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1986
Allana Harrison wanted out. She wanted to escape her painful, broken past and enjoy a fresh start somewhere else. Anywhere else. And while all of the boys in high school and college promised to deliver that dream, only one man actually pulled through.
Now a young adult, Allana finds herself on the opposite side of the world, in a prosperous and rich town that's not only isolated from her past, but from the crime, grime and hustle of bigger cities, in a country where she doesn't understand the language or know anybody else except her husband. And that's how she likes it.
Until she meets Alex, another American who ends up being her only other friend, the one person who reminds her of what it's like to feel desired, wanted and hungered for.
Except Alex has motives. And Alex has questions -- about her husband's work at the world's most-advanced, leading-edge power station, questions he wants answered... and when Allana can no longer provide them, Alex threatens to reveal the secrets of their forbidden past, secrets that will destroy the man that saved her.
Caught between two men -- one she loves and the other she can't help but love -- Allana must deliberate the role she plays in the moments leading to humankind's greatest disaster... in 1986.
Now a young adult, Allana finds herself on the opposite side of the world, in a prosperous and rich town that's not only isolated from her past, but from the crime, grime and hustle of bigger cities, in a country where she doesn't understand the language or know anybody else except her husband. And that's how she likes it.
Until she meets Alex, another American who ends up being her only other friend, the one person who reminds her of what it's like to feel desired, wanted and hungered for.
Except Alex has motives. And Alex has questions -- about her husband's work at the world's most-advanced, leading-edge power station, questions he wants answered... and when Allana can no longer provide them, Alex threatens to reveal the secrets of their forbidden past, secrets that will destroy the man that saved her.
Caught between two men -- one she loves and the other she can't help but love -- Allana must deliberate the role she plays in the moments leading to humankind's greatest disaster... in 1986.
365 pages, Paperback
Published June 20, 2016
55 people are currently reading
146 people want to read
About the author
Morgan Parker
13 books305 followersMorgan Parker is the pen name for a shy and introverted former banker. Given the nature of his former career and his unique childhood upbringing in a trendy, white-collar town West of Toronto, Mr. Parker made up plenty of stories to stay employed and to avoid the responsibilities of adulthood. His novels are a product of those stories.
Mr. Parker believes that all great novels involve realistic characters, motives and love stories. He tries (really hard) to emulate his favorite authors while writing his own novels. He stresses that all of his tales and characters are fictional in nature and welcomes all kinds of feedback, even the worst kind, so that he might continue to develop and grow as an author.
When Mr. Parker isn't writing, he likes to read and watch movies. As a serial napper, he has been known to convert corporate prayer rooms and quiet areas into common siesta zones. He believes in hibernation.
Mr. Parker believes that all great novels involve realistic characters, motives and love stories. He tries (really hard) to emulate his favorite authors while writing his own novels. He stresses that all of his tales and characters are fictional in nature and welcomes all kinds of feedback, even the worst kind, so that he might continue to develop and grow as an author.
When Mr. Parker isn't writing, he likes to read and watch movies. As a serial napper, he has been known to convert corporate prayer rooms and quiet areas into common siesta zones. He believes in hibernation.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
June 13, 2016
1986 by Morgan Parker
3.5 stars!!
This was a book that I signed up to read for a few reasons, I loved the eighties, I loved the cover and the synopsis pulled me in. Although it is intimated in the synopsis this book is a story based around the Chernobyl disaster in 1986, Morgan Parker delivers a book full of mystery and suspense as you valiantly try to determine who is good and who is bad, while at the forefront of the story is the relationship between Vasy and his wife, Allana…oh and Alex.
1986 is Morgan Parker’s take on the conspiracy theories pertaining to America's influence with the Chernobyl disaster and is all about the spies and their relationship to the disaster as well as the romantic relationships between them. Double crossing, rogue agents and espionage all led to a thrilling read that had me glued to the pages.
I was a teenager when Chernobyl happened, every news station around the world had that picture that will forever be ingrained into my memory, that mushroom cloud of fire, smoke and radioactive particles that forever altered the life of so many. I was too young to really comprehend the gravity of the situation at the time, however, since reading 1986 I felt compelled to read up about it and really understand exactly what they were. I am seriously appalled.
While Morgan Parker’s book is by no means a historical recount of this disaster is does call in to question just how much this could be true and how much really was fiction. It was obvious that he had really done his homework with regards to the nuclear station itself and the mechanics of it too. I’m not a real history buff and by no means a historical reader but this book was an addictive read and I felt myself more involved with the mystery side rather than the romantic relationships that were at the forefront of this novel, this I feel was due to the third person narrative rather than the story itself.
It is obvious that Morgan Parker is extremely talented, however for me to really understand a character I need to connect with them and for me this was lacking in this story, as I said above I do feel this was due to third person, but none the less, this was a real page turner and an addictive read.
Allana wanted to escape her life in the US and her relationship with Vasy gave her the out and the new start that she desperately wanted. Now married and living in Pripyat in the USSR Allana is despondent with the new life that she has been given, she is incredibly lonely in a city where she knows no-one, doesn’t speak the language and is married to a man that constantly works at least an eighty-hour week. Vasy, knowing how lonely his wife was asked his friend, Alex, to keep her company. Alex was an American too and Vasy thought that he would be the one Allana could relate to the most. Alex and Allana become friends and all too soon the lines of friendships blur.
In a flip flop of emotions for Allana her loyalties are tested and she does revert back to the cheating life that she wanted to escape from. I desperately wanted to understand her but I couldn’t, it seemed that she did actually love two men at the same time and her inner thoughts and feelings only really scratched the surface of what I wanted to know. However, are the two men in her life what they seem to be? Is Allana’s life really what she thinks it is? Can anyone be trusted?
As I said, I loved the history and the mystery surrounding this read. It was extremely well written and totally engaging and actually was a book that I didn’t want to end. Who were the winners and losers in this book? For me no-one won and that was the perfect result. A great read and I will definitely be checking out other books by Morgan Parker.
www.theromancecover.com
3.5 stars!!
“Before we ever arrived in the Soviet Ukraine, my destiny had been written.”
This was a book that I signed up to read for a few reasons, I loved the eighties, I loved the cover and the synopsis pulled me in. Although it is intimated in the synopsis this book is a story based around the Chernobyl disaster in 1986, Morgan Parker delivers a book full of mystery and suspense as you valiantly try to determine who is good and who is bad, while at the forefront of the story is the relationship between Vasy and his wife, Allana…oh and Alex.
“…with Alex, she felt untouchable; with Vasy she felt indestructible.”
1986 is Morgan Parker’s take on the conspiracy theories pertaining to America's influence with the Chernobyl disaster and is all about the spies and their relationship to the disaster as well as the romantic relationships between them. Double crossing, rogue agents and espionage all led to a thrilling read that had me glued to the pages.
I was a teenager when Chernobyl happened, every news station around the world had that picture that will forever be ingrained into my memory, that mushroom cloud of fire, smoke and radioactive particles that forever altered the life of so many. I was too young to really comprehend the gravity of the situation at the time, however, since reading 1986 I felt compelled to read up about it and really understand exactly what they were. I am seriously appalled.
While Morgan Parker’s book is by no means a historical recount of this disaster is does call in to question just how much this could be true and how much really was fiction. It was obvious that he had really done his homework with regards to the nuclear station itself and the mechanics of it too. I’m not a real history buff and by no means a historical reader but this book was an addictive read and I felt myself more involved with the mystery side rather than the romantic relationships that were at the forefront of this novel, this I feel was due to the third person narrative rather than the story itself.
It is obvious that Morgan Parker is extremely talented, however for me to really understand a character I need to connect with them and for me this was lacking in this story, as I said above I do feel this was due to third person, but none the less, this was a real page turner and an addictive read.
