charlie start to think that there is something wrong with the water and they go on a journey to find out more about the water and if there is anything that can be done to fight the horrible side effects.
This story is so intriguing. I love the idea that to have everlasting life you have to take life in exchange. When I say I love the idea What I really mean is the moral dilemma. If you knew that drinking the water would turn you into a monster of sorts, would you choose to drink it anyway or would you choose to die instead? Would you still love the person even though they were changing into a killer? What would you think of yourself for giving the water to your loved one?
If you like a book that makes you think then this is the book for you! I highly recommend it.
December 20, 2015
From the moment I started reading, I became engrossed in the story. What a creative mind the author has as we are swept inside a story inside a story. Yes it was really two stories that entwined themselves so masterfully, that I was totally taken off guard . There is so much intrigue, I felt like I was watching an episode of The Twilight Zone.
The characters are multi -dimensional and at times dark and spooky. I thought I was reading a lovely romance story at the beginning, but when the twist came out of nowhere I was hooked. It is a dark story which the author writes with a hint of a deep and scary edge of your seat roller coaster ride. I was mesmerized by the expertly developed characters and their descent into the dark realms of spells and downright chilling scenes .
This book is one you will not figure out as it has layers that must be peeled away a little at a time to truly grasp the writings of an author with an imagination that surpasses many well known mystery writers. As you read this story, take in the details, the little subtle hints of what is to come and get ready to be blown away by the ending. I would highly recommend this book to readers that love a great mystery with a taste of the dark side. It is a book that could easily be turned into a blockbuster movie. Well done CS Kendall.
I received a copy of this book from LibraryThing for an honest review.
The characters are multi -dimensional and at times dark and spooky. I thought I was reading a lovely romance story at the beginning, but when the twist came out of nowhere I was hooked. It is a dark story which the author writes with a hint of a deep and scary edge of your seat roller coaster ride. I was mesmerized by the expertly developed characters and their descent into the dark realms of spells and downright chilling scenes .
This book is one you will not figure out as it has layers that must be peeled away a little at a time to truly grasp the writings of an author with an imagination that surpasses many well known mystery writers. As you read this story, take in the details, the little subtle hints of what is to come and get ready to be blown away by the ending. I would highly recommend this book to readers that love a great mystery with a taste of the dark side. It is a book that could easily be turned into a blockbuster movie. Well done CS Kendall.
I received a copy of this book from LibraryThing for an honest review.
January 16, 2016
This book was like an old Twilight Zone episode. It was simultaneously entertaining and horrifying.
Pros
1. After I made it past about 30%, the story pulled me in. I thought I saw where the story was going and was pleasantly surprised that it turned out differently and therefore was more entertaining and held my interest. Thumbs up for original plot twists.
2. Provided interesting detail of Sanitoriums, the purpose of which seemed to be more to quarantine patients than to cure them.
Cons
1. The characters lacked depth. A great romance story will make the reader fall for the characters as the dialogue and interplay develop with the use of witty conversations and anecdotes to demonstrate how the couple connects. An OK romance story will describe the feelings of the characters, but a great romance will make the reader feel the love. This romance was just OK.
2. The story seemed like it wasn't complete and significant details were unaccounted for e.g. the 95 year gap that was glossed over at the end. Frustrating! I would like to know why in 95 years time, Julia would not return to check on the love of her life, her sleeping prince.
Pros
1. After I made it past about 30%, the story pulled me in. I thought I saw where the story was going and was pleasantly surprised that it turned out differently and therefore was more entertaining and held my interest. Thumbs up for original plot twists.
2. Provided interesting detail of Sanitoriums, the purpose of which seemed to be more to quarantine patients than to cure them.
Cons
1. The characters lacked depth. A great romance story will make the reader fall for the characters as the dialogue and interplay develop with the use of witty conversations and anecdotes to demonstrate how the couple connects. An OK romance story will describe the feelings of the characters, but a great romance will make the reader feel the love. This romance was just OK.
2. The story seemed like it wasn't complete and significant details were unaccounted for e.g. the 95 year gap that was glossed over at the end. Frustrating! I would like to know why in 95 years time, Julia would not return to check on the love of her life, her sleeping prince.