Allana wanted to escape her life in the US and her relationship with Vasy gave her the out and the new start that she desperately wanted. Now married and living in Pripyat in the USSR Allana is despondent with the new life that she has been given, she is incredibly lonely in a city where she knows no-one, doesn’t speak the language and is married to a man that constantly works at least an eighty-hour week. Vasy, knowing how lonely his wife was asked his friend, Alex, to keep her company. Alex was an American too and Vasy thought that he would be the one Allana could relate to the most. Alex and Allana become friends and all too soon the lines of friendships blur.
“Alone. Isolated. Unloved.”
In a flip flop of emotions for Allana her loyalties are tested and she does revert back to the cheating life that she wanted to escape from. I desperately wanted to understand her but I couldn’t, it seemed that she did actually love two men at the same time and her inner thoughts and feelings only really scratched the surface of what I wanted to know. However, are the two men in her life what they seem to be? Is Allana’s life really what she thinks it is? Can anyone be trusted?
“Temptation is fun…surrendering is even better.”
As I said, I loved the history and the mystery surrounding this read. It was extremely well written and totally engaging and actually was a book that I didn’t want to end. Who were the winners and losers in this book? For me no-one won and that was the perfect result. A great read and I will definitely be checking out other books by Morgan Parker.
www.theromancecover.com
June 8, 2016
This was a hard review for me to write. But honesty trumps all, in my mind, so here goes -
What I took away from this book was an interesting history lesson about the Chernobyl disaster, but that came with a hefty price – a serious case of whiplash.
What I liked: The history. I didn’t know much about Chernobyl before picking up this book. I was only four-years-old when the disaster happened, so I’m cutting myself a little bit of slack. I don’t read a ton of historical fiction either and when I do it’s mostly WWII. I found the circumstances and the aftermath of the disaster to be kind of fascinating. So much so, I found myself Googling and reading anything I could find about Chernobly. That curiousity wasn’t enough to win me over though.
What I despised: EVERY SINGLE CHARACTER. A self-proclaimed slut, Allana left her dreadful past behind in America and followed her new husband to the USSR. An MIT graduate with a high level position at Chernobyl, Vasy has firsthand knowledge of what’s actually happening. But is he trustworthy?
At the first inkling of attention from another man, Allana is a goner. Denying she wants to give in to the lust, but complaining about her husband’s long hours at work and her loneliness, all in an attempt to justify their forbidden relationship. It’s not long after Alex seduces her that she becomes adament about her love for Vasy. Let’s get real - cheating is not a total deal-breaker for me in a story. In real life sure, but this is fiction and there’s always room for redemption in my eyes. It didn’t matter in this situation though.
It became a repetitive, never-ending, back-and-forth between the two men. And not even in an interesting or understandable way. Allana’s feelings flip-flopped from moment to moment and by the end she had changed her mind so many times, I felt like I had whiplash. I was so confused about who she actually loved. She was a walking contradiction. One I couldn’t conjure up any sympathy for. And what she saw in either of the men, I have no clue. Both were manipulative liars.
A part of me can almost see where Mr. Parker was trying to go with this one or maybe I just think I do, but it wasn’t a case of forbidden love that proved fate does exist, at least not for me. It was an extremely insecure woman in an impossible situation of her own making. I couldn’t find it in myself to even care.
*Thank you to Morgan Parker and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*
What I took away from this book was an interesting history lesson about the Chernobyl disaster, but that came with a hefty price – a serious case of whiplash.
What I liked: The history. I didn’t know much about Chernobyl before picking up this book. I was only four-years-old when the disaster happened, so I’m cutting myself a little bit of slack. I don’t read a ton of historical fiction either and when I do it’s mostly WWII. I found the circumstances and the aftermath of the disaster to be kind of fascinating. So much so, I found myself Googling and reading anything I could find about Chernobly. That curiousity wasn’t enough to win me over though.
What I despised: EVERY SINGLE CHARACTER. A self-proclaimed slut, Allana left her dreadful past behind in America and followed her new husband to the USSR. An MIT graduate with a high level position at Chernobyl, Vasy has firsthand knowledge of what’s actually happening. But is he trustworthy?
At the first inkling of attention from another man, Allana is a goner. Denying she wants to give in to the lust, but complaining about her husband’s long hours at work and her loneliness, all in an attempt to justify their forbidden relationship. It’s not long after Alex seduces her that she becomes adament about her love for Vasy. Let’s get real - cheating is not a total deal-breaker for me in a story. In real life sure, but this is fiction and there’s always room for redemption in my eyes. It didn’t matter in this situation though.
It became a repetitive, never-ending, back-and-forth between the two men. And not even in an interesting or understandable way. Allana’s feelings flip-flopped from moment to moment and by the end she had changed her mind so many times, I felt like I had whiplash. I was so confused about who she actually loved. She was a walking contradiction. One I couldn’t conjure up any sympathy for. And what she saw in either of the men, I have no clue. Both were manipulative liars.
A part of me can almost see where Mr. Parker was trying to go with this one or maybe I just think I do, but it wasn’t a case of forbidden love that proved fate does exist, at least not for me. It was an extremely insecure woman in an impossible situation of her own making. I couldn’t find it in myself to even care.
*Thank you to Morgan Parker and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*
June 9, 2016
We are taken on a third person narrative about Allana, Vasy and Alex. How one woman is in love with two different men who are not what they seem. There are so many secrets, lies, and betrayal that I'm not really sure what I read.
I was confused about 75% of the book and I'm still left with a lot more questions than answers. I think it was largely due to the way it was written in the third person narrative. I couldn't form an attachment to any one of the characters. I didn't care if they lived or died.
Allana was constantly complaining and we were always reminded that she missed Vasy, her husband, who worked over 80 hours a week at the plant. He introduces her to his friend Alex whom she forms a close relationship to. It was a disaster waiting to happen.
Alex is the forbidden fruit she couldn't have. But if you push two people together then what happens? He's hot, young and American. Everything she's attracted to and misses.
I've read other reviews that they mentioned about the sex not being hot enough. This book is not focused on sex. It's focused on the people and the results of the lies people tell.
Overall the story was ok. The book was written exceptional well and you could tell Morgan Parker had done his research about nuclear reactors. That's why I give it a 3.
I was confused about 75% of the book and I'm still left with a lot more questions than answers. I think it was largely due to the way it was written in the third person narrative. I couldn't form an attachment to any one of the characters. I didn't care if they lived or died.
Allana was constantly complaining and we were always reminded that she missed Vasy, her husband, who worked over 80 hours a week at the plant. He introduces her to his friend Alex whom she forms a close relationship to. It was a disaster waiting to happen.
Alex is the forbidden fruit she couldn't have. But if you push two people together then what happens? He's hot, young and American. Everything she's attracted to and misses.
I've read other reviews that they mentioned about the sex not being hot enough. This book is not focused on sex. It's focused on the people and the results of the lies people tell.
Overall the story was ok. The book was written exceptional well and you could tell Morgan Parker had done his research about nuclear reactors. That's why I give it a 3.
June 13, 2016
Now Available!
A romantic suspense novel set against the Chernobyl disaster, of course I had to read it. Allana has escaped her poor, sad, slutty past by running away with Vasy to Pripyat, Ukraine (USSR). He is a native Ukrainian and M.I.T. engineer at the local nuclear power plant working increasingly longer hours... making Allana one very desperate housewife. Enter Alex, the American, stage left. It's like this stuff writes itself, isn't it?
What's original about this story are the questions it poses. What did the United States have to do with the Chernobyl disaster? What did the USSR have to do with the Challenger Tragedy? What would the world, environmentally and geopolitically, be like if nuclear power was still considered safe? This is the kind of chewy goodness those of us obsessed with The Americans just can't get enough of and what saves the book.
Allana is not a likable character but by the time people start being mean to her you won't enjoy that either. And it's not steamy enough! The characters/story needed more depth or the whole thing needed more steam or both or maybe I just really really didn't like how much Allana whined.
I'm happy I read this book for the questions it poses and hope to read more dramatic Cold War romances in the future.