October 4, 2015
In the interest of fair disclosure, I received an advance copy of this book in return for an honest review. C.S. Kendall’s The Killing Cure: Drink is full of love and suspense. Kendall does a great job of crafting the tender love scenes, making you care for and cheer on the relationship between Charlie and Julia. A diabolical enemy in the form of a beautiful woman keeps the tension flowing throughout the story. Not usually a fan of suspense, I found myself riveted by the love story, wanting to know what was going to happen. I couldn’t put it down. And the ending! Such a surprise – I never suspected it, despite the subtle hints planted throughout. A riveting first novel filled with surprising twists; it ends leaving you clamoring for more. I wanted Charlie and Julia’s love to win out – and I still do.
September 27, 2016
I enjoyed this book - The only thing I marked this down on was the fact that it left you hanging too much at the end. I wish it had wrapped it up a little better. I felt like I was bought to the edge of discovery and found out I had to read the next one. While I understand authors use this as a way to purchase their next book, I felt it could have given a little more for satisfaction of a good book. I enjoyed the story line of a couple of friends who were faced with one leaving for a world war and his return to the woman realizing she loves him. Her visit to a sanitarium and her killing cure to bring her back. How the cure wants it's price in return and how they go about attempting to get a cure. This book was nothing like one I had read before and I like the story line. My hesitation is in the way the book concluded.
April 23, 2020
This book was REALLY good. By about a quarter of the way through (and it's actually not very long - 200ish pages I think), I was hooked and I didn't want to put it down.
After his return from war, Charlie and his lifelong best friend Julia find themselves deeply in love. just a few short months later, they realize that Julia is dying of tuberculosis, and it becomes apparent that there's no hope for her survival. In a last, desperate attempt to save her, Charlie offers her a "cure" in the form of a small vial of water he obtained from a fellow soldier. The consequences of this turn out to be much more terrible than they could have imagined.
I received a free copy from the in exchange for an honest review.
After his return from war, Charlie and his lifelong best friend Julia find themselves deeply in love. just a few short months later, they realize that Julia is dying of tuberculosis, and it becomes apparent that there's no hope for her survival. In a last, desperate attempt to save her, Charlie offers her a "cure" in the form of a small vial of water he obtained from a fellow soldier. The consequences of this turn out to be much more terrible than they could have imagined.
I received a free copy from the in exchange for an honest review.
October 7, 2015
The Killing Cure kept me turning the page.
The Killing Cure tells the story of a couple who discover the dark side to the fountain of youth. The Author did a wonderful job leading from the start of Julia story through her quest to find a way back to the life and love she dreamed about. I loved following Julia an Charlie through their journey, as Ginny read their story along with you. The twist at the end was great. This was well written and I truly enjoyed reading it. I am not great writer but I do enjoy reading. If you like something a little supernatural, a little romance, a little suspenseful you will like this book.
The Killing Cure tells the story of a couple who discover the dark side to the fountain of youth. The Author did a wonderful job leading from the start of Julia story through her quest to find a way back to the life and love she dreamed about. I loved following Julia an Charlie through their journey, as Ginny read their story along with you. The twist at the end was great. This was well written and I truly enjoyed reading it. I am not great writer but I do enjoy reading. If you like something a little supernatural, a little romance, a little suspenseful you will like this book.
Read
November 1, 2015Ginny is a nurse caring for elderly patients at Shady Lawns Retirement Community. She finds a journal in Mrs. Lingman's room and is swept away by the story of Julia and Charlie.
Charlie goes off to war, leaving his best friend Julia behind. When he returns home, Julia is jealous of the way Caroline is falling all over Charlie. When Julia falls ill, Charlie does something to save her life. This act of kindness and love will change their lives forever.
Compelling story of young love, tragedy, devotion and murder. Leaves you waiting for the next installment.
Reviewer for Paranormal Romance and Authors That Rock
4 out of 5 Fangs
Charlie goes off to war, leaving his best friend Julia behind. When he returns home, Julia is jealous of the way Caroline is falling all over Charlie. When Julia falls ill, Charlie does something to save her life. This act of kindness and love will change their lives forever.
Compelling story of young love, tragedy, devotion and murder. Leaves you waiting for the next installment.