A romantic suspense novel set against the Chernobyl disaster, of course I had to read it. Allana has escaped her poor, sad, slutty past by running away with Vasy to Pripyat, Ukraine (USSR). He is a native Ukrainian and M.I.T. engineer at the local nuclear power plant working increasingly longer hours... making Allana one very desperate housewife. Enter Alex, the American, stage left. It's like this stuff writes itself, isn't it?
What's original about this story are the questions it poses. What did the United States have to do with the Chernobyl disaster? What did the USSR have to do with the Challenger Tragedy? What would the world, environmentally and geopolitically, be like if nuclear power was still considered safe? This is the kind of chewy goodness those of us obsessed with The Americans just can't get enough of and what saves the book.
Allana is not a likable character but by the time people start being mean to her you won't enjoy that either. And it's not steamy enough! The characters/story needed more depth or the whole thing needed more steam or both or maybe I just really really didn't like how much Allana whined.
I'm happy I read this book for the questions it poses and hope to read more dramatic Cold War romances in the future.
June 19, 2016
I really enjoy reading books that I can learn a little bit while I read. And this book I can say I did. The history of the story was it's shiny glory. I learned a lot about the Chernobyl disaster that I didn't know before and I knew a little. I can say the book really succeeds here. You can tell that the author spent a lot of time researching and developing a rich world to create characters in.
Where it has some trouble, in my opinion, are the characters. I failed to connect to them, especially Allana. I just didn't seem to care what happened to her. She seemed to run on a hamster wheel between the two men in the story, to the point that I no longer cared which one she ultimately ended up with.
Ultimately, I had to give it 3 stars because of the failing of the development of characters. While I love the history side and that made me actually finish the story, I really wish the characters were more developed.
Where it has some trouble, in my opinion, are the characters. I failed to connect to them, especially Allana. I just didn't seem to care what happened to her. She seemed to run on a hamster wheel between the two men in the story, to the point that I no longer cared which one she ultimately ended up with.
Ultimately, I had to give it 3 stars because of the failing of the development of characters. While I love the history side and that made me actually finish the story, I really wish the characters were more developed.
June 10, 2016
1986 is based on the events of Chernobyl. It's told from a third person about Allana, Vasy and Alex.
Allana marries Vasy and moves to Prypat, Ukraine (USSR). There she meets his many coworkers and one of them being a fellow American, Alex.
I truly struggled through the first 30% of the book. The next 30% I wasn't thrilled with and then finally right around the 67%, I felt a bit of excitement. But that unfortunately didn't last through the end.
I had a really hard time connecting to the characters. I felt nothing for them - didn't really care what happened to them. What kept me glued to the book was the unique ideas and creativity of how the US was tied to the Chernobyl accident - the conspiracies on other things that could have gone wrong. Is the world truly better with nuclear power? Mr. Parker's own creativity on things keep the story interesting. It's this stuff that kept me wanting to read more.
This book is marked as romantic suspense, but do not expect a whole lot of romance or steaminess. And honestly, I am glad that there isn't. I think that would have taken away from the true plot of this book and make the book cheesy. I applaud Mr. Parker for not going that route.
Mr. Parker's writing is unique. This is the first book I have read by him. Even though this book is not a 5 star for me, I am intrigued enough to read more of his work.
Allana marries Vasy and moves to Prypat, Ukraine (USSR). There she meets his many coworkers and one of them being a fellow American, Alex.
I truly struggled through the first 30% of the book. The next 30% I wasn't thrilled with and then finally right around the 67%, I felt a bit of excitement. But that unfortunately didn't last through the end.
I had a really hard time connecting to the characters. I felt nothing for them - didn't really care what happened to them. What kept me glued to the book was the unique ideas and creativity of how the US was tied to the Chernobyl accident - the conspiracies on other things that could have gone wrong. Is the world truly better with nuclear power? Mr. Parker's own creativity on things keep the story interesting. It's this stuff that kept me wanting to read more.
This book is marked as romantic suspense, but do not expect a whole lot of romance or steaminess. And honestly, I am glad that there isn't. I think that would have taken away from the true plot of this book and make the book cheesy. I applaud Mr. Parker for not going that route.
Mr. Parker's writing is unique. This is the first book I have read by him. Even though this book is not a 5 star for me, I am intrigued enough to read more of his work.
June 11, 2016
I was looking for something different when I signed up for this one and I think I got a conspiracy theorist's wet dream. I was in school during the Cold War and clearly recall these events but this spy suspense really threw the Chernobyl disaster in a new light. With all of the twists I never quite knew who to trust. Full review coming on The Smut-Brarians.
May 8, 2016
1986 is a romantic suspense set around the Chernobyl disaster which was a catastrophic nuclear accident that occurred in April of 1986 in the town of Pripyat, Ukraine.
Allana, an American native with a shady and unsavory past, has recently moved to Pripyat with, the man who saved her from said past, Vasy. Vasy is a Ukrainian M.I.T engineer, who studied abroad in America where he met Allana, and now works at the Chernobyl nuclear plant. Then you have, Alex, who is also an American, who also works at the nuclear plant with Vasy. All three are the main characters in this book and all three play a part in this fictional story of what happened the day of April 26th, 1986.
I found the story a bit hard to get through within the first 20% and had to stop reading. I was glad when a friend messaged me to say that I should keep reading because it got better. And it did, the book actually turned out to be very good. Once I started reading it again, I couldn't stop. I read the whole book that time, in one sitting. The story is different but I think, if given the chance, you, the reader, will like it. After the first 20% it becomes more suspenseful and easier to get into and will hold your attention. If a book keeps you from sleeping so you can find out how it ends, knowing you have tomorrow to finish but can't wait that long, that's a good book.
Allana, an American native with a shady and unsavory past, has recently moved to Pripyat with, the man who saved her from said past, Vasy. Vasy is a Ukrainian M.I.T engineer, who studied abroad in America where he met Allana, and now works at the Chernobyl nuclear plant. Then you have, Alex, who is also an American, who also works at the nuclear plant with Vasy. All three are the main characters in this book and all three play a part in this fictional story of what happened the day of April 26th, 1986.
I found the story a bit hard to get through within the first 20% and had to stop reading. I was glad when a friend messaged me to say that I should keep reading because it got better. And it did, the book actually turned out to be very good. Once I started reading it again, I couldn't stop. I read the whole book that time, in one sitting. The story is different but I think, if given the chance, you, the reader, will like it. After the first 20% it becomes more suspenseful and easier to get into and will hold your attention. If a book keeps you from sleeping so you can find out how it ends, knowing you have tomorrow to finish but can't wait that long, that's a good book.
May 23, 2016
3.5-4 Stars!!!
I was provided an ARC from Blushing Babes are Up All Night Book Blog in exchange for an honest review.
This book was definitely a nice change of pace. I can't say I've read a romantic suspense set in the USSR in 1986. It was actually more interesting in the Chernobyl conspiracy fiction portion than the actual romance part. To be completely honest, I don't know a whole lot about Chernobyl because it happened the year I was born and my history classes never seemed to get that far. To say that this story sparked my interest was an understatement. I ended up googling all sorts of things about Chernobyl.
The first 30% of this book is a bit slow. The writing was good; however, so I continued to read it and I'm glad (despite the book being in third person!!!). Although there really wasn't much to like about Allana, and I believe that was intentional, I actually really loved Vasy. I think he was an incredibly well-written character. It was also easy to sympathize with Allana at the end after all she goes through. I thought the intimate scenes felt a little forced just because of where the story goes. It ended up being well put together with the epilogue.
This was the first book I read by Morgan Parker and won't be the last. I look forward to seeing what else she has to offer.
I was provided an ARC from Blushing Babes are Up All Night Book Blog in exchange for an honest review.
This book was definitely a nice change of pace. I can't say I've read a romantic suspense set in the USSR in 1986. It was actually more interesting in the Chernobyl conspiracy fiction portion than the actual romance part. To be completely honest, I don't know a whole lot about Chernobyl because it happened the year I was born and my history classes never seemed to get that far. To say that this story sparked my interest was an understatement. I ended up googling all sorts of things about Chernobyl.
The first 30% of this book is a bit slow. The writing was good; however, so I continued to read it and I'm glad (despite the book being in third person!!!). Although there really wasn't much to like about Allana, and I believe that was intentional, I actually really loved Vasy. I think he was an incredibly well-written character. It was also easy to sympathize with Allana at the end after all she goes through. I thought the intimate scenes felt a little forced just because of where the story goes. It ended up being well put together with the epilogue.
This was the first book I read by Morgan Parker and won't be the last. I look forward to seeing what else she has to offer.
June 9, 2016
Four Great Stars! Allana has a past full of demons, then she meets Vasy, a Ukrainian MIT Engineer, and he saves her. Vassy was studying in the USA when he met Allana and they decide to move to Pripyat because he got a job at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. Then enter Alex, an American Computer Engineer also working at the power plant and he is the one occupying Allana's time while Vasy is at work. All three play a role on that fateful day of the Chernobyl disaster. The story is full of mystery, danger, romance and tragedy. The author gets the reader thinking about a disaster that happened in history, but tells it in a way that makes you see it from a different perspective. This book is not your typical romance but I thoroughly enjoyed it! It is a story that you will end up being completely immersed in. I definitely recommend it!
I received this book as an ARC for an honest review. This book was read and reviewed by Annamaria for Alpha Book Club.
Plot: 4
Chemistry: 4
Pacing: 4
Ending: 4
Character Development: 4
I received this book as an ARC for an honest review. This book was read and reviewed by Annamaria for Alpha Book Club.
Plot: 4
Chemistry: 4
Pacing: 4
Ending: 4
Character Development: 4
June 13, 2016
Storyline: 5
Angst: 2
Tissue: 0
Value: 5
Panty Scorching: 3
Over All Rating: 4 Stars
Kindle eArc provided by Author
Reviewed by Robin
Allana and Vasy, her MIT grad Ukrainian husband, are living in the USSR while he works as a senior engineer at the Chernobyl power plant. Although as an American, Allana doesn’t speak the language, she was happy to escape the United States and her promiscuous past. Introduced to Alex, Vasy’s American co-worker, she feels a mutual attraction and with Vasy working 12 to 15 hour days and on the weekends, pulled in his direction. When secrets start coming out and neither Alex nor Vasy appear to be who she thinks they are, will Allana be able to figure out what is happening at the Chernobyl power plant? Has she been manipulated in a conspiracy all along?
“Although she wanted him to stay, she wanted it to be on her terms. I’m not that girl. No, she wanted friendship, companionship. Maybe a little flirting, but no kissing and no touching. At least, not like that afternoon in Alex’s apartment with his hand on her breast. Not the kind that made her legs go numb, her heart race…No, none of that.
And definitely no sex.
She wanted him to stay, she wanted him to flirt, she wanted adventure, but without all of the things that he added to it, all of that tension…and consequences. I love Vasy, I’m his wife, I’m married, and married women don’t behave like whores.”
I had no idea what I was truly going to get when I chose this book. Really, it’s a conspiracy theorist’s wet dream. Think of the Cold War and then imagine every event during that time period maybe having been manipulated by another government. Allana thought she was just escaping her problems by running off with a smart guy who promises to protect and take care of her. Thinking about the events back in 1986, with the Challenger explosion and the tensions between the USSR and the US, I could see there being some potential for terrorism or sabotage. What I liked most about this story are the people around Allana telling her to “pay attention”. How many of us go through our day to day lives like drones not really picking up on what’s happening around us? I enjoyed the twists because I would stop and discuss with my husband about the plausibility of certain things happening.
If you like a good mystery/suspense with some double crosses thrown in the mix, you might like this story. Especially if you remember the Cold War and the political climate during that time. I tried to place myself in Allana’s shoes and what I may have done differently. I just don’t know.
Angst: 2
Tissue: 0
Value: 5
Panty Scorching: 3
Over All Rating: 4 Stars
Kindle eArc provided by Author
Reviewed by Robin
Allana and Vasy, her MIT grad Ukrainian husband, are living in the USSR while he works as a senior engineer at the Chernobyl power plant. Although as an American, Allana doesn’t speak the language, she was happy to escape the United States and her promiscuous past. Introduced to Alex, Vasy’s American co-worker, she feels a mutual attraction and with Vasy working 12 to 15 hour days and on the weekends, pulled in his direction. When secrets start coming out and neither Alex nor Vasy appear to be who she thinks they are, will Allana be able to figure out what is happening at the Chernobyl power plant? Has she been manipulated in a conspiracy all along?
“Although she wanted him to stay, she wanted it to be on her terms. I’m not that girl. No, she wanted friendship, companionship. Maybe a little flirting, but no kissing and no touching. At least, not like that afternoon in Alex’s apartment with his hand on her breast. Not the kind that made her legs go numb, her heart race…No, none of that.
And definitely no sex.
She wanted him to stay, she wanted him to flirt, she wanted adventure, but without all of the things that he added to it, all of that tension…and consequences. I love Vasy, I’m his wife, I’m married, and married women don’t behave like whores.”
I had no idea what I was truly going to get when I chose this book. Really, it’s a conspiracy theorist’s wet dream. Think of the Cold War and then imagine every event during that time period maybe having been manipulated by another government. Allana thought she was just escaping her problems by running off with a smart guy who promises to protect and take care of her. Thinking about the events back in 1986, with the Challenger explosion and the tensions between the USSR and the US, I could see there being some potential for terrorism or sabotage. What I liked most about this story are the people around Allana telling her to “pay attention”. How many of us go through our day to day lives like drones not really picking up on what’s happening around us? I enjoyed the twists because I would stop and discuss with my husband about the plausibility of certain things happening.
If you like a good mystery/suspense with some double crosses thrown in the mix, you might like this story. Especially if you remember the Cold War and the political climate during that time. I tried to place myself in Allana’s shoes and what I may have done differently. I just don’t know.
April 25, 2016
1986 is a book that is completely addictive. A story so compelling you find yourself lost in it's words, in it's tragic characters and in the rich history that Morgan Parker delivers so beautifully.
This isn't your run of the mill adventure. As usual, the author brings forth a book that leaves you practically breathless, your mind continually reeling from what you just experienced. 1986 tells the story of a woman who escapes her past, her shame and finds herself in a place halfway across the world in the months leading up to one of the worst man-made disasters ever recorded.
Living in the Ukraine, Allana finds herself married to one man due to necessity and then is wildly seduced by another. Both Vasy and Alex hold secrets. Both men love Allana in their own way and both men have the power to stop the impending doom that will rock not only the USSR but the entire world. Their lives are very carefully woven together set against the dreary backdrop that is the small town of Pripyat.
What is by far the most intriguing part of this book is the way the author seamlessly combines what could be by some standards to be a dry rehashing of a horrific event, with the subtle passion that is the driving force fro two men's actions. Both Vasy and Alex's love of Allana force them to decisions that could affect mankind like nothing before it.
I found myself so completely immersed in this story, I'm still finding it hard to let go. This is a journey of epic proportions. There is intrigue, danger, deception and tragic consequences. But then there is the love, however misguided it might be at times, stolen moments that are so very tender it cast a warm light on the too often darkness that threatened to swallow these characters whole. There is a complexity to both the characters and the story-line that will undoubtedly blow your mind at times. The author pays attention to detail and for the reader that means savoring every line, every little nuance because it will mean something at some point in the story. Not a book to take lightly yet it will not drag you down.
This is book that needs to be experienced firsthand. A book that deserves your full attention and one that will reward your patience with complete satisfaction upon reading that last line. 1986 might not be your regular kind of book but I promise you, you will walk away fully satiated and glad you took the leap of faith. It is THAT good.
5+++ stars. Morgan Parker, you are back and better than ever.
This isn't your run of the mill adventure. As usual, the author brings forth a book that leaves you practically breathless, your mind continually reeling from what you just experienced. 1986 tells the story of a woman who escapes her past, her shame and finds herself in a place halfway across the world in the months leading up to one of the worst man-made disasters ever recorded.
Living in the Ukraine, Allana finds herself married to one man due to necessity and then is wildly seduced by another. Both Vasy and Alex hold secrets. Both men love Allana in their own way and both men have the power to stop the impending doom that will rock not only the USSR but the entire world. Their lives are very carefully woven together set against the dreary backdrop that is the small town of Pripyat.
What is by far the most intriguing part of this book is the way the author seamlessly combines what could be by some standards to be a dry rehashing of a horrific event, with the subtle passion that is the driving force fro two men's actions. Both Vasy and Alex's love of Allana force them to decisions that could affect mankind like nothing before it.
I found myself so completely immersed in this story, I'm still finding it hard to let go. This is a journey of epic proportions. There is intrigue, danger, deception and tragic consequences. But then there is the love, however misguided it might be at times, stolen moments that are so very tender it cast a warm light on the too often darkness that threatened to swallow these characters whole. There is a complexity to both the characters and the story-line that will undoubtedly blow your mind at times. The author pays attention to detail and for the reader that means savoring every line, every little nuance because it will mean something at some point in the story. Not a book to take lightly yet it will not drag you down.
This is book that needs to be experienced firsthand. A book that deserves your full attention and one that will reward your patience with complete satisfaction upon reading that last line. 1986 might not be your regular kind of book but I promise you, you will walk away fully satiated and glad you took the leap of faith. It is THAT good.
5+++ stars. Morgan Parker, you are back and better than ever.
June 14, 2016
1986 by Morgan Parker is an entertaining suspense involving the Chernobyl nuclear reactor disaster. If you like conspiracy theory or Cold War novels, 1986 is right up your alley.
Parker’s latest novel is a third person narrative about Allana, Vasy, and Alex’s involvement in instigating or trying to prevent the Chernobyl disaster (you’ll have to read the book to find out!). 1986 is not a romance, nor is it an erotic suspense; avid Morgan Parker readers might be surprised by the lack of sex! The plot is evenly paced, picking up in tension and drama only in the second half of the book. Since this is historical fiction, and readers know (hopefully) about the incident at Chernobyl, there is a sense of dread and foreboding that continues from the first page to the last.
I appreciated Parker’s limited number of characters. It was easier to focus on their actions and guess at their allegiances. The main character, Allana, is a young American who meets and marries Ukrainian MIT student, Vasy, and then follows him to Russia. She seems to love Vasy, but there is a constant reference to her desire to escape her seedy past. I could not find a reason to like Allana or to ever consider her a victim. She married to escape her past. She complains about her boredom from being a stranger in a strange land with a workaholic husband. She uses her boredom as an excuse to pursue an adulterous affair with Alex. I think readers are meant to sympathize with Allana and see her as a pawn in a major conspiracy, but she could have avoided that roll by making different choices. I would have to say that Vasy is the only character I liked, and I probably shouldn’t have liked him given some of his actions.
It is clear that Parker has thoroughly researched the Chernobyl incident as well as the general area of Pripyat. He paints a vivid picture of the bitter cold winters, the unreliability of everyday conveniences, as well as the gruesome aftermath of the nuclear disaster. Parker effectively planted the seed that Cold War conspiracies were behind many of the tragedies that happened in the 1980s. History, tragedy, and suspense combine to make 1986 an intriguing read.
Visit Book Junkie Reviews for more reading recommendations: https://abookjunkiereviews.wordpress.com
Parker’s latest novel is a third person narrative about Allana, Vasy, and Alex’s involvement in instigating or trying to prevent the Chernobyl disaster (you’ll have to read the book to find out!). 1986 is not a romance, nor is it an erotic suspense; avid Morgan Parker readers might be surprised by the lack of sex! The plot is evenly paced, picking up in tension and drama only in the second half of the book. Since this is historical fiction, and readers know (hopefully) about the incident at Chernobyl, there is a sense of dread and foreboding that continues from the first page to the last.
I appreciated Parker’s limited number of characters. It was easier to focus on their actions and guess at their allegiances. The main character, Allana, is a young American who meets and marries Ukrainian MIT student, Vasy, and then follows him to Russia. She seems to love Vasy, but there is a constant reference to her desire to escape her seedy past. I could not find a reason to like Allana or to ever consider her a victim. She married to escape her past. She complains about her boredom from being a stranger in a strange land with a workaholic husband. She uses her boredom as an excuse to pursue an adulterous affair with Alex. I think readers are meant to sympathize with Allana and see her as a pawn in a major conspiracy, but she could have avoided that roll by making different choices. I would have to say that Vasy is the only character I liked, and I probably shouldn’t have liked him given some of his actions.
It is clear that Parker has thoroughly researched the Chernobyl incident as well as the general area of Pripyat. He paints a vivid picture of the bitter cold winters, the unreliability of everyday conveniences, as well as the gruesome aftermath of the nuclear disaster. Parker effectively planted the seed that Cold War conspiracies were behind many of the tragedies that happened in the 1980s. History, tragedy, and suspense combine to make 1986 an intriguing read.
Visit Book Junkie Reviews for more reading recommendations: https://abookjunkiereviews.wordpress.com
June 12, 2016
I have enjoyed previous books from Morgan. There is always a sense of real in them. With the backdrop being the Chernobyl disaster, I was interested to see how it would all play out. The sense of suspense was lurking in the background.
Allana moved to Ukraine with her husband Vasy from the US. He is in charge of a nuclear power plant there. With her husband spending so much time at work, Allana was lonely. Enter Alex, another American who also works at the same power plant. With getting so much attention from Alex, Allana finds herself in a dilemma. But the romantic interest from Alex wasn’t the only thing that Allana would have to worry about. There was something bigger that was going to happen.
There was definitely more to both Vasy and Alex than meets the eye. As I was reading I was trying to decipher everything and anything. The secrets that were rampant throughout the story were captivating. What were the roles that Alex and Vasy played in the nuclear power plant? What was the angle? What was really going on? These are just a couple of questions that will come up as you read this book. Morgan really makes you think about it all with this story. I felt that it did get really interesting towards the end of the book and I was very intrigued about how it would go. There wasn’t a lot of romance in the story and I was fine with that. The story was so much bigger than that aspect. Initially I did not like Allana but as the book got to the meatier part where the nuclear power plant became the star, I did find her fascinating-like what role was she going to play? That is where the story got captivating for me-the impending disaster and complications. All I wanted to know was “where was this going?”
Overall, this was a good read. Morgan’s writing was great and I did enjoy the theories that I came across as I was reading. This was definitely a story that will get your mind reeling.
Allana moved to Ukraine with her husband Vasy from the US. He is in charge of a nuclear power plant there. With her husband spending so much time at work, Allana was lonely. Enter Alex, another American who also works at the same power plant. With getting so much attention from Alex, Allana finds herself in a dilemma. But the romantic interest from Alex wasn’t the only thing that Allana would have to worry about. There was something bigger that was going to happen.
There was definitely more to both Vasy and Alex than meets the eye. As I was reading I was trying to decipher everything and anything. The secrets that were rampant throughout the story were captivating. What were the roles that Alex and Vasy played in the nuclear power plant? What was the angle? What was really going on? These are just a couple of questions that will come up as you read this book. Morgan really makes you think about it all with this story. I felt that it did get really interesting towards the end of the book and I was very intrigued about how it would go. There wasn’t a lot of romance in the story and I was fine with that. The story was so much bigger than that aspect. Initially I did not like Allana but as the book got to the meatier part where the nuclear power plant became the star, I did find her fascinating-like what role was she going to play? That is where the story got captivating for me-the impending disaster and complications. All I wanted to know was “where was this going?”
Overall, this was a good read. Morgan’s writing was great and I did enjoy the theories that I came across as I was reading. This was definitely a story that will get your mind reeling.
June 18, 2016
"Love makes us think it's about who we love, but that's backwards. Love should be about who loves us."
Does conspiracy breed love? Does it prove someone's love? Does it question one love over another? In 1986 just before the Chernobyl nuclear disaster it most certainly did.
For Vasy, Alex, And Allana, the events leading up to the Chernobyl disaster wove a complicated and twisted web of lies, deceit, understanding, lust, love and truth.
Morgan Parker is not your typical romance writer. His tales are unconventional, eccentric, and most always question the very foundation and essence of love.
In his latest novel 1986, this has never been more true. 1986 Pripyat, Ukraine, the 9th nuclear city of what was then the Soviet Union, is the backdrop for a conspiracist's dream. While the intricacies of the politics of this time seem to be the plot line, Morgan Parker creates a smoke screen for a sad, emotional love story. Here's where 1986 sets Morgan Parker apart from other authors. Amongst all his words about spies and nuclear reactors are three people who crave love. Who have the same romantic dreams as the rest of us. When they are hurt by love, they bleed like we do and they dismiss love like we do.
Again, Morgan Parker's words aren't your typical love story. You won't find the obvious, hitting you in the face. There aren't pages of gratuitous sex or tatted up, bad boy, rocker, billionaires. Parker gives us 'smart' love. A story where you question, evaluate, re-evaluate and have more questions because love is never just love.
If you want a read that is well developed, thoughtful, and has a deeper evaluation of relationships, love and one's search for a love that one can understand, then 1986 is definitely a story to one-click.
D 4/5
Does conspiracy breed love? Does it prove someone's love? Does it question one love over another? In 1986 just before the Chernobyl nuclear disaster it most certainly did.
For Vasy, Alex, And Allana, the events leading up to the Chernobyl disaster wove a complicated and twisted web of lies, deceit, understanding, lust, love and truth.
Morgan Parker is not your typical romance writer. His tales are unconventional, eccentric, and most always question the very foundation and essence of love.
In his latest novel 1986, this has never been more true. 1986 Pripyat, Ukraine, the 9th nuclear city of what was then the Soviet Union, is the backdrop for a conspiracist's dream. While the intricacies of the politics of this time seem to be the plot line, Morgan Parker creates a smoke screen for a sad, emotional love story. Here's where 1986 sets Morgan Parker apart from other authors. Amongst all his words about spies and nuclear reactors are three people who crave love. Who have the same romantic dreams as the rest of us. When they are hurt by love, they bleed like we do and they dismiss love like we do.
Again, Morgan Parker's words aren't your typical love story. You won't find the obvious, hitting you in the face. There aren't pages of gratuitous sex or tatted up, bad boy, rocker, billionaires. Parker gives us 'smart' love. A story where you question, evaluate, re-evaluate and have more questions because love is never just love.
If you want a read that is well developed, thoughtful, and has a deeper evaluation of relationships, love and one's search for a love that one can understand, then 1986 is definitely a story to one-click.
D 4/5
June 13, 2016
Entertaining read set around the events surrounding the Chernobyl disaster in 1986.
Allana met her husband, Vasy, while they were college students. Vasy returned to Russia, who sent him to MIT to obtain his degree, and to work at the nuclear power plant in Pripyat. Allana is seeking an escape from her past, which includes a teenage pregnancy, so when she falls in love with Vasy and they marry then move to Russia, she is initially happy at her chance to start over.
However, she soon finds herself attracted to Alex, an American who also works at the power plant. They soon are having an affair, but then Alex's actions toward her take a turn. He wants her to "pay attention" to Vasy and notice any changes in his demeanor. And to report changes and anything Vasy mentions about work to Alex.
Allana soon finds herself following Vasy, and unsure of her relationship with him, or why he is in Russia.
While at points the story could drain me (Allana's dealings with Alex), I found the whole suspense side of the story very interesting. Very much like a "whodunit" but more of "what is he really up to" is more like it.
I found it to be a great suspenseful story, and very hard to put down. Again, the only part that I found really went to excess was Allana's whole "I'm not going to see Alex again or kiss him again" then she would proceed to do just that. Other than that, I found myself drawn to the story, waiting to see what exactly happened to these characters when the disaster occurred. Would they survive??
ARC received in exchange for honest review.
Allana met her husband, Vasy, while they were college students. Vasy returned to Russia, who sent him to MIT to obtain his degree, and to work at the nuclear power plant in Pripyat. Allana is seeking an escape from her past, which includes a teenage pregnancy, so when she falls in love with Vasy and they marry then move to Russia, she is initially happy at her chance to start over.
However, she soon finds herself attracted to Alex, an American who also works at the power plant. They soon are having an affair, but then Alex's actions toward her take a turn. He wants her to "pay attention" to Vasy and notice any changes in his demeanor. And to report changes and anything Vasy mentions about work to Alex.
Allana soon finds herself following Vasy, and unsure of her relationship with him, or why he is in Russia.
While at points the story could drain me (Allana's dealings with Alex), I found the whole suspense side of the story very interesting. Very much like a "whodunit" but more of "what is he really up to" is more like it.
I found it to be a great suspenseful story, and very hard to put down. Again, the only part that I found really went to excess was Allana's whole "I'm not going to see Alex again or kiss him again" then she would proceed to do just that. Other than that, I found myself drawn to the story, waiting to see what exactly happened to these characters when the disaster occurred. Would they survive??
ARC received in exchange for honest review.
June 15, 2016
When I spotted this book on Netgalley I immediately requested it. Morgan Parker grabbed my attention when he wrote Violets and Violence, twists and turns are his specialty. 1986 seems like any other love triangle, but it's set in the Ukraine in 1986 with an underlying feeling of suspense. As we get further into Allana's world and her feelings for both men her world rapidly turns frightening. Her husband is an engineer working at the nuclear power plant, six days a week 12 hours a day, but she stays home in a foreign country. His friend, Alex the American, is quite taken with Allana and quickly develops a friendship turned affair. If cheating disturbs you this will not be the book for you. Allana's past is quite involved, her reasons for wanting a new life are vaguely mentioned until much later as she shares her past with Alex. At first I was upset with Allana for giving into her carnal needs and almost stopped reading but I knew this would be an intriguing book given the author. Alex and Vasy, her men, seemed very mature and intelligent for their young age. However, Allana was educated at Wellesley earning a lit degree, yet she seemed scatter brained and never had the desire to learn the language. Most people living in a foreign country at least attempt to learn conversational words but she just accepted the annoyed looks from strangers as they spoke to her. A true suspense hidden in a romance this is a book that will stick with me for a long while. My copy was given through Netgalley for my honest review.
July 4, 2016
There is no doubt that I am a Morgan Parker fan. The man writes romance novels that are not your typical romance novel. Each and every one of his novels are entertaining. We have waited over a year to see his words in print again. 1986 is in my humble opinion his best yet.
1986 is a story revolving around the lives & loves of Allana Harrison an American woman "married" to Vasy a Ukranian engineer educated in the USA & working at the Chernobyl nuclear plant & the man that filled in the gaps while "her husband" was working - Alex an American computer engineer. It also gives us a fictional dramatization of the Chernobyl disaster that is quite realistic in its telling & is the basis of the story line.
This is a love story; a twisted, heart wrenching, dramatic, suspenseful love story. It is one that I will read again.
A couple of the author's words from this novel to show you how powerful his writing is.........
"......he also made her realize that love is a messed up thing. Love makes us think it's about who we love, but that's backwards. Love should be about who loves us."
"Promises were words, malleable and insignificant words, tools in the manipulation trade, nothing more."
This story also made me think about the Chernobyl disaster. I was a young 24 year old when it happened & it did not have an impact to me. Now, I want to learn more. Thank you Mr. Parker for bringing a bit of history to us & reminding us that life & love are precious commodities.
1986 is a story revolving around the lives & loves of Allana Harrison an American woman "married" to Vasy a Ukranian engineer educated in the USA & working at the Chernobyl nuclear plant & the man that filled in the gaps while "her husband" was working - Alex an American computer engineer. It also gives us a fictional dramatization of the Chernobyl disaster that is quite realistic in its telling & is the basis of the story line.
This is a love story; a twisted, heart wrenching, dramatic, suspenseful love story. It is one that I will read again.
A couple of the author's words from this novel to show you how powerful his writing is.........
"......he also made her realize that love is a messed up thing. Love makes us think it's about who we love, but that's backwards. Love should be about who loves us."
"Promises were words, malleable and insignificant words, tools in the manipulation trade, nothing more."
This story also made me think about the Chernobyl disaster. I was a young 24 year old when it happened & it did not have an impact to me. Now, I want to learn more. Thank you Mr. Parker for bringing a bit of history to us & reminding us that life & love are precious commodities.
June 18, 2016
As I am not one normally for historical fiction and disaster books , I found this one quite a difficult read as also being set in Ukraine I found it hard to read as the book was quite slow-paced . As I began to read the book though, early on I didn't realise what the basis of the book would be about as it was more of a romance brewing between a group of friends - a love triangle of sorts as we meet Allana who escaped from America to move to Ukraine and marry her husband Vasy who is an engineer working for one of the major Nuclear Power Plants. During a house party, we meet Alex who is also from the States and is one of Vasy's closest friends at work. Allana and Alex have this kind of forbidden love glare going on and there is some kind of chemistry bubbling up between them but Allana is loyal to Vasy. It wasn't till I got to about the middle and eventually the end of the book that I discovered that 1986 was actually a book about the lead-up to the famous Chernobyl disaster that rocked Ukraine in 1986. This is a fictional version of events, but as you read you can tell that the author Morgan Parker has done her research. Personally , I found the book too slow-paced for me and even for a disaster novel it wasn't written with that punchy action feel. However, I believe that if you were doing a school project on Chernoybl and wanted to read a fictional account of lead-up events - 1986 by Morgan Parker is the way to go . It's like a My Story for Teens and Adults.
April 25, 2016
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of 1986 by Morgan Parker from NetGalley for the purpose of an honest review.
I have been a *fangirl* of Morgan Parker's since I read the book "Textual Encounters". I have followed his writing diligently. To say that 1986 was a real surprise is an understatement! I read the blurb for the book and swallowed very hard at the thought that this wasn't going to be the type of love story I was used to. I had mixed emotions. I wanted to read 1986 but I was afraid that I wouldn't like it, then what would I be forced to write?
Was I surprised by my reaction to 1986? Absolutely. I found myself lost in the pages very quickly and pleasantly surprised. Reading 1986 let me transport myself back to the days prior to the disaster portrayed by Parker. The fictional account is so incredibly real at times that it was difficult to remember I wasn't reliving the event.
I encourage you to give it a try, and honest, read from cover to cover try. Find yourself amazed. Stop. Read the ending once again, and remember the truth written within these pages, even though Mr. Parker hid it within a story pulled from his superlative mind.
I highly recommend 1986 by Morgan Parker and give it five explosive cups of Room With Books coffee.
©April 24, 2016
~Patricia, Room With Books~
I have been a *fangirl* of Morgan Parker's since I read the book "Textual Encounters". I have followed his writing diligently. To say that 1986 was a real surprise is an understatement! I read the blurb for the book and swallowed very hard at the thought that this wasn't going to be the type of love story I was used to. I had mixed emotions. I wanted to read 1986 but I was afraid that I wouldn't like it, then what would I be forced to write?
Was I surprised by my reaction to 1986? Absolutely. I found myself lost in the pages very quickly and pleasantly surprised. Reading 1986 let me transport myself back to the days prior to the disaster portrayed by Parker. The fictional account is so incredibly real at times that it was difficult to remember I wasn't reliving the event.
I encourage you to give it a try, and honest, read from cover to cover try. Find yourself amazed. Stop. Read the ending once again, and remember the truth written within these pages, even though Mr. Parker hid it within a story pulled from his superlative mind.
I highly recommend 1986 by Morgan Parker and give it five explosive cups of Room With Books coffee.
©April 24, 2016
~Patricia, Room With Books~
June 24, 2016
Morgan Parker has done it again and 1986 has so easily been engraved into this book nerd’s heart.
As soon as the story begins, you will instantly begin to get lost within the pages. You meet this amazing girl Allana. I loved her spunk. She has a past though, one that she is running from and hoping to redeem her future self of. I loved that she was moving forward and wanted to fight to be a better person. She never gives up.
"You're not a choice, Allana," he whispered. "For me, you could never be a choice."
Then there are the two men in her life. I honestly can’t pick between them so I understand why she loves them both the way she does. Vasy is so strong and loving. His love for Allana is one that he doesn’t see coming. Alex is just amazing. I loved that he didn’t push Allana and he let her know that she was the only choice for him.
"I love you in a way that no other man could ever love you."
But don’t think it’s all romantic. There is some major suspense going on in this story that you will not see coming. I was blown away by the end of the story and in tears. The ending broke my heart.
So if you enjoy a love story that is filled with lots of thrilling twists and has your emotions all over the place, this is the story for you.
I give 1986 by Morgan Parker 4 out of 5 POWERFUL STARS.
As soon as the story begins, you will instantly begin to get lost within the pages. You meet this amazing girl Allana. I loved her spunk. She has a past though, one that she is running from and hoping to redeem her future self of. I loved that she was moving forward and wanted to fight to be a better person. She never gives up.
"You're not a choice, Allana," he whispered. "For me, you could never be a choice."
Then there are the two men in her life. I honestly can’t pick between them so I understand why she loves them both the way she does. Vasy is so strong and loving. His love for Allana is one that he doesn’t see coming. Alex is just amazing. I loved that he didn’t push Allana and he let her know that she was the only choice for him.
"I love you in a way that no other man could ever love you."
But don’t think it’s all romantic. There is some major suspense going on in this story that you will not see coming. I was blown away by the end of the story and in tears. The ending broke my heart.
So if you enjoy a love story that is filled with lots of thrilling twists and has your emotions all over the place, this is the story for you.
I give 1986 by Morgan Parker 4 out of 5 POWERFUL STARS.
July 26, 2016
Two. I was two in 1984 so this was an interesting new perspective on the Chernobyl disaster as compared to what we read in schoolhouse books. I loved the backstory on Allana - it helps to build her character and gives you an understanding as to the decisions she makes. I tried to put myself in her shoes throughout the book. I felt pain for her having to be in a country completely unknown to her (language, culture, etc.) and spending a tremendous amount of time alone while her husband works. It's natural, human instinct for people to cling to what they know and who they can relate to. I loved how the personal side and interaction between the Allana, Vasy and Alex intertwine into the history of the event. There were times that I wanted to grab Allana, shake her and ask her what was wrong with her for returning to her previous life habits with Alex but at the same time, I felt the wanting and need behind her motives. Vasy is a much more attractive man (in my mind!) as compared to Alex but he is a workaholic and that plays into Allana's decisions. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and would recommend it to anyone who loves secrets, intrigue and a bit of love.
I received an ARC - all opinions are 100% my own!
June 14, 2016
1986 was an interesting take on the Chernobyl disaster. It is about the relationships going on during the disaster and it raises a lot of questions. I had a big problem with the characters in this story; they were so unlikable I had to force myself to finish the book. Allana leaves her life in the US to escape some of her mistakes by marrying Vasy. But Allana is lonely because he works all the time so she reverts back to the habits she tried to escape. To be fair I didn’t really like Vasy or Alex either. I wish the characters had been more likable but I did like the mystery and intrigue.
*copy received in exchange for an honest review*
*copy received in exchange for an honest review*
June 14, 2016
I received an ARC for an honest review. I'm giving this book 3.5 stars. The storyline was good and interesting, it kept me on my toes wondering what was going to happen. The beginning was a little slow to start. I felt like some parts were too detailed and wordy and I also found some of it to be a bit repetitive. But if you like suspenseful time pieces, I'd defiantly encourage you to read this one. I will for sure read something else by this author in the future!
June 14, 2016
ARC Review for Crazy Daisy Book Whore by Megan
I went in to this story blindly, because I will read anything Morgan Parker writes. I'd probably read his grocery list. So this was not at all what I was expecting when I started reading. The story is a suspense novel based on events surrounding the Chernobyl disaster. Morgan's twist on this is to add some romance, angst, and conspiracy. The story was surprising, unpredictable, and kept me guessing throughout.
Allana is an American escaping a difficult past by moving to the Ukraine with her husband Vasy, a Ukrainian engineer working at the nuclear power plant. Allana quickly finds herself lonely, isolated, and sad in a city where she doesn't speak the language and has no friends. Alex, an American engineer also working at the plant, begins to take an interest in Allana. At first, you believe Alex is genuinely interested in Allana, but this quickly becomes muddy. The actions of these three characters play an integral role in the disaster.
I'm still reeling and not sure how I feel about all of these characters. I was left questioning whose feelings were true. Could Alanna really have been that predictable? Was she really just a pawn?
This was a very different style of book for me, but it was enjoyable and thought provoking. The characters were not my favorites, however, these are the types of players you would have in a story like this. I recommend this book as a suspense novel that keeps you guessing.
I went in to this story blindly, because I will read anything Morgan Parker writes. I'd probably read his grocery list. So this was not at all what I was expecting when I started reading. The story is a suspense novel based on events surrounding the Chernobyl disaster. Morgan's twist on this is to add some romance, angst, and conspiracy. The story was surprising, unpredictable, and kept me guessing throughout.
Allana is an American escaping a difficult past by moving to the Ukraine with her husband Vasy, a Ukrainian engineer working at the nuclear power plant. Allana quickly finds herself lonely, isolated, and sad in a city where she doesn't speak the language and has no friends. Alex, an American engineer also working at the plant, begins to take an interest in Allana. At first, you believe Alex is genuinely interested in Allana, but this quickly becomes muddy. The actions of these three characters play an integral role in the disaster.
I'm still reeling and not sure how I feel about all of these characters. I was left questioning whose feelings were true. Could Alanna really have been that predictable? Was she really just a pawn?
This was a very different style of book for me, but it was enjoyable and thought provoking. The characters were not my favorites, however, these are the types of players you would have in a story like this. I recommend this book as a suspense novel that keeps you guessing.
June 15, 2016
I can honestly say I have never read a book even remotely similar to 1986, but I took a chance on reading it after reading the blurb. I love romantic suspense, a genre which is more than one thing and has more depth. But I spent a lot of the time while I was reading 1986, confused.
I was in my twenties during that year so I remember Chernobyl, and I was familiar with that historic period. But that familiarity didn’t prepare for the intrigue and subterfuge which were rife throughout this book.
Most of the time I wasn’t sure who were the “bad” guys and who were the “good” ones. In fact, I still wasn’t sure when I finished reading the book. I wasn’t sure if I even liked any of the characters. I think part of the reason is because this book is written as a third person narrative which I don’t particularly like.
I think when I finished reading 1986, I was left with more questions than answers and I found that disappointing.
I gave 1986 two and a half stars.
Written by Karen from A Thousand Lives Book Blog
I was in my twenties during that year so I remember Chernobyl, and I was familiar with that historic period. But that familiarity didn’t prepare for the intrigue and subterfuge which were rife throughout this book.
Most of the time I wasn’t sure who were the “bad” guys and who were the “good” ones. In fact, I still wasn’t sure when I finished reading the book. I wasn’t sure if I even liked any of the characters. I think part of the reason is because this book is written as a third person narrative which I don’t particularly like.
I think when I finished reading 1986, I was left with more questions than answers and I found that disappointing.
I gave 1986 two and a half stars.
Written by Karen from A Thousand Lives Book Blog
June 14, 2016
What I liked about this book was the history..Chernobyl. I admit that I thought I knew much more than I actually did and I loved that part of the story. It was interesting and we'll written. What I didn’t much like where the characters, especially Allana. I didn’t feel one way or the other for her. She left ne mostly cold and annoyed cause her motives about having the affair and the wedding as well weren't at all reasonable or at least coherent, but that’s neither here nor there. I just didn't feel a connection to the characters and the story. There weren't really likeable characters or at least one of the 3 could have inspired some sympathy but it didn't happen.
It's actually very well written so I will be re-reading and hopefully feel a connection or a spark.
It's actually very well written so I will be re-reading and hopefully feel a connection or a spark.
June 13, 2016
1986 is a suspense novel based on the events of the Chernobyl disaster of April 26th. Morgan Parker transports us to Prypiat, Ukraine. Then located in the Soviet Union.
The gorgeous cover and the blurb caught my attention. Unfortunately, I had trouble connecting with the characters. And the plot went from a love triangle and touched my hard limit: cheating. I do have to point that Mr. Morgan’s intensive research shows in his writing and I did like that part of the book.
The gorgeous cover and the blurb caught my attention. Unfortunately, I had trouble connecting with the characters. And the plot went from a love triangle and touched my hard limit: cheating. I do have to point that Mr. Morgan’s intensive research shows in his writing and I did like that part of the book.
January 7, 2018
I have read all Morgan's books, I am a great fan of most of them, WELL WOW this one was different. Good different. Great characters, I leaned a lot reading this book, History about the event the book is based around, it kept me guessing until the end, who was the good or bad in this story.
I do recommend it. it's definitely worth a read. It's definitely interesting.
Allana Harrison wanted out. She wanted to escape her painful, broken past and enjoy a fresh start somewhere else. Anywhere else. And while all of the boys in high school and college promised to deliver that dream, only one man actually pulled through.
Now a young adult, Allana finds herself on the opposite side of the world, in a prosperous and rich town that's not only isolated from her past, but from the crime, grime and hustle of bigger cities, in a country where she doesn't understand the language or know anybody else except her husband. And that's how she likes it.
Until she meets Alex, another American who ends up being her only other friend, the one person who reminds her of what it's like to feel desired, wanted and hungered for.
Except Alex has motives. And Alex has questions -- about her husband's work at the world's most-advanced, leading-edge power station, questions he wants answered... and when Allana can no longer provide them, Alex threatens to reveal the secrets of their forbidden past, secrets that will destroy the man that saved her.
Caught between two men -- one she loves and the other she can't help but love -- Allana must deliberate the role she plays in the moments leading to humankind's greatest disaster... in 1986.
I do recommend it. it's definitely worth a read. It's definitely interesting.
Allana Harrison wanted out. She wanted to escape her painful, broken past and enjoy a fresh start somewhere else. Anywhere else. And while all of the boys in high school and college promised to deliver that dream, only one man actually pulled through.
Now a young adult, Allana finds herself on the opposite side of the world, in a prosperous and rich town that's not only isolated from her past, but from the crime, grime and hustle of bigger cities, in a country where she doesn't understand the language or know anybody else except her husband. And that's how she likes it.
Until she meets Alex, another American who ends up being her only other friend, the one person who reminds her of what it's like to feel desired, wanted and hungered for.
Except Alex has motives. And Alex has questions -- about her husband's work at the world's most-advanced, leading-edge power station, questions he wants answered... and when Allana can no longer provide them, Alex threatens to reveal the secrets of their forbidden past, secrets that will destroy the man that saved her.
Caught between two men -- one she loves and the other she can't help but love -- Allana must deliberate the role she plays in the moments leading to humankind's greatest disaster... in 1986.
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