Reviewer for Paranormal Romance and Authors That Rock
4 out of 5 Fangs
December 21, 2015
I received this book as an ebook free from the author through LibraryThing in exchange for an honest review. “The Killing Cure” is about a little drink from a vial of healing water and it’s effects with an intriguing twist related to the Fountain of Youth. The book also gives the reader a reality check with a look at what a sanatorium was like before the discovery of drugs to treat consumption (tuberculosis). This is a very well written book with lots of twists and turns. The book held my interest right up until the cliffhanger ending. I don’t like books that end like this one because I have to wait until the next book is written to find out what happens.
October 4, 2015
What a debut. I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review. C.S. Kendall gives riveting details with a wonderful story line. The relationship between Charlie and Julia is a sweet and wistful one, and while I was rooting for them, I was also intrigued with all the tense and parts that took me by surprise. Julia getting the healing waters change her and during her transformation, it made for a wonderful story full of surprises.
I already can't wait for book two. Five stars from me.
I already can't wait for book two. Five stars from me.
October 5, 2015
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review. When reading this book, I couldn't believe this was a first time author. There was none of the flowery over-descriptiveness that I've found to be true with first time authors. The story line was complex and intriguing and most importantly the ending left me eager to find out what comes next. The complexity of the characters makes this a must read for all book clubs! I will definitely be reading anything else that this author writes.
October 6, 2015
I received this book for an honest review. This is a book that you will not want to put down. It is definitely a page turner! The relationship between Charlie and Julie is wonderful, mystifying and challenging. There are so many twists and turns in this book until the very end, which often surprises the reader. This is also a book that has one thinking about the characters after finishing the book. In my experience, this rarely happens. I cannot wait to read this author's next book!
October 12, 2015
This is an awesome and original story! Refreshing creativity takes you on a journey through the main characters perspective while also building an outside story that threads its way in to an amazing finish. If you're looking for something out of the norm, this first of its series will have you addicted from start to finish. How often does reading provide real hair-raising moments? This story will not disappoint. When does the movie come out?!?!?!
March 13, 2016
I was immediately drawn into Julia and Charlie's story! C.S. Kendall is an excellent writer, and this book kept me turning the page from the onset to learn more. In future series, I would be curious to learn more history behind Ginny, as I found her to be a fascinating character. Did not see that one coming! I would also like to know more about what happened over the course of the "100 years" and find out how Julia found and dealt with all the others under the spell of the water.
October 3, 2015
This was a quick read that I really enjoyed! I loved the time period, the characters, and the crazy plot line! Also, it's hard to come by fantasy/romances that don't go into too much detail on the romance front, I appreciated how clean the author kept things. Can't wait to read the next book!
I was given a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I was given a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 8, 2015
I am not much of a reader because I get bored very easily, but this story kept my interest the whole time! It has suspense, mystery, and a few unexpected twists. The story has some darkness to it. The author is detailed in her descriptions but not so much as to bore you. The plot is interesting and original. I am excited to read more from this author!
October 4, 2015
This is a fantastic debut novel. The author really transports you into the world of these characters. Just the right amount of romance with a bit of darkness. The timelines are beautifully linked together in the end, with some twists along the way. I am eagerly awaiting the sequel.
October 8, 2015
Wow! Awesome book! I love to read & this book was great! I couldn't put it down & I can't wait for the next book!!! I received an advanced copy of the book for an honest review. I will continue to read all of C.S. Kendall's books! Loved it!
December 19, 2015
I loved this story so much from beginning to end. I can't wait for the next book. yay! 100 stars.
Gisele Walko, author of The Vampire and the Necromancer : An out of sequence love story
Gisele Walko, author of The Vampire and the Necromancer : An out of sequence love story
January 7, 2016
Great read. the story keeps moving at a great pace and Kendall somehow pulls off writing chaste, yet hot love scenes. I found myself up at 2 am totally hooked and unable to sleep until the first kiss. And then because of the great pacing I kept reading!
February 21, 2016
This is an extremely well-written novel that has you hooked right from the start. There are two stories intertwined in one that has you enthralled and enchanted. A must read for those of you who enjoy something completely different. A most enjoyable read.
October 2, 2015
This book was phenomenal! I never wanted to put it down
! I cannot wait to read the next book in The Killing Cure series!!!
! I cannot wait to read the next book in The Killing Cure series!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews